Inspire Virtual Mag Issue 3 .new by Inspire Virtual Mag

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inspire V I R T U A L M A G

be inspired to be

successful 28 Tips to LIVING life • how many calories are you drinking? •• healthy ideas 5 ways lunchbox to •conquer the bucket selflist continues •doubt ﬁnd the conﬁdence to striptease • beat the bloopers

• are your 2013 goals still in check?

SEXY for ME

creating genuine

connections

Issue 3 I March - April 2013 I The Ticket To Your Happy Place

www.desray.co.za

motivate

discover

experience

arouse pinned

inside geek nomness

noted

what are our readers saying about us... What a great mag! Thanks, will def be reading it and sharing some of the articles! Kirsty - @KirstenDance

Your new magazine looks fantastic! Let us know if you'd like to feature @SpaShopSA at any time! Sarah Daly - @SpaShopSA

Looks truly 'passion-packed' as you say-- already subscribed to inspiresa.co.za. Looking forward to your content! NeverbeVanilla - @CarineduPreez

Thanx for sharing the new issue of Inspire Magazine looks awesome! cape town rox - @cape_town_rox

All I can say is Wow - I have just ď&#x20AC; nished the Jan/ Feb issue and am totally inspired. Thank you Reliance Compost Logistics

I love your new magazine! It has a great mix of inpirational articles. Looking out for the next issue. Zaida Toď&#x20AC; e

Hi there, just joined your great Page. Also really love the style of your magazine and all the inspirational articles. makes me wanna get out there and make things happen. Super Cool Stuff - fb

I must compliment the professionalism of the mag and the layout is done beautifully. Wishing you all the best for the future.

feedback... have you connected with us online yet? We are always running GREAT online competitions and giveaways for our followers...

connect with us today! www.facebook.com/inspiremagsa www.twitter.com/inspiremagsa

don't forget to check out our book giveaways at the back of this issue there are some fantastic books up for grabs

Sue Faith Levy

Thank you for so much practical advice in your magazines :) Glad that your publication found me at a transitional time in my life :) Stacey De Villiers

absolutely stunning!!!!! a winner!

always keep your eyes peeled for this stamp

Davlynnelidbetter - issuu

A Magazine which truly lives up to its name. Thank you for being an inspiration. Well done!! Darlenevandieman - issuu

We #love your magazine! Event Stars - @EventStars

N I W

like! like! like! Odd Socks - @OddSocks2012

throughout the mag :)

ed’s letter put down all the heavy bags and walk forward, lighter, wiser and with more “inner space” to enjoy even more of the good stuff. In this issue we have looked at keeping you on track and focused toward your truth, whilst also giving you some tools to keep the smile on your face while you continue your journey. We will be launching a competitions and giveaways page on our website very soon, so make sure you subscribe to our blog feed to stay We meet again :)

in the loop as there will be fantastic products and

So the year is in full swing, everyone is back into

vouchers up for grabs on an ongoing basis. You

work mode and the pace has once again

can subscribe to our feed by clicking this link:

increased substantially since our last issue.

http://www.inspiresa.co.za/news.html

For me the last two months has been ﬁlled with

Lastly, I would like to say this – Inspire is a platform

change. Life has thrown many challenges my way

for you to connect to those around you. It is here

in both my work and personal spheres. Juggling

for you to hear the voices of others as well as for

between mother, career woman, partner and

you to be heard. If you have experiences you

friend was at moments, very challenging.

would like to share with our readers then send

However, having said that, there was a much

them through. If you have topic suggestions for

bigger purpose at play and looking inward to ﬁnd

future issues, please let us know either via email

the strength to see it all through was deﬁnitely

or by completing the “talk to us” form on the

worth its weight (and wait).

home page of our website.

I have always been of the belief that the obstacles

We WANT to hear from you, on all levels, as it is

we are sometimes faced with, present themselves

only through listening to you, that Inspire will

with very good reason. We often don't see or

continue to grow.

understand that at the time but eventually

Enough said. Go ahead and get stuck in. Plenty of

everything becomes apparent.

passion (and hours, lol) has gone into the pages

There is an opportunity for lesson and growth in

ahead. Enjoy it, share it and most importantly,

everything and the important thing is that we see

grow from it.

that. - Much love. life has a very unique way of ALWAYS delivering

Jaynie Lea

“our truth” in the end and when that truth ﬁnally

Founder & Editor

Irrespective of what we “think” we want or need,

“arrives” our entire being and its environment, shifts. There is a peace that comes with being completely honest with yourself. It allows us to

about us

get involved...

inspire in a nutshell!

Inspire Virtual Mag’s mission is to inspire as many

Inspire Virtual Mag is what all women have been waiting for! Take mainstream female targeted magazines, remove the airbrushing, do away with the repetitive topics and replace it with real stories,

women as possible by giving them a platform to engage with women worldwide. We are offering you the same platform to interact with our ladies, to promote your brand, products and services. As our

real experiences and provide women with a platform

reach increases, so will yours. So be cheeky, go

to embrace and recognise the truly magnicent and

against the stream like the salmon and be part of

multi-faceted beings that they are! ...and give it to

something inspirational!

them for free!

the exchange... The exchange for editorial submissions is as follows: Not only will you gain fantastic exposure from the public being able to read your written work, but you will also receive acknowledgment for your content on our “contributor’s page” which will have a photograph inserted as well as a short bio of who you are and what you do. Whilst we are primarily targeting women, this publication is reaching people of all age groups, genders and nationalities.

advertising... Going against the grain is nothing new to us and we’ve developed a unique service offering for our advertisers. For more information, click here: jaynie@inspiresa.co.za

Do you have a passion for the pen? In which facet does that passion lie? Or do you simply have a story to in inspire spire?

“Give it to us ladies!” inspire is your platform to make it happen for YOU! We are always head hunting experienced / aspiring creatives to be a part of our inspire vision to “take over the world” (hehe).

inspire inspire V I R T U A L M A G

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We welcome content in the following categories: Educational / Personal Development / Workshops / Creative Classes Food & Culinary / Inspiring Stories / Things you have Tried and Tested / Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Sensuality / Material Girl / Home Décor / Garden / DIY / Tech Girl / Men Send enquiries and sample content to: jaynie@inspiresa.co.za

contentteam Jayne Lea Founder, Editor & Graphic Designer for Inspire Virtual Mag www.jaynielea.co.za www.facebook.com/jaynielea

"Live A Life Full Of Passion, Success and Meaning. Shift Your Mindset From a Limiting one to one of Mastery.” Hailing from Cape Town, single mom and established business woman, Jayne began her journey into the world of graphic design at the start of the new millennium. Driven by her passion for the creative process; fueled by her distinctive ability to interpret her client's vision and cemented by her precision for balance of composition, this multifaceted dynamo has built her brand JaynieLea into the success it is today. Jayne also heads a fantastic Cape Town online networking initiative on facebook called Mother City Networx which offers a platform for people to actively promote their businesses / services / products and events to all the online followers at no cost to them. www.facebook.com/mcnetworx

Fiona Cameron-Brown Inspire Copy Editor www.ﬁonacameronconsulting.co.za.

Lyn Mance Private Practitioner, Cape Town Lynmance@gmail.com http://lynmance.wix.com/dietitian

Fiona Cameron-Brown runs an education and training management consultancy from a virtual ofﬁce in the Winelands.

http://www.facebook.com/DietitianLyn?fref=ts

Fiona Cameron Consulting offers a range of services e.g. writing, conceptualisation, policy analysis, and quality compliance. She lives in McGregor, with her husband, Tom and two cats.

Sue Levy Creative Director - Just Pursue It https://www.facebook.com/JustPursueIt?fref=ts

Twitter:@ Sue_Levy Website: www.suelevy.co.za Foundation : www.iwomeni.org

Creative director behind Just Pursue It, founder of a media design company and the I n s p i r a t i o n a l Wo m a n I n i t i a t i v e (iwomeni.org), Sue interviews women from around the world to share their stories of inspiration, hope and success on her award winning blog “Just Pursue It”.

Burbette Scott Smith Content Contributor / Blogger http://burbettestories.blogspot.com I sometimes feel like an accidental Tourist on this Journey that has chosen me and the Path I choose to carve out while I traverse this beautiful Earth. Each day is a gift from the One and each day I am grateful to receive and share it.I have hills and valiums, but I insist that my hills have panoramic vistas and that my valleys produce exquisite wines

Lyn Mance is a registered Dietitian with a passion for food and how it effects the human body. Inspired by the idea of you are what you eat she completed her B.Sc. Dietetics at the University of the Western Cape. In addition to her private practice, she is now also the “resident dietician” for inspire mag.

Carol Gerber Results Driven Coaching carol@carolgerber.co www.carolgerber.co www.facebook.com/CarolGerberRDC My interest has always been in how people both think and behave, which is probably why when I went to University of Stellenbosch, I studied Psychology. The transition into Coaching has however been a journey. A 13 year career in Human Resources provided the platform where I lived out my passion for helping people develop their careers. Since May 2010, I have been applying that knowledge and passion as The Possibilities Coach, helping people to reach their full potential.

Mientjie Steyn Corporate Choices Social Media Marketing and Training info@corporatechoices.co.za www.corporatechoices.co.za http://www.facebook.com/Corporate.Choices

Mientjie Steyn owns Corporate Choices and has been in the media and marketing industry for 22 years. Her background as journalist, editor, photographer and publisher, mixed with a good dose of public relations and marketing, ensures that she has a very good understanding of what social media entails.

contributors

Emily Co founder of Fine Women Business. www.ﬁnewomen.co.za

Patti Graham Founder of Fine Women Business www.ﬁnewomen.co.za

Emily is a Communications/Public Relations graduate from the Nelson Mandela University and has worked in this ﬁeld for the past ten years. Emily was a founder member of Big Picture Strategic Tourism Marketing and is a co founder with Patti Graham of Fine Women Business.

Patti Graham is an accredited Chartered Public Relations Pracitioner (PRISA). She has served on various Boards during her business career including: 7 years as a director of the IDC (Industrial Development Corporation), Vice Chairman of The Eastern Cape Tourism Board, Uvimba Rural Finance Board (King Williams town). Patti also served on the Border Kei Chamber of Business executive in East London for three years prior to her relocation to Cape Town.

Shana Kay Co-Founder of Maxxor and Infointeg Entrepreneur and Management Consultant http://twitter.com/shanak me@shanakay.com www.shanakay.com

Gwen Kloppers CEO & Founder of Xtraordinary Women www.xtraordinarywomen.co.za Gwen resigned from a very successful corporate career of 19 years to pursue her dreams of being an entrepreneur and living out her purpose. Xtraordinary Women was born out of her passion to create a community and platform for Xtraordinary Women doing eXtraordinary things. She began Xtraordinary Women to inspire women to live their lives on purpose.

Otherwise known as a GirlGeek, Shana Kay is a serial entrepreneur and roaming business development strategist. She has spent 16 years in the ICT industry with experience ranging from technical support to CEO of a software development c o m p a n y. S h e i s p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t technology and what it enables us to do in both our business and personal spheres."

Megan Bosman Nutritional Therapist (Dip Clin Nutrition). www.SimplyNutrition.co.za Twitter: @meg_bosman www.facebook.com/SimplyNutritionSA

Anouschka Venter Content Contributor http://pampermenow.co.za/ https://www.facebook.com/PamperMeNow https://www.facebook.com/fanpagemagnet

Crazy about social media and a complete spa addict, starting her spa review blog & Facebook page combined her passion and skills in helping spas with creative ways to market themselves on-line & bringing you the best spa information as well as the latest anti-aging, skin care, beauty and body treatment news.

Megan Bosman is a Nutritional Therapist (Dip Clin Nutrition). Her health history fuels her passion for helping others live a healthy lifestyle and regain their health. Megan treats all areas of health and encourages people to care for their bodies as a whole - both inside AND outside.

Fotolia Stock Imagery http://za.fotolia.com

Nell Browne Inspire Content Contributor nell@lifestylefocus.co.za www.facebook.com/LifestyleFocus Nell Browne is a professional nurse, passionate about helping people live healthy lives. Her career in occupational health and medical malpractice risk management has fuelled her interest in nutritional healing.

Royalty Free Images, Vectors and Videos Add impact to your design projects with royalty-free images from Fotolia. All licenses include unlimited print runs and never expire!

A big thanks to Fotolia for supplying us with all stock imagery used in Inspire Virtual Mag. Your selection is amazing and made our job a whole lot easier. Highly Recommended by Inspire :)

contributors

visualteam

without all of these fantastic people, inspire would not have been possible Jason Paul Hermann Photographer Jhermann33@gmail.com Jason Paul Hermann or VonHerman, as he is known professionally, has been a student of photography for over 10 years. Formally trained in England, Jason's greatest gift with a camera and light is to encapsulate beauty in anything. Creating timeless photographs and portraits, he caters for novices, aspiring muses and professional models.

Head 2 Toe Make-Up info@h2t.co.za http://www.facebook.com/H2Tschool Head to Toe is a premier make-up school and professional studio situated in Gardens, Cape Town. We cater to the hair and makeup needs of any industry and offer specialist training in hair, make-up and styling. We pride ourselves at being the most successful job placement & internship programmed school in South Africa, leading the way for our students to reap the beneﬁts of our dedication to the industry.

Kayleen Wrigley Inspire Model Twitter: @kayleenwrigley

Renee Siebrits Inspire Model rensplanet@gmail.com

Kayleen Wrigley is a ﬁnal year Art History and Economics student at the University of Cape Town as well as a model with Grace Modeling Agency.

