Indholdsfortegnelse for Jan/Feb 2025 i Fairlady

IT being the beginning of the year, my feeds are full of New Year’s resolutions, quite preachy life rules and life lessons. Which would be lovely if so many of them didn’t sound so exhausting. Why does everything have to be such hard work? I don’t want to alarm you, but these days it is even possible to fail at failing. Chances are you are not failing correctly: you now have to make sure to fail forward, on top of everything else. If you don’t, you’re not doing it right. What does that even mean? Failure is failure; sometimes you don’t learn anything from it, and sometimes you do. That’s how it goes. Probably the biggest lesson to learn is that both failure and success are most often not entirely…

Dear Diary I can’t wait for 2025 so I can start using my new journal, made by Lameez Patel. Each new month of My Balanced Life Diary starts with a theme: January’s is ‘Root to Rise’, June is ‘Nourish to Flourish’, October is ‘Create Joy’. And each day starts with ‘Today, I will…’, which is where she shares an anecdote or an observation, sets a task, or gives you a gratitude prompt, a mindfulness reminder or a health tip, depending on the theme of that month. Each day also has ‘Notes to self’, as well as space for you to complete prompts such as ‘I’m grateful for…’ At the end of every month, a budget-tracking page lets you log your income and expenses, so you can see where you need…

Boardroom SERISHA BARRAT FROM CONCEPT TO CODE: ‘We launched Boardroom with the vision of creating a global dating app, dedicating all our time and resources to get it off the ground. Each of us brings a unique background and expertise, which has allowed us to keep costs low while adding diverse value to the project.’ UPTAKE: ‘One year later, we are proud to have more than 40000 users and 33 000 active matches.’ Even professionals need companionship – but between overflowing inboxes and back-to-back meetings, where do you find the time, or the person who can relate to your challenges? Enter Boardroom, a dating app designed for busy professionals seeking long-term relationships. Founded by CEO Serisha Barrat, CMO Derusha Naidoo and CTO Wisani Shilumani, Boardroom aims to provide a secure…

The word ‘narcissist’ gets thrown around so much, it has lost all meaning. Even so, they’re out there – in fact, the odds are high you’ve crossed paths with one or two at least. Experts estimate that potentially up to 15% of the world’s population either has narcissistic personality disorder, possesses narcissistic traits or tendencies, or has other types of antisocial personality disorder that cause a lack of empathy. But spotting a narcissist – whether in your personal life, workplace or social circles – isn’t as easy as it seems. Narcissism, when exhibited as a full-fledged disorder (narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD), can be harmful, manipulative and toxic. It can leave you feeling used, misunderstood and emotionally drained. Psychologist Dr Sarah Davies, the author of How to Leave a Narcissist……

Caviar spritz Formulated with caviar hydro-essence, which is rich in restructuring proteins and caviar micronutrients (a cocktail of more than 300 natural nutrients), this refreshing mist gives thirsty skin much-needed hydration and seals in moisture to prevent trans-epidermal water loss. Use it to prep and energise your skin for the day ahead, or to give makeup a dewy refresh. Kitted out This compact eye kit is great for travel. It contains a mini 1 Coat Wow! Extra Volumizing and Lifting Mascara and the versatile Creamy Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Neutral Brown, both of which slot neatly into a zipped pouch. The palette contains four cream-to-matte shadows to use alone as a base or to build intensity; three cream-to-metallic shadows for a touch of sparkle; one velvety cream-to-marble powder with a…

◗ How exactly does it work? Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicles with concentrated light energy. When the laser reaches the hair follicle, it heats it up, disrupting the growth process. This heat not only damages the follicle but also seals off the tiny blood vessels that supply it with nutrients, effectively ‘starving’ the follicle. Without this blood supply, the follicle loses its ability to regrow hair. Over multiple sessions, this process gradually reduces hair thickness and density. As more follicles are damaged and their blood supply cut off, hair growth in the treated area becomes finer and slower, eventually resulting in long-term smoothness. Since hair grows in cycles, multiple sessions are necessary to target follicles at the right growth stage for the…

