Table of contents for July 2017 in True Love

Our siblings give us character. Being a first born, I’m like a mother to both my sisters, Lebo and Thato. The age gap between me and Lebo is five years and Thato was born when I was a teenager. I relate differently to the two of them. To Lebo I’m more a nurturer as Mom always gave me the responsibility to take care of her, making sure she always had a pencil at school, was not losing her uniform and held her hand when we crossed a busy road. And when I started working I made sure she pursued her dreams and pushed her to be the best. But it was different with Thato who came when I wasn’t expecting my mom to have another child. I was a little…

Actresses-turned-style influencers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been cementing their place in the fashion industry for years; first as faces of upscale line Badgley Mischka, then as owners of their own brand, named after London's Savile Row. We were introduced to the twins as adorable actresses in the Full House TV show in the 90s. Following their success in the long-running show and the Badgley Mischka campaign, retail giant Walmart decided to take advantage of the duo’s popularity. Mary-Kate and Ashley created a fashion and cosmetic line with a tagline ‘Real Fashion for Real Girls’ that quickly sold out. A scandal ensued, however, when it emerged that Walmart was using sweatshops to manufacture the clothes. That brought their relationship to an end. Seeing that it could be done, and that…

This is as much an expression of natural African pride as it is a hairstyle! Historically, straight locks have always been punted as desirable in mass media. But the world’s changing, and it is embracing raw beauty. With this comes a love of natural texture, making way for the previously ‘uncool’ triangular cut. The top is flat, and the ends are puffy – as seen on celebs like Kelly Rowland and Azania Mosaka. It’s rooted in the fact that black women were tired of manipulating their hair to align with a non-African standard of what’s deemed presentable. Our hair has evolved into a form of activism. The triangle cut falls into that category. If you have a tighter curl, blow dry or stretch out the roots to flatten the top.…

SK and Abdul play bad guys on two of South Africa’s most popular soapies on Mzansi Magic. Abdul is Qaphela Ngwenya on Isibaya at 8.30pm. Immediately afterwards at 9pm, we see SK play Shaka on The Queen. Born in KwaMashu and raised in Ntuzuma in Durban, the actors didn’t study acting, yet here they are with thriving careers in the entertainment industry. THE BREAKTHROUGH Abdul says it’s thanks to the TV competition Class Act that he’s now a household name. “I actually entered as a dare from friends, but the second I got into the show, I enjoyed every minute of it,” says the star, who never thought he’d be an actor. “Once the bug bit, I didn’t let go.” After the show, Abdul went back to KZN to resume…

 The journey to stardom began at a young age for the Nqayi siblings. Both their careers started in the advertising world at a young age. But over the years the two have grown into down-to-earth TV drama and soapie stars. They have two older sisters and a brother, and are born to the same parents yet have different surnames. Nolly explains: “Meje is my mom’s surname and Nqayi is our father. I ended up using Meje because of a silly mistake. My parents are married but when I was born they accidentally put my mom’s surname on my birth certificate. So when I entered Idols SA I had to use the name that I already had while in the process of applying for a new ID with my dad’s surname.…

THIS ROYAL SHADE SUITS ALL SKIN TONES. DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY IT IN LILAC AND RIGHT UP TO AUBERGINE HUES. COUPLE IT WITH MATCHING EYE MAKE-UP. GO FOR A PURPLE WING EYE OR SMOKY LOOK FOR AN EVENING VIBE. POPPING PURPLE DARING RED THIS UNIVERSALLY-LOVED HUE COMES IN ALL SHADES YOU CAN THINK OF. SO EVEN IF YOU’RE SHY OF DEEP REDS, YOU CAN GO LIGHTER. AN OPAQUE RED LIP HAS A WAY OF ADDING GLAMOUR AND SOPHISTICATION TO A LOOK – IT MAY JUST BE THE ONE THING YOU HAVE TO DO TO UPGRADE YOUR BARELY-THERE FACEBEAT. PINK POWER PINK IS A VERY ACCOMODATING SHADE – FROM PASTELS TO FUCHSIA, ALL SKIN TONES ARE CATERED FOR. CUSTOMISE YOUR PINK WITH AN OMBRE EFFECT – THE OUTER LIP…

