10dfvdfv

NICE GIRL'S GUIDE TO GETTING WHAT YOU WANT (p38)

R29,50

DECEMBER 2017

Wow! GIFT GUIDE

EVERYTHING UNDER

R500

PARTY SPECIAL

Ready steady

gorgeous Easy day-to-night make-up looks PLUS A salon-style blow-dry you can do at home

Natural ways to blitz pain (no pills!)

IDEAS FROM R12,99 Turn to p65

THE WOMAN BEHIND SUZELLE DIY

Julia

Anastasopoulos

On her new TV show, her alter egos, and breaking plates

THE 24-hour PANIC DIET

You will fit into that party dress!

YOUR FESTIVE MENU... SORTED!

FINALLY!

Swimwear to fit you perfectly – all styles, all sizes

TIME TO CELEBRATE

✱ The prettiest Christmas decor made by you ✱ Treat yourself and save money – it's possible ✱ Survive the holiday frenzy... and your relatives!

EASIER THAN IT LOOKS

THE CLASSICS

Effortless lunch with all the trimmings

INDULGENT PUDS Tuck into these creamy creations

DECEMBER 2017 R29,50 (incl VAT) Other countries R25,88 (excl tax)

Editor's letter Can you believe it’s nearly Christmas?!

Here at Essentials we’ve taken our job of editing the best of all things festive very seriously; we’ve trawled the shops for affordable gift ideas so you don’t have to (p65), tasted all the desserts (yes, really - p82) to bring you the very best ones, found ways to keep the kids entertained during the holidays (p95), and figured out how you can spend less this festive season without having to deprive yourself (p94).

And what more could you really need?

Well, maybe just the perfect confidenceboosting swimsuit, plus the secret to getting what you want (for Christmas, and just generally). Of course, in true Essentials style, we’ve taken care of that too – just check out p20 and p38.

The only thing left for you to do is sit back, relax, and enter one of the fabulous competitions in this issue (p24, p53, and p93). Happy holidays!

KEEP THE KIDS BUSY Looking for ways to entertain the kids? Try these easy makes (p95), then use them to add festive flair to your home!

SAVE!

Get 15% off select fragrances from Takealot.com

Kate

p44

EDITOR ESSENTIALS.CO.ZA

CHRISTMAS LUNCH IS SERVED Starters, mains, sides, and loads of desserts... we’ve got tasty recipes for all of them on p76.

1 20 in

That's how many women say they’re unhappy with their sex lives – yikes!

Eek! The holidays can be stressful, so read our survival guide for keeping the peace (and staying sane!) on p26.

ESSENTIALS 1

CONTENTS December 2017 Fashion 11 12 19 20

23

FASHION NEWS What’s new EASY BREEZY Capture the spirit of summer WORD UP Let your clothing do the talking CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING SWIMWEAR Our figure-flattering swimwear round-up BEST FOOT FORWARD We've found the best party shoes around

12

Features 6 25 26 28 32 37 38 40

'IT'S EMPOWERING TO KNOW THAT I CAN FIX THINGS MYSELF' Our cover star, SuzelleDIY's Julia Anastasopoulos DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T... write a children's book FESTIVE SEASON SURVIVAL GUIDE How to get through Christmas, and all that family time CHRISTMAS FAILS Readers share their foibles THE LIFE OF PAMPERED PETS We speak to pet owners who take creature comforts to a new level FESTIVE HABITS TO KEEP YEAR ROUND Christmas customs to do 365 days a year HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT A mentalist shares his secrets WE HAVE A REASON TO CELEBRATE Three women share their 2017 victories

Beauty 45 46 51 52

BEAUTY NEWS What’s new DID SOMEONE SAY PARTY? Our ultimate daytime to night-time make-up guide BLOW-DRY LIKE A PRO Our top tricks ALL THAT GLITTERS Sparkly must-haves

Health 54 56 58 60 62

HEALTH NEWS What’s new CLASSIC CUSTARD CHRISTMAS Fuss-free ways to wow all of your friends and family NINE HEALTH RULES TO LIVE BY Experts share the ONE thing we should all be doing THE 24-HOUR PANIC DIET A one-day diet designed to de-bloat NATURAL WAYS TO BLITZ PAIN Skip the pills and try these alternatives

Gift Guide 65

THE ULTIMATE ALL UNDER R500 GIFT GUIDE From cute spoils to a touch of luxury, we've got it all

Food 72 76

82 114

FOOD NEWS What’s new SERVE UP A FEAST A full-on traditional Christmas menu that's packed with flavour BEST BAKING Festive sweet treats SUMMER DAZE Flip the cover for tasty Clover-inspired recipes

19 23

CONTENTS | in this issue

52 Home 86 90 92 94 95

DECORATE AND CELEBRATE Your Christmas decor sorted WUHU DEALS Exclusive deals for Essentials readers SAVVY SHOPPER Best buys SPEND LESS BUT STILL HAVE FUN Enjoy Christmas without blowing your bonus TRY IT THIS WEEKEND Easy festive DIY projects

95

EDITOR KATE MACFARLANE ART DIRECTOR Tanya Barkhuizen MANAGING EDITOR Janine Jorgensen COPY SUB-EDITOR Ang Lloyd DIGITAL DIGITAL EDITOR Cassidy Emmanuel DESIGN JUNIOR DESIGNER Nsovo Maluleke FEATURES FEATURES WRITER Leigh Hermon FASHION FASHION EDITOR Xolani Gumede LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE WRITER Lucia Walker OFFICE OFFICE MANAGER Carlyn Wallace PROMOTIONS MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR Melanie Olivier Tel: 011 889 0866; Email: melanieo@caxton.co.za

Essentialist

PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sue James

102 MOVIES, TV & EVENTS 104 ON THE SHELF

Regulars 1 EDITOR’S LETTER 4 ESSENTIALS ETC. 64 SUBSCRIBE TO ESSENTIALS 106 PUZZLES 108 DECEMBER HOROSCOPES 109 THE LAST WORD…

114

ADVERTISING SALES JOHANNESBURG Caxton House, 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall, 2196; Tel: 010 492 8356 DURBAN COMMERCIAL MANAGER Eugene Marais; Email: eugene@caxton.co.za 115 Escom Road, New Germany, Pinetown; Tel: 031 716 4444 CAPE TOWN COMMERCIAL MANAGER Rickardt de Beer; Email: rickardt@caxton.co.za Founders House, Uitvlugt, 3 Howard Drive, Pinelands, 7405; Tel: 021 001 2401

Aqeelah Harron-Ally

Win & save & offers 24 44

53 93

ENTER & WIN Stand a chance to win a Hugo Boss EDP worth R1 770 READER OFFER Take advantage of our exclusive Takealot.com offer, where you can get 15% off on a choice of designer fragrances ENTER & WIN You could walk away with one of 25 Emthunzini hat and bag sets, worth R1 000 each ENTER & WIN Enter to win a Defy washing machine and OMO products, worth over R5 000

CLASSIFIEDS Tel: 011 889 0885

WE LOVE DAIRY! We have some delicious Clover dairy recipes for you – just flip to the back.

Enjoy sweet treats and fruit flavours to suit the silly season.

20 26 38 46

COVER STAR Meet SuzelleDIY's Julia ANY-SHAPE SWIMWEAR Buys to fit you perfectly SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS How to deal with the frenzy GET WHAT YOU WANT The nice girl's guide MAKE-UP HACKS Day-to-night tricks

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, Essentials Subs, Freepost CB0209, Box 596, Howard Place, 7450; Tel: 087 405 2002; Email: subs@magsathome.co.za PUBLISHERS Caxton Magazines, a division of CTP Limited (Reg No 05/07139/06), Caxton House, 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall, 2196

On the cover 6

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ESSENTIALS SA 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

51 60 62 94 95

DIY BLOW-DRY Get a salon look at home THE 24-HOUR DIET Fit into your LBD NATURAL PAIN BLITZ Ditch those pills HAVE FUN AND SAVE No sacrifice required CHRISTMAS DECOR DIY festive makes

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 087 405 2002

ESSENTIALS 3

NEW | obsession

etc.

Go for gold with these fun and festive buys 1

4

2 3

Feature Xolani Gumede Photography Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

5

10

6

7 9 8 1 DKNY Nectar Love EDP, from R780, Foschini Beauty 2 Rose-gold watch, R99,99, The Fix 3 Revlon ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow in Honey, R99,95, Foschini Beauty 4 Gold Yoruba scatter cushion,R380, sugartongtong.com 5 Escada Gold Sunglasses, R3 290, Execuspecs 6 Skeleton earrings, R850, Pichulik 7 Sorbet Glam! Multi Glitter Bag set, R189, Clicks 8 Supra Volume Mascara in Black, R330, Clarins 9 Sandals, R649, Bronx 10 Flamingo hi-ball glass, R39,99, Mr Price Home 4 ESSENTIALS

‘It’s empowering to know that I can FIX THINGS MYSELF’ Actress and illustrator Julia Anastasopoulos, 34, is the woman behind internet sensation SuzelleDIY. She chats to Leigh Hermon about finding her confidence, marrying her business partner, and her latest project…

B

efore Julia captured the hearts of so many South Africans with her largerthan-life YouTube character, Suzelle, she studied drama at the University of Cape Town. In addition to acting in TV commercials and on stage, Julia is also a talented artist who has worked as a designer and illustrator of children’s books. Her love for DIY provided plenty of inspiration for her most notable work, SuzelleDIY, a quirky DIY web series, which to date has more than 124 000 subscribers and over 23 million views on YouTube. Earlier this year Julia and her husband Ari Kruger partnered with web-streaming company Showmax to bring a ‘mockumentary’ to South African audiences called Tali’s Wedding Diary. Julia and Ari co-own a video-production company, Sketchbook Studios, and they live in Oranjezicht.

I’ve always wanted to fix and build things myself. As a kid, I was forever fascinated with how things worked and would spend my weekends getting stuck into craft projects. Whether I was painting and drawing with my mom or playing in the garden with my sisters, I was always creating something. My mom taught us how to sew and we used to make the best dress-up costumes. As an adult, DIY has become a huge part of my life. I remember making a kitchen counter-top out of an old door when I was at university and feeling so chuffed with the final product.

I find it really empowering to be able to fix things myself, rather than having to get someone else to do it for me.

6 ESSENTIALS

My mom was my hero when I was growing up. She was an art teacher and I wanted nothing more than to grow up to be just like her. She’s an incredible artist and I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from her over the years. Between her and my dad, they encouraged and nurtured my creative spirit, and that of my sisters. Today, they have three daughters who all work in a creative industry. My eldest sister, Angela, is an interior designer, while my younger sister, Stephanie, is a fashion stylist – in fact, while we were filming our Showmax web series, Tali’s Wedding Diary, she was instrumental in transforming me into Tali every day for five weeks.

Much of our childhood was peppered with Greek traditions. My grandparents are from Greece and my dad was good about passing this heritage on to us.

Our house was always full of Greek food and we often visited our family in Greece. I have to be honest: probably the best part about being Greek is being able to break plates – we even got to do this at my wedding!

and finding my own voice, which I’m eternally grateful for. I also got to meet a new group of interesting and dynamic people who influenced my creativity as a young adult.

As an actress, finding work is never easy. Out of a necessity of having to pay the bills, I focused on my other passion: drawing. I moved into illustration and design and even collaborated with Emily Child to illustrate the children’s book Jeff and George (Penguin), which is about an unusual friendship between a boy and a tiny springbok. I also contributed art to the MyCiTi bus stations around Cape Town – I created stacks of simple line drawings of different cityscapes that I combined into one large mural for the Civic Centre and Thibault Square stations.

The character of Suzelle has been with me since high school, and she’s become a public figure in her own right. Gina Collins, who plays Marianne, and I have been best friends since Grade 9 and we spent hours creating hilarious characters, and then acting them out. Each character has developed into a person of their own; we always knew that Suzelle was a glamorous Afrikaans woman, and today she’s grown into a multi-layered character. Gina and I have been able to grow Suzelle’s world to be more than just a fun DIY show – Suzelle has friends, a job as a presenter of her own TV show, and she even gives running commentary on the likes of Taylor Swift...

The best part about being Greek is being able to break plates!

I’ve always had the full support of my parents, even after I told them I was thinking of studying drama or fine art.

They never tried to persuade me to choose a more ‘sensible’ degree, and they gave me the freedom to make my own life decisions.

In the end I chose drama and I’m glad that I did. Besides learning about performing on stage, it taught me about confidence

INSPIRING | cover star YouTube is an amazing tool when you have next-to-no resources. Ari and I started out filming shorts of Suzelle when Instagram launched its video feature back in 2014.

People seemed to like her, so we uploaded longer videos to YouTube. To be honest, we weren’t really sure what we were doing, but we had a feeling people wanted comic relief, and there’s something about Suzelle that draws the audience in. As the number of views started to rise, we realised we needed to spend some time researching the ins and outs of YouTube, rather than just posting clips and hoping for the best. Initially the DIY ideas were my own, but as the show has grown, we’ve had to put a team together who are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting ideas for Suzelle. We’ve done everything from making a garden palletswing to Christmas crackers – no project is too big... or ridiculous!

We weren’t really sure what we were doing, but we knew people wanted comic relief

I love that I get to see my husband at work every day. We were friends and had collaborated together for years before we started dating. About five years ago, we went out and something just clicked as we realised how much we had in common. From our humour to our taste in music, we are so in sync.

Of course, there are times when we’re not always so quick to finish each other’s sentences. Ari is usually more analytical when it comes to decisions, whereas I have an emotional response so there are certainly instances when we don’t agree. Working with your spouse might not be ideal for everyone, but I love that we start and finish our days together.

We’ll wake up and whoever is in the kitchen first makes the coffee. Then we jump into the car we share and head off to work. At the end of the day, it can be hard to leave the office behind, but we’re good at making our arrangement work for us.

Together Ari and I have grown from making short YouTube videos, to having our own fully-equipped production company. Ari started Sketchbook Studios in 2004 when he was doing 3-D animation work. We were both thinking of starting a whole new company when SuzelleDIY started taking off, but the name of Ari’s company just suited what we were doing so perfectly. We may have started

out making short SuzelleDIY videos, but today we’re at the point where we’re running our own studio and producing all kinds of projects, from music videos and TV series to movies and other branded content. We’ve been able to employ a team of people who’ve become our second family, and now we’re looking forward to growing and taking on so much more in the future.

We took a lot of inspiration from our own wedding to create Tali’s Wedding Diary. In-between meetings with caterers, florists and venue managers, Ari and I realised just how much comedic material there was in getting ready for the big day. Instead of finalising our guest list, we started developing a ‘mockumentary’ that follows Tali and her fiancé Darren [portrayed by Anton Taylor] as they’re organising their wedding. She’s a spoilt princess from Joburg who has a dog named Marc Jacobs and can’t resist posting a perfect pout on Instagram. Initially, we thought to take the same route as SuzelleDIY and post it on YouTube, but decided to try our luck and show the pilot episode to Showmax.

They loved it and commissioned us to do an entire series of eight episodes.

I can’t see myself hanging up Suzelle’s bun anytime soon. I never wanted us to take too long a break from the YouTube channel while we were working on Tali’s Wedding Diary. So we made sure that we’d banked enough Suzelle content that we could release it while working on Tali. There’s still so much I want to do with Suzelle, like develop her story into a feature-length film. I also get to express so much of my creativity through her and I don’t want that to end, so Suzelle’s not going away anytime soon.

After a long day on set, there’s nothing better than stepping into the shower. The first thing I do when I get home is wash off Suzelle. I pull out all the hair clips, wipe off the layers of make-up, and wash out the can of hairspray that keeps the bun in place.

Once I’m done, I pull on my comfy pants and spread out on the couch for an evening of TV. I’m often watching MasterChef Australia and I’m obsessed with Game of Thrones, to the point that I’ll rewatch all the seasons before the final one comes out next year.

Spending time with family during the holidays is what really counts. Christmas for my family is an intimate affair. We don’t take Christmas lunch too seriously, so we’ll choose a fun food theme. One year we cooked French-inspired dishes and last year we had a Mexican theme.

My nieces and nephews do get spoilt, but for us grown-ups we’ll have our own Secret Santa. Everyone picks a name out of a hat, and that way you can spend some time thinking about what one person really wants for Christmas. ✱ Tali’s Wedding Diary will be on Showmax from 14 December.

Cover image: Photography Aubrey Jonsson Stylist Xolani Gumede Hair & make-up Lindsey Swart Cover: White top, Lumin at Nicci Boutique. Jeans, Model’s own. Earrings; necklace; ring; all Jangi Extra images: Dress; necklace; belt; all from That’s It Boutique. Sheer black top, Gypsies & Moondust at Lalalux. Skirt, Nicci Boutique. Necklace, Jangi. Sheer embroidered top, Zara. Ring, Model’s own. White top, Lumin at Nicci Boutique. Necklace; earrings; both Jangi

JULIA’S TIPS

After a long day on set I love getting into the shower and washing off Suzelle. Once I’m in my comfy pants and in front of the TV I feel like me again

WANT TO START A DIY PROJECT THIS WEEKEND? HERE ARE JULIA’S TOP TIPS ✱ JUST GO FOR IT If you ever feel a hint of doubt creeping in, ignore it and just get started. Sometimes we’re our own worst enemies and we stop ourselves from doing something because we think it’s going to be a disaster. But if you don’t take a chance, you’ll never know if it’ll work out or not. ✱ MUST-HAVE TOOLS If there’s one thing we always need at the studios, its cable ties. We go through packets of them each week. Every DIY-er, no matter their level, should also have a cordless drill and glue gun. ✱ IT’S OK TO MAKE MISTAKES Sometimes a DIY project doesn’t always go to plan. One time on SuzelleDIY we tried to refurbish an old couch by painting directly onto the fabric. It made for a great episode, but the paint job didn’t last long before it started peeling off.

Now the couch looks really scruffy.

At least we know what not to do in the future! ✱ ALWAYS BE PREPARED It sounds obvious, but make a list of everything you need before you start. Feeling inspired is the easy part, but you’ll find your motivation slip when you get halfway through a project and realise you’re missing some materials or a specific tool. ✱ ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH TO THE FESTIVE SEASON Show your loved ones that you put some time and thought into their gift by making your own. You don’t need to make anything complicated, either – it could be as simple as a dozen cupcakes.

And, if you’ve already bought a gift, why not create your own wrapping paper?

FASHION | wha t's new

THE ITEM THAT SUITS EVERYONE

Zando Spring/ Summer 2017 Cruise Control Campaign

No matter your age or shape, shoulders are the perfect place to flash a bit of skin with confidence. Off-the-shoulder tops are the one wardrobe item that suits every woman – and any occasion; they can be dressed up with a pencil skirt and heels, or down with shorts and sandals for the beach. Are you still searching for the perfect off-theshoulder buy? With so many local and international brands, styles and price points available from online retailer zando.co.za, you won't even need to leave the couch to find it! Gingham checked top, R449, New Look; pinstriped blue top, R349, Utopia; both from zando.co.za

Fashion news

3 OF THE BEST...

CORSET BELTS Cheat a tiny waist with summer's hottest accessory

Elasticated, R299, Zara

Lace-up, R299, Sissy Boy

Check out essentials.co.za for affordable swimwear to flatter every shape.

COMPILED BY XOLANI GUMEDE

EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT...

Photography Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

Pandora’s new Rose Collection boasts stunning geometric jewellery that comes in blushing pinks and sophisticated sterling silver.

The vintage-inspired accessories are understated showstoppers. Expect cut-out rings and graphic shapes. Our fave piece? We can't decide, but why choose one when you can have them all? Pandora Rose Collection, from R399

Zip-detail, R172, Next

FAST FASHION FIX Fun and quirky, we’re dotty for polka dots this season

+ Diamanté studded clutch, R559, Zara

+ Hem-tie top, R429, H&M

SAVE OR SPLURGE These cover-ups are perfect to wear poolside – but nice enough to wear out, too!

SAVE Floral cover-up, R299, Miladys

Dress, R599, Mango

IF YOU ONLY BUY 1 THING...

Join this season's pom-pom party! Think cute summer sandals with colourful pom-poms sewn into the straps and you're looking at an on-trend pair of shoes.

Just go with muted colours if you aren't brave enough to be bright. Pom-pom sandals, R189, Rage.

SPLURGE Tropical-print kimono, R1 799, Witchery

ESSENTIALS 11

Jump on it Why worry about putting pieces together when you can throw on a jumpsuit and look instantly on trend?

Jumpsuit, R2 990, Robot.

Ring, R490; Jangi.

Sunglasses, R2 500, Snob Milano.

Wedges, R869, Charles & Keith.

EASY breezy

Capture the spirit of summer in these timeless, chic, and effortlessly elegant numbers FASHION EDITOR XOLANI GUMEDE PHOTOGRAPHER ANDREA CALDWELL

FASHION | confidence

ral Flo nts pri here are stay to

Flirty florals

Whether you prefer daring or delicate prints, they’ll breathe fresh life into your wardrobe.

Dress, R799, Sissy Boy. Chokers, stylist’s own.

Earrings, R114,50, Colette Hayman.

Ring, R490, Jangi.

Heels, R1 099, Charles & Keith.

ESSENTIALS 13

Shine bright

Add some sparkle to your LND (that’s Little Navy Dress by the way) – just as versatile as black, but more ¾DWWHULQJ IRU DOO VNLQ WRQHV Dress, R1 199, Lipsy London.

Ring, R285, Jangi.

Earrings, R199,50, Colette Hayman.

14 ESSENTIALS

FASHION | confidence

Sea stripes This cute peek-a-boo dress is the perfect throw-on-and-go style for summer days out.

Dress, R1 199, Forever New. Sunglasses, R2 800, Snob Milano.

Black ring, R490, Jangi.

Silver ring, model’s own.

Mules, R659, Zara.

Yo per ur sum fect sun mer dre ss

ESSENTIALS 15

Beach to bar 'RQµW KDYH WKH FRQ½GHQFH WR pull off short shorts? Tailored and high-waisted shorts are the way to go. Wear with a pretty blouse for extra style points.

Playsuit (worn as top), R1 450, Diane Von Furstenberg at Lalalux.

Shorts, R379, H&M. Clutch, R759, Zara.

Ring, R285; earrings, R420; both Jangi.

Heels, stylist’s own.

16 ESSENTIALS

FASHION | confidence

To the max With statement sleeves and verticle stripes, this might just be the season’s PRVW ¾DWWHULQJ WRS Blouse, R829; court heels, R999; both Zara.

Pants, R249, H&M. Ring, R285, Jangi.

