Your family february 2017 by dfvdfvdfss

WIN! Fa

mily weekends away

SCHOOL SPECIAL

HOW TO Find your life passion Start over after divorce

RAISING A SELF-STARTER Take the ‘work’ out of homework Celebrating young leaders

ADHD Steps to the

right diagnosis

FOOD AS FUEL Healthy lunchbox basics

How to afford the school you want

�� eep an d k WEEKLY PLANNER

AMAZING CAKEOVERS

Milk tart, Malva Peppermint Crisp

& CAKES

FEBRUARY 2017

CONTENTS ON THE COVER MODELS: ANRIKE, MIA AND ERIKA, GAPA STYLING: SUZANNE SESINK CLEE MAKE-UP AND HAIR: RENTON WADE PHOTOGRAPHER: DYLAN SWART

ON OUR COVER

YOU & YOUR HOME 10 HOME UPDATE Making the most of small spaces 12 SHOPPING Budget buys 14 FASHION Red, white and blue 21 BEAUTY NEWS New ﬁnds at the beauty counter 22 BEAUTY Happy, healthy hair YOUR INSPIRATION 26 HOW TO Help the kids with their homework! 30 MONEY SMART Planning for your children’s education 34 LIVE SMART Tips, tools and gadgets to make life simpler

35 WORK SMART Get more out of your work day 36 REAL PEOPLE Four young leaders share their stories 40 FIRST PERSON Tracy Todd hasn’t let her disability get in the way of her success YOUR LIFE 80 YOUR HEALTH The ins and outs of supplements 82 HEALTH NOW Be the best you can be with the latest news 83 HEALTH FOCUS The beneﬁts of magnesium 84 WELLBEING Find your passion 86 RELATIONSHIPS Starting over after a break-up

88 KIDS’ HEALTH What’s new, cool and good to know 90 PARENTING The digital classroom is around the corner 92 PARENTING NEWS Making family life even better 94 PARENTING ADHD and the correct diagnosis 98 MAD ABOUT PETS Life on the animal front CREATIVE SPACE 102 CRAFT UPDATE The latest craft news 104 PHOTO CRAFT Make a puzzle for your toddler 106 BUDGET CRAFTS Easy weekend projects

EDITORIAL EDITOR JANINE COLLINS MANAGING EDITOR BRONWYN SMEDMOR ART DIRECTOR CARRYL BRISTOW DESIGNER RENÉ SCHOLTZ DIGITAL EDITOR JONI NEL FOOD EDITOR MARGIE ELS-BURGER FOOD ASSISTANT NOMVUSELELO MNCUBE COPY EDITOR KIM SHAW FEATURES WRITER CANDICE CURTIS OFFICE MANAGER/PA ELSA DE BEER MARKETING & PROMOTIONS FRANCIS GERMISHUYS PHOTOGRAPHERS PETER WHITFIELD, DYLAN SWART, ANDREA CALDWELL, HEMA PATEL CONTRIBUTORS DENISE COOK, VICKIE DE BEER, DR MELVYN GREENBERG, SUZANNE SESINK CLEE, KATE SIDLEY, GUS SILBER GENERAL MANAGER ANTON BOTES JHB COMMERCIAL MANAGER GARY WIUM KZN COMMERCIAL MANAGER EUGENE MARAIS CT COMMERCIAL MANAGER RICKARDT DE BEER HEAD OF DIGITAL JANA KLEINLOOG HEAD OF INSIGHTS DEBBIE MCINTYRE GROUP MARKETING MANAGER REINHARD LOTZ PRODUCTION MANAGER SADA REDDHI

WHAT’S COOKING

WINS & SPECIAL OFFERS 42 SUBSCRIBE! Don’t miss an issue of your fave magazine! 53 WIN 2 FAMILY GETAWAYS 100 GIVEAWAYS JUST FOR YOU! 117 WIN A BOOK HAMPER IN EVERY ISSUE 4 ED’S LETTER 6 GET IN TOUCH 7 YF ONLINE 8 AT OUR TABLE 78 FOOD NOTES 97 MOM’S THE WORD By Kate Sidley 110 OUT AND ABOUT Date ideas for you and your Valentine 115 STOCKISTS 116 THIS WEEKEND 118 CROSSWORD 120 DAD’S WORLD By Gus Silber

MEAT & CHICKEN 55 French toast sausage rolls 56 Cheesy chicken meatballs 57 Ham roll-ups 62 Mini Hawaiian pizzas 62 Cheesy pepperoni tray pizza 62 Spicy chicken salsa pizza FISH 56 Tuna egg rolls 70 Sardine frikadelles with tomato sauce VEGETARIAN 54 Baby marrow waffles 55 Sandwich kebabs 57 Hummus with cheese sticks 58 Root veg chips 58 Guacamole and crisps 62 Avo, olive and pesto pizzas 62 Sugar-free tomato passata 70 Roast baby carrot salad 70 Grilled aubergine rolls 70 Supergreen frittata 70 Cauliﬂower gnocchi with garlic mushroom sauce 72 Balsamic roast cherry tomatoes 72 Stuffed cherry tomatoes 72 Salsa dip 72 Caprese salad 72 Deep-fried cherry tomatoes

DESSERTS & BAKING 9 Marble cookies 45 Chocolate nutella cake 46 Chocolate swirl brioche rolls 47 Black forest chocolate swirl meringues 48 Chocolate truffle box 49 Chocolate mousse cups 51 Red velvet cupcakes 51 Valentine waffles 52 Raspberry cheesecakes 52 Strawberry hearts 55 Blueberry muffins 59 Seed bars 59 Popcorn trail mix 66 Peanut butter and banana soft serve 66 Peanut butter frosting 66 Peanut butter energy balls 66 The easiest peanut butter cookies ever! 67 Fruity dump cake 72 Pesto and cherry tomato tart 72 Cherry tomato and rosemary focaccia 73 Cherry tomato and cumin feta bake 75 Milk tart cake 76 Peppermint crisp cake 77 Malva cake DRINKS & DRESSINGS 59 Flavoured water 66 Satay sauce

ADVERTISING JOHANNESBURG 011 293 6000 CAPE TOWN 021 530 8600 MAGAZINE MEDIA MANAGER DIANE ALBERTUS, 011 889 0932 MEDIA CO-ORDINATOR (BOOKINGS & MATERIAL) RUWAIDA PILLAY 011 889 0744 CLASSIFIEDS GENERAL MANAGER GARY WIUM, 011 889 0885 YOUR FAMILY CLASSIFIEDS RENE MOONSAMY AND CHARMAINE PILLAI 011 449 1064/5 renea@caxton.co.za or cp@caxton.co.za DISTRIBUTION RNA: NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS MANAGER FRANCOIS KRUGER TEL 011 248 3500 FAX 011 474 3583 www.RNAD.co.za (RNA DISTRIBUTION) PRINTING CTP GRAVURE PTY LTD REPRODUCTION CAXTON REPRO PUBLISHER & PROPRIETOR CTP LIMITED EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES ELSA DE BEER TEL: 011 889 0749 FAX: 086 687 3705 EMAIL: ELSADB@CAXTON.CO.ZA PO BOX 473016, PARKLANDS 2121 CAXTON HOUSE, 368 JAN SMUTS AVENUE, CRAIGHALL 2196 PRIZE QUERIES MPHO PHALA TEL: 011 293 6063 EMAIL: MPHOP@CAXTON.CO.ZA SUBSCRIPTIONS AND BACK ISSUES subs@magsathome.co.za Telephone – 0860 100 206 or 021 530 3381 SMS – 33115 (sms costs R1.00)

ED’S LETTER

f your budget is feeling the pinch this month (uniforms, stationery… the usual suspects), we hear you! But congratulations on taking a positive step in the right direction by picking up this special issue.

SCHOOL SPECIAL In our School Special, we focus on the rising costs of education and how to plan for this major family expense. After your home, it’s where most of your family earnings will go. Affording the best for your child is every parent’s wish, and our feature on page 30 outlines the options available, whether you have time for a long-term investment or need shorter-term results. The increased pressure on children means that parents play an ever-increasing role in school success. Gone are the days when writing a cheque for school fees was enough. In addition to extra-murals, after hours homework can take up the better part of the day (for parents, too). The trick, writes Candice Curtis on page 26, is to help just enough so that they can ﬁnish homework (mostly) independently. On page 54, Margie shares the ins and outs of packing a power lunchbox – and good news for parents is that these are good for your waistline, too! We also help you navigate a complex ADHD diagnosis and share the possibilities of digital learning both in the classroom and at home. This month we met with four young leaders between the ages of 10 and 14 who are truly inspirational. A little research tells me that members of this new generation are called Founders – as opposed to the slightly older Millennials – and you’ll see why when you read their story on page 36. Their positive, can-do attitudes have set them on exciting paths, and their entrepreneurial spirit is so exciting to watch. Our future may just be in good hands, if they’re anything to go by. Other highlights in this issue include our fabulous cakeovers on page 74. We’ve taken the nation’s favourite desserts – milk tart, Peppermint Crisp tart and malva pudding – and turned them all into delicious cakes. A tempting twist for teatime! Have a super month, supermoms!

janinec@caxton.co.za

@yfmag @yfmag @yourfamilymagsa Your Family Magazine (South Africa) 4 yourfamily.co.za

Here’s a resolution to add to your list! As fewer of us have post delivered to our homes, we miss out on our mags too. But now it’s super easy to set up a collection at your local Woolworths store. Turn to page 42 to ﬁnd out how to set it up.

58358

GET IN TOUCH KEEPING UP TO DATE WITH OUR READERS THANK YOU! This month’s star letter will receive a Pylones hamper, worth R3 000! Established in France in 1985, Pylones is a global leader in gifting. It sells everything from home appliances and beauty tools to office equipment and fashion accessories. It’s known for its collection of over 2 500 unique, fun, playful, and practical gifts, ranging from R4.95 to R2 999.95. Visit the stores at V & A Waterfront, Mall of Africa, Sandton City, and Menlyn Park Shopping Centre.

STAR LETTER Before my mother passed away in 2010, one of her best Christmas presents was an annual subscription to Your Family. I used to read her magazine when I went for a visit, but I haven’t looked at an issue since her death. Last week I was kept waiting for a medical appointment for over an hour, and picked up and read your July 2016 issue in the doctor’s waiting room. I was pleasantly surprised by the varied content, and as a result I’ve purchased and read the October issue. I’ll be a regular reader of Your Family from now on. – Anne Lindsay-Smith, via email

Thank you sincerely for the wonderful prize of Sh’Zen products you sent me. What a wonderful surprise and what a magniﬁcent product! I’m a disabled old bird, but I don’t believe in sitting in the corner feeling sorry for myself. I’m usually busy sewing, painting, and doing all sorts of art work. I’m always interested in trying something new. My treasure trove of ideas is Your Family magazine. I sometimes wish your magazine was double the size with only crafts taking up the extra space. Every time I receive my magazine through the post, I look forward to some new ideas. I’m very blessed in that I receive strength every morning to get up and get busy. I know you can live with a painful disability without letting it rule your life. The blessings are there for the taking. My main ministry is making and knitting clothes for the many orphanages and abandoned babies in my area. I have wonderful friends who give me their leftover pieces of fabric and wool, and it’s amazing what you can do with a small piece of material. Thank you for a warm and friendly magazine where I can feel at home reading through it. – Mari Godliman, via email

Reading How to... Use herbs for healing in your October issue reminded me of how we used to self-medicate in the 80s. Although self-medicating can be dangerous, we saved money by using traditional herbs to heal headaches, constipation, wounds, colds and ﬂu. We never ran to chemists for over-the-counter medicines. I've realised that the herbs we now buy are the same ones we sourced in the bush or back yard. It's a pity we no longer spend quality time with our grannies, they would teach us about the traditional herbs. – Ephenia Kubu, via email

READER OF THE MONTH

If you’d like to be our next reader of the month, send an email to yourfamily@caxton.co.za with ‘Reader of the month’ in the subject line.

Shirley Mahabeer, 68, is a retired nurse who has recently moved from Durban to Joburg to be closer to her children and grandchildren. ‘It was sad to leave sunny Durbs, but I’ve settled in Joburg and I’m getting used to the hectic lifestyle and traffic. It’s quite a change!’ SHIRLEY’S FAVOURITE… …BOOK Cape to Cairo by Sihle Khumalo and Q & A by Vikas Swarup (Slumdog Millionaire). …MOVIE Sense and Sensibility. ‘I’m also a big fan of Bollywood movies; they allow me to escape to a world of song, dance, glitz and glamour!’ …RECIPES ‘I love Thai dishes and a variety of biryanis.’ …GUILTY PLEASURE Popcorn and chocolate. WHAT’S GUARANTEED TO GET YOU IN A GOOD MOOD? ‘Time with my grandchildren, gardening, and nature walks.’ FAMILY TIME IS SPENT at Sunday lunches, birthdays, and special occasions. IN HER FRIDGE, SHE’S NEVER WITHOUT real butter!

WRITE TO US at yourfamily@caxton.co.za or post letters to Your Family, PO Box 473016, Parklands, 2121 6 yourfamily.co.za

COMPILED BY CANDICE CURTIS PHOTOS: SUPPLIED LETTERS MAY BE EDITED DUE TO SPACE

HERBAL MEDICINE

YF ONLINE

Yourfamily.co.za YOU’LL FIND PLENTY OF VALENTINE’S MAKES ONLINE BAKE AWAY!

Poll!

Get the kids into the kitchen and search our online baking recipe collection…

We asked you… What are your 2017 resolutions?

52%

34%

Lose weight

Take charge of my ﬁnances

Focus on my career

7% Spend more time with loved ones

a sweet heart! SAY IT WITH

MAKE VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL with these simple DIY decor ideas!

COMPILED BY JONI NEL PHOTOS: CAXTON PHOTOGRAPHERS AND FOTOLIA.COM

These sweetheart bakes are a special way to show how much you appreciate someone!

Valentine’s wreath

Heart-shaped meringues

Strawberry sweetheart cupcakes

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE… Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for recipes, crafts, parenting advice and more! We’ll also keep you updated on exciting competitions!

Heart ﬂags

FEBRUARY 2017

AT OUR TABLE MARGIE SHARES HER LATEST FOODIE FINDS

A TASTE OF CHILDHOOD

love

Beetroot belongs to the same family as spinach, so both the leaves and root can be eaten. But, while the root is sweet, the leaves have quite a bitter taste. Beetroot is packed with vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants, and it’s low in fat. The pigment that gives beetroot its purple-red colour is betacyanin – a powerful agent that suppresses the development of some types of cancer. If you stain your hands with beetroot, rub with lemon juice to help remove the colour. Enjoy it raw in salads, as gazpacho soup, stirred into yoghurt as a dip or blitzed into juice. Roast it whole with olive oil and cumin to use in salads or to serve with roasts. It’s also a popular colourant in red velvet cakes.

The right N2Ice Cream Lab uses the science of liquid nitrogen to produce the most delicious made-toorder ice cream. Add ﬂavours like fynbos honey, salted caramel, marshmallow, piña colada, Toblerone or Turkish delight to your vanilla or chocolate ice-cream bases, and enjoy sorbets, Banting ice cream and recently introduced sundaes. Based at The Paddocks in Milnerton, Cape Town as well as markets and festivals nationwide, or you can even book an ice-cream truck for events in Gauteng. N2icecreamlab.co.za

8 yourfamily.co.za

Sweets for my sweet Spoil your loved one with the Thank You Gift Box. The beautifully packaged gift contains nougat, biscuits, handmade marshmallows and salted caramel popcorn with a personalised gift card. R199 from Yuppiechef.com

KITCHEN TIP Guacamole is tricky to preserve, but try this to limit the browning: Place it in a container that’s just big enough for the quantity you have, so as to reduce the exposure to air. Place a thin layer of lemon juice or water mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice (if you don’t enjoy a tangy guacamole) on top. Store covered in the fridge. Pour the lemon juice/water off just before serving. Alternatively, spray the top well with cooking spray or drizzle a thin layer of oil on top. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on top and store covered in the fridge. Pour the oil off just before serving.

COMPILED BY MARGIE ELS-BURGER PHOTOS: DYLAN SWART, FOTOLIA.COM AND SUPPLIED

Colour of

ITALIAN FLAIR Start your day at The Eatalian deli and restaurant in Parkmore, Joburg with freshly brewed coffee from their own roastery and your choice from a selection of breakfasts. Or just shop for your favourite items from their range of imported products and prepared dishes of the day. The classic Italian regional cooking includes thin base pizzas – try the mozzarella, Italian sausage, porcini mushrooms and truffle oil with no tomato base. The melanzane alla parmigiana (baked layers of brinjals with mozzarella and Napoletana sauce), antipasti and pastas are also very popular. Theeatalian.co.za or phone 011 326 8786.

PRONTO MAMA Lupa Osteria is something of a KZN tradition with its three branches in Durban North, Hillcrest and Westville. Pastas are homemade – try the salsiccia with Italian fennel sausage, bacon, mushrooms, chianti and cream. Pizzas are made using imported Italian ﬂour and baked in a wood-ﬁred oven – try marble cookies the chorizo, feta, peppadews, chilli and avocado. Makes about 25 Takes 1 hr + cooling And don’t miss the pretzel-dusted calamari, carpaccio and homemade tiramisu. The two200g ready-made vanilla cookie dough course kids’ menu with a cold drink offers good 375ml fondant value for money. Lupa.co.za few drops black food colouring

FOOD WITH SOUL Balducci at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town has won a 2016 Excellence Award from TripAdvisor and Wine Spectator. The food is based on typical Italian traditions of homemade, quality ingredients, patience and generosity, and they’re famous for their pastas – try the Dalla Griglia with smoked BBQ pork ribs. The sushi, chicken with soy and ginger, and salmon teriyaki from the Asian noodles and tapas are worth trying too. Plus they’ve recently introduced a Banting menu. Balduccis.co.za or phone 021 421 6002/3.

1 egg white 250ml icing sugar edible gold dust (optional)

1 Preheat oven to 160°C. Roll the cookie dough out on a lightly floured surface to 4mm thickness and cut into 4.5cm hearts with a cookie cutter. Place on baking trays lined with baking paper and bake in batches for about 8-10 minutes or until light golden. Leave to cool on the tray. 2 Divide the fondant into 2 balls. Knead a few drops of food colouring into 1 of the balls on a cornflour dusted surface until grey. Shape both balls into logs and twist together. Gently knead and twist until marbled. Roll out on a cornflour dusted surface to 3mm thickness and cut out 4.5cm hearts. 3 Beat the egg white and enough icing sugar together to reach the consistency of toothpaste. Spread a layer onto the cookies and top with a heart. Dust with gold dust, if you like.

Go online for our basic vanilla cookies recipe and a video on how to make marble fondant. FEBRUARY 2017

HOME UPDATE TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A BEAUTIFUL HOME

smart

Be about your

space

Many of today’s apartment complexes and cluster homes aren’t as spacious as older buildings. Natasha Laurent, architect at Office 24-7 Design and Architecture, shares some ideas on making a smaller space work for you. ‘Start by decluttering,’ advises Natasha. ‘Go through each room in your home to ﬁnd all the items you aren’t using and donate them to your local charity shop.’

TIP

‘South Africans are used to having quite a bit of “horizontal” space to use for storage and furniture, so we don’t often think to store things vertically,’ says Natasha. She suggests these nifty tips and tricks for creating clever vertical storage in spaces that often go unused: Install a dustbin in the cupboard under your sink (this can work in the kitchen or bathroom). Hang ﬂoating shelves over doorways. Hang interesting box shelves above the bath or toilet.

Honeycomb wall shelf, R359.99, MRP Home

Store pots in the overhead space on top of cupboards. Use a pegboard to hang kitchen utensils on the wall above your stove or workstation.

Visit us online to learn how to make your own pegboard. 10 yourfamily.co.za

3 nested box shelves, R599.99, MRP Home

COMPILED BY CANDICE CURTIS PHOTOS: SUPPLIED PRODUCTS AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT* SEE PAGE 115

To do a proper clothing clean-out, apply the ‘Parisian wardrobe’ principle. Choose ﬁve basics for each clothing category (tops, pants, shoes, jackets, and accessories), and then add ﬁve seasonal updates from the biggest trends of the season to these basics each quarter.

Storage space – sorted

MORE CLEVER, SPACE-SAVING STORAGE IDEAS

In addition to using spaces that would normally be ignored, Natasha suggests changing the way you store your belongings to maximise your space. ‘If you have “collections” that you use regularly, such as jewellery, teacups, books, or vases, display these around your home instead of using cupboard space to store them away. Avoid displaying objects you don’t use often as they just collect dust.

Store behind the door Everyday over-the-door hook, R100, MRP Home

Let your books ﬂoat Floating bookshelves – set of three, R299, Emerging Creatives

Walls of wine 2-piece wine rack, R399, Emerging Creatives

Wall-mounted mirror shelf, R1 500, Doktor and Misses

TIP Use light colours on your walls. Turn a tiny bathroom into a quirky space by installing a mirror on the ceiling. Use a bright colour on the walls of a smaller space and continue the colour on the ceiling to elongate the entire room. STOCKISTS ON PAGE 115

Stepladder, R259.99, MRP Home

If you’re making use of overhead space for storage, invest in a stepladder and liven it up with a lick of paint in a bright colour so you’ll always have it on hand to help you reach your stuff easily.

FEBRUARY 2017

budget BUYS 3

BEST

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE ROUNDED UP SOME OF THE BEST BARGAINS AVAILABLE TO KICK-START THE YEAR! 4

12 yourfamily.co.za

SHOPPING

7 8

9 10

COMPILED BY CARYN MAGID PHOTOS: HEMA PATEL PRODUCTS AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT* SEE PAGE 115

15 14 13

1 Gem cuff, R140, Woolworths 2 Necklace, R69.99, Jet 3 Dress, R140, MRP 4 Bag, R379, Miladys 5 Cut-out detail heels, R429.99, Legit 6 Tasselled heels, R449.99, Legit 7 Scarf, R99.99, Woolworths 8 Teapot, R129, cups, R25 each, Home etc 9 Lace detail top, R89.99, MRP 10 Sunglasses, R140, Woolworths 11 Bangles, R59.99, Jet 12 DiamantÃ© sandals, R149, Real Clothing Company @ Pick n Pay 13 Jug, R99, glasses, R25 each, Makro 14 Glass bottles, R49.95 each, Clicks 15 Cheese knife set, R99.95, Clicks

STOCKISTS ON PAGE 115

FEBRUARY 2017

URBA heat

Sleek, chic, and stylish, white denim is a crisp summer staple. Add a light knit in a darker colour and ямБnish with a glam silver version of the classic loafer. STRIPED NAUTICAL TOP, R460, Daniel Hechter @ Truworths WHITE SLIM-FIT CROPPED JEANS, R299, H&M SILVER LOAFERS, R149.99, MRP RED CLUTCH, R299, Edgars SILVER HOOP EARRINGS, R79, Accessorize SILVER PLAITED NECKLACE, R349, Accessorize RETRO SUNGLASSES, R349, H&M NAVY AND RED WATCH, R89.99, MRP

tip Break up a nautical palette with modern silver accessories.