1. Deal with conflict Dube-Addae says children must be clear about what you expect of them. Outline what behaviour you expect and the consequences that’ll follow from any transgressions. 2. Avoid favouritism Comments like: ‘Why can’t you be like your brother...’ should be avoided. Don’t compare the children as that can lead to animosity. “Be mindful that each child is different. It’s important to respect that,” says Dube-Addae. 3. Communicate clearly Hamaker says, “Kids will not be children for long, and the things learned in childhood can have a long reach into adulthood. When rivalries break out, ask them to tell each other the best thing they like about each other.” Negotiate wisely: Help diffuse sibling rivalry by teaching kids emotional intelligence by encouraging them to resolve the normal conflicts…

 The size of the average penis seems to have got slightly bigger over the past century or so. Surveys done in the late nineteenth century showed that the length of the average penis ranged between between 7,5cm and 11,5cm. So there seems to have been a healthy increase over little more than 100 years. The majority of men are remarkably close to average size. BY THE AGE OF 15, THE AVERAGE ERECT PENIS IS AROUND 12,5CM AND BY FULL ADULTHOOD THE AVERAGE ERECT PENIS IS NEARLY 17CM AND 9CM IN CIRCUMFERENCE. Genuine under- or over-development is relatively rare, and under-emdowment is usually accompanied by other signs of poor development. There’s far more variation in the size of female breasts than there is in the size of his manhood. There may…

It's that time of the year – avocado season is upon us! Avos are all-rounders as they're versatile, easy-to-prepare and offer many nutritional benefits. Avos are also a great source of potassium and monounsaturated fats, which reduce cholesterol levels. What's more, eating this wholesome fruit is simple because it's simple to whip up – you can add it to salads, smoothies and even desserts. Why not experiment with new dishes like baked avo fries or avo burger buns? The options are endless! Kickstart your day with zesty hashbrowns, poached eggs and avo slices for lasting goodness! FOR MORE RECIPES VISIT: WWW.AVOCADO.CO.ZA  AND LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ILOVEAVOCADOSA- TWITTER @ILOVEAVOS # ADDANAVO -PINTEREST @ILOVEAVOS…

Starlets of yesteryear, like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, were known to draw attention with butter-soft shades – something that today's fashion houses are channeling once again. At Celine, models sauntered in silky buttermilk pleated dresses worn over camel pants. At The Row, butterscotch leather trenches were the embodiment of granny chic. Proenza Schouler's figure-hugging coats in blonde tones and Stella McCartney's sexy knit dresses with ruffle detail screamed “look at me”. The key piece of this colour trend is none other than the camel coat – classic, luxurious and chic. No wonder celebs like Kylie Jenner and Victoria Beckham have pinned this shade as their number one. What's more, it goes well with every skin tone – from dark chocolate to milky cappuccino. Get yours! BEAUTY TIP Complement your…

From sleek sneakers to biker jackets, dressing up to stand out has never been this easy. It's all in the detail – an embellishment here, a stud there or snakeskin everywhere – these pieces will elevate your entire outfit. Simple pairing starts now! Take your velvet suit to the next level and wear it with mules for an evening out. the next level? Stick to a classic biker jacket and swap your leather boots for metallic ankle ones. To dress down your jeans, pair it with sneakers and still be stylish. For a preppy look, wear a formal shirt underneath your jersey.…

MEET THE LIPPIE CREATOR We chat with Connie B about her new matte liquid lippies, Connie Transform, which are popular with social media influencers. Most women love the matte look, but popular brands can’t seem to get it right. Connie Transform lipsticks are light – and do last all day. My favourite shade is the Ego or Four Seasons. For a night out, go for Babes. I’m working on an eyeshadow palette and other non-make-up products. Watch this space! To see more of Connie Transform Matte Liquid Lipsticks, go to www. connietransform.com ED’S PICK Having to switch up my make-up from day to night has become a breeze – and it’s all thanks to the Urban Decay Nocturnal Shadow Box, R650. The velvety texture applies with…