Stri del pes inst iver imp ant act

On the dot 5XI¾HG VOHHYHV DQG SROND dots add an instant touch RI SOD\IXOQHVV WR DQ\ RXW½W

Hair & make-up Renate Willems Model Victoria Laing at Boss Models Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

Top, R429, H&M. Jeans, R529, Zara.

Ring, R285; earrings, R420; both Jangi.

18 ESSENTIALS

FASHION | best buys

Feature Xolani Gumede Photography Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

Superdry Spring/ Summer 2017 Campaign

Word UP!

Time to let your clothing do the talking...

Denim jacket, R899, Cotton On

Stacking rings, R89,95 for five, Woolworths

Swimsuit, R139,99, Mr Price

We've found 10 of the cutest (and most affordable) party dresses, visit essentials.co.za

Denim shopper, R299, Woolworths

T-shirt, R119,99, The Fix

Trucker cap, R115, Boohoo at Next Lace ruffle-tee, R89,99, Mr Price

Jeans, R329,99, The Fix

Flip-flops, R529, Havaianas

ESSENTIALS 19

0LODG\V :RQGHU½W Technology Swimwear, 2017/2018

CONFIDENCE BOOSTING

swimwear

Hooray, it’s time for sun, sea and sand! All you have to do is pick one of these figure-flattering swimsuits, slap on some sunscreen, and relax...

20 ESSENTIALS

FASHION | solu tions

Bust boosters

Feature & styling Xolani Gumede Photography Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

Give the illusion of bigger boobs and more cleavage with ZHOO SODFHG UXI¾HV IULQJLQJ DQG PRXOGHG FXSV

R359, Miladys

R399, Woolworths

R899, City Chic

APPLE SHAPED

Sunseeker Swimwear, 2018

ADD CURVES

BLU-BLU Swimwear, 2017/2018

Tummy tamers R420, Foschini

Top, R279; bottoms, R190; both Woolworths

Top, R270; bottoms, R220; both Sissy Boy

Self-conscious about your tummy? Don’t even worry about it! Style yourself slimmer with clever side ruching, prints, and illusion panels to disguise lumps and bumps.

ESSENTIALS 21

FASHION | solu tions

Thigh’s the limit Classic pear shape? Go for darker shades from the waist down – this will instantly draw WKH H\H XS 2U WU\ ¾DWWHULQJ VNLUW VW\OHV

Top, R549,90; bottoms, R349,90; both bras N things

R399, Woolworths

R499, Donna

BIG BUST

Charmline Swimwear, 2018

PEAR SHAPED

bras N things 2018 Summer Campaign

A cup above the rest A larger bust needs more support and shaping so look out for halter-neck styles or cozzies with adjustable straps, underwire, or built-in cups.

22 ESSENTIALS

R399, Woolworths

Tankini, R259; skirt bottoms, R239; both Miladys

R379, Next

FASHION | obsession 3

2 1

12

t o o f D t R s A e B ORW

Feature Xolani Gumede Photography Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

F

of r i pa er! e t th a r m u i f ult k no e r th ll, loo o f ng We i h rc oes? a e S h ys t r pa

4

WISH LIST

5

11

6

8

10

7

SO E T CU

9

1 Feathered heels, R899, Charles & Keith 2 Sling-back heels, R249,99, The Fix 3 Perspex cage, R1 299, Dune London 4 White ankle cage, R2 799, Vince Camuto 5 Embroidered block-heel, R699, Luella 6 Pink mules, R749, Plum at zando.co.za 7 Ankle-tie block-heel, R450, Foschini 8 Leaf embellishment, R1 599, Zara 9 Brooch mules, R1 399, Zara 10 Lumineer block-heel, R1 999, Mimco 11 Blue block-heels, R239, Rage 12 Rose-gold heels, R699, Madison ESSENTIALS 23

ESSENTIALS | compe ti tion

Seductive SCENT

Hugo Boss captures the essence of allurement with the mesmerising fragrance: Boss The Scent For Her

WI

N!

O ED ne of R1 Ps wo 20 770 rth eac h

TERMS AND CONDITIONS To win one of 20 Boss The Scent for Her EDP fragrances worth R1 770 each, enter online at essentials.co.za before 31 December 2017. By entering the competition, you give Caxton the right to market other Caxton Magazine offers to you.

REAL LIFE | column

Don’t tell me I can’t…

write a children’s book

Refiloe Moahloli, 29, took a leap, embraced an ‘abundance’ mentality, and followed her calling to be a writer – she’s now a bestselling children’s author...

F

rom a young age I found comfort in books, and I was always a voracious reader.

When I was 19 I read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I had an ‘ah-ha’ moment: since I love reading so much, perhaps I’d enjoy writing, too? Something in me clicked, and I knew that writing was my calling.

I lived in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape until my mother passed away the year that I turned 10, upending my small-town world.

I was adopted by my aunt and uncle and went to live with them in Joburg; I found myself living with a new family, in a strange city. I moved around a lot during my school years – I went to a convent, then boarding school, and was back in the Eastern Cape for my final three years of school. I was quite shy and mostly kept to myself, my nose often buried in the pages of a novel.

When I finished school, I needed a bursary to continue studying so I chose to do a BCom, knowing it would help me find a sponsor. I wanted to write, but who was going to pay for me to study English literature?

I was selected to be part of a Vodacom graduate programme;

I started saving from my first salary so I could one day take the leap and write. At the end of the programme, the best-performing graduates were sent overseas; I ended up in India and had to sell airtime to locals who couldn’t speak English – it pushed me to my limits!

In 2014 both my aunt and my brotherin-law passed away and, when you’re so far away from home, the news hits you harder. I was done with India. I thought, ‘Maybe now’s the time to take that leap?’

I will never forget what a friend said to me at the time, ‘The most important decisions of our lives are always difficult.’ I resigned the next day, and headed home.

In SA, I started getting my mind right – I even decided to see a therapist. I didn’t have a job, but I had my savings buffer: I did a four-day writing course, and it was the best money I’ve ever spent. Around this time, I had an idea for a children’s book.

I was inspired by my two nieces, with the premise being that a new girl arrives at school, but she doesn’t understand any of the local languages being spoken.

My eldest niece had a hard time when she started school. She mostly spoke isiZulu at home, but when she switched schools she only spoke English. I could relate – as I also struggled to integrate when I started school in Joburg – and I mentally toyed with the idea of writing a book where all children can celebrate their linguistic and cultural differences. There’s very little

Feature Ang Lloyd Photography Thinkstock; Supplied

I wanted kids to see themselves in what they were reading

representation of brown-skinned kids in literature; I wanted my nieces to see themselves in what they were reading.

One day, my therapist asked me what I was working on. I told her about my idea – and her eyes lit up. And that’s how my book, How Many Ways Can You Say Hello?, was born. After six months of writing, countless revisions, and a really bad financial investment, the book was ready. I still didn’t have a job, but I took on an ‘abundance’ mentality, aimed high, and submitted the book to Penguin Random House; I felt the worst that could happen was they’d say no – but they didn’t say no.

How Many Ways Can You Say Hello? has opened so many doors for me; it’s a children’s bestseller, and the Gauteng Department of Education has it as part of its catalogue. Since then, I’ve started my own publishing company, Yellow Hat, and in October I released Tullula , which is about a majestic African bird who learns that it’s OK to be different.

Children’s books with local themes are so important, because everyone can connect to them, not just kids. I’m so glad I took that leap when I did; like Tullula, I’ve learnt a lesson in courage. ✱ Find Refiloe’s latest book Tullula on yellowhat.co.za

ESSENTIALS 25

Festive season SURVIVAL GUIDE Sister stressing you out? Want to throw the trifle at your mom-in-law?

Christmas is the season of good cheer – and loads of family time...

T

he festive season can often be fraught with family landmines that can turn into a squabble.

Sadly, there’s not very much we can do about it other than grin and bear it... or is there? We asked counselling psychologist Dr Deborah Bernhardt (drdeborahbernhardt.co.za) how to navigate these time bombs.

SOLUTION: ‘When it comes to those annoying relationship questions, decide on your response ahead of time. Keep it light and frothy with a touch of humour,’ says Deborah. You could try Cluelessinspired humour, like ‘You see how picky I am about my shoes, and they only go on my feet!’

SOLUTION: We’re all cutting back where we can, so any reasonable person would agree it’s unfair to leave all the expenses to one family. ‘Chat to everyone involved about sharing the responsibility and the costs,’ says Deborah. ‘If someone else helps out by bringing the pudding and setting the table, it’ll take the pressure off.’

Single & not keen to mingle

Host with the most

Every year it’s just assumed that you and your partner will host the whole family for Christmas. You have a good time but you can’t help feeling resentful that you always have to cater, entertain, and foot the bill.

When you suggest going to your sisters-inlaw, you’re told they couldn’t possibly host it as they are far too busy, yet you have three young children and a full-time job.

Monster-in-law

Ah, Christmas – a time for stolen kisses under the mistletoe, romantic gifts, and celebrating another year of being loved up. But if you’re single it can mean having to endure being seated at the kiddie table, seeing another photo of a newly-engaged FRXVLQ DQG ½HOGLQJ HQGOHVV TXHVWLRQV about your love life from nosy relatives.

26 ESSENTIALS

Not only are you not good enough for her son, you’ve also overcooked the gammon, the potatoes aren’t ‘how I would have done them’, and the designer scarf you splashed out on for her ‘is lovely but not really my colour’. It doesn’t matter what you do, she’ll make sure you know she’s less than impressed. What’s more, your husband does nothing to defend you.

RELATIONSHIPS | you & him SOLUTION: Accept that your partner is stuck between two very important women in his life and probably doesn’t want to take sides. ‘Stop trying to meet her expectations; if her attitude towards you hasn’t changed the whole time that you’ve been married, it’s not going to change any time soon, so you’re only setting yourself up for failure. Make a conscious decision ahead of time not to let your mother-in-law’s snide remarks upset you,’ advises Deborah.

Sarky sister

She’s the mean girl who’s skilled at pushing your buttons. From comments about what you’re wearing to sneaky digs about your children’s behaviour, she’s a master at winding you up.

SOLUTION: Deborah recommends VD\LQJ D IHZ SRVLWLYH DI½UPDWLRQV WR yourself in the mirror before she arrives. ‘Block her negative comments by telling yourself that you feel great and you love your kids just the way they are. ‘Try stay calm and collected, and if she complains about your cooking or your hosting skills, sweetly suggest she hosts the next family gathering. That’ll teach her.’

Budget bickering

You’ve set the budget for Christmas, and have even made your own gifts, yet when you check your bank balance you see that your partner’s been using the credit card to splurge on gifts for the kids. His argument? It’s once a year and what can beat seeing the expression on your kid’s face when they tear open the wrapping on another toy-car set. You feel R1 000 is ZD\ WRR PXFK WR VSHQG RQ D ½YH \HDU ROG especially when money is already tight‌

be wrapped, and the house needs to be SOLUTION: ‘Set aside some time to go cleaned before your guests arrive. You’re over your expenses for December and feeling stressed so you ask your partner January. Draw up a budget that includes to help out with the chores, but two hours every expense, from debit orders and car later, there’s a half-hung basket of laundry, payments to holiday costs – don’t forget unpeeled potatoes still in the sink, and the school uniforms and stationery. Once laughter coming from the pool as he that’s all out of the way, look at jumps in with the kids. what you have left over and SOLUTION: Yes, you’re on decide what you’ll spend on holiday so you might not each family member,’ says feel like putting together a Deborah. This will go tight schedule, but that’s the a long way to help build y an m w – that ’s ho only way you won’t land up ½QDQFLDO WUXVW EHWZHHQ at th ry or w couples doing everything yourself. the two of you. Besides, p u they ’ll split Sit down as a family (the kids with the numbers in front er b em after the Dec should be helping out too) and of you, it’ll be hard for your . ak bre discuss what needs to be done, partner to argue! when and by whom. ‘Ask everyone to help you with the chores, such as Bah, humbug chopping veggies, before spending the For you, Christmas is about going full-out rest of the afternoon splashing in the pool – decorating the house, food with all the together as a family,’ advises Deborah. trimmings, carol singing, and celebrating After all, it is holiday time! with the whole family. Your partner, on the other hand, hates all the fuss and would rather spend his leave on an island far away Nasty niece from any visiting aunts or long-lost cousins. ‘Spoilt’ doesn’t begin to describe this little horror. From foot-stomping to temper SOLUTION: ‘Embrace your love for tantrums, she’s an expert at getting her Christmas with friends and family who own way. Her parents try to subdue her share your enthusiasm, rather than forcing demands with gifts and platitudes, but a grumpy partner to attend every dinner party or lunch,’ says Deborah. ‘This doesn’t it’s never enough. She won’t eat the same meal as everyone else and don’t even think mean they get a free pass for every event about asking her to clear up after herself. over the festive season, though. You need SOLUTION: There’s no way around it: you to come to a compromise by deciding QHHG WR KDYH ½UP UXOHV DQG ERXQGDULHV together what functions you’ll attend as that apply to everyone. ‘Be reasonable and a couple and those you’ll do alone. Then don’t be manipulated by idle threats, and discuss with your partner what things tantrums, or indulge special requests,’ says they’d like to do over the holidays.’ Deborah. Instead focus your attention on any positive behaviour the child exhibits.

Chore bore ‘Give lots of praise to encourage the child You’re up at 5am to put the turkey in the to behave appropriately.’ oven, there are still last-minute gifts to

1 in 20

Photography Thinkstock

AND IF IT’S A NOT-SO-MERRY CHRISTMAS...

You may have recently lost a loved one, or perhaps your kids are spending the holidays with your ex. Despite the Christmas cheer, you’re overwhelmed by sadness and aren’t sure how you’re going to get through all of the social activities and the obligation to be joyful at this time of year.

SOLUTION: Try switch your focus to someone who’s less fortunate than you. ‘Giving to others and trying to bring them joy during hard times is one way

of easing your own pain,’ says Deborah.

Get in touch with your local children’s KRPH DQG ½QG RXW ZKDW WKH\ QHHG – you could buy them much-needed items or spend a couple of hours with the kids. Whatever it is, you’re bound to walk away with a smile on your face.

Losing a family member and trying to put on a brave face during the festive season can be too much to bear. ‘When remembering a loved one, decide on an annual tradition that lets you celebrate

their life in a symbolic way,’ advises Deborah. It could be a simple gesture like lighting a candle at the table to remind you of the good times.

Deborah also says you shouldn’t feel guilty about spoiling yourself, ‘Find something that gives you joy and set aside some me-time for it.

Do something that you don’t always have time for because work gets in the way or you need to look after the kids – this is your holiday too.’

ESSENTIALS 27

REAL LIFE | confessions

Christmas fails From ruining the roast to suspicious puddings, sometimes our festive celebrations just don’t go according to plan‌ DINNER’S (WELL-) DONE

AUNTY STINGY 0\ ½DQFp DQG , VSHQW &KULVWPDV (YH with his family, and when we sat down to open presents, his aunt handed us a big box. I unwrapped it and found a set of wine glasses... and a pretty card addressed to her from someone named Sally. At least his aunt bought us another gift a few weeks later to make up for her stingy, re-gifted move.

h

POISON PIE

go l

d

M ot t ve) .

SAYyear, I g expensioyfriend

y e On ul (and my b he onl ard f m i T o t ec u fr g. bea klace unnin e on th e is t c ne was s e nam y nam ay, It th ’ – m s to s r m: ble ‘Claire eedles nothe o r p a was elle. N pend her. s h t c t e i ’ M didn y tog we h o l i d a

SOBER FAIL

Last year I decided to do the responsible WKLQJ DQG VWD\ VREHU DW WKH RI½FH Christmas party to avoid embarrassing myself in front of my colleagues. While dancing, I managed to break the heel of my shoe and came crashing down on the snack table, pulling the punch ERZO WR WKH žRRU ZLWK PH *XHVV ZKR LV KDYLQJ GULQNV DW WKH RI½FH party this year...

ALL WRAPPED-UP

My family always gives me a hard time about leaving my gift wrapping to the last minute (read: Christmas morning when everyone’s already waiting by the tree). One year I decided I wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction, so I wrapped my gifts a week before and carried them downstairs on Christmas Eve. I tripped DQG WKH\ žHZ RXW RI P\ KDQGV ODQGLQJ LQ D destroyed heap at the bottom of the stairs.

At least nobody teased me that year.

28 ESSENTIALS

I was invited to Christmas lunch with my ER\IULHQG¾V IDPLO\ IRU WKH ½UVW WLPH VR I offered to bake their favourite dessert, pecan pie. I was still too stuffed to have a slice but I served one for everyone else. I don’t think they enjoyed it but were polite enough not to say anything... until an hour later when they all felt queasy – his aunt even threw up! I hadn’t WRXFKHG WKH SLH VR RI FRXUVH , IHOW ½QH

WHOEV ER SMELLE D My famil IT‌ y an d I

went to m mas s at o idnight ur local c hurch. In silence b the etween th e priest s ‘Let us pra aying y ’ an d b e fore he started th e pra out an un yer, my dad let mistakab le fart.

Everyone turned to look at us a n d m y dad poin ted his ½QJHU DW PH

BAD KITTIES

A few nights before Christmas, after everyone had gone to sleep, our crazy cats tried to climb the Christmas tree and knocked it over. Almost every single ornament shattered, including the ones my siblings and I had made in primary school. We all ran downstairs, and everyone started crying and then laughed hysterically while cleaning up the millions of little pieces.

My super-crafty mom somehow managed to repair the home-made ones.

Compiled by Leigh Hermon; Lucia Walker Photography Thinkstock

E AMmost N Y e

Last year I offered to cook Christmas lunch for 12 people. I’d planned the perfect menu with starters, sides, a delicious roast, and two puddings. I spent the whole day in the kitchen and, with just 20 minutes to go before the meal, I sat down to enjoy a glass of wine with my guests. I lost track of time and burnt everything. Our Christmas feast consisted of just wine and dessert – yum!

ESSENTIALS 28

ESSENTIALS | promo tion

Give your toddler a nutritional head-start with Nestlé NANKID OPTIPRO 4 – the premium drink for growing children

B

STAND A CHANCE TO WIN! NestlĂŠ NANKID OPTIPRO 4 is giving away a hamper to one lucky Essentials reader, worth R1 000.

The hamper consists of a Lego Duplo set, a branded apron, a colouring book, a puzzle, and a tin of NestlĂŠ NANKID OPTIPRO 4.

To enter, visit essentials.co.za

uilding a strong foundation for life starts with nutrition, and it’s no wonder that protein takes centre stage. Protein is one of the most important nutrients for your child’s growth and development, as it works as the body’s – and brain’s – building blocks. We all want our kids to become the best they can be, and ‘growing them into pros’ starts with what they eat.

That’s why we need to give them the right nutrients, in the right amounts, to provide them with a healthy foundation for life.

Here’s how we can kick-start their future, just by making some simple dietary tweaks.

Essential

building blocks Protein is essential for muscle growth and brain development, tissue repair, and even keeping your littlie’s immune system in tip-top shape. Feeding your child protein like fish, chicken, lean red meat, eggs and dairy – and plant proteins such as lentils, beans and chickpeas – is all-important, but sometimes

5 6# & ' &*&+/0 123/2 1 7

!

that contains Optimised Protein, which helps deliver protein in the right quality and quantity for your growing child, aged three to five. Optimised Protein is easier to digest and absorb – so it’s perfect for growing bodies and minds.

2. WATCH THAT SUGAR! We know that if you add up all the sugar – both hidden and obvious – in your child’s diet it may be panic-inducing. Too much sugar can have a host of health implications later on in life, like diabetes and weight problems. But cutting down on sugar doesn’t have to lead to tantrums – it just means you need to be more mindful of things like:

natural state as possible – the less processing the better. Also look at healthier options such as fresh fruit, or sweet veg.

has loads of hidden sugar (like some breakfast cereals).

!

"

#

intake and bolstering their diets with unprocessed wholefoods.

Over time, food that’s high in sugar will start tasting too sweet and your child will start avoiding it. $

# % !

less added sugar and you can further reduce the sugar content by adding naturally sweet ingredients like fruit. & ' &*&+/0 123/2 1 4 has no added sucrose, so you can rest assured that it won’t be adding to their sugar intake.

ESS8468/12/17 Photography Thinkstock; Supplied

1. GIVE THEM THE RIGHT KIND OF PROTEIN

ESSENTIALS | promo tion 3. DON’T FORGET BREAKFAST Skipping breakfast is never a good idea: it sets your child up for poor brain function, a bad mood, and an increased risk of behavioual problems throughout the day. A power breakfast should include enough protein, carbohydrate and fat (but not too much, of course). A highly refined carb breakfast (like a sugary, refined cereal) spikes blood-sugar levels, only for them to drop soon after, which leads to a * + %

sluggishness, and poor concentration. On the other

' ! " #$% $ # & of a balanced breakfast, is one of the easiest ways of ensuring that your child is getting a source of protein and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids at the start of the day. ! " #$% $ # &

cultures, B. longum and L. rhamnosus which are known to help build a balanced immune and digestive system, while omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are known for supporting the brain and vision when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

4. UNDERSTAND THEIR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS A healthy appetite often translates into a healthy child. Or does it? What if your child is eating too much of the wrong things? Just because they’re not a fussy eater, doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re getting all the

from the following food groups daily: Unrefined carbs (brown bread, pasta, etc.) – one serving with each meal, as well as snacks.

Fruit and vegetables – at least one to two servings at each meal and with snacks; let children eat frequently and throughout the day if they wish to.

Dairy – one serving three times per day. Too much and it’ll reduce your child’s appetite for iron-rich food from the other food groups, so limit

every day.

Protein (meat, fish, eggs, nuts, pulses) – one

! " #$% $ # &' ' can be included in your child’s diet as part of

! " #$% $ # & also contains Omega Smart, a special blend of fat, containing omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, known for supporting the brain and vision.

5. BUILD GOOD HABITS STRONG

FOUNDATION FOR LIFE

+

+ nutrition, especially when you’ve had a long day at work and it seems easier to just pop a ready-made meal into the microwave. But when it comes to your child’s eating habits, it’s up to you to make them good food habits – good nutrition from a young age sets them up for a healthy adulthood. To develop healthy food habits, keep these pointers in mind: /0

'

+ copy your eating behaviours and habits – so ditch the bad ones!

2 4

4

them in the preparation. They’ll be more likely to enjoy the healthy dishes if they helped prepare them, and you’ll have an opportunity to teach them about good nutrition. % 4

5

quality of a diet.