FASHION

RED, WHITE AND BLUE IS THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC COMBINATION – IT’S RELAXED, AGELESS AND FLATTERING, AND YOU CAN TAKE IT FROM CASUAL TO POLISHED WITH METALLIC ACCESSORIES

A head-turning dress is a must for summer events. Chiffon sleeves disguise any upper arm issues, and the dress skims but doesn’t cling. Minimal accessories give maximum impact. RED DRESS WITH CHIFFON DETAIL, R750, Queenspark GOLD KITTEN-HEEL COURT SHOE, R399, Queenspark GEOMETRIC NECKLACE, R129, H&M BANGLE, R99, Accessorize

This striking jacket and dress combo works just as well styled separately. The belt on the dress is ideal for creating shape while the cropped jacket is a fashion-forward cover-up. Simply add accessories. NAVY AND WHITE STRIPED A-LINE DRESS, R550, Finnigans @ Truworths NAVY AND WHITE FLORAL JACKET, R625, Daniel Hechter @ Truworths RED PATENT SANDALS, R499, Truworths GOLD CLUTCH BAG, R249, Truworths SILVER DOUBLE STUD EARRINGS, R129, Accessorize DIAMOND BRACELET, R99, Queenspark

FEBRUARY 2017

A retro striped tunic will work on any body shape, but is especially good at hiding an absent waist. Finish the look with a gold oversized bag. PRINTED TUNIC, R325, Contempo GOLD SHOPPER, R599, Queenspark ROSE GOLD NECKLACE, R349, Accessorize BEATEN GOLD BANGLES, R160, Poetry

Cropped trousers are a summer staple, especially if you have slim legs to show off. Add a V-neck loosefitting blouse, which is a flattering neckline for a bigger bust and skims over curves. Finish with glam gold flats. RED V-NECK BLOUSE, R229, H&M NAVY PRINTED SUPERSTRETCH CROPPED TROUSERS, R229, H&M GOLD GEOMETRIC NECKLACE, R129, H&M GOLD BANGLE, R229, Accessorize

tip Gold accessories make any outﬁt look more expensive.

16 yourfamily.co.za

FASHION

HOW TO WEAR WHITE JEANS

WHITE SLIM-FIT JEANS, R399, David Jones @ Woolworths

NAVY STRIPED TANK TOP, R69.99, Pick n Pay Clothing NAVY BLAZER, R550, Contempo

crisp and professional

CHAMBRAY SHIRT, R350, David Jones @ Woolworths LEATHER BELT, R250, Woolworths

effortless and casual

BLACK OFF-THESHOULDER TOP, R49.99, Jet GOLD HORN NECKLACE, R49.99, Jet

WHITE SLEEVELESS T-SHIRT, R79.99, Jet

black and white

BLACK AND WHITE STRIPED TOP, R350, Studio W @ Woolworths

classic stripes

white on white

PAISLEY TOP WITH PUFFED SLEEVES, R349, Zara

simple prints FEBRUARY 2017

An open-shoulder white top is cool and on-trend this season.

HOW TO wear white sneakers

WHITE OPENSHOULDER CHIFFON TOP, R199, Contempo CITY STRETCH LUX NAVY TROUSERS, R350, Contempo RED PATTERNED SCARF, R149, Edgars SILVER HOOP EARRINGS, R79, Accessorize GOLD AND SILVER BANGLE, R99, Queenspark

White sneakers are having a big fashion moment. They’re comfortable and can replace any other ﬂats or high heels during the day. White sneakers are deﬁnitely the new trend! There are lots of ways to style them without looking like a tourist!

INVESTMENT BUY

WHITE SNEAKERS, R599, H&M

WITH

distressed jeans WHITE T-SHIRT, R79.99, Jet BLACK JACKET, R449, Kelso @ Edgars DISTRESSED DENIM JEANS, R499, Re @ Woolworths

18 yourfamily.co.za

WITH

black and white IVORY CAMI, R150, Contempo BLACK ECO LEATHER JACKET, R2 200, Designs by Diane BLACK SKINNY PANTS, R250, StudioW @ Woolworths

WITH

Slim jeans & a jacket GREY T-SHIRT, R159.95, Edgars STONE JACKET, R699, StudioW @ Woolworths SKINNY JEANS, R249.95, Edgars

WITH

a chic shirt

WHITE SHIRT, R119.99, Jet DARK BLUE JEANS, R149, Jet

FASHION

Mix and match red, white and blue capsule wardrobe

STYLING: SUZANNE SESINK CLEE MODEL: TASNEEM, ICE MODEL MANAGEMENT MAKE-UP AND HAIR: LIESL LEACH PHOTOS: DYLAN SWART SHOT ON LOCATION AT EMOYENI, EMOYENIESTATE.CO.ZA PRODUCTS AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT* SEE PAGE 115

7 6

The maxi dress should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. The silhouette’s most loveable qualities include its extreme level of comfort and its easy-towear shape. GEOMETRIC MAXI DRESS, R350, Queenspark GOLD CLUTCH, R350, Queenspark GOLD LEAF NECKLACE, R299, Accessorize GOLD CUFF, R199, Truworths

1 NAVY DRESS WITH TRIM, R290, Contempo 2 RED, WHITE AND BLUE STRIPED TOP, R499, Sissy Boy @ Edgars 3 PRINTED DOUBLE LAYER SPOTTED TOP, R225, Contempo 4 RED TOP WITH SHOULDER TRIM, R240, Contempo 5 STRIPED NAUTICAL TUNIC, R550, Daniel Hechter @ Truworths 6 NAVY SKINNY JEANS, R249, Kelso @ Edgars 7 RED SHEER COVER-UP, R299, Queenspark 8 WHITE NAUTICAL SHORTS, R349, H&M 9 GOLD FLAT SANDALS, R399, Queenspark 10 GOLD HIGH HEEL SANDALS, R179,99, Jet STOCKISTS ON PAGE 115

8 9 10 FEBRUARY 2017

Clashing prints are big news, and an easy way to work this trend is by mixing spots with stripes. A pencil skirt and knit top create a striking silhouette. RED AND WHITE STRIPED TOP, R89.99, MRP NAVY AND WHITE POLKA-DOT PENCIL SKIRT WITH BELT, R399 for two, Truworths GOLD BLOCK HEEL SANDALS, R499, H&M GOLD COLLAR NECKLACE, R199, H&M GOLD AND SILVER CUFF, R499, Accessorize

20 yourfamily.co.za

BEAUTY NEWS NEW FINDS AT THE BEAUTY COUNTER

Refresh, revive

reveal

Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Blush, R140

Freeman Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Peel-Off Mask, R95

Avon Shine Burst Lip Gloss, R120

Eco Diva Crème Brûlée Anti-Aging Face Cream, R285

Max Factor X Creme Puff Pressed Powder, R185

Avon Bright Start Fresh Look Foundation, R149

Mii Cosmetics Moisturising Lip Lover, R300

Pond’s Age Miracle Deep Action Night Cream, R159

Avon Supershock Mascara, R149

Michelle Ori Paris Bronzer, R185 COMPILED BY BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTOS: FOTOLIA.COM AND SUPPLIED

LET YOUR INNER BEAUTY OUT!

Dove Purely Pampering Coconut Milk Beauty Cream Bar, R8.95

STOCKISTS ON PAGE 115

FEBRUARY 2017

Happy,healthy

hair

WHEN YOUR HAIR LOOKS GOOD, YOU WALK A LITTLE TALLER AND FEEL BETTER! ealistically, we can’t all afford to visit the hairdresser once or twice a week, so what can you do to keep your hair in quality condition? Modern diets and factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and pollution starve your body of essential nutrients, often leaving hair unhealthy and in poor condition. In order to promote healthy hair growth your diet should include essential fatty acids, minerals, and amino acids, all of which are vital for the formation of keratin, the protein that’s the key structural component of hair and nails. Taking a daily protein supplement and multivitamin can help boost your hair’s growth cycle by nourishing the hair from the root.

KEEP IT NATURAL AND HEALTHY Common causes of hair loss Hair loss is a common but disheartening condition, and it affects many people, men and women alike, at some time in their lives. For the most part, hair loss differs in males and females, ranging from easily treatable to more intricate underlying health conditions. Hair fall in females is usually caused by hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorders, iron deﬁciency, ageing, and chemical damage. Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men. It’s usually caused by a genetic predisposition to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When DHT levels rise, the hair follicles are adversely affected, leading to thinning and hair loss. Early detection is the ﬁrst line of defence when it comes to combatting hair loss. Even if you notice just slight thinning, it’s advisable to consult a trichologist (a dermatologist specialising in hair and scalp problems). An accurate diagnosis is key to successful treatment. Androgenetic alopecia can be minimised and even reversed with Trichotin DHT Inhibitor.

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HOW TO CARE FOR CURLY HAIR Avoid using a hairdryer as much as possible, as curly hair tends to be very fragile. Let your hair air-dry as often as you can. Don’t brush your curls or you’ll end up with frizzy hair. Rather sort out the tangles with the help of your ﬁngers. Stay away from haircare products, like mousse and gel, as much as you can. Massage your scalp with coconut oil, jojoba oil or aloe vera juice once or twice a week. As curly hair is prone to dryness, use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner regularly.

HOW TO CARE FOR STRAIGHT HAIR Wash your hair on a daily basis or at least on alternate days. Avoid using a curling iron on your hair, and if you do use one, keep the heat setting on low. Never brush your hair when it’s wet. If you need to detangle it, use your ﬁngers. Don’t rub wet hair with a towel. Use the towel to squeeze out water from the hair, gently. After applying conditioner on your hair, and before rinsing it out, comb through your hair, using a widetoothed comb. Avoid touching and playing with your hair.

BEAUTY

HOW TO CARE FOR WAVY HAIR Trim your hair every six to eight weeks – it’ll help to prevent split ends. Rather than letting your wavy hair air-dry, toweldry it as much as possible. After washing, don’t bunch it on top of your head, as it’ll create unnecessary knots and frizz. Always use a widetoothed comb to detangle, but don’t tug at knots, as it leads to breakage. For wavy hair, it’s advisable to make use of shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner. Once a month, use a clarifying shampoo as part of a detox process.

FEBRUARY 2017

WEAVE SOME MAGIC 2013 UK Afro Hairdresser of the Year, Charlotte Mensah, says a weave is a wonderful way to create a new style as it gives you the opportunity to add length to your natural hair. But more importantly, weaves give your own hair a healthy window to rest, grow out a relaxer, and add fullness and body to your hair. When cared for properly, a weave can last up to three months. Before deciding on a weave, Charlotte advises on considering the pros and cons.

PROS Weaves come in many different sizes and shapes, which adds variety to your style. It’s quick and easy when considering the time it takes to grow your own hair if you want a long hairstyle. A weave is durable when cared for correctly. It gives your natural hair some rest without sacriﬁcing your good looks.

Before you decide

CONS It pulls your scalp. Getting weaves too often results in your natural hair falling out. It can damage your natural hair long-term, and lead to premature balding.

Aftercare

Before you rush off to phone your stylist, it’s important to know the steps you should take to prepare your hair for a weave. To prevent breakage, don’t book a weave within two weeks of your last relaxer or chemical treatment. Make sure your stylist gives your hair a good wash with an uplifting shampoo followed by a protein treatment before ﬁxing the weave.

Taking care of your scalp and your own hair is as important as taking good care of the actual weave. Treat your scalp and weave daily with a natural oil. Brush your weave daily. If you chose a straight style, use a brush and not a comb. For a curly style, use a styling comb and not a brush. Wash and condition your scalp and weave at least once every two weeks. Visit your stylist every four weeks to groom and refresh your weave.

WASHING TECHNIQUE Charlotte always advises women to use the following technique when washing a weave: After brushing your hair throughout, divide the weave into 8-10 sections that are plaited from root to tip. Carefully wet the hair from the scalp to the ends without rubbing the plaits. Apply shampoo on the scalp ﬁrst, then apply shampoo to the plaits individually with a light tapping motion. Rinse carefully from the scalp to the ends without undoing the plaits. Apply conditioner on the scalp ﬁrst, followed by the plaits individually, undoing each plait as you apply the conditioner. Gently comb the conditioner through the weave with an Afro comb. Rinse carefully without rubbing the hair. Tap dry with a towel. Do not rub your hair with the towel! Now you can brush, blow-dry, and style!

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BEAUTY

FORM

healthy hair habits

Tangle Teezer Thick & Curly Brush, R240, banishes tangles and knots, and helps prevent damage, thanks to its two-tiered system technology – long teeth detangle and short teeth smooth the hair cuticle.

The Nu-Hair Treatments Starter Kit, R274.95, is a 3-in-1 pack that combines three special products to promote the development of healthy, strong hair.

FEATURE: BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTOS: FOTOLIA.COM AND SUPPLIED PRODUCTS AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT* SEE PAGE 115

Trichotin Hair Regenesis, R385, with anti-ageing properties, has been speciﬁcally formulated to supply the essential nutrients required for healthier hair and skin, while promoting overall wellbeing.

Label.m Intensive Repair Shampoo, R366. Formulated with the soyo-oat-amino complex, it intensively repairs all three layers of the hair, while the exclusive enviroshield complex protects vulnerable hair against damage from heat styling and UV rays.

Creightons Professional The Curl Company Hold & Body Curl Deﬁning Mousse, R179.95, does a great job of deﬁning curls. It’s applied to damp hair, after combing through a little conditioner.

Pure Beginnings Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner, R94, is suitable for the whole family. This extra mild shampoo includes organic argan, which assists the hair to become stronger.

Kiehl’s Smooth Oil Conditioner treatment, R325, provides the smoothing, ultranourishing properties of a mask in a conditioning cream for softness, manageability, and shine.

Label.m Blonde Balm, R313, gradually lightens and brightens hair while gently cleansing and nourishing to prevent dryness, tangling and breakage. Contains white pineapple, mamaki tea and lemon.

Treemendus Tea Tree Shampoo, R65, includes tea tree, peppermint and neem oils that deep-cleanse your hair and prevent dry itchy scalp. Rosemary adds shine to your hair while invigorating the senses.

ORS Curls Unleashed, R159.99, is speciﬁcally formulated to unleash the beautiful possibilities of natural curly hair.

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Hair Milk Smoothie, R63.95, is a lightweight hair lotion that deeply nourishes and hydrates hair, restoring its softness for frizz-free deﬁnition and shine.

Kiehl’s Smooth Oil Shampoo, R315, provides smoothing and frizz-calming properties for soft, supple, freeﬂowing hair, without stripping away natural oils. Contains Argan oil and Babassu oil.

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Leave-In Conditioner, R66.95, instantly detangles, putting an end to tugging and pulling at unruly hair. With a few sprays hair has instant slip and silkiness.

Annique’s Resque Hair Nutrition+, R219, is a lightweight leave-in nutritional vitamin hair treatment formulated with vitamin complex to help nourish, repair, soothe and revitalise scalp and hair.

STOCKISTS ON PAGE 115

FEBRUARY 2017

HOW TO...

Need help sticking to the homework routine? Write down the schedule and put it where everyone can see it (on the fridge door!), to help you and your kids stay on track!

SCHOOL SPECIAL

Help your children

of their homework FIND THE BALANCE BETWEEN HELPING TOO MUCH, AND NOT ENOUGH

inding time to complete homework assignments between after-school sports and other extramural activities can seem like an uphill battle. As parents, we want to help our children achieve their best results, but often that’s easier said than done. What do you do when your child doesn’t seem fully equipped to handle their homework tasks? Do you ‘help’ them to the point where the assignment may as well have your name on it, or do you leave them to their own devices, knowing their marks might suffer? Jarryd Duarte, Grade 7 head, and English and social sciences teacher at Norkem Park Primary School, gave us some valuable advice.

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‘In my experience, the biggest problem students face regarding not completing homework on time is that they don’t have the skills they need to complete tasks on their own without constant supervision from a teacher,’ Jarryd explains. ‘Teachers can assist their students by teaching them the skills they need to tackle tasks independently, and with enough conﬁdence to choose their own methods for completing a task. Teachers need to encourage students to explore and understand their work instead of passively listening to explanations and following instructions. When these students go home and try to complete their homework tasks without their teachers’ supervision, they hit a blank and often can’t ﬁnish their work.’

What can parents do to help? Jarryd suggests having a positive attitude towards homework. ‘When a parent stresses resentment towards having to listen to reading or help with homework, it has a negative effect on the way children feel about it, too. No matter how hard teachers try to reinforce what’s good for them, children tend to default to what their parents display as “normal” behaviour. ‘Parents should set routines for their children early on and stick to them,’ Jarryd advises. Find a routine that works best for your family; if your children have a number of activities, including sport, music lessons, or art classes, you may need a more ﬂexible routine. For instance, there may be time for homework directly after school two days a week, but on the other three days, homework may need to be done in the evenings.

note

Jarryd’s tip ‘Reward time spent on homework with a family or outdoor activity instead of TV. Students shouldn’t see homework as a pathway to TV, or worse, not completing their homework as the reason for no TV!’ Provide your children with a space where they can complete their homework. Whether it’s a designated homework nook, a desk in their room, or the kitchen table, having a speciﬁc place just for homework will add structure to their routine and help them focus.

Lead by example. As mentioned, children tend to copy their parents’ display of ‘normal’ behaviour. If you read, write, and do other activities that require your thought and effort in front of your children on a regular basis, they’ll be inspired to do the same. Show an interest in your children’s progress by making time to read with them, helping them with homework tasks, and taking them to libraries or museums – anything that’ll be a fun learning experience. Even just talking about their school day shows them you’re interested in how they’re getting on.

Visit us online to learn about creating a cool homework space.

FEATURE: CANDICE CURTIS PHOTOS: FOTOLIA.COM

Make sure your children have a healthy balance of extramural activities and homework time. Both need to be prioritised.

Remove distractions and excessive noise during homework time. There should be no TV, loud music, or social phone calls allowed. If your house is quite noisy with limited space, consider designating an hour or two to ‘quiet activity time’ for everyone in the house so there’s quiet for those who need it for homework time. If noise and distractions can’t be avoided, consider allowing your children to do homework at a nearby library or study centre.

FEBRUARY 2017

MONEY SMART TIPS AND TRICKS TO SAVE YOU A BUNDLE!

SCHOOL SPECIAL

The cost of education PLANNING AHEAD FOR YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION WILL SAVE YOU HUGE STRESS

our children’s education may be one of the most expensive costs you’ll incur. They have so much potential. They could grow up to be doctors, lawyers, teachers or accountants. But it doesn’t matter how bright they are – without education, these dreams are almost impossible to make a reality. It’s our responsibility as parents to ensure our children receive an education. According to Palesa Tlholoe, a certified financial planner at Liberty, checking in with an accredited financial adviser on how to plan ahead for your child’s education should be a top priority. School fees increase by an average of 10% every year in South Africa, and the sooner you start saving the more your money can grow. Saving is the first step to ensuring that you have a good financial plan and are able to provide for your children’s education.

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Did you know In 2015, 44% of young parents bought a policy that incorporated loss of income, lifestyle and life protection. – Source: Liberty’s 2015 Claim Statistics

A traditional savings account is a safer option than ‘hiding it under the mattress

SAVING OPTIONS AVAILABLE ENDOWMENT POLICY (EDUCATION POLICY) Endowment policies are good products if you have a specific financial goal, such as education savings. You can make regular monthly savings, annual savings, and also put in ad hoc contributions from as little as R500 per month. There’s a minimum investment term of five years, which limits your access to the funds within the first five years. This helps in instilling discipline on the side of the investor, so if you start investing while your child is still young you’re likely to remain invested for more than 10 years. Investing for 10 years or longer is considered longterm and it gives your financial adviser an opportunity to pick balanced or

Visit us online to ﬁnd out how to save more during tough ﬁnancial times. 32 yourfamily.co.za

to invest in an asset class such as equities, property or bonds. Instead of buying and owning shares or bonds yourself, you buy units in a portfolio of shares. A unit trust allows a group of investors to pool their capital to invest in ﬁnancial markets. Unit trusts now create an opportunity for anybody to invest on the stock market or capital market. The funds are immediately accessible, so when you need the money you need not wait for it. You can invest in unit trusts monthly, annually or on an ad hoc basis. Depending on the company and type of unit trust

you choose, you can invest smaller or larger amounts on a monthly, annual or once-off basis. While unit trusts offer the advantage of being highly flexible with easy access, they should also be considered and used as long-term investments when saving for your child’s education. They also offer the same benefit of compound interest (referred to earlier) for long-term investors, with 3+ inflationbeating returns, which will give you a better growth in your savings compared to saving in a money market type of instrument. FUNDISA FUND Government and some financial institutions have come together and created a flexible investment product called Fundisa, aimed at low-income earners. Investors can invest from as little as R40. According to Fundisa.org.za, ‘Anyone can open a Fundisa account, but the learner who benefits from the investment must come from a family that does not earn more than R180 000 a year’. EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT THROUGH A BANK PRODUCT A traditional savings account is a safer option than ‘hiding it under the mattress’. However, saving through a bank generally earns very low interest, which makes saving for a long-term goal particularly difficult. The upside is that the funds are easily accessible whenever you require them.

COMMITMENT AND PLANNING Liberty’s Palesa Tlholoe advises that education savings are a long-term goal requiring a true commitment to achieve, and their importance cannot be underestimated. When formulating your ﬁnancial plan you need to decide what type of school you’d like your child to attend. Be careful of falling into the trap of only considering private schooling. There are some very good public schools, and if you can’t afford private schooling it may harm both you and your child if you need to move them. Keep in mind that it’s not only the school fees itself but the extramural activities, school uniforms and stationery that all add up, too. Once you know what type of school your child will attend, you’ll have a good idea of the expenses, and can start to draw up a savings plan. Having the ability to stick to your plan means you’ll have money to pay school fees upfront, and most schools offer a discount if you pay the full fee at the beginning of the year. This way, you score in your planning, and you might get ahead of the game sooner than you think.

FEATURE: BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTOS: FOTOLIA.COM

growth funds that have signiﬁcant exposure to equity and property funds, which would generally have a mandate of producing 3+ above inﬂation returns. Staying longer in the market means that you’re also taking advantage of the effects of compound interest, where your interest also earns interest. UNIT TRUSTS A unit trust is an investment product that enables you

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LIVE SMART TIPS, TOOLS AND GADGETS TO MAKE LIFE SIMPLER

THIS MONTH WE’RE TESTING...

INVESTMENT

BUY

The Philips PerfectCare Viva Steam Generator Iron The word ‘ironing’ isn’t usually synonymous with the good things in life, but when you hear “twice as fast”, and “glides through your ironing basket in half the time”, it’s worth a test-drive. We really put the PerfectCare Viva through its paces – from bedding and t-shirts to silky tops and even curtains, and it really did cut ironing time in half. It comes with OptimalTemp technology, which means you don’t need to keep changing the temperature setting. The iron rests on top of a water reservoir that holds up to 1.7L of water, and it has a 1.6m hose so that you can stretch into hard-to-reach areas. The fact that you’re not lifting all the water with you while you iron is a real boon for your arm muscles. Best of all was the fabulous job it did of blocking a knitted cardi to perfection – good news for the crafters out there! At R2 699 it’s not cheap, and you do need a decent-sized work surface to prop it on while you iron, but it’s deﬁnitely worth the investment for the saving on time. Available at Boardmans, Dion Wired, YuppieChef, Hirsch’s and Makro.

DISH OUT A LITTLE TLC

Keep the door open after a washing cycle so that moisture and dampness can evaporate.

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FLIP IT UP A LEVEL For those considering a new laptop, especially for kids, the new Asus TP501UA VivoBook is user friendly, and looks good too. Young children can enjoy games (it features a touchscreen functionality) and movies, while older kids and parents can use it to perform the same jobs as a laptop, with a 360-degree ﬂip for those places where a laptop just won’t do. It’s great for the kitchen while baking or when visiting friends with the kids. The notebook has a 14-inch touchscreen, and handles Windows 8 well. R12 999, Dion Wired and independent retailers. STOCKISTS ON PAGE 115

COMPILED BY KIM SHAW AND BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTOS: SUPPLIED AND FOTOLIA.COM PRODUCTS AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT* SEE PAGE 115

Major appliances such as dishwashers, fridges, washing machines and tumble dryers can be costly to repair and even more to replace. Fetchitﬁxit.co.za suggests the following easy general maintenance tips to ensure longevity: Fridge A simple tip to lengthen the life of your fridge is: don’t overload it! Overloading puts unnecessary pressure on the fridge’s compressor to keep the contents cold and fresh. Additionally, overloading makes it difficult for cold air to circulate correctly, which results in food being spoilt, and also lowers the efficiency of your fridge. Preventative maintenance Don’t wait for your appliances to break! Look after your investment. Build a relationship with a home appliance repair specialist, and ensure regular servicing of your appliances to avoid them breaking down. The additional beneﬁt of using the same appliance repair company is that they’ll get to know not only you, but your appliance too. Washing machine Overloading your washing machine can shorten its life. Once you’ve completed your laundry take some time to clean the inside drum with a damp cloth to remove soap residue, dirt, and excess threads from clothes, as this build-up can cause damage to your machine. Don’t toss the user manual These are often thrown out after a few months – keep them! They’re handy, especially for small home appliances with fewer moving parts. Gas stoves Keep them spick and span! Wipe up spills from the burners once they’re cool to avoid the ports clogging, as this takes a toll on the stove’s efficiency. A simple solution of warm soapy water will do the trick.

