Advice from the experts
Parenting Hub

Why fruits and vitamins are the skincare ingredients of the moment

Like our bodies, our skin needs plenty of nutrients to look and feel its best. Scientists continually find new sources from which to extract these nutrients for our skincare products. But other than laboratory-created ingredients, where do our skincare ingredients come from? Nutritional skincare ingredients are extracted from plants, flowers, seeds and nuts, herbs, spices and even fruit! And while you might not think “skincare” when you see an orange, grapefruit or pineapple, these are popularly used in skincare formulations because of their nutritional content.  Fruits are also packed with vitamins, another popular addition to skincare products. As much as vitamins feed and nourish our bodies, they also feed and nourish our skin.  We take a closer look at a few star ingredients you should be incorporating in your daily skincare regime: Pineapple When it comes to skincare, the word “pineapple” is usually closely followed by the word “enzyme.” That’s because pineapples are rich in bromelain, a group of enzymes that have the ability to gently, yet effectively, exfoliate the skin. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, which makes pineapple good at reducing swelling and redness in breakouts. These enzymes slough away dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of blackheads without irritating the skin.  Pineapple-rich products to try: *new* wet n wild Prime Focus Brightening Primer Serum (R219.95) This water-based primer serum boosts your skin’s radiance as it preps and primes it for makeup. Formulated with a luxurious blend of pineapple, calendula, and other flower and fruit extracts that help to brighten, refine, and condition the skin, this face serum will leave you feeling positively radiant. *new* wet n wild Prime Focus Pore Minimizing Primer Serum (R219.95) This water-based pore-refining primer serum blurs and softens the appearance skin as it preps and primes it for makeup. It reduces the appearance or pores with the help of Bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative known to improve skin texture, as well as other naturally-derived ingredients like antioxidant-rich dragonfruit extract, lavender extract, pineapple and calendula. Grapefruit Grapefruit is a popular breakfast fruit and boasts an amazing array of health benefits. Not only is it high in vitamin C, but it contains fibre, is high in antioxidants, helps promote a healthy body weight and is good for the heart. When utilised in skincare, grapefruit has the ability to tone the skin, balance oily or acne-prone skins and brighten dull or uneven complexions. Grapefruit is packed with antioxidants, which help combat harmful free radicals (naturally-occurring in pollution and sunlight) that can lead to premature ageing and skin damage.  Grapefruit-rich products to try: Creightons Pink Grapefruit Face Wash (R69.95) This refreshing cleanser effectively removes dirt and impurities while invigorating the skin to help encourage a fresh, healthy looking complexion. Creightons Pink Grapefruit Face Scrub (R69.95) Gently exfoliate and unclog pores with this face scrub to help promote a brighter, more radiant complexion. Papaya Papaya contains powerful anti-inflammatory enzymes that help promote healing, and is also full of antioxidants. Papain, an enzyme present in papaya, is known to help soothe skin irritations and its strong anti-inflammatory properties makes it an ideal ingredient for blemish-prone skin. Like the enzymes present in pineapples, papaya enzymes gently exfoliate skin, effectively removing dead skin cells and flaky patches to reveal a brighter complexion.  Papaya-rich products to try: Creightons Vitamin C Superfruits Skin Radiance Moisturiser (R89.95) Working to enhance skin’s natural radiance, this moisturiser promotes a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Formulated with vitamin C, natural fruit acids and enzymes, this skin-lovingformula is lightweight and refreshing. Creightons Vitamin C Superfruits 2% Bright Eye Serum (R115.95)  This is a lightweight eye cream fortified with vitamin C, natural fruit acids and enzymes, to rejuvenate and replenish the under eye area as well as minimise the appearance of dark circles. Vitamin C Renowned for its ability to boost our immune systems and general wellbeing, vitamin C is a skincare ingredient you do not want to be without. Also known as Ascorbic Acid, vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants. It protects our skin from environmental extremities such as pollution and blue light from cellphones, tablets and computers. It is also a brilliant pigmentation fighter. Vitamin C helps to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase (a catalyst that aids melanin production), thereby helping prevent melanin production, and in turn, prevent hyperpigmentation and dark marks. It has the ability to aid healing in the skin and assists the skin with collagen production.  Vitamin C-rich products to try: *new* wet n wild Take Your Vitamins Super Nutrient Face Mist (R199.95)  Boost your skin with the ultimate vitamin-packed primer water from wet n wild. Blended with the skin-loving ingredients you crave (vitamins C, F, B3 and B5), this primer water acts as the perfect prep for any skincare routine, while helping to hydrate, firm, and brighten the skin. Simply spray it on and enjoy the rejuvenating effects of this ultra-fine mist. NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Cleanser (R250.00) Cleanse your way to fresh, glowing skin with the Vitamin C Fix Cleanser. This daily-use gentle cleanser helps to protect skin from everyday environmental pollutants whilst revealing clearer brighter skin. Wash away dirt and impurities and leave skin refreshed and glowing. NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Serum (R295.00)  This serum uses a powerhouse of antioxidants to leave skin brightened and refreshed. Vitamin C helps to protect skin against environmental damage and decreases fine lines and wrinkles, whilst acai berry acts as a cooling anti-inflammatory.

August 19, 2022
Parenting Hub

Could this just be the world’s first infinitely interchangeable kid’s sneaker?

There’s a new buzz around the playgrounds of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durbs (Bloem too!) as JoyJoy Kids’ Sneakers make their way to hundreds of South Africa’s little feet. ‘The world’s first insanely cool sneaker’ qualifies as an interchangeable kaleidoscope of fashion-fun as kids ages 3-12 get to snap on, snap off and swap out their choices of shoe design. Ready to impress, JoyJoy hits the online space this Winter with an addictive collection of shoe reverie that will affect (and improve) the carpool, the playground, the classroom, Saturday parties, extra lessons and extra – everything. Started by Mompreneurs, Jade Kirkel and Daniella Silbermann – on a lounge floor somewhere between a playdate and a bottle feed. This fresh, interchangeable sneaker allows kids the freedom to experiment with their unique sense of style: to change their look and their mood, in a snap – and to ultimately help build their self-confidence on and off the playground. “We intended to think of everything along this journey, ” says Dani Silbermann, Co-founder of JoyJoy, “the comfort factors, the confidence factors, the convenience factors and the fashion factors – but mostly, the JOY factors of wearing shoes at a young age.” “Beyond that – we also wanted to build a fashion brand that would make our little ones feel in charge of their feelings and their style choices,” adds Jade Kirkel, Co-founder of JoyJoy. “Imagine a pair of sneakers that gets kids excited about wearing shoes, and, at the same time, makes mom or dad feel like they’ve won the war in the ‘dress-myself department’; that’s what JoyJoy does,” says Kirkel. But that’s not the only problem this sneaker solves: it saves on money (and tantrums too). For parents, a trip to the shoe-shelf is no fun feet, with kids’ needing to replace their shoes more often, due to wear and tear or fashion trends. JoyJoy relieves this with the convenience of just one quality pair of white sneakers and 100’s of ways to wear it. The fun won’t ever end in this theme park of shoe exhilaration and gone will be the days of tying laces. Designed to meet young girls and boys where they’re at, all JoyJoy Snap Packs are themed to suit a day in the life of a little grown up: from The Sweet Life to Snap Dragon to Play it Cool to Princess Squad, Goal-Getters and, even, The Chill Out Snap Pack – kids can’t go wrong with changing their minds, hearts or vibes in a moment. Better yet, besties will have a roaring time swapping out their snaps for their best days ever. And when the day goes wrong? And the shoe doesn’t fit (by foot size nor fashion sense), guess what – they don’t have to wear it! Knowing the inevitable frustration that comes with fussy pirates and mermaids, Jade and Dani offer a problem-free Joylosophy with their J.S.I.B promise – JUST SEND IT BACK. No laces attached. Too big? Too small? The glitter’s come off? The shark looks funny? Want a last- minute crown and not a dragon? No fashion faux pas is too little nor too big for these Moms on a mission to serve joy. Parents can easily reach out to the JoyJoy team for a return or refund. Undoubtedly, Jade and Dani have made it their sole mission to impress little big humans and to remove the grudge from shoe-wearing. Even the parents at home might have shoe envy (sorry folks, no adult sizes yet!). Where to start? The JoyJoy Starter Box is Mom and Dad’s first port of call along the JoyJoy journey, picked and packed and delivered straight to your door. The Starter box includes a pair of signature white JoyJoy sneakers (which can be worn on their own) and a Snap Pack of mix and match snaps of your choice. The starter box retails for R799 including free delivery (yay more added joy!). Once you have your signature base JoyJoy sneaker, you have now opened up a world of infinitely interchangeable snaps. Snap Packs are a mixer-matcher dream and are released regularly in collections of three Velcro snaps per pack. Here’s a SNEAKer Peek: The Ice Cream Starter Box: Pair of White JoyJoy Sneakers Ice Cream Patch Snap Purple Glitter Snap Gold Glitter Snap Butterfly Starter Box: Pair of White JoyJoy Sneakers Butterfly Patch Snap Purple Glitter Snap Navy Glitter Snap Shark Starter Box: Pair of White JoyJoy Sneakers Shark Snap Patch Red Snap Grey Snap JoyJoy is your child’s answer to confident dress-sense and self-awareness; giving them the freedom to stand up and stand out; the power to express their feelings through fashion and to choose and change their vibe, style and mood – as many (many) times as they like. Go on, add to cart Mom. Shop JoyJoy online at www.joyjoy.co.za

August 15, 2022
Disney +

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law

A new comedy series starring Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk/Jennifer Walters, a lawyer who specializes in superhuman-oriented legal cases. Directed by Kat Coiro (Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9) and Anu Valia (Episodes 5, 6, 7) with Jessica Gao as head writer, “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” follows Jennifer Walters as she navigates the complicated life of a single, 30-something attorney who also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. The nine-episode series welcomes a host of MCU vets, including Mark Ruffalo as Smart Hulk, Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/the Abomination, and Benedict Wong as Wong.

