Innholdsfortegnelse for JANUARY 2020 i Essentials South Africa

Hello there 2020! Don’t you just love that ‘new’ feeling that comes with the start of the year? It’s a magical time with excitement in the air and the possibilities for the year to come seem endless. And because we’re here to make your life easier in every way, the Essentials team has, in this first issue of 2020, covered everything you could possibly need for the month – and year – ahead. Nothing to wear? Our fashion ed shows you how to make the most of your holiday wardrobe (p38). Going to a party? We’ve rounded up the hottest new make-up trends (p28). Feeling drained? Try one of these all-natural energy boosts (p54). Overindulged? Tuck into one of these hangover-curing breakfasts (p69). If the new year has inspired you…

VEGGIE GARDEN ‘Thanks for the tips on growing your own veggies. Never knew one could put a plastic covering over the seed trays and keep them on the kitchen window sill!’ – Fem Gardner ONLINE POLL WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED With summer in the air, we want to know what ice cream best describes you! TRENDING ONLINE THE ONLY CHOCOLATE DESSERT RECIPES YOU’LL EVER NEED Sometimes you just want chocolate and nothing else will do. Our list of the ultimate must-bake chocolatey treats has got your cravings covered.…

Strolling through the cobbled streets of Paris, I look on in amazement at the beautiful row of patisseries, fashion boutiques, and fancy French restaurants. I  can’t believe I’m here. The best part is, I’m completely alone. No children complaining that they’re bored and no impatient husband trying to hurry me along. It’s just me, enjoying the fabulous city, doing whatever I like and loving every second of it. ‘Travelling on my own excites me’ I’d attempted travelling alone through Africa and India in my early twenties, but both trips didn’t turn out the way that I had expected them to. Being so young, I didn’t enjoy my own company. After that, I never really had any desire to travel by myself again. Then, when I was 23, I met Matthew.…

HE WALKED OUT ON ME AND MY BABY Q My partner has walked out on me and I feel absolutely devastated. I can’t stop crying and I can’t eat or sleep. It’s been nearly two weeks since he left and every day I seem to feel worse. I have a baby girl aged 15 months. I haven’t told my family as I know they’ll be angry because they hate my partner, but I can barely cope. I don’t know what to do. A The first thing you should do is to reach out for help. Your family may be furious with your ex-partner, but their main thought will be to help you and your daughter get through this very difficult period. Being alone and carrying the burden by yourself isn’t…

Suit up This season, try a dusty pink shorts suit to keep you looking cool, elegant and, of course, bang on-trend. Blazer, R899; pleated shorts, R459; both Zara. T-shirt, R169, Cotton On. Earrings, R80; layered necklace, R170; tote bag, R830; all Colette Hayman. Yellow heels, R2 490, Europa Art. All dressed up Polka dots and pleats add fun and frivolity to a simple dress – and work equally well dressed up or down. Belted polka-dot dress, R899, Zara. Oversized straw sun hat, R119,99, MRP. Earrings, R80; multi-layered necklace, R170; both Colette Hayman. Comfy chic When it starts to heat up, a cool T-shirt-style dress will become your new best friend. Striped T-shirt dress, R2 299, Scotch & Soda. Sunglasses, R2 495, Carolina Herrera at Execuspecs. Yellow sling bag, R179, H&M.…

Medicines are modern miracles and without them, well, it’s likely that most of us wouldn’t be here today. They alleviate symptoms, manage conditions and save lives. But how clued up are you when it comes to taking pills? We reveal everything you need to know to get the most out of your medicine. 1. AVOID CRUSHING OR CHEWING ‘Some medications in pill form are designed to be released over time, so crushing or chewing them could lead to an overdose or a higher risk of side effects,’ explains pharmacist Nitin Makadia. If you have to split tablets, only split the ones scored down the middle. 2. SHAKE UP THE BOTTLE This disperses active ingredients. If you don’t, you may not receive the right dose. and when you near the end…

Changed your diet and still not dropping the extra kilos? Make sure that you’re making the right choices. So-called ‘clean’ foods can be packed full of sugars, sweeteners and kilojoules. If you’re indulging in any of these diet downfalls, you may want to think again... COCONUT OIL Coconut oil has been praised as the new go-to product for pretty much everything, but what’s the truth? ROB SAYS It’s hailed for its health benefits, but many of these are yet to be fully backed up by research. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat and the effects on cholesterol levels are questionable. Extra virgin olive oil is best for everyday use and has a huge body of research showing its beneficial effect on health. FLAVOURED YOGHURT Should we feel guilty about…

