JHB North - March 25

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Finding her pink

Sam Lopes talks

family, fitness

and flamingos

ON YOUR

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SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

MARCH 25

MUSHROOMS

- HEALTHY SNACK

Page 24

CONTENTS

GET IT

Editorial

Caxton House • 368 Jan Smuts Avenue

Craighall, Joburg

Instagram: @get_it_joburg_north

Facebook: Get It Joburg North Magazine

Website: getitmagazine.co.za/

joburg-north

National Group Editor & National Sales

Kym Argo

kyma@caxton.co.za

Facebook and Instagram:

@getitnationalmagazines

Website: getitmagazine.co.za

Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett

Contributor: Lisa Witepski

Distribution

Get It Joburg Northern Suburbs is

distributed free of charge. For a full list of

where it is available phone 010-971-3605

Published by CTP Limited

Competition rules

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton

employees or their families. Get It Magazine

reserves the right to publish the names of

winners, who will be contacted telephonically

and need to collect their prizes from Caxton

Northern branch within 10 days or they will be

forfeited. Prizewinners’ names are published on

our social media pages monthly.

THIS MONTH

04 A line-up of learnings and some laughter too

06 Book Club ... the latest on the shelves

08 Wish List ... look good, feel good finds

10 Social ... an afternoon toast to posture guru Marika Opperman

PEOPLE

12 Sam Lopes bubbles with energy while finding her pink

14 Comrades finisher Skye da Silva throws both arms around the world

16 Debbie Ivins uses her pain for purpose while always seeking joy

BEAUTY, FASHION & FITNESS

18 Keep your game face on while feeling fresh

20 What this year’s eyewear trends look like

22 Shaping the future of health and wellness

FOOD

24 Make mushrooms your go to healthy crunchy snack

26 This year’s nutrition trends

GARDENING & DECOR

28 A garden filled with all things pretty

30 Boost productivity in your home office

WIN

34 Bottles of Bruce Jack Hard Day Chardonnay up for grabs

COVER PHOTO

Photographer: Megan Brett.

Make-up: Makeup by Ryno,

Details: 071-688-0242

Location: Indoor Padel Revolution

MARCH 25

09

March 25 Get It Magazine 03

A hot date!

If you have a date for the Get It diary page, email the info at least a month in advance to megan@caxton.co.za

01

01

Laughs, life lessons and loads of fun!

The Linden Market is turning 10! A decade

of fostering vibrant local exchange and

community vibes. Pop by the Autumn edition 2025

for the usual live music, delectable street food, craft

beverages and creative workshops for both adults

and kids. Fur friends on a leash welcome. 9am until

4.30pm at The Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia on

Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2. R50 a ticket.

Kids under 12 enter for free. Online tickets available

through quicket.co.za

After a seven year break, Prime Circle has

released their eighth studio album, The World

We Know - marking a new era for the band. Blending

a powerful mix of rock, pop rock, and introspective

ballads infused with fresh energy, brought in part by

the addition of their seasoned new vocalist, Gavin

Edwards. To celebrate, they will be preforming at The

Venue Melrose Arch on March 1 … with a meet and

greet after they perform. Doors open from 6pm with

Prime Circle on stage at 8.30pm. Tickets cost from

R250 through quicket.co.za

04 Get It Magazine March 25

04

Love, loss, and justice beyond

the grave comes to life in

Molly Street, starring Chidochangu

Jo Anne Tenga with Patrick Tembo.

A powerful theatrical tale with

historical depth set in 1960s

Chiredzi, Zimbabwe where a young

woman is caught in the brutal

realities of her time. After being

murdered in a crime of passion,

Molly’s spirit refuses to rest, haunting

the town in search of justice. A

drama delving into themes of early

child marriage, women’s rights, the

fight for recognition of sex work

and the socio-political limitations of

pre-colonial Zimbabwe. No under

16s. Theatre On The Square, Sandton

on March 4 to March 8. Tickets cost

from R180 through quicket.co.za

16

The tender tale of Bitter

Winter by South African

playwright Paul Slabolepszy takes

audiences along the winding,

sometimes rocky road that many

artists feel compelled to travel in

pursuit of their dreams. The Sherriff

in a film called Six Guns at Sesriem

is hardly the prize a classicallytrained

actor in his mid-70s might

aspire to… only Jean-Louis Lourens

desperately needs this gig! As he

anxiously awaits the arrival of the

American movie director at a highstakes

casting session, he meets

up-and-coming television and

film star, Prosper Mangane, whose

youth and adventurous spirit gives

the once-celebrated a whole new

perspective. Montecasino Pieter

Toerien Studio Theatre Until March

16. Tickets cost from R150 to R220

through webtickets.co.za

19

The raw and unfiltered one

woman show - A Doll’s Life,

written and performed by Micaela

Jade Tucker - talks all things you don’t

want to hear at the dinner table. As

Micaela reaches her 25th birthday,

she finds herself in a pickle, signalling

what could only mean ‘just the tip’

of her quarter life crisis. A typical

check up at the gynae turns sour

as she receives some awkward and

life-changing news. Find out what

happens next at Theatre On The

Square, Sandton on March 19 to 29.

No under 16s. Tickets cost from R200


16

Alan Committie in Comedy Gold! Comedy medals dished out to all the

quibbles, foibles and outrageous inconsistencies that make up modern

living in 2024 ... from elections and appalling selections, through Airbnb’s and

neighbourhood WhatsApp groups but never ignoring Olympic shenanigans

and dieticians, Alan Committie’s show promised to be a 90 minute laughathon.

Montecasino Pieter Toerien Studio Theatre Until March 16. Tickets cost from R150

to R2620 through webtickets.co.za

20

Fancy the idea of a classic Sip & Swap where women get together to

have a glass of wine and thrift their wardrobes? Then go to Create Lonehill

with a maximum of 10 clothing items in good condition. Your clothing will be

categorized (basic/ inbetweener/ baller) before the event and tickets will be

issued. Then it is time to sip on a complimentary glass of wine and find new

treasures to add to your wardrobe. No under 18s. 6pm to 9pm at Prison Break

Market. Tickets cost R200 through howler.co.za where you will also find out all

you need to know.

29

Create lasting memories and

interactive experiences with

big beauty brands and local products

you’ve come to love at the Takealot

House of Beauty. Live demos and

masterclasses designed to make you

feel flawless, no matter the occasion.

Interactive zones for trendsetting

#fyp content. And discover top-tier

grooming essentials for the discerning

gent. Attendees walk away with a

gift bag valued at over R2000. No

under 18s. Saturday, March 29 and

Sunday, March 30 at The Forum The

Campus. Tickets cost from R265


29

Delight in a fun-filled music

festival and zoo experience.

Jazz in the Lights Music Festival

will feature Thandiswa Mazwai,

Amanda Black, Litsomo, Gabi Matuba

and more. The younger guests can

interact with the zoo animals and

amenities, while jazz and music

lovers enjoy the latest offerings from

new musicians - basking in nostalgic

classics from the legends. From

10am at the Joburg Zoo, Parkview.

Adults R350, pensioners/students

R200 and children under 12 R100.

Book through webtickets.co.za.

Details: artsalivejoburg.co.za


Book club

Brilliant new releases for this month’s book club

Bad Publicity by Bianca Gillam -

When Andie lands her dream job as

a senior book publicist, she’s ready to

take the publishing world by storm.

