Woman & Home South Africa - April 2022

The best spa spoils + great skincare gadgets to try womanandhomemagazine.co.za REAL-LIFE STORIES JEANNIE D Why it’s never On settling down, too late for a choosing joy and career change turning 40 W&H SPECIAL FASHION HAPPY FOCUS EASTER! Pull colour off ✣ Easy Sunday with confidence lunch dishes GETTING THE ✣ Next-level bakes HANG OF IT to share with 10 TIPS friends and family TO MASTER THE ART OF The DISPLAY PS: YOU MAKE THE RULES ISSUE W n! Ditch Your ✣ A handwoven EMOTIONAL VOKE rug BAGGAGE ✣ A Canon EOS M5c0amMearrak II (YES YOU CAN!) ‘NORMAL IS APRIL 2022 R54.90 A THING’ PRINTED IN SOUTH AFRICA AND OTHER SEX MYTHS BUSTED



W&H WIN BIG! FROM Do not forget that we have THE some amazing prizes to give TEAM away this month. Simply log on to womanandhomemagazine.co.za to enter and you could be our next big winner. Good luck! W hat is freedom? According to the buzz in the air simply radiating off all the grown-ups in the dictionary, it is ‘the power or right to house. Again, I just knew that something good was about act, speak, or think as one wants’. By to happen. that definition, I’ve never truly known what it’s like to not have a sense of Fast forward 28 years and I have a better understanding of freedom. Born in mid-1980s South what both days meant. As a child, it was about eating ice cream in the rain and birthday cake. As an adult, it’s a day Africa, I was oblivious to the fight for freedom that surrounded that I, like so many others, am indeed grateful for. me. My first clear recollection of Nelson Mandela was of his I am forever grateful to those who laid down their lives so that we South Africans can enjoy the freedom that release from prison in 1990. There was a buzz in the air that we have, in all its forms – be it freedom of speech, sexual freedom, the freedom to pursue a dream career, or to day, and not just because it was my birthday. Even as a child, travel and bask in the wonders of the world. I just knew that something was different, despite not fully As I write this, I am acutely aware of the number of people across the globe who are still unable to enjoy freedoms such understanding why. I recall the grown-ups being glued to the as these. I pray that one day, soon, they too will feel that buzz in the air signalling the start of something good to come. TV screen and my aunt, a journalist at the time, not being there. − MEGAN As an adult, I learnt that she had gone to the Cape Town Managing Editor City Hall to cover the story. My memory of 27 April 1994 is somewhat blurry too. I recall the weather being overcast with rain throughout the day. I remember my cousins staying at our house while my parents, aunt GET EVEN and uncle took turns Oh wait, before you go… If you’d like to receive your MORE to brave the weather copy of W&H every month in the post, why not and queued to vote buy a subscription? There’s a special deal on page 4. FASHION, for the very first time. BEAUTY, I remember that my parents OUR R925, WELLNESS were the second of the PINCH superbalist.com AND FOOD two couples to go out and LIST PHOTOS: FREEPIK, COURTESY IMAGES CONTENT that they returned with the R2 699, biggest chocolate-coated adidas ONLINE ice creams I had ever seen, for everyone to enjoy. I also recall eating that R799, hmshop.co.za womanandhome_sa ice cream while watching POR, the drops of rain race Scotch & Soda down the window, the news on the TV in the WomanandHomeSA background and the 3April 2022 | W&H