August 15, 2022
Bramley Cosmetics & Toiletries

How to maintain a healthy skincare regime on a budget

As the cost of living rises, it’s becoming increasingly important to find affordable skincare products that don’t skimp on efficacy. The majority of South Africans are feeling the pinch right now. With fuel prices at an all-time high, food prices increasing by the day and the cost of electricity continuously going up (despite constant loadshedding!), there’s a little too much month at the end of everyone’s money. For a lot of people, this means cutting back on expenses and finding more affordable alternatives for pricey items. For some, it has meant adjusting their beauty routines: from purchasing fewer products to switching over to more affordable brands, women are finding ways to maintain a beauty regime without a hefty price tag. There’s a common belief that if a product is expensive, it has to be good. But what science shows us, is that this is not necessarily true. While some ingredients are innately expensive to produce and ramp up a product’s price tag, it’s not the only factor determining pricing. Marketing budgets, advertising campaigns, packaging and celebrity endorsements all add up, often putting a high cost behind products that would otherwise be more affordable. When we consider how “good” a beauty product is, we should be looking at its ingredients and efficacy in isolation, without taking the other factors into consideration. After all, that’s what it’s really about, right? The same goes for more affordable products: a reasonable price tag does not necessarily mean inferior quality. There are some incredibly effective, top quality ingredients out there that are not expensive, and allow brands to produce affordable skincare products that deliver on their promises. But how can you know which is which? In a beauty industry that’s flooded with product options, we recommend always looking to ingredients first. Do your research and find out which ingredients offer the results you’re after, and then determine which products offer the most bang for your buck. One of the best affordable skincare ingredients on the market is Bramley’s Bio-Pharm Oil, used in their much-loved tissue oils. Bramley’s very own unique ceramide blend, Bio-Pharm Oil, enhances the functionality of the skin’s moisture barrier, keeping moisture locked in. The use of Bio-Pharm Oil gives the tissue oils a modern scientific treatment to maintain the healthy appearance of the skin. The ceramides influence the water-holding capacity of the skin and provide structural integrity. Bramley tissue oils are suitable for all skin types and provide best results when applied daily over a period of time. Bramley’s tissue oils also contain another very affordable and highly effective ingredient – vitamin E. Known for its healing and antioxidant properties, vitamin E also helps skin cells repair, softens skin and protects cells from damage. Bramley’s tissue oils are the number one selling tissue oils is South Africa for a reason: Not only are they highly effective at nourishing, moisturizing and softening the skin, but they are affordable, multipurpose and versatile, meaning you only need to buy one product to cover a variety of needs. In a time when we could all do with a little bit of relief when it comes to spending, Bramley’s tissue oils are the answer to maintaining your beauty regime at an affordable price. Use it on your skin Apply a few drops onto a cotton pad and use it as a makeup remover. Apply to dry and cracked lips to soften and moisturise the skin. It can be applied to the skin to help fade dark marks. Use it on your body It can be used as a massage oil. It can be used to minimise the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Use for cracked heels (apply some onto feet and put socks on before bed). Apply it to your cuticles and nail beds to promote healthy nail growth and softer cuticles. Use it as a bath oil – simply pour a few drops into your bath water. Apply before and after shaving your legs to soothe irritation. Mix some tissue oil into your body lotion or butter and apply all over for silky soft skin. Mix some sugar crystals with tissue oil to make your own body scrub. Use it on your hair Use it as a deep treatment to moisturise and soften hair. Apply to your lash line and eyelashes before bed to help promote longer, healthy lashes. With so many uses, it’s easy to understand why Bramley tissue oils are the number one choice of South Africans.

August 12, 2022
Parenting Hub

LEGENDS OF SPARK

Tick-Tock Racetrack, up for the challenge? The engines on Tick-Tock Racetrack are revving loud and proud, and our hero Spark is bustling busy in August. Watch all the new episodes that will take you around tight new turns of fun! You will be able to join in the celebrations for Spark’s birthday and find out where Flash disappears to when he goes missing. There’s also panic when the repair shop receives a mysterious package that appears to be a ticking time bomb. When the town becomes covered in fog, it’s up to Spark to complete the Tick-Tock Racetrack challenge to disperse it. But that’s just the starting line in the line-up, so tune in and start your engine! PREMIERE:        Monday, 15 August 2022 TUNE IN:             Monday to Friday @ 17:00 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

August 12, 2022
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

ASTHMA

Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses, affecting over 339 million people worldwide.  According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), asthma kills around 1 000 people every day and the prevalence is rising.  South Africa is ranked 25th worldwide for asthma prevalence and is ranked fifth for asthma mortality. The lack of appropriate diagnosis, treatment or access to care may be important considerations in tackling asthma morbidity and mortality in South Africa.  What is asthma? Asthma is one of the most common respiratory complaints in the world where your airways – known as bronchial rubes – become inflamed. This swelling or inflammation makes the airways extremely sensitive to irritations and increases their susceptibility to an allergic reaction. In an allergic reaction, the airways swell and the muscles around the airway tighten, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. It affects approximately one in 10 children (10%) and one in 20 adults (5%) and can occur for the first time at any age, even in adulthood. Although asthma usually begins before the age of five, a few children affected will ‘outgrow’ it during their teenage years but it usually persists if contracted in adulthood. Asthma tends to run in families, as do related allergic conditions like hay fever and eczema Signs and symptoms Asthma is often under-diagnosed and under-treated.  If you fail to recognise and avoid triggers that lead to your tightened airways, you may have an asthma attack, feel respiratory distress or experience a life-threatening situation.  So, it’s important that you know how to avoid the triggers and recognise the signs of this condition to enjoy a better quality of life.   Symptoms can range from mild to more serious depending on the severity of the illness but include: Coughing that does not subside and gets worse at night Wheezing Shortness of breath Tightness or pain in the chest What causes asthma? The exact cause of the asthmatic process is not well understood but it is thought to be triggered off by an allergy or when the lungs are irritated by something in the air. Research shows that the risk facts are a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental exposure to inhaled substances and particles that may cause allergic reactions or irritate the airways.  These include indoor allergens – such as dust mites and pet dander in the home, outdoor allergens – such as pollen and mould as well as tobacco smoke and air pollution. Other triggers can include cold air, stress or physical exercise. Certain medications, such as aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and beta-blockers (which are used to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions and migraine) can also set off an asthma attack.  Factors associated with asthma prevalence or disease severity in South African children include the adoption of an urban lifestyle, atopy (a genetic predisposition),obesity, respiratory infection, or exposure to industrial pollution or tobacco smoke.  Treating asthma Asthma can be life threatening when left untreated and cannot be cured but, with the right treatment most asthmatics will lead completely normal lives. The aim of treatment should be to make the lungs and breathing tubes as normal as possible so that there are minimal symptoms and as little disruption to ordinary life as possible. Get help Bonitas Medical Fund says, ‘If you are experiencing asthma symptoms or think you might have asthma, it is important for you to talk to your GP.  This will help you establish if your symptoms are linked to asthma or whether something else is causing them.’

August 8, 2022
Parenting Hub

Tips for longer-lasting fragrance

Have you ever sprayed your favourite perfume, only to find the scent disappeared after a couple of hours? It is common for fragrances with light, fresh notes to disappear faster than fragrances with heavier oriental, floral or woody notes. However, the longevity of your fragrance is not just dependent on its composition – it’s also largely dependent on how you use it. Follow these simple tips to ensure you get the most out of your fragrance and increase its longevity: Know your EDT from your EDP Most fragrances are either an “EDT” – eau de toilette, or an “EDP” – eau de parfum. An eau de toilette typically contains around 8-15% fragrance oil which lasts around 4-6 hours, in comparison to an eau de parfum which typically contains 15-30% fragrance oil and can last up to 8-10 hours. An eau de parfum therefore has a higher concentration of fragrance oil, meaning it will typically last longer on the skin. If you prefer not to reapply your fragrance during the day, then an eau de parfum is your best option, as it typically lasts for most of the day. For him, try: Mercedes Benz Sign Eau de Parfum (R1895.00 for 100ml). A fougere oriental, this fragrance features top notes of cardamom and pink peppercorn, heart notes of aromatic lavender, orange blossom, rose geranium and base notes of tonka bean, white musk and cashmere.  For her, try: Mercedes Benz For Woman Eau De Parfum (R1495.00 for 60ml). It’s an enchanting, luxurious, unexpected fragrance created to accentuate and exalt a woman’s personality with a rich, sophisticated accord composed of sandalwood, vanilla, musk and cashmere woods. Moisturise your skin Moisturised skin holds onto fragrance a lot longer than drier skin. To make your scent last longer, we recommend applying a fragrance-free body lotion all over before you begin spritzing.  Apply your fragrance after a shower The steam from a shower helps open the aroma of your fragrance: When you get out of the shower, your skin and body temperature is high, and heat helps diffuse fragrance. In addition, clean post-shower skin is free from sweat, oil and impurities which can interfere with your fragrance.  Layer your fragrance If you have a shower gel or scented body lotion or oil of the same scent as your fragrance, layering these products will increase the longevity of your fragrance, and may also enhance your fragrance.   Love an uplifting scent? Layer your fragrance with Superdry Re:Vive Body+Hair Wash (R95.99) and Superdry Re:Vive Body Spray (R79.99). Invigorating and zesty, this duo is powered by notes of cardamom and lemon.  Prefer a marine-inspired scent? Try  Superdry’s Pacific Men’s Body+Hair Wash (R95.99) and Pacific Men’s Body Spray (R79.99) features oceanic citrus marine notes and masculine mineral depths for a fresh, marine-inspired scent.  Don’t rub your wrists together If you apply fragrance to your wrists, you may feel an instinctual urge to rub them together, but in doing this, you can make the top notes disappear faster. Not only does this affect the fragrance’s longevity, but it also alters its scent.  Store your fragrance correctly Exposure to light and heat can chemically alter your fragrance. Maintain its scent and longevity by storing your fragrance correctly. Store your fragrance in a cool and dark place. As tempting as it is to keep it on your dressing table, exposure to sunlight and humidity can cause unwanted chemical reactions to occur. We recommend keeping it in its original bottle, in a drawer or cupboard not too close to a bathroom where it can be exposed to steam. Apply to your pulse points Experts recommend applying fragrance to your pulse points as your skin is the thinnest at these points, meaning the veins are closer to the skin, making these areas warmer. Essentially, pulse points are like mini radiators, and heat helps diffuse fragrance. Pulse points are found on the insides of your wrists and elbows, behind your ears, on your neck and the back of your knees. A few spritzes of Rockford Homme Wild Black Eau De Toilette (R425.00 for 100ml) on the wrists is all you need for all-day fragrance. This oriental, warm fragrance features ginger and citrus notes at the top, cinnamon and incense in the heart and leather and amber bottom notes. Don’t spray regular perfume in your hair The temptation to spray perfume in your hair is very real – after all, it holds fragrance longer than skin does. But most fragrances have a high alcohol percentage, and alcohol is dehydrating. Because dryness and dehydration is such a common hair concern, it’s best to avoid spraying your fragrance in your hair. Instead, opt for a hair mist or hair perfume. Formulated without drying alcohol, hair perfume is safe to use and won’t damage or dry your hair. Try Curls In Bloom Hair Perfume (R69.95). A light and nourishing formula that delicately scents the hair with green apples, lily of the valley and sandalwood, it also fights frizz, leaving hair soft and nourished throughout the day.

August 8, 2022
Cartoon Network Africa

GIRL POWER GO! WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE GIRLS GET GOING!

