Innehållsförteckning för Jan/Mar 2025 från True Love

Dear readers, Welcome to the first issue of TRUELOVE for 2025! As we enter the new year, our hearts fill with hope, optimism, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. This issue is dedicated to the spirit of renewal – a theme that resonates deeply as we embark on fresh adventures and set new resolutions. In this edition, we celebrate the influential voices shaping our digital landscapes with a special feature on our favourite content creators on page 56. These individuals inspire us daily, pushing boundaries and using their platforms for positive change. We delve into the growing conversation around “quiet quitting” on page 94 – a concept gaining traction as more people seek a balance between ambition and wellness. Originally, quiet quitting referred to employees doing only what is…

Futuristic sunglasses You don’t have to hit the tarmac to don these trendy sunglasses. They’re a cross between futuristic shapes and chic minimalism. Mess with the styling by pairing them with feminine silhouettes like boho dresses. The scarf Channel rapper Asap Rocky and put on a scarf. Elevate the look by wearing a baseball cap underneath the scarf. Bold accessories With accessories, the bolder the better! From chain-link bracelets to statement neck pieces, you can’t go wrong. R89,99 The Fix The peak cap Perfect for bad hair days, casual attire, or to give a feminine look a bit of edge. The canvas bag Though unassuming, this makes a huge statement – the carry-it-everywhere bag of the season. The ballet flat The bra Lingerie as outerwear is the order of the day.…

The hair elixir The Iwori Ultra Nourishing Curl Defining Leave-in Lotion, R149,99, is enriched with organic marula oil, known for its nourishing and hydrating properties to soften curls and boost shine. The high vitamin E and essential fatty acid content of the oil help to quench hair and control frizz, leaving curls with enhanced shape and bounce. HEAVENLY OILS Get your glow on with Oh So Heavenly’s new body oil! This rich, triple-oil blend of hydrating argan, marula, and coconut oils will help to replenish dry skin. Boosted with restoring vitamin E, this moisture-lock formula will keep your skin feeling and looking its best. It works wonders on stretch marks, dehydrated, and dull or ashy-looking skin. Oh So Heavenly Body Oil: The Nourishing Oil (125ml), R49,99 Super hydration Say hello…

LET’S DO LUNCH! Steenberg Farm’s restaurants, Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82, are welcoming in their new summer menus. Curated by executive chef Kerry Kilpin, these menus capture the essence of summer dining, seamlessly blending classics with innovative new dishes – all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Constantia Valley. Patrons can look forward to dishes featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits, along with an array of grilled items that capture the essence of summer dining. THE PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT Nothing accompanies breakfast better than a chilled flute of mimosa. Robertson introduces its new Mimosa Sparkling Spritzer, R85. This bright, refreshing cocktail with vibrant freshly squeezed orange juice notes offers a sweet and tangy citrus burst. The balance between the sweetness of the orange juice and dryness of the sparkling wine creates…

Creamy pumpkin spaghetti Prep time: 10 mins Cooking time: 15 mins Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS: ▶ 1.5kg butternut pumpkin, peeled▶ 1 tsp smoked paprika▶ 2 T extra virgin olive oil▶ 1 clove garlic, crushed▶ ½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts▶ 2 T pumpkin seeds▶ ⅔ cup pouring cream▶ ⅔ cup milk▶ ¾ cup finely grated parmesan▶ 1 T chopped chives▶ Salt and pepper, for seasoning METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Line three oven trays with baking paper. 2. Cut the pumpkin into long thin strips using a spiraliser, julienne peeler, or julienne attachment on a mandoline or V-slicer. Place in a large bowl and add paprika, oil, and garlic, then season before tossing well. 3. Spread pumpkin strips in a single layer between two of the lined trays. Place…

OUR FAVE STRAIGHTENERS When selecting the right hair straightener, focus on plate material and temperature control. For most hair types, ceramic plates are ideal as they distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of damage while providing a smooth finish. However, if you have particularly thick or coarse hair, consider titanium plates for their ability to reach higher temperatures quickly and maintain consistent heat SHARP EDGES Step aside, long locks! This season is all about embracing the bold and beautiful blunt bob. Perfectly structured and effortlessly chic, this trend is giving us major throwback vibes with a modern twist. It’s the haircut that says, “I woke up like this” while secretly exuding a vibe of confidence and sophistication. Whether strutting down the city streets or lounging on a beach, the blunt…

YOLENDA JAWE, an award-winning lifestyle YouTuber Instagram: @yolzchannel What attracted you to the lifestyle and beauty field when it comes to content creation? I started my YouTube channel to share my journey as a corporate girl living out her purpose. One day, I cut my relaxed hair and shared my first ‘big chop’ video on YouTube. It had the greatest engagement my channel had ever experienced, and most viewers requested that I share my hair journey with them. So, my beauty and lifestyle content creation started incidentally as I had not considered steering my content toward this field up until that point. From there, I shared what I loved in beauty and part of my life online through vlogs. What have been some of the milestones and challenges of building…

