Innholdsfortegnelse for MARCH 2020 i Essentials South Africa

Hello!A quick poll around the Essentials office showed that the majority of women covet just three things: better sleep, more time, and great hair. If I could wave a magic wand and give you exactly that, I would. But I can’t, so I’ve done the next best thing... On the pages of this issue, you’ll find expert advice on how to enjoy the simple things and get more reward for less effort in almost every area of your life. If it’s more time you’re after, then turn to our time-saving weekday meals (p64) so you can have dinner on the table in 20 minutes or less, and check out the expert make-up advice on p26 so you can look brighter and more beautiful in no time at all. With all…

LOAD-SHEDDING HACKS ‘My rechargeable lights are helpful, but my battery-powered fan is a lifesaver! My portable DVD player is also very useful.’ – Angela Cuthbert ONLINE POLL WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED Would you rather have free coffee for a year or free music forever? #ThursdayThoughts TRENDING ONLINE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREA SEEM BIGGER WITH JUST 13 GENIUS SMALL-GARDEN IDEAS Whether you have a small garden in a complex, a cosy courtyard or just a patch of grass, there’s loads that you can do to make it appear much larger. Try these simple tips to make the most of the little space that you have!…

Footwear and accessories brand Matsidiso truly epitomises African style with a strong ethos of celebrating slow fashion. Ditch unsustainable mass-produced buys in favour of their handcrafted products that uplift local artisans. Matsidiso's quirky sensibility is unmistakeably African. It's a stylish yet elegant take on shoes featuring materials like sustainable leather, upcycled wool and printed canvas, with must-have flourishes from metallic Nguni prints to layered fringing, and cut-out designs. You’re also spoilt for choice in style, from Oxford brogues to sandals, heels, or boots. Oh, did we mention there’s a men’s footwear selection, and ladies' handbags and earrings, too? View the full range at za.matsidiso.com Get 15% off on any footwear online at za.matsidiso.com, quoting the promo code ‘ESSMSA’ at checkout. Terms and conditions This offer can only be redeemed on…

If you find negotiating difficult, you may think it’s because you’re not brave or confident enough. Of course, that comes into it, but research has shown it may also be because women who negotiate are perceived as being more aggressive than men. But it’s not just men who make this judgement, we tend to see ourselves this way, too. Economist professor Linda Babcock has three tips to help bring success your way: * Smile, make eye contact and use inclusive body language. * Don’t apologise for asking for what you want, but state your case with charm. * Be pleasant and sympathetic to the other person’s viewpoint – but don’t lose sight of what you want. HOW TO NEGOTIATE WITH… …YOUR CHILDREN ‘Negotiating with your children is as simple as…

1. WATCH OUT FOR KEYWORDS Scammers will use certain keywords and phrases to con you into believing they’re trustworthy. For example, they will often claim they are ‘genuine’ or tell you that they are widowed. 2. KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR Photos are usually stolen from other websites. Military shots and suits are favourites as they suggest honesty. 3. BEWARE RED FLAGS Scammers can take months to build up to asking for large sums of money. However, they will often request a small amount to test if it’s worth them making an effort. Never send anyone any money, for any reason. 4. BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS If in doubt, ask to speak to them on the phone or Skype, or request to meet them face to face. Most scammers work from…

COLOURED LINER Vivid eyeliner can make your eyes' whites appear brighter. Choose a shade on the opposite side of the spectrum to your eye colour to make them pop. Blue eyes suit peach and copper; green eyes look great with purples and pinks; while brown eyes shine bright against blues. From the inner corner of the eye, draw along the lash line, taking the line as close to the lashes as possible. NYX Professional Makeup Slide On Pencil, R129,95, comes in an array of fun shades to add some zing to your lids. THICKER LINER Forget falsies, all you need to make your lashes look thicker, darker and fuller is a little technique known as tight-lining. Curl lashes, then using one hand to lift your lid up slightly, nestle and…

SIDE SWEPT SUITS: Heart-shaped and square faces A sweeping side fringe not only elongates your face, but it also enhances your cheekbones and softens a pronounced jawline. And the great news is, this style doesn’t require much in the way of styling or regular trimming. A monthly snip will be enough to maintain the stunning shape. WHAT TO ASK FOR? A long, sweeping fringe that tapers down at the edges so it falls just below the cheekbone. BLUNT SUITS: Oval and long faces A full fringe might seem scary, but it looks striking, draws attention to the eyes and hides a multitude of skin sins – bye-bye frown lines! Because the style looks best sitting around the eye, you’ll need to pop back to the hairdresser for a…