4

' 4 '

7 4 4 2 very good protein sources without the fat. #

and fibre.

8 4 4 ' vegetables and wholegrains, and offer healthy beverages like water, milk and unsweetened flavoured milk.

For more information on child development, visit Startstrong.nestle.co.za

The life of pampered pets Some pet owners spare no cost when it comes to their furry friends, with daycare, clothing, birthday parties, and even a wedding...

T

here’s a new breed of pampered pets: those that are treated to spa days, slumber parties and daycare, and have enviable wardrobes overflowing with designer gear.

A recent South African report shows that pet ownership is on the rise, partly due to the growing number of empty-nesters, single professionals, and couples who delay having children – and even for security reasons. We spoke to a few fanatical pet owners who are taking creature comforts to another level.

32 ESSENTIALS

LIFE TODAY | family ‘It took five years to finally open my dog hotel’ Yanic Klue, 34, started the @Frits Dog Hotel & Daycare Centre in 2015. She lives in Cape Town with her husband Stiaan and seven dogs.

I came across the concept of a dog hotel in 2010 while doing an MBA at Stellenbosch University. I felt it was an untapped market in SA – for many people, dogs aren’t just pets, they’re part of the family, and there are limited options when it comes to high-end daycare or kennels.

I decided that a luxury doggy hotel and daycare was the answer – for discerning owners who want the best for their pups.

It took five years of careful planning and raising the capital I needed to finally open a dog hotel of my own. Of course, I’m a dog owner myself; Frits was my first dog and I named the hotel after him – he is in fact the ‘CEO’! There are 26 staff members who take care of the 100 dogs that are allowed on the property at a time.

Of those dogs, 10 are rescue fosters who

we look after until they find their forever homes. During the week, 80% of the guests are in daycare, and 20% are in the hotel rooms, but over weekends and during peak holidays, the occupancy numbers are the other way around.

We offer services from once-off nightcare until midnight (for dog parents who want a guilt-free night out), to the Platinum Suites, which boast flatscreen TVs. We have an on-site spa so guests can be groomed and pampered during their visit, there’s a selection of dishes on our lunch and treat menus, and there’s even a clothing range. I created the @Frits clothing line not only so that dogs can look fashionable – although that’s a lovely bonus – but also for local job creation.

There’s now a team of 14 previously disadvantaged women who I’ve got on board to make the doggy clothes.

The dog hotel will expand into other provinces in the near future, and when it does, I’d like to extend the number of women we employ, too.

I believe we can help the world... one dog – and even human – at a time.

The dog hotel has an on-site spa, and a treat menu

Fun and games a t the daycare

P awsha loves being in daycare

‘My friends think I’m mad for forking out on doggy daycare’ Ruth Strömbeck, 49, is a COO at an advertising agency and lives in Blouberg with her two-year-old rescue dog, Pawsha.

My friends and family think I’m crazy for dropping Pawsha off at daycare while I’m at work – especially because it costs me around R3 500 a month! But I don’t have any kids so Pawsha has become like my child, and I love treating her. I can’t bear the thought of her being home alone all day and I think of the daycare fees as the equivalent of paying school fees if I had kids. Besides, Pawsha is so happy at daycare – it can be a struggle to get her into the car when we need to leave!

If I go out of town, Pawsha stays in the dormitory section of the @Frits Dog Hotel & Daycare Centre, the same place she goes for daycare. The hotel does have private suites but Pawsha’s a social pup and really enjoys these occasional slumber parties.

I love that I can use my phone to check the live webcam feed at any time, so I can see what she’s up to. It gives me peace of mind when Pawsha isn’t with me.

In the past I’ve unashamedly thrown birthday parties for Pawsha and invited some of her friends over. At the last party, I got each dog guest a juicy piece of meat, a toy, and treats that they could take home, as well as dog-friendly cupcakes made of carrots, peanut butter, and honey. After the guests arrived, we went to the park to have a bit of fun and a walk, before returning home to enjoy the treats.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with lavishing attention – or presents – on your animals. Pawsha is an important part of my life, so she deserves to be treated well. ✱ See atfritsdoghotel.com for more.

A clien t taking a break in the D og B ar

Th e Holl ywoo f Pl a tin

um S uit e

ESSENTIALS 33

LIFE TODAY | family

‘They’re not just pets to me – they’re family’ Earlier this year Debi Clark, 52, and her husband Bob splurged on a wedding ceremony for their dogs, Honey and Joey.

Despite loving dogs as a child, I never had one of my own because I’d break out in a rash whenever I came into contact with fur, and I didn’t expect that to change as I got older. But one day my sister brought her Chinese crested dog to my house and, when he jumped on my lap, nothing happened – probably because the breed naturally has very little fur.

Thrilled that I’d finally overcome my allergy, two days later Bob and I welcomed our first dog, Fraggle, to the family. Within a few months we’d added two more Chinese cresteds to our brood, and, when a friend told me about Poppet, a Chihuahua that needed a foster home, I decided to take her in for a few days, while we looked for a permanent home for her. She never left my side and my allergies didn’t flair up.

Within just a few months we had the same number of Chihuahuas as we had Chinese crested dogs and, later, when a litter of Chi-Chi puppies arrived, we kept all five. Since moving to a large property, we’ve taken in two Dobermanns and a teacup Chihuahua, bringing our pet total up to 14.

H one y in he r we dd

in g dr ess

and I’m lucky to have a team of people working for me that were happy to help plan, and pull off, the special occasion. We settled on a dusty pink and gold colour scheme and official wedding invitations were sent out. We threw a bachelorette party for Honey by hosting a doggy spa at home, and Joey had a stag party with obstacle courses a week before the actual day.

H oney and Joe y dur ing a pho tosh oo t a fter thei r wedd ing cere mon y

I don’t do things by half measures – we had a colour scheme and big day formal wedding The We invited a total of 63 invitations were guests, had 13 dogs in the wedding party, and there sent out were 12 people – including

Here comes the bride My one Chihuahua, Honey, is four and Joey – a Chinese crested – is three. Because they’re the smallest in the pack they immediately became best friends. They follow each other around all day and sleep cuddled up next to each other – I’ve always joked that they’re a ‘couple’.

Bob and I really love entertaining and, while discussing plans to throw a party at our house, we thought that a wedding is always fun, so why not organise one for Honey and Joey?

I don’t do things by half measures

34 ESSENTIALS

me, Bob, the photographer and others – who worked behind the scenes. The photographer and caterers arrived in the morning to set up in the garden, and at 11am we rolled out the red carpet, set out the chairs, and dressed the wedding arch.

By 1pm we’d done a full rehearsal and by 2pm all the guests made their way to the garden. Honey walked down the aisle with Bob, while Joey and Fraggle waited at the altar. During the wedding ceremony, they shared treats from a special cup, walked back down the aisle to Who Let The Dogs Out, and headed up to the main house for the reception, which ended at 11pm.

Honey and Joey have a kennel (it’s more like a wooden cabin!) of their own, complete with doggy beds, and that’s where they spent the wedding night.

A young guest ac ted as the minister

Happily ever after I get quite a lot of negative feedback on social media about the amount of attention and money I lavish on my pets, with some people suggesting that I have more money than sense. Often I’m told the money I splurge on my pets could be put to better use by a charity, but I donate regularly and, through my work as the owner of a talent- and model agency, I have raised thousands for charities over the years. A pet wedding is a bit OTT, but I really enjoy spoiling my dogs – they’re family to me – and I have no intention of stopping.

ESSENTIALS EXTRA

DOGS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

D og’s Life models Nuga and Obbie

‘I design all our clothes, collars and beds myself’ Venessa Hsu, 34, lives in Fourways with her husband Chenyu Su. They own Dog’s Life, a pet fashion and accessories brand.

Walk into just about any mall and you’ll find a pet store with a rack of jackets, jerseys, coats or accessories for our furry friends. With so many pet-clothing options available, it’s difficult to believe that 11 years ago, when my husband, Chenyu, and I started Dog’s Life (with the help from our business partner, Shayne Howard) there was nothing like it in the country.

When Chenyu and I went on a trip to the US in 2005, I did what I always do when I travel: I stocked up on cute trinkets and toys for our pets. I was amazed at the selection available – we just didn’t have this sort of thing in South Africa. Back home, I did some research into the market; yes, you could buy clothing for dogs but it was all very basic and functional – there was nothing with real wow-factor. Spotting this gap in the market, Chenyu and I decided to start Dog’s Life, a company selling fashion and accessories for dogs, both to the public and to pet stores.

Nu ga in a su

mme r ou t

fit

novelty items like wigs, footwear and even jewellery – and many people aren’t put off by the expense when they’re spoiling their best friends.

We specialise in designer dog outfits, collars and bedding. I design all of our products and then travel to the biggest fabric markets in China twice a year to stock up on materials. Our clothing line includes the likes of T-shirts, dresses, hoodies, and coats – our cape-style dog coat happens to be our bestseller because it doesn’t have to fit over a dog’s legs – but we also sell toys and hair accessories.

While owners want their dogs to look good, pet clothing isn’t just frivolous aesthetics. Some dogs – especially smaller breeds – are as susceptible to the cold weather as we are, so our business is about more than just playing dress-up.

We find that our busiest months for business are usually between April and June, when the weather starts to get colder.

Every breed is different so it’s quite important for owners to do research before choosing what their dogs will wear; some breeds feel the cold and need an extra layer, while others prefer the cooler temperatures.

I always recommend that people start putting clothes on their pups when they’re young – older dogs can be resistant to change, after all it’s hard to teach an old dog a new trick, even if it is just wearing an amazing dress for summer!

Feature Lucia Walker Photography Thinkstock; Supplied

The pet fashion trend goes beyond jerseys to novelty items like shoes and wigs

More than just clothes The pet industry has exploded over the past few years, and has become very competitive. I think it’s a sign of the times; owners are increasingly treating their pets as members of their family.

The phenomenon goes beyond standard dog jerseys and rain jackets to include

✱ See dogslife.co.za for more info.

✱ @dognamedhashtag: Hashtag is TV producer and radio DJ Pearl Modiadie’s beautiful fur baby.

Instagram: 989

✱ @manny_the_frenchie: Manny is the world’s most followed French bulldog.

Instagram: 1 million Facebook: 1.7 million Twitter: 21.6 million

✱ @marniethedog: The senior shih-tzu is known for always putting her tongue on show.

Instagram: 2.1 million Facebook: 436 000 Twitter: 118 000

ESSENTIALS 35

SMART IDEAS

Your life sorted!

5

festive habits

TO KEEP ALL YEAR ROUND

There are Christmas customs we should be doing 365 days a year (sadly, it’s not devouring mince pies and all-day drinking), like these...

T

here’s something magical about the festive season: the good cheer, a spirit of giving and, of course, the pure fun of it (it’s called the silly season for a reason, you know).

While we can’t, sadly, exchange gifts and sit down to a roast lunch every day, there are some festive habits that we should be sticking to year round.

Feature Helen Foster Photography Thinkstock

1. Saying thank you You wouldn’t receive a Christmas gift without using those two little words, yet every day people do things for us that we forget to thank them for. Not convinced that adopting an attitude of gratitude will make you happier?

Studies show that practising regular gratitude has a host of well-being benefits, including fewer symptoms of illness, exercising more, having a sense of greater happiness, better sleep, and reduced anger.

2. Singing out loud Whether it’s carols by candlelight or karaoke at the office party, Christmas is singing season – not only does a good warble make us happy, it helps with our health, too. According to various studies, singing can improve breathing in people with asthma, it

lowers levels of cortisol, and it fosters a sense of social connection and bonding; combined with the mood boost, it helps explain why people who sing regularly tend to live longer than those who don’t.

3. Looking forward to something There’s a reason why shops start selling Christmas goodies in October – they know we look forward to it. Anticipation, particularly when it comes to doing things, is a nice feeling, and it’s also good for us – it boosts positivity, and it doesn’t have to be huge to get results.

Research from the Cornell University found experiences like going to see a movie gave people a burst of happiness.

‘Having something coming up that brightens your day just to think about can stop you from dwelling on your negative experiences,’ says life coach Sloan Sheridan-Williams.

4. Watching TV repeats We might moan about them, but when you want to fight stress, sitting down in front of a film or TV show you’ve seen countless times before is a great way to do it. ‘You don’t have to follow the storyline like you do with a new show, which is relaxing,’ says psychology Professor Jaye Derrick from University

at Buffalo. ‘Favourite characters start to feel like close friends,’ she adds. ‘This can feel comforting after a tough day.’

5. Eating turkey Turkey makes a seasonal appearance in many homes – and for good reason.

Skinless turkey is naturally low in fat and it’s high in protein, but it ticks more than just the ‘healthy eating’ nutritional boxes. It’s a good source of vitamins B3 and 6, zinc, and the antioxidant selenium.

Yes, turkey does contain the amino acid tryptophan, that helps regulate sleep, but it’s not in high enough quantities to make you nod off after the meal.

ESSENTIALS EXTRA

Also adopt these habits: ✱ Don’t wait for a special occasion to see family and other loved ones – every day is reason to celebrate. ✱ We tend to be more charitable around the festive season but most charities need help year round.

Volunteer your time if you can’t donate.

ESSENTIALS 37

How to get

WHAT YOU WANT Need a raise or a discount in a shop? We chatted to a mentalist to find out how to get exactly what you want

A

ccording to experts, body language accounts for 55% of communication, while 38% is tone of voice, and a mere 7% is with the words we use. Effective communication can also help us to get what we want, both personally and professionally – we spoke to an expert to find out how.

Well-known South African mentalist Gilan Gork (gilangork.com) has been entertaining audiences for years with his ‘mind-reading’ demonstrations; he also hosts corporate workshops on how to use the art of influence and persuasion to get ahead. Gilan believes that simply by

38 ESSENTIALS

understanding the basic principles of persuasion, as well as making slight changes to your behaviour, you can learn how to become more influential.

But is it ethical?

Whether we’re conscious of it or not, we use persuasion and influence to get our own way on a daily basis. It can be as simple as trying to convince your partner to watch your choice of movie, or getting a colleague to help you with a difficult project.

Sound a little like manipulation?

Influence is a tool that can be used for good or evil, explains Gilan, but using

it for your own gains requires negative manipulation and this is not something he endorses. ‘My focus is on positively influencing someone’s decision-making, to create a win-win for both parties.’

The three ‘Qs’ Gilan says there are three questions we ask ourselves subconsciously when someone is trying to influence us: 1. Can I trust you?

2. Do you care about me?

3. Can you help me?

If the answer to each of these is ‘yes’, then you’re likely to be influenced – it’s like a mental fail-safe to prevent you

Your life sorted! coach went on stage at a health conference, for example, it would be confrontational for her to say, ‘You all need to stop eating so much!’ A nonconfrontational – and more effective Create authority – approach would be for her to use her From an early age, we’re conditioned own personal journey with weight loss to follow authoritative figures. Just as a relatable story that will draw the look at how children are audience in with phrases like, told that they need ‘I realised if I wanted to reach to listen to their my goal weight I’d have to make teachers, parents, The idea th better decisions about food.’ or the police – at someon hiding som e is According to Gilan, the and in general, ething fro m you moment that someone can if they do they do. By n’t look yo u in the eye is a m see the similarities between creating a sense yth. This is a sign th a themselves and you, the more t varies de of authority pending likely they are to listen to you, around yourself, on culture s. and take your advice. Gilan also you make it easier suggests that when talking about for people to trust you. a potential scenario where you and a It’s tricky, though: you can’t client could end up working together, bestow that authority on yourself, use words like ‘we’, as this reinforces it has to come from someone else. the intention of doing something together where both people benefit.

How? Just like doctors often display their medical degree in their rooms, Reading body language you can do the same. If you have a You can gain insight into what website for your business, include someone’s thinking by noticing their positive testimonials from customers. posture, gesture or stance. ‘While we These can be in the form of written can be careful with our choice of words, reviews or even a collection of videos. it’s very hard for us to change natural, People are more likely to believe non-verbal cues like tapping our foot,’ you’re trustworthy when they hear says Gilan. The trick? Look for harmony it from someone else. You can also between what someone is saying and speak about what other people have what their body is doing. ‘It’s almost said about your business or service, like listening to someone playing an but be careful not to make yourself instrument that is so obviously out of the hero of the story; rather put the tune. It’s these kinds of movements person who you helped at the centre that help you to read a person better.’ of the story and focus on how they The biggest mistake people tend to have benefited from working with you. make when reading body language is interpreting one signal in isolation.

Tell a story ‘Think of these signs like a word that Words may only account for 7% of could have many meanings,’ says Gilan. communication, but don’t undervalue ‘It’s assumed that if someone has their the power of a good story. Because we arms crossed that they’re angry or not think in pictures, we have a natural open to your ideas. But the room could habit of simulating the story in our be cold or they simply find the position heads. A strong narrative can be quite comfortable,’ explains Gilan. Instead, persuasive in getting people to relate look for three signals that point to the to you and your ideas. same thing. ‘For example, if someone’s arms are crossed, they’re leaning away How? Try use non-confrontational from you, and their legs are crossed, language. Rather than issuing an it’s likely that they aren’t too interested. instruction like, ‘you must do this’, try But first check that the aircon isn’t on to get people to relate to you and the full blast,’ adds Gilan. advice you’re giving them. If a fitness from doing something you don’t want to do. So how do we get other people to answer these questions with a ‘yes’?

Feature Leigh Hermon Photograpy Thinkstock

Did you know?

SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR What goes unspoken can tell us a lot about what a person is really thinking. Here are some pointers on how you can read a person’s body language better: Palms: If someone reveals their palms to you, they’re being honest and open. Often you’ll hold your hands up when you’re telling the truth about something, but it’s usually the opposite when you’re lying. When we hide our palms, it sets off alarm bells that you’re hiding something. ‘I was chatting to a shop assistant and as soon as I brought up the possibility of a discount, their hands went straight into their pockets and I was told I couldn’t have a discount. This change was the sign that I needed.

I told them I was going to take my business elsewhere and they soon changed their tune,’ says Gilan.

Smiling and nodding: <RXµOO ½QG LW GLI½FXOW WR VD\ QR WR VRPHRQH LI you are both smiling and nodding at the same time. These are known as ‘contagious’ gestures that can be used when you’re about to make a point, and you want to get the other party on board. ‘Just before you’re about to end your sentence nod and, at the same time, smile slowly – smiling is a submissive action while nodding is a positive gesture,’ advises Gilan.

Steepled hands: When a person’s ½QJHUWLSV DUH HDFK WRXFKLQJ LQ D steeple, this is a sign that they are IHHOLQJ FRQ½GHQW <RX FDQ XVH WKLV gesture in meetings too, but use it sparingly or you’ll seem smug.

Power pose: By standing with your hands on your hips, you will come DFURVV DV XQDIUDLG DQG FRQ½GHQW This is because you’re opening up your body, which helps you to take up more space. If you’re sitting, put your hands on the chair’s arm rests; it’ll make you seem ‘bigger’.

ESSENTIALS 39

We have a reason

TO CELEBRATE

From finding strength after loss to rediscovering self-worth, as the year draws to a close, three women reflect on the victories theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re celebrating

40 ESSENTIALS

YOUR LIFE | women like you

‘After losing my husband I found the strength I never thought I had’

L

etshego Zulu, 33, is a biokineticist who lives in Paulshof with her two-year-old daughter, Lelethu. Letshego’s husband, rally driver Gugu, died in 2016 during a charity climb up Kilimanjaro with Letshego.

This has been a year of discovery for me – discovering how different I am to the person I thought I was.

If someone had told me two years ago that I would be a single mom after being in a relationship with Gugu for 16 years, I wouldn’t have believed them. But this past year has shown me that I can overcome adversity, and that I’m stronger than I thought I was.

Focusing on the now Gugu died after having respiratory problems during our ascent up Mount Kilimanjaro last year. It was a huge shock and I was naturally devastated.

I had no idea how to make peace with my new life so I began reading inspirational books, particularly those by Eckhart Tolle, which reminded me that focusing on the future and the past can rob you of the most precious thing – the now. And it’s this thought that has helped me navigate 2017.

In those dark months, I almost forgot what’s really important, like spending more time with my daughter, Lelethu. She has her entire life ahead of her and I want to rediscover the world through her eyes. Even though she’s hit the ‘terrible twos’, I’m letting the tantrums and the scribbles on the couch go – I’m determined not to sweat the small stuff anymore.

Anyone who knew Gugu knows that he lived life to the fullest and I believe he’d want me to do the same. Every day, in different ways, I continue to be inspired by him.

Exercise has also centred me and helped me get used to feeling happy again. Gugu and I were a very active couple but after his death, I had little motivation to even work out. Finally, it took a phonecall from a friend to get me exercising again. She reminded me that Gugu would have wanted me to do the things I enjoyed, like going for a run or cycle, and I held onto that reminder until I started to feel like myself again.

Starting over I never had negative feelings towards the mountain where Gugu’s life came to an end.

Kilimanjaro is a breathtaking place and I have beautiful memories of the time we spent there. One day I hope to take Lelethu there and tell her what an amazing time Gugu and I had in his last days – people often called us the ‘adventure couple’, and that was our last adventure together.

I have no regrets about our final trip, in fact, I returned to the mountain this year. I had promised Gugu that I’d reach the top and I was determined to stay true to my word. People kept asking if it was daunting to face those memories again, and it was certainly an emotional feat, but I also felt like Gugu was walking beside me all the way.

I climbed with an amazing group of people who helped to keep my spirits up, too.

It has been a tough year; I’ve learnt how much tragedy can change you – sometimes for the better, in my case – and I’m looking forward to what 2018 has to bring.

In a lot of ways, I feel like I’m only just getting started.

Every day, in different ways, I’m inspired by the legacy Gugu left behind

‘I finally feel recognised for my work as a writer’

M

iranda Sherry, 42, is a copywriter and author who lives in Craighall with her partner, Grant Mills, and their two cats. I’ve always wanted to be an author, but I never realised what a journey achieving this goal would be. It took about 10 years before my first book was published in 2014. In that time I wrote, and rewrote – and rewrote again! – four manuscripts while working full time, dealt with rejection from publishers, and overcame my own self-doubt. Now with my second book published, I finally feel my abilities as a writer have been rewarded.

My family are avid readers, and as a child, I always had my nose in a book. The characters would inspire me to write my own stories, and I’d often be found in the garden, furiously scribbling my tales in an old exercise book. But between the age of seven and starting university, I decided that being a writer wasn’t a ‘proper’ job, so I studied drama instead.

I dabbled in theatre for a few years, before joining a band as a singer and songwriter. We moved to London to try land a record contract, but our album was never released.

