In this issue

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

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.