Innholdsfortegnelse for AUGUST 2019 i Essentials South Africa

Hello! Do you sometimes feel like you’re on a non-stop roller-coaster, lurching from one task to the next, with absolutely no downtime in sight? If you’ve reached the point where you barely have time to gulp down a cup of coffee then you need to stop, take a deep breath and turn to p14 of this issue. Why? Because, like me, you most probably will be thrilled to read that well-being experts actually advise that we all indulge in the art of doing nothing. Yes, really – and because they’re healthcare professionals, we’d better take their advice veryseriously! They say it’s time to silence the inner chatter, get in the zone, and make time to put your feet up. There’s even advice on how to find the ‘doing nothing’ that…

In addition to a stellar TV and film career, Jessica Alba has also gone on to prove herself as a successful entrepreneur. She started her own business, The Honest Company in 2012, after her first daughter was born because she wanted to make non-toxic household products more accessible. Not only is The Honest Company now estimated to be worth $1 billion, but she also has a lead role in L.A’s Finest – a spin-off series of the Bad Boysfilm franchise – which has been renewed for a second season and is set to air in 2020. Jessica and her film-producer husband, Cash Warren, live in Los Angeles with their two daughters and a son. ‘Working hard has always been a part of my mindset’ I was brought up to be…

THREE STEPS TO… PAIN-FREE HAIR REMOVAL ✱ BATH OR SHOWER FIRST Hot water will help open up hair follicles and soften hair to ensure the closest possible shave. ✱ EXFOLIATE Brush or loofah your body prior to shaving to prevent ingrown hair and to remove any dead skin cells. Then use a gel or oil to lubricate the skin. ✱ DON’T PICK AT INGROWN HAIR If you already have ingrown hair, experts recommend using a sterilised needle or some tweezers to gently tease it out (most will disappear on their own). Remember to moisturise after shaving. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT? ORGANIC SKINCARE If you’re looking for proudly South African beauty buys made from sustainably sourced ingredients at affordable prices, Sava Organics may just be for you. The brand, labelled as…

WAKE UP Whether it’s waking up early for gym, work or family, you have to slip out from under the covers – so you’ll need some beauty boosters that’ll help you on the way. These treats will make you look and feel fresher all day long, with added mind-managing benefits thrown in! 6 AM As soon as you get up, light a scented candle. While candles are used more at night, getting one going first thing in the morning can instantly boost your mood. TheraVine Aromavine Spiced Orange and Cinnamon massage candle, R238, is infused with uplifting scents of orange and cinnamon, and is made from soy massage wax to soothe dry skin, too. 6:20 AM Before you jump under the shower, get body brushing – working from the feet…

Military detail Wear a khaki jacket with button detailing over a figure-fitting dress to give masculine tailoring a feminine twist. Soft tailoring Combat the cold in style with soft layers – try a rolled-up blazer over a chunky knit and flowing midi-skirt. Western boots and midi-skirts are a stylish combo Snug in shearling A shearling coat is winter’s cosiest cover-up. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion, dressed up or down. Very Victorian Take ruffles from dainty to daring with balloon sleeves and peek-a-boo sheer fabric. Contrast a sheer top with structured wide-leg pants Fine print A wrap dress in a geometric print is figure-flattering, whatever your shape or size. A ruffle dress will disguise bigger hips Knit pick A skinny knit is one of the most versatile pieces in your…

Do you dread coughing, laughing or sneezing because you might wet yourself? Well, it may be little comfort but you’re certainly not alone. ‘Around 30% of women experience some form of bladder weakness,’ says Elaine Miller, a pelvic-health physiotherapist, with pregnancy, childbirth and menopause often cited as the main causes. ‘But, the real figures could be much higher than 30% as a lot of women are often too embarrassed to seek professional help.’ WHAT’S YOUR TYPE? ‘There are two main types of bladder weakness,’ says Elaine. ‘One is stress incontinence, caused by weak pelvic floor muscles where you may leak when you lift, run, jump, cough, laugh or sneeze, while the other is called urge incontinence where, as well as leaking, you also have an intense urge to urinate.’ Bladder…

