Inspirations | March 2012 by Brett Rothmann

win 7 days in

mauritius

SOCIAL NETWORKING ON THE RUN

THE ULTIMATE WINTER LOOK MILADYS CLUB

Microfibre Blankets 180 x 200cm

Printed Microď&#x192;&#x17E;bre Blankets

180 x 200cm

17999

100% brushed cotton for warmth includes: Also available in 5 designs at selected stores

✓Fitted sheet ✓Flat sheet ✓ 2 Pack pillowcases.

Winter Bale Pack single

17999

*selected stores

Velvet Fur Throw 127 x 152cm

22999

Apply online or instore today! Credit only available in South Africa. Visit www.sheetstreet.co.za or call us toll-free on 0800 27 33 48. Promotion starts 23 March 2012 while stocks last!

Mr Price Group LTD is an authorized Financial Services and Credit Provider- FSP31450 and NCRCP46

loving your home!

contents 54

40 regulars 4 6 8 62 64

From our side... Over to you Short & Sweet Sudoku Book Club

support & health 40 44

12 14 16 18

Fashion Forecast

Miladys Winter Wardrobe Essentials

René Taylor-This season’s style

Put Your Best Face Forward this Winter

The Winter Wardrobe Clear Out Winter Fabrications Wrap up in Style

Rest That Weary Head Happiness Make-Over

travel 48

fashion & beauty

Mauritius

INSPIRATiONS

home & delights 54

Kitchen Remodel

Cooking with Coffee

58 Solutions to the Sudoku puzzles on page 62

tips & inspiration 28 30 34

A Gem of Wisdom

Let 2012 Be Your Year of Sustainable Resolve

38 50

Michael Vlismas on Being a Dad

Social Networking on the Run Google Power

The Power of One

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Puzzle by websudoku.com

All advertising in Inspirations are placed by the publisher and are not necessarily products that MILADYS endorse. INSPIRATIONS PUBLISHER: TCB Group PO Box 11273, Hatfield, 0028 Tel: 0861 THE MAG (843 624) Fax: +27 88 012 346 1014 mail@tcbgroup.co.za

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES: Nikki de Lange +27 83 415 0339 Estelle van der Westhuizen +27 84 821 7257 MEDIA TRAFFIC MANAGER: Herman du Randt herman@tcbgroup.co.za

PROJECT COORDINATOR: Liesel van der Schyf liesel@wol.co.za

IMAGES: © Club Med; iStockphoto.com; Miladys; Liesel van der Schyf

MANAGING EDITOR: Deidre Theron-Loots deidre@tcbgroup.co.za

DESIGN & LAYOUT: The Virtual Da Vinci Creative Room liesel@wol.co.za

REPRO: Hirt & Carter, Durban PRINTING: Paarl Media Academy of Print, Durban CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Michael Vlismas; Club Med; Beth Cooper Howell; Dr Liz Pretorius; Liesel van der Schyf; Weizter; Get Smarter; Jenna Clifford; Phillip Sylvano

For any enquiries on Miladys merchandise, please phone our Customer Friend on: 0800 310 290.

Inspirations is published quarterly by TCB Group. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of TCB Group or MILADYS. Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions. No material (articles or photographs) in this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without specific written permission from the Editor. Copyright © 2012. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to TCB Group and/or the individual contributors. All rights reserved.

from our

side

ith Winter right on our doorstep, one cannot help but wonder where this year has gone. And with the turn of the season, it is time to start assembling your perfect Winter Wardrobe to keep the chills at bay. This season is filled with plush fabrics, textured knits and gorgeous, incredibly comfortable, boots. Before you start stocking up on Winter goodies, be sure to follow our step by step guide for a ‘Winter Wardrobe Clear out” where we give you some tips on how to get rid of the old, before introducing new items to your cupboard. During Winter time, don’t forget to pay extra attention to your skin, as a healthy complexion is always an asset, no matter what the season. In this issue we have got some great advice on how to ensure that your skin is properly hydrated during winter, plus we are giving away two great hampers courtesy of Revlon and Payot.

With the explosion of social media, we thought to keep you, our reader, on track with what this phenomenon is all about, and give you some suggestions on how you can become part of this social circle. Get Smarter is also giving us some tips on how to use Google to its full potential. Be sure to enter their competition, where you could win an online Internet SuperUser course. Have you put your New Year’s resolutions on the backburner? Kick-start your good intentions this Winter with your very own Happiness Make-Over. Dr Liz Pretorius gives us a few guidelines on how you can rejuvenate your spirit. One of the paths to happiness is ensuring that you get enough rest, and if you are an insomniac, our article entitled ‘Rest That Weary Head’ is just for you. Make sure that you stay healthy this Winter, physically and emotionally by getting enough rest. No matter who you are, making a great first impression

when meeting new people, whether it is for an interview or a first date, can be the difference between success and failure. Angela Barry gives us a few pointers in this issue on how to turn a first impression into a lasting one. Our article on Mauritius features a fantastic travel offer for Miladys Club Members, as well as a competition, where you can stand a chance to win 7 nights accommodation at La Pointe aux Canonniers in Mauritius. I don’t know about you, but planning an island holiday is a sure fire way of beating the winter blues. If you ever thought that coffee is only useful to warm up a cold morning, think again. We have some lovely recipes on how to use coffee for flavouring when cooking. So, sit back, relax and enjoy this edition of Inspirations, and remember, make the most of this Winter with Miladys. From the team at MILADYS

For any enquiries on Miladys merchandise, please phone our Customer Friend on: 0800 310 290.

INSPIRATiONS

Terms & Conditions: No purchase is necessary. *The 35% discount applies to our retail price list of electrically powered beds. All entries received before 30 April 2012 will be entered into the prize draw and the winner will receive a bed from our Elite range. Entries limited to one per household. No cash equivalent available.

over to you We love hearing from our Inspirations readers, who always have interesting thoughts and suggestions to share. We want to hear from you, so please send your comments to: MILADYS CLUB MAGAZINE, PO Box 3562, Durban, 4000 or email cmainstone@mrpricegroup.com or visit us on Facebook. The writer of the winning letter will be able to pamper herself with a MILADYS gift voucher to the value of R500,00. Please note that all letters are edited for length and clarity.

winning letter

I would like to share with you the story of my 80-year-old mother, Sybil Bester who has a stunning attitude. Let me sketch the background, and the reason for this letter. Our dear Daddy, at the age of 79, suddenly passed away on Woman’s Day, 9th August 2011, after having suffered a massive heart attack. He and Mom had been married for 57 years and served as a wonderful example to us girls of how to love and be loved, and especially how to laugh and enjoy life. Daddy had always been proud of Mom’s spontaneity, and the fact that she was completely at ease with her own body, causing her to be a great lover of fun – which she still is to this day. She is very sociable and at her age and is still a member of the ‘Penguins’ – a gym-trim group for the elderly that exercises regularly, organises outings and arranges competitions to brighten up their days. She is also involved with the ‘Golden Oldies’, care groups, the church and missionary work – wherever there is some action, she will be there. Consequently, Mom has won a few of these competitions over the past couple of years, always with some hilarious costume depicting a specific theme. But because it had been only three weeks after Dad’s passing away, she decided for the first time not to compete. Needless to say, all her friends begged her

INSPIRATiONS

to at least attend, because she is the one who lightens up their day and puts a smile on their faces. With the power of persuasion that only a 26-year-old can possess, my daughter Daniëtte convinced her grandmother that this was what Grandpa would have wanted, and lo and behold – Grandma decided to enter, provided that her granddaughter quickly helped her with the thinking and doing parts! We were at the Platinum Mall near Brits doing our shopping, when Grandma suddenly decided that she wanted to make an outfit from bags. Only Milady’s was willing to help, and gave grandma a few bags in support of this lady’s crazy idea… and would you ever – a stunning end result (photos attached). My eldest son immediately commented: “‘Who says Miladys’ garments are not recession-friendly!” Thank you so much Miladys, you are the shopping dream of every woman with attitude. And a special thank you for having turned Mommy’s day into a beautiful memory. Regards, Roeline van Wyk

MILADYS

“More news from you...” Thanks so much for a wonderful magazine, which, in my opinion, could be issued on a monthly basis. I really look forward as there are always so many interesting reads, lovely informative information about role models, delicious recipes, upcoming new fashion and very many competitions and freebies up for grabs. I would like to suggest that you include crosswords in your magazine as brain food. Thanks so much for a lovely fun-filled magazine which I really look forward to. Regards and keep well, Lyndell I’m writing this letter just to let you know how much I am enjoying your new Summer Collection at Miladys. It is the most feminine, colourful and beautiful range, far surpassing any of the other stores in the market place! I feel that I have been in a lovely summer garden when visiting my nearest Miladys in Blue Route, Tokai – it lifts my spirits and gives me “joy de vivre”! Thank you for my birthday voucher, as well as the rewards vouchers you send from time to time – much appreciated. Warmest wishes to you. Yours sincerely, Charlotte West

news Our Club Winners: December 2011: October 2011: R5000.00 winner: R5000.00 winner: Mrs Elizabeth Mahlangu from Miss Anneliz Groenewald Pretoria (Wonderpark store) from Kempton Park (East R2500.00 winners: Rand Mall store) Maryke Can Wyk from R2500.00 winners: Laydbrand (Ladybrand Mrs M K Webber from store) Weltevreden Park Mrs J Prinsloo from (Randridge store) Westgate Mrs Agnes Tyobeka from Rustenburg (Rustenburg January 2012: Berg Street store) R5000.00 winner: Mrs Sylvia Mhini from November 2011: Mdantsane (Vincent Park R5000.00 winner: store) Miss A.T. Nhlabathi from R2500.00 winners: White City Soweto (Royal St Mrs N. Mgoqi from Mary’s store) Queenstown (Queenstown R2500.00 winners: store) Mev S. E. Linde from Vryburg Miss Jaco-Marie Van Niekerk (Vryburg store) from Windhoek (Maeura Mall Mrs B. Leshoro from store) Bloemfontein (Loch Logan store) iPOD Winner for Nov issue: Lynda Esterhuysen from Birch Arces (Greenstone store)