Stuck in the midi An A-line midi skirt cinches you in at the narrowest part of your waist and makes the smallest part of your legs the focal point, so it’s the perfect choice for pear, hourglass and even apple body shapes. Team with a sleeveless top to balance out the longer hemline. It’s a wrap Instantly appear trimmer with a suits-every-shape wrap dress. Drawing a diagonal line across your body and tying at the waist, a wrap dress nips you in at the middle to create an hourglass silhouette. A mid-length sleeve will give you added coverage and confdence. Casual classic High-waisted jeans work like shapewear to hold in your tum, while an on-trend wide- leg ft skims over your thighs and balances out broad shoulders. Tuck in your…

Forget meat-free Mondays, many of us are now cutting out meat every day of the week. In fact, according to latest figures, South Africa ranks among the top 25 countries in which veganism is most popular. Researchers at Harvard University have revealed that a third of early deaths – that’s approximately 200 000 lives – could be prevented if we all gave up meat. ‘The benefits of a plant-based diet have been vastly underestimated,’ reveals Dr Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard Medical School. But could we be missing out on vital nutrients if we gave up meat for good? We asked two experts for their opinions.…

✱ Heavy meals high in saturated fats Eating these just before bed has been linked to poor sleep quality. ✱ Spicy foods ‘They may elevate body temperature during the first sleep cycle, and this is linked to quality of sleep,’ suggests Lily. ✱ Alcohol A couple of glasses of wine can initiate a quicker sleeping time, but this sleep will often be broken, especially during the second half of the night. See above for Lily’s alcohol suggestions. ✱ Caffeine (that includes coffee, caffeinated teas and dark chocolate – sorry!). Avoid these at least four to six hours before you go to sleep. In fact, if you consume 200mg of caffeine at noon, you would still have 100mg of caffeine in your bloodstream four to six hours later. ✱ Cheese Hard…

* Stress less Easier said than done, but corsitol (one of the hormones that’s released when we’re stressed out), encourages the storage of fat around our waistlines, making it harder to shift stubborn fat. Try to unwind by taking time out where you can to relax, read or do something you enjoy to help de-stress. * Take a walk ‘Walking burns about the same amount of kilojoules per kilometre as running,’ says celebrity personal trainer Scott Laidler, ‘but your body is more likely to burn existing fat stores at the lower intensity than it is when running at a high tempo.’ Try getting your steps in by walking before or after work, or going for an amble on a lunch break to help burn abdominal fat. * Practise your posture…

Are you struggling to lose weight? It could be because you’re not getting enough vitamin D. ‘Research suggests that when vitamin D levels are low, your body produces less leptin, the appetite-suppressing hormone,’ says nutritionist Rob Hobson. ‘This makes it harder to lose weight.’ Our bodies make vitamin D via sunlight on our skin. But we should make sure that we don’t get so much as to burn or even tan. ‘It remains very difficult to get all your vitamin D needs met from food,' advises Rob. 'But combined with supplements, this diet will enhance health and help you lose weight.’ MAKE A CHANGE As well as helping to keep you slim, vitamin D is also crucial for overall health. Evidence shows that vitamin D deficiency may increase your risk…

THIS MONTH WE'RE MAKING... Root vegetable roast 1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Brush the sides of a 30x20cm roasting tin with 4 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 250g baby parsnips or baby turnips (peeled, halved), 500g large carrots (peeled, quartered), 2 small red onions (peeled, quartered, cut into chunky slices), and 2 leeks (trimmed, cut into 2,5cm lengths) to tin. Cook for 25 min. 2. For the batter, whizz together 4 large eggs, 200g plain flour, 1 tsp sea salt and 200ml milk in a blender until smooth. 3. Turn veg and spoon out half temporarily, then pour in batter. Sprinkle over reserved veg and, if you like, torn sage leaves. 4. Return to oven for 30 min till batter is golden, puffy and shrinking away from tin sides. FLEXITARIAN MOVEMENT…