While there, I worked as a waitress but a part of me still hadn’t given up the dream of being a published author, so in my spare time I’d write. During the years I spent in London, I wrote one book and it was turned down by publishers multiple times – to be fair, I can see now that it was quite ghastly!

In 2004, I moved back to SA and, determined to make a career from writing, took a job as a copywriter. I’d rush home after 5pm to work on my own writing projects, and managed to send two books to different agents. One agent made me rewrite a novel 15 times then still turned it down – but it helped me hone my skills. In 2013, I got a call I’d been waiting for: an agent said that there was a bidding war between publishers for the fourth manuscript I’d written, Black Dog Summer, about a daughter coming to terms with her mother’s murder. I was thrilled – my goal was in sight.

I refused to be a one-hit wonder; I was going to write a brilliant second novel

Dreams come true Having my book published changed everything. I refused to be a one-hit wonder though; I scaled back my office hours so I could focus on writing my next novel. Bone Meal for Roses, a coming-of-age tale about a young girl with an abusive past, was published in 2016.

In April this year I was long-listed for the Barry Ronge Fiction Prize in the Sunday Times Literary Awards; I knew I had a slim chance of winning but it really was an honour just to be acknowledged – people liked what I had to say in my books! Now I regularly get asked to attend literary events and talk about my work – things I only dreamt about all those years ago.

42 ESSENTIALS

Feature Lucia Walker Photography Hema Patel; Supplied Hair & make-up Renate Willems Letshego wears: long-sleeved dress; heels; boob-tube dress; earrings; bangle; all her own.

Miranda wears: black & white dress, Forever New. Sheer dress, The Space. Wedges; jewellery; all her own. Precious wears: cowl-neck dress; heels; earrings; watch; all her own.

Not giving up

YOUR LIFE | women like you

‘I’ll remember 2017 as the year that put my business on the map’ Precious Thamaga, 34, lives in Johannesburg and is the owner of an international luxury wedding and events company, Precious Celebrations. When I reflect on 2017 I’ll remember it as the year that put my business on the map.

Although I started Precious Celebrations in 2011, this year has been amazing with many highlights, including organising celebrity Bonang Matheba’s 30th birthday soirée in June.

Small beginnings My parents couldn’t afford to pay for my studies after school so I moved from Limpopo to Joburg and found work as a receptionist. A year later I was working for a hotel group and it was then that I set my sights on organising events.

I could actually see the PR department from where I sat; they spent their days liaising with media and setting up functions – what fun! I transferred to the department when a PA position became available but it was purely admin-based, so, when I was offered a job as the PR co-ordinator for a luxury safari company in 2005, I took it in a heartbeat – they even paid for me to get my diploma in event and project management.

I used the two years I was at the company to network and, in 2007, I felt confident enough to take a full-time job as an events co-ordinator.

As I grew from that role to communications manager I soon established my niche in bespoke event concepts.

I was working in events at a hardware company when my manager insisted everyone in our team meet with a life coach. I told the coach about a dream I’d always had: to start my own business. After each session I thought to myself, ‘Why not start my own business now?’ I decided it was now or never; I told my manager my intentions, and that it wouldn’t affect my work so, for six months, I juggled two jobs. I asked former colleagues to plan their weddings, sometimes doing it for next to nothing just so I’d have photos to show potential clients. I planned my first wedding, a Hindu ceremony, on a tight budget and after that business grew by word of mouth.

For six months I juggled two jobs to launch my business

The breakthrough A marketing guru once said it takes six years of hard work to become an overnight success and, in 2016, my business reached a turning point. I had more opportunities than I’d expected; I planned events for Lira, Boity Thulo, and DNA Brand Architects, where I bumped into Bonang. I knew she had a birthday coming up so I was strategic in my conversation with her, and this led to us working on a few events together such as her bursary lunch that took place in March, followed by her birthday party. Today, my business has grown bigger than I could’ve imagined. Establishing a business isn’t easy; you have to be passionate about what you’re doing. During the challenging times, your passion will keep you going.

ESSENTIALS 43

ESSENTIALS | reader offer

FESTIVE

fragrance deals

15%

OFF

Save on this year’s gift shopping with this exclusive reader offer from Takealot.com

Issey Miyake Pleats Please L’eau EDT 50ml

Tommy Girl EDT 30ml

Davidoff Cool Water For Her EDT 30ml

DKNY My NY For Her EDP 30ml

Davidoff Cool Water For Him EDT 40ml

Calvin Klein CK Be EDT 200ml

W

hether you want to spoil someone special or yourself, take advantage of our offer on selected fragrances from Takealot.com.

On the website or app, shop any of these six his and hers scents from leading fragrance brands. Simply use the code FRAGRANCES15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your purchase. Your gift shopping sorted!

✱ For more information, visit takealot.com/PromoCodes

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Offer only applies to fragrances shown, and is valid until 31 December 2017, while stocks last. Limited to one code per customer; FRAGRANCES15 cannot be used with any other special offer or discount. The code does not have monetary value and is not transferable for cash. Misuse of the code constitutes fraud. By participating in this offer, you give Caxton the right to market other Caxton Magazine offers to you. Additional Ts & Cs apply.

BEAUTY | wha t’s new

EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT...

Saying goodbye to dull skin and wrinkles

Photography Fotolia; Thinkstock; Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

...and our fab friends at L’Oréal Paris are making it a reality.

The new L’Oréal Revitalift Bright Reveal range contains glycolic acid, the exfoliating and soothing ingredient which promises to brighten your skin, decrease the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and correct an uneven skin tone.

The range consists of a Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser, a Brightening Dual Overnight Moisturizer, a Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30 for daytime wear, and Brightening Peel Pads, which give you a at-home mini-peel, the final step in achieving youthful, dewy skin. Yip, an entire dermatologist-inspired range to revitalise your skin in no time. Well, what are you waiting for? From R169,95

3 THE BEST...

BEST...

3 OF OF THE

Beauty news

Tired of shaving?

Visit essentials.co.za for what to know before laser hair removal treatment.

COMPILED BY TAMLYN CUMINGS

SAVE OR SPLURGE Your lips might need a little extra attention during a hot, dry summer – here are our top picks

SAVE Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment for Lips, R70

SPLURGE Dermalogica Nightly Lip Treatment, R980

LUST-WORTHY GIFT SETS

FAST BEAUTY FIX Bid farewell to blotchy tans (real or fake!) by getting your skin oh-so smooth with some pantry staples

+ ½ cup coarse sea salt This takes care of the ‘scrubbing’ part

+

¼ cup coconut oil It’s antibacterial and super moisturising for the skin

10 drops essential oil Pick your fave – we love peppermint

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Original Set, R495 Contains all the basic Eight Hour goodies we know and love.

Woolworths Glow Bath Pamper Set, R250 The beautiful packaging makes this one a festive gifting winner.

DID YOU KNOW? Tea can help soothe sunburn but no, not if you drink it. If you overdid it in the sun, add a few teabags to your bath so that you’re bathing in rather strong black tea. The tannins will help reduce the swelling, as well as that painful sting.

The Body Shop Almond Milk and Honey Gift Set, R230 Almond milk is still all the rage, so you can’t go wrong with this goodie bag!

ESSENTIALS 45

DID SOMEONE SAY PARTY? Whether you’re a barely-there kind of girl or you prefer full-on glamour, let the festive countdown to gorgeous begin...

C

hances are you’re going to be running around like crazy all month long, trying to juggle work, family, cooking, shopping (all those presents!), wrapping and, oh wait, there’s a party (or three) on the horizon. Well, fear not, we’ve got it covered. From easy-to-do day-before beauty tricks to save you time, to a simple day-to-night make-up look, here’s how to achieve maximum impact with minimal effort…

46 ESSENTIALS

BEAUTY | confidence

YOUR PRE PARTY PLAN WIDE AWAKE

GET A LEG UP

Trying to meet all those end-of-year deadlines often means late nights â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on top of everything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got going on. The result? Puffy, tired eyesâ&#x20AC;¦ SOLUTION: â&#x153;± You should be using an eye cream like Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex, R990, every night, but if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a bit slack, use an eye mask. Sorbet Smoothing Under Eye Mask, R55, instantly brightens WKH H\H DUHD ZKLOH UHGXFLQJ SXI½QHVV â&#x153;± Leave two teaspoons in the freezer overnight then, in the morning, place the backs of the spoons under your eyes (as close to the inside corner as possible), then apply a little pressure and glide out to the HGJHV WR GH SXII DQG GUDLQ DQ\ H[FHVV ¾XLG

FULLY ARMED When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re wearing a slinky LBD, your upper arms have nowhere to hide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you may have a little more wobble in your wave than you did last year, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re stuck with those pesky raised bumps.

SOLUTION: â&#x153;± Start off with the same scrub you used on your legs to help lessen the appearance of those bumps, and get rid of any dry skin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially on your elbows. â&#x153;± Finish off with Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Self-Tanning Body Lotion, R92,95; it slightly tans fair to medium skin while giving it a beautiful glow, which will detract from unevenness and make arms appear slightly slimmer and more toned.

An end-of-year party is the perfect excuse to bring out that fab little cocktail dress youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been waiting to wear, but it might require you give your legs a little TLC...

SOLUTION: â&#x153;± To avoid red bumps and the evidence from any nicks, never shave or wax the day of a party; do any hair removal the day before (or sooner). After that, Sorbet Sensual Polish Up Salt Scrub, R45, is the perfect starting point for operation â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;legs outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Slap it on, rub it in, and rinse. Scaly skin, gone; effort levels, zero. â&#x153;± This is a great opportunity for last-minute tanning... from a bottle. We love Caribbean Tan products. Be sure to use a tanning mitt to help with application and avoid streaks.

BEST FOOT FORWARD The skin on your feet is 12 times thicker than the rest of the body, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder they need the extra attention.

SOLUTION: â&#x153;± Give yourself a DIY pedicure. After soaking your feet in ZDUP ZDWHU GU\ WKHP DQG ½OH ZLWK D 6WXGLR %DVLFV 3HGLFXUH File, R89,95, to get rid of hard skin. Cut your cuticles and nails, and paint your toenails in a summery shade, like Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer in Pretty As A Pink-ture, R149. â&#x153;± Keep your feet soft with Spalicious Fig & Pomegranate Mask, R150. Give yourself a little foot massage with it before bedtime, then put on a pair of socks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll wake up with sandal-ready feet.

LAST MINUTE FIXES ;

GET LEGGY You may have silky smooth legs, but where on earth did that bruise come from? And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get us started on the odd shaving rash.

SOLUTION: Coverderm Perfect Legs Fluid, R634,95, will cover up any marks, bruises, spots and scars in an instant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll last for 24 hours. As an added bonus, it also has an SPF 40 and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waterproof.

; MASTER THE MANI 7KHUHµV QRWKLQJ WKDW ½QLVKHV RII DQ RXW½W TXLWH OLNH D IDEXORXV PDQLFXUH SOLUTION: â&#x153;± We recommend a trip to Sorbet for a Gelish manicure because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-lasting, but if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re short on time, paint your own QDLOV DQG ½QLVK RII ZLWK D KDUG\ WRSFRDW OLNH Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat, R129, to safeguard against chips.

; CLOSE TO YOUR CHEST

Dying to show off your best assets, but worried that your décolletage resembles crepe paper?

SOLUTION: Instant smoothness is easier than youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d think! Simply prep your skin with a primer like Revlon Youth FX Fill + Blur Primer for Face/Neck, R199, to help iron things out.

ESSENTIALS 47

DAYTIME MAKE UP LOOK FACE Flaunt what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got by using light, luminous products that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look caked onâ&#x20AC;Ś Apply a brightening under-eye concealer like Clinique All About Eyes Concealer, R340, plus a tinted primer, moisturiser, or BB cream that still lets your natural skin tone come through â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we love Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active BB Cream, R119,95. To give your complexion a boost, try using Essence Strobing Highlighter, R64,95; use the Lottie London Powder Brush, R145, to then sweep it in a C-shape from the top of your cheekbones to halfway above \RXU EURZV ° ½QDOO\ DGG D WRXFK RI highlighter to your Cupidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bow.

EYES

LIPS A nude lip done right makes your lips look fuller, but remember: donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use a shade thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lighter than your skin, rather opt for a slightly darker blush shade, like Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;OrĂŠal Paris Color Riche Matte Obsession Lipstick in Strike A Rose, R179,95; make sure lips are well moisturised â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mattes and chapped lips donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mix well.

48 ESSENTIALS

Apply a soft wash of nude shadow to your lids (thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to be too precise), and use a light eyeshadow crayon to accent the inner corners of your eyes. To help perk up tired eyes, try Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;OrĂŠal Paris Infallible Eyeliner in Flawless Grey, R159,95, along the top of your lash line and on the outer corners, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the mascara â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whatever the time of day, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a miracle worker.

Opt for one that does it all, scan the label for promises of volume, GH½QLWLRQ DQG OHQJWK MXVW OLNH 5HYORQ Ultimate All-in-One Mascara, R170.

BEAUTY | confidence

NIGHT TIME MAKE UP LOOK FACE

Feature Tamlyn Cumings; Annie Vischer; timeincukcontent.com Make-up Kelly-Jean Gilbert Photography Hema Patel; Supplied Prices checked at time of going to print

Think bold and beautiful â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to up the ante with a bright pop of colour and a sun-kissed glow. Using a stippling brush like Real Techniques Stippling Brush, R199,95, apply a dewy foundation over your lighter, daytime base, then a sweep of bronzer to chisel cheekbones.

Our favourites are Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation, R99,95, and Clarins Bronzing Duo SPF 15 Mineral Powder Compact, R425.

EYES

LIPS

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all about loading up on dark eyeshadow when it comes to an evening ORRN D VKLPPHU\ QXGH VKDGRZ ¾DWWHUV everyone and takes less time to apply.

Sweep it across your lid, blending with a slightly darker shade at the outer corners.

We really love Essence All About Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, R89,95. Then, take a liquid liner across your top lash line and DGG D KLQW RI D ¾LFN IROORZ \RXU GD\ SHQFLO ¾LFN DV D JXLGH 7U\ 5HYORQ &RORU6WD\ Skinny Liquid Liner, R199. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t layer up your mascara â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wet mascara on top of dry mascara = clump fest. If you have time, you can add a few individual falsies.

Berry shades are on trend this summer, and the win is that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so easy to wear. If you really want to look like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in WKH NQRZ WU\ D PDWWH ½QLVK OLS OLNH 1<; 3URIHVVLRQDO 0DNHXS Matte Lipstick in Aria, R125 3DW LW RQ ZLWK \RXU ½QJHUWLSV IRU D OHVV SUHFLVH PRUH QRQFKDODQW UHDG VH[\ ½QLVK

ESSENTIALS 49

SUBSCRIBE | grea t deal

DOWNLOAD ESSENTIALS TODAY

AND SAVE 40% SUBSCRIBE TO ESSENTIALS ON MAGZTER FOR ONLY R212,40

READ IT ON YOUR COMPUTER, PHONE AND TABLET

Visit www.essentials.co.za to subscribe!

BEAUTY | tricks

BLOW-DRY LIKE A PRO! Too busy to get to the salon?

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to DIY your â&#x20AC;&#x2122;doâ&#x20AC;Ś

F

ew things make you feel as fabulous as a great blow-dry, but sometimes there really is no time to get to the salon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re like us, you left making an appointment too late. Well, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let that be the reason thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no pep in your stepâ&#x20AC;Ś you can get a salon-quality blow-dry at home with our tricks below. Go on â&#x20AC;&#x201C; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be turning heads all day!

IT STARTS IN THE SHOWER Give your hair a super clean with two washes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the cleaner it is, the longer your blow-dry will last. But go for a light conditioner that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make hair go limp. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to rinse your hair with as-cold-as-you-can-handle water to seal the cuticle.

1

THE BIG DIVIDE Heat damages your hair, so spritz a heat-defence spray before you get going. Depending on your hairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s texture, split it into two or three sections and then rough dry it. Part your hair from the corner of your eyebrow, across the crown to the other side. If you need another section, create one in line with the middle of your ear. From each section, divide hair again horizontally, no wider than the brush youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re using, and secure.

2

ALL ABOUT THE TECHNIQUE Wrap your hair around a round brush, stopping just before the roots. Direct hot air at your roots until the hair is completely dry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this helps give it extra height and volume, and always

Feature Charley Williams-Howitt; Tamlyn Cumings Photography Thinkstock; Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

3

Top tip!

your hair Never rub as it will with a towel wrap it in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cause frizz e to remove a cotton te oisture excess m ing. before dry

direct the nozzle downwards from the roots to the tips to ensure D VPRRWK ½QLVK ZLWK QR ž\DZD\V CHEATâ&#x20AC;Ś JUST A BIT! Work your way through the sections, starting on the bottom, then moving to the next tier and then the crown. The crown is the part that most people notice, so it needs the most volume â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re short on time, this is where you should concentrate your efforts. Use a brush one size bigger and follow the same process as before, but this time pin your warm hair up (as if it was wrapped in a UROOHU WR VHW ZKLOH \RX ½QLVK \RXU PDNH XS ° WKLV ZLOO JLYH WKH volume a lot more staying power.

4

LONG-LASTING VOLUME Avoid mattifying products, such as powders or dry shampoos, as they can weigh hair GRZQ RYHU WLPH OHDYLQJ LW žDW $ žH[LEOH KROG KDLUVSUD\ is your best bet for longevity (try one that will add shine at the VDPH WLPH ° DQG GRQ¾W IRUJHW WR žLS \RXU KHDG XSVLGH GRZQ WR spray underneath your hair for an added boost.

5

YOUR ESSENTIAL KIT

1

2

5

3

4

1 TRESemmĂŠ Care & Protect Heat Defence Styling Spray, R88,95 2 Cloud Nine Crocodile Clips, R185 for four 3 Kardashian Beauty Round Brush range, from R345 4 GOSH Hold Me Baby! Hairspray, R135 5 Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Conditioner, R139,95

ESSENTIALS 51

BEAUTY | obsession 1 3 4

2 11

Photography Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

5

6 10

9

8

All that

GLITTERS From subtle shimmer to full-on bling, just how sparkly are you prepared to go?

7

1 Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Extreme Shimmer Shadow & Liner in Smoky, R274,95 2 L.A. Girl StrobeLite Strobing Powder in 10 Watt, R149 3 MAC Dazzleglass Lip Colour in Baby Sparks, R270 4 Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or Multi-purpose Dry Oil in Golden Shimmer, R350 5 Essence Holo Rainbow Nail Polish in Love, R59,95 6 Typo Cosmetic Bag , R149,99 7 Morgan Taylor Glitter in Sweetest Thing, R149 8 Bodyography Glitter Pigments in Soiree, R370 9 NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Crystalized Metal, R154,95 10 Essence Metal Shock Lipstick in Ace of Hearts, R64,95 11 Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Nuit Blanche EDP, from R1 245

ESSENTIALS | compe ti tion

Stylish

W IN

aB & Gilreton Hat ly Ba wor g set

sun safety

R1 00th 0

Win one of 25 Emthunzini hat and bag sets worth R1 000 each

H

olidays are here, which means you may be spending more time outdoors. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays is by wearing a hat.

Not only are Emthunzini Hats CANSA approved, they’re super stylish too, so you can look good while staying safe in the sun.

New to the brand is the Gilly Bag range, which is perfect for packing any summer essentials, whether you’re heading to the beach or the bush. Like the hats, the bags fold easily for convenience and can be hand-washed. They also have an inner pocket with a zipper to ensure valuables stay safe. Choose from Seafoam, Navy, Red and Ivory colours.

See sunhats.co.za for more information

TERMS AND CONDITIONS To win one of 25 Emthunzini Hats sets, which includes a Breton Hat and Gilly Bag, each in the colours of your choice, worth R1 000, visit our website essentials.co.za; enter online before 31 December 2017. By entering, you give Caxton the right to market other Caxton Magazine offers to you.

HEALTH | wha tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new

3 WAYS TO PAIN-FREE PARTY FEET 1. BUNIONS These bony protrusions can form on the lower joint of your big toes when your foot rolls inwards, putting weight on the joint. Limit the amount of time spent in heels, and try Stepping Out Gel Bunion Guard, from R115, to cushion the bunion and reduce friction while walking.

2. SORE SOLES Ill-ďŹ tting shoes can cause pain in the ball of your foot, as can running. Try this exercise a few times a day to alleviate, and

prevent, pain: rise up on the balls of your feet, balance for a few seconds, then lower. Or try Green Cross Ball Of Foot Gel Cushions, from R102,95

3. BLISTERS Plan your shopping sprees wisely; try on and buy shoes in the afternoon when your feet are at their biggest. You can stretch new shoes by using shoe trees or even with scrunched-up paper before wearing if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a little tight. Try Clicks Blister Plasters, from R49,95

3 OF THE BEST...

Health news WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BETTER?

Visit essentials.co.za to discover the powers of essential oils, from soothing pain to helping with sleep.

DID YOU KNOW? In European folklore, mistletoe was considered magical, and a symbol of fertility. The plant has been used to treat high blood pressure, as well as to stimulate the immune system. Small clinical trials show it can potentially be XVHG WR ½JKW FDQFHU LQ DQ injectable form. But beware, the leaves and berries are toxic to eat.

A dose of caffeine or climbing the stairs?

THE VERDICT: Up you go!

THE REASON: A recent study conducted at the University of Georgia found walking up and down stairs at a low intensity for 10 minutes had a greater effect on energy levels than caffeine.

So ditch that cuppa and get climbing those stairs instead.

HEALTH QUICK FIX

Friday night pizza doesn't have to be unhealthy ° WKLV žDYRXU FRPER LV DV WDVW\ DV LW LV QXWULWLRXV

+ &DXOLžRZHU EDVH +LJK LQ ½EUH DQG has vitamin C 54 ESSENTIALS

+

Goat's cheese A lower-kilojoule protein boost

Asparagus Good source of antioxidants

HEALTHY FAMILY DRINKS Clover Future Life Smart Drink $ VFLHQWL½FDOO\ formulated, low-GI dairy snack that's packed with 50 nutrients.

Selected retail stores NestlĂŠ NANKID Optipro 4 Contains optimised protein that supplies the right quality and quantity of protein to your growing tot.

R299,99, Game

OSHEE Vitamin Water A Polish brand offering South Africans a žDYRXUHG ZDWHU enriched with vitamins and minerals.

R 14,99, Spar

Photography Thinkstock; Fotolia; Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

Yay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it's party season! But one in ďŹ ve of us complain about being in agony just 10 minutes into wearing heels... Here's how to keep comfy.

