Innehållsförteckning för Jul/Aug 2025 från Fairlady

I’m a total fan-girl when it comes to Nora Ephron, who wrote all of Meg Ryan’s best roles. I loved seeing the clear relationship between them in our story on page 38. (Acting out the orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally was actually Meg Ryan’s idea.) Nora is one of the most human writers I’ve ever read – not just her romantic comedies, which of course are way better than anyone else’s, but pretty much everything she did, including her recipes. She once said, ‘Everything is copy,’ and she acted on that, channelling the anger and hurt of her divorce from Carl Bernstein (pompous ass that he was) into the brilliant Heartburn. Good riddance, and good for her. One of the best things about her – and you can…

1 Cute to boot I received a pair of Toni Pons glittery Chelsea boots as a gift, and I have to say they’re amazing. The insole is lined, so it’s soft, with good cushioning. They’re perfect for winter, especially when you spend every Saturday next to a hockey or rugby field. It’s a big plus that the soles are non-slip. I love the silvery colour; it goes with everything. Toni Pons Calgary boots (R1900), tonipons.co.za – Annelee 2 Sun-kissed Give me a multipurpose skincare/makeup product and I’m already halfway sold. The SPF element is important too – it’s the one step I rarely skip. So The Laser Beautique’s Sun-Kissed Tinted SPF 50 ticks a few boxes for me: antioxidant-rich moisturiser, sunblock and tint in one, with lovely packaging as a…

‘My style is striking and curve-embracing. I gravitate towards pieces that accentuate my beautiful hips, and I love designs that are modern and trendy. I aim to express strength, femininity and individuality through every outfit I wear, very much in the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot – fearless, elegant and always ahead of the curve.’…

‘The fame thing has long been a condition of my life.’ IS that Meg Ryan walking towards me in the dining room of the Carlyle Hotel in New York? Yes! Yes! Oh my God! Yes! As my brain explodes into an orgasm that rivals Meg’s famous one from When Harry Met Sally, the woman herself takes my hand and expresses amazement that I’ve flown ‘all the way from England’ just to meet her, even though she has flown in all the way from her home in southern California. ‘I’m a total Anglophile and have this little London dream of living there one day. My daughter, she’s doing English literature at college here, but she’s hoping to study in Bath one day,’ she says, taking a seat on the banquette next…

144 Recipe on page CHEAT’S MINESTRONE WITH MEATBALLS 144 Recipe on page BUTTERMILK CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE 144 Recipe on page SPAGHETTINI NIÇOISE THAI SPICY LAMB & NOODLE STIR-FRY Serves 6 Prep + cooking time: 30 minutes • 300 g dried rice noodles• 15 ml (1 tbsp) peanut oil• 750 g lamb rump, sliced thinly• 3 garlic cloves, crushed• 2 small red Thai chillies, chopped finely• 30 ml (2 tbsp) fish sauce• 30ml (2 tbsp) dark soya sauce• 15ml (1 tbsp) light-brown sugar• 4 Thai lime leaves, shredded• 3 medium tomatoes (450g), chopped finely• a handful of Thai basil leaves• 35g (¼ cup) unsalted peanuts, toasted and chopped coarsely 1. Cook noodles according to directions on the packet; drain. 2. Heat half the oil in a wok over high heat;…

‘My personal style is refined and quietly confident. I love timeless silhouettes and quality fabrics. I believe fashion should never shout; it should be subtle and intentional.’…

Akhona Bafo ◗ Are there winter trends that you’re looking forward to wearing? I prefer to interpret trends through classic looks. This season I’m leaning towards natural wintry fabrics, tailored coats and fine layering. I love a good poloneck in a soft knit, cable-knit jumpers and a well-cut faux-fur jacket. I always say, invest in pieces that outlive the trend cycle and you’ll never feel out of step. ◗ Any styling tips you’ve picked up working for a big fashion brand? One golden rule I’ve learnt is to know your proportions. It’s not just about what’s ‘in’; it’s about what works for your shape, skin tone and lifestyle. And never underestimate the power of a blazer; it’s a wardrobe hero. ◗ Is there is a trick to styling neutrals in…

Domestic bliss isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. Which is why offbeat celeb couple Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton were nearly as famous for their living arrangement as they were for their movies. During their 13-year relationship, they kept separate his-and-hers homes linked by a communal area. In a 2010 interview, Helena said the arrangement was purely practical. He snores; she talks too much. He’s an insomniac who needs the television on to fall asleep; she needs silence. ‘We see as much of each other as any couple, but our relationship is enhanced by knowing we have our personal space to retreat to. It’s not enforced intimacy. It’s chosen, which is quite flattering – if you can afford it,’ she said. While their setup raised eyebrows at…