Made it past halfway through the year and your energy is flagging? Working out might feel like the last thing you want to do, but exercising can replenish those much-needed reserves, by boosting blood flow around your body and releasing feel-good endorphins. And nothing revs up those happy hormones like a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session. Personal trainer Dominik Rzadowski has created a Tabata-style plan to help you burn fat and turn up your energy supply in just 15 minutes at home. ‘This HIIT workout will also increase aerobic and anaerobic capacity (exercise with and without oxygen) and improve your stamina,’ he says. What’s more, the four-minute sections make the workout seem more manageable. ‘I’ve tried to mix up the moves, too, to maximise fat-burning potential, and inject variety into…

Yes, we all want to be healthier and live longer but overhauling our day-to-day habits can be tough. That's why we love these quick and easy ideas that will boost your health without you having to put in too much hard work. Win-win! 1. REACH FOR THE BEET Switching your morning OJ to beetroot juice could boost your health. A recent study by a US university found that a group of elderly adults showed an improvement in vascular function after a daily dose of beetroot juice. 2. ADD IN ADAPTOGENS Small studies show that adding herbs to reduce stress, balance hormones and boost energy – known as adaptogens – to your diet can aid your health. Tinctures, herbal teas and even eating certain herbs have benefits that range from boosting…

DO I REALLY NEED A TETANUS INJECTION ? Q I do a lot of gardening and last week I cut my hand while outside. I cleaned it thoroughly, but my husband thinks that I need a tetanus booster. Do I really need to go and get this done? A An injury is considered to be tetanus-prone if it's a burn or wound which is deep or where lots of tissue has been lost, if it’s contaminated with dirt, soil or a foreign object, or if it’s an animal bite. As with any wound, you need to clean it! If you've had a full course of tetanus vaccines as a child, then your doctor may give you a tetanus booster vaccination to ensure you are protected (the protection is likely to…

For the past 50 years AMC Cookware has been manufacturing cookware made from high-quality stainless steel that’s non-porous and easy to clean. The range includes a variety of cookware, from small saucepans and large stock pots, to cutlery and serving ware. Plus, AMC cookware comes with a lifetime guarantee. For more information, see amcsa.co.za To win one of three AMC Cookware vouchers, worth R10 000 each, enter online via our website essentials.co.za Terms and conditions To win one of three AMC Cookware vouchers, worth R10 000 each, enter online via our website essentials.co.za before 31 August 2019. Prize is valid for six months. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash. Prize is non-transferable. By entering this competition you give Caxton the right to market other Caxton Magazines offers to you.…

THIS MONTH WE'RE LOVING... Velvet luxe Bye-bye boring beige and outdated upholstery – the current trend of using sumptuous fabrics in rich jewel tones in the home seems here to stay. Coricraft's new Maurice velvet fabric is luxuriously soft and available in a range of colours, like red, green and blue, to use on its couches, chairs, barstools, ottomans and even beds and headboards. Pair it with the brand's recently launched Haskell chair range, from R6 999, and you will have a modern-retro statement piece that's both comfortable and stylish. Win-win! LOCAL DESIGN HAND-CRAFTED RUGS Textile design studio The Ninevites sources mohair from the Eastern Cape and sheep wool from Lima, Peru, to hand-weave luxurious rugs. With designs inspired by traditional patterns in African craftwork and art, the rugs will…

Original floorboards always look beautiful, but they can develop squeaks when the board isn’t firmly attached anymore, so the pieces of timber move and rub together. The good news is that this is easy to fix, doesn’t need any specialist tools, and can be done in a weekend. You will need Pincers or claw hammer; drill; screws; electronic pipe and cable detector; wood glue 1. Find the loose piece First, work out which board is loose (and causing the squeak) by walking on it to see if there’s an area that moves. If the floorboard is in good condition, take out the nails (use pincers or a claw hammer) and then screw the board back down using the existing nail holes. Screws will pull it down tighter and are easier…