WORK SMART GET MORE OUT OF YOUR WORK DAY

WORK WISE The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on ﬁghting the old, but on building the new

If you’re dusting off your CV and hunting for a new job, make sure it’s error-free (of course) and boost your experience with a few of these power verbs: advanced applied balanced collaborated composed connected created enhanced exceeded generated implemented negotiated operated prepared strengthened supervised trained

ACE B L P

STS OO

WORK

– Socrates

Updating your CV?

PHOTO: FOTOLIA.COM

THAT REQUIRE ZERO TALENT 1 Being on time 2 Work ethic 3 Effort 4 Body language 5 Energy 6 Attitude 7 Passion 8 Being sociable 9 Doing extra 10 Being prepared Source: @secrets2success

1-minute

conﬁdence

boost

Smile

Smiling, even during stressful situations at work, will trigger feelings of security and make you more relaxed.

5 REASONS WHY WOMEN MAY BE BETTER LEADERS THAN MEN Life and business coach, Hank van der Merwe, is often asked by female executives how to survive in ‘a man’s world’. Their assumption is often that they need to behave more like men. Yet Hank’s advice to men when it comes to succeeding is, paradoxically, to embrace more ‘feminine’ attributes – such as relationship building and empathy. The following five qualities come more naturally to women, which may make them better instinctive leaders: EMPATHY Some men still think it’s a sign of ‘weakness’ to take the time to understand somebody else's point of view, says Hank, which is linked to the next quality… LISTENING Where men jump into ‘fix it’ mode, women have the ability to listen without formulating a plan while they’re doing it. Hearing all the details of a problem can lead to better solutions. RELATIONSHIPS Sometimes men can see the world in terms of winners and losers, while women see how we can all win. Putting people first is the best way to achieve results. FEEDBACK Men tend to focus on what wasn’t achieved and come up with a plan to fix it. Women focus on the person first and then the performance. Neuroscience tells us this is the best approach. INTUITION Women can pick up the slightest changes in tone and body language, which makes them great communicators. While men tend to rely on ‘facts’, women can also pick up on what’s not being said, which is the real reason the problem exists in the first place, giving them a much better chance of Source: Hankvandermerwe.com improving the outcome.

4 5

FEBRUARY 2017

SCHOOL SPECIAL

leaders,

big hearts FOUR YOUNG LEADERS ARE MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, ONE ACT OF KINDNESS AT A TIME Nicca Snyman-Gaultier, 14, attends Camps Bay High School. Her favourite subject is maths, she enjoys athletics, and loves to get creative with arts and crafts. ‘I know a bit about being “different”. Growing up with temporal lobe epilepsy, I used to have tiny seizures that made me blank out for a few seconds at a time. This was difficult for me as I often didn’t hear everything my teachers had explained, and I battled to keep up with my friends’ conversations. Not everyone understood why I always asked so many questions to try and piece conversations together for myself. ‘I outgrew the condition when I was about 10, and now I can understand difficult 36 yourfamily.co.za

concepts more quickly and easily. It also taught me not to judge a book by its cover; there are people ﬁghting battles that we’re not even aware of, every day. I think that’s part of what inspired me to help children in need.

them in such a tough situation when they’re so little. For a fortunate child like me, it’s one birthday party that I shared with a group of less fortunate children; it’s one day to make someone else happy. But for those little children, it’s the

There are people ﬁghting battles that we’re not even aware of, every day ‘For my ﬁfth birthday I celebrated with the children from Cotlands in Joburg. Children have no control over the circumstances they’re born into. The Cotlands children are beautiful, bright, and friendly, and it breaks my heart to see

day, the best day they’ve had. And that’s why I wanted to share my birthday with them. ‘We moved to Cape Town soon after that so I couldn’t go back the following year. But during the July school holidays, when I visited my

gran in Joburg, she asked what I wanted to do for my birthday, and I immediately knew I wanted to spend it at Cotlands again. We took party packs, goodie bags, and cakes to the Soweto and Central Joburg branches and celebrated with the kids. They had so much fun! ‘I’m very fortunate to have attended schools where the mottos are “sharing is caring” and “always do the right thing, even when it’s hard”. ‘Our Camps Bay schools also have food, stationery, and clothing drives, so there are always opportunities for us to make a difference in the community. ‘I want to study something in the medical ﬁeld so I can help people. I’d really love to be a paediatrician one day!’

REAL PEOPLE

Sheldon Spear, 12, attends Curro Waterstone College, Joburg. His favourite subjects are natural science and technology. He enjoys playing hockey, and loves to spend his free time reading, swimming, and being outdoors with his friends and family. ‘I’ve always loved reading. I think it’s important for children to have access to books so they can learn to read; if they read, they can write and learn, and eventually get good jobs that will help them live fulfilling lives. ‘I always donated the books I’d finished reading to my school library, but in early 2014 I decided to donate my books to children who really need them, instead. I asked my mom if I could start a Facebook page to spread the word about my Need2Read initiative. I started off by setting targets for the amount of books I wanted to collect, and managed to collect so many that I was awarded the Gauteng LeadSA Youth Hero title in April 2015. I then realised I could dream bigger and decided to start libraries at schools that need books but don’t have the facilities or space to store them. ‘I opened two libraries in 2016. The first one, in March, was at Boithuto Care Centre in the Jacksonville Informal Settlement in Eikenhof, Joburg South. Luisa Rafoma runs the care centre that feeds child-reared homes and the elderly. She wanted to be able to help the children with their education too.

I was very proud that the principal named the library after me ‘Together with councillor Sarah Wissler, we arranged the donation of containers and shelving so we could build the library. Luisa doesn’t let children take books home, but they’re welcome to come and read or research whenever they like. ‘The second library was opened in September at Mohlodi Primary School in

Thokoza. Their container with shelving was also donated. The school is 18 years old, but they’ve never had space for a library. The Gauteng Education Department will help the teachers set up a library system that the students and local residents can use. I was very proud that the principal, Bongani Ngobese, named the library after me to show the school’s appreciation. ‘I’d love to open more libraries in future, and while I work on that I’ll keep donating books to schools in need, and organisations like the Paediatric Oncology Ward at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital

so patients can read while they’re being treated. I hope to become an inventor, a politician, or an entrepreneur one day so I can make a difference in people’s lives by inventing or selling things that make life easier, or helping them with their needs.’

Visit us online for our young leaders’ tips on helping your community. FEBRUARY 2017

Jenna Bischoff, 10, attends Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School in Rondebosch. Her favourite subject is maths, she enjoys playing hockey and being outside with her dog and guinea pigs, and she loves arts and crafts. ‘At school we learnt a lot about rhinos and how they’re becoming an endangered species. Hearing stories about what the poachers do to the rhinos, and seeing pictures of what happens to them made me sad, and I decided I really want to help them. I’m worried that very soon there’ll be no rhinos left. Imagine if the big ﬁve becomes the big four; that would be so sad!

square bottle and the rooibos fragrance for my soaps and lotions, and my dad added all sorts of nice goodies to them to make them extra special. I painted the picture of the rhino that’s on the Jenna B labels, and the original painting now hangs in the bursar’s office at my school. All of the proﬁts from the sale of my products go straight to Unite Against Poaching; they’re doing their best to stop rhino poaching. Visit Uniteagainstpoaching. co.za to learn more about what they do. ‘Apart from our endangered rhinos, I’d really like to do more to help homeless people in our community. I’m currently

Bokang Mosia, 10, attends Credence College, Joburg. His favourite subject is maths, and he loves to swim, and play soccer. ‘I was born happy and healthy, but in October 2013 I was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. I had to have a big operation and ended up having 27 stitches in my head. ‘I don’t think that made me different from the other children my age, but I do think of myself as a champion for making it through that pain. I was very proud of myself for that. ‘I was on my way to a hospital check-up when

and I donated them to Usindiso Ministries, Ikusasa Lethu Youth Project, and Ikhaya Elihle Foster Home on Youth Day 2015. ‘I then decided to partner with Southgate Mall in the run-up to Mandela Day, and managed to collect blankets, clothing, and food for over 80 underprivileged children and parents from Thembalethu Combined School in Eikenhof. ‘I was so proud to be awarded LeadSA Youth Hero for July 2015 and decided to help more people by starting the Bokang Mosia Foundation. My foundation aims to collect blankets, clothes, food, and school supplies in an effort to help children living in

It’s important to give to the needy when we have so much I noticed young children sleeping on bits of cardboard and plastic bags on the streets. I realised how lucky and blessed my family and I are to have a lot of things that other families live without. I decided then to collect blankets and food for those needy children. ‘I approached my own family and friends, and asked the people at my church for donations. I managed to collect over 60 blankets

orphanages and on the streets. I want to help as many children as possible with blanket drives and donations. ‘When I get older, I’d love to be able to play soccer as well as I used to before my operation. I’m also looking forward to ﬁnding a school that can help me swim very well again. ‘When I grow up, I’d like to be a pilot so I can travel and see the world, or a doctor so I can help other children, like me, who are sick and need operations.’

‘My parents and I chatted about what I could do to try and help save the rhinos, and we decided to develop a range of toiletries, called Jenna B, that we could sell to raise money. My dad has a cosmetics factory where they make shampoo, soaps, and lotions, so it’s easy for him to make the products for me. I chose the 38 yourfamily.co.za

working together with my dad and planning to develop a range of shampoos and conditioners that we can sell to raise money to help them. ‘When I grow up I’d like to take over my dad’s factory and continue to produce Jenna B. Or I’d like to become a human rights lawyer so I can keep helping people.’

FEATURE: CANDICE CURTIS PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

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We’re not as different as you think we are ALMOST 19 YEARS AGO, ON THE ROAD BETWEEN VREDE AND STANDERTON, 47-YEAROLD TRACY TODD’S LIFE WAS CHANGED FOREVER

’d walked out of my home with my husband, holding our baby, Chad, on my hip and dragging a suitcase packed with beach clothes. Seven weeks later, I was pushed through our front door in a wheelchair, unable to move anything except my head. Everything had changed. I felt like a complete stranger in my own home. Before my accident, I was a young, active, independent, happily married woman with a 10-month-old and a successful teaching career. All that changed on 13 April 1998. We were coming home from our holiday when I took off my seat belt and climbed into the back seat to change Chad’s nappy while my husband was driving. The car in front of us stopped suddenly and our car rolled and landed upside down. I hit my head on the roof of the car as it overturned, breaking my neck and injuring my spinal cord at the fourth cervical vertebra. I was left paralysed from the neck down.

Everything had changed. I felt like a complete stranger in my own home Breathing and sitting up in my wheelchair was an effort, even for short periods, as my body fought to cope. I lost the use of my arms and legs, my privacy and independence, and my teaching career. I felt completely worthless. The toughest part was not being able to pick up Chad, and the frustration of not being able to scratch an itch, wipe my tears, or take my hair out of my eyes, nearly drove me insane. I became increasingly depressed, and for the ﬁrst time in my life I had suicidal thoughts. But my inability to act on them 40 yourfamily.co.za

FEATURE: CANDICE CURTIS PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

FIRST PERSON

consumed me, causing more negative feelings. I was divorced just over a year after the accident and my ex was awarded custody of Chad. This was even more devastating than the accident. My turning point was a microlight flight and a weekend in the bush. A friend of a friend offered me a trip in his microlight, which I gladly accepted. Flying in the air above God’s beautiful creation made me feel so free and normal. It felt good to be alive. From that day, my mindset began its long, slow transition from anger, bitterness and resentment to a more positive outlook on life. Shortly after that, I spent a weekend at a private game lodge with some friends. After phenomenal game drives, incredible sunrises and sunsets, and a sky full of stars while chatting at the campfire, I rediscovered myself. Although I was still trapped in an immobile body, I felt alive, normal, and human. Those experiences changed me; I developed a deep desire to do something positive so I started tutoring children, doing motivational talks, and writing. Eventually, I made peace with my physical circumstances and became grateful for every extra day of life I’d been given. It’s been fantastic since then. I’ve been fortunate to travel for various speaking engagements, but the most memorable was a secretarial conference on a luxury cruise liner out at sea. I’ve had the privilege of watching my son grow up and excel at school and life – Chad’s mere existence pulled me from the deepest, darkest emotional holes. When he looks at me, I’m reminded that, in spite of everything, to him I’m just ‘Mom’. And who’d have thought that 18 years after breaking my neck, I’d get married again and find a love deeper than I’ve ever had before! I’ve also completed my memoir, Brave Lotus Flower Rides the Dragon, which was a huge dream of mine. Initially, my aim was to write my story for Chad. But I realised that many people have never met a quadriplegic, and have no idea

how to respond when they do. My story’s an intimate look into a quadriplegic’s life and shows that we’re not as different as you think we are. Writing my story helped me process my negative feelings and make sense of functioning in an immobile body in a world speciﬁcally

designed for able-bodied people. I had to learn to use technology to write my story; I barely knew how to use a computer before my accident, but I ended up using a specialised, voice-activated software called Dragon NaturallySpeaking to write my memoir. I’ve spent hours on my writing, so I’m incredibly proud to have my story published. It just shows, we’re never too old (or disabled) to learn! I’d like to do another writing course soon so I can achieve my next goal of writing a novel with a positive spin on disability. Our stories need to be told.

Visit us online for Tracy’s thoughts on parenting with a disability.

FEBRUARY 2017

HOW IT WORKS 3 EASY STEPS 3 OPTIONS AVAILABLE SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: MAGSATHOME.CO.ZA/MAGAZING.HTM CALL: 0860 100 999 EMAIL: SUBS@MAGSATHOME.CO.ZA

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We know you love Your Family magazine because you love convenience, trying new things and making your life simpler – it’s what our mag is all about! So, we know you’re going to love this new and improved subscription experience. What’s it all about? Caxton Magazines and Woolworths have joined forces to make it easier than ever to collect your subscription copy of Your Family each month. How? Just sign up online for your annual subscription, then receive a monthly SMS voucher code to collect your mag at your local Woolies. Let’s face it, moms are always shopping, so it’s hassle free and convenient. What’s more, you’ll receive all those special in-store magazine gifts too – a huge bonus! Don’t pass up this super offer… click on www.magsathome.co.za/Magazing.htm for all the details and ensure you never miss another scrumptious issue of Your Family magazine.

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GREAT OFFERS! As a subscriber, you will still enjoy the massive saving offered only to you! Special free gifts available only in magazines purchased at Woolworths will now also be available to you, as a subscriber who collects your magazine from a Woolworths store. TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. This offer is for new and renewal subscriptions. 2. This voucher may be used with any other Woolies voucher. 3. The voucher must be used in conjunction with any of the following cards*: Woolworths Credit Card, Woolworths WRewards Card, Woolworths Store Card, MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card. 4. This voucher may not be used for utility payments, gift cards or be redeemed for cash. 5. Misuse of this voucher constitutes fraud. 6. This voucher may not be redeemed at www.woolworths.co.za or Woolworths Food Stops at Engen. 7. This voucher cannot be replaced if lost. 8. This voucher is redeemable only in South Africa. 9. This voucher may be redeemed only once. 10. This voucher may be redeemed with another Woolies foods voucher in a single transaction. 11. This offer is not applicable to weekly magazine titles.

what’s

cooking

CLEVER LUNCHBOXES SUPERFOOD SUPPERS SA FLAVOURS USEFUL CONVERSIONS 3ml = ½t 5ml = 1t 8ml = 1½t or ½T 10ml = 2t 15ml = 1T 45ml = 3T 60ml = 4T (¼ cup)

It’s the month of romance so of course there’s chocolate! But for those who need balance, our healthy pizzas and clever lunchboxes are absolute winners!

80ml = 1/3 cup 125ml = ½ cup 160ml = 2 /3 cup 180ml = ¾ cup 250ml = 1 cup 310ml = 1¼ cups 375ml = 1½ cups t = teaspoon T = tablespoon

PHOTO: DYLAN SWART

eggs are always extra large

FEBRUARY 2017

! o c c i h l o o h c , SILKY FER IT RICH A E R P D U N O A Y ND BITTER OR SWEET HER T A L T E O E C R O S E CIPES W WH THESE CH ILL TEMPT THE SENSE

44 yourfamily.co.za

FOOD WITH FLAIR

chocolate nutella cake Serves 15

Takes 1 hr 15 + cooling

FOR THE CAKE 500ml cake ﬂour 500ml brown sugar 250ml cocoa powder 15ml bicarbonate of soda 8ml baking powder 5ml salt 250ml buttermilk, at room temperature 250ml hot water 250ml sunﬂower oil 15ml vanilla essence 3 eggs, beaten

4 FOR THE BUTTERCREAM ICING 500g butter, at room temperature 15ml vanilla essence 60ml cocoa powder 1 500ml icing sugar 180ml milk 350g tub chocolate spread (like Nutella) FOR THE CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE 150g dark chocolate, chopped 15ml sunﬂower oil

5 6

8 2 handfuls assorted chocolate truffles (like Maltesers or Ferrero Rochers), to decorate (optional)

For the cake, preheat oven to 180°C. Line 3 x 20cm round cake pans with baking paper. Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, bicarb, baking powder and salt. Combine the buttermilk, water, oil and vanilla. Mix in the eggs. Add to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Divide batter equally among the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a testing skewer comes out with only a few crumbs. Cool in pans. For the icing, beat the butter and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add cocoa and sugar, a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Use 500ml of the icing and mix through 180ml of the Nutella (for use between the cake layers). Turn the cakes out and place one on a cake stand. Spread half of the Nutella icing on the cake and top with another cake. Spread with the remaining Nutella icing and top with the last cake, bottom-side up. Cover the cake with a thin layer of icing and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until firm, to trap the crumbs. Cover the cake with the remaining icing, smoothing the top and sides with a spatula dipped in hot water. Set in the fridge until firm. Add the remaining chocolate spread with a few random swipes around the cake. Smooth with a spatula dipped in hot water, to give the cake a two-tone look. For the drizzle, heat the chocolate and oil in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. Cool to room temperature. Spoon the chocolate drizzle around the top of the cake, letting it drip down the side. Spoon remaining glaze in the middle on top and spread to smooth out. Decorate with truffles, if you like.

choc fact Chocolate is seen as an aphrodisiac as it releases a chemical in your body that gets your heart pounding more than when kissing.

FEBRUARY 2017

chocolate swirl brioche rolls Makes 8

Takes 1 hr 20 + rising

FOR THE BRIOCHE DOUGH ½ x 10g packet active dry yeast 15ml lukewarm milk 500ml cake flour 45ml sugar pinch salt 4 eggs, beaten 125g soft butter FOR THE CHOCOLATE FILLING 125ml sugar 125ml cake flour 60ml cocoa powder 2 egg whites 180ml milk pinch salt 50g butter 100g dark chocolate, finely chopped mascarpone and melted chocolate, to serve

6 7

For the brioche, dissolve the yeast in the milk and set aside for about 5 minutes or until foamy. Combine the flour, sugar and salt in an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Add the yeast mixture and start beating, while slowly adding the eggs until combined. Continue beating while adding dollops of the butter and mix until smooth and elastic. (It should pull away from the sides of the bowl, but bottom should still stick.) Cover with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size. For the filling, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa and egg whites. Heat the milk to just below boiling point. Slowly add the milk to the cocoa mixture, stirring until combined. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring, until it thickens into a pliable consistency. Stir the salt, butter and chocolate into the batter until melted. Cool. Spread the filling on greased baking paper into a 15cm x 18cm rectangle. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until hard. Press the brioche dough down. Roll out on a lightly greased surface into a 30cm x 38cm rectangle. Place the chocolate filling over one half of the dough and fold over to enclose the filling. Fold the pastry over and roll out again into a 30cm x 38cm rectangle. Repeat once more. Roll up the pastry into a long log and cut into 8 slices. Place cut-side up in 2 x greased jumbo muffin pans. Preheat oven to 180°C. Bake for about 20 minutes or until baked through. Serve with mascarpone and melted chocolate.

choc fact The ancient Maya are believed to be the ﬁrst people to grow cacao trees and drink chocolate. The Aztecs enjoyed it later, but they had to import cacao as they couldn’t grow the trees themselves.

46 yourfamily.co.za

FOOD WITH FLAIR

black forest chocolate swirl meringues Makes 6

Go online for more tips on working with chocolate.

choc fact About twothirds of the world’s cocoa supply comes from Africa.

Takes 1 hr 30 + cooling

FOR THE CHOCOLATE SWIRL MERINGUES 4 egg whites 250ml castor sugar 5ml white vinegar 15ml cornﬂour 100g dark chocolate, melted FOR THE CHERRY COMPOTE 300g cherries, halved and pitted + extra 80ml castor sugar 60ml water 60ml cherry or strawberry jam FOR THE CHEESECAKE CREAM 250ml cream 230g tub cream cheese, softened 15ml vanilla essence 60ml icing sugar

For the meringues, preheat oven to 100°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add sugar until peaks are stiff and glossy. Beat in the vinegar and cornﬂour. Drizzle three quarters of the melted chocolate on top of meringue and use a spoon to slightly fold in (don’t mix). Spoon 6 dollops onto the prepared tray. Drizzle leftover chocolate on top of meringues. Bake in the lower part of the oven for about 1 hr 15 minutes or until meringue no longer sticks to the paper. Turn off the oven and leave meringues inside to cool. For the cherry compote, bring the cherries, sugar, water and jam to a boil on medium-high and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until syrupy. Cool. For the cheesecake cream, whip the cream to soft peaks. Beat the cream cheese, vanilla and icing sugar until smooth, then beat in the whipped cream. Serve the meringues with the cheesecake cream, compote and extra cherries.

tip Save time and money by using tinned cherries instead of fresh.

FEBRUARY 2017

variations Rum and raisin Add 45ml chopped raisins and 15ml rum to the basic truﬀle. Roll into logs and coat in cocoa powder instead of chocolate. White choc and orange Replace the dark chocolate with white chocolate and reduce the cream to 60ml. Add zest of 1 orange. Coat in toasted desiccated coconut instead of chocolate.

chocolate truffle box Makes about 30 Takes 30 mins + freezing FOR THE BASIC TRUFFLES 300g dark chocolate, chopped 125ml cream 25ml butter FOR THE COATING 300g dark chocolate 45ml honeycomb, ﬁnely crushed (optional)

For the truffles, heat all the ingredients for about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. Freeze for about 1 hour or until ﬁrm, but pliable. 2 Roll teaspoons of the mixture into balls and chill in the fridge until ﬁrm. 3 For the coating, heat the chocolate for about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. Cool to room temperature. 4 Dip the truffles, one by one, in the chocolate, shaking off excess and place on a baking paper lined tray. Sprinkle with honeycomb, if you like, before the chocolate sets. Repeat with the remaining truffles. Remelt chocolate coating as necessary.

tip Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to a month.

48 yourfamily.co.za

FOOD WITH FLAIR

chocolate mousse cups Makes about 12

Takes 1 hr + chilling

FOR THE EDIBLE CHOCOLATE CUPS 300g dark chocolate

2 FOR THE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE 500ml cream 250g dark chocolate, 3 chopped 10ml vanilla essence 4 5ml instant coffee powder

FEATURE: MARGIE ELS-BURGER ASSISTED BY NOMVUSELELO MNCUBE PHOTOS: DYLAN SWART

mixed berries, to serve

For the cups, melt the chocolate in a small 10cm wide bowl in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Spoon 12 x 3cm circles of chocolate on baking trays lined with baking paper, 10cm apart. Blow up 12 small balloons so that they will ďŹ t into the dipping bowl. Lightly grease the bottom of the balloons with cooking spray. Dip the bottom third of the balloons in the chocolate and set them on the chocolate circles. Remelt the remaining chocolate as necessary. Set in the fridge for about 20 minutes or until hard. Burst the balloons and leave them to peel away. Remove the balloons, carefully peeling away where necessary. For the mousse, heat the cream on medium-high to just below boiling point. Add the chocolate and stir until melted. Stir in the vanilla and coffee. Freeze until cold, but not set. Whip the chocolate cream with an electric beater for about 3 minutes or to stiff peaks. Pipe or spoon into the chocolate bowls. Serve topped with berries.

choc fact Dark chocolate contains lots of antioxidants that may help prevent cancer and heart disease.