Until her first day, when she discovers

that her biggest author is Jack

Carlson. The boy who ruined her life

in university. Who she hasn’t spoken

to in five years. Who is still infuriatingly

hot and now incredibly successful.

And who she has to travel with on

a book tour, part of a campaign she

cannot mess up if she wants to keep

her job. One month on tour with Jack,

visiting some of the most romantic

spots in Europe. Oh boy! Bloomsbury

I Bet You’d Look Good in a Coffin by

Katy Brent - Kitty Collins is a serial killer.

She doesn’t want to kill. It’s just so

hard to resist. Some men really, really

deserve it. Men like Blaze Bundy, an

anonymous influencer spreading

misogyny online. He’s making it very

hard for her to control her murderous

urges. Meanwhile she’s in the South of

France to watch her mother marry a

man Kitty’s never met. She should be

drinking cocktails and focusing on

her tan, not plotting a murder. But a

woman’s work is never done. Surely

one more teensy little kill wouldn’t

hurt, would it? Harper Collins

Nesting by Roisin O’Donnell - One

afternoon, Ciara Fay makes a splitsecond

decision that will change

everything. Grabbing an armful of

clothes from the washing line, she

straps her two young daughters into

her car and drives away. Head spinning,

all she knows for certain is that home

is no longer safe. But with dwindling

savings, no job or family close by, and

her husband’s relentless campaign to

get her back, Ciara finds herself adrift,

facing a broken housing system and

the voice of her own demons. Leaving

is one thing ... staying away is another.

Simon & Schuster

Also ... The Ex Effect by Jo Watson - Thirteen years ago, Ash was planning the night of her life with her high school

boyfriend, Logan. They were madly in love, wild about each other, and had been waiting patiently for this moment. It was

going to be perfect. That is, until it went down in very unsexy flames. Logan disappeared and Ash was left, quite frankly and

very inconveniently, sexually cursed. After years of disastrous dating and even more disastrous sex, she’s almost given up. But

some seriously flirtatious emails with a work associate Maximillian Adam offers her hope. Because if rumour is to be believed,

Maximillian Adam might just be God’s sexual gift to women. Great fun! Headline • The Last Days of Kira Mullam by Nicci

French - Nancy had a breakdown. But she’s okay now ... she and her boyfriend have moved into a new flat, she’s doing her

breathing exercises and doctor-prescribed pills. Then her new neighbour is found dead by suicide. But Nancy saw her the

day before, and doesn’t believe she was suicidal. The police, Nancy’s boyfriend and the neighbours think Nancy’s vulnerable

and don’t believe her instincts. But what if she’s right! Simon and Schuster


For these and more brilliant book club reads, visit exclusivebooks.co.za

Making a Killing by Cara Hunter - In

2016, eight-year-old Daisy Mason

vanished from her Oxford home. Her

disappearance made the national press

and the final culprit shocked everyone.

DCI Adam Fawley remembers the case

well, he arrested Daisy’s mother for

murder himself. But Daisy’s body was

never found. Now, forensic evidence

at a current murder scene calls the

whole case into question. DCI Adam

Fawley and the team are brought back

in to investigate. And they all have one

question. What really happened to Daisy

Mason? HarperCollins

Other People’s Houses by Clare

Mackintosh - When the body of an estate

agent is found in an upturned kayak on a

lake, DC Ffion Morgan quickly realises the

accident has been staged. There’s no love

lost between Ffion and estate agents,

but who hated this one enough to want

her dead? Over the border in Cheshire,

DS Leo Brady has his own property

nightmare on his hands. The Hill is the

kind of place where owners relish people

gawking at their multi-million pound

homes but now someone is breaking

and entering their houses one by one.

Ffion and Leo are about to learn that

people will pay a high price to keep their

secrets behind closed doors. Even on the

most desirable street, there’s a dark side!

Little Brown

Dead Man’s List by Karen Rose - When

a mutilated body is found in the desert

outside San Diego, any number of

people could be on the suspect list. The

victim, local councillor Brooks Munro,

was a hated figure. And those who

abducted him and his prized Ferrari

went to extreme lengths to cover their

tracks and wipe out any witnesses. As the

investigation goes deeper, a blackmail

scheme worth millions of dollars is

uncovered. Brooks had been forcing

money from his wealthy acquaintances,

and had kept a list of their wrongdoings

as protection - to be revealed on his

death. But now he is dead. Where’s the

list? Who was helping with the extortion

scheme? And who would kill to stop the

blackmail and prevent the list becoming

public? Headline

Raise a glass to the teetotallers, and

those of us taking a breather from

alcohol, with the newly-launched

Van Hunks Non-Alcoholic Sparkling

Wine. This non-alcoholic sparkling

wine has aromas of strawberries and

ripe plums, while its soft effervescence

and fresh summer fruit flavours lead

to a lingering finish. With less than

0.5 per cent alcohol, it’s crafted using

traditional winemaking methods

and advanced de-alcoholisation to

preserve its natural flavours. This is

more than just a stand-in for the real

thing – it’s a lovely alternative. R120

Details: vanhunksdrinks.co.za

Compiled by: KYM ARGO


Wish list

Get ready. Steady. GO!

Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good is a book about Nike

sportswear and what it means to women. The garments we wear,

and why we wear them. It’s about athletes, from the elite to the

aspiring amateur, running marathons or running errands. It’s about

the spaces we perform in, and the way we use clothing to do it ...

from the track and the fitness studio, to an online world and the

street outside. More than 350 pages and 575 images, steeped

in narrative, history, and Nike’s abundant archive, the book’s rich

imagery spans reproductions of Nike’s trade catalogues from the

1980s, period and contemporary photos, sketches, adverts, fabric

swatches, seasonal colour palettes, original design proposals and

patents, logos, product and campaign shots, and everything in

between. Each chapter also features interviews with Nike athletes,

trainers, and collaborators. Phaidon, R2400

Compiled by: KYM ARGO

If 2025 is the year you’re taking care of

yourself, you’ll be wanting to jet down

to the Cape, where the Terre Paisible

Medical Rejuvenation & Spa

has just opened in Franschhoek.

South Africa’s newest destination for

advanced medical treatments and

transformative wellness, it lined up

to rival some of the world’s leading

medical spas with advanced aesthetic

treatments, luxury facilities and

expert practitioners ... promising to

be the ultimate nurturing retreat and

sensory reset for guests. Treatments

range from non-surgical skin lifting

and tightening to a full-body fat loss

treatment which works on a cellular

level to advanced cosmetic dentistry.

It’s all grounding sound bath rituals

indulgent hydrotherapy, sauna and

steam room treatments ... rather blissful.

Details: terrepaisiblemedicalspa.com


Inspired by functional ballet style, made modern through

streetwear codes, the new Taqwa Bint Ali Adistar Pose and

the Megaride Mary-Jane sneakers play host to powerful

collisions of aesthetic worlds – each look removing the

tongue from the lacing system, and updating their uppers

in tonal silver colourways. These limited edition Megaride

Mary-Jane boasts a singular Velcro enclosure. R3999 from

adidas.co.za and at select Adidas stores.

The ocean is an

icon of our Summer

holidays and a place

of happy memories -

and there’s no wonder

why. Swimming in

and being near salt

water has been shown

to lower cholesterol

and blood pressure,

boost immunity and

even slow the signs

of ageing. But that’s

just the physical side.

