Merise - June/July 2017

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When times are tough I always keep a secret stash of hidden chocolate to soothe my nerves. Tense situations awaken the Pacman in me and nothing made of sugar is safe... especially chocolate! Chocolate is the sweetest solution to just about every challenge – almost everyone I know has tried this cure at least once – but perhaps it is not the healthiest option in the long run. We all face stressful situations from time to time. It is then good to be reminded that we need to take care of ourselves first and foremost, and that we can find relief by making small changes in our daily lives. Merise shares a few easy steps to combat stress and restore inner peace and resilience.

The human species is no stranger to stressful situations. Our ancestors had to face life full of threatening challenges and possible extinction. Looking back at the history of human habitation, we see a rich tapestry of achievements and disasters. It is, however, very humbling when we are confronted with the unintentional outcomes of our solutions that our children will face. Read more on page 4.

Tess went along to discover the aspiring trend of bringing cats and their human counterparts into play. Visit your local Cat Cafe in Perth or Melbourne for a quick boost of love amongst a clowder of cats, whilst enjoying a good coffee and a healthy snack.

If you are in Perth on 30 June 2017, please join Merise for a fun get-together at Kalahari Clarkson from 9.30am to 11.30am. We would love to spend some time with you. Please be there! Book your ticket at www.merisemag.com.

Merise Magazine Description:

Merise is a digital family magazine initiated in 2011 to encourage and assist others, as well as to offer advice in facing the challenges of settling and integrating into our new community together. We talk openly about the different aspects of our lives that are under strain through the migration process – from helping our kids adjust to their new school environments, to leaving our parents behind and to changes in the dynamics of our personal relationships.

We provide valuable information about financial and visa requirements, encouraging specialists in various fields to submit articles on topics which we feel may be beneficial to our readers. Merise captures the beauty of our new countries by featuring different geographical areas in Australia and New Zealand, thereby giving would-be migrants or readers who are planning holidays or an interstate move, a better understanding of what to expect in their new domain.

Merise will become a friend to you and your family.

The ascending aircraft in the Logo is symbolic of our desire to reach for the stars. Even the name itself has meaning. By dividing the word ‘Merise e’ in two, it becomes ‘Me rise ’, accentuating our aspiration for life improvement. Merise embodies support and friendship and is such an essence in our lives that we feel inclined to personify the magazine. Merise is who we are.

It is important for Merise to support ‘her’ friends, not merely those who have recently arrived, but all expats in Australia and New Zealand who have left their home countries to find new direction ‘Down Under’.

Merise lends a hand in almost every way. Like anyone who has been through the immigration process and experienced it first hand, Merise is thoroughly aware of difficulties that may arise for both newcomers as well as experienced expats and knows how to help overcome, or should we say “survive”, these difficulties.

Merise explores different avenues and is vivacious and enthusiastic, living life to the full and is always on the lookout for new challenges and encounters. Merise's experiences and pleasures are shared with her friends, always encouraging and inspiring them.

Merise is fully bilingual and has English- as well as Afrikaans-speaking readers with whom time and information is equally shared.

It’s not that easy to find a friend as special as Merise . . .

Both versions of the English and Afrikaans editions of Merise are available on www.merisemag.com.