BALSAMIC TOMATO CHICKEN PARMA SERVES 4 Level up the flavour on your chicken parma by baking it with layers of Parmesan, creamy mozzarella, oregano and crispy prosciutto. The roast tomatoes and balsamic sauce make the perfect finish. • 60 ml (¼ cup) balsamic vinegar• 15 ml (1 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling• 15 ml (1 tbsp) brown sugar• sea salt and cracked black pepper• 600 g cherry tomatoes• 4 x 180g chicken breast fillets, trimmed• 60 g (¾ cup) finely grated Parmesan• 2 x 125g fresh mozzarella, well drained and sliced into 8 pieces• 4 sprigs of oregano• 8 slices of prosciutto ➊ Preheat the oven to 200°C. ➋ Combine the balsamic vinegar, oil, sugar, salt and pepper. Place the tomatoes on a baking tray lined with…

Famous duos Bacon and eggs Batman and Robin Black and white Bow and arrow Death and taxes Fire and brimstone Hansel and Gretel Jack and Jill Rock and roll Salt and pepper Smoke and mirrors Yin and yang Hello, world Aloha Assalamu alaikum Bonjour Buenos dias Ciao Guten Tag Hej Hola Kia ora Molo Namaste Sawubona Interjections Aah Aha Amen Bah Crikey Drat Eek Gee whiz Gosh Harrumph Hooray Phew Shucks Urgh Wow Fishing around Angelfish Barracuda Bass Cod Dory Flounder Grayling Hake Halibut Marlin Monkfish Pike Salmon Snapper Trout Tuna Turn to page 175 for the solutions to these puzzles.…

ACROSS 1. Domination 6. Evidence fabrication (5-2) 10. Worsen (situation) 15. Earth and Jupiter’s neighbour 18. Thumbed (through) 19. Boasts of 20. Roast 22. Total 23. Fall asleep (4,3) 24. … than thou (attitude) 25. Wage disparity 26. Staunch 28. Waltz in 30. Pub 31. Wooden toy, rocking … 32. He was, they … 33. Flank 34. Wet 35. Building blocks 37. Clodhopper 39. Chai beverage 40. Work-stay paper 42. Brain 45. Encase 48. 12th of foot 49. Luxurious 50. Asserted 53. Lump of turf 54. Light-rail cars 56. Mustard and … 59. Count 61. Likely touchdown time (1,1,1) 62. Elegant 63. Pinch 64. Belonging to that fellow 65. Swaddle 66. See next page (1,1,1) 68. Generous (4-7) 69. Small amount 70. Studio apartment 71. Ordain 72. It is (poetic)…

Write to flmag@fairlady.com – and remember to put the word ‘Letters’ in the subject line. WINNING LETTER Freeloader on the run I refer to my letter, which you so kindly published in the Sep/Oct 2024 issue. [Vanessa was diagnosed with a stage III neuroendocrine tumour and two lesions, one on her brain and one on her chest.] Here’s an update: On 5 August, I underwent five-hour surgery to remove the #freeloader. I remember waking up in ICU and being told Dr M had removed the mass plus 1m of bowel, and that I needed to receive blood as I had lost a lot during surgery. Everything really made sense the next day: the drain (which I came home with), catheter, arterial line, etc. This was my first stint in ICU…

