Innholdsfortegnelse for SEPTEMBER 2019 i Essentials South Africa

Hello! Welcome to spring... at last! It truly is a magical time of the year where fresh starts are embraced and anything feels possible. Your mood has probably been boosted by the warm weather and cheeriness of the new season and, of course, you likely felt a particular surge of joy the moment you picked up this copy of Essentials, but if that wasn’t quite enough to lift your spirits, then the contents of this issue certainly will. Over the next 112 pages, we’ve crammed everything you might need to make this month your happiest and healthiest yet. We’ve spoken to all the experts and together we show you why laughter is the best medicine (p12), as well as how to eat to beat stress (p44) or shift unwanted kilos…

YOU GET BANG FOR YOUR BUCK ‘I have only recently picked up Essentials again after many, many years. I now have a subscription. It’s been a long time since I have read a magazine cover to cover.’ – Jenny Keytel ONLINE POLL WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED What time do you go to bed during the week? TRENDING ONLINE MAKE-UP DON’TS WE WISH WE’D KNOWN SOONER As important as it is to know your matte from your gloss, it’s also vital to know what you shouldn’t be applying to your face...…

‘I don’t trust people easily, especially men’ Xolani Gumede, 31, is the fashion editor for Essentials and lives in Naturena, Joburg. When I was a child, my dad was super analytical and unemotional, while my mom was the complete opposite; always very affectionate. The two met while my mom was in high school and the beginning of their marriage was blissful. But as time went by, their relationship got progressively bad. The last three years of their marriage were the worst, which was around the time when my dad started seeing someone else. She was 22 at the time, just six years older than I was at 16. Soon after my mom found out, my parents got divorced and our family dynamic changed from a two-parent household to my mom…

MATCH IT TO YOUR VALUES First, match your raw talent to your values and personality. You may be a motivating keep-fit fanatic, but if you are risk-averse and have dependents at home, you probably shouldn’t branch out with your own business as a personal trainer. We are not all budding entrepreneurs – while some of us are, others would rather work for a company or even take on a franchise. CONSIDER THE WHOLE RANGE OF RELATED CAREERS List all the careers and part-time jobs that would best utilise your talents and match your values. Narrow it down to create a shortlist of around 10. RESEARCH, RESEARCH Now, take each option and find out everything you can about it. Speak to people who are already doing it. If you want to…

Six years ago, my life seemed conventional. I was married, living in a nice townhouse, and had a well-paid job in the  advertising industry. That all changed when I found out that my now ex-husband was having an affair. ‘My first impression of Linde was that he was very good looking’ After the divorce, I looked really hard at my life and realised I needed to do what made me happy rather than what was expected of me. At the age of 28, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a stuntwoman – a change that was prompted after meeting some stuntmen while holidaying in Thailand. I quit my job, and had saved enough money to go to Los Angeles where I trained in skills like precision driving,…

THREE STEPS TO… A DIY FACIAL CLEANSE ✱ CLEANSE Start off by removing any dirt and make-up with a hot cloth cleanse, using a muslin or facecloth to exfoliate gently. It’s great for your skin and the environment. ✱ MASK For dry skin, choose a hydrating mask. If your skin is blemish-prone, try something that contains salicylic acid, which gets deep into pores. ✱ MASSAGE The next step is hydrating your skin with a nourishing face oil and then topping this with a thick moisturiser. Work both products into your face to boost circulation and reduce puffiness. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT? A SKIN WORKOUT Sorbet's 365 Skin Workout 'fitness-first' range is a new way to bring your complexion back to life. The product line is divided into four stages of…

STEP 1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT FOUNDATION Just because you want a dewy look doesn’t mean you need a foundation that promises an all-over glow. Not only will this appear unnatural, but it could also look a little greasy, especially on warmer days or during summer when we perspire more. As a fail-safe, use a lightweight, oil-free formula. Maybelline Super Stay 24H Full Coverage Foundation, R199,95 STEP 2: HIGHLIGHT Whether you think less is more or wear a full face of make-up, highlighter should be your finishing touch. Top tip! Keep your base shine-free, and control your glow with a good highlighter.…

