Rain's deliciously good DIY scrub

One of my favourite home grown beauty brands that is good for the soul and the environment, has been Rain Africa. I have been a huge fan for their DIY scrubs for the longest time, and maybe the reason why is that I know that all the ingredients have been harvested sustainably and it's actually an affordable option that's easy to customize. I've purchased a scrub for my best friend before, she loved it and whips up a batch every so often.

Basically, as we age our skin becomes rough, uneven and dry. Exfoliation means that this rough outer layer is removed exposing the newer younger skin cells beneath.

The scrub is amazing because it's 100% natural, unclogs pores, keeps skin clean, reduces acne breakouts and helps prevent wrinkles developing. You can customise your own fresh scrub by selecting a base, a carrier oil, actives and essences. Mix the scrub ingredients in a small bowl to the desired consistency and fragrance level.

Here's a listing of ingredients, all natural and all delicious!

1: OilsVrgin jojoba wax
This is a light textured oil with deeply penetrating properties. The oil is closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum and contains organic rosehip oil. This oil has anti-ageing and tissue regenerating properties. 

Cold pressed avocado oil
This oil is a rich nutritious oil for dry dehydrated mature skin. It contains sweet almond oil which softens and smoothes the skin.

Grapeseed oil 

This oil is well known for it's repairing and rejuvenating properties

(My recommendation is the cold pressed avocado oil. I have dry skin and this really helps in smoothing out dry patches.)

2: Actives

Green tea, bran & almond
Almond is high in vitamin E & Omega oils & is an effective emollient & lubricant. Bran is a useful scrub medium and green tea contains polyphenols which are thought to improve health.

Apricot, loofah& ginger
Ginger’s healing properties are legendary along with loofah& apricot kernel it aids circulation. The active includes lavender, poppy & tea tree and has cleansing, antiseptic & anti-bacterial properties.

Rooibos, walnut & rosehip
Rooibos brings anti-oxidant properties, while Rosehip, which is high in Omega 3 & 6. The activator works well on stretch marks, wrinkles & skin blemishes

3: Essences

• Jasmine, rose & cedarwood  (for dry skin)
• Grapefruit, bergamot & ginger  (for oily skin)
• Basil, lime & mint  (for combination to oily skin)
• Lavender, eucalyptus & cedarwood (for normal to dry skin)

4: Bases

• African scrub  (medium)
• Mineral scrub (not for face)
• Detox base (detoxifying & lymph drainage)
• Cellulite base (legs & buttocks)

You can shop these products online at www.shop.rainafrica.com (bonus, you receive FREE SHIPPING for orders over R500) or find their stores in major national shopping centres like Pavilion, Gateway Theatre of Shopping or Ballito Junction (their newest addition in KZN!).

Try it out and let me know what you think about this natural and authentic scrub in the comments below!

Changes in my life

You may have noticed that I've gone off the grid for a while. This is definitely not for a lack of trying or being sapped of creative energy - rather, a few "challenges" I've had recently (bear with me here!). 

Social media is meant to be a platform for communication and collaboration but recently, it feels like every time I scroll through my feed, people are celebrating all the wonderful things going on for them. Trust me, it's not shaking my bones and I'm not the jealous type, but it makes you...hesitant... to write up a real, raw and truthful post. It's time to take a hit and reveal what's really been going on in my life. 

Some of my followers may have heard the exciting news that I have skipped ship from a fun and energetic Agency career and dipped my toes into the professional Corporate world. I couldn't be happier for the challenge, and the opportunities that have presented themselves over the last few years. It feels like this is what I have been building up to - a culmination of life experiences that land me smack in the middle of corporate utopia in my middle twenties. I didn't realise how scared of change I was until I was faced with it. Having to change my travelling patterns, swap out my entire wardrobe of workwear (no more sandals and summer dresses to the office) and facing my irrational fears like the chance that I would get hungry at work (I have a food addiction) and not know where to get a snack (yes, irrational I know). It meant a lot of unnerving stress. Stress about the unknown, whether I was "good enough", had I made the right decision. It was overwhelming and, as I have learnt now - completely unnecessary. 