Take cover Avoid the worst of the sun’s rays (and look chic doing it) with a brimmed or bucket hat and an elegant cover-up. Costume parade Whether you’re poolside, headed to the beach or on a cold-plunge mission, you’ll need a cozzie this summer, so make it something flattering and functional. Change of a dress Printed, monochrome or just plain pretty, a dress is the ultimate no-styling-required summer outfit. Sandal season Chunky soles, metallics, buckled straps and woven details… These are the sandal trends we’re spotting this season. Beach-bound A book, a towel, snacks, water… Toss it all into a cool, casual tote for a well-spent day at the beach. Blinding lights I spy with my little eye, something in tortoise-shell, something tinted and something with a gilded set of…

for a New Year’s edition of The Guardian, journalist Rebecca Seal was given an assignment. It was set to be part of a special issue cheekily titled ‘New Year, Same You’, and the gist was that New Year’s resolutions were bogus; instead, you should just accept the worst bits of yourself. Rebecca spoke to academics, philosophers, behaviour-change experts and scientists, all on the same topic: why we battle so earnestly against all the normal parts of being an ‘angry, sad, messy, tired, sad, soft and round’ human – and how to reject the societal message that just being normal was somehow wrong. ‘What if we don’t have to be all the things we’ve been told we ought to be – and could just be our lovely, flawed, soft-bellied selves? What…

It all started with a Facebook message from a casual acquaintance: ‘Dan, I can’t believe you have become this person. When did you get so greedy?’ Nonplussed, social scientist and author Dan Ariely fired off a reply: ‘What exactly are you referring to?’ He received some links in response. ‘I found myself embarking on one of the most disconcerting, disturbing, yet fascinating journeys of my life,’ he writes. As he went further and further down the rabbit hole, he came to a shocking realisation: there was a small but vocal group of people online who thought he was evil. That he was a member of the Illuminati. That he was in cahoots with Bill Gates. And that his ultimate goal in life was to make women infertile, reduce the world’s…

Like all relationships, friendships have their share of ups and downs. But there are some situations that could pose a real threat to even the closest of friendships. Here are five of them, and how best to navigate them. 1 YOU’RE JEALOUS OF HER Comparison is natural. It’s also, as Theodore Roosevelt noted, ‘the thief of joy’ – most especially when it involves compulsively measuring yourself against a dear friend who’s struck it lucky with money, work or romance. ‘We all experience moments of happiness mixed with jealous pangs,’ says Shasta Nelson, author of The Business of Friendship. ‘That doesn’t make us bad friends, partners or siblings. It makes us human.’ The first thing to know is that envy isn’t an emotion. It’s a cluster of feelings that can include…

Welcome to the midlife renaissance! Pop culture is finally catching up with reality, with movies like The Idea of You, A Family Affair and Lonely Planet showing that women in midlife can be sexy, successful and the champions of their own stories. Kim Potgieter could not agree with this sentiment more. A seasoned financial planner, Kim is also a mother of three, now navigating the journey of an empty nest as her children have embarked on their own adventures. She studied psychology before opening a catering company (as one does), and then becoming a stay-at-home mom. ‘During that time, I felt a strong desire to return to work in a field where I could make a difference, which led me to pursue an honours in psychology with the intention of…

‘Last year I was feeling completely deflated and tired. My joints were hurting, my hair was falling out, my mood was low… I was extremely anxious, and I wasn’t sleeping well at all,’ says 36-year-old Candice Arendse, a human resources consultant at a non-profit organisation. ‘I felt like this for at least six months. I thought I was going crazy. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago, so it was difficult for me to pinpoint if the way I was feeling was related to my diagnosis. But my physical and mental health had declined so much, I knew something had to be wrong.’ Candice went to see her GP, who, after doing some blood tests, told her that her vitamin D levels were extremely low. ‘I was relieved.…

Kerry McGregor MODEL, INFLUENCER, INTERIOR STYLIST My skincare routine is fundamentally based on hydration and protection. Yasmin Furmie FASHION INFLUENCER Alexandra J. Botha MAKEUP ARTIST Summer is all about skin and skincare. We no longer want to clog our pores but treat, have sheer coverage, glow, protect and radiate. Dr Lev Naidoo SPECIALIST DERMATOLOGIST, THE DERMATOLOGY ROOM, HYDE PARK Meagan Africa BEAUTY OPERATIONS MANAGER AT WOOLWORTHS BEAUTY Dr Zandile Spengane DERMATOLOGIST AT CHRISTIAAN BARNARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Lara Wicksteed HEAD OF CONTENT & EDUCATION AT DERMASTORE (DERMASTORE.CO.ZA) Sebastine Pepler MAKEUP ARTIST AND FOUNDER OF SŌJI SKINCARE…