Cape Town based sales analyst by day and mother to an energetic boy by night, I am a bubbly brunette with a huge appetite for fun and adventure.

She is a lover of all things ﬂoral and is the proud owner of a beautiful pet rabbit.

Loves making other people laugh, a ﬁerce friend and passionate animal lover. Lives by the “mantra “This is your story, this is your life design, so drink to the cup of Life!!”

She is a passionate Christ follower and blogs about her faith at abeautifulthingcalledgrace.blogspot.com

Tammy Moses Inspire Model tamsyn_moses@yahoo.com.

Chantel Lawson Inspire Model chantel191@yahoo.com Twitter: @chantellawson

A 29yr old restaurant manager, loves the ocean, music, reading, animals, food and laughing with friends. Vivacious and spirited, life is an adventure.

A 20-year old student who's originally from Mossel Bay.

One day I dream of living somewhere beautiful far from the fast pace of city life.

Jodie Relf Inspire Model dietitianjo@gmail.com www.dietitianjo.wix.com/eat-smart Twitter @JodieRelf www.facebook.com/JodieRelf.Dietitian Jodie is a registered dietitian, she has her own practice in Westlake Business Park and also consults from Constantiaberg Medi Clinic. She believes in providing individual attention and guidance to address personal needs, empowering her clients with the knowledge and conﬁdence to take control of their lives.

She's currently studying Biomedical Sciences and enjoys everything about the Mother City. Her goal in life is to make others smile.

Tamara Hurling Inspire Model Tamara.hurling@gmail.com http://www.tumblr.com/blog/athenaﬁre84 http://www.facebook.com/athena2ﬁre84?fref=ts

A 29 year old Digital Specialist with a love of dance, music, art, poetry and people development. A technical Geek leaves most stumped when understanding my jargon, but my eccentricities let that slide. Modeling since age 2 allows me to love the camera that allows expression. In short I'm taking over!

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YOURSELF

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are your goals for 2013

still on trac The year is well on its way and if your 2013 started with a bang like m i n e d i d , y o u ' re p ro b a b l y wondering what happened to those good intentions when the clock struck midnight on 1 January. Don't worry! Here are a few tips on how to relook at your goals and make them realistic and achievable. Why are we not achieving our goals? There are probably four main reasons goals have been forgotten or ignored: • There were too many • They were vague so, realistically, had little chance of being achieved • They weren't really in-line with what you truly wanted to achieve • When you set them, you didn't take your values into consideration

Let's get SMARTER So how are you going to get back on track? The ﬁrst step is to re-assess and identify the areas that need work. To help you with this, use the Extended Life Wheel to give you a better idea of what these are (you can download an Extended Life Wheel from the Internet). Here is a good example: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_93. htm Take the information from your Life Wheel and work out what your goals should be. It could be health, for example, and more speciﬁcally, your BMI.

Now, the hard work Creating a realistic and achievable goal is a seven-step process for success. SMARTER goal setting works like this:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

S is for speciﬁc. These goals are easier to achieve. M is for measurable A is for achievable R is for realistic T is for time bound (set dates, and deadlines) E is for exciting R is for rework

Here is an example of a vague goal that we will re-work using the SMARTER process. “I must loose weight”

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5 Great Ways to

conquer se Self doubt has been something I've struggled with all my life, from debating whether I could get into a top tier university to believing I could succeed as a writer. It's a very human emotion, and it's made worse for some people because of life experiences or temperament. Self doubt also makes you feel alone. Sometimes you think you're the only person in the universe who suffers from a crisis of confidence, and you wish that you could be more like your successful, self-assured neighbor. Well, I guarantee that your neighbor doubts himself every now and then too. You won't ever be able to rid yourself of doubt entirely – believe me, I've tried. But I hope that these suggestions will lessen your pain when dark thoughts are all around you. Go back in time: The first step to overcoming self doubt is to recognize that it's there in the first place. Think about the circumstances that are leading you to feel insecure, and see if you notice any patterns. Are there particular situations (for example, dealing with a new boss, speaking in public) that prompt you to feel this way? Make a note of times in the past when you doubted yourself but ended up coming through with flying colors. Knowledge and recognition of your past successes will bolster your courage regarding what you can achieve in the future.

Statements that refute that thought might be: “We can spend at least an hour talking about the ofﬁce culture here and what she did before this” and “She will like me because I've made a sincere overture to get to know her better.” Keep an event journal: If you are a person who experiences a lot of self doubt, then it's time for a test. In the course of a single day, write down all of the things – simple and complex – that you accomplished without a hitch. These can be things like “ran productive staff meeting” or “had great talk with Brandon over coffee.” Then, write down the things that didn't go so well. You will inevitably notice that the list of things that went well far outweighs the list of things that didn't, and this will hopefully allow you to see your doubt in a different light. Call on your cheerleaders: Often, our loved ones can see our lives much more objectively than we can. Being a natural introvert, I sometimes doubt my interpersonal skills, and when someone doesn't respond to me in the way that I expect, I occasionally get paranoid. It always helps to call one of my best friends so that she can assure me that I do in fact have a lot of wonderful relationships in my life. Celebrate your successes: When a situation in which you doubted yourself turns out better than you expected, don't just nod and smile and move immediately on to the next thing. Take a moment and reward yourself for a positive outcome.

Defeat the doubtful thoughts: In one column, write a doubtful thought, and in the opposite column, write facts that dispute that doubtful thought.

Do something you enjoy like going to your favorite restaurant or eating a delectable dessert. Taking the time to cement positive emotions in your mind will hopefully make the doubt disappear more quickly next time.

For instance, suppose you are afraid to invite a new colleague to lunch because you're afraid you won't have anything to talk about and she won't like me.

Article by: Alexandra Levit visitwww.newjobnewyou.com for free tools and guidance. Article Source: http://zenhabits.net

inspired

elf doubt

noted reigniting the passion for your business When you started your business, I am sure that it was based on a passion. You could not wait to get out of bed in the morning and make your mark on the world. As time goes by, every business is faced with its own share of problems: increased competition, rising petrol prices, the state of the economy, the list goes on. Often, problems result in your losing the passion for your business, causing procrastination and time-wasting as you struggle to ﬁnd the enthusiasm that once drove your business. Here are a few tips on how to best utilize your time, helping you to re i g n i t e t h e p a s s i o n f o r y o u r business: • Do what you love. As our businesses grow, we spend less time on the things we love doing, with more and more time on the administration. Set aside a couple of hours, or even an entire day, and pick the one thing that you love about your business, and do it. For instance, if you are a graphic

designer, spend the day creating, instead of all the other tasks that you don't enjoy doing. You'll start the next day reenergized. And you will remember why you started your business. • Research. Spend time researching your current industry for new trends and fresh ideas. Introducing new products and services will keep you ahead of the pack as well as inject creativity and renewed excitement into your business. Connect with like-minded businesswomen who are as passionate to get new insights and ideas. • Actively marketing yourself. Often, when we have a few extra hours in the day, we go for coffee with a friend; after all, doing what you like part of the beneﬁts of having your own business, right? Yes, to a certain extent. However, you could rather use this time actively marketing your products or services e.g. on social m e d i a p l a t f o r m s l i k e Tw i t t e r, Facebook and LinkedIn. This would be a much more productive use of your time that socializing with all your friends. Over time you will see your marketing efforts paying off and your

business will start growing. • Delegate tasks. As a business owner, you're probably convinced that there are tasks that only you can do. This is not true, of course. Identify energy-draining tasks and delegate them to your staff or outsource to a virtual assistant. Ensure, though, that you delegate the right tasks to the right people. Document the processes you need followed, train the individuals, follow up and then let the jobs go. By delegating energy-draining tasks you will free yourself to do the research and marketing we spoke about in the previous points. Putting some of these ideas into action will help you to reconnect with the passion you had for your business and give you the energy to tackle any task. Article by: Gwen Kloppers www.xtraordinarywomen.co.za/

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Happiness is

uncovering what you already ha

When I set out to convert my unhappiness with my life into happiness, about 7 years ago, I had some ideas about how to do it. I was going to get out of debt and lose weight and get a better job and declutter my house and get into shape and become productive and write a book. And I actually did all those things and much more. It was great. They changed my life, and I'm very happy now. Those things, however, didn't get me happiness.

What I learned is that I already had all I needed for happiness, but it was buried beneath my insecurities, my discontent with my life, my loathing of my body and myself. I already had it, but it was all covered up. Happiness is the uncovering of what you already have. You have all you need for happiness, right now. You don't need to change anything about yourself, or your life. You just need to see what's already there. Let me show you what I found out about myself, and how I became happy.

noted

ave Changing My Life When I set out to become happy, I wanted to change my life. I had an ideal life that I wanted to create, and I thought if I created that life, I would be happy. It's all a fantasy. We all do it: we fantasize all the time about the ideal partner, the ideal kids, the ideal job, home, car, computer, clothes, travel, furniture, TV, and of course, body. If we have these ideal things, this perfect fantasy, we'll be happy, right? Well, no. Because ﬁrst, the fantasy can't ever come true. We can believe we're making it come true, but the reality will never match up with the fantasy. For example, I learned this because while I de-cluttered and created a minimalist home, it didn't automatically give me a feeling of contentedness. I needed to learn that separately. Decluttering, however, did teach me a lot: I learned about why I was holding on to things (fear), and learned that the fears were unfounded. I learned that I could do well even without all that false security, and that I was already strong enough to live life without a lot of unnecessary things. I still recommend simplifying your life, not because of the fantasy life you think you'll create, but because you learn about yourself. When I lost weight, I was still unhappy with my body. It still wasn't perfect. And let's be honest: it will never be perfect, in the sense of matching the fantasy of the cover models you see on men's magazines. I'll never match up to that fantasy. But losing weight taught me that I could enjoy eating healthier and exercising. I learned that these weren't as scary as I thought, and that food is not needed as a crutch for stress, fears, loneliness, boredom and the like.

This was true in every area of my fantasy: I learned that striving for the fantasy didn't ever work, that I could never get there, that even if I got close, I wouldn't be happy. But I learned along the way that I didn't need my old baggage, and that everything I needed for happiness was already in my possession.

What You Need for Happiness So what does make you happy? What do you need for happiness? You can strive for happiness in external things all you like: house, job, car, a loving partner, food, drugs, shopping. But these don't make you happy, at least not for long, and when they don't give you continual happiness then you have to keep striving for more, and your happiness is always subject to the whim of these external things and people. You can also ﬁnd happiness within. You can learn that you have some amazing things inside you, that they are beautiful if you learn to accept them for what they are — and not try to meet up with any fantasy. You can learn that life is always amazing, as it is, without the fantasies. And because the happiness is within, you aren't subject to losing it because people aren't in the right mood, or because of external events changing your source of happiness. This means stripping away the fantasies, one by one. It means looking within, and learning to be OK with what you ﬁnd. It's not an overnight process, but the amazingness is already within you. It's all around you (and actually within and without are not different things). No fantasies needed. Article by: Leo Babauta

proď&#x20AC; le

creating the genuine connections

we long for We all long for genuine human connections, and even in a busy life with lots of people around us, these genuine connections can be hard to ﬁnd. We socialize online, but that's not very genuine (why I quit Facebook). We work with people, but often that's task-oriented and not human connectionoriented. We might have family and friends in our lives, but when we are busy or distracted by the online world, those connections might fade. In the last year or two, I've made it a point to have fewer friendships, but with deeper connections. while also being open to the miracle of a random encounter with another human being. This philosophy has paid off in more genuine connections with my family and friends, but less busy-ness. I'll share a few reasons for creating genuine connections, and my strategies for creating them.

Why Genuine Connections Are Important There are many reasons, but these are the ones that strike me as important: 1. We need it to be happy and fulﬁlled. All the money in the world, and the best job in the world, and all the material possessions in the world … won't matter much if you're alone and have no genuine human connections. We have a human need for this kind of connection, and there's no doubt that it makes us happier, even if it complicates our lives a bit.

are happier, less isolated, more creative, with new opportunities. Let's look at how to make these important connections.

How to Make Genuine Connections Here's the thing … you can't just force a connection to be what you want it to be. Many people make this mistake in different ways: they try to create a connection with someone who doesn't want it, or hope the person responds in a certain way, or want the other person to be something they're not, and so on. The key to an unforced, genuine connection is openness. So here's what works for me: 1. Be open to random connections. While I accept fewer invitations these days than I did a couple years ago, when I randomly meet someone, I try not to be closed to them. This means opening up, wondering who they are and setting aside any prejudgements that happen, sharing who I am openly and with a smile. I don't know if this will be a connection to last a lifetime, but it can be one to brighten a moment. 2. Make time for the important relationships. For me, this starts with my wife and kids. While work is important, it's important to me to make time each day for them. Even just reading a book, or taking a walk, or sitting down and talking about something — if the relationship is important, I'll make time most days for it. But it also extends to a small circle of friends who I might not see every day, or even every week — if I can, I'll make time for them. We get together for tea or a workout usually.

2. It boosts creativity. I ﬁnd that working in solitude is the best way to create, and having some time for solitude is important for reﬂecting on ideas … but having a genuine discussion with someone is really important for expanding on those ideas. When I get together with a friend, or talk something over with my wife, I inevitably walk away with several new (or reinvigorated) ideas that excite me.

