Lifestyle - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wellness practices should be part of everyday life – here’s why

Up until a couple of years ago, you’d be forgiven for thinking the term “wellness” only referred to lazy afternoons spent at a spa or a wellness retreat. Today, wellness is considered an important part of everyday life. The covid-19 pandemic saw a global surge in self-care practices and mental health awareness. It forced us to stop, breathe and to take a closer look at our health. This led to a major uptake in meditation, yoga and other self-care rituals. But what exactly is wellness, and how is it different to general health? Wellness is a lifestyle. It’s the act of practicing healthy habits daily to improve one’s overall physical and mental health, and to live a fuller and happier life. Wellness forms part of all aspects of your life, be it your diet (snacking on healthy foods rather than sweets or chocolates), your relationships (spending quality time with loved ones), your downtime (resting and relaxing when you are feeling run-down) or your work (instilling healthy habits like taking a lunch break every day or not checking emails over weekends). When we incorporate wellness practices into various parts of our lives, it has major benefits for our physical health (a stronger immune system, more energy and better fitness) as well as our mental health (less stress, less anxiety and a happier state of mind). Wellness practices are different for everyone depending on their lives and lifestyles. After a stressful day at the office, one person’s wellness practice might be a run or jog through the neighbourhood. For another, it might be a bubble bath and a good book. The key lies in finding what works for you. Wellness at work Practicing wellness at work is two-fold: there is the aspect of stepping away, such as taking a lunch break or getting up to stretch every half an hour; and then there is the aspect of incorporating wellness into your work by creating a happy and healthy work space. A clean and tidy desk area is a great start, as is ergonomic seating and plenty of fresh air. Have you ever considered adding a diffuser and some essential oils to your desk? Not only does it leave the room beautifully scented, but the oils can also help benefit your mood. Try the SOiL Inspire Essential Oil Blend, which contains an uplifting and refreshing blend of lime, mandarin and spearmint to energise and inspire. To support a healthier environment, we recommend SOiL Shield Essential Oil Blend, a spicy, citrus, mint blend that creates a barrier against unwanted germs and bacteria to support a healthier environment, immune and respiratory function. Simply add a few drops of these oils to your SOiL Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser which disperses the essential oils into the air via a fine mist. Wellness at home Not sure where to start practicing wellness at home? It’s easier than you think! Start with a few basics: ensure good ventilation by keeping windows open when possible, keep the space tidy and clean and, importantly, enjoy the space. If you love taking a bath and you have a bathtub, use it regularly to unwind. If you have a room with lovely afternoon sun, take some time out to read your favourite book in there. Try to get the whole family on board with wellness practices, whether it’s a walk to the park after work or a family movie night once a week. One of the easiest ways to set the mood at home is to light a tea candle in your SOiL Ceramic Aroma Burner, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil and allow the scent to infiltrate the room. The candlelight creates a relaxing atmosphere, and your chosen essential oil does the rest. If you want to create a peaceful or relaxing atmosphere, add a few drops of the SOiL Sleep Blend to your burner or diffuser while you prepare to go to bed. It contains a blend of soothing herbal extracts: oils of lavender, marjoram and bergamot will help you drift off peacefully in no time. It’s also a great option to add to your bath water. Gently massage some SOiL Baby Massage Oil into your skin before bed to help your body relax. This blend of chamomile, lavender and olive oil will help keep your skin moisturised and help your mind switch off. For an uplifting or energetic atmosphere, opt for SOiL Energy Blend, with lavender, bergamot, marjoram and vetiver or SOiL Inspire Blend, which contains a refreshing, uplifting and inspiring blend of lime, mandarin and spearmint. And while we’re on the topic of the home, let’s not forget the importance of keeping supplies on-hand for daily concerns. The SOiL First Aid Essential Oil Trio Box consists of lavender essential oil that soothes and calms the mind, body, and inflamed skin, tea tree essential oil that cleanses the air, mind, and body with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and eucalyptus essential oil which supports a healthier respiratory function and soothes insect bites. It’s the perfect trio to keep in the home – you never know when you may need it! Making greener wellness choices Wellness is not just about making better choices for ourselves, it’s also about making better choices for the planet. When we use sustainable materials, purchase products that were ethically soured or manufactured and support cruelty-free brands, we help lead the way to a better future: Cleaner air, cleaner oceans and a more diverse animal and plant population. One of the most important things we can do is to ensure the products we buy are fair-trade. This means that fair prices are paid to the producers of products in developing countries, helping to achieve sustainable and equitable trade relationships, and to avoid exploitation. 14 May was World Fair Trade Day. The purpose? To showcase the contributions of small-scale producers and farmers to healthy and sustainable communities around the globe. SOiL is Fair for Life certified, which is an internationally-recognised certification for small businesses that follow fair trade practices. Some of the products made with internationally-sourced fair trade ingredients

June 23, 2022

Stylish Shelving Solutions that “Float on Air”

Castle Timbers launches THREE new unique floating media storage solutions South African specialist shelving company, Castle Timbers, part of the MTO Group, has launched a series of ultra-stylish floating shelf and media wall unit ranges, designed to hold multimedia gadgets, and conceal unsightly cables. These units are also equally at home as stylish storage solutions to complement any room. Manufactured from either 100% South African Kiln dried pine as a solid wood Floating Media Shelves, or a lightweight Floating Media Econo Shelves made from a 70/30 combination of an inner frame of SA pine (harvested from parent company MTO’s certified plantations), and an outer layer of 3mm locally sourced MDF (Medium Density Fibre / Supa Wood), or a third choice of a Floating Media Wall Units made from locally sourced 100% 16mm MDF. Each of these Ranges are the first of their kind to be manufactured in bulk, at consistent high-quality standards, for which Castle Timbers has developed a well-deserved reputation. The Castle Media Floating Shelves offer a 7cm wide x 1cm deep rebated groove at the base of the unit, allowing for convenient spacing of media cables, while keeping the shelf flush with the wall. The ranges come in black or white with a standard 3cm thickness x 30cm width x 44cm, 60cm, 90cm & 120cm lengths. Retail prices direct from the Castle Timbers website vary from R479.75 to R887.40 VAT Incl The Castle Media Econo Floating Shelves with the same features but with a standard 4.1cm thickness x 30cm width x 44cm & 60cm lengths, retails from R269.00 to R350.00 VAT Incl. The Castle 482mm Long Media Wall units provide a 7cm wide x 1cm deep rebated groove at the top as well as the base of the unit, allowing for convenient top & bottom spacing of media cables while keeping the wall unit flush with the wall, thanks to the 2 bevelled keyslot holders. The range comes in black or white with a standard 16mm thickness x 152mm height x 350mm width x 482mm length. Retail prices direct from Castle Timbers website vary from R757.50 to R797.00 VAT Incl. About Castle Timbers: Castle Timbers is a specialist shelving retailer established in 2009, headquartered in Cape Town. The company ships all over South Africa, and internationally and has developed a well-deserved reputation for high quality products and extraordinarily efficient customer service. The pine used in all the wooden products, is sourced directly from MTO Group’s certified plantations, giving clients the peace of mind that the products have been harvested responsibly and sustainably. www.castletimbers.co.za What makes Castle Timbers and their Shelving products different? We are everyday people, just like our customers and we know how difficult it can be to put up a floating unit. Our mission, therefore, is to make it as easy as possible for the customer to fit / mount our shelving solutions and maintain our human interaction with our customers, who appreciate talking with us. Some innovative initiatives to best assist our customers: Enclosed in the packaging of every single: Floating & Corner shelf is a “Drilling Guide / Template” with clear indicators on where to drill the holes in the wall – preferably brick. Floating, Corner shelf & Wall Unit is a step-by-step guide on how best to safely fit / mount the shelving unit against the wall. Floating, Corner shelf & Wall Unit are valuable tips for e.g. “How best to drill the hole” or “How to ensure the unit lies flush with the wall after mounting” or “How best to use Nail-In-Anchors & wall plugs” etc Castle Timbers has also created 2-minute ‘how to’ videos on our website Follow the link: https://www.castletimbers.com/pages/diy A personal touch to every single Castle Timbers website order: All Castle Timbers customers receive a personalised e-mail to confirm their order. Once payment is confirmed the customer receives a 2nd personalised e-mail with confirmation that their order has been picked & shipped via courier, together with tracking details. All Castle Timbers customers receive a personalised hand-written note on a Castle Timbers complimentary slip, thanking them for the order, together with an invitation to call for assistance at any time, a promise we mean.

