We are very fortunate to have one of the leading experts on brain science living right on our doorstep! Dr Jenny Brockis is not only a qualified medical practitioner, but also a healthy brain advocate and a best-selling author, with her latest book entitled, Future Brain: The 12 Keys to Create Your Own High-Performance Brain (Wiley).

Jenny’s understanding will help you hone your skills on how to restore motivation, passion and drive. This will enable you to function at fitter, faster and more focused levels. The conscious up-skilling of our thinking and the embedding of new healthy habits through better brain health enables us to thrive, adapt and flourish. Read more about how to improve your brain’s fitness on page 3.

For Cornel Naude, a pharmacist from Bunbury, everyday health is determined by nutrition, exercise and knowledge. Cornel recently had the good fortune of meeting the fashion icon Calvin Klein in person, and tells us all about her tete-a-tete. Tess Fraser-Grant shares her unique experience attending dynamic British singer/songwriter Adele’s Perth concert.  Read about this night on the town with a difference!

The roaring sounds of prehistoric ice-age creatures will be heard in our beautiful city during April. There is however no cause for alarm as Fred and Barney from the Flintstones will be there too! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see magnificent Jurassic creatures up ‘close’ and to become a palaeontologist for a day.

Have a wonderful Easter filled with love, peace and happiness!
Until next time,
Suzette

THE CHOICE IS ALWAYS YOURS

We constantly find ourselves in situations over which we have no control. We are however always able to choose how to deal with a scenario.

When a jar of jam falls from the fridge as you open the door first thing in the morning, and jam and glass splatter in all directions, there is a brief moment in which to decide how to react. If you perceive the cause to be incidental, you will probably take five minutes to clear the mess, and get on with your day. If you loudly blame everybody in the house and are angry with the world in general, your day will begin on a wrong footing. In all likelihood, you will be upset for most of the day.

Migration is not easy. You can however choose how to  deal with the transition. In this issue we talk to inspiring women who overcame the trauma of migration and now make positive contributions to their communities. Success does not happen overnight. Most of us are eventually rewarded for persistent effort.

Children experience migration in different ways. A UNICEF study of migrant families in affluent countries such as Australia found that one third of the child population of Australia are from migrant parents. These children usually live with parents who have university degrees, and more than half of these children’s mothers actively participate in the workplace. 

Successful migration is measured by the extent to which you become integrated in your new community. What course of events should you expect if your daughter succumbs to Australian charm and pending marriage? 

One of the best experiences of migration is the ability to discover your new country. Thank you to the readers who
share their unique experiences with Merise. 

This issue of Merise  has been lovingly created by the Merise  team. We hope that you will enjoy our articles, and that today, and each subsequent day, will be that much more precious with Merise in your life.

Thank you for your company.
Suzette

All too soon we find ourselves rushing from pillar to post, trying to get everything done before the year draws to a close. Endless lists dictate our every move - from our social calendar to ‘things to do’ and ‘things to buy’. 

In this issue, Merise shares a few tips on how to prepare your home for the holiday season. Look out for great bargains at the pop-up sales, where goods are available at largely discounted prices if you are willing to buy on the spur of the moment. 

A new collection of sun-smart playwear for kids has recently been launched,  especially designed with the Australian summer in mind. 
We bring you a taste of the collection.

There is much to do in the weeks ahead!  Embrace the festive spirit by baking delicious gingerbread people for the entire family. Find our recipe on page 3. Cricket fans can look forward to seeing the Perth Scorchers in action against the England second X1 team at the new Stadium in December. Start the New Year with an extravaganza of circus, music and magic. See page 8 for details.

We hope that this has been a good year and that a well-deserved rest is in store for you. If you are going away, please travel safely and enjoy every moment.

Thank you for your continuous support. May you enjoy a wonderfully blessed festive season. Merry Christmas!

As winter is finally taking its leave, we can once more delight in the great Australian outdoors … and and there’s heaps to do!

Perthtonians are spoilt for choice with great entertainment options. Most of us at some stage or other are in a relationship, and you simply have to see Tim Plewman’s ‘Defending the Caveman’. This one-man comedy act will give you better insight into the complex world of relationships. 

