Table of contents for Oct/Dec 2025 in True Love

The notification appeared on a Tuesday morning, buried between skincare routines and breakfast aesthetics on my Instagram feed. Sophia Amoruso – the woman who gave us the term “girl boss” and built a fashion empire from a vintage clothing hustle – was reflecting on what her creation had become. And she wasn’t celebrating. In her June 2024 podcast appearance, Sophia candidly discussed how the term she coined had “diverged from her original intention”, becoming synonymous with toxic hustle culture, burnout, and an almost aggressive approach to success that many women are now rejecting en masse. Welcome to 2025, where being ambitious has somehow become the villain origin story, and “soft-girl energy” is the hero we apparently all need. The great femininity flip Scroll through TikTok or Instagram, and you’ll witness…

“If we tell ourselves it will be difficult, it will be.” He was flippant, but when TV character Homer Simpson steps towards failure, many people likely nodded in agreement. A 2015 survey of more than 1 000 people found that fear of failure was higher than a fear of spiders or even the paranormal, proving that many of us struggle to try anything new – be it an ambitious work project, putting yourself out there in the dating world, or even adopting a dramatic hair colour – where success is not guaranteed. When it comes to facing down fear of failure, innovation educator Gauri Bhalla lives by the words of literary phenomenon JK Rowling. Given that the Harry Potter manuscript was rejected 12 times before getting published, it’s fair to…

Picture this: You’re at your friend’s birthday dinner and the wine list is calling. But instead of your usual Chenin Blanc, you find yourself genuinely curious about that virgin mojito. You’re neither pregnant nor on medication, and you definitely don’t have a drinking problem. You’re simply… curious about what life might feel like with a little less alcohol in it. Welcome to the sober curious movement – the sophisticated sister of sobriety that’s taking the wellness world by storm and empowering women to make intentional choices about their relationship with alcohol. More than just a trend Unlike traditional sobriety, which requires complete abstinence, being sober curious is about mindful exploration. It’s asking yourself: “How do I actually feel when I drink?” and “What might I gain by drinking less?” without…

The Christmas tree lights still twinkled in living rooms across South Africa when the final tally came in: 1,502 people had died on our roads during the 2024/2025 festive season. That is more than four people killed every day from 1 December to 8 January – a 5.3% increase from the previous year’s already devastating figures. Behind this sterile statistic lies a more haunting truth: while families gathered to celebrate life, love, and new beginnings, our roads claimed more lives than some of the country’s most dangerous areas see in an entire year. Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy stood before the nation in January 2025, delivering numbers that should shock us into action. Yet somehow, year after year, these figures have become as routine as holiday traditions themselves. We plan…

What would make you happier? A pay rise? Your dream house? According to happiness researchers, we now know more than ever about what can make us happier – and what can’t. “Most of us think that having millions or a sports car would make us happy,” says Dr Nick Powdthavee, author of The Happiness Equation. “But we’ve found the things that brought people the most happiness were those they already had, such as friends and family.” In fact, according to the 2024 Unity Wellbeing Index, a survey of our happiness levels over the past 10 years, we are happier than ever. “Our findings show that 75% of people are satisfied with their lives,” says Professor Robert Cummins, lecturer in psychology at Deakin University, who conducted the survey. Here is what…

COCONUT CRAB AND POMELO SALAD ON BETEL LEAVES Inspired by mieng kham, a fresh and fiery Thai bite, this version leans towards balancing the sweetness of crab poached in coconut milk with nutty macadamia and zingy finger limes. Prep time: 50 minsCooking time: 10 minsMakes: 30 INGREDIENTS 2 x 400ml cans coconut milk 500g picked uncooked spanner crab meat Vegetable oil, for deep-frying 2 large rice paper wrappers 1 ruby grapefruit, segmented, coarsely torn 1 red onion, finely diced 1/3 cup roasted chopped macadamias, plus extra for serving 1/3 cup toasted shredded coconut, plus extra for serving ¼ cup each mint, coriander, and Thai basil, finely chopped, plus extra for serving 4 makrut lime leaves, finely shredded, plus extra for serving or lemon zest 30 betel leaves 5 finger limes,…