Saltwater Cure draws

on compelling, lifeaffirming

stories about

the healing power of

the ocean - whether it

be a balm for mental

health, a comfort

for an autistic child,

the start of a lifelong

environmental passion

or a path to building community and escaping loneliness.

Journalist Ali Gripper shares the experiences of people

who have been transformed by the ocean ... a surfer, a solo

sailor, a conservationist and underwater cinematographer,

a dolphin-singer and blind swimmer and so many more.

Saltwater Cure reminds us of nature’s restorative power

and will inspire us all to preserve the beauty of our oceans

for future generations to enjoy. Murdoch Books, R395

We’re all about style. But comfort is right up at the top of

our wish list, too. So no surprise we’re fans of the Jockey

Athleisure collection ... all soft cotton, flexible jersey, and

breathable spandex, which ensure that comfort and style,

whether you’re at the gym, running errands, or enjoying a

night out. Buy in store or online at jockey.co.za


Marika Opperman

Lori Dolores, Lourine Van Der Berg, Elmarie Steenkamp

Nica Schutze, Ché-Lynn Daniels

Karla Pattison, Alicia Swart

#CHOOSEORGANIC

Good for you,

good for the planet!

Organic goes beyond a label – it’s a commitment to health,

sustainability and fairness.

Moves &

Mimosas

An afternoon toast to posture guru

Marika Opperman’s new show

Moves & Mimosas, an insert on how

to sharpen up your posing skills in

front of the lens in the third season of

Leandie du Randt’s chat show,

Gesels on VIA. The KWV Annabelle

bubbles flowed, and guests got to

see a fab fashion show from New

Romantics at The Galileo Piano

Lounge at Hotel Sky Sandton. On

standby - making sure guests looked

gorg - were the Catrice makeup

team. Throw in some sweetie pies

and a Krispy Kreme doughnut wall

and it was a perfect afternoon.

Lebogang Mashile, Lebohang Raputsoe, Reshoketsoe Monare, Zanele Sibiya

Galaletsang Tshungu, Avril Albetti

Tandi Potgieter

071 146 9151

WhatsApp for more info

Finding her pink

Some people bubble with energy. Sam Lopes is definitely one of them – walk with her

anywhere, and you’ll have to pause every few steps as colleagues and clients stop for a

high five, a laugh or a hug. This is a woman who appears to ignite the air around her – so

it’s surprising when she says that, until last year, she felt as if she had lost her way.

“There’s this story about female

flamingos that I really relate to – I

think most women can,” she says.

“Apparently, when the female

flamingo has babies, she loses her

signature vibrant pink colour – her

feathers might actually turn white,

because all her nutrients go to her

chicks. It only comes back once

the young are old enough to leave

the nest.”

After years of focusing on her

daughters, Paige (9) and Sienna

(5), while giving her all as facilities

manager at advertising agency Ogilvy

South Africa, Sam definitely felt that

her colour had dulled – but no way

was she going to wait a

minute longer to revive it.

It was the need for

change that drove her

decision to take part in

the Auto & General Cross

Triathlon in 2024. It was

a bit of a leap of faith,

she admits, as she had

no prior experience in

what is, undeniably, a gruelling sport.

As a Springbok tap dancer, Sam had

spent almost every afternoon of her

childhood, from the time she was four

right up until she was 20, at a dance

studio – and much as she loved the

art form, it meant she hadn’t tried her

hand at any sport. “I actually didn’t

have any of the equipment I needed

when I started training – I had to

borrow a bike and a helmet and buy

a costume and goggles!” she says.

Why not go for something a little less

challenging? “My husband, Jeff, had

recently completely Tin Man, and I

thought to myself ‘If he can do it, so

can I.”


Sam threw herself into training, and

tough though it was, she says she

saw her energy change to “blazing,

fluorescent pink” once more.

The decision to compete again this

year was a no-brainer – but she

admits that the experience has been

a different one. “At the moment, my

pink is a bit soft around the edges!

I was only able to fit in one proper

training session, and I knew that I

would probably be walking up all

the hills!” But, rather than beat herself

up about it, Sam took a pragmatic

view that could – and probably

should – be the life philosophy of

any working mom: “I just want to

“Having started on this fitness journey, I feel

healthier than ever before – so I think that the

triathlon is the tip of the iceberg. Who knows

what else I might be able to achieve?”

do the best I can. Life isn’t easy – I’m

trying to be a model employee while

remembering my nine-year-old’s

Afrikaans homework and sorting

out fundraising events at my fiveyear-old’s

school – added to which,

since my husband recently set up a

business [Indoor Padel Revolution,

which was named Best Place to Play

Padel in last year’s Best of Joburg,

I’m often juggling all these balls by

myself. But I need to find my joy –

even if that means getting to work

early so that I can run 3kms around

the office campus, because that’s the

only time I have.”

Sam adds that it helps to have made

a commitment to herself, because

it’s like an unbreakable promise. “In

the beginning, it was hard to get my

family to understand that I needed to

do something just for me. But now,

when my daughters see me getting

ready for a run, they encourage me.

I love that – I’m proud that I have

shown them how important it is to

value themselves.”

Sam admits that, sometimes, she feels

as though she simply doesn’t have

the energy to take time for herself –

which, of course, is when she needs

self-care more than ever. “I really have

to dig deep. And there are obviously

times when I’m just not

up to it, but I always think

that even if I squeeze in

20 minutes for myself, it’s

better than nothing.”

What’s her next

challenge? “Having started

on this fitness journey, I

feel healthier than ever

before – so I think that the

triathlon is the tip of the iceberg. Who

knows what else I might be able to

achieve?”

One thing she’s certain about, is that

she is no longer going to feel guilty

about saying no. “I’m becoming

comfortable with the fact that ‘no’

is a complete sentence. I can turn

down a request without owing an

explanation. I don’t want to use up all

my resources on everyone else. I want

my family and friends to get the best

of me – and that can only happen if I

am trying to give myself my best, too.”

Details: Follow @samanthajanelopes

on Instagram

Sam’s life lessons

• Your family, your partner, your career –

they all matter. But so do you. You are not

just the glue that holds everything together;

you are the spark that ignites it.

• You can’t pour from an empty cup, and

you weren’t made to run on fumes. It takes

just 20 minutes a day to flip the switch –

from running on autopilot to running on

fire. Move, dance, stretch, run, breathe – do

whatever makes your soul shimmy. Get

those endorphins flowing, let the energy

pulse through you.

• Don’t fade into the background: you were

born to be bold, vibrant and impossible to

ignore. You are not a supporting character

in your own life. Take up space. Take your

moment. Take care of you.

Text: LISA WITEPSKI. • Photo: MEGAN BRETT • Makeup: RYNO MULDER, MAKEUP BY RYNO. Details: 071-688-0242


Just keep moving

They say that a near death experience can leave you fearful – or it can make you embrace

life. Comrades finisher Skye da Silva is definitely throwing both arms around the world.

Skye da Silva is not like most runners. You know, the ones

who might not feel like tying up their laces but absolutely

love the feeling of a racing heart once they get going. “I

actually hate it,” she says candidly. So why does she do it?

“Because the ability to run was nearly taken away from me,

so while I might not enjoy running itself, there is no joy quite

like having the ability to do it.”

Skye is referring to the cycle accident she had in December

2022, which left her in an induced coma for three weeks, only

to wake up with facial deformities from broken bones, a torn

trachea and collapsed lungs, needing help to learn to walk

and talk again.

She and some friends from her triathlon squad had been

on a training ride in Bela Bela when the accident happened.