Subscribe Group Editor HEATHER TOEFY & SAVE Managing Editor Not heading out much these days? We’ve got you covered! MEGAN PAULSE Sit back and wait for your monthly copy of W&H to arrive at Editorial Assistant JOËLLE DAVIDSON your door, packed with the latest of everything. At only Chief Copy Editor ROSHAAN BOUWER R449 for a 12-month subscription, you’ll be banking Deputy Chief Copy Editor SHANEEN NOBEL a 32% saving – it’s our gift to you. Copy Editor CHENAI NYAKUNENGWA Beauty & Style Editor JADE SMITH Two easy ways JOIN US Junior Beauty Editor LEANDRI DE KOCK to subscribe: ONLINE Fashion Editor AMY STEENKAMP Fashion Assistant MIA SMITH CALL: SCAN ME Beauty & Decor Assistant 087 550 0329 STEFANIE TITUS PETERSEN Don't miss out on more offers, EMAIL: daily content and exclusive videos: Art Director [email protected] womanandhomemagazine.co.za KIRSTY JARDINE This offer is valid until 25 April 2022 and applies to Junior Designer print subscribers with a South African address only. ILSE MARIE LANGENHOVEN ByWp&roHvipdeinrgmyisosuiornpteorscoonmaml duentiacailste, ywoiuthayreougviviaing Retouching ADRI PAPAKONSTANTINOU, email or SwMoSm.aFnoarnrdahteosmaenmd aogthaezirnger.ceoa.tzoaf.fers, visit MORNÉ STEENEKAMP 4 W&H | April 2022 Group Digital Editor LISA KATZ Digital Editor TASNEEM SONI Sales Director RYAN NICOLLE Sales Manager ELZANNE BOTES Production Manager RUSHAAN HOLLIDAY Deputy Production Manager MAGGIE WASSERFALL Ad Design Studio Manager BRÜMILDA FREDERICKS HR Director RIZQAH JAKOET Financial Director LINDSEY MAKRYGIANNIS Production Director BILQEES ALLIE Operations Director RASHIED RAHBEENI MD TONY WALKER CEO KEVIN FERGUSON Woman&Home International Editor-In-Chief CATHERINE WESTWOOD International Group Creative Director PHIL ATTAWAY ISSN 18134319 – Published by Highbury Media © Highbury Media (Pty) Ltd 2004/031056/07, Highbury Media, 36 Old Mill Road, Ndabeni, 7405, Cape Town, South Africa. www.hsm.co.za EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Email: [email protected] ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: 021 530 3300 | Email: [email protected] Articles in this issue translated or reproduced from Woman & Home are the copyright of or licenced to Future Publishing Limited, a Future plc Group, UK 2021. Used under licence. All rights reserved. Woman & Home is the trademark of or licensed to Future Publishing Limited. Used under licence. For more information about this and other magazines published by the Future plc group, go to futureplc.com.

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CONTENTS On the cover 16 JUST JEANNIE Jeannie D on (finally) settling down and loving life off-screen 30 ESCAPE YOUR EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE Ditch negative patterns and feel happier – here’s how 36 BEST HAIRDOS EVER Game-changing styles that made the hair hall of fame 58 CLASH COURSE Go bold or go home 64 GO ON, TREAT YOURSELF! Who doesn’t deserve a luxury spa spoil? 73 NOTES FROM THE SEX FILES Finding your voice in and out of the bedroom 89 SECOND NATURE A modern Scandinavian barn was the inspiration behind this stunning family home 102 EASY EASTER Your Sunday feast, sorted 108 BRILLIANT BAKES Impress your guests with these showstopping treats 73 49 Sexual empowerment Chic layering keeps you warm as the isn’t all about sex temperature drops 7April 2022 | W&H