Two weeks into my new job, I fell ill with a serious case of Influenza A. I went to bed with a slight cough and woke up the next morning with severe muscular pains, a chest on fire and a fever through the roof. Uncontrollable nausea and a general air of "I'm going to die". I was admitted into hospital that morning and spent a few days in a cold, sterile ward. It's during this time that I had to face more irrational fears (you can tell by now that I don't do well with any form of stress) like needles, washing my hair with a drip attached to my vein, spending a whole weekend without my husband (we're basically inseparable when we're at home together) and overcoming the incessant bouts of nausea and feeling ever so sorry for myself. The night before I could be discharged from hospital, my Doctor let me know that if I could go the night without a spike in my fever, I would be free to go home the next morning. Home to my own bed, wardrobe and bathroom - I wanted OUT! I was dosed with medication, happy with spending one more night and freedom was just a few hours from my fingertips. I could almost feel it. 

At midnight, I was overcome with cold. Shivering in my bed, squirming under the sheets trying to get warm - this torture lasted two hours. I refused to ring the bell to alert the nurses, telling myself that I needed to last the night without a fever to go home. I was adamant I could fight it on my own, that I would fall asleep "soon" and it would be morning. After finally coming to terms with the fact that the fever wouldn't break on its own, that I needed help and perhaps one more day in hospital wouldn't kill me - I called for the nurses. They were kind, inserted  new medication into the intravenous drip and let me sleep. Before drifting off, I remember thinking, why did I spend hours suffering when help was literally a single bell away. The next morning, I was discharged anyway and made it to attend Trevor Noah's comedy show at the Durban ICC (more about that later). You could say - it all worked out in the end. 

Perhaps if there's anything I learned over the last two weeks:

- Stop stressing over things that you have no control over. 

- Stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's almost impossible to feel positive when all you're perpetuating is a cloud of negativity. 

- Ask for help - the consequences be damned. 

- Family over everything - I couldn't have done this without my husband and parents by my side. They're my emotional strength, my care givers and my greatest supporters. I owe them all a lunch or two. 

Right now, I'm in a positive & happy space. I'm ready to challenge myself creatively and share a little more - the negatives AND the positives. You'll be hearing a lot more from me, that's for sure. 

Love, 

Yo Homi 

Magical Meringues Recipe

Made from whipped egg whites and powdered sugar, meringues are light, airy and very sweet. Follow this easy recipe to make perfect meringues - or use it as a basis for other desserts such as pavlovas or lemon meringue pudding, or simply as a treat on its own. So easy to make, and an inexpensive recipe to demonstrate. For an extra special touch, place meringues in an attractive glass jar for your next Sunday afternoon tea and catch the compliments!

Makes approximately 50 small meringues

•  3 large egg whites
• 210g castor sugar (250ml or 1 cup) 
• 5ml vanilla essence (1 teaspoon) or 1 vanilla bean pod, scraped
• 5ml white vinegar
• 30ml boiling water (2 tablepoons) 
• 10ml baking powder (2 teaspoons)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 100 degrees. 
2. Line baking trays with baking powder, do not grease (do not use greaseproof paper).
3. Using a clean, dry bowl of the electric food mixer, whisk egg whites until a soft peak is formed. 
4. Add sugar spoon by spoon, slowly whisking all the time. 
5. With the last teaspoon of sugar, mix in vanilla essence, or the vanilla bean paste and whisk well. 
6. Add boiling water and whisk again for 5 minutes. 
7. Lastly, add baking powder and whisk for a minute. 
8. Place mixture into a piping bag which has been fitted with a nozzle. 
9. Pipe onto prepared baking trays.
10. Bake for 60 minutes. Switch off the oven and leave in the oven, if possible, for a further 30 minutes. 