ESSENTIALS | promo tion

CLASSIC Custard Christmas Looking for fuss-free ways to wow your friends and family this festive season? Then you’ll love these easy-peasy custard creations – because who wants to spend hours in the kitchen during the holidays?

INDULGENT DRINKING CUSTARD

THE TASTIEST 10 MINUTE MAKE Crush a pack of coconut biscuits and mix with some melted butter. Push the mixture firmly down into the base of a tart tin, top with Clover Classic Custard then put it in the fridge to chill for an hour – it couldn’t be easier.

COOK’S TOP TIP Short on time? Why spend hours whipping up home-made custard when you can open up a carton of delicious Clover Classic Custard and pass it off as your own? It’s thick, creamy and so hard to resist, just like the custard that you remember from your childhood (and we promise your time-saving secret’s safe with us!). Add it to Clover trifles, use it to make fuss-free Classic Custard is creamy, smooth custard slices, pour over your and delicious.

Christmas pudding, or serve with It's also a great a bowl of jelly – that should keep source of everyone in the family happy! vitamins A, B2 & D.

ESS8455/12/17 Recipes Vickie de Beer Photography Charles Russel www.crphotographic.co.za Assistant Julia van Maarseveen

If you can’t bear the thought of sipping on eggnog in the height of summer, try this new twist on a classic tipple. Pour some Clover Classic Custard into a tall glass and add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract – for the grown-up version, add a splash of chilled bourbon.

Treat your family to the deliciously creamy taste of Clover Classic Yoghurt. Cloverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of smooth yoghurt is made using the unique Clover recipe, with real Clover Milk for extra creaminess. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a source of 10 essential vitamins making it even better for the whole family.

We asked the experts to share the ONE thing we should all be doing to improve our health 1. OPTOMETRIST: WEAR SUNGLASSES ‘Be as cautious with your eyes in the sun as you are with your skin. Protecting against UV light helps to guard against age-related eye issues like cataracts, which can cause blindness,’ says optometrist Rakesh Kapoor. If you have fair skin and light-coloured eyes, sunglasses are a must, as UV exposure could put you at risk for ocular melanoma. ‘Use sunglasses that meet EU or Australian regulations,’ adds Rakesh.

2. DENTIST: SPEND MORE TIME BRUSHING ‘You need to brush for two minutes, twice a day. Most of us brush for 30 seconds, but that’s not long enough to remove plaque. I also tell people to smell their dental floss after use – that usually encourages them to keep using it! Floss twice a week.’

Dr James Goolnik, dentist.

58 ESSENTIALS

Feature Helen Foster; Tamlyn Cumings Photography Thinkstock

9

HEALTH RULES to live by

HEALTH | report

3. DERMATOLOGIST: EAT SOME FAT ‘An intake of good fats, found in olive oil, avocado, and nuts, slows the skin’s wrinkling process. But do try to avoid vegetable oils – they’re high in omega-6 fats that can have an inflammatory effect. For beautiful skin, don’t forget to wear sunscreen, too!’ Dr Stefanie Williams, dermatologist.

5. BOWEL SPECIALIST: DON’T JUST REACH FOR FIBRE ‘Increasing fibre doesn’t help everyone with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and there’s also a type of constipation that’s called slow-transit constipation, for which this is the worst solution – it will just lead to more bloating, wind and pain.

If you try raising your fibre intake and things get worse – stop.’ Dr Anton Emmanuel, gastroenterologist.

4. NUTRITIONIST: EAT ONLY WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY ‘Understand when you’re hungry, eat then – and stop when you’re full. If that means lunch at 3pm, go with it. People who eat this way tend to eat less throughout the day, which can assist in weight maintenance, which in turn can help in many areas of their health.’

Rob Hobson, nutritionist.

Top tip!

Food sources of Vitamin D include oily fish, liver and egg yolks.

8. STRESS EXPERT: DON’T BE SO RIGID ‘My “rule” would be to have fewer rules! A lot of stress is created by ourselves as we try to fit rigid ideas about what we should do, or how we should do it. If we were all more flexible in our thinking – if we stopped trying to be so perfect – we’d create a lot less stress in our own lives.’

Dr Mark Winwood, psychologist.

9. PHYSIOTHERAPIST: BEND BACKWARDS MORE ‘Most of the bending we do each day involves forward bending, and this creates an imbalance in the body that leads to poor posture, pain and spinal problems. Get up every now and again and gently bend backwards, or simply arch your back in your chair – even that is enough to help balance things.’ Tim Allardyce, physiotherapist.

6. GYNAECOLOGIST: CHECK YOUR VITAMIN D LEVELS ‘Low levels of vitamin D are surprisingly common and, despite popular belief, it can affect women in sunny climates; nearly 40 to 50% of women of reproductive age have low levels, yet it’s essential for health and plays a role in fertility. So get your levels tested.’ Dr Narendra Pisal, gynaecologist.

7. CARDIOLOGIST: KNOW YOUR RISKS ‘Many women have no idea of their risk of heart disease.

Ask your doctor about yours, and do what you can to lower your risks: losing weight, stopping smoking, tackling blood pressure or cholesterol, or exercising. A family history of premature heart disease makes this even more essential.’

Dr Jane Flint, cardiologist.

ESSENTIALS EXTRA

Admittedly, our experts did suggest other rules – in fact, a few came up from almost all of them. We therefore decided to class these as rule no. 10: Keep The Biggies Under Control.

Do these and you’ll make a difference to almost every area of your health – and add years to your life. So what are the big ones? Sleep better, stop smoking, keep a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and reduce stress.

ESSENTIALS 59

The 24-hour PANIC DIET Lose up to two kilos with Angela Dowden’s one-day diet designed to de-bloat your tum and help you shed excess water weight

HOW IT WORKS

Top tip!

If evenings are when you’re most likely to go off track, save at least one snack for after dinner.

WHAT TO DO ✱ Stick carefully to the plan – all the IRRGV KDYH EHHQ VSHFL½FDOO\ FKRVHQ to maximise your results. ✱ Eat when you’re hungry, not by the clock. So, for example, if you don’t feel that hungry until mid-morning, don’t eat breakfast until then. ✱ If you’re still thirsty, drink more green tea or just plain water (not sparkling, though, as it’s important to avoid introducing unwanted gas into your system). ✱ Remember, the plan is only designed as an emergency one-day party prepper – don’t stay on it for any longer as it’s too low in carbs. ✱ Try to slot in 30 minutes of brisk walking (or a gentle jog) to boost the EHQH½WV 6DYH PRUH VWUHQXRXV FDUGLR for another day.

60 ESSENTIALS

Feature Tamlyn Cumings; timeincukcontent.com Photography Gallo Images/Getty Images; Fotolia Check with your doctor before starting any new diet

1HHG WR ½W LQWR \RXU /%' LQ a hurry? This plan is not only low in kilojoules, but also low in carbohydrates and salt to KHOS \RX JHW ULG RI H[FHVV ¾XLG It’s high in protein too, to help keep you feeling full, and also includes metabolism-boosting foods that give you the edge when it comes to zapping fat.

YOUR 24 HOUR PLAN: BREAKFAST 2 poached or hard-boiled eggs and one cup of berries. A cup of green tea.

Why? %HUULHV ½OO \RX XS ZLWK ½EUH DQG ZDWHU volume, but without adding too much of a carb load (which can mean your body holds on to water). High-protein eggs are one of the most satisfying breakfasts you can have, according to research, and green tea has caffeine thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help to slightly boost your rate of metabolism.

Busy life tip: You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to eat the eggs KRW FROG KDUG ERLOHG HJJV DUH ½QH PDNLQJ this a breakfast you can pack and take to work with you if thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier.

AFTERNOON SNACK Celery stick with 2 tsp no-added salt or sugar peanut butter. Why? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get protein, healthy fat, and water volume to keep you full â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not bloated.

MID MORNING SNACK

DINNER

125g fat-free Greek-style yoghurt sprinkled with cinnamon.

Why? +LJK SURWHLQ *UHHN VW\OH \RJKXUW LV PRUH ½OOLQJ WKDQ other types, despite being better for your waistline. Cinnamon DGGV ¾DYRXU ZLWKRXW NLORMRXOHV DQG NHHSV EORRG VXJDU OHYHOV in check, which will help minimise any craving spikes.

$ VPDOO ½OOHW RI EDNHG or poached salmon, with stir-fried broccoli and mangetout with garlic DQG ½QHO\ VOLFHG UHG FKLOOL sprinkled with sesame seeds. Cup of green tea.

Why? Salmon is a good source of protein thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart-healthy, while a bit of chilli gives a temporary boost to your metabolism.

LUNCH Salad made from rocket, half a chopped red pepper, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts.Add 50g soft goatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cheese, if you like. Cup of green tea.

Why? :LWK ½OOLQJ YHJHWDEOHV DQG KHDOWK\ IDWV DGGLQJ tasty goatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cheese to this fresh, easy lunch for protein ZLOO KHOS ½OO \RX XS EXW ZRQµW PDNH \RXU EHOO\ EXOJH Busy life tip: Roasting peppers and tomatoes boosts their OHYHOV RI O\FRSHQH ZKLFK KDV SURYHQ FDQFHU ½JKWLQJ properties. To roast in advance, chop and spread out on a baking tray with a light brush of olive oil, place in your oven on its highest setting. After 5 min, turn off the oven and leave to cool. Then keep in the fridge until needed.

ESSENTIALS EXTRA

7U\ WKHVH VWRPDFK ¾DWWHQLQJ WLSV â&#x153;± Ditch chewing gum. Even sugar-free gum can lead to you swallowing or gulping air â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a potential cause of bloating. â&#x153;± Avoid talking while eating, which can also introduce air into your digestive system.

Focus on your food, eat slowly and appreciate every mouthful. â&#x153;± Chew well â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at least 30 chews per mouthful â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to help improve your digestion. â&#x153;± Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t season with salt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its waterretaining sodium soon translates into extra centimetres around your stomach.

ESSENTIALS 61

Natural ways Skip the pills and try these alternatives to ease those aches and nigglesâ&#x20AC;Ś

I

f you regularly suffer from pain, you know what impact it can have on your life, from exercising to enjoying a normal nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep.

And while you may blame old age or that new gym move for your aches, according to The World +HDOWK 2UJDQL]DWLRQ RQH LQ ½YH SHRSOH VXIIHU IURP moderate to severe chronic pain*. Popping pills may seem like the obvious answer, but often they just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut it. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in a more natural approach, try these remedies...

62 ESSENTIALS

Feature Timeincukcontent.com Photography Fotolia; Thinkstock *According to a 2002 study by the International Association on the Study of Pain

TO BLITZ PAIN

HEALTH | fast fixes GET MINDFUL When people say pain is all in your head, they may be on to something. Meditation and mindfulness expert Nikki Harman teaches her patients techniques that change SDLQ SHUFHSWLRQ ´:LWKLQ IRXU WR ½YH GD\V RI SUDFWLVLQJ WKHP PRVW SHRSOH ½QG WKHLU SDLQ UHGXFHV µ VKH H[SODLQV TRY THIS EXERCISE BELOW: â&#x153;± Start to breathe deeply. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;When weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in pain we tend to breathe shallowly, but this increases levels of stress hormones that worsen pain,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; says Nikki. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Instead, slow and deepen your breathing. As you breathe in, expand your tummy and as you exhale, push it back in.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x153;± Imagine your pain as something physical â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it might be a cartoon character, a shape, or just a colour. Then, as you breathe, visualise that image slowly evaporating, and, eventually, disappearing.

TRY CONTRAST HEATING/COOLING â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Use ice and heat together to reduce physical problems like backache,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; says physiotherapist Tim Allardyce. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wrap frozen peas in a thin towel and place it RYHU WKH SDLQIXO VSRW IRU ½YH PLQXWHV Take it off and place a hot water bottle ZLWK D FRYHU RQ LW RYHU WKH DUHD IRU ½YH minutes, and then repeat with the ice.

Do this until the pain stops.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

USE THESE HERBAL HELPERS WILLOW BARK Contains salicin, the basis for aspirin, but this remedy might be better tolerated. â&#x153;± Try Flora Force Pain capsules, R105; Faithful to Nature.

DEVILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CLAW 8VHG IRU LQ¾DPPDWLRQ DV well as back pain or arthritis. â&#x153;± Try Naturmade Devils Claw Tablets, R115; Faithful to Nature.

TURMERIC A main ingredient in curries, it has EHHQ XVHG DV DQ DQWL LQ¾DPPDWRU\ for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine (an ancient Indian healing system) as well as traditional Chinese medicine. â&#x153;± Try Kalyan Organic Turmeric, R21; Faithful to Nature.

BOSWELLIA Another Ayurvedic herb that has ZHOO NQRZQ DQWL LQ¾DPPDWRU\ DFWLRQ â&#x153;± Try Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way Boswellia, R121; evitamins.com

TRY A TOPICAL GEL For fast relief from muscle aches a quick-acting topical gel can do the trick. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a headache too, use one with added menthol, as researchers found that a mentholbased rub was just as effective as paracetamol for a pounding head. â&#x153;± Try Moov Rapid Relief, from R42,95

GRAB A GIZMO Pain relief has gone a bit high-tech lately. Among the best new painrelieving gadgets you can try is a TENS machine. These send out mini-electrical pulses through the skin that interrupt pain signals on their way to the brain. They work well for problems like backache or period pain. â&#x153;± Try the NeuroTrac Multi-TENS machine, R1 180; tensmachine.co.za

ESSENTIALS EXTRA

Make your own tasty, pain-banishing smoothie: $QWL LQ¾DPPDWRULHV FDQ UHGXFH pain, particularly from conditions such as arthritis. But switch SLOOV IRU WKLV DQWL LQ¾DPPDWRU\ smoothie from nutritionist Rosemary Fergusonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book Juice + Nourish (Experiment; exclusivebooks.co.za). No wonder itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called Spice Rescue! ¼ papaya, 10 blueberries, small handful of spinach, 3-5cm piece of root ginger, ½ tsp ground turmeric, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp ¾D[VHHG RLO PO coconut water Peel and de-pip the papaya, then put everything in a blender and whizz until smooth.

ESSENTIALS 63

SUBSCRIBE | grea t deal

FESTIVE SUBSCRIPTION OFFER GET 50% OFF A YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION Essentials was R354, now R177 woman&home was R480, now R240 Country Life was R432, now R216 Food & Home was R432, now R216 Garden and Home was R444, now R222 Living and Loving was R348, now R174 rooi rose was R468, now R234 Your Family was R354, now R177

GET 40% OFF A YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION Bona was R204, now R122,40

GET 35% OFF A YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION Farmer’s Weekly was R950, now R617,50 People was R1 000, now R650 Vrouekeur was R1 000, now R650

GO ONLINE Visit www.magsathome.co.za or essentials.co.za or email subs@magsathome.co.za

CALL US NOW Call 087 405 2005 with your credit card or banking details for debit order arrangements

SMS SMS ‘CAXTON ESS’ to 40573 (each SMS costs R1)

POST Make your cheque out to Magsathome and post to Essentials Subs, Freepost CB0209, Box 596, Howard Place, 7450

BANKING DETAILS EFT or direct deposits paid to: Account holder: Magsathome. Bank: Nedbank Account Number: 1232073059. Branch Name: Business Southern Peninsula. Branch Code: 12320900 Reference: Surname and cell number and fax your proof of payment and address details to 086 670 4101 FOR INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Call +27 21 045 1809, fax +27 86 670 4101 or email subs@magsathome.co.za. Processing may take two to three weeks.

This offer is valid until 31 December 2017. Discounts and offers only available to print subscribers with SA postal address.

THE ULTIMATE

all under R500

gift guide From cute spoils for little ones to a touch of luxury, here are 2017’s greatest gifts for all budgets.

We hope Santa’s got a big enough sack for this lot...

ESSENTIALS 65

GIFTS FOR R100 AND UNDER Morlage & York Moroccan Rose Argan Luxury Soap, R59, @home

Animal ears cap, R89,90, Miniso

Single boxers with sunglasses print, R99,95, Woolworths

E TAKO! TW

Plush emoticon keychain, R13,99 each, The Crazy Store

Christmas Hip Flask, R77, jenamonline.co.za

E NIC E! C PRI

Leopard’s Leap Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, R88 per bottle, selected retailers

Watermelon print beach bag, R79,99, H&M

Keyboard, R99,95, Ackermans

Rockin’ Pencil and Eraser, R40, Big Blue

Oh So Heavenly Pineapple Lip Balm, R32,95, Clicks

Blue lens aviator-style sunglasses, R79,95, The Fix

GIFT GUIDE | be inspired

Penguin Random House Vintage Mini-books, R80 each, selected book retailers

Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sippy cups, R12 each, Game

Reindeer glasses, R39,99, Mr Price Home

FO O GI DIE FT

Play-Doh Sweet Shoppe Colorful Cookies, R79, selected toy retailers

Chilli zinc bucket gardening kit, R79, tanyavisser.com

The Treat Company Vanilla & Cinnamon Mixed Nuts, R49, yuppiechef.com

Truth Serum decanter, R89,99, Mr Price Home

Assorted placemats, R100 each, alovesupreme.co.za

Willow Creek Flavoured Extra Virgin Olive Oils, R68,99 each, selected retailers

Tassel Chandelier Earrings, R99,95, Woolworths

Star-shaped hair clips, R49,99 for pack of six, H&M

Trump stress ball, R90, Big Blue

ESSENTIALS 67

FORE TH L O PO

GIFTS FOR R250 AND UNDER Inflatable parrot cup holder, R129, Cotton On

Novelty mug, R149, Typo

Marvel Spider-Man Stuck on Stories, R220, selected book retailers

Porter baby shoes, R229, Shooshoos

Humble & Mash Decadent tumblers, R199 for four, yuppiechef.com

Orange Fox earphones, R199,95, Pylones

Shark Hooded Towel, R159, Clicks

Assorted Toffees, R130, darlingsweet.co.za

E NIC E! C PRI

Personalised scatter cushion covers, R250 each, lovelettersstationery.co.za

Glitter block-heels, R189,99, Mr Price

Baby-pink backpack, R119,99, Miniso

GIFT GUIDE | be inspired

HE’L LOV L E IT!

Men’s patterned straw hat, R149, H&M

Coghlans kids’ binoculars, R189, Trappers

Maison Pébeyre Truffle Salt, R229, yuppiechef.com

Lumi Candle in Summer Floral, R149, Cotton On

Oranges screen-printed kitchen towel, R175, Weylandts

Rapid Fire: Remarkable Miscellany by John Maytham (NB Publishers), R250, selected book retailers

E ON R FO HIM

Bow Peep button cufflinks in blue and white stripe, R190, hellopretty.co.za

Limited-edition Frosted Plum Body Butter, R175 for 200ml, The Body Shop

Cacti planter, R165, sugarandvice.co.za

SA CHE Y ERS

MIES Rosy Lemon Bath & Body Oil, R239, Faithful to Nature

Kids’ printed swimsuit, R179, H&M

Flagstone Dark Horse Shiraz 2014, R250 per bottle, selected retailers ESSENTIALS 69

GIFTS FOR R500 AND UNDER

IL SPO R FO U YO

Sandals, R279,95, Ipanema

Personalised PhotoCUBE, from R350, photoblox.co.za

Get Cushy Cushion, R299,99, Typo

Kids’ tulle skirt, R279, H&M

Glenfiddich 12-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky with Ice Bucket, R399,99, Picardi Rebel

Mustard faux suede satchel bag, R475, Quiz at Bay-One for Africa

P KEE M ‘E Y S BU

Circular Fringe Tropical Beach Blanket, R299,99, Mr Price Home

Janod Ducky Fishing Game, R290, Faithful to Nature

Neff Daily watch in Grey and Blue, R499, luksbrands.com

Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Quick & Easy Food (Michael Joseph), R430, selected book stores

GIFT GUIDE | be inspired GET ONE NOW

Popular Playthings Playstix Translucent Set, R280, letslearntoys.co.za

Hot Lips Hotel Slippers, R270, Handmade By Me

Bluetooth shower speaker, R299,99, Typo

Flamingo pool float, R399,99, Mr Price Home

Giverny Bright Floral Silk Classic Scarf, R299, Accessorize

Sibahle Collection dolls, from R441,28 each, bebouncehair.com

EY CAN E D BUY Y

Black Tweet Express coffee plunger, R349,95, Pylones

Brass Delicious Monster Ring, R440, dearrae.co.za

Miami Blue Vintage Prep Short Sleeve Shirt, R329, Cotton On

Underwater Camera in Tropical Palm, R299, Cotton On

WIS H LIST ITEM Tropical crystal-detail necklace, R459, Zara

Happy Holidays cookie bouquet, R359,95, netflorist.co.za

ESSENTIALS 71

FOOD | wha tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new

THIS MONTH Place 4 peaches, sliced, in a pan with 30g castor sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 150ml water.

Simmer for 5 min. Meanwhile, sift 125g ďŹ&#x201A;our and a pinch of salt. Beat in 2 eggs and 250ml milk to make a smooth batter. Heat a frying pan and add a few drops of oil. Pour in a thin stream of batter, tilting the pan so that it covers the surface evenly. Cook until set, then ďŹ&#x201A;ip to cook the other side. Cook 8 pancakes in total, adding a few drops of oil each time. To make a salted-caramel sauce, melt 80g butter, 80g muscovado sugar and 80g syrup in a saucepan.

Simmer for 1 min. Remove from the heat and add a pinch of sea salt ďŹ&#x201A;akes. Serve pancakes with the fruit and salted-caramel sauce.

3 OF THE BEST...

Food news

COMPILED BY JANINE JORGENSEN

SAVE OR SPLURGE These crisp, dry sauvignon blancs are perfect for casual seafood braais SAVE Angels Tears Sauvignon Blanc 2017, R40

We've put together a panic-proof festive checklist to make your life easier â&#x20AC;&#x201C; go to essentials.co.za

CHRISTMAS CHOCCIES Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy, R49,95 for 100g You might not have the heart to eat this cute chocolate bear â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but it is Lindt after all!

WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT...

THE CHRISTMAS ROAST MADE EASY The roast often takes centre-stage on the dining table at Christmas, but most of us would prefer spending less time in the kitchen preparing it.

Enter Checkers' ready-to-cook limited-edition meats, ranging from gammon and beef to turducken and venison pie, which just require turning on the oven and setting the timer.

Ta-da! From R99,99, Checkers.