Losing balance momentarily, she had

fallen off her bike and was just registering

her embarrassment at this stumble

when she had a sensation of immense

pressure. She had just registered that

the support vehicle, not seeing her, had

ridden over her – and then the pain set

in. “I remember thinking that few people

survive pain of this magnitude,” Skye says.

But survive, she did – despite her doctors’

expectations. “One of my doctors told

me there was only so much they could

do. The rest was up to me and God.”

Clearly, those doctors hadn’t reckoned

on Skye’s fighting spirit. She explains

that she had taken up triathlon training

in an effort to shake off post-divorce

blues. The fallout of her accident

therefore seemed doubly cruel, and when Skye was told

that she would require six months in a step-down facility

to recover fully, she felt ready to give up. “I had woken up

from the coma in so much pain. My face was sewn up, my

jaw was wired shut, I couldn’t blink and I just felt so weak.

But then, one day, an orderly wheeled me outside – just for

a minute or two, on my way to an appointment with one

of my doctors. I felt the warmth of the sun on my skin, and

I just thought ‘This is the best feeling’. I am here despite

everything, and life really is beautiful.”

That was the trigger for Skye to pour all her energy into her

recovery. Although she was not allowed to leave her hospital

ward, she spent hours walking up and down, practicing

exercises from her speech and physio therapists – with the


‘‘It was so discouraging

to watch my squad

training for the race,

but my dad reminded

me that I was running

my own race; the only

person I should compete

against was myself ’’

result that she was released just 10 days after waking up.

Now came the real hard work – and it really was hard. Skye

says that it was her father who kept her going during this

time, just as he had galvanised her throughout her life. “He

walked with me every day, first 10 steps, then one kilometer.”

By February, she was running, as she had for most of her

life. Determined to celebrate her second chance at life,

Skye mentioned to her medical team her goal of ultimately

running the Comrades Marathon – but was warned that this

was highly unlikely, as the past damage to her lungs meant

they would not be able to withstand the strain. Again, it was

her father who propped her up. “It was so discouraging to

watch my squad training for the race, but my dad reminded

me that I was running my own race; the only person I should

compete against was myself.” Buoyed by

those words, Skye’s lifelong Comrades

dream remained as strong as ever – and

so, despite the advice of her medical

team, she asked her coach to help her

train for the next one. His answer was

unequivocal: “I wouldn’t have it any

other way.”

Sadly, Skye’s father, Joe, didn’t get to see

his daughter clear the finish line - he

passed away unexpectedly as a result

of a silent heart attack just days before

she was to run her qualifying race. Once

again, Skye had to drag herself back

from a very dark place. For a long time,

she didn’t care about running – but her

squad would not let her give up. “They

helped me move towards the light,”

she says, recalling that they urged her

on until she fulfilled the Comrades dream her father had

helped her nurture.

More impressive still was her decision, five months later,

to get back in the saddle and ride the 947 Ride Joburg. “It

was the most larger-than-life day. Training and preparing

for the race, even putting my bike in the car for a ride,

took an enormous emotional toll, but I ended the race

confident and happy, surrounded by some very special

friends. During the race, I remembered something my

father told me: He said that it was one thing if I decided

I didn’t want to ride again – but I shouldn’t allow myself

to be ruled by fear. He told me that I must not let the

accident define me. I have to write my own story.”

Details: Follow @skyela85 on Insta

TAKING CONTROL

Skye’s advice for

people who find

themselves stuck

in a dark place?

“There’s a quote

from a movie that’s

stuck in my head.

Don’t be a product of

your environment,

rather, make your

environment be a

product of you. It

reminds me that

every moment is

about choice.”

Text: LISA WITEPSKI. • Main photo: MEGAN BRETT


Look for the joy

Infertility. A miscarriage. Crohn’s Disease. It would be easy to give up.

But quitting simply isn’t in Debbie Ivins nature.

You don’t expect someone who

has been given five years to run

the Comrades Marathon. Or

achieve her best time ever. But

then Debbie Ivins is all about

bucking expectations.

She’s also about living life to

the full. That’s why, when she

found herself crying on the

floor after miscarrying the twins

she had finally conceived after

years of infertility, she made a

decision. Rather than giving in to

depression, she would challenge

herself by trying something new

and different every year.

Her first venture saw her selfpublish

a book on her struggles

with infertility. To her surprise, it

quickly amassed interest from

readers around the world. Perhaps

even more importantly, it also

helped her develop a community

of others who were facing similar

emotions as they dealt with the

same problem ... something she

especially valued, as at the time,

there were few resources available

to couples who desperately

wanted to have children,

but couldn’t.

Next, she took to the stage

... something she says was

completely out of character. Her

stint as a dancer in an amateur

theatre production led, also

unexpectedly, to a successful

career as a film extra.

By Year Three, Debbie was ready to

move away from trying her hand

at the arts, and wanted to focus

on a sport. She chose running,

because it’s accessible. “I certainly

didn’t think that I would fall in love

with running!” she says. Although

she had a natural ability to run

short distances with speed, it

was the long runs that she really

enjoyed ... the hours spent alone

with her own thoughts, and the

will to keep going even when it

felt like she had emptied her tank.

She also loved the community

she had become part of ... a tightly

knit group that eagerly supported

each other. And she supported

them in turn, encouraging them

as they trained for marathons

until she found that she was fit

enough to complete first one, then

another, Comrades.

In spite of her new found passion,

she turned her attention to weight

lifting the following year, once

again embracing the opportunity

of doing something that had

previously not been part of her

world. She excelled, earning

provincial colours twice and

representing South Africa at the

Arnold Sports Festival.

Unable to choose between the

two she went against convention

and ran while lifting weights

competitively – and so was shocked

when, in 2019, her body started

showing signs of weakness. What

started with a sharp stabbing pain

in her hip ended (after many years,

hundreds of hours in doctors’

offices and loads of tests) with a

diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease - an

auto-immune disease which caused

her to lose excessive amounts of

weight until she was so weak she

could barely move. Wracked with

almost constant pain, her heart

under immense strain and her

bones left brittle from osteoporosis,

she was informed that she was

unlikely to live more than five years

longer. And if she did, she would

never run again.

“That was the part I found truly

heartbreaking,” Debbie recalls.

Refusing to believe her doctors,

she continued to enter Comrades

year after year – until last year,

with help from a new medical

team made it possible to regain

both her fitness and her strength,

she finished the race once more,

running her best time ever.

And although Debbie has since

had a relapse, she is still refusing to

give up on her dreams.

‘

I’ve come to realise that

when you live with a

chronic disease, you’re

always ill – even if you

don’t look it. It doesn’t

go away. But that doesn’t

mean you have to stop

life. You simply live

around it. So, I run twice

a week instead of six

times. And I look after

myself as best I can.

’

Debbie also insists on finding

meaning through her experiences.

“I live by the mantra, look for the

joy. I try to use my pain for purpose

– I want people to know that,

whatever they are struggling with,

they are not alone.”

Follow @debbie.ivins on Insta



Text: LISA WITEPSKI. • Photo: BEN MYBURGH

GAME FACE

Makeup artist Ryno Mulder is like a personal trainer for your face. He reveals the

game-changing beauty hacks that will keep you looking great while breaking a sweat.