June 22, 2022

YOUR 5-STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR HAPPY SKIN IN WINTER

Winter has already started knocking at our doors which calls for a change in our skincare routines to avoid our skin falling victim to the extreme weather conditions. Your skin barrier is the most susceptile to depletion during Winter from the cold weather, hot water and dry heat, which all deplete the natural skin ceramides and essential fatty acids. Achieving or maintaining healthy, glowing and comfortable skin comes from having an intact skin barrier. It protects the skin from bacteria and pollution and stops transepidermal water loss – essential to prevent dehydration. The Essentials These harsh environmental factors experienced in Winter promote dry skin, dry patches, inflammation and less hydration in the skin. Try reduce the size of your skincare vanity and only use a few key products. Our recommendation: Introduce serums and vitamin C, switch to a cleanser with aloe vera, use more moisturising products and invest in a thicker moisturiser for face and body – and of course don’t forget SPF. Tumi Lehutso from Fundamentals Skincare explained: “While you don’t necessarily need to overhaul your skincare routine each season, there are few small changes you might want to make. Sunscreens, moisturisers and serums are essentially the foundation of your routine, and they won’t necessarily need to be switched out.” Regime Reset Step 1: Cleanser. Using a cleanser that has Aloe Vera will help your skin heal from any damage caused by the colder weather. Aloe is a household plant and when used in skincare assists in moisturising the skin. It also helps with acne, eczema, and sunburn. Step 2: Toner. Baobab oil is a rich source of omega fatty acids that fight inflammation, making it a great choice for sensitive or inflamed skin. Baobab’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritation and can even help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Using a toner that has Baobab and is alcohol-free will help you achieve smooth, soft, hydrated skin with reduced inflammation and improved barrier functioning. Step 3: Serum. Consider using a Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid. For all skin types, L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of vitamin C and can be the most beneficial. Hyaluronic Acid will give your skin a boost of hydration and is suitable for all skin types. Step 4: Moisturiser. Undoubtably the most important step for your face and body. Invest in a well-formulated face moisturiser and body butter. For face consider ceramide for ultimate hydration. We need ceramides for skin to work properly but age and environmental triggers reduce ceramides in our skin. For body consider a body cream/butter with Niacinamide which is effective for hydration and managing the environmental impact on the skin. Step 5: Last but not least – SPF. We know by now that SPF should be used all year. There are still UV rays present even when the sun isn’t shining. A sun protection factor of 30 is suitable. For more information: Shop: https://fundamentals-skincare.co.za Instagram: @fundamentals_skincare Tik Tok: @fundamentals_skincare Facebook: @FundamentalsSkincare

June 21, 2022

Making changes to your medical aid

Wherever possible, consumers are tightening their belts and looking at ways to consolidate expenses and save money. Healthcare is no exception. Traditionally, members of medical aids re-evaluated their medical cover annually, to coincide with increase announcements as well as changes to plans and benefits which come into effect on January 1 each year. However due to the pandemic, a number of medical aid schemes have deferred or postponed their increase announcements. This new pricing is being introduced at different times during the year and at varying percentages – often above inflation. ‘This has caused some confusion and challenges,’ says Lee Callakoppen, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund – which opted not to defer increases. ‘Members are free to change their options, once a year, during the open period. However, with deferred increases, this often falls out of the open period. This means members start paying the increased premium after to change options has closed.’ Callakoppen explains that the medical aid industry is highly regulated with specific rules and regulations that could impact changing plans and moving schemes. These include waiting periods, late joiner fees and accumulated savings – that all need to be considered when changing plans Can you change your membership any time during the year? You can change at any time but usually this happens during open period. When changing, waiting periods might apply and the savings allocation of the plan may be affected. Make sure you have not already used more than a pro-rated percentage of the benefits or you might have to replay it. This will happen if you have depleted the savings’ portion before the end of the year and switch to another medical aid. What is a waiting period? According to the Medical Schemes Act, medical aid schemes are entitled to impose waiting periods – there are two categories: General waiting period (up to three months) and a condition-specific waiting period (up to 12 months). This protects other members of the Scheme by ensuring individuals can’t make large claims shortly after joining and then cancelling their membership. When do waiting periods apply? Waiting periods generally apply if you move from one medical aid to another, you or your dependants were not on a medical aid for a period of at least 90 days before you joined, or you have never been a member of a medical aid. Can these be waivered? Waiting periods can be waivered but this depends on the medical scheme. Do you pay premiums during a waiting period? Yes, you continue to pay your full premium during the waiting period. What if you change from one scheme to another? Your specific details and medical history will be considered, for example pre-existing medical conditions, how long you have belonged to a medical aid, etc., and underwriting may apply. What is a late-joiner penalty? Schemes can impose late-joiner penalties on individuals who join after the age of 35, who have never been medical aid members or those who have not belonged to a medical aid for a specified period of time since April 2001. Can you move directly from hospital insurance to medical aid? Late-joiner penalties will apply if you are over the age of 35 and move from a hospital insurance to any form of medical aid (including a hospital plan). Does the late-joiner penal reduce over time? No, unfortunately not. Once you are paying a late-joiner penalty, it remains in place. ‘The bottom line is that members need to do due diligence if they are considering switching medical plans or schemes. They need to evaluate the monthly contribution against the benefits being offered and make sure they will cover their healthcare needs,’ says Callakoppen.

June 21, 2022

The common cold in babies

With COVID19 prevalent globally, the thought of your baby catching a cold could be one to send shivers down your spine. But don’t fret, here are the symptoms of the common cold, what is considered normal and what is cause for concern. What is a cold? The common cold is caused by a variety of different viruses, and is an infection of the throat and nose. When a baby is born they have a weaker immune system, which develops as they grow older. Understandably though, this makes it easier for them to catch a cold. Babies do build up antibodies when they are exposed to germs, however, it takes 2 to 3 months for their immunity to fully develop. There are many types of viruses that are the cause of colds, but luckily most colds will help increase your little one’s immunity against other another nasty germs. What is normal and what can I do to prevent my baby catching a cold? Unfortunately, as the cold is caused by viruses there is no cure for it, but you can try naturally calm your baby’s symptoms. Unfortunately antibiotics won’t work as viruses are the culprit. It is normal for a cold to last 7 to 10 days. Symptoms include a runny nose, cough and low grade fever. Although alarming, fever is your baby’s natural response to the virus. Don’t give over the counter medication to your baby as these can cause dangerous side effects in young children, but extra fluids, saline spray and air humidifiers are all things you can use to help your baby. When a cold causes your baby to have trouble breathing, a high fever or dehydration it is time to consult with a doctor. Additionally, if the cold lasts for an extended period of time without getting better it is also best to seek professional help. Babies often catch the virus from older siblings or daycare, so if you can limit your baby’s exposure to other people this will help prevent them picking up unwanted viruses. Ask visitors to wash their hands before touching your little one and make sure to keep the baby’s utensils and towels separate from the rest of the household. Keeping your baby up to date with vaccinations is also a very important action that can help protect your them.