Woolworths Hand-decorated &KRFRODWH 6WDUV 5 IRU ½YH Decadent festive chocs that are great for the table or as a gift

SPLURGE Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2017, R180 72 ESSENTIALS

Cadbury Dairy Milk Festive Whisper, R13,99 for 80g A limited-edition slab with malted honeycomb Whispers that you won't want to share

Peach pancake recipe and image South African Fruit Photography Fotolia; Thinkstock; Supplied Prices checked at time of going to print

We're using summer's peaches for a sweet treat...

ESSENTIALS | promo tion

TRIED, TESTED, LOVED...

CLOVER BLISS DOUBLE CREAM YOGHURTS A rich, creamy dessert without the guilt? Yes, please! We're tucking into Clover's Bliss Double Cream Yoghurt range after dinner. It has all the nutritional goodness of yoghurt, including 10 vitamins, with an indulgent creamy texture. Choose from Strawberries & Cream, Hazelnut, Black Forest, and, our favourite, Choc Chip. There's also a Plain version coming soon. From selected retailers.

FOOD HACK Salad days are here, but to avoid soggy lettuce on your plate, don't wash it under a running tap – the weight of the water can damage the OHDYHV 5DWKHU ½OO D FOHDQ VLQN with cold water, leave your greens to soak, and then lay out on a kitchen towel to dry.

FAST FOODIE FIX The kids will love this festive popcorn – bag up for JLIWV RU VQDFN RQ LW ZKLOH ZDWFKLQJ D KROLGD\ ½OP

+

+ Popcorn Pop about ¾ cup of kernels.

Place the popcorn in a large bowl

White chocolate chips Melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips and then pour over the popcorn to coat

Candy canes Crush the canes ½QHO\ WKHQ sprinkle over the popcorn and leave to set

HEALTHY

holidays

Do things differently this holiday season by whipping up healthy meals for the whole family. Try one of these delicious recipes from the Vitality HealthyFood Studio… and thank us later.

T

he festive season can be a tricky time to stick to healthy portion sizes and foods. "We’re often prone to overindulge during the year-end holidays, or buy lots of ready-made foods to save on time," says Candice Smith, head of Discovery Vitality's nutrition strategy. “Healthy eating doesn't have to mean depriving yourself either. By adding nutritious elements, you can enjoy the indulgence while still getting a health boost.”

SEARED SALMON SESAME SALAD WITH PICKLES SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR

For the pickles 45ml rice-wine vinegar 20g sugar 40ml water Large pinch of salt 3 large radishes, cut into thin slices 2 stalks of celery, cut into long thin strips For the salad 4 small cucumbers, thinly sliced lengthwise into ribbons Small bunch of coriander Small bunch of basil 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted 4 spring onions, halved 300g salmon or trout portions 20ml canola oil 5ml sesame oil

ESSENTIALS | promo tion

To make the pickles Season the radishes and celery with salt and set them aside for 5 min.

Combine the vinegar, water, salt and sugar in a small pot and bring to the boil.

Rinse the radishes and celery under water to remove the salt and dry well.

Pour the boiling pickle mixture over the radishes and celery, and allow to cool.

Place in the fridge to pickle for about 30 min.

1 2 3 4 5

To make the salad Combine the herbs and the sliced cucumber, and set aside in the fridge.

Coat the halved spring onions with 5ml of canola oil. Warm a griddle pan and grill the spring onions until they are slightly charred.

Warm another pan to high heat and add the rest of the canola oil. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then sear it in the pan, skin-side down first.

Turn the salmon after about 5 min and cook for a further 3 min on the other side.

It should still be pink in the middle.

For the dressing, combine the sesame oil with 3 tsp of the radish pickling liquid.

To plate the salad, start with the salmon and place the pieces of fish on the platter. Place the herb and cucumber mixture over and in-between, then add the pickles and spring onions.

Lastly, garnish with the toasted sesame seeds and dress the salad lightly.

If you enjoy chilli, a few thin slices of red chilli will not be out of place in this dish.

The salad is best if the fish is still warm.

1 2

3

4 5

6

GARLIC WHITE BEAN MASH

SERVES 4-6 READY IN 1 HR 35 MIN Place the milk in 1 small head of garlic a pot and warm 1 tbsp olive oil to scalding point.

200ml low-fat milk Cut the head in 2 sprigs thyme half and squeeze 2 tins butter beans the roasted garlic into the milk.

Start by coating the Add the beans garlic head with the (rinsed and drained) olive oil and roast in the and the thyme, and cook oven at 180°C for 40 min the mixture on a low to 1 hr until the garlic is soft. heat for about 10 min.

2 3

1

4

SAVVY SWAP OUTS

ESS8452/12/17 Photography Supplied

Out with the bad, in with the good. Try these easy swaps for a healthier festive season.

Use this

Not that

Unsweetened Rooibos tea, plain water

Soft drinks, fruit juice, sports drinks

Brown rice, barley, stampkoring, quinoa

White rice, bread, pasta

Unsalted nuts and popcorn

Crisps and sweets

Dark chocolate in moderation

Milk or white chocolate

Dates, almond flour or desiccated coconut

Cake flour

5

Remove the thyme sprigs and place the beans in a blender, or blend with a hand blender, to a smooth purée.

Pass the purée through a sieve to ensure that there are no lumps. If the consistency is too thick, add a bit more milk.

Season to your taste and serve as a starter or side.

6 7

STAND THE CHANCE TO WIN!

Share any #LifeGoals recipe – the one you're really proud of – with Discovery Vitality, and stand a chance to win a R5 000 Woolworths Food voucher for all your holiday food shopping!

Simply take a photo of your creation, use the hashtag #LifeGoals, and then tag @DiscoveryVitality and @EssentialsMagazineSA on Facebook or @Discovery_SA & @essentialsmagSA on Twitter to enter.

The winner will be announced on 11 December 2017.

The Vitality HealthyFood Studio in partnership with Woolworths and Prue Leith Chef's Academy, based in Sandton, is a teaching and dining kitchen where you can take part in fun and interactive cooking classes to help ignite a lifelong love of healthy, appetising cooking. Book a course at healthyfoodstudio.co.za

SERVE UP

A FEAST

It’s time to celebrate with family and friends so here’s a step-by-step guide to serving up the perfect mouthwatering Christmas lunch

Top tip!

It’s easier to joint the turkey and then slice the meat rather than to carve it whole.

76 ESSENTIALS

FOOD | tradi tional feast

BRINED TURKEY WITH SAGE AND ONION STUFFING

SERVES 6 READY IN 4 HR 10 MIN + MARINATING 1 tbsp juniper berries 2 tbsp black peppercorns 6 bay leaves 750g salt 3.5-4.5kg turkey 1 chicken stock 3 tbsp avocado oil Fresh bay and sage leaves, for garnishing

To brine the turkey, pour 2 water into a large pan or pot, add the juniper berries, peppercorns and the bay leaves, and bring to the boil. Add the salt, stir until it has dissolved, then take the pan off the heat. Add 8 cold water and then leave to cool. Place the turkey in a container (not aluminum) that’s just larger than the bird. Pour over the brine – if the turkey isn’t fully immersed, make more brine. Leave to marinate for a minimum of 12 hr, but preferably 24 hr.

Heat the oven to 190°C. Put one shelf at the bottom of the oven for the turkey. While the oven is heating, follow the stuffing recipe (see p79).

Rinse and dry the turkey well, then stuff the neck end and secure it with a skewer.

Weigh the stuffed turkey and work out your cooking time (allow 20 min cooking time per kg, plus 1 hr 30 min extra). Place the bird in a large roasting tin, pour in the stock, then drizzle the oil over the skin and season with salt and pepper. Cover the turkey with foil and put it in the oven; remove the foil for the last 50 min of cooking time. Cook any extra stuffing balls for 20-25 min.

Test to see if the turkey is cooked – the juices should run clear and a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the flesh should measure at least 75°C. If it’s not ready, put it back in the oven for another 10-15 min before checking the bird again.

When the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven, cover with foil, and leave to rest in a warm place for 20-30 min before carving.

Meanwhile, using the turkey roasting pan, make a rich wine gravy (see p79).

1

Tasty veggie dish

2

3

4 5

BEETROOT, BUTTERNUT AND GOAT’S CHEESE TARTLETS SERVES 6 READY IN 1 HR 10 MIN

4 small beetroots, each cut into six wedges 1 butternut, cut into small chunks 2 red onions, each cut into six wedges Olive oil, for roasting A few sprigs of rosemary 375g ready-rolled shortcrust pastry 185g crème fraîche 200g goat’s cheese, sliced into six pieces Salad leaves and tomatoes, to serve Heat the oven to 200°C. Put the beetroot, butternut and onions in a roasting tin, toss with the olive oil, add the rosemary and season well. Cook

1

for 30 min until soft and caramelised.

Meanwhile, line six 6cm x 7.5cm fluted loose-based flan tins with the pastry, leaving an overhang, then blind bake for 15 min. When they’re cooked through and sandy coloured, trim off the excess pastry with a knife.

Turn the oven down to 180°C. Fill the tart cases with the vegetables, then season. Top each with 2 tbsp crème fraîche and a slice of goat’s cheese, season again, then return to the oven and bake for 15 min, until the cheese is golden. Serve with salad leaves and tomatoes.

2

3

ESSENTIALS 77

BREAD WREATH WITH BAKED CAMEMBERT SERVES 8-10 READY IN 2 HR 10 MIN 500g white bread flour, plus extra for dusting 10g salt 35g unsalted butter, melted and cooled 10g dried yeast Olive oil, for greasing the bowl 1 x 250g boxed Camembert 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tsp sesame seeds 1 tsp poppy seeds 1 tbsp white wine 1 tbsp runny honey Sift the white bread flour and salt into a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the butter, yeast and 150ml warm water to the flour.

1

Mix until you have a soft dough, adding more warm water if needed.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 min until it is elastic and bounces back when pressed. Roll into a ball and place in an oiled bowl, covered loosely with oiled clingwrap. Leave to rise in a warm place for around 50 min or until the dough has doubled in size.

Tip the dough onto a floured work surface and knead for 30 sec, divide into three equal pieces, then roll each into a sausage shape about 60cm long. Press them together at one end, then plait the three strands, keeping the plait as tight as possible. Place on an oiled baking sheet and join the ends to

2

3

create a wreath shape around the cheese box. Set the box aside. +HDW WKH RYHQ WR Ă&#x161;& &RYHU WKH dough loosely with oiled clingwrap and leave to prove for 20 min until an imprint remains when pressed with a finger. Brush the loaf with the egg, sprinkle on the seeds and then bake for 25 min. Remove from the oven.

Discard the cheeseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrapper, then put it in its wooden box without the lid. Cut a small cross in the centre of the cheese and pour on the wine. Bake in the oven for 5-10 min.

Meanwhile, in a pan, melt the honey with 1 tbsp hot water, then brush it over the warm bread. Put the cheese box in the centre of the bread wreath and serve immediately.

4 5

Top tip!

Serve with apple wedges and celery sticks to dunk in the cheese.

78 ESSENTIALS

ESSENTIALS 78

FOOD | tradi tional feast

Top tip!

Adding a splash of soy sauce to the gravy will give it more flavour.

ALL THE TRIMMINGS ALL READY IN 1 HR

Sage and onion stuffing Put 500g good-quality sausage meat, 1 onion, chopped, 30g fresh breadcrumbs and 3 tbsp chopped fresh sage in a bowl.

Mix together with your hands to make sure everything is well combined. Stuff the neck end of the turkey, then shape any remaining stuffing into balls.

Cook any balls with the turkey for 20-25 min.

Cheat’s easy luxury cranberry sauce Put 250g ready-made cranberry sauce and 2 tbsp Cointreau into a pan, then simmer gently for around 3 min to burn off the alcohol. Sprinkle with a little orange zest to serve.

Really easy starter

Feature Ysanne Brooks Photography timeincukcontent.com

SMOKED SALMON AND HORSERADISH PÂTÉ SERVES 6 READY IN 15 MIN

400g low-fat cream cheese 300g smoked salmon trimmings 2 tbsp ready-made horseradish sauce Juice of ½ lemon For the Melba toast 6 slices of thick white bread Combine all the ingredients for the pâté in a food processor and whizz until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, transfer into ramekins, then set aside while you

1

make the toast or chill them until you’re ready to serve them later.

Heat the grill to medium. Toast the bread slices on both sides until lightly toasted, then cut off the crusts. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the bread through the middle so that you’re left with two full-size, thin pieces. Cut all the pieces diagonally to form triangles, then return to the grill, cut-side up, to brown. Serve with the pâté.

2

Spiced bread sauce Put 30g butter, ½ chopped onion, 6 cloves, 2 bay leaves and ½ tsp ground nutmeg in a pan. Cook gently for 15 min, stirring. Add 600ml milk and 100ml cream, bring to the boil then remove from the heat and leave to cool. Sieve into a clean pan, bring to the boil, add 125g fresh white breadcrumbs, then season. Simmer for 3 min.

Rich wine gravy Spoon off fat from the turkey roasting tin. Pour in a splash of boiling water and scrape the base. Add 200ml white wine and 300ml chicken stock, and season. Mix 1 tbsp flour with 1 tbsp softened butter, add to the tin and whisk. Simmer for 10 min until thickened.

ESSENTIALS 79

NUT, APPLE AND RED ONION STUFFING SERVES 6 READY IN 1 HR 5 MIN

60g butter, plus extra for greasing 3 red onions, chopped finely 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 apples, chopped 200ml sherry 1 tbsp chopped sage or thyme 200g breadcrumbs 200g hazelnuts or pecans, chopped

1

Melt the butter in a pan, then cook the onions gently for

15 min, stirring often, until golden and caramelised. Add the garlic and the apples to the pan. Cook for 2 min, then add the sherry.

Bubble for 3 min. +HDW WKH RYHQ WR Ă&#x161;& 6WLU the herbs, breadcrumbs and nuts into the apple mix, season well, then press into a buttered baking dish. Bake for 30 min until golden on top.

2

SWEET SESAME ROAST CARROTS SERVES 6 READY IN 1 HR 5 MIN 500g carrots, peeled and cut into batons 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp honey 2 tbsp sesame seeds 1½ tsp ground ginger

1

+HDW WKH RYHQ WR Ă&#x161;& 0L[ the carrots with the olive oil, honey, sesame seeds and the ginger. Put on a baking tray and roast for 50 min until golden.

ROAST POTATOES AND PARSNIPS WITH A PARMESAN CRUST SERVES 6 READY IN 1 HR 20 MIN 1.5kg potatoes, peeled and quartered 8 tbsp olive oil 800g parsnips, peeled and halved lengthways 150g Parmesan, grated 6 tbsp breadcrumbs 2tsp chopped thyme

1

+HDW WKH RYHQ WR Ă&#x161;& Put the potatoes in a pan with cold water. Bring to the boil, simmer for 6 min, drain

80 ESSENTIALS

and steam-dry for 3 min.

Shake the potatoes to fluff the edges and toss with 6 tbsp of the oil. Mix with the parsnips with 2 tbsp oil. Roast the potatoes for 15 min, add the parsnips and return to the oven for 30 min, turning occasionally.

Mix the Parmesan with the breadcrumbs and thyme.

Sprinkle onto the vegetables.

Roast for a further 15 min.

2

Top tip!

Olive Pride Blendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subtle ďŹ&#x201A;avour is great for roast veg

FOOD | tradi tional feast

CHRISTMAS PUDDING ICE CREAM SERVES 6 READY IN 30 MIN + SOAKING & FREEZING 375g mixed dried fruit (such as currants, candied peel, glacé cherries and sultanas), roughly chopped 6 tbsp dark rum 4 egg yolks 100g castor sugar 350ml cream 100g coconut cream 200g Greek-style yoghurt Glacé cherries, to serve In one bowl, mix 250g dried fruit with 4 tbsp rum and cover. Repeat with the remaining

1

mixed fruit and rum in another bowl. Leave to soak for at least 4 hr or overnight.

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until it forms silky, pale ribbons. Bring the cream to a boil in a pan, then pour onto the egg yolks, whisking all the time. Return the mixture to the pan, then cook gently, stirring all the time with a wooden spoon, until the mixture has thickened.

Remove from the heat and stir in the coconut cream.

2

3

Leave to cool, then stir in the yoghurt and first bowl of fruit.

Spoon into mini-pudding moulds, dessert cups, or a 1.2 clingwrap-lined pudding basin.

Freeze for at least 6 hr or overnight, if possible.

To serve, take the ice cream out of the freezer and leave at room temperature for 10 min.

Remove from the moulds or basin, place on serving dishes and top with glacé cherries. Add a spoonful of the remaining rumsoaked mixed fruit on the side.

4

ESSENTIALS 81

DELICIOUS sweet treats Now is not the time to be counting kilojoules â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in fact, you may want to indulge in a second helping!

Top tip!

Warm the lemons in the microwave for 15 sec to help release more juice.

82 ESSENTIALS

FOOD | swee t trea ts

CITRUS TART WITH MERINGUE PEAKS SERVES 12 READY IN 1 HR 30 MIN For the pastry 150g cake flour, plus a little extra 75g unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes 50g icing sugar 2 large egg yolks For the filling 1 large egg, plus 4 large yolks 150g golden castor sugar Few drops of orange food colouring (optional) Finely grated zest of 3 lemons Finely grated zest of 1 orange 100ml freshly squeezed lemon juice 50ml freshly squeezed orange juice 150ml cream For the frosting 3 large egg whites 250g castor sugar Edible cake decorations Heat the oven to 190°C. To make the SDVWU\ WLS WKH žRXU DQG EXWWHU LQWR a food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add icing sugar, pulse again, add egg yolks and pulse until the mixture just holds together. Knead gently and shape into a ball. Wrap in clingwrap; chill for 30 min.

5ROO RXW WKH SDVWU\ RQ D OLJKWO\ žRXUHG surface and then use to line a 23cm loose-based tart tin. Chill for 30 min.

Put the tin on a baking sheet. Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper and ½OO ZLWK EDNLQJ EHDQV %DNH IRU PLQ Remove paper and beans, and bake for 8-10 min until just cooked. Remove from the oven. Reduce the oven to 170°C. 7R PDNH WKH ½OOLQJ SXW WKH HJJ yolks, sugar and food colouring, if using, into a bowl and stir until smooth.

Gently mix in the lemon and orange zest, juice and cream. Pour into the pastry case and bake for 20-30 min RU XQWLO WKH ½OOLQJ LV VOLJKWO\ ZREEO\ LQ WKH PLGGOH ° LW ZLOO ½UP XS DV LW FRROV Tip the egg whites into a heatproof bowl and add the sugar. Rest over a pan of simmering water and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and whisk with an electric mixer until thick. Spoon the meringue frosting into a piping bag and pipe peaks around the edge of the tart. If you like, you can use a blowtorch to lightly singe each of the meringues. Sprinkle with decorations.

1

2

3

4

EASIEST EVER PASTRY WREATH SERVES 6 READY IN 25 MIN

50g pecans, chopped 50g dried apricots, chopped 50g dried fruit-cake mix 50g glacĂŠ cherries, plus extra to decorate 50g butter 50g muscovado sugar 2 tsp cinnamon 400g ready-rolled puff pastry 1 egg, beaten 200g icing sugar 3 tbsp lemon juice Edible gold cake decorations (try nicoletta.co.za)

1

+HDW WKH RYHQ WR Ă&#x161;& ,Q D ERZO combine the pecans, apricots, dried fruit and cherries. In another bowl, soften the butter in the microwave for 30 sec, and then stir in the muscovado

sugar and cinnamon.

8QUROO WKH SDVWU\ DQG žDWWHQ VOLJKWO\ Cut the sheet into eight triangles.

Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture over the triangles and scatter over the dried fruit and nut mixture.

From the small side, roll the dough to form crescents. Arrange on a lined baking tray, with ends touching in a circle. Brush with beaten egg. Bake for 15 min until risen and golden brown.

Leave on a wire rack until cool.

Sieve the icing sugar into a bowl, and then gradually stir in the lemon juice to make a smooth pouring consistency. You may need to add more lemon juice. Drizzle the icing over the ZUHDWK DQG ½QLVK ZLWK JROG GHFRUDWLRQV and halved glacÊ cherries.

2

3

4

ESSENTIALS 83

FOOD | swee t trea ts

BLACK FOREST CHOCOLATE CAKE SERVES 16 READY IN 1 HR 35 MIN For the cake 200g dark chocolate 200g butter 225g muscovado sugar 6 eggs, lightly beaten 125g self-raising flour 4 tbsp cocoa 50g ground almonds 4 tbsp cream liqueur, like Cape Velvet For the ganache 200ml cream 3 tbsp castor sugar 200g dark chocolate For the filling 300ml cream 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp icing sugar 6 tbsp cherry jam To decorate 100g each white, milk and dark cooking chocolate, broken into squares 3 tsp vegetable oil Truffles

1

+HDW WKH RYHQ WR Ă&#x161;& )RU the cake, melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Cream together the butter DQG PXVFRYDGR VXJDU XQWLO žXII\ Gradually beat in the eggs, sifting LQ D OLWWOH žRXU DQG FRFRD KDOIZD\ )ROG LQ WKH UHVW RI WKH žRXU FRFRD and almonds. Pour in the melted chocolate and stir to mix.

Grease and line a 21cm springform tin. Spoon the mixture into the tin and bake for 30 min. Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 min more. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 30 min, turn out on a wire rack and cool completely.

For the cake decoration, put the white, milk and dark chocolates into small bowls over pans of simmering water with 1 tsp oil in each, heat until melted. Pour the dark chocolate into a tub. Drizzle in the milk

2

3

84 ESSENTIALS

chocolate and use a cocktail stick to swirl.

Pour in the white chocolate and swirl together. Tip the swirled chocolate onto EDNLQJ SDSHU FKLOO XQWLO ½UP Put the cream for the ganache into a pan with the castor sugar and warm.

Add the chocolate, turn off the heat and stir until smooth. Cool for 10 min.

Put the cake onto a cake stand and cut in half horizontally. Pierce the cake's base several times with a cocktail stick and drizzle over 2 tbsp of the liqueur. )RU WKH ½OOLQJ ZKLS WKH FUHDP YDQLOOD and icing sugar until soft peaks form.

4 5

6

Warm the jam slightly until itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a spreading consistency, if necessary, then spread onto the cake base. Pipe over the cream.

Sandwich together with the other cake half, pierce with a cocktail stick and drizzle over the remaining 2 tbsp of cream liqueur.