You may side-eye gals in Grid

class wearing top-to-toe colourcoordinated

activewear and more

makeup than RuPaul. That is until

you catch your reflection during

kettle-bell swings and wonder if Jane

Fonda, doing leg lifts in full glam, was

onto something. While we’d never

wish for neon leg warmers to make

a comeback, a little makeup goes

a long way to ensure you look as

amped as you feel on the treadmill.

Your mindset

The biggest misconception about

long-lasting makeup is the idea that

you need to go heavier with your

application. Wearing more makeup

won’t make it last longer. Strategic

placement of budge-resistant

products is the key to reaching your

beauty goals.

Warm up

Start with a clean face by wiping it

with a few drops of hydrating micellar

solution on lint-free cotton rounds.

Trigger warning - here comes a

controversial approach. Skip skincare,

skip primer. The more layers you

apply, the more likely you are to

experience smudging and creasing.

High performance

Multi-tasking makeup is your ultimate

flex. Thick foundation can clog pores

and cause breakouts, so opt for

lightweight formulas with a secondskin

feel to keep redness in check.

Dot on a cheek and lip tint to give

dimension to your features and keep

your pout in peak condition.

No time wasters

Forget about faffing with fussy

products like eyeshadow, liner or

highlighter. Nothing should go on

your under-eye area except a lick of

concealer and a light dusting of loose

powder. Tap powder on with a velvet

puff, focusing on your forehead, nose,

top lip and chin.

Pro tip: Spritz setting spray onto your

beauty sponge and lock your undereye

concealer into place.

Workout buddies

Gently cleanse sensitive

skin with this formula

infused with hyaluronic

acid and coconut water.

Skin by Ryno Clean

Essence Face Cleanser,

R450. • Don’t go to park

run without Makeup

by Ryno ICON SPF50

Foundation. Deliciously

hydrating, anti-ageing

and full spectrum

sun protection

that appears like

good skin, not

makeup. R549.

Both available

via WhatsApp on

071-688-0242.

Minimal effort. Maximum

results. Michelle Ori Paris

Cream to Powder Blush,

R240. From michelleori.com

Sweat proof

Waterproof mascara, indestructible

brow gel and a mattifying setting

spray are essentials for your gym kit.

To avoid raccoon eyes during spin

class, slick a single coat of mascara

onto your upper lashes only. After

misting on your finishing spray,

dab your forehead, nose, chin and

cheeks with a tissue to absorb

excess moisture and ensure a

bulletproof look.

Don’t let your glow-up

tap out before cooldown

stretches. RVB Lab

High Definition Loose

Powder, R790. From

orleanscosmetics.co.za

• For the final stretch,

your burpees may

struggle but your

facebeat never will.

Arguably the best setting

spray available locally.

Kryolan Fixing Spray

from R387. At Kryolan

stores nationwide.

Ryno Mulder has won Best Makeup Artist in Best of Joburg Readers’ Choice Awards

for the past two years. He offers makeup services for events and personal lessons.

Details: WhatsApp 071-688-0242 or follow Makeup by Ryno on social media.


Pharmaceris

Sun-correction

Lightweight Fluid

Foundation with SPF

50 protects, conceals

and corrects. Available

in shades of Ivory

and Sand, R435 from

riekiemedaesthetic.co.za

and justskinclinic.co.za

Luscious lips. Long-lasting makeup. Spritz

of moisture. And formulas packed with

hydrating agents to keep you looking

FRESH!

Experience the skin smoothing

& brightening effect of

Vitaderm Salicylic Powder

Exfoliator, with fine rice

powder that gently polishes

the surface of your skin. R730

from vitaderm.co.za

Neutrogena Hydro

Boost Supercharged

Serum glides on

luxuriously, and helps

to strengthen and

protect skin. Pearl

capsules burst to

release Vitamin

E and the

result is skin

that feels

healthy.

R259 from

Clicks.

Bliss for the senses

... NUXE Reve de the

Revitalising Granular

Scrub. Using plant-based

exfoliants, this scrub with

its crushed ice effect texture

exfoliates and smooths the skin.

R545 from truworths.co.za

Eco Diva Liquid

Vitamin Hydra

Mist offers

a hydrating

superfood

vitamin shot with

pomegranate &

bergamot to your

skin every time

you spritz. And

the bonus, it can

also be used to set

makeup. R465 from

ecodiva.co.za

Look after your

skin’s health

and well-being

with Bioderma

Atoderm Shower

Oil. A gentle yet

effective cleanser

designed to

provide comfort

for dry, sensitive

skin. R465

from Clicks.

Say goodbye to chapped

lips with Lipsano Lip Care.

Prevents further moisture loss

and contains SPF 30 sunscreen.

Available from Clicks, Dis-Chem

and selected SPARs from R104.95.


EYEWEAR

TRENDS

A vision into the future –

what do this year’s

eyewear trends look like?


Stepping into 2025, we know that eyewear is not just

a necessity but a bold fashion statement. From retro

revivals to high-tech innovations, 2025’s trends are about

blending style with functionality.

There has been a massive growth in the eyewear market

globally, with “this growth driven by increasing demand

for both functional and fashionable eyewear, as well as

advancements in technology and materials,” explains

Wesley Language from Execuspecs.

Here are the top eyewear trends to watch out for, with

insights from Wesley.

RETRO REVIVAL

The charm of the past is making a strong comeback.

Think oversized frames and cat-eye shapes reminiscent of

the 1950s and 60s These styles are perfect for those who

love a touch of vintage glamour in their everyday look.

SMART GLASSES

Technology is seamlessly integrating into our eyewear.

Smart glasses with features like augmented reality,

voice commands, and health monitoring are becoming

mainstream. Plus, interesting to note is that the smart

glasses market is expected to expand by 15% annually

over the next five years.

BOLD AND OVERSIZED FRAMES

Making a statement has never been easier. Oversized

frames in vibrant colours are set to dominate the scene.

These frames offer a larger-than-life look and provide

excellent coverage and protection.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Eco-friendly fashion is here to stay. Eyewear made from

recycled and sustainable materials is gaining popularity,

reflecting a broader shift towards environmental

consciousness in fashion.

GEOMETRIC SHAPES

For those who love to experiment, geometric

frames are a must-try. Hexagons, octagons, and

other unconventional shapes add a modern twist to

traditional eyewear designs.

MINIMALIST METAL FRAMES

Simplicity meets elegance with minimalist metal frames.

These lightweight and sleek designs are perfect for a

sophisticated, understated look. "Intricate metal eyewear

is making a strong comeback, offering both style and

durability,” Language says.

VIBRANT COLOURS

Eyewear in bold, playful colours is another trend to

watch. Look out for creative and colourful collections,

making eyewear a fun and expressive accessory.

FUTURISTIC DESIGNS

Futuristic and avant-garde designs are pushing the

boundaries of traditional eyewear. Collaborations

between high fashion and eyewear brands result in

innovative and eye-catching pieces.

2025 is set to be an exciting year for eyewear, with trends

that cater to every style and preference. For the latest in

eyewear trends and eye health, visit www.execuspecs.co.za


Up to speed with fitness

Fitness trends to shape the future of health and wellness with

a mix of technology, sustainability, and mental health

Looking back at the fitness industry over the past few years,

one thing that can be noticed is how it is evolving: bringing

a mix of technology, sustainability, and mental health into

our workouts.

‘From smart watches and Apps to a combination of

exercises that benefit both our bodies and our minds, to

diet options that can help us perform better in our chosen

activities, exercising has moved on from putting on a pair

of running shoes and heading out the front door. It has

become an industry that puts the focus on all aspects of

our lives to help us get the most out of our workouts and

keep us in shape from top to toe,’ explains Selvan Naicker,

Brand Manager for JointEze.

