M I L A D Y S C L U B

win 7 days in mauritius

tHE uLtimatEWintEr LOOK

sOCiaL nEtWOrKinG

On tHE run

Velvet Fur Throw127 x 152cm 22999

17999Printed Micro bre Blankets180 x 200cm

MicrofibreBlankets180 x 200cm

8999

loving your home!

Apply online or instore today! Credit only available in South Africa. Visit www.sheetstreet.co.za or

call us toll-free on 0800 27 33 48. Promotion starts 23 March 2012 while stocks last!

100% brushed cotton for warmth includes: Fitted sheet Flat sheet 2 Pack pillowcases. Also available in 5 designs at selected stores

✓ ✓ ✓

Winter Bale Packsingle 17999

*selected stores

** *

Mr Price Group LTD is an authorized Financial Services and Credit Provider- FSP31450 and NCRCP46

Velvet Fur Throw127 x 152cm 22999

17999Printed Micro bre Blankets180 x 200cm

MicrofibreBlankets180 x 200cm

8999

loving your home!

Apply online or instore today! Credit only available in South Africa. Visit www.sheetstreet.co.za or

call us toll-free on 0800 27 33 48. Promotion starts 23 March 2012 while stocks last!

100% brushed cotton for warmth includes: Fitted sheet Flat sheet 2 Pack pillowcases. Also available in 5 designs at selected stores

✓ ✓ ✓

Winter Bale Packsingle 17999

*selected stores

** *

Mr Price Group LTD is an authorized Financial Services and Credit Provider- FSP31450 and NCRCP46

2 INSPIRATiONS

fashion & beauty

12 Fashion Forecast

14 The Winter Wardrobe Clear Out

16 Winter Fabrications

18 Wrap up in Style

20Miladys Winter Wardrobe Essentials

22 René Taylor-This season’s style

24Put Your Best Face Forward this Winter

travel

48 Mauritius

contents

18 54

40regulars

4 From our side...

6 Over to you

8 Short & Sweet

62 Sudoku

64 Book Club

support & health40 Rest That Weary Head

44 Happiness Make-Overhome & delights

54 Kitchen Remodel

58 Cooking with Coffee

INSPIRATIONS PUBLISHER: TCB Group PO Box 11273, Hatfield, 0028 Tel: 0861 THE MAG (843 624) Fax: +27 88 012 346 1014 mail@tcbgroup.co.za

PROJECT COORDINATOR: Liesel van der Schyf liesel@wol.co.za

MANAGING EDITOR: Deidre Theron-Loots deidre@tcbgroup.co.za

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES: Nikki de Lange +27 83 415 0339 Estelle van der Westhuizen +27 84 821 7257

MEDIA TRAFFIC MANAGER: Herman du Randt herman@tcbgroup.co.za

IMAGES: © Club Med; iStockphoto.com; Miladys; Liesel van der Schyf

DESIGN & LAYOUT: The Virtual Da Vinci Creative Room liesel@wol.co.za

REPRO: Hirt & Carter, Durban

PRINTING: Paarl Media Academy of Print, Durban

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Michael Vlismas; Club Med; Beth Cooper Howell; Dr Liz Pretorius; Liesel van der Schyf; Weizter; Get Smarter; Jenna Clifford; Phillip Sylvano

Inspirations is published quarterly by TCB Group. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of TCB Group or MILADYS. Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions. No material (articles or photographs) in this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without specific written permission from the Editor. Copyright © 2012. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to TCB Group and/or the individual contributors. All rights reserved.

All advertising in Inspirations are placed by the publisher and are not necessarily products that MILADYS endorse.

5858

For any enquiries on miladys merchandise, please phone our Customer Friend on: 0800 310 290.

tips & inspiration

28 A Gem of Wisdom

30 Social Networking on the Run

34 Google Power

36Let 2012 Be Your Year of Sustainable Resolve

38 Michael Vlismas on Being a Dad

50 The Power of One

48

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Puzzle by websudoku.com

Solutions to the Sudoku puzzles on page 62

Terms & Conditions: No purchase is necessary. *The 35% discount applies to our retail price list of electrically powered beds. All entries received before 30 April 2012 will be entered into the prize draw and the winner will receive a bed from our Elite range. Entries limited to one per household. No cash equivalent available.

4 INSPIRATiONS

sidefrom our

For any enquiries on Miladys merchandise, please phone our Customer Friend on: 0800 310 290.

With Winter right on our doorstep, one cannot help but wonder

where this year has gone. And with the turn of the season, it is time to start assembling your perfect Winter Wardrobe to keep the chills at bay. This season is filled with plush fabrics, textured knits and gorgeous, incredibly comfortable, boots.

Before you start stocking up on Winter goodies, be sure to follow our step by step guide for a ‘Winter Wardrobe Clear out” where we give you some tips on how to get rid of the old, before introducing new items to your cupboard. During Winter time, don’t forget to pay extra attention to your skin, as a healthy complexion is always an asset, no matter what the season. In this issue we have got some great advice on how to ensure that your skin is properly hydrated during winter, plus we are giving away two great hampers courtesy of Revlon and Payot. 

With the explosion of social media, we thought to keep you, our reader, on track with what this phenomenon is all about, and give you some suggestions on how you can become part of this social circle. Get Smarter is also giving us some tips on how to use Google to its full potential. Be sure to enter their competition, where you could win an online Internet Super-User course.

Have you put your New Year’s resolutions on the back-burner? Kick-start your good intentions this Winter with your very own Happiness Make-Over. Dr Liz Pretorius gives us a few guidelines on how you can rejuvenate your spirit. One of the paths to happiness is ensuring that you get enough rest, and if you are an insomniac, our article entitled ‘Rest That Weary Head’ is just for you. Make sure that you stay healthy this Winter, physically and emotionally by getting enough rest.

No matter who you are, making a great first impression

when meeting new people, whether it is for an interview or a first date, can be the difference between success and failure. Angela Barry gives us a few pointers in this issue on how to turn a first impression into a lasting one.

Our article on Mauritius features a fantastic travel offer for Miladys Club Members, as well as a competition, where you can stand a chance to win 7 nights accommodation at La Pointe aux Canonniers in Mauritius. I don’t know about you, but planning an island holiday is a sure fire way of beating the winter blues.

If you ever thought that coffee is only useful to warm up a cold morning, think again. We have some lovely recipes on how to use coffee for flavouring when cooking.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy this edition of Inspirations, and remember, make the most of this Winter with Miladys.

From the team at MILADYS

Terms & Conditions: No purchase is necessary. *The 35% discount applies to our retail price list of electrically powered beds. All entries received before 30 April 2012 will be entered into the prize draw and the winner will receive a bed from our Elite range. Entries limited to one per household. No cash equivalent available.

6 INSPIRATiONS

over to youWe love hearing from our Inspirations readers, who always have interesting thoughts

and suggestions to share. We want to hear from you, so please send your comments

to: MILADYS CLUB MAGAZINE, PO Box 3562, Durban, 4000 or email

cmainstone@mrpricegroup.com or visit us on Facebook. The writer of the winning letter

will be able to pamper herself with a MILADYS gift voucher to the value of R500,00.

Please note that all letters are edited for length and clarity.

winning letterI would like to share with you the story of

my 80-year-old mother, Sybil Bester who

has a stunning attitude. Let me sketch the

background, and the reason for this letter.

Our dear Daddy, at the age of 79, suddenly

passed away on Woman’s Day, 9th August 2011,

after having suffered a massive heart attack.

He and Mom had been married for 57 years

and served as a wonderful example to us girls

of how to love and be loved, and especially

how to laugh and enjoy life. Daddy had always

been proud of Mom’s spontaneity, and the fact

that she was completely at ease with her own

body, causing her to be a great lover of fun –

which she still is to this day. She is very sociable

and at her age and is still a member of the

‘Penguins’ – a gym-trim group for the elderly

that exercises regularly, organises outings and

arranges competitions to brighten up their days.

She is also involved with the ‘Golden Oldies’,

care groups, the church and missionary work –

wherever there is some action, she will be there.

Consequently, Mom has won a few of these

competitions over the past couple of years,

always with some hilarious costume depicting

a specific theme. But because it had been

only three weeks after Dad’s passing away,

she decided for the first time not to compete.

Needless to say, all her friends begged her

to at least attend,

because she is the one

who lightens up their

day and puts a smile

on their faces. With the

power of persuasion that

only a 26-year-old can

possess, my daughter

Daniëtte convinced her

grandmother that this was

what Grandpa would have wanted, and lo and

behold – Grandma decided to enter, provided

that her granddaughter quickly helped her with

the thinking and doing parts! We were at the

Platinum Mall near Brits doing our shopping,

when Grandma suddenly decided that she

wanted to make an outfit from bags. Only

Milady’s was willing to help, and gave grandma

a few bags in support of this lady’s crazy idea…

and would you ever – a stunning end result

(photos attached). My eldest son immediately

commented: “‘Who says Miladys’ garments are

not recession-friendly!”

Thank you so much Miladys, you are the

shopping dream of every woman with attitude.

And a special thank you for having turned

Mommy’s day into a beautiful memory.

Regards,

Roeline van Wyk

AUTUMN 2012 7

MILADYS

Thanks so much for a

wonderful magazine, which, in

my opinion, could be issued on

a monthly basis. I really look

forward as there are always so

many interesting reads, lovely

informative information about

role models, delicious recipes,

upcoming new fashion and

very many competitions and

freebies up for grabs. I would

like to suggest that you include

crosswords in your magazine

as brain food. Thanks so much

for a lovely fun-filled magazine

which I really look forward to.

Regards and keep well,

Lyndell

I’m writing this letter just to

let you know how much I am

enjoying your new Summer

Collection at Miladys. It is the

most feminine, colourful and

beautiful range, far surpassing

any of the other stores in the

market place!

I feel that I have been in a

lovely summer garden when

visiting my nearest Miladys in

Blue Route, Tokai – it lifts my

spirits and gives me “joy de

vivre”!

Thank you for my birthday

voucher, as well as the rewards

vouchers you send from time

to time – much appreciated.

Warmest wishes to you.