June 21, 2022

How to prep your hair for winter with Hask hair treatments

As much as we hate to admit it, cooler weather has already arrived, and before we know it, we’ll be in the middle of full-blown winter. Winter is the time of year that our hair suffers the most due to the extreme drop in temperature. That’s because exposure to excessive cold can lead to dryness, dehydration, split ends and breakage. And simultaneously, exposure to indoor heating can draw moisture from the skin and hair, also resulting in dehydration. Between heated indoor spaces and cold air outside, our hair takes a beating. And while winter isn’t anything to dread, it does call for extra TLC and added nourishing ingredients in our haircare regimes. The best way to increase moisture and hydration, prevent split ends, strengthen hair and protect against damage and breakage is to incorporate a nourishing hair mask into your regime. When applied weekly, consistently, it goes a long way to nourish, protect and restore hair. Hask has a range of hair treatments designed to do just that. Making use of some of nature’s most nourishing ingredients, there is something for everyone. These are the ingredients we recommend you start using now, to not only prep your hair for the colder months, but also to maintain its health, moisture and shine throughout the season: Argan oil High in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil has been trusted for centuries to nourish, hydrate and protect hair. Nicknamed “liquid gold,” this multi-tasking ingredient is both a moisturiser and a sealant, which means that it has the ability to penetrate the hair as well as lock in moisture by sealing the strand on the surface. If you’re looking for an ingredient that will make your hair softer and more manageable while offering intensely nourishing benefits, argan oil is a great option to try. Try: Hask Argan Oil Intense Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment (R74.99). Formulated with keratin, this super strengthening and hydrating treatment restores and smooths dry, damaged and over-processed hair. It works hard to restore lost moisture and prevent breakage, all while nourishing the hair to keep it looking healthy and shiny. Hemp oil A member of the cannabis sativa species of plant, hemp seed oil is a clear green oil made by cold-pressing hemp seeds. Believed to have many health benefits, hemp seeds are rich in polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Known to help relieve the symptoms of dry and itchy skin, hemp seed oil has also shown remarkable benefits for the skin on the scalp, and has the ability to promote healthy hair growth, increase shine, moisturise hair and revive damaged hair. Try: Hask Hemp Oil & Agave Moisturising Deep Conditioner (R74.99). This replenishing treatment provides an instant moisture boost for dry and damaged hair. It is made with organic hemp seed oil to deliver superior humectant properties for your softest, most hydrated hair yet. Shea butter A fat derived from the nuts of the shea tree, shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids. Not only do these fatty acids help reduce dehydration, but they also minimise frizz and increase manageability. Shea butter is non-greasy, and is known to be an excellent moisturiser for skin and hair. It has the ability to prevent future dryness and damage, as well as restore past and current damage and dryness. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce scalp irritation. Try: Hask Shea Butter & Hibiscus Oil Anti-Frizz Deep Conditioner (R74.99). It moisturises and strengthens dehydrated and weak hair and is formulated with an innovative technology that strengthens the hair fibres to reduce breakage. Keratin Keratin is a type of protein naturally found in our hair, skin and nails, as well as in the body’s internal organs and glands. It is a protective protein and is the structural building block of the hair. When applied to hair, keratin works by smoothing the cells that overlap to form the hair strands. The hair cuticle (layers of cells in the hair strand) absorb the keratin, resulting in smoother, shinier and more manageable hair. Keratin also has the ability to make curly hair less frizzy. Try: Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Deep Conditioner (R74.99). An intense treatment that helps restore moisture to dry and damaged hair. It contains keratin protein to repair damage and prevent breakage and leaves hair shiny and smooth. Monoi Oil Monoi has been used for centuries, and originally originated from soaking Tahitian gardenia petals in pure coconut oil. Monoi oil thus offers many of the same benefits of coconut oil. The term “monoi” can only be used for oils that are sourced from the French Polynesian region. Gardenia petals are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps promote healthy hair growth and a healthy scalp, while coconut oil is highly moisturising and filled with anti-inflammatory properties. This powerful combination not only helps protect hair from the environment, but also hydrates and nourishes. Try: Hask Monoi Oil Nourishing Deep Conditioner (R74.99). Suitable for all hair types and designed to restore lost moisture, this intense treatment leaves your hair nourished and revived. Hask products are available exclusively at Clicks stores. Facebook: @hasksouthafrica Instagram: @hasksouthafrica

June 17, 2022

Irregular periods? Consider an all-natural solution like Ovaria

When life is busy, weeks fly by like days. Unless you’re tracking your period via an app or pay close attention to the calendar, you might not even notice should you miss a period. Also, if you’re dealing with a spotty cycle or taking birth control to actively “skip” a period, it can be even harder to keep track. Still, once you realise you’re not menstruating the way you expect to, it’s a sign that shouldn’t be ignored. Why is my period irregular? First up, every woman is different and lots of things can affect the way they experience menstruation. However, your period could be considered irregular if the time between them starts to change or the duration begins to vary significantly. In this case, make an appointment to chat with your doctor or gynaecologist. The causes of a period gone astray really do run the gamut and can range from overdoing it in the exercise department to having fibroids (typically non-cancerous muscular tumours) growing in your uterus. Still, one of the most common conditions that can cause an irregular period is an all-too-common hormonal disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). According to the South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, it affects as many as 20% of our country’s women in their childbearing years and is linked to 40% of its cases of female infertility. The good news, however, is that it’s very treatable and the negative effect it can have on your fertility can, in many cases, be reversed. It’s all about your hormones To understand PCOS – as well as how to treat and beat it – realise that the root cause is unbalanced hormones. To start, sufferers typically produce more androgen (the male hormone). This causes the ovaries to not release an egg each month and other negative effects include oily skin, an increase in acne and excessive hair growth – often in unwanted places such as on your face! Another hormone that goes haywire when you’ve got PCOS? Insulin. In fact, as many as 70% of PCOS sufferers will also be insulin resistant. In this case, your body starts to produce an excessive amount of insulin because it’s stopped responding to the important message this hormone signals – that it’s time to use the sugar in your blood for energy. Instead, the glucose just languishes in your veins, elevating your bloody sugar levels, and eventually gets stored away as fat. This is why being insulin resistant and struggling to lose weight, particularly around the belly area, go hand in hand. It’s also why suffering from PCOS and not treating it can dramatically increase your risk of developing diabetes. Bring back the balance Clearly, having an irregular period isn’t something you want to ignore so chat with your doctor to get a diagnosis. If it turns out to be PCOS, get onto a treatment plan as soon as possible for the sake of your fertility and your health. This might involve making lifestyle changes, like scheduling more treadmill time and improving your diet, as well as taking prescription medication that will help balance your hormones. A proven all-natural solution Another way you can ease the symptoms of PCOS is via a proven supplement – Ovaria by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals A great tasting powder that can be added to any liquid, Ovaria contains a blend of all-natural ingredients including Myo-inositol. This naturally occurring carbohydrate won’t aggravate insulin resistance. Instead, it helps to regulate your body’s response to it, reducing your risk of developing diabetes as well as other PCOS-related complications. Better yet, when you manage your insulin levels, you’ll reduce your androgen levels. As a result, Ovaria can support weight loss while reducing the severity of acne as well as excessive hair growth. The other great thing about Ovaria is that it’s clinically proven. Studies show it can restore the regularity of your menstrual cycle and increase your ovulation rate to enhance your fertility in as little as 16 weeks! The bottom line If you discover your irregular period is being caused by PCOS, know that you’re not alone. There are lots of ways you can treat it and one of the most natural, non-prescription as well as proven solutions is Ovaria. It’s helped ease the PCOS symptoms of hundreds of woman around the globe so why shouldn’t you be one of them?