Those of you with vivid imaginations and a love for orchestral music will not want to miss the CineConcert featuring ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’. WASO performs the John Williams’ score which earned him a Grammy nomination, against a high-definition film screening on a 40-foot screen. 

Dinner with friends will be even more enjoyable if you book a table at one of the ten restaurants in the trendy upmarket dining and entertainment area of the exciting new Whitfords Event Cinema complex. Read more on page 6.

Merise is often asked if there are ways to ease the migration process. We have identified seven important strategies to assist new arrivals. Feel free to share this with friends and family.

Happy reading, until next time!


In this issue, Merise talks to Emma and Ash, two friends who recently launched a range of swimwear after being dissatisfied with the range of bikinis on offer for women with their specific body types. Read about their new swimwear label and the challenges they had to face to get their business up and running.

Developments in the digital world are opening up more platforms where entrepreneurs can market their products and services, but in the current economic climate many small businesses are running on a shoestring marketing budget. Jenny de Lacy of The Visibility Coach explains how you are able to create business videos for as little as $300!

We are very fortunate to live in a country with such natural beauty! A resident of the Mt Field National Park in Tasmania made a unique discovery when walking through the park after recent abundant winter rainfall. Her revelations may forever change the way you look at footpaths and undergrowth. 

Merise shares exciting news about a play being performed early next year in Perth. You do not want to miss this event!

The Merise team is working like beavers to get the next full size magazine to the printers and we are super excited! We have prepared interesting and fun-to-read articles and the page designs are going to present beautifully on the glossy paper. This issue is created especially for you and we are looking forward to share it with our readers. If you have not yet ordered your copy, go to www.merisemag.com/eng/subscribe-to-merise.

Bookings for our high tea on on 14 October in Harrisdale, Perth, are now open. Azelene Williams, author of Broken. Breaking the Silence, is our guest speaker and she will explain how you can protect your child or someone you care for against a toxic relationship. The lovely Sumi Botha will be performing and there will be interesting stalls and scrumptious treats. Book your ticket on Merise’s webpage (www.merisemag.com). 

We cannot wait to spend the afternoon with you!

Scarborough will soon be the place to be! Read how the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) and City of Stirling are investing around $100million to create a vibrant hub of activity. On st George’s Terrace, in the hub of Perth city, is a church with a difference and Merise has a great suggestion of how you can celebrate the arrival of spring. You can also read about the future of self driving cars and an interesting performance which is planned by WASO early next year 

Thank you for taking the time to enjoy this issue of Merise.

Happy reading, until next time,
Suzette

I recently found myself in a perturbing situation when I attended a local network function. The room was a bit stuffy upon entry, and I thought nothing of it at the time. About an hour into the meeting I began to feel intense discomfort – I was very nauseous with an excruciating headache building. I needed fresh air! Once outside, I felt better and the uneasy symptoms gradually dissipated.

I’m still not sure the reason for my sudden discomfort, but when I Googled the symptoms I came across ‘sick building syndrome’, a condition where people in buildings can experience acute health- or comfort related effects.  Spiralling further into Google brought me to the use of indoor plants to help clear the air of toxic gases, and improve air quality - hence the related article. As a result of my research I acquired plants for our home and office and we are already reaping the benefits. What an easy solution to a healthier lifestyle.

The City of Cockburn has seen a lot of changes recently. Merise spoke to Councillor Chamonix Terblanche about the new initiatives and improvements.

Tess travelled inland, and this time she visited the renowned Wave Rock near Hyden, WA. Admire the beauty of this awesome rock face captured in pictures, and read more about the unique rock formation on page 6.

Have you ever heard of ‘rock-hunting’? These ‘rocks’ are actually small in size, and rather like stones.  Learn how to participate in this inexpensive state-wide hobby that brings joy and develops creativity. I hope you will join this wonderful initiative.

Happy reading!
Until next time,
Suzette


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.

Robert Brault once said: ‘Ah, yes, Autumn, when the trees blush at the thought of stripping naked in public.’

Many thanks to Tana Saunders for enabling us to smile at Brault’s humorous personification of falling leaves in shades of autumn. 