CONTENTS WIN! 15 MAKE A STATEMENT Win a handwoven VOKE Marriage Rug worth over R20 000! 35 PICTURE THIS Win a Canon EOS M50 Mark II camera worth over R10 000! 108 Decor & food 58 88 BEDROOM BLISS 60 Fashion & beauty Turn your room into a sanctuary with just a lick of paint Good reads 49 THE LAYERED LOOK 96 HOW TO HANG PICTURES 24 TAKING THE LEAP Effortlessly master the art of layering The best tips for displaying your art Brave women who changed careers later in life 60 GET GLOWING 98 WHATEVER THE WEATHER 32 THE POWER OF POSITIVE Experts share their top skin Why and how to climate-proof prep tips your garden PROCRASTINATION Find relief from the pressure 70 HAIR HEALERS Travel & motoring of your to-do lists Taking care of crowning glory is 116 A FEAST OF LOCAL FLAVOUR 34 WHY YOU SHOULD easier than you think Join Lorna Maseko on a delicious WRITE A DIARY Health & wellness tour of SA Creating a treasure trove of memories 79 GUIDE TO MENOPAUSE 120 FLYING HIGH 42 DON’T BE AN OSTRICH AT WORK A list of SUV crossovers you didn’t Ways to cope when your know you wanted ABOUT PENSIONS symptoms become too much Why planning for your retirement In every issue is a must 83 AN OPTICIAN SPOTTED 12 W&H UPDATE 46 MONEY, MONEY, MONEY MY BRAIN TUMOUR A routine eye exam that saved Your fashion, beauty and Savvy saving steps to more a life decor heroes financial freedom 84 HOW TO STICK TO 122 W&H WEEKEND 8 W&H | April 2022 YOUR RESOLUTIONS Get the popcorn ready… Stay strong and avoid the workout slump 124 BOOK CLUB 86 YOUR HEALTH The best reads for all genres Hormone replacement, sleep 126 BRAIN BOOSTERS hygiene, contraception over 40 and more Sharpen your pencil 129 YOUR STARS Your April stars 130 ONE MORE THING Tanya Meeson mulls over the meaning of freedom STAR POWER GARETHPHVOANTON:ELSON AMYSSTTYELEINNGK:AMP HAIR: NABZ SONDAY ANDREAMVAANKED-EURPH: OUTEN STDORREYSSC:HINENRIOSHVAWTIAOSNTE BY H&M.







w&h updates R39 000, Louis R699, Vuitton Country Road R4 799, POR, Scotch & Soda Scotch & Soda R1 199, Nicci Boutique R1 199, Witchery R999, Guess THE R3 099, COMPILED BY: MIA SMITH; PHOTOS: GALLO/GETTYIMAGES, COURTESY IMAGES; PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE BLUES Scotch & Soda CLUB R999, Witchery EVERYDAY HEROES The autumn denim edit: flared jeans, R799, a jumpsuit and all the accessories! Mango R549, Sissy Boy 12 W&H | April 2022

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competition Subscribe & WIN MAKE A ENTER NOW! STATEMENT Sign up for a 12-month subscription Win a handwoven VOKE Marriage to Woman&Home (for only R449) Rug worth over R20 000! or Garden&Home (for only R399) to put yourself in line to win this incredible O ur crafters use select rugs created from the finest prize. To subscribe, call 087 550 0329 techniques deeply yarns and fibres to guarantee quality or email [email protected]. rooted in tradition, with at the source. each method leading Ts&Cs apply. to a distinct texture. The makers of each handcrafted ✣ Offers limited to SA and apply to print creation share the dedication that‘s subscriptions only. Ends 25 April 2022. Our collection of handmade rugs echo expressed through each collection. We seek to engage people not only through Please allow time for processing and our desire to bring you products with sight but also the feeling the products‘ delivery. All prizes in W&H are subject story generates. to availability and are not transferable, PHOTOS: COURTESY IMAGES a story as distinguished as your home. Handwoven in India, the Marriage Rug resaleable or refundable for cash. Feel the texture, feel the story. blends strong symbols and colours to For full competition Ts&Cs, visit form a luxurious statement piece. The womanandhomemagazine.co.za. Fuelled by curiosity, we’re devoted to wool and viscose combination makes it a perfect addition to many indoor spaces. vokerugs Vokerugs vokerugs.co.za discovering distinctive rugs of the world GENERAL Ts&Cs for anyone who values quality underfoot All prizes in W&H are subject to availability and are not transferable, resaleable or refundable as much as we do. Colour and material for cash. For further Ts&Cs, see is core to our journey of curation. We womanandhomemagazine.co.za.