‘Now you can dust yourself off and get back on track’ LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST Are you one of the many Leos who have just experienced a disappointment? Now you can dust yourself off and get back on track by having a think about why it hit you the way it did. The insight you get is worth its weight in gold. Virgo 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER If you’re still having romantic problems, the reason you’re hurting so much is because an old wound has recently been triggered. Try to be aware of the link between your past and present, as this will help to get through the issues. Libra 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER Over the course of this month, it helps to follow, not lead;…

WEARING NEW CLASSICS Fashion editor Xolani Gumede has rounded up must-buy items to see us through this season and beyond (p32). READING A GOOD BOOK With so many brilliant new releases (p103), we couldn’t resist curling up on the couch for a good reading sesh (the experts on p14 made us do it!). TESTING HAIR REPAIR Just in time for saving damaged winter hair, we’re excited about the recently launched L’Oréal Paris Elvive Rapid Reviver range. EATING SWEET TREATS Who could resist a delivery of the new Lindt Creation Macaron and Pistachio Delight flavours? Definitely not us!…

Claire Dunwell, 40, is married to Ian, 53, and has two sons Sam, 11, and Louie, eight. Call me old fashioned, but I’d love to take my children back to a time before Twitter hashtags and Instagram likes. It was a special time when kids could grow up simply being kids. Social media piles enormous pressure on today’s youngsters – they can no longer clock off at the end of a school day because social media sparks FOMO (fear of missing out). It's sad that popularity these days is judged by virtual ‘likes’ and my heart goes out to those who only have a few online friends. I do believe social media is a breeding ground for bullying, and that’s why I have banned my son Sam from Facebook, Instagram…

Does everyone tell you you’re too busy? People around us often see things before we do, so if your loved ones are telling you things like, ‘You’re wearing yourself thin’ or ‘I never see you any more’, it’s a sure sign that your routine needs a major overhaul. Don’t dismiss their comments. A good starting point for change is to take a day for yourself and go somewhere peaceful to assess your time and life priorities, but don’t be too hard on yourself: change doesn’t happen overnight. Follow our tips to get the time you need to make your life feel more balanced… Beat stress by booking a weekly ‘doing nothing’ slot YOU’VE EARNED THIS If the idea of doing nothing sounds like pure bliss yet never seems to happen,…

Dancing has always been a part of my life. I started doing ballet at the age of six and later moved on to ballroom,  Latin and belly dancing, participating in some competitions at varsity while I studied accounting. Dancing was my way to recharge but it wasn’t until I stumbled across salsa that it became the centre of my life. ‘After one lesson I was hooked and booked a dance holiday’ My husband, Edward, and I moved to London in 2007 and while out at a Spanish restaurant for dinner, we discovered they hosted salsa classes in the back room. My husband and I thought it would be something fun to try so we went back the next week and were taught the basics. We had more fun than we…

WIDE-SET EYES Apply one coat to all your lashes, then apply the second coat to the inner lashes only to make eyes look closer to each other. TRY Revolution The Mascara, R165 Brush fact: The super-soft flexible waves on this brush help you to build up your coverage without any unsightly clumps. ALMOND EYES You can get away with loading up the mascara on the top and bottom lashes. Lucky you – anything suits this eye shape! TRY Wet n Wild Lash Renegade Mascara, R110 Brush fact: The multi-action brush helps lengthen, curl and separate your lashes with the ball tip letting you reach those tricky corners, for maximum lushness. DOWN-TURNED EYES Keep your bottom lashes free of mascara and go all out on the top ones, as this will…