June 17, 2022

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPF 30 AND SPF 50

With the amount of skincare knowledge now freely available, it is a known fact how important and essential applying a sunscreen is everyday, especially with skin cancer becoming the most common form of cancer among people. As we know, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is the measure to determine how well sunscreen is able to shield against UV rays. UVB rays are responsible for producing sunburn. The UVB rays also play the greatest role in causing skin cancers, including the deadly black mole form of skin cancer (malignant melanoma). We also know that we need a high SPF factor to get adequate protection from the sun – but is there really a difference between an SPF 30 and a SPF 50? What’s the real tea on SPF? The SPF number on any skincare product is listed on the front of the packaging to tell you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin. Which we know as sunburn. Sunburn over time is known to cause premature ageing, suns spots and in extreme cases skin cancer. With the earth’s atmosphere also being reduced due to global warming, the sun’s rays are a lot more potent and can have an even greater impact on the skin over a shorter period of time. Skin cancer can be significantly reduced by using a sunscreen 365 days a year, starting in early childhood. Tumi Lehutso at Fundamentals Skincare says, “When choosing the right SPF for you and your family, it is important to note that the number in the SPF is a ratio (SPF 15, 20, 30, 50) and all have the same physical protection within the burn time. Burn time is classified as the time you start damaging cells. It is important to note that every single skin has a different burn time. SPF 50 has a longer protection time until the burn time than SPF 30 for example. On a daily basis you need to be using a SPF of at least 30 and no less – as a SPF 30 and SPF 50 provide more than enough protection for your skin.” For an office day spf 30 is perfect. Another box that needs to be ticked when choosing a sunscreen is checking whether it is broad spectrum – this means that it provides protection against the sun’s UVA (aging) rays and UVB (burning) rays, which helps prevent skin cancer, early skin aging (premature age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin) and sunburn. If it’s not broad spectrum, it won’t provide overall protection. Lastly, there are different types of sunscreen you should know about: Mineral also known as inorganic filters. Mineral sunscreen works by creating a physical barrier that reflects and blocks the suns energy and UV rays. Normal active ingredients is zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is gentler on sensitive skin and better for hyperpigmentation and melasma. A mineral sunscreen can be formulated to not have a white cast such as the Fundamentals Skincare sunscreen. Chemical also known as organic filters. Chemical sunscreens works by absorbing the suns energy and UV rays. This is done through converting the rays into heat and releasing them from the skin. Active ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone and homosalate. A chemical sunscreen is normally sheer and clear in appearance and is used in oils, serums and sprays. “As long as you’re using sunscreen correctly, you’re doing it right. Use daily and reapply often should be your mantra,” concludes Lehutso. For more information: Shop: https://fundamentals-skincare.co.za Instagram: @fundamentals_skincare Tik Tok: @fundamentals_skincare Facebook: @FundamentalsSkincare

June 14, 2022

5 Reasons why tissue oils are better than body lotions

When it comes to caring for our skin, there are plenty of formulas to consider. Body lotions, creams, butters and oils all strive to serve the same purpose: To moisturise, soften and nourish the skin. And while they all have merit, there is one specific type of body care product that outshines them all: tissue oil. Tissue oil has been clinically proven to moisturise dry and dehydrated skin, to minimise the appearance of scars and stretch marks and to enhance the functionality of the skin’s moisture barrier. It has the ability to help speed up the healing of scars, improve the skin’s water holding capacity (which is essential to retain moisture) and increase its elasticity. But more than just a treatment, tissue oil is also an excellent everyday moisturizer. All things considered, tissue oil is arguably a better option for everyday body care than a cream or lotion. In order to understand why, we need to consider the differences between the two. Both tissue oil and lotion / cream is meant to moisturize the skin, but they do so in different ways. Tissue oils help re-introduce lost moisture into the skin. Skin is lipid-loving, so when a tissue oil is massaged into it, the skin “drinks” it, absorbing it eagerly and quickly. It works as an emollient to seal in moisture, and in the process, help prevent water loss. Lotions and creams are part water-based, and are used to increase the skin’s hydration by directly providing water to the skin. Essentially, they work to help prevent water from leaving the epidermis (the top layers of the skin) and provide water to hydrate and plump the outermost layers of skin cells. What makes a tissue oil better than a body lotion? It provides a better protective barrier to dry skin. This is because its formula is more occlusive than that of a lotion. Lotions (especially those with lighter formulations) tend to evaporate after being applied to the skin and don’t offer the same deep nourishment and skin barrier protection you get from a tissue oil. Tissue oil is usually “cleaner” and contains fewer ingredients. While the majority of lotions and creams contain a lot of additives, tissue oil is far less likely to contain questionable or potentially harmful ingredients. It usually comprises of no more than a handful of oils and naturally-derived ingredients. Skin loves oil. Our skin’s barrier is held together by fats (also known as lipids) and essentially, epidermal lipids are the cement that holds skin cells together. When tissue oil is absorbed by the skin, the top layers of our skin treats this oil as its own, resulting in an intensely moisturised effect. Tissue oil is clinically proven to minimise the appearance of stretch marks. Global research suggests that up to 90% of people will develop stretch marks at some point in their lives. While body lotions go a long way in providing moisture, they’re not known for their ability to treat stretch marks. When applied regularly, tissue oil can help fade and minimise the appearance of stretch marks. It is more versatile. Tissue oil can be used all over the body, and offers more alternative uses than body lotions or creams. It functions as a cuticle oil, hair oil, lip treatment, massage oil, and more. Bramley’s popular Lavender Tissue Oil has re-launched in a larger 250ml bottle, meaning you can enjoy this nourishing body treat for longer. Retailing at R39.99 for 250ml, this consumer favourite is not just effective at treating your skin’s needs, but it’s also ultra-affordable. Looking for a gift set? Shop the new limited edition Bramley Magnolia Sensitive Skin Gift Set for only R39.99. This promo is valid exclusively at Pep stores, until 15 May 2022 (while stocks last). Magnolia Tissue Oil Sensitive Skin products are created using our exclusive Bio-Pharm Oil to intensely moisturise the skin, as well as Argan, Olive, Jojoba and Vitamin E oils. The products are formulated specially to suit the needs of sensitive skin, which includes intense moisturisation and nourishment. The gift set contains the following dermatologically tested products: 100ml Sensitive Skin Tissue Oil Spray This convenient, easy-to-use spray is enriched with a variety of 100% natural oils, for intense nourishment. It’s non-greasy and easily absorbed and packed with antioxidants and vitamins. It can be used as a treatment for the improvement and appearance of scars, stretch marks, dehydrated skin, cuticles, hair and scalp, and also helps slow down skin ageing and improve skin tone. 50ml Sensitive Skin Tissue Oil Serum This silky touch, non-greasy and easily absorbed oil-serum has a thicker base compared to oils, lotions, creams and body butters, and penetrates deep into your skin and intensely absorbs deep to the dermis. Highly concentrated, this active oil-based gel is enriched with antioxidants, vitamins and 100% natural oils for intense nourishment. It restores firmness and elasticity, improving the skin’s health. Bramley’s luxurious scented tissue oils are the number one selling tissue oils in South Africa, and with good reason. Enriched with Bio-Pharm oil, their very own unique ceramide blend, Bramley Tissue Oils maintain a healthy appearance of the skin, assist in the treatment of scars and stretch marks, hydrate and keep skin smooth and supple. The ceramides improve the skin’s water holding capacity and provide structural integrity, ensuring healthier, happier skin. These oils also contain vitamin E, which is known for its healing, soothing and antioxidant properties. Cosmetic-grade body oils such as Bramley’s Tissue Oils are not slippery or sticky, and have a light texture that is easily absorbed by skin. This means you don’t have to worry about an unwanted residue or oily feel on the skin. They’re lightly scented with delicate natural ingredients like lavender, magnolia and cocoa, to name a few, and are easy on the pocket. Shop Bramley Tissue Oil at Pep Stores nationwide. Learn more at https://bramleycosmetics.com/. Instagram: @bramleycosmetics Facebook: Bramley Cosmetics and Toiletries

