Bloem - Sep 2021

There are those who swear by selfhelp
books, and those who scoff. But
whichever camp you fall into, you’ll
more than likely feel The Grief
Handbook is a really helpful option
should you need it (and we
hope you don’t). It was written
by South African writer and
content strategist Bridget
McNulty after her mum died
suddenly, and she found she
had no idea how to handle
the grief ... and nor could she
find help in book form. ‘All the
books I could find on grief were
either too dense and philosophical, or
too religious. What I wanted was an honest
exploration of how to deal with the worst thing. I wanted short,
succinct explanations of what grief is and how to survive it,
some space to be really angry and really sad and channel that
in some way, and some words of hope and inspiration to get
me through the darkest days. I wanted a handbook: literally a
hand to lead me through my grief.’ She couldn’t find one. So
she wrote one. Subtitled A guide through the worst days of
your life, she shares her thoughts on the shock and disbelief
and gives hints and advice on how to get through it, on the
fog of grief, and the surprising physicality of it, on firsts, and
lasts, and what others can do to help (drop off dinner, look
after the children for an hour, sit and don’t talk ... don’t say ‘let
me know if you need something’ and never say ‘at least ... ‘.)
There are pages for notes and scribbles, recipes for rituals, and
plenty of kindness. As the blurb says, The Grief Handbook will
take you by the hand and offer empathy and compassion,
helping you through what can feel like the worst days of your
life. One day at a time. Available on Takealot - R10 goes to HPCA
(Hospice), and in bookstores. Details: bridgetmcnulty.com or
Instagram @msbridgetmcnulty
What are we most looking
forward to this Spring?
A meal with family and
friends, preferably but
not essentially al fresco.
Sophie Hansen’s In Good
Company is crammed
with recipes and ideas for
get togethers and good
times. Loads of fabulous
dishes, but our favourite
is Chatter Platters (who’d
have guessed?). A great,
big generous platter of
good things to graze on
all evening, which Sophie
suggests you do the next
time you’re hosting book
club (hello), the girls for Friday night drinks or the neighbours
for a catch up. Think bruschetta and warm streaky bacon with
blue cheese and figs, arancini and baked feta and olives. And a
peach and rosemary G&T. She’s our kind of hostess, and this is
our kind of cookbook. Murdoch Books
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The Hamlet
corner unit with daybed
Upholstered in stain resistant fabric
Durable. Easy to clean. Colourful.
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Bloemfontein
Shop 7, Woodland Hills Village
087 149 1182 | www.incanda.co.za
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SHOP THE
LOOK
IN-STORE
1. Hamlet corner unit with daybed - R22 650 | 2. Corona basket from R1 100
3. Namib coffee table from R4 800 | 4. Jute Boucle rug - R3 400
5. Mendong mirror from R2 200
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