1 TRY A PRINT Layering prints can be tricky to get right. Instead of going for bold, clashing prints, go for prints in similar tones – like those with a white or grey base. Check coat, R2 999, Trenery. 2 BELT IT Add catwalk cool, and don’t lose your shape, with a belt to hold layers in place. It’s also an easy way to inject colour or texture into an outfit. Faye skinny leather belt, R225, Old Khaki. Braided stretch belt, R359, Zara. 3 FINISHING TOUCHES Jewellery can be layered too. Try stacking fine necklaces of varying lengths to get the look just right. It also works with bracelets and rings. Try this two-in-one design for an instant cheat. Necklace, R240, Colette Hayman. 4 BALANCE LAYERS Streamline your shape by…

If the thought of living on liquids and feasting on celery sticks makes you want to curl up in a dark corner with a slab of chocolate, we’ve got good news. Believe it or not, you really can shift the extra bulge you’ve been carrying around by making small changes to your eating habits. Simply tweak your portion sizes, make a few healthy swaps and get moving. DRINK MORE WATER Staying fully hydrated can curb the urge to snack. Drink at least six to eight cups of liquid a day (cups of herbal tea count too). What’s more, research shows that drinking 500ml cold water increases resting metabolism by up to 30% for about an hour. EAT EGGS FOR BREAKFAST A study of overweight women who ate two eggs in…

SOOTHE SKIN Olive oil is a multipurpose moisturiser, packed with skin-nourishing vitamins. Rub a little into flaky patches on your face, chapped lips, dry heels or rough elbows. BRIGHTEN YOUR EYES Camomile tea has natural anti-inflammatory agents. Make a mug of it with boiling water and add a little salt. When cool, soak two cotton pads in the tea, then lie back and relax with the pads over your eyes. TREAT ARTHRITIS Sesame seeds may protect cartilage. A study shows that 40g of sesame-seed powder a day reduced knee pain in those who took the powder alongside medication, compared to those only on drugs for arthritis. BUST A HEADACHE Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a traditional remedy for headaches – especially migraines, because it can also help ease nausea.…

My hospital stay will keep me awake at night Q I am booked in for a knee replacement next week and I’m dreading it. It isn’t the thought of the operation or the pain, but the lack of sleep. I find hospitals so noisy and disruptive; I just want to go home. A You're right, hospitals are busy, noisy places and it can affect your ability to sleep, and even when you do go to sleep you may be woken to have your observations taken. In fact, recent figures showed that four in 10 patients are so disturbed by noise levels that they actually ask to be discharged early. Be prepared for your stay – pack earplugs to try and muffle some of the noise and slip in an eye…

THIS MONTH WE'RE MAKING... Cheesy carrot bread 1. Heat the oven to 190°C. Put 500g self-raising flour into a large bowl, add 1 tsp sea salt, 250g carrots, grated, 1 tbsp rosemary leaves, chopped and 75g Parmesan, grated. 2. Put 1 large egg and 8 tbsp milk into a jug and lightly beat together with a fork. 3. Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients and mix together to form a ball. Tip out the dough and any flour left in the bowl. Knead for 2 min until it forms a ball. 4. Put the bread on a greased baking tray and cut a large cross in the top. Bake for 50 min. Tap the base – if it sounds hollow, the bread is ready. Serve warm. TIME FOR TEA…

SUMAC CHICKEN WITH BACON AND ROASTED VEGETABLE COUSCOUS SERVES 4 READY IN 45 MIN 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1 tbsp sumac 2 tsp ground cumin 4 rashers streaky bacon 2 tbsp olive oil 2 red onions, cut into chunks 2 courgettes, cut into 1cm slices 1 pepper, deseeded and chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 vegetable stock pot (such as Knorr) 200g couscous 25g hazelnuts, toasted and chopped 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander 1 Heat oven to 190°C. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Put into a roasting tin; sprinkle with sumac and cumin. Wrap a rasher of bacon around each breast and secure with a cocktail stick. Drizzle over 1 tbsp olive oil and roast for 25 min. 2 Meanwhile, put the onions, courgettes, pepper and garlic…