June 10, 2022

Struggling with infertility? Prelox for men can improve the health of your sperm

As a man, chances are you’ve spent a period of your life ensuring you don’t impregnate your partner. But what happens when the time is right to make a baby? Only couples trying to conceive without success will know the true frustration of fertility problems. However, they’re definitely not alone. According to the World Health Organization, data suggests that as many as 186 million individuals are affected by infertility. In the eyes of many, infertility is considered a “women’s problem” but this is hardly the case. In fact, global statistics suggest that just as many men experience fertility challenges. Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved – sometimes with something as simple as making a few lifestyle changes. For example, heavy alcohol use, smoking cigarettes, abusing drugs and being overweight can all negatively impact the health of your sperm. Still, if you’re already living on the straight and narrow without any success in the baby making department, you might want to consider a science-backed supplement that could make a dramatic difference in as little as one month – Prelox by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals. Potent and proven Created by Lamelle Pharmaceuticals, Prelox is proven to deliver significant improvements in male fertility with no negative side effects. It does this by improving the health of your sperm and increasing its number as well as its motility. (The latter is important because it has a long way to travel, so it needs a healthy “tale”, allowing it to journey all the way to the ovaries. Your sperm also needs to have a well-formed head so that it can anchor itself in an egg.) One double-blind clinical trial revealed that, after taking Prelox for just 30 days, men generated a whopping 93% more healthy, well-formed sperm and saw a 55,5% improvement in motility. It also improved the concentration of healthy sperm by an amazing 83%. It’s all about oxidation We all know that consuming a range of antioxidants is vital for good health. This helps neutralise damaging free radicals that negatively affect every cell in our bodies, including those of your sperm. This is why Prelox contains Pycnogenol, a powerful antioxidant that can help you create strong, healthy sperm that’s up to the task of travelling as well as successful implanting. It also contains L-Arginine, an amino acid that stimulates your body to produce more endothelial nitric oxide (e-NOS). Studies have shown that e-NOS can have a significant effect when it comes to stimulating sperm motility. In a way, you could think of it as a pre-race triple espresso for a sluggish sperm! The bottom line In short, if you’ve been struggling with infertility, it’s always a good idea to chat to your doctor as many things can contribute to this all too common problem. However, in many cases, this can be rectified with the simple yet ingenious patented supplement, Prelox. You’d only need to take two capsules a day and there are no negative side effects to worry about – only the proven fact that it improves the health of every cell in your body, including that of your sperm. With nothing to lose and everything to gain – including a precious bundle of joy – it makes sense to want to reap the benefits. www.preloxrange.co.za

June 10, 2022

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MOISTURISER FOR YOUR SKIN

New generation skincare is smart, well-tested and researched, aimed at improving your skin concerns through using the right active ingredients. Looking like a glazed donut before bed is the new skincare ‘must-do’ with the idea of applying active ingredients on your skin at night letting them seep into your pores overnight leaving you glowing in the morning when you rise. Which is true – but you can get this by using one or even two products instead of your entire skincare vanity. It’s time to practice smart skincare. A moisturiser by definition is used on the skin to prevent dryness. Then – how do you filter through the million different moisturisers on the market and choose the best one for your skin? The answer is simple – know your skin type and skin concerns. Once you know this, its as easy as hop skip and jump right onto the perfect formulation of moisturiser for you! The ART of being SMART There are two active ingredients you need in your moisturiser – Ceramide and Raspberry Extract. Here’s the tea on these two smart ingredients: Ceramides are a class of fatty acids called lipids. They’re naturally found in skin cells and make up about 40 to 50 percent of the outer layer of your skin (epidermis). Ceramides are important for retaining your skin’s moisture and preventing the entry of germs into your body. Ceramides are produced naturally by the body in the sebaceous glands but sometimes our body can run short of of them – especially as we age. Therefore, we need this ingredient in our creams and moisturisers to help pick us up where needed. It’s a skincare fundamental and suitable for all skin types. Shop the Ultra Hydrating 1% Ceramide Cream. A ceramide cream can be used morning but recommended for night after your serums as a last step in your skincare routine. Remember to cleanse, tone and apply those serums before moisturising. Raspberry Extract – yes you heard right! Extract from the raspberry plant has been studied and shown to promote skin hydration and cell protection as well as provide anti-oxidnt protection when used in skincare. The red extract from the raspberry plant prevents cells from losing excessive water, therefore providing anti-ageing properies and dryness prevention. It can also alleviate direct photodamage to the skin caused by UVB exposure in turn also protecting against inflammatory responses. Another skincare fundamental that is lightweight, moisturising, suitable for skin types and can be used day or night. Apply before your SPF and after your serums. Shop the 1% Rasberry Extract moisturiser. Choose these active ingredients in your moisturisers and you won’t go wrong. Tumi Lehutso at Fundamentals Skincare said: “Smart skincare is vegan, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, cosmeceutical grade and a fraction of the price with absolutely no compromise on formuation and ingredient quality. Skincare is for everyone and should be inclusive. The trick to effective skincare is knowing what type of skin you have and then using the correct products, with the correct ingredients and formulations to accurately treat your skin concerns that is also friendly to your specific skin type. When visiting the Fundamentals Skincare website you will have access to a skincare questionnaire that helps you figure out your skin type and further help is available through the Free consultation booking form. Its all about giving your skin the essentials it needs for good health.” For more information: Shop: https://fundamentals-skincare.co.za Instagram: @fundamentals_skincare Tik Tok: @fundamentals_skincare Facebook: @FundamentalsSkincare

June 8, 2022

DISNEY+ UNVEILS KEY ART AND LAUNCH DATE FOR MARVEL STUDIOS’ “I AM GROOT” SHORTS

Today, Disney+ announced that the latest Marvel Studios addition to their exciting summer lineup, “I Am Groot,” will launch on August 10. “I Am Groot” is a collection of five original shorts starring Baby Groot, everyone’s favorite 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 center stage in his very owns 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, voices Baby Groot. The writer/director is Kirsten Lepore, and the executive producers are Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum and James Gunn.

June 7, 2022

Estate Planning: Caring For children with special needs

Proper estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for your children. Not only does it spare them the anxiety of having to tussle over your estate while mourning your loss, but it can also serve as a final parting gift from one generation to the next. Despite this, 70% of South Africans still do not have a will in place. This is especially concerning for the parents of the roughly 3 million South Africans who live with disabilities. Louise Danielz, Chief Operating Officer of Sanlam Trust says, “Regardless of your income bracket, it is important to get a professional to help you draft a will. For parents who have children with serious disabilities, estate planning is even more crucial as these children may not ever be able to work and provide for themselves. In these scenarios, trusts are key to ensuring your loved ones are properly provided for, for the rest of their lives, should you not be there to do so in person.” Providing for your disabled beneficiaries after you are gone The most important thing about planning for your child’s future in the event of your passing is making sure that their unique needs are considered. Putting measures in place while you are still alive, and understanding the practical implications of those arrangements, is very important. Danielz suggests doing the following as soon as possible: Ensure you have a valid will: Passing away without a valid will that makes provision for your minor children runs the risk of having their inheritance paid over to the Master of the High Court until they turn 18. This could potentially put their standard of care at risk Nominate a guardian for your minor child(ren): Choose someone you trust to carry out your wishes and care for your child in the best way possible. This can become tricky and time consuming if you have not made adequate plans or had the proper guidance. Above all, get expert advice: If you do not do adequate planning, funds due to minor beneficiaries could be paid to the Master’s Guardian Fund. To avoid this, it is best to set up a testamentary trust in your will to cater for them. Why you need a trust Having a trust is key if you want your estate to be administered, managed, and executed in the best way possible for the beneficiary. Being part of a trust ensures that a dedicated administrator, in conjunction with an elected guardian, acts with due care and diligence in administering the funds in their capacity as trustees. This means that the administrator will consider the maintenance needs of the beneficiary, engage with the guardian, and invest the funds appropriately. Danielz says, “With Sanlam Trust, a dedicated administrator is appointed to engage with the guardian, so that they work together within agreed guidelines to take care of the beneficiary’s immediate and future educational needs if possible. If there is a need to consult with a caregiver, for example an occupational therapist, to make the best decision for the beneficiary, then this will be done.” With the right planning, parents can take care of their disabled loved one long after they have passed on. Danielz concludes, “Planning gives you peace of mind and it also creates continuity and support for your loved ones. It is all about understanding what you want and how this can be achieved.”

