Innholdsfortegnelse for JUNE 2020 i Essentials South Africa

Hello! In times of uncertainty, it’s comforting to know that some things haven’t changed, like your favourite magazine. The Essentialsteam has been busy during lockdown making sure that our pages are, as always, crammed full of brilliant tips, tricks and ideas to make your life a little bit easier – from how to get amazing hair while you sleep (yes, really, find out how on p30), to finding balance in a world that’s overrun by tech (p16), the right way to boost your health just by stretching (bonus: you can do it at home, check out our plan on p48), and how to make tasty fried chicken that’s low in kilojoules (p66). One article that really piqued my interest this month was ‘Ditch the guilt’ on p15. Did you know…

# INTHEKITCHEN THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR MOTHER-DAUGHTER BONDING #ESSBAKES ‘My daughter and I made the chocolate chip biscuits from your Lockdown Survival Guide for Moms & Kids today. So easy to make, and tasted great.’ – Karen Leggo ONLINE POLL WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED What’s your ideal way to exercise? Are you more of a gym bunny, a keen yogi or a dedicated runner? TRENDING ONLINE DIY HAIR MASKS USING INGREDIENTS YOU ALREADY HAVE AT HOME Lockdown may have put salon treatments on hold, but there’s no reason to deprive yourself – whip up a natural hair mask. Find the recipes on our site.…

After Nicola Owst rescued a pup in need, she realised her new best friend had saved her, too From the moment that I met Buddy, there was no doubt in my mind I’d do everything I could for him. I gave him love and a safe home, and today I can’t imagine life without him. Not only is he a family member, but he’s my best friend and has been by my side longer than my husband, Jon, 37, and my two children, Toby, two, and two-month-old Harvey. My story with Buddy began on a wet morning in April 2009, when I was on my way to the outskirts of town with my friend Sally and her daughter to see a horse they were interested in buying. As the rain…

Filling yet more delivery bags with items ready to send off to new customers, I couldn’t believe how popular my T-shirt collection  had been. My mind whirring with new designs, I was thrilled to be busy doing something I loved – and something I never thought I’d have the nerve to do. Since going back to work as a sub-editor in July 2012, a year after having my first child, Reuben, life had been a busy juggle. I’d been harbouring dreams of starting my own business, but it felt a long way off. Then, when my daughter, Lois, arrived in 2013, life became even busier. But I knew I wanted to do something for myself, too – I needed a creative outlet. My husband Simon was a sales director and…

I’M WORRIED ABOUT MY SISTER QI feel very worried about my sister. She has always been a bubbly person, but in the last year she’s been suffering from depression. She says that she wakes up feeling down, can’t sleep and has no appetite. My niece says that sometimes her mother doesn’t get out of bed for days on end, saying everything is hopeless. I feel frightened for her because I know she told the doctor that she was fne when she's not. How can I help? A The first thing you need to do is get her to see her doctor again. Make an appointment (say that it’s urgent) and ask her if you can join her. Then you’ll know what she’s telling her GP and what advice and/or medication…

With our day-to-day being lived at a faster pace, and brisk showers fitting in better to busy routines, baths have become less a functional time to cleanse, and more a luxury and much-needed dose of me time. We show you how to embrace the extravagance of a full bath and give it a boost with these super-soak additions. THE BUBBLES There’s just something so wonderfully luxurious about stepping into a steaming-hot bath that’s piled high with snowy white foam. Earthsap Foam Bath in Mandarin & Orange, R69 , is packed with an uplifting blend of citrus notes that not only leave your skin conditioned, but boost your mood, too – this is a treat just for you, not the kids! THE SOAP Soap is making a comeback in a big…

You’ve had a difficult day at the office. On the way home, all you can think about is the pizza that you’re going to polish off on the couch. Or maybe you’re not getting on well with your partner, and keep nibbling biscuits whenever you’ve had an argument. Whatever your triggers, if you eat for emotional reasons, that’s normal, according to Dr Aria Campbell-Danesh, a behaviour change psychologist specialising in weight management. ‘Emotional eating is often misunderstood and unfairly demonised,’ he says. ‘The reality is, we don’t just eat on hunger. Our brains have evolved to find food pleasurable. It’s natural to eat to feel better. It can cause problems, though, if eating is your go-to coping strategy, particularly if you gain unwanted weight as a result,’ explains Dr Campbell-Danesh.…