As we move (run, cycle, lift or dance) into 2025, it is a good

idea to keep in mind the following growing fitness trends

to mix up your routine and fulfil your body in different ways:


1

Many fitness enthusiasts are embracing a blend

of in-gym and virtual workout options. As people

balance remote and in-person routines, hybrid

models allow gyms and fitness centres to offer livestreamed

classes, on-demand content and in-studio

training. This gives users the flexibility to choose between

working out from home or joining group classes for a

social boost.

2

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, including

your workout. Fitness training with AI-powered

Apps and smart technology provides realtime

feedback on form, progress tracking, and

personalised workout recommendations. AI can

adjust workouts based on your goals, fitness level and

injury history, offering a level of customisation that goes

beyond traditional training.

3

Virtual reality (VR) workouts are turning exercise

into an immersive experience, allowing people

to explore new settings while exercising. VR

workouts gamify fitness, making it more engaging,

especially for those who find traditional workouts

monotonous. Whether boxing in an exotic arena or cycling

through virtual landscapes, VR fitness is gaining popularity,

particularly among younger audiences.

4

The blend of mindfulness and exercise is

growing as people prioritise mental health

alongside physical fitness. Workouts such as yoga,

Pilates and tai chi now incorporate meditation

and breathing exercises to promote relaxation

and reduce stress. The emphasis on holistic well-being is

expected to continue growing, offering benefits for both

the body and mind.

5

Functional fitness focuses on movements

that improve strength and mobility

for daily activities, enhancing overall movement

and preventing injury. Exercises like kettlebell

swings, bodyweight movements, and balance

drills are popular, helping people build resilience

against the strains of everyday life. As longevity

becomes a fitness goal, mobility training is also

seeing a surge, with programmes targeting

flexibility and joint health.

6

Fitness routines that emphasise recovery, such as

stretching, foam rolling and deep-tissue massage,

are gaining traction. This trend aligns with a greater

understanding of how rest and recovery improve

performance and reduce injury risks.

7

Fitness apps that use gamification elements—

like points, challenges, and virtual rewards—are

engaging people in a fun, interactive way. Apps

like Strava and Zwift already incorporate social and

competitive elements, but 2025 will likely see a

broader adoption of apps that turn workouts into games,

making fitness both entertaining and motivating.

8

As people of all ages recognise the benefits

of muscle strength for longevity and health,

strength training is becoming a key focus. Seniors

are increasingly engaging in weightlifting and

resistance workouts for bone density and joint

health. This trend reflects a shift toward inclusive fitness,

where people of every age group find routines that cater

to their needs.

9

With the increased reliance on digital devices,

some fitness enthusiasts are choosing tech-free

workout sessions. ‘Digital detox’ workouts focus

on being fully present, eliminating distractions,

and connecting deeply with the physical

experience of movement. These tech-free routines provide

a counterbalance to our tech-saturated lives, promoting

mindfulness and stress relief.

JointEze capsules will help your body recover from

a workout and reduce joint pain and inflammation;

produce and repair joint cartilage; speed up recovery;

reduce discomfort; and support muscle function. Now

with OptiMSM to assist with exercise recovery and cramp

prevention and reduce fatigue. R299.99 from Dis-Chem.


Mushrooms!

Mushrooms tick so many boxes when it comes to nutrition and health.

And now another ticked box for being a trendy crunchy snack.

Recipes: The South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association

Food trends for this year clearly show

climate concerns, sustainability issues,

food safety and personal wellness,

as well, obviously, as quality, with

consumers looking for ingredients

with features such as health benefits,

nutrition, freshness and shelf life,

and naturalness. And those selecting

to follow a plant based diet want

choices that are less processed, more

natural, have better taste and texture,

offer health benefits, and support

the environment.

Mushrooms tick all these boxes,

and more. They’re hugely nutritious,

boasting robust amounts of

antioxidants, selenium, riboflavin and

vitamin D, and with fresh mushrooms

being the only significant source of

plant-based vitamin D! Fungi are also

low in sodium and contain both fibre

and plant protein.

Fresh mushroom varieties like big

browns, which are readily available in

every supermarket, are perfect meat

substitutes – without having to really

change your favourite recipes as the

meaty texture and rich flavour of

mushrooms make the swap seamless.

Another trend that mushrooms are

leaning into is the crunch ... listed as

the texture of the moment for 2025.

Think crispy grains, crunchy granola,

roasted chickpeas, mushroom chips

... all added to dishes give that extra

texture we love.

So dehydrators plugged in, or ovens

set to low ... mushrooms are moving

into crispy, crunchy territory, and we’re

on board for the experience!

Alternatively, you can explore crunch

in other, less time-consuming ways,

like rustling up a batch of mushroom

popcorn ... great for snacking and

sprinkling over other foods to get that

crisp finishing texture.

Details: mushroominfo.co.za


Mushroom Popcorn

This mushroom popcorn is great for snacking or for sprinkling over other foods to

get that crisp finishing texture.

Ingredients:

300g baby button mushrooms; ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup biltong dust; 1

cup plain popcorn; 1 tsp chilli flakes; ½ lemon, zested; 1 Tbsp sesame seeds; 2 Tbsp

hoisin sauce; 2 Tbsp soy sauce; olive oil for frying

Method:

Blitz the popcorn in a food processor until you’ve made chunky crumbs.

Mix the panko, popcorn crumbs, biltong dust, chilli flakes, sesame seeds and lemon

zest in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

In a non-stick frying pan add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the mushrooms until

they release their water and begin to brown. Add the soy sauce and hoisin and roll

them around to glaze each one. Allow the sauce to reduce and become sticky.

Toss the glazed mushrooms in the popcorn mix making sure each one is

well coated.

Serve as a snack in jars or cones at a party or while watching your favourite TV show.

MUSHROOM TAPENADE

A delicious spread for toast, bruschetta

or sourdough.

Ingredients:

500g mixed mushrooms (half portabellini,

half white button); 4 garlic cloves, finely

diced; olive oil for frying; 2 Tbsp capers,

drained; juice of 1 lemon; 100g kalamata

olives, pitted; 50g walnuts or pecans; 3

anchovy fillets; 1 tsp chilli flakes; ½ tsp freshly

ground black pepper; 1 handful Italian

parsley, stalks removed; toasted sourdough

for serving

Method:

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan and

fry the mushrooms until they have released

all of their water and begin to brown.

Add the garlic and cook until golden.

Into the bowl of a food processor add the

cooked mushrooms along with the rest of

the ingredients.

Process and pulse until you get a fine mix

but do not over mix into a paste.

Serve the tapenade with slices of hot

sourdough toast and an extra sprinkle of

chilli flakes.

AIR FRIED CAPRESE PORTOBELLOS

Crispy air-fried portobello mushrooms topped

with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and

aromatic basil for a tasty twist on Caprese.

Ingredients:

Dressing: 6 large sun-dried tomatoes; 2 Tbsp

sun-dried tomato vinaigrette; 2 Tbsp red wine

vinegar; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 8 large portobello

mushrooms; 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp

dried herbs; 3 Tbsp basil pesto

To serve: 300g bocconcini mozzarella torn

into chunks; 200g cherry tomatoes sliced;

1 large bunch fresh basil leaves; salt and

pepper, to taste

Method:

Combine sun-dried tomatoes, their vinaigrette,

red wine vinegar and olive oil. Mix. Preheat air

fryer to 170˚C. Remove the stem from each

portobello mushroom.

