Innholdsfortegnelse for DECEMBER 2019 i Essentials South Africa

Hello & happy holidays! Ah, Christmas – it’s the most wonderful time of the year... or is it? For many of us, it’s a period when tempers start to flare, financial stress reaches a peak and, often, reality just doesn’t quite live up to our idealised expectations of the ‘perfect’ Christmas. So this year, take comfort in the words of our fabulous cover star Kristen Bell, who reminds us that ‘It’s okay not to be perfect.’ Turkey been in the oven too long? Smother it in gravy – nobody will notice. Cat wrecked the tree by using it as a scratching post? A bit of tinsel will hide the evidence. Try to put any mishaps aside – what we really should be doing this season is cherishing the important stuff;…

‘I want to look good and be healthy, but I don’t have to be a certain size to do that’ Kristen Bell, 39, began her acting career on Broadway before moving to LA, where the Veronica Mars TV series gave her widespread recognition. She went on to star in romantic comedies like Couples Retreat and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and later voiced the character Anna in Disney’s Frozen. Kristen currently stars as Eleanor in The Good Place and has reprised her role in the Veronica Mars season four reboot. She is married to actor Dax Shepard and they have two daughters, Lincoln and Delta. ‘I was my own worst enemy and that’s a terrible way to live’ I was outgoing as a kid and I had lots of friends. But I…

Getting the most from your beauty regime isn’t all about following the trends or using flashy products – above all else, knowledge is power. Surely there’s not a woman out there who doesn’t love learning new shortcuts. And whether you want to fix a chipped nail in a hurry or discover the household staple that makes your perfume last longer, these 10 mini miracles are sure to boost your pampering routine today. 1. THE LAST-MINUTE RESTYLE Have unexpected evening plans but your hair is looking a bit sad? Run a little water through the mid-lengths and ends, then roughly plait and leave for an hour. When it’s time to go, pull it out for soft waves. Hair too short to plait? Twirl it in your fingers when it’s damp and…

Wild side Sophisticated cuts, bold prints and breathable fabrics give summer’s must-have trousers huge power-dressing potential. Pair yours with a sheer blouse to soften the look. Sheer top, R899; pants, R679; both Zara.Earrings, R100; necklace, R160; both Colette Hayman. Hot pink heels, R2 490, Europa Art. In the details A simple top and skirt provide the perfect canvas for animal-print accessories. Don’t be afraid of going OTT – it all adds to the ensemble! Top, R399, Woolworths. Black leather skirt, R799, Sissy Boy. Leather belt, R399, Zara. Sunglasses, R2 495, Carolina Herrera at Execuspecs. Earrings, R100; necklace, R120; both Colette Hayman. Restyled classic Timeless monochrome gets a contemporary spin with a sheer zebra-striped blouse. Bonus: it goes with everything! Sheer top, R279, Forever 21. Leather pants, R1 299, Sissy Boy.…

✱ CHOOSE RED WINE ‘Firm evidence of health benefits really can only be attributed to antioxidant-rich red wine, whereas spirits and beer just don’t have the same nutrient content,’ explains Sarah. ✱ GOT ISSUES?  ‘Beer is high in carbohydrates due to the wheat content, which can contribute to digestive issues,’ says Sarah. Gin can cause similar problems. ‘Gin appears to be one of the least beneficial drinks for the microbial community in our guts,’ informs Hannah. ✱ CHOOSE LOW SUGAR  ‘Many alcoholic drinks (or the mixers they are served with) can be high in sugar, which can contribute to weight gain, mood fluctuations and disturbed sleep,’ says Hannah. ‘The drinks that tick the boxes of low carb, low sugar are wine and spirits that are mixed with sugar-free options,’ adds…

‘If you’re feeling anxious, there are ways that you can step back and take control before the symptoms build up and take over,’ advises Nicky. BREATHING EXERCISES Breathe in through the nose for three seconds, hold for four seconds, breathe out through the mouth slowly for five seconds. DISTRACTION TECHNIQUES Try the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – acknowledge 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell, and finally 1 deep breath in and out. POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS Tell yourself, ‘I am safe, I am in control, this feeling is anxiety,’ and repeat until you feel more in control of your feelings. DIETARY CHANGES Small changes to your diet can make a big difference to anxiety symptoms. Try eating…