1 FLAWLESS FINISH Achieve trendy beauty looks with Real Techniques Triangle Foundation Brush, R399,95. It’s a three-sided brush with flat edges for foundation application on larger areas, while the angled edges work for the eyes and nose. 2 SUPER BRUSH Rejuvenate and get the brighter complexion you want with a mechanical cleansing brush like Remington Reveal Facial Cleansing Brush, R1 399. The bristles go where your fingers cannot reach, and unearth all impurities for a deeper cleanse. 3 HAIR BE GONE Keep unwanted hair away with Veet Sensitive Touch Electric Trimmer, R319,95. This nifty tool removes hair from your face – or the most intimate areas – with zero pain. Touch up your brows, underarms, bikini and any other small areas with ease. 4 HIT THE WAVES This Toni&Guy Fashion…

Fashion is all about timing. Stylist Palesa Mahlaba encourages you to keep your clothes looking new for longer so you can take part in the next Skip Fashion Exchange.If that means saying bye to a cherished item, this month-long pop-up store is for you. Palesa will be be letting go of an item she's still attached to. "It's a fabulous embellished knee-length skirt that I want to give it away because it no longer fits my personal style. I know someone else will have fun with it and create new memories." The Skip Fashion Exchange is the perfect time to let go of a pre-loved garment and say hello to another beautiful piece. Palesa knows exactly what to look for. “I'm into classic items, but who knows? I might walk…

“BEING FAMOUS OR A POPULAR BRAND IS NICE, BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN ANYTHING. I WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR MY WORK.” Musician Vusi Nova and actor Sisa Hewana share the same father, but you wouldn’t know that, because the two are quite private about their personal life. Sisa burst onto our screens in 2010 as womaniser Skhumbuzo Nzimande on Isidingo, after winning a nationwide talent search. Eastern Cape’s greatest export, Vusi, made a name for himself following his rendition of Etta James’ I’d Rather Go Blind. “Vusi grew up with his mother, while I stayed with my dad’s family,” says Sisa. “But he and I were always together. We don’t have the same mother, but we knew from the onset that we were brothers. We have an older sister. I…

“THERE’S NO REPLACEMENT FOR HUMAN BLOOD WITH JUST ONE BLOOD DONATION, YOU CAN SAVE UP TO THREE LIVES. YOU DON’T JUST DONATE BLOOD. YOU SAVE A NATION.” According to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), eight out of every 10 South Africans will need blood or blood products at some time in their lives, while one out of every 10 hospital patients are in need of a blood transfusion at some point. “That was me a few months back. I never thought I’d be in need of a blood transfusion. I was healthy as a horse until I had complications during childbirth and needed blood to keep me and my baby alive. During surgery I lost a lot of blood due to placenta previa (when the placenta grows outside…

VENUS & SERENA WILLIAMS Venus and Serena were groomed from childhood to be tennis stars, sharpening their skills by playing against each other. They’re each other’s greatest cheerleaders, even when one loses to the other after big matches. BEYONCÉ & SOLANGE KNOWLES Bey has always been a mentor for Solange, who started out as one of her backing singers and dancers during the Destiny’s Child’s days. They’ve been individual stars and loving competitors ever since. Solange even writes songs BASETSANA KUMALO & JOHANNA MUKOKI Basetsana and her big sister Johanna grew up in Soweto, selling meat and boiled eggs to help their parents support the family under apartheid. Both have excelled in business, inspiring and encouraging each other rather than being rivals.…

Sli, 23, is aware of the underlying contradiction in what she says. “I’m doing politics at varsity and belong to a women’s group, so of course I was part of the student protests last year. It embarrasses me to admit it, but when I was marching, one of my biggest worries wasn’t being beaten by the cops or arrested – it was being in the sun, because I used whiteners and they’ve thinned my skin. “Don’t laugh!’ She smiles uncomfortably. “I understand the politics of pride, but I’d still like my skin to be lighter. Not white,” she adds quickly. “I want to be a yellow bone, like Rihanna and Beyoncé. It’s just a look I’ve grown up admiring.” But it can be far worse than this – it can…