Just JEANNIE The former TV presenter, who turns 40 this month, opens up about the joy of slowing down, being more present and having the freedom to re-evaluate her life by NARINA EXELBY

cover story 17April 2022 | W&H

On role models ‘When growing up, I didn’t see enough women ageing, and I didn’t see enough women ageing with confidence and with pride – because when I was a little girl, women were beautiful and then they’d marry well and be in the wings. They weren’t exactly out there going, “You know what, I’m not getting married. Instead, I’m doing this for myself”. There were very few women who were doing that. I struggled because I believe in the power of mentorship for growth. I didn’t have a mentor, and I really wish I did. I wish I had a strong woman say to me: “You’re doing fine – just go for it”. I hope I can be that kind of role model for young women, so that they know they don’t have to become something based on what other people assume their life should look like.’ I t’s a balmy Saturday morning – beautiful in the way Cape Town Jeannie is a natural interviewer. often is between seasons – when Jeannie de Gouveia clicks onto The former Top Billing and Top Travel Zoom for our interview. Jeannie D, as you’ll likely know her, is presenter – who also has ‘entrepreneur’, typically doe-eyed and gorgeous … and within seconds I fall for her ‘model’, ‘DJ’ and ‘MC’ strung to her effervescent charm. The interview is not, however, going according name – is inherently curious and has to plan. From the moment we connect, Jeannie – who carved a very an innate gift for coaxing remarkable successful multi-decade, multi-award-winning career out of asking conversations. She has interviewed – questions – has me talking about my world. This isn’t supposed and charmed – stars such as Sandra to be about me, I eventually remind her, and she laughs. It’s that Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Drew slightly husky, genuinely joyful laugh that anyone who’s watched her shows Barrymore, Adam Sandler, Ewan will know – it has the ability to transcend the screen and infuse viewers with McGregor, The Rock, Sir Michael Caine, a delightful, positive energy. Dame Julie Andrews, Liam Neeson, Matthew McConaughey, Keanu Reeves 18 W&H | April 2022 and Daniel Craig. Interviewing Taylor Swift was, she says, like chatting with her best friend. Jeannie’s been serenaded by Seal and Josh Groban. The Beach Boys – in concert in Cape Town – called her onstage to rock with them. And despite being at Royal Ascot as part of the press contingent, glamorous Jeannie D ended up on the front page of The Times newspaper. As enchanting as she is an interviewer, Jeannie is gutsy in pursuit of a story. In the name of work she has somersaulted off a building, wing-walked on an

cover story airplane, and been set on fire! She has even worn a tiny dress for a cover shoot in -4°C New York, and it was -35°C when she climbed the Great Wall of China. And whatever she’s done, she’s done it joyfully: A true entertainer who’s created magic on the shows she’s worked on. But now, just like the city she’s called home for 19 years, Jeannie is between seasons. After a pandemic-enforced break in her TV career, followed by a spur-of-the-moment decision to reject a contract to host on a travel channel, Jeannie is currently taking some time to re-evaluate who she is and what she wants to do with her life. ‘Whether it was modelling, TV or acting I‘d worked every day, basically, since I was 12,’ explains the charismatic brunette, who turns 40 this month. ‘When COVID-19 happened I realised that everything I did in my life wasn‘t essential and that I wasn’t happy.’ In what I come to realise as a typical Jeannie trait, she laughs to lighten the conversation. ‘I made major, drastic changes in my life – and everything’s different now,’ she looks around. ‘I have a home I’ve just renovated. I have two dogs – before I couldn’t even keep a plant alive because I was travelling so much. Now I’ve got two crazy puppies that require all my time; I’m definitely in a settling-down phase.’ How does that feel, I ask as she saves a white curtain from being shredded by a bulldog. ‘It feels great, actually. And completely different. For a long time I established my self-value on just my career …’ she’s been keeping an eye on the puppies, but now she looks directly at me. ‘I’m Jeannie now. I’m not Jeannie D.’ She pauses a moment – almost as if she’s not sure she wants to let go of her old self – then adds quickly, ‘Well I still am, obviously. I’m all of those things. But it’s crazy, learning different elements of you and different values of you and different ways of defining who you are.’ Has she left our screens forever, I ask tentatively? Jeannie draws in a breath ‘I made major, drastic changes in my life – and everything’s di erent now’