My tried and tested tip is to make the meringues smaller so that they will cook slightly quicker! Using a disposable piping bag makes for easy cleaning up after so you have less washing up to worry about and more time preparing for guests. 

Try this out and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Love,
Yo Homi

Mo Magic: Moments of Wonder

Following the success of his 2016 theatre tour, taking the experience of magic to audiences
across the country, and recently returning from Las Vegas and Hollywood, magician extraordinaire
Mo Magic is set to intrigue, astonish and entertain Durban audiences with his brand new
theatre show titled “Moments of Wonder”.
 

In this 90 minute interactive performance, Mo Magic takes the audience on a journey to the
impossible with his world-class magic, mystifying mentalism, incredible illusions and family
friendly comedy.
 

Themed around the concept of wonder, he points out that we as humans experience “wonder”
on a daily basis in different forms e.g. whilst watching movies, listening to music, spending
time with loved ones and whilst watching the sun rise or set. He takes a number of these scenarios
and creates magic with them, putting his own spin on them, and shares these moments
of wonder with the audience. The magician does not want to give too much away and would
rather the audience experience the magic for themselves in his latest theatre production.
Mo’s passion for entertaining with the art of magic has attracted the attention of magicians
worldwide. In February 2017, he was featured as the cover story for international magic magazine
“VANISH”, the world’s largest magic magazine read by over 100 000 magicians worldwide
. This is the first time a South African magician has been awarded the accolade. Other
international magicians to be included on the cover include, Criss Angel, Uri Geller and Paul
Daniels. When asked about his continued success, Mo says, “The art of magic has the ability to
bring joy, delight and wonder and I am very thankful to entertain with through my presentations
and illusions. There is nothing else I’d rather do. It’s one of the ways for me to contribute
to the world and I love it!”
 

An honours degree graduate in electronic engineering, Mo resigned from a lucrative career as a
project manager, in 2010, to pursue his passion for the art form. His prime hit TV series was
very well received nationally and is currently being rebroadcasted by the SABC, weekly. When
asked about his performance preference, the magician says “I love performing the art of magic
on TV and live, however I believe that the audience enjoys the live experience more as they
are present and are able to participate in the experience. TV audiences enjoy the show as an
observer whereas in the theatre, members of the audience have the opportunity to join me on
stage and participate in the magic.”
 

“Moments of Wonder” will run from the 9-12 March 2016 at the Elizabeth Sneddon theatre
(UKZN campus), then moves to the Hexagon theatre in Pietermaritzburg (UKZN) from the 30
March - 1 April. Mo’s previous theatre productions (“Amazing You!” in 2012 and “Mo Magic” in
2016) were sell out successes and tickets for this run of “Moments of Wonder” are limited.
Book your tickets early and be part of the magic. Tickets start from R100 and are available at
Computicket, Shoprite & Checkers
 

Performance Dates & Times: Thursday 9 Mar, Friday 10 Mar, Saturday 11 Feb: 8pm
Sunday 12 mar: 3pm (Matinee)
Running Time: 1h30min Tickets at Computicket: R100, R120 & R140
 

No under 6s
No admittance after start of performance
 

Press & Show Queries: bookings@momagic.co.za
Online link for bookings via Computicket: http://bit.ly/2kORjsB
For online publications, kindly include bookings link and social media links below.
 

Mo Magic
Web: www.momagic.co.za
Facebook: Mo Magic www.facebook.com/momagicfanpage1
Twitter: Mo Magic www.twitter.com/momagic
Instagram: momagicsa www.instagram.com/momagicsa

Rising comedic star in Durban: Kamz Govender

The first time I saw Kamz Govender live was on stage at the Pavilion Hotel, Durban. The show was promoted by Masood Boomgaard, and R100 for 10 live acts including Rory Petzer and Mo Vawda? No brainer - this was too good an opportunity to miss. Kamz stood out of the crowd, and it might have something to do with his witty sense of humour, complete deadpan expression and clever play on words. It was at this point I knew, I'm definitely a fan! 

