Innholdsfortegnelse for OCTOBER 2019 i Essentials South Africa

Hello! It’s no secret that times are tough right now and we’re all having to be more careful with our spending, but it’s exactly at times like these that a brand like Essentials shows its true value. We know how hard you work to earn every cent, which is why we make sure that every issue of Essentials offers you value for money. Over the next 112 pages, we share smart tricks and tips to help you stretch your budget further in every part of your life. We’ve got budget-boosting meals that don’t compromise on quality or flavour (p62), given you expert advice on how to transform your home on a shoestring (p80) or simply perk up existing decor using just a tin on paint (p99), rounded up the best…

CROWD-PLEASER MUST-TRY GIN & LEMON CHEESECAKE ‘My kinda cake‘ – Thabiso Jonathan ‘That looks fantastic just imagine how it’s going to taste’ – Theresa Rhode ‘Need to make this’ – Janette Gray ONLINE POLL WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED When you are in a rush, would you rather brush your hair orput on mascara? TRENDING ONLINE YOUR SIX-WEEK AB WORKOUT PROGRAMME TO GET RID OF BELLY FAT FOR GOOD This exercise plan is especially effective because it combines cardio with the ultimate tummy-firming moves.…

‘It was nice to finally feel attractive again’ Claire Howard, 55, lives with her husband, Dave, 60, and their dog, Ollie. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2016, I had no idea just how much it would affect how I felt about my body. Thankfully, the cancer was caught in the early stages, and a surgeon said that they could cut the tumour out of my right breast. But I refused. I wanted the whole thing gone. I didn’t want to risk the cancer coming back later on. After chemo and radiotherapy, I was declared cancer-free in November 2017. And just under a year later, I had my right breast reconstructed. My boobs had been part of what made me feel feminine, and without one, I didn’t…

Other people’s procrastination can hold us back, too, so it’s fair enough to feel irritated by a partner who promises to do something, but never quite gets round to it. Garden still overgrown? Shelves need putting up? The worst thing is if that person keeps promising to do it, but just doesn’t. FIRST STEP Get your other half to be honest and admit it’s not going to happen. If that’s the case, then either do it yourself (in exchange for another job), or pay to delegate it to someone else, if you can. SECOND STEP Get your partner to mentally ‘buy in’ to the benefits of getting it done. House disappearing under a pile of clutter? Address the issue once and for all. Say, ‘I’d like our home to be…

When I was a little girl, I dreamt of being a career woman. At the time, I had no real clue of what a ‘career woman’ actually was, but that ambition led me to become a chartered accountant. This career path allowed me to travel the world and work in amazing places like Washington DC, Texas, and Illinois in the US, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, as well as China, India and Argentina. ‘It took almost two years to perfect the Eye Candy handbag’ After many years, I returned to South Africa to start a family, settling in Kidd’s Beach in the Eastern Cape. I was excited at the prospect of getting to be a stay-at-home mom and being there for my children. However, over time, I developed an itch…

3 STEPS TO GLOWING SKIN 1. DEEP CLEANSE: Vichy ProEven Brightening Cleansing Foam, R230, Woolworths. This gentle foaming face wash can be used daily to buff away dead cells and reveal brighter skin with the help of vitamin C. 2. TREAT: Hylamide Glow Radiance Booster, R336; hylamide.com . Give your face a subtle wash of colour with this natural tan-enhancing serum. Apply in the mornings and evenings for a healthy-looking complexion. 3. CHEAT IT: Physicians Formula Bronzer Booster, R279,95, Dis-Chem. Apply to cheeks, forehead, neck and anywhere the sun would catch the skin for a natural glow. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT? JASMINE FLOWER Known for its healing and uplifting qualities, jasmine flower is a skincare gem. Nuxe has cottoned on to this and uses the star ingredient in its…

‘We’re not born with a preference for salty food, it’s something we develop,’ says nutritionist Sonia Pombo. ‘Like sugar, the more salt we eat, the more our taste buds adapt to the flavour, and the more we need. It’s been shown that if children eat a high-salt diet, they’ll continue doing so as adults. By reducing your salt intake or, ideally, cutting it out of your diet completely, you can retrain your taste buds in a few weeks.’ HIDDEN DANGERS Even if you don’t add salt to your food during cooking or after, it’s the hidden salts – in processed foods – that can ramp up our intake, and often without us realising it. ‘Up to 75% of the salt in our diets is hidden in processed foods,’ explains Sonia.…