This Women’s Month line-up is packed with Girl Power Go!From a crazy girl’s night out with Starfire and Raven in Teen Titans Go! to our favourite sisterhoodDC Super Hero Girls, tracking a mysterious warrior, powerful women are our stars.In The Amazing World of Gumball, Anais faces her bully, and in Craig of the Creek, Kelsea takes on a terrifying quest. Stay tuned for the Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High movie, where the girls discover a new high school for villains and must rescue the students from their own fate! Get ready for this girl power stunt, only on Cartoon Network Africa. TUNE IN:             Tuesday, 09 August @ 09:55 CAT

August 8, 2022
Disney +

I Am Groot

“I Am Groot” is a collection of five original shorts starring Baby Groot, everyone’s favourite little tree, and will feature several new and unusual characters. All five shorts will be available for viewers to watch upon launch. There’s no guarding the galaxy from this mischievous toddler! So get ready as Baby Groot takes centre stage in his very own series, exploring his glory days growing up—and getting into trouble—among the stars. Vin Diesel, who is the voice of Groot in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise, is the voice of Baby Groot. 10 August

August 8, 2022
Cartoon Network Africa

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 – WHAT ARE YOUR MOST “MONSTERIFIC” MOVES?

Take in this treat of a monster boot camp movie on Cartoon Network. Ever since Mavis, Dracula’s daughter, became a mom, he has been the happiest vampire grandpa in the world! His toddler monster grandchild, Dennis, is the apple of his vamp eye. So much so that even his monster-only hotel policy has relaxed, and he now allows human guests to visit. But behind closed coffins, he’s secretly worried because his adorable half-human, half-vampire grandson isn’t showing signs of being a vampire. When the time comes for Mavis to take a trip to visit her in-laws, “Drac” takes his chance to test and train Dennis to be a “vamp”, and the boot camp rampage begins. TUNE IN:             Monday, 08 August @ 09:55 CAT

August 5, 2022
Boomerang

ZIG & SHARKO

Singing seashells! It’s marvellous Marina! Marina, the mermaid with the merry laugh and melodious voice, is singing her way into the spotlight this Women’s Month. In this special two-day Zig & Sharko marathon, Marina is simply adorable! She may live on a rock in a heavenly lagoon, but her days are filled with excitement, and she has so many suitors! A castaway, a fisherman and even King Neptune himself. Boomerang can’t wait to bring you these episodes full of her playful stories. And while her melodies make her a superstar singer, watch out because there is a rumour that another mermaid might show up in the lagoon. PREMIERE:        Monday, 08 August 2022 TUNE IN:             Monday & Tuesday @ 07:30 CAT

August 5, 2022
Disney +

SUMMER GETS HOTTER WITH NEW CLIP AND POSTER FOR “LEGO® STAR WARS SUMMER VACATION,” PREMIERING AUGUST 5, 2022, EXCLUSIVELY ON DISNEY+

All-New Animated Special from Lucasfilm and the LEGO Group Features the Voices of “Weird Al” Yankovic, Yvette Nicole Brown,  Kelly Marie Tran, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and  Returning Cast Members from Previous LEGO Star Wars Specials  Summer just got hotter with the arrival of a new clip and the poster for “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation,” the all-new animated special from Lucasfilm and the LEGO Group premiering August 5, 2022, exclusively on Disney+. The clip, which debuted yesterday at LEGO’s San Diego Comic-Con panel, and the all-new poster, highlight the newest entry in the popular signature branded cross-saga storytelling series which is set shortly after the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and features the voices of “Weird Al” Yankovic, Yvette Nicole Brown, Kelly Marie Tran, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and returning cast members from previous “LEGO Star Wars” specials.  Looking for a much-needed break from stormtroopers and TIE fighters, Finn arranges a surprise vacation for his friends Rey, Poe, Rose, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO, aboard the ultra-luxurious Galactic Starcruiser, the Halcyon. But Finn’s plan to have one last hurrah together quickly goes awry when he’s separated from the group. While searching for his friends, he encounters three Force ghosts: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Leia Organa, who each share their own unexpected stories of vacations gone wrong, helping him to understand that holidays are about more than just having fun. “LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation” features the voices of: “Weird Al” Yankovic as Vic Vankoh; Yvette Nicole Brown as Colvett Valeria; Thomas Lennon as Wick Cooper; Paul F. Tompkins as Rad; Dee Bradley Baker as Boba Fett; Ashly Burch as the Tour Droid; Kyliegh Curran as Sidero; Anthony Daniels as C-3PO; Trevor Devall as Emperor Palpatine; Allie Feder as Sy Snootles; Jake Green as Poe Dameron; Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker; Ross Marquand as Han Solo; Omar Miller as Finn; Kevin Michael Richardson as Jabba the Hutt; Matt Sloan as Darth Vader; James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan Kenobi; Kelly Marie Tran as Rose; Helen Sadler as Rey Skywalker; Billy Dee Williams as Lando (Holovid); Matthew Wood as Ben Solo; and Shelby Young as Leia Organa.  David Shayne is writer and executive producer, and the director is Ken Cunningham. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, Jason Cosler, Keith Malone, and Jennifer Twiner Mccarron are executive producers. Produced in collaboration with Atomic Cartoons.

August 3, 2022
Parenting Hub

Hair trends to try this winter

Every season sees an influx of new hair trends that dominate the runways, red carpets and social media, offering endless inspiration for those of us who are keen to try something new. Winter 2022 is no different, except this year, we’re seeing the biggest trends coming from celebrities.  After two years of Covid-19, the start of 2022 saw in-person awards ceremonies back in action, giving our favourite A-listers plenty of opportunity to show off new post-pandemic looks. Plus, new seasons of some of our favourite shows (hello, Stranger Things!) have also played a major part in shaping Winter 2022 hair trends.  This winter, we’re seeing a major revival of past trends, giving 2022 real nostalgic energy. Think hairstyles from the 70s, 80s and 90s, but with a modern twist.  Keen to try something new? Get ready to add these trends to your inspiration folder: Natural textures The inspo: Rihanna and Tracee Ellis Ross  Texture is big this winter, and if you’ve thought about going natural, now is the time. Whether your hair is naturally curly, coily or wavy, it’s time to ditch the straightener and embrace your natural texture. Reminiscent of the 80s, it’s all about celebrating curls, coils and afros. Filled with the very best ingredients that nature has to offer, The Perfect Hair products are the ideal companion for your natural hair. The Mango & Marula range is specially designed for curly hair, adding and locking in plenty of moisture while nourishing, softening and adding shine. Try the Mango & Marula Silky Soft Shampoo (R100.00) and Detangling Deep Conditioner(R100.00) for an intense moisture boost. Copper brunette The inspo: Zendaya and Kendall Jenner Also referred to as “luxury copper”, this is the hottest hair colour of the season, and finally, it’s a colour totally attainable by brunettes! Warm and full-bodied, the colour is rich and luxurious – just what the chilly season calls for. Prolong the life of your copper colour and maintain its vibrancy with Marc Anthony Complete Color Care nourishing Hair Mask (R189.95), a nourishing hair mask that reduces colour fade, locking in nutrients and protecting against environmental damage, and Marc Anthony Complete Color Care Colour Bond Instant Colour Sealer (R179.95), a treatment products that seals the cuticles to lock in moisture, adds shine and prevents colour fade.  Fringe benefits The inspo: Zoë Kravitz and Dua Lipa Fringes or bangs are a hit every winter, likely because they’re more manageable in colder weather. The two most popular fringe styles this winter are the blunt bang (straight-cut and thick) and the French fringe, a soft cut with rounded, textured ends that blend with the rest of your haircut. This colour won’t require a lot of maintenance, but you’ll need to switch up your hair care regime to ensure you use colour-protecting products to increase its longevity.  Chances are your fringe will be heat-styled a lot more often than the rest of your hair, so it’s essential to spritz on a product to protect it from heat damage. Try Hask Biotin Boost 5-In-1 Leave-In Spray (R160.00) which thickens and adds body, provides thermal protection, controls frizz, adds shine, prevents breakage, and detangles and moisturises.  Your fringe will also need to be washed more regularly than the rest of your hair. If you’re pressed for time, we recommend a few spritzes of Colab Dry Shampoo (R99.95). Not only does it leave hair looking and feeling fresh (without the dreaded white residue) but dry shampoo is known to add volume, too. Layers The inspo: Lily Collins and Georgia May Jagger 90s-era layers are back with a vengeance. Bouncy and fresh when styled and feminine and soft when left to air dry, this French-inspired style frames the face and adds dimension and texture to your cut. Plus, this is the perfect style for anyone wanting a new look while maintaining the length of their hair. Try OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Air Dry Cream (R215.00). This air-dry cream is ideal for style on the go – simply work through damp hair to reduce frizz as hair dries naturally for beautiful heat-free style. Sleek ponytail The inspo: Bella Hadid A versatile style for straight hair, the sleek ponytail is easy to wear, any time of the day or night. The key to perfecting it, is to use a fine-tooth comb to smooth out any bumps once your hair’s been pulled back. Use a gel or mousse over the top for a smooth finish and to flatten any flyaways. The  Evolve Triple Edge Styler (R129.95) is a must-have for smoothing your hair and taming flyaways. This 3-in-1 pure boar brush can be used for smoothing and styling edges or sleek ponies, the fine-tooth comb can be used for shaping edges and the rat tail can be used to part your hair. Smooth edges and flyaways with Cantu Shea Butter Edge Gel Stay Gel (R150.00). It conditions and smooths frizz and flyaway hair for shiny, sleek styles with a long-lasting, flake-free hold. For a sculpted finish, we recommend applying a little bit of Cantu Shea Butter Styling Gel with Jamaican Black Castor Oil (R110.00). It smoothes frizz, protects against humidity and holds hair in place without it drying or flaking.  The classic bob The inspo: Alexa Chung and Dakota Johnson The great thing about a bob is that it works with just about any hair type and texture. Cool and understated, it’s a youthful and fun hairstyle that never dates. The key to a modern bob is to not over style it, but rather to work with your natural hair texture. If your hair is wavy or curly, embrace the shape to keep it looking somewhat “undone”. If your hair is straight, allow it to air dry to get some movement and prevent it from looking too rigid. For a wavy or curly bob full of volume, we recommend Umberto Giannini Curl Whip Curl Activating Mousse (R150.00). This mousse helps you achieve weightless, flexible, frizz-free curls and waves with extra definition.