AUTUMN 2012

TIPS

short&sweet Gourmet Fruit Bouquets®

The perfect twist on the traditional rose bouquet; Gourmet Fruit Bouquets® are a healthy and unique way of enjoying fruit - especially when it is paired with chocolate. These delicious bouquets are the perfect gift for parties, birthdays, get well gifts, anniversaries or simply a way to say I am thinking of you. Gourmet Fruit Bouquets® make beautiful and tasteful gifts or even unique party centerpieces. One of our top choice for Easter or Mothers Day is the Apple Berry bouquet - a sensational bouquet of chocolatedipped strawberries and Granny Smith apples. The double dipped strawberries are hand laced and sit on top of this stunning arrangement. Available in a range of dazzling designs and sizes, Gourmet Fruit Baskets are presented like a bouquet of flowers, ONLY EDIBLE. Re-imagine how you eat your fruit! Call +27 76 234 3976 or visit www.fruitbouquets.co.za.

DANIKA SPA JEWEL OF THE NORTH WEST Allow yourself the privilege of visiting the best Spa in North West, Klerksdorp. Visit their website www.danikaspa.co.za for more information, prices, photo gallery and vouchers. Remember that Danika Spa caters for all your special days such as Mother’s Day to make every visit a memorable one. Danika Spa is the place where body, mind and soul combine with state-of-the-art technology and worldclass products to deliver an experience of a lifetime! Join us on Facebook: Danika Spa & Haarsalon and experience the specials and competitions they offer on a weekly basis. Contact them on (018) 468 3849 or send an email to danikaspa@telkomsa.net to make your booking, or to obtain the most sought after gift, namely a Danika Spa Gift Voucher!

Perdeberg Chenin Blanc Perdeberg Winery is home to Chenin Blanc, produced from Dry Land Bush Vines…you can take the grapes from Mother Nature, but you can’t take Mother Nature from the grapes! Dry Land Bush Vines, as Mother Nature intended… Perdeberg Winery prides them on a long tradition of excellence in winemaking, constantly innovating and striving to improve and perfect. Over the decades, they have crafted wines and refined their techniques, bringing you a wide selection of superior wines to complement any occasion and please every palate. And they have no plans of slowing down. Visit www.perdeberg.co.za

sms and win

Perdeberg Winery is giving away wine to the value of R2,000. To stand a chance to win, simply sms INSPIRATIONS PERDEBERG followed by your name and account number to 35131.

The prizes cannot be exchanged for cash and is not transferable. Standard Terms and Conditions apply.* Cost per SMS is R1.50. Competition closes 30 April 2012. By entering this competition, you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to Miladys. Winners will be notified telephonically. This competition is open to Miladys Club members only.

FASHIONFORECAST Expect a season of many exciting looks with plush fabrics, rich embroidery and trims. Put that all together and looking great this winter is going to be easy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as always, Miladys helps you make the most of this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style

Team the must have items for the season to create the perfect winter look. From our corduroy tunics to our assortment of polonecks you will find your layering pieces in-store at Miladys.

Chunky knits , are cosy and versatile, dress them up or down.

Layering is the best way to look and feel fabulous this winter. Give it a try by wearing a shorter sleeve chunky knit over a long sleeve top. Layering gets our vote this season because you can add more layers such as scarves and jackets as it gets colder, or remove layers as you warm up. 12 INSPIRATiONS

Winter warmth is what it is all about and the quilted jacket is just the item to deliver on this. Perfect for outdoors and lower temperatures this item will serve you well this season.

Style meets comfort. You can have both with our wide range of boots. The wedge boot is this seasons must have, look out for the wedge boot in April.

Coloured denim makes a welcome return and a great way to update your look.

AUTUMN 2012 13

MILADYS

The Winter Wardrobe

CLEAR OUT

t’s that time of year again when we pack our sleeveless summer tops, pretty sun dresses and strappy sandals away, in order to make way for Winters long-sleeve knits, chunky cardigans, warm jackets, wooly scarves and gorgeous boots. Save time, money and energy by setting aside at least two hours this week to get your wardrobe ready for Winter. This essential task is not as daunting as you think; simply follow our easy wardrobe clear-out tips and your wardrobe will be Winter-ready in no time at all. Remember that sorting out your wardrobe will allow you to get many outfits from just a few items and also ensure that your wardrobe is never boring. STEP 1. Take every item of clothing out of your wardrobe, and lay them on your bed. STEP 2. Go through the pile of clothing and divide the items into three piles. Pile Number 1: Items that cannot be worn in Winter: example strappy sundresses, summer thong sandals etc. Pile Number 2: Items that can be worn both in Summer and Winter: example denim jeans, flat pumps etc.

14 INSPIRATiONS

Pile number 3: Items which you have not worn for the last 12 months. These items perhaps no longer fit you, or don’t co-ordinate with anything else in your wardrobe. Pack the items from Pile number 1 neatly into a suitcase and store them away during the colder winter months. Use cedar blocks* to ensure that these items don’t attract fish moths or mildew. *Cedar blocks are an environmentally friendly insect repellent. Place these small, freshsmelling, chemical-free cedar blocks anywhere you keep clothing to absorb moisture and repel insects. To refresh, just rub a few times a year with light sandpaper. Aromatic Cedar is known

MILADYS

Now that your wardrobe is organised and you love everything that remains, it is time to re-think how you shop; there are a few basic rules to remember when shopping: to act as a guard against destructive insects such as moths, fish moths, silver fish, fleas, carpet beetles, mould and mildew. Aromatic Cedar also absorbs musty odours, leaving a forest fresh cedar aroma. Hang the items from Pile number 2 back in your wardrobe Hang by category:-Bottoms - long pants, crops pants, skirtsTops - blouses, knits, coats, jackets and dresses To avoid knitwear from stretching, fold it and place on shelves in your wardrobe. Where possible, avoid hanging these items. Pack all the items from Pile number 3 into a refuse bag, and take them to your nearest homeless shelter or charity shop. 

• Only purchase items that suit you – if you are not sure, take a friend along when shopping. Remember, a true friend is your best mirror. • Don’t shop for the size you want to be or for the figure you wish you had - shop for your current size and figure. • Invest in quality fabrics and flattering styles that will last for years. Think quality rather than quantity, just a few wellchosen pieces are all that’s necessary. • Stick to basic colours like black, grey, white, beige and stone when building your basic wardrobe – then add the trendy/fashionable colours with a few items, like a blouse, a handbag, boots or a scarf. • Solid colours mix better than prints. You will get more wear out of investing in solid colours than prints or patterns. • Everytime you buy something, you should think about what you will wear it with and where. • Purchase items that can be worn with other items in your wardrobe and easily transitions from work to weekend or a night out. That is investment shopping. • Take good care of your clothes and you’ll wear them for years. • Have fun! Shopping for clothing should never be a chore. Think about your personal style as well as your lifestyle and shop accordingly.

PLUS

To kick-start your new winter look, we have included a voucher exclusively for MILADYS CLUB members. Get this winter’s value from MILADYS for less, with R100 off a purchase of R500 or more.

Winter’s value

OFF

R100

When you spend R500 or more! EXCLUSIVE TO MILADYS CLUB MEMBERS

0400017081

TERMS & CONDITIONS:- No photocopies accepted. One voucher per customer. Get R100 off your next purchase of R500. This voucher may only be used on regular priced merchandise, may not be used in conjunction with other offers, may not be used for account payments, to purchase gift cards or redeemed for cash. Lost or misplaced vouchers will not be replaced by Miladys. This voucher may not be used in conjunction with another promotional offer or voucher. This voucher must be produced to qualify for this offer. This voucher may not be used on cosmetic, fragrance or skincare purchases. This voucher expires on 22 April 2012.

AUTUMN 2012 15

FEATURE MILADYS

Fabrications WINTER NEW SEASON NEW WARDROBE

Winter is the season of great textural variation and rich, classic colour combinations. Fabrics will feel more luxurious with soft, sueded or velvety textures. Rich chunky knits, Faux fur collars and trims add warmth and a luxurious finish. Nothing adds more value to a garment than beautiful fabric, and Winter is the perfect time to experiment, not only with a fresh new look but with fabrics that inspire confidence and style. We have identified our 3 key fabrications for winter. Ponti, corduroy and melton. Throughout the chilly winter season ahead you will find these 3 fabrics in our stores, across various styles, sillouettes, and colours. We also offer some great advice for caring for these winter fabrics. Remember all garments will last much longer when cared for properly.

16 INSPIRATiONS

MILADYS

Ponti WHAT IS PONTI? Ponti knit

Corduroy WHAT IS CORDUROY?

Melton WHAT IS MELTON?

is a special type of knit fabric

Corduroy is easily identified

A thick, tightly woven fabric that

with stability, firmness, subtle

by the paralell “cords/ridges”

has been felted & brushed.

sheen & incredible durability.

that run up & down the fabric.