PLAYFUL POUT L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Don’t, R159,95 L’Oréal’s latest beauty launch will make your mouth look better than ever! This rich shade applies like a gloss, but dries matte and keeps lips hydrated. YOUTHFUL MANI Essie Nail Lacquer in Tart Deco, R99,95 Coral colours will actually make your hands appear younger, so get your nails ready for the season with this flattering tone. You only need two layers and a clear top coat for the perfect long-lasting manicure. RADIANT CHEEKS Rimmel Kate Blush Palette, R179,95 Ideal for touch-ups when you're on the go or for customising your own colour, this trio of coral blushers will give you a fresh, glowing complexion in a flash – with two matte shades and one shimmer for the…

Experience the magic of the African bush with a stay at the five-star aha Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge, which is located in the Pilanesberg National Park, just two and half hours away from Joburg. The lodge provides a range of activities, from game drives to interactive drumming circles around a campfire. To feel utterly relaxed, why not unwind with a treatment at the on-site Amani Spa? Accommodation comprises luxurious suites and villas, all overlooking the reserve, and complimentary meals can be relished at the gourmet restaurant or outside at the boma. For more on the lodge, visit aha.co.za/shepherds-tree Win a two-night stay at aha Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge, valued at R21 500. The prize includes accommodation for two in a Standard Suite, all meals, and two game drives per day.…

Experts from the University of Oxford believe that unless women improve their lifestyle, their rate of heart attacks will swiftly catch up with men. Metin Avkiran, a professor of molecular cardiology, thinks it’s vital that perceptions shift away from heart attacks and heart disease being just a male problem. ‘Heart disease does not discriminate. Regardless of your sex, factors like high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes increase your risk,’ he says. According to Dr Foster, we need to eat less and move more to tackle obesity levels, which can be a trigger for heart-harming diabetes and hypertension. Quitting smoking and reducing our alcohol intake is a must, while eating healthy fats found in olive oil, avocados and almonds can also help maintain our levels of good HDL cholesterol, while reducing…

8am The best time to drink your green juice. A study in Sweden found drinking a spinach extract daily before breakfast decreased junk food cravings and increased weight loss. 15ml The suggested amount of aloe vera juice to drink both before and after a night out to reduce your hangover. It’s believed to help minimise the effects of alcohol on blood sugar levels. Worth a shot! 84 minutes The extra amount of sleep you’ll get if you drink 227ml of tart cherry juice each morning and evening. 1 The number of hours you should wait after drinking juice before brushing your teeth. It gives the enamel – which can be softened by juice – time to harden. 150ml The amount of 100% unsweetened vegetable or fruit juice that counts as one…

WHEN A COUGH BECOMES TOO MUCH QI have a dry cough, which is driving me crazy. There’s no infection and my chest X-ray came back normal. What could it be? I’m well, apart from the occasional bout of indigestion. A Your indigestion may be a clue as to the cause of your cough. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a condition where there is acid reflux from the stomach up to your feeding tube (oesophagus). It can irritate your windpipe (trachea), causing the cough. It’s often worse at night. Other symptoms can include a burning sensation in the chest and a hoarse voice. Your GP may try a course of antacid medication, so go back to see them again. I’ve gone spotty down below Q Every three months or so I…

BEER-BATTERED FISH AND CHIPS SERVES 4 READY IN 40 MIN 1kg potatoes, cut into wedges 1 tbsp sunflower oil 115g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 150ml beer, light ale or lager, chilled Sunflower oil for deep-frying 4 x 175g white fish fillets, coated in seasoned flour 1 tsp each gherkins, green olives and capers, chopped 2 tsp each chives and parsley, chopped 3 tbsp crème fraiche 1 Heat the oven to 220°C. Place the cut potatoes in salted, boiling water for 5 min, then drain. Toss in oil, season, and place on a tray in the oven for 15-20 min. 2 Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl and stir in the salt. Make a well in the centre and whisk in the beer,…