Have you had a look at the red carpet procession recently? Or seen any of the movies released in the past few years? Watched Oprah or Kelly Clarkson (who are open about their choice), or rolled your eyes and thought, ‘Yeah, right’ at the many other (less open) stars explaining the ‘extraordinary effort and personal discipline’ it’s taken to get them looking so skinny after so many years of battling with their weight? It’s impossible to miss the results of the new weight-loss drugs. And it’s equally impossible to overstate their effect. While Ozempic is the name most people recognise, it’s certainly not the only weight-loss drug available – there are already many, and at least 150 more in development. Like it or not, we’re living in the age of…

The six-week online low-carb, healthy-fat meal plan • Say goodbye to annoying extra kilos.• Say goodbye to hunger and hello to glowing skin.• Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to boundless energy.• Say hello to a new YOU! 6 weeks to LOSE IT! is a specially designed online programme that will help you shed kilos – and change the way you think about food. EACH WEEK YOU GET: • An outline of your week ahead – as well as excellent advice and tips to get you set• A meal plan and recipes• A list of foods to eat and foods to avoid• A shopping list ONLY R499! SIGN UP NOW AT LOSEIT.CO.ZA…

IN insurance world, Tersia believes most effective the path to real, tangible change lies in financial education; support for small, micro and medium enterprises; and the creation of employment opportunities for young people and women. ‘It all comes down to creating access, especially for those who need it most,’ she says. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, STRONG FOUNDATION Tersia’s journey began in the villages of Mabeskraal and Mmatau in North West, where inequality was – and still is – a daily reality. Her father lived in exile, and her mother was a schoolteacher. Her early life offered first-hand lessons in injustice, and in the quiet strength and resilience of the women in her community. These experiences inspired her to pursue multiple degrees in social work and psychology – choices that set the foundation…

◗ ASHWAGANDHA (WITHANIA SOMNIFERA): Used in India’s Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, the root reduces anxiety, lowers cortisol, and improves sleep by calming the nervous system. Take 300mg–600mg daily. ◗ RHODIOLA (RHODIOLA ROSEA): From traditional Siberian and Scandinavian practices, this plant reduces fatigue, enhances mental clarity and balances neurotransmitters. Use 200 mg–400mg daily. ◗ GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG): Popular in Chinese and Korean traditional medicine, ginseng root boosts energy, focus and immunity by supporting adrenal glands. Dose at 200 mg–500mg daily. ◗ REISHI (GANODERMA LUCIDUM): Also popular in Chinese medicine, this mushroom promotes relaxation, reduces inflammation and supports immunity. Take 1g–2g daily. ◗ CORDYCEPS (FUNGI): Used in Tibetan and Chinese traditions, it increases stamina and focus, and aids stress recovery by boosting energy. Use 1g–3g daily. ◗ MACA (LEPIDIUM MEYENII): Native to the high Andes…

The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings When Georgia’s sister calls to tell her their father has died, she doesn’t pick up. ‘I never answer Maryanne’s calls because she has an undiagnosed narcissistic personality disorder and also, she’s a bitch.’ As you can probably tell, Georgia is not close to her family. After ‘the incident’ a decade ago, her parents shipped her off to boarding school in the UK, and her brother Oliver to military school soon after. Now, she must go back for the funeral and face her wealthy, conservative family in South Carolina – her sociopathic sister, her disapproving mother and her wilfully clueless brother Tennyson. When Oliver shows up with his AA sponsor Sam in tow, Georgia feels an immediate connection, but she also can’t help noticing…

Best buy! ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ GHD HELIOS HAIRDRYER 2 200 W; R3 700; GHDHAIR.COM/ZA This high-performance hairdryer leads the pack in terms of power, speed and efficiency. It dried and straightened hair the fastest in our tests, delivering a sleek finish in minutes. Ionic technology helps to eliminate static and frizz, and the powerful airflow ensures quick results without the danger of scorching. Testers found it effective yet gentle on hair – all agreed that it produced the best styling results, particularly in softness and shine. The contoured nozzle makes it easy to reach the roots, allowing for precise drying and excellent control. It feels well balanced in hand, even though it’s on the heavier side, and it is not the quietest hairdryer we tested. There are three…

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: • 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 adding to our carts right now. • Find out about cool places to visit and…

‘My style is bold yet intentional – every outfit I wear tells a story and reflects how I feel that day. For me, fashion is a language; it’s how I express my mood, my creativity, and the woman I choose to be in that moment.’…