It has a smoother surface than

Suitable for pants, skirts &

• Acts as an excellent insulator.

regular knit fabric. It is more

coats. Some describe Corduroy

• Perfect for winter outerwear.

jersey like & does not crease.

as velvet with ridges.

• Does a fabulous job of

FEATURES & BENEFITS :

FEATURES & BENEFITS:

• Does not crease

• Strong, durable & warm.

• No need for ironing.

• The added benefit of Lycra in

• Simply wash & hang on

cord adds stretch for comfort.

hanger to dry. • Ponti knits are travel friendly. HOW TO CARE FOR PONTI:

FEATURES & BENEFITS :

keeping the chill out. HOW TO CARE FOR MELTON: Dry clean only.

HOW TO CARE FOR CORDUROY: Can be machine washed but must be turned

Machine wash exception being

inside out before washing and

attached trims/prints.

for ironing.

AUTUMN 2012 17

M I L A DY S

MILADYS

Style...

Wrap up in

BĂŠret R89* Cardigan R280** *Available in selected MILADYS stores in April - **Available in store from 10 April

18 INSPIRATiONS

MILADYS

The Stripe Button Up Cardigan is the perfect knit for cooler days. R260• We have the ideal layering knit. Beautiful cabelling, pockets and big button detail. R299•

The versatile Gilet is a winter wardrobe essential. Perfect with polonecks. R250•

Tie-front short sleeve cosy knit pieces. pefect for layering and chilly winter days. Add plain and knitted scarves to keep the cold at bay. R280

Feminine, silky soft knit cardigans with delicate origami flower trims. R260•

AUTUMN 2012 19 •Available in store from 26 March

MILADYS

Winter Wardrobe ESSENTIALS Layering is the best way to look and feel fabulous this winter. Give it a try by wearing a shorter sleeved chunky knit over a long-sleeved top.

CABLE-KNIT CARDI R299* SOFT-KNIT POLONECK R220* WONDERFIT JEANS R240 SCARF R130

20 INSPIRATiONS

MILADYS SOFT-KNIT POLONECK R220* SOFT-KNIT POLONECK R220*

From our flattering

corduroy tunics to our

KNIT GILET R250*

assortment of

beautiful knitwear CORD TUNIC R220*

CREW-NECK KNIT R199

you will find the perfect layering items at MILADYS.

BAG R280

With these key winter items you will create a winter look that's stylish, versatile and uniquely you!

Fashionable and versatile, the statement bag.

CORDS R220* Maroon available from mid April

Cords are back and BOOTS R299 BOOTS R350**

Style meets comfort, you can have both with our wide range of winter boots!

theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to stay! 5-pocket styling for extra comfort.

*Available from 26 March 2012. **Available in selected stores See something you like? Contact our Customer Friend on 0800 310 290.

AUTUMN 2012 21

RENÉ TAYLOR

THIS SEASON’S

STYLE Dressing

up for winter

is so easy, a few basic items mean you can get the most out of your wardrobe. Wrap up, step out and look great.

Melton jacket R699* Ponti Pant R260* Stripe Sweater R260 *Available in selected stores

RENĂ&#x2030; TAYLOR

Crew Neck Sweater Spotted Trumpet Skirt Scarf

R230 R280 R130

Floral Tunic Knit Cardigan Bootleg Jeans Wedge Boot Necklace

*Available from 26 March 2012. See something you like? Contact our Customer Friend on 0800 310 290.

R240* R280 R199 R199 R89

BEAUTY

24 INSPIRATiONS

BEAUTY

PUT YOUR

BEST FACE

forward

THIS WINTER Although the powerful summer sun has gone, the ultraviolet rays remain to wreak their damage on your vulnerable skin during the winter months. Words: Beth Cooper Howell Image: iStockphoto.com

AUTUMN 2012 25

BEAUTY

lthough the powerful summer sun has gone, the ultraviolet rays remain to wreak their damage on your vulnerable skin during the winter months. With autumn fast turning to winter, many of us abandon the skincare routine so diligently practised during the hot summer months. Moisturisers gather dust and sunscreen is the furthest thing from your mind. But healthy skin care is an ongoing process – and you can flaunt a gorgeous complexion all year round. Harsh winter conditions will take their toll on any skin type. Here are some important basic tips to keep that perfect glow: • Choose a lukewarm bath over a steamy hot soak. Piping hot water combined with soap or shower gel draws out the skin’s natural oils and can leave it dry and irritated. • After a bath or shower, apply a body lotion like Innoxa’s One and All Nourish Body Cream or One and All Soothe Balm, while the skin is damp as this helps seal in moisture. • Moisture in the air is good for the skin so invest in a humidifier.

• Apply a nourishing hand cream like One and All Condition hand cream after each time you wash your hands. This helps prevent cracking and itching and keeps cuticles smooth and healthy. Avoid wearing cotton gloves. • It seems counter-intuitive, but dry skin will benefit from regular exfoliation as this primes the skin for the soothing effects of a moisturiser. • Give extra dry skin an intense boost with One and All care tissue maintenance oil. • Don’t forget the sunscreen! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and hands 30 minutes before going outside. • Don’t lick your lips! Keep Revlon’s Supershine Lipgloss close at hand to sooth lips. • Use cream formulas instead of liquid foundations. Skin type is important in being able to take care of your skin effectively as different types require different treatments. Visit the Beauty consultant at selected Miladys stores, to have your skin analysed, before you start a new skincare regime.

Dry skin With age, the skin’s reserves of essential nutrients are reduced. This can lead to de-nourished skin and signs of ageing become more visible: skin becomes drier, sags and crinkles. Dry skin is a common winter problem caused by the cold and indoor heating but hot water, harsh soaps, poor diet and smoking can aggravate the condition. It is the skin type most likely to produce early wrinkles To combat this, Use only good quality moisturisers, like L’Oreal’s Age Perfect Intense Nutrition, for women aged 50+, to deeply nourish and repair very dry denourished skin. Enriched with strengthening Pro-Calcium and luxurious Royal Jelly, Age Perfect Intense Nutrition repairs your skin leaving it feeling intensely renourished, de-crinkled and more comfortable. Another good moisturiser is Payot’s Hydra 24 light moisturiser. This innovative hydro-dermo regulating complex provides continuous hydration that helps the skin preserve and maintain its natural moisture level while reinforcing its defences against the signs of ageing.

Cosmetics are available at selected MILADYS stores. Call 0800 310 290 for more details. 26 INSPIRATiONS

BEAUTY Add in Payot’s Hydra24 cream masque, which quenches your skin and provides continuous hydration, rapidly establishing moisture balance in all skin types, even the driest. Oily skin People with oily skin should use a gel-based or foamy cleanser, like Payot’s Mousse Nettoyante to clean out pores and strip away excess oil. It is important that the cleanser be specifically for oily skin. A toner is often overlooked and should be a permanent part of the oily skin toolkit, as it is very useful in picking up leftover dirt, oil and cleanser. Simply apply to your face with a cotton ball, paying particular attention to areas often neglected, like the crevices around your nose. Don’t be afraid to use a light moisturiser on your oily skin – it needs it. Ask the Beauty consultant at selected Miladys stores, to suggest a suitable one. Use a good quality exfoliator at least once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells. If you’re acne prone, be gentle to avoid more breakouts. Combination skin This type is considered usually the most difficult to treat owing to the dry/oily combination and requires a gentle skincare regime. A good exfoliator is necessary to gently cleanse and remove all make up and skin impurities without stripping your skin of the essential oils necessary for its health. Toners are particularly good for this skin type, not only to remove cleanser and dirt but also to help your pores look smaller. Specific moisturisers are

essential to remove facial shine and aid skin nutrition. Sensitive skin People with this skin type are prone to environmental conditions and chemicals that can produce an embarrassing red or blotchy skin. The cause is not always easy to find as allergic reactions are common. While possibly even a dermatologist may have to be consulted, the Almay range of cleansers and toners available at selected Miladys stores, reduce irritation and inflammation and have a soothing effect. Ageing skin Whether caused by age, or premature, those with ageing skin must take note of several factors which can aggravate the

problem: cigarette smoking, sun exposure, stress and alcohol. Cosmetically, specific formulations, like Revlon’s Age Defying Intensive Hydrating Cream, work wonders in quickly reducing wrinkles. Although all the information above should adequately equip you to comfortably withstand winter damage, pay a visit to the Beauty consultant at selected Miladys stores, who will advise you on the various products available to keep a silky smooth skin and winning smile during the cold season. All products mentioned in this article are available at selected Miladys stores. Visit www. miladys.co.za or call Customer Friend on 0800 310 290, to locate your nearest store. 

sms and win

Inspirations is giving away a beauty hamper to two lucky CLUB MEMBERS. To stand a chance to win, simply sms INSPIRATIONS followed by your name, account number and the word BEAUTY to 35131. The prize cannot be exchanged for cash and is not transferable. Standard Terms and Conditions apply.* Cost per SMS is R1.50. Competition closes 30 April 2012. By entering this competition, you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to Miladys. Winners will be notified telephonically. This competition is open to Miladys Club members only.