These days, we're juggling work, gym and family, which leaves little time to prepare healthy meals. That's why Jungle Oats is perfect – not only is it nutritious and easy to prepare, it's versatile too. This much-loved ingredient is packed with vitamins and fibre to aid digestion and give you lasting energy. Just half a cup of dry oats will give you sufficient iron and vitamins A, B, D and E. So why not reach for some Jungle Oatso Easy today? You can enjoy it the good old way by just adding boiling water. Or drizzle some in smoothies, or even pancakes for added goodness. Jungle Oatso Easy is available in nine exciting flavours, including Jungle Oatso Easy Original. There are 10 sachets in each box, making it good value…

Helga Dagutat lives in one of those houses – the type you might drive by every day and are able to tell, just from surveying the perimeter wall, that something really special lies beyond. Located on one of the quiet, tree-lined streets in the suburb of Colbyn in Pretoria, one of the most notable attributes of this contemporary dwelling – painted a deep shade of charcoal – is the enclosed garden that’s the pride and joy of its nature-loving owner. For Helga, the house has been a labour of love. Armed with pencils, paper and a ruler, she drew up ‘every millimetre’ of the house over a period of two years, commissioning a draftsman only at the very end to redraw the plans for municipal approval. “Every evening I’d come…

MOVIES SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING Release date: 7 July Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is back, but this time we look back at his teenage years. He battles to balance a demanding high school life and fighting villains as Spider-Man under the guidance of his mentor, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.). VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS Release date: 21 July Special operatives must race against time to identify the raiding menace that threatens Alpha, which is home to species from a thousand planets. This enthralling sci-fi stars Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen and Dane DeHaan. CHURCHILL Release date: 21 July This biopic follows UK prime minister Winston Churchill (Brian Cox) at the time when he fears he’ll repeat the fallout of his disastrous previous command that shook Great Britian.…

They’re as close as brothers – cousins Ntobeko and Luthando Ngcizela, better known to Mzansi as the Jaziel Brothers, have come a long way from selling meat to keep food on the table. The afro pop musicians were first introduced to the public with their debut album The Beginning in 2006, but they had already been working in the music industry as producers for two years. Four albums later, the duo is as loved for their unique and distinct sound as they are for their behind-the-scenes prowess. Their resume is extensive. The award-winning producers have worked with the likes of Nathi, the late Mandoza, Kelly Khumalo, Theo Kgosinkwe, Big Nuz and Lesego, to mention a few. THE BEGINNING “We are originally from the Eastern Cape, near Mount Fletcher, but my…

Textural contrasts and varied proportions is all the range. Also, the more luxurious the knit, the better. Pair it with denim or even leather for a contemporary feel. Fashion tip A cashmere sweater makes for a cool contemporary twist when worn with a pleated or pencil skirt.…

OUR MUSE Beyoncé dons a Roberto Cavalli ruffle dress in the Hold Up music video.…

ARCHED These brows help lift and open the eye. Use a highlighter just underneath the brow line to empasise the arch. Try Catrice Brow Lifter & Highlighter, R79,95 AU NATURAL For natural brows, groom them slightly with a tweezer and use a conditioning brow gel for a little gloss. Try Givenchy Mr Brow Groom, R395 AIR BRUSHED You can create this look by stencilling and filling it in. A waterproof pen with a precision tip will be your best bet. Try Essence Pen Waterproof, R59,95 BUSHY Use a pencil with a slanted tip to apply colour in an upward motion, then smooth with a brow brush. Try Billion Dollar Brows Universal Brow Pencil, R335 TAPERED The natural-but-groomed brow is very en vogue. The key to getting it right is light…

“PEOPLE WILL MAKE CLAIMS ABOUT US JUST TO GET A REACTION – AND TO TEST IF THEY CAN CAUSE A RIFT BETWEEN US.” Both are known as fun, larger-than-life personalities – and while they may both be equally recognisable forces in the entertainment industry, each sister is paving her own path in the local TV and radio scene. Thembisa is the thespian, whose love for the arts saw her study drama and journalism at Wits University – and also graphic design at the University of Cape Town. While she’s most well known as Thabisile in the telenovela The Road, which won a South African Film and TV Award (SAFTA) in 2017, the actress has also starred in the drama series Home Affairs, and she has appeared in a number of…