LEMON RAINBOW LAYER CAKE SERVES 15 READY IN 1 HR + CHILLING For the cake 300g butter 300g castor sugar 5 large eggs 300g self-raising flour Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated 2 tbsp lemon juice Red, pink, yellow and blue paste food colouring (available at most specialist baking supply stores) 5 tbsp lemon curd 100g cake sprinkles For the icing 150g unsalted butter 300g icing sugar 125g full-fat cream cheese 1 Grease and base line 5 x 15cm cake tins (if you don’t have five tins, make the cake batter and bake in batches). Heat the oven to 180°C. Put the butter, sugar, eggs and flour in the bowl of a freestanding mixer with the lemon zest and juice. Mix together until smooth. 2 Take five bowls and evenly…

Fridge-freezers are now so full of technology that they really can change your life! From touch-sensitive doors to built-in icemakers, these appliances are far more than just a place to keep milk. Here are our picks for the best fridge-freezer models. ENERGY RATING Before buying the appliance, consider its energy rating, which ranges from A+++ to D. The higher the energy rating, the more efficient the unit. Since your fridge-freezer is probably the appliance that uses the most power in your home, try to find one with at least an A+ rating as this will save you electricity and money in the long run. SIZE AND CAPACITY Different households have varying needs – for example, a family of five will need a lot more fridge space than someone who lives…

ESSENTIALS Book of the month RULES OF THE ROAD BY CIARA GERAGHTY (HARPERCOLLINS UK) Although feisty go-getter Iris Armstrong and introverted housewife Terry Shepherd couldn’t be more opposite, the two women are best friends. So when Iris goes missing on her 58th birthday, Terry is certain that something awful has happened. And she’s right. Iris, who suffers from MS, has decided to go on a journey that she plans will be her last. Devastated, Terry feels she has to stop her, and so, at the last minute – with her elderly father, Eugene, in tow – she joins Iris on a life-changing adventure. A touching tale about friendship, full of wit and warmth. ‘A life-affirming book about female friendship. Full of wit and warmth, it will pull at…

…I DO WHEN I GET UP IN THE MORNING I make breakfast for the cats and then for the rest of the humans in my house. It’s good to have my priorities in order and I’m sure that my felines would agree! …I DO WHEN I WANT TO GET INSPIRED I really enjoy being out in nature, so I often take walks. In Joburg, that usually means going around Zoo Lake or to The Wilds, but even just a visit to a beautiful suburban garden does the trick. …I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO I can’t wait to go to the sea again. When I’m away from the ocean, I miss it so much. It’s one of the unfortunate problems of living in Joburg! …I WISH I HADN’T DONE Eaten that last…

STYLING FOREVER TRENDS A chic designer-inspired wardrobe you can afford? Fashion editor Xolani Gumede shows you how achievable it is (p32)! LAUGHING MORE IT REALLY IS THE BEST MEDICINE The experts say it’s good for our health (p12), so book tickets for a comedy show, or schedule a fun girls’ night out – whatever gets you giggling! INSPIRED BY OUR COVER STAR FIONA BARFORD The local fitness expert lets us in on her secret on how to lead a healthier, more balanced life (p6). EATING GREEN FOODS FOR THE FUTURE Knorr and WWF listed 50 plant-based foods that can help reduce the impact our plates have on the planet – and we’ve been trying them out.…

Fiona Barford, 33, grew up in Joburg with her mother, brother and sister. Her love of dancing started at the tender age of three, when she had her first ballet class, and she continued to perform and compete throughout her childhood years. After high school, Fiona moved to Cape Town to study ballet at the Waterfront Theatre School. When Fiona graduated, she moved back to Joburg and, in 2016, opened Breathe Barre, a yoga, barre and Pilates studio, in Illovo, where she currently lives. ‘You can’t let the past impact your future in a negative way’ My siblings and I had a bit of a tough childhood, as we lost our father when I was just eight years old. My mom, who was a housewife at the time, had to…

DO WE HAVE A FUTURE TOGETHER? Q My husband died five years ago and I’ve been seeing someone for a year. We’ve talked about our future and he’s been saying he wants us to get married. But whenever I ask about getting engaged, he puts me off – says he has work or family issues to sort out first. Now he’s having to relocate for his job and assumes that I’ll go with him. But I’ll be leaving all my family and friends to move into a house that used to belong to his parents, and I don’t even have a promise. I’m not sure whether to go and hope he keeps his word, or tell him I’ll only go once we’re a proper item. A You’re not even asking…