DIPPED STOOL YOU’LL NEED: a wooden bar stool Sand the stool thoroughly, then clean to remove all traces of dust. Apply masking tape around the legs where they meet the struts, then paint the top part of the stool in a light colour and leave to dry. Turn the stool upside down and remove the tape. Apply more tape to protect the new paint, then paint the bottom of the stool a darker tone. WOODEN COFFEE TABLE YOU’LL NEED: a plain coffee table Choose a pale wooden laminate – for a standard size coffee table you’ll need around six planks. Measure the table top and shelf then cut the planks to suit. Lay the planks onto the table to work out how they’ll fit. Stick the planks to the table…

…I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT My power bank... well, more accurately, it’s the one thing I try to never forget at home but occasionally do! I’m always on the go, and in my business I need to stay connected at all times. Technology makes things easy these days – I can do business deals, run my social media, and manage my team from my car and in-between meetings. I wouldn’t survive without a fully-charged phone! ...I ADMIRE IN OTHERS Resilience. It may sound like a cliché, but I truly admire Oprah Winfrey for the way she’s transitioned, grown and adapted through the times. She’s established herself as a real force to be reckoned with in both the entertainment industry and the business world. …I EAT WHEN I NEED COMFORT FOOD…

‘Being a single-child family is the best decision we’ve ever made’ Tracy Buchanan, 41, lives with husband Rob, 38, and their daughter Scarlett, five. Just for a moment while watching Scarlett playing with her cousins, I wondered what it would be like for her to have a sibling. But at home later that day, as she brushed her doll’s hair, I was reassured that the calm atmosphere proved I’d made the right decision – our family is complete with one child. I’ve always wanted kids, but there was a time when I wondered if it would ever happen. Rob and I wanted to start a family soon after we got married in 2007, but after 18 months of trying I was diagnosed with unexplained infertility. Our first two rounds of…

We can be divided into three personality types: the Mind type, who lives in their head and needs mental distraction to help them switch off; the Heart type, who is attuned to their feelings; and the Body type, who focuses on what their bodies are trying to tell them. We all have some of these traits, but one will dominate. Mind type: Distract yourself by replacing your thoughts with other ideas, whether reading, listening to an audiobook or the radio, or doing a puzzle or crossword. Heart type: Pick the people you need around to help you relax. Maybe it’s as simple as sharing a coffee and chatting or, if there’s no one around, just enjoy daydreaming about those you love. Body type: Going for a walk or doing some…

HE WON’T APOLOGISE Q I met my husband 10 years ago after I left an unhappy marriage. A few weeks ago, we were having a petty argument when he told me that while all my friends and family said it was my ex's fault my first marriage ended, he knew it was mine. He also said it was my fault he left his now ex. When I told him how much he’d hurt me he just said, ‘You know me, I say things I don’t mean.’ He won't apologise and I'm so depressed. A It’s one thing to say your divorce was your responsibility, quite another to claim he was seduced away from his previous wife. And to compound it with ‘you know what I’m like!’ is the height of…

NATURAL Want wow-factor without being obvious? Opt for a brown mascara instead of black. It’s great if you prefer a less-is-more approach. The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara in Brown, R170 VOLUMINOUS Choose a mascara infused with fibres – they work a little like hair extensions to boost volume. A fat brush will also help build product. NYX Professional Makeup Doll Eye Long Lash Mascara, R159,95 LONGER LENGTH Try applying a primer before mascara. It might seem like an unnecessary step, but you’ll get thicker, longer-looking lashes and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! Essence Volume Booster Lash Primer, R59,95 CURLY LASHES A curler works best, but if you don’t have one handy, follow model Miranda Kerr who sometimes uses a spoon – just lightly press lashes against…

