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M A R C H /A P R I L 2 02 0

I T O A IC B EA

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RACHEL KOLISI IS A TRUE CHAMP!

CLEVER TIPS, BUYS & DÉCOR INSPO

She talks family, fame & how she and Siya keep it real

TUNE IN TO YOUR HORMONES & FEEL MORE IN CONTROL

SCAN HE TO WATC A BEHIND-TH SCENES VIDEO OF OUR COVER-STAR SHOOT

R

AT ONS

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Practical ways to reignite love

REAL VALUE. EVERYDAY. F O L L OW U S O N I N S TAG R A M @ P I C K N PAYC L O T H I N G

Knitwear R179.99 Denim R179.99 Boots R299.99 Hat R119.99

Prices correct at time of going to print.

Kimono R279.99

MARCH/APRIL 2020 GOOD HOME

Cosy up

10

21 Double up on Shower Curtains Make them the star of your bathroom!

22 Ask Vicki GH’s lifestyle expert shares her clever solutions, suggestions and smart buys for your home 26 Perennial Beauty Harness the power of flowers in your décor 32 Hop to it!

Easter décor and sweet treats 40 Guide to Caring for Kids Helpful hacks and advice regarding safety, cleaning and more 44 Buyer s Guide Toasters

el!

GOOD LOOKS

RACHEL WEARS: PYJAMAS R270 AND GOWN R320 (BOTH IN STORES MID-APRIL) AND SLIPPERS R99,99 (AVAILABLE NOW), ALL PICK N PAY CLOTHING.

COV E R S TO R I E S 10 Rachel Kolisi is a True Champ!

She talks family, fame & how she and Siya keep it real 32, 94 Fun & Fab Ideas for Easter Creative projects and sweet treats, plus great ideas for a Sunday spread 65 Win Two lucky people will win a romantic getaway for two 70 Tune in to your Hormones & Feel More in Control Arm yourself with these

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GH MARCH/APRIL 2020

helpful facts 80 Relationship Reboot Good advice to help you and your partner reconnect 113 Organise your Kitchen Today!

Great ideas for food prepping, cooking, storage and more FUN & FAB IDEAS FOR EASTER

PLUS A SUPEREASY (AND AFFORDABLE) SUNDAY LUNCH

ORGANISE YOUR KITCHEN TODAY! CLEVER TIPS, BUYS & DÉCOR INSPO

TUNE IN TO YOUR HORMONES & FEEL MORE IN CONTROL

RELAT ONSHIP REBOOT

Practical ways to reignite love

Win! RACHEL KOLISI IS A TRUE CHAMP!

She talks fam ly, fame & how she and Siya keep t real

Clothing Dress R250 (in stores from 15 March) and sneakers R230 (available now), both Pick n Pay Clothing Cover Photography Katinka Bester from Hero Creative Management

GOOD STUFF

6 The Good List Shoppable goodies for R280 and under 8 Hit List Pampering bedtime spoils 9 My Best Beauty Buys Anelisa Mangcu

COVER STAR

10 Rachel Kolisi: A Champion in her Own Right She chats to GH about love, life and raising four children with husband Siya

47 Haute Scents!

Fab fragrance finds 48 Inside the GH Beauty Room News, tricks and trends from GH’s beauty team and industry experts 50 Best New Season Hairstyles!

Pro tips and product picks 53 For your Mini Me Cool buys for tiny tots 54 Shop these Awesome Outfits Fashion tips and style advice

GOOD HEALTH

61 ‘Cherry’-bye Insomnia!

For a good night’s sleep, choose cherries 62 Newsflash Nutrition, health and fitness findings, plus must-read books 66 The Science of Addiction All you need to know about being hooked on something – and how to break free 70 Tune in to your Hormones Answers to some common questions

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FUN & FAB IDEAS FOR EASTER

PLUS A SUPEREASY (AND AFFORDABLE) SUNDAY LUNCH

THE ULTIMATE ROMANTIC BREAK

RACHEL KOLISI IS A TRUE CHAMP!

She talks family, fame & how she and Siya keep it real

E SCAN HE TO WATC A BEHIND TH SCENES VIDEO OF OUR COVER STAR SHOOT

ractical ways o reignite love

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GOOD FOOD

89 Sparkling Punch A delicious five-ingredient party drink 90 Easy Weeknights Yummy recipe inspiration 93 In the GH Kitchen Food hacks and buys 94 Sunday Lunch Fresh and tasty meal ideas 100 Teatime Treats Show-stopping cakes, loaves and more 106 Recipe File Tried-and-tested meals

BUMPER READ

113 101 Kitchen Smarts Fab ideas and products for the heart of your home

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Ed’s Letter 99 Stockists 124 Horoscopes 126 My Puzzles 128 #JustSaying

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65 Win one of two getaways for two to the Tintswalo Atlantic in Cape Town

EDITOR Sally Emery (sallye@assocmedia.co.za) LIFESTYLE EDITOR/DEPUTY EDITOR Vicki Sleet (vicki@assocmedia.co.za) ART EDITOR Fatiema Johnson (fatiema@assocmedia.co.za) LEAD MANAGING EDITOR Masechaba Mkefa-Hausen SENIOR EDITOR/CHIEF COPY EDITOR Paula Hepburn-Brown ONLINE EDITOR Annzra Denita CONTENT PRODUCER Tegan Mouton

LATIONSHIP REBOOT

DIGITAL

75 Phones in Public An etiquette expert weighs in 76 Lessons in Happiness from Around the World Global contentment hacks for you to try 80 How to Save a Relationship in Eight Dates It’s all about having meaningful conversations 82 Your Pets Smart advice, wise buys 83 Parenting How to raise kids who care, plus good reads 84 How she does it Rushda Moosajee’s lifestyle brand 85 Your Weekend Where to eat and stay, plus must-watch new cooking shows 86 Your Bookshelf Add these to your reading list 87 Motoring Compact 1,0ℓ SUVs and the Emerald Speed Fest

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Cover Photography: Katinka Bester from Hero Creative Management. Photographer’s Assistant: Stephanie de Jager. Fashion Director: Cleo Marcopoulos. Fashion Editor: Clare Robertson. Intern: Maria Small-Smith. Hair: Midgley Howe from Howe Hair. Makeup: Roxanne Sayers

GOOD LIFE

HOW TO use the Facebook QR scanner

Here’s how to scan the QR codes you see in the magazine: 1 Open Facebook on your smartphone.

2 Type ‘QR code’ in the search bar.

3 Click on ‘QR code’ and the scanner will appear. Now hold your phone over the QR-code block in the magazine.

4 There you go! You should now be heading to the website or social channels where you can buy the scanned item, or learn more.

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REPRODUCTION Reproduction by Associated Media Repro. Good Housekeeping magazine is published and distributed monthly by Associated Hearst (Pty) Ltd, 8th Floor, 80 Strand Street, Cape Town 8001, by permission of Hearst Communications Inc, New York, United States of America.

If you cannot find a copy in store, please send an e-mail to info@assocmedia.co.za.

FASHION DIRECTOR Cleo Marcopoulos (cleo@assocmedia.co.za) FASHION EDITOR Clare Robertson STYLE ASSISTANT Amber Barker SENIOR BEAUTY EDITOR Zipho Ntloko BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE WRITER Helen Wallace GROUP ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR Carmen Clegg (carmen@assocmedia.co.za) KEY ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR Fazila Bismilla (fazila@assocmedia.co.za) GROUP AD CONTROL MANAGER Shantel Peskin AD CONTROLLER Marwiya James HEARST MAGAZINES INTERNATIONAL SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL MANAGER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR ASIA AND RUSSIA Simon Horne SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL AND BRAND DIRECTOR Kim St Clair Bodden DEPUTY BRANDS DIRECTOR Chloe O’Brien EDITORS IN CHIEF, INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS KAZAKHSTAN Valeriya Khudaibergenova RUSSIA Natalia Rodikova UNITED KINGDOM Michelle Hather UNITED STATES Jane Francisco

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I’ve always been full of admiration for Rachel Kolisi. Anyone who, at the age of 24, raises their hand to be mom to a 12-year-old and six-year-old, along with her own newborn, has to be special.

Fast-forward six years and Rachel is now 30 and the mother of four – Nicholas and Keziah (her children with her husband Siya), plus Siya’s half-brother and half-sister, Liyema and Liphelo. She runs her own fitness and wellness brand, spearheads various community projects and is wife and motivator to everyone’s favourite Springbok. Rachel’s life is full to the brim.

I loved meeting and talking to Rachel and listening to her story during our cover shoot. She was frank and open – and shared details about her childhood and upbringing that helped shape her into the woman she is today.

But despite all the glamour that has been added to her and Siya’s life since SA’s magical World Cup win, Rachel is, at the heart of it, a mom who knows the drama of trying to get a two-year-old up and ready for playschool in the morning, the daily ‘What’s for supper?’ grind, surviving on too little sleep and managing a flight with young kids. Rachel’s ability to keep it really real is perhaps her most charming trait.

That, and both her and Siya’s genuine commitment to making SA a better place.

As parents of a premature baby, Siya and www.facebook.com/ GoodHousekeepingSA

twitter.com/ GoodHouseSA

Rachel do as much as they can to support the Newborns Groote Schuur Trust, an organisation set up to increase survival rates among premature and newborn babies. To show our support, R1 from the sale of every issue of this magazine at Pick n Pay will be donated to the Trust. You can find out more on page 18 – plus take a peek at the adorable video we created with Rachel and other awesome moms in collaboration with PnP to help raise awareness about the Trust.

Rachel’s story is part of the mix of this issue’s good stuff: we’ve got such fab ideas for a creative Easter; lessons on happiness from around the world; smart ways to manage your hormones; the most delicious teatime bakes, plus 101 really savvy ideas to turn your kitchen – the heart of your home – into a fab and functional hub.

Enjoy it all – especially the Hot Cross Bun Loaf on page 101 ;)

A friend gave me a set of these French tumblers. Thanks to the manufacturing process they are almost three times as strong as regular glass, which makes them perfect for sundowners and picnics – because who wants to drink out of plastic?!

R399 for six, Yuppiechef.com

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I’ve got such a thing for dish towels.

The range at Poetry is so gorgeous, I’m tempted to frame mine. R99, Poetry

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Sally Emery,

Aren’t we lucky to live in a country wit e most incredible nature parks and reserves?

We use our SanParks Wild Card all the time!

It gets you free entry to and discounts at more than 80 incredible destinations across SA. Pick a package that suits your family.

The All Parks Cluster is priced from R685. (You’ll earn your money back in savings in a flash!)

EDITOR

sallye@assocmedia.co.za FOLLOW ME @sallyemery_gh

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FYI!

At Good Housekeeping , we understand that managing life and finances can be challenging. That’s why we have teamed up with RCS, a personal-finance company that has been offering a range of credit solutions to South African consumers for more than 20 years. Owned by BNP Paribas, one of the largest banks in the world, RCS believes in the importance of financial wellness and education, so for the next couple of months our issues will be full of clever tips on how you can become more financially savvy. RCS offers a range of personal-finance products that can help you to achieve your goals responsibly, aligning with the company’s ethos of ‘let’s make it possible’.

4

GH MARCH/APRIL 2020

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RCS is a registered credit and authorised FSP. NCRCP38/FSP44481

Photography: Katinka Bester from Hero Creative Management, supplied.

Prices correct at time of going to press

ED’S LETTER

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GO ON, SPOIL YOURSELF WITH OUR LIST OF FAB FINDS, GORGEOUS GIFTS AND PRETTY PICKS

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list

Who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a box of handcrafted flavoured nougats from Ma Mère Confections?

SPOT OF SUNSHINE Add some order to your bag, home or office with a new pouch. We love the zesty choices from Zana.

G O & G R OW Need to get some green in your life? Head to MRP Home for a planter and make a mini succulent garden.

CHARGE IT! Tired of teens stealing your phone charger cable? Invest in a couple of colour-coded cables – one for each member of the family. We found this Tuff-Luv one at Takealot.

STOCKISTS ON PAGE 99

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MONKEY BUSINESS We love the new Preppy Primate design from Macaroon – so jungle-icious!

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If CBD is on your radar then you need to try this refreshing fruit-flavoured sparkling water available at Yuppiechef.com. We love it!

M I R R O R I M AG E A hanging mirror brings an instant spot of style to a bathroom or entrance hall. Find this one at Woolies.

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Photography: Supplied. Compiled by Vicki Sleet.

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These marble and brass coasters from Poetry finish off a smart table setting perfectly.

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These planet-friendly shampoo bars from Zero Bar are crammed with natural ingredients and scents to keep your hair looking and smelling glorious!

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PRETTY PEELERS Turn an everyday chore into an act of love with a classic French Opinel peeler from Yuppiechef.com. G H

HOW TO SHOP: 1. OPEN FACEBOOK ON YOUR SMARTPHONE. 2. TYPE ‘QR CODE’ IN THE SEARCH BAR AND SELECT THE RESULT THAT SAYS ‘QR CODE’. 3. SCAN AND SHOP! MARCH/APRIL 2020 GH

7

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beauty ATOMICALS CRUISIN’ R A SNOOZIN’ SLEEP BALM (R149)

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ounting sheep t doing the jo pply some of th ming balm to yo emples and pulse points and you’ll be in dreamland in no time.

The essential-oil blend in this restorative bubble bath relaxes the senses, while the Epsom salts help to sooth ired, aching m DERMALOGICA SOUND SLEEP COCOON TRANSFORMATIVE NIGHT GEL-CREAM (R1 399)

EHL’S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY ENTRATE (R850)

s elixir of icals and l oils has d cult cause o your your nse at ith w.

This innovative gel-cream contains a cocktail of ingredients to optimise night-time skin recovery and cent that promotes od night’s sleep.

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TANE AROMACHOLOGIE XING MASSAGE BODY OIL (R525)

our bathroom into and give your body enses a treat with assage oil, which is d with lavender to e and pamper. G H

W TO SLEEP PRAY (R385

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Photography: Supplied. Compiled by Helen Wallace. Prices correct at time of going to press

I

beauty blogger

GOOD STUFF

SCAN THIS CODE TO SHOP THE PRODUCTS ON THIS PAGE

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CHANEL GENTLE BIPHASE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER (R535) ‘I love a good face beat, and like to draw attention to my eyes. I try to avoid makeup wipes and use this gentle yet powerful remover instead.’

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HAIR BY SISI SLEEK EDGES (R350) ‘To make sure that my hair looks on point every day, I use this edge tamer to keep my edges laid.’

ANELISA MANGCU:

6.

Photography: Ramaanda Mutshekwa, supplied. Compiled by Helen Wallace. Prices correct at time of going to press

Face Mask

KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL OVERNIGHT HYDRATING MASQUE (R550) ‘This gem replenishes my skin’s water reserves for long-lasting hydration and gives it a healthy glow.’

Creat ive ent repreneu r a nd i n f luencer A nel isa Ma ngcu sha res t he beaut y product s she uses da i ly to keep her sk i n a nd ha i r f lawless ‘CONSISTENCY IS KEY. You can have all the expensive products in the world, but without discipline you won’t see the changes you’re looking for.’

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NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST GEL-CREAM (R129,95) ‘Because of my oily skin I can’t apply anything too creamy.

This gel-cream hybrid has a lightweight texture and has restored my skin’s bounce.’

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EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER OIL CONTROL CLEANSING GEL (R149,99) ‘I have oily skin and this face wash removes excess oil, bacteria and dirt as well as makeup, leaving my skin feeling clean and supple.’

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CANTU SHEA BUTTER LEAVE-IN CONDITIONING REPAIR CREAM (R139,99) ‘I use this daily to condition my hair and revive my natural curl pattern. Thanks to its nourishing shea butter, the cream moisturises and cares for my dry hair.’

GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER (R89) ‘I use this a lot when I travel. I also use it if I feel my skin has been exposed to dust or dirt, or sometimes just to cool down.’

MARCH/APRIL 2020 GH

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2012

A YOUNG RACHEL AT HER HOME IN GRAHAMSTOWN

SIYA AND RACHEL AT A FAMILY BRAAI BEFORE THEY STARTED DATING

2019

IT SAYS A LOT ABOUT RACHEL that she spent her 30th birthday plotting her goals for the year ahead. As a woman whose world has changed dramatically since Siya raised the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan in November – igniting joy and unity throughout SA – it is important that she remains focused on the things that matter to her. Like ensuring she is able to bring meaningful change to South Africans in need.

When she was a teenager, Rachel spent two weeks volunteering at an orphanage in Cape Town, laying the foundation for her love of trying to help those less fortunate than herself. Her goal is to complete six community projects this year, starting with rounding up donations for a school outside Cape Town.

I met with Rachel three days after her 30th birthday – and the day before her planned birthday bash the next night.

And how was she going to celebrate?

If you’re thinking a glam celebrity-style affair, you’d be very wrong. First she was starting with an hour’s jumping session with friends at a trampoline park, followed by a games evening.

And with 24 hours to go before her party, she still didn’t know what she was going to wear. But then this is someone who, being

1997

Rachel Kolisi is bold, authentic – and extremely likable. At 30, she is a m o t h e r o f fo u r, h a s h e r ow n b u s i n e s s a n d i s c o m m i t t e d t o m a k i n g S o u t h A f r i c a a b e t t e r p l a c e . G H e d i t o r S A L LY E M E R Y s a t d ow n w i t h her to f ind out more about the real Rachel – the woman who often f inds herself at the centre of social-media storms for being outspoken, a n d t h e w i f e o f o n e o f S A’ s m o s t - l o v e d s p o r t s m e n , S i y a K o l i s i

THE RUGBY WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS TOUR 2019 IN CAPE TOWN

cash-strapped, got her sister to sew her a matric-dance dress out of black rubbish bags. ‘And it was really beautiful,’ she assures me.

As a mom of four – to Siya’s halfbrother Liyema, 18, and half-sister Liphelo, 12, as well as her and Siya’s kids, Nicholas, 5, and Keziah, 2 – Rachel simply doesn’t have time for pretences.

And although her life might seem golden now, as half of Brand Kolisi, Rachel has known her own struggles, which have shaped her into the self-assured, outspoken woman she is today. She talks about her past, her relationship and the importance of keeping it real.

SO, WHO WAS RACHEL BEFORE SHE WAS ‘RACHEL KOLISI’?

‘She was Rachel Smith! I was a smalltown girl; I grew up in Grahamstown [Makhanda] and I went to Victoria Girls’ High School. I loved horses. After school I grew up really quickly. I moved to Somerset West and worked five jobs, bartending, handing out flyers … anything I could do to earn money. I was never afraid of hard, hands-on practical work. I then got a job as a receptionist at a marketing company in Cape Town, and within a year I was managing the office. That’s what I was doing when Siya and I met.’

RACHEL WEARS: LONG-SLEEVED TOP R180 (IN STORES FROM 5 MARCH), KIMONO R280 (IN STORES FROM 15 MARCH), JEANS R250 (IN STORES NOW) AND BOOTS R350 (IN STORES FROM 15 MARCH), ALL PICK N PAY CLOTHING.

‘When it comes to style, I think it is all about feeling authentically you. I’m all about comfort.’

SCAN IT

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SCAN HERE TO WATCH RACHEL PACK FOR A ROMANTIC BREAK

‘I’m terrible at doing makeup, so I use a tinted SPF. That’s the only thing I use on my skin.’

YOUR TOP 5 ORGANISING TIPS?

Pack school lunchboxes the night before.

Mentally 2 prepare for homework time.

Leave 10 3 minutes earlier for everything.

Leave time 4 for tantrums.

Bulk shopping 5 is the way to go!

1

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(

) I

YOUR CHILDHOOD WASN’T EASY, THOUGH...

‘I wasn’t breathing when I was born, and I always struggled with health issues when I was growing up. And then, when I was nine years old and in Grade 3, we went on a school outing to Addo Elephant National Park, and on the way back the bus overturned and one of my friends died and my best friend was seriously injured.

As a nine-year-old child it’s a traumatic thing to deal with because you don’t understand the full concept of death.

‘When I was about 14 or 15 my parents got divorced – and I really struggled with that. My mom left me and my two younger sisters and brother with my dad and went to live in Port Elizabeth. My older sister left with my mom as well, which sort of left me in charge of the other three. My father, who was a lecturer at Rhodes University, would often have to travel for lengthy periods and we would have virtual strangers staying with us. It was really tough for my dad too.

He went from having a whole family to raising four kids by himself. He was busy and he didn’t have time to be 100% on top of what everyone was going through – and he had to support all of us financially. For me it was a very emotionally confusing time – especially for a teenager.’

HOW DID THAT AFFECT YOU? ‘I found myself in a dump – and I didn’t know how to get out of it. I had a bad group of friends and I just felt there was no way forward – and I started selfharming by cutting myself. I remember feeling so alone, like no-one cared, that no-one wanted me. And that’s when I tried to commit suicide and woke up the next day in hospital….

‘Shortly after that my aunt organised for me to volunteer at an orphanage in Cape Town. There was a girl there who was the same age as me – 15. She had been gang-raped by 15 men, she had watched her mother get burnt alive and her father was never around. But she still managed to smile. That really opened my eyes and put everything into perspective for me.

I took a step back from everything and thought, “I need to get out of this hole – this dump I am in.” Being offered that perspective was my ladder out. I think that experience was the foundation of my love for helping the less fortunate.

And I’ve never let that go. Anytime I feel

sorrowful I just think about somebody else who has it worse and I just remind myself how blessed I am and how lucky I am to have all the things that I do.’

YOU MET SIYA AT A DINNER PARTY WHEN YOU WERE 21 AND WERE FRIENDS FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE YOU STARTED DATING. WHAT WAS THE CONNECTION? WHAT DID YOU SEE IN HIM THAT TOOK HIM FROM FRIEND TO LIFE PARTNER? ‘Anyone who spends a moment in Siya’s presence will gain something. He’s such an influential person in the way that he thinks and the way that he speaks – he sees things differently. Sometimes I’ll just be having a general conversation with him and I think, “I can’t believe I get to spend all my time in the presence of this human being!” Every time I was out with Siya when we were just friends, if someone on the street asked him for help he would go out of his way to help them, to go and find them something to eat or give them money. He would never just ignore them. Some of the guys I’d been out with before were often so rude to the people who would, for example, come to their car window to ask for money or food.

That was a total turn-off for me; a dealbreaker. With Siya it was different, and I was, like, “Hmm … this is very attractive….”

‘And also learning more about where Siya came from and the way he approached life and took his opportunities – all of that attracted me so much to him. So it really just grew into a deeper friendship and then a relationship. I remember a few months into our relationship I got almost nervous.

It took me a long time to allow myself to love someone. When I realised “I really care about him – I mean really, really, really care about him” – I thought, “I need to ensure I have him in my life, always.”

Whether that was as a friend, or a kind of brother – I just thought I have to know him my whole life. I’m so glad God had it in His plan that he was my husband, because I couldn’t do without him.’

YOUR FAITH IS OBVIOUSLY IMPORTANT TO YOU AND SIYA. HAVE YOU BOTH ALWAYS BEEN COMMITTED CHRISTIANS? ‘I was raised a Christian, but I was very hurt by other Christians and the church during my parents’ divorce and I stepped away from my faith for a long time. You

know, Siya and I weren’t married when we conceived our son. I was young and at the peak of my career and he was just starting out his professional rugby career.

It was a difficult situation that we were trying to navigate. We decided we needed to find a foundation for our relationship and sought out good people who could hold us accountable for our actions. We really just dived into the church and through that our relationship with the Lord and everything that came from that has just been so blessed – it’s been an absolute game-changer.

‘But I’m still human. I have my moments … I maybe don’t say the right thing or do the right thing, or I don’t act in the right way.

But you know we all make mistakes and thank goodness God makes room for that.’

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BIBLE VERSE? ‘1 Corinthians 13: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.’

WOULD YOU SAY YOU AND SIYA ARE EACH OTHER’S PORTS IN A STORM? ‘Absolutely, without a doubt. Yes, I brought a lot of calmness to Siya’s crazy. He was caught up in this world with a lot of money and a lot of the crazy stuff that sportsmen get up to. And I was not about the money, not about the crazy – I was interested in him, Siya. When I met Siya my life was extremely comfortable, and I was very set on following my career. Yes, you can get through this life as a tough fighter woman – and that is very much who I was – but it is a challenge to have someone come to you and say, “No, you have to be nicer to people, you have to be kinder,” when you’re used to fighting in everything you do. To be challenged like that by Siya has brought me to a much better place.’

AT 24 YOU HAD YOUR FIRST CHILD AND YOU AND SIYA, WHO WAS JUST 23, TOOK IN LIYEMA AND LIPHELO, WHO HAD BEEN IN FOSTER CARE IN PE AFTER THEIR MOM DIED. (SIYA, LIYEMA AND LIPHELO HAVE THE SAME MOM, BUT SIYA HAS A DIFFERENT FATHER FROM HIS SIBLINGS.) THAT IS SUCH A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOMEONE SO YOUNG. HOW DID YOU MANAGE?

‘We were young and it made sense to us, thank the Lord. We thought, “These are Siya’s siblings, he has never had a relationship with them, he wants them ... of course they are going to come and live with us.” Where else would they go? And it still makes sense. Nicholas was born in September 2014, and Liyema and Liphelo joined our family in December. Soon after, we were on holiday in Knysna, and I remember sitting and thinking, “Well, we’ve just got to do this, one day at a time.” And we just figured it out. It was crazy in the sense that I kept saying to myself, “I was just covering my own books for school and now I’m covering my own kids’ books!” Yes, it was crazy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.’

DO YOU HAVE HELP AT HOME? ‘Yes, I have a helper at home during the

‘One of my treats has always been to exercise, but at that stage I simply felt like I didn’t have time. I met Tam and we started training together. She was also going through a lot of personal stuff and we set off together on this fitness and health – but more heart and soul – journey. I did it for myself and the sake of our children and family. A lot of women who followed me on social media wanted to know how I managed to train, where I got the motivation – and how I was doing this on virtually no sleep! So we did an e-book, then launched a manual, which helps with goal setting, nurturing yourself and spreading love. And Rise was born. It is all very practical. Plus it’s a community – we do events all over South Africa.’

IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS PARENTS TO RAISE GOOD MEN. HOW DO YOU DO THIS IN YOUR HOME WITH YOUR SONS? ‘It comes down to the smallest of things.

It’s about being super-mindful and respectful of women and girls in every single way when they interact with them.