COOK’S NOTES Remove the ribeye from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you have any ageing greens in the fridge, use them in the salsa verde – just add them to the blender with the rest of the ingredients and blitz until smooth. EASY PERI-PERI CHICKEN SERVES 4 This recipe gets rolled out a lot in our house. We also sell the peri-peri sauce as a ready-to-use marinade at The Good Farm Shop – it’s just so versatile. • 80 ml (⅓ cup) extra-virgin olive oil• 6 garlic cloves, minced• 2–3 cm piece ginger root, peeled and grated• 5ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika• 5ml (1 tsp) sweet paprika• 2.5 ml (½ tsp) cayenne pepper• 10 ml (2 tsp) dried oregano• juice of 1 lemon, plus extra for…

Tequila sunny Is there a better summer cocktail than the tequila sunrise? We don’t think so. The Rolling Stones made the tequila sunrise famous during their 1972 American tour: they were introduced to it at the Trident Bar in Sausolito, California, and liked it so much they knocked it back in vast quantities before going on stage for the rest of the tour. The rock ’n’ roll sunrise is easy to make, but the order is important: Fill a highball glass with ice, and add two shots of tequila and enough fresh orange juice to fill the glass about three-quarters full. Only then do you slowly add a tot of grenadine – it’s heavier than the other liquids so it will sink to the bottom, giving the effect of a…

Turn to page 165 for the solution to MegaXword 195, and to page 176 for entry details and winners’ names. ACROSS 1. Keenly 6. Hankered 10. Punctuality 15. Musical work 18. Smoothly 19. Follow-up drinks 20. Copenhagen native 22. A, B or C 23. Gorged oneself 24. Knife 25. Snack, afternoon … 26. Gangway 28. Pakistan’s neighbour 30. And the rest 31. Silo contents 32. Starting prices 33. Location 34. Infatuations 35. Dr Jekyll and Mr … 37. … and Abel 39. Ailing 40. Summon 42. Otherwise 45. Showed (in) 48. Beetle larva 49. Highest point 50. Routinely (2,1,4) 53. Preceding day 54. Gush 56. Conveys 59. Thoroughly search 61. Himalayan bovine 62. CD, compact … 63. Legume 64. Spy writer, … Fleming 65. Crack (of lip) 66. Mite 68.…

ACROSS 1. Fancy neckties 4. Ethiopia’s Addis … 8. Of the nose 11. Primitive humans 16. Marine world 18. Ironclad (3-10) 19. Gossips (6-7) 21. Foresee 23. Exaggerate 26. Treason 28. Sloped 30. Unconvincingly 32. Drench 34. Babble 36. Played again 38. Sci-fi creatures 39. Actress, … Field 42. … mortis 45. Within 47. Utter confusion 49. Jordan’s capital 50. Army hat 53. Ontario city 55. Rifts 56. Chastises 57. Inclined letter style 59. Moose 60. Raise (eyebrows) 61. Hansel’s sister 63. Maturing 66. Tendency 68. Evildoer 70. Mayday (1,1,1) 71. Belch 72. Spanish snacks 73. Equipment 76. … & tonic 77. Kept man 78. Delight 79. Gallivant 81. Physics particle 83. Melancholy 85. Red Riding Hood’s foe 86. Verve 88. Comic, … Hardy 90. Pals 91. Red salad fruit…