Jeans feeling a little snug? Well, it really is possible to turn your weight around in a week, says nutritionist Lily Soutter. And you don’t have to starve yourself to get results. ‘Firstly, cut down on carbs and sugars. Carbs break down sugar in the bloodstream and this is stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen that binds to water,’ she explains. ‘By avoiding bread, pasta, couscous and potatoes, you’ll drop water weight. You’ll lose fat by eating fibrous vegetables, good-quality proteins and healthy fats. These balance blood sugar levels, reduce hunger pangs and make it easier to burn stored fat.’ WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO ✓ Cut out carbs Swap pasta for spiralised vegetables and, instead of rice, buy or make your own cauliflower ‘rice’. ✓ Increase your…

CocoaFair Citrus & Cardamom 71% Dark Chocolate, R52 for 100g, Faithful to Nature This dark choc is dairy-free, vegan, fair trade... and utterly moreish! 250g punnet of White Button Mushrooms, R25,99, Pick n Pay This breast-cancer awareness month, R1 from each pink punnet sold goes to Reach for Recovery’s breast prosthesis Ditto Project. Joko Pure Rooibos, RRSP R19,99 for 20 tagless teabags, leading retailers Choose the original or one of four locally inspired flavours, like the fab Caramel Marula.…

SWEET POTATO HASH BROWNS WITH CHORIZO SERVES 20 READY IN 20 MIN 850g sweet potatoes, cut into 1cm chunks 2 tbsp olive oil 120g chorizo, diced 175g cherry tomatoes, halved (see our tip) 6 spring onions, trimmed and chopped 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 300ml sour cream 1 Put the cut-up sweet potatoes in a pan of salted water. Bring the pan to the boil and simmer for 4 min, until potatoes are parboiled. 2 Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan. Add the diced chorizo and fry for a few min until crisp and golden brown. Tip in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spring onions, and heat through. Set aside and keep warm. 3 Drain the sweet potatoes and add to the frying pan with…

THIS MONTH WE'RE LOVING... Provençal planters Summer is synonymous with blooming gardens, so now’s the time to get yours sorted – perhaps in a fresh style? When you hear the term 'Provençal style', a rustic-countryside scene with that classic sensibility comes to mind... think fragrant lavender spilling out of gorgeously grouped terracotta pots nestling on a gravelled pathway. Easy, but impactful. A large part of the charm lies in your choice of planters, and Block & Chisel’s terracotta Anduze range, from R495 for a small pot, is just the ticket. Happy planting! SOFT BOTANICS SUMMER PRINT Striking, brightly hued, large-leaf patterns showcasing that vibrant tropical feel have been softened this season. While botanical is still in, it’s had a grown-up makeover with a move towards painterly effects and a desaturated…

QUIRKY BEST FRIEND @ITSDOUGTHEPUG It’s hard to find a cooler canine than Doug the Pug. He hits up music festivals, rocks amazing costumes (he’s even donned a Superpug get-up before), has many famous friends, and has over 3,8 million followers on Instagram. Doug will be your new bestie! Quick fact: Doug is a dedicated vino enthusiast (he prefers reds) and he's always ready for a good time. So if you don't have any weekend plans, remember Doug is your pug. COOL CAT @IAMLILBUB This wide-eyed kitty was born with an array of genetic abnormalities, including a short lower jaw that makes her tongue constantly visible. Despite her physical challenges, Lil Bub is a healthy feline with a positive attitude and, thankfully, her owners are always sharing her cute face on…

CREATE A ‘HEADBOARD’ Keep things simple by painting a panel of colour you can easily change or erase, for a cheaper and less bulky alternative to an upholstered headboard. PAINT A BLACKBOARD Mark out a simple rectangle to the same length as your dining table for a feature that’s part memo board, part wall art. HIGHLIGHT FANTASTIC FEATURES A painted border will draw attention to lovely period door frames and deep skirting boards. COSY UP A HIGH-CEILINGED BEDROOM Pale rooms can seem chilly and even unwelcoming, especially in artificial light, but deep colour on the ceiling makes them cocooning. DEFINE AREAS IN A KNOCK-THROUGH It makes sense to paint the two spaces in the same hue, but why not pick out a feature shade for the archway?…