Yours sincerely,

Charlotte West

newsOur Club Winners:

October 2011:

r5000.00 winner:            

Miss Anneliz Groenewald

from Kempton Park (East

Rand Mall store)

r2500.00 winners:            

Mrs M K Webber from

Weltevreden Park

(Randridge store)

Mrs Agnes Tyobeka from

Rustenburg (Rustenburg

Berg Street store)

 

november 2011:

R5000.00 winner:            

Miss A.T. Nhlabathi from

White City Soweto (Royal St

Mary’s store)

r2500.00 winners:            

Mev S. E. Linde from Vryburg

(Vryburg store)

Mrs B. Leshoro from

Bloemfontein (Loch Logan

store)

 

December 2011:

r5000.00 winner:            

Mrs Elizabeth Mahlangu from

Pretoria (Wonderpark store)

r2500.00 winners:

Maryke Can Wyk from

Laydbrand (Ladybrand

store)

Mrs J Prinsloo from

Westgate

January 2012:

r5000.00 winner:

Mrs Sylvia Mhini from

Mdantsane (Vincent Park

store)

r2500.00 winners:

Mrs N. Mgoqi from

Queenstown (Queenstown

store)

Miss Jaco-Marie Van Niekerk

from Windhoek (Maeura Mall

store)

 

iPOD Winner for nov issue:

Lynda Esterhuysen from Birch Arces (Greenstone store)

“More news from you...”

8

TIPS

short&sweet

Perdeberg Chenin BlancPerdeberg Winery is home to Chenin Blanc,

produced from Dry Land Bush Vines…you can

take the grapes from Mother Nature, but you

can’t take Mother Nature from the grapes!

Dry Land Bush Vines, as Mother Nature

intended… Perdeberg Winery prides them on

a long tradition of excellence in winemaking,

constantly innovating and striving to improve

and perfect. Over the decades, they have

crafted wines and refined their techniques,

bringing you a wide selection of superior

wines to complement any occasion and

please every palate. And they have no plans

of slowing down. Visit www.perdeberg.co.za

sms and win Perdeberg Winery is giving away wine to the value

of R2,000. To stand a chance to win, simply sms

INSPIRATIONS PERDEBERG followed by your name

and account number to 35131.The prizes cannot be exchanged for cash and is not transferable. Standard Terms

and Conditions apply.* Cost per SMS is R1.50. Competition closes 30 April 2012. By

entering this competition, you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to

Miladys. Winners will be notified telephonically. This competition is open to Miladys Club

members only.

DaniKa sPa

JEWEL OF tHE nOrtH WEst

Allow yourself the privilege of visiting the

best Spa in North West, Klerksdorp. Visit

their website www.danikaspa.co.za for

more information, prices, photo gallery

and vouchers. Remember that Danika

Spa caters for all your special days such

as Mother’s Day to make every visit a

memorable one. Danika Spa is the place

where body, mind and soul combine with

state-of-the-art technology and world-

class products to deliver an experience of a lifetime!

Join us on Facebook: Danika Spa & Haarsalon and

experience the specials and competitions they offer

on a weekly basis. Contact them on (018) 468 3849

or send an email to danikaspa@telkomsa.net to make

your booking, or to obtain the most sought after gift,

namely a Danika Spa Gift Voucher!

Gourmet Fruit Bouquets®

The perfect twist on the traditional rose

bouquet; Gourmet Fruit Bouquets®

are a healthy and unique way of

enjoying fruit - especially when it is

paired with chocolate. These delicious

bouquets are the perfect gift for parties,

birthdays, get well gifts, anniversaries

or simply a way to say I am thinking of

you. Gourmet Fruit Bouquets® make

beautiful and tasteful gifts or even

unique party centerpieces. One of

our top choice for Easter or Mothers

Day is the Apple Berry bouquet - a

sensational bouquet of chocolate-

dipped strawberries and Granny Smith

apples. The double dipped strawberries

are hand laced and sit on top of this

stunning arrangement. Available in a

range of dazzling designs and sizes,

Gourmet Fruit Baskets are presented

like a bouquet of flowers, ONLY EDIBLE.

Re-imagine how you eat your fruit! Call

+27 76 234 3976 or visit

www.fruitbouquets.co.za.

12 INSPIRATiONS

Team the must have

items for the season to

create the perfect winter

look. From our corduroy

tunics to our assortment

of polonecks you will find

your layering pieces

in-store at Miladys.

Expect a season of many exciting looks with

plush fabrics, rich embroidery and trims. Put

that all together and looking great this winter

is going to be easy – as always, Miladys helps

you make the most of this season’s style

FASHIONFORECasT

Chunky knits , are cosy and versatile,

dress them up or down.

Layering is the best way to look and feel fabulous this winter. Give it a try

by wearing a shorter sleeve chunky knit over a long sleeve top. Layering

gets our vote this season because you can add more layers such as scarves

and jackets as it gets colder, or remove layers as you warm up.

AUTUMN 2012 13

Winter warmth is what it is all

about and the quilted jacket

is just the item to deliver on

this. Perfect for outdoors

and lower temperatures this

item will serve you well this

season.

Coloured denim makes a

welcome return and a great

way to update your look.

Style meets comfort.

You can have both with

our wide range of boots.

The wedge boot is this

seasons must have, look

out for the wedge boot

in April.

14 INSPIRATiONS

MILADYS

The Winter Wardrobe

It’s that time of year again when we pack

our sleeveless summer tops, pretty sun

dresses and strappy sandals away, in order

to make way for Winters long-sleeve knits,

chunky cardigans, warm jackets, wooly scarves

and gorgeous boots.

Save time, money and energy by setting

aside at least two hours this week to get your

wardrobe ready for Winter. This essential task

is not as daunting as you think; simply follow

our easy wardrobe clear-out tips and your

wardrobe will be Winter-ready in no time at all.

Remember that sorting out your wardrobe will

allow you to get many outfits from just a few

items and also ensure that your wardrobe is

never boring.

STEP 1. Take every item of clothing out of

your wardrobe, and lay them on your bed.

STEP 2. Go through the pile of clothing and

divide the items into three piles.

Pile number 1:

Items that cannot be worn in Winter: example

strappy sundresses, summer thong sandals etc.

Pile number 2:

Items that can be worn both in Summer and

Winter: example denim jeans, flat pumps etc.

Pile number 3:

Items which you have not worn for the last 12

months. These items perhaps no longer fit you,

or don’t co-ordinate with anything else in your

wardrobe.

Pack the items from Pile number 1 neatly

into a suitcase and store them away during

the colder winter months. Use cedar blocks* to

ensure that these items don’t attract fish moths

or mildew.

*Cedar blocks are an environmentally friendly

insect repellent. Place these small, fresh-

smelling, chemical-free cedar blocks anywhere

you keep clothing to absorb moisture and repel

insects. To refresh, just rub a few times a year

with light sandpaper. Aromatic Cedar is known

CLEaR OUT

AUTUMN 2012 15

Winter’s value

R100When you spend r500 or more!

OF

F

now that your wardrobe is organised and you love

everything that remains, it is time to re-think how you shop;

there are a few basic rules to remember when shopping:

• Only purchase items that suit you – if you are not sure, take a

friend along when shopping. Remember, a true friend is your

best mirror.

• Don’t shop for the size you want to be or for the figure you

wish you had - shop for your current size and figure.

• Invest in quality fabrics and flattering styles that will last for

years. Think quality rather than quantity, just a few well-

chosen pieces are all that’s necessary.

• Stick to basic colours like black, grey, white, beige and

stone when building your basic wardrobe – then add the

trendy/fashionable colours with a few items, like a blouse, a

handbag, boots or a scarf.

• Solid colours mix better than prints. You will get more wear

out of investing in solid colours than prints or patterns.

• Everytime you buy something, you should think about what

you will wear it with and where.

• Purchase items that can be worn with other items in your

wardrobe and easily transitions from work to weekend or a

night out. That is investment shopping.

• Take good care of your clothes and you’ll wear them for

years.

• Have fun! Shopping for clothing should never be a chore.

Think about your personal style as well as your lifestyle and

shop accordingly.

MILADYS

EXCLUSIVE TO MILADYS CLUB MEMBERS

TERMS & CONDITIONS:- No photocopies accepted. One voucher per customer. Get R100 off your next purchase of R500. This voucher may only be used on regular priced merchandise, may not be used in conjunction with other offers, may not be used for account payments, to purchase gift cards or redeemed for cash. Lost or misplaced vouchers will not be replaced by Miladys. This voucher may not be used in conjunction with another promotional offer or voucher. This voucher must be produced to qualify for this offer. This voucher may not be used on cosmetic, fragrance or skincare purchases. This voucher expires on 22 April 2012.

0400017081

to act as a guard against

destructive insects such as

moths, fish moths, silver fish,

fleas, carpet beetles, mould

and mildew. Aromatic Cedar

also absorbs musty odours,

leaving a forest fresh cedar

aroma.

Hang the items from

Pile number 2 back in your

wardrobe

Hang by category:-Bottoms

- long pants, crops pants,

skirtsTops - blouses, knits,

coats, jackets and dresses

To avoid knitwear from

stretching, fold it and place

on shelves in your wardrobe.

Where possible, avoid hanging

these items.

Pack all the items from Pile

number 3 into a refuse bag,

and take them to your nearest

homeless shelter or charity

shop.

PLUs To kick-start your new winter look, we have included a voucher exclusively for MILADYS CLUB members.

Get this winter’s value from MILADYS for less, with R100 off a purchase of R500 or more.

16 INSPIRATiONS

FEATURE

winTER

nEW sEasOnnEW WarDrOBE

Winter is the season of great textural variation and rich,

classic colour combinations. Fabrics will feel more luxurious

with soft, sueded or velvety textures. Rich chunky knits,

Faux fur collars and trims add warmth and a luxurious finish.

Nothing adds more value to a garment than beautiful

fabric, and Winter is the perfect time to experiment, not

only with a fresh new look but with fabrics that inspire

confidence and style.

We have identified our 3 key fabrications for winter.

Ponti, corduroy and melton. Throughout the chilly winter

season ahead you will find these 3 fabrics in our stores,

across various styles, sillouettes, and colours. We also

offer some great advice for caring for these winter fabrics.

Remember all garments will last much longer when cared

for properly.

Fabrications

MILADYS

AUTUMN 2012 17

POnti COrDurOy mELtOn

WHat is mELtOn?

A thick, tightly woven fabric that

has been felted & brushed.

FEaturEs & BEnEFits :

• Acts as an excellent insulator.

• Perfect for winter outerwear.

• Does a fabulous job of

keeping the chill out.

HOW tO CarE FOr mELtOn:

Dry clean only.

WHat is COrDurOy?

Corduroy is easily identified

by the paralell “cords/ridges”

that run up & down the fabric.