August 1, 2022
Cartoon Network Africa

BIG BLUE – JOIN THE CREW AND FIND YOUR FUN-CAPTAIN

There are brand-new episodes just waiting for you in Big Blue, where every day is a daring underwater adventure with siblings Lettie and Lemo and the Calypso crew. The funniest team under the sea gets carried away in August as they take on a top-secret mission to escort superstar Lea to a concert and learn new teamwork moves when they take part in a dance competition. Do tag along and join the fun as Lettie becomes their full-on ‘fun captain’ under the training of Captain Tubular. Join Cartoon Network this month as we unravel the mysterious secrets of Big Blue’s underwater universe. PREMIERE:        Monday, 01 August 2022 TUNE IN:             Monday to Friday @ 16:40 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up

August 1, 2022
Disney +

DISNEY AND PIXAR’S “LIGHTYEAR” BLASTS ONTO DISNEY+

Today, Disney+ revealed plans to stream Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” beginning August 3, 2022. A new spot celebrating the upcoming launch is now available. “’Lightyear’ looks amazing on the big screen, of course, but we are so excited to bring it to Disney+,” said Angus MacLane, who helmed the film. “We devoted years of our lives to this film and we are so proud of it. We want to share it with as many people as possible. Disney+ not only gives more fans an opportunity to see ‘Lightyear,’ it gives us all the means to see it again and again.”  ABOUT THE MOVIE A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda.  The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Díaz, Keira Hairston as Young Izzy and Tim Peake as Tim/Mission Control (in U.K. release). Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”) and featuring a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”), Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” is in theaters now. The film streams on Disney+ beginning Aug. 3, 2022. 

August 1, 2022
Parenting Hub

6 Simple ways to live greener (and use more Earth-friendly products!)

Let’s face it – even if you’ve implemented greener habits in your home, we can all do more when it comes to protecting the environment. We can all do better at recycling, reusing, supporting local businesses, and making greener choices. Some may argue that in reality, we need major corporations, the public and private sectors as well as government on board for real, transformational change. And while that’s true, we as individuals are not powerless. When united with other like-minded individuals, we can create a movement that is powerful and impactful. While it’s important to support larger initiatives that work with government and corporations to initiate change on a large scale, it’s also important that each and every one of us do our bit to make a positive difference. And guess what? It’s much easier than you might think! What can we do in our day to day lives to make a positive change to the environment?  Recycle Glass, paper, cardboard and aluminium are all recyclable materials. Keep a separate bin in which you throw your empty glass bottles, tins, old newspapers and cardboard packaging, and drop it off at your local recycling depot. Many types of plastics are also recyclable. Check the back of plastic items like milk bottles, toiletry packaging and food packaging. If it has the recycling symbol on it (three arrows pointing towards each other in a triangular shape, also known as the “chasing arrows”), you can add it to your other recyclables.  Choose cruelty-free products Testing household and cosmetic products on animals is cruel and unnecessary. Be part of a positive change by actively supporting cruelty-free brands. Check product packaging for a cruelty-free stamp, Beauty Without Cruelty endorsement or PETA-approved logo. Because the demand has increased, more and more cosmetic companies are going cruelty-free. Whether it’s makeup, skincare or haircare, there is a variety of cruelty-free options available for you to try.   wet n wild prides themselves on offering fantastic quality, cruelty-free makeup products at affordable prices. Every item under the brand is 100% cruelty-free and they are endorsed by PETA. In fact, a lot of their products are vegan too. Shop wet n wild makeup at Clicks online here. For a cruelty-free haircare range rich in high quality botanical ingredients, try Hask. Formulated without nasties like sulphates, parabens, phthalates and gluten, Hask is a favourite among hairstylists on films and TV show sets! Shop Hask haircare at Clicks online here and at Dis-Chem online here.  Cruelty-free skincare on your mind? NIP+FAB offers regime-based skincare solutions and products of purpose to help you achieve your clearest, healthiest and most radiant skin yet. And best of all, they’re cruelty-free and vegan! Shop NIP+FAB skincare on Dis-Chem online here. Support local brands We will always have our favourite international brands that we love and support, but one of the best things you can do for the local economy and the environment, is to support locally-produced products too. Not only does this support local entrepreneurs and drive job creation, but it also means that your products travelled a shorter distance (thus using less fuel!). Local haircare brand  The Perfect Hair was created by a local female entrepreneur, and has grown from a small start-up to a big player in the natural haircare market. Not only are the products filled with nourishing natural ingredients and effective at treating and maintaining healthy hair, but they’re also affordable. Shop The Perfect Hair haircare products at selected Clicks, Spar, Checkers; Pick ‘n Pay & Foschini stores as well as Take-A-Lot. Say no to single use plastic Not all plastics are bad. Many are designed to last. We manufacture furniture, appliances, homeware and industrial products from plastic instead of valuable natural resources. Many types of plastics are recyclable. But one of the biggest challenges facing the planet is single use plastic. This is the type of plastic that gets thrown away after one use. Things like drinking straws, plastic packets and food packaging, that are only used once, or used for a very short period of time, is considered a single use plastic. It takes about 1000 years for plastic to decompose, and every year the world produces around 380 million metric tons of plastic. Limit your use of single use plastic whenever possible. Use a refillable water bottle and fill it at the tap instead of buying water, take fabric bags for shopping, avoid using straws and balloons and choose glass alternatives whenever possible. Embrace vegan options We can’t all follow vegan diets, but we can all do our part to consume less animal products. Start small by introducing “Meat-free Monday” in your home. Try plant-based food alternatives and introduce them into your eating plan gradually. Before you know it, you’ll be consuming a lot less animal products. Next up is cosmetic, personal care and household items – switch to vegan alternatives, it’s a lot simpler than you think. While not all brands are 100% vegan, a lot of them have vegan options within their ranges.  wet n wild has a wide variety of vegan makeup products within their ranges.   Umberto Giannini, an award-winning haircare brand from the UK offers transformational haircare products for every hair type, and you’re in luck, as the entire range is 100% vegan! Now you can get the hair of your dreams without the guilt. Shop Umberto Giannini haircare at Clicks online here. Say yes to sustainability When taking ingredients from nature, it’s important to give back to the environment, to ensure the supply runs strong. Sustainability is key when sourcing natural and organic material. Support brands that do their part to manufacture products containing ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients.  EcoTools manufacture exceptional makeup brushes and sponges from recycled and renewable materials like bamboo and eco-foam. They’re a sustainable alternative to the plastic makeup brushes and synthetic sponges we find on the market. Shop EcoTools at Clicks online here.  And what about botanical ingredients? Curls in Bloom, a local haircare brand, knows a thing or two about two about sustainable ingredient sourcing. They source their precious botanical ingredients from is a small pro-active farming community,

July 22, 2022
Parenting Hub

5 indications that your period is not ‘normal’

Every girl at a certain time in their life will start her journey into womanhood through a natural and necessary physical development known as menstruation. Sadly, despite this being a normal and natural phenomenon that every female experiences monthly until often in their 50s – menstruation and periods have a pretty negative stigma attached to them. This stigma often results in periods not being spoken about openly and a further unfortunate reality of many women being misinformed or simply clueless about what constitutes a ‘normal’ period. And herein lies the source of many common women’s reproductive health problems.  3Sixty Biomedicine’s CEO, Boitumelo Sebambo, shares these basic warning signs that every woman should look out for when having their menstrual cycle that could be an indication that their period is not ‘normal’ and they should seek advice from a medical practitioner.  A normal period lasts four to seven days, you can start getting worried if you have periods that occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart If you miss three or more periods in row If your menstrual flow is much heavier or lighter than usual Severe pain during your period or between periods that interferes with normal day to day activities Unusually heavy bleeding (soaking through a sanitary pad or tampon every hour for two to three hours) or passing large clots.  These abnormal period indicators can be caused by stress and underlying medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) that affects approximately 8 – 13% of women, and that can cause infertility in addition to hirsutism, acne, irregular periods and even hair loss. These conditions can be managed but diagnosis by a gynaecologist is important. Parents are  encouraged to take their teenage girls to visit the gynaecologist and be on the lookout for irregular symptoms in their cycles to avoid long-term effects on their health.  According to Sebambo, part of their mission this youth month is to help educate and empower women throughout their journey of womanhood so they can manage and overcome common women’s reproductive health conditions. “We believe that every woman’s journey matters. No matter what stage of life they are at, we want to help other South African women live quality lives uninhibited by common health issues that could be limiting to their success”. For more information about the Salome range and to be part of the conversation, visit www.salome-range.co.za. The full Salome range of products that helps to manage menstrual pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, premenstrual syndrome, infertility in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and menopause are available to the public from pharmacies nationwide or online at Takealot.com and Salome’s website and can be reimbursed from medical aid savings. Facebook: Salome Range Twitter: SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

July 21, 2022
Parenting Hub

How to brighten blonde hair

Whether you’ve gone platinum, golden, ash or honey blonde, you’re bound to love the effects of your fresh new colour. But while newly-coloured blonde hair looks great, it requires a fair bit of maintenance and TLC to keep it looking that way.  Blonde hair tends to lose its shine and is prone to brassiness and colour fade. The truth is that even when you’re diligent about your blonde hair care routine, dullness and brassiness (when shades of silver or platinum take on a yellowish tinge) can creep in and steal your shine. This is because blonde hair is vulnerable to sun damage, the effects of hard water (tap water that contains colour-stripping minerals like copper and chlorine), pollution and using the wrong hair care products. But while blonde hair may require a bit of maintenance, the reward is truly worth it. Brightening your blonde need not be difficult or stressful – follow these simple tips and product suggestions to enjoy your best blonde yet. Go sulphate-free Sulphates are present in the majority of soaps, shampoos and household cleaning agents. They are responsible for that foamy lather we’ve all come to love, and they are extremely effective at removing dirt and impurities. However, this also makes them very drying on the skin and hair, as they strip moisture along with dirt. This can lead to dehydration, damage and breakage, plus, using sulphate products on coloured hair may also strip the colour. To preserve blonde hair’s moisture, colour and strength, it is essential to go sulphate-free.   Try: Marc Anthony Complete Color CarePurple Shampoo (R179.95) and Conditioner (R179.95) for Blondes & Highlights. Formulated with violet pigments, this duo helps neutralise unwanted brassy tones, while nourishing and providing a boost of moisture to your blonde locks. Embrace purple Purple and violet shampoos are a great choice for blonde hair, as they can neutralise brassy and yellow tones in the hair by colour-correcting them. How? It all comes down to colour science. Purple and yellow are opposite one another on the colour wheel, which means they have the ability to cancel each other out. You know how you’d use a green concealer to cancel out redness on the skin? This essentially works the same way. Try: Pro:Voke Brightening Shampoo Touch of Silver (R130.00) neutralises brassiness and brightens colour in coloured, natural or highlighted platinum, blonde, white, or grey hair with a toning violet pigment. Follow with Pro:Voke Colour Care Conditioner Touch Of Silver (R130.00). Its creamy, protective formula strengthens and helps repair damaged hair by infusing extra moisture for an improved smooth and silky texture. It also contains optical brighteners to instantly boost shine and retain rich hair colour. Correct brassiness As with all things, prevention is better than cure, however, if you are struggling with brassiness, it’s not too late. Invest in colour-correcting products to remove unwanted brassy tones and restore your original colour.  Try: CreightonsSunshine Blonde Silver Intense Brightening Shampoo (R89.95) And Sunshine Blonde Tone Correcting Conditioner (R99.95). These products help correct unwanted brassy tones brought on by sun exposure. Formulated withviolet pigments and UV filters, the shampoo helps brighten your hair from the very first wash.  Rinse with lukewarm water Avoid the temptation to use hot water when shampooing and conditioning your hair. Not only is hot water drying on your skin (think an uncomfortable and flaky scalp!) but it also opens the hair’s cuticles which can result in faster colour fade. Cold water seals the cuticle rather than opening it, which helps preserve colour and increases shine.  Hydrate All hair colours need added hydration in winter, but for blonde hair, it is particularly important to use hydrating or moisturising hair care products. The process of lightening one’s hair can be very drying and sometimes even damaging. That’s why it is essential to replenish moisture with conditioner and hair masks or treatments. Use a generous amount of a nourishing conditioner for blonde hair after every shampoo, and apply a hair mask to strengthen blonde hair at least once a week. Try: Creightons Sunshine Blonde Brightening Silver Treatment Masque (R74.95). Quick and easy to use, this product is formulated with nourishing argan oil and violet pigments to protect and brighten blonde hair, while also repairing damaged hair.  Protect against breakage Because blonde hair is prone to dryness and damage, it is also at risk of breakage. While taking all the necessary steps to preserve your colour, don’t forget to also pay some attention to increasing your hair’s strength and resilience. Gently pat your hair dry with a towel rather than rubbing it dry, as the friction can damage wet strands. Wait for your hair to dry before you brush it as wet hair is vulnerable and can snap easily.  Apply a nourishing hair mask like Marc Anthony Complete Color CareNourishing Hair Mask (R189.95). This mask reduces colour fade while locking in nutrients and protecting against environmental damage. It is rich in fatty acids and castor oil which helps keep your scalp hydrated and nourished, resulting in stronger, shinier, and healthier hair. Follow these simple steps to keep your blonde hair in its best shape yet. 