EDITOR’S OBSESSION It might be old news by now, but we’re still not over what Thebe Magugu created for Lauryn Hill’s look at the Delicious Festival! That outfit? Sickening! What he did can never be undone! Thebe and the team – you did THAT! Mr Price Sports x Kappa Mr Price Sport teams up with iconic Italian brand Kappa to launch a limited-edition collection of premium activewear, athleisure, and accessories – combining global streetwear style with sport-ready function. “This exclusive range brings the latest trends and performance gear to our customers at unbeatable value,” – Philippa Feher, head of marketing. G-STAR Anatomic Denim G-STAR introduces Anatomic Denim – a bold evolution in denim, inspired by the anatomy and movement of the human body. The project brings together a new collection,…

In the ever-expanding universe of Bonang Matheba’s empire, the next chapter continues to sparkle – this time, with the upcoming release of the House of BNG Mimosa premix, expected to hit the shelves in 2026. For many, it’s yet another celebratory addition to her luxury beverage range, but for Matheba, it represents much more – a continuation of a story about ownership, discipline, and unapologetic black excellence. “To be a black woman owning a luxury beverage brand in South Africa, and to see it grow to this point – is a dream come true,” she says, her voice brimming with pride. “I never imagined that when I launched House of BNG, it would grow into this kind of legacy brand. But here we are. And we’re not done yet.” Her…

You work out regularly and watch what you eat, but still can’t budge your belly fat. Perhaps you crave sweets at 3pm and feel bloated after meals. Or, worst of all, you never get a good night’s sleep and always wake up tired. The culprit? Your hormones, says Natasha Turner, a naturopathic doctor and author of The Supercharged Hormone Diet. “Hormones are powerful chemical messengers in our bodies. The very same hormones that are behind a whole host of health concerns are influencing your ability to control your appetite, shed body fat and gain lean muscle.” Everything, from chronic worry to household cleaning agents, can affect hormones such as oestrogen, cortisol, and testosterone. The result is not just chronic exhaustion, sugar cravings, acute PMS, and disrupted sleep, but dull skin,…

December in South Africa means one thing: the silly season is officially here. Between end-of-year office parties, festive family gatherings, and New Year’s Eve celebrations that stretch until sunrise, it’s the time of year when even the most disciplined among us might find ourselves nursing a pounding head and a queasy stomach the next morning. While your Instagram feed is filled with champagne toasts and cocktail selfies, the reality is that many of us will pay the price for our festive indulgences. But before you swear off alcohol forever (again), science has some good news: there are evidence-based remedies that can genuinely help you bounce back from a night of overindulgence. Let’s separate the myths from the medicine and explore 10 hangover cures that actually work – because nobody has…

The start of a new year is a great time to introduce healthy habits into your life. But rather than just focusing on diet and fitness, we’ve put together a list of alternative resolutions that will enrich your life on all levels: mind, body, and spirit. They’re enjoyable, easy to do, and don’t require superhuman willpower. In fact, you may just find yourself sticking to them throughout January – and for months to come. EVERY DAY I WILL... Monitor my thoughts. “When you have a thought, you’re putting in an order to the universe for what you want your experience to be, so if you’re constantly putting out negative thoughts, that’s what you’ll attract,” says Karina Godwin, director of the Flying Souls Institute of Healing. She suggests checking in on…

The Protea Hotel Johannesburg Wanderers is nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, neighbouring Melrose Arch and Rosebank. If you’re wondering *wink, wink* if the hotel has any links to the iconic DP Work Wanderers Stadium, your suspicions would be correct. It is down the road from the stadium, which means it is situated in the Wanderers neighbourhood in Illovo. It also has a rich and long-standing sports heritage. No chaos Beyond the clue in its name, you are reminded of the hotel’s sporting ties by the illustrious artwork sprinkled around the space and the perfectly manicured grounds at its foot. The grounds are accessible to Wanderers Club members. The hotel was refurbished between 2019 and 2020, but still gave off a mint condition look on the second-last weekend of August…

December holidays mean one thing for South African families: long road trips. Whether you’re heading to the coast from Johannesburg or exploring the Garden Route, increased holiday traffic and unfamiliar routes make safety features crucial. The good news? South Africa’s automotive market is booming in 2025, with new vehicle sales up by 21.3% from 2024. Combined with five interest rate cuts since September, safer cars are now more accessible than ever before. Research shows women consistently prioritise safety features over aesthetics when buying cars – and for good reason. The right technology can prevent accidents before they happen, especially during high-stress holiday driving. Must-have safety features • Automatic Emergency Braking detects imminent collisions and brakes automatically if you don’t respond in time. It is essential for unpredictable holiday traffic patterns.…