Changing seasons bring considerably  more than merely a change in the weather. It is a time when we generally take stock of what is around us and adapt to fluctuating conditions outside. We tend to update our wardrobes, take out our slow cookers in preparation for those delicious stews and curries, prepare our gardens for the pending winter and give a warmer look to our homes. Phew, there is so much to do ... out with the old and in with the new!

In this issue we share inspirational tips on how you can enhance your home with minimal effort, and we reveal a great spot in 
Australia that you absolutely have to experience! We take a look at the impact of news that is falsified and what you can do to protect yourself and others from spreading and receiving inaccurate information. In conclusion, we would like to draw your attention 
to a group of women who have a passion for putting smiles on the faces of those who need a helping hand, whatever the reason.

Be happy and keep on smiling!
Until next time,
Suzette

Australia’s immigration policy is important to most Merise readers. Accordingly, Merise took the opportunity to look through the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry Report about Migrant Intake into Australia which was recently submitted to the government. 
The findings and suggestions are a good indication of where  immigration policy is heading and makes for quite interesting reading.

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences imaginable, but when your loss entails your favourite uncle who happens to be  one of the world’s top rugby union players,  your grief is understandably shared with thousands of supporters. One of our readers, Sumi Botha, was recently asked to sing at a touching memorial in Pretoria as her uncle was laid to rest. Merise talks to Sumi about her experiences and what plans she has for the future.

Art features strongly in Perth this month. Stations of the Cross, which features dynamic newly commissioned works of art, is presented by the Uniting Church in the City. This annual art exhibition is now in its eighth consecutive year. Should you be interested the article is on page 4. Sculpture by the Sea, the annual outdoor sculpture exhibition, returns to Cottesloe in March. Don’t miss this opportunity to stroll along the beach and enjoy the work of local and international artists at absolutely no cost! For more information see page 8.

Why don’t  you try our Button Easter Craft with the kids? It is such fun! 

Happy reading, until next time.

It is not every day that we get the opportunity to treat the wonderful people in our lives. Our readers, our supporters, our clients. 

We planned this event with the sole purpose of showing how much we appreciate your kind support and constant encouragement. We wanted you to know that you are more precious than rubies (Prov 3.15). This day is all about you.

Being a woman in today’s society can be very challenging. When you look around you, you will see a woman fighting a dreaded disease, a single mother, a FIFO wife, a mother concerned about the health or safety of her children, an abused spouse, someone who has recently arrived in this country as a migrant, a woman petrified of her financial future… the list goes on.

Today we offer our heartfelt support to every person reading this and we give you a BIG Merise-hug to tell you that you are loved and appreciated!

In this whirlwind life of today we try to do it all. We want to care for our family, help those in need AND be the best person we can be. But, every so often, we need to take a break from the very high standards we set for ourselves. We need to get together with loving friends who care and be ourselves! Tomorrow we will be strong and capable again, always thankful for the opportunities afforded to us.

We are extremely grateful for the kind support of our sponsors. They are all small business owners who did not think twice about helping us making your day special. In this issue many of them share valuable information about their industry or give tips on how you can improve your life. The one thing they have in common is that they offer quality products and services and it would be wonderful if you could support them in any way, even if you just take them up on their special offer or refer them to your friends and family.

May this year be your best year yet and my you be blessed abundantly!

Happy reading!

Take care until next time,

The start of a new year is traditionally when resolutions are made. Some resolutions however tend to last no longer than the end of February. If you are planning on converting hopes and dreams into goals, you should take note of changes in your community as well as your country and, of course, the world at large. Advances in technology are easy to miss when you are swamped by everyday survival, but these advances can have an effect on your life and your ability to earn a living. Mark Cleeve-Edwards shares his knowledge of where things are heading and how you are best able to benefit from certain technological advances.

Back to school is generally a bitter-sweet time of the year as it marks the official end of the summer holidays and children are faced with change and all sorts of new challenges. Have a look at the article on page 2 if you feel your ‘little angel’ has recently become impossible for no apparent reason and you are finding their changed behaviour difficult to fathom out.