FRUITY AND FLORAL A lavish burst of feminine peony with hints of pink pepper and nashi pear. Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Peony, R1 095 for 30ml EDP, Woolworths NEW COLLECTION Avon's first trilogy fragrances have a strong mix of fruity and woody scents. Avon Eve Discovery Collection, R450 each for 50ml EDP; my.avon.co.za A TOUCH OF SPICE A fresh, sensual blend with ginger flower and the signature salty note. Paco Rabanne Olympéa Legend, R940 for 30ml EDP, leading retailers…

THE STICK It’s easy to apply and compact, just pop it on with your fingers and blend. The cream formulas are perfect for warm weather as they don’t go cakey on dewy skin. Palladio I’m Glowing Creamy Stick Luminizer, R99,95 THE DROPS These go on in a very light layer, but have a high pigment pay-off, so be sparing! Apply these with a sponge so you don’t overdo it. Revolution Liquid Highlighter, R149,95; Catrice Triangle Artist Beauty Sponge, R99,95 THE POWDER Best for evening wear or a cooler day, powders give you a more diffused look, but can build up and crease on contact with moisture. Always apply your powder with a setting brush. L.A. Girl Luminous Glow Illuminating Powder, R129,95; Real Techniques Setting Brush, R125 THE SERUM OR OIL…

Military style Add a sophisticated edge to a khaki jumpsuit with a trendy pair of snakeskin print heels. Perfect pair Choose a subtle palette if you want to wear a matching pattern from head to toe. Clashing prints A classic piece in a solid colour can help balance a mixture of different patterns effortlessly. Boho babe Dress down a metallic-look skirt with a floral crochet top for a chic daytime ensemble. Soft layers Layer a soft seventies-inspired longline gilet over a floaty dress for in-between weather. Dainty lace Mix a feminine lace dress with fun bright abstract print accessories for the ultimate in occasion wear.…

3 WAYS TO TELL IF YOU’RE ZINC DEFICIENT Nutritionist Raihane Palagi advises… ✱ SLOW HEALING ‘Zinc is essential for all of our body tissues, especially our skin. It might be a good idea to increase your zinc intake if cuts tend to heal slowly, or if you suffer from acne or other conditions.’ ✱ POOR APPETITE Zinc plays an important role in taste function. ‘A deficiency in zinc can also impair smell and, as a result, impact appetite.’ ✱ THINNING HAIR ‘Hair follicles rely on zinc, so a deficiency can cause hair thinning. Zinc helps maintain healthy levels of thyroid hormones, which can cause hair loss.’ FEEL BETTER! STAY HYDRATED NUDRATE Fatigue, muscle cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea... these are just some of the signs that you may be dehydrated. Nudrate, an…

According to a recent study, we South Africans are more stressed than ever, with issues like political or financial unrest, crime, unemployment, and social inequality at the top of our list of worries. However, our diets are key for helping mind and body take on high-pressure situations. Read on for a few diet hints to help stress-proof your day… BUY BERRIES ‘To counteract the negative effect of stress on the body, you need a diet rich in antioxidants – these donate an electron to the free radicals and stabilise them so they can’t do more damage,’ advises nutritionist Jeannette Jackson. She recommends eating antioxidant-packed berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, as well as veg like carrots, broccoli, kale, spinach, artichokes, asparagus and watercress. SEEK OUT CITRUS FRUITS ‘Cortisol and adrenaline…

It feels like everything’s going digital these days, even the tracking of our periods! The period itself is still 100% real, but with the right information you can better understand your monthly hormone cycle. Speaking about female health tracking, GP Dr Dawn Harper advises, ‘Tracking simply means that you can enter data in real time about your own cycle and symptoms, meaning that you don’t have to remember and you can predict how you’ll feel in the weeks ahead.’ While you could track it by making a note in a diary, a new wave of phone apps are making things so much easier. Create a profile, and hey presto. As well as noting details of your period, the app tracks moods and physical symptoms. Dr Harper explains that our energy…