MINI STEAKS AND CHIPS WITH CHEAT’S BÉARNAISE SERVES 15 READY IN 1 HR 30 MIN 1kg baby potatoes 2 tbsp sunflower oil 1,2-4kg rump steak, thickly sliced For the Béarnaise sauce 1 bunch fresh tarragon, leaves removed and finely chopped 3 tbsp red wine vinegar 120g store-bought Béarnaise sauce (or hollandaise sauce) 125g crème fraîche 1 tsp mustard powder 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a large saucepan of cold water, bring the potatoes to the boil and simmer for 15-20 min, until cooked through. Remove, drain and halve. Toss in the oil on a baking tray and season well with salt and pepper, then roast in the oven for 45-50 min. 2 For the cheat’s Béarnaise, mix together the tarragon and red wine vinegar in a small saucepan.…

THIS MONTH WE'RE LOVING... Body positivity! Natalie van Dijk, director and designer of homeware store Sugar & Vice, has launched a brilliant body positivity range. This collection of art prints, ceramic jewellery plates and mugs features minimalistic illustrations of a female form so many of us can relate to, including Natalie herself, who said this project helped her appreciate her own body post-pregnancy. Each illustrated lady has a name – Lechelle, Noluthando or Nandi – and the plates feature an inspiring quote like 'Girl, you already have what it takes'! These items aren't only gorgeous, but carry an important message of self-acceptance. From R90 per art print ; see sugarand vice.co.za KIDS' ROOM ACCESSORY CHEEKY MONKEY TEEPEES I'm sure many of us look back at our childhood, smiling at the…

MIDNIGHT FOREST Add atmosphere by contrasting dark wallcoverings featuring leafy greens with modern monochrome furnishings. In a home ofice, this translates well, so be bold with a strong forest-fern wallpaper that has a black base. Decorate the room with white furniture and accessories in clean, simple designs ’ they'll add great contrast, while still allowing the print to be the star of the show. Top tip! Pick out punchy green hues from the wallpaper to use on folders and files for a lively office space. OLD-WORLD CHARM Showcase ornate botanical patterns against dark, solid backgrounds of sumptuous colour, such as midnight blue, for an eye-catching set-up. For inspired DIY decor, take heritage-patterned wallpaper or wrapping paper ’ think old-fashioned forals – and display a piece in a photo frame, or…

‘Lay floorboards horizontally to create the illusion of width in a smaller space’ KEEPING COSTS DOWN The cabinets were perfectly sound, but the beech-effect doors just didn’t appeal to Leigh, so she decided to try her hand at painting them herself. ‘I researched the paint online, before buying what I needed and, after watching a few tutorials, discovered that priming and painting was a lengthy process: allowing days between each coat of paint is the key to get the paint to “cure” effectively. I gave the units four coats of paint and left a full 48 hours between each coat. And I’m happy to report they have passed the spilled pasta sauce test!’ ‘A simple coat of paint can turn old objects – from jars to lamp stands – into…

1 IDEAL FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS Bosch WAB20268ZA Frontloader, R4,499, Game One really unique feature on this washing machine is the AllergyPlus setting, which was given a seal of approval by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation. The setting provides more intensive washing and rinsing cycles to target allergy-inducing flower pollen, animal hair and detergent residue more effectively on your clothes. ADDED BONUS You have options based on your needs: choose SpeedPerfect for quicker washes, or EcoPerfect when you have more time to wash economically. 2 LONG LIFESPAN Miele WKF121 Washing Machine, RRSP R28 999; see miele.co.za for a list of stockists nationwide Miele machines clean brilliantly and last for years – in fact, the appliance is designed, manufactured and tested to last for up to 20 years, says the brand. This…

THE STATIONERY SHOP OF TEHRAN BY MARJAN KAMALI (SIMON & SCHUSTER) In Tehran, 1953, the beautiful and curious Roya meets handsome Bahman in a local stationery shop. Despite Iran’s state of political turmoil, romance blossoms between the couple and soon they are engaged to be married. But, on the eve of their wedding, a violent coup d’état disrupts their intended nuptials and Bahman goes missing. With no sign of his whereabouts, Roya is forced to mend her broken heart, later moving to the US, where she meets and marries another man. But what happens when Bahman reappears 60 years later? Unputdownable! ‘This escapist read crafts a riveting reunion between two lovers destined to find each other again’ On Swift Horses BY SHANNON PUFAHL (HARPERCOLLINS) Waitress Muriel feels that her life…