Luckily fun times are not limited to school holidays! Good entertainment is always only one click away. Read more in our articles about the Perth Chamber Orchestra’s annual free concert at Murdoch University and comedian Kevin Fraser’s upcoming tour of Australia.

May 2017 bring an abundance of joy and prosperity into your life.
Until next time!

Are you ready to support your favourite sports team at the brand-new Perth Stadium in 2017? Perhaps you’re looking forward to crossing the stunning ‘Serpentine Dreaming’ pedestrian bridge or eagerly wanting to picnic in one of the new nature play areas along the Swan River? With such exciting developments happening around us, 2017 is going to be a great year!

You needn’t wait until the New Year to have fun! Why not visit the spectacular Santa’s Magical Kingdom at the new purpose-built 
Burswood Crown Pyramid? This event is guaranteed to enthral not only the children, but also the young at heart. If you’re in or around Bunbury, pay a visit to the recently opened Ace of Spades on Spencer Street as this newly established friendly coffee outlet is one with a difference!

As the year draws to a close we prepare for the upcoming festive season and subsequent New Year. We’re reminded again that change in life is constant. With change comes opportunity, yet change also requires adjustment and adaptation. In this issue of Merise we initiate the first instalment of  a series of articles on how to help future-proof ourselves, our careers and our lives.

I hope that 2016 has been a good year for you, your family and friends, and that you have been abundantly blessed. On behalf of the Merise team I would like to wish you a wonderful Christmas, a most enjoyable summer and here’s hoping that your dreams for 2017 come true.

Merry Christmas!

Thinking outside the box is one of the big secrets in life. It is those individuals who find creative solutions who make a difference in the world and stand out from the crowd. Merise readers can learn strategies from Lu-Marie Sobey, a Perth-based innovation catalyst, who shares her secrets on how to develop creative thinking skills.

It is a similar way of thinking that has led to a new way of camping – called glamping. The current trend of spending time outdoors and sleeping under a canvas seems more appealing to many city slickers. Merise focuses on three beautiful glamping spots you should visit.

Moving house and settling into a new community can be a very stressful experience. Learn from the experience of others in making the transition smoother. Read more about moving on page 2.

Merise is planning the last social event for 2016 on 19 November and you are invited! We are so honoured to have Sumi Botha perform for us. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to get together with a special group of ladies for a delightful afternoon.

Hope to see you there!
Take care until next time,

Great news for cricket fans! Consider this your personal invitation to join an ardent group of South African supporters when the Proteas take on the Australian National Cricket Team at the WACA on Saturday 5 November 2016. We hope all enthusiastic South Africans in WA will be out in full force to show support to our cricketing heroes. We have made a block reservation in the Gold section of the Inverarity Stand. Follow the link on www.merisemag.com to make you booking.

Find happiness by investing time and effort in your relationships. Read all about a book called “The truth about relationships” which was launched recently. Are you guilty of indulging in carbohydrates and sugary foods? Perhaps it is because your body is running low on serotonin. Dr Christianson explains which foods make you feel happy.

September is child cancer awareness month. A brave little girl shares her story with Merise. Thank you, Teliah.

Great news for South Africans living abroad! Thanks to ShowMax you can now enjoy the best of MNet and Mzansi – no matter where you are. You can also order your favourite South African T-shirts, music, films and house ware online. Find out more on page 8. 

Until next time.

We are eagerly awaiting the launch of Qantas’s Dreamliner flights. World leading designers, including Marc Newson, combined efforts with university sleep experts to create a state of the art aircraft. The first Qantas 787 will be arriving in Australia about October next year and boasts the most modern technological features for a comfortable long flight. Read all about this modern aircraft and how you can join as a Qantas frequent flyer for free on www.merisemag.com.

Thank you, Merise reader Lauren Clark, for giving us an insight into the world of being a FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) mum. After reading her letter and researching the issues facing FIFO workers I am not convinced that we as a community are doing enough to support these families.

There are some lovely family events planned for the next few weeks such as the Sound of Music produced by London Palladium. The South African Church is hosting one of their legendary bazaars on 29 October and the Out of Africa Festival is taking place on the same day in Rockingham. 