Craving some well-deserved rest and radiant rejuvenation? Treat yourself to a luxurious day of bliss and indulgence at the stunning Camelot Spa at Melrose Arch. You deserve nothing less than pure pampering perfection! SAVE THE DATE Monday, 22 September 2025 or Tuesday, 23 September 2025 VENUE: Camelot Spa at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg HOURS: 8 am–6 pm (split into sessions)* PRICE: R2620 (Valued at R4770; you save R2150!) You pay for the treatments – the rest is on us! BOOKINGS: Email Roxanne.Kreutle@media24.com Space is limited, so book now to secure your spot! The Pamper Package includes: • LUXURIOUS SPA TREATMENTS: A 60-minute Swedish or Aromatherapy Massage, a 60-minute Thalgo Spa Skin Facial, and a 30-minute Classic Manicure or Pedicure• BEAUTY & BUBBLES: A mini makeover and a trend talk courtesy of…

For me, astrology has always been a fascinating and mysterious art, but my star sign never really resonated with me. Being a Scorpio just didn’t sound like me. Scorpios are known for passionate emotions, loyalty and their often possessive tendencies in relationships. They are secretive, intuitive, ambitious – qualities that might sound great in theory, but honestly, it all just felt like way too much work for me. Who has the time, or the energy, for all that intensity? So when I first heard about the 13th zodiac sign, I was intrigued. What if I wasn’t actually a Scorpio after all? Maybe I was a Libra. Libras crave validation and are hyper-attuned to the needs and feelings of others. Their internal world is often turbulent, and they work tirelessly to…

Shedding those extra kilos around menopause - and even after - can be challenging and frustrating. WE'VE BEEN THERE! WE UNDERSTAND! THAT’S WHY WE'VE DEVELOPED A SIX-WEEK EATING PLAN SPECIALLY FOR WOMEN GOING THROUGH THE THREE S A OF MENOPAUS . TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MENOPAUSAL WEIGHT GAIN Are you frustrated by the extra weight that seems to have suddenly appeared and won't go away no matter what you do? You're going through hormonal changes along with increased stress levels, disrupted sleep and the natural ageing process - all ofwhich are likely to make you gain weight. On this meal plan, we suggest what to eat and when to eat to help you lose weight and keep it off! JOIN US IF YOU'RE A WOMAN OVER THE AGE OF 40…

When I first heard that Marina Auer was a practising doctor and an author, my first thought was, How? How do you juggle a demanding medical career and a flourishing career as an author? Where do you even find the time or the energy to do both? ‘The juggle is real!’ she admits. ‘In terms of the medical work, I have certain days where I’m scheduled to be in theatre.’ Marina is a GP, but she doesn’t sit in a consulting room, seeing patients and diagnosing tonsillitis; she works exclusively in a theatre environment, assisting various specialist surgeons at a private hospital in Hillcrest. ‘For the most part, I assist obstetricians and gynaecologists, so there are lots of Caesareans and gynae procedures. I also assist a neurosurgeon and a general…

Spread on bread, paired with cheese, or spooned onto a scone beneath a crown of cream (yes, the jam goes first!), jam holds a special place in our hearts – and in Christynn Jacobs’ too. Thanks to her food science expertise and her husband Nigel’s marketing savvy, Jacobs Jam has grown from spotting a gap in the market in 2018 to being stocked by about 500 Shoprite stores, as well as selected SPAR, Checkers and Pick n Pay stores. What inspired the launch of Jacobs Jam? As a food technologist, and with my husband Nigel having a background in FMCG marketing, it really was a match made in heaven. We always knew we wanted to build something of our own. After 10 years working in the industry, we decided it…

‘I am preparing for a monumental expedition, so things have been chaotic, juggling training and work simultaneously,’ says Angela Yeung, founder of the Impilo Collection Foundation. The expedition she’s referring to? Climbing Mount Everest. As a jewellery designer who confesses to hating camping – ‘I tell my husband that the only stars I want to sleep under are five stars!’ – Angela has set out to conquer the world’s highest peaks. Parental care Angela wears many hats: award-winning jewellery designer, wife, mother, philanthropist and, most recently, mountaineer. Born in Hong Kong, she came to South Africa as a child with her father. She had a difficult childhood, which affected her deeply. ‘It even impacted my own marriage and my relationship with my daughter.’ Angela’s childhood experiences mirror those of many…