Drizzle the portobellos with the balsamic

vinegar. Season lightly with salt, pepper and

dried herbs. Add about 1 teaspoon of basil

pesto onto each portobello. Top with slices of

tomato and torn bits of bocconcini mozzarella.

Season with salt and pepper. Place mushrooms

in the air fryer. You may need to do two

batches. Air fry for 7-10 minutes depending on

their size until the mushrooms are tender and

the mozzarella is gooey and melted. Drizzle

the mushrooms with the sun-dried tomato

dressing and scatter them with fresh basil

leaves. Serve straight away and enjoy!

Snack time...

Salted Mushroom Biltong

made from brown and Shitake

mushrooms farmed locally,

R31.99 from woolworths.co.za

100% vegan Denny

BBQ Mushroom

Crisps, R23.99

from PicknPay.


Nutrition trends

Like everything else in modern life, the landscape of food,

health and nutrition is always evolving. Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) unveils

key nutrition trends that are gaining momentum in 2025

Trend 1 - Eating for gut health and

managing digestive conditions

Gut health has come into the spotlight in recent years, with

growing recognition of the gut microbiome’s profound

impact on overall well-being. Registered dietitian and

ADSA spokesperson, Kelly Scholtz, emphasises that our gut

microbiome - the beneficial bacteria in our gut - is integral

to digestion, nutrient absorption, immune modulation,

metabolic health, the management of inflammation and

even, brain health. ‘Science has given us the understanding

that our lifestyles impact the health and diversity of our gut

microbiome, and it’s not just about what we eat and drink,

but also about how we manage stress and even, how much

exercise we do.’

Food choices play an important role in managing various

digestive ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),

Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux

disease (GERD) and lactose intolerance. If you’re battling with

conditions such as these, a dietitian can help you come up

with an eating plan tailored to your eating preferences and

your budget.

Kelly highlights her go-to strategy for

enhanced gut health:

‘The most effective dietary strategy

for improving gut health is to eat

a diverse range of high-fibre plant

foods, including whole grains, fruits,

vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Apart from nourishing you directly and ensuring healthy,

regular bowel function, these foods are also prebiotics, which

means they provide nutrients that help your gut microbiome

to thrive. You may also want to try probiotic foods such

as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi and raw sauerkraut, which help

to deliver live beneficial bacteria to your digestive tract

where they may colonise. In addition to a healthy diet and

probiotics, you may want to limit ultra-processed foods and

sugar, which tend to support the growth of harmful bacteria

in the gut.’

Trend 2 - The rise of injectable

weight loss medications

Injectable semaglutide and liraglutide were initially

developed for the management of Type 2 diabetes.

However, their effectiveness in suppressing appetite

has been reshaping the conversation around obesity

management, and many patients on the medication,

whether prescribed or bought off the internet, are not

people who are living with diabetes.

These medications were initially prescribed for patients

with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, or BMI ≥27

kg/m2 with diabetes and/or comorbidities. These

clinical guidelines make it clear that these drugs are

not intended to be appropriate for everyone. ADSA

spokesperson and registered dietitian, Phozia Jansen

says; ‘These medications suppress appetite and support

weight loss by mimicking Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-

1), a hormone that regulates hunger and blood sugar.

However, obesity is a complex chronic disease, and these

medications, on their own, are not a sustainable weight

loss solution.

‘Dietitians play a crucial role in helping patients build

positive relationships with food, balance macronutrient

intake, and address the side effects of these medications.

It is vital to note that in 2024, SAHPRA (the South African

Health Products Regulatory Authority) communicated its

concern about the proliferation of falsified, compounded,

and substandard GLP-1-containing products being

made available to the public via websites, social media

platforms and other informal channels. These are

untested and pose a health risk to the public.

Phozia’s advice if you are thinking of trying injectable

weight loss medications:

‘Despite the fact that these drugs might lessen appetite

and caloric intake, there is a significant chance of

regaining weight if the prescription is stopped without

following a balanced diet. By taking the view that they

are a ‘magic cure’, you can lose focus on maintaining

a healthy diet and lifestyle. Although research has

shown that these drugs may be efficacious in terms of

weight loss, it is crucial to understand that ‘weight loss

injectables’ are not a permanent solution. Patients must

learn about nutrition and foster a healthy relationship

with food and physical activity to maintain a healthy

weight over the long-term.’


TREND 3 - AFFORDABILITY OVER HEALTH AS A MAIN

DRIVER OF FOOD PURCHASES

With rising food prices over the past years, many South

Africans are prioritising affordability over nutrition. This shift

can easily lead to an increase in energy-dense, nutrient-poor

diets, which could exacerbate the country’s already high rates

of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Kgantsho Ranyane,

another ADSA spokesperson and Registered Dietitian,

encourages practical, cost-effective strategies for maintaining

good nutrition. ‘It’s also a good time to properly consider the

value of home or community food gardens. If you do one

thing this year to prioritise affordability as well as health, it’s

to plant your own food garden to help meet your family’s

nutritional needs.’

Kgantsho’s top tips for more affordable

healthy eating are:

‘Switch to vegetable protein sources such as beans, lentils,

chickpeas and peas if animal protein sources get too much

for your weekly budget. When money is tight, reduce your

dependence on starchy foods by incorporating more

seasonal produce in your meals. Involve family members

and neighbours in buying bulk vegetables and fruit that you

can all share for lower prices. Don’t forget the importance

of nutrient intake when you are feeling budget constraints.

There are plenty of healthy foods such as maas, eggs and

leafy greens that remain affordable. So, look for ways to plan

nutrient dense meals that do fit your budget. And again, I

emphasise growing your own as much as possible. Many

vegetables, from spinach to chillies can be grown from seed

in a pot outside your kitchen door.’

TREND 4 - EATING FOR MENOPAUSE

GAINS MOMENTUM

Nutrition tailored to menopause is emerging as a key focus

for women navigating this natural life stage. Hormonal

changes during menopause can affect metabolism, appetite,

and nutrient absorption, often leading to weight gain, bone

density loss, and mood swings. Kelly highlights the importance

of nutrition in managing these changes. ‘Menopause is a

time when nutrition really matters,’ says Kelly. ‘Women need

to prioritise protein for muscle preservation, calcium for bone

health, and healthy fats for overall well-being.’ She points to

phytoestrogen-rich foods, such as soy products and flaxseeds,

as potentially helpful for managing hot flashes and other

hormonal symptoms. Calcium-rich dairy products, vitamin

D, and weight-bearing exercise are also essential to maintain

bone density. ‘The misconception that weight gain and

muscle loss are inevitable can be disempowering,’ she explains.

‘With a focus on nutrient-dense foods and regular exercise,

women can maintain their health and vitality.’

Kelly’s eating for menopause top tip is:

‘For bone health, ensure you are eating plenty of calcium-rich

foods every day. Aim for 2 to 3 daily portions of milk, maas,

yoghurt, cottage cheese or other low-fat cheese. If you want

your diet to do more for you as you navigate menopause,

talk to a dietitian to come up with an individualised plan that

fits your eating preferences. Remember that vitamin D is

also very important for calcium absorption. A simple 20-to-

30-minute daily walk in sunshine can help you to maintain

sufficient levels of vitamin D.’