Emma Stone was just 15 years old, living in Arizona in the US with her family, when she used a PowerPoint presentation to convince her parents to take her to Los Angeles to jump-start her acting career. She made her mark as a comedic actress in films like Superbad, Easy A, and Crazy, Stupid Love, but it was her performance in La La Land that won her the Best Actress Oscar in 2017. Emma was also nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in the period dramedy, The Favourite, at this year’s Academy Awards. She lives between New York City and Los Angeles with her Saturday Night Live director boyfriend, Dave McCary. ‘Social media is one of those double-edged swords’ I knew acting was what I wanted…

The Van Loveren Family Vineyards, in the heart of the Cape’s scenic valley of wine and roses, has an elegant range loved far and wide... The Daydream Chardonnay Pinot Noir refreshes with gorgeous floral notes and a soft, fruity finish, while the Chardonnay delights with citrusy, lightly wooded tones, and the Sauvignon Blanc charms with its smack of tropical-style gooseberry and fig. All that's left to do now is pour! For more info, see vanloveren.co.za Buy any six bottles of Van Loveren Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Daydream Chardonnay Pinot Noir at R320, and get six Van Loveren wine glasses, worth R180, for free. Email Annaliza@vanloveren.co.za and quote the promotional code ‘VL Essentials’ to redeem this offer. Terms and conditions This offer only covers the full-price purchase of six 750ml bottles of…

FRESH CITRUS ✱ SAVE Avon Luck Limitless For Her, R380 for 50ml EDP ✱ SPLURGE Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne, R1 995 for 100ml Green, zesty and fresh, Jo Malone London’s signature scent opens with citrusy top notes, peppery basil and thyme at the core, with a lasting woody base. Avon’s perfume seems to stick around just as long on your skin, and is a pleasant, budget-friendly option. With a sharp, zingy pomelo top note and a sultry amber base, Avon is the more masculine of the two. DECADENT & DARING ✱ SAVE Antonio Banderas Her Secret Desire, R515 for 50ml EDT ✱ SPLURGE Paco Rabanne Pure XS For Her, R1 350 for 50ml EDP Pure XS For Her is one of the sexiest scents out now,…

SHADE SHIFTER Catrice Prime and Fine Make-up Transformer Drops, R69 Are you one of those people who has a different base for every season? Maybe you go darker to match your holiday tan and pare it back as your glow ebbs in autumn? Instead of buying a new foundation every few months, add these shade-transforming drops to your make-up bag. Squirt a little of your not-quite-right base on the back of your hand, then mix in a drop of the dark or light hue to adjust as needed. BROW TAMER Vaseline Lip Therapy Original, R25,95 Brows looking straggly? Tame them with a little clear lip balm on a brow brush (or use your fingers). Want a sleek hairstyle, but suffering from static flyaways? Lock them down with a tiny bit…

3 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR A MAMMOGRAM Breast health expert Joanna Franks advises… ✱ CHECK DETAILS ‘Inform the imaging team if you have had previous mammograms at a different unit – this information helps speed up the turnaround of the report.’ ✱ CHOOSE YOUR OUTFIT ‘Wear comfortable clothes, which enable you to take your top half off easily. Don’t wear deodorant or talcum powder on your body.’ ✱ DON’T OVERTHINK ‘Resist the temptation to interpret the expression of the radiographer. They are checking that the whole breast has been adequately captured in the image, not analysing for abnormalities.’ TRUE OR FALSE? YOUR WILLPOWER IS LINKED TO YOUR GENETICS TRUE Struggling to detox? Your DNA could be to blame. The Journal of Neuroscience found that self-control is linked to neurobiology, so…

Is your food shop stunting your weight loss goals? ‘Supermarkets aren’t supposed to encourage us to eat unhealthily, but the more food they sell, the more money they make, and this goes for the bad stuff as well as the good,’ says nutritionist Kim Pearson. ‘Things are starting to improve as the demand for healthy options grows, but there are still a lot of ways that we’re lured into buying unhealthy foods.’ So, read our experts’ tips and avoid the supermarket tactics that lead you straight to the chocolate aisle! EAT BEFORE YOU SHOP If you arrive at the supermarket ravenous, every offer and treat will be even more tempting, warns Kim. ‘If you’re shopping on a full tummy, you’re less likely to impulse buy extra foods just because you…