FEBRUARY 2017

Vickieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LOW-CARB KITCHEN A touch of romance

LOW CARB

MAKE YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY DELICIOUSLY MEMORABLE! red velvet cupcakes Makes 12

Takes 40 mins + cooling

220g almond ﬂour 120g xylitol 30g whey protein powder 45ml cocoa powder 5ml xantham gum (available at health shops) 10ml baking powder 2.5ml bicarbonate of soda 2.5ml salt 170g Greek yoghurt 60g butter, softened 3 eggs 5ml vanilla essence 60ml cream red natural food colouring (we used 30-45ml beetroot juice)

1 Preheat oven to 160°C. 2

FOR THE ICING 230g cream cheese 30ml ground xylitol 5ml vanilla essence

Line a 12-hole muffin pan with cupcake cases. Combine the almond ﬂour, xylitol, whey protein powder, cocoa, xantham gum, baking powder, bicarb and salt. Cream the yoghurt and butter until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time while beating, together with vanilla and cream. Fold the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until well combined. Add the red food colouring until the batter is deep red. Fill the cupcake cases until three-quarters full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a cake tester comes out clean. Place the cupcakes on a cooling rack. For the icing, whisk the cream cheese, xylitol and vanilla until smooth. Place dollops of the icing on top of the cupcakes.

Monthly contributor, Vickie de Beer, is co-author of the award-winning cookbook, The Low-Carb Solution for Diabetics, and author of My Low Carb Kitchen

valentine waffles Serves 8

Takes 30 mins

butter, for greasing 110g almond ﬂour 60g coconut ﬂour 50g whey protein powder 45ml xylitol 10ml baking powder pinch salt 6 eggs, separated 375ml cream 80ml coconut oil, melted 2 large handfuls mixed berries and whipped cream, to serve

1 Preheat a waffle iron and

grease with butter. Sift together the ﬂours, whey protein powder, xylitol, baking powder and salt. Whisk the egg yolks, cream and coconut oil in a separate bowl. In another bowl whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold the egg yolk mixture into the dry ingredients until combined. Gently fold in the egg whites until well combined. Pour 125ml of the batter into the waffle iron. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve with berries and whipped cream.

FEBRUARY 2017

strawberry hearts Serves 8

Takes 5 mins + chilling

230g cream cheese 115g butter, softened 45ml ground xylitol, to taste 5ml vanilla essence 100g strawberries, chopped

1 Combine all the ingredients in

raspberry cheesecakes Serves 3-6

Takes 20 mins + chilling

FOR THE CRUST 100g pecan nuts, toasted 100g walnuts, toasted 10ml xylitol 2.5ml ground cinnamon FOR THE FILLING 230g cream cheese 60ml xylitol 375ml cream 5ml vanilla essence 250g mixed berries

1 Line 3 x 10cm round cake 2

52 yourfamily.co.za

tins or 1 x 20cm round cake tin with baking paper. For the crust, blitz all the ingredients until the nuts become slightly sticky. Divide the crust mixture evenly between the cake tins. For the ﬁlling, whisk the cream cheese and xylitol until light and ﬂuffy. Add cream and vanilla and whip to stiff peaks. Divide the cream cheese mixture between the prepared cake tins. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Top the cheesecakes with berries just before serving.

FEATURE: VICKIE DE BEER ASSISTED BY JULIA VAN MAARSEVEEN PHOTOS: LEE SCHWAGELE CRPHOTOGRAPHIC.CO.ZA

a food processor until smooth and ﬂuffy. 2 Fill 2 x 10cm heart-shaped silicone moulds with the mixture. Freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight.

COMPETITION

win! TWO FAMILIES of six each stand the chance to win two nights at Glenburn Lodge & Spa with breakfasts and Sunday lunch,

WORTH R20 400

lenburn Lodge & Spa is situated within the tranquillity of the Zwartkops Mountains, on the banks of the Blaauwbank and Crocodile rivers in the Cradle of Humankind. Just 30 minutes from Pretoria and Joburg, the 100 bedroom hotel, conference, wedding venue and spa offers a relaxing escape for families. Glenburn Lodge is famous for its lazy Sunday lunches where value for money and quality are key to the buffet treats. The natural scenic beauty of the area makes it an ideal setting for conferences, product launches, think-tanks and team-building exercises. The Conference Centre seats up to 600 delegates across eight conference rooms. All rooms are fully equipped with state-of-the-art conference equipment.

COMPETITION TS&CS

HOW TO ENTER

Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be converted to cash. The judges’ decision is ﬁnal and no correspondence will be entered into. The prize voucher is subject to availability and must be taken up within six months of prize winner being announced. Beverages, travel expenses and sundries are for winner’s own account. Glenburn Lodge & Spa can be contacted on 011 668 1600 or at Glenburn.co.za

To stand a chance of winning this prize, SMS ‘GLENBURNFEB’ together with your full name, contact number, physical address, postal code, and your ID number to 48412. Each SMS costs R1.50. Errors will be billed. Free SMSs do not apply. Entries close on 28 February 2017.

FEBRUARY 2017

SCHOOL SPECIAL

SEND YOUR KIDS TO SCHOOL WITH LOW-GI FOODS THAT SUSTAIN ENERGY LEVELS, MAINTAIN ALERTNESS AND ASSIST WITH CONCENTRATION

R9 per serving Vegetarian friendly! Low carb! Gluten free!

baby marrow waffles Makes 4

Takes 30 mins + cooling

500ml baby marrows, grated 2 eggs 60ml milk 60ml pecorino, ďŹ nely grated 125ml gluten-free ďŹ&#x201A;our 3ml dried oregano

1 Place baby marrows in a kitchen towel and squeeze to remove excess water. Beat in the remaining ingredients. Season. 2 Heat your waffle maker to medium and spray with cooking spray. Spoon 125ml of the mixture into the pan, close and cook for 3-5 minutes or until light golden. Serve warm or cool to room temperature before packing into lunchboxes.

serving suggestion Serve with grated Cheddar, pecorino or cream cheese, if you like.

54 yourfamily.co.za

VALUE FOR MONEY Low GI! Vegetarian friendly!

blueberry muffins Makes 15 Takes 30 mins + cooling

Low GI!

250ml full-cream plain yoghurt 6 eggs 15ml vanilla essence 60g butter, melted 350g ground almonds 10ml gluten-free baking powder pinch salt 60ml xylitol 100g blueberries

1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a

.50

R8 per serving sandwich kebabs Makes 4 Takes 15 mins

1 Cut each bread slice into 2 stars with a 6cm cookie cutter. 2 Cut the cheese into 4 large stars 1cm thick x 6cm. Thread onto skewers with the tomatoes and cucumber. Wrap to prevent drying out.

Go online for a recipe to make your own gluten-free baking powder.

R7 per serving french toast sausage rolls Makes 4

Takes 30 mins

250g low-fat beef mince 4 slices low-GI sandwich bread 1 egg 30ml milk olive or avocado oil, for frying light tomato sauce, to serve

1 Season and shape the mince into 4 x 10cm sausages. Dry-fry on medium-high for about 5 minutes or until cooked. 2 Roll the bread with a rolling pin until ﬂattened and cut off the crusts. Roll up each sausage in a bread slice. 3 Beat together the egg and milk. Season. Heat a splash of oil on medium. Coat each roll in the egg mixture, shaking off the excess, and fry, seam-side down ﬁrst, for about 5 minutes or until golden all over. Serve with tomato sauce.

tip Grate and freeze cheese oﬀcuts in an airtight container.

R11 per serving Low carb! Low sugar! Gluten free!

Sandwiches

4 slices seeded bread 250g Cheddar 4 cherry tomatoes 2 x 1cm thick cucumber slices, halved

standard muffin tin with paper cases. Combine the yoghurt, eggs, vanilla and butter. 2 Add the almonds, baking powder, salt and xylitol. Fold in half of the blueberries and divide into cases. Scatter the remaining berries on top. 3 Bake for about 20 minutes or until the tops are browned and a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool.

FEBRUARY 2017

cheesy chicken meatballs Serves 8

Takes 25 mins + cooling

500g ground chicken mince 125ml ground almonds 60ml Cheddar 1 egg olive or avocado oil, for sprinkling squeeze lemon juice (optional)

Low carb! Gluten free!

1 Preheat oven to 230°C. Combine all the ingredients and season. Shape into bite-size balls and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Drizzle over a little oil. 2 Bake for about 15 minutes or until cooked through. Squeeze lemon juice over, if you like.

R9 per serving

tip If your meatballs are not holding together well, add more almond ﬂour until you reach a thicker consistency.

tuna egg rolls Makes 4

Takes 30 mins + cooling

olive or avocado oil 4 eggs, beaten 20ml milk 60ml baby spinach, ﬁnely shredded 170g tin ﬂaked tuna, drained 60ml sugar-free mayo

High protein! Low carb! Gluten free!

1 Heat a splash of oil on medium-high in a 15cm frying pan. Beat 1 egg, 5ml milk and 15ml spinach and fry for about 3 minutes or until cooked on both sides. Season. Cool. Repeat with the rest. 2 Combine the tuna and mayo. Spread onto the egg omelettes and roll up. Cut in half.

R8.50 per serving 56 yourfamily.co.za

VALUE FOR MONEY

High ďŹ bre! High protein! Vegetarian friendly!

hummus with cheese sticks Serves 6

Takes 10 mins

450g tin chickpeas, drained 60ml water 30ml olive oil 15ml lemon juice 1 small garlic clove, crushed 3ml ground cumin Cheddar cheese sticks, to serve

Blitz all the ingredients except cheese until smooth. Season. Serve with cheese sticks. Wrap well to prevent drying out.

variation Make this low fat by replacing the oil with extra water. Serve with veggies instead of cheese.

R7 per serving

R5 per serving Serves 4

Takes 10 mins

4 slices sandwich ham 125ml cream cheese

Low carb! High protein! Gluten free!

Spread the bottom half of the ham slices with 30ml of cream cheese. Roll up. Gently slice each into 2-3 pieces. Repeat with the remaining ham and cream cheese.

Protein

ham roll-ups

FEBRUARY 2017

High ﬁbre! Vegetarian friendly!

root veg chips Serves 6

Takes 40 mins

4 types of root vegetables salt, for sprinkling

1 Preheat oven to 110°C. Peel the veggies if you like. Use a mandoline to slice the veggies into paper thin rounds or strips. 2 Spread out in a single layer on a baking tray lined with baking paper and sprinkle with salt. Leave for 15 minutes while the salt draws out the liquid. 3 Blot with paper towel. Bake with the door ajar for about 15 minutes or until golden and crisp.

R1.50 per serving

tip Use root veggies like carrots, beetroot and sweet potatoes.

guacamole and crisps Serves 4

Takes 10 mins

2 wholewheat wraps 1 avocado, mashed squeeze lemon juice + extra veggie sticks (like celery and carrot), to serve

High ﬁbre! Packed with nutrients!

1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Place the wraps on a baking tray and bake for about 5-8 minutes or until crisp. Cool. Break into crispy shards. 2 Combine the avocado and lemon juice. Season. Pack in an airtight container with a thin layer of lemon juice on top (to prevent discolouration). Serve with the crisps and veggie sticks.

tip See At our table on page 8 on preventing guacamole from discolouring.

58 yourfamily.co.za

R4 per serving

VALUE FOR MONEY

R9.50 per serving Low sugar! High ﬁbre!

Low GI! High ﬁbre!

Serves 6

Takes 10 mins

R3.50 per serving

4 cups popcorn 250ml mixed dried fruit, chopped 100g raw cashews, lightly toasted 60ml sunﬂower seeds 100g dark chocolate chips

Combine all the ingredients. Store in airtight packets.

tip

seed bars

FEATURE: MARGIE ELS-BURGER ASSISTED BY NOMVUSELELO MNCUBE PHOTOS: DYLAN SWART

If you’re making this in advance for the week ahead, keep the dried fruit separate and mix it into the portion before packing.

Makes 24 mini bars Takes 30 mins + soaking and setting

Go online for a list of essentials to go into healthy lunchboxes.

ﬂavoured water Pour water into freezer-safe bottles with sliced fruit like strawberries, apple or orange and freeze. This will keep lunchboxes cool and ensure an ice-cold, healthy drink for lunch.

Low carb! High protein! Gluten free!

180ml sugar-free peanut butter 125ml walnuts, chopped 80ml desiccated coconut 80ml ground almond 60ml chia seeds 60ml oats 60ml sunﬂower seeds 60ml xylitol 30ml linseeds 5ml ground cinnamon 10ml vanilla essence 3ml xanthan gum pinch salt 1 egg, beaten

1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Line

R5 per serving

Lunchbox f illers

popcorn trail mix

a 20cm pan with baking paper. Combine all the ingredients and spread into the prepared pan, pressing ﬁrmly. 2 Bake for about 20 minutes or until centre is ﬁrm. Cool in pan and cut into 24 blocks.

FEBRUARY 2017

good to go! SWAP YOUR USUAL PIZZA BASE FOR SOMETHING HEALTHIER AND ADD YOUR FAVOURITE TOPPINGS – THE KIDS WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT!

Kids’ favourite! Gluten free!

mini hawaiian pizzas

60 yourfamily.co.za

MAKE IT HEALTHY

Gluten free! High protein! Vegetarian friendly!

avo, olive and pesto pizza

Go online for a step-by-step guide to making avocado roses.

FEBRUARY 2017

Low carb! Low sugar! Gluten free!

sugar-free tomato passata Makes about 375ml 500g tomatoes, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 onion, chopped handful basil or oregano, ﬁnely chopped

1 Bring ingredients to a boil on medium and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring often, until soft and reduced. Blitz until smooth. Season and cool.

cheesy pepperoni tray pizza Serves 4-6

spicy chicken salsa pizza

Takes 35 mins + cooling

Takes 30 mins + cooling

FOR THE CHEESY BASE 250g tub cream cheese, at room temperature 2 eggs 5ml garlic powder 60ml pecorino, ﬁnely grated

FOR THE TOPPING 125mlsugar-free tomato passata 375ml mozzarella, grated 12 small slices pepperoni or salami handful basil

Serves 4

Takes 45 mins + cooling

FOR THE BABY MARROW BASE 4 cups grated baby marrows 125ml mozzarella, grated 80ml ground almonds 45ml pecorino, ﬁnely grated 5ml dried oregano 1 egg, beaten

FOR THE TOPPING 250g mozzarella, grated 250g mushrooms, sliced 250ml feta, chopped 2 roast chicken breasts, chopped 1 red onion, chopped 1 chilli, sliced or chopped (optional) handful coriander, chopped

1 Preheat oven to 230°C. Line a large baking tray with baking

1 For the base, preheat oven to 180°C. Beat together the

paper. Blitz the baby marrow and place in a microwavesafe bowl. Microwave on high for about 5 minutes or until cooked. Tip the baby marrow onto a clean tea towel and leave to cool a little. Once cool enough to handle, scrunch up the tea towel and squeeze out as much liquid as you can, to prevent a soggy base. Stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined. Press out onto the prepared tray into a 33cm circle. Bake for about 15 minutes or until ﬁrm and starting to brown. For the topping, sprinkle mozzarella over the base and top with mushrooms and feta. Bake for about 10 minutes or until cheese has melted. Combine the chicken, onion, chilli (if using) and coriander and sprinkle over the pizza.

cream cheese, eggs, garlic and pecorino. Season. Spread into a greased 23 x 33cm baking dish. Bake for about 12 minutes or until golden. Cool for 10 minutes. 2 For the topping, spread tomato passata over the crust. Sprinkle over the cheese and pepperoni or salami. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until cheese has melted. Cool slightly and sprinkle with basil.

mini hawaiian pizzas

avo, olive and pesto pizza

Makes 4

Takes 1 hr + cooling

FOR THE CAULIFLOWER BASES 750g cauliﬂower rice 100g ground almonds 125ml pecorino, ﬁnely grated 2 eggs, beaten 15ml dried oregano

Serves 4 FOR THE TOPPING 125ml sugar-free tomato passata 250g mozzarella, grated 4 slices sandwich ham, cubed 250ml pineapple, cubed fresh oregano, to garnish

Takes 40 mins

FOR THE SWEET POTATO LENTIL BASE 375ml dry red lentils 3ml bicarbonate of soda 375ml cooked sweet potato, mashed 3ml ground oregano

FOR THE TOPPING 250g mozzarella, grated 100g pitted Kalamata olives 200g cherry tomatoes, on the vine if you like 200g deli artichoke hearts 45ml basil pesto 1 avocado, sliced handful rocket

1 For the bases, preheat oven to 220°C. Line 2 large baking trays with baking paper. Place the cauliflower rice in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for about 10 minutes or until softened. 2 Tip the cauliflower onto a clean tea towel and cool. Once cool enough to handle, scrunch up the tea towel and squeeze out as much liquid as you can, to prevent a soggy base. 3 Stir the almonds, pecorino, eggs and oregano into the cauliflower. Season. Shape into 4 x 17cm circles on the prepared trays. Repeat with the rest. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and starting to crisp a little at the edges. 4 For the topping, spread with tomato passata. Scatter the cheese then ham and pineapple over the bases. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden. Garnish with oregano. 62 yourfamily.co.za

1 For the base, preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Blitz the lentils to a ﬁne powder. Mix in the remaining ingredients until combined. Season. 2 Press the mixture into a 40cm oval on the prepared tray (it will be a bit wet and sticky). Bake for about 20 minutes or until ﬁrm. 3 For the topping, sprinkle the base with the cheese then olives, tomatoes and artichokes. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Top with pesto, avocado and rocket.

MAKE IT HEALTHY

cheesy pepperoni tray pizza Low carb! Low sugar! Gluten free!

FEBRUARY 2017

spicy chicken salsa pizza

64 yourfamily.co.za FEATURE: MARGIE ELS-BURGER ASSISTED BY NOMVUSELELO MNCUBE PHOTOS: DYLAN SWART

Gluten free! High protein! Low carb!

LUNCHBOXES

INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED MINI VIENNAS. FRESH, EASY, FUN AND FULL OF YUM.

THB/41366/YF/E

MADE REAL EASY

WAYS WITH

Peanut butter THIS PANTRY STAPLE IS HANDY FOR BISCUITS, SAUCES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AND EVEN ICE CREAM! satay sauce Serves 6

Takes 5 mins

peanut butter and banana soft serve Serves 4

Heat 250ml coconut cream, 60ml crunchy peanut butter, 60ml soy sauce, 30ml sweet chilli sauce and 45ml peach chutney on medium-high. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve the satay sauce with chicken or pork stir-fry.

Takes 5 mins

Peel and cut 8 bananas, place in a zip-lock bag and freeze overnight. Combine the bananas, 60ml peanut butter and 30ml cocoa powder until smooth and ice cream consistency. Serve immediately.

the easiest peanut butter cookies ever! Serves 20

Takes 20 mins

250ml peanut butter 160ml sugar + extra 1 egg

1 Preheat oven to 180Â°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

2 Mix the peanut butter and sugar

peanut butter icing Makes 500ml

Takes 5 mins

Serves 8

Takes 5 mins

Combine 40ml melted butter, 160ml brown sugar, 180ml desiccated coconut, 115g chopped walnuts, 250ml oats and 180ml no sugar peanut butter. Roll the mixture into bite-size balls. Roll balls into extra desiccated coconut.

until smooth. Add the egg and mix until well combined. 3 Roll the dough into 60g balls. Roll the balls into extra sugar. Place the cookie balls on the baking tray and press with a fork. 4 Bake for 7-10 minutes or until light golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

FEATURE: VICKIE DE BEER ASSISTED BY JULIA VAN MAARSEVEEN PHOTOS: LEE SCHWAGELE CRPHOTOGRAPHIC.CO.ZA

Combine 250ml cream cheese and 15ml vanilla essence until smooth. Beat in 115ml icing sugar and 200ml peanut butter until just combined. Serve on chocolate or vanilla cupcakes.

peanut butter energy balls

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TRAY CAKE OF THE MONTH

Fruity dump cake JUST ‘DUMP’ ALL THE INGREDIENTS INTO ONE PAN! NO BEATING, FOLDING OR STIRRING REQUIRED

FEATURE: NOMVUSELELO MNCUBE PHOTO: ANDREA CALDWELL

Serves 8

Takes 40 mins

440g tin crushed pineapple (with the juice) 500g strawberries, hulled and halved 500g box vanilla cake mix 150g butter, diced vanilla ice cream, to serve

1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 25cm ovenproof pan or baking dish. Spoon the pineapple into the dish, followed by the strawberries. Sprinkle over the cake mix and top with the butter. 2 Bake for about 30 minutes or until sides are bubbling and a crust has formed. Serve with ice cream.

FEBRUARY 2017

superfood suppers

EAT ALL THE COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW FOR HEALTHY FAMILY MEALS

supergreen frittata 68 yourfamily.co.za

FAMILY MEALS

grilled aubergine rolls roast baby carrot salad

cauliďŹ&#x201A;ower gnocchi with garlic mushroom sauce sardine frikadelles with tomato sauce

FEBRUARY 2017

PURPLE Serves 4

Takes 1 hr

sardine frikadelles with tomato sauce Serves 4

3 medium aubergines, thickly sliced lengthways 60ml olive oil 1 onion, ﬁnely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 5ml ground turmeric 100g quinoa, cooked 100g feta, crumbled handful coriander, chopped 3 beetroots, grated 2 carrots, grated

1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Drizzle the aubergines with 30ml of the oil. Season. 2 Heat a griddle pan on medium. Fry the aubergine slices for 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked and grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and drain on paper towel. 3 Heat the remaining oil on mediumhigh and sauté the onion, garlic and turmeric. Add the cooked quinoa and cook for a further 5 minutes. Season. Remove from heat and add the feta, coriander, beetroot and carrots. 4 Lay out the aubergine slices, and spread a layer of the ﬁlling on top of each slice. Roll up each slice to enclose the ﬁlling and secure with a toothpick. Place the aubergine rolls in a roasting pan and roast for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

roast baby carrot salad Serves 4

Takes 40 mins

FOR THE DRESSING 1 garlic clove, crushed 5ml Dijon mustard 5ml honey 60ml olive oil

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supergreen frittata Serves 4

Takes 35 mins

Takes 30 mins 250g mixed greens (broccolini, green beans, and baby leeks) 30ml olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed 250ml grated baby marrow 8 eggs 60ml cream handful parsley, chopped 125g Cheddar, cubed

FOR THE SARDINE FRIKADELLES 425g tin sardines (middle cut), deboned and ﬂaked 100g sultanas 50g ﬂaked almonds handful parsley, chopped 100g breadcrumbs 45ml Greek yoghurt 30ml olive oil

GREEN

RED

1 Preheat oven to 200°C. Blanch the mixed greens in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes. Place in ice water for 2 minutes and drain. 2 Heat the oil in a deep ovenproof pan on medium and fry the garlic and mixed greens until heated through. Add the baby marrow and fry for 2 minutes. 3 Whisk the eggs, cream and parsley until well combined. Season. Pour the eggs over the vegetables. Lower the heat and allow the eggs to cook slightly. They’ll start to set from the sides. Give the pan a shake now and then. 4 Add the Cheddar and bake for 15-20 minutes or until it puffs up. It’s best when the eggs are just set and not too dry. Cool before serving.

FOR THE SAUCE 30ml olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 x 400g tins whole peeled tomatoes handful parsley, chopped

1 For the frikadelles, combine the sardines, sultanas, almonds, parsley, breadcrumbs and yoghurt. Season. Shape the sardine mixture into ping-pong-size frikadelles. 2 Heat the oil on medium-high and fry the frikadelles for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. 3 For the sauce, heat the oil on mediumhigh and sauté the onion and garlic. Add the tomatoes, pressing them ﬁne with a fork. Season. 4 Place the frikadelles on top of the tomato sauce, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add the parsley just before serving.