Losing weight and maintaining a good social life are two things that rarely go hand in hand. Nobody wants to party with Miss Just-salad-and-a-tap-water. But thanks to this diet, you can eat, drink and be merry, without missing out on all the good stuff. Lose up to 2kg in 4 weeks! HOW IT WORKS Most of the meals in our tummy-trimming plan are kilojoule-controlled while being balanced and filling, so you can still enjoy a splurge with your friends once a week. WHAT TO DO Choose one breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack daily from our list. Then, once a week, you can swap your evening meal for your night-out splurge menu. KEEP IT GOING You can stick with this plan for as long as you need, but try introducing your…

ROAST CHICKEN & SALAD PLATTER SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR + CHILLING 8 chicken pieces with skin on (thighs, drumsticks or part-boned breasts, halved) 570ml buttermilk 50g self-raising flour 50g rice flour 2 tsp garlic salt 1 ¼ tsp ground white pepper 1 ½ tbsp sweet smoked paprika Good pinch of chilli flakes 1 ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried thyme 450g mini vine tomatoes 1 tbsp oil ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar ¾ tsp each Dijon mustard and honey 3 baby gem lettuces, torn Handful of watercress leaves 1 Mix the chicken with most of the buttermilk – hold back 75ml. Chill for 3 hr or overnight. 2 Heat the oven to 200°C. Mix together both the flours, garlic salt, pepper, spices…

FRAGRANT TURKEY CURRY SERVES 4 READY IN 35 MIN 50g butter or ghee 2 onions, sliced 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 thumb-sized pieces fresh ginger, grated 4 tbsp curry powder 6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 100g apricots, roughly chopped 200ml chicken stock 1 tbsp mango chutney 400g fresh tomatoes, diced 400g leftover cooked turkey, shredded Handful flaked almonds, toasted, to garnish Coriander leaves, to garnish 1 Melt the butter or ghee in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the onions, and cook for 5 min until they're soft and starting to become translucent. 2 Add the garlic and ginger and cook for a further 3-4 min. Then add the curry powder and cardamom pods, and cook for 2 min more. 3 Stir through the apricots, chicken stock,…

smart ideas GLITTER INITIAL TAG Cut a circle from white card and punch a hole near the top. Use a letter punch to cut an initial out from black card, then stick it onto the white circle. Apply crafting PVA glue diagonally across the tag and dip into gold glitter. Leave to dry before attaching it to the gift with twine (pictured right). STRING OF STARS Punch out four stars from a piece of black card. Line up the stars and punch a hole through them. Thread all of the stars onto a long length of baker’s twine, space them out evenly and wrap the twine around the gift. BUNTING TAGS Cut out as many circles from white paper as there are letters in your recipient’s name. Use alphabet stamps…

STYLING ...BEHIND THE SCENES What’s an outfit without accessories? Fashion editor Xolani Gumede adds the fabulous finishing touches (p30). SHOPPING ...FOR GIFTS UNDER R500! How ridiculously cute are these novelty slippers? Our six pages of best buys are sure to inspire a Christmas shopping spree (p39)! TASTING ...HEALTHY VEGGIE DRINKS Delighted by Rugani’s office delivery, the team got straight to tasting. Our ed, Kate, enjoyed the immune-boosting Ginger Infused Carrot Juice. PREPPING ...FOR A FESTIVE PARTY. Glitter-rimmed champagne glasses really set the tone. Check out the pretty party drinks ideas on p72.…

Debbie Knighton-Fitt, 35, is a mother of three. ‘Our kids wait up all night, hoping to glimpse Santa’ The magic of the festive season is hugely celebrated in our family. Our kids – aged seven, five, and three – all believe in Santa and we want to keep it that way for as long as possible. Of course, Christmas isn’t only about Father Christmas, but we enjoy many characters in the narrative of the season. My husband and I are dedicated Christians who grew up with loads of religious and non-religious festive traditions like going to church, singing carols, doing family nativity plays, and leaving milk and mince pies out for Santa. Some people feel Christmas should only focus on the Christian roots of the holiday, but that’s not the…