Suitable for pants, skirts &

coats. Some describe Corduroy

as velvet with ridges.

FEaturEs & BEnEFits:

• Strong, durable & warm.

• The added benefit of Lycra in

cord adds stretch for comfort.

HOW tO CarE FOr

COrDurOy: Can be machine

washed but must be turned

inside out before washing and

for ironing.

MILADYS

WHat is POnti? Ponti knit

is a special type of knit fabric

with stability, firmness, subtle

sheen & incredible durability.

It has a smoother surface than

regular knit fabric. It is more

jersey like & does not crease.

FEaturEs & BEnEFits :

• Does not crease

• No need for ironing.

• Simply wash & hang on

hanger to dry.

• Ponti knits are travel friendly.

HOW tO CarE FOr POnti:

Machine wash exception being

attached trims/prints.

18 INSPIRATiONS

Style...Wrap up in

Béret R89*

Cardigan R280**

*Available in selected MILADYS stores in April - **Available in store from 10 April

MILADYS

M I L ADYS

AUTUMN 2012 19

The versatile Gilet is a

winter wardrobe essential.

Perfect with polonecks.

R250•

Tie-front short sleeve

cosy knit pieces. pefect

for layering and chilly

winter days. Add plain

and knitted scarves to

keep the cold at bay.

R280

Feminine, silky soft knit

cardigans with delicate

origami flower trims.

R260•

We have the ideal

layering knit. Beautiful

cabelling, pockets and

big button detail.

R299•

The Stripe Button

Up Cardigan is the

perfect knit for

cooler days.

R260•

MILADYS

•Available in store from 26 March

20 INSPIRATiONS

WinterE S S E N T I A L S

WARDROBE

Layering is the best way to look and feel fabulous this winter. Give it a try by wearing a shorter sleeved chunky knit over a long-sleeved top.

CABLE-KNIT CARDI r299*

SOFT-KNIT POLONECK r220*

WONDERFIT JEANS r240

SCARF r130

MILADYS

AUTUMN 2012 21

With these key winter items

you will createa winter lookthat's stylish, versatile and uniquely you!

Cords are back and they’re here to stay! 5-pocket styling for extra comfort.

Style meets comfort,you can have both with our wide range

of winter boots!

From ourflattering

corduroy tunics to our assortment of

beautifulknitwear

Fashionable

and versatile, the

statement bag .

CORD TUNIC r220*

BAG r280

CREW-NECK KNIT r199

KNIT GILET r250*

SOFT-KNIT POLONECK r220*

CORDS r220*Maroon available

from mid April

BOOTS r299

BOOTS r350**

*Available from 26 March 2012.**Available in selected stores

See something you like? Contact our Customer Friend

on 0800 310 290.

SOFT-KNIT POLONECK r220*

you will find the perfectlayering items at MILADYS.

MILADYS

Dressing up for winter

is so easy, a few basic

items mean you can get

the most out of your

wardrobe. Wrap up, step

out and look great.

Melton jacket R699*

Ponti Pant R260*

Stripe Sweater R260*Available in selected stores

THIS SEASON’S

sTyLE

RENÉ TAYLOR

RENÉ TAYLOR

Floral Tunic R240*

Knit Cardigan R280

Bootleg Jeans R199

Wedge Boot R199

Necklace R89

Crew Neck Sweater R230

Spotted Trumpet Skirt R280

Scarf R130

*Available from 26 March 2012. See something you like?

Contact our Customer Friend on 0800 310 290.

24

BEAUTY

INSPIRATiONS

AUTUMN 2012 25

BEAUTY

Although the powerful summer sun has

gone, the ultraviolet rays remain to wreak

their damage on your vulnerable skin during

the winter months.

Words: Beth Cooper Howell

Image: iStockphoto.com

THIS WINTER

PUT YOUR

BESTFaCEforward

26

BEAUTY

although the powerful

summer sun has

gone, the ultraviolet

rays remain to wreak

their damage on your vulnerable

skin during the winter months.

With autumn fast turning to

winter, many of us abandon the

skincare routine so diligently

practised during the hot summer

months. Moisturisers gather dust

and sunscreen is the furthest

thing from your mind. But healthy

skin care is an ongoing process

– and you can flaunt a gorgeous

complexion all year round.

Harsh winter conditions will

take their toll on any skin type.

Here are some important basic

tips to keep that perfect glow:

• Choose a lukewarm bath over

a steamy hot soak. Piping hot

water combined with soap or

shower gel draws out the skin’s

natural oils and can leave it dry

and irritated.

• After a bath or shower, apply

a body lotion like innoxa’s One

and all nourish Body Cream

or One and all soothe Balm,

while the skin is damp as this

helps seal in moisture.

• Moisture in the air is good

for the skin so invest in a

humidifier.

• Apply a nourishing hand cream

like One and all Condition

hand cream after each time

you wash your hands. This

helps prevent cracking and

itching and keeps cuticles

smooth and healthy. Avoid

wearing cotton gloves.

• It seems counter-intuitive,

but dry skin will benefit

from regular exfoliation

as this primes the skin for

the soothing effects of a

moisturiser.

• Give extra dry skin an intense

boost with One and all care

tissue maintenance oil.

• Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Apply a broad-spectrum

sunscreen to your face and

hands 30 minutes before going

outside.

• Don’t lick your lips! Keep

revlon’s supershine Lipgloss

close at hand to sooth lips.

• Use cream formulas instead of

liquid foundations.

Skin type is important in being

able to take care of your skin

effectively as different types

require different treatments. Visit

the Beauty consultant at selected

Miladys stores, to have your skin

analysed, before you start a new skincare regime.

Dry skin

With age, the skin’s reserves of

essential nutrients are reduced.

This can lead to de-nourished

skin and signs of ageing become

more visible: skin becomes drier,

sags and crinkles. Dry skin is a

common winter problem caused

by the cold and indoor heating

but hot water, harsh soaps, poor

diet and smoking can aggravate

the condition. It is the skin type

most likely to produce early

wrinkles

To combat this, Use only good

quality moisturisers, like L’Oreal’s

age Perfect intense nutrition,

for women aged 50+, to deeply

nourish and repair very dry de-

nourished skin. Enriched with

strengthening Pro-Calcium and

luxurious Royal Jelly, Age Perfect

Intense Nutrition repairs your skin

leaving it feeling intensely re-

nourished, de-crinkled and more

comfortable.

Another good moisturiser

is Payot’s Hydra 24 light

moisturiser. This innovative

hydro-dermo regulating complex

provides continuous hydration

that helps the skin preserve and

maintain its natural moisture level

while reinforcing its defences

against the signs of ageing.

INSPIRATiONS

Cosmetics are available at selected MILADYS stores. Call 0800 310 290 for more details.

AUTUMN 2012 27

BEAUTY

Inspirations is giving away a beauty hamper to two lucky

CLUB MEMBERS. To stand a chance to win, simply sms

INSPIRATIONS followed by your name, account number and

the word BEAUTY to 35131.

sms and win

sOurCEsProduct information from Payot, Innoxa and Revlon.

http://skin.healthxtourism.com/skin-care-winter-season/ http://www.skin-care-tips-online.com/Winter-Skin-Care.html

http://www.holisticgynps.com/Articles/10-fall-and-winter-skin-care-tips.html http://skincarerx.org/oily.html

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-care-11/oily-skin http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_skin

Add in Payot’s Hydra24 cream

masque, which quenches your

skin and provides continuous

hydration, rapidly establishing

moisture balance in all skin types,

even the driest.

Oily skin

People with oily skin should use

a gel-based or foamy cleanser,

like Payot’s mousse nettoyante

to clean out pores and strip away

excess oil. It is important that the

cleanser be specifically for oily

skin.

A toner is often overlooked

and should be a permanent part

of the oily skin toolkit, as it is very

useful in picking up leftover dirt,

oil and cleanser. Simply apply

to your face with a cotton ball,

paying particular attention to

areas often neglected, like the

crevices around your nose.

Don’t be afraid to use a light

moisturiser on your oily skin

– it needs it. Ask the Beauty

consultant at selected Miladys

stores, to suggest a suitable one.

Use a good quality exfoliator

at least once or twice a week to

remove dead skin cells. If you’re

acne prone, be gentle to avoid

more breakouts.

Combination skin

This type is considered usually

the most difficult to treat owing

to the dry/oily combination and

requires a gentle skincare regime.

A good exfoliator is necessary

to gently cleanse and remove

all make up and skin impurities

without stripping your skin of the

essential oils necessary for its

health.

Toners are particularly good for

this skin type, not only to remove

cleanser and dirt but also to help

your pores look smaller.

Specific moisturisers are

essential to remove facial shine

and aid skin nutrition.

sensitive skin

People with this skin type

are prone to environmental

conditions and chemicals that

can produce an embarrassing red

or blotchy skin. The cause is not

always easy to find as allergic

reactions are common.

While possibly even a

dermatologist may have to be

consulted, the Almay range of

cleansers and toners available at

selected Miladys stores, reduce

irritation and inflammation and

have a soothing effect.

ageing skin

Whether caused by age, or

premature, those with ageing

skin must take note of several

factors which can aggravate the

problem: cigarette smoking, sun

exposure, stress and alcohol.

Cosmetically, specific

formulations, like Revlon’s Age

Defying Intensive Hydrating

Cream, work wonders in quickly

reducing wrinkles.

Although all the information

above should adequately equip

you to comfortably withstand

winter damage, pay a visit to the

Beauty consultant at selected

Miladys stores, who will advise

you on the various products

available to keep a silky smooth

skin and winning smile during the

cold season.

All products mentioned in this

article are available at selected

Miladys stores. Visit www.

miladys.co.za or call Customer

Friend on 0800 310 290, to

locate your nearest store.

The prize cannot be exchanged for cash and is not transferable. Standard Terms and Conditions

apply.* Cost per SMS is R1.50. Competition closes 30 April 2012. By entering this competition,

you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to Miladys. Winners will be notified

telephonically. This competition is open to Miladys Club members only.