As the current global events have sadly shown us, germs are the invisible enemy that have the potential to make us extremely ill. ‘Although we can’t see them, germs spread quickly and easily from person to person or by touching surfaces,’ says Dr Sarah Brewer. To stay healthy, ramp up hygiene habits in your home and avoid close contact with others – particularly those showing signs of being sick. CONTAGION DANGER There are more than 200 different cold viruses going around and most of us will catch one or two of these annually, but make a speedy recovery after a couple of days of feeling run-down. Each year, more than one in 10 of us will also catch the flu and, although it’s a common illness, it can be deadly.…

ISN'T HE TOO YOUNG FOR CANCER? Q My brother, who’s only 24, has just told me he has testicular cancer and that he starts chemotherapy next week. The diagnosis came as a huge shock to our family – we're devastated. I didn’t want to ask my brother too many questions, but I can't wrap my head around it, considering his age. What I really want to know is if the outlook is good after treatment? A Most testicular cancers respond very well to chemotherapy, so the outlook is good. Unlike most other cancers, it does tend to affect younger men – recent statistics put the age bracket of those men diagnosed at between 15 and 49 – but we don’t know why. You may find the information, and answers to…

THIS MONTH WE'RE LOVING... Modular couches No one couch fits well in all homes, and needs change as a family grows. Consider, too, the idea of flexibility; being able to swap things around to keep your decor fresh. All of these factors are why we prefer modular furniture, where separate sections can be added or removed to create what you really need. Coricraft's Imogen Modular Couch, out in five chic upholstery fabrics covering soft feather-wrapped cushion inners, fits the bill. It has single pieces you can use in a number of ways: buy a set with a three-, four-, five- or six-piece combo, or buy pieces individually for a bespoke look. The combo sets are available in grey or navy, while single pieces bought have at least 50 colour options!…

It doesn’t take too long for your once-clean and bright white grout to become discoloured and dirty. Spend a weekend replacing yours for tiles that look good as new – you could take the chance to try something new, like a coloured grout, perhaps? You will need Dust sheet; safety goggles; mask (optional); grout rake with spare blades or electric grout remover with correct drill bits; grout; container to mix grout in; grout trowel or float; tile sponge; grout finishing tool; soft cloth 1. Prepare the area Lay a dust sheet on the floor to make cleaning up quicker. If you’re working over a sink, bath or basin, put the plug in to avoid grout blocking the pipe. It’s important to wear safety goggles and, if you can’t ventilate the…

RESTOCKING ...OUR KITCHEN HERBS Yes, they add flavour in cooking, but humble herbs come with a host of other super health benefits, too. Read more on p46. DESTRESSING ...WITH LAVENDER BEAUTY BUYS Beauty ed Martinique has encouraged us all to tap into this soothing scent, with a range of buys from body oils to bath bombs (see p32). FINDING BALANCE ...IN A WIRED WORLD Need to get a handle on your online habits? We followed the insightful tips of digital detox expert Frances Booth for how to reclaim our time (and sanity!) on p16. DEBATING ...ABOUT A HOT TOPIC Should wolf-whistling be illegal? Read what two women think on p8.…

Actress Scarlett Johansson, 35, has had quite a year, being nominated for two Academy Awards for her roles in Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. Now she’s back on the big screen reprising her role as Marvel character Black Widow in the standalone film about the famed superhero. ‘Gender imbalance is still such a driving force in our society’ The actress became known as a child star when she was just 13. One of her first roles was as Grace MacLean in The Horse Whisperer – a drama directed by Robert Redford. A twin, and the second youngest of five siblings, Scarlett grew up in New York with her Danish architect father and mother, Melanie, who became Scarlett’s manager early on in the actress’s career. Scarlett lives in New York with…

These unprecedented times, caused by the COVID-19 crisis, have impacted practically every aspect of our lives. With the recent lockdown keeping families all under one roof, children being homeschooled and couples working from the kitchen table, life was – and still is – a far cry from what we knew some weeks ago. But what has been the impact of coronavirus on the life of singles? In a time where the usual dating hotspots of bars, restaurants, coffee shops and cinemas are closed, and social distancing is being legally enforced, you might have thought the pandemic would have put dating on hold indefinitely. However, determined in their quest for love, singletons have found new, creative ways to date during lockdown. According to a Dating.com survey, a whopping 82% of singles…