They’ve got to look at them, they’ve got to listen, they’ve got to speak to them respectfully. And also, more importantly, it’s not just me telling them that, but also Siya – to hear from another man how you treat a woman.’

YOUR CHILDREN HAVE GRANDPARENTS WHO COME FROM SUCH DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS...

‘So completely different. Siya’s dad is still in the township in PE, my dad is retired

‘Sometimes I even go to really fancy functions in takkies. That’s because that’s me and I’m comfortable with that. Who said I have to wear heels?!’ day. But doing the school and activity pickups is a challenge. Siya and I share it, but it takes a lot of organisation and planning.’

WHAT TOOLS DO YOU USE TO STAY ORGANISED? ‘I use my phone calendar. Siya is useless at using a calendar – it’s my pet hate! So I do a lot of organising for Siya, all of our personal stuff, all of the kids’ stuff … at the moment it’s very overwhelming.’

LAST YEAR YOU AND YOUR PARTNER, TAMMY RAWSTRON, SET UP RISE (RISEWOMEN.ORG.ZA) – A HEALTH AND WELLNESS ORGANISATION THAT MOTIVATES WOMEN TO ATTAIN THEIR GOALS. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT? ‘A few months after my second child’s birth I was in a very bad space and I was struggling so much. Siya was travelling a lot, I had three kids plus a newborn and everything was very difficult. I think one of the things with my mom was that she never took time for herself. She just poured so much into us and my dad and the household and I think that was one of the things she missed – herself.

It is something I have always tried to be focused on – coming back and doing things for me, so that I don’t get myself into the same situation as her.

WHAT IS IT THAT INSPIRES YOU THE MOST ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN? ‘Oh my gosh, we’re the best human beings in the whole world! South African women are so unique, so driven, so courageous, so bold. Some of us might lose our way, but there will always be someone who will come and help you, which is essentially what Rise is about. Just think about Zozi [Zozibini Tunzi] – our Miss Universe – and the voice that she has given to women. I’m so grateful to have met and become good friends with so many influential South African women in the past couple of years – because it is power.’

now and currently living with us, and my mom is in New Zealand…. To me it is such a blessing that my children are exposed to so many different cultures and environments and situations. It’s really beautiful – not many kids get the opportunity to live across cultures.

I consider myself very privileged that I get to be exposed to so much. I was even at Siya’s umgidi when he came out of the bush. Not everyone gets to experience that, especially with the person they are going to marry one day.

And yes, both Liyema and Nicholas will go to the bush – it’s their culture and their foundation.’

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU PASS ON TO YOUR DAUGHTERS AND SONS ABOUT LOVING THEMSELVES AND ACCEPTING THEMSELVES? ‘Liphelo is 12 years old and she is coming to that age now where her body is changing. I remember my thighs getting bigger when I was that age and thinking, “Oh my gosh, I can’t go to the beach with these thighs – they’re disgusting.” I’m extremely careful about the words I use when I speak to them about their bodies, how they look and how they present themselves. It’s never about being skinny.

It’s about being strong, fit and healthy.’

BEING AN INTERRACIAL COUPLE AND FAMILY, I IMAGINE YOU ARE EXPOSED TO THE BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORST OF SOUTH AFRICA. WHAT ARE THE BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS, AND THE NEGATIVE ONES? ‘We don’t focus on the negative moments – especially when it comes to people commenting about our relationship and their opinion about a black person and a white person being together. I don’t have time. Instead we soak up the positive stuff and try to feed it back to people as much as possible. I get at least three people a day, both women and

men, saying they are in love with a white woman or a black man and they don’t know how to deal with their family, and how did I manage it?’

DID IT FEEL LIKE SOMETHING YOU HAD TO MANAGE? ‘No. My parents loved Siya right from the beginning. Only my grandfather struggled with it initially, but after he met Siya he literally cut out every newspaper article about Siya and kept it next to his bed. And Siya’s family were extremely welcoming from the get-go. So it was more about going out on dates and strangers looking at us funny.’

WHAT ARE THE PARENTING RULES YOU TRY TO LIVE BY?

RACHEL WEARS: SPORTS BRA R170 (IN STORES NOW), JACKET R220 AND LEGGINGS R170 (BOTH IN STORES FROM 1 MARCH) AND TRAINERS R180 (AVAILABLE NOW), ALL PICK N PAY CLOTHING.

Being patient!

Positive reinforcement.

Trying to highlight the good things they’re doing.

Listening. It’s so important to stop and listen to your child.

Encouraging problemsolving. Helping them find solutions when things don’t go as planned.

YOU AND SIYA RECENTLY DECIDED TO STOP SHOWING YOUR KIDS’ FACES IN THE MEDIA. WHY? ‘I went through a media storm about a year ago and a lot of the images the media was using to explain the situation were images with my kids taken from my social media. And that just threw me off completely. And then if my kids had been featured in a magazine the friends would bring the magazine to school and say, “Wow, you’re so famous!” And for kids it is very hard to process. For example, when Nick was out with one of our friends, or one of his friends, he’d get stopped for photos – and he is five years old! So then I thought no, I shouldn’t expect my kids to have to say no to adults – really, adults should know it’s inappropriate. So we just decided it’s better this way. And also there’s the safety risk attached to exposing them.’

AND I GUESS WITH YOUR OLDER KIDS, THEY’RE ON SOCIAL MEDIA NOW AS WELL...

‘Yes, Liyema – who is at boarding school at Siya’s old school in PE – is. Our kids aren’t allowed phones until they’re 13 and definitely aren’t allowed on social media until they’re 16. So Liyema is on social media and he saw a lot of what was going on and that was very hard for a young guy at school.’

YOU’RE A SELF-ASSURED WOMAN, YOU HAVE SELF-BELIEF ... YOU OBVIOUSLY FIND YOURSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF THESE SOCIAL-MEDIA STORMS. HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT TAKING YOURSELF OFF SOCIAL MEDIA? I KNOW THAT YOU SOMETIMES DO...

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SCAN HERE TO WATCH A BEHIND-THESCENES VIDEO OF OUR SHOOT WITH RACHEL

RACHEL WEARS: BODYSUIT R120 (IN STORES FROM 15 APRIL), JACKET R350 (IN STORES FROM 28 APRIL) AND JEANS R280 AND SNEAKERS R230 (BOTH AVAILABLE NOW), ALL PICK N PAY CLOTHING.

PHOTOGRAPHY KATINKA BESTER FROM HERO CREATIVE MANAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT STEPHANIE DE JAGER FASHION DIRECTOR CLEO MARCOPOULOS FASHION EDITOR CLARE ROBERTSON INTERN MARIA SMALL-SMITH HAIR MIDGLEY HOWE FROM HOWE HAIR MAKEUP ROXANNE SAYERS PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS STOCKISTS ON PAGE 99

‘During the last storm, Instagram actually deleted my account off social media – everyone was reporting that it was me.

I didn’t remove myself. I never felt bad about anything I’d said. I won’t take myself off social media because the work that I am doing through social media does so much more good than the people being negative towards me. Taking myself off Twitter – yes, that was a great decision. It’s become a very negative platform. But there is so much good I can do through my social-media platforms.’

WE ALL HAVE OUR MEMORIES OF THE WORLD CUP. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY FROM THAT TIME? ‘After the games, back in our room and going through it all with Siya. Replaying all the moments – like laughing about the one game when I got caught on the screen vloeking [swearing at] the ref – he made a terrible call! We’d be saying things like, “I can’t believe you just won the semifinals!” “I can’t believe we’re going to the finals!” It was awesome.’

It’s also changed in that we are now working with Roc Nation, which is a global entertainment company founded

by Jay-Z, and that has opened up so many doors as well. And, because it is finally official, I can tell you that we have just signed an agreement with Roc Nation for a documentary on Siya and me! We have told Roc Nation that our numberone priority with the documentary is to empower as many South Africans as possible – producers, directors, film crew ... we want them all to be local so that they can have as much exposure as possible. So yes, so many doors have opened, but we don’t take a step in any direction without thinking about South Africa and how we can help build it. We are 100% all about South Africa – that is why Siya has stayed in South Africa and not gone to play overseas. Because we believe in South Africa and the work we have got to do here.’

SO WITH THESE CHANGES, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE AS A MOM AND WIFE? ‘Just going to a restaurant or anywhere with our kids can be really challenging.

Sometimes it can be a mob of up to 30 people. I get a bit anxious.’

WAS THERE A MOMENT LAST YEAR WHEN YOU THOUGHT, ‘THIS IS WHEN IT ALL CHANGES’? DO YOU FEEL THAT THE WORLD CUP REALLY WAS A TURNING POINT FOR YOU? ‘You know when that moment was for me? It was at the beginning of last year, when I was planning our calendar for the year. I actually wrote in my calendar at home on the date of the World Cup final: “Springboks vs…” and left it blank. I knew we were going to be in the finals. Even with Rise, I told Tam, we are going to win the final, there will be the bus tour and so we mustn’t plan any events for that time.

So, yes, I planned my whole calendar around that win!’

SO HOW HAVE YOUR LIVES CHANGED? ‘Our lives have changed significantly, but we try not to let it change us as people. Our environment has changed, people are acting very strange…. Which is understandable – people are excited!

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN THAT FAMILY CONNECTION, WITH SIYA BEING AWAY FOR THREE TO FOUR MONTHS EACH YEAR – AND SIX MONTHS LAST YEAR? ‘When Siya is home we always prioritise spending time together as a family. I’m not good at planning going away, but Siya makes it a priority to organise family trips.

It’s about prioritising the time that we do have together and using it really well. Siya’s very good in that he will be exhausted after a day of training, but he’ll still make sure he has at least 10 minutes with each child to make sure they know they’re a priority.’

AND DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY RITUALS? ‘Church on Sunday, then we’ll have a roast at home or a braai – Siya loves a braai.

We love entertaining and catching up with our people.’

I THINK YOU HAVE THIS INCREDIBLE GIFT OF KEEPING IT REAL. LIKE YOUR POST WHEN YOU WERE IN JAPAN SHOWING YOU FEEDING YOUR CHILD ON THE STATION FLOOR ... ALL THOSE VERY RELATABLE SITUATIONS FOR

Photography: Gallo Images/Getty Images, supplied. Prices correct at time of going to press

MOTHERS OUT THERE. HOW DO YOU DO THAT WHEN YOUR WORLD HAS CHANGED SO MUCH? ‘I tried the “glam thing” for a while when I was first on social media. Then I thought, “Hey, that’s not me, so basically I’m going to be showing people a lie.” And I didn’t want people to meet me and think, “Oh, she doesn’t look that way!” If anything I’d much rather they met me and thought, “Oh, you’re much better in real life!”

‘I want women to look at me and my posts and think, “Yup, oh yes – we know the struggle” or “Yes, that’s life!” I want them to relate because that’s what life’s realities are.

‘Also there’s a huge stigma around being married to a professional sportsman.

People automatically assume you’re a gold-digger, you are achieving nothing in life, you’re just a sponge, you just go shopping all day and hang out with your friends and go and get your nails done. So I want people to see and to realise – especially my younger followers – that this is actually what it looks like.

You have women posting in these gowns with their beautiful babies and there’s no vomit…. I think, “Well done, it’s a stunning picture, you’ve put a lot of effort in – but that is not what motherhood looks like.”’

WHAT IS YOUR HELL HOUR AT HOME? ‘It’s becoming the mornings. Kezi used to be at home, which was a little more chilled, but now she is going to school, so that adds a whole two-year-old drama to the morning! She’s really feisty. And just this morning Nick peed in our bed – so then I had to change the linen too…. The mornings are a real process! And then the evenings … homework! Argh – it makes me feel like I was never even in school – like what do I even know in life! It’s crazy.’

HOW DO YOU AND SIYA KEEP THE ROMANCE ALIVE WITH FOUR KIDS? ‘Siya’s really good at date night. I’ll say no, I feel so bad because I haven’t seen the kids – and he’s like, no, we’re going!’

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE? ‘A lot of my friends are from church. I call them my table – they all hold me very accountable to the person I am and how I do things. And I do the same to them as well. Even if I post something they’ll say, “Listen, I think that was a little bit out of

line.” And I gladly take any advice from them because I trust them.’

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN STARSTRUCK? ‘I’m never starstruck because I don’t place people on pedestals. Over the last couple of months I’ve met so many influential people, but more and more you realise people are just people at the end of the day. We all deal with bad things. We all deal with good things. We all go to the toilet! We met Gerard Butler recently and have become quite good friends with him and his partner – and I’ll be meeting Roger Federer! If I met Ciara or Ayesha Curry – I’m obsessed with her – then I might be a bit starstruck. I guess it happened with Anele Mdoda. I’m a huge fan, and we were guests on her show. That was awkward – I had to keep it together!’

DO YOUR KIDS DO CHORES AT HOME? ‘Oh my goodness – absolutely! Sometimes they have to pick up the dog pooh, wash the dog, wash the cars, vacuum, clean the bathrooms, do the dishes….’

DO THEY GET POCKET MONEY? ‘Yes. It’s quite hard because I remember when I was growing up we got R5 cash a week. But now because a lot of money stuff is done online we’re trying to teach the kids how that works. So the older two get their money in their bank accounts and the younger two have money-box day on Wednesdays at school, so that’s when they get their money.’

AND WHO DOES MOST OF THE COOKING AT HOME? WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO FAMILY MEALS? ‘Definitely me! I love UCOOK because it’s superconvenient. One of my biggest struggles during the day is thinking, “What can I cook tonight? If I made pasta last night I can’t make it again tonight….”

I do a good roast chicken and roast veggies, and I make a great pasta. Steak, fish and home-made chips. When Siya cooks, his go-to dish is a leg of lamb.’

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE KOLISIS? WHAT COMES AFTER RUGBY? ‘The Kolisi Foundation – that’s what we are working on setting up. We’re starting off with five rugby fields. Siya actually went to one of them today, which has just started to be upgraded. And then looking at forming other partnerships with other foundations that are doing good work around South Africa.’ G H

Fun Facts Do you have any pets?

Yes, a Labrador. His name is Mowgli.

Your favourite restaurant?

Anything with sushi.

Tattoos? Do you have any?

Yes, two! I have a gun on my leg – a little pistol. I wasn’t drunk – it isn’t one of those stories.... I had been hurt very badly by someone and I wanted to remind myself that I must always shoot first; I mustn’t be hurt first. And the other one: Hebrew writing on my back that says ‘This too shall pass.’

Your first car?

It was a Corsa Lite. And it was a skedonk. It cost me R19 000 – and R5 000 services!

Beach holiday or city break?

Oh, beach holiday!

Your favourite drink?

Mojito.

Text or voice message?

Text!

Do you speak Xhosa?

Kancinci! [A little.]

Your husband’s nickname for you?

Babe.

And yours for him?

Babe.

The most embarrassing thing you’ve ever experienced as a parent?

Runny tummy on a plane.

Most used emoji?

The praying hands.

How many hours of sleep did you get last night?

Four!

Tomato sauce on eggs?

No! Three wishes for your children?

Love. Purpose. Community.

FOCUS

helping hand

Rac he l a nd S iya Kol isi’s son N icholas was b orn at 3 2 week s. They know the st rai n – b oth emot ional a nd f i na nci al – t hat a prematu re b aby bri ng s, w hic h is why th ey su pp or t t he NEW BORN S GR O OTE SCHUUR TRUST, w h ich hel ps vul ne rab le n ewb orns a nd t hei r fa mi l i es. Rachel sha res her son’s bi r th stor y a nd h e r ad mi ration for t he Trust a nd t he go o d work it do es

Rachel with Nicholas, who was born at 32 weeks

‘NICHOLAS WAS DUE ON 27 OCTOBER 2014, but when I woke up on the second of September I was bleeding,’ says Rachel. She called her sister and then her doctor, who advised her to get to the hospital urgently. ‘Siya was flying to PE that day, so I drove myself to the hospital in peak traffic.

I was pleading with God for nothing to happen to our baby.’

The doctor admitted Rachel to hospital, but the bleeding didn’t stop.

The next day the doctor told her the baby was in danger and ‘we need to get him out’.

Rachel phoned Siya in PE to tell him the baby was coming. ‘I remember the doctor snatching my phone from me and saying to Siya, “You don’t understand. This is serious!

You need to come home right now!”’ says Rachel.

Ward at Groote Schuur supported by the Newborns Trust – and to their fundraisers. We’ve experienced this and know how important good support is. We know the costs and what a strain they can be – especially if you don’t have medical aid,’ explains Rachel.

‘It’s an extremely stressful time and you already feel so vulnerable after having a huge procedure. It’s a scary way to try to start parenting.’

Rachel says the strain continues beyond the birth, as premature babies can face lots of health issues through their younger years.

‘It was part of the reason I left my job too. I was out of the office so much because Nick was hospitalised so often and Siya wasn’t always here.

Not all bosses are understanding....’ GH

PREEMIE MOMS TALK We caught up with Rachel and four other moms and their premature babies who are now healthy SCAN IT and happy kids.

Scan the QR code to watch the video.

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YOU CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Through its work with the Neonatal Unit at Groote Schuur and other neonatal wards, the Newborns Groote Schuur Trust helps to improve the lives of newborn babies and their families and to increase survival rates among premature and critically ill babies.

To find out more, or to help the trust achieve these goals, see the opposite page and visit www.newborns.org.za.

Photography: Supplied. Text: Sally Emery

Siya and Nicholas

‘So now Siya is in PE – and of course he can’t get on a flight. I didn’t have anyone – my parents and family were all far away.

I said to Siya’s best friend, who is now Nicholas’s godfather, “I hope you’re ready to come into the delivery room with me!”’

The doctor told Rachel they could wait no later than 6pm and Rachel spent a frantic day contacting anyone she could think of – including an ex-boyfriend who is a pilot – asking if they could help get Siya back.

‘Eventually Siya caused such a scene at the airport that someone gave him his ticket! He got to the hospital at ten to six – just in time!’

Rachel says the doctor explained the risks involved and that they would have a neonatal surgeon on site. ‘He said the chances of him not making it were high. It was devastating....’

When Nicholas was born, Rachel didn’t get to see or hold him – he was rushed straight to ICU. ‘I couldn’t see my baby the whole night. I went into robot mode immediately. I was just like, “What do you need? Take my milk, do whatever you need. I just want him to be fine.”’

A week after Nicholas was born, Rachel could finally pick him up. ‘I just sobbed myself silly,’ she remembers.

For three weeks Nicholas was in ICU, and when he was finally discharged Rachel got sick and they were admitted to hospital again for a week.

‘Having been through that experience, supporting preemies and their moms is close to my heart.

Siya and I often go to the Neonatal

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D É C O R T I P S + D I Y P R OJ E CT S + O R GA N I S I N G S O LU T I O N S

Frame a bath with a set of matching curtains to turn a basic tub into an arty focal point.

This breezy yellow-trimmed pair adds mega style while keeping water off the floor.

Photography: Jean Allsopp. Styling: Jane Dagmi

Tile the ceiling!

This trend is having an Instagram moment. Extending tiling from walls to ceiling will give your bathroom a cohesive designer look.

Easter dĂŠcor kid care MARCH/APRIL 2020 GH

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L ER CLEVER SOLUTIONS, SUGGESTIONS + S M A R T B U Y S F O R YO U R H O M E

VICKI SLEET LIFESTYLE EDITOR vicki@assocmedia.co.za

From ice tray to ultimate storage solution

Q

‘How can I grow herbs all year round?’

VICKI SAYS: How about upcycling some tins for your windowsill with leftover paint? Then enjoy the sense of achievement you’ll get from saving money while growing your own herbs. Place a small used sponge in the bottom of each tin before adding soil to keep soil moist for longer.

Is your seemingly endless list of niggling to-dos (shopping around for a better short-term-insurance deal, booking annual checkups) just something you never get to? Try the Power Hour concept. Set aside an hour a week to tackle those chores, then enjoy the surge of energy you get from ticking everything off the list!

JUNK-DRAWER ORGANISER Keep miscellaneous items you need to hold on to (like screws, keys and buttons) neatly stashed.

JEWELLERY BOX A cheap and cheerful holder for costume necklaces, rings and earrings.

SNACK TRAY Fussy toddler? Serving bite-sized snacks in an ice tray makes for a visually appealing experience.

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NEED MORE STORAGE SPACE? THIS UNDER-SHELF SPACE CREATOR IS BRILLIANT. SIMPLY SLIDE IT ONTO THE SHELF ABOVE AND STASH IT AWAY. R160, TAKEALOT

3 S T E P S TO

Conquer the chaos TIME TO PURGE Remove all items from the car, including from the cubbyhole, centre console and boot. Discard anything that’s not essential and repack neatly. Tip: use an envelope to stash petrol slips for filing later.

NOW LET’S CLEAN 2 Wipe down the dashboard and steering wheel with a wet wipe.

Wrap one around a knife to get into any cracks. Tip: a hand-held vacuum cleaner for at-home car cleaning lets you extend the time between professional valets.

MOVING FORWARD 3 A car-boot organiser is excellent for organising travelling essentials like shopping bags and dog leads. Tip: keep a supermarket shopping bag or two in the car – they are ideal for on-themove rubbish collection.

1

Q

‘My kids have too many toys. What do I give away and what should I keep or sell?’

A: Soft toys are always gratefully received at police stations and trauma centres (just launder well before donating), timeless choices like Lego are worth keeping for when kids (or grandchildren one day) come to play, and complete puzzles are excellent for donating to children’s hospitals.

Battery-operated toys in good working condition seem to sell well online, as do bundles of smaller baby toys. From now on, try the ‘one in and one out’ system: if a new item comes in, get into the habit of weeding one out.

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Colour-code your wardrobe using your hangers. Assign a different colour to a different category (skirts, shirts, jackets and dresses). It’s such a time-saver!

IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON SORTING OUT AND TIDYING UP SOON, YOU MAY WANT TO STOCK UP ON NEW CONTAINERS. R140, MRP HOME

MARCH/APRIL 2020 GH

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Pep up your pad This wilderness-inspired choice makes a lovely statement in a singlecolourway setup.

R129, Superbalist

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SHOP IT Local artist Sharon Boonzaier’s seascape will make a dreamy focal point.

R350, Woolworths

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Q

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‘How can I make my home look and feel more “grown-up ?’

A: Panelling is the classic and sophisticated detail that’s totally back in fashion and the good news is that it’s so easy to install yourself. Most of the wall moulding and panelling lengths you buy nowadays are made of a lightweight yet dense polystyrene that can be easily glued and painted onto a wall. Visit NMC South Africa’s website, www.nmcsa.co.za, to see some of their choices.

Coo l Runnings

Bring tropical tones and zest to the party with this printed scatter cushion.

R89, Sheet Street

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We’re so impressed with the MeacoFan 1056 Personal Fan. Not only does it turn fan aesthetic design on its head, it works really quietly and efficiently.

It has a remote control, a multidirectional-airflow cooling system, a timing setting for automatic shutdown, a night light and a superefficient eco mode.

R2 499, Solenco

O R GA N I S E

D E C O R AT E

CLEAN

Bad smells begone!

SPILT MILK Use an enzymebased cleaner like SoPure Stubborn Stain Remover.

R79, Faithful to Nature SCAN IT

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CAT WEE We have tried and tested a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water followed by a generous spray of white vinegar as an odour eliminator and it works, but you can also try Greenman Green Pet Stain & Odour Remover. R59, Yuppiechef.com

Photography: Ian Reeves, Mike Garten, Annie Sloan, Living4Media, supplied. Compiled by Vicki Sleet.

Hair and Makeup: Diane Bessesen from Gloss Artist Management. Prices correct at time of going to press

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Q

SMOKE Leave bowls of bicarb to soak up the smell and burn a citrus essential oil to refresh the space. We love the SOiL Lemon Essential Oil. R49,50, Feelgood Health

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Smart Buy

‘Is it possible to clean a Persian rug at home?’

A: You can clean a Persian, but some are prone to colour runs. My advice is to first do a spot test using a sudsy foam of mild dishwashing liquid, then blot with a white towel and if the colour doesn’t transfer you should be good to go. To give yours a good clean, choose a hot day and a flat surface in the sun. Vacuum both sides thoroughly

and wet with a hose. Fill a bucket with cold water and 2 tbsp dishwashing liquid and use a sponge to add suds to the carpet. Be careful to lather in the direction of the pile, not against it. Now rinse with the hose (use a squeegee to push off excess water) and allow to dry flat on the ground. Dry thoroughly.

(A fan can speed up the process.)

DOG AND CAT HAIR GETTING YOU DOWN? BRUSH MOULTING HAIR OFF YOUR PET WITH THIS INGENIOUS GROOMING GLOVE, WHERE THE SILICONE BEADS DO ALL THE WORK. ANIMALS LOVE THE ATTENTION – AND ULTIMATELY YOU HAVE LESS FUR TO VACUUM UP. IT ALSO WORKS FOR PICKING UP FUR FROM UPHOLSTERY. R79,99, MRP HOME G H

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IN FULL BLOOM

Evoking the charm of a classic still life, an abundant bouquet of white and blush-pink blooms sings out against a dark background.

ea t

dĂŠcor

HOME

Create beauty in utility with a floral-motif splashback. Different patterns in harmonious colours bring a pleasing informality. Dark walls create contrast and allow the designs to stand out.

GH TIP

Visit www.tilevera.co.za for a wide range of stick-on vinyl tiles that are easy to apply – and to remove!

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HOME

décor B L U S H TO N E S A R E V E R SAT I L E AN D E LEGANT WITH DARK ACCE NTS AN D PALE PAI NTWO R K

SHINE A LIGHT

Panelling painted in a warm neutral shade forms a perfect backdrop for a notice board in a home office – an ideal space in which to cultivate ideas.

GH TIP

Scour your local charity shops and second-hand stores for oversized glass bottles. With a little DIY it’s easy to convert one into an unusual lamp, or group three different sizes together for a striking cabinet-top feature.

GH TIP

If your work area is small, use a glasstop table as a desk.

It will make the room appear more spacious and less cluttered.

FLORAL ABUNDANCE

Flower-strewn panels are a big wallpaper trend. Use these bold and bright blooms in a hallway for a scene-stealing entrance.

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GH TIP

Orms has collaborated with various artists, illustrators and designers to create an exciting wallpaper collection. For bold flower prints, check out the options from Fleur le Cordeur, the designer floral studio. Visit www.ormsprintroom.co.za.