SHOPPING ...FOR JUMPSUITS Thankfully, on p40, fashion editor Xolani Gumede has made finding the ideal piece a total breeze with her stunning selection. LEARNING ...TO FINESSE OUR NEGOTIATING SKILLS! Our ‘Nice Girl’s Guide to Getting What You Want’ is super enlightening. Find great tips on dealing with your boss, partner and more on p16. TESTING ...OUT THE SIXTIES SWISH We’ve been brushing up on our eyeliner skills, perfecting the sexy winged cat-eye look! Read how you can nail this application on p26. INSPIRED ...TO TRY A DIY KITCHEN REVAMP On p94, reader Leigh Miller shares what she learnt on a budget.…

Andene Thomson, 29, began taking part in fitness competitions when she was still a student at the University of Pretoria. Conscious of the link between diet and fitness, she started developing healthy recipes, which led her to start her very own lifestyle blog and brand, Healthy Girl with a Sweet Tooth, in 2013. Through her website, Andene offers her clients online coaching and sells her own Healthy Girl Foods wellness products. She lives in Pretoria. By looking at me a few years ago, you would have assumed that I had the whole ‘healthy living’ thing figured out, but actually it was all an illusion. I was completely disconnected from myself and had never felt so lost. At the time, I was competing in fitness competitions – I’d spend far too…

‘I’ve become a pro at pulling different poses’ Annie Hawkins, 61, found a second career working as a plus-size model. When my friend bought me a boudoir photo shoot for my 55th birthday, I almost threw the voucher in the bin. I’d worked an office job for most of my career – modelling just wasn’t for me. It took two years before I finally booked it, in 2016. Arriving at the studio, I wondered what on earth I was doing. But as I got chatting to the photographer, telling her about my vintage fashion sense, I relaxed. We went for a cheeky pin-up style and I swapped between a burlesque outfit, lingerie and a faux-fur coat with heels. With every snap of the camera, my confidence grew and I really…

Stepping on to the hardwood floor, I took a deep breath. As I made my way through each punch, kick and block, I felt my adrenaline pumping and smiled, knowing that I would very soon be  receiving the highest honour there is in the sport of karate, my black belt. Growing up, I was never into sport. Even as a teen, I didn’t have any hobbies. My husband Pat and I met when we were 17 and two years later we were married. In 1986, we welcomed our first child, David, followed by Laura in 1988, and Megan in 1997. Between running a house and my job at a pre-school, it left little time for anything else. Besides, it was more important to make sure the kids got to do…

MY HUSBAND HAD A ONE-NIGHT STAND Q Six months ago my husband had a one-night stand at a bachelor party he went to. We've been together for 17 years, so I decided I wasn’t going to throw him out. It's been hard to deal with, but we are working on it. However, what's harder is that my family can’t forgive him. They tell me to break it off and my parents refuse to have him over. What do I do? A The problem is that your family care about you and, because of that, probably also share a feeling of betrayal due to your husband’s actions. This is where all of their anger is coming from. The best way forward for you is to talk to them directly, making it…

BEST FOR ANY WEATHER Revolution The Waterproof Mascara, R169,95. Expect great lash separation and strong hold, without the stiffness of traditional waterproof wands. BEST FOR CURL Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance Mascara, R340. The curved wand helps to grip every lash from root to tip, delivering lift, length and curl to even the straightest of lashes. Layer up three coats for maximum impact. Worth every penny! BEST FOR ZERO CLUMPS The Body Shop Happy Go Lash Mascara, R170. This formula leaves lashes defined and fluttery without flakes or smears. What’s not to love? BEST FOR GLOSS L’Oréal Volume Million Lashes Fatale Mascara, R199,95. Shiny lashes look healthy. The inky pigments and collagen in this formula will condition and moisturise brittle eyelashes. BEST FOR GYM-GOERS Essence You Better Work! Mascara, R70. Is…

