As promised in our January issue, the ELLE team has commenced their new year’s evolution. Here is our third progress report:

WEEK THREE

BECOME MONEYWISE

Jo’burg bureau chief Cheska Liackman undertook to become moneywise and do more saving than spending. Here’s what she has learnt so far!

Since payday was two days ago, this week was all about spending! It’s partly the fault of Ms ELLE Beauty, who was in Jo’burg for a launch and insisted I take her to Zara. Fact about Cheska: do not let her into Zara and not expect her to shop! I bought a pair of flat sandals, which are clearly inspired by the Miu Miu glitter heels (so technically I saved, because I didn’t buy the Miu Miu’s) and I bought a little white dress… I don’t have an excuse for it but I do love it.

Next, I proudly set up my debit order for unit trusts so, even if I reach the next payday with a zero bank balance, at least I know that somewhere I have some money saved and hopefully it is growing!

I also have two friends’ birthdays this weekend and a bridal shower. But with this month’s ELLE DECORATION I got a 15%-off Boardmans voucher, which I carefully put away. It’s the first time I’ve used a coupon when shopping: 15% is a lot when it comes to gifts.

Finally, I took another piece of advice and started saving for something specific. My something: a puppy! Yes I know, buying a puppy will lead to many vet bills, so I am also looking into pet insurance. You may laugh, but I think that this is very financially responsible of me. My boyfriend tells me I am far too organised considering the puppy in question hasn’t even been conceived yet, but the breeder says any day now, and I want to be prepared.

DANCING COMPETITIVELY

Fashion assistant Tarryn Oppel is in her third week of dance training and is feeling the pressure!

This week was tough! For the first time since I started I could feel my entire body ache the next day… the result of the intense choreography! There were times when everyone in the studio turned and looked at each other in disbelief at the difficult and super-quick counts of eight we were being shown – but at the same time we’re excited knowing that this routine is going to blow everyone away! This week we were introduced to the piece that will open our routine – the first impression! It’s really fast, dynamic and a little bit ‘gangsta’, if you ask me! We also decided on a name for our crew (which cannot be revealed just yet) and had a group discussion about what we would like to wear, so it’s coming along nicely. As each training session passes, I get a sense of what the end result could possibly be and then I realise why I decided to take this on in the first place! It’s just great knowing that you’re a part of something that is quite frankly world class!

WRITE A BOOK

Features director Annelize Visser still wants to complete that novel she started to write last year. Each week so far she’s had an excuse for not writing a word. Is there any hope for this book?

This week we’re going to print with the March issue, so you’ve guessed it: this one remains a work in (not much) progress. At this point it looks as though my new-year-new-me will have to wait until February.

LEARN TO COOK

Senior designer Lucy Geel wants to stop being a hit-or-miss cook. She’s decided to follow a recipe at least once a week. So far, so good!

I was invited to a braai over the weekend and was asked to bring a pasta salad. I decided to fall back on my trusted Cook Express, and found a light, easy and summery-looking salad. The recipe was easy to follow and it was delicious – I’ll have to bank this one! I cheated a little by adding more mayonnaise than suggested – I’m a bit of an addict.

Summer pasta salad

pasta

baby tomatoes

rocket (handful)

peas

2tbsp mayonnaise

salt and black pepper

Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet. Cook the peas until just cooked. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the mayonnaise, baby tomatoes, rocket and peas. Season with salt and black pepper

Rated by www.skew.co.za

Taste: 8/10

Appearance: 8/10

Follow recipe: 8/10

GIVE BACK

Online editor Jenna McArthur decided that 2012 would be the year of giving. This week she learnt that sometimes physically giving is temporary relief but even this is needed!

Last week I spent time with the under-privileged children of Kosovo and Samoro Machel townships, and this week I’ve decided to give back by taking action. There are things the children need on a day-to-day basis and, although handouts are a temporary solution, it’s something practical I can do right now. I chatted to Niki (who is my connection to the children in these unregistered crèches) and asked her to point me in the right direction. The most urgent need is for basics: nappies, porridge and baby formula. Most of the kids are dropped off in the mornings with absolutely nothing, and the women who are looking after them don’t have food or nappies to see them through the day. With the help of the ELLE team, and donations from some friends and family, I’ll hopefully be able to take some supplies on my next visit. The longterm goal remains to educate and develop the community, but right now I want to do more than offer hugs, kisses and playtime, and help ensure the children don’t go home hungry.

SEIZE THE DAY

Copy editor Erla Rabe hoped that the new her would procrastinate less. Three weeks in, she thinks the problem may be a different one.

There are times, such as when I have to write an update while we are in the midst of the deadline from hell, that I wish I didn’t volunteer to become a new me. But then I realise that I am learning things from the exercise and reluctantly feel grateful for participating in it.

1) I (think I) have wrongly identified my problem as procrastination. I suspect it may be prioritising. Therefore I first went to the Exclusive’s sale this morning. The hour I wasn’t at the office made no difference to the fact that I am going to be here all day Saturday and Sunday anyway, and missing the sale, one of my annual treats, would have depressed me no end.

2) After spending all of the previous Saturday looking at ‘sanitaryware’, I have seen more white than Scott on his trek to the pole. And I yet again realised that my nose for and ability to hone in on the most expensive thing in any shop will put the best truffle-hunting pig to shame. Because of the ELLE deadline, our bathroom is no further but I have found someone to restore and upholster all our wonky chairs.

3) I have decided to go with my sister-in-law’s motto: Progress, not perfection. Or as the Israeli father of the family I au paired for used to say: Slowly, slowly, by the grace of God we will get there.

GET FIT

Week three sees fashion editor Asanda Sizani finally starting her fitness programme – and questioning her goals.

My first week in Tamsin’s class was quite an experience. And not easy. I can recall a brief moment while holding a pose, (which I have now forgotten the name of), where I almost collapsed, even considered giving up. But I didn’t. (Silent memo to self: You are not a quitter.)

After reading Jenna McArthur’s project updates this week, (getting teary-eyed in the process) I was moved by her selfless act. Her offering of her time, energy, resources, I asked myself: with so many people in need, even in my own backyard, wasn’t my ‘new year, new me’ resolution just very self-centred and shallow?

But I think if I lack mental focus, am unfit, and physically weak, I am useless to those I take care of. I also can’t be of service to others if I have nothing in me to give. I feel like I’ve started this year on the right foot. Life is about balance.