28 INSPIRATiONS

INSPIRATION

With the month of love still

fresh in everyone’s memory,

Inspirations chatted to designer

Jenna Clifford about what it is

like to play a part in the journey

of love.

a Gemof Wisdom

AUTUMN 2012 29

FEATUREINSPIRATION

I myself am lucky to have

found my perfect match

with my beloved husband,

and finding a wedding or

engagement ring is a lot like

that – you have to find your

perfect match. I think love is

a very good energy to work

with and I am passionate about

helping people to embark on

their union and their journey

in a meaningful way. I do not

believe that anyone should

commemorate their union with

something mass-produced,

something derived from ill-

gotten gains or something that

does not truly celebrate the

energy that two people in love

share. Your engagement and

wedding ring are talismans that

will be with you for your entire

journey together, and for this

reason they need to be special

and unique to each individual.

Love is a primal emotion and

for being such an enduring

aspect of being human, it

should be celebrated. For that

reason I am starting to make

much greater use of ancient

techniques in my design

as well as making my work

more affordable, because

everyone deserves the chance

to celebrate their love – I do

not believe that this privilege

should be reserved only for

those who can afford it.

I also believe that people

need a genuine jeweller who

almost acts like an advocate to

them in helping to choose the

right piece. Different metals

and stones have energies

and emit vibrations that do

affect us. This is concerning

when you realise that most

jewellery comes from the

East and has meanings and

connotations that apply to

Eastern cultures. These pieces

are then removed from that

environment and brought

here, where people might buy

them and wear them without

being aware of their meaning.

By choosing jewellery such

as this, which people do

mainly for budgetary reasons,

they miss out on the energy

that can come from true

customisation. And I do

believe that when working

with items that have primordial

energy, customisation is very

important. When working with

customised jewellery, money

makes it so simple but not

everybody has money, and

that is why I want my designs

to be affordable and, more

importantly, to be made with

love, because that does not

have a price tag.

My golden piece of wisdom

to any couple embarking

on a lifelong journey would

be to set the physicality of

the relationship to one side

and truly to walk through

life together for a few years

before making a decision

about marriage. And once you

make this decision, bring that

physicality to the forefront and

nurture it, because it truly is a

gift and once that goes out of

the window, a relationship has

no chance of survival.

In a marriage or in a

relationship, if you can

unconditionally love and not

judge then you have the right

recipe. Many people, because

of our high divorce rate, do not

have a role model to help with

this and to teach them this. If

this is the case, you need to

become a reader in order to

absorb that information and

that knowledge because it is

possible to gain wisdom from

other people’s experiences and

mistakes. I strongly believe

that readers are leaders and

that sometimes, when you

have nowhere else to go; the

solution can be found in books.

Another part of the winning

recipe is to embrace the

concepts of ‘us’ and ‘we’ and

let go of I, me and my. A bird

cannot fly with only one wing,

it has to be two and the same

goes for love.

Words & Image: Jenna Clifford

Love is a primal emotion and for being such an enduring aspect of being human, it should be

celebrated.

30

TIPS

Social media has been around for years, but it’s taken some of us

until now to come to terms with this new fast-paced, ever changing

online society we find ourselves thrust into. We keep thinking of it

as the future, but the fact is - it’s our present, and it’s time for us to

catch up.

Story by Phillip Sylvano

Image: iStockphoto.com

Soc

ial Networking

on the Run

INSPIRATiONS

AUTUMN 2012 31

FEATUREFEATURETIPS

With more

than 1.5

billion people

surfing the

Internet on any given day,

it is inevitable that we will

form virtual social connection

points. Weighing in at just

shy of 800 million users at

the end of 2011, Facebook

can comfortably claim the

alpha seat at the head of the

social networking table. It has

become the medium of choice

to share our photos, videos,

emotions and contents of

our breakfast with millions of

people anytime, anywhere, as

long as some signal bars are

lit.

This all paints a pretty

picture of sharing and

connecting on a global scale,

but it’s a different reality when

we examine the implications

on ground level in South

Africa.

Trends on the net move

fast. So fast in fact, that what

people are talking about today

is usually old news by sunrise

tomorrow, and sadly we find

ourselves getting a grip on

these trends long after the rest

of the world has moved onto

something new. There are a

number of reasons for this,

not least of which is the fact

that most of us are content

to have our trends set for us

by people in the Northern

Hemisphere. Simply jumping

on the bandwagon however,

isn’t good enough anymore.

To harness the true power

of Facebook, a good place to

start would be taking a break

from Farmville and instead

get to clicking on the Like

buttons of pages that will

enrich your daily information

feed with content that can

make a difference to you both

personally and professionally.

For example, following CNN

or any similar international

news page will ensure that

news affecting your business

reaches you personally and

quickly. If, on the other hand,

you are more interested

in keeping your ear to the

ground for the latest buzz

phrases on the Internet,

KnowYourMeme is your

man. The point is to push

the envelope until it bends

and you will find the perfect

combination of connections

that will convert your social

media space into your own

private detective. Likewise,

Twitter isn’t only good for

hearing what fashion shows

your favourite celebrity is

attending; dig in deep and

get connected with people

from other countries, cultures,

professions, causes and

organizations tweeting about

what you need to know.

Some of the greatest modern

movements and current events

are being inspired and fueled

on Twitter.

One area where our

country’s technological state

has not been left in the dark is

mobile devices. South Africa

has an estimated 42 million

cell phones in use of which

39% are used to access the

Internet in urban areas. We

pride ourselves on being

cellular savvy and with good

How to join a social network...

• First of all, you will need an

active email account and a

profile picture of yourself.

• Choose a network.

• Facebook, Google+ and

Pearltrees profiles are best

applied to your personal

connections with friends and

family.

• Linkedin, Focus and Netparty

are powerful professional

networking tools.

• Twitter and Subjot offer

compact instant posts in a

tidy feed.

• Once you have chosen which

network will suite you best,

click on the “sign up” tab

usually displayed on the

first page. After signing up,

clilck on the link sent to

your chosen email address

to confirm that your email

account is active.

• Now you can start

networking, update your

status and profile and upload

a ravishing photo of you and

your bright smile.

The point is to push the envelope until it bends and you will find the perfect combination of connections that will convert your social media space into your own private detective.

32 INSPIRATiONS

TIPS

reason, but your cell phone is

more than just a mere status

symbol. Check out some of

the social media platforms that

have been made available to

cell phone users such as Path,

Twitter mobile, or foursquare

(members note their locations

with a mobile phone and can

find out where friends are .

If you want to find out what

others are using, you could even

browse the iPhone app website,

whether you have an iPhone

or not.

Social networking giants

are forever providing new and

exciting products. Google+ and

Pearltrees.com for example

allows for much more control

over your interaction with

friends. You can finally separate

your virtual professional,

personal and family personas

– something that has become

a major issue with people

accustomed to the mainstream

social media locations, who find

themselves creating more and

more profiles in an attempt not

to say the wrong thing on the

wrong person’s home page.

There is an overwhelming

abundance of ways in which

you can make yourself heard,

connect with people from all

over the world in every area

that interests you, spread ideas,

make money, gain knowledge,

change lives. The only real

hurdle is where to start. It can

seem daunting, but adapting

to change happens to be

something we humans are

good at, and if all else fails, just

Google it.

FivE ruLEs OF sOCiaL nEtWOrKs

• Be kind, rewind. It is not uncommon for social network

users to disrobe from their usual social constraints and start

to vent online. Always keep in mind that you are interacting

with real people in a virtual space. Your comments, post or

tweets are made available to the public and could offend

colleagues or people who frequent your business.

• Play it safe. Your online presence is an extension of

yourself and the last thing you want is somebody using

your profile to excises their motives. Most social networking

platforms offer additional security to your account that

rival online banking security. Take the time to read up on

how your platform can help you secure your account.

• Keep left, pass right. All social portals have their own set

of rules. Be aware of your rights and limitations when using

social networks so you don’t find yourself on the wrong

side of the virtual highway. These rules are there to make

the experience free, fair and fun for everybody.

• Wax on, wax off. With so many social networks available it

is no surprise that so many individuals and companies have

“dead” pages on many of these. Take the time to master a

network before diving into next one and avoid ending up

with several half active profiles that you just don’t have the

time to properly use.

• recycle. Have an idea what to say now that you have the

microphone in hand? Well the secret here is that it not

frowned upon to simply reuse another person’s content as

long as you don’t plagiarize. In fact it is called sharing. This

is always a good place to start and most responses will

open a door for new conversations.

DiD yOu KnOW miLaDys is On FaCEBOOK? Become part of our online

community. Like us on

Facebook or sign up on

our website

www.miladys.co.za to

receive emails which

will keep you up to date

on what we do on a

daily basis from SALE

launches, to trends, to the

latest styles and product

launches in-store.

34 INSPIRATiONS

TIPS

Google is the world’s

most well-known

and widely used

web search engine

– it’s so ubiquitous that most

people say, “Just Google it!”

Google’s biggest strength

is its simplicity. If you visit

the page, you merely need

to input your search query

and click “search” – there is

no complex jargon or flashy

layout to confuse you. This

apparent plainness, however,

masks Google’s extremely

powerful search and usability

features. If you’ve ever

struggled to find exactly what

you’re looking for, it may be

because you haven’t used

these handy tools and tips.

Operators

An “operator” is a special

word or character that tells

the search engine to perform

a certain action (the operator

itself is not searched for).

There are dozens of these

(you can, of course, Google

for a list of them). Some of

the most useful ones are

inverted commas, which

force the search engine to

look for an exact phrase (e.g.

“birds in South Africa”), the

minus character, which forces

Google to omit search results

containing that word (e.g.

birds -eagles) and the word

“OR”, which tells it that you

want results that contain either

one word or another, but not

both (e.g. birds OR eagles).

search by time

When you search for

something specific, have a

look at the left hand sidebar.

Here you will see a range

of time options that let you

narrow your search to show

results from the last year,

month, day or even hour – this

is useful if you are searching

for current news.

power

search by place

Google can narrow your

search down by location.

There are two ways to do

this. First, you can click on

the option called “Custom

Location” in the sidebar and

input a city, country or area.

Second, you can simply type

the place name as part of the

search query.

Content type

Another great way to search

is by content type. You can

tell Google that you want to

search for “wildlife parks”, but

are only looking for results that

are videos, blog articles, books

or one of the many other

options. Again, look in the left

sidebar. This will make finding

what you’re actually looking

for so much easier.

The part-time University of

Cape Town Internet Super-

User short course is presented

by online education company,

GetSmarter. This 10-week

course is presented online

throughout South Africa. The

course is suitable for anyone

who wants to improve their

understanding of the internet

and it’s tools. Contact Tamsin

on +27 21 477 7565 or send an

email to Tamsin@getsmarter.

co.za for more information on

the course. Alternatively visit

www.GetSmarter.co.za.

sms and win

The prize cannot be exchanged for cash and is not transferable. Standard Terms and Conditions apply.* Cost per SMS is R1.50. Competition closes 30 April 2012. By entering this competition, you

consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to Miladys. Winners will be notified telephonically. This competition is open to Miladys Club members only.