PLUS! You can now purchase individual modules for R250 per module WHO CAN JOIN? You don’t have to be an entrepreneur or have a business background! This course is for anyone who wants to start a business, grow a business or earn extra income. WHAT DO I GET? 1. Access to all the course material online – you can do the course in your own time.2. A proper understanding of every aspect you need to know to run your own business successfully, including how to turn a good idea into a marketable product.3. Insight from successful entrepreneurs Lesley Waterkeyn and Dawn Nathan-Jones, and the opportunity to learn from local case studies.4. An excellent online business course for a fraction of the cost you’d normally pay for such courses: only R950! And…

5 TOP LIP TREATS A hint of colour, a whole lot of nourishment and even some colour-changing magic… NUXE Very Rose Plumping Lip Serum (R445) This glossy lip serum has a melting texture, and is enriched with plumping hyaluronic acid and hydrating rose oil extract, with chilli and menthol for a cool, tingling effect. Diego dalla Palma Professional HA Hero Lip Repair Treatment (R475) Packed with hyaluronic acid microspheres, multi-ceramide complex, magnolia extract and vitamin E, this melt-in treatment for dehydrated and cracked lips can be applied throughout the day, or worn overnight as a lip mask. Softlips Magic Colour Colour-Changing Lip Balm (R84.95 each) This fun everyday lip balm reacts to the pH of your lips to create a personalised pop of colour. It comes in three shades, Coral,…

This potjie, inspired by Cantonese master stock, never fails to impress. Serve it with sticky rice (such as sushi rice). 131 Recipe on page MASTER STOCK-INSPIRED BEEF POTJIE 131 Recipe on page TWICE-BAKED GORGONZOLA SOUFFLÉ WITH SAGE BROWN BUTTER Free-Style Cooking with Chef Ollie by Oliver Swart, Penguin Random House South Africa, 2025, R450 132 Recipe on page RICOTTA GNOCCHI ON POMODORO SAUCE Toasting spices intensifies their flavour and aroma. MASTER STOCK-INSPIRED BEEF POTJIE Serves 4 • 1 kg beef short ribs, bone in, cut into 6cm lengths• 60ml (4 tbsp) cake wheat flour• 10 ml (2 tsp) salt• sunflower oil, to fry• 2 bay leaves• 1 cinnamon stick• 12 black peppercorns• 3 star anise pods• 5 ml (1 tsp) fennel seeds• 5ml (1 tsp) dried chilli flakes• 4 cardamom…

EATING OUT Fresh take Seebamboes, a 16-seater restaurant located above Galjoen in Harrington Street, Cape Town, is the creative brainchild of chef Adél Hughes, artist and front-of-house manager Liebet Jooste, Neil Swart and Anouchka Horn. The intimate dining spot invites guests on a culinary journey that’s both experimental and nostalgic. The space itself is a tribute to the Cape shoreline, with weathered glass designs, and a ‘wall of curiosities’ displaying things found on the beach and in the veld. The tasting menu features inventive surf-and-turf dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, and paired with an offbeat selection of wines available by the glass. Reservations are essential. Seating is at 6.45pm Tuesday to Saturday, and the cost is R1200 per person. seebamboescpt.co.za Mama mia! Pink Mama’s is the place to savour…

Winners! Congrats to our WINNERS MegaXword 198 S. Schoonraad, Bellville A. Matthews, Garsfontein Brainteaser 197 G. Pinker, Lonehill H.D. Stuart, Waterkloof T. Freemantle, Sandton HOW TO ENTER MEGAXWORD & BRAINTEASER The MegaXword and Brainteaser crossword competitions close on 14 August 2025. Scan or photograph your completed crossword and email it to puzzles@fairlady.com with MegaXword 200 or Brainteaser 199 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…

The thing I hate most about AI is not that it will steal my job, which of course it will, but that it thinks a smiley face or an exclamation mark will disguise the fact that it hates me back. We barely know each other: I have never spoken to either Siri or Alexa, I don’t have a watch that tells me how well I slept, and I don’t care how many steps I take. But I do use Google Maps, and I know my driving annoys the hell out of Mrs Google – I can tell by the deep sigh before she says the word ‘recalibrating’. I was happy to live with her huffiness, but there has been a recent uptick in AI attitude, and it’s starting to piss…

ell, you only need to put one foot in front of the other with FAIRLADY’s six-week walking workout programme and healthy meal plan. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise there is. Any able-bodied person can do it anywhere – and because it’s low-impact, it’s easy on your joints and your risk of injury is low. This at-home workout programme is suitable for every fitness level, and gives you everything you need to trim centimetres off your waist, plus sculpt and tone your figure if you want to take it to the next level. You’ll receive weekly walking targets, workouts to keep you strong and fit, and a nutritious low-carb meal plan to give your body the right fuel – one less thing to think about! No gym?…