3. My Aunt and Uncle’s Red Little Handbag

Aunt and Uncle’s little red handbag is more than just an accessory; it’s a cherished piece that will become family history. 

The vibrant red colour makes it a striking statement piece, perfect for adding a pop of colour to any outfit. Whether for special occasions or everyday outings, the handbag is a versatile companion that can elevate any look. It doubles as your wallet and there is enough space to put a lipstick and your cell phone too. 

“Spare” is the memoir of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, published in January 2023. The book provides an intimate and candid look at his life, experiences, and the challenges he faced as a member of the British Royal family. Here’s a review of the book.

Overview:
“Spare” delves into Prince Harry’s life from his childhood, the trauma of losing his mother, Princess Diana, to his experiences in the military, his marriage to Meghan Markle, and the couple’s decision to step back from royal duties. The title itself, “Spare,” refers to Harry’s position as the younger son of Prince Charles, often seen as the “spare” to the heir, which he explores throughout the narrative.

Themes:
1. Identity and Belonging: Harry grapples with his identity within the royal family and the public eye. He reflects on the pressures of being a royal and the feeling of being an outsider.

2. Grief and Loss: The impact of his mother’s death is a recurring theme, shaping his life choices and emotional landscape. Harry discusses how this loss influenced his mental health and relationships.

3. Mental Health: The memoir is notable for its candid discussion of mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression. Harry emphasises the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

4. Love and Family: Harry shares his deep love for his wife, Meghan, and their family, contrasting it with the challenges they faced from the media and royal family dynamics.

5. Media Intrusion: The book addresses the media’s relentless scrutiny and its impact on his life, particularly regarding his relationship with Meghan and their decision to step back from royal duties.

Strengths:
– Honesty and Vulnerability: Harry’s willingness to share personal stories and emotions makes the memoir relatable and engaging. His openness about mental health is particularly impactful.

– Insight into Royal Life: The book provides a unique perspective on the inner workings of the royal family, shedding light on traditions, expectations, and the challenges of royal life.

– Narrative Style: Harry’s storytelling is compelling, blending humor, poignancy, and reflection, which keeps readers engaged throughout.

I enjoyed this read very much.

Onto the next book…

My father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer with a prognosis of 12 to 18 months in September 2018. I was 22 years old at the time, and had just started studying when we got the news and it felt like my world had suddenly lost all meaning. I couldn’t begin to fathom how to continue living my life when he was effectively given a death sentence – the strongest man I knew wasn’t going to live forever. I know, I know, that sounds silly; obviously, he wasn’t going to live forever but in my world, nothing could get him down, and when obstacles did pop up, he overcame them as if they were a pebble in his shoe. For 6 years, he went for his treatments, handled the side effects that wreaked havoc on his body, and still showed up for everyone in his life as if he wasn’t fighting this war in private. If you didn’t know about his diagnosis, you wouldn’t have known that he was in a battle against time. 

It took countless hours of therapy and tears to begin to comprehend that while most people my age are blessed to have their parents in their lives until they’re in their 40s, 50s or even 60s, that wouldn’t be my reality. I couldn’t allow myself to wallow in his cancer because he didn’t – he went to each treatment with a smile on his face and championed through the side effects with our feelings in mind. He never wanted us to know how much he was really struggling, and in some way, that made it easier to get through every day. 

One day, as we were leaving the hospital after yet another appointment, I jokingly told him that I was mad at him for having me so late in life, and that I only got so few years with him while my brother and sister got almost 40 years each! We laughed about how funny life turns out sometimes and chatted about fond memories of my childhood. I think the journey of walking beside someone at the end of their life while mine was just beginning was quite a sobering reality, and while I did everything I could to support him in whatever way he needed, I learned to make the most of every moment, every phone call, every interaction for my own peace of mind. I never ended a call without an emphatic “I love you, Daddy,” and when he hung up without saying it back, you best believe I called him and made him say it to me because I never knew when that would be the last time that I’d hear it. The little things became important, like holding his hand, sitting tightly next to him, staring deeply into his eyes so that I could memorise the marbled grey eyes, filled with a lifetime of wisdom, looking back at me. I knew the clock was ticking, and I was powerless to stop it. I didn’t know what to do – how do I stop the inevitable? It was only when I saw a quote that said “Grief is not a problem to be solved, but a friend to be listened to.” that things clicked into place for me. I was powerless to stop this, but maybe it wasn’t my job to do that – what if I just sat with him and enjoyed whatever time we had left together without worrying about tomorrow?