3. Be open to who they are. Try to notice your expectations of the other person, and let them go. Don't pigeon-hole them, don't try to make them someone they're not … just explore who they are without knowing what you'll find. Be curious. You'll find the real them this way, and it's much better than finding what you hoped to find.

3. It creates opportunities. I am not in favour of “networking”, but when you make a connection with someone, new opportunities for collaboration and creation emerge that weren't there before. Life is better when you make genuine connections. You

4. Be open to what happens. Many people go into a meeting with someone else with an agenda, and try to get that done. Like it's a task that needs to be accomplished. But it's not — a connection with someone else isn't about productivity or goals. It's about connection. It's two very different human

inspired

beings spending time together and merging their random personality traits into one experience. That's true even if it's a business meeting. Let your personality come out, and allow theirs to come out, and see what happens. It could be talking about a project, but it could be random topics and ideas, it could be a discussion of what's been going on in your lives and what you have in common, it could be helping one or the other of you with a problem that you have, it could be a debate of ideas, and so on. Don't try to force it.

being willing to be embarrassed. That's a huge amount of trust to put into a human being, especially if it's not someone you know well. But it's totally worth it. When you become vulnerable, you risk a lot, but you also get much, much more. You get trust from the other person. You get a deeper connection. You get a better friendship. They open up more too. And when you've done this a few times, you realize — there isn't that much risk, because it never really ends up in a bad way. It's pretty much all upside.

5. Be open about yourself. Often we try to present a certain good side of ourselves. We try to come across as competent, knowledgeable, interesting, accomplished, funny, smart, etc. But that's a front. It's only a part of who we are — the good part. If it's true at all. Why bother trying to connect with someone when we're just going to give them a false identity, just a façade? Might as well stay home. Much better is to open yourself up, to show the real you. This is scary. It means being vulnerable, and

There's more to creating genuine connections, but you don't want to read a book. If you do, I recommend you check out Scott Dinsmore's new course,Connect With Anyone. This is not an afﬁliate link or ad, just a recommendation of a great resource that also happens to feature my story of how I overcame my introvertedness, and more. Article by:Leo Babauta

the elements of

Living Lightly

inspired

It seems that Ryan and Cindy were destined to be together: their paths have crossed since she was about 12 – her brother and Ryan are hockey mates, and his sister, Kristin (and also Cindy's bridesmaid), was a year ahead of her at school. When Cindy played under 16 hockey, Ryan was her coach and all through Ryan's hockey career, Cindy's father was his coach. About coaching Cindy, Ryan says, “I just used to make Cindy and her friend, Josie, run all the time – all they did was giggle and mess around. I guess nothing's changed!” For some years, they moved in the same circles and were firm friends before Ryan actually asked Cindy out. It's a timing thing, he laughs, and remembers telling his mom, “the second” he started dating her, that Cindy was the girl he wanted to marry and spend the rest of his life with. It's obvious that Cindy, too, is headover-heels in love with Ryan. Cindy talked to Inspire about how Ryan proposed, and the run up to their perfect wedding. As Ryan was also there, he chipped in, too. Cindy, how did Ryan propose? Ryan took me on a surprise holiday and when we boarded the plane for Nelspruit, I was not very impressed (laughs). When we landed, we were taken to Shawu Camp, a private, luxury lodge in the Kruger National Park. Every day started with an amazing breakfast, and included three-course lunches and dinners, drinks on the balcony, high tea, and private game drives. One evening, Ryan organised dinner in our room which was literally on the watering hole: the menu included my favourite starter and main, with my favourite wine. I can't believe I didn't pick up that he was about to propose! When the third course arrived, I had no idea what was coming. Ryan, standing next to me, waiting to lift the cloche as he had with the starter and main courses, said “I have been waiting to do this for a very long time”, and I replied, “me, too” because I was so excited find out what my dessert was. When Ryan lifted the cloche - there was my ring! Then Ryan bent down on one knee and said, “Cindy Joanne Botha, I have loved you from the day I first saw you. I love every moment we spend together and I can't imagine my life without you. I love you with everything I have. Will you marry me?” I said yes. I was very excited and cried when I told my mom and then my dad – Ryan had already asked for my hand in marriage, but had not told my mom. After that, and

proď&#x20AC; le

with very bad cell phone reception, I phoned the people close to me, and five minutes after the proposal, champagne was brought to our room! How special! Did your wedding have a colour scheme or theme? Our colour scheme was turquoise blue and silver, and our theme was hearts. I have always loved hearts so it was only fitting that hearts were the theme. How did you go about organising your wedding, Cindy? We kept ourselves down to earth and did not allow ourselves to be sucked in by wedding vendors who charge exorbitant prices for everything. I planned each and every moment of the day, myself, and even had a nine-page timetable: what would happen, when and who was to do what. My bridesmaids and all the relevant people knew ahead of time, what was expected, and things ran very smoothly. This gave us time to enjoy each moment of the day. So often, brides say that they never get to enjoy themselves because everything happens at once, or they hardly see their husbands on at their wedding receptions, but I enjoyed every single moment, and saw my hubby most of the night! It was an amazing evening. My wedding preparations gave me some of the most awesome and special memories! Together with my mom, close friends, family and bridesmaids, we made everything ourselves. We had a wedding workshop evening, enjoying wine and snacks while we cut out name place tags and stuck things together with lots of laughs and good memories! Being the perfectionist I am, I assigned certain people to specific tasks. For example, my mom, my Aunt Des and my mom-in-law stuck every single serviette holder together, which was a way to personalise our wedding and keep costs down. I had always wanted to do a special first dance, so the month before the wedding, my fiancé and I went to dance lessons. I recommend this to all couples: not only was the first dance so special, going to dance classes allowed us to have time together, away from the craziness ahead of the wedding, as well as to create more memories and laughs in the build-up to the big day. You also walk away from the lessons knowing a few handy dances! I am really lucky to have my Mom. She was by my side every second and every step of the way, advising me, and supporting me, no matter what. And she shared the wine with me! She is an inspiration, I am so grateful for her, and love her so much. Tell us about the most memorable moments from your wedding Ryan says that the best part of his day was my walking down the aisle to the register to make it all official, as well

as our first dance and fun dance! For me it was, getting out of the car at the church and walking to the entrance, standing at the top of the very long aisle of my favourite church, about to marry the man of my dreams. (Cindy squeals with excitement at the memory). My day was so perfect; everything was so memorable, but I do have to agree with Ryan about our first dance, and our fun dance, as well as my dance with my dad. Not only was the reception memorable, so was the marriage ceremony Father Des performed for us. He made it so personal and special. It's almost impossible to express how we feel about our experience. It was just the most perfect day – a celebration of our love for each other – a day which we were fortunate to share with our family and closest friends! We enjoyed the build-up, and the day. Our wedding was honestly a reflection of us both as we start the rest of our lives together. We are blessed. Lastly, Cindy, do you have advice for future brides? Enjoy everything about the build-up and planning. Planning is the key! Remember that this is your special day and what happens on that day should be a reflection of both of you: it is the start of the rest of your lives together. I did most, if not everything, with my Mom and it was such a special time with her, and my family. You will have hiccups along the way but don't feel bad about sticking to what you want, because it is your night. You are there to marry the person of your dreams. Ryan and Cindy were married on 6 October 2012, in Our Lady of Fatima Church, and the reception was held at the Boulevard 44 Boutique Hotel , Ballito

proď&#x20AC; le

destined two paths

to join...

noted

imagine Imagine a life where all your time is spent on the things

you want to do.

I m a g i n e g i v i n g y o u r g re a t e s t attention to a project you create yourself, instead of working as a cog in a machine that exists to make other people rich. Imagine handing a letter to your boss that reads, “Dear Boss, I'm writing to let you know that your services are no longer required. Thanks for everything, but I'll be doing things my own way now.” Imagine that today is your final day of working for anyone other than yourself. What if—very soon, not in some distant, undefined future—you prepare for work by firing up a laptop in your home office, walking into a storefront you've opened, phoning a client who trusts you for helpful advice, or otherwise doing what you want instead of what someone tells you to do?

All over the world, and in many different ways, thousands of people are doing exactly that. They are rewriting the rules of work, becoming their own bosses, and creating a new future. Some of these unexpected entrepreneurs found their freedom through online communities, creating digital goods that were sold for a fair price. Others took to opening retail storefronts in actual neighborhoods—a yarn shop in Portland, a coffee bar in South Carolina. Some were natural-born entrepreneurs, determined to go it alone from a young age. But most were ordinary people of all ages and backgrounds, who transitioned to a new career after growing disillusioned with the world of traditional work. They all did it by pursuing two twin concepts: freedom and value.

Freedom is what we're all looking for, and value is the way to achieve it. The magic formula of skills + usefulness is how you change the world. When you value freedom above other things, you'll make different choices. Your priorities will shift. You'll have more time for your family and more time for the hobbies you enjoy. When you focus on helping others, connecting your work to their needs, that's when value is created. This is what it came down to for all of these people, and that's how it can work for you too. No special skills, not a lot of money, but the willingness to imagine Article by: Chris Guillebeau .

Cape Town to Zimbabwe -

a girl's road trip by Rachel Robinson

experience

be inspired to be

successful

motivate

As the December holidays came to an end my partner, Dave, and I, reminisced nostalgically about the time we had enjoyed in Fisherhaven, and resolved to get away for a weekend at least once a month this year. Our February road trip was prompted by an invitation to a very good friend's birthday party in McGregor. No thanks to my organization or planning, we had managed to get accommodation: when Thursday afternoon rolled around, my always organized, very efficient friend came to the rescue – an unoccupied, furnished property that was up for sale. The only things we needed to provide were our towels and bedding. So with keen spirits and massive Cheshire cat grins, revelling in the excitement, the appointed Friday arrived. Chitter chatter, petrol, snacks and drinks organized; we were finally on the open road. Enjoying the scenery and the convenience of the GPS, we discussed what was in store for us over the weekend. Well, as fast as my Cheshire cat grin had arrived, it left. I suddenly realized that every item of make-up I possess was not in the car with us. Now, don't get me wrong, I am by no stretch of the imagination, a woman who wears heavy make-up but the bare essentials that I do wear are exactly that – essential! As I was the passenger, I indulged in some online discussion to establish that I would be saved by an appropriate chain store in Robertson, and very proudly flashed my store coupons under Dave's nose as we continued along our way. Our excitement for this trip really had got the better of us, when then also I realized that I had forgotten anything resembling deodorant, oh, and our bedding! It was a drive filled with laughs and a detour because we passed our turnoff because we were looking at some pretty little cottages on the side of the road. However, neither my bad planning nor poor navigation managed to dampen our moods. We arrived in McGregor, and as we drove up Voortrekker Street, we were greeted with smiles and waves from virtually everyone on the side of the road, friendliness typical of tiny towns. We arrived at our house – what a gem! Drenched with a modern yet rustic atmosphere, we made ourselves at home. Time rolled on and we went to dinner at what is referred to as “the place where the locals go to feel at home”. That is no exaggeration: Green Gables Country Inn (featured in the Mi Casa section of this issue) had me speechless. It is truly unique, with beautiful ornaments, antiques and collectables surrounding you, no matter which direction you turn. We also met some fantastic people that evening – locals and fellow travellers like ourselves – definitely a memorable occasion. A gorgeous, sunny, wind-free Saturday morning greeted us, so fairly early we headed off to breakfast at Temenos. Again, we were gobsmacked (Words fail me when I try to describe all the beautiful places we had the pleasure of experiencing throughout our weekend). At Tebaldi's

discover

Restaurant at Temenos, filled with roses and hidden nooks for dining tables, we enjoyed our breakfasts – plates overflowing. Then we decided to explore and made our way down to Tanagra to educate ourselves in the creation of Grappa. What fun, and I love their style of bottle – long, thin and oh, so elegant. Back on the road, we stopped at Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary. Although we didn't see many donkeys, we were greeted by the smiling owner and offered a nice, big glass of homemade lemonade. Feeling much like children at home on a hot, sunny day, we sat down to enjoy our delicious thirst quenchers. There are all sorts to see at the Eseltjiesrus restaurant and farm stall filled with mountains of crafts. As the afternoon approached, we found ourselves at McGregor Wines for a wine tasting. Needless to say, in the relaxed and enjoyable vibe, it went on for a few hours. The Hands on Harvest festival was underway, so was music played in the background and there was a story to accompany every wine that filled our glasses, and by filled, I literally mean filled. It would appear that small towns are generous with their offerings. Once we were back in the McGregor proper, we visited a lovely gentleman, John Hargreaves, we had met at Green Gables the night before and where he had graced us with his fantastic piano skills. On Saturday, however, we he shared his history in wine making – an educational and rather humorous story about the process from vine to bottle. John's establishment, Wolfdoring Wines – Home of Rusty's Reds makes wines that are consumed by McGregorites and in the local restaurants. “Rusty" was the Jack Russel, who had been John's constant companion until he passed on late last year. By this point we were exhausted and headed back to our little Tuscan home to enjoy some down time before the party. Needless to say, that didn't happen: we ended up sitting on the back porch basking in the last of the afternoon sun, sharing more interesting stories with our new “housemate” who had just arrived – also for the birthday party. So caught up in conversation, it was a last minute rush to the party at an absolutely exquisite venue. Wahnfried is a house that has been converted into a venue for hosting films, live music and more. Inside, I found the bath of my dreams, although having it would probably cause a substantial increase in my water and electricity bills! I also ended the evening attempting to re-kindle my piano skills at the gorgeous black, grand piano on the Wahnfried stage. The rest of the evening was nothing short of memorable. We met so many amazing people: we laughed until we almost cried, we danced and yes, we were the last to leave!