ORANGE

5ml each ground nutmeg and cinnamon 45ml mixture of sesame, pumpkin and sunﬂower seeds 30ml olive oil 500g baby carrots 1 lemon, halved 50g tub pomegranate rubies 1 grapefruit and 1 orange, segmented handful mixed salad leaves 200g feta, crumbled

1 Preheat oven to 200°C. For the dressing, combine all the ingredients.

2 Combine the nutmeg, cinnamon, seeds, oil and carrots. Season and place on a roasting pan, together with the lemon. Roast for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked. 3 Combine the roast carrots, pomegranate rubies, grapefruit, orange, leaves and the salad dressing. Serve sprinkled with feta.

FEATURE: VICKIE DE BEER ASSISTED BY JULIA VAN MAARSEVEEN PHOTOS: LEE SCHWAGELE CRPHOTOGRAPHIC.CO.ZA

grilled aubergine rolls

IN OUR

cauliﬂower gnocchi with garlic mushroom sauce Serves 4-6

Takes 1 hr 15

FOR THE GNOCCHI 500g baking potatoes ½ cauliflower head, cut into florets 30ml olive oil 1 egg yolk 250ml cake flour

WHITE

FOR THE GARLIC MUSHROOM SAUCE 30ml butter 250g streaky bacon, sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 250g mixed mushrooms 250ml cream handful parsley, chopped

Ma rc h � �� ON SALE 13 February

1 For the gnocchi, preheat oven to 200°C. Roast the potatoes for 30 minutes. Add the cauliflower, drizzle with oil and roast for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes and cauliflower are tender. Cool. 2 Purée the cauliflower. Scoop the flesh from the potato skins and pass through a sieve. Combine the potato mash and cauliflower mash. 3 Add the egg yolk and mix. Add the flour 125ml at a time until it forms a dough. (Do not overwork the dough or add too much flour.) Roll the dough out in long strips. Cut the strips into 1cm gnocchi. Make an indent with a fork in each gnocchi. 4 Cook the gnocchi in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to float. Remove from the pot and place in a bowl. Drizzle with oil. 5 For the sauce, heat the butter on medium-high and fry the bacon until crispy. Add the garlic and mushrooms and fry for 5 minutes. Add the cream and parsley. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer until slightly thickened. Add the gnocchi and cook for about 2 minutes or until heated through.

This recipe is from one of my favourite bloggers: Alida Ryder

DON’T MISS! Namesake foods Multi-masking in style Find out how to age-proof your eyesight How to know if your pain is a problem Going Dutch – could this parenting style work for you?

balsamic roast cherry tomatoes Place halved cherry tomatoes cut-side up on a roasting tray. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Season. Bake at 180°C for 25 minutes. Serve hot or cold in salads or on bruschetta.

stuffed cherry tomatoes Cut a very thin slice off the top of 20 large cherry tomatoes. Use a small melon baller to remove the seeds. Beat 230g cream cheese with handful ﬁnely chopped basil until smooth. Spoon or pipe into the tomatoes. Sprinkle with extra chopped basil.

salsa dip Blitz 410g tin whole cherry tomatoes, 250g cherry tomatoes, 1 small chilli, ½ small red onion, 1 crushed garlic clove, handful coriander, 3ml sugar, squeeze lemon juice. Season. Serve with tortilla chips.

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cherry tomato and rosemary focaccia Roll 250g bread dough out to 1cm thickness. Top with 2 handfuls halved cherry tomatoes, ½ small sliced red onion and 2 sprigs rosemary, leaves stripped. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Make deep indents with your ﬁngers. Bake at 180°C for about 35 minutes or until cooked.

caprese salad Combine cherry tomatoes, baby mozzarella balls and basil. Blitz extra basil into a French salad dressing and serve with the salad.

deep-fried cherry tomatoes Dust 2 handfuls halved cherry tomatoes in 125ml seasoned cake ﬂour. Working with 3 at a time, dip in beaten egg and then into 60ml dry breadcrumbs. Deep-fry in batches for about 20 seconds or until golden. Serve with ranch dressing.

pesto and cherry tomato tart Spread 450g roll puff pastry with 250g tub softened cream cheese and top with 500g cherry tomatoes. Season. Bake at 180°C for about 25 minutes or until the pastry is cooked. Drizzle with 45ml basil pesto and handful basil.

FEATURE: MARGIE ELS-BURGER ASSISTED BY NOMVUSELELO MNCUBE PHOTO: DYLAN SWART

INCLUDE MORE OF THESE LITTLE NUTRIENT POWERHOUSES IN YOUR DIET WITH OUR EASY RECIPES

SHORTCUTS

cherry tomato and cumin feta bake Roast 1 whole garlic head, halved horizontally and drizzled with a splash of olive oil at 180Â°C for 10 minutes. Press 4 feta wedges into 60ml cumin seeds and add to the garlic with 500g cherry tomatoes. Season. Bake for about 20 minutes or until tomatoes start to burst. Scatter with basil and serve with bruschetta.

FEBRUARY 2017

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BAKING

Heritage cakes WE’VE TURNED SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE SOUTH AFRICAN TREATS INTO CAKES

milk tart cake Serves 12

Takes 1 hr + cooling

FOR THE SPONGE 4 eggs 310ml castor sugar 500ml self-raising ﬂour pinch salt 250ml milk 100g butter 5ml vanilla essence

FOR THE CUSTARD 160ml custard powder 1L milk 2 cinnamon sticks 250g soft butter 500ml icing sugar 10ml vanilla essence

ground cinnamon, for dusting

1 For the sponge, preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 x 20cm round cake tins with baking paper.

2 Beat eggs and sugar until light and ﬂuffy. Sift in the ﬂour and salt and fold in. 3 Heat milk and butter on medium until melted. Add vanilla then fold into egg mixture. Divide batter between prepared cake tins. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a testing skewer comes out clean. Cool in the tins for 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely. 4 For the custard, dissolve the custard powder in 180ml of the milk. Heat remaining 820ml milk with the cinnamon until it reaches boiling point. Add custard mixture and cook on medium for about 10 minutes, stirring with a whisk until thickened. Remove cinnamon. Place plastic wrap on top of the custard. Cool. 5 Beat butter, sugar and vanilla until creamy. Slowly add cooled custard, while beating, until smooth. 6 Level the cakes and cut each sponge into 2 layers. Spread a layer of custard on each. Stack on top of each other and dust with cinnamon.

peppermint crisp cake Serves 12

Takes 50 mins + cooling

FOR THE COCONUT SPONGE 500ml self-raising ﬂour pinch salt 125ml desiccated coconut, toasted 4 eggs 430ml sugar 8ml vanilla essence 120g butter 250ml coconut milk FOR THE PEPPERMINT CRISP FILLING 180ml cream 2 x 360g tins caramel treat 5 x 49g Nestlé Peppermint Crisps few drops peppermint essence (optional) 40g packet mini Tennis biscuits (optional) mint, to garnish

Go online for our classic milk tart and easy peppermint crisp tart recipes.

76 yourfamily.co.za

1 For the sponge, preheat oven to 180°C. Line 3 x 20cm round cake tins with baking paper. Sift together the ﬂour and salt. Mix in the coconut. 2 Beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Heat the butter and milk to just below boiling point. Cool to room temperature. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, alternating with the warm milk mixture until a smooth batter forms. 3 Divide the batter between the prepared tins. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a testing skewer comes out clean. Cool in the tins for 15 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely. 4 For the ﬁlling, beat 30ml of the cream

to stiff peaks. Beat 1 tin of caramel treat until smooth and fold in the whipped cream. Finely crush 3 of the peppermint crisps and fold in with peppermint essence, if using. 5 Spread the ﬁlling onto two of the cakes and place on top of each other on a cake stand. Top with the remaining cake. 6 Beat the remaining tin of caramel until smooth and spoon onto the cake, letting it drip over the edge. Whip the remaining 150ml cream to stiff peaks and spoon on top. 7 Break the remaining 2 peppermint crisps into shards and place on the cakes with the Tennis biscuits and mint. Serve immediately.

BAKING

malva cake Serves 8

Takes 50 mins + cooling

FOR THE MALVA SPONGE 250ml sugar 2 eggs 15ml soft butter 60ml apricot jam 250ml milk 10ml vinegar 5ml vanilla essence 250ml cake ﬂour 5ml bicarbonate of soda pinch salt

FOR THE SAUCE 80ml butter 80ml sugar 45ml hot water

1 For the sponge, preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 22cm cake pan. Cream the sugar, eggs, butter and jam until pale. Mix in the milk, vinegar and vanilla.

2 Sift the ﬂour, bicarb and salt into the egg mixture and fold through. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes or until cooked.

3 For the sauce, heat all the ingredients on medium-high, stirring for about TO SERVE readymade custard vanilla ice cream

5 minutes or until the sugar has dissolved. Pour over the cake as soon as you remove it from the oven. Cool to room temperature. 4 Drizzle over custard and serve with scoops of ice cream. Serve immediately.

variation

FEATURE: MARGIE ELS-BURGER ASSISTED BY NOMVUSELELO MNCUBE PHOTOS: DYLAN SWART

Serve with whipped cream instead of custard.

FEBRUARY 2017

FOOD NOTES MARGIE ROUNDS UP THE BEST ON THE SHELVES…

LEMONADE WITH HEART Peachee is a sparkling peach-ﬂavoured lemonade blended with real lemon juice and 25% less sugar than regular soft drinks. With every Peachee you buy, a percentage is donated to Living Legends to support youth development. R7.99 for 330ml.

start to the day with a substantial breakfast. Cerevita is made from wholegrain cereals and fortiﬁed with GrainSmart (vitamins and iron), and is available in Toasted Multigrain, Toasted Grain, and Cookie. R32 for 450g.

So cheesy Woolworths’ Easy to Entertain range is the perfect addition to your cheeseboard. The bases are made from either mascarpone or cream cheese, and decorated with a variety of tantalising toppings and ﬁllings. Think cream cheese with carrot, pineapple and cinnamon; cream cheese with chermoula, red pepper chutney and almond; mascarpone with baked spiced ﬁg and ginger; or mascarpone with slow-roasted tomato and olives. From R25.95 for 100g to R48.99 for 200g.

Grow it yourself Perfect for the urban gardener, Raw seeds will have you gardening up a storm in no time. Turn your veggie garden into a work of modern (and edible) art with over 40 varieties of beauties like rainbow beetroot, zebra tomato and mardi gras beans. Non-GMO, from R30-39 at select garden centres. Rawliving.co.za

Where the desert meets the ocean Baleia Wines and Oryx Desert Salt have teamed up to deliver a Syrah-infused salt – ideal to enhance any meal, with the perfect balance of red wine ﬂavours paired with natural desert salt. From R43.99 at select Pick n Pay stores.

A SHOT OF HEALTH! The rooibos drink, Red espresso delivers a powerful punch of antioxidants and contains no caffeine or sugar. Enjoy it as a red cappuccino, red latte or fresh red iced tea. Available in ground format for use in espresso machines and stovetop espresso makers, R59.95, and in capsules for Nespresso machines, R55-R65.

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Go online for delicious Red drink recipes.

COMPILED BY MARGIE ELS-BURGER PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Good start Give your child a nutritious

Your life

WELLBEING

RELATIONSHIPS

HEALTH

PARENTING

PETS

‘The future

belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’

PHOTO: FOTOLIA.COM

- Eleanor Roosevelt

FEBRUARY 2017

A proactive approach WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T GET WHAT YOU NEED FROM YOUR FOOD

lthough you should be able to get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet, taking supplements can provide additional nutrients when your diet is lacking or when certain health conditions result in a deficiency. In most cases, multivitamin supplements provide all the basic micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) your body needs. These multivitamins are generally safe because they contain only small amounts of each nutrient. Individual nutrients can be sold as dietary supplements, but usually in larger amounts than that found in a typical multivitamin. They may be used to treat a deficiency, such as an iron deficiency, but sometimes they’re used therapeutically to treat specific health conditions or risk factors. According to the Association for Dietetics in South Africa, supplements should be used with caution and a full understanding of their intended purpose. Supplements are by no means a replacement option for a healthy diet. The Nutritional Information Centre of the University of Stellenbosch adds to this sentiment, recommending that when selecting a supplement, you always read the label carefully, and steer clear of vitamin supplements that contain a single nutrient. They also recommend that if you experience any unusual or worrying side effects when taking your supplements, you should consult your doctor immediately.

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NO SUBSTITUTE FOR FOOD Vitamins and other dietary supplements are not intended to be a food substitute. They cannot replace all the nutrients and benefits of whole foods. They can plug nutrition gaps in your diet, but it’s short-sighted to think your vitamin or mineral is the ticket to good health. Your first step should always be a healthy diet and not just a pill. Although it’s always better to get your nutrients from food, there are times when you don’t receive all you require from your meal. Vitamin and mineral supplements can help prevent deficiencies that can contribute to chronic conditions. Studies have shown the health benefits and effectiveness of supplementing missing nutrients in the diet.

YOUR HEALTH

FEATURE: BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTOS: FOTOLIA.COM AND SUPPLIED

KEEP IT NATURAL When it comes to dealing with the hot flushes associated with menopause, best-selling author and spokesperson on nutrition, Patrick Holford suggests cooling down by taking natural phytoestrogen supplements. Soy, red clover and chickpeas as well as fermented sources of soy, such as miso, tempeh, natto and tamari [available in most health food and Asian food stores] are foods with a good source of isoflavones, which can dramatically decrease the occurrence of hot flushes. Be wary of highly processed forms of soy as they have very little of the plantbased substances. Vitamins C, E and essential fats can also help with relieving menopausal symptoms. Choose a vitamin C supplement that contains berry extracts rich in bioflavonoids, as evidence indicates these can help too. BLACK COHOSH helps during menopause as it decreases hot flushes as well as insomnia, sweating and anxiety. Take 50mg per day of black cohosh three months on, one month off, but avoid if you’re taking liver toxic drugs or have a damaged liver. DONG QUAI, a plant native to China, is another useful herb for combatting hot flushes and for balancing hormones, but be aware that it can cause thinning of the blood, so it’s best to consult your GP beforehand. AGNUS CASTUS (CHASTEBERRY) also helps with hot flushes. Its therapeutic powers are attributed to its indirect effects on decreasing oestrogen levels while increasing progesterone and prolactin, which lowers oestrogen levels.

Another vitally important component in managing menopause is regular exercise and breathing deeply. The basic principle of all breathing exercise is to use your diaphragm, rather than the top of the chest as we tend to do when we’re anxious. The diaphragm is the dome-shaped muscle at the bottom of the lungs. Trials have shown that this type of breathing can reduce the frequency of hot ﬂushes by about 50%.

EXTRA HELP Nativa Complex MultiVit for Women, R140, contains additional iron, folic acid, vitamin B6, biotin, vitamin C, resveratrol and lycopene. These nutrients can assist with the maintenance of good health as well as energy and vitality. It can also offer antioxidant support by combatting excessive free radical damage associated with factors like ageing.

Did you know Varicose veins affect 3 in 10 adults; women are more likely to develop them than men.

Heart happy, HEART HEALTHY Causing a stir in the health food arena, buchu is a South African herb that was historically used by the San to make tea. It’s now being used as a treatment for a wide range of ailments, including arthritis and high blood pressure. Available in various forms (water, tea and capsules), buchu may be used to prevent inﬂammation or manage existing chronic inﬂammation without any harmful side effects.

LOVELY LEGS Pain and swelling in your legs as well as swelling from varicose veins, spider veins, reduced leg vein circulation and tired, heavy legs can cause serious discomfort and is more common than you may think. Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. Pregnancy, being overweight and old age can all increase your chances of getting varicose veins. Venavine capsules, R182 for 60, contain 180mg of red vine leaf extract, which can help to protect, seal, and strengthen the walls of leg veins, helping to reduce ﬂuid loss into the tissues around the veins that can cause oedema and swelling.

FEBRUARY 2017

HEALTH NOW

Swimming upstream

HOMEWORK BOOSTER

Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain-cell development. Almost half the fat in the brain is made up of one of the omega-3s – docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The richest source is oily ﬁsh – sardines, salmon and mackerel in particular. As they’re not too popular with most children, more and more parents are giving their children ﬁsh oil supplements.

The next time your kids have to sit down to study or compile a project try mixing these three essential oils: two drops vetiver, two drops lavender and two drops cedarwood. You can either place them in a room diffuser, mixed with water, or in a roll-on bottle, mixed with sweet almond oil. If using the roll-on bottle, they should rub the mixture on the inside of their wrists before they sit down to start their work.

BE A SUPER SLEEPER

Make an annual date

Sleep disorders are common and often go unrecognised in all age groups and both sexes. Dr Shaheen Kader, a psychiatrist at Akeso Clinic in Milnerton, says that ‘while different sleep disorders tend to affect demographic segments differently, there are disorders for children and adults that are equally prevalent. ‘Some people are more likely than others to develop a sleep disorder,’ he adds. ‘There are different risk factors for different sleep disorders. Males, and individuals with obesity, for example, are more likely to develop breathing-related sleep disorders. Patients with depression and other severe mental illnesses are more likely to have a comorbid sleep disorder. Sleep deprivation results in mood irritability, and diminished cognitive function such as impaired attention, concentration, and memory. There are many ways in which you can improve sleep hygiene (actions that tend to improve and maintain good sleep),’ says Dr Kader. He offers the following tips: Sleep only as much as you need to feel completely rested. Get out of bed immediately once you’re awake (no ‘snooze’ alarms). Avoid force sleeping. Exercise regularly for at least 20 minutes (preferably 4-5 hours before bedtime). Avoid caffeinated beverages after lunch. Avoid alcohol near bedtime: no ‘night cap’. No smoking within 4 hours of bedtime.

It’s estimated that around 70% of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), although not all people who have had the virus will develop cancer. As the remaining 30% of cases of cervical cancer are due to other factors, it’s still possible, although much less likely, for you to develop cervical cancer even if you have had the HPV vaccine. It’s important to have regular PAP smears, as early detection is your best defence against cervical cancer. It’s best to have an annual PAP smear, but at the absolute most, you can stretch it to three years, once you are sexually active.

Nature’s little helpers Instead of digging around in the off-the-shelf medications, why not try some of these the next time your kids need help? Tea tree oil is an antifungal and antibacterial essential oil. You can use it for cuts, scrapes, burns, bug bites, and as a bug repellent. Lavender oil has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Use it to soothe and calm as well as for ﬁrst aid, sunburn, and to boost immunity. Chamomile oil is a digestive aid that’s good for babies with colic or constipation. Like lavender, it’s known for its calming properties. It’s also an anti-inﬂammatory and good for ear infections. It can cost a pretty penny though, so use it wisely! Peppermint oil is also a digestive aid and can be used to help with colic. It’s known to help cool fevers and act as a decongestant with colds. (Make sure to dilute this oil well as it’s very strong!)

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Did you know Over 78 000 South Africans die each year from heart disease, and there are no signs of a decrease in the foreseeable future.

COMPILED BY BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTOS: FOTOLIA.COM

BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE WITH THE LATEST NEWS

HEALTH FOCUS

MIGHTY MAGNESIUM MAGNESIUM IS A MINERAL THAT HELPS KEEP BLOOD PRESSURE NORMAL, BONES STRONG, AND THE HEART RHYTHM STEADY

ccording to research, 75% of people following a Western diet and lifestyle are deficient in magnesium. Although magnesium is typically found in nuts, seeds and leafy dark-green vegetables, studies show that the amount of magnesium contained in these foods is steadily declining. Magnesium is essential for over 600 metabolic reactions, including: HEART HEALTH Magnesium is essential for healthy blood pressure. It also helps prevent an irregular heartbeat, which is a significant cause of sudden death. One of the reasons for sudden death the day after an intense night of bingedrinking is because alcohol flushes the body of magnesium. If you notice an irregular heartbeat the day after the night before, it’s important to take magnesium immediately. MOOD AND SLEEP Magnesium has anti-anxiety effects and promotes restorative sleep. Recent research has shown that magnesium helps restore healthy intestinal bacteria linked to improved mood. IMMUNE HEALTH Lack of magnesium depletes the body of vitamin D, an essential immunesupportive and heart-protective vitamin.

FEATURE: BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTO: FOTOLIA.COM

It’s estimated that up to 75% of the population could be lacking in magnesium. This deﬁciency not only aﬀects adults, it’s also becoming increasingly common in children. Interestingly, magnesium’s effect on immune response may explain why people with asthma often have low magnesium levels, as asthma is caused by a malfunctioning immune response. EXERCISE PERFORMANCE Exercise depletes magnesium, which is needed by the muscles for optimal energy supply and to prevent muscle cramps. Certain medicines (hormone replacement medicines, cortisone and some blood pressure medicines) also deplete the body of magnesium. BONES Recent research suggests that supplementing with magnesium may be more important than calcium for bone health. This is

because magnesium helps vitamin D improve bone density, and helps prevent calcium loss. KIDNEY AND LIVER DAMAGE Those who suffer from fatty liver syndrome, whether induced by alcohol or not, and those with cirrhosis of the liver, often have low magnesium levels. Taking magnesium supplements may prevent these liver conditions from becoming worse. WORSENED PMS SYMPTOMS Magnesium deficiency shares some symptoms with PMS and can cause muscle cramps, fatigue and insomnia. Chronic and severe magnesium deficiency can also cause hypoparathyroidism and calcium deficiency. Magnesium supplementation can provide relief for PMS, and can be used alone or combined with calcium. RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME Magnesium is important for proper conduction of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Researchers have discovered a relationship between low magnesium levels and restless leg syndrome. OSTEOPOROSIS Magnesium assures the strength and firmness of bones and makes teeth harder. As magnesium participates in an astonishing array of biochemical reactions, it’s no surprise that it’s essential for healthy bones and teeth.

WHERE DO YOU FIND IT? In addition to dark leafy greens, foods rich in magnesium include nuts, seeds, fish, beans, wholegrains, avocados, yoghurt, bananas, dried fruit, dark chocolate, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, tofu, flaxseeds, milk, oatmeal, broccoli, sweetcorn and peas. The current daily value for magnesium is 400mg. Consuming too much magnesium typically causes diarrhoea as the body attempts to excrete the excess.

DOES YOUR CHILD LACK MAGNESIUM?

1 2 Go online to ﬁnd out more about magnesiumrich food sources.

They get grumpy and irritable Once you’ve ruled out sugar, tantrums and other causes for the moods, it might be time to check their magnesium levels. They suffer from cramps (especially at night) If your child is waking up regularly and complaining about cramping it may be a good idea to get their magnesium levels checked. They worry If your child is overly anxious about school, friends, sport activities and so on, it could be due to a magnesium deﬁciency.

Other signs of deﬁciency in children include restlessness, teeth grinding and sensitivity to noise. Muscle tension, cramps and spasms (particularly in small muscles such as the eyelid) are also typical symptoms of a magnesium deﬁciency. FEBRUARY 2017

Taking that next step…

successfully WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO FIND WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO – AND THEN STICK WITH IT!

e’re always hearing about how important it is to find your passion, because then you’ll be happy. It’s not as easy as it sounds though, and Studies indicate often we get pressured into a career that 40-60% or job that we don’t really like. of people are unhappy in their Huffington Post lists five ways that chosen career. hating your job can have a negative impact on you: MAKES YOU GAIN WEIGHT Research indicates that your eating habits are directly affected by psychological job stresses such as anxiety and depression. LOWERS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Studies indicate a definite link between the level of job satisfaction and the health of employees. RUINS YOUR RELATIONSHIP People who are unhappy at work have less satisfying sex lives and more problems in their relationships, and researchers have found a clear link between a good relationship with your spouse and overall health. ROBS YOU OF SLEEP Those who are miserable at work often find it harder to fall asleep or they don’t sleep well. INCREASES YOUR RISK OF SERIOUS ILLNESS One study found that the women most at risk of ill health were those in jobs that were very demanding although they had little control. The health risks were further exacerbated if the women had little social support.