DUBAI JUMEIRAH OPEN BEACH: famous for its white sand, clear waters, and iconic views of the Burj Al Arab, and offers a variety of activities such as water sports, swimming, and picnicking. TALUM MEXICO: The city was a fortress, and its name was changed to Tulum (“wall”) after its discovery because of the extensive walls protecting it on three sides, with the fourth side being the sea. UMHLANGA LIGHTHOUSE, DURBAN: The iconic red and white lighthouse was built in 1953 after the area’s first beach cottage, constructed in 1869, was converted into a hotel. The original cottage’s reflective roof also served as a navigational beacon for ships at sea. GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA: The Gold Coast is often referred to as the “Venice of the South” due to its extensive network…

It is Monday morning in January, and you’re walking into the ofÏce with renewed energy and fresh resolutions. But there’s that familiar knot in your stomach as you pass her desk – the colleague who makes cutting remarks about your presentations, the manager who takes credit for your ideas, or the teammate who somehow always “forgets” to include you in important emails. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. According to the 2024 Workplace Bullying Institute survey, 30% of women experience workplace bullying, with female professionals particularly vulnerable to subtle forms of harassment that can destroy confidence and derail careers. But here’s your New Year plot twist: this is the year you take back your power. No more shrinking, no more suffering in silence, and no more letting ofÏce bullies dictate to…

If you’ve ever found yourself googling “is this normal?” about anything below the belt, you’re not alone. As we age, so too do our vulvas and vaginas – and yet, for something that plays such a vital role in our well-being, pleasure and quality of life, it’s still shrouded in a bit of mystery. “Vaginas aren’t just about sex – though that’s definitely a key part of the picture,” says Dr Ceri Cashell, a GP specialising in women’s health and co-founder of the free online menopause community, Healthy Hormones. “They’re also essential to our everyday comfort and health.” Whether you’re navigating dryness, itching, bladder leaks or changes in desire, now’s the time to get curious and proactive about what’s happening. Ask your GP about vaginal hormones As hormone levels drop…

Soreness or a burning sensation during sex is a huge turn-off, and over time it can start to take a toll on your relationship. But, it’s all too common. Also known as dyspareunia, almost three quarters of women have experienced painful sex at some point. “The severity of pain can vary, but most women describe a tearing, throbbing, cramping and occasionally stabbing pain, which can extend from the pelvis to the vagina,” explains consultant gynaecologist Dr Anne Henderson from The Amara Clinic. Sound familiar? Our experts are on hand to help. DRYNESS This is often due to a lack of oestrogen after menopause, but that’s not the only cause. “A wide range of problems can lead to dryness, including vaginal infections and sexual transmitted infections,” says Dr Henderson. “Reduced lubrication…

SPICED PORCHETTA WITH CHERRY TKEMALI Prep time: 25 minsCooking time: 2½ hrsServes: 12 INGREDIENTS 2.5kg pork belly, scored at 1cm intervals Vegetable oil, for drizzling Fine sea salt, for rubbing 3 red onions, cut into wedges 1 garlic bulb, halved horizontally 2 oranges, thinly sliced Spice paste 2 tsps each coriander seeds, fennel seeds and black peppercorns 1 tsp fenugreek seeds 6 cloves garlic, crushed ¼ cup olive oil Cherry tkemali sauce 600g frozen pitted cherries 1 T pomegranate molasses 2 small cloves garlic, crushed 2 tsps pepper 1 tsp ground coriander ¼ cup each coarsely chopped coriander and dill, plus extra Coarsely chopped to serve METHOD 1. Place pork on a wire rack over an oven tray and refrigerate uncovered for at least 24 hours or up to 3 days. 2.…

DECOR TIP: Start small and layer up! Begin with butter-coloured throw pillows and a cosy blanket on your sofa, then add a golden table lamp or picture frames. The key is the “rule of three” – place butter-hued accents in triangular formations around your room (like a vase on the coffee table, artwork on the wall, and a decorative bowl on the side table). This creates visual flow without overwhelming the space. For an instant mood boost, swap out your regular lightbulbs for warm-toned LEDs – they’ll make every butter accent glow like sunshine!…