Needless to say, the next morning we were not quite as bright and cheerful as we headed back to our new spot, Temenos for another one of their mouth watering breakfasts. Unfortunately, a weekend is only two days' long, and as Sunday afternoon rolled around and we said our good-byes, we were wistful about the once-in-alifetime experiences we had enjoyed in the breathtaking village of McGregor. It really is like a secret garden, and one we will be returning to, soon. Taking time out to enjoy our lives is so important. There is so much out there, and so many amazing people to meet. All too often we get wrapped up in our urban lifestyles, with fast-paced days and often work-ﬁlled nights that we literally forget to stop and smell the roses. When we do, we remember just how amazing the scent is, and just how it replenishes the soul.

discover

a road trip worth

remembering

Standing the test of time in a village where time stands still... Green Gables Old Mill Country Inn is situated at the top of the picturesque McGregor village and offers the full country get away experience at affordable prices. Hosts Tiger & Jill have been at the forefront of providing high quality accommodation, meals and hospitality to McGregor visitors and locals for the past thirteen years. Green Gables has often been referred to as the gateway to the village.We are an inn, not a guest house. This means a professionally run full time hospitality business offering separate self catering, and B&B accommodation as well as a fully licensed "Dining Room" and Village Pub.

mi casa

â&#x20AC;? Food cooked with loveâ&#x20AC;? as is often said by their patrons. This unique dining experience is not easily repeated elsewhere. An elegant dinner party that allows you to leave feeling not only well-fed but also part of the energy that is McGregor. Enjoyed either on the large stoep overlooking the village with a backdrop of layered mountains or in the cozy yet spacious 1860's manor-house, meals are served with tasty joy. An immaculately restored and decorated historical barn (circa 1862). Includes large living area, country kitchen, swimming pool and spacious bathroom. Exclusive terrace for private sun-downers The choice is yours, use your own facilities or take the short walk to the main establishment for some interaction at the pub and restaurant.

decor inspired interiors wallpaper or scrapbook paper in the back of a shelf.

Make an ottoman out of crates! http://www.monmakesthings.com/2012/11/st orage-ottoman-diy.html

Layered Gallery Wall with clocks http://roomremixblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/unique-wallart.html

Gorgeous Idea for an unused space in the house http://capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com/

Re-upholstered OfďŹ ce Chair old crate used as side table or magazine storage

Wood Hanging Note Board (perfect for photos too!) http://southernwhim.blogspot.com/2011/08/w ood-hanging-note-board.html

DIY Headboards http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4035762/list

http://misswallďŹ&#x201A;ower.tumblr.com/

pinned send your decor inspirations to: jaynie@inspiresa.co.za

Poppy and Grey Colour Inspirations

Spray painted ceiling rosettes http://www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/expertadvice/simple-home-decoratingtips/?sssdmh=dm17.529068&esrc=nwdc060111&e mail=2267405653#page=4

reading nook on the patio http://apprenticeextrovert.blogspot.com/2012 /02/diy-outdoor-day-bed-reveal.html

Pallet upcycled into a Patio or indoor coffee Table

Egg Beater Clock

Bookshelf Shoe Rack Best Idea I have seen this year!! :)

http://www.ďŹ&#x201A;ickr.com/photos/sassycr after/3113773069/

http://www.sortrature.com/amazing-diy-craftsideas-2/

Cable Reel upcycled into a table with book storage

http://www.pandashouse.com/decoratingwith-vintage-suitcases

Suitcase Drawers

LEGO Utensil Holder https://www.houzz.com

The decision to leave Cape Town and move to the Winelands had been a dream, so when they spent a long weekend in their favourite village, Tom and Fiona decided that they had nothing to lose by making it happen. Being somewhat environmentally conscious, and concerned about sustainability, they were open to looking at an “alternative” technology home. They bought the last house they were shown, the village knows it as “the sandbag house”. It is a Victorian style cottage, on a 1,000 m2 property, built about ten years ago using a timber-frame and sandbags which have been plastered, which makes it warmer in winter, and cooler in summer than conventional houses. Because it had been rented out for most of its life, the house needed serious attention: the kitchen was unworkable with rotten cupboards, and there was one set of impractical built-in-cupboards to serve the entire three-bed roomed house. There were no outbuildings, so their cars were exposed to the elements. Tom had no workshop, nor was there anywhere to store the garden- and power tools. The garden consisted of little more than a patch of lovely but sad iceberg roses and geraniums as well as a few welcome shade trees. Armed with a “can do” attitude, a nest-egg from the sale their Cape Town house, and in the knowledge they were realising their dream, they sorted, threw out, and packed up their home and two cats, and moved to McGregor in December 2011. A December move meant waiting until the New Year to commission the kitchen and ﬁnd someone to re-vamp the cupboards. The back veranda became a Heath Robinson scullery for three months, with the dishwasher connected to the only external tap, and draining into the roses! Tom's installation of the kitchen, once the furniture had been manufactured to Fiona's design, was trial and error: it meant drilling through the (varying depth of) plaster into the sandbags. Tom sweated and swore when he hung the cupboard, concerned that it might fall off the wall, destroying the sink and dish washer beneath, the moment crockery was put into it – it hasn't! In the house, additional storage space is in the form of re-purposed items: Tom converted an antique armoire that has travelled with Fiona from house to house and to various cities over some 25-odd years, to accommodate the television, music system and wine, among other things. A nineteenth century linen press accommodates kitchen appliances, pots, and table linen; a wooden presentation wine box from a local cellar is a bathroom cabinet. At the same time as the kitchen and cupboards were being done, solar water heating was installed,

mi casa

and to make the house even more liveable, a whirlybird was put in the roof to cool things upstairs in summer, and a beautiful raku firepot was fitted for winter warmth (and geselligheid!). Once the house was mostly sorted, except for the guest room which was filled with Tom's power tools, a carport, timber workshop and a leiwater (irrigation) dam were the next step (all in the budget and with plans approved). However, this was not to be: horror of horrors, the PVC conservancy (septic tank) imploded! Consequently, and for obvious reasons, the leiwater dam was sacrificed for a new, brick conservancy, and which meant re-locating the drive way, and the embryonic vegetable garden gave way to roses. Once the building was done, Fiona, with Tom and gardener, Clive's help, set about establishing a new vegetable patch and herb garden. Both are already supplying the household – 25 kg of beautiful tomatoes, beans, carrots, rocket, parsley, and basil, are just some of the produce, so far, which are shared with neighbours and the ever-present bird life. The garden is partly fed and watered by grey water, which initially drained straight into the garden – a muddy, soggy mess, particularly in winter. To counter this, Tom and Clive dug a swale, lined with shale (out of the new conservancy) the end of which will ultimately be made into a mini wetland with an adjacent outside shower. Where it is more difficult to water, Fiona has established an indigenous, water wise space, combining river stones, apricot pips and plants which could be moved from elsewhere in the garden, like the various vygies (Mesembryanthemums); some plants had been brought, in pots, from their Cape Town garden: the tree aloe and some of the agapanthus and wild iris (Dietes Grandiflora). In addition to a Pincushion protea (Leucospermum), Fiona has encouraged local shrubs that popped their heads out during winter to grow and flower, creating what will be a colourful corner of organised chaos. Fifteen months later, Tom and Fiona are well settled in their home, although it's still a work in progress. They have plans to make it even more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

sustainable,

& environmentally friendly

pinned

ideas tips, tricks and ideas

send your ideas and tips to: jaynie@inspiresa.co.za

Leather Handles http://pillow-mint.blogspot.com/2011/05/whowould-raise-family-in-this-home.html

Put legos in liquid soap for boys... for girls, use barbie shoes!! http://mediacacheec4.pinterest.com/originals/7e/60/e5/7e60e52ca22ff7f41d ddb108b11f9c6e.jpg

Chalkboard placemats http://inspired-design.tumblr.com/page/7

wine bottles, rubber bands and spray paint. http://indulgy.com/post/kWXD9ycwG1/wine-bottlesrubber-bands-and-spray-paint-need-t#/do/page/1

For those jeans that the zipper always falls down-seriously genius.

Tie yarn around a paint roller for an awesome patterned effect http://cutediypins.com/2013/02/07/tie-yarn-around-a-paintroller-for-an-awesome-patterned-effect/

For ďŹ&#x201A;owers next to the kitchen sink/window! http://thecreatedhome.blogspot.com/2011/08/ homeschool-classroom-makeover.html

cheap and easy way to add some ďŹ&#x201A;air to your kitchen spoons http://staceyalevine.com/2012/07/09/apartment -decor-diy-roundup/

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your one stop

corporate shop

a: shop 2 & 3, the village link, cecil rd, plumstead 7800 t: 021 761 7718 e: info@copycatz.co.za www.copycatz.co.za www.twitter.com/copycatzcafe www.facebook.com/copycatzcafe

Venue: Simons at Groot Constantia, Cape Town Location supplied by: Permitz Film Locations & Crew I www.permitz.co.za Photo: Jason Paul Hermann Photography Make-up: Head 2 Toe Model: Jodie Relf Clothing: mememe

ladies of

pinned beauty reviews Anouschka Venter - www.pampermenow.co.za Cosmetix sent me some wonderful Essence and Catrice products for review this month which I’d love to share with you. Cosmetix represents a number of leading international brands in South Africa, including Essence – Germany’s biggest selling make-up range – which was launched in South Africa in April 2009, with unprecedented success.

Essence Colour & Go The ﬁrst product I tried, was the Essence Colour & Go (107 Naughty and Pink), which is a quick drying nail polish. This polish is quite thin so you will need to apply a few layers to get a good coverage but it does dry exceptionally fast, so if it’s speed you’re after then this is one to go for. I loved the colour on my toes and it’s lasted a little under a week. Available at Dischem for R19.95

Essence XXX Shine LipGloss I tried the 022 Nude Kiss lipgloss. This is a perfect colour for me as I like pinks on my lips but not too bright.

image: fashionthroughtravel.blogspot.com

It has a lovely shimmer to it and is moisturising without being sticky. With frequent application, you’ll have soft, shiny lips all day. Available at Dischem for R24.95

Catrice Cosmetics Evolution to Revolution Black Volume Mascara This is truly something new and unique, and I was deﬁnitely intrigued by this ”one brush, with two separate brush-stripping systems”.

image: fashionthroughtravel.blogspot.com image: junkmail.co.za

Look 1: the slim brush-stripper offers classic lash volume for every day as it picks up less texture while the larger brush-stripper Look 2) captures more texture for ultra volume and glamour. One mascara with 2 brushes – Love it! And for only R59.95 (available at Dischem) this is true value for money. image: towncaptain.com

Ofra Cosmetics Liquid Foundation This is a long lasting water-based liquid foundation with silicone ACE complex, Aloe Vera, Collagen adn Vitamin E that moisturises and protects the skin as it conceals.

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What I love about it. • It provides sheer coverage which allows the skins natural radiance to show through, so you don’t look like you have too much make-up on. • It comes with a spatula to reach the product, so you don’t contaminate the product and get everything out of the bottle. • It lasts long and maintains a good coverage all day

Ofra Cosmetics 3D Loose Mineral Eye Shadow Diamond Glitz

WIN

a new technology of gorgeous loose eye shadow that give new dimension to the makeup artistry world. It is rich in pigment, contains natural sun ﬁlters like Titanium Dioxide and Vitamin C. Ofra Cosmetics is giving away 4 of their 3D Loose Mineral Eye Shadow worth R341.99 each. Comment on the original post for this product by following this link and you could be a winner. http://pampermenow.co.za/ofracosmetics/

RegimA Peel As you might know by now, I have been using RegimA products and having regular peels to help get rid of my pigmentation and break-outs. I recently visited Kinetic Contours at the Blue Door again for another peel and to stock up on some much needed RegimA products. My skin always feels super smooth and plumped up after a peel and now that my skin can handle the 20% peel easily, we will start moving up to the 40% next time. Even though there is always a bit of a prickle when you have a peel (which obviously isn’t fun), the end result is amazing. So I am excited to book my next peel in a few weeks, in my efforts to getting ﬂawless skin. My beauty routine now consists of: Step 1: Wash with Hydroactive Cleansing Gel am & pm Step 2: Revital-Eyz Anti-Aging Eye Emulsi-Gel around my eyes Step 3: “Equilibrium” Anit-Problem Serum – on any pimples/spots when they appear Step 4: Alpha Lipoic + Vitamin C – contains anti-oxidant which protects against free radical damage, as well as promoting a more even skin colour. Step 5: B-Complex Daily Radiance SPF 30 in the morning and Rejuvoderm Night Repair at night I must say that so far the Rejuvoderm Night Repair is my absolute favourite product to use as it combines natural fruity acids and powerful anti-ageing botanicals, so it gives you a very gentle exfoliation while you sleep. I’ve just added the Equilibrium Serum so I’m looking forward to testing that as it helps balance the hormones and oil secretions in the skin, whilst not affecting the hormone levels within the body in any way. It is anti-inﬂammatory, antiseptic & healing. Hopefully this will help me with my monthly hormonal break-outs. I’ll let you know.

beauty tips to beautify your life how to make your lashes look fake http://www.livegorgeous.tv/2012/01/04/makeyour-real-lashes-look-fake/