June 6, 2022

ALICE’S WONDERLAND BAKERY,’ A DELICIOUSLY FANTASTICAL ANIMATED SERIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS, PREMIERES THIS JUNE

Disney Junior’s ‘Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,’ Inspired by the Beloved Classic, Premieres Saturday, 4 June 2022 on Disney Junior Craig Ferguson, Eden Espinosa, Jon Secada, Bobby Moynihan, Ana Gasteyer, Donald Faison, Yvette Nicole Brown and Vanessa Bayer Among All-Star Guest Voice Cast Disney Junior’s “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,” a fantastical animated series for pre-schoolers and their families inspired by the world of “Alice in Wonderland,” premieres this Saturday, 4 June 2022 on Disney Junior, DStv channel 309 at 08:30. A vibrant new take on the classic 1951 film, the series centres on Alice, the great-granddaughter of the original heroine and a budding young baker at the enchanted Wonderland Bakery, where her magical treats help bring a new generation of friends and families together. Featuring reimagined versions of familiar iconic characters and introducing memorable new ones, the series stars newcomer Libby Rue as the voice of Alice as well as a slew of celebrity guest stars. See the trailer to the series here. Each episode of “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,” comprised of two 11-minute stories, centres on Alice’s magical recipe adventures with her best pals, who join her in the bakery to whip up whimsical cakes and treats for friends and neighbours with enchanted kitchen tools and ingredients to help them. “With so many already familiar with the magic and whimsy of the classic story of Alice in Wonderland – we are sure that this wonderful new series will delight and captivate a new generation of fans,” says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa. “Disney Junior is delighted to introduce this series that celebrates the culture and creativity of food, highlights self-expression, and imparts age-appropriate social and emotional lessons about friendship, collaboration, and the importance of community,” she adds. Geared to kids ages 2-5 and their families, “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery” features Alice’s recipe adventures with her best pals—Fergie, a white rabbit; Hattie, her madcap friend; and Rosa, the Princess of Hearts, as well as her great grandmother’s magical cookbook, Cookie. Alice is inquisitive, persistent and resourceful as she experiments with her baking and invents out-of-the-box solutions for problems that arise. Food is an important part of Alice’s identity, connecting her family from generation to generation and allowing her to discover the distinct family heritages of her friends, each with a wide array of tastes and traditions. In addition to Rue, the lead voice cast includes Abigail Estrella (“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”) as Princess Rosa, the Princess of Hearts and Alice’s most artistic friend; CJ Uy (“The Ball Method”) as Hattie, a “mad-hatter” boy and Alice’s silliest friend; Jack Stanton (“Outmatched”) as Fergie the White Rabbit, Alice’s best friend and biggest fan; Secunda Wood (“Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous”) as Cookie, the magical cookbook that once belonged to Alice’s great grandmother; and Audrey Wasilewski (“Mad Men”) as Dinah, Alice’s pet cat who is always at her side. Max Mittelman (“Spider-Man”) recurs as Cheshire Cat, Alice’s mysterious and playful friend and one of the most iconic Wonderland characters. “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery” is produced by Disney Television Animation. Emmy® Award-nominated Chelsea Beyl (Peabody Award-winning “Doc McStuffins”) is executive producer, and Frank Montagna (“Elena of Avalor”) is co-executive producer and art director. Ciara Anderson (“Harley Quinn”) is producer, Lisa Kettle (“Mira, Royal Detective”) is story editor, and Emmy-nominated Nathan Chew (“Elena of Avalor”) is supervising director. The writing team consists of Melinda LaRose (“Vampirina”), Michael Rodriguez (“Sharkdog”), Marisa Evans-Sanden (“Fancy Nancy”), Stuart Friedel (“Clifford the Big Red Dog”) and Sara Karimipour (“Ryan’s Mystery Playdate”), and episodic directors are Steven Umbleby (“Monsters at Work”) and Arielle Yett (“The Chicken Squad”). Emmy winner John Kavanaugh (“Sofia the First,” “Elena of Avalor”) serves as the series’ songwriter/music director and Matthew Margeson (“Rocketman”) is composer.

June 3, 2022

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery – Episodic Synopsis

Episode 1 “Unforgettable Unbirthday” – After presenting a birthday cake for Princess Rosa goes wrong, Alice finds the perfect solution and surprises her with an unforgettable Unbirthday Cake. *Broadway star Eden Espinosa (“Wicked”) guest stars as the Queen of Hearts. “Picnic for One” – The Cheshire Cat puts in a colossal order with Alice for a picnic that he is hosting in the Tulgey Wood, but when Alice and friends come across him in the woods, it seems his party might be a bit lonelier than he let on. Episode 2 “Try Again Tart” – When Hattie wins the Queen’s tastiest tart contest, he needs help with trying to recreate his dish. “Pie Pressure” – When Alice becomes overwhelmed with orders at the bakery, Fergie offers to help but cuts corners to meet deadlines, and his pies turn into a pie-tastrophy. Episode 3 “No Palace Like Home” – Princess Rosa invites Alice, Hattie and Fergie for a royal sleepover at the Hearts Palace, but when Hattie’s bedtime routine is disrupted, Alice knows just the thing to make him feel better: a taste of home. “A Royal Remembrance” – After an attempt from Rosa and Alice to recreate a beloved recipe for Rosa’s Abuelo, the King of Hearts, doesn’t turn out as planned, Abuelo assures the girls that the most important ingredient was the love they made it with. *Multiple GRAMMY® Award winner Jon Secada guest stars as the King of Hearts. Episode 4 “Alice’s Stormy Afternoon” – Alice makes a treat for Mother Rose’s baby buds but goes overboard with a special ingredient. *Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez (“Hamilton”) guest stars as Mother Rose. “Into the Tulgey Wood” – Rosa’s first camping trip goes awry when the Card Guards insist on accompanying her, and their overprotective nature interferes at every step of the way. Episode 5 “Gallymoggers Granola” – When Hattie eats too much of Cheshire Cat’s granola, he starts to disappear just like Cheshire, so Alice must find the perfect recipe to bring him back. “Sour Grapes” – Rosa attends her first Great Grape Picnic, where she tries new foods with Alice’s and friends’ help. *WATCH ALICE’S WONDERLAND BAKERY ON DISNEY JUNIOR, DSTV CHANNEL 309, EVERY WEEKEND AT 08:30AM

June 3, 2022

Ms. Marvel

Marvel Studios’ “Ms. Marvel” is a new, original series that introduces Kamala Khan, a Muslim American teenager growing up in Jersey City. An avid gamer and a voracious fan-fiction scribe, Kamala is a Super Hero megafan with an oversized imagination—particularly when it comes to Captain Marvel. Yet Kamala feels like she doesn’t fit in at school and sometimes even at home—that is, until she gets superpowers like the heroes she’s always looked up to. Life gets better with superpowers, right? U.S. Premiere: June 8, 2022 Cast: Iman Vellani, Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, Rish Shah, Fawad Khan, Laurel Marsden, Arian Moayed, Adaku Ononogbo, Alysia Reiner, Azhar Usman, Laith Nakli, Nimra Bucha, Travina Springer, with Aramis Knight Directed by: Adil & Bilall (Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah) [Episodes 101 and 106], Meera Menon [Episodes 102 and 103], Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy [Episodes 104 and 105] Head Writer: Bisha K. Ali Executive Producers: Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Adil & Bilall, Bisha K. Ali, Sana Amanat Co-executive Producers: Trevor Waterson, Freddy Syborn Supervising Producer: Jenna Berger Production Company: Marvel Studios