SOURCES Product information from Payot, Innoxa and Revlon. http://skin.healthxtourism.com/skin-care-winter-season/ http://www.skin-care-tips-online.com/Winter-Skin-Care.html http://www.holisticgynps.com/Articles/10-fall-and-winter-skin-care-tips.html http://skincarerx.org/oily.html http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-care-11/oily-skin http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin

AUTUMN 2012 27

INSPIRATION

A Gem of Wisdom With the month of love still fresh in everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memory, Inspirations chatted to designer Jenna Clifford about what it is like to play a part in the journey of love. 28 INSPIRATiONS

INSPIRATION FEATURE Words & Image: Jenna Clifford

myself am lucky to have found my perfect match with my beloved husband, and finding a wedding or engagement ring is a lot like that – you have to find your perfect match. I think love is a very good energy to work with and I am passionate about helping people to embark on their union and their journey in a meaningful way. I do not believe that anyone should commemorate their union with something mass-produced, something derived from illgotten gains or something that does not truly celebrate the energy that two people in love share. Your engagement and wedding ring are talismans that will be with you for your entire journey together, and for this reason they need to be special and unique to each individual. Love is a primal emotion and for being such an enduring aspect of being human, it should be celebrated. For that reason I am starting to make much greater use of ancient techniques in my design as well as making my work more affordable, because everyone deserves the chance to celebrate their love – I do not believe that this privilege should be reserved only for those who can afford it. I also believe that people need a genuine jeweller who almost acts like an advocate to

them in helping to choose the right piece. Different metals and stones have energies and emit vibrations that do affect us. This is concerning when you realise that most jewellery comes from the East and has meanings and connotations that apply to Eastern cultures. These pieces are then removed from that environment and brought here, where people might buy them and wear them without being aware of their meaning. By choosing jewellery such as this, which people do mainly for budgetary reasons, they miss out on the energy that can come from true customisation. And I do believe that when working with items that have primordial

the relationship to one side and truly to walk through life together for a few years before making a decision about marriage. And once you make this decision, bring that physicality to the forefront and nurture it, because it truly is a gift and once that goes out of the window, a relationship has no chance of survival. In a marriage or in a relationship, if you can unconditionally love and not judge then you have the right recipe. Many people, because of our high divorce rate, do not have a role model to help with this and to teach them this. If this is the case, you need to become a reader in order to absorb that information and that knowledge because it is

Love is a primal emotion and for being such an enduring aspect of being human, it should be celebrated. energy, customisation is very important. When working with customised jewellery, money makes it so simple but not everybody has money, and that is why I want my designs to be affordable and, more importantly, to be made with love, because that does not have a price tag. My golden piece of wisdom to any couple embarking on a lifelong journey would be to set the physicality of

possible to gain wisdom from other people’s experiences and mistakes. I strongly believe that readers are leaders and that sometimes, when you have nowhere else to go; the solution can be found in books. Another part of the winning recipe is to embrace the concepts of ‘us’ and ‘we’ and let go of I, me and my. A bird cannot fly with only one wing, it has to be two and the same goes for love. 

AUTUMN 2012 29

etwork N l ia

g in

TIPS

on the Run Social media has been around for years, but it’s taken some of us until now to come to terms with this new fast-paced, ever changing online society we find ourselves thrust into. We keep thinking of it as the future, but the fact is - it’s our present, and it’s time for us to catch up. Story by Phillip Sylvano Image: iStockphoto.com

30 INSPIRATiONS

TIPS FEATURE

ith more than 1.5 billion people surfing the Internet on any given day, it is inevitable that we will form virtual social connection points. Weighing in at just shy of 800 million users at the end of 2011, Facebook can comfortably claim the alpha seat at the head of the

by people in the Northern Hemisphere. Simply jumping on the bandwagon however, isn’t good enough anymore. To harness the true power of Facebook, a good place to start would be taking a break from Farmville and instead get to clicking on the Like buttons of pages that will enrich your daily information feed with content that can

The point is to push the envelope until it bends and you will find the perfect combination of connections that will convert your social media space into your own private detective. social networking table. It has become the medium of choice to share our photos, videos, emotions and contents of our breakfast with millions of people anytime, anywhere, as long as some signal bars are lit. This all paints a pretty picture of sharing and connecting on a global scale, but it’s a different reality when we examine the implications on ground level in South Africa. Trends on the net move fast. So fast in fact, that what people are talking about today is usually old news by sunrise tomorrow, and sadly we find ourselves getting a grip on these trends long after the rest of the world has moved onto something new. There are a number of reasons for this, not least of which is the fact that most of us are content to have our trends set for us

make a difference to you both personally and professionally. For example, following CNN or any similar international news page will ensure that news affecting your business reaches you personally and quickly. If, on the other hand, you are more interested in keeping your ear to the ground for the latest buzz phrases on the Internet, KnowYourMeme is your man. The point is to push the envelope until it bends and you will find the perfect combination of connections that will convert your social media space into your own private detective. Likewise, Twitter isn’t only good for hearing what fashion shows your favourite celebrity is attending; dig in deep and get connected with people from other countries, cultures, professions, causes and organizations tweeting about

How to join a social network... • First of all, you will need an active email account and a profile picture of yourself. • Choose a network. • Facebook, Google+ and Pearltrees profiles are best applied to your personal connections with friends and family. • Linkedin, Focus and Netparty are powerful professional networking tools. • Twitter and Subjot offer compact instant posts in a tidy feed. • Once you have chosen which network will suite you best, click on the “sign up” tab usually displayed on the first page. After signing up, clilck on the link sent to your chosen email address to confirm that your email account is active. • Now you can start networking, update your status and profile and upload a ravishing photo of you and your bright smile.

what you need to know. Some of the greatest modern movements and current events are being inspired and fueled on Twitter. One area where our country’s technological state has not been left in the dark is mobile devices. South Africa has an estimated 42 million cell phones in use of which 39% are used to access the Internet in urban areas. We pride ourselves on being cellular savvy and with good

AUTUMN 2012 31

TIPS DID YOU KNOW MILADYS IS ON FACEBOOK? Become part of our online community. Like us on Facebook or sign up on our website www.miladys.co.za to receive emails which will keep you up to date on what we do on a daily basis from SALE launches, to trends, to the latest styles and product launches in-store.

Five Rules of Social Networks • Be kind, rewind. It is not uncommon for social network users to disrobe from their usual social constraints and start to vent online. Always keep in mind that you are interacting with real people in a virtual space. Your comments, post or tweets are made available to the public and could offend colleagues or people who frequent your business. • Play it safe. Your online presence is an extension of yourself and the last thing you want is somebody using your profile to excises their motives. Most social networking platforms offer additional security to your account that rival online banking security. Take the time to read up on how your platform can help you secure your account. • Keep left, pass right. All social portals have their own set of rules. Be aware of your rights and limitations when using social networks so you don’t find yourself on the wrong side of the virtual highway. These rules are there to make the experience free, fair and fun for everybody. • Wax on, wax off. With so many social networks available it is no surprise that so many individuals and companies have “dead” pages on many of these. Take the time to master a network before diving into next one and avoid ending up with several half active profiles that you just don’t have the time to properly use. • Recycle. Have an idea what to say now that you have the microphone in hand? Well the secret here is that it not frowned upon to simply reuse another person’s content as long as you don’t plagiarize. In fact it is called sharing. This is always a good place to start and most responses will open a door for new conversations.

32 INSPIRATiONS

reason, but your cell phone is more than just a mere status symbol. Check out some of the social media platforms that have been made available to cell phone users such as Path, Twitter mobile, or foursquare (members note their locations with a mobile phone and can find out where friends are . If you want to find out what others are using, you could even browse the iPhone app website, whether you have an iPhone or not. Social networking giants are forever providing new and exciting products. Google+ and Pearltrees.com for example allows for much more control over your interaction with friends. You can finally separate your virtual professional, personal and family personas – something that has become a major issue with people accustomed to the mainstream social media locations, who find themselves creating more and more profiles in an attempt not to say the wrong thing on the wrong person’s home page. There is an overwhelming abundance of ways in which you can make yourself heard, connect with people from all over the world in every area that interests you, spread ideas, make money, gain knowledge, change lives. The only real hurdle is where to start. It can seem daunting, but adapting to change happens to be something we humans are good at, and if all else fails, just Google it. 

TIPS

power

oogle is the world’s most well-known and widely used web search engine – it’s so ubiquitous that most people say, “Just Google it!” Google’s biggest strength is its simplicity. If you visit the page, you merely need to input your search query and click “search” – there is no complex jargon or flashy layout to confuse you. This apparent plainness, however, masks Google’s extremely powerful search and usability features. If you’ve ever struggled to find exactly what you’re looking for, it may be because you haven’t used these handy tools and tips. Operators An “operator” is a special word or character that tells the search engine to perform a certain action (the operator itself is not searched for).

Words: GetSmarter Image: iStockphoto.com

There are dozens of these (you can, of course, Google for a list of them). Some of the most useful ones are inverted commas, which force the search engine to look for an exact phrase (e.g. “birds in South Africa”), the minus character, which forces Google to omit search results containing that word (e.g. birds -eagles) and the word “OR”, which tells it that you want results that contain either one word or another, but not both (e.g. birds OR eagles). Search by time When you search for something specific, have a look at the left hand sidebar. Here you will see a range of time options that let you narrow your search to show results from the last year, month, day or even hour – this is useful if you are searching for current news.

sms and win Stand a chance to win a place on the University of Cape Town Internet Super-User course worth R7000.* To stand a chance to win, simply sms INSPIRATIONS followed by your name, account number and the word GOOGLE to 35131. The prize cannot be exchanged for cash and is not transferable. Standard Terms and Conditions apply.* Cost per SMS is R1.50. Competition closes 30 April 2012. By entering this competition, you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to Miladys. Winners will be notified telephonically. This competition is open to Miladys Club members only.