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The beautiful detail of a painting made into a mural creates an exquisite oversized headboard and provides a dreamy backdrop for a bedroom. Soft muted bed linen and throws are a serene foil to its dramatic statement.

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SMALL-SCALE DESIGNS WITH TINY P E TA L S LO O K WO N D E R F U L W I T H BOLD, BEAUTIFUL PRINTS – JUST AS T H E Y WO U L D I N N AT U R E

WATER COLOURS

A screen upholstered in an inky floral-print velvet brings an element of luxury. The subtle watercolour effect of the design, with its striking bursts of colour, adds impact to restrained, pale-putty walls.

GH TIP

Visit hertexhaus.co.za for a range of bold floral and botanical rugs to transform your living areas.

PERFECT CURVE

Counter the prettiness of a spectacular floral rug and bring the look up to date with contemporary pieces in strong accent colours.

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GH TIP

Visit habbyandlace.com to view their range of pretty (and affordable!) printed velvet fabrics.

Photography: Tim Young. Text: © House Beautiful UK. Styling: Lorraine Dawkins.

Stylists Assistants: Amy Neason, Becky Wilkinson. All flowers courtesy of Zita Elze

F I LL YO U R H O M E WITH GARDENINSPIRED BLOOMS FOR YEAR-ROUND N AT U R A L C H A R M

BOLD BLEND

Vibrant wallpaper featuring lilacs has been used to define accent colours in the rest of the room. Soft sage green on a plush sofa and petal pink on an armchair, each with sleek black metal legs, complete the cohesive, contemporary look.

GH TIP

Offset your floral scatter cushions by mixing in some graphic prints and covers in bold block colours.

hop

it!

Make this the tastiest, funnest, most colourful Easter with these cute critters and sweet treats

The CutŃ t Cookies Ever

Use cute cutters (www. cabfoods.co.za has a good range) to cut animals from Vanilla Sugar Cookies dough.

(See page 111 for recipe.) Leave them at room temperature until pliable, then fold arms over candied almonds or mini chocolate eggs and chill before baking. Once cool, decorate with icing, sugar and sprinkles.

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Easter inspiration

SCAN IT

The World’s Most Beautiful Cookies Use fluted circle cutters to cut rings from Vanilla Sugar Cookies dough (see page 111 for recipe), then bake and decorate with icing. Before set, sprinkle with chopped pistachios and edible flowers.

SCAN HERE FOR A RECIPE FOR ROYAL ICING OR TURN TO PAGE 111 FOR A RECIPE FOR BUTTERCREAM ICING

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Easiest Eggs

Decorating is as simple as glueing! Cut out shapes with a paper punch and attach for instant pizzazz.

Accidentally broke one of your beautifully dyed eggs? Don’t stress!

Glue the pieces onto a plain egg in an arty mosaic motif.

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Easter inspiration SCAN IT

HOME

SCAN HERE FOR THE TEMPLATE

Origami Bunnies

Chocolate Bunny Cookies

Download our folding template to turn a piece of paper into an adorable bunny. Fill with sweet treats like jelly beans or chocolate eggs.

Decorate Chocolate Bunny Cookies (see page 111 for recipe) with icing and, before the icing has set, sprinkle on desiccated-coconut tails.

Chocolate Picture Frames

Giant Egg

Decorate baked rectangles made from Chocolate Bunny Cookies dough (see page 111 for recipe) with icing, then attach candycoated sunflower seeds. (Find them at komatifoods.co.za.)

Decorate a cooled large Vanilla Sugar Cookie with blue buttercream icing (see page 111 for cookie and icing recipes) and sugar-topped cookie flowers and leaves.

Sweetest Sandwiches

Decorate egg-shaped sugar or chocolate cookies (see page 111 for recipes) with royal icing and hundreds and thousands, then sandwich together using buttercream icing (see page 111 for recipe) or chocolate-hazelnut spread.

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Easter inspiration

Egg Dyeing 101

HOME

DIY Tea Lights

For bright colours, mix 1 tsp vinegar per 1 cup warm water, adding 10 to 20 drops of gel dye. Eggs should begin to absorb colour after about five minutes.

Transform leftover dyed eggs into bright, colourful candleholders. Place them amid your table settings or on the mantelpiece for a fresh take on Easter dĂŠcor.

Quirky Toppers

Quick Chicks

Painted creatures make fun additions to stark-white eggs.

Switch it up by placing some eggs upright and others on their sides in dishes.

Anyone can draw a face on one of these chicks! Paint a yellow oval on an egg, add some wings, a beak and feet with a fine-tipped permanent marker, and you’re set.

Egg - ceptional Wreath

Save cardboard egg cartons and transform them into this chic centrepiece. Cut out the egg cups in groups of four.

Paint them white and let them dry. Arrange in a circle and fill with eggs, flowers or sweets.

Easter inspiration SCAN IT

Photography: Mike Garten. Food Styling: Kate Merker.

Craft Styling: Alex Mata. Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart

Bunny Box

HOME

SCAN HERE FOR THE TEMPLATE

Goody Bags

Place a 10cm-square box in the centre of a 45cm-square piece of fabric and rotate 45 degrees. Fold two opposite corners towards the centre, cutting off overlapping fabric and taping in place. Tie the other two corners in the centre.

Fluff ‘ears’ and glue on a pompom tail.

Download our bunny-ear template. Trace outer ear onto white felt and inner ear onto colourful or patterned fabric. Using hot glue, attach ears to the top of a canvas bag. Finish by glueing on a pompom nose and pipe-cleaner whiskers.

Hoppy Sneakers

Easy Ears

Remove laces. Cut out ears from a piece of pink felt and attach to tongues of sneakers with hot glue. Glue a pompom nose and pipe-cleaner whiskers to toes. Let the glue dry before relacing.

Fold a napkin in half to make a triangle, then roll into a long strip and fold in half again. Thread a 15cm pipe cleaner through a bead and secure around napkin. Insert three 7cm pipe cleaners through the bead as whiskers. GH

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CAR I N G FO R K I DS F rom s le ep a n d stai ns to safet y, ou r GH pros a nd exp ert s h ave yo u r is su e s covered.

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CLEANING

Little ones can make big messes – and cold water is your BFF when it comes to fighting stains SAUCE Soak the spot in cold water, then use a grease-cutting pretreater. Wash in warm water with fabric-safe bleach.

JUICE 2 FRUIT Use cold water to soak, then wash the item in warm water with a bleach that’s safe for the fabric.

MILK OR SPIT-UP 3 Start with a cold-water soak.

Next, use an enzyme stain remover and wash with a detergent that has enzymes.

(Check packaging label to confirm that the formula contains enzymes.)

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small talk AU TO SA FE T Y

D R I V E - SA F E S M A RTS Whether you’re driving cross-country or just around the corner, protect your most precious cargo with these must-haves

DON’T FORGET KIDS IN THE BACK SEAT You think it can never happen to you, but accidents are possible. Some auto manufacturers (like Nissan and Hyundai) have started introducing safety features to remind you to check the back seat for your little passengers.

GET YOUR CARSEAT INSTALLATION APPROVED

BY A PRO Even the best seat won’t do its job unless it’s installed properly. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.

TAKE OFF BULKY JACKETS BEFORE BUCKLING UP Thick layers like jerseys and jackets can be compressed in a crash, putting kids at risk of coming loose from restraints. Dress tots in thin, tight clothing (for example fleece) and lay a blanket or jacket over them once they’re strapped in.

NUTRITION

The latest research shows it may be beneficial to introduce the most common food allergies to babies once solids are tolerated (at about six months of age). The American Academy of Pediatrics says this can help reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy. After you’ve checked with your doctor, aim to include the food about twice a week to maintain a tolerance.

HOME

READER ADVICE

Moms share genius tips for surviving everything from travel to cleaning – and our experts are impressed!

BOOK FLIGHTS DURING MEALTIME Instead of flying at naptime (which can backfire and leave kids cranky and tired), one mom says, ‘Eating a meal we bring on the plane can keep us occupied for at least 45 minutes.’

COLOUR-CODE SIBLINGS’ TOYBOXES Assign kids their own coloured bins, advises one mom. Toys that specifically belong to one child go in his or her bin. Everything else is fair game for sharing.

DESIGNATE A DONATION STATION To cut clutter, put out a donation box during cleanup. You can do this for toys, clothes and books.

MAKE A MINI DUSTER Kids love to help – and making cleaning fun with appropriate tools can create good habits. One mom says she cut part of the handle off a duster so it was short enough for her child to use.

small talk

HOME

BABYPROOFING

INCORRECT Decorating a nursery can be fun, but you want to be sure the space is as safe as it is chic. Here’s how SKIP VINTAGE PIECES It’s best to get new cribs, sleepers and bassinets. Antique items may look nice, but today’s products meet much stricter safety standards.

PICK THE RIGHT MATTRESS 2 Opt for a firm style that fits the crib properly – meaning there are no large gaps between the mattress and the crib sides. An easy check: if more than two of your fingers fit on any side, the mattress is too small.

KEEP CRIBS BARE 3 Soft bedding and other items can pose a serious risk. Remove pillows, blankets, stuffed animals and other toys when infants are sleeping.

The only thing that should be on the mattress is a crib sheet that fits securely enough that your baby can’t pull the edges up. The sides should be free too – no drapey quilts or crib bumper pads, the sale of which has been banned in some states in the US. To keep infants warm, use a sleep sack, and speak to your doctor about when to introduce blankets or pillows.

ADJUST THE BED 4 When your child can pull himself or herself up to a standing position, move the mattress to the lowest height. When they can climb out or are taller than 90cm, it’s time to upgrade to a toddler bed.

CHECK YOUR CORDS 5 Cribs should be kept away from windows, but if you can’t find another spot, make sure there are no corded coverings such as blinds nearby.

CORRECT

EMERGENCY

CR E ATE A FA M I LY F I R E P L A N

However much you take steps to avoid them, emergencies can happen. Stay ready by identifying at least two potential escape routes for each family member (and pets!), and practise twice a year. Be sure kids know what your home’s alarms sound like and how to get out in case you can’t safely reach them. G H

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Photography: Mike Garten, © iStock.com. Illustrations: Brown Bird Design. Prop Styling: Alex Mata

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A DV E R T I S E M E N T P R O M OT I O N

SAY TO DAMAGED MATTRESSES! Make yo u r p et- friend ly b ed a m attre ss- frie n d ly b ed to o, with a PR OTE CT-A-BED® Mat tre ss P rotector

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Photography: © iStock.com, supplied

f bedtime for you means snuggling up with your fur babies, then protecting your mattress should be a priority.

Pet-related stains and odours, shed fur and allergytriggering pet dander, as well as the occasional muddy paw print, go hand in ... paw ... with having pets on or in your bed.

Fortunately, though, all it takes to make sure your bed stays a clean, fresh haven for both two-legged and fourlegged sleepers is a Protect-A-Bed® Mattress Protector.

Completely waterproof to protect your mattress from spills and stains, a Protect-A-Bed® Mattress Protector is also antiallergenic, stopping allergy-causing dust mites from breeding in your mattress, so the only creatures you’ll be sleeping next to are the ones that shower you with unconditional love.

For more information visit protectabed.co.za or connect @protectabedSA with us on social media:

The Pros and Cons of Sharing the Covers with Your Pets PROS

Just being near pets boosts oxytocin, the ‘happy hormone’. Sleeping with your pets could help you feel more relaxed and content, and settle faster for sleep.

Letting your pets bunk with you can increase your ✓ feelings of security while you sleep.

Cats and dogs make excellent winter snuggle ✓ buddies, since their body temperature is several degrees warmer than ours. Toasty....

✓

CONS Having pets close at night could aggravate some ✗ allergy sufferers’ symptoms, triggering allergic rhinitis, eczema and asthma. your fur babies are bed hogs, or like to lick, ✗ Ifscratch or yowl in the early hours, they might be disturbing your sleep, rather than improving it.

Muddy paws, fur and kitty’s occasional trophy ✗ hunting could mean you’ll spend more time doing laundry to keep your bed clean. Make sure all you have to wash is linen, though, by protecting your mattress with a protector from Protect-A-Bed®.

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• BUYER'S GUIDE •

Toasters

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Browned off with your old toaster? We put 11 toasters through their paces, testing standard-sized and large slices of white and brown bread, and dense whole-wheat bread, to help you find one that suits your needs and your budget

G R E AT P E R F O R M E R

PHILIPS HD2628/20, R630 This toaster comes with an automatic safety shut-off in the event of jammed bread. The slots are deep, so we needed to use the extra lift to get the toast out. The bread was toasted really evenly and browned similarly on both sides. We were impressed with how quickly the bread was toasted.

Features: 950W; seven settings; frozen, reheat and cancel functions; removable crumb tray; extra lift

RETRO STYLE

SLEEK DESIGN

RED ROCKER

This toaster uses mirror heating, with a quartz glass heater, for even toasting. It has an integrated rack for warming buns and muffins, and a safety switch-off if the toast gets stuck. All the different types and sizes of bread were nicely browned all over.

This toaster comes with a separate warming rack that can be placed on top of the toaster slots for heating rolls and croissants. This toaster browned all types of bread well, but the one side was always more toasted than the other.

Features: 860W; five settings; frozen and cancel functions; removable crumb tray; extra lift

Features: 850W; six settings; frozen, reheat and cancel functions; removable crumb tray; extra lift

A P E R F E C T PA I R

WA R M I N G R A C K S

This toaster comes with a matching kettle. The toaster browned the toast evenly on both sides for all types of bread. The extra-lift feature means you shouldn’t burn your fingers when removing small slices of bread.

This toaster has integrated warming racks that are useful for heating croissants and rolls. The racks can be flipped out by pressing down on the side knob. The large slices of white and brown bread did not fit into the slots, so part of the slice wasn’t browned.

BOSCH TAT8613, R1 799

RUSSELL HOBBS RHTVIN4-9, R1 549 This toaster has four slots, each pair operating independently of the other.

The browning settings are adequate for toasting dense bread. The one side was browned more than the other, whether toasted in the centre slots or the outside ones.

MELLERWARE ECLIPSE TOASTER AND KETTLE PACK 46042BK, R830

Features: 1 700W; seven settings; frozen, reheat and cancel functions; removable crumb tray; extra lift

Features: 850W; six settings; frozen, reheat and cancel functions; removable crumb tray; extra lift

MIDEA MT-RS2L13W, R599

BOSCH TAT6A913, R990

Features: 1 090W; six settings; frozen and cancel functions; removable crumb tray; extra lift

HOW TO SHOP: 1. OPEN FACEBOOK ON YOUR SMARTPHONE. 2. TYPE ‘QR CODE’ IN THE SEARCH BAR AND SELECT THE RESULT THAT SAYS ‘QR CODE’. 3. SCAN AND SHOP!

SHOP IT WITH THE RCS CREDIT CARD. SCAN TO APPLY

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RCS is a registered credit and authorised FSP. NCRCP38/FSP44481

TOASTER TALK C O M PAC T C H O I C E

TAURUS MY TOAST II LEGEND, R829 A small, compact toaster that is ideal if you are short on counter space. The brown and white slices of bread were well toasted, but the whole-wheat slice wasn’t sufficiently toasted on the longest setting. The slots were not deep enough to completely toast the large slices of bread.

Photography: Supplied. Prices correct at time of going to press

Features: 850W; five settings; frozen, reheat and cancel functions; removable crumb tray

A frozen/defrost button allows you to toast bread straight from the freezer.

Yesterday’s bread contains less moisture so makes crisper toast.

Stale bread toasts faster than fresh bread, so adjust the browning setting.

Sweet bread products like fruit loaf brown much faster than ordinary bread, so should be toasted on a lower setting.

If toasting two slices, they should be of equal size and freshness.

V I N TA G E S T Y L E

DE’LONGHI DISTINTA, R2 489 This vintage-looking toaster is large, with extra-wide toasting slots. Each pair of slots has its own controls, so you can use it as a two-slice toaster too. An added feature is the useful bagel setting. All the different types of bread were well toasted, if a little darker on one side than the other.

Features: 1 800W; six settings; frozen, reheat, bagel and cancel functions; removable crumb tray; extra lift

STYLISH DESIGN

F A M I LY C H O I C E

LONG SLOTS

The four slots sit side by side and each pair has independent controls. The slots are wide and deep enough to handle all sizes of bread. The toast pops up really high. All types of bread were evenly and well toasted.

This four-slice toaster has toasting chambers that can be operated independently and set to different toasting levels. It has a safety switchoff if the toast becomes stuck. One side of the toast was browned more than the other in all the slots.

Features: 1 880W; seven settings; frozen, reheat and cancel functions; removable crumb tray; extra lift

Features: 1 800W; seven settings; frozen, reheat and cancel functions; removable crumb tray

This four-slice toaster has two long slots, with each slot taking two slices of standard bread. The slots cannot be operated independently. It’s ideal for longer breads like baguettes.

The whole-wheat bread needed further toasting after a cycle on the maximum setting.

MORPHY RICHARDS EVOKE 240115, R1 699

BOSCH TAT7S45, R1 899

TAURUS MYTOAST DUPLO LEGEND, R999

Features: 1 400W; five settings; frozen, reheat and cancel functions; removable crumb tray G H

Hydrating face fac primer to

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er : ydrate Prii s fe E R O The P & look of pores minimizes the put s makeup stay fine lines, help refreshes sk n & s e z ri tu is o and m e ation. It has th dra y h r* u o -h 12 h wit im zing l and pore-min e fe y lk si e m sa on POREfessio power of The wer LU Pore Primer P n! kin ily or dry sk hydration for o * YDRATI • 12-HOUR H FREE • OIL-F SMOOTH • SILKY-S GHTWEI HT LIIG

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FA S H I O N F I N D S + B E AU T Y S E C R E T S + S T Y L E F O R L E S S

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Switch up your scent game with one of these compliment-inducing fragrances!

1. MARC JACOBS DAISY (R1 300 FOR 50ML EDT) Key notes: violet, grapefruit and strawberry 2. GUCCI BLOOM AMBROSIA DI FIORI (R2 365 FOR 100ML EDP) Key notes: jasmine, rose and tuberose

Photography: Colleen Coppenhall from DIS Photography. Compiled by Zipho Ntloko. Prices correct at time of going to press

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3. YVES SAINT LAURENT MON PARIS PARFUM FLORAL (R1 520 FOR 50ML EDP) Key notes: peony, peach and white rose 4. CHANEL PARIS – RIVIERA (R2 070 FOR 125ML EDT) Key notes: neroli, orange peel and jasmine

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5. YVES SAINT LAURENT BLACK OPIUM THE GLOW (R1 230 FOR 50ML EDT) Key notes: coffee, pear and lemon 6. LANCÔME IDÔLE (R1 340 FOR 50ML EDP) Key notes: pear, rose and jasmine

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style inspo

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beauty buzz

o d to kn ow from GH’ s b eaut y tea m a nd i ndustr y exp ert s

‘I’m seeing purple shampoos everywhere.

What do they do?’

The most-wanted finds to cross our desks

SUN-KISSED SKIN Tap this fun, featherweight, jellylike shimmer tint on cheeks and lids for a flattering warm glow.

L.A. Girl Glowin’ Up Highlighting Jelly (R99,95) in Princess Glow

GORGEOUS GLOW This ‘dope’ serum contains CBD oil as well as a blend of African botanicals to replenish skin’s moisture levels.

DENISE C

SCAN IT

ZIPHO SAYS: Despite their appearance, these coloured shampoos aren’t designed to dye hair. They actually deposit a sheer violet tint that helps cancel unwanted yellow or brassy tones that can develop over time from oxidation, exposure to UV rays, and chemicals and minerals in water, such as chlorine and copper. Purple shampoos work according to colour theory: shades sitting opposite each other on the colour wheel, called complementary colours, neutralise each other – in this case, the violet and yellow-to-orange spectrums. Use one instead of your regular shampoo when you want to brighten your shade or minimise brassiness or yellowing to give it a cooler tone. These shampoos (and masks and conditioners) work best on blonde, light brown, silver or highlighted hair.

IT’S ALL THE RAGE, BUT DOES IT WORK?

Goodleaf CBD Glow Serum (R395)

PUCKER UP

SHOP IT MUST-HAVE LEE STAFFORD EVERYDAY BLONDES SHAMPOO (R119,95) LUST-HAVE KÉRASTASE BLOND ABSOLU BAIN ULTRA-VIOLET ANTI-BRASS PURPLE SHAMPOO (R340)

This brandnew lip lacquer offers vibrant shine and colour payoff, plus it’s nonsticky and comfortable to wear.

M.A.C Patent Paint Lip Lacquer (R330) in Latex Love

GH PICK THE BODY SHOP CACTUS LONG HANDLE BRUSH (R215)

SCAN IT

WHAT IT IS The body-exfoliation method isn’t new, but it is having a resurgence. It’s done by buffing dry skin with a special body-exfoliating brush to slough off the top layer of dead skin cells.

SHOP IT THE CLAIMS Dry body brushing is said to boost circulation and lymphatic drainage to detoxify, smoothen the surface of skin and even out lumps and bumps, including cellulite.

THE DOCTOR SAYS ‘Removing dead cells that can build up and dull skin by physically exfoliating them with a brush can make skin softer, smoother and more luminous,’ says dermatologist Dr Shari Marchbein. ‘But there is no scientific data to support claims like the removal of toxins from skin or lasting changes to the appearance of cellulite.’ Use long, sweeping motions and gentle pressure when brushing, and avoid if you have skin sensitivity. GH

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Photography: Gallo Images/Getty Images, supplied. Compiled by Helen Wallace.

Prices correct at time of going to press

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ZIPHO NTLOKO SENIOR BEAUTY EDITOR

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K PONY

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Bring your go-to ponytail from high or medium height down low and keep hair polished for the chicest effect.

HOW TO Brush a dollop of shaping mousse through damp hair, form a centre or deep side parting, then blow-dry hair smooth with a paddle brush, says celebrity hairstylist Jenny Cho. Glide a dab of smoothing cream over strands and gather into a ponytail at the nape of your neck, securing with a thin hair tie. Mist with hairspray for hold and shine. Add a neutral hair clip over the base, or wrap a 2,5cm piece of hair around the elastic and pin underneath.

GET THE LOOK ACCESSORISE THIS STYLISH HAIRDO WITH A SIMPLE CHIC BARRETTE. TRY THE WOOLWORTHS MATTE GEO HAIR CLIPS (R99,95 FOR TWO)

GH PICKS L’ORÉAL PARIS ELNETT SATIN CRÈME DE MOUSSE (R71) MARC ANTHONY BYE.BYE. FRIZZ 8-IN-1 SERUM (R179,95)

BEST

NEW SEASON HAIRSTYLES!

D I Y th e s eas on’ s most fl at ter ing, wea rabl e l o oks for al l le ngths a n d textu res wi th s im ple p ro st yl ist tri cks plus key GH-a pproved to ols a n d pro duct pi cks

hair special

Jil Sander

LOO KS

The perfect go-anywhere up-do is less prim and more carefree thanks to a looser construction and purposely stray strands.

Models showcasing designer Jil Sander’s designs have been seen sporting this hairstyle on the catwalk.

HOW TO Run a few pumps of a lightweight hair serum between hands then through dry hair, Cho says. Blow-dry using the diffuser attachment on your hairdryer, scrunching with fingers to add texture. Brush hair straight back, securing it into a mid-height ponytail with a thin elastic. Glide another dab of serum over the ponytail and wrap it loosely around its base, leaving the ends out. Slide in hair clips to keep in place, then free a few strands at the hairline and nape to finish.

Amanda Seyfried

GH PICKS GHD SMOOTH & FINISH SERUM (R280) BABYLISS DC 2 200W DRYER (R399) CLICKS ESSENTIALS HAIR PIN WAVY 75MM (R19,99 FOR 20)

Part ways with summer’s beachy waves in favour of a more sleek, structured style, as seen on actress Amanda Seyfried.

HOW TO Start by blow-drying damp hair with a large round brush, Cho says, winding pieces around it as you go. Once hair is dry, mist hairspray along 2,5cm sections, then curl each using a curling iron from ear level down.

Finally, rub a 20c-coin-sized dollop of smoothing cream through strands to polish and loosen the curls.

GH PICKS SORBET DRYBAR CURLING WAND (R349 AT CLICKS) LABEL.M ANTI-FRIZZ CREAM (R355) JANE SEYMOUR WONDER SET HAIRSPRAY FIRM HOLD (R51,99 FOR 300ML)

Naturally curly textures have been seen on many models, including Imaan Hammam.

HOW TO Define coils by twisting a curl-shaping Imaan Hammam cream through damp hair, then drying it using your hairdryer’s diffuser attachment.

‘Flip hair from side to side as you’re drying to boost volume or over to lift the roots,’ Cho advises. When hair is dry, gently brush 5cm sections, starting at the nape of the neck and moving from ends to roots for a candyfloss–like airiness, Cho says. Mist with a volumising spray to enhance bounce.

(Turn the page for top-tested hair-volumising sprays.)

GH PICKS AUNT JACKIE’S CURL LA LA DEFINING CURL CUSTARD (R83,99) AFRI TRUE NATURALS CURL POWER HYDRATING CURL CRÈME (R54,99)

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hair special 3 OF THE BEST

Bella Hadid

A relaxed fringe, as seen here on model Bella Hadid, is replacing a blunt one, which is harder to maintain and style. ‘This look is all about the cut,’ Cho explains. ‘In the salon, ask your hairstylist to create a piecey or textured fringe that can be swept to the side.’

HOW TO Blow-dry fringe from side to side, lifting pieces with fingers or the head of a paddle brush to add volume. (Restyle between washes by misting on a bodifying dry shampoo.) ‘When hair is dry, rub a small dab of pomade between hands,’ says Cho. ‘Run fingers through hair and fringe to create space between pieces, twisting the ends as you go.’

GH PICKS BATISTE ROSE GOLD DRY SHAMPOO (R89,90 FOR 200ML) CLICKS ESSENTIALS CUSHION BRUSH (R79,99)

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BEST LIGHT VOLUMISER

Not only does this product leave hair smelling amazing, it also gives it some serious bounce and a silkysmooth finish. Apply it to damp hair, then dry and style as desired for an instant lift and noticeable volume.

SCHWARZKOPF OSIS+ BLOW & GO EXPRESS BLOW-DRY SPRAY (R265)

HOW TO Rake a dollop of volumising mousse through damp strands to create lift, Cho says, then blow-dry hair with a medium round brush, pulling sections up as you work. Once hair is dry, mist 2,5cm pieces with hairspray and wrap them around a flatiron to form soft bends.