You are most welcome to join the Merise event in Bunbury on Friday 14th October. See www.merisemag.com for more details. Find more information on page 7 about the ’Feminar’ which will be held in Bunbury on the 5th November 2016.

Have fun and enjoy!

If Variety is the spice of life, this Winter Issue of Merise provides you with more than a fair share of interest.

Tess Fraser-Grant spotlights sharks, highlighting current research into understanding these ancient creatures.  The development of shark repelling devices is on the world forefront and hopefully a device will soon be in place to deter sharks from mistaking humans as a food source.

We are ‘super proud’ of South African born Tamsin Cook who has been selected for the Australian Swimming Team competing at the Rio Olympics.  Thank you Merise reader Christina Bartels for sharing Tamsin’s journey.  We wish Tamsin the best of luck. Australia and South Africa will be with you all the way!

Are you one of those travellers guilty of over-debiting your credit card and arriving at the check-in counter with heaps of excess baggage? Rebekah Garret shares her advice on how to avoid being penalised by planning ahead.

Fancy a good idea? Take a trip to the picturesque village of Boddington, 120 kilometres south-east of Perth to a beautiful area in the heart of the Peel region of Western Australia.  On Sunday 25th September Boddington Arts Council is holding its 15th Annual Field of Quilts.  There are many displays to browse including vintage cars, numerous stalls and ‘Devonshire’, or rather Boddington tea.  We hope to see you there!

Take care, until next time.

H ave you ever wondered what it would be like to quit your job and allow your wanderlust to take you adventuring? 
This is exactly what Seth and Linds Anderson did, leaving their highflying jobs in New York City to travel through Australia, New Zealand and South Africa on a working holiday. Read all about their time in Australia and how a pair of city slickers coped with everything from veggie-picking to becoming equestrian assistants.

With so many travel options available to the general public, the world is certainly becoming smaller. Tess Fraser-Grant shares some interesting revelations for the discerning traveller. Also, have a look at the new children’s play area at Perth International Airport!

Moving to Australia can be a stressful experience and your visa application is key to the whole process.  A company such as Migration Support specializes in assisting would-be Aussies to tick all the boxes when applying for a visa. Once application is approved, the move to Australia follows shortly thereafter. 

Rebekah Garret reveals more about what happens to one’s personal effects once they arrive on Australian shores.

Take care, until next time

For me autumn is a season of gratitude. It is a relief to down gear after the boisterousness of apparently endless summer days and to take stock of the beauty and amazing grace that has been lavishly, albeit undeservedly, bestowed upon me. Marga Jordaan contributed a beautiful piece about how grateful she is for her new life in New Zealand. Enjoy!

When Sharon Knapp answered a knock on the door in the middle of the night, she could not have imagined the journey that lay ahead. But this family managed to turn things around as this harrowing experience uncovered an inner strength to overcome obstacles and set them on a path to give back to an extraordinary community. Read more inside.

Does your little pip-squeak run circles around you with the ever improving modern technology? Fear not, because help is at hand! Read more about Yvette Adams’s book No kidding – Why our kids know more about technology than us (and what we can do about it!).

Happy reading, until next time.

There is so much to do and so many places to go in May! One of the most important days on the calendar is Mother’s Day on 8 May.  This is a day for all mothers, young and old, to be cherished and adored and placed on their rightful pedestals.  Families share flowers and cards and although for some of us our mothers exist as fond memories, they will always be treasured in our hearts.

This year I am glad to say that I will be joined by one of my daughters as we participate in an 8km fundraising Mothers’ Day Classic Walk for breast cancer. We hope too that readers will join in the fun with thousands of others and contribute to this worthy cause.

May sees the Australian Footy season gaining momentum.  We feature an article to benefit those unsure of the rules and to help you feel part of this very entertaining sport which enthrals so many. Pick a team and follow them. It’s fun!

If you feel as I do, that it is almost impossible to find pleasure in WA gardening, we are about to be proven wrong! Merise is lucky enough to have the expertise of a proper gardener sharing tips on how to create a beautiful and lush garden. Enjoy!