DAILY USE Maybelline FITme! Matte + Poreless Foundation, R109,95 A liquid foundation that gives your skin a smooth, flawless finish while also controlling shine. BRIGHTER SKIN Catrice Light Correcting Serum Primer in Candlelight, R92,95 A drop of luxury for a great price, this primer will effortlessly illuminate bare skin or when worn under your foundation. BOLD LIPS Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick, R99,95 Packed full of pigment, just one coat gives a burst of colour that won’t budge all night. HIGHLIGHTING Revolution Strobe Highlighter in Gold Addict, R89,95 Cruelty-free and vegan, this powder allows you to build coverage gradually for a glowing complexion. LONGER–LASTING MANICURE Mavala Mini Nail Colour in Quebec, R85 An alternative to classic nudes and reds, this metallic copper shade has a chic shimmer.…

3 WAYS TO EASE LONELINESS Life coach Carol Ann Rice reveals all… ✱ FIND OUT WHY ‘Not close to family? Live in an area where it’s hard to socialise? Once you know the source of the loneliness, you can take steps to overcome it.’ ✱ LISTEN TO OTHERS ‘A good way to make friends is by paying attention to other people, and letting them talk.’ You don’t have to be confident, just interested in what they have to say. ✱ GO ONLINE ‘Online groups are a great way to start connections if you just can’t quite bring yourself to make them in the real world.’ BRUSH UP New dual-action zinc and arginine technology fights germs on gums, teeth, cheeks and tongue Colgate Total 12 toothpaste, R36,99, Clicks TRUE OR FALSE?…

✱ GET MORE SLEEP Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night. There’s increasing evidence that lack of sleep can trigger hunger hormones, and you may reach for food to compensate. ✱ TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR MEALS Photo evidence seems to make people think more carefully about what they put on their plates. So Instagram away! ✱ USE A FRUITY AIR FRESHENER Fruity aromas prior to dinner may curb your appetite for unhealthier food choices, research at the University of Burgundy in France found. ✱ GO FOR THE BURN Adding 1g of red chilli to a meal may help reduce your craving for sweet and salty treats according to a US study. ✱ BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER YOU’VE FINISHED EATING You’ll be less likely to eat or drink…

After the treatment, I didn’t feel any different by the time I got back to the office, but around 30 minutes later a mild headache had vanished, and at 5pm instead of dreading the fact that I needed to hit the gym, I was rather amped for my workout. I struggle with sleep usually, but I woke up the next morning feeling surprisingly energised. * Starting at R999 for the Hydromax and going up to R2 999 for the Royal Flush, it’s definitely not something anyone can afford to do on a whim. That said, the next time you feel like booking a spa day for some R&R, an IV treatment may just do the trick. See revivme.com…

HOW IT WORKS It’s simple: you eat three balanced, kilojoule-controlled meals a day, giving you all the fibre and nutrients you need to fill and fuel you. Then, provided you stick to your healthy plan, you can still enjoy your daily chocolate indulgence! WHAT TO DO Follow the seven-day menu plan exactly (though if you don’t like a specific meal choice you can repeat one of the others you do like instead). Then, for your daily snack, enjoy one of the chocolate treats from the list. You also have a 300ml low-fat milk allowance per day, which you can include in teas or coffees if you wish (but don’t have any other kilojoule-containing drinks). Get walking – use a pedometer and aim to reach 10 000 steps every single day.…

LAMB BIRYANI SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR 25 MIN 1 tbsp sunflower oil 2 onions, peeled and sliced 30g sultanas 400g diced leg of lamb 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated 2 tbsp ground almonds 4 tbsp tikka masala curry paste 250ml plain yoghurt Few saffron threads 2 tbsp milk, warmed 200g basmati rice 1 Heat the oven to 190°C. Heat oil in a flameproof casserole dish and fry the onion until golden. Add the sultanas and cook for a few min. Take out half the mixture and set aside. 2 Add the lamb and cook for 10 min, stirring occasionally until browned. Meanwhile, put the garlic, ginger, almonds and 2 tbsp water into a blender and whizz until smooth. 3 Add the tikka…