Her background in chemical engineering, honed at the Technology Innovation Agency, provided her with the distinct skills needed to formulate innovative beauty products. Despite facing initial rejections from major retailers, her resolve remained unshaken, with the determination to succeed. Growing up, Rearabetswe Marona Dire, affectionately known as Rea, was exposed to commerce through her family’s spaza shop in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, where she developed a keen business acumen. This foundation, coupled with insights gained from renewable energy management, informed the efficient processes she implemented at Edenvinne. “It’s about ensuring purity in every product and satisfaction with every experience,” she explains, drawing a parallel between energy management and business efficiency. Breaking new ground The launch of her skincare lines, Montle and Pantsula Cosmetics, marked Rea’s entry into the entrepreneurial world. Her pop-up…

Think about it: we log on for a quick scroll, only to get sucked into a whirlwind of updates, ads, and picture-perfect moments that leave us feeling drained. It’s not an accident. Social media platforms are built to keep us scrolling, clicking, and consuming. This isn’t the playful space it used to be – it’s much more calculated. Welcome to the era of late-stage social media, where our time and attention are the hottest commodities, and the platforms aren’t shy about taking as much as they can. The shift from connection to consumption Back in the early days, social media felt fresh and exciting. Platforms like Facebook were places to share memories, catch up with old friends, and post a blurry picture or two. But somewhere along the way, things…

Were you drawn to the thrill of secretly lighting up behind the school bike sheds? Or perhaps you enjoyed a cheeky puff on a night out, only to worry the smell would be lingering by the time you got home. It may feel like a lifetime ago, but in the 1960s, 40% of women smoked, according to the Royal College of Physicians. Since then, increased knowledge about the dangers of smoking, and the wave of government restrictions that followed, has led to a cultural change. Smoking is out, and e-cigarettes – electronic devices that create inhalable vapour – are in. But is it really any healthier or is it time to stub out this bad habit for good? The rise in e-cigarettes There is a phenomenal increase in the number…

Roast vegetable quinoa salad Prep time: 10 mins Cooking time: 25 mins Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS: ▶ 500g butternut pumpkin, cut into 3cm pieces▶ 1 medium red capsicum, sliced thinly▶ 2 small zucchinis, chopped▶ 1 bunch mixed baby carrots, trimmed, peeled▶ 1 small red onion, cut into thin wedges▶ 2 T extra virgin olive oil▶ ¼ cup Moroccan seasoning▶ 1 cup white quinoa, rinsed, drained▶ 60g baby rocket leaves▶ 200g feta, crumbled▶ Salt and black pepper, for seasoning Lemon dressing▶ ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil▶ 2 T lemon juice METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Line a large oven tray with baking paper. 2. Place pumpkin, capsicum, zucchini, carrots, and onion on a tray. Drizzle with oil and seasoning and toss to combine. Season and roast for 25 minutes…

CHOC CHIP FINGER BUNS Prep time: 1 hr 30 mins Cooking time: 35 mins Makes: 16 INGREDIENTS: ▶ 4 cups plain flour▶ ¾ cup lukewarm water▶ 7g sachet dried yeast▶ 1/3 cup caster sugar▶ ½ tsp mixed spice▶ ¾ cup lukewarm milk▶ 60g butter, melted▶ ½ cup milk choc chips▶ 1 egg yolk▶ Desiccated coconut, for sprinkling Icing ▶ 1 ½ cups icing sugar▶ 10g butter, melted▶ 1 T milk, warmed▶ ½ tsp strawberry essence rose pink food colouring METHOD 1. Combine the water, yeast and half a teaspoon of the sugar in a small jug. Cover and set aside in a warm place for 5 minutes or until frothy. 2. Sift flour and spice into a large bowl and stir in the remaining sugar. Make a well in the centre…

ARIES 21 Mar – 19 Apr As you blast out of the blocks, you’ll soon realise – starting in mid-Jan – that to get things on track this year, you’ll need to trust your intuition. Let your mind explore your wildest dreams and pick the one that excites you the most. Feb brings love and travel, but by Mar, you might reassess Cupid’s intentions and make a U-turn. In Feb, discuss your big plans and ideas; by Mar, you’ll pick up the pace. But from 15 Mar, avoid signing important contracts as you could miss something in fine print. TAURUS 20 Apr – 20 May The love planet is in full swing from Jan – soak up the love! If single, someone new appears through friends or online, but by…