My dad, Uncle Solly, was honestly such a legend – have you ever seen a man walk into a chemo room with a big smile on his face, and a mischievous energy to endlessly tease the nurses? Who knew just which buttons to press with the ladies at the radiation room that would have them erupt into peals of laughter? Despite his diagnosis, he made sure that the members of his care team received a Christmas present every year, whether it was a bunch of flowers for the desk, or individual KitKats – it was important to him to show his gratitude to the people who walked this road with him. As he lay in the ward during his final days, the nurses shared stories with us about Mr Hans and all of his shenanigans over the years – he made an impact wherever he went and I’m so proud that he was mine, and that I am his. 

When he was called home on 21 March 2024, the loss surpassed losing what was, but encompassed the memories that’ll never be. I’d thought about this before he passed and I had to keep reminding myself that I’m on my own timeline, but when the reality set in that he’s no longer earth-side, it became real – he’ll never meet my kids, I’ll never get to drive up our long driveway in my brand new car and take him for a ride, he’ll never see me turn 30 and he’ll never get to own that Mercedes he always wanted. And while I mourn for what’ll never be, I’m grateful that I get to see his signature on my marriage certificate, that I see reminders of him in my own reflection and I feel myself holding on to the lessons he always strived to teach. He was a man of great faith, and I believe it was his unwavering faith in God that gave him the mental and physical fortitude to overcome his disease to reach his final resting place in the arms of our Lord.  I’m filled with a warm ball of light when I think of how his laughter filled a room, and how much he loved all of us. He loved us more than himself, he loved us even when we disappointed him, and he made sure that we knew it. He bestowed blessings on us, and the future generations that he’ll never meet and I hold that close to my heart until I breathe my last. 

My dad passed away from stage 4 prostate cancer, but he never let his disease define or change the man he was and that’s how I want him to be remembered. 

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a common yet often misunderstood condition that primarily affects women. It manifests as dimpled, lumpy skin on areas like the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. Although it’s a natural phenomenon, the appearance of cellulite can be a source of concern for many people.

How is Cellulite Formed?

Cellulite forms when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin; think of a squish toy covered in the net. If the toy gets squished, it pushes through the net in the form of little lumps. These little lumps are seen as cellulite through the skin.

Several factors contribute to its development:

1. Genetics: Your genes can determine how your body stores fat and how susceptible you are to cellulite.
2. Hormones: Hormonal changes, particularly in estrogen levels, play a crucial role in cellulite formation. Estrogen can influence fat distribution, blood circulation, and the skin’s structural integrity.
3. Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, dehydration, and smoking can exacerbate cellulite. These factors affect the skin’s health, circulation, and fat storage.
4. Age: As you age, your skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner, making cellulite more noticeable.
5. Weight Changes: Significant fluctuations in weight can stretch and weaken the connective tissue, making cellulite more visible.

Effective Treatments for Cellulite

Please note while there is no permanent cure for cellulite, several treatments can help reduce its appearance:

Topical Treatments: Creams and lotions containing caffeine, retinol, and other active ingredients can temporarily tighten the skin and improve its texture. However, these effects are often short-lived if not used continuously and in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.

We love Environs Contouring cream:

This lightweight and quick absorbing contouring cream, when gently massaged into the skin, assists in visibly improving the appearance of dimpled, unevenly textured and lax skin, targeting areas such as the jawline, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, thighs and knees. It also assists to protect the skin from free-radical damage. The skin looks and feels more hydrated, silky and nourished.

1. Massage Therapy: Techniques like lymphatic drainage massage and dry brushing can improve circulation and reduce fluid retention, making cellulite less noticeable.
2. Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can help reduce body fat and improve muscle tone, which may minimise the appearance of cellulite. Exercise like massage also improves circulation.
3. Laser and Radiofrequency Treatments: These non-invasive procedures use energy to heat the skin, stimulate collagen production, and break down fat cells. They can provide longer-lasting results compared to topical treatments.
4. Subcision: A minor surgical procedure that involves inserting a needle under the skin to break up the fibrous bands causing the dimpled appearance. This treatment can offer significant improvements, but it’s more invasive.
5. Acoustic Wave Therapy: This method uses sound waves to break up the fibrous bands and stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity.

Conclusion

Cellulite is a natural part of the human body, and while it cannot be eliminated, various treatments can help reduce its appearance. Embracing a healthy lifestyle and considering professional treatments can lead to noticeable improvements. Remember, beauty is diverse, and cellulite is just one of the many aspects that make us unique.

I hope you find this article helpful! If you have any other questions or need more information, feel free to ask.

Understanding the categories of processed and ultra-processed foods is a powerful tool to better understand what you put in your body. It empowers you to make informed dietary choices, leading to better health and well-being.