✱ Schwarzkopf Got2b Fresh It Up Dry Shampoo, R79,95. Fringes tend to get greasier than the rest of your hair, so spread out your shower sessions with a good dry shampoo to freshen your style. This one won’t leave white residue. ✱ UniBrush Thermal Round Brush 44mm, R120. Dry with a barrel brush, pulling hair taut to one side, then the other, then straight down so it falls naturally without being too rounded or bouncy. ✱ Tresemmé Heat Defence Styling Spray, R89,99. If Hair you’re washing and styling your fringe regularly, it’s important to protect strands from heat damage. Spritz this onto damp hair before blow-drying. ✱ Creightons Bambeautiful Intensive Scalp Tonic, RRSP R369,99. Growing out your fringe? Apply two full pipettes of serum to your roots before bed to…

3 FAST AND NATURAL HAY FEVER FIXES Are you suffering this allergy season and want a natural cure instead? Try these simple grocery-cupboard remedies. 1. HONEY The bee pollen in the sticky stuff can desensitise your body to other pollens. Drizzle on to your porridge or yoghurt to help reduce symptoms. 2. CHILLI Spice up your suppers to stop the sniffles. The capsaicin in chillies helps open up nasal passages. 3. CAMOMILE Make a cup of tea to benefit from the anti-inflammatory agents. Or pop a couple of steeped teabags in the fridge for 30 minutes, then use as a cooling eye compress. THE ALL-ROUNDER Easy to use and pretty to look at, the Versa Lite may have fewer features than the Versa 2, but it has all the essentials.…

No matter what we seem to do, the bothersome fat around our stomach just will not budge. We have tried everything – from carb-cutting and wine-free Wednesday to endless sit-ups and even juicing. It’s all been a total waste of time. If anything, we were just left miserable, bewildered and baffled as to why the dreaded muffin top remains. Carrying extra weight around your tummy is typical for women, and you might not want to hear it, but it actually becomes more common as we get older, especially once we go through menopause. Nutritionist Alex Glover explains, ‘The natural loss of oestrogen as a woman ages can result in a large amount of fat, specifically around the abdominal region, and this can happen even without weight gain. If there's a…

A healthy smile not only makes you look good, but according to a study carried out by Oral-B, could make you appear more successful, more employable and even five years younger. What’s more, taking care of your teeth can prevent gum disease and infection, and ensure that they perform their important roles, such as eating, speaking and giving our faces their shape. Better get brushing' 1. TEETH ARE KEY TO ANTI-AGEING According to celebrity dentist, Dr Uchenna Okoye, the bottom half of our faces are a vital part of looking youthful, which is why our teeth and smile are so important. ‘Think of teeth as functioning like scaffolding. They support your cheeks and lips, and anything that shifts this architecture affects how youthful you appear,’ says Dr Okoye. 2. HEALTHY…

COULD COELIAC DISEASE BE TO BLAME? Q Following years of bloating and abdominal pain after eating bread, I decided to cut out gluten from my diet and I feel much better for it. My sister had similar issues, which she saw a doctor about, and has just been diagnosed with coeliac disease. She says that I should also be tested, but that I would need to go back on to gluten before the test. Is she right? A The blood test for coeliac disease looks for antibodies that people with the disease produce when exposed to gluten (the protein found in wheat, rye and barley). You would need to expose yourself to gluten for six to eight weeks before the test for it to be reliable. Don’t panic, because just…

SEARED SALMON AND SAUTÉED POTATOES WITH BALSAMIC TOMATOES SERVES 4 3 tbsp peanut oil 600g small potatoes, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 4 salmon fillets, each cut into 2 pieces 400g cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar Few basil leaves, to serve Rocket leaves, to serve 1 Heat oil in a heavy pan and fry the potato slices for 5 min, until they’re browned underneath. Turn and cook for about 5 min until golden on the other side. Move them to one side so they continue cooking gently. Add the garlic. 2 Season the salmon, add to pan and cook for a few min, then turn and cook for a few more min till tender. Set aside. 3 Add the tomatoes and the balsamic vinegar to the pan,…