34 INSPIRATiONS

Search by place Google can narrow your search down by location. There are two ways to do this. First, you can click on the option called “Custom Location” in the sidebar and input a city, country or area. Second, you can simply type the place name as part of the search query. Content type Another great way to search is by content type. You can tell Google that you want to search for “wildlife parks”, but are only looking for results that are videos, blog articles, books or one of the many other options. Again, look in the left sidebar. This will make finding what you’re actually looking for so much easier.  The part-time University of Cape Town Internet SuperUser short course is presented by online education company, GetSmarter. This 10-week course is presented online throughout South Africa. The course is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of the internet and it’s tools. Contact Tamsin on +27 21 477 7565 or send an email to Tamsin@getsmarter. co.za for more information on the course. Alternatively visit www.GetSmarter.co.za.

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TIPS

Let 2012 be your year of

sustainable

resolve A quarter of the New Year is almost gone and if you are like many other individuals who made public their intentions to become richer, slimmer, smokeless and fitter in 2012, you are probably wondering who stole your year.

o, here you are in March, carrying a few kilos of extra baggage, puffing like a train, labouring upstairs with your finances in less than good shape. So how do you stop the same old habits and ensure that the year ahead is one of renewed and sustainable resolve? One of the reasons you may find it so difficult to

36 INSPIRATiONS

stick to your resolutions is simply that you don’t have a game plan to put them into action. Every great achievement starts with a plan, so if getting your finances in order is one of your objectives for the New Year, here is a 12-month plan to make sure your motivation won’t be thrown out with the Christmas tinsel.

January & February While the first two months have come and gone, it is still worthwhile seeing the New Year as the start of better things. Denial is one of the biggest reasons people stay in situations that are not good for them. If you cringe every time a store clerk runs your credit card through the machine or you worry that you don’t have enough life

TIPS cover to protect your family, you need to take action; worry achieves nothing, action does! Many people claim that they simply cannot find a spare penny in their budget to pay off debt or afford risk cover. Think for a moment how much money you waste on things that you don’t need - a quick look at your closet will reveal all. Entertainment, fast food, designer toys and impulse purchases eat up available cash. Scrutinise your budget and weed out inefficiencies. March Now that you have freed up some cash in your budget, you can start to pay off that debt. Pay off the smallest account first; small victories will spur you on. Debt is one of the biggest reasons people are underfunded for retirement and risk. April Once on track, you can start thinking about that savings plan that you’ve been threatening to implement for the last few years. May If you have existing investments and risk policies in place, find out how much they are actually worth, what they cost and what they deliver. June Don’t forget about your short-term insurance. Household and car insurance

can be very costly. If you shop around you may find that you can get the same amount and quality of cover for a lot less than what you are currently paying. July Speak to your parents about their finances. This may raise some sensitive issues, but if you don’t want them living with you when they retire, then the subject will have to be addressed. Only 5 in 100 people will be able to support

October Planning a holiday? While you need a break to renew your energy, if you have to fund it with your credit card, the stress of paying it back will undo any good a holiday has done. Pay cash or have a “Staycation”. November Christmas bonus time. Use the money to finally eliminate any outstanding debt and if you have some left over, use it to start a disability or salary

One of the reasons you may find it so difficult to stick to your resolutions is simply that you don’t have a game plan to put them into action. themselves in retirement; make sure your parents are in that small group. August Time for reflection - your renewed enthusiasm regarding your finances will have reaped rewards by now. Sit down, evaluate the last six months and see how far you have come. You may think that the pace has been slow but if you cast your mind back, it will give you the motivation to carry on with your plan. September Start saving some money for Christmas festivities and presents, so you don’t undo all your good work.

protection plan. Your biggest asset is your ability to earn money - protect it! Okay, maybe you can spoil yourself a little. December You made it! A year of frugality and some smart financial decisions will yield a lifetime of financial freedom. You may not be there yet but a good way down the road. For the first time you will start the New Year without a (financial) hangover and with total peace of mind.  To find out more about FRANK.NET visit us at www. frank.net or call 0860 465 337. Frank Financial Services (PTY) Ltd is a licensed financial services provider (fsp no. 40948)

AUTUMN 2012 37

INSPIRATION

Michael Vlismas

On being a

dad

Words: Michael Vlismas Image: iStockphoto.com

ver December, we went to visit our good friends in Cape Town. They have a daughter. The last time we saw her, she was five and we had just had our first son. She was fascinated with the whole

38 INSPIRATiONS

breastfeeding thing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can I also try?â&#x20AC;? she even asked. Then we saw her this December. She is blonde. She is tall. She is tanned. She is a lifeguard. She has the smallest red bikini that she must wear, and which is liable to take a life through heart failure

INSPIRATION rather than save one. And she is only 16 for goodness sake. “How on earth are you going to handle this?” I asked my friend. “I’m a hunter,” he said coolly. “A clean headshot should do the trick.” And therein lies fatherhood. With girls, it’s somewhere between nappies and Baywatch bikinis, and the ability to speak of murder as calmly as you would order a cappuccino. For boys, fatherhood in our household lies somewhere where the fishing rods are,

working for the dreams of your children. I mean, look at this,” he says, pointing to his rows of hardware. “I’m not exactly passionate about nuts and bolts. And how exciting is a can of paint, buddy? But they give me what I need to give my children what they need. And what my daughter needs right now is this mace spray.” I drove across town to the car workshop of another mate. He’s a beast of a man, covered in tattoos, and his chest is as broad and hard as a cylinder head.

It’s when that blanket no longer covers them, that’s when fatherhood really begins and the soccer ball, and the plasters, and knocking over bowls of ProNutro, and learning to tie shoelaces. But what is fatherhood exactly? Rather than try and answer this myself, I decided to consult some of the fathers I know. I began with my own. “Sometimes,” said my dad as we stopped between lengths at the Hillcrest swimming pool, where we were both training for the Midmar Mile, “the best a man can be in this life is a good husband, and a good father”. Not a successful businessman. Not a wealthy landowner. Not a famous sportsman. Just a good husband and father. “That’s pretty spot-on, I’d say,” says Charlie, owner of the local hardware store. “But I reckon fatherhood is about

“It’s a tough one for me,” he says. “At school there’s this kid that’s pushing him around. So his mom says, ‘Tell him he’s mean and he must leave you alone’. What? You and I both know that kid is just going to carry on nailing my boy.” “So what do you do?” I asked him. “I take him aside and tell him, ‘Your mom’s right. Tell him he’s mean. But before you do that, hit him first and don’t stop till he’s down. Then you can talk all you want.’” I picked up the phone to another friend. He has a teenage daughter, of which I know nothing about and never will. Apparently she’s going through some artistic phase, dressing in black, listening to deep, soulful music – weird things.

“Sometimes I catch myself thinking, ‘What happened? Where did my little girl go?’” he says. “You know, you have this sense that something is slipping away, and the more you bloody chase to stop it, the worse it seems to get. My wife says I need to back off a bit, and be with her, but not in her life.” “So, does that make sense to you?” I asked. “It makes about as much sense as a Greek financial statement. I don’t even know what she means by it. But I’m trying. It looks like she just needs a bit of space. She kind of wants to know she can break out on her own a bit, but that home is not that far away. So I’m trying to give her that. But it’s hard not to try and live her life for her. I suppose it’s a bit like teaching your child how to ride a bike. You have to let them go, but keep your hands just close enough to catch them when they fall.” I put down the phone. It was late in the evening. I walked through to my boys’ rooms. They had decided to sleep in the same bed this evening. I looked at them, tucked under the same blanket, sound asleep. When you can pull a blanket over both your children and keep them there for the night, that’s the easy part. It’s when that blanket no longer covers them, that’s when fatherhood really begins. 

AUTUMN 2012 39

HEALTH

REST

THAT WEARY HEAD

40 INSPIRATiONS

HEALTH

Insomnia has become an increasingly common sleep disorder of the modern era and according to experts at the Constantia Sleep Centre, about 30% to 40% of adults experience some level of insomnia within any given year, with 10% to 15% of these being chronic – and (no surprise!) insomnia is more common in women. Dealing with the disorder successfully is vital to prevent the collapse of your health. Words: Beth Cooper Howell Image: iStockphoto.com

leep deprivation can lead to lack of coordination, lack of concentration, anxiety, progressive depression, poor work or school performance, severe mood swings, motor function difficulties and the use of legal or illegal stimulants. Common symptoms of insomnia include not feeling refreshed on waking, difficulty falling asleep most nights, waking several times at night and feeling tired or falling asleep during the day. Daytime sleepiness is a complication of insomnia as there is evidence

that sleep deprivation lowers your immune system’s ability to fight infections. Sleep habits learned as a child could affect our sleep patterns as adults. When these patterns are repeated over many years, they become habits. You may trigger your insomnia through the following poor sleep or lifestyle habits: • Lack of exercise • Napping during the day • Using your computer or smartphone in bed • Night-shift work • Going to bed at different times • Too much noise or light in

your sleep environment • Staying awake too long in bed • Watching television while lying in bed The use of alcohol, some medications and drugs may also affect sleep. And caffeine, or products that contain caffeine, taken late in the day are a definite no-no. If you take a variety of supplements or herbal remedies it would be wise to ask your pharmacist if any of them contain ingredients that are likely to prevent sleep or cause sleep disturbance. However, the cause of insomnia may go deeper than what is outlined above. Social, mental and physical issues may be at the root of your disturbed sleep patterns and could include: • Thyroid disease • Bipolar disorder • Anxiety disorders • Stress • Pain or discomfort • Depression or sadness of which insomnia is often a symptom Try self-treatment before visiting your doctor because you might simply have poor sleep and lifestyle habits. Work through the list and note if rectifying any of them helps you to sleep better. If you can rule out that you don’t have poor sleep or lifestyle habits, a visit to your pharmacist would be in order to appraise any drugs or current medication

AUTUMN 2012 41

HEALTH

Some tips for sweet dreams

Harnessing the mind to help Negative thought

Positive thought

I can’t cure my insomnia.