Speaking to Kamz, he decided to take up stand-up comedy, which he considers an art form, because it runs in the family. His mother, Anasia Govender is an entertainer and they've both inherited quick wit and humour from his grandfather, a one liner specialist. Kamz had entered a comedy competition in February 2016, progressing through to the Finals and he describes his journey since then as "a life changing journey". 

Kamz writes all his own material, making use of puns and catch phrases. He believes that the real skill in his art is the ability to write your own jokes, and infuse a lot of your own personality in your work. He believes inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere, from friends, places, sometimes out of absolutely nothing and feels comedy subjective - it's all about your perspective. 

I've noticed recently that stand-up comedy is fast growing in Durban and Kamz confirms that this is true. "We're building more and more platforms for new and experienced comedians to work at their craft, and there are many companies helping us along the way like 031 Entertainment, The Agency and On Fire Comedy. To be honest, without the guidance of Carvin H Goldstone and Neil Green, I would not be where I am today. They are really taking Durban comedy to great heights!" says Kamz.

According to Kamz, some of his favourite comedians to watch perform (and some of my favourite too) are Carvin H Goldstone, Neil Green, Mfundo Ndovela, Andrew Hughes, Daryl Williams, Dillan Oliphant, PrinsVR and Dalain Olive. 

Follow The Agency SA on Facebook to find out about their upcoming shows. Support local and these rising stars!

Love, 

Yo Homi

Travel Diary: Paternoster

 

My husband and parents planned a quick get away to the Western Cape this month and I couldn't wait to get my teeth into everything that the beautiful city of Cape Town had to offer. With suggestions on where to go and what to do spilling over from friends and family, we whittled our options down and made sure visiting the little town of Paternoster was on our "MUST DO" list.

The idyllic fishing village on the West Coast, approximately two hours away from Cape Town, is located between Saldanha Bay and St Helena Bay. We stopped at quaint padstal's (loosely translated from Afrikaans to mean "road stores") which stock home made bread, refreshments, arts and crafts and quirky gifting. It's really easy to while away the time browsing and chatting to store assistants. We found that they were really friendly & helpful - which sort of resonates with everyone that we met along the way.

The laid back, stress free living of village life quickly rubbed off on us. We had lazy dinner over the terrace at the Paternoster Lodge, a 4 star rated hotel, while the sun set and festivities began. The next morning, waking to ocean breezes and a brilliant sunrise - we headed to the beach and watched the fishermen come to shore. 

There isn't much to do, except fish and relax on the beach. There are a few craft stalls and independent stores, filled to the brim with hand made jewellery, pottery, beauty products and home ware items. 

There are loads of holiday accommodation available throughout the year and what I would imagine to be the perfect wedding destination to get away from the crowds and traffic, leaving you with lasting connections with your loved ones. 

Check out some of the photos below and see for yourself. 

Lavender blooms in abundance outside a picture perfect holiday accommodation.

St Helena Bay boardwalk onto the beach. The ocean is a sparkling aqua, all year long!

White sandy beaches, anyone?

Paternoster Lodge, our hotel accommodation with a view.

Love,
Yo Homi

BombSquad heads to the Zando Cape Town 10s!

Local rugby team, BombSquad will be heading to Cape Town to participate in the upcoming and hugely popular Zando Cape Town 10s. The event is one of the premier lifestyle and social sport events in South Africa, having recently won the 2016 Discovery Sport Industry Award for "Best Lifestyle Experience".

It is the brainchild of rugby legends Bob Skinstad and Robbie Fleck and long-standing mate Ron Rutland. Founded in 2008, starting off as a rugby only tournament the event has since evolved into a multi-sport event, with the addition of Netball in 2013 and Beach Volleyball in 2016 and now Dodgeball for 2017.