DOUBLE-DECKER TART SERVES 12 READY IN 1 HR + SETTING For the base 20g unsalted butter 35g soft toffees 40g marshmallows 1 tbsp cocoa powder 60g Rice Krispies cereal 125g crunchy peanut butter For the nougat 550g castor sugar 140g liquid glucose 3 egg whites 250g mixed nuts For the glaze 100g dark chocolate, finely chopped 2 tbsp golden syrup 25g unsalted butter, cubed Edible gold leaf (optional) 1 Slowly melt the butter and toffees in a saucepan; mix in the marshmallows and cocoa powder until melted. Stir in the Rice Krispies, then spread the mixture over the base of a 23cm greased springform tin. Leave to firm up for 15 min. Spread over the peanut butter. 2 For the nougat, heat 525g of the castor sugar and the liquid…

Leigh Miller lives in this two-bedroom flat with Rufus, her miniature schnauzer. She overhauled her bland and uninspiring kitchen into a trendy, welcoming space she now enjoys, keeping the original units, which were sound, and without changing the layout, which was practical. Working on a small budget, she set about tackling the makeover herself after watching various YouTube tutorials. Repainting the kitchen units was the main project, but adding new worktops, a laminate floor and wall tiles completed the transformation.…

ON-TREND PLANT RAIL Who knew a plain curtain pole could be so versatile? Mounted on the wall (without a curtain), it can easily be used to create a display of plants. See page 93 for easy tips on how to hang a curtain pole. SCANDI-GLAM DINING CHAIR Upgrade any cheap chairs by spraying the legs gold and using some Velcro strips to attach cosy but luxe-looking faux fur. MEMO ROLL HOLDER Fix two leather cabinet handles to the kitchen wall and slip in a wooden dowel to make a stylish holder for paper towel, tinfoil or even your weekly menu or shopping list. MEDIA CONSOLE Fix a sheet of MDF to the top of a pair of step stools (we used wooden ones) and another sheet through the middle to…

…I DO TO GET INSPIRED I meditate daily; I light incense, lay a few crystals close to me, and do 20 minutes of deep meditation to calm myself and keep me focused. I find these short bursts of mindfulness are equivalent to hours of sleep and I do them to prepare for scenes. It helps me centre myself so I feel equipped and ready to take on any challenges that are thrown my way. …THAT MAKES ME FEEL CONFIDENT Knowing that this career is my true purpose fills me with self-belief. I started out as a model and, over time, I’ve been able to get involved in acting jobs. I stumbled into the acting industry and stayed because of the almost constant affirmation: I started getting parts that I loved…

Sally Jones, 64, lives with her husband John and has three step-grandchildren. If and when any of my three step-grandchildren misbehave, I don’t scold them. Not because John and I are not strict enough or because we are scared of upsetting them, but because it’s simply not our job to discipline them. The discipline duty falls to their mom and dad. Instead, we try to distract them with a story, or perhaps a new game. My husband John and I will also reward good behaviour with praise, so that they understand that good behaviour has positive consequences. Of course, there are times when the grandchildren are naughty when they are in our care, but I just have a quiet word with their parents when they come to pick them up,…

3 STEPS TO... FLAWLESS LEGS 1. LATHER UP Dove Shower Mousse with Rose Oil, R79,99, Clicks, gives a luxurious foam and is perfect to smooth onto legs while you de-fuzz in the shower. The rose oil provides a lovely fragrance, but also makes skin feel silky soft. 2. SMOOTH SKIN Elancyl Slim Design 2 in 1 Firming Body Oil, R295, Takealot.com , makes light work of lumps on your lower limbs thanks to camelina oil and caffeine and ivy extracts, which kick-start circulation and help firm up the skin over time. Massage into legs while skin is still damp for optimal results. 3. ADD SOME GLOSS The best way to fake flawless pins is to add a healthy sheen. Skinny Tan After Glow Gloss, RRSP R200, Dis-Chem, is a tropically…

DIY FACIAL MASSAGE Use night-time as a chance to banish all those stressful thoughts. Choose an essential oil blend with a soothing scent, such as Bellabaci Pure Essential Complex in Deep Relax, R265. Add two drops of the oil to your night cream, then apply, massaging your temples and cheekbone hollows in a slow, soothing way, finishing by brushing your fingers along your forehead to release tension. MARVELLOUS MANI There’s nothing better for cheering yourself up than looking down at your hands and seeing a perfectly polished manicure in a standout coral hue. Slick on Mavala Nail Color Cream in Phoenix, R86,95, and you'll feel right as rain. FEELING SLUGGISH? Incorporate morning body brushing into your day before you jump in the shower by using a natural bristle brush like…