Processed Foods

Processed foods are those that have been altered from their original form through methods such as canning, freezing, refrigeration, dehydration, or baking. This category includes foods that may have added ingredients like salt, sugar, or preservatives but still retain a significant amount of their original nutritional value. Examples include:

– Canned vegetables (with added salt)
– Frozen fruits and vegetables (without added sugars or syrups)
– Whole grain bread
– Cheese
– Yogurt (with or without added sugars)

Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods have undergone extensive industrial processing and typically contain ingredients you wouldn’t find in a home kitchen. These foods often include additives such as artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, sweeteners, and emulsifiers. They are usually designed to be convenient, palatable, and shelf-stable, but they often have low nutritional value and high levels of sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt. Examples include:

– Sugary beverages (sodas, energy drinks)
– Snack foods (chips, cookies, candy)
– Instant noodles and soups
– Processed meats (hot dogs, deli meats)
– Frozen meals and pizzas
– Breakfast cereals with high sugar content

Research suggests that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with various health issues, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. This is often due to their high-calorie density, low nutritional quality, and the presence of unhealthy additives.

Making Healthier Choices

To promote better health, it is generally recommended to:

– Focus on whole, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

– Limit the intake of ultra-processed foods, opting for homemade or less processed alternatives when possible.

– Read food labels to be aware of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients.

By being mindful of the types of foods you consume, you can improve your overall diet and health.

Ultra-processed foods often contain a variety of ingredients that are not typically found in home cooking. These ingredients are usually added to enhance flavour, texture, shelf life, and appearance. Below are some common ingredients found in ultra-processed foods:

1. Added Sugars
   – High-fructose corn syrup
   – Sucrose (table sugar)
   – Glucose syrup
   – Fructose
   – Maltodextrin

2. Refined Oils and Fats
   – Hydrogenated oils (trans fats)
   – Palm oil
   – Soybean oil
   – Canola oil

3. Preservatives
   – Sodium benzoate
   – Potassium sorbate
   – BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
   – BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

4. Artificial Flavours and Colours
   – Synthetic flavouring agents (e.g., vanillin, ethyl maltol)
   – Artificial colourings (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5)

5. Emulsifiers and Stabilizers
   – Lecithin
   – Mono- and diglycerides
   – Carrageenan
   – Xanthan gum

6. Thickeners and Gelling Agents
   – Guar gum
   – Agar-agar
   – Pectin

7. Flavour Enhancers
   – Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
   – Yeast extract

8. Modified Starches
   – Modified food starch
   – Corn starch

9. Dairy Substitutes
   – Non-dairy creamers
   – Processed cheese products

10. Artificial Sweeteners
    – Aspartame
    – Sucralose
    – Saccharin

11. Processed Meats
    – Nitrates and nitrites (used in curing)
    – Flavoring agents and fillers

12. Pre-packaged Ingredients
    – Instant noodles
    – Ready-to-eat meals that may contain a mix of the above ingredients

These ingredients contribute to ultra-processed foods’ palatability, convenience, and shelf stability but often come at the cost of nutritional quality. Regular consumption of such foods can lead to health issues, so it’s advisable to read labels carefully and limit intake of ultra-processed items in favour of whole, minimally processed foods.

The information in this article was compiled from various sources through research.

Sourdough and regular bread differ in several key aspects, including ingredients, fermentation processes, flavours, and textures.

Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:

Leavening Agent:

Sourdough: Uses a natural leavening agent, which is a sourdough starter made from flour and water that captures wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria from the environment. This fermentation process can take several hours to days.

Regular Bread: Typically uses commercial yeast (such as active dry yeast or instant yeast) for leavening, which works much faster, usually allowing the dough to rise in a couple of hours.

Fermentation Process:

Sourdough: The fermentation process is longer and involves both yeast and bacteria, leading to a more complex flavour profile. The slow fermentation also helps develop gluten and improves the bread’s texture.

Regular Bread: The fermentation is quicker, resulting in a simpler flavour profile. The dough is usually mixed, allowed to rise for a short period, shaped, and then baked.

Flavor:

Sourdough: Has a distinctive tangy flavour due to the lactic acid produced during fermentation. The flavour can vary based on the starter, fermentation time, and other factors.

Regular Bread: Generally has a milder flavour, with less complexity compared to sourdough. The taste is more straightforward and can be influenced by added ingredients like sugar, milk, or fats.

Texture:

Sourdough: Often has a chewy crust and an open crumb structure with larger holes. The texture can be denser due to the longer fermentation.

Regular Bread: Usually has a softer crust and a more uniform crumb structure. The texture can vary widely depending on the recipe and ingredients used.

Nutritional Aspects:

Sourdough: The longer fermentation process can make the bread easier to digest and may enhance the bioavailability of nutrients. The presence of lactic acid bacteria can also contribute to gut health.

Regular Bread: Nutritional content varies widely depending on the type of flour and other ingredients used. It may not have the same digestive benefits as sourdough.

Shelf Life:

Sourdough: Tends to have a longer shelf life due to the acidity produced during fermentation, which can inhibit mold growth.