Spoon over the chocolate ganache to top WKH FDNH DQG OHDYH WR ½UP XS IRU PLQ Use a vegetable peeler to create curls from the swirled chocolate. Pile the WUXIžHV DQG FXUOV LQ WKH FHQWUH WR GHFRUDWH The cake can be kept in an airtight container in a cool place (not the fridge) for up to four days.

7 8

FOOD | swee t trea ts

LEMON & LIME SYLLABUB SERVES 6 READY IN 30 MIN + CHILLING 3 thick slices of Madeira cake Juice of 2 limes 375ml double-thick cream 3 tbsp lemon curd 75ml sweet wine Gold sprinkle cake decorations and lime zest, to decorate

Top tip!

For best results, chill the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream.

1 2

&XW RXW FLUFOHV RI FDNH WR ½W the base of 6 glasses. Spoon 1 tsp lime juice over each one.

Whip the cream with the lemon curd, sweet wine and remaining lime juice until just thick enough to form soft peaks. Spoon the mixture into the glasses and chill for 2 hr. Decorate with gold sprinkles and lime zest.

FESTIVE FRUIT PASTRY TWIRLS

Feature & food styling Felicity Barnum-Bobb Photography Chris Alack Prop styling Sue Radcliffe

MAKES 20 READY IN 55 MIN 410g fruit mince Finely grated zest of 1 orange 1 apple, peeled and grated 25g pecans, chopped 400g puff pastry A little beaten egg 1 tbsp sugar crystals (optional) 3 tbsp runny honey 1 tbsp icing sugar, to dust (optional) Mix the fruit mince, orange zest, apple and pecans in a bowl.

Heat the oven to 200°C. Unroll the pastry on a work surface with the short end facing you.

5ROO RXW VOLJKWO\ WR ¾DWWHQ and smooth any uneven grooves. Spread over the fruit mince mixture, leaving a 2.5cm border along the shortest edge, furthest away from you.

1

Brush this pastry edge with beaten egg.

Roll up the pastry tightly, away from you, like a Swiss roll.

Press down the pastry edge. Wrap in clingwrap and pop into the freezer IRU PLQ WR ½UP XS Cut the ends off the roll and discard, then slice into 20. Using a palette knife or egg lifter, lift the rounds onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them well apart.

Sprinkle with some sugar crystals if using.

Bake for 25 min until puffed and golden.

Heat the honey in a microwave for a few sec and brush over each twirl while still warm. Cool on a wire rack. Serve dusted with icing sugar if you like.

2

3

4

ESSENTIALS 85

DECORATE

& CELEBRATE Havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decided on your Christmas decor scheme yet?

Be inspired to show off your festive flair with these great ideas

W

hile Christmas gives you a great excuse to go OTT with decorations in your home, sticking to one theme or colour scheme will make your celebration a more stylish affair.

We have rounded up three of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on-trend festive looks and found decorations for the table, tree, mantelpiece, or all three, to match.

HOME | inspira tion

Merry Christmas sign, R149,99, Mr Price Home

Philippa Wine Glass, R55, Poetry

Greenery wreath, R249,99, Woolworths

Moko Star Candle Holder, R119, Faithful to Nature

KEEP IT NATURAL Smart Resource Designs Christmas hanging decor set, R115 for four, hellopretty.co.za

Gold Twig Salad Servers, R299, Poetry

Modern wire table tree decoration (30cm), R150, Woolworths

White angel tree decoration, R15,99, Mr Price Home

Pincushion gift tags, 5 IRU ½YH, Skinny LaMinx

White resin reindeer (27cm), R189, @home

Mini Christmas tree in terracotta pot, R119,99, Woolworths

ESSENTIALS 87

HOME | inspira tion Petra Patterned Salad Bowl, R350, Poetry

Block Circle Table Runner in Liquorice, R595; Palmetto Soft Bucket in Tarmac, from R175; Simple Stripe Napkin in Liquorice, R230 for two; all Skinny LaMinx Merry & Bright mug, R65, Woolworths

Wooden tree (35cm), R299, Woolworths

GLITZY BLACK AND WHITE Gold house and car snow globe (13,5cm), R229, @home

Metallic Christmas platter, R99,99, Mr Price Home

City crackers, R120 for six, Woolworths Gold triangle Christmas stocking, R110, Zana

City Geo baubles, R89,95 for six, Woolworths

Shaped Mini Marquee Light, R149,99, Typo

Embossed black cutlery, from R129 each, Zara Home

88 ESSENTIALS

Embroidered Christmas tree stocking, R199, @home

Red sequin baubles, R59,99 for six, Mr Price Home

Feature Janine Jorgensen Photography David Brittain; Simon Whitmore; Supplied Lifestyle image styling Marie Nichols; Carol Wortley-Bishop Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

Natural driftwood Christmas tree (50cm), R199,99, Checkers

FOLLOW TRADITION Christmas felt placemat, R25,99, Mr Price Home

Ginger Ray Vintage Noel Hanging Paper Honeycomb Decor, R119 for three, yuppiechef.com

Ginger Ray Patterned Paper Cups, R29 for eight, yuppiechef.com

Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings sign, R149,99, Mr Price Home

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, R499,90 (includes storybook), Toy Kingdom

Polka dot banner (4,2m), R25, Game ESSENTIALS 89

CLEAN YOUR HOME FOR LESS!

Exclusive deals for Essentials readers, go to www.wuhu.co.za/promo/essentials to claim

+

SAVE

R18

Handy Andy Power Cream or Actifizz Trigger Bottle 750ml

BUY BOTH GET A REWARD

Comfort 800ml Fabric Softener

GET THIS DEAL AT DIS-CHEM

GET THIS DEAL AT DIS-CHEM

SAVE

R10

Omo Foam Action Bleach 750ml GET THIS DEAL AT PICK N PAY

SAVE

R30

SAVE

R14

Sunlight 3kg 2in1 Auto GET THIS DEAL AT PICK N PAY

QR Code (scan to unlock your deal)

SAVE

2X NU METRO MOVIE TICKETS

R22

Sunlight Fabric Conditioner 2ℓ

Omo Hand Wash Laundry Liquid Detergent 1.5ℓ

GET THIS DEAL AT PICK N PAY

GET THIS DEAL AT SPAR

Sign up now and start saving – it’s free! To get guaranteed savings and rewards on a wide range of products you’ll love.

ESS8463/12/17 Photography Supplied

HOW WUHU WORKS STEP 1: Sign up at wuhu.co.za/promo/essentials STEP 2: Add your favourite deals to your basket STEP 3: Redeem your discount and reward coupons in-store using the coupon code you receive via SMS

STEP 4: Be instantly rewarded!

Look for your exclusive deals to save and get rewarded!

www.wuhu.co.za/promo/essentials /wuhudeals

f

These deals are available from 13 November until 31 December 2017.

Savvy shopper 8 OF THE BEST KITCHEN BUYS Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re likely to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen this month â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these smart items should make it a little easier

3. THE TIME-SAVER Philips Viva Collection Airfryer, R1 899,99; Hirschâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ,I WKH WLPH DQG NLORMRXOH VDYLQJ EHQH½WV RI an airfryer donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t grab your attention, maybe the dishwasher-safe QuickClean basket of this one will. With its TurboStar technology, it also promises to reduce fat by up to 80% as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll use hardly any oil, and, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no pre-heating needed either â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just plug it in and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to use. You can make nearly DQ\WKLQJ LQ LW ° IURP URDVWHG FDXOLžRZHU WR cheesecake. Need some supper inspiration?

Check out the Philips Airfryer app (free for iOS/Apple; Android) for over 200 recipes.

4. THE TASTE-MAKER Sunbeam 9-minute Marinator, R439; takealot.com Too busy to cook? No problem! We love time-saving gadgets and this handy device will shave hours off your meal prep. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing a few chops in the oven or a spatchcock chicken on the braai, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to wait hours for the meat to marinate.

By spinning your meat in your chosen sauce for â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yes, you guessed it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just nine minutes, it will absorb all the ULJKW žDYRXUV EHIRUH \RXÂľYH HYHQ ½QLVKHG FKRSSLQJ \RXU YHJ

ESSENTIALS 92

2. THE AT-HOME MIXOLOGIST Sodastream Jet 60 Titan, R749,99; sodastream.co.za Great looks and performance to match: why isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t this appliance already on your wish-list? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect tool to make home entertaining a breeze; use it to DGG ½]] WR VSULW]HUV FRFNWDLOV or home-made cola... this little whizz does it all in seconds using just water from the tap. Throw in fresh mint or some sliced fruit to turn your sparkling water into something special, or simply pour LQ D FDSIXO RI žDYRXUHG V\UXS WR make lemonade, cola or iced tea.

Plus, it comes with a reusable carbonating bottle.

5. THE STAND-OUT Joseph Joseph CookBook Stand, R709; yuppiechef.com Forget propping your recipe book open with a jar of mayonnaise or the kitchen scissors while you cook â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this clever cookbook stand will do it for you. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lightweight, easy to clean, has a no-slip foot, and is no thicker than an average book, with nifty page holders so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose your place. Using it to prop up your tablet? Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a handy space at the bottom for a charging cable.

When you are done, you can tuck it away on a shelf with the rest of your cookbooks.

Feature Leigh Hermon Photography Supplied Products and prices were checked at time of going to print

1. THE KITCHEN BOTANIST MicroGarden Indoor Herb Garden, R1 199; yuppiechef.com You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to have a green thumb to start growing your own coriander.

The Indoor Herb Garden is an easy-touse hydroponic system thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help you grow two types of edible greens all year round. Simply choose from a selection of 18 different herbs and leafy vegetables (sold separately) including basil, mint, and lettuce, pop the seeds into their pots and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re set. The garden even comes with an LED light to help your plants along at night, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a warning light to let you know when you need to replenish the water trough â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it really couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be easier!

6. THE SMART SWAP Humble & Mash Spiralizer, R499; yuppiechef.com Fussy eaters in your house? Swapping out pasta for spiralised vegetables like zoodles is one way to trick the kids into eating their greens and, with the Humble & Mash spiralizer, it has never been easier. The spikes on the rotating arm will keep vegetables and fruit ½UPO\ LQ SODFH ZKLOH LW HDVLO\ SXVKHV WKHP WKURXJK the multi-blade system. Choose between ribbon, thin spiral and thicker spiral, and it works on anything from potatoes to beetroot. The gadgetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designers have thought of everything: thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even a suction clamp underneath to secure it to any type of surface so it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t slide on the counter while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re using it.

7. THE COOL CAT Safeway Ice Cream Maker, R159; Clicks Peanut butter and banana... salted caramel and popcorn, chocolate-chip fudge... When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making your own LFH FUHDP \RX FDQ ZKLS XS DQ\ žDYRXU you fancy! And we promise itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier than it looks. All you need is some full-cream milk, whipping cream, sugar, and your choice of žDYRXULQJ QR QHHG WR KROG yourself back here). Put the makerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freezer tank in the freezer the night before and, once frozen, take it out and pop all your ingredients inside before placing it in the fridge. When the mixture has cooled between 5 and Â&#x192;& žLFN WKH VZLWFK RQ WKH ice cream maker and let it churn away. Within minutes you will have a deliciously refreshing cold treat to help get you through those hot summer days.

Your life made easy

ESSENTIALS EXTRA

Win a Defy washing machine and OMO washing products, valued at over R5 000 in total!

8. THE CHEFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEALTHY LITTLE HELPER Nutribullet 600 series, R2 495; nutribullet.co.za Powerful extractor blade? Check.

Separate milling blade for dry ingredients like nuts and spices?

Check. Stay-fresh lids for cups?

Check. Recipe book? Check. This little powerhouse ticks all the right boxes and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much more than a liquid breakfast maker. It has an advantage over traditional blenders because you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to remove the stalks or skin (so less fuss), and all those extra nutrients end up in the cup! For such a small device, it packs a serious punch and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quieter than other versions. It makes quick work of vegetables, fruit, seeds, and nuts, and whips up the smoothest hummus, marinades, or smoothies.

The Defy Premium 7kg washing machine offers three quick wash programmes, leaving you with more time to get on with other things.

+ â&#x153;ą To win a Defy Premium 7kg washing machine, worth R5 299 and six 1.5 bottles of Omo Auto Liquid, worth R360, enter online at essentials.co.za

ESSENTIALS 93

Your life made easy

Spend less... but still have fun

The festive season means spending – there's no way around it. Here's how you can be thrifty, and have fun

Smart shopping

✱ Ever done the grocery shopping when hungry? The same principle applies to festive shopping – know what you're there to buy (so write a list) and break it up over a few days so you’re not tempted to make hasty decisions out of buying exhaustion. ✱ Or skip the mall and shop online – you're far less likely to overspend this way. Many online shopping sites will gift wrap and deliver, too; try aplacetoshop. co.za for bargains under R100 (or click on the 'payday sale' tab for deals; waiting periods may apply); takealot.com (click on the 'clearance' or 'daily deals' tabs for great savings, plus, if you order via the app, you'll have access to app-only deals); yuppiechef.com (go to the 'sale' tab for discounts and special offers) or netflorist. co.za (click on the 'R99 store' link for a selection of their bestsellers, priced at R99,95 each with VISA card checkout). ✱ Keep an eye on sites like onedayonly. co.za , hyperli.com, or catchoftheday.co.za to bag a daily bargain, or have a look at

picodi.com/za for curated coupons, and deals from around 500 stores.

Going out

✱ We tend to dine out more often during the festive season, but that doesn't mean it should break the bank. Be sure to visit eatout.co.za (click on the 'specials' tab for two-for-one deals, and a list of restaurant specials for every day of the week). If you have the Zomato app, try out the 'Pocket Friendly' search option, and for thousands of buy-one-get-one-free deals on eating out, drinks, leisure activities and more, The Entertainer app is a must (R495; iOS/ Apple; Android). Granted it's a little pricey for an app, but the savings are so worth it. Go to theentertainerme.com and click on 'products', then search for your city (available for Joburg, Cape Town, and Durban) for the various deals. ✱ Everyone's tightening their belts so gone are the days when you're expected to buy and cook everything yourself; take the stress out of hosting festive dinners by dropping the main meal and serving entrées, drinks and desserts instead – perfect for summer time. Or go potluck and ask guests to bring along a dish. ✱ If you’re heading out, and plan on drinking, shop around for take-me-home services drinking. Check with your bank or your insurance company to see if you are covered with a drive-home service (for example, MiWay clients, who have

the MiHelp option enabled, can book six free trips a year with its WeDrive service).

For on-the-spot in-app bookings, Uber, Taxify and Zebra Cabs are also options (Taxify generally doesn't surcharge as it's a 'new' service, but check beforehand).

Holiday hints

✱ Be realistic about your December cashflow – you might be taking a break but your bills won't. Pay up first then work out a budget and stick to it using an app such as 22Seven from Old Mutual (free for iOS/Apple; Android), which monitors your credit and debt balances. ✱ Look out for last-minute holiday specials. A site like tripadvisor.co.za is still a great way to compare real-time prices, as well as the availability of a vast number of lodges, hotels, self-catering, and B&B venues nationwide. Or check out amazingholidays.co.za, which features last-minute deals, while findingafrica.com has a useful ‘Sneaky Weekends’ section for tighter budgets. ✱ Holiday spots hike their prices over the festive season, so if you don’t want to spend eye-watering amounts of money on food, self-catering is a must.

SIGN UP NOW AND START SAVING – IT’S FREE! To get guaranteed savings and rewards on a wide range of products you’ll love, simply: 1. Sign up at wuhu.co.za, 2. Add your favourite deals to your basket, 3. Redeem your discount and reward coupons in-store using the coupon code you receive via SMS, 4. Be instantly rewarded!

Clean your home for less! Visit www.wuhu.co.za/promo/essentials

Feature Jane Viedge Photography Thinkstock

D

oes your festive season glow turn to a grimace as you think of ways to buffer your bank account come January? Chin up, you're going to spend money, but there are ways to spend less and still have a great time.

These money-saving tips will help to keep your festive spirit in positive territory.

Try it this weekend

Make it the most memorable festive season yet with these easy projects â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there's plenty for the kids to help with, too!

ESSENTIALS 95

MINI-TREE

No space for a Christmas tree?

This mini-one is so cute, and can double up as a table centrepiece.

Get a mini-conifer (or similar) from your local nursery and wrap a piece of hessian around the base to disguise the pot.

Decorate however you like!

96 ESSENTIALS

CRAFT | festive ideas

ADVENT ENVELOPES The little ones will love having something to open every night in the lead-up to Christmas Day. Little paper bags can be prettied up with stamps, craft paper, ribbon or the kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drawings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just number them 1 to 25 and attach them to a length of string in an old frame.

ESSENTIALS 97

Top tip!

You can use a florist’s frame or repurpose a home accessory – this was created around a metal bird feeder.

HEART-SHAPED FOLIAGE WREATH This 10-minute make is so much easier than it looks.

For the easiest-ever decorative wreath, take a wire heart (or any shape, really) and wrap trailing greenery – such as ivy – around it.

CRAFT | festive ideas

CUT-OUT TABLE RUNNER A simple length of felt can be transformed into a table runner to match your Christmas table settings.

Calculate the length of felt you’ll need by measuring the length of your table top and adding 1m to allow for the overhang at each end. Make a star template (or simply print and cut out an image to use as a template) and draw around it on the felt with chalk or pencil. Use a craft knife and a cutting mat to carefully cut out each star, then place the runner centrally on your table.

RIBBON TWIG TREE DECORATION Get the kids involved so they can make one of these themselves.

Collect a selection of sturdy twigs and use secateurs to trim them to about 15cm each. Cut a piece of ribbon 15cm long, then cut five more pieces, each about 2cm shorter than the last piece. Starting with the longest piece, tie the ribbon onto the twig at its centre, about 2cm from the bottom of the twig. Repeat with the other pieces of ribbon until you get to the top. Attach a loop of ribbon at the top for hanging on the tree.

Top tip!

To make sure the ribbons lie flat on the twig, iron them on a low setting.

FINGERPRINT CARDS This is a lot of fun no matter how old you are – if you don’t mind getting a bit messy, that is.

Fold a piece of white card in half and use a scalpel to cut out an aperture window, then trace the shape of the aperture onto brown paper. Use a pencil to draw an arc towards the bottom of the drawn circle to represent the hill. Ink up your finger using white ink and an ink pad and make four long fingerprints for the snowmen’s bodies, with their bases just touching the hill. Ink up just the tip of your fingers and add a head to each snowman.

Leave to dry. Use white and red pens to draw in the shape of the hill, the snowmen’s hats, eyes, mouths, buttons and noses. When dry, remove any pencil lines with an eraser and stick the brown paper to the back of the aperture using double-sided tape.

ESSENTIALS 99

FRESH HERB WREATH Dress the kitchen up for Christmas and keep your herbs handy for cooking – this wreath is both pretty and practical!

Dip a floral-foam wreath base in water until it’s damp but not saturated, or it will drip when you hang it. Visually divide up the foam wreath base into four equal sections using chalk to mark it – each section will be used for a different herb. Cut sprigs of your first herb with kitchen scissors, keeping the stems short, and insert them into the foam base to fill the first quarter of the wreath, making sure to overlap the leaves so that they cover the base. Plenty of leaves will make the wreath look lush. Repeat with the other herbs until all four quarters of the base have been filled with foliage. Tie the ribbon around the wreath and hang it up in the kitchen so that you can snip off the herbs when you need them for cooking.

MESSAGE TREE CENTREPIECE The quirky handmade envelopes hanging from these branches can be filled with a personal greeting, or even a joke, for each guest Collect suitable branches and – when they’re completely dry – lie them flat on newspaper and spray evenly with white spray paint. Wait until the paint is dry before applying a second coat. Arrange in a pretty jug or vase and hang messages for each dinner guest.

POCKET FOLD NAPKINS This neat folding idea for napkins leaves you with a handy pocket for cutlery – or a cute candy cane with a name tag.

Lay your napkin out flat on a hard surface and fold the bottom edge up around 10cm, and then fold up again another 10cm to form the pocket. Turn the napkin over and fold each side to the centre, overlapping slightly, and tuck one back edge inside the other to hold it in place. Voilà!

CRAFT | festive ideas

STRING OF HEARTS

Feature and photography Timeincukcontent.com

This simple garland will add a traditional touch to any room.

Take a piece of patterned craft card and create a heart-shaped template out of thick cardboard. Draw around the template 16 times with a pencil onto the patterned card then cut out the hearts with scissors. Take a length of string about 1m long, and fix one heart to the string about 10cm from the end using double-sided sticky tape or a sticky dot. Glue another heart onto the back, so that the string is nicely sandwiched in-between. Repeat this process at 5cm intervals along the length of your string, then make a knot and trim the string, leaving at least 10cm for hanging.

Top tip!

Attach the string to the upper part of the hearts or they'll tip over when hung.

ESSENTIALS 101

list

FILM, TV, BOOKS & CULTURE

ON THE BIG SCREEN The Man Who Invented Christmas Dan Stevens of Downton Abbey fame slips into the shoes of Charles Dickens in this IHDWXUH ½OP DERXW KRZ KH ZHQW RQ WR ZULWH one of the most notable tales in English literature, A Christmas Carol. Following the failure of his last three books, Dickens hopes his latest creation will help keep his family fed and resuscitate his ailing career.

Also starring Christopher Plummer as the crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge. A great holiday ¾LFN IRU WKH IDPLO\ Out 15 December

PADDINGTON 2 BATTLE OF THE SEXES

THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS

Stay inside or head outdoors, we’ve got plenty to keep you entertained

Paddington 2 The lovable bear is back. After settling in with the Brown family of Windsor Gardens, Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) has become a bit of a celebrity in the area. His aunt Lucy will be turning 100 very soon and Paddington has his eyes on a pop-up book in Mr Gruber’s (Jim Broadbent) antique shop. But before he can send it to her, the book is stolen and Paddington goes on an adventure to track it down. Also features the likes of Hugh Grant and Joanna Lumley.

The littlies will love it. Out 1 December

Battle Of The Sexes Based on a true story, Steve Carell takes on the role of tennis player Bobby Riggs in this comedic drama.

Riggs was intensely critical of female tennis players during the ’70s and he even came out of his retirement to challenge the women’s world number-one Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) to a history-making exhibition PDWFK LQ 7KLV RQH LV GH½QLWHO\ for girls’ night! Out 1 December

ON THE BOX

DIAN FOSSEY: SECRETS IN THE MIST, SEASON 1 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, DSTV CHANNEL 181 Actress Sigourney Weaver narrates this three-part documentary about Dian Fossey, her life with gorillas in the DRC and Rwanda, and her mysterious death.