Spritz dry texturising spray all over and run fingers through hair, shaking it out to finish.

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BEST ALL-DAY VOLUME

Kevin Murphy reigns supreme when it comes to volume that won’t deflate. This nonaerosol spray, which you apply to dry hair after styling, feels weightless, imparts a healthy, glossy shine and has impressive staying power.

KEVIN MURPHY ANTI GRAVITY SPRAY (R530)

TO P TI P S

Tricks for achieving your best, bounciest style

1

WASH STRATEGICALLY

Shampoos and conditioners labelled ‘volumising’ tend to have a lower level of conditioning ingredients and are therefore less likely to weigh hair down, making them a good foundation for styling.

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2 STYLE WHEN WET Many styling products, like volumising sprays (right) and mousses, are meant to be applied on damp hair before drying for best results. Distribute from roots to ends to fully coat strands.

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FINISH DRY 3 Revive a limp look at the end of the day or between shampoos by spritzing dry shampoo under sections of hair at the roots, then lightly brushing through.

BEST FOR THICKENING

If your hair is looking thin and lifeless, this styling liquid and UV-protection shield can help. It contains thickening and conditioning ingredients that, when applied to clean, damp hair, build body and leave locks looking thick and healthy.

PAUL MITCHELL EXTRA-BODY THICKEN UP (R300) G H

Photography: Mike Garten, Gallo Images/Getty Images, © iStock.com, supplied.

Text: April Franzino. Additional Text: Zipho Ntloko. Prices correct at time of going to press

Helen Mirren

Freshen a short style like a pixie or a bob à la actress Helen Mirren by giving it easy-going texture and movement.

kids’ style

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Mini Me FO R YO U R

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D U N GAR E E S

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A fun, functional wardrobe staple for generations of active kids

Snug and comfy!

R199, COTTON ON

R180, ACKERMANS

SCAN IT R169, ZARA

SHOP IT

R249, COTTON ON

SCAN IT R329, WOOLWORTHS

R349 FOR THREE, SUPERBALIST

Photography: Colleen Coppenhall from DIS Photography, supplied. Compilation and Styling: Cleo Marcopoulos, Clare Robertson, Amber Barker. Prices correct at time of going to press

SHOP IT

R339, ZARA

R269, GUESS

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SHOP IT R449, KEEDO

Nice R99,99, EDGARS

PRICE

STOCKISTS ON PAGE 99

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SHOP THESE

AWESOME OUTFITS

R120, COLETTE

BY COLETTE HAYMAN

R179, RUBI AT COTTON ON

R120, COLETTE

BY COLETTE HAYMAN

R120, COLETTE

BY COLETTE HAYMAN

R175, POETRY

R150, POETRY

TR E N D I N G

R35,99, MRP

Alice bands

It’s the perfect way to, er, top off your look - and turn around a bad hair day

R180, LOVISA

fashion

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Nice

HAIR CLIPS R79 FOR A SET OF TWO, COTTON ON

PRICE

BLOUSE AND MAXISKIRT SET R1 300, WITCHERY

EARRINGS R299, WITCHERY SCARF R99, SUPERBALIST

SUNGLASSES R99,95, WOOLWORTHS

CROP TOP R249 AND MIDISKIRT R399, BOTH FOREVER 21

EARRINGS R299, WITCHERY

BANGLES R279 FOR A SET OF TWO, SUPERBALIST

BAG R699, COUNTRY ROAD

CLEO MARCOPOULOS FASHION DIRECTOR

BAG R340, COLETTE BY COLETTE HAYMAN

STYLE TIP

‘The skirt set offers maximum styling opportunities, as you can wear the items together or as separates.’

SNEAKERS R1 599, PUMA AT SUPERBALIST ESPADRILLES R799, WITCHERY

Opt for a midi-length skirt and matching buttonup shirt for the perfect trans-seasonal look

SNEAKERS R1 149, SUPERGA

ESPADRILLES R1 299, ALDO

Go for this season’s hottest hue: emerald green.

Pair with comfy flats and glam accessories

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fashion

NECKLACE R570, PICHULIK

BLOUSE R1 199, WITCHERY

SUNGLASSES R249, SUPERBALIST

SUNGLASSES R160, WOOLWORTHS

BLOUSE R499, WITCHERY

BAG R249, UTOPIA AT ZANDO DENIM JACKET R629, FOREVER 21

BELT R359, ZARA

KEY RING R120, WOOLWORTHS

BAG R299, JOY COLLECTABLES AT ZANDO

JEANS R598, COTTON ON

HEELS R659, ZARA

MULES R399, QUEENSPARK

JEANS R599, FOSCHINI

SLIDES R899, GREEN CROSS

SNEAKERS R1 199, ALDO

Pair these acid-washed denims with pops of yellow and blue for a fun take on this Â’80s throwback

Match your distressed jeans with a denim jacket for a cool denim-on-denim duo

Polka Dots

SUNGLASSES R159, BAD GIRL AT EDGARS

EARRINGS R999, NETFLORIST

BAG R450, OLD KHAKI

BROOCH R120, WOOLWORTHS

WE’RE GOING DOTTY FOR THESE ACCESSORIES! SHOES R249, CHERRY COLLECTION AT SUPERBALIST

BANGLE R199, SUPERBALIST

AMBER BARKER STYLE ASSISTANT

SCARF R79, SUPERBALIST

STYLE TIP

‘Thinking that ruffles will make you look larger is fake news!

If you don’t want to draw attention to your breasts, steer clear of ruffles around your neckline.

Instead, pick a skirt or dress with ruffles around the hem or on the sleeves.’

WEDGES R499, SUPERBALIST

SCRUNCHIE R79, COLETTE

BY COLETTE HAYMAN

Nice PRICE

DRESS R1 699, FOREVER NEW

Available in sizes 16 to 20

SUNGLASSES R20, MRP

SHOES R659, ZARA

Look for a few soft ruffles on a dress hem or neckline (or both!) for a subtle take on this fun feature

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LO O KS

fashion HEADBAND R129, WOOLWORTHS

EARRINGS R299, WITCHERY

TURTLENECK R179, H&M

SPECTACLES WITH CLEAR LENSES R160, WOOLWORTHS

T-SHIRT R299, FOSCHINI PLEATHER JACKET R429, H&M

BLAZER R699, FOREVER 21

RING R125,

BY CARA

MINI CROSSBODY BAG R899, ALDO

BAG R369, BLACKCHERRY AT ZANDO

BANGLES R299 FOR A SET OF THREE, SUPERBALIST

MIDISKIRT R449, COTTON ON

SNEAKERS R449, COTTON ON

MULES R1 199, ALDO MIDISKIRT R349, COTTON ON

SNEAKERS R799, SUPERBALIST

Pair your midiskirt with a T-shirt and linen blazer while keeping comfy in sneakers for an on-the-go yet polished power look

HEELS R2 290, EUROPA ART

Play with interesting textures and prints like tie-dye!

This jacket is a versatile investment

SHOP THE TREND Nice PRICE

SUNGLASSES R59,99, MRP

R499, WOOLWORTHS

EARRINGS R79, MILADYS

Nice PRICE

R699, COUNTRY ROAD

DRESS R429, H&M

Photography: Colleen Coppenhall from DIS Photography, supplied. Compilation and Styling: Cleo Marcopoulos, Clare Robertson, Amber Barker. Prices correct at time of going to press

BAG R449, SUPERBALIST

WATCH R129, MRP

R625, QUEENSPARK

HEELS R799, FOREVER NEW

SNEAKERS R1 325, CASTELO

R150, NEW WAVE AT EDGARS

Voluminous oversized sleeves are a trend to try right now!

STOCKISTS ON PAGE 99

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A DV E R T I S E M E N T P R O M OT I O N

R CS C a r Fin a nce is t he ad mi n-l ight a nd safe way to buy a nd f i n a n ce a ve h ic le, h e l pi ng you g et t he ri ght ca r at the right price Car. The cars on offer have all been through the RCS Car Finance safety checks and DEKRA vetting process, so you can browse with peace of mind.

CLICK, CLICK, PROVISIONAL APPROVAL Save yourself time and admin by securing provisional approval for your car finance online before you complete the application process.

Online provisional approval can be done at any time of the day, so you can do it at your leisure without sticking to business hours. RCS Car Finance will give you an indication of what you can afford to spend upfront, and you’ll complete your application with their friendly team once you’ve found the car you want.

supports us in using our free time to enrich our lives.

MANAGE THINGS IN YOUR OWN TIME As with most shopping, we’d much rather look for a car from the comfort of our couch, in our stretchy pants, when we actually have the time. Financing a car bought privately with the assistance of RCS Car Finance is the easiest, safest way to purchase a car at the right price, with minimal admin.

BROWSE ONLINE WHEREVER, WHENEVER You can look for your new dream car online through RCS Car Finance’s accredited partner Best Price For My

RCS is a registered Credit and Authorised Financial Services Provider NCRCP38 | FSP44481. Ts and Cs apply.

YOUR DREAM CAR, DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR Once your finance is approved and the admin has been taken care of on your behalf (including the licensing and registration), your new car can be delivered to you. It’s as safe and easy as that!

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Photography: Supplied

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t’s no secret that women run the world, and we juggle our careers, side hustles, family, friends and life goals on a daily basis. Our time is valuable, so the less of it we spend on unnecessary admin, the better.

We’re changing old structures and creating new ways of using our time and resources wisely, whether it’s grocery shopping online or enjoying our favourite series on our own schedule with Netflix.

So why shouldn’t we do the same thing with our car shopping and financing? RCS Car Finance recognises that we don’t need to spend hours in a car dealership, and

KEEP YOUR COMFY PANTS ON Buying a car privately through RCS Car Finance means you don’t need to get dressed up to meet the seller at a safe location. In fact, you never have to meet them. RCS interacts with the seller on your behalf, taking care of every aspect, including the safety of the interaction or the transaction.

N E W F I N D I N G S + S M A R T C H O I C E S + H E A LT H Y S O L U T I O N S

ZZZ...

Photography: Gallo Images/Getty Images

A review in the medical journal Advances In Nutrition concluded that cherries, which contain the sleep hormone melatonin, could help cure insomnia. In one study, participants drank either 230ml of tart cherry juice or a cherry-flavoured placebo every morning and evening for two weeks.

Those who drank the real deal slept for longer, were less likely to wake in the night and had greater sleep efficiency.

(In other words, they spent more of their time in bed actually asleep.)

science of addiction

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H E A LT H

update

s fi n d i ngs to hel p you feel f lat -out fa ntastic

WEIGHT LOSS

You don’t even have to count kilojoules! People who log their food at least twice in a day shed more weight than those who do this once – and people who do it three times daily lose the most. And it’s not even a huge time commitment. Successful food journalling takes an average of 15 minutes per day once you get the hang of it, says a study by the University of Vermont in the US. Plus, says nutritionist Jackie London, ‘tracking what you eat at each meal or snack can help you improve your health because it holds you accountable to an observant yet nonjudgmental party’ – meaning your notebook or tracking app. ‘It also helps you think about when, where and why you’re eating, and how hungry or satisfied you feel before and after.’ London likes Ate, a free meal-tracking app that will help you stay mindful of how you feel while you’re eating instead of worrying about your kilojoule intake.

There’s an urban legend that drinking hot liqu tching a cold because they send germs into your stomach to die a horrible acidic death. But the fact is hot liquids themselves won’t flush germs out of your system, says Dr Glenn Wortmann, director of infectious diseases at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC in the US. Still, he adds, ‘It’s a good idea to stay well hydrated so your nose and airways can make enough fluids to help trap the viruses.’ You can then cough and sneeze them out. What you drink doesn’t have to be hot, although warm beverages seem to be soothing.

Some home remedies may ease symptoms and shorten the duration of a cold, but early intervention is key.

When you feel that scratchy, glassy-eyed bleh feeling coming on, try these tricks – they’re nothing to sneeze at SALT WATER If your mom said to gargle with salt, she wasn’t just being a mom. ‘It helps relieve throat swelling and keeps the mouth clean,’ says Dr Monika Jindal. ‘Most recipes suggest ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water.’

HONEY Some research shows that a spoonful or two of honey can help relieve a sore throat.

Honey gives the throat a protective coating, and it has antibacterial properties.

TEA Try one of these to alleviate your symptoms: Camomile to help lull you to sleep.

Ginger to soothe a sore throat and relieve nausea.

Echinacea to boost your immunity.

Peppermint to ease headaches, clear out sinuses and relax airways.

A HUMIDIFIER There’s not much data to prove that a humidifier can relieve a sore throat, but anecdotal evidence abounds, and it won’t hurt to try, as dry air may exacerbate throat irritation.

CHICKEN SOUP ‘Chicken soup is the most commonly prescribed home remedy for a sore throat and cold symptoms,’ says Dr Caroline Roberts.

‘And there is data to show that it works by inhibiting neutrophil migration, which causes inflammation in your throat.’ Adding generous amounts of ginger, garlic and black pepper may increase the healing power of your soup.

FROZEN FOODS ‘If you have a sore throat, this is your excuse to have a frozen dessert, but don’t overdo it!’ says Dr Joseph Ladapo, an expert in internal medicine and infectious diseases. ‘Anything that’s frozen – ice itself, ice lollies, frozen yoghurt – numbs the tissues and nerves, and reduces pain.’

H E A LT H

update

Q

‘Is MSG to blame for my post-takeaway headaches?’

A: It’s unlikely. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), an ingredient found most often in Asian-inspired cuisine, is actually safe, and there’s no substantial evidence to show that it’s to blame for your throbbing pain. A more plausible culprit is the high sodium content of the meal. Salt overload can trigger blood-vessel changes and dehydration, both of which can induce headaches and lethargy. Sauces used in Eastern-style dishes often contain sodium and MSG, hence the widespread confusion. To prevent headaches without depriving yourself of the foods you like, drink plenty of water and try cutting back on salt by requesting reduced-sodium soy sauce in restaurants and when you order takeaways. Better yet, whip up your favourite Asian dishes in the comfort of your kitchen using low-sodium and no-MSG products.

We love mindfulness apps, but the next time you’re feeling frazzled, try opening a smartphone game instead.

According to a small study in the journal JMIR Mental Health, people who played a digital puzzle game reported feeling more energised and better able to wind down after work than those who used a mindfulness app like Headspace.

While the findings may seem surprising, researchers say digital games are great tools for decompressing because they tick many of the boxes for what you need to recover from a long day at work: they’re relaxing, immersive and distracting, and they allow you to master a skill and feel in control.

See if video games do it for you by downloading a puzzle game like Candy Crush, Tetris, Block Hexa Puzzle or Sudoku (which may also be good for memory), then swipe and tap your way to a more relaxed state of mind.

YO U R BO O K S H E L F

START SMALL FOR BIG CHANGES According to author BJ Fogg, founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University in the US, changing your life isn’t about big gestures, it’s about starting small. Based on 20 years of research and used by more than 60 000 people, the Tiny Habits method will help you ditch bad behaviour with small changes that feel good.

Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg (R320, Penguin Random House)

MAKE A DIFFERENCE If you’re conscious of the environmental crisis we’re facing and looking to make a difference, this helpful title is for you. Offering practical and clear solutions for your daily life, it suggests ways for you to start doing your bit with something as simple as cutting out meat for one meal per day.

DITCH DIET FADS Tired of all the trendy new diets and weight-loss fads? In this insightful book, nutrition expert Dr Michael Greger throws out all the trends in favour of actionable advice and ground-breaking dietary research, replacing those constant weight-loss struggles with a simple, healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

We Are The Weather by Jonathan Safran Foer (R320, Penguin Random House)

How Not To Diet by Dr Michael Greger with Gene Stone (R360, Pan Macmillan) G H

Photography: Mike Garten, Gallo Images/Getty Images, © iStock.com. Compiled by Tegan Mouton.

Additional Text: Alyssa Jung, Tegan Mouton. Prices correct at time of going to press

STRESSBUSTER

GH COMPETITION

wo c ou p es w eac w n a getaway wo R22 6 00 to T INTSWALO ATLANTIC C a p e ow n s h dden g em

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wo lucky Good Housekeeping readers will each win a two-night stay at the award-winning Tintswalo Atlantic, Cape Town’s iconic boutique hotel on Chapman’s Peak Drive known for its legendary sunsets and breathtaking location. Private and exclusive, it is situated within Table Mountain National Park and is surrounded by the ocean and fragrant fynbos, yet within easy reach of the attractions of the Mother City.

Ten individually decorated Island Suites and a luxurious two-bedroomed Villa offer private terraces with views across the Atlantic Ocean. Guests have access to the private pebbled beach and a sun deck with a heated pool.

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We ca n get h o o ke d on lo ads of things, from substa nces to the rush fro m b eh av iou rs l i ke s ho pping a nd onl ine ga ming — even those that sta rt of f a s a he a lt hy ha bi t, su ch as exerci se. Here, we com b through what ha pp ens i n ou r b o d i es to re e l us in a nd what it takes to break free . BY M A R ISA CO HEN

S

o what is addiction, anyway? We’ve all said it: ‘I’m so addicted to Cheese Curls/This Is Us/my new dry shampoo.’ Um, no. While you may love and even overdo things like that, it’s when you become so preoccupied with a substance or behaviour that you’ve lost control over it – and you keep pursuing it despite negative consequences for your health, relationships and finances – that you’ve crossed over into the addiction zone.

This happens because of the brain’s plasticity: repeated exposure to environments and behaviours changes the way the neurons talk to each other, locking in certain reactions and routines. Here’s how it works: the first time you try a shot of vodka or pop a pill, a rush of the neurotransmitter dopamine floods the pleasure centre of your brain, making you feel more content, more aroused, less anxious. ‘But addictive substances hijack the system by spiking dopamine levels even higher than natural rewards do,’ explains

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Dr Kelly Dunn, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the US. Over time, the brain is rewired so you need more of the drug, drink or behaviour to get a buzz, and the stuff that used to make you happy starts to feel comparatively dull and joyless. The worst part is, as those neurons get rewired, you start needing more and more not just to get high, but to keep from dropping into the physical and emotional abyss of withdrawal, so you may become physically as well as psychologically dependent. Eventually, a person who is hooked on a substance uses it merely to keep from feeling bad, and intense cravings are triggered by the anticipation of taking it – the smell of the liquor, the sight of the white powder. This makes quitting incredibly hard.

Keep reading to find out what’s going on in the brain of an addicted person, why some of us are more likely to succumb and how to tell if you (or people you know) need help.

H E A LT H

Drugs or Nicotine or Shoppin PLEASURE PALACE: HABITS HARDEN HERE

The basal ganglia form the reward circuit in your brain, the area where you experience pleasure. The addictive substance (or associated sights, smells or sounds) signals neurons to release neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which flood the subregion of the basal ganglia called the nucleus accumbens.

Dopamine also stimulates another subregion, the dorsal striatum – that’s where the habits are learnt and solidified.

STRESS ZONE: WIRED FOR WITHDRAWAL

The extended amygdala is the brain’s centre for stress, anxiety and irritability. When someone tries to stop using, neurotransmitters, including corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), norepinephrine and dynorphin, are released into this region, making the user feel terrible when they can’t get a fix.

AS M A N Y AS

% 0 8 f alcoholics

o also smoke regularly

DECISION CENTRAL: OUT-OFCONTROL IMPULSES

The brain's prefrontal cortex is responsible for making decisions, organising thoughts and controlling impulses and emotions. (It is notoriously underdeveloped in adolescents.) In someone who is addicted, activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate is increased, disrupting how dopamine affects this region. This turns down the system that says, ‘Stop! Don’t do it!′ while turning up the system that learns how to find and use the substance.

.

You get hooked in the same way as with a substance: someone with alcohol-use disorder may get a rush from the clink of ice in a glass, or a person who can’t stop shopping may feel a rush from the scent in her favourite department store. ‘When we take a picture of the brain of someone with a gambling problem, for instance, we see similarities to drug and alcohol problems,′ says Dr Jon Grant, professor of psychiatry and behavioural neuroscience at the University of Chicago in the US. While gambling was the first nonsubstance addiction added to the official Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders in 2014, similar regional brain activation occurs in people addicted to food, exercise, even tanning – and in 2018 the World Health Organization recognised online video-gaming disorder as a diagnosable problem.

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special report

and who isn’t Wh i l e n o - o n e ca n say with ce r ta i nt y wh o wi l l wa l k away af te r tr yi n g a n a d d i ctive su bsta n ce o r b e h avi o u r a n d wh o wi l l fa l l d own th e ra b b it h o l e, th e re a re c l ea r ri sk fa cto rs .

GENETICS Alcoholism runs in families, and so does drug use. Experts estimate that your genes account for about half of your risk for addiction. With drugs, this may be related to the way the body metabolises them.

Some studies have even found that a genetic quirk in which the brain has less of a certain dopamine receptor is related to a higher risk of addiction, says Dunn.

But the environment and other factors also come into play, so the fact that your mom or dad was addicted doesn’t mean it’s your destiny as well.

TOLERANCE FOR TAKING RISKS There are certain personality traits – such as being impulsive and risk-taking – that make you more likely to try alcohol or drugs for the first time, and the more often you try them, the more likely you are to become addicted, says Dunn. While taking chances has long been associated with substance abuse, a recent German study found that it is also linked to a higher rate of online-gaming disorder in otherwise healthy males.

CHILDHOOD TRAUMA Emotional and physical stress may have longlasting effects on the brain, especially in its early stages of development.

That’s why kids who suffer trauma or grow up in stressful environments

such as extreme poverty may be more vulnerable to addiction as they get older. A 2016 study at the University of Texas in the US found that adverse childhood experiences, including physical and sexual abuse and living with an addicted parent, correlated with a high risk of substance abuse even in adults age 50 and over.

YOUR AGE WHEN YOU FIRST TRY IT The earlier you start experimenting, the more likely you are to get hooked, since the prefrontal cortex – the rational part of the brain that overrides the ‘Ooh, cool, let’s try it!’ risktaking section – is not fully developed until you’re in your mid-20s.

WHERE YOU LIVE AND HANG OUT If there are lots of drugs and alcohol in your environment, you’re more likely to try them.

Your family and the neighbourhood you grow up in, your peers and friends, and the legality and availability of different addictive substances all come into play.

There are well-known ways to get help – therapy, medication, support groups and more – and going it alone is not recommended. These at-home tactics may smooth a bumpy recovery.

EXERCISE Heading out for a run or taking a dance class can create a natural high, reduce the effects of stress and even ease an addict through withdrawal.

Exercise may also stimulate reward centres in the brain, helping to ease cravings.

MINDFULNESS A study in JAMA Psychiatry found that people in treatment for alcohol or drug addiction who participated in an eight-week mindfulness course had significantly lower relapse rates a year later than those who had only traditional therapy and support.

ONLINE SUPPORT A variety of apps are available to help people manage their recovery and get 24/7 support from both peers and counsellors, including Sober Grid and SoberTool.

Myth-buster

Photography: Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly. Illustration: Harry Campbell. Prop Styling: Elisabeth Engelhart

Is there such a thing as an addictive personality?

If you’re, say, a recovering alcoholic, does that mean you’re liable to become hooked on something else, whether it’s shopping or doughnuts?

Not quite. While the term ‘addictive personality’ gets thrown around a lot, experts point out that it’s not a clinical diagnosis.

It’s true that the same risk factors that make you susceptible to one addiction can make you more likely to become addicted to something else, and some people get hooked on more than one thing. (A study in the journal Evaluation & The Health Professions found that about 23% of addicts have multiple addictions.) But much of that may just be because of proximity, says Dr Michael Weaver, professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center in the US. ‘These things cluster together. If you spend a lot of time in a casino, where there’s alcohol around, there are probably a lot of cigarettes too.’ So there is every reason to believe that those who are able to kick one habit can steer clear of others, as long as they stay away from the places and people who trigger them.

A b a d h a b i t m a y n o t t o t a l l y t ra s h y o u r l i f e , b u t i t c a n s t i l l c a u s e y o u p ro b l e m s . H e re ’ s w h a t m a y re a l l y b e g o i n g o n – a n d w h a t to d o INTENSE CRAVINGS People do become addicted to food, meaning they cannot stop overeating despite dire consequences. If you can’t stop noshing on something when it’s in front of you, but it hasn’t taken over your life, those are cravings, which are only one symptom of food addiction. ‘Research has shown that the specific combination of fat and refined carbs found only in junk foods like pizza is more associated with symptoms of food addiction compared with foods that are naturally high in fat (for example, meat) or carbohydrates (fruit or whole grains),’ says Erica Schulte, a researcher at the Food and Addiction Science & Treatment Lab at the University of Michigan in the US. If you fear that your craving for certain foods is tipping toward addiction, try going cold turkey – it’ll be most difficult in the first three to five days, but may help that craving to wane, she says.

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MISUSE If your compulsion to scroll through Instagram or check texts is getting in the way of meaningful conversations or

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making you fall behind at work, you could have a misuse issue. ‘Misuse means the behaviour causes problems, but it’s still controllable, while addiction is a compulsion that is not easily controlled,’ Dunn says. Use tech tools to fight back: changing the display from colour to greyscale may make the screen less alluring, says clinical psychologist Dr Andrea Bonior. Tools on your devices (Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing) set time limits on apps and let you know when you’ve hit your cap.

INERTIA You cue up Netflix to watch one episode of The Crown, and the next thing you know it’s 4am and you’ve powered through the entire season. This is a case of inertia, says Bonior. ‘The technology is set up to suck you in – they give you a dramatic sneak preview, or it automatically starts to play the next episode.’ To interrupt the momentum, ‘give yourself a limit of two or three episodes, and then have a bath or another treat planned for the moment that last episode is over,’ she suggests. G H

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IF YOU THINK YOU NEED HELP

Alcoholics Anonymous www.aasouthafrica.org.za Gamblers Anonymous gasouthafrica.wordpress.com Narcotics Anonymous www.na.org.za Overeaters Anonymous www.overeatersanonymous.org.za

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Q & A

H E A LT H

Ti red , h u n g r y, e m oti o n a l . H ave yo u eve r fe lt at th e m e rcy of yo u r h o rm o n es? Ti m e fo r so m e s tra i g ht-ta l ki n g a n swe rs to h e l p yo u fee l m o re i n co ntro l of yo u r m i n d a n d b ody. . .