‘If you’re feeling anxious, then S.T.O.P. for a moment’, advises Dani. Stop whatever you’re doing, take a seat, close your eyes and notice how you’re feeling at that moment. Take a deep breath, feel your feet on the ground beneath you and let the earth become your support. Observe your breath, as it comes into your nostrils. Expand your ribs to inhale deeply, and let go of tension and stress as you exhale. Pause and observe your thoughts without giving each too much attention. Through the exercises of pausing, breathing and listening, we can deal with anxiety and stress in an effective way. Give it a go when you are feeling overwhelmed.…

COLLEAGUES ARE UPSET ABOUT MY LEAVE Q I’m a midwife and we have a schedule where everyone has a rotating opportunity for leave over big holidays. Since my divorce years ago, I’ve given up that right, as I see family at other times. This year, I asked to have Christmas and New Year’s off to spend with my new boyfriend and his family. I got the green light for both. Some colleagues say it’s unfair, but my boss says it’s deserved. I was prepared to trade New Year’s, but now I’m just annoyed. A If anyone comments, say, ‘I’m looking forward to my first family Christmas in years and my first New Year’s with my new man. That’s fair, isn’t it?’ And leave it at that. Any grumbles from your…

CLEVER STRIPES Working in just the same way as an illusion dress, these contrasting vertical and horizontal stripes will slim and contour your body in all the right places. R745 , Sun Things at Zando. HALTERNECK Proving halternecks aren’t just for smaller busts, this suit has moulded, bra-style cups to support any shape. Showing off your shoulders and chest, this style will make you look slimmer. R943, Figleaves at Next Direct. BRA SIZE Available in up to bra size F, this rust-toned one-piece is just the ticket for those of us who struggle to find swimwear to fit the top half. Plus, the ruched midriff is super forgiving for fuller tummies. R999, Bras N Things. BUSY PRINT Not only will a patterned swimsuit brighten up your holiday wardrobe in an…

3 WAYS TO COPE WITH GRIEF AT CHRISTMAS Grief counsellor Donna Lancaster shares her advice. ✱ FEEL ‘Don’t use distraction tactics like comfort eating or drinking to ignore your feelings – they may provide short-term relief, but they can actually delay the healing process.’ ✱ EXPRESS ‘Externalise your feelings by writing a letter to your lost loved one. This allows you to “say the unbearable”, including saying goodbye.’ ✱ CONNECT ‘Although grief can make you want to be alone, spend time with people who will allow you to be with your grief without trying to “fix it”. A kind ear can make all the difference.’ TRUE OR FALSE? BRAIN-TRAINING GAMES MAKE YOU SMARTER FALSE Scientists from Canada found that brain-training games, such as Sudoku, won't raise your IQ. 'To improve…

We all want to treat ourselves over the Christmas period, but how can we indulge without totally overdoing it? We asked the experts to share their top tips for staying trim in the swing of the party season. STAY AWAY FROM BEIGE ‘When you nibble, keep away from beige-coloured food (like pastries or breads), which tend to have more kilojoules. Switch to lean meats, smoked salmon or unsalted nuts, which are still tasty but won’t pile on the extra weight. And keeping your hands busy at social events can have a positive impact on your waistline. Carry a clutch, but make sure that you hold it in your hand rather than tuck it underneath your arm – you’ll have only one free hand and if it’s holding a drink, you…

HOW CAN I SORT OUT MY DIZZINESS? Q I get vertigo and have been given some exercises to do, but they make me feel so sick – will anything else work? A Vertigo is the sensation that the room is spinning or moving around you and is often accompanied by nausea and even vomiting. It’s likely that your GP thinks you may have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, related to the crystals in the inner ear. The exercises generally involve sitting on the edge of your couch, turning your head 45 degrees to one side and lying down on the opposite side to which your face is turned. This can trigger nausea or vertigo, but if you stay still for around 30 seconds, it subsides. Complete five repetitions, three times a…