The rugby component of 10s is billed as the biggest ten-a-side rugby tournament in the world, designed for fun but still underpinned by national and international rugby federation rules. The event has, over the years, featured some of the world’s greatest International rugby legends including Jonah Lomu, Carlos Spencer and Christian Cullen, as well as other global sporting stars such as Graeme Smith and Justin Kemp.

2017 will mark the 9th consecutive year of the event. The 2016 Cape Town 10s event had 100 rugby teams, 40 netball teams and 40 volleyball teams, from all over South Africa and abroad, taking part.

The Cape Town 10s is not just about the sporting action, it is also one big jol featuring some of the country’s biggest and most popular music acts as well as hosting Africa’s largest beer tent. Thousands of fans and squads gather from across the globe to play their favourite sports and to experience the vibe of 10s that is underpinned by fun, friendships, sports and a couple of cold ones.

Marcel Pillay, affectionately dubbed "Skelton" after William Skelton - Austalian rugby player, says

"It's overwhelming, but it has been an interesting journey to get ready for this event in terms of on and off field training. Everything has fallen into place and now we're looking forward to the event this week. We're hoping to win our competition while having fun at the same time, meeting old friends and hopefully making some new ones along the way. Cape Town as the host - we couldn't have asked for a better venue! Just be ready because the Bombsquad lads are going to be in town so if you see us running, try and keep up." 

 

Follow their journey online and keep up with some of their sponsors.

Twitter: @BombSquad10s
Facebook: BombSquad Tens

Love,
Yo Homi

We can't wait to be Keeping up with the Kandasamys!

The official trailer for the new South African motion picture, KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMYS, is here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV6ZWNmRpqI

From the producers of Hard to Get and Happiness is a Four-Letter Word - one of South Africa’s most successful films - comes an all new rib-tickling, two-sided family comedy affair, directed and co-written by Durban filmmaker Jayan Moodley (White Gold), produced by award-winning duo Helena Spring (Academy Award Nominee and Mbokodo-winner) and the late Junaid Ahmed (who sadly passed away in November 2016) and co-writer, Rory Booth.

Set in Chatsworth, KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMYS opens a window into the lifestyle and subculture of modern-day Indian South Africans; their aspirations, dreams and challenges. “I loved shooting this film on location in Chatsworth. It’s an iconic place, like District Six or Soweto. It’s vibrant, lively and spirited, and I believe we have managed to not only capture its idiosyncrasies but also its heart and soul that will make global audiences fall in love with it too, over a barrel full of laughs,” says director Jayan Moodley about her debut film.

The film stars Jailoshini Naidoo (Eastern Mosaic, Lotus FM) and Maeshni Naicker (Broken Promises) as the matriarchal rivals of neighbouring families, whose young adult children become romantically involved, and despite their best efforts to keep them apart, they are forced to acknowledge that in the end love will always prevail.

Shanti Naidoo (Maeshni Naicker) is a typical Type-A personality. Always on the move, going out of her way to please people, and overcompensating for her perceived inadequacies by continually cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Her life would be just fine, except that her neighbour, Jennifer Kandasamy (Jailoshini Naidoo), always seems to hold the upper hand.

 

When Jennifer realises her beautiful tomboy daughter, Jodi (Mishqah Parthiephal), is in love with Shanti’s son Prishen (Madhushan Singh) – a sensitive medical student, she is determined to break them up. But in order to do that she will have to enlist her rival’s help. “Together the two women scheme and plot, recruit prospective partners and generally interfere with their kids wherever they can,” says producer, Helena Spring.  

Mishqah Parthiephal, who is best-known as Vania in the television soap, Skeem Saam, is thrilled about starring in the film. “When I heard there was an audition for a huge feature film in Durban, I knew that it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss out on. So I drove the six hours from Johannesburg to Durban for the auditions. I was offered the role a few weeks later,” she shares. “I think that KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMYS is a beautiful story that reflects true Durban Indian culture, I can’t wait for the world to see it.” About playing Jodi, she says: “We are very similar in many ways. She’s a strong young woman who isn’t afraid to tell people around her what’s in her heart. She’s kind and gentle and very loving. We are even similar in the way that we dress. We both live in shorts and sneakers!”