3 STEPS TO… KISSABLE LIPS 1. EXFOLIATE As with most things in life, a little bit of prep work makes all the difference. So to get lips looking soft and smooth, remove flakiness with a lip exfoliator. Revlon Kiss Exfoliating Balm in Sugar Mint, R59,95, Dis-Chem, uses sugar crystals plus a soothing balm, so it’s gentle but effective enough to use every day! 2. TREAT To alleviate dryness, Blistex DCT Lip Protectant/ Sunscreen SPF 20, R92,99, Clicks, is worth every cent. However, a little goes a long way, and it does exactly what it says on the packaging. 3. PLUMP Even if you already have full, luscious-looking lips, swiping on a gleaming gloss with a hydrating formula not only makes your pout appear plumper, it’s also the perfect finishing touch…

Know those mornings when you look in the mirror and your hair defies gravity? At times like that, you probably wonder why it’s even called beauty sleep. Let’s face it, our packed to do lists and our overwhelming urge to repeatedly press the snooze button mean that dry shampoo and hastily twizzled topknots are favoured over time spent styling. But there is a loophole. We’ll show you how to do all the hard work before you go to bed, so that come morning your hair is good to go – and absolutely gorgeous! UPGRADE YOUR PILLOW ‘A cotton pillowcase can pull on your hair,’ says celeb hairdresser Neville Ramsay. ‘The best pillowcases are silk or satin.’ We love The Silk Lady 100% Organic Silk Pillowcase, from R350 , which promotes…

ALL PUFFED UP A lightweight, longline puffer jacket is great for taller frames, or anyone looking to create feminine curves. Stick to neutral colours that you can wear for years to come. Puffer coat, R1 499 , Zara CINCH IT A parka can be quite daunting when you don’t want to add extra bulk to your fgure, but this drawstring design is the perfect solution. The faux-fur hood is great for disguising broader shoulders, too. Parka jacket, R1 699 , Forever New TOP TRENCH This classic style is great for faking a waist and while a lot of trenches have necklines that don’t accommodate bigger busts, the plunge of this one makes it universally flattering. Suedette trench coat, from R899 , Edition at Woolworths ALL IN THE DETAILS Ideal for…

Do you ever consider the effects that a dash of coriander or a sprinkle of mint can have on your health? Sure, they taste good, but they also offer a range of amazing benefits for your body and mind. So whether you’re struck down with a virus, buried under a mountain of stress or suffering with joint pain, upgrade your herb garden or spice rack and say hello to better health. ROSEMARY WHAT IT DOES Rich in iron, calcium and vitamin B6, this fragrant herb isn’t just good for people’s taste buds. In fact, according to the medical journal Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, the aroma alone can improve your concentration, performance, speed, accuracy and even mood. Rosemary has also been found to help cancer patients. Various studies have shown that…

THIS MONTH WE'RE MAKING... Squidgy mango & almond cake 1. Heat oven to 190°C. Grease and line a 20cm cake tin (not loose-based, as syrup will seep out!). Arrange 300g cubed mango over the tin base and drizzle on 4 tbsp golden syrup. 2. Combine 225g room-temp butter, 4 eggs, 175g self-raising flour, 225g golden castor sugar, 50g ground almonds, and finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon in electric mixer. Gently mix till it’s a soft dropping consistency. 3. Spoon mixture into tin, over fruit, level surface and bake for 40-50 min till a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. 4. Put 1 tbsp golden syrup into pan with 4 tbsp apricot jam and gently warm through. Tip in 300g cubed mango, to coat, then spoon…

PORK BELLY BANH MI SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR 35 MIN 4 thick slices pork belly For the pickled veg 100ml Asian rice vinegar 2 tsp castor sugar ½ tsp salt 2 tsp ginger, grated 1 carrot, sliced thinly ½ cucumber, peeled into ribbons For the sandwich 100ml soya sauce 100ml sweet chilli sauce 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 long baguette, cut into 4 pieces To serve Mayonnaise Lettuce, shredded Bunch each of fresh coriander and basil Zest and juice of 2 limes 1 red or green chilli, finely sliced 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lay the pork belly slices on a baking tray and bake for 35-40 min until cooked through. 2 Meanwhile, make the pickled vegetables. Combine the Asian rice vinegar, castor sugar, salt, ginger, carrot…