Insomnia is curable. I simply need to focus on positive ways to overcome it.

Tonight will probably be another bad night.

Some nights I do sleep better, so not all nights are the same.

Why do others sleep well but I don’t. I’m not a normal person.

Many people struggle with insomnia. With focus and practice, I will sleep well.

I desperately need to get some sleep or it will affect my job.

Even if I can’t sleep, I can still relax and rest, and deal with tomorrow when it comes.

I’m going to spend at least another two hours trying to get to sleep.

If I use the strategies I’ve learnt, maybe I’ll fall asleep more easily.

you might be using and to discuss possible medications. Try natural, alternative medications first, as they’re likely to be the least harmful and won’t have any sideeffects. Should these not work, your pharmacist may recommend a stronger pharmaceutical medication. Although it is likely that your pharmacist will advise you correctly, it is worth bearing in mind that some medicines can be useful but also carry

42 INSPIRATiONS

risks. Antihistamines, the main ingredient in sleeping pills, may cause memory loss later, particularly in the elderly. And it is important to use sedatives only under the close care of a doctor as they can cause tolerance and dependence. Most people cure their insomnia through good sleep hygiene but if yours has become chronic or persists for a month or more, it is advisable to see your healthcare practitioner for

• Drink warm milk • Wiggle your toes • Ventilate your room • Take a warm bath • Drink herbal tea • Go for a short walk • Hide the illuminated clock • Sleep on your back • Practise deep breathing • Make sure your room is dark and quiet • Avoid daily naps • Visualise a peaceful scene further examination and diagnosis. Aside from a thorough physical examination, he or she will ask questions about your medical history, current medication and drug use. Usually this is all that is required to find the cause of the disorder, but should it be psychological, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist. If your only problem is not getting eight hours’ sleep at night, don’t be alarmed; this doesn’t necessarily mean your health is at risk. Some people need less and others more. Establishing a practice of good sleep hygiene and, if necessary, following the process outlined above should help you to rest that weary head. 

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SUPPORT

Happiness Make-Over

An emotional Make-Over could make 2012 a defining year. 2012 is barely underway, yet most of us have probably already forgotten our New Year’s resolutions. There is no time like the present to kick-start those good intentions and rev up your life with a Happiness Make-Over. It’s possible to achieve the happiness you’ve been searching for and it starts with positive thinking. 44 INSPIRATiONS

SUPPORT

efore you think this is another pretendto-be-positiveand-your-life-willchange article, let’s get real for a moment. There are no quick fixes for those of us who find it hard to be a regular ray of sunshine every day. That doesn’t mean happiness is reserved for a lucky few, it simply means that some need to work a little harder to get their happiness on! Happiness is the journey and not the destination. It is what you encounter on a daily basis in the small things around you – the joy of watching a rose bud open; walking in the rain as the raindrops tickle your face; smiling at someone and watching their smile grow in amazement that a stranger

Words: Dr Liz Pretorius Image: Miladys

we are able to see them. Give it a try for just one week and see the difference. If positive thinking is the only bit of effort you need to put back in to get your happiness back, then it’s time for you to make the decision to turn this day into one filled with hope and new possibilities. Have a dream. It’s been said that a life lived in fear is a life half lived, but considering that some live their lives without a dream is just as sad. Everyone needs a dream to hold on to. It may be small or life changing but people need that something to look forward to. Whether it is to climb Kilimanjaro, to go hot air ballooning, or even buying a new pair of shoes, work towards achieving your dream and once you have,

“The power of positive thinking is like a car with a powerful engine that can take you to the summit of a mountain.” – Remez Sassoon smiled at them; hiding your chocolate and devouring it on your own. These are the daily encounters with real happiness that we so often overlook. Find the positive in it all. To think positively has become such a cliché that some women have stopped trying to do it altogether. Fact is, the more positivity we try to see in the experiences we encounter every day, the more

find another. Don’t be afraid to give up on a dream if it is no longer a priority, as long as you replace it with another, more relevant, dream. Identify the stumbling blocks that limit your happiness and potential. We all have stumbling blocks that may keep us from experiencing happiness. These may be fear, anxiety, negative experiences in

our past, feelings of guilt or resentment, and feeling that for some reason we do not deserve to be happy. Write your stumbling blocks down, examine them, understand them, and then let them go. Take the paper, tear it into tiny pieces or burn it. Let go of anything that is holding you back. If necessary, consult with Get in touch with your Positive Self, here’s how: • Don’t look for happiness somewhere in the future. • When you wake up every morning, consciously make a decision to see life positively. • Identify the stumbling blocks that are keeping you from experiencing happiness. • Set aside time to pamper yourself, doing what gives you joy. • Only take responsibility for what you can influence, change or improve. • Learn to love yourself, with all your strengths and faults. • Your mind is the seat of your happiness, not whether someone else loves or approves of you. • Have a dream, your own dream or aspiration. • Do something different or exciting each week.

AUTUMN 2012 45

SUPPORT

a professional to assist you in addressing these issues. Resolve to only take responsibility for what you have control over. You are not

you, and what you think of your encounters with life. It is a simple fact of life that no new boyfriend or partner will make you happy if you’re not

If positive thinking is the only bit of effort you need to put back in to get your happiness back, then it’s time for you to make the decision to turn this day into one filled with hope and new possibilities. responsible for your teenager’s failed relationships or your husband’s reprimand at work; it is not your responsibility to fix everyone’s problems for them. Of course we want to save our loved ones from experiencing pain, but the best you can do is listen attentively, tell them everything will be alright, and not to interfere. Discuss the issues without judgment and give advice where it is asked, but always let them learn their own life lessons. Your mind is the seat of your happiness. Your happiness does not depend on what your child, your partner, or your friends think of you. We all want to be accepted by other people and we all need encouragement and recognition, but we should decide whose opinion of us is important. Once you have decided on that, keep it in mind and understand although their opinions count, they do not make you happy. What makes you happy is

46 INSPIRATiONS

happy in yourself. Take it in, understand it and move on. Learn to love yourself. Loving yourself is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your loved ones. Loving yourself makes you realise you are worthy and deserve the best. Set aside time to pamper yourself, doing what gives you joy. Go to a movie, arrange to have a facial, a manicure or go for a midnight spa. Arrange to go for a walk or a hike with friends, (even if they are four-legged), buy yourself a weekly bunch of fresh flowers, have quiet times, visit old age homes and sow some cheer (it will make you feel good about yourself). Develop a new hobby, replace the couch cushions, bring in some colour, or change the way you dress. Do something different or exciting each week. This could be something small or big, something new like smiling at everyone on your way to work, ordering a new dish at

a restaurant, wearing a new colour lipstick, acknowledge something your manager, employee, child or partner did, as well as to the person at the supermarket check-out. Being happy is sometimes a case of getting happy and then staying happy more than anything else. Whatever your disposition towards life or your position in it, there will always be reasons for you to find happiness and life itself should be your reason for staying that way. Never settle for less than your worth because, believe me, you’re worth more to someone in your life than you know. 

It’s easy to spoil yourself and those around you with the great benefits on offer from The Miladys Club. Exclusive offers and exciting discounts are always a click away and we suggest all members get discovering! Some of the great partners on board offer Miladys Club members discounts such as the following: 10% off standard packages and products from Mangwanani; 10% discount at NetFlorist, NetGifts and NetJewel; as well as a 10% discount on selected products from Garden Pavilion. With over 300 other exciting discount partners just like these, staying positive is that much easier! Contact 0861 000 634 for more information.

TRAVEL

MAURITIUS – So much more than just sun,

sea and sand

Mauritius is widely known for being a destination of choice when it comes to honeymoons and romantic getaways, but it’s more than that; it’s an island full of opportunities, adventure and fun.

auritius is a convenient destination for South African travellers and it remains a popular tourist destination for good reason. White sandy beaches, warm waters, beautiful sunsets and colourful cocktails are the elements we think about when we picture a trip to Mauritius, but it’s also a sanctuary of cultural, sports and outdoor activities. The Triolet Shivala is the

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longest village on the island and provides visitors the opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, Maheswarnath. The temple was built in 1819 in honour of the Gods and it remains a must-see for tourists who prefer a cultural experience. Travellers can also take hikes and bike rides through the Labourdonnais Orchards, which is home to a large variety of fruit trees and perfumed exotic flowers. Take a trip back in time through the

TRAVEL history of Mauritius at Domaine les Pailles. Nestled in the Pailles Valley, the estate offers a unique culinary experience. This typical Mauritian estate will delight your senses with a combination of history, culture and nature. Caudan Waterfront offers rows of shops and restaurants. Fast food and fine dining will tantalise your taste buds, while local stores will indulge your need to shop for fine Mauritian crafts. Mauritius is also a hotspot for families. While there are number of resorts across the island, Club Med, known for its all-inclusive family packages, caters to families and couples. There are two Club Med resorts on the island, La Pointe aux Canonniers and La Plantation d’Albion. Both resorts are well equipped with a wide variety of amenities that cater for families, sport enthusiasts and for those looking for a Zen getaway. La Plantation d’Albion, Club Med’s first 5 Trident luxury resort, is located on the west coast of Mauritius and lies amid 22 hectares in one of the last untamed creeks on the island. The luxury accommodation includes 265 rooms, all with terraces or balconies, housed in individual buildings that are nestled in beautiful gardens. The resort is ideal for families, providing moms and dads with a Petit Club Med that caters for children between the ages of two and three. Child minders, meals,

activities, rest time, baby gyms and water sports are all provided whilst parents take the opportunity to spend time together exploring the rest of the resort. Adult amenities available are vast and include dining, spa facilities, scuba diving, sailing, golf and tennis. Located on one of the finest bays in Mauritius is La Pointe aux Canonniers. The resort, which obtained Green Globe certification for Sustainable Tourism, welcomes families and children of all ages. Children’s Club facilities, glass bottom boat rides, table tennis and water skiing are only a few of the facilities that can be enjoyed. For the real sports enthusiasts, a number of recreational activities are available, including academies for sailing, tennis and wakeboarding. Volleyball, a Club Med gym, golf, kayaking and mini football are also available. Both Club Med resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include flights, accommodation, full board –

breakfast, lunch and dinner, drinks, sport, leisure and children’s activities as well as insurance cover and return transfers. 