Light-hearted, and entertaining, the story is supported by an array of colourful characters that celebrate the rich and spicy way of life in Durban. Well-known South African theatre actor/playwright/director, Rajesh Gopie, plays Shanti’s husband, Preggie, while comedian Koobeshen Naidoo can be seen as Jennifer’s husband, Elvis. These two characters always remain in the background as they are constantly overshadowed by their dominating wives. Jodi’s friend Marlin (Neil Govender), the local wedding planner, is an epitome of fabulous flamboyancy and Ayah (Mariam Bassa) - Jennifer’s elderly, no-nonsense, ever-critical, mother-in-law - represents that typical granny in most Indian extended families, with funny one-liners and deep insights that are bound to strike a chord with any audience.

“This film has something for everyone. The universal story of neighbourhood rivalry, our desperate need for acceptance and the climb for perceived societal success, is something which touches everyone the world over. At the end of the day we can all recognize our quirks and foibles and the funny side of the weird, wonderful and strangely competitive world we live in,” adds Moodley.

KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMYS promises audiences some truly funny laughs about families, relationships and neighbourhood-envy. The film was produced in association with M-Net, the DTI and NFVF, with distribution by Ster-Kinekor Entertainment. It features music by Kyle Deutsch and The Parlotones and will be released in cinemas, nationwide, on 3 March 2017.

ABOUT THE MAIN ACTORS

Jailoshini Naidoo (Jennifer Kandasamy)

A versatile multi award-winning South African actress, voiceover artist and comedian who has performed at major arenas all over the country, including The Market Theatre, Baxter Theatre, The Playhouse as well as the Grahamstown and Hilton Arts Festivals. A former presenter on SABC2’s Eastern Mosaic, and continuity presenter on M-Net, Jailoshini currently hosts The Weekend Liftoff, the Saturday morning show on Lotus FM in Durban. She has also starred in the British film The Eastern Bride, the Italian film Karol and popular British series Strike Back 2.

Maeshni Naicker (Shanti Naidoo)

A stage and film actress, voiceover artist, radio personality, comedian, popular Madame Master of Ceremonies and Drama teacher. After completing her Drama studies at University, Maeshni continued to act in stage and film productions, teach drama at schools and later went on to start her own Drama School, The Maeshni Naicker Academy of Drama. She is best-known for her roles in Broken Promises 1, 2, 3, Highway Sheila, 31 Million, The Dance and the internationally acclaimed Florida Road.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @kandasamysmovie

Instagram: @kandasamysmovie

Facebook: facebook.com/kandasamysmovie 

Hashtag:  #ChatsworthStyle #KandasamysMovie

THE SEARCH FOR GATEWAY’S 2017 AMBASSADORS IS ON…

Gateway launched the search for their 2017 ambassadors at a prestigious media launch on Thursday, 19th January, where they offered guests some insight into what the competition is all about.

The centre is looking for a male and female who represent Gateway’s lifestyle and values in their own lives. They are searching for two people who are social, have great personal style, are outgoing and confident in front of a camera and who love to have fun at Gateway Theatre of Shopping. The centre stated that it’s also important for the chosen ambassadors have a good nature, congenial personality and a respectful way of interacting with others. 

Lisanne Lazarus, current brand ambassador for Gateway, described her experience as one that exceeded her wildest dreams and expectations. “I’ve learnt and matured so much from the people I've met and the opportunities that were afforded to me over this last year. This opportunity comes once in a life time and is almost too good to be true”, said Lazarus. 