TIME TO CUT BACK... Q I've smoked 20 cigarettes a day for years now. I can't stop – is there any point in trying to reduce to 10 a day. A Interestingly, when research was carried out into smokers who cut down, as opposed to stopped altogether, it was found that they seemed to smoke their allocated cigarettes ‘harder’ than usual. They really pulled on every last drag of the cigarette, and by doing so, they managed to extract similar amounts of tar, nicotine and other harmful substances to when they smoked their usual amount. However, using e-cigarettes to top up your nicotine levels as a way of stopping smoking does work – perhaps it’s because you don’t need to smoke so hard, as you’re getting your nicotine from the…

EMPANADAS MAKES 12 READY IN 1 HR 5 MIN For the pastry 450g plain flour 125g butter, at room temperature 1 egg, beaten For the filling 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely crushed 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp chilli flakes Pinch of nutmeg 250g pork mince 2 medium or 1 large carrot, peeled and grated 2 hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped 1 bunch mint, finely chopped Milk, to brush pastries 2 tbsp white sesame seeds Lemon wedges, to serve Mayonnaise, sprinkled with black pepper, to serve 1 Make the pastry: blitz the flour, butter and 1 tsp salt in a processor. Add the egg and enough water to pulse to a dough. Knead until smooth. Cover with…

CRUMPETS MAKES 20 READY IN 3 HR 15 MIN 400ml full-cream milk 10g sachet instant yeast 1 tbsp castor sugar ½ tsp salt 1 tsp xanthan gum 200g gluten-free white flour 150g buckwheat flour 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda Juice of ½ lemon Butter, for greasing Maple syrup or honey, to serve 1 Heat the milk so it’s just warm to touch, mix in the yeast and leave for 5 min. 2 In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, xanthan gum and flours, then mix in the milk and yeast blend and 100ml of water until you have a smooth paste. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and leave in a warm place for 2 hr 30 min. The batter will rise and begin to fall. 3 Mix the…

Doors looking a little on the shabby side? Internal doors can play a big role in the overall appearance of your home’s decor, and these often neglected features are worth a little TLC so that they look their absolute best. Plus, you’ll be pleased to know that you won’t need to hire a handyman to change them up. Replacing a door handle or knob is a quick and easy DIY project that you can do over the weekend if you have the right tools – just follow our step-by-step guide… 1. Remove the old knob or handle First, you will need to remove the screws that are holding the existing knob or handle in place. These screws are usually found on the knob’s or handle’s cover plate. Otherwise, look for…

✱ OPERATING SYSTEM Currently, the main three operating systems are Mac OS, Windows and Chrome. Depending on what you will be using your laptop for, this could affect what programs you can run. You also need to consider your other gadgets; if you already have an iPhone and iPad, getting a MacBook means that you can link all your devices a lot more easily. ✱ TOUCHSCREEN If you want the best of both worlds, consider a two-in-one computer. These have a touchscreen and can convert from a laptop into a tablet just by folding the keyboard back, which is perfect for those who are always on the go and don’t want to carry two separate devices. ✱ BATTERY LIFE One of the most convenient aspects of laptops is that they’re…

ESSENTIALS Book of the month HALF A WORLD AWAY BY MIKE GAYLE (HODDER & STOUGHTON) ‘A bittersweet and heart-warming story that carries a powerful message about love, family and dealing with the past’ In this touching novel, forty-something-year-old Kerry is a single mother who struggles to make ends meet, cleaning expensive houses to provide for her son. Kerry had a traumatic start to her life – as a young child, she went into protective custody and got separated from her baby brother, Jason. Noah is a successful lawyer who lives with his wife and daughter in an affluent area. Adopted as a child, Noah prefers to focus on the future and never lingers on the past. When Kerry reaches out to the sibling she lost, she sets in…