Stand a chance to win a place on the University of Cape Town Internet Super-User course worth R7000.* To stand a chance to win, simply sms INSPIRATIONS followed by your name, account

number and the word GOOGLE to 35131.

Words: GetSmarter

Image: iStockphoto.com

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So, here you are in

March, carrying a

few kilos of extra

baggage, puffing like

a train, labouring upstairs with

your finances in less than good

shape.

So how do you stop the

same old habits and ensure

that the year ahead is one

of renewed and sustainable

resolve? One of the reasons

you may find it so difficult to

stick to your resolutions is

simply that you don’t have a

game plan to put them into

action.

Every great achievement

starts with a plan, so if getting

your finances in order is one

of your objectives for the New

Year,

here is a 12-month plan to

make sure your motivation

won’t be thrown out with the

Christmas tinsel.

January & February

While the first two months

have come and gone, it is still

worthwhile seeing the New

Year as the start of better

things. Denial is one of the

biggest reasons people stay

in situations that are not

good for them. If you cringe

every time a store clerk runs

your credit card through the

machine or you worry that

you don’t have enough life

36 INSPIRATiONS

TIPS

Let 2012 be your year of

resolvesustainable

A quarter of the New Year is almost gone and if you are like many

other individuals who made public their intentions to become

richer, slimmer, smokeless and fitter in 2012, you are probably

wondering who stole your year.

AUTUMN 2012 37

TIPS

cover to protect your family,

you need to take action; worry

achieves nothing, action does!

Many people claim that they

simply cannot find a spare

penny in their budget to pay

off debt or afford risk cover.

Think for a moment how much

money you waste on things

that you don’t need - a quick

look at your

closet will reveal all.

Entertainment, fast food,

designer toys and impulse

purchases eat up available

cash. Scrutinise your budget

and weed out inefficiencies.

march

Now that you have freed up

some cash in your budget, you

can start to pay off that debt.

Pay off the smallest account

first; small victories will spur

you on. Debt is one of the

biggest reasons people are

underfunded for retirement

and risk.

april

Once on track, you can

start thinking about that

savings plan that you’ve been

threatening to implement for

the last few years.

may

If you have existing

investments and risk policies in

place, find out how much they

are actually worth, what they

cost and what they deliver.

June

Don’t forget about your

short-term insurance.

Household and car insurance

can be very costly. If you shop

around you may find that you

can get the same amount and

quality of cover for a lot less

than what you are currently

paying.

July

Speak to your parents about

their finances. This may raise

some sensitive issues, but if

you don’t want them living

with you when they retire,

then the subject will have to

be addressed. Only 5 in 100

people will be able to support

themselves in retirement;

make sure your parents are in

that small group.

august

Time for reflection - your

renewed enthusiasm regarding

your finances will have reaped

rewards by now. Sit down,

evaluate the last six months

and see how far you have

come. You may think that the

pace has been slow but if you

cast your mind back, it will

give you the motivation to

carry on with your plan.

september

Start saving some money

for Christmas festivities and

presents, so you don’t undo all

your good work.

October

Planning a holiday? While

you need a break to renew

your energy, if you have to

fund it with your credit card,

the stress of paying it back

will undo any good a holiday

has done. Pay cash or have a

“Staycation”.

november

Christmas bonus time. Use

the money to finally eliminate

any outstanding debt and if

you have some left over, use

it to start a disability or salary

protection plan. Your biggest

asset is your ability to earn

money - protect it! Okay,

maybe you can spoil yourself

a little.

December

You made it! A year of

frugality and some smart

financial decisions will yield a

lifetime of financial freedom.

You may not be there yet but

a good way down the road.

For the first time you will

start the New Year without a

(financial) hangover and with

total peace of mind.

To find out more about

FRANK.NET visit us at www.

frank.net or call 0860 465 337.Frank Financial Services (PTY)

Ltd is a licensed financial services

provider (FSP no. 40948)

One of the reasons you may find it so difficult to stick to your resolutions is simply that you don’t

have a game plan to put them into action.

38 INSPIRATiONS

INSPIRATION

Over December, we

went to visit our

good friends in

Cape Town. They

have a daughter. The last time

we saw her, she was five and we

had just had our first son. She

was fascinated with the whole

breastfeeding thing. “Can I also

try?” she even asked.

Then we saw her this December.

She is blonde. She is tall. She is

tanned. She is a lifeguard. She has

the smallest red bikini that she

must wear, and which is liable to

take a life through heart failure

dadWords: Michael Vlismas Image: iStockphoto.com

On being a Michael Vlismas

AUTUMN 2012 39

INSPIRATION

rather than save one. And she

is only 16 for goodness sake.

“How on earth are you going

to handle this?” I asked my

friend.

“I’m a hunter,” he said coolly.

“A clean headshot should do

the trick.”

And therein lies fatherhood.

With girls, it’s somewhere

between nappies and

Baywatch bikinis, and the

ability to speak of murder as

calmly as you would order a

cappuccino.

For boys, fatherhood in our

household lies somewhere

where the fishing rods are,

and the soccer ball, and

the plasters, and knocking

over bowls of ProNutro, and

learning to tie shoelaces.

But what is fatherhood

exactly? Rather than try and

answer this myself, I decided

to consult some of the fathers

I know. I began with my own.

“Sometimes,” said my dad as

we stopped between lengths

at the Hillcrest swimming

pool, where we were both

training for the Midmar Mile,

“the best a man can be in this

life is a good husband, and a

good father”. Not a successful

businessman. Not a wealthy

landowner. Not a famous

sportsman. Just a good

husband and father.

“That’s pretty spot-on, I’d

say,” says Charlie, owner of

the local hardware store. “But

I reckon fatherhood is about

working for the dreams of

your children. I mean, look at

this,” he says, pointing to his

rows of hardware. “I’m not

exactly passionate about nuts

and bolts. And how exciting

is a can of paint, buddy? But

they give me what I need to

give my children what they

need. And what my daughter

needs right now is this mace

spray.”

I drove across town to the

car workshop of another mate.

He’s a beast of a man, covered

in tattoos, and his chest is as

broad and hard as a cylinder

head.

“It’s a tough one for me,” he

says. “At school there’s this

kid that’s pushing him around.

So his mom says, ‘Tell him he’s

mean and he must leave you

alone’. What? You and I both

know that kid is just going to

carry on nailing my boy.”

“So what do you do?” I

asked him.

“I take him aside and tell

him, ‘Your mom’s right. Tell

him he’s mean. But before you

do that, hit him first and don’t

stop till he’s down. Then you

can talk all you want.’”

I picked up the phone

to another friend. He has a

teenage daughter, of which I

know nothing about and never

will. Apparently she’s going

through some artistic phase,

dressing in black, listening to

deep, soulful music – weird

things.

“Sometimes I catch myself

thinking, ‘What happened?

Where did my little girl go?’”

he says. “You know, you have

this sense that something is

slipping away, and the more

you bloody chase to stop it,

the worse it seems to get. My

wife says I need to back off a

bit, and be with her, but not in

her life.”

“So, does that make sense to

you?” I asked.

“It makes about as much

sense as a Greek financial

statement. I don’t even know

what she means by it. But I’m

trying. It looks like she just

needs a bit of space. She kind

of wants to know she can

break out on her own a bit, but

that home is not that far away.

So I’m trying to give her that.

But it’s hard not to try and live

her life for her. I suppose it’s

a bit like teaching your child

how to ride a bike. You have

to let them go, but keep your

hands just close enough to

catch them when they fall.”

I put down the phone. It was

late in the evening. I walked

through to my boys’ rooms.

They had decided to sleep in

the same bed this evening. I

looked at them, tucked under

the same blanket, sound

asleep.

When you can pull a blanket

over both your children and

keep them there for the night,

that’s the easy part.

It’s when that blanket no

longer covers them, that’s

when fatherhood really

begins.

dad

It’s when that blanket no longer covers them, that’s when fatherhood really begins

40

HEALTH

THAT WEARY HEAD

INSPIRATiONS

REsT

AUTUMN 2012 41

HEALTH

Sleep deprivation

can lead to lack of

coordination, lack

of concentration,

anxiety, progressive

depression, poor work or

school performance, severe

mood swings, motor function

difficulties and the use of legal

or illegal stimulants.

Common symptoms of

insomnia include not feeling

refreshed on waking, difficulty

falling asleep most nights,

waking several times at night

and feeling tired or falling

asleep during the day. Daytime

sleepiness is a complication of

insomnia as there is evidence

that sleep deprivation lowers

your immune system’s ability

to fight infections.

Sleep habits learned as a

child could affect our sleep

patterns as adults. When these

patterns are repeated over

many years, they become

habits. You may trigger your

insomnia through the following

poor sleep or lifestyle habits:

• Lack of exercise

• Napping during the day

• Using your computer or

smartphone in bed

• Night-shift work

• Going to bed at different

times

• Too much noise or light in

your sleep environment

• Staying awake too long in

bed

• Watching television while

lying in bed

The use of alcohol, some

medications and drugs may

also affect sleep. And caffeine,

or products that contain

caffeine, taken late in the day

are a definite no-no. If you take

a variety of supplements or

herbal remedies it would be

wise to ask your pharmacist

if any of them contain

ingredients that are likely to

prevent sleep or cause sleep

disturbance.

However, the cause of

insomnia may go deeper than

what is outlined above. Social,

mental and physical issues

may be at the root of your

disturbed sleep patterns and

could include:

• Thyroid disease

• Bipolar disorder

• Anxiety disorders

• Stress

• Pain or discomfort

• Depression or sadness of

which insomnia is often a

symptom

Try self-treatment before

visiting your doctor because

you might simply have poor

sleep and lifestyle habits. Work

through the list and note if

rectifying any of them helps

you to sleep better.

If you can rule out that

you don’t have poor sleep

or lifestyle habits, a visit

to your pharmacist would

be in order to appraise any

drugs or current medication

Words: Beth Cooper Howell Image: iStockphoto.com

Insomnia has become an increasingly

common sleep disorder of the modern era

and according to experts at the Constantia

Sleep Centre, about 30% to 40% of adults

experience some level of insomnia within

any given year, with 10% to 15% of these

being chronic – and (no surprise!) insomnia

is more common in women. Dealing with the

disorder successfully is vital to prevent the

collapse of your health.