Thabiso Thedi, who shares the stage with Lazarus as an ambassador, described his experience as EPIC! “It's been an absolute delight. I got to rub shoulders with some of SA's top celebrities, host red carpet events, shop at all the amazing stores Gateway has & experience the 5 Star Gateway VIP lifestyle.” Thedi further commented that being a Gateway Brand Ambassador has led him to truly explore & experience the three main facets which he believes Gateway has built its foundation on, these being “FASHION, FOOD & PEOPLE .... that's what it's all about.” 

The 2017 Ambassadors will walk away with over R120 000 in prizes from sponsors, some of which include:

• Vodacom Nxt Lvl
• Tsogo Sun Garden Court Umhlanga Hotel
• Beluga,
• The Hussar Grill,
• Circus Circus, 
• RJ’s 
• John Dorys, 
• Gerald Wells, 
• Kryolan, 
• Nail It, 
• Ster Kinekor, 
• Chateaux Gateaux 
• Auto Spa Express.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping offers an unprecedented 5 Star shopping experience ranging from local to international retail and also boasts one of the largest entertainment offerings under one roof. For more information on the competition, entry process and mechanics, detailed list of prizes terms and conditions visit www.gatewayworld.co.za 

Look out for Gateway Theatre of Shopping on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

#GatewayAmbassador @GatewayUmhlanga 

Gateway Theatre of Shopping in LIGHTS!

Beluga catered the event with a selection of delicious canapes, fresh sushi, prawns and cocktails.

2016 Gateway Ambassador's, Lisanne Lazarus and Thabiso Thedi.

Sponsors for the Gateway Brand Ambassador campaign, Gerald Wells from Gerald Wells Hair Professionals, Durban business owners of Kryolan KZN, Aldytha da Silva and Rob da Silva.

The Pink Table Project on World Cancer Day

The Pink Table Project on World Cancer Day is a Global Initiative challenging Restaurants Worldwide to host Pink Table Dinner Parties & Cancer Support Fundraisers in aid of a Beneficiary in their country.

On World Cancer Day 2016, South Africa launched phase 1 of The Pink Table Project, which was the largest Pink Table Dinner Party and Cancer Awareness Fundraiser the country had ever seen, with over 80 participating host restaurants, and more than 1 000 eager and generous patrons.

With such an overwhelming success, the project soon surpassed our South African borders, and this coming World Cancer day in 2017, they are able to go global, taking their project to over 20 countries!

The Pink Table Project has partnered with Zomato.com, the leading restaurant guide application, to elevate the project on an International scale.

Their primary focus is #IFoundHealthy, where they aim to prove that not only do most restaurants have Healthier Menu Items available for their patrons, but that Restaurant Chefs can excite us with Healthy Eating options, showing that Healthy can be both Decadent & Delicious. In doing so they want to discover and celebrate the World's Healthiest Menu's with the Launch of a Pink Menu on World Cancer Day.

Join us, ‘Dressed in Pink and Left to Sparkle’, as we Celebrate Good Food in Good Restaurants, being inspired to not only find ways to indulge in healthy living so that we can learn to manage our own Wellness Journey, but to enjoy every second of that experience, all the while supporting global Cancer organizations whose daily task it is to support those who can’t always help themselves.

Our Cancer Support Beneficiary Select in South Africa is the PinkDrive,

Visit them at www.pinkdrive.co.za

To find out more, please visit them at www.thepinktableproject.com/world-cancer-day-event

To book a Pink Table at 'The Pink Table Project in SOUTH AFRICA'

Join our event page on Facebook @ The Pink Table Project on World Cancer Day 

Join us on Facebook/ Twitter/ Instagram

#ThePinkTableProject #IFoundHealthy #WeCanICan #WorldCancerDay

KINGS & QUEENS OF COMEDY IS BIGGER AND FUNNIER THAN EVER

This February, Durban will erupt in laughter as the biggest comedians from all over South Africa hit the stage for the 2017 kick-off of the world tour of Kings & Queens of Comedy on 11 February at the Durban ICC.