Joan O’Hagan, aged 62, is retired and has three grown-up children. ‘I knew having me there would make my daughter feel more confident’ When my daughter Eimear asked me if I would be her birthing partner, along with her husband Malcolm, I was delighted. It was in May 2015 and it felt like such a privilege to be invited to be a part of such a special moment in their lives. Eimear and I are extremely close and I knew that my presence in the delivery room would reassure her during her first labour. I’d been a midwife in my twenties and having had three children myself, I knew that my knowledge would make her feel more comfortable and confident with the whole process on the day. Malcolm was very…

Are you one of nature’s procrastinators? Author and life coach Dr Nicola Bunting says that two personality types are particularly prone to procrastination: IDEALISTS – people who want to do everything perfectly, or not at all. ENTHUSIASTS – individuals who tend to take on too many things at once and then get overwhelmed. Dr Bunting explains that recognising your problem is the first step to change by either lowering your standards a little or learning to say no. BREAK IT DOWN ‘Tackle harder problems when your energy levels are highest’ If the task seems so gargantuan that you don’t know where to start, tackle it in steps. Does your garage need a major clear-out? Bring out one box at a time to sort through, allocating a strict 20 minutes to…

At the end of October, I will have been in remission for 10 months, but I still have a long road ahead. I have to take hormone blockers for at least five years as my body produces excessive amounts of oestrogen, which breast cancer cells feed on. Some of the side effects of these meds include anxiety and depression, so I’m on a low dose of antidepressants. I like to joke that I’m basically married to my oncologist, because I’ll be seeing her for the next five years. Every time I go for a check-up, there’s always that fear of the cancer coming back. While it weighs heavily on me, I’m trying to focus on what’s in front of me, such as my second Pink Power event happening on 12…

FACEBOOKING THE EX Q When I met my boyfriend five years ago, he told me that his marriage had ended badly. Later on, I found out that his ex-wife had left him for one of his friends, and that my boyfriend had spent a few years after that hoping she’d come back to him. I didn’t think much of it at the time because we were happy, but in the last week I’ve started to question his feelings. I saw he’d written ‘#FirstLoveForever’ in reply to a post she’d put up online about exes. I feel so hurt. A People post all kinds of nonsense on social media, mostly without thinking too much about it, and it’s likely that this is a case in point. Your boyfriend’s remark doesn’t mark…

5 MINUTES THE BARE ESSENTIALS When time’s tight, concealer is the difference between a barefaced look and a ‘could barely get out of bed this morning’ appearance. The new Revlon Photoready Candid Antioxidant Concealer, R129,99, is opaque enough to cover dark circles and redness, and even has caffeine to help boost tired skin. If blemishes are an issue, try a thicker texture with NYX Professional Makeup Concealer Jar, R149,95. Pat, don’t rub! GOT ONE MORE MINUTE? Use those 60 seconds wisely to dab the classic Benefit Benetint, from R195, onto your lips and cheeks with a fingertip. This rose-red liquid formula is flattering on drier skin types, blends beautifully and sticks around, no matter where you’ve put it. 10 MINUTES FACE-FRAMING BROWS Defined brows make your look super-polished and also…

White hot The best thing about wearing one colour head-to-toe? It gives your accessories an unrivalled chance to shine! Keep it simple Don’t be afraid to mix and match natural tones with prints. Think stripes, spots or paisley – anything goes! Shine on Who said that earthy hues have to be boring? Dress yours up with a sparkly sequinned top. Luxe lace Inject instant interest to a basic colour palette with textured fabrics and printed accessories. Heavenly shades Layer cream-on-cream for a super-fresh spring look that just screams grown-up glamour. Toughen up Military-inspired pocket and button detailing turn a simple shirt dress into something special. Shot on location at the Southdowns Residential Estate in Irene, Centurion…

The youth-boosting beauty market is big news, and by 2024 it’s estimated to gross over US$271 billion globally thanks to its never-ending flow of serums, masks and oils that promise to do everything from iron out fine lines to diminish the appearance of age spots. But while you’re smothering your face in an expensive wonder cream, spare a thought for our other big wrinkle – that’s right, our brain. Despite being left to its own devices, this grey mass actually does need looking after. ‘Maintaining a healthy brain will help keep it young and safeguard against cognitive decline and diseases, such as dementia,’ says neuroradiologist Dr Emer MacSweeney. We show you how you can nourish your noggin and even turn back the clock. AGEING BRAINS Forget the latest iPhone or…