FLOATING SHELVES A stack of floating shelves creates a wall of storage and display in a living space – just add chairs for the perfect laptop landing spot. NEAT NICHE IN A BEDROOM Plan a break at the end of a run of built-in cupboards to fit a compact desk and chair. A pegboard, painted to blend in, and fitted with jars and tins will stop your stationery spreading. PRINTING STATION If you tend to work at your kitchen table, all you need is somewhere to hide the printer. We removed a drawer from this chest to fit one in and changed its legs for a less 'officey' look. SPARE-ROOM ALCOVE A narrow, floating desk won't protrude into the bedroom. When guests come to stay, prop a mirror on it…

WINTER COATS UPDATED YOUR WARDROBE YET? From the trench to the funnel, there’s a shape to suit you says our fashion ed, Xolani (p40). EASY HOME UPDATES YES, YOU DOHAVE SPACE FOR ANOFFICE! Starting on p99, we inspire you with six ways to fit in a work space right at home. NO-HUNGER DIET LOSE UP TO 5KG IN FOUR WEEKS We give you the low-down on this new way of eating with an easy plan (p56). ONE-POT MEALS FIVE FABULOUS RECIPES Fuss-free and filling? These easy-to-make dishes don’t disappoint (p68).…

Why? Because all he’s doing is commenting on my appearance, he has committed no crime, and sometimes it’s just the ego boost I need. If I’ve had a bad day or I’m feeling a bit low about how I look, as I’m Zoe May, 33, is a successful romance author. I see the act of catcalling or wolf-whistling as a massive compliment and, in my opinion, so should every other woman. If a man whistles at me as I walk by, I’m not offended, and will often respond by smiling and saying, ‘Thanks!’ sure every woman sometimes does, it makes me feel a million times better about myself. ‘A whistle or catcall is nothing to get upset over’ It’s a bit of fun and usually only happens when men are…

It’s happened to us all. One minute you’re doing a quick Facebook check, the next, three hours have passed and you’re deep in someone’s online photo album, with no idea where the time has gone. No wonder there aren’t enough hours in the day and we feel permanently frazzled. Digital detox expert Frances Booth has all the advice on how you can finally get on top of emails and social media, deepen your concentration, and get your non-digital life in balance. KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS Boredom is often a key reason to go online. After all, it’s far simpler to check emails than tackle a tough report. There’s also an easy blurring between your private life and work. It’s hard to resist friends contacting us with gossip and a link to…

Counsellor and relationship expert Suzie Hayman explains: ‘You’re confined to home, but does this mean that romance is out? I’d say you actually have a chance to find the exact right match for you, because you can get to know someone in absolute safety, and take your time about it. Of course, you should still be wary. At the first hint of a sob story and a request for a loan, hit the delete button, because it’s a scam every time. But one advantage is that you might be able to really get to know the genuine feelings and attitudes of your prospective mate as you take your time to chat and learn about each other. What you look like, and anxieties about your appearance, are less important. And, of…

BATH-TIME ESSENTIAL The Apothecary Lavender Bath Salts, R79 , is the perfect bathing companion. Add a spoonful of this lavender-infused Epsom salt bath soak to your water to soothe your body and mind before you get into bed. BREATHE DEEP If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, dab Soil Organic Remedy Roller in Relax, R40 , onto your pulse points and breathe in deeply. The mix of camomile, clary sage, marjoram and lavender essential oils in this are sure to ease anxiety in five minutes or less. QUICK FIX Don’t have time for a long soak? Get your daily lavender hit with Oh So Heavenly Lavender Lather Uplifting Body Wash Gel, R54,99 . SIMPLY FRAGRANT As winter draws near, take a moment to relax when you light Nesti Dante Romantica Wild…

3 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN SHARP Surgeon Dr Robert Foster shares his advice on keeping your brain active and healthy. 1. WORK IT He says: ‘The old adage “use it or lose it” is true. Stay mentally active by learning a new language or by regularly dipping into a crossword puzzle. Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs regular exercise to stay healthy.’ 2. EAT WELL ‘Breakfast is a must, especially cereal, as it has been found to improve memory, concentration and mental performance,’ advises Dr Foster. For an added boost, include brocolli, blueberries, fatty fish and pumpkin seeds in your diet. 3. TUNE UP WITH TURMERIC ‘The curcumin in turmeric can help boost important brain chemicals, which encourage new brain cells to grow,’ he adds.…