Guaranteed to be a show of hysterical proportions, comedy lovers can look forward to a bigger and funnier stellar line-up. 

Taking to the stage with their comical armour and witty swords are Marc Lottering, Tumi Morake, Loyiso Gola, Celeste Ntuli, Leeanda Reddy, Krijay Govender, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Joey Rasdien, Tol Ass Mo, Khanyisa Bunu and Rory Petzer.  Leading the evening’s proceedings is Durban’s favourite comedian, Darren Maule with a special guest appearance by Morgan Beatbox.

Kings & Queens of Comedy began in 2012 in Johannesburg and has since grown to be one of the leading comedy brands in South Africa, promoting and showcasing local talent from around the country.

Don’t miss out on the laughter – get your tickets today to the funniest show in town.  Tickets range from R185 and are now available through Computicket online and leading outlets.

Date: Saturday, 11 February 2017

Time: 20h00 (doors open at 19h00)

Venue: Durban ICC, 45 Bram Fischer Road, Durban

Another great production brought to you by Blu Blood.

Low-Carb Lemon Cheescake Recipe

We were invited for a braai this weekend and I really was torn about attending or not. I've been on a clean eating, low carb eating plan for the last two weeks and honestly, it has been a breeze. I enjoy cooking and preparing healthy meals, and once you mentally prepare yourself - half the battle is won. I decided that I would "wow" my family with a low carb no bake lemon cheesecake and boy, this went down well! Can you say Masterchef in the making!

I was assisted in the kitchen by my sisters which makes this recipe even more special to me. Getting to spend time with these girls, whether chatting over a mani & pedi or getting busy in the kitchen means building friendships and getting creative. Gather the girls and get your aprons on, this recipe is so easy to pull off, you'll wonder where the time went!

TIPS:

• This recipe calls for low-carb rusks to make the base, which I didn't have on hand. I substituted this with Hope Crunchies (blog post on this delicious product coming soon!). I recommend using digestives or even Tennis biscuits (a household favourite, am I right). 
• You can make this cheesecake in the morning and allow 2 - 3 hours in the fridge, no bake and no fuss. 

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes (lemon syrup)

INGREDIENTS: For the cheesecake

• 12 Hope Crunchies (crushed finely) 
• 50 grams butter
• 250ml (1 cup) fresh cream 
• 1 x large lemon (rind and juice required) 
• 2 tbls xylitol or sugar 
• 1 x tub creamed smooth plain cottage cheese (I used the Lancewood brand) 

INGREDIENTS:  For the lemon syrup 

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup xylitol or sugar 
• Juice of 1/2 lemon 
• A drop of yellow food colouring 
• Lemon rind for decoration 

METHOD:  

• Finely crush the Hope Crunchies in a food processor or place the crunchies in a ziplock bag and pound with a rolling pin. 
• Melt the butter over the stove or in the microwave (approximately 20 seconds) and add this liquid to the Hope Crunchies. Mix and add this mixture to a clear dish, flattening out the biscuit base and making sure there are no spaces. 
• In a separate bowl, whip the fresh cream until thickened, slowly adding the sugar and lemon juice. Lastly, add the cottage cheese and mix through. Once combined, toss in the rind of the lemon and gently mix. 
• Spoon the creamy mixture over your biscuit base and flatten with the back of your spoon. 
• Cover with cling wrap and place your cheesecake in the fridge for 2 - 3 hours. 
• To prepare the lemon syrup, bring the 1/2 cup water to a boil over the stove, slowly adding the sugar and mix continuously. Add the lemon juice and yellow food colouring once combined and thickened and continue to stir through. Let the syrup stand for a hour, and once cooled completely, spoon over the cheesecake. 
• Decorate with the lemon rind, a sprig of mint and a raspeberry for a pop of colour. 
• Serve chilled with a refreshing glass of ice tea!  

Let me know if you would try this recipe out and what you would add to make this an even more indulgent treat for your friends and family!

Love,
Yo Homi