Messy Buns and Bows http://longhairstyleshowto.com/messy-bunsand-bows/

http://diybeautytutorials.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-7ways-to-get-rid-of-dark.html

how to repair your hair

Quick hair styles for when you sleep in a little too late

27 Nail Hacks http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/27-nail-hacksfor-the-perfect-diy-manicure

ESSIE - Bordeaux http://www.lenallure.com/2012/01/notd-essiebordeaux.html

7 ways to get rid of dark circles, ANY type of scar, Stretch Marks.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/hair -damage

http://pinterest.com/pin/42010208996455060/

Eyebrow Shaping 101: Pluck the Perfect Eyebrows... http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/plu ck-eyebrows

lust list a girl has wants...

pinned send your lust list items to: jaynie@inspiresa.co.za

Glamorous Cat's Eye Lay's Ring http://www.ericdress.com/product/GlamorousCats-Eye-Lays-Ring-10403938.html

18kt Pink Gold Angel Wing Earrings With Brown Diamonds

Nicholas Kirkwood ankle boots.

http://www.mytheresa.com/en-de/18kt-pinkgold-angel-wing-earrings.html

www.MyTheresa.com

Scout Drawstring Leather Bag

Giant Leather Double Wraparound Bracelet

http://www.mytheresa.com/en-de/scoutdrawstring-leather-bag.html

http://www.mytheresa.com/en-de/giant-leatherdouble-wrap-around-bracelet-203236.html

Miranda Kerr’s nude suede jacket, sweater and skirt http://outﬁtidentiﬁer.com/?p=116102

Proenza Schouler PS bags http://www.proenzaschouler.com/

Venue: St Yves Beach Club, Camps Bay, Cape Town Photo: Jason Paul Hermann Photography Make-up: Head 2 Toe Model: Tamara Hurling Clothing: Desray

sophist

tication

Venue: St Yves Beach Club, Camps Bay, Cape Town Photo: Jason Paul Hermann Photography Make-up: Head 2 Toe Model: Kayleen Wrigley Clothing: Desray

Venue: St Yves Beach Club, Camps Bay, Cape Town Photo: Jason Paul Hermann Photography Make-up: Head 2 Toe Model: Chantel Lawson Clothing: Desray

Venue: St Yves Beach Club, Camps Bay Photo: Jason Paul Hermann Photography Make-up: Head 2 Toe Model: Tamara Hurling Clothing: Desray

Venue: St Yves Beach Club, Camps Bay, Cape Town Photo: Jason Paul Hermann Photography Make-up: Head 2 Toe Model: Kayleen Wrigley Clothing: Desray

Venue: St Yves Beach Club, Camps Bay, Cape Town Photo: Jason Paul Hermann Photography Make-up: Head 2 Toe Model: Chantel Lawson Clothing: Eva Designs

Venue: St Yves Beach Club, Camps Bay, Cape Town Photo: Jason Paul Hermann Photography Make-up: Head 2 Toe Model: Kayleen Wrigley Clothing: Eva Designs

Venue: St Yves Beach Club, Camps Bay, Cape Town Photo: Jason Paul Hermann Photography Make-up: Head 2 Toe Model: Chantel Lawson Clothing: Desray

ChelseaJ a new name in South African fashion?

designs by ChelseaJ

Photographyhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Renegade-Image/429173200498291

Late last year, Rachel Tiearney, of Trickle Fashion Photography, had the opportunity to photograph an upand-coming fashion designer's range. Inspire, had the privilege of talking to 21-year old Chelsea Jordan Larkan, the brain behind these fabulous designs. Tell us a little bit about yourself as a designer I started designing in my matric year at school. When I was going out for a special occasion, I used to draw ideas of what I wanted to wear, and my mother's factory made them for me. I started studying fashion, full time in 2010, at the Durban University of Technology, and this has helped me to ﬁnd my way. Fashion has opened my eyes – I now look at the world around me from a completely different perspective. Clothing, which I used to see as something that is just thrown on and worn, I now see as a form of art. Clothing tells a story, and that is why, when I design, I often piece together a range that will send a message. And it must capture minds. As long as the message I am trying to convey comes across clearly, and is accepted, my work as a designer is a success. Have you always wanted to be in fashion? I grew up around clothing as my mother designs and manufactures corporate wear, and I've always wanted to do something along those lines. I studied fashion design to gain a wider knowledge of the fashion world I admire and love so much, and I plan to launch my own fashion line, ChelseaJ. Because I would like to share how I interpret certain trends, having my own fashion line is something I've wanted since I started studying. Fashion is something that will live within me forever as I am fascinated by what it has to offer. In terms of what I would like to do in fashion world, buying, merchandising or trend forecasting are all areas that I lean towards. What inspires you? I can't really say exactly what inspires me. I draw i n s p i r a t i o n f ro m t h e s e a s o n s ' t re n d s a n d m y surroundings. Ideas just pop into my head, depending on where I am, what music I'm listening too, what mood I'm in or who is around me, etc. What is your favourite aspect of fashion, why? I don't really have a favourite aspect – each step of the design process is itself amazing. Design is a process that starts with an idea and through each step, idea progresses until, eventually, the tiny idea you ﬁrst started with, turns into something in front of you that you can touch and appreciate. If I had to choose, it would probably be drawing and research: research because I love following trends, so I like to see where a trend originated and to learn a more about its history, and drawing because it allows me to free my mind, and explore my creative side.

prole Who is your all-time favourite designer? This depends on the category of dress. For Avant-garde, the amazing Alexandra McQueen and Sarah Burton, and for commercial wear, my “Olsen love” cannot be broken: Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are at the top of my top favourite fashion inspirations. You're in your final year which means you produced a range, where to from here? What would you like to do now? Will you further your studies? I am going forward with my own range, ChelseaJ, and would love the opportunity to go into buying, merchandising or trend forecasting. What is your all-time favourite design and why? I don't a have favourite. I am proud of each outfit I design, in its own way. An outfit that stands out for me is the one I entered into the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer's Competition in 2012. The theme was eco-friendly, and my Red Indian-inspired outfit was among the top ten in the competition. If you could make a dress for anyone, who would it be and why? Rachel Zoe – she is my number one inspiration! I would love to do what she does; she has created an amazing name for herself in the fashion world, so to meet her and make a dress for her would be an honour. What was it like working with Rachel from Trickle Photography? I wasn't at the shoot. I just received a message asking if they could use my range in a shoot, so I agreed. Until she posted the photos on my Facebook page, I didn't know that Rachel was the photographer. I went to school with Rachel: she has always been an amazing person and her work has really “wowed” me. I am proud of her. How did you feel when you saw the photographs for the first time? I was blown away! What is your favourite shot? Of the pictures I've seen (I haven't seen them all), my favourite must be the mustard top with the blue beads around the model's neck, with the blue background. The colours complement each other so well, and the lighting in this picture has captured the mood beautifully. Styling, make-up and art director: Jessie Lara Cohen Designer: Chelsea Larkan Photographer: Rachel Tiearney Models: Chiara Moreira, Tamara Francesconi

tribal beauty

designs by ChelseaJ Photographyhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Renegade-Image/429173200498291

just for fun laughter is the best medicine

inspired

o t s y a w r o f g n i Look

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS? R E H MOT X R O W T E ? N How

• like our page • share our page with your friends • post your services/offers/events on our wall • we share your posts with our fb & twitter followers everytime you make them www.facebook.com/mcnetworx

) : e l p Sim

tip top

interest

Many nail trends of 2012 will fade and soon disappear from the hands of lovely ladies everywhere, such as our once beloved crackle polishes (Tip Top U Crack Me Up). This may make you and other fashionistas wonderâ&#x20AC;Ś What will be the hottest nail trends of 2013? Let's share some inspiration on nailsâ&#x20AC;Ś.

Confetti Glitter Duo R69:99 Limited Edition at Selected Clicks Stores Go for this ultra-glam look and let your nails do the talking with glitter tipped nails. It is super simple and with a few speedy steps you'll be ready to show off this unique mani!

glitter glam

Limited Editions From Tip Top - On Shelf From February 2013

Sprinkle Beads Duo R79:99 Limited Edition at Selected Clicks Stores The newest craze in nail art is called the caviar manicure. So named for the little beads on the nail that imitate the look of caviar.

trends Tel: +27 11 440 5643 Fax: +27 86 515 8255 info@tiptopnails.co.za www.tiptopnails.co.za

MIRACLE TUMMIES

PR EG G I B E L LY M O U L D K E E P S A K E S

m i r a c l e t u m m i e s @ v o d a m a i l . c o. z a

 0 8 2 3 3 0 9 8 8 7  w w w. m i r a c l e t u m m i e s . c o. z a

interest legs eleven - the journey

I am super excited to share my Legs eleven – permanent hair removal journey with you. Deciding on who to trust with your permanent hair removal is not a decision one should take lightly. There are so many laser and IPL hair removal salons popping up all over the place, so please do yourself a favour and read this before committing to it. Because, yes, it is a commitment, and a long one at that. My ½ leg, permanent hair removal journey with Legs eleven, will p ro b a b l y t a k e a l i t t l e o v e r 2 years.Why? Because the research behind Legs eleven’s IPL technology has determined the optimal intervals between sessions to maximize hair removal results. These intervals differ according to body area being treated. For legs they set a 12 week time interval and thereafter 16 weeks between sessions. If your treatment sessions are too close together, it will be a waste of your time, since the “dormant” hair follicles in the area will not yet have moved into the appropriate growth phase to be treatable. In other words, if you are doing IPL or laser hair removal on your legs every 8 weeks, you are wasting money girl! It is important that you stick to the timelines provided to you by Legs eleven to optimise your treatment results. So that’s the 1st reason why I’ve chosen Legs eleven as my partner in smooth legs. Here are 5 more: I can honestly say that they put your safety ﬁrst, above all else. I was scheduled to start my journey last week, but as I had a sinus infection, I had to take antibiotics as well as cortisone. I’ve had laser before and while staying out of the sun was discussed, taking certain medication was never questioned. And it’s actually seriously important. I’m not going to go into all the contraindications and photosensitive

medications now (you can find it on their website), but what does make Legs eleven stand out from other salons is that they follow international best practice with specialised treatment protocols and highly trained and experienced IPL therapists, operating under the supervision of a clinical pharmacist, to maintain the highest medical aesthetic standards. So if you are not sure, just call or email them and they will happily answer any of your questions. You can also schedule a FREE initial consultation where they will discuss your requirements and expectations, give you a comprehensive explanation of our IPL hair removal treatments and answer any questions or concerns you may have. This is not a standard – “fill in this form and noone will look at it again” consultation that you might be accustomed to. But a truly insightful, and interesting discussion with a therapist where you get to learn more about IPL and hair growth cycles and the research that they’ve built their practice on. They will also perform a complete examination of your skin and hair type and ask you questions on your m e d i c a l a n d l i f e s t y l e h i s t o r y, including any medications you may be taking to make sure there are no contraindications for IPL. A small skin patch test will then be performed, the aim of which is to determine the optimum setting of IPL energy to produce the best results without any side effects. Your individual treatment program will be customised to your specific characteristics and needs. You’ll then also receive comprehensive advice on pre-treatment preparation and post-treatment care for you to follow. So, I had my initial consultation but we postponed my actual

appointment, until it is safe to go ahead. I will have my ﬁrst session 4 weeks from now, and I’ll document my journey with a post after each treatment. You can follow this journey at www.pampermenow.co.za - Now, to thank you for taking the time to read and educate yourself – here’s a GIVEAWAY for you:

WIN Share the two reasons why you would want to visit Legs Eleven over any other salon and you could stand a chance to win a free consultation and your ﬁrst I P L h a i r re m o v a l s e s s i o n (underarm or bikini) - your choice. You can post your reasons in the comments section at the below link. http://pampermenow.co.za/le gs-eleven-the-journey/ - Anouschka Venter www.pampermenow.co.za

how the â&#x20AC;&#x153;turtle and the hareâ&#x20AC;?

rocked the rabbit

A few years before we launched Whet Sensuality Emporium in 2005, the Rabbit Pearl vibrator had made a guest appearance in a Sex in City episode called “The Turtle and the Hare”, popularising it and making sex toys more socially acceptable. Several other rabbit style vibrators were also manufactured, e.g. Jessica and Jack Rabbit, the Rampant Rabbit and Roger Rabbit, but for reasons we clarify below, we were reluctant to stock them. Any vibrator designed to offer simultaneous internal and external stimulation is a dual stimulator, and classed as a rabbit-style vibrator. The ﬁrst generation of rabbit vibrators paved the way for far more sophisticated and body-safe options. Prior to the rabbit, the majority of vibrators, were designed for internal stimulation using a vibrating shaft with a motor housed in the base. If one wanted to use the vibrator for clitoral stimulation it would have to be removed it from the vagina. This meant that one had to choose between internal or external stimulation. The rabbit accommodates the many women who enjoy simultaneous internal and clitoral stimulation by having both a vibrating shaft for internal stimulation and a clitoral stimulator. Many of these clitoral stimulators are shaped like a rabbit with big ears. The rabbit, besides being 'cute', is perfectly shaped with that ears vibrate around the clitoral hood and the harder nose that can be used directly on the clitoris for more intense stimulation. Vibrators shaped like woodland creatures like butterﬂies with outstretched wings, offer advantages like a broader stimulation surface.