42

HEALTH

you might be using and to

discuss possible medications.

Try natural, alternative

medications first, as they’re

likely to be the least harmful

and won’t have any side-

effects. Should these not

work, your pharmacist may

recommend a stronger

pharmaceutical medication.

Although it is likely that your

pharmacist will advise you

correctly, it is worth bearing

in mind that some medicines

can be useful but also carry

risks. Antihistamines, the main

ingredient in sleeping pills,

may cause memory loss later,

particularly in the elderly. And

it is important to use sedatives

only under the close care of

a doctor as they can cause

tolerance and dependence.

Most people cure their

insomnia through good

sleep hygiene but if yours

has become chronic or

persists for a month or more,

it is advisable to see your

healthcare practitioner for

some tips for sweet dreams

• Drink warm milk

• Wiggle your toes

• Ventilate your room

• Take a warm bath

• Drink herbal tea

• Go for a short walk

• Hide the illuminated clock

• Sleep on your back

• Practise deep breathing

• Make sure your room is dark

and quiet

• Avoid daily naps

• Visualise a peaceful scene

Harnessing the mind to help

Negative thought Positive thought

I can’t cure my insomnia. Insomnia is curable. I simply

need to focus on positive

ways to overcome it.

Tonight will probably be

another bad night.

Some nights I do sleep better,

so not all nights are the same.

Why do others sleep well but I

don’t. I’m not a normal person.

Many people struggle with

insomnia. With focus and

practice, I will sleep well.

I desperately need to get some

sleep or it will affect my job.

Even if I can’t sleep, I can still

relax and rest, and deal with

tomorrow when it comes.

I’m going to spend at least

another two hours trying to

get to sleep.

If I use the strategies I’ve

learnt, maybe I’ll fall asleep

more easily.

further examination and

diagnosis. Aside from a

thorough physical examination,

he or she will ask questions

about your medical history,

current medication and drug

use. Usually this is all that is

required to find the cause of

the disorder, but should it be

psychological, you may be

referred to a psychiatrist or

psychologist.

If your only problem is not

getting eight hours’ sleep at

night, don’t be alarmed; this

doesn’t necessarily mean

your health is at risk. Some

people need less and others

more. Establishing a practice

of good sleep hygiene and,

if necessary, following the

process outlined above should

help you to rest that weary

head.

INSPIRATiONS

So Comfortable, You’ll Never Count These Guys Again.™

Available at all leading retail outlets

44

SUPPORT

2012 is barely underway, yet most of us have probably already

forgotten our New Year’s resolutions. There is no time like the

present to kick-start those good intentions and rev up your life

with a Happiness Make-Over. It’s possible to achieve the happiness

you’ve been searching for and it starts with positive thinking.

HappinessMake-Over

An emotional Make-Over could make 2012 a defining year.

INSPIRATiONS

AUTUMN 2012 45

SUPPORT

Before you think this

is another pretend-

to-be-positive-

and-your-life-will-

change article, let’s get real

for a moment. There are no

quick fixes for those of us who

find it hard to be a regular

ray of sunshine every day.

That doesn’t mean happiness

is reserved for a lucky few, it

simply means that some need

to work a little harder to get

their happiness on!

Happiness is the journey

and not the destination. It

is what you encounter on

a daily basis in the small

things around you – the joy

of watching a rose bud open;

walking in the rain as the

raindrops tickle your face;

smiling at someone and

watching their smile grow in

amazement that a stranger

smiled at them; hiding your

chocolate and devouring it on

your own. These are the daily

encounters with real happiness

that we so often overlook.

Find the positive in it

all. To think positively has

become such a cliché that

some women have stopped

trying to do it altogether. Fact

is, the more positivity we try

to see in the experiences we

encounter every day, the more

we are able to see them. Give

it a try for just one week and

see the difference. If positive

thinking is the only bit of effort

you need to put back in to

get your happiness back, then

it’s time for you to make the

decision to turn this day into

one filled with hope and new

possibilities.

Have a dream. It’s been

said that a life lived in fear is a

life half lived, but considering

that some live their lives

without a dream is just as sad.

Everyone needs a dream to

hold on to. It may be small

or life changing but people

need that something to look

forward to. Whether it is

to climb Kilimanjaro, to go

hot air ballooning, or even

buying a new pair of shoes,

work towards achieving your

dream and once you have,

find another. Don’t be afraid

to give up on a dream if it is

no longer a priority, as long

as you replace it with another,

more relevant, dream.

Identify the stumbling

blocks that limit your

happiness and potential. We

all have stumbling blocks

that may keep us from

experiencing happiness.

These may be fear, anxiety,

negative experiences in

our past, feelings of guilt or

resentment, and feeling that

for some reason we do not

deserve to be happy. Write

your stumbling blocks down,

examine them, understand

them, and then let them go.

Take the paper, tear it into

tiny pieces or burn it. Let go

of anything that is holding you

back. If necessary, consult with

GEt in tOuCH WitH yOur

POsitivE sELF, HErE’s HOW:

• Don’t look for happiness

somewhere in the future.

• When you wake up every

morning, consciously make a

decision to see life positively.

• Identify the stumbling blocks

that are keeping you from

experiencing happiness.

• Set aside time to pamper

yourself, doing what gives

you joy.

• Only take responsibility for

what you can influence,

change or improve.

• Learn to love yourself, with

all your strengths and faults.

• Your mind is the seat of

your happiness, not whether

someone else loves or

approves of you.

• Have a dream, your own

dream or aspiration.

• Do something different or

exciting each week.

“The power of positive thinking is like a car with a powerful engine that can take you to the summit of a mountain.” – Remez Sassoon

Words: Dr Liz Pretorius Image: Miladys

46

SUPPORT

a professional to assist you in

addressing these issues.

Resolve to only take

responsibility for what you

have control over. You are not

responsible for your teenager’s

failed relationships or your

husband’s reprimand at work;

it is not your responsibility

to fix everyone’s problems

for them. Of course we want

to save our loved ones from

experiencing pain, but the best

you can do is listen attentively,

tell them everything will be

alright, and not to interfere.

Discuss the issues without

judgment and give advice

where it is asked, but always

let them learn their own life

lessons.

Your mind is the seat

of your happiness. Your

happiness does not depend on

what your child, your partner,

or your friends think of you.

We all want to be accepted

by other people and we all

need encouragement and

recognition, but we should

decide whose opinion of

us is important. Once you

have decided on that, keep

it in mind and understand

although their opinions count,

they do not make you happy.

What makes you happy is

you, and what you think of

your encounters with life. It

is a simple fact of life that no

new boyfriend or partner will

make you happy if you’re not

happy in yourself. Take it in,

understand it and move on.

Learn to love yourself.

Loving yourself is the greatest

gift you can give yourself

and your loved ones. Loving

yourself makes you realise you

are worthy and deserve the

best.

Set aside time to pamper

yourself, doing what gives

you joy. Go to a movie,

arrange to have a facial, a

manicure or go for a midnight

spa. Arrange to go for a walk

or a hike with friends, (even

if they are four-legged), buy

yourself a weekly bunch of

fresh flowers, have quiet times,

visit old age homes and sow

some cheer (it will make you

feel good about yourself).

Develop a new hobby, replace

the couch cushions, bring in

some colour, or change the

way you dress.

Do something different or

exciting each week. This could

be something small or big,

something new like smiling

at everyone on your way to

work, ordering a new dish at

a restaurant, wearing a new

colour lipstick, acknowledge

something your manager,

employee, child or partner did,

as well as to the person at the

supermarket check-out.

Being happy is sometimes

a case of getting happy and

then staying happy more than

anything else. Whatever your

disposition towards life or your

position in it, there will always

be reasons for you to find

happiness and life itself should

be your reason for staying that

way. Never settle for less than

your worth because, believe

me, you’re worth more to

someone in your life than you

know.

If positive thinking is the only bit of effort you need to put back in to get your happiness back, then it’s time for you to make the decision to turn this day into one filled with hope and new possibilities.

It’s easy to spoil yourself and

those around you with the

great benefits on offer from

The Miladys Club. Exclusive

offers and exciting discounts

are always a click away and

we suggest all members get

discovering! Some of the great

partners on board offer Miladys

Club members discounts

such as the following: 10% off standard packages and products from mangwanani; 10% discount at netFlorist, netGifts and netJewel; as well

as a 10% discount on selected

products from Garden Pavilion.

With over 300 other exciting discount partners just like these, staying positive is that much easier!Contact 0861 000 634 for

more information.

INSPIRATiONS

48

TRAVEL

Mauritius is a

convenient

destination for

South African

travellers and it remains a

popular tourist destination

for good reason. White

sandy beaches, warm waters,

beautiful sunsets and colourful

cocktails are the elements we

think about when we picture

a trip to Mauritius, but it’s also

a sanctuary of cultural, sports

and outdoor activities.

The Triolet Shivala is the

longest village on the island

and provides visitors the

opportunity to visit the biggest

Hindu temple, Maheswarnath.

The temple was built in 1819

in honour of the Gods and

it remains a must-see for

tourists who prefer a cultural

experience. Travellers can

also take hikes and bike rides

through the Labourdonnais

Orchards, which is home to a

large variety of fruit trees and

perfumed exotic flowers. Take

a trip back in time through the

Mauritius is widely known for being a

destination of choice when it comes to

honeymoons and romantic getaways, but

it’s more than that; it’s an island full of

opportunities, adventure and fun.

MAURITIUS– so much more than just sun, sea and sand

INSPIRATiONS

AUTUMN 2012 49

TRAVEL

history of Mauritius at Domaine

les Pailles. Nestled in the

Pailles Valley, the estate offers

a unique culinary experience.

This typical Mauritian estate

will delight your senses with a

combination of history, culture

and nature. Caudan Waterfront

offers rows of shops and

restaurants. Fast food and fine

dining will tantalise your taste

buds, while local stores will

indulge your need to shop for

fine Mauritian crafts.

Mauritius is also a hotspot

for families. While there are

number of resorts across

the island, Club Med, known

for its all-inclusive family

packages, caters to families

and couples. There are two

Club Med resorts on the island,

La Pointe aux Canonniers and

La Plantation d’Albion. Both

resorts are well equipped with

a wide variety of amenities

that cater for families, sport

enthusiasts and for those

looking for a Zen getaway.