GET OUTDOORS YOU WANT To shed excess weight DOWNLOAD Weight Loss Running by Verv (free for iOS and Android) This running app is designed specifically for weight loss, so you can slim down in just eight weeks! The weight-loss plan involves a mix of effective interval running, walking and sprints – no matter your fitness levels or goals. YOU WANT To hit your 10K step target DOWNLOAD Active 10 (free for iOS and Android) An app to help those who are just starting out with exercise to build brisk walking into their daily routine. It tracks your steps, offers achievable milestones as well as rewards to keep you motivated and tracks your progress over 12 months. YOU WANT Endurance advice (and a bit of a laugh) LISTEN TO Let’s Get…

SUFFERING FROM EXTREME FATIGUE Q My daughter has been feeling extremely tired for quite some time. We initially put it down to studying hard for exams, but after seeing her GP and having tests done, she was finally diagnosed with glandular fever. She's been trying to rest as much as possible, but is worried about falling behind in class once she's back at school. How long will this fatigue last? A Recovery from glandular fever can be very variable. Most people feel better within a few weeks, but for some, the fatigue can last for several months. Rest is important, as is a healthy diet and pacing herself for a gradual return to normal activity levels. If it’s looking like this is going to continue as she starts back at…

THIS MONTH WE'RE LOVING... Stunning towels 'Towels?' you might be asking. You see, these aren't the usual run-of-the-mill kind you have in mind – these are 100% cotton Turkish towels, made by The Cotton Company, who work with a small team of traditional Aegean-region artisans. What makes these towels so special? For a start, these beach- and bathroom-friendly products are fast-drying and absorbent. More than that is the texture. Made from a thick soft weave, The Cotton Company's offering feels so luxurious to the touch. I also adore the designs and shades available – super chic! Plus, they're gorgeous enough to use as a throw in the lounge, and lightweight enough to use as a travel blanket or even as a fab sarong. From R469 each ; see thecottoncompany.co.za STATEMENT…

Katie Alice Dawson, 32, co-owns a tableware store with her partner Matt Searle, who’s also 32. The couple moved into an older three-bedroom house, with their dog Luna in tow, 18 months ago. Katie Alice’s first order of business when she got the keys to the new place was turning what she describes as a ‘black hole of a bathroom with very little light and an appalling layout’ into a bright space with more room to move around in. In this bathroom revamp, there were a few key things that she was after› a newly fitted, decent-sized shower, a roll-top bath, a personalised vanity unit, bold floor tiles and, crucially, lots of light.…

ESSENTIALS Book of the month THE STARLESS SEA BY ERIN MORGENSTERN (VINTAGE) Zachary, a graduate student, discovers an unusual novel at the university library. Curious, Zachary opens the book only to find a story from his childhood hidden between spellbinding tales of forgotten cities, lovelorn prisoners and servants. On its cover, he notices three clues that lead him to an underground world teeming with magical figures. Here, Zachary meets Mirabel and Dorian, and together they explore the labyrinth of this fairylike realm, encountering danger, romance, and the art of storytelling. A beautiful adventure. ‘Brought to you by the bestselling author of The Night Circus, this novel is a phantasmagorical delight’ Missing Person BY SARAH LOTZ (HODDER & STOUGHTON) A group of misfits across the US 'meet' on an…

STYLING ...BEHIND THE SCENES Our fashion editor Xolani Gumede shows us how to look effortlessly stylish in summer’s heat (p32). CELEBRATING ...WITH A REFRESHING GROWN-UP DRINK Raise a glass of G & T to ring in 2020. We topped ours with Fitch & Leedes’ deliciously zesty Grapefruit Tonic (see our fave mixers on p60). INSPIRED ...TO PICK UP A SELF-HELP BOOK We loved the suggestions given by five of our readers, who said the advice in their chosen book changed their outlook on life (p16). SNACKING ...THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS Dietitian Juliette Kellow’s genius diet is a must (see plan on p56)!…

Blake Lively, 32, was born into a showbiz family in California and quickly followed in the footsteps of her parents and siblings. She first caught Hollywood’s attention in the 2005 cult classic The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants before gracing the silver screen as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl. Blake met her husband, Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds, 43, while they were filming Green Lantern. The couple got married in 2012 and have three children. ‘I tell people I’m a cook by nature and an actress by accident’ I was quite shy growing up. In high school, I felt insecure about standing out in a crowd because I was quite tall. It wasn’t until I started acting classes that I was able to overcome my shy, awkward nature. When…