CELEBRATION RICE KRISPIE CAKE SERVES 28 READY IN 30 MIN + CHILLING 450g butter toffees 250g butter 400g marshmallows 350g Rice Krispies Chocolate sauce 2 Mars bars, sliced 4 tbsp cream To decorate 120g white chocolate buttons or discs 150g mini-marshmallows 1 Unwrap the toffees and put them in a large non-stick pan with the butter. Heat gently for several min until melted. Stir quickly to combine. Add the marshmallows, warm through for 2 min. Mix vigorously to combine everything together. 2 Slowly tip in the Rice Krispies and mix everything together, until they’re well coated in toffee mixture. 3 Quickly spoon the mixture into a 20cm and a 15cm deep cake tin, greased and lined. Use a wooden spoon and push down firmly into the corners, to level the…

NATURE-INSPIRED NEUTRALS This modern country style is all about layering timeless, nature-inspired prints to create a calming space. Colour comes in the form of barely-there tints of grey, taupe, dusty pink and pale green. The pared-back palette lets you play with pattern, scale and styles without a fear of overdoing it. SIMPLE GEOMETRICS From elegant fretwork prints to softly blurred ikats and pretty art deco fans, there’s a geometric pattern for every look. Their simplicity is their strength, making them subtle in a soft colour or impactful in a bright one, and they’re good at setting off interesting furniture or other patterns. What’s more, they can be mixed with each other, as long as you keep to a shared colour palette. Try them as a backdrop or use them –…

THE ONE THAT MAKES A BELOVED SOUTH AFRICAN SNACK Wet, dry, fatty or lean – we feel justified in being picky about how we like our biltong. And with this nifty gadget you can make your own! This model comes with racks to hang biltong as well as shelves to dry out fruits and veggies so you can make delicious, healthy snacks right at home while saving on costs. WE LOVE Mellerware Biltong King & Fruit Dehydrator, R500; takealot.com THE ONE THAT CREATES GUILT-FREE POPCORN Who can resist tucking into a bowl of hot, buttery popcorn? Is it entirely healthy? Not really. So if you’re a regular grazer, replace your pot on the stove (or microwave bag) with this popcorn maker, which uses hot air circulation, to make your snack…

In Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, Vianne Rocher finally feels part of the community who once rejected her when she opened her magical chocolate shop many years ago. But when the florist Narcisse dies, leaving some land to Vianne’s mute daughter Rosette, as well as a haunting confession to priest Francis Reynaud, life in the sleepy French village is turned into disarray. And with the arrival of a mysterious tattooist, Morgane Dubois, further conflict and deceit ensues. Another evocative read by Harris, featuring the characters of her novel Chocolat. ‘A beautifully-written, evocative read, featuring the characters of Chocolat, that will delight fans of Harris’ A Cornish Summer BY CATHERINE ALLIOT (PENGUIN UK) Flora, an artist, has been persuaded by her former father-in-law to paint his portrait in Cornwall. Little does she know that the…

QUICK & EASY SEAFOOD CURRY SERVES 6 READY IN 35 MIN 15ml olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced ½ red chilli, seeded and finely chopped 5cm-piece ginger, peeled and grated 6g garam masala 1 x 400g tin whole peeled tomatoes, mashed with a fork in the juices 1 x 400g tin coconut cream 30g peanut butter Pinch salt 400g hake fillet, cut into 6 equal portions 350g half-shell mussels 500g large prawns, deveined, shell on Small handful each coriander and mint leaves, to garnish To serve Manhattan Rooibos Ice Tea 50g roasted peanuts 1 Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add the garlic, chilli, ginger and garam masala. Stir until…