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KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

WOMEN’S wellness interventions

With humour and honesty, Jane Linley-Thomas and Jess Basson lift the lid on womanhood with their candid and courageous conversations through The Beautiful Mess. From mental health to maternity bras, Jane and Jess are ready to go there so that women from all seasons of life find the connection and community that they need to know that they are seen, loved and worthy.

Online or in the room, their Wellness Workshops – five to eight sessions, one hour each – are crafted to be a blend of inspirational dialogue, practical tools and engaging activities that will contribute not only to the personal wellness of the participants, but to employee engagement and motivation.

The ReJoyce Collection is a safe space for women of all ages, sizes and shapes to shop in a unique environment filled with quirky, pre-loved clothing and accessories. Curated by Jane, this studio is ideal for a team who need to play, laugh, and move from comfort zones to confidence. A two-hour session includes: exclusive use of the studio to dress up, shop and play; find your fit guidance for each style and personality by Jane; inspiring talk by Jane and Jess; tea and coffee, with catering available.

FOR MORE INFO: tbmwithjaneandjess@gmail.com

South AfricaÕs Favourite GIFT GIVING INITIATIVE

Pledges for the Santa Shoebox Project opened on the September 1. Under this year’s theme of “Share the Love”, donors will have the option to duplicate an item in their box – enabling the beneficiary child to gift that item to a friend or family member. Typically, Santa Shoeboxes contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a facecloth, school supplies, a toy, sweets and an outfit of clothing. This year, in addition to the duplicate item provided by the public, Book Dash, which creates African storybooks that anyone can freely download and distribute, will be including two books – one for the recipient and the other for them to gift to someone else. This amplifies the sharing, because a book is meant to be read together, either with a friend or by a parent or teacher. Since 2006 the project has reached 1 077 289 children throughout South Africa and Namibia, thanks to the generosity of its donors.

FOR MORE INFO: santashoebox.org.za

BEAUTIFUL EARRINGS inspired by nature and made with love

Natalie McPherson, who lives in Crestholme with her fi ancé and three fur babies, creates the most gorgeous earrings – the perfect gift for a friend, mom, sister or daughter.

“I have always loved doing various crafts, it’s so therapeutic,” she says. Eight years ago she discovered polymer clay and started making various necklaces, also playing around with earrings. “I got a little obsessed with the earrings part,” she laughs. “Polymer clay is so versatile. The possibilities are endless, and colour mixing is my favourite part of the process.

“I eventually made more jewellery than I can wear and give away, so I started selling through a small gift shop. From there I did markets every now and then, but I really enjoyed it and wanted to trade on a more regular basis,” she says. So she started trading at the Shongweni Farmers Market last year. “I still work full-time, so I make jewellery in the evenings and over weekends.

“There is inspiration all around us. From nature to photos to even home décor items like coffee mugs and bedding, or sometimes a colour or pattern on someone’s clothing. I try to plan beforehand what I would make. Mostly, however, my hands and mind do not go in the same direction. I plan to make something specifi c, but end up making something totally different.”

All jewellery pieces are handmade by Natalie, with love, and are sturdy and lightweight – with 925 stainless steel, which will not irritate the skin. The style ranges from simple and elegant, to bold and bright, and to quirky. “I cater for all ages, from little character ear studs for girls to big dangles for the ladies. You are welcome to contact me for custom orders,” says Natalie – who would like to eventually open up an online shop and create more awareness of her brand.

FOR MORE INFO: mcpherndesigns@gmail.com

GET HOME LOAN QUOTES FROM ALL THE BANKS WITH ONE APPLICATION. GET PRE-APPROVED TODAY. NO COST. 079 562 0507

expand your rand with the new and fabulous OXFORD WATERFALL

Work is steaming ahead on the new Oxford store in Waterfall. The project, with a projected total cost in the region of R48-million, involves a substantial upgrade and modernisation of the old Link Hills Centre. The creation of the new 4 000m² Oxford Freshmarket and Oxford Liquormarket will offer a convenient park, shop and save alternative to Waterfall residents. How long will you have to wait to have Oxford’s unique combination of big saving on the freshest fruit and veg, A-grade meat from a truly world-class butchery and friendly service on your doorstep? It could be sooner than you think – we expect the new store to begin trading in late 2022, if all goes according to plan. Watch this space for details!

E S T . 1 9 7 0 BENZE UPHOLSTERY

“Retain the quality of a bygone era”