CANDYFLOSS PINK NAILS Less 'done' than a red manicure and more exciting than nude, this candyfloss pink is superb for summer! File nails into an on-trend short and rounded shape then, after base coat, add two layers of Morgan Taylor Professional Nail Lacquer in Tickle My Keys, R165. It looks lovely on a pale complexion, but will pop against darker skin tones, too. CORAL LIPS Nothing wakes up your face like a slick of bright lipstick. Why not choose a coral lip shade with a velvety cream finish like Justine Purely Perfect Creamy Lipstick in Hot Coral, R119. Apply with your finger for a daytime-appropriate bright or directly from the bullet for full-impact colour. TWO-TONED EYES Why settle on a singular eyeshadow when you can double up? Try the dual-toned…

JUMP TO IT Wide-legged all-in-ones are a fail-safe way to make petite ladies look taller. Teamed with a chunky belt and feminine florals, you’re on to a winner. Belted linen jumpsuit, R1 499, Forever New ADD A WEDGE Wedges are a great way to add height – team them with wide-legged trousers or maxi dresses. Espadrille wedges, R599, Cotton On BUSY PRINTS Look out for vibrant prints and wear them on the parts of your body you feel less confident about. The bold patterns will hide a multitude of sins. Tank top, R450; skirt, R699; both Poetry HIGH-WAISTED Make the most of your curves this summer with a built-in-support top and tummy-controlling high-waisted bottoms. Tankini, from R299; bottoms, from R229; both Miladys FLOATY FABRICS Perfect for keeping you cool in…

When we’re travelling, we expose ourselves to things we wouldn’t normally at home, meaning nearly a quarter of us return more stressed than when we went on holiday. And it’s not surprising considering we gain nearly 2kg, come into contact with millions of bacteria on our suitcases and, according to research, many of us start boozing in the departure lounge! With that in mind, here are our tips for an emergency-free summer break… OFF TO A ROCKY START Feeling sick before you’ve even got there? ‘Motion sickness should pass as soon as you stop travelling,’ explains Dr Roger Henderson. ‘Sit in the front of the vehicle, if possible, so you can fix your eyes on the horizon. Relaxing by listening to music and staying calm can help, as well as…

We all want to look our best in time to hit the beach, but when it’s hot outside we’d much rather lie in the sun than sweat it out in the gym. So ex-Olympian and global fitness director of Herbalife Samantha Clayton has created a simple exercise plan to help you shape up in time for your holiday – you can even do the moves in bed or on your sunlounger (yes, you heard that right!). And it’s easy to keep up during your trip ' and after. 'People lose the motivation after a holiday,' says Samantha. So finding a workout that fits with your lifestyle is key. 'This total body workout will train your body in a balanced way to maintain good posture, prevent imbalances and get the best…

We’re well into the summer season, but will you have the energy to enjoy it? New reports suggest that most people spend two hours and 56 minutes a day feeling drained, which is over 20 hours a week. ‘People going to their GP saying that they’re “tired all the time” is so common that it even has its own acronym: TATT,’ says Dr Annabel Bentley. And, with only 8% of us waking up feeling refreshed on a daily basis, it’s no wonder we're tired of it. Here's how to fix your summer slump, without popping a pill. YOU’RE DEHYDRATED In warm weather, we lose more water from sweating. But being dehydrated can drain energy levels. ‘Dehydration is one of the leading causes of lethargy,’ explains nutritionist Naomi Mead. ‘And by…

THIS MONTH WE'RE MAKING... Tandoori chicken with raita 1. Cut a few deep slashes in 8 chicken drumsticks; season. Put in shallow, non-metallic dish. 2. In a food processor, blend together the juice of 1 lemon, 4 crushed garlic cloves, 7,5cm piece of fresh ginger (peeled and grated), 1 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp garam masala, 3 tbsp sunflower oil, and 22ml plain yoghurt to make a smooth paste. Spread the paste over the chicken and then leave to marinate for a couple of hours. 3. Set oven to 200°C. Roast the tandoori chicken for 40 min, till golden and the juices run clear. 4. For the raita, mix together ¼ cucumber (chopped), 200ml plain yoghurt, and 1 tbsp mint leaves (chopped). Season. Serve with chicken; lemon wedges. EASY-MAKE BREAD WOOLWORTHS’…