cover story On freedom ‘The word “freedom” is difficult to define because it means different things to different people. To me, freedom means having the ability to do whatever you want to do whenever you want to do it. Nowadays, I don’t think many people have freedom – we are victims of our own vices and devices. The new definition of freedom, I think, will probably be privacy – and to be able to be in a space where you aren’t judged and observed.’ and contemplates her response. ‘I don’t ‘I’m much more Growing up does not, of course, know if I want to go back,’ she admits, relaxed and equate to getting old – although getting thoughtfully. ‘I don’t know if it’s me I’ve learnt how her head around ageing has been tricky anymore. I miss TV. I miss my travel work. to become a lot to negotiate, Jeannie admits. ‘Turning I miss interviewing people. I miss the more present’ 40 really is no big deal for me because connections that I was making with I don’t feel 40 and I certainly don’t people outside of my normal world. behave 40, however 40 year olds are I miss that a lot … but I just don’t supposed to behave. But ageing has not want to go back to how I was doing it been easy because I worked in an before.’ She shrugs. ‘I know that there’s industry where you’re not allowed to something that I want to do next – I just age. The expectation is that you stay don’t know yet what it is.’ 21April 2022 | W&H What Jeannie is certain about is that before she makes any decision about what is next, she needs to learn more about herself; she wants to truly understand who ‘Jeannie’ is and what makes her tick. In her metamorphosis from Jeannie D into ‘just’ Jeannie she’s focussing on her health and family, taking time to understand how to eat and train so that her body thrives, and she’s taken some courses in transcendental meditation. ‘I’ve learnt how to slow down a lot. For so long I worked so much, and I was a radical perfectionist,’ Jeannie admits. ‘Now I’m learning to live and let live. I’ve become calmer. I’m much more relaxed and I’ve learnt how to become a lot more present.’ ‘It’s lovely,’ she admits of this time off, this unexpected gift of freedom. ‘I’m finally starting to grow up.’ Then in typical Jeannie fashion, she throws her head back and laughs. ‘I didn’t ever think I would grow up, by the way.’

cover story On life lessons ‘Be very conscious of your internal dialogue. How you speak to yourself is going to affect so much in your life – your relationship with others and with yourself – so make sure you’re speaking to yourself kindly. If you get caught up with negative internal dialogue you’ll forget to actually live. Everything changes, everything will work itself out. If you’ve got the choice to enjoy something then do it, rather than make an issue out of it and feel lousy and insecure about yourself. Choose joy.’ cute and young and giggly all your life expectations. And you know what? Life ‘When I’m around people I’m chatty PHOTOS: HMIMAGES/GARETH VAN NELSON – and to be honest, I’ve had a hard time continues to work out. Just because and so the assumption is that I’m an with knowing how I’m supposed to deal I haven’t done something yet doesn’t extrovert – but I’m quite an introvert, with it.’ mean I won’t.’ really. I love being alone with a good book and just locking myself away for We chat about expectations for Another expectation, I point out, days. I’m very soft. I’m quite sensitive. a while. The pressure, the questions, is that ‘Jeannie D’ is fun, flirty and I’m very nurturing. I just want everyone the letting go. Yes, she’s getting older. vivacious. Is this true of the real around me to be happy and seen all No, she’s not married. Yes, she’s in a Jeannie? ‘I suppose people see me the time. I’m a feeder – I love to share committed relationship. No, she has like that because I am quite light,’ she meals and cook, and have loud music not had children. ‘The answer to all the muses. ‘I‘m super-chilled. I‘m very happy. on. I enjoy family. I love love.’ questions that stem from expectations I‘m one of those people who wakes up is really boring,’ Jeannie shrugs. ‘It’s happy every morning – which my cousin Just as Jeannie‘s words settle just the way life’s worked out. I chose once told me is actually quite annoying.’ into silence she adds, ‘I also love joy. a career I loved over choosing to meet Jeannie thinks for while, then continues: I want to constantly be surrounded by magic and joy. I once wrote to 22 W&H | April 2022 my god-daughter and said,“If I have one wish for you, it would be that you live your life in constant pursuit of joy. In constant pursuit of magic”. If you believe that something good’s going to happen, something good will happen because you set that tone, and you put that energy into the world.‘ Jeannie‘s eyes shine as she laughs and says, ‘I know this because – let’s be honest – I live in a bit of a fairy tale. But I do think that, and I do manifest that. Believe that something magical is going to happen, and it always will. It‘ll find you.’ There can be little doubt that whatever this next season brings to Jeannie’s life, the magic will find her. It always does, it seems.