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WELLBEING

NOT AT ALL IMPOSSIBLE

SHARE YOUR FEARS... AND SUCCESS

Jobs, lifestyles and technology have changed dramatically over the years, and so have career options and choices. However, just because things are different, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try something new! Possibly the only thing standing in your way of making that change is your own fear of the unknown and how to make it happen. PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS These are worth looking into. Chances are you never went for one when you were younger. Psychometric tests help you to ﬁnd out more about you. They’re helpful when it comes to understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and experts use this information to guide you towards your ideal career path. The assessment report usually describes the aptitude and personality, and will give you suggestions for the career that best ﬁts you as an individual. The results should be read carefully.

Change can be a lonely journey, as well as a scary one. People who are in your life are there for a reason, so make sure you turn to them during this exciting change. Share your feelings with those closest to you. Talking about the fears you may be experiencing will help you to process them better. It also provides an opening for friends to offer valuable input into what you’re thinking and feeling. Looking at the roles your friends and family play in your life will help you to know who to go to at certain times, and who can help you with the different stages of your new journey. Most importantly, embrace the change, be excited, and start moving. You’ll never know what you can achieve and how wonderful your new path can be unless you take that ﬁrst step!

FEATURE: BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTO: FOTOLIA.COM

It’s never too late to change your career, do what you love, and follow your dream path LOOK INSIDE Moms spend their lives looking outward at those around them, examining how best to help their family. For this reason, they often neglect their own needs and desires. Take some time to re-examine your own life, passions and interests as you would your child’s. Don’t be afraid to look at what makes you unhappy and robs you of your energy and passion. A self-audit is a great place to start ﬁnding out what you should be doing with your life. UNDERSTAND YOU We’re usually less tolerant of our own faults than those around us. Try to be a little easier on yourself. Try to understand what you’re better at and what you struggle with. Understanding yourself, and not expecting perfection, will help you realise what’s better in the long run.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO LET GO Just because you’ve been doing the same thing for a while (it might have been years!) doesn’t mean you need to continue. Don’t be afraid to try something new because you’re scared to give up what you know. A new challenge, direction and experience is exhilarating, and learning the skills to tackle this new avenue will give you a great sense of accomplishment. However, as exciting as this new challenge may be, you’ll still need to put certain steps in place before you take the leap. Changing your career and embarking on a new path requires skill and understanding. What’s important to remember is that it doesn’t always have to require experience. Don’t be afraid to try what you love because it’s something you’ve never done before. Richard Branson speaks openly about the fact that he doesn’t look at experience when hiring new employees. ‘The ﬁrst thing to look for when searching for a great employee is somebody with a personality that ﬁts with your company culture. Most skills can be learned, but it’s difficult to train people on their personality.’ When making the move into the career path of your dreams, remember to focus on your story

The ﬁrst thing to look for when searching for a great employee is somebody with a personality that ﬁts with your company culture and not your history. Conversation points you should build into your proposal include: A brief description of your past experience. Positive moments in your life that have built you as a person. The main reason you’ve made this change, and the drive behind it. Changes you’re making in your life to help with your success on this new journey. Highlight your abilities, talents, skills (remember that getting to know yourself will give you a great understanding of what you are bringing to the table).

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Visit us online to ﬁnd out more about the art of balance.

FEBRUARY 2017

Starting over in love

BREAK-UPS ARE NEVER EASY, BUT THEY CAN TEACH US A LOT ABOUT OURSELVES AND HELP US GROW For tips on getting back into dating after a break-up, visit us online.

ccording to Statistics South Africa’s Marriages and Divorces 2014 study, the divorce rate increased by 3.4% from 2013 to 2014. Most divorces involve marriages that lasted between ﬁve and nine years, and the average age for divorce is 43 for men and 40 for women. Over half of these failed marriages occurred in families with children under 18 years old. The harsh reality is that divorce rates are on the rise. Despite how heart-breaking that is, it’s important to remember that if you’re going through a break-up, you’re not alone. More and more women are learning to cope with failed relationships, and start over in love. Stacey Lewis, founder of Thedivorcesource.co.za and author of Divorce 101: Survive & Thrive, shares her thoughts on overcoming breakups in a healthy way. ‘Whether or not you’ve initiated the end of your relationship, it’s going to be a major life stressor,’ says Stacey. ‘Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you’re going through something huge that’ll take time to work through.’ 86 yourfamily.co.za

STACEY’S ADVICE Surround yourself with loving, supportive people who uplift you and want the best for you. Pain, anger, and even guilt are normal feelings. But things will not be bad forever – it will get easier over time. Realise that just because our relationships sometimes fail, doesn’t make us failures. Allow yourself to gradually let go of the past and the thoughts of ‘If only…’ Transform your pain into energy to come out of your break-up happier, healthier, and stronger. Make a conscious decision to take small steps towards choosing happiness and rebuilding your life every day. Try journal writing or ﬁnding three things that you’re grateful for each day.

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YOUR FAMILY’S ADVICE

RELATIONSHIPS

CARRYL BRISTOW, ART DIRECTOR ‘Life’s too short to wallow in a failed relationship. If a relationship’s been particularly toxic and you’ve been made to feel inadequate, your conﬁdence levels will be low and it’ll take time to feel comfortable with yourself again. Don’t pressure yourself into making big decisions in any area of your life. Instead, surround yourself with people who make you feel valued. Be your own best friend; do what makes you happy, process your feelings, understand what you need and want, and you’ll soon have the right mindset to make decisions.’

MARGIE ELS-BURGER, FOOD EDITOR ‘Now’s the perfect time to be selﬁsh: cook the foods you like, watch the movies you enjoy, do everything you enjoyed before your relationship. Grieve, but never in front of your ex. Be positive when you’re out and about so that if you bump into him, you won’t feel embarrassed, but empowered. Exercise, even if you’d rather just eat chocolate. Nothing feels better than getting into shape and knowing you look good!’

JONI NEL, DIGITAL EDITOR ‘Don’t contact your ex for at least four months after a break-up. Speaking to them just brings back good memories and makes you miss them, but you really need to establish how you feel without them. Sometimes when you text your ex, you feel terrible and embarrassed the moment you’ve hit “send”. If you really need to send your thoughts and feelings to someone, send them to a friend you can trust. You’ll get it out of your system without any awkward or hurtful text conversations with your ex!’

NOMVUSELELO MNCUBE, FOOD ASSISTANT ‘If you’re thinking of ending your relationship, listen to your heart and don’t do anything you’ll regret later. Once the relationship’s over, accept it and give yourself time to grieve. Stay single until you’re really ready to commit again; don’t risk hurting someone who might be more invested than you are. Don’t let past hurt inﬂuence your new relationship.’

FEATURE: CANDICE CURTIS PHOTOS: DYLAN SWART AND FOTOLIA.COM

ELSA DE BEER, OFFICE MANAGER ‘Get rid of all the anger and pain by crying your heart out. If you have unanswered questions, wait until you’re less emotional before calmly asking your ex for answers and getting closure. When children are involved, never say anything bad about your ex in front of them. They need both parents and they should love and respect both parents. Move forward with your life; you never know what wonderful things are waiting just around the corner!’

FRANCIS GERMISHUYS, MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR ‘The most difficult part of a break-up is adapting to change. We fall into a routine and comfort zone with our partners and the “change” of them leaving us sends our world tumbling down. This is the perfect time to be productive. Clean out your cupboards, throw out old clothes connected to memories, learn a new skill, or explore a new adventure. In the end, you’ll see everything happens for a reason, this is just a part of your life’s lessons, and it’ll only make you stronger!’

CANDICE CURTIS, FEATURES WRITER ‘It might sound dramatic, but consider a few sessions with a therapist. An objective third party can really help you put things into perspective and process your feelings. See your single status as an opportunity to redesign your life; put yourself ﬁrst, learn who you really are outside a relationship, know your worth, love who you are, and get comfortable with your own ﬂaws so you never change yourself for anyone. That was the best thing I ever did for myself!’

RENÉ SCHOLTZ, DESIGNER ‘Give yourself a freak-out period to cry, kick, and scream; it’s okay to feel sad, hurt, and angry, and to let it all out. Give your ex all their belongings, and if you feel that photos and things from your time together will keep you from moving on, get rid of them. When you’re ready to move on, don’t look back unless it’s to remind yourself of your lessons learnt and personal growth. Don’t let a break-up interfere with your career or disrupt your family relationships and friendships.’ FEBRUARY 2017

KIDS’ HEALTH WHAT’S NEW, COOL AND GOOD TO KNOW

SCHOOL SPECIAL An added

boost Most children go through phases of fussy eating, turning mealtimes into a nightmare for parents, and creating health problems for the kids. NRF KiddiVite, R60 for 60, is a chewable, bubblegum-flavoured multivitamin with B-complex. The tablets are free from artificial colouring, preservatives, tartrazine, gluten, corn, egg and yeast. Each tablet contains an optimal balance of pure and certified raw materials, and FoodMatrix carrot, tomato and spinach extract. They’re suitable for children of all ages.

MAKE THEIR BIG DAY A BIG MEMORY The new school year is approaching and whether your kids are facing their first day of ‘big school’, first day at a new school, or first day at high school, they’re bound to be nervous. There are a few things you can do to help your child get ready for that first day. FOR YOUNGER KIDS Create a special goodbye whenever you leave them so they learn it means you’ll be back soon – then you can say the same thing when you leave them at school. As tempting as it might be to sneak off if they’re happily playing, don’t! It’s upsetting if they look around and you’re not there. ALL CHILDREN, NO MATTER THEIR AGE, BENEFIT FROM GOOD SLEEP Start the bedtime routine a few weeks before school, so you won’t have a tired child to deal with on day one. FOR NERVOUS KIDS Don’t promise them ‘It’ll be great’, because it’ll take a while for them to settle in. Rather focus on some of the interesting and exciting things they can look forward to. SET BOUNDARIES AND RITUALS Make sure you set aside time for homework, and encourage them to sort bags and uniforms the night before. Ask about their day when they come home; it’s a great way to remind them about newsletters and school notices. FOR LITTLE ONES Toilet training! Make sure the kids practise going to the toilet with people other than Mum. INTRODUCE THEIR ENVIRONMENT Visit the school before the start of term. Take part in planned open days so they know what the school looks – and sounds! – like. LISTEN Listen to your child’s worries and reassure them about any issues. Don’t bring the issues up again unless your child does. SHOW THEM HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE Let your child help to choose things like their backpack or pencil case. Involve them by letting them suggest where to add name labels or handing you pens.

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Did you know Research in 2016 indicates that 13% of children are now overweight, and the Harvard School of Public Health has predicted that by 2020 nearly 60% (some 60 million children) will be overweight or obese.

Pack a water bottle

WAYS

SHOW TO

EM TH

COMPILED BY BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTOS: FOTOLIA.COM

Kids may not be able to recognise the symptoms of dehydration themselves, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential to keep track of their ďŹ&#x201A;uid intake and teach them good hydration habits. Dehydration symptoms include tiredness, headaches, lack of concentration, reduced mental performance, and dry skin. Other symptoms can include: Dry or sticky mouth. Few or no tears when crying. Eyes that look sunken into the head. Lack of urine or wet nappies for 6-8 hours in an infant (or only a very small amount of dark yellow urine). Lack of urine for 12 hours in an older child (or only a very small amount of dark yellow urine). Dry, cool skin. Lethargy or irritability. Fatigue or dizziness in an older child. Children should hydrate with plain, natural drinks that are unsweetened and free from additives, and aim for 6-8 drinks per day.

YOU ARE LISTENING 1 2 3 4

Put away your cellphone. Go down to their level. Look them in the eyes. Place one hand on their shoulder to show they have your undivided attention. 5 Ask relevant questions.

SCHOOL SPECIAL

TURNING TEACHING

d a on its he

DIGITAL LEARNING HAS BECOME A FOCUS IN SOUTH AFRICA, BUT WHERE DO WE STAND WITH THE DIGITAL CLASSROOM?

igital learning is something we’re hearing about more often. Many schools are issuing tablets to learners when they enrol in their schools. The education arena is completely different to what it was like when we were growing up. Teaching styles and school environments have changed, and we’re seeing the increased use of technology in the classrooms. It all seems a bit much to take in, but when understood correctly, these new trends deﬁnitely have their place. However, the introduction of digital learning in South Africa places an entirely new set of expectations on teachers. In July this year an article was published calling for urgent training to be given to information and communications technology (ICT) educators. The article mentioned that at a national level only 26% 90 yourfamily.co.za

of teachers have basic ICT skills and just 7% have intermediate skills in using ICT for teaching and learning. This raises a red ﬂag for the introduction of this form of teaching in classrooms locally. Mark Hayter, principal of Grayston Prep in Joburg says, ‘Powerful learning ﬁrst – technology second.’ He believes it doesn’t matter what shiny new devices schools purchase if the schools have put technology in the hands of teachers to ‘make things better’ and have overlooked critical ‘change’ elements. ‘The digitally equipped classroom and the power this can provide to both the student and teacher is just starting to be understood,’ says Mark. ‘The journey of creating a digital teaching environment cannot be rushed, and requires changes in the amount of time spent on staff development and training. Staff development should come well before learners receive devices.’

PARENTING

FEATURE: BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTO: FOTOLIA.COM

CHANGING THE FOCUS

have kept the more traditional route of and do an interview that they support with learning with books, but have added the music, or submit electronically to the rest Lindsay Wesner, teacher, blogger and of the class for input. Learning must be Apple distinguished educator, comments in flexibility of allowing learners who prefer digital to use electronic textbooks. supported with technology, not replaced.’ one of her blogs that ‘In a technology-rich There’s also an increasing trend towards An added element is digital coding, classroom, the teacher’s role shifts to being teachers themselves relying more on which is being introduced into the syllabus more of a guide and facilitator of learning their own devices and material they’ve at a number of schools. Matthew Gibson, as students engage in activities where they sourced and downloaded when in the ICT teacher at Thornhill Primary School in are actively pursuing knowledge and can classroom. So while a school might not yet Botswana, recommends it. navigate their own learning, consulting the have introduced digital learning officially, ‘There are many programmable teacher when necessary.’ teachers are starting to incorporate the toys, robots and the like that even grades She says the teacher’s relationship ‘digital way’ in their own classrooms. 6 and 7 can very simply program,’ he says. with the class shifts from being teacherThese lessons usually take the form of ‘Coding not only promotes critical thinking, group oriented to teacher-individual, and PowerPoint presentations structured in a problem solving and planning, it’s the way the emphasis shifts from a traditionally more informal (and more conversational) of the future.’ competitive, individual learning environment where learning is for the sake of finding correct Some schools have adopted ‘digi-days’ or ‘digital answers, to a collaborative FOR THE PARENTS days’ where learners are given the opportunity and supportive environment Giving access to children where the goal is to to work from home for a day on a specific for the internet, apps and develop a deeper and more different platforms is scary assignment. They’re then required to submit the personalised understanding work electronically, by a certain time, in order to for most parents. Don’t of the topic of study. allow this fear to become be successful in their assignment. While the introduction of a stumbling block in the digital learning and devices introduction of a valuable into schools is a great idea, if learning style. This less formal approach tool in their education. ‘There are teachers have no understanding of how to gives learners the opportunity to discuss, apps out there, such as OurPact, that let you work with these tools, it becomes little more collaborate and work together effectively. monitor, block or allow access to things such than a wasted opportunity. In this scenario, the teacher takes a step as Wi-Fi during certain times of the day,’ back from teacher to more of a facilitator says Matthew. There are also freely available role. Conversation leads to suggestions, child-safe solutions for internet filtering which in turn lead to the final solution. and content. He believes it’s still early days A COST-EFFECTIVE for most African schools when it comes APPROACH Parents often fear the news from schools to a digital approach, but as a parent, if it’s that a tablet is going to be required for not evident that the school is embracing FOR THE TEACHERS the new year and that classrooms will be this new era then they probably don’t have If digital learning is something that appeals focused more on e-learning. Technology to you as a teacher, but is something you’ve the infrastructure and expertise needed to is not cheap and the thought of forking take the next step. This is something to flag never considered in the past, start by out for a device that might be stolen is when looking at schools for your children. searching for apps, downloading them and terrifying. Accompanying this fear is the He adds that if you are a tech-friendly experimenting with them. dread that the device will be prescribed, household you’ll easily recognise the As a teacher it’s important to remember and the tablet bought at Christmas won’t progress and the ‘digital’ in your child. that digital learning is a tool to enhance make the grade. When researching potential schools, your classroom time, but that it definitely With the integration of technology in digital inclusion is something to consider requires a different teaching approach. the classrooms, many schools are allowing Christina Watson, CEO of Via Afrika says, carefully. If you support a more digitally learners to bring their own devices. This active approach to learning – and life – ‘The danger of e-learning is that people multi-platform approach offers far more you need to ensure you look for a school see it as a replacement. You need to have flexibility to parents, giving them breathing digital content and a device. It only becomes that will embrace this approach. If digital room to purchase what they can afford. learning scares you, or you feel your child e-learning when the teachers are not In addition, there are schools that will not benefit from this approach, it would using the device as a substitute, but really have decided to focus on books and be advisable to rather look for a school with constructing a lesson where children don’t accommodate tablets. These schools a more conservative approach. just write a paper on something, they go FEBRUARY 2017

PARENTING NEWS IDEAS AND TIPS TO MAKE FAMILY LIFE EVEN BETTER

SCHOOL SPECIAL

Tame that tantrum There’s a big difference between a toddler, teen and twenty-something having a tantrum. The next time you see your toddler having an outburst, try to imagine how he’ll look as a teen doing exactly the same – not a pretty picture! The sad reality is that there are too many times where we could curb an immediate tantrum to avoid long-term damage. Here are some things to consider when they have their next meltdown: STAY TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE Tantrums can be emotional. Mid-outburst it’s easy to become emotional yourself. Try to remain calm throughout the ordeal. BE A ROLE MODEL Think of how you usually react in high-pressure situations. Are you calm or chaotic? What behaviour would you like your child to follow? That’s the only behaviour you should show them – regardless of the situation. DON’T PLAY THE BLAME GAME Remember that you’re not responsible for the poor choices your child makes. You’re only responsible for guiding them and helping them to learn and try harder. Don’t blame yourself when your child throws a tantrum. Your responsibility in the moment is to stay calm. DON’T CAVE IN This can’t be stressed enough. Never give in to their demands or wants. Stand your ground and remember why you said ‘no’ to start with. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS Show your child empathy in their distress, while guiding them to make better choices. Highlight where the wheels fell off and help them to choose a different approach in future.

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considered ‘bad’ sugar. It’s important to remember that moderation is required even when consuming ‘good’ sugar. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that ‘good’ sugar becomes better if you consume more of it. When sugars are naturally found in whole food, they come with vitamins, minerals, protein, phytochemicals and fibre. The presence of fibre makes a significant difference because it slows down the absorption of sugar, which moderates its impact on blood sugar. When considering sugar options for our kids, Karin McCann, CEO of Cape Kingdom Nutraceuticals, recommends opting for whole (nonprocessed) food items where sugar naturally occurs, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains. They all contain simple sugars, but the source of simple sugar is natural and is packed with other nutritious components.

Children are particularly at risk of the dangers of high sugar intake as they don’t always make healthy eating choices. Plus, there’s a wide range of unhealthy, sugar-laden foods and drinks marketed specifically to children. In childhood, high sugar intake leads to dental cavities, obesity and poor nutrition. While high sugar foods provide an abundance of calories, they’re otherwise nutrient-poor. The eating habits set up in childhood can last a lifetime, and can lead to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. Processed sugar is on the list of inflammatory foods as it triggers the release of inflammatory messengers called cytokines. A high sugar diet may trigger chronic inflammatory ailments such as arthritis, eczema, allergies, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Visit us online to see how to get your kids to swap sugar for healthier alternatives.

BECAUSE THEIR FRIENDS CAN MAKE OR BREAK THEM It’s important to teach our children how to build good friendships. Here are a few tips to help them along: Show them they don’t have to be scared. If they’re able to be conﬁdent in who they are, and also respect those around them, they can look at forming good, healthy friendships. Teach them to love themselves ﬁrst. If they see the positive in their own life, they’ll be able to see the positive in the children around them. Realising people for who they are is a great skill to learn when forming friendships. Teach your children not to judge. Learning how to look past imperfections and see the beauty in those around them will help form meaningful relationships. Friendships are important, and teaching our children how to make good and lasting friendships is a skill they’ll carry with them forever.

COMPILED BY BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTOS: FOTOLIA.COM

A future imagined In a recent roadshow, Kellogg’s highlighted various focal points that can be used to encourage learners to think about their future and realise their potential. Ideas that can be incorporated at home include: ENCOURAGE THEIR DREAMS Encourage your children to write down their thoughts, goals and wishes. These notes may not even make complete sense on the surface, but merely encouraging your children to actively nourish these thoughts will plant a seed of possibility. No dream is too big! ACT LIKE A VILLAGE Encourage your kids to think like entrepreneurs, and to imagine their goals as though they were happening right now. You need to act as a village to raise your children and mentally shift them from beneﬁting from the system to owning the economic system. This can be started by ensuring healthy development, both physically and emotionally, creating a nation of future leaders. SHARE THEIR MOMENTS Laugh and cry with them, tell them your deepest fears and your biggest goals. It’s important your children see that, with the right amount of support and will, they can achieve anything they want

3 to in life. It isn’t about spending the most money; it’s about investing the most time you possibly can in your child’s development, and sharing each moment of fear and excitement with them. FUEL THEIR BODIES Almost one in five children goes to school without breakfast in South Africa, meaning they aren’t given the opportunity to perform to the best of their ability. Lack of breakfast can result in a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1), which causes a reduction in mental performance, and results in aggressive behaviour, irritability and personality changes. By providing your child with breakfast that contains high fibre carbohydrates and protein, you can ensure they have enough sustained energy to make the most of their day. FUEL THEIR MINDS Many children continue to struggle with translating their dream, and need to be encouraged to dream beyond the walls of the classroom. Work together to ensure they’re given all the tools they need to live in a world full of hope, where they can be themselves while exploring the world of possibilities out there waiting for them.

FEBRUARY 2017

SCHOOL SPECIAL

Diagnosis is the doorway to success ADHD IS A SCARY DIAGNOSIS FOR ANY PARENT, BUT BEING INFORMED CAN HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION FOR YOUR CHILD AND YOUR FAMILY

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PARENTING

he start of a new school year can be an unsettling time for both parents and children. If you’re looking to help your child improve on a disappointing report from last year, or just want the best for them in the school year ahead, it’s important to be clued up on signs of potential problems from the start, such as attention deﬁcit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There’s been a long-standing misperception that ADHD exists only in the classroom. Although this is one environment where the signs of ADHD are more easily noticed, as focus can be a struggle, the disorder doesn’t keep school hours and requires a holistic treatment plan for long-term management. Without the correct diagnosis and treatment, ADHD can severely affect a child’s ability to focus and, as a result, can lead to a struggle with academics, and underperformance throughout a child’s school career. The knock-on effects of this underperformance can have a negative impact on the emotional and social wellbeing of your child far beyond school hours, with lowered self-esteem and conﬁdence issues.

KEY INDICATORS Teachers should be aware of the different ways in which ADHD presents in the classroom. ‘Most people don’t know that boys and girls present in very different ways if they’re struggling with ADHD, and there’s often misdiagnosis as a result,’ explains psychiatrist Dr Rykie Liebenberg. ‘Boys’ symptoms are distinctly “outward”, while girls struggling with the disorder, in contrast, have more “inward” symptoms.’ Dr Liebenberg describes how, in a classroom situation, boys with ADHD may draw attention to themselves with disorderly, uncontrolled behaviour, such as physical aggression, throwing things, jumping and running around. They can also show emotional dysregulation, with outbursts. In contrast, girls with ADHD may be withdrawn, prone to daydreaming and

even chronically fatigued. ‘The disruptive behaviour of a boy who might be struggling with ADHD makes it much easier for a teacher or parent to notice, and, hopefully correctly diagnose,’ says Dr Liebenberg. ‘Undiagnosed girls with ADHD are, in contrast, often quite well behaved – they just struggle to focus and remember what they’re told.’ One trait that can occur in both girls and boys with ADHD, she says, is hyperfocus. ‘A child struggling with undiagnosed ADHD will typically become ﬁxated on one subject or item, to the exclusion of all their other school work.’