TENDER RACK OF RIBS WITH STICKY CHILLI SAUCE SERVES 6 READY IN 1 HR 20 MIN 1 beef stock cube 1 onion, cut into wedges 4 garlic cloves 2 x 450g rack pork loin ribs 1 tbsp steak seasoning For the sauce 1 tsp crushed garlic ½ tbsp sriracha chilli sauce 5 tbsp tomato sauce 1 tsp English mustard 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 3 tbsp runny honey 2 tbsp white wine vinegar 1 tbsp each cornflour and water, mixed 1 Heat the oven to 180°C. Pour 500ml boiling water into a roasting tin with the stock cube, onion, garlic cloves and ribs. Season well, adding the steak seasoning. Cover with tinfoil and cook for 1 hr until tender. 2 Warm the sauce ingredients in a pan to thicken. To serve,…

PURPLE BASIL not only looks great with its bold colour, but it also has an aromatic fragrance, and a slightly spicier taste than regular basil. GARLIC CHIVES will add a different visual texture to your planter with its tall grassy leaves. These can be snipped into salads and dressings, and have a gentle garlic flavour. ITALIAN FLAT-LEAF PARSLEY is perfectly ‘pickable’ and lovely used as a garnish or salad ingredient. The flavour of this variety is often preferred over that of moss-curled parsley.…

1 THE AIR CLEANSER Dyson Pure Cool air-purifying fan, R7 999, @home WHAT DOES IT DO? This super-sleek fan not only cools you down in summer, but it also purifies the air in whichever room you put it in. In fact, the brand says the Pure Cool can remove up to 99,95% of allergens and pollutants from the air, trapping them in its vacuum-sealed filter. WHY BUY IT? The filter’s activated carbon granules remove potentially harmful pollutants from the air. Painting a room? Those fumes won’t even be an issue. What’s also great is that it runs very quietly, and it has a built-in sleep timer that can be set for up to nine hours before automatically switching off, so you can stay cool while nodding off. 2 THE SWEEPING…

Sarah Lloyd, 41, runs her own public relations company and lives with her husband Karl and their two daughters, Lucy and Amy. I’m definitely in favour of schools regularly having half days on Fridays, because I think that this time off would have such a positive effect on the children’s mental health and well-being. My eldest daughter, Lucy, has started school already and by the end of a very busy week, she is always upset and exhausted, compared to my younger daughter, Amy, who has Wednesdays off from her nursery school. ‘Having an afternoon off to look forward to each week would make all the difference in the world’ These days, children are under a lot of pressure at school, which can cause them to feel both stressed and anxious.…

When life gets tough, it’s natural to seek guidance, and that’s when a self-help book can really have an impact on our mental state and day-to-day. ‘Often when we are “stuck” with a problem or are unhappy, it’s because we have limited knowledge, too narrow a viewpoint or a lack of practical ideas on what to do next,’ says well-being coach Alexandra Lees. ‘Self-help books assist us to overcome this by offering fresh and independent insights, and tools for change. They can broaden our perspective, motivate and inspire us. And while not everyone can afford the money or time to see a therapist, books are much more accessible. ‘They allow you to go at your own pace,’ explains Alex. But, for even better benefits, it can be good to combine…

With the support of my group, as well as friends, I stayed strong. I even started writing a diary to help me work through my feelings – which became the basis for my book. I was celibate for four months, and only had sex again because I knew I had met someone special. But the best thing to come out of this is my bond with Henry, now two. He’s my world, and knowing he’s happy and loved makes me happy, too. Because it’s not talked about much, people don’t realise sex addiction can be just as serious as alcohol or gambling. I learnt that the hard way, but now the only man getting my attention is Henry. And that’s how I intend to keep it. *Laurie’s Diary of a…

3 STEPS TO... LOOK FRESH-FACED, FAST 1. For a luminous complexion, exfoliation is key. Sweep Environ Focus Care Clarity+ Sebu-Tone Clarifier, R230, selected stockists, across your forehead, cheeks and chin with a cotton pad for smoother skin. 2. Prep your face for make-up by investing in a primer that works. Revlon Youth FX Fill + Blur Primer, R205, Clicks, is what you need to create a flawless canvas, as its formula reduces the look of lines and wrinkles by filling them in. 3. Choose a hydrating foundation like Physicians Formula's The Healthy Foundation SPF 25, R249,95, Dis-Chem. This product has hyaluronic acid to keep skin dewy and moisturised. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT? MRP COSMETICS Word on the street is that MRP, the trendy and affordable fashion brand, has just launched…