MegaXword 1 MegaXword 2 Brainteaser 1 Brainteaser 2 Word search Sudoku Very easy Easy Medium Difficult Very easy Easy Medium Difficult Code words Cryptic 1 ACROSS: 1. Probationer 7. Answers 9. Beat 11. Swift 12. Porter 14. Retribution 18. Reveal 20. Aster 22. Kiss 23. Untried 24. Hairdresser DOWN: 2. Respite 3. Test 4. Elect 5. Pause 6. Story 8. External 10. Contrast 13. Ebb 15. Outlive 16. Brake 17. Bride 19. Vista 21. Purr Cryptic 2 ACROSS: 7. Driving mirror 8. Punctilious 12. Bypath 14. Dancer 16. Glance 18. Braves 19. Laundry mark 23. Well-preserved DOWN: 1. Drop 2. Even 3. Snatch 4. Smiled 5. Brio 6. Moss 9. Uppsala 10. Uncover 11. Kris 12. Bags 13. Tic 15. Air 17. Endure 18. Boyish 19. Leek 20. Ugly 21.…

Join A SPECIAL GROUP OF FAIRLADY READERS TO GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AND GIVEAWAYS. Do you need more than a bimonthly fix of FAIRLADY? If your answer is a resounding YES, we have just what you need. Our weekly newsletter – delivered directly to your inbox – will help you stay in the know. Here’s what you can expect every month: • Be part of the FAIRLADY book club for the ultimate guide to good reads and the wines that go best with them. • Take a peek at the stories we can’t stop talking about. • Read reviews of products we’ve given the once-over in Test House to help you choose items that suit your needs and your pocket. • Get the lowdown on the fashion and beauty picks we’re…

Advice columns have been around for centuries, dating all the way back to the 1600s. But if you were hoping for a sympathetic ear and a few encouraging words way back then, you’d have been better off looking elsewhere. In the Victorian era, an agony aunt’s main job was not to smooth your ruffled feathers – it was to uphold the nation’s moral standards. You were much more likely to get a scolding than any kind of helpful advice. In 1859, a new bride who wrote to the Weekly Magazine about a row with her husband was told to forget about writing poetry and get his dinner on the table pronto, ‘Your first duty is now to your husband’ and ‘A man’s heart lives very near his stomach.’ When a…

AT 44, Kristen Bell is exactly where she wants to be: juggling a thriving acting career, a happy family, and a sense of self that’s more authentic than ever. With iconic roles in Veronica Mars, Frozen, The Good Place and the recent Netflix hit Nobody Wants This under her belt, she has cemented her status as Hollywood’s go-to girl next door. But these days she is prioritising life beyond the spotlight. Married to actor Dax Shepard and mother to two daughters, Lincoln and Delta, Kristen is navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, partnership and personal growth with her signature wit and vulnerability. Early days Kristen’s talents were evident from the start. As a child, she was a gifted mime, effortlessly replicating unusual accents, Broadway show tunes and even entire…

For a growing number of women, the days of swipe-right culture and casual hook-ups are over. They’re embracing the other end of the spectrum: celibacy. Research shows that more and more women, particularly Gen Z women, are choosing voluntary celibacy. A 2020 survey by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly 40% of Americans aged 18–24 reported abstaining from sex. And a 2024 US sex survey by the Kinsey Institute revealed that 16.5% of adult women and 9% of men were not sexually active at the time. From social media movements to celebrity endorsements, the buzz around celibacy is growing louder. But what’s driving this trend? Are women tired of Tinder’s endless loop of mediocre matches? Or are they simply rediscovering the joys of flying solo?…

There are now well over 500 peer-reviewed published articles on creatine supplementation, but questions remain. To address them, in 2021, the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (Vol 18) reported that an internationally renowned team of researchers had performed an evidence-based evaluation of the literature around creatine supplementation. These were their findings, in summary: • Is creatine an anabolic steroid? No, it has a completely different chemical structure. • Does creatine cause kidney damage/renal dysfunction? Taken at recommended dosages, it does not. • Does creatine supplementation cause hair loss/baldness? Current evidence does not indicate this. • Does creatine lead to dehydration and muscle cramping? Experiential and clinical research does not validate this notion. • Does creatine supplementation increase fat mass? It does not. • Is creatine beneficial for…