HOLISTIC ANALYSIS Although the classroom is a key environment in which to identify the signs of ADHD, symptoms must present both at home and at school in order for a child to be diagnosed. If a teacher suspects one of their pupils might be showing signs of undiagnosed ADHD, they should consult with the child’s parents immediately. ‘The ﬁrst step is to rule out other factors that could be having an effect on the child’s behaviour at school,’ says Dr Liebenberg. ‘This might be a divorce, abuse or even an ill sibling.’ However, if conditions at home are comparatively normal, and the child is showing similar signs of ADHD at home – inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity – it’s best for the parents to visit a medical professional to seek a formal diagnosis. ‘Left untreated, ADHD can be crippling for a child trying to navigate an already new, intimidating school environment,’ she says. ‘Correctly managed, however, a child with ADHD can avoid unnecessary frustration, ﬁnd focus in the classroom and reach his or her full potential.’

DOES YOUR TEENAGER HAVE UNDIAGNOSED ADHD? Dr Brendan Belsham, child psychiatrist and author of the book What’s the Fuss About ADHD?, says it’s a fallacy that ADHD is something you grow out of after childhood. In reality, he says, the condition often becomes more problematic in the teenage years, when there’s a greater demand on the executive functioning of the individual. ‘If the brain is an orchestra, executive function is the conductor,’ he explains. ‘All the individual players can be highly skilled in their own right, but if there’s no one controlling the group, it means nothing. In teens with ADHD, this is often the case. All the individual aspects of brain functioning are perfectly adequate, but there’s no cohesive output.’ Until the teenage years, executive function is largely controlled by someone else – a parent or caregiver – so there are built-in safety nets. However, this is unsustainable in adolescents, who have to be responsible for their own time management and productivity – and this is when symptoms of untreated ADHD often come to the fore. ‘This is also the time when sexual indiscretions and substance abuse become a reality, and when adolescents get behind the wheel of a car,’ adds Dr Belsham. ‘This makes untreated ADHD symptoms even more dangerous.’

Visit us to ﬁnd out more about the differing ADHD symptoms between boys and girls.

FEBRUARY 2017

PARENTING

TACKLE THE ISSUE their social situation. Treatment involves psychotherapy or family counselling, and Dr Belsham describes his teenage When it comes to approaching the issue diet plays a role. patients as generally falling into one of with your teenager, Dr Belsham explains Dr Marylin Wench, family therapist and two camps: they’re either clued up on the best way to do this is to wait for author, believes French families lead more ADHD and comfortable with working a trigger from the teen themselves – structured lifestyles, imposing strict rules towards a conclusive diagnosis, or results on a bad test or working hard and boundaries. they’re afraid of the stigma attached with no results – and then raise the issue. to the condition, and resist a diagnosis, ‘Don’t approach the situation with any even though it’s entirely warranted. value judgement and don’t try to apply ‘Teenagers these days are so wired, any labels,’ he says. CHARACTERISTICS they know how to research everything ‘Rather use phrases like “I’ve noticed AND WARNING SIGNS and anything, which makes it a lot easier you’ve been working really hard, but According to the South African Depression for them to understand ADHD,’ he says. you always seem disappointed with and Anxiety Group (SADAG), symptoms ‘The trouble is with adolescents who are your results”, and then suggest finding need to have been present for at least six already struggling to assert themselves, a specialist to try and understand the months and must have caused significant and simply don’t want to be labelled problem. It’s all about avoiding criticism functional impairment for a true ADHD with ADHD because they’re afraid of and being sensitive.’ diagnosis. ADHD symptoms are divided what their peers might think.’ He warns parents of the dangers into three clusters: Another common inattentiveness, problem he encounters Teenagers these days are so wired, they know how to hyperactivity and in undiagnosed ADHD impulsivity. teens is propaganda from research everything and anything, which makes it a lot Dr Belsham the media and input from easier for them to understand ADHD recommends teachers who often don’t that if ADHD is understand the severity suspected, you should of the condition and offer their own of untreated ADHD for an adolescent consult one of three medical specialists: misinformed solutions. This can result going into adulthood – everything from a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a in a confused adolescent, in denial of self-esteem to finding and maintaining their condition. employment, or establishing relationships. neurodevelopmental paediatrician or a paediatric neurologist. Going this route ‘It might seem a difficult task to raise is not admitting your child has ADHD, these issues with your teenager when you’re already struggling to communicate but rather assists you in ruling out BE AWARE possibilities while trying to find the root with them, but leaving the problems Parents are advised to be on the cause of the symptoms. unsolved could have seriously negative lookout for symptoms of undiagnosed Dr Belsham says, ‘In order to ramifications later in life.’ ADHD – and to be aware of the fact that qualify for the diagnosis, a child should although hyperactivity may have been display at least six symptoms from the present in childhood, it doesn’t always persist into adolescence. MEANWHILE IN FRANCE inattentive cluster (such as distractibility, forgetfulness and disorganisation), or six While the number of South African ‘A key symptom to look out for is of the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms children being diagnosed with ADHD is inattentiveness, which might present (such as excessive talkativeness, now at 8-10%, it’s decreasing in France, as procrastination, careless mistakes blurting out without waiting his turn and at just 2.5-3%. French doctors don’t and not persisting with tasks,’ advises restlessness).’ see ADHD as a biological disorder with Dr Belsham. ‘Also be aware of Used appropriately, a diagnosis becomes biological causes, but rather as a medical impulsivity, which often manifests as a springboard for a holistic management condition caused by psychosocial and tactlessness, constantly getting into plan, which ushers in relief, hope and situational factors. Their first port of call trouble, or speaking inappropriately ultimately dignity for the affected child. is to study the child, their distress and and out of turn.’ 96 yourfamily.co.za

FEATURE: BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTO: FOTOLIA.COM

RESISTING DIAGNOSIS

MOM’S THE WORD

I know IMAGE: FOTOLIA.COM

WHAT YOU MEAN WE ALL LIKE TO PUT THE BEST SPIN ON OUR KIDS’ BEHAVIOUR, EVEN IF IT’S NOT EXACTLY HONEST. KATE SIDLEY GOES DECODING t’s a sad fact of parenting that our children are imperfect. Yes, well yours, obviously, I didn’t mean to imply any different… Anyway, given our absolute bias in this regard, it’s difficult to recognise some of the, let’s just say, the more challenging aspects of our children’s natures. Which is why we tend to put a positive spin on things.

Spin word: Verbal I’m the proud owner of what I like to call a highly verbal child. Ah, he’s a darling chatterbox. And everything he says is just so cute and clever! OK, indulgent mom-love aside, let’s admit that a child described as verbal is usually a child who never shuts up. When my son was small (and also not so small…) he was an unstoppable motor mouth. ‘Why are we even going to parent-teachers meetings?’ the child’s father would ask. ‘We know what they’re going to say.’ He was right. Every year we hear the same stuff – they love the boy, but he needs to learn not to blurt out the answers, to put his hand up, to let other children have a turn, to not start a more interesting sidebar conversation with a friend when the teacher wasn’t being sufficiently sparkling for his liking. A classic from his school report: ‘J is always happy to share his ideas and opinions with the rest of the class.’ When it came to public speaking, he got a chance to put that motor mouth to good use. Spin word: Spirited If a parent says, ‘My children are very spirited…’ best put away your breakables and lock up the cat when they come to visit! Sorry to break it to you, but ‘spirited’ is more often than not code for ‘utter brat’. These children have no boundaries. They run roughshod over their parents, who have totally lost control. Or never had any. ‘She just loves nature,’ Mom says as her ‘spirited’ child snaps the heads off your dahlias. Grrrr.

Spin word: Feisty Feisty, assertive, forceful… These and other similar descriptors are code words for a range of behaviours that might be seen by other people – particularly other children – as, um, aggressive. Parents of socalled feisty children may issue disclaimers like, ‘You know what boys are like…’ and ‘He just doesn’t realise that some children are over-sensitive…’ These are, of course, characteristics that can stand kids in very good stead later in life. Our indisputably argumentative child became captain of the debate team. We last won an argument with her in 2012. Spin word: Intense The word intense conjures up the smouldering eyes of a 50s screen star or the brooding demeanour of a Romantic poet. When applied to a child it usually means one thing – grumpy. Spin word: Sensitive Also, delicate or artistic. In my experience, adults who describe themselves as sensitive are usually just people who take offence easily. With kids, it means they moan a lot. Spin word: Selective Picky. Your kid is picky. You can try and pass this off as some kind aesthetic judgement, but we know picky. When you drop her off at a play date with the only three things she will eat – strawberry yoghurt with no lumps, yellow cheese cut into precise rectangles 4cm x 5cm, and six pieces of cucumber – that’s picky. She’ll probably grow out of it, they do tend to. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of spin. Every child should have someone who sees them in the most positive light imaginable and who ﬁnds their quirks – even the annoying ones – charming. That’s what parents are for. We’re supportive (code word for mildly deluded and terminally biased).

FEBRUARY 2017

MAD ABOUT PETS LIFE ON THE ANIMAL FRONT

I have two elderly dachshunds, and I’ve rescued a younger Border Collie-cross. The male dachshund had a spinal operation a year ago and the newcomer is constantly pestering him by grabbing him around the neck and preventing him from coming near me. The old female often puts the newcomer in her place, but I’m still concerned she’ll cause further spinal damage to the male. What should I do? This is a typical canine hierarchy issue. The dachshund is the alpha female and the newcomer’s the beta. In a bitch-managed society you can’t acknowledge the male without one of the females intervening or attacking. For the male’s sake, ignore him when the females are present. It helps to ignore all three when they’re together, and give each of them individual attention when you’re alone with them. The newcomer’s behaviour is instinctive body language showing disrespect for the natural ranking – it’s a warning that you and the male aren’t obeying the rules. In these situations, a bitch might attack a lower-ranking dog, causing life-threatening consequences. Your whole family needs to be mindful of this behaviour and respect the natural ranking at all times to maintain harmony. If the females reprimand the male, don’t interfere, but praise the disciplinarian to show respect. The elderly male will still feel ‘loved’, and he’ll be comfortable knowing his place in the order of things. To reduce your newcomer’s assertive behaviour, make sure she gets plenty of exercise every day so she can burn up all her pent-up energy.

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Understanding your pets Dr Michael Ferreira of Three Rivers Veterinary Clinic shares some insights that will help you have a better understanding of your pets and their feelings. When asked if animals experience feelings and emotions the same way humans do, Dr Ferreira says, ‘It’s difficult to know for sure. I don’t think animals experience feelings exactly the same way as we do, but they’re deﬁnitely not just a pile of muscles and bones that simply react to stimuli in their environment. ‘In terms of feeling love, I don’t believe animals feel love in the same, broad, allencompassing expression that humans do. I do, however, have no doubt that they’re capable of affection and compassion, as we are.’

How can I SHOW MY PETS LOVE? ‘The easiest way to show them love is to ensure that animals are free of stress,’ Dr Ferreira says. ‘If they’re relaxed and all their needs are met, they’ll be content and will display affection.’ Your pet’s needs will differ depending on their species. Dr Ferreira recommends researching different pets and how to take care of them properly before purchasing or adopting one, especially if you’re looking at a species you’ve never had before. ‘For the most part, animals are content with “the bare necessities”,’ he says. ‘We can learn so much from them and their “gratitude” for simple things.’ If you’d like to spoil your pets with more than the bare necessities, Dr Ferreira has these suggestions: Humans love a tight bear hug, but most animals experience anxiety when they’re held very tight. Avoid bear hugs and offer gentle stroking and a game, instead. If you have a small dog, cuddling them on the couch is a treat for both of you. But constantly jumping on and off the couch can hurt your dog’s back and joints. Invest in a small ramp or steps for them to save pain and discomfort as they get older.

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Visit us online to learn about human treats that cause trouble for pets.

COMPILED BY CANDICE CURTIS CONTRIBUTORS: DR MELVYN GREENBERG , DR MICHAEL FERREIRA PHOTOS: FOTOLIA.COM THE ADVICE CONTAINED ON THIS PAGE IS STRICTLY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. THE CONTENT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL VETERINARY ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VET OR ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR PETS.

with Dr Platzhund

Toys to try For dogs who like to chew and enjoy a tug of war, try the Nylabone DuraToy Play Rope Quad, R140. This toy is great for tug-of-war games as it has four durable ropes to hang on to. It also makes a great non-edible chew toy thanks to its raised action nubs and bacon ﬂavour.

For pets who just want a buddy to cuddle, try the Hunter Canvas Cycle Bear, R399. Made from cotton and ﬁlled with polyester and a squeaker, this non-toxic and machine-washable bear is safe for pets of all sizes and ages. For dogs who love to ‘fetch’, try the Petstages Orka Flyer, R123. The frisbeelike toy is made of durable, non-toxic, synthetic rubber, and provides hours of interactive ﬁtness fun for you and your dog. It’s an absolute winner at the park!

Dr Ferreira says cats – even though they’ll strongly deny it! – thrive on affection and attention just as much as dogs, so make sure to play with your cat often to keep it stimulated. Try Beco Family Catnip Toys, R110; their double crossstitched covers are especially durable and the toys are stuffed with alluring catnip to provide hours of chasing and cuddling fun. PetSafe’s Fun Kitty Egg-Cersizer, R170, is a great toy for keeping your cat stimulated. Turn mealtime into playtime with the treatdispensing egg toy that allows you to make getting treats out as easy or difficult as your cat needs.

Dogs with longer hair need to be brushed often to keep shedding under control. Try the Furminator DeShedding Tool, R1 075, for a fuss-free brushing experience. All products pictured are available from Shingavet.co.za

Wouldn’t it be great if you could just touch a weed to kill it.

Now you can with new Roundup® Gel The pack fits in the palm of your hand and is so precise and controlled it won’t harm nearby plants or the soil. A touch kills the weed down to the root so it never grows back, making it perfect for treating weeds in difficult places such as flowerbeds, paths and even bindweed.

A touch is all it takes. Customer Care: Tel 086 133 3586 info@efekto.co.za www.efekto.co.za Registration Holder: Monsanto South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Reg. No. 1968/01485/07, POBox 69933, Bryanston, 2021. Distributed by: Efekto Care (Pty) Ltd., Reg. No. 2009/006357/07, PO Box 652147, Benmore, 2010. *Roundup® is a trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC Roundup® Gel Reg. No. L9720, Active Ingredient 7.2 g/l Glyphosate (contains 9.7 g/l isopropylamine salt) Caution. Use weed killers safely. Strictly follow enclosed instructions and read entire label before application. *Roundup® Gel is registered under Act No. 36 of 1947. YFA_9386_E

www.roundup-garden.co.za

GIVEAWAYS

Goodies for you LOVE IS IN THE AIR – AND WE’VE GOT VALENTINE TREATS THAT YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES WILL ADORE!

SUPER ORGANISED!

TAKE YOUR MOMENT 5 Satiskin hampers up for grabs, worth R1 000 each Take your moment to enjoy that blissful alone time. Relax in a Satiskin Bubble Bath or refresh your senses with Satiskin shower gels. Also available in luxury hand wash, Satiskin is beautifully fragranced and pH balanced for satin-soft skin. For more info, visit the Facebook page at Facebook.com/ satiskin. Five lucky winners will each receive a product hamper as well as a spa voucher. KEYWORD: SATISKINFEB

5 Clip Clop hampers up for grabs, worth R1 000 each Keeping track of birthdays, school projects, pets, piano lessons, swimming galas, grandparents, lift clubs – not to mention WORK – is an endless mind map. To help us all, Clip Clop has produced a five-column Family Calendar that’ll help you keep track of everyone. The Family Calendar features South African animal families with an apt family snippet for each month, and the 2017 edition has the endangered riverine rabbit on the cover. Up for grabs are five Clip Clop hampers that include four magnetic notepads, a selection of gift tags, stickers and fridge magnets, a map of South Africa, a birthday calendar and the 2017 Family Calendar. Visit Clipclop.co.za or contact fiona@clipclop.co.za for more info. KEYWORD: CALENDARFEB

HEAL YOUR BEST FRIEND AT HOME

SCIENCE OF SKINCARE One Biomedical Emporium skincare hamper up for grabs, worth R5 300! Developed by biochemical scientist, Dr Judey Pretorius, the Biomedical range addresses skincare harmony at cellular and molecular level. The products promote advanced cellular turnover rates as well as optimal skin densiﬁcation and dermal hydration. The winner’s product hamper will include Luminous Milk Cleanser, Retinol Night, Collagen Serum, Vitamin E Therapy, Vitamin and Mineral Spritz, Make-up Remover, and a voucher for an analysis and treatment. Visit Biomedicalemporium.com for more info. KEYWORD: BIOMEDICALFEB

11 Regal Pet hampers to be won, worth R500 each Regal Pet Health is a local brand offering herbal product solutions to optimise your dog’s health. Herbs have a long documented history for promoting not only the health of humans, but of four-legged friends too. Animals in the wild instinctively seek out healing herbs when they feel under the weather, and our domesticated pets carry the same instincts in the way they eat grass. Studies suggest they do this when they feel unwell, to aid their digestive system or to fulﬁl a nutritional deﬁciency. Regal Pet Health offers quality products containing ingredients well known for their medicinal properties. Visit Regalpethealth.com for more info. KEYWORD: HEALTHFEB

To stand a chance of winning one of these great prizes, SMS the keyword, with your full name, contact number, physical address and postal code, and ID number to 48412. Each SMS costs R1.50. Errors will be billed. Free SMSs do not apply. Entries close on 28 February 2017. *Please see page 115 for terms and conditions. Prize details correct at time of going to print. 100 yourfamily.co.za

space

creative WHAT’S NEW?

EASY DIY

BUDGET PROJECTS

CROCHET

‘It’s not just about creativity,

PHOTO: FOTOLIA.COM

it is about the person you’re becoming while you’re creating’ — Charlie Peacock

FEBRUARY 2017

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CRAFT UPDATE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR CREATIVE SIDE

With over 50 project choices, Give Handmade Gifts from the Heart by Carla Visser (Metz Press) has gifts to make for people (and pets!) of all ages. If you’re fairly new to crafting you’ll love the simple and quick projects using easy-to-ﬁnd items and found objects. For a sneak preview turn to page 104 and try your hand at one of the quick and easy gift ideas. R245 at leading bookshops.

STAR YARNS

There’s something very satisfying about knitting with bamboo yarn, and the gentle new colours from MoYa include something for everyone. Visit MoYayarn.co.za for a list of stockists. R35/50g.

Make a one-ofa-kind statement

Of course I talk to myself when crafting. I need expert advice!

102 yourfamily.co.za

COMPILED BY CARRYL BRISTOW PHOTOS: HEMA PATEL AND DYLAN SWART PRODUCTS AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT* SEE PAGE 115

or decorate a t-shirt with the kids during the holidays. Easy to use, these markers are R22.90 each at West Pack.

STOCKISTS ON PAGE 115

ESPECIALLY FOR YOU

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Digital subscriptions are not eligible. Offer valid on 12-month subscriptions with SA addresses only. For foreign subscriptions, call +27 21 530 3381 Offer valid until 28 February 2017. See page 115 for terms and conditions. All subscribers to Your Family agree to receive direct marketing material from Your Family. DIDN’T RECEIVE AN ISSUE? For enquiries, please email subs@magsathome.co.za or phone 0860 100 999 FEBRUARY 2017

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104 yourfamily.co.za

PHOTO CRAFT

Shape sorter

photo puzzle THIS CLEVER LITTLE CHILDREN’S PUZZLE IS JUST ONE OF THE PROJECTS IN GIVE: HANDMADE GIFTS FROM THE HEART BY CARLA VISSER

SHAPE SORTER PUZZLES Shape sorter puzzles are interactive and educational, and you can make them personal by decorating the shape openings with photos of people the child knows. Choose photos of people that are clearly recognisable.

wooden lift-out shape sorter puzzle clear laser-printed colour photos pencil scissors modge podge soft brush kitchen towel

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Remove all the shapes from the puzzle and place them over the photos, ﬁnding those that best match with each shape. Trace around each shape with the pencil and then cut out the photographs using your scissors. Apply modge podge in the shape opening of one shape, then coat the back of the matching photo with modge podge and quickly but gently push it into the shape opening. Gently remove bubbles by smoothing over the photo with a kitchen towel then coat with modge podge. Repeat with all the different shapes. Allow to dry and apply a second layer of modge podge.

Match the colour of each shape with an image containing that colour. For example, a red circle can reveal a picture of a child dressed in red.

FEBRUARY 2017

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crafts 106 yourfamily.co.za

CRAFT

Happy feet

a pair of slippers to decorate paper or cardboard cut-outs of decorative designs of your felt in different colours fabric scissors pins Skill rating fabric glue EASY velcro

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Print out the decorative designs of your choice on paper or cardboard, cut them out, and make sure they’re the right size for your slippers. Start making your felt decorations by using your fabric scissors to cut out a ‘backing’ for each of the templates from felt in a plain colour like black or white. Once you have your backing, you can cut out the rest of the pieces of each design from your different colours of felt. Glue the coloured felt pieces to the backing to create your decorations. Leave them to dry completely. Cut the velcro into squares small enough that they can ﬁt onto the back of your decorations without sticking out. Glue a velcro square to the back of each decoration and glue one square to the top of each slipper. Leave the glue to dry completely. When your glue is dry, you can decorate your slippers using matching designs or mixing and matching.

Budget desk crafts

Skill rating EASY wood (we used ﬁrewood offcuts) electric saw clear glue or super glue pegs, metal springs, paper clamps, thick pencils, mini picture frames acrylic paint and paintbrush (optional)

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Cut the wood into shorter lengths using an electric saw. Glue pegs, paper clamps, pencils and picture frames to the wood. Use as paper weights, or to hold reminders, important notes or photos in place. FEBRUARY 2017

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Quick & easy!

Bunting Valentine’s card

Fridge magnets

1L resin Skill rating activator magnets EASY glitter glue gun and glue sticks acrylic paint in the colour of your choice a selection of silicone moulds

different sheets of pretty paper Skill rating scissors glue EASY string paper for the card

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Cut a rectangle from a piece of paper and fold in half for your card. Measure your piece of string to ﬁt across the top of your card. Cut out a few hearts from the different sheets of paper (we used 6). Glue the hearts to the piece of string. Glue the ends of the string to the inside of the card.

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Mix up the resin with the activator as directed. Pour the resin mixture into the moulds. Allow to cure for a few hours as per instructions. This is the step where you can add found items or mix in a little acrylic paint or glitter to add variety to your end result. Once cured, unmould, glue the magnets to the back of the shapes and you’re done!

If you struggle to ﬁnd resin in your local hardware store it’s also available online locally.

NOTE You can mix all sorts of decorative items like glitter and paint into the resin as you’re pouring it into the moulds. The unexpected results can be quite creative!

CRAFT

COMPILED BY YOUR FAMILY TEAM PHOTOS: ANDREA CALDWELL

Plastic bag dispenser

1-2 rolls kitchen string, or DK cotton (total 150g) 50g ball 4-ply cotton 4mm crochet hook Skill rating EASY

ABBREVIATIONS Dc – double crochet Sl st – slip stitch Ch – chain Dec – decrease Sts - stitches

Make a slip knot and ch 34. Join with a sl st. Round 1: Ch1, dc into each ch. Sl st into initial ch1 to close round. [35sts] Round 2: Ch1, 2dc into each st. Sl st to close round. [70sts] Round 3: Repeat round 1. [70sts] Round 4: Rep round 2. [140sts] Round 5-55: Work straight in dc. Round 56-58: Using 2 strands of blue, work 3 rounds. Round 59-61: Using string, work 3 rounds. Round 62-64: Using 2 strands of blue, work 3 rounds. Round 65-68: Using string, work 4 rounds. Round 69: For the handle, ch1 then dc into each dc until 5ch before seam. Ch10 and join to the work 5dc after the seam. Round 70: Cont round, dec by 1 every 5dc, until you reach the handle. Dc across top of handle. Round 71: Complete last round, dec by 1 every 5dc. Dc into each ch on handle. Sl st to ﬁnish off at the end of the handle. Weave in all loose ends. FEBRUARY 2017

109

A LITTLE BIT

of romance WE’VE ROUNDED UP SOME BEAUTIFUL GETAWAYS FOR THE MONTH OF LOVE!

