It’s the stuff daydreams are made of. Some mysterious uncle comes out of the woodwork and leaves you a vast fortune (and maybe a sprawling mansion) in his will. Or you buy the winning Lotto ticket. Hey, it doesn’t even have to be the jackpot – a few mil would do just fine! The question is: what would you do with your newfound wealth?
In the space of a week, 26-year-old Kristen Peterssen became a multimillionaire. Which sounds amazing, until you hear the rest of the story… Her mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer the year before, passed away, leaving her a retirement policy that paid out R4 million, plus an insurance policy of R1 million. Then, in the same week, a wealthy aunt and uncle left her another million each. She also inherited a house, a flat and an SUV – amounting to another R2.5 million in assets. Kristen hadn’t been particularly well off before.
‘I was naturally overwhelmed, and I’m not ashamed to say, I cried.’ Now, two years later, she shares what she has learnt.
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