arouse stocked and we are delighted that vibrators embracing the same concept, made from safer materials are now available. Silicone is the safest soft material currently on the market. It is chemically inert and hypoallergenic. It also has no pores in which bacteria could collect, making it hygienic and easy to clean. The Smile Fancy silicone Rabbit and the Smile Bunny silicone Rabbit provide internal and external stimulation in a rabbit style vibrator. Although battery powered, its sleeker design offers a cost efficient alternative to jelly rabbits. An even more exciting development is the advent of rechargeable vibrators, which makes batteries redundant and running out of power at a critical moment, a becomes a thing of the past. German company, Fun Factory, was one of the first manufacturers to design aesthetically pleasing, ergonomic vibrators, including dual stimulators. The Delight click n charge remains one of the most popular designs but the Flash, Ocean, Calla Smartvibe, and others, all offer the same cutting-edge engineering, as well as a variety of vibration and pulsation options for simultaneous internal and external stimulation. In 2008 a Canadian couple created a product that revolutionised vibrators and enhanced love-making for millions of couples world-wide. The We-vibe is a Cshaped flexible dual stimulating vibrator with two motors offering both internal G-spot and external clitoral stimulation. It was the first vibrator designed to be worn continued overleaf

From this perspective, the rabbit revolutionised vibrator design, but has certain shortcomings including its weight, bulky shape and its battery operation. Most critical though, is that many of rabbit vibrators are made from unsafe materials that contain Phthalates. These chemicals are used to soften much harder materials, such as PVC (used for plumbing), and although PVC is foodgrade quality, soft PVC, used for sex toys has a strong odour and leaches chemicals. Because the toy is inserted into the vagina which has a high absorption capability, any leached toxins are readily absorbed into the blood stream. The symptoms of toxicity from Phthalates include irritation, burning and discomfort. Many women have reported this type of reaction from using vibrators made from jelly. Consequently, these rabbits were not

while making love, although it can also be used very successfully during solo play. Today, the We-vibe 3 boasts more power, six thrilling vibration modes, is waterproof, and has a wireless remote control, and charger base that doubles as a discreet, travel storage case, all of which make it the world's number one vibrator for couples.

to control sensations with a remote control. The Swan range of silicone vibrators offers high-quality craftsmanship and luxurious design, recognised in the industry for attention to detail, excellent products and ground-breaking technology. The Silver Swan is a bestsellers with accentuated curves and intense strength. It has two super-powerful, separately controlled motors to stimulate individually and its soft silicone, body-safe skin feels great; plus it's waterproof, and travel-ready with a run time of up to six hours with its rechargeable, Ione Lithium battery. Other Swan dual-stimulators to look out for are the Black Swan, the Whooper Swan and the Princess Swan.

Swedish innovators in intimate lifestyle products, Lelo, are renowned for transforming the look, feel and function of personal massagers, bringing a new level of luxury to these products. Lelo have not been coy in showing their prowess in dual action vibrator design with the Soraya and Tiani. The Soraya, touted as “The World's Most Exclusive Dual-Action Vibrator” offers a seductive package: it has individual motors, a ﬂexible clitoral stimulator and eight unique vibration modes.

Regardless of the new, sleek dual stimulators you choose, let's not forget the how the innovative hare design rocked the rabbit modern day vibrator design.

The Tiani (and more recently, the Tiani 2) is designed, like the We-Vibe, to be worn during love making. What sets it apart is its SenseMotion™ technology which allows users

For further information relating to the these products or to view our full range of sensual products, please visit www.whet.co.za or contact donna@whet.co.za

win a Smile Bunny dual stimulating vibrator and a tube of Whet Personal Lubricant enter at www.inspire.co.za

N I W

its ok to feel sexy for yourself

me that question, I thought to myself that I should have asked them if they did not feel sexy enough to buy themselves lingerie. Do they leave it up to their husbands and boyfriends to buy it for them? And for my friends that are single, do they not buy such things because they feel that they will never meet someone again to wear them for? Well to me that's just negative thinking. I will continue to buy those pairs of lacy panties with matching bras because it makes me feel attractive and alive. I'm not dead just because I'm single. I'm just in between relationships. And when that right guy comes along I will p ro u d l y s h i m m y i n f ro n t o f h i m i n m y n e w unmentionables that no one but him and myself have seen before and he will appreciate the fact that I exude sexuality and I'm not timid to wear such things in front of him.

arouse

So I ask those that think I should only be buying lingerie for "him", why aren't you buying yourself something that makes you feel sexy? Why are you allowing that side of you to remain dormant? Every woman should feel sexy. It doesn't have to be with lingerie. It can be putting on a nice pair of jeans that makes your butt look great. Or a top that may accentuate your bosom just a little bit. How about trying on a pair of pumps that elongate your legs and make them seem endless. Even dabbing on a little eau de toilette can do the trick. So what if I did decide to parade around in my empty apartment feeling sexy. If it makes me realize that I'm a woman and I am desirable, what's wrong with that? http://niag.hubpages.com/hub/Its-Okay-to-Feel-Sexy

the little trick to make any moment

noted

better I learned a little trick while practicing meditation that helped me, not only with meditation, but with just about everything I do. I noticed I was reluctant to start the meditation, and paused to wonder why that is. What I noticed was a kind of tightness, in my chest and shoulders and neck, but also in my mind. Something about the meditation was causing me to tighten up, and that made me not want to do it each morning. Well, there are a few choices here: 1) I could stop doing the meditation because I wasn't enjoying it; 2) I could push myself through it even though I disliked it, or 3) I could let go of the tightness. I chose to let go of the tightness. It was amazing. I just noticed where the tightness was, and let it dissipate into the air. What was left was a more relaxed body, a relaxed mindset. And actually it was the relaxed mindset that ended up being most important. I could now approach the meditation with a looseness, a sense of exploration and happiness, that I couldn't do when I was tight. And then I smiled, and things got even better. Then I started applying that to everything I did: if I was writing and noticed tightness, I let go of the tightness and smiled — and the writing became instantly

more enjoyable. Same for running, for meeting someone new, for cooking and washing and going to the store. Every moment became instantly better. There are lots of ways to relax when we are stressed: meditation, yoga, tea, massage, exercise, talking with a friend, taking a hot bath or shower, sex. And I highly recommend all these. But none of these actually relax you unless your mind approaches them with a relaxed attitude, and lets go of tightness. Here's how to let go of tightness: Notice the tightness. Pay attention to your body and mindset as you do any activity: work, meetings, driving, walking, reading, cleaning, talking with a loved one. If you notice tightness, that's your cue. Visualize it dissipating. Just imagine the tightness ﬂoating out of you and into the air, dissolving into little bits and then being blown away by the breeze. The simple act of this visualization can often work. Go from tight to loose. You can practice this

right now. Pause for a second and clench your ﬁsts. Now relax them. It's that easy. Do it with your jaw. Now your abs. Now your shoulders. You can let go of tightness just by softening, letting go of the tightening that you're creating yourself. It works for the mind too. Breathe. Take in a deep, slow breath. Let your attention stay on this breath. Hold the breath in for 5 seconds, then slowly exhale and pause for another 5 seconds at the end of the exhale. Repeat a few times if you like. This can help loosen you up if you need it. If you don't need it after Step 2 or 3, you can skip it. Smile. This transforms everything. You can now approach any activity, any moment, with an attitude of relaxed enjoyment. Honestly, once you're good at it, you really only need to do one of the three middle steps (2-4). But steps 1 and 5 are crucial . Notice the tightness, let it go, and smile. This moment, and every moment after, can become instantly better. Article by: Leo Babauta

interest Inspirational Women International Foundation Inspirational Women International, also known as iwomeni, was founded by, its chairman, Sue Levy, and three directors in 2012. Sue started the Inspirational Women's Initiative in South Africa, after interviewing successful women who had overcome many challenges. Following publication on a blog, these interviews attracted thousands of views and thank you messages from women who needed inspiration to help them through their days. There was evidently a gap in the market for a place where women could regularly go for motivation, professional or personal, so iwomeni was established. In this day and age we are still battling with inequality and gender stereotypes: women's

self esteem and wellbeing are urgent issues. To this end, iwonmeni's four key focus areas are: • Workshops that inspire women and children to believe in themselves and to follow their dreams, not giving in to abuse • Increasing the number of women in leadership positions by partnering with organisations that offer internor fellowships; identifying, supporting and coaching these potential women leaders • Empowering women and girls from disadvantaged areas to achieve a better quality of life. iwomeni will partner with organizations that have similar programmes to run workshops • The iwomeni website (iwomeni.org) to be launched in April 2013 will

publish motivational and inspirational articles written by upand-coming women authors. The website will also carry interviews with women from around the world who have overcome their challenges, providing insights into their success. If you are willing to partner, share your experiences in an interview, or join iwomeni and give back to other women, we would love to hear from you. Yo u c a n c o n t a c t i w o m e n i (Inspirational Women International Foundation) through the following channels: Facebook: www.facebook.com/iWomeni Twitter: @iWomeni Website: iwomeni.org Sue Levy: sue@iwomeni.org

ROCK SUSHI THAI w w w. ro c k s u s h i t h a i . c o . za NEWLANDS Shop 1, Newlands Quarter, Cnr Dean & Main Streets, Newlands, 7700 I 021 685 9692 I rst.newlands@gmail.com MEADOWRIDGE Shop 10, Park n Shop, Firgrove Way, Meadowridge, 7806 I 021 712 2921 I rst.meadowridge@gmail.com

health

pinned

health, tness & lifestyle Eating healthy on a budget http://www.youbeauty.com/nutrition/galleries/1 5-ways-to-eat-healthy-on-a-budget/1

7 ways to STOP craving junk. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss4?cat=11743

10 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/he althy-sweet-potato-recipes?page=6

inspirational blog with lots of exercises, daily tips etc. http://dangsheﬁne.stockphotosweb.com/page/ 168

45-Minute Gym Plan With Treadmill

Write a bunch of exercises on lolly sticks and put them in one cup. Grab one, do what it says, and move the stick to the Done cup.

3 Moves for a Toned, Perky Butt! http://www.ﬁtsugar.com/Butt-Exercises-FromCelebrity-Trainers-22406795

http://www.ﬁtsugar.com/45-Minute-Gym-PlanTreadmill-26564524

Tone your arms in 10 minutes results in 4 weeks http://www.prevention.com/ﬁtness/strengthtraining/best-moves-tone-arms-fast

7 Exercises for Fit Feet. http://www.active.com/tennis/Articles/7Exercises-for-Fitter-Feet.htm?cmp=23-69

what is

polycystic ovarian sy

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) occurs when egg follicles in the ovaries do not develop properly form cysts under the surface of the ovaries. Women with PCOS have a number of cysts under the surface of their ovaries causing the ovaries to enlarge. PCOS is caused because the ovaries are unable to produce hormones in the correct proportions. The cells in the thickened ovary produce extra testosterone and it is these elevated testosterone levels that are thought to be responsible for the lack of ovulation. Without ovulation, women do not produce

progesterone, further disturbing the hormone balance and the undeveloped follicles (eggs) in the ovaries continue to produce small amounts of oestrogen, often resulting in oestrogen dominance. Tthe spotting or bleeding between periods experienced by some women with PCOS can be caused by this oestrogen dominance. Women who suffer from thyroid and adrenal problems may be more susceptible to PCOS. Some of the symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods (35 days or more between periods), no periods, difďŹ culty with losing weight, middle body fat, fatigue,

interest

yndrome? mood swings and depression, breast and abdominal pain and acny or frequent acne breakouts. In addition, dizziness, excessive body hair in areas such as the face or chest, miscarriages and patches of thickened or darker skin on the neck, underarms or skin folds and skin tags in the armpits or neck area are all indications of PCOS. Some women may experience all of these symptoms, and others may only experience some of them, depending on the severity of the condition.

What to do? If you suffer from some the symptoms listed, consider visiting your gynaecologist for a professional diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with PCOS: do NOT to panic. It is estimated that one in 10 women suffer from PCOS so, you are not alone! There are also great treatment programmes to help you deal with both the cause and the symptoms. When looking at treatment options it's important that should be aimed at what has caused PCOS rather than just covering up the symptoms. Your healthcare practitioner will help you understand its causes and advise you on treatment options and a nutritional therapist can work out a diet and lifestyle plan to meet your speciﬁc needs, setting you on the road to recovery.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips If you have PCOS, here are some tips for a healthier lifestyle: • Eat plenty of fresh, seasonal vegetables such as spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli etc. • Include these foods in your diet: sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, beans (mung beans, butter beans etc.), oats and Fresh berries • Exercise regularly • Wherever possible, eat organic foods

• Ensure that you have sufficient fibre in your diet • Avoid alcohol • Eliminate sugar, sugar containing foods / drinks as well as artificial sweeteners Don't rush into any treatment options unless absolutely necessary and get as much information as possible from your healthcare practitioner. The information and material provided is representative of Megan Bosman's opinions and views. It is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Megan Bosman is a Nutritional Therapist (Dip Clin Nutrition). Throughout her childhood and teenage years, she suffered from many illnesses, allergies and intolerances and desperate to find a natural alternative she developed an interested in nutrition. Megan went on to study nutrition and made the necessary changes to her diet and lifestyle and regained her health. Her health history fuels her passion for helping others to live a healthy lifestyle and regain their health, as she did. Megan works in all areas of health and encourages people to care for their whole bodies - both inside and out. Visit her website on www.SimplyNutrition.co.za, follow her on twitter @meg_bosman or join her Facebook page on www.facebook.com/SimplyNutritionSA.

what you eat can help your sense of

wellbeing The world has changed very rapidly in the last 100 years and many of us live our lives like the movies... on fast-forward. Our hectic lifestyles have resulted in an escalation of depression which is often an unrecognised and accepted part of life. Consequently, and sadly, it's only after many years of misery that some people with depression eventually look for medical help. Depression described Depression is the result of a chemical imbalance in our bodies. The way we react to stress often causes the neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, important for our sense of wellbeing, to go out of “whack” making us depressed. Sadly, conventional medical wisdom frequently means that prescription drugs are the treatment of choice for depression. Too often, the antidepressant drug becomes a lifelong, chronic medication, treating the symptom, not the cause.