REAL WOMEN SPECIAL THTEakLinEgAP Are you cemented in a career yet desperate for a change? Three women tell us why uprooting their work lives after decades in the same industry turned out to be the best decision they’ve made by SAVANNA DOUGLAS 24 W&H | April 2022

special feature FROM SALES It may well have been an early midlife using their various creative skills as MANAGER crisis, but I’d been feeling unfulfilled in different streams of income. Until then, TO CREATIVE my work as a sales manager for some I’d honestly believed you had to pick ENTREPRENEUR time. The only part of my job that really one job and stick with it, so the idea that seemed to be making any difference in I could actually do lots of different things Nicole Engelbrecht, 41, lives in the world was the management portion was a revelation. Flamingo Vlei with her husband, – helping others to grow in their careers, Lincoln, also 41. She’s a freelance which I enjoyed tremendously. The rest I had initially planned to slowly build writer and the host of True Crime seemed rather pointless. Every month, my creative entrepreneurship to the South Africa, a podcast detailing the sales clock reset itself and I was point where I could safely leave my job some of SA’s most known and spending my life chasing a number on in the knowledge that my bills would unknown true crime cases. a piece of paper as a mark of success. still get paid. Soon, though, I realised While this feeling lingered, the company that if I wanted to make this work, I I have always been a hobby writer I was working for also started to go would have to direct all of my energy and when I left school I briefly studied through a rough patch and, as is often toward it. I figured that I would give it journalism by correspondence while the case if the right leadership isn‘t in three months (that’s all the money I had working, but soon, life took over and place, the environment became toxic. saved up to last) and if it didn’t seem to I decided that I would never make be getting off the ground, then I could a living doing something I enjoyed I had started the True Crime South always go back to a nine-to-five. anyway, so I focused on gaining skills Africa podcast in May of 2019 and it was in a corporate environment instead. going to be a hobby. I loved true crime, This is the biggest risk I have ever I worked in corporate for 20 years. In writing and researching, and I figured SA taken in my life and waking up on the 2019, I was 39 years old, working for could do with its own true crime podcast first morning of my new life, I was utterly a large group of companies as a sales as a voice for its victims of violent crime. terrified as I realised that I was officially manager. My career trajectory was set Soon, though, when I saw how people unemployed. I’m not going to paint a and I no doubt would have continued were reacting to it, I realised that I may rosy picture of overnight success. It has to climb the ladder there if I’d stayed, have stumbled onto something. That been hard, draining, and demoralising but a convergence of circumstances is when my mind began to consider at times. I’ve gone from working eight- changed that. the possibility of me doing something hour days and getting a guaranteed creative for a living. paycheck every month to working (initially) up to 15–18 hour days seven I‘d come across the concept of days a week just to make sure I could Creative Entrepreneurship about a year pay the bills, but I knew it would get before and I was fascinated by the idea better if I just kept pushing, and it did. that there were people in the world Today I look back and I honestly Nicole Engelbrecht cannot believe how my life has changed. I am doing a whole range of things that I am extremely passionate about, I am my own boss, and I am making a real difference. Despite not having had any formal qualifications or experience in podcasting or professional writing, I was determined to learn the skills I needed and used as many free resources as I could find. One thing I also discovered during this time is that when you are on the path you’re supposed to be on, the right people, resources, and opportunities present themselves and I have gratefully accepted every bit of help that has come my way. This year I turn 42, and while I am extremely grateful for the 20 years I spent in corporate which taught me many things I needed to know in order to run my own entrepreneurship, I could not be happier and more excited for the next 20 years in this new world.