July 15, 2022
Parenting Hub

Nilotiqa welcomes a fresh new look

Nilotiqa, a proudly South African hair care brand known for its nourishing, plant-based formulas, has a fresh new look. The local favourite, which celebrates natural hair in all its forms, aims to keep hair as healthy as possible, and offers products suitable for natural hair, hair in protective styles and hair that is undergoing transition.  What can you expect from the new packaging? Inspired by the incredible ingredients sourced in South Africa and Africa, Nilotiqa utilises rich African colours of orange, brown, gold and green in the new packaging. This unique colour combination is bold and unlike anything else you might find on the shelves, making it instantly recognizable. To celebrate the use of African ingredients, the new packaging features the words Shea & Coco written in a free-flowing font, which alludes to the natural ingredients in the products. The products now also feature certification logos on the back, not only to reinforce their efficacy-driven ethos and science-driven claims, but also to offer consumers transparency. The luxurious new packaging is true to the luxurious nature of the products. Keep an eye out for the new-look range on shelves from mid June 2022.  Nilotiqa founder and all-round natural hair care enthusiast, Thokozile Mangwiro, gives us some insight into the brand’s journey thus far: You have an impressive resume, and plenty of corporate experience. What made you decide to leave the corporate world to create your own hair care brand? “Creating Nilotiqa was more of a necessity than just starting a brand. I had struggled with my natural hair, which I started growing from high school, for 14/15 years. While working in corporate, I started looking for solutions for my very dry hair. There were no hair products that were made for my type of hair; products that could nourish and really moisturise my hair.  Noticing that there was a huge gap in the market, I met up with a formulator to start formulating products that would ‘work’ on my hair. This process started in 2014 and in 2016 I launched beautiful products that were so moisturising and really worked! I knew that I had to get these products into as many hands that struggled with dry hair as I did.” Can you tell us a little bit about the process of creating the Nilotiqa brand? “I started researching ingredients that would moisturise my hair, when I quickly realised that raw ingredients were not penetrating my hair strands. I worked with a formulator for about two years to create products that felt and smelled good. I then sourced the packaging (travelling all over JHB to find bottles and lids) and created the label designs myself and found a labelling company to print the labels. I eventually launched Nilotiqa through a Shopify website and registered with a delivery service.” How far into the journey did your partnership with Sunpac come about? “We partnered up with Sunpac a few months before Nilotiqa turned 6. We had been in the retail space for 4 years. The back story to this partnership is that we met Sunpac a year before we partnered up. I would say, the stars had not quiet aligned yet. When we met again a year later, it was definitely perfect timing and the perfect fit for both businesses.” Who is the typical Nilotiqa customer?  “I typically split the Nilotiqa customer into two: a. A busy working mom who loves to give her hair all the TLC, but does not have time to take the whole day for hair wash day. She wants products that work fairly quickly and make her feel amazing without too much effort. b. A very educated consumer, who wants clean ingredients in her products. They do not want chemicals in their products and are aware of #greenbeauty as being part of their regimen.” What sets Nilotiqa apart from other hair care brands? “As black women with natural hair, we’ve all come face to face with the uncomfortable and often embarrassing question of ‘So when will you do your hair?’ Because our hair is not considered ‘done’ when it is in its natural state. This is a perception that has formed a huge part of our relationship with our hair. Where most products aimed at black women speak to how to curl and style your hair, and offer you many ways to alter the structure of your hair, I wanted to create a product that was specifically suited for my type of hair; not to change it but to keep it in its healthiest form. Through our research we found that African hair is characterized by kinky curls and grows closer to the scalp. It is the structure of the hair that makes it challenging for the hair’s natural oils to travel down the hair strands to its tips. Nilotiqa is the solution to maintaining hair’s natural moisture.  Nilotiqa isn’t selling black women dreams about how it’ll change their hair to something so different they won’t recognize themselves. It is offering a solution which allows them a way to retain the moisture that their hair requires for healthy maintenance and growth, which is often tarnished by the use of inorganic products and many years of use of harmful products aimed at altering the form of our already beautiful hair. Whether you wear a weave or braids, Nilotiqa is aimed at keeping what is beneath, which is your natural hair, in its healthiest state.” What have been some of your biggest challenges and your biggest successes? “Biggest successes: First purchase of a Nilotiqa product online Launching into Clicks in 2018 Partnering with Sunpac Biggest challenges: A lack of resources (staff and funds) and knowledge of how retail works, can kill your business. You could be spending money ineffectively and watch your business fall apart. Surrounding yourselves with people that know better than you is a game changer. Trying to run the business with a small team proved to be more challenging that ever expected. Expanding to the other retail houses was

July 15, 2022
Bethwel Opil

Internet safety tips for kids of all ages

During school holidays your children’s social media or interactive game time online may kick up a notch. As a parent, you want to make sure that they have a safe experience. Though the Internet can be a wonderful place to play and socialise, parents need to be aware of what their children see and hear on the Internet, who they meet, and what they share about themselves. Every age group – from toddlers to teens – comes with its own parental concerns. But there are some general guidelines that are good to keep in mind for children of all ages. Keep usernames and passwords safe Many of the websites your kids use require usernames and passwords. Make sure they know not to give this information to anyone – even their friends. Teach them to keep usernames and passwords private and change their passwords if you suspect they’ve been compromised. In fact, it’s best to change passwords intermittently as a matter of online hygiene. Every 3-6 months, or if accounts or platforms report hacking or data breaches, is a good habit for children to get into.  Don’t give out personal information Children should never tell anyone their full real name, address, neighbourhood, or phone number online. They should never share any information that could lead a predator to find them. Even small details like their school’s name or sports team are enough to give away their identity.  Be discerning on social media The Internet is vast, yes. But embarrassing pictures, rude comments, and personal information can leave a lasting, even permanent, mark. Remind your children that anything they post online immediately becomes public property and anyone can view it. Check age requirements Many apps and websites have age restrictions to set up accounts, browse, or join them. But they seldom actually have age verification in place. For instance, Facebook and Snapchat only allow users 13 and up, but signing up is as simple as filling in a false age. Explain location sharing Most apps and websites these days have some kind of geo-tagging or location-sharing feature. Children need to know the dangers of sharing their location – from online predators who can find them to identity theft – so they don’t agree to it or unknowingly click the pop-up boxes that allow it.  Create a list of Internet rules Sit with your children and make a list of Internet rules together. You can introduce them to kid- and teen-friendly sites, talk about why Internet rules are important, and encourage them to tell you if they feel uncomfortable or threatened by anything they find on the Internet. Set boundaries but be realistic. Use the golden rule online, too Teach your children that the golden rule applies just as much online as it does face-to-face. Children should be kind and polite to people online and should say nothing over text they wouldn’t say to someone’s face, even if they are posting anonymously.  Explain fake ads Talk to your children about Adware and similar scams they might encounter on the Internet. Often, these look like real offers to entice children to download a fake app, sign up for a sweepstake, or offer personal information in exchange for free products. They can be links to share with friends or post on social networks. If children know that these scams exist, they’ll be less likely to fall for them. Educate children about meeting strangers in person Children should never meet up with strangers they met online unless you are there to supervise the meeting. Teach them not to interact with people they don’t know offline. Online predators or cyberbullies can disguise themselves so your children might not know they are talking to someone who found them online. Monitor Internet history For all ages, it’s a good idea to spot-check your browser history to get a sense of what sites your children are visiting. Be completely transparent about checking their usage so they don’t feel spied on. Enable history tracking and check it across all Internet-enabled devices. If you come across any untoward  sites, ask your children about them.  Set parental controls Set up and review parental controls on all your devices at age-appropriate levels to protect children from accessing inappropriate content online. You can also use them to set usage times, monitor activity, and prevent the sharing of personal information.  Run antivirus program Run antivirus software on all your devices to protect them from incoming threats. It can also seek out, destroy, and warn of threats to the system. Antivirus software keeps up with the latest threats and stays on top of new viruses, which come out all the time. Use a trusted cybersecurity solution Cybersecurity tools, like Kaspersky Safe Kids, help you safeguard your children’s activities, monitor their behaviour and protect them when they are online. Choose one you can use on all your child’s devices, and that is flexible enough to change with them as their needs change and as they get older.  Most importantly, talk with your children about how to use the Internet safely, the tools you use to protect them, and how and why you monitor their online activities.  To support parents and guardians in keeping their children safe online, Kaspersky and Parenting Hub are giving 5 lucky readers a chance to win a license code to Kaspersky Safe Kids – a parental control software that helps to safeguard children’s activities online. You can enter this amazing give-away when you click here By Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Sales Manager at Kaspersky in Africa

July 14, 2022
RediscoverDairy

Value of flavoured milk for children – choose smartly!

