Weekend Argus Saturday 2025-04-12

The Life List brings Lori Nelson Spielman’s bestselling novel to the screen with a heartfelt story about grief, growth, and second chances. It ambitiously turns pain into purpose and a childhood bucket list into a roadmap for rediscovery. While it may not hit every emotional note with perfect precision, the film offers a warm, sometimes overly polished, yet relatable reminder that death doesn’t have to be the end of your story – it can also mark the beginning of a new one. The heart of the story lies in Alex Rose (Sofia Carson), a woman in her early 30s navigating the loss of her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton), and the sudden disintegration of a life she thought she had figured out. Directed by Adam Shankman, best known for feel-good fare…

I’ve spent what must amount to hundreds of hours binge-watching reruns of The Big Bang Theory. At this point, it’s more than just background noise, it’s a ritual of sorts. Although, I’ll admit I sometimes find myself frustrated with the lack of character development (Leonard, I’m looking at you; stand up for yourself already). Yet, I keep coming back, and if you’re like me, choosing to watch the same shows over and over, especially during stressful times, you’re not alone. There’s a comforting psychology behind this habit, and it’s deeply rooted in how our brains are wired. The power of familiarity At its core, rewatching old TV shows taps into our brain’s love for familiarity. According to research, our central nervous system prefers familiarity, consistency and predictability because it helps…

Keke Palmer has seemingly scrapped her Baby, this is Keke Palmer podcast episode with actor Jonathan Majors after facing backlash from fans. Palmer, once dubbed as the “Internet’s favourite cousin”, has experienced a dramatic shift in public perception. She has a flourishing career in the entertainment industry, spanning acting, hosting, and entrepreneurship, and has garnered global recognition for her undeniable talent and influence. This year alone, she experienced a streak of wins, including starring in the critically acclaimed movie One of Them Days, alongside R&B singer SZA. She was also recognised as the Entertainer of the Year at the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP). Her Baby, this is Keke Palmer podcast has gained popularity for its candid and insightful conversations with musicians, actors and creatives. However,…

TikTok has become well-known for its viral trends, which range from dance challenges to life hacks. However, not all trends are harmless, such as the SkinnyTok trend, which promotes unhealthy and unrealistic body standards. What is SkinnyTok? SkinnyTok is the latest controversial phenomenon that glorifies extreme thinness and restrictive eating habits all under the guise of #bodygoals. While some users rave about the trend’s “motivational” weight-loss content, experts and mental health advocates are raising major red flags. Think calorie-counting hacks, “thinspiration” videos, and before-and-after body transformations. While some might argue that these posts are about “health”, the underlying message often perpetuates unattainable beauty standards and unhealthy behaviours. Recently, TikTok banned a major influencer behind the trend, sparking heated conversations about the impact of SkinnyTok on mental health, self-esteem, and eating…

In South Africa, where the spirit of Ubuntu (“I am because we are”) is deeply rooted in our culture, maintaining healthy boundaries can feel like a delicate balancing act. For many of us, prioritising our own needs is seen as selfish, even disrespectful. But here’s the truth: constantly making exceptions for others at the expense of your own mental and emotional well-being doesn’t serve anyone in the long run. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably asked yourself: why am I always the one bending? Why is my well-being always the compromise? These are important questions and they highlight a crucial reality when you consistently make yourself the exception, you risk losing sight of your own needs, energy and peace of mind. Setting boundaries isn’t about being unkind or un-African. It’s…

While we might still be experiencing a few sunny days, winter is slowly but surely creeping up on us. Many of us are already starting to organise our wardrobes in preparation for the cooler months ahead. Winter fashion often leans towards dark, neutral tones like black, grey and navy. This, however, doesn’t mean that you have to stay clear of more vibrant hues. Adding colour to your winter wardrobe can uplift your mood, make your outfits more dynamic, and help you stand out in a sea of monotone layers. Start with accessories If you’re hesitant about bold hues, begin with small pops of colour through accessories: l Scarves and gloves: A bright red, emerald green, or mustard yellow scarf can instantly liven up a neutral coat. l Hats and beanies:…