No one wants to spend hours slogging away at the gym. Who has the time to do that? Thankfully, fitness trainer Adam Howse has devised a plan incorporating three-weekly 30-minute workouts that will work your whole body, while using minimal equipment. Weeks one and two are all about getting your body moving and setting you up to progress in weeks three and four. 'Varying the exercise plans and adding progressions after week two gives you a challenge,’ reveals Adam. ‘Adding in a bodyweight workout, where it’s you against gravity, can be one of the most challenging workouts you can do,’ he tells us. In the exercise plan, Adam has mixed cardio and resistance sessions to target different energy systems. He explains, 'Cardio workouts benefit in using the circulatory system, helping…

THE TRUTH ABOUT ALLERGIES A third of South Africans will suffer from some allergic disease during their lifetime. ‘Allergies tend to run in families, but you can also get them because of exposure from diet or the environment, for example,’ explains allergy specialist, Dr Jean Emberlin. Allergic reactions are your body’s way of trying to protect you. Your immune system mistakes allergens as threats and tries to fight them off, so you get reactions like swelling, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and hives (skin rash) and, in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock – a life-threatening allergic reaction. SO WHY ARE THEY ON THE INCREASE? Recently, there’s been a rise in individuals who suffer from allergies locally and globally. ‘We get allergies for a variety of reasons,’ says Dr Emberlin. ‘We’re too…

THIS MONTH WE'RE MAKING... Super greens stir-fry 1. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or frying pan over a medium-high heat. Stir-fry 150g thickly sliced Tenderstem broccoli for 2 min. Add 60g mangetout, 2 crushed garlic cloves, and 1 finely chopped red chilli. Mix well and fry for another 1-2 min. 2. Add 2 spiralised courgettes, 100g shredded kale and 2-3 tbsp teriyaki sauce. Mix everything gently and fry for 2 min. 3. To serve, sprinkle over a large handful chopped coriander and basil, 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, and 30g toasted cashew nuts. DATE NIGHT! HIDA CONRO TABLE GRILL The latest food trend, all the way from Japan, brings the theatre of tabletop cooking – once the reserve of chefs at fancy restaurants – to our homes.…

BRIGHTER MORNINGS Less bland than white, but just as clear and fresh, mint green makes your bedroom a positive place to wake up in. It has the amazing ability to brighten up gloomy rooms or cool down very sunny ones. A little goes a long way – think one solid feature wall and a few soft accessories. EASY LIVING This pastel shade gives living spaces a sense of calm. It’s perfect for adding colour, without making a room feel smaller or darker. Bring the outdoors in with mint green as a backdrop to fresh displays of white blooms and assorted green foliage in an eclectic mix of textured vases. TRY ACCENT COLOURS Mint green mixes easily with other shades of green and blue for a fresh layered look. Create harmony…

STYLE SAVINGS BUY REVERSIBLE LINEN Give your child’s room an instant, low-cost refresh in minutes with a new bed linen set. Opt for a reversible print, so that you get two looks for the price of one. USE NEUTRAL BASE SHADES Furniture that’s white or in natural wood makes it easier to switch up colours and themes in the room as your child’s tastes change, as you’re only replacing the less expensive accessories like linen, rugs or curtains. HAVE FUN WITH THE WALLS ‘For a cohesive look, extend the wall theme to the bedding, accessories, art and rugs. Animal designs, stars and simple shapes in monochrome shades remain fairly unisex and should last children from baby to toddler years and beyond’ APPLY WALL STICKERS A quick way to add interest…

Live like a trendy Capetonian over a fabulous weekend shared with your other half at the sleek, four-star aha Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites. The aha Harbour Bridge is ideally situated within the Cape Town International Convention Centre precinct – a stone’s throw from the V&A Waterfront. During their stay, the winners and their partners will not only relish their chic Standard Bridge Rooms, but will also be treated to a delectable breakfast daily at the on-site Canal Café, with picturesque views of the canal. To explore more of what aha Harbour Bridge offers, visit aha.co.za/harbour-bridge Win a three-night stay in a Standard Bridge Room for two, worth R10 590, or one of two R7 060 two-night stays for a couple in a Standard Bridge Room. Log on to essentials.co.zato enter…