Club Med is offering travellers a savings of up to *R2,000 per person when booking a holiday package for Mauritius. Travellers can book at La Pointe aux Canonniers from only R14,970, which was R16,970, and La Plantation d’Albion from only R16,340 which was R18,340. For more information on Club Med travel packages or to make a booking please visit www.oneloyalty.co.za/miladys or call the Miladys Club Call Centre on 0861 000 634. * Terms and conditions: bookings for this offer need to be made before 24 April 2012 for travel from 1 May – 16 December 2012.

sms and win

You can win 7 nights all inclusive at La Pointe aux Canonniers in Mauritius. Simply sms INSPIRATIONS MAURITIUS followed by your name and account number to 35131. The prize is inclusive of: • 7 nights accommodation at La Pointe aux Canonniers in a Club Room for you and a partner • 3 meals daily - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner including wine, beer and soft drinks • Open bar day & night and snacking • Sports & leisure activities • Unique Club Med entertainment • Airport transfers. The prize excludes: • Flights and airport taxes • Cost of passports, inoculations and visas if required • Optional excursions and personal expenses. Conditions: This prize is not negotiable, transferable or redeemable for cash. The usage of this prize is subject to availability of flights and accommodation. This prize is valued at R36 000. This prize is valid until 31 May 2013. This prize may not be used over peak seasonalities or school holiday periods. Standard Terms and Conditions apply.* Cost per SMS is R1.50. Competition closes 30 April 2012. By entering this competition, you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to Miladys. Winners will be notified telephonically. This competition is open to Miladys Club members only.

AUTUMN 2012 49

TIPS

THE POWER OF

ONE First impressions count â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than you realise

*Product available at MILADYS 50 INSPIRATiONS

TIPS

It takes just seven seconds to make either a positive or negative first impression on someone. That’s precious little time to clinch a job or score a hot date – so what’s the best way to get ahead of the pack? Words: Angela Barry Image: Miladys

hile most of us make the effort to wash our hair, dress well and smile intelligently, there’s much more that we can do to take our image from “presentable” to “wow” in a few, relatively easy, steps. We live in such a fast-paced world, ruled by the Internet, cellular phones, laptops and other digital devices, that we rely heavily on the impressions we make to tell others of our level of competence, reliability and intelligence, says personal brand strategist Haydee Antezana, founder of development consultancy, Professional Impressions. Image experts rate being able to “make a mark” as key to delivering a powerful impression and leaving a lasting, positive image. Pay attention to your three V’s, says Antezana. • Visual. A total of 55% of that first impression is influenced by your appearance and body language (gestures and facial expressions such as smiling and eye contact)

• Vocal. How are you heard? The tone, volume and pitch of your voice counts for 38% of someone’s judgement of you • Verbal. What do you say? The words you speak influence only 7% of the total package. The trick to creating a powerful and lasting brand is to start with a few changes and watch, delightedly, the feedback you receive, says Antezana. • Look the part. If you look good, you’ll feel fantastic and exude self-confidence • Stand tall and sit up straight. Voila! Instant authority and confidence • Smile. It’s a universal language • Accentuate good qualities (physical and emotional) and downplay negative ones. So what is the best way to create (and keep) a good first impression? It starts with attitude. The way you see things mentally has a huge influence on your outer image. So, no matter

how gorgeous your hair, smile, outfit and posture, if you’re not fired up positively inside, it won’t show on the outside. Your visual image is also super-important. Your image is not about beauty, age, size, wealth or fashion – it’s about knowing and respecting yourself for who you are and having the confidence to discover and project your unique style consistently and confidently. • Start now. Don’t waste time waiting until you’re thin or have more money. • Time yourself. Read up about the right colours and shapes suited for you and have a consultation with an image stylist in order to declutter your wardrobe by a set date. • Tick off as you go along, in order to remind yourself of your goals. How should you choose your clothes? Use the three A’s of the ideal garment to guide you. • Does it make you feel ASSURED? Are you comfortable and confident

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TIPS in it? Is it you? • Is it APPROPRIATE? Antezana advises always dressing up a level, rather than down, as you can always pretend you have to go to a more formal occasion afterwards, if need be! Make sure that you can perform your required tasks while wearing the outfit. • Is it ATTRACTIVE? The best-dressed people aren’t the thinnest or wealthiest – they’ve simply learned the art of camouflage. Dress for your body shape, ask friends to appraise your style or, better yet, go for an image consultation.

the following: • Bad fit - too tight or too baggy • Visible underwear • Shoes lighter than hemline • Frayed , creased clothing • Cheap-looking fabric • Too frilly, flouncy, floral • Clingy or see-through garments Good manners and etiquette are just as important as how you look. There’s no point in being gorgeous but perceived as rude! The golden rule, says Antezana, is to treat everybody with the same consideration you’d like for yourself. Become aware of cultural differences too. Take your cue from the person you are interacting with. Some

Absolute no-no’s! When choosing what to wear, avoid, like the plague,

people view avoidance of eye contact as disrespectful and suspicious, while others believe it is a sign of respect. Crush bad habits such as standing with your hands on your hips or in your pockets, chewing gum, crossing your arms while chatting or tapping and drumming your fingers. With a little practice, you’ll be winging it in no time.

Haydee Antezana, internationally certified personal development and enhancement specialist and founder of Professional Impressions, which provides personal branding strategies to top companies, clients and individuals. Visit www.haydeeantezana.com

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HOME

54 INSPIRATiONS

HOME

Kitchen Remodel What you Need to Know

Planning your kitchen project can be overwhelming. You need to decide how big a job and what the budget for the project is. Of course, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to hire someone for the project or do some of the work yourself... Words: Weizter Images: iStockphoto.com

o, you have decided to take the plunge and begin to plan your kitchen remodeling project. There are so many questions and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure where to start. There are some steps you should follow to help you survive probably one of the most intense home improvement projects you will ever embark on. So where do you start? One decision that comes first is who is going to be doing the project. If you are thinking of making this a do-it-yourself project, take a long hard look before diving in. A full kitchen remodel requires a tremendous amount of different types of skills. Besides the obvious trade skills of carpentry, plumbing and electrical, there is the

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HOME overruns, and that is pretty conservative. Kitchen trends Like any other industry, kitchens have their fashions. In fact, the latest most

organisational skills and decision-making ability. If you intend to do the project as a couple, make sure your relationship can withstand the stress. A beautiful kitchen doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t outweigh a happy marriage. A modern kitchen today is a large investment of money. Cabinets and appliances are a major part of that expense. These are among the first decisions you will need to make. Even before you see a kitchen designer, consider your alternatives when it comes to colour and style of the cabinets. This will give you a base to start from.

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That brings up another important issue in the planning stages - a budget. You will need to determine what you will be willing to spend on this project. Without making a budget, the price can quickly escalate out of control. A kitchen project that started at an affordable R40,000 without budget parameters can quickly turn into an R120,000 renovation. Set the limits early and then work within those limits. When you have your spending limit figured out, take off a percentage for unforeseen costs. In my opinion, at least 15% should be allotted for cost

popular look is the high gloss unit, which is available in many colour options and offers a very simple, neat look. Profiled wrap doors remain the most popular kitchen door style available in traditional matt. The second most popular door is the low maintenance hardwearing Melamine doors edged with impact resistant edging. High gloss acrylic doors recently made its appearance and are showing modest growth. White and cream are still the most popular. Grainy woods have also been a recent trend and cherry is rising in sales along with the more unusual woods including applewood, pearwood and wallnut. Simple stainless steel handles enhance the effect and make a compact kitchen look larger, and there are even drawers available now that open with a simple push, so handles are no longer needed! Granite has also become much more popular as a worktop material. Controlling your kitchen budget The most important part of any remodeling project is making sure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go over your budget. This is why you need to keep a few

HOME

s! In fashion - painted kitchen wall and painted walls are ated outd are s wall Tiled kitchen kitchen walls hold numerous in! Besides this trend, painted You can easily change the advantages for the homeowner. it is less expensive than wall tiles entire mood of your kitchen, of In addition, you can have lots and also much quicker to do. kitchen. fun changing the look of your sider when painting kitchen con to d nee you The first step ember that kitchens are walls is what paint to buy. Rem cooking and food can exposed to steam and heat from t that is durable and easy to splatter so you will want a pain cially for kitchens. clean. Look for paints made espe remember when painting The most important thing to be a lot of built up grease and kitchen walls is that there can cause the new paint to not residue on the walls, which can wash the walls thoroughly (we adhere properly. You have to phosphate and water). recommend using tri-sodium

simple guidelines in mind when remodeling. Differentiate between ‘need’ and ‘want’. Research the costs of many different kinds of products and materials starting with the most expensive necessities down to the items you can do without. • Make a top ten list, starting with the most important to

replace down to things that can be worked on later. • Resist temptation. Know exactly what you want before you search for it so you’re not tempted to buy out of your range. • Get a quote. A designer and/or contractor should always visit your home before providing you with

a quote for the design and installation. • Keep track of your payments. Arrange a clearly defined payment schedule – companies that ask for full payment ahead of delivery might leave you with an incomplete kitchen. • Inform your designer about your budget to avoid a quote far beyond what you intend spending. • Unfortunately, at the best of times we all want things we can ill afford. Be careful that your wishes and desires not exceed your budget. Remodelling your kitchen can become a daunting task, but with the correct planning, equipment and expertise, you too can have a success story! 