Regular Bread: May have a shorter shelf life, especially if it contains preservatives.

Preparation Time:

Sourdough: Requires more time and patience due to the need for starter preparation and longer fermentation times.

Regular Bread: Generally quicker to prepare, making it more convenient for everyday baking.

Both sourdough and regular bread have their unique qualities and appeal. Sourdough is often favoured because of its potential health benefits. Although soughdough bread is not free from gluten, is it lower because of its fermentation process.

I was all about food this month, hey. I tried out new things and learned new ways to make meals without using crumbs and staying away from overprocessed products. Naturally, this meant I ate a lot of veggies. Below, I share with you three new products I discovered this month.

Enjoy,

Gluten-Free Spaghetti

Generally, gluten-free products are expensive, but I discovered the Simply Truth brand at Checkers. A 500g packet of spaghetti is 22.00. Yes, you heard me right. The gluten-free pasta from Woolies is almost N$100 for 250g. I am also very cognizant of the gluten-free products’ contents. I check for the ingredients and make sure I recognise all the ingredients. The less the better. They also say that if you don’t have these items in your kitchen individually, then the product is ultra-processed. So, this spaghetti is only made from corn and water. What a winner, hey.

Squash

I have been obsessed with squash for some time now. And like a true colour, I add sweet corn and cheese. Yum yum yum.
I first steam them until they are soft but still firm, then transfer them to a large enough oven dish, put a tiny bit of butter on it, and sprinkle a little sugar on it, as in a tiny, tiny bit. Then I fill them up with sweetcorn and put cheese on top.
They go into the oven only until the cheese is melted.

Sourdough pizza

My friend generously gave me three sourdough pizza bases, complete with tomato sauce and pre-baked. I used them on Friday nights for our family pizza night. For my pizza, I topped it with mushrooms, onions, garlic, feta, and lactose-free cheese. After baking it in the oven, I added some rocket on top. It turned out just as delicious, if not better than the pizzas you’d get from a restaurant!

In our previous article on pigmentation, we discussed what pigmentation is and the different causes of pigmentation. If you have pigmentation and have already identified the type of pigmentation it is, all you’re probably thinking is … tell me how to get rid of it.

I wish I could sit here and tell you there is one magic potion that will help; put it on, go to sleep, and you wake up spot-free tomorrow morning. On the contrary, treating pigmentation requires patience and diligence.

If you are still unsure what type of pigmentation you have, consult your skincare therapist to assist you with determining the type of pigmentation and the best possible treatment that would best suit your lifestyle and your pocket.

It would be a good start if not on professional products or a good home care routine. Ask your skin professional for products containing vitamin C (good for lightening and brightening and a good antioxidant), low levels of vitamin A, Niacinamide, etc. Introduce low levels of acids such as glycolic and lactic acid to help with exfoliation and, thus, cell turnover. The most important thing is a good broad-spectrum SPF; by using it religiously, you can already reduce pigmentation, especially post-inflammatory pigmentation, and prevent pigmentation from getting worse.

You have to get your skin to perform optimally before progressing to any intensive treatments and or products, if your barrier is not healthy you could do more harm than good.

Another vital ingredient to have in your products for daily use is a tyrosinase inhibitor such as kojic acid, ascorbic acid, resorcinol, or thiamidol. Many skincare ranges have their own patented tyrosinase inhibitors, which can be new ingredients or a combination of a few. A tyrosinase inhibitor is key to this journey as it basically prevents your skin/melanocytes from making any pigment/melanin.

And as always, Mother Nature doesn’t disappoint. Use unsaturated fatty acids found in natural oils such as avocado oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil or evening primrose oil; there are loads more, but remember to see better results by combining these natural oils with at least a medium-strength tyrosinase inhibitor.

Now that you’re doing all you can at home start with a series of advanced aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling or laser. At the same time, you are on the tyrosinase inhibitor to help resurface and produce new cells. Remember to adhere to strict aftercare and homecare when undergoing these advanced treatments; remember the aim is a healthy barrier and glowing skin ????

Book Review: Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing

I loved this book. It is candid, engaging, interesting, and honest and offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a legend. Mathew Perry is best known as Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom Friends. The book tells the story of his childhood, where he grew up, how his addiction started and all the ups and downs of his life. He talks about the women he’s dated; surprisingly, I never knew about some of them. You find yourself rooting for Perry as he navigates the ups and downs of recovery, illustrating the importance of resilience and the ongoing journey towards healing.
Knowing how his story ends, you cannot help but feel sad at the end of the book. It was published about a year before his death.

If you were not a Friends watcher, boy, is there a gap in your education! Even today, we still watch Friends. RIP Mathew Perry.

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing is an easy read, and I found it very hard to put down.