Cape Times 2023-12-29

If you have been hanging around social media lately, you have probably come across the drama surrounding Liqui Fruit. Earlier this week, the fruit juice brand trended on X after consumers called out the manufacturer, PepsiCo-owned Pioneer Foods, for not addressing the concerns of consumers over “slimy stuff” found in the juice. Curious to establish what the foreign thing was or if they would find one, many consumers have cut open their Liqui Fruit packages while recording a video. Some results reveal a moist mass floating on what is meant to be a smooth fruit juice blend inside a sealed carton. They have taken to social media to question the drink’s ingredients and food safety. “Liqui Fruit not addressing the weird things found in their juice is some nasty business,”…

To put it mildly, life can be stressful. Amid the noise and the haste, it can often feel difficult to take care of our mental health. Even relatively small, simple changes to our daily routine or mind-set can have meaningful, positive effects on mental health and well- being in both the short and long term. Here are seven of our best brain tips for a healthier, happier life in 2024. 1. Stop and listen to the birds Take a walk and take in the sights and sounds of birds. Or ask your smart speaker to play bird songs. Research has consistently shown that interaction with nature is associated with better body and brain health. Our feathered friends appear to be a specific source of these healing benefits. They are almost…

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness, but it can also be a challenging period for those recovering from addiction. For many, the holidays bring challenges, from navigating strained relationships to resisting the temptation to relapse. Five tips to help you enjoy the holidays alcohol-free while maintaining your commitment to sobriety: Decide what drinks you will have in advance Whether it is water, soda or fruit juice, having a plan will ensure that you remain sober on New Year’s Eve. It’s helpful to have a variety of non-alcoholic alternatives in mind, as you may be celebrating for several hours. If all else fails, be sure to have a bottle of water handy to ensure you stay hydrated. Host alcohol-free gatherings This can be an alternative place…

The wedding season is almost upon us and Claire Pettibone has launched her 2024 bridal collection as we close the year. Titled “Moonlight Reverie”, the collection draws inspiration from mystical realms of fairies, enchanted forests, intricate floral embroidery, crystals, and whimsical details. “I’ve always loved fairies. These ethereal creatures are beautiful and a bit naughty. As a child, I spent hours making fairy dresses from flowers and leaves and building tiny homes for them amidst the mossy forest. I grew up, but the fairies have stayed with me, now through dressing my brides and creating ethereal wedding gowns to bring them into our world,” said the designer. “Many of our brides share ‘forest fairy vibes’ as a mood for their dream wedding. And so it was a joy to create…

Celebrated Australian cook and restaurateur Bill Granger died on Monday, in London at the age of 54. Granger’s family confirmed the news on Instagram. “It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Granger announce he has passed away on December 25 at the age of 54. A dedicated husband and father, Bill died peacefully in hospital with his wife Natalie Elliott, and three daughters, Edie, Inès, and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London. “He will be remembered as the King of Breakfast, for making unpretentious food into something special filled with sunshine and for spurring the growth of Australian informal and communal eating around the world. “He will be deeply missed by all, with his loss most profoundly felt by his adored family, who…

As the number of festive season road fatalities continues to climb, tributes are pouring in for legendary South African playwright and musician Mbongeni Ngema, who died in a head-on collision on the R61 near Bizana in the Eastern Cape. In a statement, the family said Ngema was a passenger in a vehicle returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki. Born in Verulam, Ngema’s – or Madlokovu as he was affectionately referred to by his clan name – work was internationally acclaimed, receiving Tony Award nominations for Asinamali and Sarafina!. Ngema, 68, also received Grammy Award nominations through his work in Sarafina! and The Lion King. Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa expressed his condolences. “South Africa has lost one of its great playwrights, composers, lyricists, directors, and musicians. Dr Ngema’s…