June 3, 2022

Rise

Audiences have never seen a story like that of the Antetokounmpos. After emigrating from Nigeria to Greece, Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki, respectively) struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn. When they weren’t selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, the brothers– Giannis (Uche Agada) and Thanasis (Ral Agada)– would play basketball with a local youth team. Latecomers to the sport, they discovered their great abilities on the basketball court and worked hard to become world class athletes, along with brother, Kostas (Jaden Osimuwa). With the help of an agent, Giannis entered the NBA Draft in 2013 in a long shot prospect that would change not only his life but the life of his entire family. And last season, Giannis and Thanasis helped bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship ring in 50 years, while Kostas played for the previous season champs, the Los Angeles Lakers. “Rise” stars Dayo Okeniyi, Yetide Badaki, Manish Dayal, Taylor Nichols, introducing Ral Agada and introducing Uche Agada. The film was directed by Akin Omotoso (“Vaya”), written by Arash Amel (“A Private War”) and produced by Bernie Goldmann (“300”). Giannis Antetokounmpo and Douglas S. Jones served as the executive producers. U.S. Premiere: Friday, June 24th Director: Akin Omotoso Written by: Arash Amel Producer: Bernie Goldmann Cast: Dayo Okeniyi, Yetide Badaki, Manish Dayal, Taylor Nichols, introducing Ral Agada and introducing Uche Agada

June 3, 2022

DISNEY+ WELCOMES MARVEL STUDIOS’ “DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS” ON JUNE 22

Disney+ announced today that Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ June 22. Watch the new online spot to see a special “fan thank you” from Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong and Xochitl Gomez. In Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams. The film is directed by Sam Raimi, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Scott Derrickson and Jamie Christopher serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Michael Waldron. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” released in cinemas on May 6, 2022.

June 3, 2022

NEW AUTUMN WINTER COLOUR COLLECTIONS – ICONIC & COLOR VIBE WITH ADDED SILICON

What is silicon (silicium)? Silicon is the chemical element with atomic number 14, symbol Si. It is the 2nd most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, after oxygen (about 26%). It does not exist in nature in a free form, but in the formof silicon dioxide (SiO2) as amorphous silica (in sand), mineral silica (quartz, …) or other silicates (kaolinite, mica, …). Silicon is one of the beneficial minerals specifically absorbed by plants and is essential for their proper growth. It is present in human connective tissues (skin, aorta, bones, hair, tendons, …). The benefits of silicon Silicon plays a major role in the resistance and flexibility of connective tissues. In the skin, it has a protective effect by strengthening the skin barrier, accelerating the healing processes and improving the clinical signs associated with age as well as the quality of nails and hair. In the body, only organic silicon can be assimilated. Organic silicon derivatives are therefore of particular interest in cosmetic products, because they allow the bioavailability of silicon in the skin, hair andnails, in order to strengthen them. As a reminder, inorganic silicon (example: silica, talc, mica, …) only gives a mechanical protective effect as a mineral filler. Silicon at MAVALA Inorganic silicon is found in particular in Mava-White, Color-Matt and Ridge Filler. Organic silicon is now present in the two new nail polish collections – Iconic Color’s and Color Vibe Collection, in the form of an organic silicon derivative (INCI: Dimethyl Oxobenzo Dioxasilane). Byincreasing the level of silicon present in the nails, it thus contributes to improve their quality and resistance. THE ICONIC COLLECTION – R105 ex VAT ICONIC Color’s, iconic and timeless elegance, with a contemporary touch! The fashion of the Autumn/Winter 2022 catwalks gives pride of place to natural,comforting shades that inspire confidence and balance… A peaceful lull after the storm… We wander with delight through a universe of earthy hues. A minimal chromatic palette ofcream, ochre, cho- colate and caramel, mixed with terracotta and sand colour gradients, adds a few touches of light to a range of more neutral mineral shades, inspired by the wonders of nature. Timeless camel, warm and chic, is flirting with everlasting grey, which strikes out as the utmost charming asset of the season, while beige harmonizes this sweet symphony of classic colours. In this natural shelter of generous shades and fabrics, the woman of the moment finds thepower to recharge her batteries. Carried by this deliberately comforting lightness, she canexpress her personality in a chic and slightly sophisticated style, infused by contemporary city life. Like her, you will naturally let yourself be tempted by the ICONIC Color’s collection ofMAVALA, with its immi- nently iconic shades, which fully embodies this desire to combine comfort and elegance: Inverness: A deep slightly pearly grey, everlasting like a shimmering Scottish loch in the starry night Detroit: An intense blue-grey, softened light through the winter clouds over an American metropolis Manaus: A sultry deep red, voluptuous like the upbeat energy of a Brazilian night Muscat: A woodsy tan red, rooted in an untouched nature of the Thousand and One Night’s realm Rangoon: A shiny burnt henna, endless splendour of an Asian treasure Salamanca: A delicate sandy beige, sweet invitation of wandering through the lanes of an Hispanic city THE COLOUR VIBE COLLECTION – R105.00 ex VAT Driven by the desire to challenge the status quo, the beauty artists are turning the runway shows of the Autumn/Winter 2022 into a striking kaleidoscopic firework. On the catwalks, a deluge of pop and colour block creates a fearless rainbow, under which transgression is the rule. Everything is permitted, thus everything is possible. Make way for bright, vibrant, explosive shades that convey an obvious thirst for life. Fiery and electric hues of blue, violet, pink and vermilion are on stage with fluorescent colours. Unusual greens, deep and powerful, invite themselves to this so colourful party and embody self-assurance and poise. Unusual forms and materials fusion with very expressive shades and dispense doses of joy in small dashes of colour, like these ultra-colourful and wacky accessories that add pop to any outfit. This 100% colour trend, emblematic of the digital generation, is divinely instagrammable. Making new experi- ments, daring dissonance, breaking codes: in this pop and clubhouse atmosphere, there is no half-measure. Dream or reality? It doesn’t matter! The lack of freedom and spontaneity during this too-long confined game has given birth to a liberating energy where diversity and positivity merge to metamorphose the world… It is up to you now to play and to invent your own codes, with the COLOR VIBE Collection of MAVALA, with its breathtaking and audacious flashy shades: Red Red: A dazzling red red, incarnation of life in full swing Grass Green: A deep and powerful green, reminiscence of nature saturated with water and light Pushy Purple A luminous and joyful violet, the happiness of regained liberty Mellow Yellow: A soft mimosa yellow, magnificently sunny Bold Blue: An intense cerulean blue, the energy of wildest dreams Party Pink: A sparkling and luminous pink, euphoria of improvised parties STOCKISTS : Mavala is available online at www.mavala.co.za, www.takealot.com, Dischem and Clicks stores nationwide

June 3, 2022

How much money do you need to survive?