Oh to be a cat. They’re independent, spend all day snoozing in the sun, and they’ve got the whole stretching thing down to a T. They do it to get their blood flowing and muscles moving after periods of inactivity, so they're ready to pounce on the next mouse they come across. Although we’re not on the lookout for the next rodent, stretching is key for health, and we need to do it more. ’Stretching plays a crucial role in overall health, fitness and function, and it's vital to keep muscles flexible, strong and healthy,’ says pilates instructor Gaby Noble. Flexibility is key. ’If your muscles aren't flexible, the range of motion in your joints is reduced and your muscles become short and tight. This tightness can lead to aches,…

CHINESE SPICED PORK BELLY WITH PLUMS SERVES 8 READY IN 3-6 HR 30 MIN, DEPENDING ON METHOD 1,2kg pork belly, cut into slices 2 cinnamon sticks 3 star anise 1 tsp Chinese five spice 6 plums, halved (when out of season, prunes are a good substitute) 150ml red wine Juice of 2 oranges 1 chicken stock pot (we used Knorr) 150g Chinese greens, such as pak choi 1 Put the pork into a slow cooker with cinnamon, star anise, five spice, plums, wine, orange juice and stock pot. Cook on low for 6 hr/ high for 3 hr. Alternatively, put the ingredients into a casserole with a scrunched-up piece of wet greaseproof paper inside the lid and cook in the oven on its lowest setting for 4-6 hr. 2 Skim…

OVEN-BAKED APPLE PUDDING SERVES 8 READY IN 50 MIN 3 medium-sized apples, grated (we like Braeburn) Juice of 1 small lemon 1 tsp cinnamon 50g pecan nuts, toasted and chopped 140g butter, melted, plus 50g extra 220g self-raising flour 1 tbsp castor sugar 120ml cream 50ml milk 2 tbsp demerara sugar Dessert or double-thick cream, to serve 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. For the filling, mix the apples, lemon juice and cinnamon in a pan on the stove. Stir through the pecan nuts and 140g melted butter. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, for 2 min until just softened. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. 2 Rub together the flour, extra butter and castor sugar until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Pour in the cream…

CREATIVE COLOUR PLAY Dusky purple with its brown undertone, used on the walls, is superb for giving large, light-filled spaces a more intimate, cosy feel. Paired with white woodwork and ceilings, this hue won’t overwhelm or feel claustrophobic, either. Just choose pure white over creams for a fresher accent. As for furniture, complement the calm with bare wood. Add a modern spin featuring cool, light greys and teals clashed to perfection with blue-toned purples. TRY A TONAL TEXTURE ‘Mix and match items on show. Don’t put all your books and vases on the same shelf; split them up’ Put a painterly twist on your mauve-wall decor scheme, choosing curtains with a soft, almost blurred, tonal design. This print also looks great on scatter cushions in the bedroom – just not…

1 BEANS OR GROUNDS FOR AN AROMATIC CUPPA De’Longhi Caffe Venezia 1350W Automatic Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, R5 999, Yuppiechef That distinctive coffee fragrance is arguably one of the best things about a really good cup, but if beans aren’t ground and stored correctly, that freshness and aroma quickly dissappear. That’s where De’Longhi’s Compact Reliable Fresh Technology comes in: the coffee beans are ground instantly into a tubeless system when you make a cup to ensure ultimate freshness and flavour with that addictive coffee smell left intact! Other great features include the ability to make two cups at once, a pre-brewing function, 13 different coffee-grinding settings, and the option to adjust coffee and water levels to create the strength you want. You can use beans or grounds, too. ADDED…

SUCH A FUN AGE BY KILEY REID (BLOOMSBURY) While at the supermarket one evening, Emira, a young black woman, is falsely accused of kidnapping the little white girl she is actually babysitting. The commotion causes a group of people to gather around, with one bystander even filming the confrontation. The toddler-s mom, Alix, a feminist blogger, is infuriated by the news and tries to rectify things with her employee. However, Emira is struggling to overcome her humiliation and doesn-t quite trust Alix-s seemingly good intentions. A thought-provoking debut that tackles classism, bigotry and privilege set in today-s times. The 24-Hour Café BY LIBBY PAGE (ORION) Hannah and Mona are struggling artists and best friends who work as waitresses at Stella’s Café in London, which acts as a ‘refuge’…