Take care until next time.

Long ago … was it in the Seventies or Eighties? … South Africans jokingly referred to the PFP crowd. Not the South African political party at the time, but the ‘Packing for Perth’ crowd. And here in Australia, we are told, they were nicknamed the ‘new boat people’, because many arrived in Australia with brand new boats. The rumour goes that these boats were sold once they were safely in Australia, as it was an effective way of bypassing stringent foreign exchange regulations.

Unfortunately South Africans who migrate to Australia today are  seldom abundantly wealthy. They are ordinary, hardworking people, wishing to improve their lives and the future of their children. They are often also concerned for their safety.  

I think that South Africans make great Australians! South African born Australians are committed work hard and build successful careers. Like most other migrants, they are grateful for the opportunity to live in this beautiful country and they desperately want only the best for Australia and its citizens. They realise that the welfare of beloved friends and family back home is not the responsibility of the Australian people. 

However, as a South African born Australian, I want to express my sincere wish that the reported downward trend on visas granted to South Africans is to be reversed as soon as possible - in the interest of both our loved ones and our new country, Australia.

With the days flying by we are faced with the reality of embracing a New Year and all that it holds! 

In preparation for the year ahead this issue of Merise looks at drafting resumes for new opportunities and identifying different varieties of nutritious Aussie apples to compliment your daily lunch boxes.

February, the notorious month of love, brings with it Valentine’s Day celebrations where friends exchange romantic gifts and beautifully worded cards.  

If you are reading this, consider yourself a special friend of Merise and may you find happiness this Valentine’s Day, surrounded by love and laughter. 

The 14th of February is both Valentine’s Day and the day that the Australian Dollar celebrates it’s fiftieth birthday! The decimal dollar replaced the Australian pound way back in 1966. The Australian Dollar is now the fifth most traded currency in the world, trading in foreign exchange markets behind the US Dollar, the Euro, the Yen and the Pound Sterling (Wikipedia.org)

Happy reading and take care until next time.

It’s that time of year to relax and reach for your sunnies and bathers, haul out the esky, and enjoy a well-deserved break! At this special and magical time, we wish family and friends a very happy festive season. Thank you for your wonderful support over the past year and we hope that you continue to enjoy reading about life Down Under.

Merise is taking steps this month to help ensure that our planet will continue to be blessed with an abundance of wildlife.  You too could make a difference by helping end the practice of breeding lions for hunting, and ensuring their survival!

Our delightful double page Christmas spread shines a new light on Santa – all decked out on an Aussie beach! The articles contain some interesting snippets that you probably never realised about Christmas traditions and they are worth a read. 

We hope you all enjoy the enduring spirit of a beautiful Christmas season of love in this magnificent country we call home. May kindness and generosity surround you in 2016.

Until next time!

Christmas is a magical time and November is  the exciting month when the Christmas lights in Perth are switched on. The massive 13 metre tall Christmas tree will sparkle with 2000 lights! If you want to see this spectacular event, head to Forrest Place in the city before 7.30 pm on Friday 13 November and watch it all happen.

Take a Mandurah Cruise along the canals in December or early January. Again you will experience a wonderland of Christmas lights adorning the homes along the water.

Heading towards the holiday season must be the best time of the year! 

Perth has some of the world’s most glorious beaches and a summer turquoise ocean. Relaxing, entertaining and preparing for Christmas can be such fun. Remember to take time to appreciate the beauty around you and to rejuvenate as we near the end of 2015 and begin a new year.

Join us on our journey as we learn about local customs and discover exciting possibilities in our community.

Benjamin Franklin said that death and taxes are the only things certain in life, but I would tend to disagree. I feel that the one inescapable certainty is change. Sometimes we want to implement change and sometimes change chooses us.  Good and bad things occur in all our lives and whatever happens, the inevitable results is change. 

The affirmative side to change is that we can choose how it affects us. We can control whether change brings out the best in us, or if we allow it to destroy us. To ensure a good outcome we need to gratefully focus on the positive in almost every situation, even if it is sometimes difficult to do. 