La Plantation d’Albion, Club

Med’s first 5 Trident luxury

resort, is located on the west

coast of Mauritius and lies amid

22 hectares in one of the last

untamed creeks on the island.

The luxury accommodation

includes 265 rooms, all with

terraces or balconies, housed

in individual buildings that are

nestled in beautiful gardens.

The resort is ideal for families,

providing moms and dads with

a Petit Club Med that caters for

children between the ages of

two and three.

Child minders, meals,

activities, rest time, baby

gyms and water sports are all

provided whilst parents take

the opportunity to spend time

together exploring the rest

of the resort. Adult amenities

available are vast and include

dining, spa facilities, scuba

diving, sailing, golf and tennis.

Located on one of the finest

bays in Mauritius is La Pointe

aux Canonniers. The resort,

which obtained Green Globe

certification for Sustainable

Tourism, welcomes families

and children of all ages.

Children’s Club facilities,

glass bottom boat rides, table

tennis and water skiing are

only a few of the facilities that

can be enjoyed. For the real

sports enthusiasts, a number

of recreational activities are

available, including academies

for sailing, tennis and

wakeboarding. Volleyball, a

Club Med gym, golf, kayaking

and mini football are also

available. Both Club Med

resorts offer all-inclusive

packages that include flights,

accommodation, full board –

breakfast, lunch and dinner,

drinks, sport, leisure and

children’s activities as well as

insurance cover and return

transfers.

Club Med is offering travellers

a savings of up to *R2,000

per person when booking a

holiday package for Mauritius.

Travellers can book at La

Pointe aux Canonniers from

only R14,970, which was

R16,970, and La Plantation

d’Albion from only R16,340

which was R18,340. For more

information on Club Med travel

packages or to make a

booking please visit

www.oneloyalty.co.za/miladys

or call the Miladys Club Call

Centre on 0861 000 634.

* Terms and conditions:

bookings for this offer need to

be made before 24 April 2012

for travel from 1 May –

16 December 2012.

sms and win You can Win 7 niGHts all inclusive at La Pointe aux Canonniers

in mauritius. Simply sms INSPIRATIONS MAURITIUS followed by

your name and account number to 35131.the prize is inclusive of: • 7 nights accommodation at La Pointe aux

Canonniers in a Club Room for you and a partner • 3 meals daily - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner including wine, beer and soft drinks • Open bar day & night and snacking • Sports & leisure activities • Unique Club Med entertainment • Airport transfers. the prize excludes: • Flights and airport taxes • Cost of passports, inoculations and visas if required • Optional excursions and

personal expenses.

Conditions: This prize is not negotiable, transferable or redeemable for cash. The usage of this prize is

subject to availability of flights and accommodation. This prize is valued at R36 000. This prize is valid

until 31 May 2013. This prize may not be used over peak seasonalities or school holiday periods. Standard

Terms and Conditions apply.* Cost per SMS is R1.50. Competition closes 30 April 2012. By entering this

competition, you consent to receiving electronic information pertaining to Miladys. Winners will be

notified telephonically. This competition is open to Miladys Club members only.

50

TIPS

First impressions count – more than you realise

OnETHE POWER OF

INSPIRATiONS

*Product available at MILADYS

AUTUMN 2012 51

TIPS

While most of

us make the

effort to wash

our hair, dress

well and smile intelligently,

there’s much more that we

can do to take our image from

“presentable” to “wow” in a

few, relatively easy, steps.

We live in such a fast-paced

world, ruled by the Internet,

cellular phones, laptops and

other digital devices, that we

rely heavily on the impressions

we make to tell others of

our level of competence,

reliability and intelligence,

says personal brand strategist

Haydee Antezana, founder

of development consultancy,

Professional Impressions.

Image experts rate being

able to “make a mark” as

key to delivering a powerful

impression and leaving a

lasting, positive image.

Pay attention to your three

V’s, says Antezana.

• visual. A total of 55% of that

first impression is influenced

by your appearance and

body language (gestures

and facial expressions such

as smiling and eye contact)

• vocal. How are you heard?

The tone, volume and pitch

of your voice counts for 38%

of someone’s judgement of

you

• verbal. What do you say?

The words you speak

influence only 7% of the

total package.

The trick to creating a

powerful and lasting brand is

to start with a few changes

and watch, delightedly, the

feedback you receive, says

Antezana.

• Look the part. If you look

good, you’ll feel fantastic

and exude self-confidence

• Stand tall and sit up straight.

Voila! Instant authority and

confidence

• Smile. It’s a universal

language

• Accentuate good qualities

(physical and emotional)

and downplay negative

ones.

So what is the best way to

create (and keep) a good first

impression?

It starts with attitude. The

way you see things mentally

has a huge influence on your

outer image. So, no matter

how gorgeous your hair, smile,

outfit and posture, if you’re

not fired up positively inside, it

won’t show on the outside.

Your visual image is also

super-important. Your image

is not about beauty, age,

size, wealth or fashion – it’s

about knowing and respecting

yourself for who you are

and having the confidence

to discover and project your

unique style consistently and

confidently.

• Start now. Don’t waste time

waiting until you’re thin or

have more money.

• Time yourself. Read up

about the right colours and

shapes suited for you and

have a consultation with an

image stylist in order to de-

clutter your wardrobe by a

set date.

• Tick off as you go along, in

order to remind yourself of

your goals.

How should you choose

your clothes? Use the three

A’s of the ideal garment to

guide you.

• Does it make you feel

assurED? Are you

comfortable and confident

First impressions count – more than you realise

It takes just seven seconds to make either

a positive or negative first impression on

someone. That’s precious little time to clinch

a job or score a hot date – so what’s the

best way to get ahead of the pack?

Words: Angela Barry Image: Miladys

52 insPiratiOns

TIPS

in it? Is it you?

• Is it aPPrOPriatE?

Antezana advises always

dressing up a level, rather

than down, as you can

always pretend you have

to go to a more formal

occasion afterwards, if need

be! Make sure that you can

perform your required tasks

while wearing the outfit.

• Is it attraCtivE? The

best-dressed people aren’t

the thinnest or wealthiest –

they’ve simply learned the

art of camouflage. Dress for

your body shape, ask friends

to appraise your style or,

better yet, go for an image

consultation.

absolute no-no’s!

When choosing what to

wear, avoid, like the plague,

the following:

• Bad fit - too tight or too

baggy

• Visible underwear

• Shoes lighter than hemline

• Frayed , creased clothing

• Cheap-looking fabric

• Too frilly, flouncy, floral

• Clingy or see-through

garments

Good manners and etiquette

are just as important as how

you look. There’s no point in

being gorgeous but perceived

as rude!

The golden rule, says

Antezana, is to treat

everybody with the same

consideration you’d like for

yourself.

Become aware of cultural

differences too. Take your

cue from the person you

are interacting with. Some

people view avoidance of

eye contact as disrespectful

and suspicious, while others

believe it is a sign of respect.

Crush bad habits such as

standing with your hands on

your hips or in your pockets,

chewing gum, crossing your

arms while chatting or tapping

and drumming your fingers.

With a little practice, you’ll

be winging it in no time.

Haydee antezana,

internationally certified

personal development and

enhancement specialist

and founder of Professional

Impressions, which provides

personal branding strategies

to top companies, clients and

individuals. Visit

www.haydeeantezana.com

Enjoy your Bread

without the guilt!

www.sandwichbaron.co.za

NEWin SA!!

Lowest Carbohydrate • Lowest GI • Lowest Calorie

Good Food & Wine show - winner of: PRODUCT-OF-THE-YEAR 2011

HEALTHY EATING • LOW CARBOHYDRATE • PRODUCT RANGE

SA ’s Healthiest Bread

add R2 to normal price when you order the new

Low Carb option available on sandwiches and pita’s

Ingredients: Flax Seed, Almond Flour, Gluten, Oats

Now Available in our Stores Nationwide

Enjoy your Bread

without the guilt!

www.sandwichbaron.co.za

NEWin SA!!

Lowest Carbohydrate • Lowest GI • Lowest Calorie

Good Food & Wine show - winner of: PRODUCT-OF-THE-YEAR 2011

HEALTHY EATING • LOW CARBOHYDRATE • PRODUCT RANGE

SA ’s Healthiest Bread

add R2 to normal price when you order the new

Low Carb option available on sandwiches and pita’s

Ingredients: Flax Seed, Almond Flour, Gluten, Oats

Now Available in our Stores Nationwide

54

HOME

INSPIRATiONS

AUTUMN 2012 55

HOME

So, you have decided

to take the plunge

and begin to

plan your kitchen

remodeling project. There are

so many questions and you’re

not sure where to start. There

are some steps you should

follow to help you survive

probably one of the most

intense home improvement

projects you will ever embark

on.

So where do you start? One

decision that comes first is

who is going to be doing the

project. If you are thinking of

making this a do-it-yourself

project, take a long hard look

before diving in.

A full kitchen remodel

requires a tremendous amount

of different types of skills.

Besides the obvious trade

skills of carpentry, plumbing

and electrical, there is the

Remodel

Planning your kitchen project can be

overwhelming. You need to decide

how big a job and what the budget for

the project is. Of course, you’ll need

to hire someone for the project or do

some of the work yourself...

What you Need to Know

Kitchen

Words: Weizter Images: iStockphoto.com

56

HOME

organisational skills and

decision-making ability. If

you intend to do the project

as a couple, make sure your

relationship can withstand

the stress. A beautiful kitchen

doesn’t outweigh a happy

marriage.

A modern kitchen today is

a large investment of money.

Cabinets and appliances are

a major part of that expense.

These are among the first

decisions you will need to

make. Even before you see

a kitchen designer, consider

your alternatives when it

comes to colour and style of

the cabinets. This will give you

a base to start from.

That brings up another

important issue in the planning

stages - a budget. You will

need to determine what you

will be willing to spend on this

project. Without making a

budget, the price can quickly

escalate out of control. A

kitchen project that started at

an affordable R40,000 without

budget parameters can

quickly turn into an R120,000

renovation.

Set the limits early and

then work within those limits.

When you have your spending

limit figured out, take off a

percentage for unforeseen

costs. In my opinion, at least

15% should be allotted for cost

overruns, and that is pretty

conservative.

Kitchen trends

Like any other industry,

kitchens have their fashions.