‘Sneaky sugars are public enemy number one,’ declares health and fitness expert JJ Virgin in her book, The Sugar Impact Diet (Headline). ‘Even the most health-conscious among us struggle to avoid them. It can feel incredibly daunting.’ Overconsumption of the white stuff can cause kidney and liver damage, dental decay and obesity, as well as other health issues, which is why the World Health Organization recommends that sugar should not account for more than 10% of our daily kilojoule intake, with a reduction of an extra 5% (around six teaspoons a day) providing even more advantages to our health. Scarily, most of us are actually eating double that. FREE VS NATURAL SUGAR While you don’t have to eliminate sugar completely, you need to choose your sugars wisely. Naturally occurring sugars…

Which jabs do I need for my holiday? Q My husband and I went on holiday to India and Sri Lanka a few years ago and we're now planning a trip to Thailand. I had my travel vaccines the first time – do I need more? A Make an appointment at a travel clinic before your trip to check that you are still up to date with all your relevant travel injections. As a ballpark, if you had a hepatitis A vaccine, it lasts six to 12 months, with a booster dose lasting 10 years. A typhoid injection lasts three years and the tetanus and diphtheria vaccines last around 10 years. But you may need additional vaccines and anti-malarial tablets, so please seek medical advice.…

Jayne Stonely, 43, shares her three-bedroom home with her younger son Harry, 20, and cavapoos, Margot and Dolly. When she bought the property in 2003, the kitchen was dark and the units were coated in grease. There was also an old archway through to the dining room and an enclosed veranda that cut into the living room. The carpets were dated and most of the walls were painted magnolia. Now the ground floor is open-plan, so it feels much bigger and brighter, the bathroom and kitchen have been replaced, and the decor changed more than once!…

✱ CONTROLS Nowadays, modern refrigerators have a digital control panel for you to adjust and monitor the temperature. Some of the higher-end models even feature a touchscreen display as opposed to physical buttons. ✱ FINISH While looks aren’t everything, they do matter when it comes to visible kitchen appliances. Go for a style and finish that will complement the rest of your kitchen. While you may love the appearance of that funky, retro-style fridge, it may stick out like a sore thumb in an ultra-modern space. When in doubt, choose an easy-to-clean finish in neutral shades like white or silver. ✱ NOISE LEVELS When it comes to large appliances, some noise is to be expected, but you don’t want it to sound like a jet is taking off in your…

Natalie Kerr, 34, is a mother of two. Watching my sons Harley, four, and Grayson, two, happily sharing their building blocks, I feel so lucky. Yes, I know that there will be times that aren’t so harmonious. Friends tell me that there will be arguments about everything – from what to watch on TV, to who gets to sit where at dinner – oh, and rough-housing will be a regular occurrence. I’m told this behaviour is normal, but I wouldn’t know. As an only child, I grew up never having to fight to be heard; I never had to compete. And I loved it. I was confident and self-assured, and everyone always remarked how mature and independent I was. Yes, I’d be the first to make friends at birthday parties,…

Perhaps you have been coasting in the same career for decades and would love a new challenge? Or you’ve reached a crossroads: things like retrenchment, relationship breakdown, or the passing of a loved one could all lead you to take a different path in life – one that draws on your passions and uses your talents. ‘Ask your colleagues, friends and family what they see as your strengths’ We all have hidden abilities – or ones that we take for granted and underutilise. But often we’re on the treadmill; climbing the career ladder and the property ladder, finding a partner, and setting up a family, and we don’t discover those talents – until we reach a point of exploration and are ready for something new and completely different. Finding something…

The diagnosis gave us a sense of empowerment that we had a name for the problem. Even so, the girls’ future is hard to predict. Both have little language and their behaviours and seizures are difficult to manage. As yet, the life expectancy of children with SYNGAP1 remains unknown. I’ve become actively involved in Bridge The Gap (bridgesyngap.org), a collective of parents worldwide raising money for a cure. We’re now more informed, but still so far from making a difference in our girls’ lives. The diagnosis has given us a lifeline and hope that we didn’t have before. We’ll keep fighting for a cure, to ensure our daughters are happy, seizure-free and connected to their world.…