➊ SHARE YOUR CHALLENGES ‘Our big concerns change as we move through life stages,’ says Dr Robert Waldinger, co-author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. ‘It’s helpful to discuss this and to be interested in other people’s big concerns.’ ➋ DON’T STOP LEARNING ABOUT THEM ‘We all want to feel seen and understood,’ Dr Waldinger says. ‘Be really inquisitive, no matter how long you’ve known them.’ ➌ KEEP CONNECTING Research shows that proximity fosters closeness – so set up a weekly coffee date or walk, phone at least every fortnight, take an exercise class together, and send regular messages. ➍ MAKE FRIENDS WITH THEIR FRIENDS According to the theory of ‘triadic closure’, two people are likely to be closer when they have friends…

Santam is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 3416), a licensed non-life insurer and controlling company for its group companies. The 10th Santam Women of the Future Awards was a stylish event dedicated to rewarding remarkable women entrepreneurs. Over a three-course luncheon paired with La Motte wines, we announced the 2024 winners amid laughter, applause and heartfelt tears as the finalists shared their stories of resilience and dedication in building their businesses. Congratulations to Woman of the Future Lilian Kistan of Tekwecomm, Social Entrepreneur Candice Potgieter of The Unlimited Child, Rising Star Zanele Njapha of The UnLearners, and Readers’ Choice winner Glynn Mashonga of Globescope. A special thank you to Santam for its decade-long partnership and generous R275000 cash prize for the winners; to Lancôme, our beauty partner, for the…

Dr Charlotte-Louise Enslin, a GP based in Cape Town, believes that relying purely on food sources for your vitamin D intake isn’t enough, but it wouldn’t hurt to include the following foods in your diet to optimise vitamin D absorption: ◗ 85g cooked salmon can provide up to 75 % of your regular daily intake (RDI) of vitamin D. ◗ 100g tuna can provide up to 30 % of your RDI of vitamin D (although tuna also contains methylmercury, which can be toxic if eaten in large quantities). ◗ 2 large eggs can provide nearly 15 % of your RDI of vitamin D. (Note that vitamin D comes from the yolk.) ◗ ½ cup raw mushrooms can provide up to 46% of your RDI of vitamin D. ◗ 100g fortified…

BUTTER BEANS WITH ROAST CHERRY TOMATOES Serves 4 • 500 g cherry tomatoes• 85 ml (⅓ cup) olive oil• 1 onion, diced (150 g)• 2 garlic cloves, sliced thinly• 10 ml (2 tsp) dried oregano• 10 ml (2 tsp) thyme leaves, chopped roughly, plus a few whole thyme leaves to garnish• 5ml (1 tsp) fennel seeds, toasted and crushed lightly• 1 fresh bay leaf• 80 ml (scant ⅓ cup) dry white wine• 10ml (2 tsp) smoked paprika• 1 x 700g jar butter beans, drained and rinsed• salt and black pepper TO SERVE • 75 g thick full-cream plain yoghurt• thick slices of sourdough (or any crusty) bread, toasted (optional) ➊ Preheat the oven to 210°C fan. Line a baking tray with baking paper. ➋ Toss the tomatoes with 2 tsp…

ACROSS 1. One on a trial period in rep, or boat maybe (11) 7. Replies to all the cardinal points in Roman art (7) 9. Wager about a way to emerge victorious (4)  11. Was he a flighty satirist? (5) 12. He may take cases of dark malt liquor (6) 14. Requital for ruin, bitter that there’s nothing in it (11) 18. It is right to leave it out and uncover it (6) 20. As Michaelmas, say, doesn’t finish with its daisy (5) 22. Is such a loving sign X-rated? (4)  23. The peacekeepers held court that hadn’t been tested (7) 24. Lock expert may be a stylist (11) DOWN 2. A let-up Peter is responsible for (7) 3. Informal examination of an international match (4) 4. Put one in…