With the rapidly rising cost of living, it may not be clear how much money South Africans need to survive, both while earning a living and in retirement. JustMoney.co.za, which helps South Africans to inform themselves about personal finance, researches some basic expenses and their current costs. There’s also general advice on stretching those rands and staying afloat. Gareth Price, founder of both Cloudworx and Investmint, and CFO at BackaBuddy, says that people have different ideas about what it means to survive financially. He explains that, in general, households should prioritise the basics, such as food, rent, transport, electricity, education, burial insurance, debt repayments, basic hygiene and medical products. He believes that, on average, these costs add up to R7,000-R9,000 per month. “If you want to move into the middle class, school fees and rent become more expensive, and you may choose to purchase a car rather than relying on public transport. On top of this, you may take out medical aid and perhaps invest in a savings plan. Here, you’re looking at an income of between R35,000 and R45,000 per month,” says Price. He notes, however, that the vast majority of South Africans earn less than R3,500 a month, with only the top 1% earning around R45,000. To put this into context, a state old age pension grant offers a maximum of R1,890 per month, or R1,910 if you’re older than 75 years. Putting a value on retirement Christelle Louw, advisory partner at Citadel, says that to retire sustainably and securely in South Africa, you will need at least 20 to 30 times your required annual expenses as accumulated capital over your lifetime. According to Statistics South Africa’s employment report for the fourth quarter of 2021, the average worker’s salary in South Africa is R23,982 per month. This amounts to R287,784 annually, which would require a minimum of R5,755,680 (R287,784 multiplied by 20) for a sustainable retirement. Louw adds that financial independence is only achieved by 6% of the population, and that 94% of South Africans will not be able to sustain their income from their savings. This means that their lifestyles will have to be adjusted downwards during retirement, such as living in a smaller home. Shafeeka Anthony, marketing manager of JustMoney, says that the Covid-19 pandemic, job losses and price hikes for household goods and services have exacerbated many people’s already perilous financial situations. South Africans have numerous concerns, from security, electricity and transport, to quality education for their children. “It is absolutely vital to assess your financial situation honestly, and to put a plan in place. Getting back to basics and focusing on essentials is the only way that most people will cope with their present needs, let alone growing investments for when they can no longer work.” Anthony offers the following advice, based on tried and tested fundamentals: 1 – Work out a budget: Track money coming in, versus your regular monthly bills and variable expenses – those that change from month to month. Bank and credit card statements are a helpful place to start. Soon you will see where your money goes, and where you can cut back. 2 – Forget brand loyalty: Draw up a weekly shopping list and buy your supplies where you will get the best value. Try out a different grocery brand, you may be pleasantly surprised at the savings. Avoid popping into convenience stores for a few items, this comes at a price. 3 – Reduce your debt: Firstly, debt is acceptable if it takes a form such as a home loan to purchase your own property. Debt is bad it you borrow money to buy the latest gadgets. If more than a third of your income goes to paying your debt, and you find yourself taking out loans to get through the month, get help before a legal process is started against you. Professional debt review companies will advise you on debt relief and protection from creditors. 4 – Save: It is essential to save, even if it is only a small amount every month. For example, stop buying coffee take-outs, and cancel a gym membership that you hardly use. Allocate these amounts to a separate account, and you will be surprised at how these add up over a year. 5– Build an emergency fund: An emergency fund of at least three months’ income will help mitigate the need to take on debt, or liquidate investments during cash-strapped times. 6 – Check your medical aid: Read over your medical aid plan to ensure it still meets your needs. Inform yourself about, and use, the benefits. 7 – Maintain Insurance: It’s always best to prepare for life’s unexpected events. Shop around to get the best deal, but do insure your property and vehicle with a reputable company that should pay out when required. 8 – Grow your income sources: Many people are taking on additional part-time work, from book-keeping to teaching English. Online learning has also made it easier to build your skills and qualifications. Explore new ways to boost your income. 9 – Stay money-motivated: Checking how well you manage to stick to your budget at the end of every month is the most important part of the exercise. Plan for a little treat if you come in on target. “When we have become used to living a certain way, and enjoying a certain standard of living, the idea of making changes may feel very uncomfortable at first,” says Anthony. “Taking on debt or eating out regularly may seem completely normal. However, making some changes is the only way that many people will be able to cope with the rising cost of living, and still have funds left over for retirement. “When planning how to adapt and trim expenses, it helps if you think of the process as taking control of your life. Focus on your long-term goals. Being debt-free is great for your bank balance and your mental health and you are better positioned to realise your dreams.” JustMoney provides busy and digitally savvy South Africans with easy access to financial products,

June 3, 2022

These are the changes you need to make to your beauty routine when the temperature drops

When it comes to beauty, there’s more to a season change than swapping out shades of eyeshadow and lipstick. As it gets colder, you need to take into account that changes in temperature can have a major effect on the skin. This affects not only the health and texture of the skin, but also your makeup application. Make these small changes to your daily beauty routine to keep your skin soft, healthy and moisturised as we head into the colder months. Increase hydration We typically associate dry and dehydrated skin with winter, but our skin can start to lose moisture from the beginning stages of autumn. If your summer skincare regime consisted of lighter lotions and gel cleansers, you might want to switch to richer creams and milky or creamy cleansers for the colder months. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, an excellent hydrator that helps add and lock moisture into the skin. We recommend Creightons H2O Boost Overnight Mask (R169.95). This nourishing cream with hyaluronic acid a works overnight to improve skin’s elasticity and intensely hydrate, so you can wake up to a dewy, revitalised complexion. Add a serum to your skincare regime If your regime doesn’t already include a serum, now is the time to add one. Applied after cleansing / toning and before your moisturiser, serums contain targeted ingredients that help address specific concerns, be it dryness, pigmentation or breakouts. For an added hydration boost, invest in a good quality serum and allow it to absorb for a minute or two before following with a hydrating moisturiser. If your complexion tends to get a little dull during winter, try a radiance-promoting serum like Creightons 2% Vitamin C Serum (R139.95). It melts into the skin releasing beneficial ingredients like vitamin C, natural fruit acids and enzymes, to hydrate and enhance your natural glow. If hydration is a bigger concern, try Creightons H2O Boost Hyaluronic Serum (R179.95). It helps instantly boost the skin’s hydration levels and renews dehydrated skin. Don’t forget to exfoliate Regular exfoliation is beneficial all year round, but it’s especially important in autumn and winter when skin gets drier and is more likely to experience clogged pores due to dry and dead skin cells accumulating on the surface on the skin. Instead of a physical scrub, we recommend using an exfoliating pad that contains a chemical or enzymatic exfoliating ingredient. It’s gentler on the skin and offers a deeper exfoliation. NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads (R379.95) are soaked in 2.8% glycolic acid to retexture, resurface and exfoliate the skin for a smoother-looking appearance and increased radiance. Switch to liquid makeup formulas Powder foundation, blush, bronzer and highlighter is great during summer, because the powder formula helps absorb some of the excess moisture and shine on the skin. It also stays in place better than liquid formulas do, as it doesn’t melt as easily when exposed to heat. In winter, you may want to swap out your powder formulas for liquid formulas, as they are more hydrating on drier winter skin. Plus, if your skin is already a little bit dry, a powdery texture will exaggerate the dryness, leaving your skin texture looking flaky. We recommend wet n wild PhotoFocus Dewy Foundation (R129.95) for a dewy finish that will enhance your skin’s radiance. Replace your mattifying primer with an illuminating or hydrating one Mattifying primer formulas are great to control shine during summer, but in winter they can leave skin looking dull. Opt for a hydrating or illuminating formula instead. After all, skin needs a little bit of help when it comes to maintaining its luminosity in the colder months, plus the more hydration you can sneak into your regime, the better. Try wet n wild PrimeFocus Primer Serum (R149.95). This lightweight, ultra-hydrating water-based serum creates the perfect canvas for a smooth, even complexion, allowing your foundation to glide on effortlessly for a luminous, flawless finish. Go for gloss Matte lipstick looks fantastic, but it can have a drying effect on even the most supple of lips. If your lips are prone to dryness, flaking or cracking during winter, swap out your matte lipstick for a glossy formula instead. Glossy lipsticks typically offer more hydration and don’t have a drying effect. Try wet n wild Megalast High Shine Lipstick (R99.95), a nourishing, luscious lipstick infused with lip-loving ingredients including murumuru butter, mango butter, and sunflower and watermelon seed oils. If lip gloss consistency is more your thing, try wet n wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Hi Shine Lipstick (R109.95). It combines the comfort and shine of a gloss with the high-pigment of a lipstick, giving your lips brilliant, high-shine and ultra-pigmented lip lacquer to deliver a mirror-like gloss finish. It’s infused with lip-loving ingredients to provide superior moisture.

June 3, 2022

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