What factors that can contribute to depression? Stress linked with our jobs and/or ﬁnance, particularly in the current economic climate, can play a signiﬁcant role in depression. Feeling trapped in a job that is boring or makes us unhappy, is stressful and can cause depression, as can traumatic life experiences such as divorce, the death of a partner, relative or close friend. Even happy events, like marriage or a new baby, can be stressful and lead to depression. More obviously, traumas like child- or sexual abuse which remain unresolved in the subconscious can also cause depression. In addition to stress, and not often taken into account, is what we eat, chronic pain and/or chronic medication, all of which can contribute to depression. Some drugs, e.g. for high blood pressure, can rob the body of nutrients essential for our wellbeing. Similarly, using or abusing alcohol and/or recreational drugs can interfere with the body's normal bio-chemical processes, resulting in depression.

Is there a connection between nutrition and depression? One of the most common but unrecognised causes of depression is a bad diet. Although most people believe that they follow healthy diets, our food and water sources are increasingly being compromised. Many of the additives, colourants and preservatives that lengthen shelf life, are affecting the nutritional quality of our food. In addition, the use of hydrogenated fats, such as transfats that give form and shape to food, when eaten, replace the soft fat in our cell wall membranes, hardening our cell walls and preventing essential nutrients from being absorbed. Micro-wave cooking, which is a form of radiation, can also alter the constituents of the food so that our bodies cannot absorb them. All this compromises normal biochemical activity. Lastly, the lack of variety in our daily food choices can also negatively inﬂuence our nutrient intake. The low fat, high carbohydrate diet most people follow means that certain essential nutrients are available in sufﬁcient quantities to support all the biochemical reactions that keep our bodies functioning optimally. The elements often missing from our diet, and which are factors in the biochemical causes of depression are Omega 3, vitamins B6, B12 and D, magnesium and zinc.

Am I depressed? Ask yourself the following questions: • Do I have feelings of helplessness and hopelessness? • Have I lost interest in my daily activities? • Have my sleeping patterns changed? • Am I angry or irritable? • Do I feel lethargic (no energy)? • Do I have concentration problems? • Do I have unexplained aches and pains? If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you could well be depressed, especially if your behaviour is sometimes reckless and you have experienced signiﬁcant changes in your appetite or body weight – weight loss or gain 5% in a month without a conscious and planned effort to manage your weight. continued overleaf

interest

What foods help to alleviate and prevent depression? So, after looking at the common signs and symptoms of depression, an improved diet can be the first step to joy and wellness. First, look at what you are eating and then, as far as possible, change to healthier food choices. When the level of the feel good chemical, serotonin, is low, we feel down and anxious; by increasing serotonin levels we begin to feel better about the world. The human body does not produce serotonin without tryptophan, which is found in turkey, cottage, cheese, bananas, spinach, pineapple, mung beans (sprouts), asparagus, sunflower seeds, tofu, flax seed oil, high quality eggs and lobster. Other foods that can help to enhance your mood are chicken, salmon, sardines, tuna, nuts and oats.

Supplements can kick start a return to wellness Sometimes, supplements can help to give your body a boost. Make sure that you select the best quality supplements you can afford. Generally, good multivitamins are made from organically-farmed plants, and which can form the foundation on which to support your journey to wellness. Choose an Omega 3, extracted from deep sea salmon to minimise the risk of mercury contamination, and take 1,000 to 9,000 mg a day, accompanied by a vitamin B complex tablet containing vitamins B6 and B12. Consider taking 350 to 400 mg of magnesium and 30 to 45 mg of zinc each day. Lastly, if your vitamin D level is particularly low, you could take an oral supplement, but if not, spending 15 to 20 minutes with the sun on your bare skin will do wonders for your sense of wellbeing. If your well-being does not improve within three months of changing to this type of diet, please get professional help. Article by Nell Browne nell@lifestylefocus.co.za www.facebook.com/LifestyleFocus

Tips for changing to a “happier” diet: • Eat “real”, colourful, freshly picked fruit and vegetables which are not processed or preserved, to ensure that your body gets the phytonutrients it needs. • Eat some sort of protein (meat, fish, eggs, dairy and some grains) for breakfast, lunch and supper, and in those in-between-snacks so that that your body has enough tryptophan to make serotonin. • Use “good” fats found in extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil and raw nuts (specifically almonds, walnuts and macadamias) to ensure cell membrane health. • Eat a variety of fruit and vegetables each day - five to 13 portions. Personalised or individual portions are easy to measure: the size of a person's closed fist is the right portion for him or her, making this an easy measure for children and adults' portions. • Because there are enough carbohydrates in your fruit and vegetables, limit or avoid them altogether, especially white foods like potatoes, rice, sugar, or bread and pasta which contain wheat, etc. If you do eat carbohydrate, have it for breakfast or lunch, so that you can steer clear of them after four in the afternoon. • Drink purified water. • Check the level of vitamin D in your blood.

are you drinking?

health

A Cape

A mouthwatering menu, friendly faces and breathtaking views come standard at Simonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant, Groot Constantia

imonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Groot Constantia

nomness

Autumn tomato chutney Ingredients 1kg ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped 750g cooking apples , peeled, cored and chopped 375g light muscovado sugar 250g onions, chopped 250g raisins 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped 2 tsp salt Â˝ tsp ground ginger 350ml cider vinegar Method Put all the ingredients into a large pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Boil the mixture, uncovered, for about 4550 mins until the fruit is tender and thickened. Cool, then transfer the mixture to a sterilised jar and seal.

Thai pumpkin soup Ingredients 1.5kg pumpkinor squash, peeled and roughly chopped 4 tsp sunďŹ&#x201A;ower oil 1 onion, sliced 1 tbsp grated ginger 1 lemongrass, bashed a little 3-4 tbsp Thai red curry paste 400ml can coconut milk 850ml vegetable stock lime juice and sugar, for seasoning Method Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the pumpkin or squash in a roasting tin with half the oil and seasoning, then roast for 30 mins until golden and tender. Meanwhile, put the remaining oil in a pan with the onion, ginger and lemongrass. Gently cook for 8-10 mins until softened. Stir in the curry paste for 1 min, followed by the roasted pumpkin, all but 3 tbsp of the coconut milk and the stock. Bring to a simmer, cook for 5 mins, then ďŹ sh out the lemongrass. Cool for a few mins, then whizz until smooth with a hand blender, or in a large blender in batches. Return to the pan to heat through, seasoning with salt, pepper, lime juice and sugar, if it needs it. Serve drizzled with the remaining coconut milk and scattered with chilli, if you like.

nomness

Italian chicken with ham, basil & beans Ingredients 8 skinless chicken thighs, bone in 8 slices prosciuttoor other dry-cured ham 2 tbsp olive oil 2 whole heads garlic 800g tomatoes 175ml dry white wine 400g can cannellini beansor or other beans, drained large bunch basil Method Season the chicken thighs all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pinch off 8 sprigs from the basil (about 3 leaves each per sprig) and lay one on top of each chicken thigh. Wrap each thigh in a piece of ham, with the ends tucked underneath. Heat oven to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3. Heat the oil in a large roasting tin over two of the burners on the hob. Add the chicken and fry for about 4 mins or until the ham is just crisped and the chicken is lightly golden. Turn and repeat. Meanwhile, cut the garlic bulbs in half around the middle and halve the tomatoes if small, quarter them if they're big. Pick the leaves from the rest of the basil. Once the chicken has browned on both sides, add all of the tomatoes, half of the basil and the wine. Season then cover with foil and leave to cook slowly in

the oven for 40 mins. Take out of the oven and turn the heat up to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Remove the foil from the pan and stir the beans into the tomatoey juices. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 30 mins until the tomatoes, chicken and garlic are starting to crisp around the edges and the chicken is very tender. Just before serving, tear the remaining basil roughly then stir through or scatter over the pan.

Cheesy Autumn Mushrooms Ingredients 4 large ďŹ eld mushrooms 100g gorgonzola or other blue cheese , crumbled 25g walnuts , toasted and roughly chopped 4 thyme sprigs knob butter , cut into small pieces rocket leaves, to serve Method Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Arrange the mushrooms on a baking tray. Scatter over the cheese, walnuts, thyme sprigs and butter. You can do up to this stage a day in advance. Pop in the oven and cook for 10 mins until the cheese is melted and the mushrooms are softened. Arrange some rocket leaves on plates and place the mushrooms on top.

Source: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com

a windowsill g indoor herb gardening for winter

Do the changing seasons leave you a little wistful for summer's wealth of fresh produce? Then keep the growing season going all year by starting an indoor herb garden! Even if you have little experience with plants or very little space to work with, an herb garden is the perfect way to bring a bit of Mother Nature into your home, no green thumb required! And growing your own herbs is much more convenient—and affordable—than buying them at the local grocery store. Oregano, chives, mint, rosemary and thyme are commonly grown indoors, so pick a few of your favorites to begin. If you like to cook, you'll love having fresh herbs right at your ﬁngertips—just snip and sprinkle fresh chives on your steaming baked potato or add some pungent oregano to your special homemade spaghetti sauce. To start your herb garden, you must have a sunny window available that receives at least ﬁve hours of sunlight per day. Most herbs hail from Mediterranean locales and need the light to thrive. Keep your home between 60º and 70º to create the ideal growing conditions. While you can start your herbs from seed (more on that below), it's easier to buy starter plants from a local nursery or farmers market. There are several types of containers you can use for the plants, but

terracotta planters are very popular. Make sure your pots have drainage holes in the bottom so your herbs don't rot. Keep a saucer or another similarly shaped item underneath to catch the excess water as it runs through. Whatever container you select should be deep enough to promote proper root development, ideally from 6-12 inches deep. You can plant multiple herbs in one container or select individual 6-inch pots for each plant. Take care when selecting the type of soil for your herbs, as plants are very vulnerable to soil-born diseases. It's a good idea to go with a store-bought potting mix. Your local gardening center can help you select the right one for your needs. Be sure the mix is lightweight and will drain well. Pour a two or three-inch layer of potting soil into the bottom of your container and place your plant gently in the container. Finish ﬁlling it with potting mix, pressing it ﬁrmly around the plants. Leave about an inch of space at the top to make room for watering. Don't kill your herbs with kindness by watering too often: Excess water is harmful to the roots and causes rotting. Fertilize your herbs once a month with a product labeled safe to use on edibles. Once you start to see new growth, you can begin to use your herbs for cooking. If you'd like to

green

garden

save some money and start your herbs from seed rather than buying seedlings, you will need to babysit your plants a bit more. Many planters are too large to start seeds in, so plant them in a peat pot ﬁrst. Fill the peat pot with planting mix and then place it in a small bowl of water until the peat pot completely absorbs the water from the bowl. Bury your seeds to a shallow depth (about 3 or 4 times the seed's diameter), planting a few types of the same seed in one pot. Cover the peat pot with a small plastic bag to simulate a mini greenhouse! Once the seeds have sprouted, you can transplant the entire peat pot into the larger planter. Place your pots in a sunny spot or underneath a grow light if your home doesn't receive enough natural sunlight. Space out your herbs so that they don't crowd each other and avoid putting your plants near a heating vent to avoid extreme temperature ﬂuctuations. Here are a few herbs that are particularly well suited for indoor growth: • Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Basil is simple to grow from seed but it needs bright light and warm temperatures. • Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): This member of the onion family is best used fresh. Chives like bright light and cool temperatures.

• Dill (Anethum graveolens): Choose a dwarf variety instead of the standard types that typically grow about 4 feet tall. You'll need to make successive plantings to ensure a continuous crop since dill doesn't grow back after harvesting. • Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): This is easy to grow from seed and its fresh fragrance can be enjoyed in salads and drinks. • Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum): This has a sharp, pungent flavor and can be grown from seed. • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary doesn't always germinate well from seed; grow it from cuttings or as a complete plant from the nursery. The soil needs to be well drained, but don't let it dry out completely. • Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Many varieties of thyme are available. Cover the seed only lightly with soil or not at all if you are starting your thyme from scratch. Keep the plants moist until they are flourishing. Article Source: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articl es.asp?id=1495

garden

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green ď&#x20AC; nger inspirations

send your garden inspirations to: jaynie@inspiresa.co.za

DIY Watering Can http://ajourneytoadream.blogspot.co.uk/2012/0 3/helpful-yet-simple-diy-for-spring.html

Succulent Ball

Rain Chain from pine cones http://burbsandthebees.blogspot.com/2009/06/ rain-chain.html

Old tins to plant herbs on the windowsill in the kitchen. http://lefrufrublog.blogspot.com/search?updatedmax=2011-06-

Use an old tyre as a plant hanger http://myhangingbaskets.com/hanging_planters.htm

Bottle fence or wall http://shakyard.com/2012/06/a-bottle-wall.html

http://lifeonthebalcony.com/review-of-succulentcontainer-gardens-by-debra-lee-baldwin/

Use an old mail box for garden tools

Make your own Topiary

Ribbon Organiser for seeds

http://www.bhg.com/crafts/nature/topiaries/mak e-your-own-topiary/

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/tools/gard en-shed-stoagesecrets/?socsrc=bhgpin060212&page=15

autumn gard tips and advice for the cooler season

Autumn is a great time to rejuvenate a garden for the new season and for next spring. The tips below are an autumn garden task list that will keep your garden ﬂourishing.

necessary. Aerate the lawn with a garden fork and scatter lime lightly over it. This sweetens the soil after many years of lawn food application. Rejuvenate tired lawns with an autumn feeding to ready them for the onset of cool winter weather.