ACROSS 1. Reinforce 6. Car’s transmission 10. Inexact 15. Oh dear! 18. Quartz rock 19. Muslim leader (3,4) 20. Fashion mag 22. Aegean nation 23. Disaster 24. Knight in shining … 25. Pesticide (1,1,1) 26. Refuse 28. Wear away 30. Belonging to it 31. Extreme 32. Troubles 33. Rewrite (essay) 34. Competing 35. Craw 37. Massive 39. Arabian Nights hero, … Baba 40. Technique 42. Grate 45. Dethroned 48. Minister (to) 49. The N of NB 50. Ripped apart, torn … 53. Fah, soh, … 54. Disparaging 56. Lawn 59. 10 percent 61. Mildly sweet (Champagne) 62. Inscribe 63. Belfry creature 64. Vine, poison … 65. Terrible tsar 66. Nought 68. Rancour 69. … and lass 70. Humiliation 71. In disguise 72. Major computer firm (1,1,1) 73. Juvenile delinquents 74.…

ACROSS 1. Floor covers 6. Circumference 10. Glib line of talk 14. Quarrelled (4,3) 18. Sloped (ceiling) 19. Of hearing 20. Buffalo 21. Particular 22. Lions’ abodes 23. Grooming tools 24. Be melodramatic 25. Swamp 26. Jump in fright 27. Before expected 28. Streamlined 30. Loiter 32. Domesticating 35. Cricketer 39. Searing (3-3) 42. Afternoon nap 46. Blackboard stands 48. Galapagos reptile 49. Expulsion 50. Stunt (growth) 51. Unconcealed 53. Unchanged (2,2) 55. Benefit (of) 57. Kampala is there 58. Young fox 60. Nut 61. Undoing 63. Re-equip 64. Kinds 65. Ventured 66. Shoulder wraps 70. Fumigates 73. … as a feather 74. Voodoo nation 75. Regular hangout 76. Make reparation 77. Fervent request 78. Nought 79. Hoodlums 80. Bend down 81. Doctored (drink) 83. Join course 85. Garret 86.…

Solution on page 175 Solution on page 175 Solution on page 175 Solution on page 175 NB In these puzzles, each letter of the alphabet has been replaced with a number. You need to decide which letter is represented by which number. To start you off, we reveal the codes for a few letters. With these letters filled in throughout the puzzle, you’ll have enough clues to work out words and discover other letters. Solution on page 175 Solution on page 175 Solution on page 175 Solution on page 175…

Winners! Congrats to our WINNERS MegaXword 195 L. van Tonder, Port Elizabeth Brainteaser 194 I. Beadle, Northcliff L. Johnstone, Somerset West J. O’Hagan, Durbanville HOW TO ENTER MEGAXWORD & BRAINTEASER The MegaXword and Brainteaser crossword competitions close on 13 February 2025. Scan or photograph your completed crossword and email it to puzzles@fairlady.com with MegaXword 197 or Brainteaser 196 in the subject line, and provide your name, residential or postal address, email address and phone number. Digital copies of the crosswords are allowed, but photocopies are not allowed. Delivery of prizes may take up to six weeks after notification. STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Competitions and giveaways are open to permanent residents of South Africa over the age of 18. 2. Staff members of the respective prize sponsors and Media24, as well…

‘The thing is,’ my husband is saying as he turns to go up the hill on our morning walk, ‘people disagree about when the Roman Empire actually ended.’ I have worked out that the more he talks on the uphill bits, the more chance I get to breathe. The trick is to keep him going. ‘Really?’ I say. ‘Fascinating. Why do you think that is?’ He gives me a brief, slightly suspicious look. I beam back interestedly. If it were a bit later in the day, he probably wouldn’t fall for it. But it’s still early, and this is the Roman Empire we’re he’s talking about, and my husband dearly loves the Roman Empire. He has listened to all 179 episodes of The History of Rome (or THoR, as its…