SEASONS GOLF, LEISURE & SPA, HARTBEESPOORT, NORTH WEST Great as a family getaway, but also ideal for a pair of lovebirds looking for some special time together! Seasons Golf, Leisure & Spa is a four-star leisure resort in the heart of the South African bushveld. With 300 acres of indigenous beauty on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg Mountains, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Located 45 minutes from Sandton and Pretoria, guests can relax at the spa, enjoy a round of golf, spend quality time together or visit one of the many attractions in the Hartbeespoort area. From the spa to the golf course and a number of pools, there’s something to keep everyone happy at the resort. If it’s just the two of you for a weekend, the private patio and pool at your chalet will be ideal. Seasonssa.co.za 110 yourfamily.co.za

TALA COLLECTION PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, KWAZULU-NATAL The Tala wildlife sanctuary spans over 3 000 hectares and incorporates many diverse natural environments. The reserve features over 380 bird species, with big game that includes kudu, hippo, giraffe and eland. A game-viewer’s dream, Tala’s mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland and sensitive wetland provides exceptional game watching and birding, setting the stage for that perfect photograph. Book a game drive with one of the experienced guides or take a self-drive through the reserve. Bird drives are popular, and bush walks, mountain bike trails and trail running courses are also available in suitable areas, offering a different dimension to exploring the game reserve. Tala.co.za

OUT AND ABOUT

WATERKLOOF ESTATE, SOMERSET WEST, WESTERN CAPE Waterkloof Estate is a must for a super special romantic date night. A modern space featuring spectacular vistas, the estate’s signature restaurant is taking quality Winelands dining to new heights. The restaurant’s open-plan kitchen emphasises the Waterkloof winemaking philosophy of openness and transparency. Although contemporary and stylistically diverse, each of the Waterkloof wines carries a strong core of elegance and integrity, and that’s exactly what the food is all about – classic cuisine with a modern French twist. Waterkloofwines.co.za

KLASERIE RIVER SAFARI LODGE, LIMPOPO Klaserie River Safari Lodge is located in a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area, right on the banks of the Klaserie River. Those seeking a lover’s retreat will be happy to know that the riverfront chalets are blissfully private and overlook the ﬁsh-ﬁlled waters lined with lush reeds and tall riverine trees. Staff at the lodge arrange a variety of expertly planned safari excursions and adventures in South Africa’s most sought-after Lowveld region. From hot air ballooning to boat cruises and game drives, there’s a wealth of different ways to explore the area. There are set safari packages to choose from as well as an extensive list of individual activities. Game drives take place in the revered Big 5 Thornybush Game Reserve and include a drinks stop at sunset, while bush walks are conducted on the lodge’s private property. Klaserieriversafarilodge.com

WETLANDS COUNTRY HOUSE AND SHEDS, WAKKERSTROOM, MPUMALANGA This is a perfect escape from the everyday buzz of the city. A mere three hours from Joburg, Wetlands is nestled in one of South Africa’s best-kept natural secrets. Breathtaking views of grasslands and wetlands surround you, and mornings are eased into to the sounds of birdsong. The establishment offers luxurious accommodation with that true country feeling. From the lounge and breakfast room you’ll have magniﬁcent views of Martin's dam and the nearby waterfall, ensuring a tranquil breakfast experience. The option of bed and breakfast as well as self-catering is available. Wetlandscountryhouse.co.za

PRANA LODGE PRIVATE BEACH ESTATE AND SPA, EASTERN CAPE Winner of the prestigious Lilizela–Imvelo Award for Best Hotel in a Five-Star Category in the Eastern Cape Province in 2014, Prana Lodge Private Beach Estate and Spa offers an intimate and rejuvenating retreat with its seven luxury suites. The lodge has recently completed the addition of an eighth luxurious suite to its expansive property. The lodge’s focus is on health and wellness, which is carried through from its exceptional cuisine to its African-inspired spa and wellness centre. A unique garden labyrinth provides a tranquil space for guests, and owner Gail Davidson’s organic herb garden supplies the spa and kitchen, which is manned by superb chefs. Pranalodge.co.za

GRANNY MOUSE COUNTRY HOUSE & SPA, KWAZULU-NATAL Take a trip to the country, away from the hustle and bustle and fast pace of the city, and pop in at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, neatly nestled next to the Lion’s River on the Midlands Meander route. This gem makes for a truly magical experience with a beautiful setting all year round, top class service, an award-winning wine list and ﬁne dining cuisine crafted by passionate culinary artists in the kitchen. Spice things up by indulging in a pairing experience off The Eaves restaurant degustation menu, or have dinner in the wine cellar before taking a stroll to your room to relax in a luxurious bubble bath, wine in hand, as you spend time together. There’s also a spa on site to ensure ultimate relaxation before your trip back home. Grannymouse.co.za

THE BIG EASY WINEBAR & GRILL DURBAN BY ERNIE ELS, KWAZULU-NATAL The Big Easy Durban at Hilton Durban brings together a dynamic, international creative team. The Els inﬂuence can be seen throughout: the lounge area is stocked with Big Easy vintage wines from Ernie Els’s own vineyard and showcases a feature wall ﬁlled with memorabilia, replica trophies and images. Diners have the opportunity to sit down in comfortable style, as if in the company of ‘The Big Easy’ himself. Outside, the Terrace comprises upper and lower decks for al fresco dining and chilling. It features a lush green foliage wall, as well as locally sourced furniture and accents, honouring South Africa’s rich artistic heritage and natural beauty. Guests can fully immerse themselves in the magic of the outdoors and Durban’s idyllic weather. Bigeasydurban.co.za

112 112 yourfamily.co.za yourfamily.co.za

OUT AND ABOUT

LABELLA RESTAURANT & DELI, RIVERSDALE, WESTERN CAPE LaBella Restaurant & Deli, situated next to Baleia Wines cellar, is owner run by Lizeth Joubert, the younger sister of Jan-Hendrik Joubert, owner of Baleia Wines. The restaurant and deli offers delicious homemade meals and freshly baked products daily, in a child-friendly environment suitable for a quick leg stretch or long lazy lunch while travelling along the beautiful Garden Route. The deli and curio section makes it a worthwhile stop and you can take a stroll over to Baleia Wines to stock up on top quality, well-priced wines and olive products. Facebook.com/labelladelirestaurant

BUNDOX SAFARI LODGE, LIMPOPO Bundox Safari Lodge comprises stylishly simple overnight safari accommodation in a private reserve in the Greater Kruger area. On the doorstep of South Africa’s most visited wildlife region, Bundox has the Kruger Park and other Lowveld attractions close by. For those who love to get close to nature, there’s luxury tented accommodation, as well as self-catering chalets, all en suite, situated among the natural trees and bush characterising the property. A leisurely day surrounded by nature at the lodge may go as follows: breakfast followed by leisure time spent at the pool or on your deck, lunch followed by time out for a relaxing afternoon, drinks around the campﬁre before dinner followed by a comfortable night’s sleep. There are also game-viewing trips and a list of activities for those wanting to explore. Bundox.co.za

FEATURE: BRONWYN SMEDMOR PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

BALULENI SAFARI LODGE, LIMPOPO Baluleni, meaning ‘where the river always ﬂows’, is a quiet retreat for safari lovers in the Balule Nature Reserve that forms part of the greater Kruger National Park. Ideal for couples, accommodation is classic and comfortable in the form of both thatched chalets and safari tents, all with similar amenities and wonderful views of the surroundings. Baluleni designs all-encompassing activity packages that include the Kruger National Park, all conducted from its peaceful riverside Kruger location. From predators and mammals to birdlife, game viewers will not be disappointed when visiting the lodge. The variety of game includes lion, leopard, hyena, cheetah, African wild dog, zebra, impala, kudu, gnu, waterbuck, bushbuck, duiker, and steenbok. Balulenisafarilodge.com FEBRUARY 2017

113

STOCKISTS

WHERE TO

Makro 0860 300 999 Miladys 0800 212 535 MRP/MRP Home 0800 212 535 Pick n Pay Clothing 0800 112 288 Poetry 0860 555 529 Queenspark 0861 783 367 Red Square 011 770 3851 Spar 0860 313 141 The Sewing Room 011 326 2971 Truworths 0861 878 967 West Pack 010 035 0308 Woolworths 0860 022 002 Zara 011 302 1500

Solution to Wordsearch and Jumbo Crossword No 223

Accessorize 011 884 4644 Checkers 0800 010 709 Clicks 0860 254 257 Contempo 011 402 5513 Designs by Diane fashionbydiane.com Dis-Chem 086 034 7243 Dokter and Misses dokterandmisses.com Edgars 0860 112 442 Emerging Creatives emergingcreatives.co.za Game 0861 426 322 73 H&M 011 592 3200 Home etc 011 656 0918 Jet 0860 113 639 Legit 0800 203 925

get it

YOUR FAMILY MAGAZINE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

(November 2016) Answer: STUDYING The winners of Jumbo Crossword 223 are Daphne Wienand, Bloemfontein; Diana Margaret Clarke, Rosettenville; Valerie Kemp, Honeydew Grove; Sheila Harms, Virginia

1 The judges’ decision is ﬁnal and no correspondence will be entered into. 2 Prizes are exactly as stated on the relevant page – they are not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash or any other product. 3 SMSs charged as stated on the relevant page. 4 State your name, phone number(s), ID number and full delivery address (including postal code) on each entry. 5 Winners will be notiﬁed telephonically and thereafter receive their prizes. 6 The competition is only open to readers in South Africa. 7 Staff of Caxton Magazines, the sponsor as well as their advertising agencies, and their immediate families may not enter. 8 Prizes awarded are the responsibility of the competition sponsors. Your Family cannot be held responsible in the event of any problems arising. 9 Prizes are valid for one year from the date of the issue they appear in and cannot be re-issued should they expire, or re-sent if they are returned. 10 While due care is taken to ensure accuracy, Your Family magazine is not liable for any errors in product listings or availability, pricing or any other information that was checked and has changed since the time of going to print. 11 Discounts and offers only available to subscribers with a South African postal address.

SOLUTION TO WORDSEARCH: LOVEBIRDS FEBRUARY 2017

115

THIS WEEKEND NEW MOVIES, BOOKS, AND ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY THIS MONTH

TAKE A TRIP TO THE MOVIES LION At just five years of age, Saroo (Dev Patel) gets lost and separated from his family on a train, and is taken thousands of miles across India. He learns to survive alone in Kolkata before being adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later, he embarks on a journey to find his lost family and his first home, with only a handful of memories and Google Earth to guide the way. Drama, 20 January

LA LA LAND This musical tells the story of Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a dedicated jazz musician, who are drawn together by their common desire to do what they love while struggling to make ends meet in modern-day Los Angeles. This tale about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams. Musical comedy/drama 27 January

PLACES TO GO

BLUE MAN GROUP 7 February-5 March, Teatro at Montecasino, Joburg 21-26 March, Grand Arena at GrandWest Casino, Cape Town This international phenomenon will be performing its wildly popular, award-winning production in South Africa for the ﬁrst time as part of a new world tour. Blue Man Group is a comedy, theatre, rock concert, and dance party all rolled into one. Don’t miss the acclaimed stage show, best known and recognised for its trio of bald and blue performers! Tickets from Computicket.

KIRSTENBOSCH SUMMER SUNSET CONCERTS Sunday evenings, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town With the magniﬁcent gardens providing the backdrop for these open-air gigs, this is the perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. The gardens make for a fantastic picnic location, so bring along a blanket and a hamper of goodies to snack on. Lira, Jeremy Loops, Dan Patlansky, and Goldﬁsh are set to take the stage in February. Tickets from Webtickets or 021 799 8783. 116 yourfamily.co.za

WEST SIDE STORY Until 5 March, Joburg Theatre West Side Story is arguably one of the world’s greatest musicals. Set on the harsh streets of New York’s Upper West Side, two street gangs battle for control of the turf. When one gang member, Tony, falls in love with Maria, a rival’s sister, the battle becomes even more dangerous. The superb cast of 40 is backed by a full Philharmonic Orchestra playing Bernstein’s magniﬁcent score. Tickets from Computicket.

CAPE TOWN SIXES CRICKET & CULTURE FESTIVAL 18-19 February, Greenpoint Cricket Club (and surrounding ﬁelds), Cape Town This exciting amateur sixes cricket event combines sport, music, food, and social development in a two-day festival. Enjoy the Wine on the Wicket wine tasting, and an exhibition match between South African rugby and cricket legends. With a ‘food of the nations’ village, a kids’ and family area, and live music, it promises to be fun for the whole family. Tickets from Webtickets.

COMPILED BY CANDICE CURTIS PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

ON THE SHELF

YF Read of the month

QI: The Third Book of General Ignorance by John Lloyd, John Mitchinson, James Harkin & Andrew Hunter Murray (Jonathan Ball) The writers behind the hit TV show, QI, and international bestsellers, return with a new paperback, proving once again that everything you think you know is wrong. The Third Book of General Ignorance offers 180 questions, both new and previously featured on the BBC TV programme’s popular General Ignorance round, and shows why, when it comes to general knowledge, none of us knows anything at all. Who invented the sandwich? What was the best thing before sliced bread? Which cat never changes its spots? What did Lady Godiva do? What can you legally do if you come across a Welshman in Chester after sunset? Lots of fun at parties!

No Turning Back by Tracy King Solomon & the Showman Buchanan (Jonathan Ball) by Adam Cruise (Tafelberg) When radio presenter, Anna The legendary lost city of Graves, and her baby are Southern Africa and its untold attacked on the beach by a riches fascinated the Romans, crazed teenager, Anna reacts European explorers, and instinctively to protect her writers such as Rider Haggard, daughter. But her life falls Alan Paton, Wilbur Smith, apart when the schoolboy and Lawrence Green. Even dies from his injuries. The the apartheid government police believe Anna’s story, searched for it in vain. Adam until the autopsy results reveal Cruise, conservation and travel something more sinister. A writer, sets out on a quest into frenzied media attack sends history and across the Kalahari Anna into a spiral of selfto ﬁnd the mythical city that doubt. Her mental state is inspired King Solomon’s further threatened when she Mines, and ‘the Great Farini’, receives a chilling message the daredevil showman of the from someone claiming to be Victorian age at the heart of the ‘Ophelia Killer’, responsible the legend. On the way, Cruise for a series of murders runs into many adventures and ends up somewhere even more 20 years ago. Is Anna as innocent as she claims? extraordinary than the fabled lost city. WIN Visit us online to stand a chance

of winning a book hamper!

AUTHOR’S CORNER Stacey Lewis, founder of Thedivorcesource.co.za and author of Divorce 101: Survive & Thrive, chats about her new self-help guide. About the book… ‘Divorce 101: Survive & Thrive is literally the book I wish I’d had access to when I was going through my divorce,’ says Stacey. ‘I wrote it in an attempt to uncover the gift hidden within the painful experience of a divorce, and to empower anyone going through

a divorce or the end of a long-term relationship. ‘The book shares my own divorce experience and my journey to finding the gift within my divorce; I’m now able to say that my divorce happened for me, not to me. ‘I’ve written this book in collaboration with experts in the field of psychology, law, mediation, life coaching, finance, and even dietetics to provide a holistic approach to

looking at divorce. The book’s ﬁlled with practical and useful tips with chapters dedicated to emotions, legal issues, children and parenting, ﬁnances, dating, affairs, abuse, and even diet. There’s also a humorous chapter allowing readers some respite from the pain.’

Go online for more on our interview with Stacey Lewis. FEBRUARY 2017

117

YOUR TIME RELAX AND TAKE SOME ME TIME

WIN OVER A YEAR’S SUPPLY OF ALMOND BREEZE!

No 226

SEE PAGE 115 FOR THE WINNERS OF JUMBO CROSSWORD 223

Two lucky readers each stand a chance to win over a year’s supply of Almond Breeze almond milk. It’s ideal if you’re lactose-intolerant and looking to incorporate a healthier dairy alternative into your lifestyle. Almond Breeze is available in Original and Unsweetened varieties. Made from almonds, a natural super-food, the Almond Breeze Original and Unsweetened range is a smooth, rich and creamy almond milk, perfect in a glass, in a smoothie, over cereal and for baking and cooking. Visit Almondbreeze.co.za for more info. The ‘over a year’s supply’ is based on an average consumption of 1 litre per week (four weeks per month).

HOW TO ENTER Solve the crossword and the circled letters will spell out a ﬂower. The solution and winners of Crossword No 226 will appear in the May 2017 issue of Your Family. To enter, SMS the solution, your name, ID number and delivery address (including postal code) to 48412. Each SMS costs R1.50. Errors will be billed. Free SMSs do not apply. Closing date 28 February 2017. See page 115 for terms and conditions. 118 yourfamily.co.za

80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 86. 88. 89. 91. 94. 96. 98. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 109. 111. 112. 113. 114. 116. 118. 120. 123. 125. 128. 130. 132. 134. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142. 143. 144. 145. 146. 147.

So be it Social event Main point Christmas Alarm Washer cycle Gets by Viper Small coins Wear away Rope ﬁbre Walk leisurely Pirate’s quaff Say from memory Tofu source Cheerless Young boy Building block brand Vista Mideast nation VCR button Group of ﬁve Word of approval Plaster of Paris Searched deeply Industry leaders Most cunning Sign of spring Poke fun at Hidden supply Potter’s clay Manservant Two-way Moved furtively Commotion Gathered in a mass Honey badger Bird Widow’s attire Woodwind player Songbird Diamond weight Swedish actress,

Anita … 148. Chopped down 149. Glacial ridge 150. City in Yorkshire DOWN 1. With complacence 2. Monument to honour soldiers 3. Stains 4. Phantom 5. Steer clear of 6. Treated leather 7. Dandy 8. Sure 9. Prodding 10. Make changes to 11. Drab and dowdy 12. In the future 13. Paid respects to 14. Soft leather 15. More astute 16. Rubbed out 34. Small mountain 35. Eye specialist 36. Political alliance 38. Move slowly 39. Dull pain 41. Disentangle 42. Fabric merchants 43. Board game 45. Forbidden 46. Plumage 47. Crooked 49. Role player 52. Parting words 55. Not good for you 57. Preposterous 58. Vulture or hyena 60. Brusqueness 61. Malicious 64. Well fed 69. Hot and sticky 70. Minister’s home

DIFFICULT

ACROSS 3. Sired, biblically 7. Bakery item 11. Dental thread 17. Oaty cereal 18. Regard highly 19. Eclipse shadow 20. Writer21. Ancient theatre 22. A deadly sin 23. Functional 24. Cave 25. Map within a map 26. Garden decoration 27. Milk sources 28. Lose traction 29. Quick 30. Talk on and on 31. Pro vote 32. Flop 33. Bogus 37. Condiment 40. Hold affectionately 44. Moral code 48. Pastoral 50. Sheen 51. Fabric 53. Elaborate meal 54. Utter nonsense 56. Look sullen 58. Male child 59. Set on ﬁre 60. Offer 62. Immature insects 63. Oui’s opposite 65. Monks’ hoods 66. Sacred stand 67. Fashionably dated 68. Topic 71. Ancient Britons 74. Stringed instrument 75. Pyromaniac’s crime 77. Tribal symbol 79. Perjurer

HONEY HOT HUG KISS LIKE LOVE MARRY POEM RED ROSE SWEETHEART SWEETS TENDERNESS TRUE VALENTINE

EASY

ADORE AMOUR BOUQUET BOY CARD CARE CHARM CUPID DATE DEAR DREAM EMBRACE FEBRUARY GIRL HEARTTHROB

Solution on page 115

CROSSWORD COMPILED BY DENISE COOK

SUDOKU

Find all the words in the letter box. The 9 remaining letters will spell out a word associated with romance.

SOLUTIONS (JANUARY) EASY

DIFFICULT

WWW.KNIGHTFEATURES.COM

WORDSEARCH

72. Master of ceremonies 73. Sarcastic gibe 76. Knight’s title 78. Fashion 85. With wrath 87. Barely adequate 89. Spray can 90. Expire 92. Insigniﬁcant 93. Save from ruin 95. Sovereign 97. Heavy book 99. Grassed areas 106. Donate 107. Count on 108. Ragout

110. 115. 117. 119. 121. 122. 124. 125. 126. 127. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 135. 136.

Roman date Maths process Out of cash Contravene Barriers Aperture Produced Panda’s diet Bewildered Affirmation Spanish grocery Tyrannical Actress, … Witherspoon Condor’s home Of the moon Sharp mountain ridge Ivory source

FEBRUARY 2017

119

DAD’S WORLD

Say

cheese! ax wandered into the kitchen, sleepyeyed and yawning after a hard night of study. I knew, because when I had gone to bed at midnight, the light was still shining from behind his bedroom door, which meant either that he had his nose in his physics textbook, or had fallen asleep while listening to hip-hop on his headphones. ‘What’s for breakfast?’ he asked, luxuriantly flexing his arms. ‘Breakfast is for breakfast,’ said Mom. ‘You’re big enough to make it on your own.’ That was when I remembered the app on my phone. A cooking guide for dummies, so easy to use that even a dad could figure it out. ‘How about grilled cheese, American-style?’ I asked, deftly tapping my way to the illustrated recipe. ‘And how about I make it?’ Everyone in the kitchen turned to roll their eyes at me, and I took that as a challenge as well as an affront. ‘You don’t even know how to boil an egg,’ said Mom, despite the fact that as a cub scout, I had earned my cooking badge for boiling an egg in five minutes flat. I glanced at my phone. There was a picture of a grilled cheese sandwich, sliced into two perfect triangles, as monumental as the pyramids, oozing a lava-flow of golden Cheddar from within its crisply crusted seal. ‘Heat a heavy pan over medium-low heat,’ advised Step 1. ‘Where do we keep the heavy pans?’ I asked, at which point the kitchen cleared, for safety purposes, and I was left to my own devices. The secret of good cooking, I have discovered in all my years of not cooking, is: Don’t Panic, Improvise. So I found a light pan, and I flipped the hot-plate to on. Then, after carefully consulting the list of ingredients, I whipped two slices of bread

120 yourfamily.co.za

from the packet, and I smeared mayonnaise on one side of each, and butter on the other. This left me with two slices of bread that were stuck by mayonnaise to the breadboard. I prised them off with a spatula, and transferred them individually to the – ‘What are you doing?’ said Max, peering around the corner and spying the jar. ‘I don’t eat mayonnaise!’ I told him to stop disturbing the chef, as I scooped up a handful of expertly grated cheese and sprinkled it atop the slices. Then I waited for the cheese to halfway melt. It seemed to be taking an inordinately long time, even though I could feel the warmth as I held my hand above the pan. I patted down the cheese with the spatula to speed up the process. Nothing. How difficult could it be to make a simple grilled cheese sandwich? I checked the recipe again, leaving a thin ﬁlm of mayo on my phone as I scrolled: ‘Adjust the heat so the bread sizzles gently.’ I bent down to peer at the controls of the most unfamiliar machine in the house, and then, with a jolt: ‘Dad! The oven isn’t on!’ What? Of course it was! I pointed at the big ‘on’ button in the middle. Max sighed. ‘That’s the warmer drawer. This…’ – he pointed at another button, and then clicked it to the right – ‘is the hot-plate.’ I had known that, of course. I was just warming up. I let the bread sizzle and the cheese melt, and then I ﬂipped one slice on top of the other, and in a few minutes handed Max a grilled cheese sandwich that looked almost exactly like the one in the picture, just slightly darker around the edges. He accepted with good grace, and as I walked away, basking in the glow of my accomplishment, reminded me to remove the pan and switch the oven off. Of course. I knew that.

IMAGE: FOTOLIA.COM

EVEN THE BEST AMATEUR CHEFS HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE... GUS SILBER DISCOVERS THAT A GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH IS A GOOD ENOUGH PLACE

MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT SUN

Cut and laminate so that you can write and wipe

EVE

Weekly planner