FOR MOST OF US, knowledge of our hormones and gynaecology is basic at best: periods and how not to get pregnant. But that is it. ‘We need to start learning about this stuff, and from a younger age, so we feel comfortable talking about it,’ says Dr Larisa Corda, a fertility expert, obstetrician and gynaecologist. Both she and Dr Anita Mitra, who runs the Gynae Geek blog, are on a mission to get women informed and empowered.

Q

‘DOES STRESS MAKE PMS WORSE?’

DR MITRA Most likely, yes. Stress can make periods more painful and can also make PMS worse. The main stress hormones are cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline and insulin – and they all interact with your female hormones. I call this the brain-vagina axis! Stress can stop you ovulating, make your period come earlier or later, and make it heavier or lighter.

Short bursts of stress aren’t bad for us, but when stress goes on and on, it can affect your cycle. Stress can also come from things such as overexercising, too much caffeine and yo-yo dieting. I often

ask women, especially those trying to get pregnant, ‘Do you need to relax more?’

That could be achieved via meditation, which is shown to be effective for stress.

But if that’s not for you, more downtime – such as going for a walk without taking your phone along or sitting in silence – could help.

Q

‘SHOULD I INVEST IN A FERTILITY APP?’

DR CORDA I’m a big fan of women developing more awareness about their cycle, and fertility monitors can help with that. There are apps available too, such as Natural Cycles. But if you are trying to get pregnant, I don’t recommend that you become obsessed with the ‘fertile window’, as this can make sex become mechanical and regimented.

Instead, I advise sex three times a week or even more – new studies suggest that regular, even daily, sex from the start of your cycle can help improve sperm quality and regulate immunity, making conception more likely to happen.

Sperm can survive for several days in the reproductive tract, so even if you have irregular ovulation, regular sex can

ensure there is sperm around whenever it happens. If, on the other hand, you’re using an app in place of contraception, you need to accept that there is a chance you might still get pregnant, as they are not as reliable as hormonal contraceptives. Check the statistics for your app. Also remember that these work best if you have a regular cycle, are very strict about monitoring yourself daily and use condoms or abstain on days you are fertile.

Q

‘ I W E N T TO SEE MY GP B E CAUS E I THINK I’M IN M E N O PA U S E , B U T S H E WO N ’ T G I V E ME HRT...’

DR MITRA I often hear women saying they have to put up with symptoms of perimenopause. Many GPs are reluctant to prescribe hormone replacement therapy these days, and I think this is because of conflicting news stories about the drugs. I’d say HRT is very safe and this view is supported by decades of scientific evidence. If your GP isn’t prepared to prescribe HRT, book an appointment with another doctor or your gynaecologist.

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Q

‘I DON’T U N D E R S TA N D WHY I GET S O H U N G RY BEFORE MY PERIOD...’

itching or an unusual smell. Don’t be tempted to use a vaginal wash, which can wash away healthy bacteria and cause vaginal irritation.

Q

DR MITRA Your hormones fluctuate all the time, sometimes on an hourly basis.

As progesterone increases towards the end of your cycle, you may feel hungrier.

Can you embrace this? If not, you’re criticising your body for doing what’s natural. Perhaps knowing that this appetite increase is temporary might make it more tolerable?

Q

‘I’VE BEEN ON THE PILL FOR 20 Y E A RS . I N OW WA N T T O G E T PREGNANT – BUT WILL I B E A B L E TO ? ’

DR CORDA Studies have shown that, though it may temporarily make you less fertile when you come off the Pill, there is no long-term compromise to your fertility. Sometimes, however, it can take up to a year for your periods to re-establish themselves fully.

Of course, you can start trying as soon as you stop taking the Pill. Make sure you’re eating well, though; we sometimes see low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and magnesium, in women who’ve been taking it. You should consider a multivitamin supplement that includes folate, as you’re trying to get pregnant. If you went on the Pill to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you may find your periods irregular when you come off it too, so it’s worth seeing a doctor sooner rather than later. The same would apply if you’ve been put on the Pill to control other conditions, such as endometriosis.

Q

’ W H Y D O ES M Y CYCL E S E E M TO MESS W ITH M Y S L E E P SO M UCH ?’

DR MITRA Often, women will find their sleep is worse after ovulation and before their period, due to changes in core body

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MY GP?’

temperature and progesterone levels.

I recommend tracking your cycle to see how it affects your sleep. You can use this information to change your lifestyle to promote sleep at key moments. One thing that can help is to keep your bedroom cool: around 18°C. It’s important to have a regular bedtime too, rather than binge-sleep at weekends.

It’s worth working on this, as lack of sleep is a stressor, raising cortisol levels, which in turn affects oestrogen and progesterone levels. There’s another hormone at play here too: melatonin, the ‘sleep hormone’, which your body produces in response to darkness. Being exposed to blue light from screens at night messes with melatonin, which in turn messes with your hormones. So keep off screens, ideally for at least 90 minutes before bed.

Q

‘ I ’ V E STO P P E D TA K I N G T H E PILL AND MY DISCHARGE IS SOMETIMES R E A L LY H E AV Y . I S T H I S NORMAL?’

DR MITRA So many women ask me this and, most of the time, I can say ‘yes!’

Often, the question comes from women who’ve come off the Pill and aren’t used to ovulating. So when it happens, with its accompanying discharge – which is thin and stringy, like egg white – it takes them by surprise. At other times of the month, your discharge will tend to be a bit drier and yellower. But do see your GP if you are worried, or if there is discomfort,

‘MY PERIODS A R E R E A L LY H E AV Y . I S I T WO RT H SEEING

DR MITRA I’d say a period is heavy when you can’t go to work or do things you enjoy, or if it interferes with your life.

In that case, do see your doctor. There are various treatments available. Also see your GP if it’s become much heavier than normal – particularly around perimenopause. It’s also worth consulting your GP if you have bleeding between periods or after sex. It’s rarely a serious problem, but it’s important to get it checked out.

Q

‘ I ’ M T RY I N G TO FA L L PREGNANT. SHOULD I GET MY HORMONES CHECKED?’

DR CORDA There are several hormones that influence your ability to fall pregnant. The obvious ones are progesterone and oestrogen, made by the ovaries, but there are also folliclestimulating hormone and luteinising hormone, made by the brain. There are tests you can have, but it’s important to get them interpreted by a doctor, usually along with an ultrasound scan. Levels of thyroid hormones and vitamin D can impact fertility too, as well as another hormone called prolactin.

If you are fit and healthy and under 35, you should try for a year before you see your GP. If you are over 35, you should give it six months. But don’t wait for a year if you have a chronic health condition – for example, systemic lupus erythematosus or diabetes – or if you have PCOS or endometriosis, a history of treatment for cervical-cell changes, have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, if your mother or sister had an early menopause or if you’ve had cancer. GH

Photography: Gallo Images/Getty Images. Text: © Red/Brigid Moss

H E A LT H

MADE WITH EASE!

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INUT M 10

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FILL ILE & ING Pasta Polana South Africa

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I N S P I R I N G S T O R I E S + E V E R Y D AY A D V I C E + G R E AT R E A D S ETIQUETTE

Our devices go wherever we do, but etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts is here to remind us when it’s polite to detach....

AT A RESTAURANT The only thing that belongs on the table is your dinner.

Keep your phone out of sight and on vibrate (if you can’t bring yourself to switch it off).

If you need to make a call or send a text, excuse yourself from the table.

IN A STORE Multitasking works in certain spaces, but in the fast-paced world of retail, it’s distracting and, frankly, rude. It’s common courtesy to give the checkout teller your undivided attention.

If you’re in the queue, stay off your phone so you don’t cause any delays.

ON THE STREET Always assume everyone can hear your conversation – that way, you’ll remember to keep your voice down.

Also, distracted-walking incidents are on the rise, so limit your phone use while using a pedestrian crossing or at an intersection.

Photography: © iStock.com

happiness

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A ut hor a nd j ou r n a l i s t Helen Ru s s el l ex plor e s t he g lo b a l s e c r et s t o c ont ent ment t h a t c a n c h a n g e ou r l i ve s

hink of a place you associate to investigate, interviewing people with happiness. Somewhere worldwide to pull together a catalogue in Scandinavia, perhaps? of cultural customs that give horizontal Australia? The Netherlands? perspective on happiness and what it We all have an idea of the means to live a good life. ‘happy countries’ that regularly top the polls It led to my new book, The Atlas – but what if we could learn something from Of Happiness (Two Roads). It isn’t cultures we’re less familiar with? What if, in a compendium of the happiest countries; fact, there were dozens of unique happiness instead it’s a look at some of the concepts hacks from all over the world, just waiting that are making people happier in for you to try? different places. Because if we only look ‘What if there were I started researching happiness when at the countries already coming top of dozens of happiness I relocated from a busy London life to the happiness polls, we miss out on hacks for you to try?’ rural Denmark and wrote The Year Of the ideas and knowledge from cultures Living Danishly (Icon Books), exploring outside our own echo chambers. Nowhere what Danes do differently. Since then, I’ve been humbled is a utopia. Everywhere has its faults. But I set out to celebrate and moved to hear from readers across the globe with widethe best bits as well as national characteristics at their finest – ranging perspectives. But the one constant has been an urge to because that’s what we should all be aiming for. Here are a few share the happiness secrets of their own countries. So I began of my favourites….

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LIFE

C l i m b eve r y m o u n t a i n (a n d e a r n yo u r l u n c h) Norwegians enjoy enviable Scandi lifestyles and they also have a secret ace card up their sleeves: friluftsliv.

This translates as ‘free air life’ and it’s the definition of happiness for most Norwegians. If you meet a Norwegian out in nature, their objective tends to be the highest mountain nearby and there’s a saying in Norway that ‘you must make an effort before you can have pleasure’. Most Norwegians believe you have to work for things; to earn them with physical endeavours, battling the elements.

Only once you’ve climbed a mountain in the rain and cold can you truly enjoy your dinner.

Most Norwegians will embark on an adventure two or three times a week with friends and family, packing supplies and making a day of it, so friluftsliv combines nature, activity, food, good company – all proven to be good for our health and happiness. Scandinavians swear by an old adage: that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. So now I get outside, whatever the forecast, and ask myself: what did I do today? What did I climb? Where did I go? Because summits are there to be surmounted – and everything looks better with a little perspective.

The only way is Norway!

Tr y o u t s o m e j u g a a d Named after the trucks cobbled together from parts of old army Jeeps discarded in the 1950s, jugaad has come to mean frugal innovation or an attitude and commitment to getting things done – no matter what. It’s a distinctively Indian philosophy to make the best of what you have, instead of waiting for the ideal situation or perfect conditions. In Mumbai, tuk-tuk drivers fashion their own ‘buses’ by nailing on extra planks as seats. Jugaad serves as a reminder that we don’t always need more: we can innovate within constraints and create something to fulfil our needs for the moment.

Of course, many people in India aren’t doing jugaad because it makes them more creative – they’re doing it out of necessity. There’s a cruel irony that the very Indian concept of jugaad as a philosophy for a happy, successful life works most effectively outside India.

We can all feel guilty about that. But we can also keep trying. To make the world a better place, be resilient and keep on keeping on, jugaad style. Things won’t ever be perfect, but just as the concept of the ‘good enough’ mother has saved the sanity of so many women, there’s something to be said for the ‘good enough’ attitude to life – making the best of what we have. Scientists at Harvard University in the US found that optimism and the ability to bounce back from stressful challenges are key for happiness.

LIFE

happiness

Finding beauty in i m p e r fe c t i o n , w a b i- s a b i s t y l e From wabi meaning ‘simplicity’ and sabi meaning ‘the beauty of age and wear’, wabi-sabi is a world view centred on the acceptance of change and imperfection – a little like the English word ‘patina’, only here things aren’t often valued for the patina. An old leather chair cracking on the arms? Upgrade. Laughter lines? Start googling ‘fillers’. But being ‘old’ isn’t a bad thing in Japanese culture. It means you have a history, which adds value. So in Japan, there’s respect for things becoming older and well-used – from people to pottery. Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with metallic lacquer so that the cracks are highlighted in pure gold – celebrated, even. In kintsugi, the scar is gilded and the beauty is because of the imperfections, not in spite of them.

Kintsugi treasures the old, elevating it to something with a higher value than even the box-fresh version. This is a refreshing way of looking at the world – cherishing age and imperfections rather than always focusing on the shiny and new. Numerous studies show that perfectionism can lead to depression, but recent research by the Australian Catholic University found that self-compassion can break this link, and a wabi-sabi attitude might help us all become happier. So now I’m trying out kintsugi. I repurpose old furniture; and I’ve made friends with my laughter lines, wabi-sabi style.

Embrace Japan’s golden rules

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Wa l k t h e m i d d l e p a t h with mai pen rai One of the most commonly used phrases in Thailand, mai pen rai is often translated as ‘never mind’ or ‘don’t worry’, but it’s also a philosophy for living and a reminder of the importance of acceptance. In this largely agricultural country, a mai pen rai approach has proved crucial. If a crop fails, there’s nothing to be done but accept it. Mai pen rai. That’s not to say that Thai people aren’t trying to ensure that things turn out for the best. The philosophy isn’t about avoiding responsibility – this would be the antithesis of Buddhism, where we’re supposed to assume responsibility not only for our own lives but for every living thing. Instead, mai pen rai is about what we can realistically do ourselves without inconveniencing others. The late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej endorsed ‘walking the middle ground’ as the route to happiness, which seems radical in its simplicity – because aiming high has been ingrained in many of us from birth. But does it really make us happy? No, say Science of Happiness researchers at the University of California, Berkeley in the US. Ambition can help us achieve many things, but happiness isn’t one of them.

Instead, mai pen rai offers some much-needed context for our so-called problems of modern life.

Wi-Fi down? Traffic terrible? Flight delayed? We’ll probably survive. Mai pen rai encourages us to consider our harvest – be it crops, campaigns or complex conundrums: we should do all we can, then accept that we can do no more. This is a sustainable attitude to life that keeps us happy and healthy, long term. So find your middle path and stick to it.

Put friends first and relax with pura vida Costa Ricans have long been known as the ‘happy rebels of Latin America’ and their unofficial motto, pura vida, might just explain why.

The phrase, meaning ‘pure life’, encourages locals to keep cool, stick together and stay optimistic. Okay, so Costa Ricans have plenty to be happy about – from sunsets that look as though they’ve been painted, to endless sandy beaches, rainforests and 500 000 unique species of plants and wildlife.

But Ticos also enjoy higher levels of wellbeing than many of the wealthiest countries in the world because they take care of one another. Pura vida means socialising as often as possible; seeing friends regularly is one of the key indicators for happiness and even boosts our health as much as exercise and diet do, according to research from the University of North Carolina in the US. As one friend put it: ‘If a Costa Rican meets you once, they’ll be really nice. If they meet you a second time, they’ll hug you and make social plans. And from then on in, you’re pretty much friends for life.’ Pura vida requires opening up a little more than many of us elsewhere might be used to, but we can all make time for friends in our lives. Costa Ricans excel at relaxing, too, banishing clock-watching and enjoying what’s known as ‘Costa Rican Time’. This roughly translates as ‘late’ or ‘in no hurry’ – for anything.

So spend time with your most laid-back friends – the ones who are never in a rush. Make them sit down and tell you their secret – and enjoy some pura vida.

Illustrations: Naomi Wilkinson © Two Roads

Made with care: meraki Meraki, or ‘labour of love’, refers to an introspective, precise expression of care usually applied to a cherished pastime in Greece – and it’s keeping Greeks happy despite turbulent times. This is because people who prioritise their hobbies report being happier; spending time doing something meaningful leads to increased wellbeing, researchers have found. Having a passion in which you take pride can be of extra benefit to those who can’t say the same for their job.

Many tasks that need to be taken care of on a day-today basis – either at work or at home – aren’t particularly challenging or inspiring. But we can break up the cycle of mundane work with our own personal challenges – things that we’re passionate about and can genuinely look forward to. Our meraki means that even on the days when life isn’t going our way – when things seem difficult or boring – we have something to look forward to. Our side hustle, our passion, can keep us going. Greeks know that they can’t always control what’s going on but they find ways to be happy – by making time for meraki. So single-task and spend time and care on something you enjoy or try out a few new hobbies – to find your own meraki. G H The Atlas Of Happiness by Helen Russell (R411, Two Roads)

Greece is the way we are feeling…

The secret to lasting love?

Ha ve conversations th at cou nt, relationship exp ert s John G ottma n a nd Jul ie S chwa rt z G ottm a n tel l A R IEL L E TCHIPROUT

H OW TO

SAV E A R E L ATI O N S H I P I N E I G HT DATE S o you remember, when you first fell in love, having conversations that seemed to last forever? When there was so much to learn? Under the sheets at 2am or on planes to new cities? You’d talk about your childhoods and ambitious dreams with wide-eyed wonder. Yet, somewhere along the way – after moving in together, getting married or having kids – the questions you asked switched from, ‘What’s your biggest fear?’ to ‘Can you pick up the dry-cleaning?’ Sadly, long-term couples don’t talk enough. ‘We often have meaningful conversations in the stardust of connecting to each other, but when relationships develop, these conversations get put on the back burner and grow cold over time,’ says Dr Julie Schwartz Gottman, a clinical psychologist and cofounder of The Gottman Institute.

‘One study of married couples found that they spoke privately, on average, for just 35 minutes a week.’

According to her, this is a cause of disconnect in relationships and can be the catalyst for breakdown. This is why she and her husband, acclaimed relationship expert Dr John Gottman, have coauthored a book, Eight Dates (Penguin), to guide couples to have more sincere conversations and improve their relationships.

When it comes to romantic advice, it’s wise to listen to the Gottmans. For decades, they’ve conducted research with thousands of couples to uncover the secrets to happy relationships; John’s ‘Love Lab’ research enabled him to predict (with 94% accuracy) within 10 minutes of meeting a couple whether their marriage will last.

And their findings have worked for them: John and Julie have been happily married for more than 30 years. So what’s the secret? ‘We have learnt in our research that deep, healthy relationships involve knowing each other’s internal worlds,’ says John. ‘Knowing your partner’s interests, values and needs, which can evolve over time.’

The Gottmans acknowledge that it can be difficult to enter these deep realms with your partner, so they’ve developed a framework for eight different dates you can go on together, each addressing an important topic, with questions to encourage introspection and reflection. The goal is not to argue, but to bring you closer.

‘Time is always an issue, but being in a loving relationship means prioritising each other,’ says Julie. ‘Try to have a date once a week and make these occasions a permanent part of your life. Plan them.

Look forward to them. Make dedicated, non-negotiable time for each other a priority, and never stop being curious about your partner.’ Get started now….

relationships

Date 1

Recommit

WHY? You may think of commitment as an exchange of vows or legal contracts, but commitment is affirming that your partner is precious and not replaceable. This means accepting your partner, despite their flaws, and not threatening to find something (or someone) better elsewhere.

HOW? Choose a place that is meaningful to your relationship, such as where you first met. Discuss the ways you cherish your partner. Do they have skills you admire? Telling them why you’re committed will build trust and strengthen your bond.

ASK THIS What does trust mean to you? What do you need from me to show that I am committed in this relationship?

Date 2

Photography: Gallo Images/Getty Images, supplied. Text: © Red/Arielle Tchiprout

Unpack issues

WHY? Tread carefully – this should not be a confrontation, but an opportunity to unpack any issues and work out the best way forward.

Rather than avoiding a difficult topic and allowing resentment to simmer, managing conflict helps us love each other better and understand each other on a deeper level.

HOW? Go for a walk holding hands – that way, even if you disagree, you’re heading in the same direction together and maintaining intimacy.

Keep it positive and discuss what you do need. Make that positive need as specific as possible. For example, ‘I would like you to respect me,’ isn’t as good as, ‘I would like you to turn off your phone at dinner so we can talk.’

If your partner expresses anger, don’t get defensive – ask what they need.

ASK THIS Is there a story behind this issue related to your upbringing? How can I best support you when you are feeling angry?

Date 3

Talk about sex

WHY? When life is busy, sex is first to drop off the to-do list, but it’s vital for maintaining intimacy. Research shows

that couples who talk about sex have more sex, and women in relationships like this have more orgasms.

HOW? Do something physical before you meet, such as yoga, to feel in touch with your body. Dress in a way that your partner finds sexy or, if you are at home, don’t wear clothes at all.

Bring an open mind and willingness to be vulnerable with your partner.

ASK THIS Where and how do you like to be touched? What can I do to make our sex life better?

Date 4

Address the m-word

WHY? It’s crucial to communicate about money. (It’s one of the top five reasons couples fight.) Explore what money and work mean to you both.

How much is enough? How can you work towards goals together?

HOW? Spend little or no money – perhaps have a picnic. Avoid being dismissive about your partner’s work stress and try to compare your work with your partner’s.

ASK THIS How do you feel about work now? What is your biggest fear about money?

ate 5

Discuss family

WHY? Growing a family puts a strain on a relationship. John found that 67% of couples who had a child within four years of getting married experienced a drop in marital happiness in the first three years of the baby’s life. Talking about family life can counteract this dip.

HOW? Examine your feelings about family as a whole. Talk about your childhood, what family means to you and how you can build on these values.

ASK THIS What does parenthood feel like for you? What do you want to do to deepen our family relationship?

Date 6

Let loose

WHY? Couples who play together stay together, but we don’t always have the same ideas about what ‘play’ means. It’s fine to have separate

LIFE

hobbies, but it’s also essential to laugh and have fun with your partner.

HOW? Go somewhere you’ve never been before or have the entire date in a bath. Be adventurous! Think about three new things you’d love to try beforehand, then decide which things you could do together. Don’t force your partner to do what you want, though – find something you can both enjoy.

ASK THIS What’s the most fun you’ve had in the last few years? How do you think we could have more fun?

Date 7

Create shared meaning

WHY? Research shows that if couples think their pairing is sacred, they have a better relationship. This doesn’t necessarily mean assigning religious meaning – it’s about believing in a higher connection.

HOW? Think about rituals to bring you closer – whether it’s kissing goodbye in the morning or lighting candles at dinner. Talk about your beliefs and how you can encourage each other in your spiritual growth.

ASK THIS What do you consider sacred, and why? How can I support you in this?

ate 8

Dream big

WHY? Dreaming together while honouring your partner’s dreams is a profound act of love. Everyone makes sacrifices, but surrendering dreams can lead to bitterness and resentment.

HOW? Go to a place that inspires you.

Discuss dreams with an open mind and open heart, even if they seem unreachable. Work out what dreams you can achieve together.

ASK THIS What were your dreams when you were a child? G H Eight Dates To Keep Your Relationship Happy, Thriving And Lasting by John Gottman & Julie Schwartz Gottman with Doug Abrams & Rachel Carlton Abrams (R215, Penguin Books)

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animal zone

ORGANISED FOR THE OFFICE Taking your pet to work is great fun but you’ll need to be prepared. Here are a few items you should keep nearby A HAIRY SITUATION No-one wants to walk into an important meeting covered in dog hair. The FurMate Reusable Pet Fur Remover is great for quickly getting rid of hair and has a nifty self-cleaning base.

WHAT TO DO WITH NUMBER TWO? When you’re out walking with your pooch, these biodegradable, flushable doggypoop bags ensure you can get rid of the mess easily while being conscious of the environment. R49 for 10, A Pet’s Life Online Shop

Companies that allow four-legged companions could see a boost in productivity and job satisfaction ANIMAL-FRIENDLY OFFICES ARE HAPPIER

A 2012 study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University in the US found that staff members who brought their dogs to work felt less stress throughout the day compared with those without in-office pets. ‘Interacting with a dog at work, even if it’s not yours, helps reduce anxiety,’ says Jennifer Fearing, coauthor of Dogs At Work: A Practical Guide To Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces (Humane Society Press).

PETS PROMOTE HARD WORK

Workplaces that welcome animals can benefit from a boost in productivity. Owners who don’t have to dash home to take care of a cat or a dog can end the working day at a natural stopping point instead of potentially cutting it short. Both pet owners and those who have access to animals may cope better with unpleasant tasks if they can scratch a furry head. Fearing says that those who don’t have a pet at home may appreciate seeing one at the office.

STOCKISTS ON PAGE 99

PLAYFUL DISTRACTIONS The Rogz Tumbler is sure to keep your furry friend busy. This interactive toy acts as a treat puzzle and slow feeder that keeps them stimulated and reduces the danger of them chewing something they shouldn’t. R245, Pet Heaven

THEY HELP CO-WORKERS BREAK THE ICE

Animals encourage the fostering of human relationships, especially across departments and among those who might not otherwise interact. ‘When there’s a dog around, you’re more likely to engage with one another and forge stronger ties,’ Fearing explains. ‘You could go by a colleague’s desk or office to see the dog and find things to work on together that you otherwise might not.’

BOUNDARIES MAKE IT BETTER

The presence of pets in an office requires rules. ‘The best programmes are administered by a committee that includes HR representatives and workers who are not excited about the pets,’ Fearing says. Most successful pet-friendly offices have animal-free zones and require a formal application for each pet brought in, including vaccination records and a pledge to clean both the animal and its bedding regularly.

u e er

YOUR PET’S PIC HERE

‘#mygirls #rescuepuppies

’

- @dewoftheocean Tag and caption your best (and cutest) pet moments with #GHCuteAlert on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, and a photo of your furry or feathered (or even finny!) friend could appear in an upcoming issue of Good Housekeeping! G H

Photography: Gallo Images/Getty Images, Instagram via @dewoftheocean, supplied. Compiled by Tegan Mouton. Prices correct at time of going to press

R179, Makro

parenting

LIFE

AND, RELAX...

Adorable Llamaste helps her friends be happy and calm by teaching them various easy and useful yoga poses – all of which are suitable for children.

Ages: 18 months – 3 years

Llamaste & Friends by Annabel Tempest (illustrator) (R170, Pat-a-Cake)

H OW TO

Photography: © iStock.com, supplied. Compiled by Sally Emery. Prices correct at time of going to press

Try these strategies to enhance your child’s empathy naturally, say Craig and Marc Kielburger, cofounders of the charity www.we.org We all want to raise caring kids. In fact, in research by the University of Virginia in the US, 96% of parents said that moral character was ‘very important, if not essential’. The best way to build it in your children is by fostering empathy, the ability to understand how others feel.

Our mother, Theresa, went out of her way to teach us empathy. One winter, for instance, we stumbled upon a homeless man. Mom asked him his name and whether he had found shelter the previous night.

The man seemed shocked that anyone would stop and ‘see’ him.