Put your glass down Holding your glass makes you guzzle your drink faster. Putting your drink down in between sips makes it last for longer without the need for as many top-ups. Use a taller glass These hold far less fluid, but will trick you into thinking that you’re actually having a fuller glass, so you’ll end up drinking less. Alternate with water Between drinks, have a glass of water. Not only will this decrease the amount of alcohol that you consume, but it’ll also help keep you hydrated, curbing that hangover the next day.…

THIS MONTH WE'RE MAKING... Sticky fig & walnut puddings 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Stir ½ tsp bicarb of soda and 100g chopped dried figs in bowl with 200ml boiling water. Beat 50g unsalted butter with 100g soft brown sugar in bowl. In new bowl, beat ½ tsp vanilla extract with 2 eggs. Pour onto butter mix, beating non-stop. Beat in 175g self-raising flour. Stir in fig mix; 45g toasted walnut pieces. 2. Divide between 6 x 200ml buttered metal pudding basins. Bake for 20-25 min; turn out on side plates after 5 min cooling. 3. For sauce, add 75g unsalted butter, 175g soft brown sugar, 200ml double-thick cream, 45g chopped toasted walnuts, and ½ tsp each sea salt and vanilla extract into pan. Heat gently till sugar dissolves; pour…

THIS MONTH WE'RE LOVING... PHOTO GIFTS A display of happy memories within a gorgeous frame – a fantastic Christmas present, wouldn’t you agree? When searching for personalised gifting ideas, I was excited to come across Nifty250’s easy-to-use online photo-printing service. This local company makes it so simple to create a collage poster on premium photo paper that’s just a little bigger than A3 size. Upload your photos to their site, or connect to your Instagram account (must be on public setting), then choose up to 54 images to create a collage, which they print. Order a frame at the same time and your collage arrives already framed! R593 for Poster Collage in Oak Poster Frame, including delivery across SA; see nifty250.co.za BESPOKE BAUBLES HONEYBUNCH Start a new tradition this festive…

CLASSIC COLOUR THEME Bold and bright red gives a room a traditional look that instantly says, ‘It’s Christmas.’ Use it for tableware and tabletop accessories, then continue the colour scheme with ribbon, baubles and wall art. Include plenty of white decorations and linen for a contrast and finish off with a few Scandi pieces and fresh greenery for a folksy feel. PERSONALISE YOUR PLACE SETTINGS Make bespoke place settings for family and friends by stamping their names onto paper tags or decorations. Thread your tag with a piece of baker’s twine and tie round a napkin, adding some sprigs of foliage for a festive touch. Or, for a simple place setting that doubles up as a gift, wrap up a luxury bar of chocolate and attach a label stamped with…

SURPRISE, SURPRISE! Wrap up all individual gifts as normal, but make the experience of opening them more memorable by wrapping all these presents together in one large sheet of brown paper. The kids will be in absolute suspense until the big day… then they can let rip! Bonus: it will stop them poking around beforehand! STAMP OF APPROVAL Sidestep shop-bought paper and make your own instead (pictured above). Buy plain parcel paper and get stamping with a selection of fun festive stamps in gold ink. It doesn’t need to be 100% perfect – that’s all part of the handmade charm. JAZZ UP PLAIN PAPER Use washi tape to customise wrapping, creating different patterns from bunting to stripes (pictured right). An especially lovely way to give a present a personal touch,…

ESSENTIALS Book of the month THE GIVER OF STARS BY JOJO MOYES (PENGUIN) Set during the US depression, Alice moves from the UK to Kentucky with her new American husband to escape her stifing old life. However, she soon realises her fresh start comes with its own challenges as well as an obnoxious father-in-law. To avoid her reality, Alice joins a travelling library, where she and four other women must transport books to the Appalachian countryside. Her new role takes her on an unforgettable adventure of knowledge sharing, struggle, and sisterhood. A strong, poignant celebration of female independence. ‘Based on a true story, this lovely historical read highlights the importance of female empowerment’ Home Truths BY SUSAN LEWIS (HARPERCOLLINS) Angie has a picture-perfect life – a new home,…