TREND 5 - SOCIAL MEDIA IS SHAPING FOOD CULTURE

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are

impacting how people approach food and nutrition. Viral

food trends offer easy access to new ideas and cultural

cuisines while also promoting health-conscious choices and

sustainable eating. However, they come with risks, including

misinformation and unrealistic expectations.

‘Social media can be both empowering and confusing,’ says

Phozia. ‘While it can introduce people to healthier eating

habits and foster community support, it’s also a source of

conflicting or misleading nutrition advice.

Phozia warns against fads like detox diets, extreme calorie

restrictions, or unverified weight-loss supplements often

supported by social media. ‘It’s essential to fact check

information with qualified professionals and approach social

media trends critically,’ she advises. ‘Not every eating trend or

hack is right for everyone.’

Phozia’s advice on getting nutrition advice from social

media is cautionary:

‘The constant stream of ‘perfect’ meals and ‘transformation’

stories can set unrealistic expectations about body image

and eating habits. This may cause some individuals to adopt

extreme diets or unhealthy eating patterns that may not be

sustainable or balanced. When people compare themselves

to ‘health’ influencers, they often fail to examine if those

influencers are actually truthful or if they are simply creating

content for ‘likes’. Additionally, we are all genetically different,

so what works for an influencer won’t necessarily work for

you. It is strongly advised to fact check nutrition information

with dietitians, who are the trained experts in evidencebased

nutrition.’

To find a registered dietitian in your area,

visit www.adsa.org.za.


We’re planting … Petunia Strawberry Shake that looks very

much like a deliciously forbidden strawberry milkshake. There’s

also Blueberry Shake and Raspberry Shake ... novelty compact

petunias that are perfect for patio containers or hanging baskets

and are just as pretty in the garden. Plants grow 20cm high and

wide and stay round and neat. They like plenty of sun and pots

that drain well. Don’t over water petunias, rather let the topsoil dry

out slightly before watering. Feed monthly with a liquid fertiliser

to keep the plant in fine flowering form. Details: ballstraathof.co.za

Text: ALICE COETZEE


A garden filled with all things

PRETTY, FRAGRANT

& DELICIOUS

Indoor plant of the month

Dracaena Lemon Lime is a striking foliage plant with green and yellow striped

leaves. It grows happily indoors in moderate to bright indirect light. It is a cultivar

of the Corn Plant and its leaves resemble the leaves of green mealies or sweet

corn, just a lot prettier. Dracaena are undemanding, easy to care for plants

that like a potting mix that drains well, and watering once the top layer of soil

feels dry to the touch. In Summer that’s about once a week. Dracaena are not

heavy feeders. A liquid fertiliser at half strength can be applied once a month

in Summer. If the plant is growing too tall, cut it back just above a leaf node to

encourage shorter, but bushier, fuller growth. Details: www.lvgplant.co.za

Veggie of the month

Radicchio Red Treviso offers

something different for the winter

salad bowl. This Italian heirloom

vegetable has bright red leaves with

a white midrib. They are slightly bitter,

adding a depth of flavour to salad.

Sow seed into a well composted

bed that will receive plenty of sun

in winter. Space plants 20cm apart.

Being shallow rooted, radicchio needs

consistently moist soil. If the soil dries

out, the leaves can become too bitter.

Harvest individual leaves when they

are young and less bitter, or wait until

the slender cabbage-like head feels

firm, about 70 days from sowing. Cut

off the head carefully above ground

level and it will regenerate. The leaves

and head can also be sautéed or

steamed. Store in a plastic bag in the

refrigerator for up to four weeks.

Details: www.rawliving.co.za

Keep garden fit this month by fertilising and sowing cool seasonal veggies

Towards the end of March sow winter flowering Namaqualand daisies, calendula, Iceland poppies and Shirley poppies. For fragrance

there are sweet peas, Virginian stocks, alyssum and nemesia. • Divide perennials like agapanthus, arum lilies, Summer flowering red

hot pokers and day lilies that have formed dense clumps. • To keep your lawn green during winter (in gardens sheltered from frost),

fertilise this month with 5:1:5 and water regularly. • From this month you can start sowing lettuce and other cool season veggies like

broad beans, beetroot, cabbage, carrot, celery, endive, kale, leeks, onion, parsley, peas, radish, spinach and turnips.


Shades of

working

from home

Harness the power of colour psychology to boost

productivity in your home office.

Although colour is deeply personal, there is a

science behind the emotional response that

different shades evoke. Colour is derived from

light and exists within the electromagnetic

spectrum, with each colour possessing a

distinct frequency or wavelength. Tones on the

cool side of the spectrum, such as violet, have

shorter wavelengths, while those on the warm

side, like red, have longer ones.

It makes sense to harness the power of

psychology to optimise your home work

spaces and give them a refresh for 2025.

Plascon has identified a collection of colours

from its 2025 Colour Forecast that will work

well in a variety of office environments. Cool

colours promote feelings of inner peace and

harmony, making them perfect for working

environments. Shades like Plascon’s Green

Glass and Stylish Lime can help to reduce

stress and infuse a space with fresh energy.

Lighter pastel shades, such as Light Sage,

offer a soothing effect, promoting well-being

and relaxation.

If you're drawn to warmer tones, shades like

brown or taupe can add vibrancy to rooms

that feel dull or uninspired. Opt for tones like

Plascon’s Bauhaus or River Clay, or, for a bolder

look, try Black Bean or Beautiful Brown Eyes,

which will make a striking impact.

Bolder colours can have a powerful impact

on a space. Blue, for example, is known for its

calming effect and its ability to enhance focus

and communication, making it a great choice

for meeting rooms. However, excessive blue

can create a cold atmosphere. Yellow, on the

other hand, is vibrant and stimulating, making

it perfect for accent details that add energy to a

room. Red, while bold, can be overstimulating,

and may even provoke agitation in individuals

prone to stress or anger, so it should be used

sparingly. Instead, deeper, more subdued tones

create a warmer, more inviting environment,

helping to foster a comforting and productive

atmosphere, even while you work.

If you take a closer look at neutrals, you’ll notice

that there’s a lot of variation. A subtle tint

can make a world of difference. Cream with

yellow undertones can feel warm - try Plascon’s

Acacia, while grey with blue undertones will

feel colder, and if you prefer neutral shades,

consider opting for lightly pigmented whites

like Plascon’s Evening Mist and Salt Pebble.

Choosing the right colours for a work space is

about more than just the walls. By harnessing

the power of colour psychology, you can boost

productivity and improve well-being.

For more inspo on what colours are best to use

visit plasconcolour.co.za


Hive desk

organiser in

sage green,

R271. Details:

superbalist.com/

home-and-living

Ribbed office chair,

R2500 from www.mrphome.com

Indochine Cabinet Liang perfect

choice for displaying books.

R26 995 from Block and Chisel.

Punto Desk Lamp,

R129.99 Mr Price.

When choosing colours for an

office, it’s crucial to take into

account the room’s temperature

and location. Generally, cool

colours have a cooling effect.

As such, a cool colour palette

is ideal for spaces that receive

plenty of sunlight or lack proper

insulation, as it can help balance

the heat and make the room

more comfortable.


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Spoil

March

Bruce Jacks’ perfectly dry

Hard Day Chardonnay

‘Chardonnay. You are an agitator, a limelight hugging

star of the stage, a sexy rogue. You are a jet

setter, a mystery, an A-lister, that

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JHB North - March 25

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