THE FREELANCER Effortlessly transition between diverse spaces, from your chic home office to the creative shared studio or professional office. Your style shapeshifts and adapts easily. Embrace comfort and elegance with denim, leather, and a fresh pair of white sneakers. It’s all in the detail. THE TECH INNOVATOR Even if your start-up has achieved great success, sweatshirts should remain out of the boardroom. Transform the tech-centric attire by opting for sleek, monochromatic suits layered over bold, patterned shirts. Enhance your look with accessories that spark conversation. Embrace this new era of business fashion THE BOSS! Whether you’re already in the executive suite or aiming for the role you aspire to, this season’s trend is all about combining dark-tailored suits – slightly oversized yet cinched at the waist – with a…

1.LIZ LETSOALO, founder of Masodi Organics You started making shampoo and cream in your kitchen in 2018 while working full-time. What inspired you to start your business part-time? The inspiration behind the brand, Masodi, was crafting a brand that could truly address skin and haircare concerns I know to be real pain points for many people as well as products that could be shared by different demographics. This while emphasising the need to not overlook black women as it was typically the norm years ago. I initially threw myself into the work as a hobby, and watched as customers surprised me with a reception I did not expect. At a certain point, I had to leave my then job to dedicate my life to building this brand. What was the…

Since establishing his socks business 10 years ago, Sibusiso Ngwenya, also known as Skinny Sbu, has experienced success both locally and internationally. Initially focusing on men’s socks, the brand is now launching a new line of women’s premium stockings. Last August, he introduced classic black branded stockings. Additionally, he is committed to philanthropy, aiming to donate $1 million (about R17.8m) to underprivileged schoolgirls, with each purchase of the stockings contributing to this cause. In an interview with TRUELOVE, Sbu explains how the demand has fuelled the brand’s growth over the years. “The decision to introduce a women’s range in 2024 came in response to our customers’ requests over the years,” he states. “When I mention the ‘triplets brand’, it refers to our diverse portfolio, including our cherished Skinny Sbu Socks.”…

THE POWER OF PEPTIDES Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins in the skin, like collagen and elastin. In skincare, they act as messengers, signalling skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin, which help keep it firm, smooth, and resilient. They are used in products to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin texture, and enhance overall skin health. This popular ingredient, an amino acid also naturally present in the skin, can help diminish wrinkles, enhance the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and boost elasticity. However, not all peptides are alike. Enzyme inhibitor peptides prevent the breakdown of collagen that firms skin. Signal peptides stimulate your cells to produce collagen, elastin, and other proteins. Carrier peptides deliver other beneficial substances, like copper and…

Who is eligible to adopt? 1. Spouses/partners in a life partnership or other people sharing and forming a permanent home; 2. A widow/er, unmarried or divorced person; 3. The spouse of the child’s parent, i.e., the stepparent of the child; and 4. The father of a child born out of wedlock. Previously, same-sex couples were excluded from being able to adopt children. However, this was changed in the case of Du Toit v Minister for Welfare and Population Development [2002] ZACC 20, 2003 (2) SA 198 (CC), where it was unanimously decided, as per the judgment of Skweyiya AJ, that the provisions of the Child Care Act 74 of 1983 (sections 17(a), 17(c) and 20(1)) and of the Guardianship Act 192 of 1993 (section 1(2)), which reserved the possibility of…

In South Africa, opinions about fidelity vary widely. Statistics indicate that around 45-50% of married women and 50-60% of married men have been unfaithful at some point during their relationships. Additionally, a significant percentage of those who suspect their partners of infidelity, 87% of women and 54% of men, tend to be correct. These figures highlight that more than half of long-term relationships in South Africa may encounter infidelity. Despite these statistics, infidelity is not an inevitable part of every relationship. Many couples remain together faithfully for years, possibly because they’ve found their soulmate or because they choose to prioritise their relationship’s value over potential affairs. Relationship experts suggest various strategies to minimise the chances of infidelity. So, how can you strengthen your relationship to prevent an affair? Why do…

Quinoa falafel with pickled vegetables and beetroot hummus Prep time: 20 mins Cooking time: 10 mins Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS: ▶ ½ cup quinoa flakes▶ 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed▶ 2 tsps ground cumin▶ 2 tsps ground coriander▶ 4 green onions, chopped▶ 1 long green chilli, chopped▶ ½ cup finely chopped coriander leaves and stems▶ 1 tsp golden linseed meal▶ ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil▶ 4 leaves butter lettuce Pickled vegetables ▶ 5 baby cucumbers▶ 5 red radishes▶ 4 baby carrots▶ ½ cup white wine vinegar▶ 2 T honey Beetroot hummus ▶ 1 medium beetroot, grated coarsely▶ 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed▶ 1 clove garlic, crushed▶ ¼ cup lemon juice▶ 1 tsp ground cumin METHOD 1. To make pickled vegetables, thinly slice cucumber, radishes, and carrot lengthways, using a mandoline or sharp…