• Autumn is the time to make new plants from cuttings. Take 10cm cuttings from hardwood herbs such as rosemary and bay or natives such as banksias, grevillea and coastal rosemary. Remove the lower leaves, dip cuttings into hormone powder and pot in small containers of premium potting mix. Keep just moist and shelter from strong wind and sun.

• Gather fallen leaves, grass clippings, kitchen scraps and shredded prunings, and layer them in a compost bin. Turn periodically with a garden fork to allow air to circulate and feed organisms, and decompose the organic matter quickly. Don't overload your compost with one particular ingredient – maintain a mix.

• Trim hedges before the onset of winter to keep them compact and bushy from ground level. • Check your lawn and make sure any weeds you sprayed last month are dying. Repeat the treatment if

• Earthworms are a sign your soil is fertile. When you add organic matter such as leaves and cow manure to your garden soil, you will attract earthworms, so there is no need to add more worms to your garden. The worms you've attracted with organic matter will add nutrients

dening

from their castings, and make tunnels. Check for borer damage on all deciduous trees, paying attention to the trunk at soil level. It's easier to check when trees are dormant and bare.

green

• Don't rush to prune spent seed heads. They provide a wealth of food for birds that visit the garden. • Autumn is rose season, and they look gorgeous at this time of year. Choose the ones you love and order them from your local nursery.

• Don't try to cultivate soil beneath large trees; you will only damage the roots. Make planting holes between the roots instead and insert small plants with tiny root systems that establish themselves readily. Bromeliads thrive under trees.

• If you have cymbidium orchids, they should be placed in full sunshine to encourage good ﬂower spikes during winter and spring.

• An old ladder makes a good support for climbing vines such as sweet peas. A splash of paint will give it extra impact in the garden or up against a wall.

• Divide evergreen perennials. Lift them from the soil, divide at the root and re-plant into well-conditioned soil.

• Transfer the leaves that fall on your garden and lawn to the compost bin on a regular basis, otherwise they will smother your plants and grass.

Article Source: http://www.homelife.com.au

DIY

computer house

keeping your work horse running like a well o

So you love your computer, and sometimes visit sites, that may be slightly suspicious. How do you take the necessary precautions to prevent nasty viruses from infecting your system?

There are three types of safety precautions to take when venturing into the scary online world.

What is malware and adware, and why, oh why, should we care?

Anti-virus software prevents, detects and removes malware, such as viruses, worms and Trojans. Most antivirus software will detect threats, protect e-mails from viruses, block viruses and/or spyware and will also scan downloads before they start. Numerous companies offer free anti-virus software for the home user - take advantage them! However, more advanced protection, comes at a price. Download what you need, for free, from these websites. After installing anti-virus software, ensure that it is always activated and regularly download updates – keep it current!

Firstly, when we surf the Internet, we can inadvertently click on an advertisement or a pop-up which activates a code or a script that gathers information about your Internet activities. Secondly, malicious hackers create viruses to infect as many computers as they can – just because they can. Discovering that your all computer's functions have ground to a staggering halt because it has been infected with some or other nasty and the only way to save her is a “total re-install” makes prevention better than a cure. Think about going on a date: you wouldn't invite a total stranger into your home, would you? (Okay, it would depend on many factors such as hotness and whether or not he can “ﬁx your computer”). Whether you like it or not, browsing the web “invites” strangers into your computer, so it's important to safeguard your computer.

Update and activate your anti-virus software

Why do you ALSO need anti-malware? Malware, is short for malicious (or malevolent) software used or created by attackers who want to disrupt your computer's operation and/or gather sensitive information (spy). Malware can appear without you being aware of it, in a range of guises e.g. code, scripts, active content, advertisements (adware) and other

geek

ekeeping

oiled machine...

software. As with anti-virus software, you can download free anti-malware for personal use from the following websites: Company Name Malware Bytes Microso Security Essen als Lava So Symantec Adware.Ezula Removal Tool Super An Spyware

Website Address h p://www.malwarebytes.org h p://www.microso .com/security/pc security/malware-removal.aspx h p://www.lavaso .com www.symantec.com

www.superan spyware.com

Getting rid of Adware or Spyware (Malware)

is a step by step process for cleansing your Here computer of adware and/or spyware once you have downloaded and installed your selected anti-spyware tools: 1. Disconnect the computer from the Internet by unplugging the network cable, disconnecting your 3G card and/or turning off the wireless access.

3. Restart your computer and re-scan it to ensure there are no remaining traces of the malware. 4. Then perform a full system scan using the malware tool. Most tools will detect any viruses, mal- or spyware and provide options for deleting them. 5. Because prevention is better than cure, make sure that the automatic scanning feature is on activated to ensure that malicious intruders will be detected immediately. A computer needs looking after in the same way as human beings do. Take care of it, and protect your data, and it will return the favour with countless hours of pain free browsing. Because almost anything is available online, if you're not sure about something, do a Google or Bing search and check the options available. Remember: if your computer is infected, disconnect your Internet access immediately and start scanning baby, start scanning! Article: Shana Kay - www.shanakay.com

2. Uninstall the program, through the Control Panel, removing the unwanted program.

geek

More than 6 million people in South Africa use Facebook

Twitter: the simplest social media platform

Join the Social Media Support Network (www.smsn.co.za) which educates, updates, supports and interacts with small business owners and marketers on the social media.

ď&#x20AC; ve elements for

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the power of p vision board inspirations

positive

inspired

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go go

gadgets

send your gadget “wish list” to: jaynie@inspiresa.co.za

Mobisante’s Ultrasound Device Works With A Smartphone http://www.ohgizmo.com/2011/10/12/mobisantesultrasound-device-works-with-a-smartphone/

50 Apps that make you more productive http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2395938,00.asp

The Bluetooth Shower Speaker Hammacher Schlemmer http://www.hammacher.com

Levitating Lamp by Crealev https://www.touchofmodern.com/?special=pin2 8&utm_source=Pinterest

LG announces super durable, ﬂexible e-paper display http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/lgﬂexible-e-paper-display-launch/

The phone ﬁnds your keys and your keys ﬁnd your phone.

17 Best Websites to Download Free eBooks http://www.livingfrugaltips.com/ﬁnance-andtech/17-best-websites-to-download-free-ebooks/

SmartMeasure http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/08/05/re ally-really-smart/

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Blue Tiki USB microphone http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/26/bluemicrophones-tiki-review/?a_dgi=aolshare_pinterest

things of interest...wherever, whatever, whoever Suitcases and Sunglasses

The Diva Network

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Donkey Sanctuary - McGregor

Edna Fourie Gallery

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Roy Reycraft - extraordinary metal artwork http://gardenartmcgregor.weebly.com/ind ex.html

The Wandering Trader http://www.facebook.com/WanderingTrader?ref =stream

Just Pure - Skin, Body, Beauty http://www.justpure.co.za/index.php

pinned send your things of interest to: jaynie@inspiresa.co.za

Melissa Shoes South Africa http://www.facebook.com/MelissaSouthAfrica?r ef=stream

Temenos Retreats - McGregor http://www.temenos.org.za/retreats.html

Spa Shop - Saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online store for Spa quality products http://www.thespashop.co.za/

Mo & Rose Wine Bistro & Guest House http://www.moandrose.co.za/en/discover-us

Hay House Daily Meditations http://www.facebook.com/HayHouseDailyMedit ations?ref=stream

Tanagra Wine & Guest farm http://www.tanagra-wines.co.za/index.html

giveaways

pinned

Compliments of www.hayhouse.co.za we have one copy of each of the following books to give away. send us an email with the book title in the subject line and your contact details in the body of the mail jaynie@inspiresa.co.za

WIN

All is Well - Mona Lisa Schulz, M.D., Ph.D., is a practicing neuropsychiatrist and an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont School of Medicine. She has been a medical intuitive for 25 years. Together with Louise Hay, she not only explores the medical science behind the afﬁrmations in Louise’s international bestseller You Can Heal Your Life, but also offers stories and practical advice for personal healing.

Activate your Godness - In 2011 Shari Arison was ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the World's Most Powerful Women, positioning her as a force for good in business and philanthropy. She was also ranked second on Forbes's list of the World's Greenest Billionaires. In 2010, she received the America-Israel Friendship League's Partners for Democracy Award in recognition of her contribution to advancing economic relations between the United States and Israel.

Being of Power Baron Baptiste is a dynamic and inﬂuential teacher, trainer, leader, and catalyst in the arena of spiritual, physical, and life transformation. He revolutionized the training methods of NFL players as a peak-performance specialist on the Philadelphia Eagles coaching staff, and has also taught many Hollywood celebrities. Baron is the creator is Power Yoga.

image: junkmail.co.za

Hot, Healthy, Happy In Hot, Healthy, Happy, psychologist and nutritional therapist Christy Fergusson shows how science can make you sexy. Christy is a Chartered Psychologist, Nutritional Therapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, who spent her teenage years struggling with health problems before gaining her PhD. This radical 21-day programme will help you eat, drink and think your way to self-love and skinny jeans. image: towncaptain.com

events

pinned

what’s happening out and about Knysna Literary Festival Join in this annual celebration of South African literary excellence featuring well-known local poets, authors and performers from both fiction and nonfiction genres. The festival takes place on 19-24 March 2013. The festival program will include face-to-face interviews and talks, intimate dinners and lively discussion groups with leading authors, and the screening of local films. For more information visit www.knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za image: everything.co.za

The New Rand Show Dates: Thursday 28 March - Monday 1 April 2013 Venue:Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg Exhibit Proﬁle: A ﬁve-day Shopping Showcase and Entertainment Event over the Easter Holiday period. http://www.randshow.co.za/

Cape Town Carnival When: Saturday, 16 March 2013 Where: Green Point The 4th annual Cape Town Carnival ignites the Mother City on Saturday 16 March 2013 at the Fan Walk, Somerset Road in Green Point. This is one of those special days in the Mother City that excites and unites the community with a spectacular celebration showcasing art, music and dance. http://www.sa-venues.com/events/westerncape/cape-town-carnival/

Franschhoek Oesfees When: Saturday, 23 March 2013 Where: Franschhoek The 6th annual 2013 Franschhoek Oesfees wine festival will take place on Saturday, March 23rd and promises to be a day of wonderful, traditional live Cape music, delicious Kaapsekos, and plenty of Vastrap to celebrate the end of the harvest with Franschhoek’s vineyard workers in foot stomping revelry at one of the most picturesque settings in the winelands - the Solms-Delta Wine Estate. http://www.sa-venues.com/events/westerncape/franschhoekoesfees/

movies

pinned

what to look forward to on the big screen The greatest strength of Sam Raimi’s uneven fantasy is its unabashed sincerity. http://www.timeout.com/us/ﬁlm/oz-the-greatand-powerful-movie-review

They were best friends once upon a time—but now, grown orphans Voichita (Cosmina Stratan) and Alina (Cristina Flutur) are on very different paths. http://www.timeout.com/us/ﬁlm/beyond-thehills-movie-review

beyond the hills

Oz the Great and Powerful A Geneva-based antiterrorist Bruno Forestier is tasked with assassinating a member of the National Liberation Front. As he prepares to carry out his grim task, Forestier ﬁnds himself drawn to Veronica Dreyer, a friend of a friend who may be involved with the enemy.

There’s always room for another adaptation of Matthew Lewis’s 1795 scandal-igniting ur-Gothic novel. http://www.timeout.com/us/ﬁlm/the-monkmovie-review

http://www.timeout.com/us/ﬁlm/le-petit-soldat-moviereview

The Monk

Le Petit Soldat

In most respects, Journey has followed the same path as many other arena-rock acts: Having hit big in the ’70s and ’80s, the group watched its future dim as internal strife made it hard to push forward, and listeners moved on to new sounds. http://www.timeout.com/us/ﬁlm/dont-

It’s a bad time for the Stoker family: Dad’s just died in a car accident, mom Evelyn (Nicole Kidman) is a bit of a basket case, and teenage India (Mia Wasikowska) is navigating both her allencompassing grief and burgeoning womanhood.http://www.timeout.com/us/ﬁlm

stop-believin-everymans-journey-movie-review

/stoker-movie-review

Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey Manly, sharp-edged submarine B movies don’t come along often anymore—so consider this Cold War off-white-knuckler a welcome blast of recycled air. http://www.timeout.com/us/ﬁlm/phantommovie-review

Phantom

Stoker

“I’m ready to believe,” skeptical suburban dad Josh Hamilton tells wife Keri Russell; rearranged belongings, sleepwalking spells and mass avian suicide have transformed him into a ﬂedgling Fox Mulder. http://www.timeout.com/us/ﬁlm/dark-skiesmovie-review

Dark Skies

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