…I DON’T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT Lip balm! I always have one in my bag and it’s my go-to all day, every day. As I’m doing a lot of physical activity while I work, my lips get chapped really quickly, so I find that it’s the best remedy to combat the dryness. …I ENJOY COOKING A good curry... Since I’m a vegetarian, I like going to cooking courses to learn how to make new dishes. I’m a real foodie and adore getting creative with my cooking. I love foreign cuisine like Thai or Cambodian food, anything that’s not the norm. …PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME I’m very adventurous and so is my fiancé, Philip. When we travel, we go out and do things like rock climbing, mountain biking or surfing.…

‘We’ll be starting our own traditions’ Claire Badenhorst, 31, is a food and decor expert who lives in Northcliff. She married her husband Derik in June and they’ll be celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple this year. While we were dating, Derik and I lived separately; I lived at home with my parents, while he stayed in his own place. We only moved in together after the wedding. During past Christmases, we normally spent the day – separately – with our respective families. Often, Derik would visit my family in the afternoon after having spent the morning with his relatives, and vice versa, or my parents would invite him and his mom to come join in our family festivities. While we’re still planning on seeing both our families…

Marking occasions, such as Christmas, Easter and anniversaries, gives us a sense of perspective and stops each day, week and month from blurring into one another – as well as giving us a reason to smile. But if celebrating can give us a boost, why limit it to certain days in the year? Clinical psychologist Dr Cecilia D’Felice and self-improvement expert Nina Grunfeld say it’s when times are tough and life feels like a struggle that taking note of the small achievements can give you a long-lasting sense of well-being. So why not start a new family tradition by celebrating the end of the week with that ‘Friday feeling’? Sit down for a meal together and reflect on the good things that happened to you that week. THE BENEFITS OF…

3 STEPS TO... A FIVE-STAR SMILE 1. GET BRIGHT OVERNIGHT Smile Science Vita White Professional Whitening Toothpaste, R249, Clicks, has vitamins A and B, plus calcium peroxide to rid teeth of stains from things like coffee, for your brightest smile yet. 2. GO SOFT AND SHINY A glossy balm is less heavy than lipstick and makes lips look fuller. Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer in Cherry, R99, Takealot.com, has a cool undertone that’ll make your teeth look extra white. 3. TAKE CARE Flaky lips could rival sunburn as the top summer skin irritation, but it's far easier to sort. Drink tons of water, then exfoliate and moisturise in one go with Eucerin Dry Skin Intensive Lip Balm, R74,99, Clicks. HYDRATING GLOW Caring skincare meets streak-free tanning in this maka extract-enriched tanner.…

GIFTS FOR UNDER R100 GIFTS BETWEEN R100 & R250 GIFTS BETWEEN R250 & R500 Prices and products checked at time of going to print…

We all know that, in excess, alcohol isn’t good for our health. However, in moderation, our favourite drink might not be so bad for us after all. ‘Some studies have shown that drinking on occasion does have its perks,’ says nutritionist Sarah Flower. ‘Consumed moderately, alcohol is a great way to keep you healthy, both mentally and physically. As long as you are monitoring your alcohol consumption levels, there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy a drink every so often.’ Now, this is music to our ears! IT CAN HELP YOU LIVE LONGER ‘Studies have shown that women who drink a glass of wine daily have a lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who drink less often,’ reveals Sarah. Research by the American College of Cardiology found that…

Your heart is racing, you’re short of breath, your body is bathed in a sheen of sweat. Anxiety affects everyone at some point in their lives. Around one in 13 people globally have an anxiety disorder. ‘Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid,’ asserts mental health expert Nicky Lidbetter. Nicky explains that it can be caused by a number of factors, including your feelings of uncertainty, physical health problems, stress, and childhood experiences. Although clammy hands and a pounding heart could indicate anxiety, some signs are less obvious. Here we reveal the more subtle symptoms to look out for. RECOGNISE THE SIGNS AFRAID TO TAKE RISKS Sticking to your normal ‘comfort zone’ routine means that you won’t have to face embarrassment, disappointment, anger, sadness or…