She slipped some money into his hand. Later she explained to us why someone might not have a family or a job – a lesson she learnt firsthand as a child when her father died and her family was left in such dire straits that for a time they lived in a tent. She asked us to change our perspective: could we imagine walking in that man’s shoes?

As parents, we can all embrace and teach empathy by helping our kids discover new perspectives: ASKING ‘WHY?’ If you see another child melting down, talk about

what might have prompted it.

Maybe she’s hungry or has to go home before she wants to.

Asking your child to think of a time she was upset or told no will help her empathise.

CULTIVATING KINDNESS When your child has a disagreement with a friend, ask your child why he thinks his playmate was upset. Did that child feel left out or somehow marginalised? Is there a kinder way your child could respond next time?

SHARING EXPERIENCES When your child grumbles about a teacher, ask her to consider what it’s like to be facing cranky kids at the end of the day. Use an example from your own life: how do you handle your boss?

There’s probably a nugget of truth in there for your children to learn from.

BEING ROLE MODELS Kids take cues from your emotional behaviour as well as your actions. Openly share your feelings of confusion about social inequality, for instance, by discussing an issue in the news. Show your child how to turn those feelings into actions like volunteering.

RELATABLE ADVENTURES Feisty local heroine Jamela has been entertaining young audiences since 1999. This complete collection of Jamela stories is sure to be well loved.

Ages: 2 – 6 years

It’s Jamela! by Niki Daly (R290, Tafelberg)

BRAIN POWER The very best book for the curious child with a hunger for fun facts. Entertaining, informative and packed with info about science, technology, nature, history, people and more.

Ages: 8+ years

Wow! The Visual Encyclopedia Of Everything (R430, DK)

BEYOND LIMITS Greta Thunberg is proof that you can make a difference, regardless of your age. This little book is a collection of the teen climate activist’s speeches that have made history around the world.

Ages: 10+ years

No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference

by Greta Thunberg (R65, Penguin Books) G H

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LIFE

how she does it ENTREPRENEUR

Personal trainer, influencer, businesswoman and mom of two Rushda Moosajee (known as Rushtush by her many followers) has built her lifestyle brand from a passion to help women feel their best

My top tip for working moms

The best business advice I′ve ever received My hardest business decision to date

What I wish I’d known before starting a business

ince seeking her own lifestyle change and joining the world of professional training 11 years ago, Rushda has helped countless women meet their own transformation and health goals with customised fitness and nutrition plans.

She’s expanded the Rushtush brand with her Rushtush Pharmaceuticals range and an athleisure clothing collection, and recently launched Rushtush Lip Paints, with more exciting beauty products on the way.

The self-described ‘leader not follower’ is always looking for the next step, and when she saw the fitness industry move towards the digital space, she made the decision to close her Glow Women’s Physique Studio to focus on her second app, Rushtush Fitness. The new subscriptionbased service helps you carry her customised training plans, tips, methods and expert advice in your pocket, making your health goals more accessible than ever before. G H

My top tip for social media One healthy habit to start the day My top tip for multitasking efficiently My top stress-management techniques My business mantra is...

My favourite part of the day

Photography: Fayros Jaffer. Text: Tegan Mouton

S

@rushtush

chill time

LIFE

t

Who doesn’t love eating off a Mediterranean menu?

marcos italian, durban

The Umhlanga offering is the newest in the Marco’s family – and it offers a plethora of family-friendly and seriously flavourful Italian delights. Starters include porcini-topped bruschetta, classic caprese and the popular arancini (risotto balls), while more rib-sticking offerings on the menu are veal limone, traditional meatballs and osso bucco – plus, of course, a wide selection of pastas and wood-fired pizzas. This down-to-earth eatery is guaranteed to make you feel at home immediately. ☎ 031 561 1926

mykonos taverna, cape town

Desperate for a taste of Greece? Mykonos in Newlands is the sister to the Sea Point institution and it’s fabulous!

A bustling whitewashed interior with typically Greek blue touches awaits, as does a moreish menu of meze (the lamb kofta, crispy calamari, hummus and saganaki – fried or grilled halloumi – are all excellent), while mains like their famous lamb souvlaki and slow-cooked kleftiko are crammed with flavour. PS: For dinner, it’s best to book, as this suburban star is busy every night of the week! ☎ 021 685 0139 or www.mykonostaverna.co.za

Photography: Supplied. Compiled by Vicki Sleet. Prices correct at time of going to press

pizza mezza, johannсburg

This Bryanston spot marries traditional Mediterranean flavours with Lebanese leanings. The wood-fired oven works overtime to send out inspired pizzas with perfectly crisp bases, but it’s essential to start with the shared Levantine mezza – from traditional baba ghanoush (aubergine dip) to falafel, hummus, peri-peri chicken livers and fried calamari with tahini – all with masses of their much-loved Lebanese bread. If you love convivial and interactive dining, then this restaurant is for you. ☎ 011 463 2514 or pizzamezza.co.za

On 3 February Michelinstarred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen launched his second season of Jan on both DStv (channel 147) and Showmax. The series, shot over two years in both France and South Africa, takes a behindthe-scenes look at what has influenced his style and direction. Meanwhile Jenny Morris, a.k.a. the Giggling Gourmet, is back with another show.

In From The Heart, which premiered on 30 January on Food Network (DStv 175), she showcases global recipes with African touches and in a narrative that explores how making food is an act of love.

ON THE BEACH

After an extensive renovation and expansion, five-star boutique hotel The Marly has reopened and in totally reimagined style – think French baroque with a contemporary white and silver palette. The property overlooks Camps Bay Beach and comes complete with 40 stylish suites with ocean or mountain views, a rooftop pool and bar, state-of-the-art spa and no fewer than six on-site restaurants to choose from for breakfast, lunch, drinks or dinner. The city’s glamazons have been checking in for cheeky staycations on the beach, and for out-of-towners even two days will feel like 10. Rates start at R5 000 per room per night. www.themarly.co.za GH

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LIFE

books

s

1. Epic saga

Allende’s 23rd book starts in Spain during the civil war and ends with the fall of Pinochet. The story follows Victor and Roser and the new life they try to build together living in exile in Chile. But they face endless trials as their hopes of returning to Spain fade. A brilliant historical novel.

A Long Petal Of The Sea by Isabel Allende (R275, Bloomsbury)

5. THOUGHT-PROVOKING Eva Bruhns was only a baby during World War II in Germany. But when she takes up a position as a translator for a war-crimes trial during the 1960s she starts to question her family’s silence on the war. A powerful, well-researched novel.

The German House by Annette Hess (R305, HarperVia)

2. RICH CHARACTERS This moving novel takes place during World War II and shares the different experiences of the conflict through the perspective of various members of the Delasalle family in Nazi-occupied France.

An intimate portrayal of love and loss.

3. TRAVEL INSPO Legendary travel writer Paul Theroux gets under the skin of Mexico during a road trip through this complex, vibrant country.

6. MASTERFUL Roya and Bahman meet in Roya’s favourite stationery shop in Tehran, run by Mr Fakhri. As their relationship blossoms, Iran erupts into chaos and the country changes forever. A beautifully written love story.

The Stationery Shop Of Tehran

by Marjan Kamali (R190, Simon & Schuster)

On The Plain Of Snakes by Paul Theroux (R320, Penguin Random House)

4. AUSTEN REVISITED Mary, the overlooked daughter in Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice, takes centre stage in this novel as author Janice Hadlow charts her transformation from bookish outsider to self-assured woman.

The Other Bennet Sister

by Janice Hadlow (R299, Mantle)

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7. FAST-PACED When Freya and Jay plan a revenge prank on one of their colleagues at the San Francisco start-up where they work, it doesn’t go as planned. Dark and thoroughly gripping.

The Pact by Amy Heydenrych (R180, Zaffre) G H

Photography: Supplied. Compiled by Sally Emery. Prices correct at time of going to press

News Of Our Loved Ones

by Abigail DeWitt (R295, HarperCollins)

motoring

Compact SUVs powered by efficient 1,0 turbo-charged engines will be big in 2020. We′ve lined up three models, all middle-level spec, all automatic

LIFE

CARRI-ANNE JANE WOW ACTING EDITOR

carrianne@assocmedia.co.za

Photography: Supplied. Prices correct at time of going to press

FORD ECOSPORT 1.0T TREND AUTO The first to the compact SUV arena in 2013 was Ford’s EcoSport. Powered by the award-winning 1,0ℓ EcoBoost engine, it’s the most powerful of the three listed, with 92kW of power and 170Nm of torque. Standard features include seven air bags, Hill Launch Assist and Roll Stability Control, black roof rails, rear parking sensors and the Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system (controlling Bluetooth, voice control, steeringwheel audio controls, two USB ports and iPod functionality). Luggage space is 333ℓ .

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 6,3ℓ/100km (claimed) PRICE: From R324 900 WARRANTY: 4 years/ 120 000km SERVICE PLAN: 4 years/ 60 000km

VO LKSWAG E N T- CROSS 1 .0T COMFORTLINE D S G ( A U T O M AT I C) Volkswagen was the last brand to join the compactSUV party. What’s not to love? It has VW reliability, was built in Spain, has vibrant colours and won’t break the bank. Producing 85kW, the Comfortline spec is only available with the seven-speed DSG auto gearbox. Scoring 97% in Euro NCAP testing for adult safety and 86% for child safety, it’s a winner in its class. Standard features include a touch-screen infotainment unit, cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. Luggage space ranges from 377 to 455ℓ .

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4,9ℓ/100km (claimed) PRICE: From R343 300 WARRANTY: 3 years/ 120 000km SERVICE PLAN: 3 years/ 45 000km

FOR MORE MOTORING INFORMATION AND TIPS, VISIT GOOD HOUSEKEEPING’S MOTORING SITE, WWW. WOMENONWHEELS. CO.ZA

HYU N DAI VE N U E 1.0 TGDI FLUID DCT ( A U TO M AT I C)

SCAN IT

Built in Chennai, India, powered by a 1,0ℓ turbocharged engine producing 88kW and 172Nm and looking remarkably like a pricier Swede, this Hyundai excels in providing everything for the asking price. Standard features in the Venue include the touch-screen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay, driver, passenger and curtain air bags, automatic headlights, cruise control, rear parking sensors with camera, and ventilation for the second row (not that common). Luggage space is 350ℓ .

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 6,9ℓ/100km (claimed) PRICE: R339 900 WARRANTY: 5 years/ 150 000km SERVICE PLAN: 3 years/ 45 000km

SCAN HERE TO VISIT THE WOMEN ON WHEELS WEBSITE

Q

‘My service plan has ended.

What are my options?’

Contact the manufacturer. Most brands are now offering extended plans and warranties, provided the car has been serviced by them/a registered provider.

Shop around. Use 2 a service like Hippo. co.za to compare extended service plans.

Automobile 3 The Association of South Africa offers comprehensive plans that include benefits of a courtesy car if you’re further than 100km from home and break down. G H

1

The Emerald Speed Fest will be held from 28 February to 1 March 2020 at the Emerald Resort & Casino in Vanderbijlpark. The highlight is the 1,6km Master of the Mile race, where 120 race cars and supercars compete against the clock. Tickets from R20 to R250. For more info visit computicket.com.

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RHODES QUALITY

TROPICAL TRIFLE

RHODES QUALITY TROPICAL TRIFLE Ingredients (Serves 8) • 2 x 40g Trotters Jelly Peach Flavoured • 2 x 410g cans Rhodes Quality Peach Halves, drained • 2 x 440g cans Rhodes Quality Pineapple Rings, drained • 2 x 350g Madeira Loaf Cakes • 250g Hinds Custard Powder, premade • 500ml Rhodes Quality 100% Tropical juice • 115g Rhodes Quality Granadilla Pulp • 80g white chocolate, chopped • 500ml whipping cream • 100g flaked almonds 1. Make the jelly and leave to cool slightly.

2. Place the Rhodes Quality Peach Halves and Rhodes Quality Pineapple Rings into the base of a large glass trifle bowl, with some pieces up the side of the glass. Pour in the jelly and refrigerate until set. ice one of the Madeira loaves into lengthways and using a star cookie utter, cut out star shapes and then ube the offcuts. Place stars up the side f the glass and fill in with cubes before pooning in the custard. ut the remaining Madeira loaf into ubes, soak for a for a few seconds in he Rhodes Quality 100% Tropical juice nd place on top of the custard. Drizzle with half the Rhodes Quality Granadilla ulp and refrigerate until ready to serve. o make the topping, microwave he chocolate and 80ml cream for 0 seconds. Stir until melted and leave o cool. Whip the remaining cream d cooled melted chocolate together ntil thick. poon topping onto trifle and drizzle ith more Rhodes Quality Granadilla ulp, scatter with nuts and serve mmediately.

D E L I C I O U S R E C I P E S + N E W C O O K I N G TO O L S + E A SY P R E P T I P S

PA RT Y - STA RTI N G S IP S

Sweet pears and fragrant aromatics turn this classic into an any-time favourite

5 INGREDIENTS pear juice spiced rum lemon juice bitters ginger beer

Photography: Mike Garten. Food Styling: Christine Albano. Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart

In a jug, stir together 200ml pear juice, 2 cups spiced rum, 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp bitters. Stir in 750ml ginger beer. Line glasses with very thinly sliced pears and fill with ice. Pour pear punch over ice. Makes 10 cups.

CONVO STARTER Punch, sipped since at least the 17th century, is said to be named after the Hindi word for ‘five’ (panj) – the number of ingredients in the spiced concoction. It’s mixed in large quantities and is a great excuse to haul out Granny’s punch bowl!

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G LUTE N- FRE E

Balsamic-glazed Pork with Roasted Butternut Preparation Time 5 minutes Total Time 35 minutes Serves 4

CK

HO

& EA S

USEK

EE

ee nights

Make a fresh a nd del ici ous d inner i n less t ime tha n you’ d need to order take awa ys

1. Heat oven to 220°C. On a large rimmed baking tray, toss 1 red onion (thinly sliced) and 500g cubed butternut with 1 tbsp olive oil and ½ tsp each salt and pepper. Roast until tender (18 to 20 minutes).

2. Meanwhile, pat four 170g portions pork fillet dry and season with ½ tsp each salt and pepper. Heat a large frying pan on medium-high. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and brown pork on all sides. Remove from frying pan and set aside. Let pan cool slightly, then add ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp honey and 4 sprigs thyme to frying pan and simmer for 1 minute. Return pork

to frying pan and turn to coat in sauce.

Transfer frying pan to oven and roast for about 8 minutes.

3. When vegetables are done, remove from oven and toss with 4 cups wild rocket and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar. Remove pork from oven and transfer to a chopping board; transfer glaze to a small bowl. Let pork rest for 3 minutes, then slice, serve with vegetables and drizzle with glaze.

EACH SERVING About 1 550kJ, 37g protein, 13g fat (3g saturated), 26g carbohydrate, 4g fibre, 585mg sodium.

quick suppers

FOOD

HE A RT-HE A LTH Y

Roasted-cauliflower Pasta Preparation Time 10 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Serves 4

1. Cook 340g bucatini pasta according to the instructions on packaging. Reserve ½ cup cooking water, drain pasta, transfer pasta back to pot and toss with 2 tbsp each lemon juice and pasta water.

2. Meanwhile, on a rimmed baking tray, toss 1 small cauliflower (about 1kg, cut into small florets) with 1 tbsp olive oil plus 4 anchovies and 1 tbsp capers (all finely chopped) and roast at 220°C for 10 minutes. Add 3 garlic cloves (pressed), 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest and a pinch of chilli flakes to tray, toss and roast until cauliflower is golden brown and tender (a further 5 to 8 minutes).

SECRET INGREDIENT A bit of anchovy adds a salty kick. Sizzle some with oil, then use to sauté vegetables.

3. Serve cauliflower over pasta and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

EACH SERVING About 1 650kJ, 15g protein, 6g fat (1g saturated), 70g carbohydrate, 6g fibre, 230mg sodium.

SECRET INGREDIENT

Lentils pack plantbased proteins into this family favourite. Try using them in your next meat loaf too.

COM F O RT F O OD

Mexican Beef Meatballs with Spicy Sauce Preparation Time 10 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Serves 4

1. Cook 180g long-grain rice according to the instructions on packaging.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and ½ tsp each ground cumin, ground coriander, salt and pepper. Stir in 2 garlic cloves (pressed), ½ cup coriander (chopped) and 1 cup unsalted tortilla chips (crushed; about ½ cup). Mix in 250g beef mince and one 400g can lentils (rinsed).

3. Shape mixture into 20 balls (about 3cm each) and place on a nonstick foil-lined baking tray. Grill on middle rack until cooked through (6 to 8 minutes).

4. Meanwhile, in a medium pot, heat one 410g can Rhodes Quality Tomato Mexican Style. Toss meatballs with sauce and return to heat to simmer, then spoon over rice and sprinkle with coriander. Serve with lime wedges.

EACH SERVING About 2 030kJ, 26g protein, 10g fat (3g saturated), 70g carbohydrate, 11g fibre, 985mg sodium.

FI V E ING RE DIE NTS

Roasted Cranberry Chicken with Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Preparation Time 5 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Serves 4

CHICKEN

DRIED CRANBERRIES

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

PARMESAN

KALE

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe frying pan on medium-high.

Season four 170g boneless, skinless chicken breasts with ¼ tsp each salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (6 to 8 minutes). Flip and cook for 1 minute more.

Add 150g dried cranberries and 125ml water to frying pan, then transfer to oven and roast at 220°C until chicken is cooked through (6 to 7 minutes).

While searing chicken, line a rimmed baking tray with baking paper, then coat with 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 650g Brussels sprouts (about 20, halved), season with ½ tsp each salt and pepper, arrange cut sides down and roast (8 minutes).

Drop 8 tbsp-sized clumps of grated Parmesan (about ½ cup in total) into open spaces between sprouts and roast (4 minutes).

Massage 1½ cups torn kale with 2 tsp olive oil. Add to sprouts and roast for 3 more minutes.

Serve with chicken and cranberries.

EACH SERVING About 2 090kJ, 47g protein, 21,5g fat (4g saturated), 32g carbohydrate, 7g fibre, 675mg sodium. G H

IE

FOR THE LOVE OF Cashews Rhodes Quality Apricot Jam

Brie

BAKED A P R I C OT B R I E

Scan here MAKE IT! to watch Slice the top off a Brie the recipe video! or Camembert round, then bake at 180°C for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and top with a mixture of 50g Rhodes Quality Apricot T TO YO U Jam and 25g cashews.

UG H BY RO Return to oven; bake until B jam mixture is bubbling.

Serve with crackers.

Photography: Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly. Food Styling: Eugene Jho, Cyd McDowell. Prop Styling: Alex Mata

quick suppers

Photography: Michelle Parkin.

Food Styling: Vicki Sleet

FOOD

what ’s cooking?

FOOD

Fo o d h a c k s a n d pro duct pi ck s to make co oki ng a n d preppi ng easi er

Loyd Cold Infusion Tea Bags are genius. No more waiting for tea to cool in the fridge – simply pop a tea bag into a mug or bottle of cold water and your iced tea will be ready in no time. Available in a variety of refreshing fruity flavours.

R32,99 each, Pick n Pay

SCAN IT

SHOP IT

Send your child to school with a warm drink or food that stays warm with a U-Konserve double-wallinsulated, nospill Insulated Food Jar. R369, Faithful to Nature SCAN IT

Photography: Mike Garten, supplied. Compiled by Vicki Sleet. Prices correct at time of going to press

SHOP IT

‘We love having people for tea on a Sunday, but to be honest, I find baking fresh cakes and treats too much. Any thoughts on impressive spoils that won’t break the bank?’

Sundays are for chilling and if baking doesn’t relax you, head straight to the supermarket!

I love the idea of jazzing up a shop-bought crumble or pie with a giant scoop of ice cream or dipping gorgeous biscuits in white chocolate and sprinkling with edible flowers. You can also break the cake tradition and serve waffles with cream and ice cream. After all, who doesn’t love a waffle?

SCAN IT

SHOP IT

SCAN IT

SHOP IT

WATCHING YOUR CARB OR SUGAR INTAKE? GREENALL’S WILD BERRY GIN AND LONDON DRY GIN ARE BOTH SUGAR-FREE! GREENALL’S WILD BERRY GIN R189 AND LONDON DRY GIN R169, BOTH MAKRO

The Joseph Joseph Poach-Pro uses clingfilm to seal an egg in the mould, which holds it fast while cooking for perfectly poached eggs every time!

R219 for a set of two, Yuppiechef.com

That ’ s G enius!

About to make a potato bake and not sure how many potatoes to peel?

TRY THIS TRICK: Select your dish, then pack it with whole, unpeeled potatoes.

Add an extra to make up for lost potato when peeling, count the potatoes and you’ll have the perfect number you need! G H STOCKISTS ON PAGE 99

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un h S U N D AY

g ra z i ng sta ti o n

to a su p e r- si mpl e pl atter, he re’s ou r formu l a fo r

E G G- M AYO

Blini Bites

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.

I t’ s p erfect fo r Easter to o

M A PL E - G L AZE D

Sausage Pops|

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luncheon

FOOD

TRE ND A L ERT

GRAZING TABLES The new way to buffet: instead of loads of dishes, there’s an Instaworthy spread of finger foods that guests will want to snap before tucking into.

CR IS P CR UD ITÉS W ITH

Herbedcheese Dip

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Charred Snap Peas W IT H CR E A M Y TA RR AG O N D R ESS I NG

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luncheon

FOOD

FEN NEL & TH Y ME

Pork Roast with Root Vegetables

re c i p e o n p a g e 10 6

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Photography: Mike Garten. Food Styling: Christine Albano. Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart, Cate Geiger Kalus

FOOD

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RU BY G R A P E FRU IT

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Tartlets

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W H E R E TO S H O P A N D C O M P E T I T I O N R U L E S

MARCH/APRIL 2020 @home www.home.co.za Ackermans www.ackermans.co.za Airloom airloom.co.za Aldo www.aldoshoes.co.za A Pet’s Life Online Shop apetslife.co.za Builders Warehouse www.builders.co.za

by CARA bycara.co.za Castelo castelo.co.za Clicks clicks.co.za Colette by Colette Hayman 021 937 5465 Cotton On cottonon.com/ZA Country Road www.woolworths.co.za DionWired www.dionwired.co.za Edgars www.edgars.co.za

Europa Art www.europaart.co.za Faithful to Nature www. faithful-to-nature.co.za Feelgood Health www.feelgoodhealth.co.za Forever 21 % 011 883 0025; 021 555 3324 Forever New www.forevernew.co.za Foschini www.foschini.co.za Glad www.glad.co.za Green Cross www.green-cross.com Guess guess.co.za H&M % 0860 690 707 Handles Inc www.handlesinc.co.za Keedo www.keedo.co.za Le Creuset

www.lecreuset.co.za Lovisa % 021 551 1051; 021 712 7895; 021 671 5247; 021 914 2805 Macaroon www.macaroon.co Makro www.makro.co.za Ma Mère Confections www.mamere.co.za Miladys www.miladys.com MRP www.mrp.com MRP Home www.mrphome.com Native Décor nativedecor.co.za Neat Freak neatfreak.co.za NetFlorist www.netflorist.co.za Old Khaki www.oldkhaki.co.za Pet Heaven www.petheaven.co.za Pichulik www.pichulik.com Pick n Pay www.pnp.co.za Pick n Pay Clothing % 0800 11 22 88 Pilgrimage Spaces

pilgrimagespaces.co.za Poetry www.poetrystores.co.za Postwink postwink.co.za Queenspark www.queenspark.com Sheet Street www.sheetstreet.com Solenco solencosa.co.za Superbalist superbalist.com Superga www.superga.co.za Takealot www.takealot.com The Lighting Warehouse lightingwarehouse.co.za Witchery www.woolworths.co.za Woolworths www.woolworths.co.za Yuppiechef.com www.yuppiechef.com Zana zanaproducts.co.za Zando www.zando.co.za Zara www.zara.com/za Zero Bar zerobar.co.za

Please note: prices in the magazine may be recommended retail prices.

ADDITIONAL COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS The following rules shall apply to all competitions, unless other rules are specifically provided in relation to a competition: 1. Competitions are not open to: a director, member, partner, employee or agent of, or consultant to Associated Media Publishing or the promoter (any person who directly or indirectly promotes, sponsors, organises or conducts a competition, or for whose benefit the competition is promoted, sponsored, organised or conducted); or any supplier of goods or services in connection with a competition; the spouse, life partner, business partner or associate, or the natural or adopted parent, child, or sibling, of any of the persons specified above. 2. You may not participate in or be eligible to win a competition if you have won a competition promoted by us within the past three months. You will be eligible to participate in a competition promoted by us after the expiry of three months after the date on which you won the last competition. 3. Unless otherwise stated, only one entry per person is allowed. Where more than one entry is received by the same person or e-mail address, only the first entry received will be deemed valid. 4. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered.

The prizes are not transferable. 5. Entrants must reside in South Africa. 6. It is your responsibility to ensure that any information which you provide to us is accurate, complete and up to date. 7. If you use a mobile phone for entry into the competition, the telephone calls/text messages you make will be charged at the prevailing rates, which may vary from time to time. ‘Free’ minutes under a cellphone contract do not apply.

8. You must possess whatever documents and permissions that may be required in order to accept and use a prize, including, with regard to international travel, a valid passport and all necessary visa and travel documentation, which documents and permissions it is your responsibility to obtain at your own cost, and which documents and permissions must remain valid in such minimum form and for such minimum period after the prize date as may be required by the relevant authorities. Any and all airport taxes are not included in the prize and will be for the winner’s account unless otherwise stipulated. 9. Prize allocation to be provided in accordance with the allocated project budget. If any advertiser/affiliate/supplier/promoter with whom Associated Media Publishing works in relation to a prize fails or neglects to provide the prize, then it shall not be exchanged for cash but a suitable replacement prize, to be determined at the sole discretion of Associated Media Publishing, shall be provided. 10. Entrants must be 18 years or older at the time of entering the competition. 11. The winner(s) consents to his/her name, biographical details and involvement in the competition being made available to the sponsors, for publicity and prize-delivery purposes. 12. Associated Media Publishing accepts no liability for any entries that may be lost. 13. Winners use the prize at their own risk. Associated Media Publishing and the promoter shall not be liable for any loss, damage, personal injury or death which is suffered or sustained (including but not limited to that arising from any person’s negligence, including gross negligence) in

connection with this competition or accepting or using the prize. 14. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and agreed to be bound by them when entering.