special feature FROM MARKETING Nerishka Pillay WHIZZ TO LEGAL EAGLE on, part-time. My son was my biggest a difference for myself and my family. motivation in getting things off the I faced up to the challenge and Nerishka Pillay, 37, lives in ground. I set my mind on creating Kyalami with her husband Kavir, a legacy for our family. completed my degree in June 2020, 37, and their son. Nerisha studied during the pandemic. I spent a year at law part-time and is currently The trickiest part of going back home with my son, whilst scouting for completing her articles at Barnard to study in my 30s was attempting a work. A few months later, I found and Incorporated Attorneys. work-life balance. Trying to get my study applied for a graduate recruitment hours in with a little one who needed my programme at Barnard Incorporated I never had an interest in law earlier constant attention was difficult. I would Attorneys online. I was very fortunate to on in life. When I completed high put him to sleep late at night and then be offered a candidate attorney position. school, it was the last thing I wanted to only have time to bury my nose in the pursue. Instead I settled on a Bachelor books. Maintaining a full-time job had its It was daunting, entering a whole new of Commerce Marketing Management challenges, too. My routine was rigid and industry which I knew nothing about. degree and after my studies, received uncomfortable in order to accommodate I was really nervous and didn’t know an opportunity to work within sales and everything and everyone. I felt quite if I really fit the bill, like other younger, marketing at a pharmaceutical company. overwhelmed, but also proud. I was full-time students would have. Now, after I chose a career in marketing because it doing something that would really make four months have passed, I am so glad seemed like the most sought-after career, I never gave up – I feel at home in this with so many opportunities. ‘Dreams are industry. The next step is for me to always possible if complete my articles and board exams In a decade of working for the you are willing to this year. I would then like to pursue my company, I was exposed to the legal, put in the e ort’ Master of Laws, and a full-time career regulatory side of business. There’s a at the firm I’m working for now, when my lot of red tape in bringing a new product 40s come around. In the words of Oprah to the market. There are endless Winfrey, ‘The true meaning of courage regulations that need to be adhered is to be afraid – and then, with your to. Exposure to this part of the industry knees knocking and your heart racing, awakened a passion within me that I take the leap anyway’. never knew existed. It dawned on me that marketing was just not where I had wanted to be anymore … my mind had shifted to the legal field. A principle I live by is that it is never too late to start again. Dreams are always possible if you are willing to put in the effort. So, I decided to take a huge leap of faith, not knowing if I would end up regretting my decision. I took the next logical step and registered to study my Bachelor of Law through UNISA. With a full-time job and baby in tow, I didn’t have the luxury of studying full-time, so I took it 27April 2022 | W&H



































PHOTOS: GALLO/GETTYIMAGES can, and ramp up your retirement PENSION pays out an income guaranteed to last savings once the kids have left home DRAWDOWN for the rest of your life. However, annuity and life gets a little cheaper. rates generally aren’t very high, which You have two broad choices with the means that even if you had a large chunk CASHING IN remainder of the money – you can either of money, you might only get a small have a fixed amount paid out for the income in exchange. You can withdraw up to a third of your rest of your life (life annuity) or you can retirement savings in cash and the rest decide how much you want to take every SHORTFALL? will be used to pay you a pension. The year, while the rest stays invested to keep first R500 000 cash may be tax free, growing (living annuity). The drawback If you find yourself over 60 and just not depending on what other lump sums with this second option is that if you take making ends meet, you may qualify for a you have received in the past, and the rest out too much too soon, or if you make SASSA Old Age Grant. There are certain will be taxable. You will need to decide big withdrawals just after stock markets requirements, including a means test, what to do with the rest, it’s best to seek fall, you could run out of money. so if you earn too much or have assets professional advice before jumping in over a certain value, you won’t qualify. boots and all. Your monthly pension will If the thought of all this risk leaves you For more information, go to sassa.gov.za be taxed the same way your salary was. cold, you could buy a life annuity instead. and click on Social Grants. This will bring peace of mind in that it 45April 2022 | W&H