Want to look naturally sun-kissed this season without being exposed to harmful UV rays? With Caribbean Tan's professional self-tan and tan care products, you can achieve that beautiful bronzed holiday look safely and easily, as they are designed to get rid of the fuss often associated with at-home tanning creams (say goodbye to streaks and orange palms!). Caribbean Tan is offering Essentials readers a fantastic 25% discount off any retail products purchased on its online store, caribbeantan.online. Simply use the unique code 25%ESS-CT at checkout. Terms and conditions This offer is valid until 23 September 2019 and only applies to online purchases made at caribbeantan.online, using the correct promotional code. This code does not have monetary value and is not transferable for cash. Misuse of this code constitutes fraud. This…

1. PAY ATTENTION TO PACKAGING You don’t have to spend a packet on fancy glass containers to do your bit for Mother Nature. Pouches, cardboard and recycled plastics are infiltrating the market, such as Oh So Heavenly’s 450ml Value Refill handwash packs, R24,99, which use 70% less plastic than the 450ml bottles and have a nifty cap to make decanting simpler. 2. USE EVERY DROP Author Bill Bryson famously said, ‘There’s always a little more toothpaste in the tube,’ and the same goes for your hand cream, lip gloss and shadow. Invest in skincare that comes in jars with tiny non-absorbent spatulas to help you get every scrap out of your products – even those tricky-to-reach nooks. You’ll consume less and save the planet and your hard-earned cash. Bonus! We…

As women, we’re constantly being reminded about our breast health and how to check for lumps and bumps regularly, but most of us don’t realise that we’re far more likely to die from a heart attack than we are from breast cancer. The stats are staggering, with heart attacks accounting for the death of about 3,3 million women worldwide every year. And, even more worryingly, recent reports show that women’s risk of having a heart attack is significantly more elevated than men if they lead an unhealthy lifestyle. So what’s the reason for this troubling trend? ON THE RISE For decades, doctors and patients have thought of heart disease as a condition that mainly affects overweight, middle-aged men. ‘Men tended to drink more alcohol and smoke more than women, while…

A bum like Beyoncé and a waist like Scarlett Johansson? Yes, please. OK, so these A-listers might be genetically blessed (how unfair!), but it is possible to replicate their gorgeous curves with our workout, created by fitness trainer Mila Lazar. Mila says the secret to achieving your curvy goals is incorporating weights into your workout. ‘It will not only increase overall fat burn, but result in firmer, toned muscles, for a sculpted feminine look.’ Mila has included a mix of moves that will help cinch in your waist, while helping sculpt shoulders and bust, and lift your bottom. YOUR BODY-SCULPTING MOVES TO GET IN SHAPE Each of these exercises will target one of your three key body-shaping areas: your bust, your waist, and your bum. ‘You will build up your…

CLUE - FREE FOR IOS AND ANDROID Clue is designed to help women around the world track their periods and better understand their bodies. helloclue.com There’s also a  website (helloclue.com) providing accurate, fact-checked and scientific advice on menstrual health. EVE - FREE FOR IOS AND ANDROID This app predicts upcoming periods and your chances of falling pregnant. Discover trends in your cycle by logging moods  and PMS symptoms. It also provides access to a community where you can discuss menstruation, sex, and health – no topic is off limits! FITBIT - FREE FOR IOS AND ANDROID As well as syncing with your Fitbit tracker, this app helps you track your cycle, symptoms and fertile window.  Look at your data over time to help you better understand connections between activity, sleep and…

✱ Switch a 45g bowl of bran flakes for 45g oats cooked with low-fat milk and you’ll cut down on 1½ tsp of sugar. ✱ Swap your cheese, ham and pickle sarmie for cheese and cucumber to eat 1 tsp less of sugar. ✱ Swapping a 60g serving of stir-fry sauce for just a dash of chilli flakes can cut 5 tsp of sugar. ✱ Swap 40g of milk chocolate for 30g of 70% dark chocolate to eat at least 3 tsp less sugar. ✱ A 175ml glass of rosé can contain over 1 tsp of sugar, so switch to a vodka, lime and soda water. ✱ 125g of sweetened strawberry yoghurt contains around 2 tsp added sugar, which you can ditch by going for 125g of low-fat plain yoghurt…