These rules are legal and binding upon entrants. 15. Associated Media Publishing reserves the right to cancel, modify or amend the competition at any time, if deemed necessary in its opinion and if circumstances arise outside of its control. 16. The winners will be notified by means of the contact details provided to us. If we are, or a third party supplier is, unable to contact a winner within seven working days of first notification from Associated Media Publishing or its representative, the winner will forfeit the prize and Associated Media Publishing reserves the right to redraw a new winner under the same conditions. 17. In the event that you win a prize, you agree to the publication of your name and to appear in person in the electronic media and the print media, and you agree, within reason, to endorse, promote or advertise our goods or services, for which no fee will be payable. 18. You are hereby notified that you have a right to decline consenting to your name, biographical details and involvement in the competition being made available to sponsors in terms of clause 17 above. You further have the right to decline being photographed for and to appear in a feature in Associated Media Publishing or Associated Media Publishing’s magazines in terms of clause 17 above.

Should you wish to exercise either or both of these rights, you shall do so by informing us within five days from you accepting these terms and conditions, via e mail, to competitions@assocmedia.co.za, in which e mail you shall provide us with particularity of the rights which you wish to exercise. Should you not inform us that you intend exercising these rights within the above five day period, you shall be deemed to have consented to clause 17 above. 19. In the event that you win a prize provided by a third party supplier, the supplier will contact you to arrange the collection thereof.

In this regard, you must collect the prize at the time and date arranged with the supplier of the prize. All correspondence regarding the prize must be directed to the supplier of the prize. Associated Media Publishing will not be responsible for any further correspondence, harm, damage, loss or claim relating to the provision of any element of the prize. 20. We and our third party suppliers, as the case may be, reserve the right to vary, postpone, suspend or cancel the competition and any prizes, or any aspect thereof, without notice at any time, for any reason which we deem necessary. In the event of such variation, postponement, suspension or cancellation, you agree to waive any rights, interests and expectations that you may have in terms of this competition and acknowledge that you will have no recourse against us, our affiliates and third party suppliers. 21. Associated Media Publishing and the judges’ decision on any matter concerning the competition and/or arising out of these terms and conditions is final and binding on you, and no correspondence will be entered into.

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sweet things

T M

Th ere’ s al ways a go o d re as on to b a ke – e s p ecial l y w hen th e resu lt s a re oh-so pret t y a n d taste as g reat as th ey l o ok . I t’ s ti me to put th e kettl e on a nd e n joy...

rea s CONDENSED-MILK CHEESECAKE recipe on page 110

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GH MARCH/APRIL 2020

HOT CROSS BU N LOAF recipe on page 110

Try toasted, slathered with butter

LEMON & ROSE MARY LOAF recipe on page 108

sweet things

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COCONUT & LIME CUPCAKES recipe on page 109

Boozy syrup makes these all grown-up MARCH/APRIL 2020 GH

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sweet things

FON DANT FANCIES recipe on page 109

Photography: Dan Jones, Toby Scott, Katie Wilson, Clare Winfield, Kate Whitaker. Recipe and Food Styling: Hearst Food Network. Testing: Gabriella English, Alice Shields

RASPBE RRY & ALMOND FRIAND recipe on page 108

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tender (1 minute more); transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with the remaining sugar snap peas.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together crème fraîche, milk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard and ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. Stir in tarragon.

4. Toss peas with sugar snap peas. Drizzle with half of the dressing and sprinkle with cracked pepper and additional tarragon if desired. Serve with remaining dressing.

EACH SERVING About 380kJ, 4g protein, 4g fat (1,5g saturated), 9g carbohydrate, 3g fibre, 145mg sodium.

Sunday Lunch (page 94) CHARRED SNAP PEAS WITH CREAMY TARRAGON DRESSING Q G M V Active Time 15 minutes Total Time 15 minutes Serves 8

450g sugar snap peas, strings removed, halved diagonally 1 tbsp olive oil salt flakes and pepper 2 tbsp crème fraîche 1 tbsp full-cream milk 2 tsp mayonnaise 1 tsp fresh lemon juice 1 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tsp chopped fresh tarragon, plus more for sprinkling 280g frozen peas, thawed 1. Heat a large cast-iron frying pan until very hot and nearly smoking.

2. Toss sugar snap peas with olive oil and ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. Cook half of sugar snap peas, without stirring (2 minutes), then toss and cook until charred and just

FENNEL & THYME PORK ROAST WITH ROOT VEGETABLES G

Active Time 40 minutes Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes Serves 8

2 tbsp fennel seeds 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh thyme, plus more for serving 4 tbsp olive oil 1 bone-in centre-cut pork

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rib roast (8 ribs; about 3,6kg), chine bone removed salt flakes and pepper 900g baby potatoes, halved 4 bunches radishes (about 30 radishes, 120g), trimmed and halved 1 bunch spring onions, cut into 1cm pieces 1. Heat oven to 200°C. Place fennel seeds in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and crush with the base of a heavy pan. In a small bowl, combine crushed fennel, garlic, thyme and 2 tbsp oil.

2. Season pork all over with 1½ tsp salt and ¾ tsp coarsely ground pepper. Place in the centre of a large rimmed baking tray and rub with the garlic mixture. Roast (1 hour 20 minutes).

3. Meanwhile, toss potatoes and radishes with the remaining 2 tbsp oil and season with ½ tsp each salt and pepper.

4. Scatter half the vegetables around the roast and arrange remaining vegetables in an even layer on a separate baking tray. Place both trays in the oven and continue roasting until internal temperature of pork reaches 60°C (10 to 15 minutes more).

5. Transfer the roast to a chopping board and allow it to rest (at least 15 minutes) before slicing. Scatter spring onions among vegetables and continue roasting until golden brown and tender (15 to 20 minutes more). Serve with roast, garnished with thyme sprigs.

EACH SERVING About 3 420kJ, 74g protein, 46g fat (15g saturated), 27g carbohydrate, 5g fibre, 795mg sodium.

EGG-MAYO BLINI BITES Q M V

Active Time 15 minutes Total Time 20 minutes Makes 24

6 large eggs ¼ cup mayonnaise ½ tsp finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tbsp juice (from 1 lemon) salt flakes and pepper ½ small red onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp chopped capers 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped, plus more for sprinkling 24 blini (recipe on opposite page) 1. Place eggs in a small, heavybottomed pot, cover with water and bring to the boil.

Remove from heat, cover and allow to sit (10 minutes). Run under cold water to cool. Peel and chop eggs.

2. Meanwhile, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice and ¼ tsp each salt and pepper.

3. Add eggs and mix to combine. Fold in onion, capers and dill. Spoon on top of blini and sprinkle with additional dill.

EACH SERVING About 340kJ, 3g protein, 5,5g fat (2g saturated), 5g carbohydrate, 0g fibre, 110mg sodium.

recipс BLINI Active Time 10 minutes Total Time 10 minutes Makes 24

Whisk together 250g cake flour, 250ml milk, 4 tbsp unsalted butter and ¼ tsp salt flakes. Heat a large nonstick frying pan on medium-high.

In batches, drop batter by tablespoonfuls into pan and cook until browned (about 1 minute). Flip and cook (30 seconds more).

CRISP CRUDITÉS WITH HERBEDCHEESE DIP Q G V

Active Time 10 minutes Total Time 10 minutes Serves 8

MAPLE-GLAZED SAUSAGE POPS Q G O Active Time 15 minutes Total Time 25 minutes Serves 8

450g sweet Italian sausage, casings removed ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest 1 tbsp pure maple syrup, plus more for serving

230g fresh goat’s cheese, at room temperature ½ cup ricotta cheese 1 spring onion, finely chopped ½ small garlic clove, finely grated ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus more for sprinkling ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped, plus more for sprinkling 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest plus 2 tbsp lemon juice (from 2 lemons)

1. In a medium bowl, mix together sausage, parsley, dill, chives and lemon zest. Form into 16 small patties, each about 0,6cm thick.

2. Cook patties in a nonstick frying pan on medium until golden brown and cooked through (2 to 3 minutes per side). Transfer to a platter and brush with syrup. Serve with extra syrup if desired.

1. In a food processor, pulse goat’s cheese and ricotta until smooth.

2. Transfer to a bowl and fold in spring onion and garlic. Fold in parsley, mint, chives, lemon zest and juice and ½ tsp each salt and pepper.

3. Spoon into a serving bowl and sprinkle with more parsley and chives if desired. Serve with cut vegetables.

EACH SERVING About 460kJ, 6g protein, 8g fat (2,5g saturated), 3g carbohydrate, 0g fibre, 215mg sodium.

EACH SERVING About 440J, 7g protein, 8g fat (5,5g saturated), 2g carbohydrate, 0g fibre, 265mg sodium.

G GLU TEN -F REE

Active Time 40 minutes Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes, plus chilling Makes 8 CRUST

115g plus 2 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature 60g icing sugar pinch of salt flakes 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 385g cake flour FILLING

salt flakes and pepper cut vegetables, for serving (radishes, carrots, endive, snap peas, cucumber)

KEY : Q QUI CK & EA SY

RUBY GRAPEFRUIT TARTLETS M V

200g plus 2 tbsp white sugar 6 tbsp cake flour 3 tbsp cornflour ½ tsp salt flakes 4 large egg yolks 1½ tbsp finely grated ruby grapefruit zest plus 375ml juice (from 3 grapefruits) TOPPING

2 large egg whites ¼ cup white sugar ¼ tsp cream of tartar ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract chopped ruby grapefruit, for serving 1. For the crust: using an electric mixer, beat butter, icing sugar and salt in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes); beat in vanilla.

Reduce speed, add flour and mix until just combined.

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2. Divide dough in half and roll each half between 2 pieces of baking paper to 3mm thick.

Cut each piece in half and fit into the base bottom and up the sides of two 10cm tart pans with removable bases.

Poke bases with fork and refrigerate until firm (15 to 20 minutes). Repeat, rerolling scraps of dough if necessary and fitting into 4 more tart pans for a total of 8.

3. Heat oven to 200°C. Place tart pans on 2 rimmed baking trays and bake tart shells until beginning to turn light golden around the edges (8 to 10 minutes). Allow to cool. Lower oven temperature to 70°C. 4. For the filling: in a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cornflour and salt. Add egg yolks and grapefruit zest and juice, and whisk to combine.

Divide among tart shells and bake until set, rotating positions of trays on racks halfway through (20 to 25 minutes). Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled (at least 3 hours) or overnight.

5. When ready to serve, make the topping: in a large metal or glass bowl, whisk together egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (without touching water) and cook, whisking constantly, until sugar has dissolved and egg whites are very warm to the touch (2 to 3 minutes). Remove from heat and, using an electric mixer, beat on a low speed, gradually increasing speed to high, until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 6 minutes). Beat in vanilla.

6. Top tarts with chopped grapefruit and spoon or pipe on meringue. (There will be leftover meringue.) Lightly torch to brown meringue if desired.

EACH SERVING About 2 805kJ, 9g protein, 28,5g fat (17g saturated), 96g carbohydrate, 2g fibre, 160mg sodium.

V VE G ETARI AN

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RASPBERRY & ALMOND FRIAND

Preparation Time 20 minutes, plus cooling Cooking Time About 45 minutes Serves 8 150g unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus extra to grease 150g icing sugar, sifted, plus extra to dust 25g cake flour 175g ground almonds 6 medium egg whites finely grated zest of 1 lemon 150g raspberries 25g pistachio kernels, roughly chopped 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 20cm-round, 4cmdeep fluted springform tin.

2. In a large bowl, mix icing sugar, flour and almonds. In a separate large bowl, beat egg whites with an electric whisk until they hold soft peaks. Add to the almond

Teatime Treats (page 100) LEMON & ROSEMARY LOAF

Preparation Time 20 minutes, plus cooling and setting Cooking Time About 1 hour Serves 10 FOR THE SPONGE

175g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra to grease 175g caster sugar 3 medium eggs, beaten 175g self-raising flour 50g ground almonds finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary FOR THE ICING

125g icing sugar, sifted 3 tbsp lemon juice TO DECORATE, OPTIONAL

flowering rosemary sprigs sugar-coated chocolate eggs 1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Grease a 900g loaf tin and

line base with baking paper.

For the sponge, beat butter and caster sugar in a large bowl with an electric whisk until light and fluffy.

2. Gradually beat in eggs, then fold in remaining sponge ingredients until combined.

Scrape into prepared tin, level and bake until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean (1 hour). Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Mix icing sugar with lemon juice until the mixture has a thick pouring consistency.

Drizzle over the cake and decorate with rosemary flowers and eggs, if using.

Allow to set before serving in slices.

EACH SERVING About 1 530kJ, 5g protein, 19g fat (10g saturated), 44g carbohydrate (30g total sugars), 1g fibre.

GET AHEAD Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

mixture and fold once or twice with a large metal spoon.

Add butter and lemon zest, and continue folding until just combined, knocking out as little air as possible.

3. Scrape batter into prepared tin. Scatter over raspberries and pistachios. Bake until golden and a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean (40 to 45 minutes). Allow to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the sides of the tin and leave cake to cool on the base. Lightly dust with icing sugar before serving warm or at room temperature in slices.

EACH SERVING About 1 690kJ, 10g protein, 29g fat (11g saturated), 24g carbohydrate (21g total sugars), 3g fibre.

GET AHEAD Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

recipс

FONDANT FANCIES Preparation Time 1 hour, plus

cooling, chilling and setting Cooking Time About 25 minutes Makes 16 FOR THE SPONGE

175g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra to grease 175g caster sugar 3 medium eggs, beaten 175g self-raising flour 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp milk FOR THE TOPPING

125g unsalted butter, softened 200g icing sugar, sifted, plus extra to dust 3 tbsp apricot jam 250g marzipan 750g fondant icing sugar pink, orange and green foodcolouring gel or pastes 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 20cmsquare cake tin with baking paper.

2. For the sponge: in a large bowl beat butter and caster sugar with an electric whisk until light and creamy.

Gradually beat in the eggs. If the mixture looks like it’s about to curdle, beat in a little of the flour. Next, beat in vanilla and fold in remaining flour and milk. Scrape into prepared tin and smooth to level.

3. Bake until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out

clean (25 minutes). Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then invert on to a wire rack, remove tin and leave to cool completely.

4. For the topping, using an electric whisk, beat butter and icing sugar with a drop of boiling water to make a smooth, spreadable icing.

5. When cake is cool, flip it the right way up and trim each edge by 5mm. Spread top with jam. Dust a work surface with icing sugar and thinly roll out marzipan until large enough to cover the top of the cake. Lay onto cake, trimming if needed. Cut cake into 16 squares.

6. Spread sides (not top) of each cake neatly with buttercream – the neater this is, the better the finish will be. Arrange on a wire rack, spaced apart. Chill for 30 minutes.

7. To make the icing: sieve fondant icing sugar into a bowl and add just enough water to give a very thick pouring consistency (about 200ml).

Divide among 3 bowls and dye each batch a different colour using the food colourings.

8. Position the wire rack with cakes over a tray to catch excess icing. Working one at a time (and with one colour), pour enough over each cake to cover, spreading it down the sides. Repeat with remaining cakes, varying the colours.

Leave to set a little.

9. Pipe or drizzle remaining icings over the cakes, in contrasting or matching colours to the base icing.

Leave to set before serving.

EACH SERVING About 2 280kJ, 3g protein, 18g fat (10g saturated), 91g carbohydrate (82g total sugars), 1g fibre.

TO STORE Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

GH TIP The cakes become easier to cut and coat if the sponge is made a day in advance.

COCONUT & LIME CUPCAKES

Preparation Time 30 minutes, plus cooling Cooking Time About 25 minutes Makes 12 FOR THE SPONGE

125g unsalted butter, softened 125g caster sugar 3 medium eggs, beaten 125g self-raising flour 25g desiccated coconut finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime FOR THE SYRUP

juice of 2 limes 25g caster sugar 2 tbsp coconut rum (like Malibu) FOR THE ICING

150g full-fat cream cheese 75g icing sugar 150ml double cream finely grated zest of 1 lime (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 12-hole cupcake tin with paper cases. For the sponge, beat butter and caster sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy.

Gradually beat in eggs. If mixture looks like it might

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curdle, beat in a spoonful of flour. Fold in remaining flour, coconut and lime zest and juice until combined.

2. Divide mixture among cases and bake until just golden and a skewer inserted into the cakes comes out clean (15 to 18 minutes).

3. Meanwhile, bring syrup ingredients to the boil in a small pot, stirring occasionally.

Allow to bubble for a few minutes. Set aside.

4. When cakes come out of the oven, brush over the lime syrup. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

5. Beat cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth. Add cream and whisk until thick enough to pipe. Pipe on to cakes and sprinkle with lime zest, if using, before serving.

EACH SERVING About 1 340kJ, 4g protein, 21g fat (13g saturated), 28g carbohydrate (20g total sugars), 1g fibre.

TO STORE Store covered in fridge for up to 2 days. Allow to reach room temperature before serving.

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HOT CROSS BUN LOAF

Preparation Time 25 minutes, plus rising and cooling Cooking Time About 40 minutes Makes 1 loaf or 12 buns (see GH Tip)

125ml milk 50g butter, plus extra to grease 500g white bread flour, plus extra to dust 50g caster sugar 7g fast-action dried yeast 1 tbsp mixed spice ½ tsp fine salt 1 medium egg, beaten 250g raisins and cranberries FOR THE CROSSES

3 tbsp plain flour 1. In a small pot, heat milk with 125ml water until small bubbles appear around the inside edge of the pot. Take pot off heat, chop butter and stir into mixture. Set aside to cool until just warm.

2. Using a freestanding mixer fitted with a dough hook (or a large bowl and wooden spoon), briefly mix flour,

caster sugar, yeast, mixed spice and ½ tsp fine salt. Stir in milk mixture and egg to make a soft but not sticky dough. Continue kneading by machine for 5 minutes (or for 10 minutes by hand on a lightly floured work surface) until smooth and elastic.

3. If working by hand, return dough to large bowl. Cover the bowl with greased clingfilm; leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Grease a 900g loaf tin.

Scrape dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead in the dried fruit. Divide into 8 equal pieces and shape into balls. Arrange in the base of the tin and cover tin with greased clingfilm. Leave to prove in a warm place (45 to 60 minutes), until the dough reaches just above the top of the tin.

5. Preheat oven to 200°C. Just before baking, make the crosses by mixing the flour with enough cold water to form a smooth, thick but pipeable mixture. Pipe crosses over the buns. Bake for 30 minutes, then cover with foil to prevent further browning and bake for 10 minutes more. To test whether the loaf is cooked, carefully remove from the tin and tap the bottom – it should sound hollow.

6. Remove from the tin and allow the loaf to cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve with butter.

EACH SERVING About 1 230kJ, 7g protein, 5g fat (3g saturated), 55g carbohydrate (19g total sugars), 3g fibre.

TO STORE Best eaten on day of baking. If serving toasted, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

GH TIP To bake as individual buns, shape risen dough into 12 balls. Space apart on lined baking trays, cover with oiled clingfilm and leave to rise (35 minutes). Continue from step 5, baking for 20 to 25 minutes.

K EY : Q QUICK & EA SY

G G LUTEN- FR EE

CONDENSED-MILK CHEESECAKE

Hands-on Time 35 minutes, plus cooling and (overnight) chilling Cooking Time About 1 hour Serves 8 75g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra to grease 250 ginger biscuits 150g cream cheese 75g condensed milk 1 tbsp lemon juice 4 medium eggs, separated, plus 1 whole egg 60g cake flour 100g caster sugar FOR THE POACHED PEACHES

4 ripe peaches (see GH Tip) 400ml rosé wine 75g caster sugar 2 fresh bay leaves 1 vanilla pod, split lengthways 1. Lightly grease a deep, 20cm-round cake tin and line base with baking paper. Wrap the outside of the base and sides with a double layer of

M MA KE AHEAD

foil to make the tin completely watertight. Whizz the biscuits in a food processor until finely crashed (or bash them in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin).

Add the melted butter and whizz/mix to combine. Press into the base of the lined tin, levelling with the back of a spoon. Chill for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 150°C. Wipe the food-processor bowl so it’s crumb-free, then add the cream cheese, condensed milk, lemon juice, egg yolks and whole egg, and pulse until smooth and well combined.

Sift in flour and pulse again.

Scrape into a large bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric whisk until they hold medium-firm peaks. Add the caster sugar in three batches, whisking thoroughly after each addition – the meringue should be glossy and thick.

Fold meringue into the creamcheese mixture with a large

V V E GETARIA N

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Photography: Mike Garten, Dan Jones, Toby Scott, Katie Wilson, Clare Winfield, Kate Whitaker. Recipe and Food Styling: Hearst Food Network.

Food Styling: Christine Albano, Kate Merker. Testing: Gabriella English, Alice Shields. Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart, Cate Geiger Kalus

recipс metal spoon. Pour into the wrapped tin, smooth to level and put in a deep roasting tin.

Pour in boiling water to come halfway up the outside of the wrapped tin.

4. Bake for 45 minutes until set with a slight wobble. Leave to cool in the roasting tin for 1 hour, then remove from water and chill in the cake tin for at least 3 hours or ideally overnight.

5. For the poached peaches, if you can’t peel them easily, score a cross in the bottom of each peach and put in a large heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water, leave for 30 seconds, then lift out with a slotted spoon and put in a bowl of cold water to cool.

Lift out and peel off skins, then halve and remove pips.

6. Heat wine, caster sugar, bay leaves and vanilla in a large, deep frying pan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add peach halves and simmer for a couple of minutes, turning them once or twice. (Simmer for longer if not tender.)

Remove peaches and place in a bowl. Boil wine mixture until reduced and syrupy (about 5 minutes). Pour syrup over peaches and set aside to cool.

7. Remove cheesecake from fridge 30 minutes before serving. When ready to serve, unmould from tin and transfer to a cake stand or plate. Top with peaches (or serve them alongside) and drizzle with a little syrup.

EACH SERVING About 1 900kJ, 8g protein, 20g fat (11g saturated), 55g carbohydrate (36g total sugars), 2g fibre.

GH TIP If you can’t find ripe peaches, use tinned instead.

Drain them and put in a bowl; then make the rosé-wine syrup without the peaches, boil to reduce, then pour it over the peach halves. Leave to infuse for at least one hour, or cover and chill overnight.

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CHOCOLATE BUNNY COOKIES M V

Active Time 25 minutes Total Time 40 minutes, plus chilling and cooling Makes About 50

Hop to it! (page 32) VANILLA SUGAR COOKIES M V

Active Time 25 minutes Total Time 40 minutes, plus chilling and cooling Makes About 50 2¾ cups cake flour ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature ¾ cup sugar 1 large egg 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

2. Using an electric mixer, in a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium-low until combined (2 minutes). Mix in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.

3. Divide dough into 2 and roll each portion between 2 sheets of baking paper to 6mm thick. Chill until firm (30 minutes in the fridge or 15 minutes in the freezer).

4. Heat oven to 180°C. Line baking trays with baking paper.

Using floured cookie cutters, cut out cookies. Place on prepared trays and chill for at least 20 minutes before baking.

Reroll, chill and cut scraps.

5. Bake, rotating baking trays halfway through, until cookies are light brown around the edges (10 to 12 minutes). Leave to cool on trays. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Decorate as desired.

BUTTERCREAM ICING M V

Active Time 5 minutes Total Time 10 minutes Makes About 3 cups 450g icing sugar 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 tbsp double cream 2 tsp vanilla extract 1. Sift icing sugar into a bowl.

2. Using an electric mixer, beat butter on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes).

3. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add icing sugar, alternating with cream.

4. Mix in vanilla. Increase speed to high and beat until fluffy (about 2 minutes).

3 cups cake flour 1 cup cocoa ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp salt 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, bicarbonate of soda and salt.

2. Using an electric mixer, in a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium-low until combined (3 minutes). Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.

3. Divide dough in 2 and roll each portion between 2 sheets of baking paper to 6mm thick. Chill until firm (30 minutes in the fridge or 15 minutes in the freezer).

4. Heat oven to 180°C. Line baking trays with baking paper. Using floured cookie cutters, cut out cookies. Place on prepared trays and chill for at least 20 minutes before baking. Reroll, chill and cut scraps.

5. Bake, rotating positions of baking trays halfway through, until cookies are set around edges (10 to 12 minutes).

Leave to cool on trays (5 minutes). Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Decorate as desired. G H

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A DV E R T I S E M E N T P R O M OT I O N

Prett y but p ractic al ki tchen-flo or i ng i deas for th e hea rt of yo u r home

T

he kitchen is an integral part of any home. It’s the space where friends and family inevitably seem to gather, and the place where you can be the star of your own cooking show. That said, kitchen floors endure a lot of traffic and have to withstand dropped dishes and countless spills, so it stands to reason that they need to be functional and durable.

But that doesn’t mean they have to be boring! We’ve rounded up four stylish flooring trends that will spice up any kitchen and work with a wide variety of flooring materials. Once you’ve found one you love, apply for the RCS Credit Card to install a kitchen floor that sizzles with style.

Top Tip

Laying chequered floor tiles diagonally rather than parallel to walls will make a room look bigger

HONEYCOMB TILES Hexagonal or honeycomb tiles on a kitchen floor will create a classic, vintage look that is a throwback to the early 1900s, especially when combined with subway wall tiles. They’re also perfect for ultramodern kitchens with minimalist décor. Because of their irregular shape, they’re ideal for open-plan homes, as you can transition gracefully from a tiled kitchen to a living area with a different flooring treatment.

CHEQUERED FLOORS There’s no look more classic than a blackand-white chequered kitchen floor, and it’s also very on trend. You don’t have to stick with old-school linoleum, or even black and white.

You can use any two contrasting colours for a look that’s either cosy and homely, or dramatic and monochromatic.

LARGE-FORMAT TILES Extra-large tiles have been trending for some time in kitchen design, with tiles available in ever-expanding sizes. The reason they’re so popular is because larger tiles make a kitchen look bigger too, especially ones in light colours. They also require less grout, which makes it easier to clean them.

SCAN IT

GIVE YOU R KITCH E N FLOOR A FACE - LI FT WITH AN RCS CRE DIT CARD

SCAN HERE TO APPLY

Craving a gorgeous new kitchen floor? Apply for the RCS Credit Card today.

Ts and Cs apply.