your finances Money, money, MONEY Financial freedom means never having to worry about your bank balance. With some money savvy moves, you can get there, by SYLVIA WALKER KNOW YOUR Seeing is believing RAINY DAY PHOTOS: GALLO/GETTYIMAGES, RAWPIXEL NUMBER FUND Ever dream of being financially free? It We all borrow money at some may seem like a pipe dream, but if you Things can (and will) go wrong point – perhaps when splashing on can see it, you can do it. That’s where along the path to financial a new car or property. Paying interest a vision board comes in handy. It’s a freedom. Your car packs up, nifty tool that will get you imagining the fridge stops working or you is part of the deal, but don‘t pay and planning your future, turning your have an unexpected medical more than you should! How much dreams into actions. And because you expense – the list goes on and you pay is impacted by three digits: can see your goals, you’ll be inclined on. With an emergency fund Your credit score. It tells lenders how to stay on track through thick and thin. in place, you won’t have to haul you manage credit. The higher your You can do an old-school vision board out your credit card or dip into score, the easier it is to obtain credit on paper, or could use the My Vision your savings, throwing you off with the best interest rates. Keep tabs Board app, which allows you to create course. Get going today: on your score with the ClearScore a virtual vision board that you can take 1. Aim to have three months app or vist clearscore.com. Check around with you. Define your goals worth of expenses saved. your credit score, payment history (include financial) in the life purpose 2. Avoid the temptation to dip and get a bird’s-eye view of all the section, upload images and videos, into it if funds run low during money you owe. Note, paying bills, and even make slide shows to keep the month. not maxing out cards and minimal you on track. You’ll get affirmations 3. Keep your money in a separate enquiries for credit all improve your and there’s a journal where you can bank account that is accessible. credit score. Over 650 is considered record your progress. What’s really 4. Make savings automatic – good, so work towards that if you’re great is that you can backup your set up a debit order that puts vision board, so you won’t lose your the allocated amount into your not already there! info even if you ever uninstall the app. emergency fund each month. 5. Shop around so that you get the best interest rates. Go to moneytoday.co.za and click on ‘Savings Accounts’ to get a comparison of the interest rates available. TEACH YOURSELF RICH Imagine you could wave a magic wand and all your money worries disappeared? Not so easy – but here’s something to get you started. The Financial Independence Course from Boston City Campus teaches you how to master your money – how to manage it, get out of debt, adopt good money habits and to build wealth. The course usually costs around R2 500, but if you sign up through 1Life at truthaboutmoney.co.za, you’ll get it for free. With videos, reading material and quizzes to test your knowledge, this highly interactive online course takes about 6 hours to complete and you have 60 days in which to do it. It may be the best six hours you’ll ever spend that can literally change your life! 46 W&H | April 2022

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AMY STEENKAMP Fashion Editor LALYOTEhOReKED Chic ways to master your layering game this autumn ALSO IN THIS SECTION COLOUR-BLOCKING DOS • HOW TO PREP YOUR SKIN LIKE A PRO • SPA SPOILS

fashion OPENER Top R1 199, Witchery; blazer R1 399 and pants R799, both Zara; scarf R229, Woolworths; hat R299 and belt R130, both Foschini; earrings R5 990, Kirsten Goss; necklace R300, Lovisa THIS PAGE Dress R699, Woolworths; jacket R2 999, Levi‘s; coat R5 699, Witchery; bangles R220 and earrings R140, both Lovisa; boots R2 499, Trenery 50 W&H | April 2022