If you are struggling to adjust to new circumstances, hang in there! 
Look for the beauty that surrounds you and listen to the promise of life and of special things to come. Life can be wonderful. 

If I may quote the Desiderata of Max Ehrmann – with all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. 

Embrace change, as with change come growth!

Take care until next time.

What a thrilling experience starting afresh can be, especially when you find yourself counting the days to the realisation of a dream and a new dawn! However, it is a totally different story when the change is sudden and you are caught off-balance. Merise first originated in 2011, a life-line borne from necessity to help ease the uncertainty of migration. What the Merise team may have lacked in experience, they certainly made up for with hard work and passion.

At the beginning of this year we made the difficult choice of starting 'over'- because we deemed our glossy magazine worthy of this upgrade. We are proud of the significant changes in our latest issue of Merise, which you are no doubt reading and I am sure that you will agree with me that Merise takes pride of place on the shelf!

As you may have perceived, the theme of this issue is 'starting over: We strongly identify with anyone who has had to start over- whether the fresh start be migration, a new job, a new baby or for any other reason. By reading Elbie van Coller's article on the various phases of migration, you come to realise that these phases apply to any major changes that may occur.

In your life and that in order to reach your end goal successfully, you need to persistently persevere. lf you continue moving in the right direction, you are sure to succeed. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask. There are always people who are willing and able to help you, even If it is merely to guide you in a different direction.

This issue is filled with interesting articles and stunning photos of the many places we choose to live and visit the magazine's expert advice helps us overcome our challenges and, as always, we have stylish fashion pages, delicious recipes and entertaining reading for everyone. Thank you to all for your contributions - we love hearing from you.

Until next time, happy reading!
Suzette van der Heijden

And so we find ourselves on the Eve of Christmas and on the eve of a new year. In Perth, flocks of galahs (a member of the cockatoo family) rest in the trees during the day, then descend on lush green fields for an evening snack, forming a carpet of mingled pink and grey. In the suburbs, fountains gush with abandonment and young girls with everlasting legs strut about in the shortest of shorts, displaying belly button rings and tattoos in mentionable and unmentionable places. 

On just about every sidewalk, friends enjoy a leisurely hour of catching up over a flat white or long black. The beaches are packed with people snatching every opportunity to wash away the cares of 2013 in the briny waves. Kids playing in the sand, thongs, sunnies, hats, towels, beach bags and the smell of suntan lotion complete the holiday picture.

Gone are the anxious rushing arounds of the past year that reach a peak in the final scramble just before families and friends enjoy the bliss of heavenly company around a Christmas tree.

If there is one thing that I have learnt this past year, it is that we can never take our good health for granted. In today’s hectic life, we very often neglect to recover completely after an illness. We visit the doctor only when the matter becomes urgent, and it is not long before we rejoin the rat race. But one day, out of the blue, reality catches up with us and quick recovery is no longer a given. It is then that we are forced to consider a lifestyle change.

Not every health issue is due to an unhealthy lifestyle, but we give our bodies the best possible chance to heal
by living healthily. It is for this reason that I wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and a prosperous and especially healthy New Year. 

Take care until next time!


A wedding in another country is like any other migration experience –  never assume you know exactly how it works. One of the biggest differences between weddings in Australia or New Zealand and those in South Africa is that the wedding function does not necessarily directly  follow the wedding ceremony itself. It may happen that the ceremony  takes place in the morning while the function is in the evening or even on the weekend to follow. Guests are not always invited to both events.  If you are one of the select few who are attending both, you may be expected to wear two different outfit. There may be other, more subtle differences, too. Ask the locals to clarify any uncertainties – they are usually happy to help.

In this issue we write about being brave. We hope these articles will inspire you to tackle each day with renewed courage, even if only to find beauty in every day, and to know that difficult times lend opportunity for personal growth.

Merise Magazine Issue 11

November/December 2017

October/November 2017

September/October 2017

August/September 2017

July/August 2017

June/July 2017

May/June 2017

April/May 2017

March/April 2017

Merise Event Magazine

February/March 2017

November/December 2016

October/November 2016

September/October 2016

August/September 2016

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.

Merise Magazine Issue 10

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