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DELIGHTS

58 INSPIRATiONS

DELIGHTS FEATURE

Cooking with

Coffee

If you think that coffee should be limited to a morning ‘fix’, think again. Coffee can be one of the most versatile flavourants… Words & Images: Liesel van der Schyf

ith Crumbed chicken w coffee sauce Ingredients se flour • 1/4 cup all-purpo ry seasoning ult • 1/2 teaspoon po ne pepper en • 1/8 teaspoon cay • 2 large eggs • 1 tbsp water mbs • 1 1/2 cups breadcru asts bre n • 4 skinless chicke d ide div • 2 tbsp canola oil, n co ba • Half a packet of vegetable stock • 3/4 cup chicken or e ffe co • 1/2 cup brewed

•

• •

• 1/2 tsp sugar

•

Method • Preheat oven to 150°C. Place a casserole dish with lid in the oven. • Mix the poultry seasoning, cayenne pepper and flour in a bowl. Set aside two tablespoons of this mixture to use at a later stage. • Whisk the eggs and water together in a separate bowl and put the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

•

• •

Take the chicken breasts and first cover it with the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture and then roll the chicken breast in the breadcrumbs. Make sure that the breast is covered in breadcrumbs. Heat some of the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Fry the breadcrumb covered chicken breasts over medium heat until they are golden brown for about three to four minutes per side. Place the fried chicken breasts into the casserole and place it in the oven for approximately 30 minutes. Add the bacon to the frying pan that you just fried the chicken breasts in and cook until crisp. Add the remaining flour mixture to the bacon and stir until the mixture is combined with the bacon. Stir in the coffee and stock and add the sugar until it forms a nice, thick gravy. Serve the gravy over the chicken on a bed of rice or couscous.

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DELIGHTS

Lamb with coffee and dates Ingredients • a bit of cake flour seasoned with salt and pepper • 1.6 kg lamb stewing meat • olive oil • 4 medium onions, roughly chopped • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 3 cardamom pods, slightly crushed under a knife blade • 3 star aniseeds • 1 whole cinnamon scroll • 500ml prepared coffee • 500ml beef stock • 200g whole dates, pitted • 1 cup of brown lentils

Coffee facts:

Discovered by a Go at Yip, you heard right, coffee was first discovered by a goat! More specifically, a young goat herder by the name of Kaldi in the 9th century. He noticed his goats acting strange when they ate the cherrie s from the coffee tree so he tried it for himself. This story do es not show up in writings until the 16t h century, but I like the story and it sou nds very plausible.

60 INSPIRATiONS

Method • Preheat the oven to 180°C. • Roll the meat in the seasoned flour mixture. • Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan. • Place the meat in the frying pan, and brown the meat, turning it occasionally. • Place the browned meat in an ovenproof bowl. • Add the cinnamon scroll, star aniseed, onion, cardamom and garlic to the meat in the ovenproof bowl. Cover the ovenproof bowl with a lid or foil and place in the oven. • Allow the meat to cook for 35 minutes and lower the oven temperature to 160°C. • Bake the meat for a further 80 minutes, then add the dates and lentils and cook for a further 30 minutes or until the lentils are soft. • Add a tablespoon of flour to 30ml of water and stir until it becomes a thick paste. • Stir the flour paste into the meat and place back in the oven for a further ten minutes. • Recipe can also be made as a ‘potjie’.

DELIGHTS

Mocha Choc Mouse Ingredients colate • 80g dairy mild cho ck coffee bla ld, co • 85ml strong, s extra for plu e, lat co • 80g dark cho grating – husks removed • 2 cardamom pods and seeds crushed • 2 eggs, separated ar • 2 tbsp caster sug

Method • Place 4 x 120ml ramekins or serving glasses in the fridge as this will help the mousses to set quickly. • Take a large heatproof bowl and place it over a bowl of boiling water. Make sure that the bowl does not touch the water • Break the chocolate and put it into the heatproof bowl, along with the cardamom seeds and the coffee. Stir the mixture until all the chocolate has melted. Remove the mixture from the heat, and allow it to cool down slightly. • Add the egg yolks to the chocolate mixture once the mixture has cooled down for a few minutes and stir the egg yolks into the mixture. • Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl with an electric mixer until it is stiff and forms soft peaks. • Add the sugar to the egg white mixture, and beat the egg whites again until it forms a glossy texture. • Add a spoonful of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture and stir. Carefully fold in the rest of the egg white and beat the mixture with a whisk. • Once the chocolate and the egg white mixture are combined, spoon the mixture into the four ramekins and place in a fridge for minimum time of one hour. • Decorate with whipped cream and grated chocolate

Some more facts... Coffee is the second Most Traded Commodity in the World Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, second only to oil, and now that we know it can be used as a source of fuel, it probably won’t be too long until it becomes number one. Light has more Caffeine than Dark Contrary to popular belief, light roast coffee actually has more caffeine than dark roast coffee. The reason for this is that the longer coffee is roasted the more caffeine is cooked out of the bean. I think of it as cooking with wine or alcohol. A good example of this is fondue Facts source: www.coffeecupnews.org

AUTUMN 2012 61

PLAY

Sudoku Here is another set of Sudoku puzzles to keep your mind occupied during the chilly waether. You can find the solutions to these puzzles on page 3. Enjoy!

7 6 4 5 3 1 7 5 4 3 3 7 6 2 7 9 4 2 4 6 8 2 5 1 7 3 8 9 6 5 6 1 9 5 8 3

Puzzle by websudoku.com

8 3 4 6 3 1 7 6 2 3 5 8 5 5 9 7 3 8 9 1 2 7 9 6 1 6 4 2 3 6 4

Puzzle by websudoku.com

62 INSPIRATiONS

9 5

4 4 2 6 7 3 5 4 1 5 7 9 8 2 1 5 4 8 2 6 3 1 8 5 6 3 9

1 3 5

Puzzle by websudoku.com

2 6 5 3 7 3 9 8

9 9 5 7 5 3

8 6

4 8 8 1 6 9 4 1 4 5 2 9 9 6

Puzzle by websudoku.com

Puzzles by websudoku.com

JUST FOR YOU

inspirations BOOK Club

Kindly brought to you by Penguin Books

We are giving away some classic masterpieces, as well as some brand new reads for you, our Inspirations reader to enjoy. All you have to do to win one of these fabulous books, is to follow the SMS instructions at the bottom of the page, and you could soon be the winner of one of these fantastic titles. Travel Guide to Maputo & Southern Mozambique is a funky and insightful visitor’s guide to Mozambique’s capital city and the delights of the country’s southern coastline, beaches, lakes and lagoons. Don’t stop at Maputo -- take a slow, sexy journey into delicious southern Mozambique! There are sections on Ponta d’Ouro, Bilene, Xai Xai and the lagoon coast, Inhambane, Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago. Find out all you need to know from the best beach bars to the most soulful spots to stay. This guide also features a section on the increasingly popular Bush to Beach Route which goes through the Kruger National Park and into Mozambique’s Parc Nacional do Limpopo, which together make up the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Funny, useful, witty, the Travel Guide to Maputo & Southern Mozambique by Bridget Hilton-Barber, one of the country’s most interesting travel writers, promises to be your best Mozambican travel guide yet. His Last Duchess When 16-year-old Medici heiress Lucrezia marries the fifth Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d’Este, she imagines married life with her handsome husband will be idyllic. But little does she know that he is a very complicated man . . . The couple are unable to consummate their marriage, sending Lucrezia into the arms of beautiful young fresco painter Jacomo. For Alfonso, the pressure mounts as the Vatican threatens to reclaim his title unless he can produce an offspring. He grows to resent Lucrezia and begins to plot his revenge. Originally inspired by a Robert Browning poem, Gabrielle Kimm has meticulously researched real events. Lucrezia and Alfonso were married in 1559. Three years later, she disappeared from the records . . . What really happened to her is still a mystery.This shimmering debut gorgeously brings to life the passions and people of 16th century Tuscany and Ferrara. It is a story you are unlikely to forget for a long time. The Forgotten Affairs of Youth Happy with her husband –to-be and beloved son, Isabel Dalhousie, editor of the Review of Applied Ethics and resident of that most humane city Edinburgh, has feelings about parenthood that grow more tender daily. So when Jane, a visiting academic adopted and sent to Australia as a baby, asks for help in tracing her Scottish origins, Isabel cannot refuse.

WIN ONE OF THESE FANTASTIC BOOKS

Simply sms the word MILADYS, your name and contact details followed by the title of the book you want to WIN to 35131, and you stand a chance to win!

* Cost per SMS is R1.50. Competition closes 30 April 2012. By entering this competition, you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to Miladys. Terms and Conditions apply. Winners will be notified telephonically. This competition is open to all Inspirations’ readers.

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FEATURE

AUTUMN 2012 65

FEATURE

66 INSPIRATiONS