Head to rcs.co.za and connect with RCS on social media: RCS is a registered Credit and Authorised Financial Services Provider NCRCP38 | FSP44481

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Photography: © iStock.com

CHEVRON AND HERRINGBONE Chevron- and herringbonepatterned floors are a growing trend in kitchen design. They turn ordinary flooring like wood, laminate, tiles or even brick into a standout feature.

Herringbone connects planks or tiles at 90° angles, while a chevron has the angles coming together at a point.

These patterns look stunning in both contemporary and classic kitchens. Installation usually costs a bit extra, but the results will be worth it.

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G I V E T H E H E A R T O F YO U R H O M E S O M E T L C !

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Space Warrior This slimline kitchen storage cart is perfect for space-challenged kitchens and for clearing counters of clutter. Use it for daily essentials and wheel it around as you need it.

R1 299, Superbalist

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ER

ake back that drawer and keep two canisters on your counter for random items like batteries and pens.

SET UP AN INBOX Post,

school notices and receipts can clutter up a counter quickly. Dump papers in a pretty box and pop on the lid when guests are there.

Spend 10 minutes over weekends filing and actioning.

Personalise your pad

CHANGE UP your splashback with a solid colour, patterned wallpaper or porcelain tiles.

ADD CONTRAST with metallic accessories and pops of colourful kitchenalia.

GET THE LOOK FOR LESS Use self-adhesive vinyl tiles for an easy DIY option.

Visit www.tilevera.co.za.

FLOATING SHELVES with a pared-down collection of kitchenware add to the tailor-made look and feel.

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MAGAZINE HOLDERS

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These are a life-saver for so many items, from rolls of Glad Cling Wrap to small baking trays.

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Use the Sistema Microwave Plate to store frozen leftovers, then simply open the steam vent before cooking – no need to defrost. Includes a steam rack for steaming veg or fish.

R124, Takealot

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Sandwich makers can swallow up counter space, which is why the compact Morphy Richards Mico Toastie Microwave Toasted Sandwich Maker is so fabulous!

R1 249, Yuppiechef.com

This Microwave Pot is perfect for making everything from rice to custard in less time.

R46,99, Clicks

oo

Add pep with paint CHOOSE COLOUR For low commitment but high impact, a shock of colour really does the trick.

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ADD CHEERFUL ACCESSORIES Enhance the colourful theme by accessorising with a key piece of furniture and cookware.

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GET THE LOOK FOR LESS Update old wooden stools by painting them, or take metal ones to your local powder coaters for a new lease of life. Most metal items can be powder-coated.

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STASH SNACKS Place protein bars, biscuits and crackers in transparent stackable shoe containers for easy access.

Photography: Tara Donne, Living4Media, supplied

MAXIMISE THE FRIDGE TOP It’s not

a good spot for food but it’s great for the likes of place mats, baking trays and chopping boards.

That's Genius!

15. We love the Woolies square spice bottles. They stack so neatly in a drawer and don’t roll around!

R26,99, Woolworths

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They’re great for knives, plus half-full chip or pasta packets sealed with binder clips can be popped on there too.

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Empty the junk drawer and use a container instead. It's smaller and easier to control. R180, MRP Home

Kitchen looking a little bland? Add some bling with a gold canister.

R249, Superbalist

Use a tiffin tin for storing snacks or less-used essentials like cookie cutters and sprinkles for baking.

R495, Pilgrimage Spaces

Grounded textures and tones GET THE LOOK FOR LESS Update a carpenter’s workbench with affordable marble tiles to create a luxe countertop.

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PARE DOWN Toss stained

and burnt wooden spoons, melted spatulas and duplicates of items like potato mashers, whisks or measuring spoons.

NATURE IS A GREAT ACCESSORY for this look. Bring the outside in with a trio of sculptural leaves (like Delicious Monster) or generous cuttings from a flowering shrub.

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HIDE THE RACK Hardly ever wash dishes? A foldable dish rack that stashes under the sink is a great bet.

NATURAL STONE TILES GROUND THE MODERN FINISHES A natural rug is also a lovely addition.

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BUILD A VISUAL THREAD by using natural materials like wood and stone. Keep favourite handmade ceramics or piles of wooden boards on display as a focal point.

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Planet-friendly U-Konserve stainlesssteel containers are built to last and are fridgeand freezer-friendly. R579 for three, Yuppiechef.com

DOWNSIZE APPLIANCES Bulky food processors are a must for really busy cooks, but smaller ones do the job too.

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Keep cut avos from discolouring too quickly with this nifty saver.

R120, Woolworths

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Stasher Silicone Sandwich Bags are brilliant for everything from sandwiches to frozen fruit and veg, for steaming fish and even for storing cords and cables. From R195, Faithful to Nature

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Dulux Ebony Mists 3

Plascon Phantom Night

Dulux Ebony Mists 1

20-MINUTE JUNK CHUCK Things to get

Photography: Peter Murdock, Living4Media, supplied

rid of include lids with no containers, warped baking pans and chipped mugs.

MOUNT A CLIPBOARD for bills that need to be paid, school indemnity forms and concert reminders.

Moody Hues Dare to go dark

GO DARK Dark colours bring an instant dose of sophistication to a kitchen. Paint your cabinets in a matt finish for an on-trend look.

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This Barnhouse pendant is perfect over a kitchen island. R999, The Lighting Warehouse

ADD SOME SHINE Metallic details (like the use of gold wallpaper here) enhance the luxe look.

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PAINT ONLY UNDER THE COUNTER (especially on your kitchen island) if you’re not feeling very brave.

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A kitchen clock is a household essential.

We love this ultra-stylish choice! R599, Native Décor

MATCH THE LOOK with a sleek stove or fridge in a similar tone.

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SET ASIDE A SPECIFIC SPOT in your grocery

cupboard for soon-toexpire items so you use them more quickly. The same applies to frozen food.

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Cover up not-soattractive tiles with an indoor-outdoor rug that can withstand heavy traffic and the occasional spill. We love this Boom Night Runner. R475, Airloom

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ic ool

Add some eclectic elements FAB FLOORS MAKE IT MORE Moroccan tiles can be pricey but, when used in a smaller space like a kitchen, they’re a show stopper!

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DECORATION STATION Treat your kitchen like any other room and add accents like artwork and vases. Lighting doesn’t have to look too utilitarian either – smart pendants can bring a sense of sophistication.

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WORKS 44 PAINT Paint unexpected places like the interior of your grocery cupboard or your kitchen window frames. An unexpected paint job adds visual interest and another layer of appeal.

GET THE LOOK FOR LESS Vinyl printed flooring can look like patterned tiles but is half the price!

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Every kitchen needs something from Le Creuset!

We love the Sakura Signature Round Casserole.

R4 450, Le Creuset

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MRP Home has the best selection of tea towels in fabulous designs.

R79,99 for three, MRP Home

. . . A D I S H WA S H E R

Do you want integrated or console controls?

An integrated washer has the controls built into the top of the door (very unobtrusive), while standard dishwashers come with an external console (trickier if you have small children, who may fiddle with knobs).

Do you dislike rinsing plates for the dishwasher? Then you need a model that has a fooddisposal feature or a seriously thorough deep-clean cycle.

Is noise an issue?

Some machines have a delayedstart feature, which can be useful for noise-sensitive people or smaller spaces. Programme the time it should start, load it and then leave.

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The Maxwell & Williams Epicurious range of oven-totable casseroles features stylish lines and a monochrome palette. R269, @home

Make more space ENCLOSE A COFFEE AND TEA COUNTER and make a pantry. Add slider doors to hide clutter and install shelves for handy storage.

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Sesame Sensortouchless Stainless Steel Recycle Bin R2 495, Postwink

USE MATCHING BASKETS for a uniform look and for hiding seasonal essentials like picnic paraphernalia.

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Pantry pride

Photography: Callie Hobbs, Aaron Colussi, supplied

GET THE LOOK 54 FOR LESS Instead of buying brand-new storage jars, repurpose old coffee and jam bottles. Look out for those with good shapes and patterned lids.

NineStars 45 ℓ Automatic Toe Tap Sensor Stainless Steel Dustbin R1 600, Takealot

KEEP LOWER DRAWERS ACCESSIBLE Encourage kids to help themselves to bowls, plates and cups.

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That’s Genius!

61. A SLIDE-OUT PREP STATION is a brilliant solution for a small space; if you factor in a hole over a dustbin, it’s even better!

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Made of hand-knitted cotton, the absorbent Spaza Lappie is a lovely and local green choice.

R81, Faithful To Nature

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You can keep your compostable food waste in a plastic container or you could use an extra-large Le Creuset Storage Jar. R820, Le Creuset

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This Earth Friendly Kitchen Cleaner kills 99,9% of bacteria and smells amazing!

R49,99, Woolworths

Doable DIYs to try CHANGE UP THE LIGHTING A single pendant or a pair (or a trio if you have enough space) can create an entire new focal point in a kitchen.

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PAINT JOB Sending your cupboard doors away to be sprayed is an expensive task. Painting them by hand takes more time, but if you tackle the project one or two doors every evening you’ll get it done in a week.

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PLAN your menus around ingredients that are on special. It’s worth browsing the supermarket shopping apps weekly to stay up to date with specials and compare prices.

to three times a week and up your use of pulses – and watch your grocery bill come down!

BESPOKE BLIND Can’t find a fabric you like for a blind? Visit pleeko.co.za and they’ll print up a custom fabric for you.

COOK MORE Leftover savoury mince can be used for lunchbox tacos, extra salad is the perfect base for lunch ‘aldesko and shredded roast chicken will keep in the fridge for up to four days.

GET THE LOOK FOR LESS or 68 Spray-paint powder-coat your current pendants rather than buying brand-new ones or upcycle second-hand finds.

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GO MEATLESS at least twice

Update your cabinets instantly with a classic black handle.

R80,50, Handles Inc

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Small space?

Use a roll-up drying rack rather than a countertop one.

R159, Neat Freak

Kitchen clutter driving you crazy? Hooks are so handy – for tea towels and bags for veg cuttings while prepping meals.

R56, Builders Warehouse

Stamp your style on things

H m ONE-POT WONDERS

Past-their-prime veg and cheaper meat cuts are every thrifty chef ’s best friend. Make soup or stock – eat then freeze for endof-the-month dinners.

needs a pop of colour – and live plants provide a movable feast of green.

SMALL TALK If your kitchen is feeling dated and cramped, why not knock out a wall and install an island instead?

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FORM A BUYING CLUB

with neighbours or friends.

Each week (or month) a member does the shop and hosts the food collection – a great way to access wholesale food markets and to make the most of buying dry goods in bulk.

GET THE LOOK FOR LESS Vases from second-hand shops and dusty hand-me-downs can join the monochrome palette – once given a spray of paint.

Photography: Living4Media, supplied

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TRAY BAKES are a brilliant and affordable way to feed a family. Think roast-chicken pieces with vegetables, sausages with potato wedges and roasted tomatoes, and baked fish with lemondrizzled asparagus and broccoli.

DECORATIVE DISPLAY Fill dead space on top of cabinets with collections of favourite kitchenalia.

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Takeaway pizzas are expensive but oven-baked ones don’t always crisp up enough. That’s why we’re fans of the MasterClass Crusty Bake Non-stick Pizza Tray.

R199, Yuppiechef.com

The Instant Pot cooks up to six times faster than other cookers plus you can sauté first and then slow- or pressure-cook. It also steams and makes rice and yoghurt – and you can even make a cheesecake in it.

R2 199, @home

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Save yourself food-prep time and hassle with the nifty 240W KitchenAid Mini Food Processor.

R1 899, Takealot

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FIGHT OIL WITH OIL Wipe down

your oil-splattered extractor fan with a cloth and a few drops of vegetable oil.

Contemporary & Colourful

CLEAN A MICROWAVE by

placing a wet sponge inside and setting on high for five minutes – the steam will loosen any grime.

Shine bright!

COOL CABINETRY Looking for an instant modernisation?

High-gloss lacquer cabinets are it!

Keep costs down by choosing one bank of cabinets to transform.

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SOAK GRUBBY POTS AND BAKING TRAYS in

a sink of hot water with a tablespoon of liquid fabric softener – it lifts stubborn grime.

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A Wüsthof Silverpoint Santoku Knife is one of the newer classic essentials that chefs insist on. Use it to slice everything from meat to veg.

R589, Yuppiechef.com

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COLOUR POP Add a wow factor to your kitchen by choosing an out-there colour.

A few key accessories in the same shade complete the look.

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BALANCE IT OUT Tone down the brights a little with a utilitarian countertop or wood-look vinyl floors.

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Wash your veg, then drain water from the board and chop the veg with the nifty Kitchen Inspire Cut & Drain Board.

R199, @home

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GET THE LOOK FOR LESS A high-shine enamel paint gives you the gloss, without the price tag.

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This plastic pantry storage holder is an essential for neat freaks!

R99,99, MRP Home

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Mix up pattern and colour WALL WONDER Use leftover tiles to create a stylish splashback.

Photography: Living4Media, supplied. Compiled by Vicki Sleet. Prices correct at time of going to press

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USE A STRONG STRAW to hull

STORE MORE Utilitarian floating shelves are a practical and pretty touch.

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strawberries or pit dates. Simply push through the fruit and let the straw do the work.

CONTEMPORARY CONTRASTS A patchwork of colours and graphic patterns add to this easy-going eclectic look.

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SEPARATE AN EGG

by popping a slotted spoon into a bowl and cracking the egg straight onto it.

The yolk will remain behind while the white will drain through.

INDUSTRIAL CHIC Edison-style bulbs on matching metallic cords are an on-trend touch.

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USE A PIZZA WHEEL to slice and

dice lettuce quickly and easily.

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Limit your oil use when making fries or cooking crumbed food with a Smartlife Air Fryer.

R999, Clicks

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Say goodbye to pesky flies with the ingenious ShooAway fly repellent fan.

R299, Yuppiechef.com

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We’re coveting the Smeg Citrus Juicer – guaranteed vitamin C every morning!

R2 399, DionWired G H

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ns TA U R U S

March THE FISH

20 February – 20 March MARCH

As you are by nature forgiving, drawing boundaries isn’t easy. But that is exactly what you need to do with a problematic friend. Around the 9th, pay attention to seemingly chance encounters.

Self-care: Make quiet time to reflect, write in a journal and listen to your inner voice.

APRIL

It’s your life, so stand by what you love and value rather than giving in to social pressure. Direct some of the energy churning away inside you into rearranging the furniture and beautifying your home.

Self-care: Avoid people and situations that drain you.

Personality: Being born under the most sensitive of the water signs, you are empathetic, kind-hearted and giving.

Poetry, music and the beauty of nature are balm for your soul. You dress in soft, floaty fabrics and decorate your home with imagination. Ideally you need a gentle but down-to-earth partner to balance your dreamy side. You love your children unconditionally.

Strength: As you are intuitive, you sense the subtle currents of life and can flow with them.

Blind spot: Because you absorb the feelings of people around you, it’s difficult to figure out what is your stuff and what’s not.

Inspiration for the year: New people are coming into your life. At least one will become a valued friend.

Best colours: Pale violet and aquamarine.

(21 April – 2 1 May) MARCH Usually you are a creature of habit, but suddenly you’re seeing life differently. Give serious consideration to invitations to travel or broaden your personal horizons. Around the 10th, embracing innovation has a positive impact on your career.

Self-care: Surround yourself with people who love and appreciate you.

APRIL Give attention to sorting out finances. There are also some money-making ideas that are worth exploring. At work, the pace is fast. Move with it and by the end of the month you’ll see rewards.

Self-care: Physical exercise will be more relaxing than you’d expect.

GEMINI

(22 May – 21 June) MARCH Delays are par for the course, but don’t worry, as from the 10th, things get moving again. On the personal front, there are some complicated issues to sort out with your partner. Take things step by step and you’ll get there.

Self-care: Treat yourself to a sensuous pamper session.

APRIL You’re more fiery than usual.

Watch out for getting swept up in the heat of the moment and saying things you’ll regret later. Wait until you’re calm and clear. Channel some of your extra energy into trying out new experiences.

Self-care: Give yourself lots of compliments.

CA N CE R

(22 June – 23 July) MARCH Your partner is having a tough time and it’s not easy for you.

Don’t get drawn into worstcase-scenario thinking. This is an opportunity to address habits that no longer work for you as a couple.

Self-care: You can rely on a good friend for support.

APRIL The subject of shared responsibilities is up for discussion with your partner. Shaking things up will be liberating, so explore ways of doing things differently.

Handle a disagreement with a parent by being adult about it.

Self-care: Nourish yourself with inspiring reads and beautiful music.

LEO

(24 July – 23 August) MARCH You’d like to take it easy, but there’s too much happening on the work front. Before getting stuck in, spend some time getting organised. Wait until after the 10th to discuss sensitive issues with your partner.

Self-care: Use leisure time to chill, rather than socialise.

APRIL The spirit of adventure is inviting you to risk leaving your comfort zone and be open to new experiences. Your partner is also eager for change. From the 19th, the focus shifts to professional responsibilities and commitments.

Self-care: Take pressure off yourself to perform.

VIRGO

(24 August – 23 September) MARCH From the 4th, review routines, work habits and schedules. Bring a heart-centred approach to oneon-one relationships by accepting people as they are. When it comes to the kids, add a dash of firmness.

Self-care: Breathe out and let go of worries.

APRIL After an initial unfocused patch,

TRACY SHAW IS A CONSULTING ASTROLOGER. E-MAIL TS.ASTRO@GLOBAL.CO.ZA.

you shift into action mode. You’re decisive and so can cut through inessentials and get to the root of problems. Work is stimulating but also challenging.

Self-care: Physical exercise is vital to release pent-up energy.

LIBRA

(24 September – 23 October) MARCH Give priority to practical matters like home maintenance and getting your financial affairs in order. Commit to sorting out reoccurring problems. Parenting is challenging you to rethink what is best for the kids.

Self-care: Slow down and savour small pleasures.

APRIL Variety is definitely the spice of life this month. As much as possible, keep your options open and experiment. Your partner has plenty of drive and determination, so let them take charge of DIY or home renovations.

Self-care: Think less and be more spontaneous.

SCO R P I O

Illustrations: © iStock.com

(24 October – 22 November) MARCH It’s a great time for designing systems, doing research or tackling projects that require concentration.

You’ll have the discipline to persist when the going gets tough.

However, watch out for tunnel vision.

Self-care: Don’t neglect pleasure, especially the things you and your partner enjoy doing together.

APRIL Family members are coming up with suggestions that challenge your way of thinking. Rather than dismissing them, consider that they could have a point. At work, choose your battles wisely.

Self-care: You need plenty of breathing space, so don’t overcommit yourself.

S A G I T TA R I U S

(23 November – 22 December) MARCH Rather than spreading yourself too thin, consolidate and conserve resources. Initially, it may seem

as though you’re putting in a lot of effort for a little return. Hang in there – you’ll see the results further down the line.

Self-care: Keep life simple and get plenty of rest.

APRIL You’re coming to the end of an intense phase. Keep your focus and concentrate on priorities until the 14th. However, it’s okay to discuss exciting ideas with your partner.

Parenting is highlighting how you handle assertion.

Self-care: De-stress with an outdoor adventure.

CA P R I CO R N

(23 December – 20 January) MARCH You have the drive to push hard for what you want, but be careful of putting people’s backs up.

Also, be realistic about what you can manage. Listen to intuitive promptings.

Self-care: A steady pace will serve you best.

APRIL Out of endings come new beginnings, so don’t fight the inevitable. Be alert to any shifts in your thinking, especially ideas about ways to lighten your load.

On the financial side, you can afford to take calculated risks.

Self-care: Give yourself more freedom from responsibilities.

AQ UA R I U S

(21 January – 19 February) MARCH You’ll be happiest quietly getting on with things alone. Around the 10th, be prepared to review strongly held opinions in the light of new input.

Self-care: As your tolerance levels are low, your buttons will be easily pushed. Avoid fallout by breathing deeply before speaking.

APRIL You’re headed for an active month that favours taking charge and making things happen. Along the way, expect some lively exchanges and interesting encounters. On the home front, the pace of change is slow. Be patient.

Self-care: Rather than overthinking, trust your gut instinct.

April

THE RAM

21 March – 20 April MARCH

Your determination is sure to be tested this month. There are opportunities to get ahead, but also major decisions to make and endings to face. Keep your feet on the ground and your eyes on the long term.

Self-care: Taking time to recharge your batteries is essential.

APRIL

Circumstances favour acting on bright ideas, making new acquaintances or getting involved in a special-interest group.

Going the extra mile will bring results on the career front.

Self-care: Overdoing coffee, sugar and other stimulants could tip you into adrenaline overdrive, so exercise restraint.

Personality: Being born under the most energetic of the fire signs, you thrive on activity and want to experience everything.

You’d rather learn from your own mistakes than play it safe. Directness, honesty and enthusiasm are your gifts. Your style ranges from sporty to clean-lined elegance.

You need a strong but accommodating partner who can keep up with you and encourage your kids to be independent.

Strength: Your courage and willingness to take risks give you the edge in tackling life’s challenges.

Blind spot: When your stubbornness takes over, you can keep hitting your head against a brick wall, ignoring the harm you are doing to yourself.

Inspiration for the year: There are opportunities to get ahead in your career, provided you put in the groundwork.

Best colours: Vermilion and aubergine. G H

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M Y P UZZL ES F ive sma r t mi nd ga mes to get you thi nki ng

M ATC H - U P S

Work out the missing part of these films or TV series. Once they have all been seen and crossed from the grid, the letters left behind will reveal another title involving Spielberg that some would say was out of this world.

S R E

T E

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RATING: MODERATE

A O S R R

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T R P R N

T

Fill in the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

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8

RATING: NOVICE

SOLUTION:

2

1 A.I. … Intelligence 2 Back To The …

3 … Of Spies 4 … Me If You Can 5 Close … Of The Third Kind 6 … Of The Sun 7 Falling …

E

8 Flags Of Our …

9 … Jones And The Last Crusade 10 … From Iwo Jima 11 Memoirs Of A …

12 Minority …

13 … Of The Lost Ark

V L E

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B

22 … Grit 23 … Zone: The Movie 24 United … Of Tara 25 War Of The …

26 Who Framed …

Rabbit 27 Young … Holmes

8

Create words of four letters or more using the given letters once only, but always including the centre letter.

Do not use proper names. See if you can find the nine-letter word using up all letters.

16 GOOD | 22 VERY GOOD | 28+ EXCELLENT

GH MARCH/APRIL 2020

5

7

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1

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9 1 6

9

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14 Ready … One 15 Real …

16 Saving … Ryan 17 … List 18 The … Of Tintin 19 The … Journey 20 The … Bones 21 The Mask Of …

5

8

1

2

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brain - teasers

P U Z Z LE S

Fo r th i s m o nth ’ s P UZZL E SO LUT ION S vis it www.go o d housekeeping.co.za.

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Departs Takes (revenge)

Extinct

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W h e n y o u m a r r y s o m e o n e y o u m a r r y t h e i r f a m i l y, smoked eel a nd a l l , w r it e s GH colu m n i st Su sa n Hayden Something you realise pretty early on in a marriage is that you don’t marry an individual, you marry an entire family. This can be lovely, and it can be not. When I met the tanned, blond, scuba-diving, hitchhiking Adventure Ken chiropractor with an unrecognisable accent and fell deeply in love in around seven seconds I had no way of knowing that somewhere on the far northern reaches of our planet in a small, cold town in Denmark was his family, comprising roughly eleventy-thousand people. To whom he was very, very close.

The first time he invited me to Scandinavia to meet his family he was wise enough to withhold certain information, such as the fact that I was the first girl he had ever liked enough to bring home, and everyone was waiting in eager anticipation to see this exotic creature from ‘Africa’.

He also neglected to mention that I would be meeting all of them at once on the occasion of his eldest brother’s 40th birthday dinner, which kicked off about half an hour after we got off the plane. Finally, he was smart enough not to fill me in on the Danish custom that dictates that when you arrive at a social gathering, instead of mingling at your own pace like we do here, you are obliged to move around the room greeting and shaking hands with every single individual. For an introvert, it’s an exercise in hell.

His home town is some distance from Copenhagen Airport, so by the time we arrived everybody was already seated and tucking into the first course. In Northern Europe, tardiness is considered rude in the extreme. Had Adventure Ken relayed any part of this to me I think I would have climbed right back on the plane and gone home in terror. And I suspect

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he knew this very well, which is why he remained schtum. And which is why I walked into the room feeling only slightly nervous about the twenty-twothousand eyes that looked up from their salmon roulade to check out the girl in the cowhide and beads. They must have been disappointed to see a blonde in pleather pants.

Fortunately, due to extreme fatigue and ignorance, much of this went over my head, along with the conversations that must have been at least partly about me.

Anyone who has heard Danish knows that it is an incomprehensible language comprising soft consonants and vowels mumbled from the back of the throat.

There is nothing to discern one word from the next, so what a newbie hears is a string of peculiar, swallowed sounds with glottal stops thrown in just to

SUSAN HAYDEN GH COLUMNIST discopantsblog.com

confound you even more. Those are words? I repeatedly asked.

But in the end I heard it enough that it started to make sense.

Regularly sitting at a dinner table for eight hours straight (the average length of their celebratory lunches) where only that language is spoken is quite an incentive to get with the programme. And so I did. I ate the smoked eel, drank the schnapps, and learnt how to stay warm in arctic weather and, with a few stops and starts, hold my own in a very different culture and context. I fumbled my way through weddings, birthdays, Christmases and speeches, and now, 20 years later, the marathon lunches and the language are as familiar to me as once they were foreign. And what I’ve discovered is how funny his family is; how kind and giving, and generous to a fault. They’re not big on displays of emotion, but they’ll move the earth for you and then some.

As I write this two of our nieces are with us, visiting South Africa for the first time. It’s fun to see this beautiful country through their eyes, and show off some of the amazingness of where we live. It’s also nice to mother them. Having them in my space, needing my help and guidance, has made me realise perhaps for the first time that they are now as much my family as they are his. I take full responsibility for their safety and wellness, and it feels good to be part of a big, happy clan.

Suddenly I have become one of the elders organising meals, making decisions, feeling sorry for all the youngsters’ new girlfriends and boyfriends who arrive, wide-eyed, to meet this loud, intimidating lot. I make a point of giving them a big, warm hug and telling them they’re doing just fine. GH

Illustration: Stacey Knipe

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