THIS MONTH WE'RE MAKING... One-tray Moroccan chicken and veg bake 1. Heat oven to 210°c. Take a very large roasting tin – or use two – and tip in 5 sweet potatoes, quartered; 1 red onion, sliced; and 4 courgettes, sliced. 2. Add 4 chicken breasts, on the bone. Pierce the flesh several times, season generously; add 2 garlic cloves, crushed; and spread over 4 tsp harissa paste. 3. Sprinkle the chicken and vegetables with 2 tbsp coriander leaves and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 15 min, turn vegetables as needed, and cook for 15 more min until the chicken juices run clear and the vegetables are tender. GLAZE OVER STAFFORDS SWEET STICKY GLAZES September is braai month, and we’re loving the easy-to-use Sweet Sticky Meat Glaze…

BUTTERMILK CHICKEN AND PINEAPPLE SKEWERS SERVES 6 READY IN 25 MIN + MARINATING 4 chicken breasts, cut into chunks ½ a whole pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks For the marinade 120ml buttermilk 2 tsp smoked paprika Juice of 1 lemon For the dipping sauce 4 tbsp mayonnaise 4 tbsp crème fraiche 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp Tabasco Zest of 1 lemon 1 In a large bowl, toss together the chicken breast pieces, buttermilk, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Leave to marinate for at least 1 hr (if possible, leave it overnight). 2 Remove the chicken from the marinade and season well with salt and pepper. Thread the chunks of chicken and pineapple onto the skewers (if wooden, soak in water beforehand) and cook on…

THIS MONTH WE'RE LOVING... Bespoke wallpaper What happens when you combine a photography and digital printing brand, interior design and local artistic talent? Beautiful bespoke wallpaper, that’s what. ORMS has partnered with 16 South African artists to offer a limited-edition range of customised wallpapers that’ll transform any interior into a stunning space. Choose from suede, linen and eco-friendly textures with designs by the likes of Ark Paper Studios, Andrea Brand and Andrew Hofmeyr. For more info, see ormsprintroom.co.za LOCAL DESIGN SUNNY SIDE UP Need to perk up your home for spring? Well, one of our favourite local brands, Skinny laMinx, recently released its SunnySide range of kitchen and dining textiles, trays and coasters, which have been designed to create and spread maximum feel-good vibes! See skinnylaminx.com To banish odours in…

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN Group plants in differing heights next to doors or windows to give the area a garden-room feel. This will also make a small room appear bigger by giving the illusion of the outside being a part of the indoor space. A strategically placed mirror to reflect plants can also create the same effect. MAKE MORE SURFACE SPACE Free up the tops of your counters and dining and coffee tables by making use of the ceiling, walls and floor. How? Trailing plants look great hanging in holders, raised planters are attractive and practical (especially with children and pets around), and wall-mounted pots are perfect for air plants. Who needs artwork when you have your own living wall? ‘Make a feature of lush greenery and botanical forms by…

Joanne Linder, 34, and her partner David, 30, bought a three-bedroom Seventies-style house in January 2017. She says, ‘We wanted to turn an unexciting spare bedroom into an inspiring, practical studio for my wedding stationery business. There was nothing in the room but a worn, dark red carpet and ugly wallpaper. They definitely had to go!’ Joanne wanted a room where she’d be focused, but enjoy spending time in. It had to be modern, feminine and functional, with good light and plenty of storage for all her craft materials.…

BEAUTIFUL BOTANICALS Metal-framed box shelves for displaying succulents and simple botanical photos work brilliantly together for a fresh, modern style. HANG LOOSE Use plain black frames with your favourite black-and-white prints and photos and arrange them in an L-shape for an eclectic wall arrangement. BASKET ART If spacing frames feels like a faff, go freestyle by grouping woven baskets on a wall. It will also give a neutral room textural interest and warmth. MIX PRINTS Choose identical frames, but alternate colour and black-and-white images to give your wall a subtle tint. GO WITH THE GRAIN Instead of storing wooden chopping and serving boards, hang them up in a group for a kitchen display full of character.…