“THE WAY WE PRESENT OURSELVES IS VERY IMPORTANT – AND THAT’S WHY WE CHOOSE TO BE MORE PRIVATE WITH OUR PERSONAL LIVES.” Born in Boston, USA, but raised mostly in South Africa since 1995, the twins’ hip-hop sound is distinctly local. They owe their success to fusing kwaito and hip hop, creating a sub-genre that screams ‘Major League’. The DJ duo broke into entertainment in their teens, after hosting post-concert parties for international artists like 50 Cent, Akon and Fat Joe. Major League have since played alongside local greats like DJ Fresh, Roger Goode and more – and they are one of the most sought after party starters right now. Who can forget their massive 2015 hit, Slyza Tsotsi? Bandile and Banele have also opened for international artists, including Kanye…

DIARISE THIS: Every savvy fashionista has high quality items they love, but no longer fits their style. The Skip Fashion Exchange offers a unique opportunity to exchange these clothes for premium replacements. There are three categories: high street, premium and luxury. You can register your garments in advance at www.SkipFashioneEchange.co.za or at the Sandton City Mall month-long pop-up store. The Skip Fashion Exchange assistants will check each item and then facilitate equal value swaps. The Skip Fashion Exchange starts on on 4-31 July at Sandton City, Joburg. For more info and to register, go to SkipFashionExchange.co.za, @Skipsouthafrica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. See you there!…

“WE RUN A FAMILY BUSINESS AND WANT TO LEAVE A LEGACY. HAVING MY SISTER BESIDES ME GIVES ME THE ASSURANCE I NEED.” The Klerksdorp-born Manche sisters, Tshegofatso (Tshego) and Gomolemo (Gomo), inherited entrepreneurial savvy from their parents. “While some talked about what’s on TV, we’d discuss business with our parents. Our mom worked in catering and later in construction, so we were quite involved in helping to run her businesses,” says Tshego. Many years later, the pair own an umbrella company, Manche Investment Group, with their mom. It includes the popular fashion label La Manche – run by Tshego – and a travel unit managed by Gomo. FASHION AND TRAVEL “I got my B.Comm in marketing because I wanted to be armed with the theory of business,” adds Tshego. “I’ve…

“I LIKE TO COOK PUERTO RICAN FOOD. THAT’S WHAT I GREW UP ON – RICE, BEANS, MEAT, SOME ITALIAN-AMERICAN FOOD. I KNOW MY WAY AROUND THE KITCHEN.”– J.Lo, American actress and musician NOTHING TO WHINE ABOUT IN THE WINELANDS Make sure your next vacation is to South Africa’s very own wine hub, Stellenbosch, which boasts more than 200 wine farms. Did you know the very first pinotage in the world – made in the scenic Lanzerac Wine Estate – is from this beautiful town? This estate and its prized cellar is located right at the foot of Stellenbosch’s majestic Jonkershoek Valley – and they have a wine-and-chocolate tasting centre too! A number of museums and other places of interest will keep you entertained as you walk along the oak-lined streets.…

BEEF AND BEER PIE Ingredients 400g shin meat 3T canola oil 1 onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 3T flour 2 tsp crushed black pepper 4 cups beef stock 2 cups lager beer 6 sheets phyllo pastry ½ cup butter, melted Method 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. In a large saucepan, heat oil and brown meat on all sides. Add onion and garlic, and stir fry for 3 minutes. Stir in the flour and pepper, pour in stock and beer, and stir for 5 minutes. Simmer until meat is tender. 2. Place pastry on a flat surface and cut into 4 equal squares. Brush all sides with butter and place into individual ramekins. Spoon in the shin stew, and bake for 15 minutes until pastry is golden brown. GUAVA…

Cancer (21 Jun – 22 Jul) It’s as if you have a burst of testosterone this month – nothing can get in your way. Your charm is revving on high – put it to good use and rake in twice as much success. Now’s the time to plant new seeds. Love: Trying times come when you feel you aren’t being heard. Take a gentle approach, before things get explosive. Work/Money: Hidden expenses creep in. Don’t make everything about the money – try to just enjoy it. LEO (23 Jul – 22 Aug) Don’t let fears hold you back for too long. Change is coming, so start preparing for new beginnings. Love: Go out and be social – it’s all about people, even though some have fallen off…