Getting clued up on pro and prebiotics Q I’ve heard about probitiocs, and know they’re good to take when you’re on antibiotics. But what about prebiotics? What is the difference between the two? A We all have many, many bacteria living in our gastrointestinal system, making up what is known as the gut microbiome, which has significant impacts on the health of your whole body. Probiotics contain good bacteria to shift the balance in your gut microbiome towards healthy bacteria. Prebiotics are foods that the good bacteria in your gut thrive on, so eating more of them should help encourage the balance of your gut biome towards good bacteria. You can get pre and probiotics in your diet through fibrous food, yoghurt and fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi,…

According to studies carried out by the World Health Organization, an incredible 40% of South Africans are dangerously inactive. Shocked? You should be. A sedentary lifestyle can put your life at risk. -Being insufficiently active puts us at a significantly greater risk of heart and circulatory disease and premature death,’ warns Dr Mike Knapton. After the indulgence of the festive season, it’s time to shrug off your yoga pants and slip on some leggings. To make your move, just follow these steps. SET A TIMESCALE FOR YOUR GOALS Want to get fit? Have a goal! Some people like to work towards a special event, such as a 5K race, which can really boost your motivation. ‘Just make sure that you have your next goal in mind, so you don’t fall…

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, R350 for 500ml, Makro Mix 60ml with 15ml dry vermouth, 2 small dashes of grapefruit bitters and 1 bar spoon of gunpowder tea for an artisanal Martini. Astoria Prosecco DOC Italian Sparkling, R249,99 for 1,5l, Woolworths This is the one to arrive at a party with! Enjoy orange flower and candied lime flavours dancing on fine bubbles. J.C. Le Roux Nectar Rose, RRSP R84,95 for 750ml, leading liquor retailers A vibrant off-dry sparkling wine to toast with!…

1 Glam up glasses Add a little bit of dazzle to champagne saucers by decorating them with edible glitter (we like Woolworths’ Edible Gold Shimmer, R40,99). Brush egg white around the rim of each glass, then press and twist the rims into a plate of glitter. Serve with a straw in each to avoid guests getting glittery lipstick. 2 Decorate bottles There’s something special about having your drinks’ bottles sporting a bespoke label. Design, order and buy labels online at stickerandlabelsa.co.za (use their templates or upload your creation). For gorgeous paper straws, browse Merrypak’s selection, from R25,40 for a pack of 25. 3 Add glitz to flutes Give plain flutes a super sparkly finish by painting the base and stem with a shimmer mod podge adhesive. We used the silver…

MINI VANILLEKIPFERL WITH SESAME ICING MAKES 30 BISCUITS READY IN 1 HR 25 MIN 125g unsalted butter, softened 100g castor sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 egg yolks 250g plain flour 1 tbsp ground ginger For the decoration 1-2 tbsp lemon juice 75g icing sugar, sifted 2 tbsp white sesame seeds 1 Heat the oven to 150°C. Beat the butter, sugar and vanilla till light and smooth, then beat in the egg yolks. Stir in the flour and ginger. 2 Pinch pieces of the mixture and roll into cylinders 8-10cm long, with tapered ends. Bend each into a crescent and place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake for around 30 min, or until pale-golden and firm. Remove the biscuits from the oven and transfer to a wire…

‘The season inspires more action on the romance front’ SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER This season inspires a little more action on the romance front. However, you may also find that some people are less tolerant and very possibly on the warpath. Read others' emotion and intent before taking a leap. Cautious action is the goal. Capricorn 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY Go over any recent paperwork and carefully review the agreements made: something may have got lost in translation. This month, it’s a case of going backwards before you can go forward. Persevere and it will pay off. Aquarius 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY Some unexpected changes to your agenda may be keeping you on your toes. Don't fret. Instead, buckle down to come up with a solid…