Think about the role of your milk children’s diet. Are they getting enough of the essential nutrients needed to grow and stay healthy? When choosing a drink for your child, you should consider both hydration and nutrient content. A sweetened drink that provides nine essential nutrients, like flavoured milk, is a wiser option than a high sugar, low nutrient beverage. Flavoured milk is a tasty, nutrient­ rich choice for a growing child! Did you know?  Flavoured milk contains the same essential nutrients as unflavoured milk, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A and B12, riboflavin and niacin. Flavoured milk is liked by children and helps them achieve the requirement of three dairy servings daily.  Studies have shown that consuming low-fat or fat-free flavoured milk can boost adolescents’ intake of nutrients without adding unnecessary energy to their diets. Flavoured milk helps meet nutrient needs: Maretha Vermaak, registered dietitian at Rediscover Dairy, says: “During adolescence, children often decrease their milk consumption while increasing their intake of soft drinks. Scientific evidence shows that bone fracture risk is three times higher in girls who drink carbonated beverages and seven times greater in physically active girls who consume both carbonated and non­carbonated drinks.”  Some parents are reluctant to offer children flavoured milk because it is sweetened.  However, according to the American Dietetic Association increasing the palatability of nutrient­dense foods and beverages by sweetening can promote diet healthfulness. Flavouring and sweetening milk does not take away its nutrients.  When you compare a glass of low-fat milk to that of flavoured milk, the nutrients are still present and the differences between the two are not significant: Comparison of low-fat flavoured and unflavoured milk Facts Flavoured milk is rich in nutrients, meaning it contains many nutrients in relation to its energy content. Although it is sweetened, it does not add empty kilojoules to the diet. Milk – flavoured or unflavoured, full-cream, low-fat or fat-free, provides three of the five nutrients that fall short in children’s diets, namely calcium, potassium and magnesium. Studies showed people who drank flavoured milk had higher calcium and nutrient intakes compared with those who did not drink flavoured milk. Flavoured milk can increase children’s overall milk consumption. The protein in flavoured milk increases satiety, contributing to the feeling of fullness. Research has shown flavoured milk to be a good rehydration and recovery drink after sport. For more information visit www.rediscoverdairy.co.za or follow Rediscover Dairy on Instagram (rediscoverdairy) or Facebook (RediscoverDAIRY)

July 13, 2022
The Papery

Dreaming big is the first step towards achieving your goals

All successful people men and women are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose.” —Brian Tracy. Here are 10 good reasons why it is important to Dream BIG It allows the mental freedom to think about what you really want out of life. Helps you forget all the reasons why you can’t make it a reality. Motivates you to see the big picture. Gives you a renewed feeling of purpose. Opens up a world of possibilities. It doesn’t cost anything to dream. Dreaming gives us hope. The more you dream big, the more likely you are to succeed. People who dream big are generally happier than people who settle for less. Dreaming helps us determine what our goals should be. “Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”—Harriet Tubman What is the difference between a dream and a goal? Dreams are something you create in your mind that can take any shape or form and can be quite abstract, while goals are based on taking action. With goals, a lot of focus and attention is needed. Dreams, on the other hand, don’t need that kind of focus. What does dreaming big involve? Dreaming is not necessarily only about the actual dream, it is also about setting the tone & having the tools to help make those dreams become a reality, which is why we have created the “DREAM BIG” journal to help with actualizing your dreams. During this process, we help create goals out of your dreams, by writing them down, although the action taking part, is far more fun and much more about creating the right headspace to turn them into a reality. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”—Eleanor Roosevelt. What kind of big dreams do people have? Dreams can be anything from things you want, things you want to do, a way of being, your health, holidays to beautiful destinations, a specific lifestyle, happiness! There is no limit to what we can dream possible for ourselves. So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.”—Christopher Reeves How can the Dream Big Journal help you get started? It’s all about bringing emotion into the dreams – when we add emotion & feeing to our dreams, they are far more likely to become a reality. Having a special place to write your dreams. Writing down your dreams, putting pen to paper, is like a writing a birthday wish list to the universe. Going back and reading through them often, helps keep those dreams top of mind. Remember when you read through those lists, feel the emotions you would feel if you had those things in your life. Pictures often stir up different emotions to what words do. Creating a vision board gives us a different way of feeling our dreams. We encourage you to use all your senses by doing the exercises that are included in the journal. Some of the exercises are there to help you to be more mindful and present. Doing what lights up your soul is one of the most important ways of actualizing your dreams because it conjures up the same feelings and emotions that your dreams would make you feel – Alison shares a personal story about this below. Giving attention to your dreams daily will also bring you closer to your dreams. A personal story from Alison! At the beginning of February this year, I decided to set myself a goal to swim every day that month. Most days this was really easy, although some days were harder as it rained or the wind was howling (and freezing), or the water was really cold. But I was determined to stick to what I had set out to do. When I got to the end of the month, I realised how much it was benefiting me. It felt like everything in my life was going along with ease.  Swimming in the sea and the beautiful views are really my happy place, which left me feeling in a constant state of happiness and gratitude. I had got myself into a very good routine of waking up early, working for a couple of hours and then taking this amazing break to go and swim and have a wonderful cup of coffee, before continuing with my day. It felt like my time was limitless, I got through so much more work, and especially focused work. I decided to carry on for another month and eventually kept going all through April as well.  For now I have had to stop due to a small op that needs recovery time out of the sea water. I am still going to the beach and walking (dipping my toes in the water) and will be back full body in the water as soon as I am allowed to! It has become about so much more than the swimming, my kids have been joining me, such special time with them, my little dog absolutely loves our morning outing – there is so much connection & benefit in this daily ritual! The reason I am sharing this story, is that doing things that light up our soul and connects us to our hearts, is very much part of making our dreams come true in the nicest possible way. While I am out there swimming and drinking coffee, I feel like I am filling up my happiness cup, and this is spilling over to all areas of my life, making me feel joyful and abundant and allowing me to realise many of my dreams at the same time.

July 11, 2022
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Dealing with Postpartum Depression – plus ways to deal with mental health after pregnancy

As a new mom, the birth of your baby is a beautiful and exciting time, but there is a darker side to childbirth. Postpartum depression affects about 15% of moms after delivery, and while it is a serious disorder it can be overcome through treatment. What is Postpartum depression? Feelings of anxiety, sadness and fatigue are common after birth and are often referred to as the ‘baby blues’ and should subside within the first two weeks. However, if these feelings stick around for longer, you could be experiencing postpartum depression. Restlessness, mood swings, insomnia, irritability, disconnection from your baby and feeling of worthlessness are all red flags for postpartum depression. Some moms feel guilty or ashamed to be feeling this way, however PPD can affect any woman. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, as PDD is treatable through both medicated and unmedicated options. What should I do if I have the symptoms of Postpartum Depression? The good news is that PPD is treatable. There are a variety of common types of treatment, which depend on the type and severity of symptoms. Treatment can include counselling, therapy groups, antidepressants and hormone therapy. Self-help groups can be helpful, as it allows you to connect with others who have experienced similar problems and stop feelings of isolation. Recovery time will also vary from mother to mother, but untreated the disorder will last much longer and can interrupt mother-child bonding. Getting help does not mean you are a bad mother, it is important to reach out if you are feeling depressed. Postpartum Psychosis In rare cases moms can develop postpartum psychosis. This should be treated as a medical emergency, and it is essential that you receive help right away.  Symptoms include paranoia, delusion and erratic/disorganised behaviour.        How to deal with mental health after pregnancy  Your mental health is critical to you and your child’s well-being. If you are worried about PPD it is important to get professional help. However, you can help your mood by slowly getting back into exercise, setting aside time for yourself and leaning on those around you for support. It is important to stay connected to family and friends so that you don’t feel alone.

July 8, 2022
Parenting Hub

Essential makeup brushes everyone should have in their kit

Whether you’re a professional or a novice, makeup brushes are an important tool for every makeup lover. It’s been said that we reach peak adulthood when we own a full set of makeup brushes (and actually know how to use them!).  But why use makeup brushes as opposed to your fingers, sponges or other applicators? Good quality makeup brushes make the process of applying makeup easier, they are the hygienic option (when washed regularly) and they help you achieve professional-looking results thanks to their blending and blurring abilities.  However, with so many different makeup brushes on the market, choosing a select few can be quite overwhelming. Knowing exactly which ones to use with which products can be confusing. The truth is, that you don’t need every single brush available. You need a select few to cover the basics, such as foundation, blush and eyeshadow, and then a few others depending on the type of makeup you like to wear, such as an eyeliner brush, concealer brush or highlighter brush.   Because it can be hard to narrow down, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten makeup brushes every makeup lover should have in their arsenal. 1. Foundation brush Perfect for buffing foundation onto your skin, a good quality foundation brush will be filled with densely packed bristles that allow you to build coverage and blend seamlessly. Try: wet n wild Foundation Brush(R99.99). It has a flat, dense head for expertly applying and blending cream and liquid foundations onto the skin in a streak-free, flawless finish. 2. Blush brush There are several different types of blush brushes available. We recommend a dome-shape with long, soft bristles. This shape allows for light sweeping motions across the apples of the cheeks, resulting in natural-looking pop of colour. Try: Real Techniques Tapered Cheek Brush (R250.00) which has small, tapered bristles that precisely apply a pop of colour for a natural flush. Its precision brush head allows for buildable coverage and it can also be used for applying highlighter.  3. All-in-one face brush Cover all your bases with an all-in-one face brush that can be used with liquid and powder formulas of foundation, bronzer and face powder. Perfect for travel (when your luggage is limited) or when you’re starting out (or building up) your collection, an all-in-one offers convenience and affordability.  Try: Real Techniques Everything Face Brush (R320.00) is a multi-purpose tool designed to seamlessly blend your makeup for a flawless glow. The oversized head and fluffy bristles provide light to medium coverage and a smooth finish. 4. Concealer brush Concealer brushes are usually small with soft bristles, and are designed to apply concealer with precision, especially around hard-to-reach areas such as the inner corners of the nose and underneath the eyes. Try: wet n wild Small Concealer Brush (R64.99). It allows you to precisely apply concealer where you need it, without streaking, to highlight your features and counteract the unevenness caused by blemishes and dark circles. 5. Powder brush While you might not wear powder formulas every day, a powder brush is an essential part of your toolkit as you can’t use other larger brushes as a substitute (the bristles are usually packed too tightly, resulting in compacted powder application). To apply powder, you’ll need a brush that’s fluffy, soft and flexible, allowing you to sweep product on lightly and avoid a cakey look. Try: wet n wild Powder Brush (R99.99) It lightly dusts setting powders, blushes and bronzers into the skin for an airbrushed look that is light, even and natural. 6. Angled / contour brush You no longer need to do full-on contouring to achieve more defined cheekbones. Strategic placement of highlighter, blush or a little bit of contouring product will sculpt, heighten and define.   Try: wet n wild Contour Brush (R99.99), which is perfectly angled to emphasise your cheekbones and enhance your bone structure in a few sweeps. 7. Eyeshadow brush One of the most important things to do when it comes to applying eyeshadow, is to blend, blend, and blend some more. And the best way to do that, is with a good quality eyeshadow brush. The Real Techniques Tapered Eyeshadow Brush (which forms part of the new Real Techniques Naturally Beautiful Eye Makeup Brush Kit (R480.00) can be used to apply both cream and powder eyeshadows. It has long, fluffy bristles to ensure a light and precise application of shadow. 8. Crease brush If you already have an eyeshadow brush, why would you need a crease brush too? While it’s not an absolute necessity, it certainly does make eyeshadow application easier and helps you achieve the enviable cut crease. Try: Real Techniques Instapop Crease Brush, which has dense bristles for seamless, precision blending from the crease of the eye to the lid – perfect to diffuse multiple colours flawlessly. This new brush forms part of the Real Techniques Eye Love Drama Brush Kit (R480.00). 9. Liner brush If you’re a gel or liquid eyeliner fan, you’ll need a good quality liner brush to achieve your desired look. Depending on the type of eyeliner look you’re going for, you’ll need either a winged liner brush or a small, tight brush. The Real Techniques Wing Liner Brush creates a defined wing with ease using liquid or gel liner for a buildable, natural eye look. Alternatively, the Real Techniques Tight Liner Brush features an innovative design that provides the perfect angle to apply eyeliner to the lash and water line. Both of these brushes form part of the new Real Techniques Eye Love Drama Brush Kit (R480.00). 10. Eyebrow brush We spend a lot of time grooming our eyebrows, so it’s only natural that we’d need a brush dedicated to our brows. A brow spoolie or brow comb work wonders in taming unruly brows and  The newly-launched Real Techniques Naturally Beautiful Eye Makeup Brush Kit (R480.00) features a Brow Duo brush, with a spoolie on one end and brow comb on the other.  The new Real Techniques brushes and brush kits, as well as the wet n wild makeup brushes, are available at Clicks.