102 ESSENTIALS

DESIGN FOR YOU, SEASON 2 THE HOME CHANNEL, DSTV CHANNEL 176 Host Pilani Bubu and her team of interior-design experts have all the tips and tricks on how you can turn your drab house into a trendy home.

PACIFIC HONEYMOON, SEASON 1 DISCOVERY CHANNEL, DSTV CHANNEL 121 Daring explorer Riaan Manser and his new wife Vasti take on the Pacific Ocean as they row from California to Hawaii in this adventure documentary.

ESSENTIALIST | diary

ON THE TOWN

Feature Leigh Hermon Photography Tom Beard; Thinkstock; Supplied

Texas: Jump on Board

Scottish pop band Texas goes on tour in South $IULFD IRU WKH YHU\ ½UVW WLPH ZLWK VKRZV LQ Cape Town and Joburg. Expect old favourites like Inner Smile and I Don’t Want a Lover as well as new songs like Let’s Work it Out from their latest album Jump on Board. Don’t miss their shows at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on 8 December and at Emmarentia Dam on 10 December; see webtickets.co.za

Cinderella on Ice

The Imperial Ice Stars return to Joburg to put on yet another spectacular performance at the Teatro at Montecasino. From 1 December to 6 January, these world-champion skaters will enthral audiences with their take on a timeless fairytale, thanks to choreography by award-winning ice director Tony Mercer. With unique storytelling and theatrics, expect them WR GHI\ JUDYLW\ ZLWK WKHLU PDJQL½FHQW OHDSV through the air, only to land with such poise on a frozen stage; see computicket.com

The Dino Expo

Pack the kids in the car and head to Flora Mall in Roodepoort for the chance to take a walk through a prehistoric era when dinosaurs once roamed the earth. From 1 December to 14 January, kids and adults alike can explore the interactive exhibit that includes moving, life-sized animatronics; see computicket.com or thedinoexpo.com for more information.

THE DINO EXPO BRYAN ADAMS: GET UP!

CINDERELLA ON ICE

TEXAS: JUMP ON BOARD

ON DEMAND

DARK, SEASON 1 NETFLIX A small suburban town is thrown into a frenzy when two local boys mysteriously disappear. But the hunt reveals more about four families than the missing boys’ whereabouts. Fans of Stranger Things will appreciate this supernatural German drama.

JEAN-CLAUDE VAN JOHNSON, SEASON 1 AMAZON PRIME VIDEO In this entertaining new comedy, Jean-Claude Van Damme plays himself – a washed-up actor who uses his celebrity status to work as an undercover agent for hire.

It’s a series that doesn’t take itself too seriously while poking fun at the action-hero genre.

Bryan Adams: Get Up!

Bryan Adams makes a return to South Africa during his Get Up! world tour. Don’t miss your chance to belt out hits like Summer of ‘69 and Cuts Like a Knife with the singer himself. The local leg kicks off at the Ticketpro Dome on 9 December followed by a night at the Sun Arena @ Time Square in Pretoria on 10 December.

Adams moves to the coast on 12 December to perform at the Durban International Convention &HQWUH $UHQD EHIRUH D ½QDO VWRS DW &DSH 7RZQµV Grand Arena at the Grandwest Casino on 14 December. Book tickets at computicket.com

SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT SEASON 1, NETFLIX Despite coming across as strong and successful, Nola Darling is an artist in her late twenties ZKRµV VWLOO ½QGLQJ KHUVHOI DQG juggling her job, friends and three lovers. Directed by Spike Lee, this 10-part TV series is EDVHG RQ WKH ½OPPDNHUµV RULJLQDO KLW LQGLH ½OP RI WKH VDPH QDPH

ESSENTIALS 103

ESSENTIALIST | read i t

BY EVE CHASE (MICHAEL JOSEPH) In 1959 teenage Margot and her sisters DUULYH DW $SSOHFRWH 0DQRU RQO\ WR ½QG their aunt and uncle still dealing with the disappearance of their daughter, Audrey, IURP ½YH \HDUV DJR 7KH IRXU VLVWHUV become entangled in the life Audrey left behind, and things soon take a dark turn.

Fifty years later, Jesse needs a change of pace; she moves her family to Applecote Manor in the countryside. But she soon feels isolated in their new home, and when she learns about the manorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unsettling history, everything changes. A beautifully written, hard-to-put-down mystery.

The Thousand Lights Hotel

BY EMYLIA HALL (HEADLINE PUBLISHING GROUP) The Thousand Lights Hotel is a pictureperfect destination â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perched upon a cliff on the island of Elba in Italy. When Kit loses her mother to cancer she decides itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to connect with her estranged IDWKHU 6KH ½QGV KHUVHOI DW WKH KRWHO and brings with her a devastating truth.

The perfect beach read about loss, betrayal, and discovery.

Here And Gone

BY HAYLEN BECK (PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE) Audra is on the run with her children, ¾HHLQJ IURP KHU DEXVLYH KXVEDQG :KLOH WU\LQJ WR ½QG D VDIH SODFH WR VWD\ IRU WKH night, she is pulled over by a policeman.

104 ESSENTIALS

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken into custody and when she arrives at the police station, her children are gone. The police insist that there were no children in the car when they stopped her, but she knows thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the truth. $ WKULOOLQJ VXVSHQVH ½OOHG SDJH WXUQHU

Wilde Like Me

BY LOUISE PENTLAND (ZAFFRE PUBLISHING) Robin Wilde is a bit tired of being a single mother. Although she adores her six-yearold daughter Lyla Blue, she needs a life shake-up. She loves her job as a make-up artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant, has a wonderful best friend, and her crazy old aunt loves her to pieces. To the outside world, everything seems perfect, but Robin is a little lonely, and ready for an adventure. A light-hearted and humorous end-of-year read.

The Lost Girl

BY CAROL DRINKWATER (PENGUIN BOOKS) Kurtiz Ross has never been the same since her daughter, Lizzie, disappeared four years ago. She had given up hope of ever seeing her again, until someone sees Lizzie in Paris.

Could she still be alive, could it be true?

7R ½QG WKH DQVZHUV .XUWL] JRHV WR 3DULV ° RQO\ WR ½QG WKDW WKH &LW\ RI /LJKW LV XQGHU a terrorist attack. She meets local stranger Marguerite, who is willing to help her in the midst of the chaos, and Kurtiz and her new friend grow close as they share stories of love and loss, which brings new beginnings.

The Lost Girl is set against the backdrop of the November 2015 terrorist attack in Paris and deals with having hope in a time of darkness. A gripping tale that will keep you guessing right until the end.

ESSENTIALS BOOK OF THE MONTH STANDARD DEVIATION

BY KATHERINE HEINY (HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS) Graham Cavanaugh is at a point in his life where heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pondering over his relationship choices, in particular, his choice of wives. His second wife, Audra, is an extrovert â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the polar RSSRVLWH RI KLV ½UVW ZLIH (OVSHWK Audra decides she wants to be friends with her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ex, and before Graham knows it, Elspeth is somehow back in his life. He soon starts to wonder why his exes are so different, and whether or not he made the right choices. The dry humour of this book will have you laughing out loud.

Compiled by Lucia Walker Photography Supplied

The Vanishing Of Audrey Wilde

coming next month In our January issue...

S tart the new year happy and relaxed How to stop worrying all the time Your summer hair survival guide Why a diary could change your life

...PLUS LOTS MORE

On sale

18 December

WEDDING? GARDEN PARTY? BRAAI? OUTFITS FOR EVERY OCCASION SORTED

COCKTAILS + DESSERT = THESE DELICIOUS PUDS WITH A BOOZY TWIST

GET FITTER WITHOUT JOINING THE GYM – BEST ONLINE WORKOUTS TO DO AT HOME

GOING AWAY? PACKING TIPS AND NIFTY GADGETS TO MAKE TRAVELLING EASIER

GET BEACH-READY! FAKE A TAN, SWEAT-PROOF YOUR MAKE-UP, AND FEEL BODY BEAUTIFUL

THE SURPRISING TRUTH ABOUT CARBS (IT’S NOT WHAT YOU MIGHT THINK)

puzzles and games

Whether you like wondering about words or focusing 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!

CRAFTY CODE CRACKER For her Christmas party for more than 100 family and friends, US pop star Katy Perry hired a cinema, but insisted that all her guests wear what? Fill in the grid. Each letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number from 1 to 26. When you’ve completed the grid, the shaded squares will spell out the two-word answer. We’ve given you four letters to start you off.

SUDOKU To solve the puzzle, each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Solve the puzzle, then read down the numbers LQ WKH KLJKOLJKWHG VTXDUHV IRU WKH ½QDO DQVZHU

WORD SEARCH In Japan, the traditional Christmas Eve meal is fried FKLFNHQ RIWHQ .)& DQG VWUDZEHUU\ ¾DYRXUHG what? The answer is the one missing from the grid.

CHOCOLATE CURRY FLAN FUDGE ICING JAM JELLY MACARONI

106 ESSENTIALS

MARMALADE MERINGUE MILKSHAKE MOUSSE PIE SHORTCAKE TAPIOCA

ESSENTIALS | puzzles THE BIG QUIZ The answers to all these general knowledge questions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; except one â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are in the grid in various directions; work out which answer is missing.

Answers are in alphabetical order in each section.

THE SILVER SCREEN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SANTA MOVIE :KDW PRYLH RI½FLDOO\ UHFRUGHG DV WKH PRVW VXFFHVVIXO &KULVWPDV ½OP RI DOO WLPH VWDUV Macaulay Culkin as a young boy left behind when his family goes to Paris? (4, 5) 2 Which British actor, who was knighted using his real name to become Sir Maurice Micklewhite in 2000, played Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1992 movie The Muppet Christmas Carol? (7, 5) 3 :KLFK IHVWLYH VRQJ ZDV ½UVW VXQJ E\ %LQJ &URVE\ in the 1942 movie Holiday Inn and then again in a 1954 movie of the same title as the song? (5, 9) WHERE IN THE WORLD? SANTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOMES 4 One of the places often named as Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home is the North Pole, which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t on land but is on an ice sheet covering part of which body of water? (6, 5) 5 Another place often named as Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home is a region that covers parts of northern Finland and Sweden. What is it? (7) 6 Saint Nicholas, the model for Santa Claus, was the Bishop of Myra, which is now situated in which country whose capital city is Ankara? (6) SANTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SONGS 7 :KDW IHVWLYH IRRG VWXII EHJLQV WKH ½UVW OLQH RI WKH VRQJ ´ URDVWLQJ RQ DQ RSHQ ½UHµ"

8 What completes the Christmas song I Saw Mommy ... Santa Claus, which has been covered many times including by The Ronettes and Amy Winehouse? (7) 9 What city completes the title of the song by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl Fairytale of ..., a favourite Christmas song? (3, 4) SANTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S REINDEER 10 What is the surname of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dancerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Len ..., who was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing until 2016? (7) 11 Which famous Italian sports carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company logo is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Prancerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a black, prancing horse on a yellow background? (7) 12 Which â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dasherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; won three gold medals for the 100m, 200m and the sprint relay in the Rio Olympics? (5, 4) SANTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ELVIS 13 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the surname of the British singersongwriter Elvis ..., who had hits with Oliverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Army in 1979 and I Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Stand Up For Falling Down in 1980? (8) 14 Elvis Cridlington is an emergency services worker in the town of Pontypandy in which kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; series? (7, 3) 15 What was the surname of the late Elvis ..., who released Blue Christmas in 1964 and had a Christmas UK number-one hit in 1962 with Return to Sender?(7)

BLOCKWORD 1HLO $UPVWURQJµV UH¾HFWLRQ LQ %X]] $OGULQµV BBBBB LV RQH RI WKH IHZ SKRWRV RI $UPVWURQJ RQ WKH moon. Solve the puzzle by following the arrows and writing your answers. Then read the letters GRZQ LQ WKH \HOORZ FLUFOHV WR ½QG WKH KLGGHQ DQVZHU

HOROSCOPES | your stars

horoscopes Aquarius

Cancer

20 JANUARY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18 FEBRUARY

21 JUNE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 22 JULY

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not known for your level-headedness, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re drawn to dramatic individuals. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve married (or live or work with) one of them, expect a soap opera of a month when the planets may bring out the drama queen in everyone, even you.

7KLV 'HFHPEHU VLJQL½HV FKDQJH DURXQG \RXU ½QDQFHV DQG SV\FKRORJLFDOO\ KRZ you value yourself. If your self-esteem has been low, do whatever it takes to raise it.

1RZ¾V GH½QLWHO\ QRW WKH WLPH WR VHWWOH for anything less.

Pisces

Leo

19 FEBRUARY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20 MARCH

23 JULY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 22 AUGUST

Just when you think that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting somewhere, something happens to make you doubt it. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t panic. Whatever this month brings, the dust wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t settle until later in December when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be in a stronger position. Patience!

All humans crave validation and recognition but astrology says that Leos need it most of all. An unappreciated Leo is a sorry beast indeed. Expect this theme to completely erupt approaching the tail-end of the year.

If that need is not met, watch out, world!

Aries

Virgo

21 MARCH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19 APRIL

23 AUGUST â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 22 SEPTEMBER

The planets will help you ladle on the charm when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed most. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an end-of-an-era feel around kids, lovers and whatever brings you pleasure. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fret. Something needs to change, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect time for it to happen.

This year has brought big life lessons and later this month we see the last of them.

You may feel emotional about a loss, but trust that by the monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be excited about what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gaining, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know that next year holds promise.

Taurus

Libra

20 APRIL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20 MAY

23 SEPTEMBER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 23 OCTOBER

,WÂľV WLPH WR SXW \RXU KHDOWK ½UVW ° PHQWDO as well as physical. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a teeny bit in denial about a person or habit thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bad for you, this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibe enables you to let it go. It may not be that easy but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly for the best.

It seems like your good fortuneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slipping WKURXJK \RXU ½QJHUV ,WÂľV QRW WKHUHÂľV MXVW D SURFHVV WKDW QHHGV WR KDSSHQ ½UVW 6HH it as one last class you need to take this year to graduate, and be open to learning or, even better, revising.

Capricorn

Gemini

Scorpio

22 DECEMBER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19 JANUARY

21 MAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20 JUNE

24 OCTOBER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21 NOVEMBER

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Psychologists say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to be a little of both and not a Pollyanna about reality, but not an Eeyore either. This month is a brilliant time to change your mind for a more balanced life direction.

Whatever shape your parents are in, your relationship with them is changing. Even if a parent is long gone, you might hear their voice in your head and decide not to listen to it anymore. Or, decide you will! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a positive process in any case.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Think before saying something you may regretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21 DECEMBER

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a rollercoaster of a month, where you might be having second thoughts about someone, just as a big relationship-affecting moment happens. Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emotions are running high right now so think before saying something you may regret â&#x20AC;&#x201C; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put your foot in it.

Is a source of income drying up? Or are you landing some cash from somewhere you never imagined? Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot going on this December to do with money. Try not to make a drama out of what happens.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a necessary process.

108 ESSENTIALS

Illustrations iStock

Essentials astrologer Wendy Bristow reveals allâ&#x20AC;Ś

BACK PAGE | all abou t me

Aqeelah Harron-Ally SA’s modest-dressing YouTuber and blogger on fashion, travelling, and her best decision yet

I express myself through fashion.

In 2010 I started my beauty blog, Fashion Breed, and in 2013 I realised there were many Muslim women out there who wanted to dress fashionably, while still respecting their faith. So, I decided to focus my blog on modestdressing fashion. Three years later I created my YouTube channel. It proved to be a hit, and the channel now has just over 8 000 subscribers. I rarely get any backlash from the Islamic community for my self-expression and advice on fashion, but when I do, it doesn’t bother me at all.

them, on their own terms. In many cases, modest dressing can be more stylish and body flattering than crop tops or shorts.

Fashion always holds a mirror up to what is happening in the world.

It’s amazing to see how modest Muslim fashion is bigger now, more than ever, and I find that it helps to combat the distorted idea that Islamic women are all oppressed. Modest fashion shows that Muslim women actually want and choose to cover up, and they can do it in a fashion-forward way.

Modest fashion shows us that individuality can be celebrated in all shapes, preferences, sizes, and faiths.

Fashion always holds a mirror up to what is happening in the world

Modest dressing doesn’t have to be boring and dull. It actually allows women to define what style means to

My husband, Malick, and I really love travelling. We choose the destination based on our travel bucket list. Our most recent trip to Portugal and Dubai was based on wanting to visit some of our friends, and to explore their beautiful cities at the same time.

Besides being my husband and my best friend, Malick is essentially my business partner, too. He’s a skilled photographer who also does so much of the behind-the-scenes work for my blog, and for me, as a brand. He shoots and edits most of my blog’s content and he helps me with all decisions and planning. Bringing him on board was the best decision that I have ever made! ✱ Take a look at Aqeelah’s blog, Fashion Breed, fashionbreed.co.za

My most Instagramworthy moment...

A kiss in P aris was a tick off A q eelah and Malick’s bucke t list

Was a recent visit to Paris, when I shared a kiss with my husband, Malick, in front of the Eiffel Tower (all my cheesy romantic dreams come true!)

There’s never been a better time to be unapologetically who you are.

Modest fashion has shown me that, despite misconceptions, it’s liberating, as it allows women to be themselves, and embrace their differences.

Feature Lucia Walker Photography; Supplied; Thinkstock

Growing up in a Muslim home, my family was actually quite liberal and they still are. We were free to find our identities in whatever phase we were going through. What made everyone think we were staunch in our beliefs was that no matter what happened in life, we still found our way back to appreciating our religion and being vocal about it.

Things I can’t live without My family… my entire life revolves around them.

My office… it’s a wonderfully functional space and creating it in my home has changed my approach to my business entirely, as I can focus better.

My smartphone… I wouldn’t be able to do my job without it.

My black leather jacket… it’s not just any jacket; it is a classic piece that matches everything.

My Adidas Ultraboost trainers… they are my favourite shoes to work out and to walk in.

ESSENTIALS 109

ESSENTIALS | promo tion

SUMMER

SIP IT UP!

DAZE

START LOVING DAIRY AGAIN

WITH CLOVER NOLAC LACTOSE-FREE MILK!

EASY TO WHIP UP, 30-MINUTE

TIRAMISU

THIS SUMMER WITH THE CLOVER FRUITS OF THE FOREST RANGE indulge in creamy yoghurt with real fruit pieces.

ESSENTIALS | promo tion

Sweet TREATS We’ve taken a classic dessert and given it a time-saving twist.

Let your family tuck into these delicious showstoppers and they’ll want to lick the bowl! And it's so much easier than it looks…

CLASSIC TIRAMISU

SERVES 8 READY IN 30 MIN + CHILLING 500ml mascarpone cheese ¼ cup castor sugar 80ml coffee liquor 500g Clover Aerosol Whipped Cream 500ml strong espresso, cold 400g sponge finger-biscuits 50g dark chocolate, grated 2 tbsp cocoa powder Berries to serve

ESS8455/12/17 Recipes Vickie de Beer Photography Charles Russel www.crphotographic.co.za Assistant Julia van Maarseveen

1

Combine the mascarpone, castor sugar and coffee liquor with an electric mixer, whisk until light and fluffy. Fold the Clover Aerosol Whipped Cream into the mascarpone mixture until slightly combined.

Place the cold, strong espresso coffee in a shallow dish. Soak each sponge finger in the coffee for a few seconds on each side.

Place a layer of sponge fingers into 8 serving glasses, top with a layer of cream and grated dark chocolate. Repeat these layers twice, ending with a layer of the mascarpone mixture. Place in the fridge for 4 hr or overnight to set.

Dust each tiramisu with cocoa powder.

Top with extra Clover Aerosol Whipped Cream and berries just before serving.

2 3

4

Clover Aerosol Whipped Cream is a delicious, versatile, long life product, which is ready for use anytime and anywhere. It has a fourmonth shelf life when stored under cool and dry conditions.

Ideal for whipping up a quick treat when entertaining.

ESSENTIALS | promo tion

FLAVOURS F

eeling frazzled? Whether you’re going away or staying home, you’re constantly on the go during the festive season – running around after the kids, rushing from one party to the next, or preparing yet another meal in the kitchen. When you’re so busy, it can be tough to keep your energy levels up, but there are ways to look and feel great when you’re rushed off your feet. Say hello to the Clover Sip Up Drinking Yoghurt range... These tasty drinking yoghurts aren’t only nutritious, they’re also delicious, convenient on-the-go snacks that promise to keep you going all day, so you can feel happier and make the most of your summer holidays.

STAYCATION

FAMILY FUN

If you’ve decided to stay at home, here are a few things you’ll need to keep you happy: ✱ Watch a tear-jerker.

Research has found that people who shed a tear while they watch a movie are likely to experience an upsurge of happiness about an hour and a half later. Not that we needed another reason to re-watch The Notebook! ✱ Wake up and smell the roses.

Do you struggle to get out of bed in the morning? Researchers have found that self-confessed ‘not morning people’ felt happier and more energetic after heading outdoors into the sunshine and looking at flowers first thing in the morning. Another sure-fire way to start your day right? With a tasty Clover Sip Up Cranberry & Oats – it's the ideal breakfast snack. ✱ Treat yourself.

Spoiling yourself with something nice results in an almost-instant surge of happiness. You could go to a spa for a massage, spend the afternoon with friends, or indulge in something delicious – we recommend Clover Sip Up Choc-Chip, which has real chocolate pieces.

If you need ideas to keep you and the family busy these holidays, here are some great tips: ✱ Go out dancing Would you rather hit the dance floor than jump on the treadmill? That's because your body experiences a bigger release of endorphins from dance than from most other kinds of exercise.

Go to a Zumba class, head to a night club or just join your partner for a spin around the lounge. ✱ On-the-go snack.

If you’re constantly moving and shaking, be sure to keep an on-the-go snack with you, like Clover Sip Up Blackcurrant Boost. It’s packed with energy so not only will it help to keep you going, it’s a great source of 10 vitamins and calcium. So, just live it up with Sip Up, slurp it down and there you go! ✱ Embrace your inner child.

Some believe that we lose our child-like joy in the world when we’re weighed down by our day-to-day responsibilities. So why not let your hair down and have some fun? You might just feel your stress levels melt away. Not sure where to start? Spend an afternoon colouring in, jumping on a trampoline or splashing about in the pool – or just join the kids in whatever they’re doing.

Clover Sip Up is a trendy and nutritious drinking yoghurt and comes in six flavours.

Your favourite flavours are packed with 10 vitamins & calcium that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

ESS8455/12/17 Photograph Thinkstock

to suit your summer