3 WAYS TO BEAT A HOLIDAY HANGOVER Overdone the alcohol? Our experts reveal their tips for feeling better the next day... ✱ STAY HYDRATED 'As well as water, ginger tea helps to calm any sickness or nausea (grate some fresh ginger into hot water and steep it for 10 minutes before drinking),’ advises nutritionist Jacquie Newson. ✱ GET MOVING ‘All drinking to cure a hangover will really lead to is alcohol poisoning,’ explains nephrologist Dr Mark Street. So rather than having another drink, head out for a brisk walk instead, as it will help rid your body of toxins. ✱ TRY ACUPRESSURE ‘Apply a little bit of light pressure on the webbing between the thumb and forefinger to reduce the intensity of a pounding headache,’ says acupuncturist Rhiannon Griffiths. WHAT’S…

1. Invest in travel insurance that includes medical cover when travelling abroad. It will help cover costly emergencies and accidents while you are in a foreign country – and always carry travel insurance papers in your hand luggage. 2. On road trips, stay hydrated and stop every couple of hours to stretch your muscles, keep blood flowing and give the driver a mental break. 4. On longer airplane journeys, wear flight socks. If your deep-vein thrombosis risk is high, you may need blood-thinning heparin – check with your GP before you go on holiday. 5. Avoid jet lag on short trips by eating and sleeping on home time. On longer stays, start to adjust bedtime before you go, consider a stopover, and match your sleep to local time on arrival.…

Most of us associate dieting with limiting how much and how often we eat. So the idea of following a plan that lets us eat six times a day and gives us proper meals may seem far-fetched. However, nutrition experts say that eating lots of mini meals can make it easier to stick with a diet, so we’re more likely to reach our goal. Eating every three hours or so means blood sugar levels stay steadier, preventing drops that leave us tired and seeking out sugary foods to boost fagging energy levels. To try it for yourself, choose one meal from each of the six sections every day – each has about 1 050 kilojoules – to give you a total kilojoule count of around 6 500 a day. THIS…

CHOCOLATE MINI CONES MAKES 1l ICE CREAM AND 10 CONES READY IN 1 HR 10 MIN + SETTING 500ml best-quality store-bought vanilla custard 300ml double-thick cream 300g milk chocolate For the cones 2 large egg whites 90g icing sugar 3 tbsp milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 120g plain flour 30g unsalted butter, melted For the dippings 100g each milk and white chocolate, melted 5 tbsp sesame seeds or finely chopped nuts 1 For the ice cream, pour the custard into a large bowl. Whip the double-thick cream until light and fluffy. Melt the milk chocolate in the microwave until just softened, stir to melt completely. Fold the cream into the custard, then fold a little of the mixture into the cooled chocolate, add the remainder and mix well. Pour into…

SHADE SAVVY Blues are so effortless to decorate with, as different shades can be mixed together. Break up any tone monotony by adding pattern. Anything goes, from soft and painterly prints to repeated geometric designs. Don’t hold back – use contrasted materials together. TIMELESS PATTERN While strong patterns like busy floral may date, artisan-style brushstroke designs capture a more timeless appeal. Look for this pattern on unfussy ceramics, scatters or rugs. TOUCH OF CORAL ‘The theme is cool coastal, yes, but that doesn’t limit you to sand and sea. Greenery is crucial for creating a rounded sense of the great outdoors’ With such a calm, mellow scheme, it’s important to add focal points through eye-catching colour pops. Hints of coral in a scatter or vase add just the right amount…

MODERN PERGOLA Enjoy entertaining? Zone off a seating area with a wooden structure. You can even add a roof of rush matting or train climbers up it to offer some shade. FEATURE WALL In the same way that you’d hang photos indoors, create a display of bird boxes, barometers and wire box shelves that leave your plants open to the rain. CONTAINER GARDEN Instead of spreading out pots, they have a much greater impact when clustered into groups at varying heights to create beautiful pockets of greenery on your patio. OUTDOOR KITCHEN If you're a big fan of braaiing, adding a handy surface and some shelves will let you prep and cook without toing and froing indoors – genius! LIVING WALL Horizontal fence panels turn the side of a shed,…