July 8, 2022
Parenting Hub

How to keep your skin glowing this winter

While we love the thought of cozy jerseys, cups of hot chocolate and snuggling up in bed with a good book after a long, warm summer, we don’t love the way winter affects our skin. Dryness, dehydration, chapped lips and tightness are just a few of the most common skincare concerns that pop up when the temperature drops. During winter, humidity is lower both indoors and outdoors, meaning there is less moisture in the air. The water content of the top or outermost layer of our skin (known as the epidermis) tends to reflect the humidity around it, and this is why our skin is more prone to dryness during winter. While we focus a lot of our attention on dryness and dehydration during winter, there is another common skincare concern that does the rounds this time of year. If you’ve ever thought your complexion looks tired or dull during the colder months, you wouldn’t be alone. A lackluster skin with a lack of radiance is a common winter concern. Some of the most common causes of dull skin include: Dehydration Luminosity is closely related to the moisture levels in your skin. One of the leading causes of dullness is dehydration. When the skin is dehydrated, the volume of blood flow to the skin is less than if it is hydrated, which could make the skin look paler and dull. When the skin is dehydrated, fine lines and wrinkles may also appear more noticeable. Dead skin cells Our skin sheds dead skin cells every day, and if these cells are not removed from the skin, they can leave the complexion looking dull and tired, and if a build-up occurs, it can even lead to breakouts. Weekly or bi-weekly exfoliation removes dry and dead skin cells, allowing the ingredients in your skincare products to be absorbed more easily, and preventing clogged pores and blackheads. Exfoliation also smoothes the skin’s surface, so that it reflects light and appears brighter.  Dryness Whilst dehydration refers to a lack of water in the skin, dryness refers to a lack of oil in the skin. Dry skin is typically textured, may have fine cracks and a build-up of cells on the outer most layer of the epidermis.  Lifestyle While skincare plays a major role in the skin’s luminosity, there are plenty of lifestyle factors that also play a role. Stress results in an increase in the hormone cortisol, which may have a negative effect on the way in blood flow to the skin. Smoking may lead to collagen breakdown, which results in sallow skin. Not sleeping enough also plays a role. Our skin regenerates while we sleep, and if that time is cut short, skin cells will not function optimally. Then there’s the environment to consider. Living in an urban environment with a lot of pollution may affect the skin’s texture, as may exposure to harmful UV rays.  What can be done to increase radiance and glow? One of the single most important things you can do to improve dullness and increase radiance is to include vitamin C in your skincare regime. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that has the ability to brighten, firm, nourish and smooth skin. More than any other ingredient, it makes the skin glow, often with immediate effect, and offers continued improved radiance the longer you use it.  Not only does it help the skin build collagen, but it can also lighten pigmentation and dark marks.  Vitamin C is mildly exfoliating, which makes it a great ingredient to add to facial scrubs and exfoliants. We recommend exfoliating at least once a week with an illuminating scrub, like NIP+FAB’s Vitamin C Scrub Fix(R250.00). This energizing formula is infused with vitamin C, coffee seed extract and coconut oil to effectively cleanse, nourish and renew the skin. Because of its exfoliating properties, vitamin C found in facial cleansers may offer gentle daily exfoliation to prevent a build-up of dry or dead skin cells. NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Cleanser (R250.00) helps to protect skin from everyday environmental pollutants whilst revealing clearer, brighter skin.  Antioxidants like vitamin C protect the skin from free radicals caused by the sun and pollution, allowing the skin to retain its youthfulness for longer. When used regularly, it may also help soften fine lines and wrinkles. Applying a vitamin C serum and moisturizer twice a day will not only ensure that the skin stays moisturized and hydrated, but it will also improve the skin’s general appearance.  Try Creightons 2% Vitamin C Face Serum (R139.95) and Creightons Vitamin C Moisturiser (R89.95) Vitamin C is also a popular ingredient used to treat dark circles and under-eye bags. Apply a vitamin C-rich eye cream to brighten the eye area. Try Creightons Vitamin C Eye Serum (R115.95). With 2% vitamin C, this lightweight formula rejuvenates and replenishes the under-eye area and minimises the appearance of dark circles. In addition to using a good quality vitamin C skincare range, it’s also important to make heathy lifestyle choices. Avoiding smoking and processed foods, getting sufficient sleep and finding healthy ways to manage stress all contribute to a healthy and radiant complexion. 

July 8, 2022
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

A partnership to bring help to those who need it most

When you’re looking for positive, purposeful, swift action in a time of crisis there’s one organisation you know you can rely on. The Gift of the Givers Foundation is always ready to step in when needed, getting on with the job at hand with the minimum of fuss but with maximum results.  ‘The Gift of the Givers needs no introduction,’ says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund.  ‘The organisation continues to go beyond the call of duty to bring humanitarian aid where needed.  It has built its reputation on the principles we, as a corporate citizen, also value: Respect, care, professionalism and dedication. Their swift and problem solving response in the face of any disaster – be it a pandemic, fire, flood, earthquake, tsunami or war – is to be highly commended.  And we are proud to announce that Bonitas will be partnering with them for the year ahead.’  For 30 years this extraordinary, non-governmental disaster response organisation has been responding to global challenges, in an effort to bring hope, life and restore dignity to the most vulnerable of people. Gift of the Givers primary focus is disaster response but other key areas of assistance include hunger alleviation, water provision, healthcare, education and social upliftment. Headed up by medical doctor, turned humanitarian, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Gift of the Givers has repaired and restocked hospitals, run clinics, sunk boreholes, dug wells, provided food and shelter to millions … and so much more. And, more recently, during the Covid-19 pandemic, KZN riots and water shortages in the Eastern Cape, the NGO brought relief to those who needed it most.  ‘Our association with Gift of the Givers goes back a few years when we supported various projects on an ad hoc basis.  However, recently we reassessed and realigned our CSI strategy to be in sync with our mantra: ‘A Medical Aid for South Africa’,’ says Callakoppen. ’This means us investing in the social upliftment of South Africans. And who better to partner with than this leading philanthropic organisation. The Bonitas values align with that of the Gift of the Givers and we look forward to working with them to provide relief to the most vulnerable and marginalised communities, specifically in the field of healthcare interventions.’ ‘We joined Bonitas as our medical scheme in 2019,’ says Dr Sooliman. ‘We worked with our financial advisors to find the most appropriate scheme and plan for our staff and have been impressed with their service, professionalism and how the member always comes first. As a paypoint for the Fund, we interact with the team regularly and, through these interactions, have realised there is synergy in our ethos. This led to us working alongside them on selected projects but we are thrilled they are formalising a partnership with us.’  Sooliman says the private sector plays a vital role in helping the organisation fulfil its humanitarian vision. ‘By working in partnership with like-minded and committed corporate partners, we have the ability to make a real difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable people across South Africa, throughout Africa and the world.’ ‘We have handed over an initial R500 000k that will be used for healthcare related disasters,’ says Callakoppen, ‘However, additional funding has been set aside for specific healthcare related projects, such as hospital revamps, that are close to the hearts of both the Fund and Gift of the Givers.’  ‘I have been fortunate to meet Dr Sooliman on a few occasions and he has engaged with our Bonitas Board,’ says Callakoppen. ’It was humbling to learn more about the healthcare interventions they have put in place, the impact these have had and also just how much they can achieve in a day. He is passionate about the work they do and has a solid belief in the common humanity that unites us. This resonates throughout the organisation, leading with integrity and honesty. We look forward to the lessons we will learn while working alongside them on future projects.’

July 7, 2022
Parenting Hub

Shopping showdown: which retailer wins at the tills?