‘A plant-based diet can protect you from disease’ Rick Hay is an anti-ageing and fitness nutritionist. Both vegan and vegetarian diets offer a wide variety of foods that are rich in antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals that help boost immunity and heart health. They also contain phytonutrients and enzymes that support digestive health and can even decrease inflammation in the body. ‘A plant-based diet can help you lose weight and boost energy’ In the short term, a plant-based diet can help you lose weight, boost energy and immunity. And in the long term, it can lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, as well as reduce your risk of diabetes and potentially fatal heart disease. Eating meat a couple of times a week isn’t dangerous, but for many it’s a meal…

Diet is a key factor in shedding weight. Limit these foods for the best results… * Kilojoule-laden cocktails Think pina coladas and cosmopolitans, to name a couple. * Sugary foods Swap 11am biscuits for a handful of raw almonds. * Refned white carbohydrates Although not a total enemy, try to swap white flour for wholewheat. So, white pasta and white tortilla wraps for their wholewheat alternatives. * Fizzy drinks Avoid, avoid avoid! Sugary drinks do the waistline no favours.…

OILY FISH PALM You should eat around 200g of oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon and tuna, twice a week. It is rich in omega oils, essential for heart function. CHEESE BOTH THUMBS Protein-rich, but still fairly high in fat, you should only have around 30g of cheese at each serving – that works out at around 520kJ. BUTTER THUMB TIP Butter and other spreads, including peanut butter, should be a portion no bigger than a thumb tip. And don’t have more than two portions a day. VEGETABLES CLENCHED FIST A clenched fist works out at the 30g you need for a serving of fresh vegetables. Mix up veggies, such as broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn, to get some variety. CHOCOLATE INDEX FINGER A few squares of chocolate, around 20g, adds…

Is my mother's condition hereditary? Q My mother fell a while back and ended up fracturing her hip. The doctors told her that she has quite advanced osteoporosis, which came as a huge surprise to us all as my mom has never had any problems with her joints or bones before this fall. The doctors also say that I could be at risk. How would I know if I have the condition, too? A Contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis doesn’t cause any symptoms at all until the bones are so thin that they break. Having a family history of the condition is a significant risk factor, so you should speak to your GP about having a special scan, called a DEXA scan, done to assess the health of your bones.osteoporosis.org.za…

FOOD IS ART @TISHACHERRY In her free time, occupational therapist Tisha Cherry likes to recreate famous artwork by well-known illustrators and artists, such as Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo, using food items like the creamy filling of an Oreo as her canvas. And she doesn't stop there, pictures of her quirky mini masterpieces are posted along with punny captions like this one, 'Dearest @oreo, are you & yoda related? ...Because YODA-LICIOUS'. QUEEN OF CAKE @YOLANDA_GAMPP They say that art imitates life, and that's exactly what cake artist Yolanda Gampp of How To Cake It does. She's known for her hyper-realistic novelty cakes, which are inspired by the everyday items that she comes across. Think supersized avo on toast (left), a lobster on a plate of greens, lifesized sneakers and even…

Sarah Weston, owner of an online home-accessories store, lives with her husband Jon, a graphic designer, and their sons, Sammy, five, and Alfie, two. They bought this two-bedroom house in November 2013. It had been rented out previously and was unloved and run-down, with really dated windows and a tatty exterior. When the couple moved in, they replaced the windows, added bifold doors and smartened up the exterior, while completely redecorating the inside, too, to create a modern, Scandinavian vibe.…

Whether you want to hang a curtain pole from scratch, or just replace an existing one, follow our handy guide to picking and putting up the perfect pole all on your own! You will need Pole; brackets (three per pole); stepladder; pencil; spirit level; tape measure; digital cable and pipe detector; drill driver or drill and screwdriver; masonry drill bit; rawlplugs (wall plugs); solid-wall screws; eraser; curtain rings (optional depending on drape); finials (decorative bits at end of pole) 1. Size up a pole You’ll need a curtain pole that’s at least 30cm wider than your window frame, so that when you want to have the curtains open, they can stack at each end without obscuring the window pane. If you’ve already got an old pole that’s too large, have…