In fact, the latest most

popular look is the high

gloss unit, which is available

in many colour options and

offers a very simple, neat

look. Profiled wrap doors

remain the most popular

kitchen door style available in

traditional matt. The second

most popular door is the low

maintenance hardwearing

Melamine doors edged with

impact resistant edging. High

gloss acrylic doors recently

made its appearance and

are showing modest growth.

White and cream are still the

most popular. Grainy woods

have also been a recent trend

and cherry is rising in sales

along with the more unusual

woods including applewood,

pearwood and wallnut. Simple

stainless steel handles enhance

the effect and make a compact

kitchen look larger, and there

are even drawers available

now that open with a simple

push, so handles are no longer

needed! Granite has also

become much more popular as

a worktop material.

Controlling your kitchen

budget

The most important part

of any remodeling project

is making sure you don’t go

over your budget. This is

why you need to keep a few

INSPIRATiONS

AUTUMN 2012 57

HOME

simple guidelines in mind when

remodeling.

Differentiate between ‘need’

and ‘want’. Research the

costs of many different kinds

of products and materials

starting with the most

expensive necessities down to

the items you can do without.

• Make a top ten list, starting

with the most important to

replace down to things that

can be worked on later.

• Resist temptation. Know

exactly what you want

before you search for it so

you’re not tempted to buy

out of your range.

• Get a quote. A designer

and/or contractor should

always visit your home

before providing you with

a quote for the design and

installation.

• Keep track of your

payments. Arrange a clearly

defined payment schedule

– companies that ask for full

payment ahead of delivery

might leave you with an

incomplete kitchen.

• Inform your designer about

your budget to avoid a

quote far beyond what you

intend spending.

• Unfortunately, at the best of

times we all want things we

can ill afford. Be careful that

your wishes and desires not

exceed your budget.

Remodelling your kitchen

can become a daunting task,

but with the correct planning,

equipment and expertise, you

too can have a success story!

in fashion - painted kitchen walls!

Tiled kitchen walls are outdated and painted walls are

in! Besides this trend, painted kitchen walls hold numerous

advantages for the homeowner. You can easily change the

entire mood of your kitchen, it is less expensive than wall tiles

and also much quicker to do. In addition, you can have lots of

fun changing the look of your kitchen.

The first step you need to consider when painting kitchen

walls is what paint to buy. Remember that kitchens are

exposed to steam and heat from cooking and food can

splatter so you will want a paint that is durable and easy to

clean. Look for paints made especially for kitchens.

The most important thing to remember when painting

kitchen walls is that there can be a lot of built up grease and

residue on the walls, which can cause the new paint to not

adhere properly. You have to wash the walls thoroughly (we

recommend using tri-sodium phosphate and water).

58 INSPIRATiONS

DELIGHTS

AUTUMN 2012 59

FEATURE

method

• Preheat oven to 150°C. Place a casserole

dish with lid in the oven.

• Mix the poultry seasoning, cayenne

pepper and flour in a bowl. Set aside two

tablespoons of this mixture to use at a later

stage.

• Whisk the eggs and water together in a

separate bowl and put the breadcrumbs in

a third bowl.

• Take the chicken breasts and first cover it

with the flour mixture, then dip

it into the egg mixture and then roll

the chicken breast in the breadcrumbs.

Make sure that the breast is covered in

breadcrumbs.

• Heat some of the oil in a non-stick frying

pan over medium heat.

• Fry the breadcrumb covered chicken

breasts over medium heat until they are

golden brown for about three to four

minutes per side.

• Place the fried chicken breasts into the

casserole and place it in the oven for

approximately 30 minutes.

• Add the bacon to the frying pan that you

just fried the chicken breasts in and cook

until crisp.

• Add the remaining flour mixture to the

bacon and stir until the mixture is combined

with the bacon.

• Stir in the coffee and stock and add the

sugar until it forms a nice, thick gravy.

• Serve the gravy over the chicken on a bed

of rice or couscous.

DELIGHTS

Cooking with

CoffeeIf you think that coffee should be limited to a

morning ‘fix’, think again. Coffee can be one

of the most versatile flavourants…Words & Images: Liesel van der Schyf

Crumbed chicken with

coffee sauce

ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs

• 4 skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp canola oil, divided

• Half a packet of bacon

• 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock

• 1/2 cup brewed coffee

• 1/2 tsp sugar

60

DELIGHTS

INSPIRATiONS

Coffee facts:Discovered by a GoatYip, you heard right, coffee was first discovered by a goat! More specifically, a young goat herder by the name of Kaldi in the 9th century. He noticed his goats acting strange when they ate the cherries from the coffee tree so he tried it for

himself. This story does not show up in writings until the 16th century, but I like the story and it sounds very plausible.

Lamb with coffee and dates

ingredients

• a bit of cake flour seasoned with salt

and pepper

• 1.6 kg lamb stewing meat

• olive oil

• 4 medium onions, roughly chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 3 cardamom pods, slightly crushed

under a knife blade

• 3 star aniseeds

• 1 whole cinnamon scroll

• 500ml prepared coffee

• 500ml beef stock

• 200g whole dates, pitted

• 1 cup of brown lentils

method

• Preheat the oven to 180°C.

• Roll the meat in the seasoned flour mixture.

• Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan.

• Place the meat in the frying pan, and brown

the meat, turning it occasionally.

• Place the browned meat in an ovenproof

bowl.

• Add the cinnamon scroll, star aniseed,

onion, cardamom and garlic to the meat in

the ovenproof bowl. Cover the ovenproof

bowl with a lid or foil and place in the oven.

• Allow the meat to cook for 35 minutes and

lower the oven temperature to 160°C.

• Bake the meat for a further 80 minutes,

then add the dates and lentils and cook for

a further 30 minutes or until the lentils are

soft.

• Add a tablespoon of flour to 30ml of water

and stir until it becomes a thick paste.

• Stir the flour paste into the meat and place

back in the oven for a further ten minutes.

• Recipe can also be made as a ‘potjie’.

AUTUMN 2012 61

method

• Place 4 x 120ml ramekins or serving glasses in

the fridge as this will help the mousses to set

quickly.

• Take a large heatproof bowl and place it over

a bowl of boiling water. Make sure that the

bowl does not touch the water

• Break the chocolate and put it into the

heatproof bowl, along with the cardamom

seeds and the coffee. Stir the mixture until

all the chocolate has melted. Remove the

mixture from the heat, and allow it to cool

down slightly.

• Add the egg yolks to the chocolate mixture

once the mixture has cooled down for a

few minutes and stir the egg yolks into the

mixture.

• Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl with

an electric mixer until it is stiff and forms soft

peaks.

• Add the sugar to the egg white mixture, and

beat the egg whites again until it forms a

glossy texture.

• Add a spoonful of the egg whites into the

chocolate mixture and stir. Carefully fold

in the rest of the egg white and beat the

mixture with a whisk.

• Once the chocolate and the egg white

mixture are combined, spoon the mixture into

the four ramekins and place in a fridge for

minimum time of one hour.

• Decorate with whipped cream and grated

chocolate

Some more facts...

Coffee is the second most traded Commodity in the World

Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, second only to oil, and now that we know

it can be used as a source of fuel, it probably won’t be too long until it becomes number one.

Light has more Caffeine than Dark

Contrary to popular belief, light roast coffee actually has more caffeine than dark roast coffee. The

reason for this is that the longer coffee is roasted the more caffeine is cooked out of the bean. I think

of it as cooking with wine or alcohol. A good example of this is fondue

Facts source: www.coffeecupnews.org

DELIGHTS

mocha Choc mouse

ingredients

• 80g dairy mild chocolate

• 85ml strong, cold, black coffee

• 80g dark chocolate, plus extra for

grating

• 2 cardamom pods – husks removed

and seeds crushed

• 2 eggs, separated

• 2 tbsp caster sugar

62 INSPIRATiONS

PLAY

62

sudokuHere is another set of Sudoku puzzles to

keep your mind occupied during the chilly

waether. You can find the solutions to these

puzzles on page 3. Enjoy!

5

6

74

8

6

3

4

2

51

6

3

457

9

4

5

5

762

3

8

37

2

1

8

1

7

93

9

6

Puzzle by websudoku.com

2

7

8

6

367

59

689

2

3

3

7

4

4

5

316

58

126

1

4

3

9

Puzzle by websudoku.com

9

852

5

4

4

19

3

425

1

6

571

8

7

653

3

24

6

8

9

135

8Puzzle by websudoku.com

2573

63

9

8

9

5

9573

8

9

4891

8

6

6

1

42

6459

Puzzle by websudoku.comPuzzles by websudoku.com

64

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INSPIRATiONS

travel Guide to maputo & southern mozambique is a funky and insightful visitor’s

guide to Mozambique’s capital city and the delights of the country’s southern

coastline, beaches, lakes and lagoons. Don’t stop at Maputo -- take a slow, sexy

journey into delicious southern Mozambique! There are sections on Ponta d’Ouro,

Bilene, Xai Xai and the lagoon coast, Inhambane, Vilanculos and the Bazaruto

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Nacional do Limpopo, which together make up the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Funny,

useful, witty, the Travel Guide to Maputo & Southern Mozambique by Bridget Hilton-Barber, one of

the country’s most interesting travel writers, promises to be your best Mozambican travel guide yet.

 

His Last Duchess

When 16-year-old Medici heiress Lucrezia marries the fifth Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso

d’Este, she imagines married life with her handsome husband will be idyllic. But

little does she know that he is a very complicated man . . . The couple are unable

to consummate their marriage, sending Lucrezia into the arms of beautiful young

fresco painter Jacomo. For Alfonso, the pressure mounts as the Vatican threatens

to reclaim his title unless he can produce an offspring. He grows to resent Lucrezia

and begins to plot his revenge. Originally inspired by a Robert Browning poem, Gabrielle Kimm has

meticulously researched real events. Lucrezia and Alfonso were married in 1559. Three years later,

she disappeared from the records . . . What really happened to her is still a mystery.This shimmering

debut gorgeously brings to life the passions and people of 16th century Tuscany and Ferrara. It is a

story you are unlikely to forget for a long time.

 

the Forgotten affairs of youth

Happy with her husband –to-be and beloved son, Isabel Dalhousie, editor of the

Review of Applied Ethics and resident of that most humane city Edinburgh, has

feelings about parenthood that grow more tender daily. So when Jane, a visiting

academic adopted and sent to Australia as a baby, asks for help in tracing her

Scottish origins, Isabel cannot refuse.

AUTUMN 2012 65

FEATURE

66 INSPIRATiONS

FEATURE