The high cost of food is a subject on everyone’s lips. Reasons for the increases range from the war in Ukraine to the weaker rand, and natural disasters such as the floods in KwaZulu-Natal – a province in which many South African factories are situated. JustMoney, which helps South Africans to educate themselves about managing their personal finances, has compared the costs of 13 basic goods at three leading supermarket outlets. The personal finance portal also provides some handy tips on how to thrive in the supermarket aisles during these tough economic times. Last year, JustMoney examined the cost of 12 basic food items at three major retailers – Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths. This year, the survey included a 13th item – cooking oil – the cost of which has risen due to the factors noted above, in addition to a mismatch between supply and demand, and unnecessary stockpiling. Pick n Pay ranks as most affordable While the cheapest shopping experience last year could be found at Checkers, this year the position goes – only just – to Pick n Pay.  By way of example, their 16-piece uncooked chicken packs cost R83.82 on the day that JustMoney shopped, versus R124.18 for a similar item at Checkers and R186.28 at Woolworths. A 2.25 litre bottle of Coca-Cola at Pick n Pay cost R13, compared with R17.99 at Checkers and R20.99 at Woolworths. The 2022 items included one of each of the following: A loaf of white bread, a small pack of bananas, a 2.5kg bag of sugar, 80 Freshpak rooibos teabags, one litre of long-life milk, two litres of cooking oil, a 410g tin of baked beans, nine rolls of toilet paper, a 2.25 litre bottle of Coca-Cola, 16 pieces of uncooked chicken, a 2kg bag of potatoes, a 2kg bag of white rice and 2kg Sunlight 2-in-1 washing powder. Last year, the cost of these household baskets came in at R368.71 at Checkers, R411.99 at Pick n Pay, and R442.34 at Woolworths. This year, including the addition of cooking oil, the totals wereR519.71 at Pick n Pay, R521.06 at Checkers, and R624.16 at Woolworths. “Our advice to consumers is to roam the aisles across supermarket chains, or make comparisons on the shopping apps, as there are plenty of discounts and specials to be found,” says Shafeeka Anthony, marketing manager of JustMoney. Checkers scoops best loyalty benefits While Pick n Pay Smart Shopper offered the best benefits in 2021, this year the accolade went to Checkers. Major savings were available immediately when swiping an Xtra Savings card.  A nine-roll Rose Collection toilet paper pack was thus reduced from R69.99 to R59.99, two bottles of 2.25 litres of Coca-Cola went for R30.99 (usually R17.99 each or R36 overall), and a 2kg bag of Spekko white rice came in at R24.99 versus R32.99 without an Xtra Savings card. Woolworths ranks first for best shopping experience Once again, Woolworths ranked highest in terms of shopping experience. The stores are designed for comfort as much as convenience, and products are visually appealing.  It also helps that café-quality coffee can be had in-store – and for only R23 when using a WRewards card, versus up to R40 for a similar coffee elsewhere.  How loyalty cards boost affordability JustMoney’s tips for scoring extra cash are as follows: Checkers: Save on more than 1,000 products each month by swiping your Xtra Savings card. These discounts are clearly marked in store, and you save straight away at the till. Pick n Pay: Swipe your Smart Shopper card on anything you buy and earn a point per R2 spent. The more you swipe, including at partners such as BP, the more points you accumulate, which you can spend in any Pick n Pay store. Woolworths: Voted Best Loyalty Programme of the Year at the International Loyalty Awards, this programme provides up to 10% instant savings on over 1,000 specially marked food, fashion and homeware items. The more you spend, the higher your tier and the greater your rewards. Additional Green Rewards apply on eco-friendly products. These findings show that all is not lost for local grocery shoppers. The main supermarkets are reaching out to consumers with store-card specials, combo deals, in-house items, and low-cost brands that are new to market. JustMoney has also searched out special deals on items ranging from restaurant meals to fun activities for children. Check out the JustMoney deals section for value-for-money offers. “It makes such financial sense to become a savvier shopper, comparing costs on similar (if not exactly the same) items, adding up rewards on loyalty cards, and calculating how much it costs to buy in bulk. These calculations, and the result of the latest JustMoney survey, reveal where the best savings can be found,” says Anthony. “You can also save money by purchasing food and beverages online or via an app. Benefits include fuel savings, parking cost avoidance, fewer distractions to tempt you, and the convenience of using a digital platform. Look out for website specials and discounts on items that you won’t find in physical stores.” Read a JustMoney article on costs and advantages of online shopping.

July 1, 2022
Fundamentals Skincare

SKIN BARRIER PROTECTION AND WHAT THIS MEANS

Plump, glowing, youthful, clear, healthy and the list goes on of words we want to use to describe our skin. How many of these words can actually be used to describe the current state of your skin? We’re guessing no more than two, maybe three. The reason why you might not be able to tick all these boxes is because our skin is imperfect, and that is how it is supposed to be  – but also, because too many of us don’t pay enough attention to protecting our barrier.  Tumi Lehutso from Fundamentals Skincare breaks down the skin barrier for us:  What is our skin barrier?  Here is the tea – your skin is made up of layers, each of which performs important functions in protecting your body. The outermost layer, called the stratum corneum consists of tough skin cells called corneocytes that are bound together by mortar-like lipids. This is your skin barrier. Functions of the skin barrier  Think of your skin barrier as your skin’s built in warrior. Its function is to defend and protect the body from excessive trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), as well as to prevent the penetration of compounds into the body via the epidermis. It regulates water loss from the inside out, retains moisture, and keeps you hydrated. Second, it helps protect your skin from harsh elements like UV rays, pollutants, microbes, and chemicals or those you put on your skin. If your skin barrier is damaged, it could lead to skin problems like dry, ired, inflamed, tchy, or flaky skin. What damages your skin barrier?  Protecting your skin can sometimes seem like a scene out of Thor and this is because the environment, our stress levels and products all can contribute to damaging our skin’s barrier. The main culprits are:  an environment that’s either too humid or too dry allergens, irritants, and pollutants too much sun exposure alkaline detergents and soaps exposure to harsh chemicals over-exfoliation or over-washing steroids genetic factors that may make you more prone to certain skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis When your skin barrier isn’t functioning properly, you may be more prone to developing the following skin symptoms and conditions: dry, scaly skin, itchiness, rough or discolored patches, acne, sensitive or inflamed areas, bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections.  How can we protect our skin’s barrier?  The absolute first step for anyone with a compromised skin barrier is to simplify your skin care routine. Use fewer products and more of the actives you need. Reduce exfoliation to once or twice a week and when exfoliating do so gently using light chemical exfoliators.  Another very important thing to consider is your pH. Your skin’s delicate acid mantle hovers around a pH of 5.7. But the pH of some skin products can range from 3.7, all the way up to 8.2. Professionals and research recommend  cleansing with a product that’s close to your skin’s natural pH. Incorporate some plant oils into your routine: jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil, argan oil, borage oil, rosehip oil, soybean oil. Alongside this, look for formulations that includes Ceramides. Ceramides are waxy lipids found in especially high concentrations in the stratum corneum. They are crucial for the healthy functioning of your skin barrier. For more information:  Shop: https://fundamentals-skincare.co.za  Instagram: @fundamentals_skincare Tik Tok: @fundamentals_skincare Facebook: @FundamentalsSkincare

June 28, 2022
Lamelle Pharmaceuticals

Beat hot flashes naturally with Lady Prelox

When you hear about hot flashes, most women immediately think “menopause” and reckon it’s something they’d only have to worry about in their mid to late 40s. Thing is, this annoying, make-up ruining, life-interrupting symptom can affect you as early as your late 30s during perimenopause, the lead up to your final period. Even more annoying? While, on average, perimenopause lasts around 4 to 6 years, it can bother you for as long as 10. That’s a long time to want to walk around with a fan in your handbag but, happily, you don’t have to. Lady Prelox, an all-natural supplement developed especially for women, has been proven to help alleviate hot flashes. But before we get into why it’s a brilliant solution to an age-old problem, let’s first chat about why your body’s thermostat feels like it’s running wild and what you can do to temper it.  Hormones and hot flashes   When you enter perimenopause, a time when your ovaries start to run low on eggs, you can expect hormonal fluctuations that trigger a laundry list of symptoms. These include mood changes, a loss of libido, vaginal dryness, trouble concentrating, exhaustion, migraines, insomnia, night sweats and the aforementioned “super fun” hot flashes.  Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to improve your experience as you transition into the period-free part of your life. For starters, don’t underestimate the importance of a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. You also definitely don’t want to smoke. While the increased risk of cancer should be enough to put anyone off, studies have shown that female smokers are more likely to go into menopause earlier than non-smokers. They’re also more likely to experience more frequent as well as more intense symptoms, particularly hot flashes. So what’s a woman to do?   Lifestyle changes aside, you have several treatment options that include taking hormone therapy and medications like low-dose antidepressants. Still, many women prefer to go the natural route and this is where things can get murky. For example, black cohosh is a herb commonly used with the intention of improving the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. However, there’s not enough evidence to suggest it’s effective and there’s no guarantee you’re ever buying a product containing the very particular variant of herb proposed to suppress the flash. Fortunately, not every natural option is a gamble and this is where Lady Prelox fits in – a million miles ahead of the competition.  Patented and proven  A patented estrogen-free health supplement, Lady Prelox contains premium plant-based ingredients that include Pycnogenol® (a derivative of French maritime pine bark extract), Rosvita® (rosehip extract) and two amino acids – L-Arginine and L-Citrulline. Together, they’ve been clinically proven to significantly improve hot flashes and night sweats in peri-menopausal women in as little as four weeks! Better yet, it wasn’t just the study’s participants’ ability to beat the heat that improved. Lady Prelox also enhanced their ability to focus and reduced their feelings of anxiety.  But wait – there’s more!  As if these weren’t all the reasons you’d need to consider Lady Prelox a must for any woman entering the next phase of life, there’s another big benefit you’ll want to know about: Lady Prelox is also clinically proven to boost sexual function and satisfaction in women between 37 and 45 by a whopping 88%. It’s also proven to boost sexual satisfaction in menopausal and even post-menopausal women by 60% and more. Again, these improvements were all evident within just 30 days. Talk about a brilliant bonus! If you’re struggling with hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms – or simply want to enhance your sex life – Lady Prelox really is the obvious all-natural solution.  Visit: https://www.preloxrange.co.za/ for more information

June 28, 2022
Cartoon Network Africa

What to watch on Cartoon Network in July

CN CLIMATE CHAMPIONS CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. Ready to be a Climate Champion? Do you need great ideas on how you can make a difference to our precious planet? Catch up every day for a whole week during the holidays with your favourite Cartoon Network characters as they tackle environmental issues. What will the Teen Titans do when all the garbage in the ocean messes up their beach day? How far will the DC Super Hero Girls go to protect an ancient tree from being cut down? Will Ben 10 be able to shut down Steam Smythe’s steam-powered generator before it destroys the environment? Join us every morning at 09:40 to find out.  Caring about our planet, wanting to make a difference together, and having fun while you do it – that’s the Cartoon Network Climate Champions way! PREMIERE: Monday, 11 July 2022 TUNE IN: Everyday @ 09:40 CAT AQUAMAN: KING OF ATLANTIS IT’S THE FUNNIEST UNDERSEA ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME! Join the legendary DC Superhero, Aquaman, on his first day on the job as King of Atlantis.  With his two royal advisors, Vulko and Mera, they work together to protect the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. From Aquaman’s half-brother who wants to overthrow him to the dangers above and below the sea’s surface, our new king will have to rise to the challenge! It’s a slippery, comedic journey for our slightly insecure king Aquaman, with monstrous creatures, devious rivals, and epic battles ahead. Get ready for this 3-part super-powered miniseries starting on Saturday, 2 July and find out if Aquaman will manage to prove to his subjects – and himself – that he’s the right man for the trident! PREMIERE: Saturday, 2 July 2022 TUNE IN: Saturdays @ 10:10 CAT Also available on DStv Catch Up SUPER PETS TIME TO HANG OUT WITH SOME SUPER PETS! If you’re a fan of pets and a follower of Teen Titans Go! and DC Super Hero Girls, this is just for you! We’ve paw-picked 13 hilarious animal-themed adventures to celebrate the new DC League of Super Pets movie coming to cinemas on 29 July. And … we have jam-packed all 13 into a must-watch marathon for you! Curl up like a cat and catch Jessica Cruz as she looks for the purr-fect forever home for Dexter the Rage Cat, or watch Robin dress up to be ‘Sassy Pants the cat’. You’ll also see Diana Prince’s (aka Wonder Woman) pet-raising skills being tested to the max when a mysterious egg hatches into a baby gryphon – but what happens when the baby gryphon becomes lonely?  Find out this month on Cartoon Network. TUNE IN: Friday, 29 July from 17:45 CAT

June 25, 2022
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