Real-life story behind popular Gospel hit headed to the big screen

I Can Only Imagine, the multi-platinum gospel single by Christian rock group MercyMe, has managed to capture the hearts of millions of fans across the globe since its release in 2001. Now, the directors of Mom’s Night Out and Woodlawn, Jon and Andrew Erwin (Erwin Brothers) and producer Kevin Downes (Courageous) have joined forces to bring the fascinating story behind this hit to life on the big screen in a heartfelt film that promises to bring hope to many.

The film opens at cinemas in South Africa on 11 May.

Watch the trailer here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6450186/videoplayer/vi3335632921?ref_=tt_ov_vi

The idea for the song was inspired by band frontman, Bart Millard’s, past and was written years after finally overcoming his abusive childhood. It immediately resonated with audiences of all ages, became an instant top-selling hit, won Songwriter Of The Year and Song Of The Year at the Dove Awards and was certified as a double platinum selling Christian song. “We were making an independent record, and we needed one more song. And I was literally just trying to find a blank page [in my journal], and every page had the words ‘I Can Only Imagine’ written on it,” shares Bart. “So it was kinda like, ‘I get it.’ I wrote the song on the bus one night. Even though it took about five or ten minutes to write, it had been in my heart for a really long time.”

Watch the Song here

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE (the movie) tells the story of a little boy in Texas who is emotionally and physically abused by his father (Dennis Quaid) and abandoned by his mother. The abuse starts after his father suffers a brain injury due to an accident at work and becomes a ‘monster’ who is unable to control his anger and disappointment with life. By the grace of God, Bart (John Michael Finley) and his father manages to redeem their relationship during his teenage years and he gets to witness the power of faith and transformation first-hand.

Broadway actor, John Michael Finley’s (Les Misérables, Sweeney Todd), makes his on-screen debut in the lead-role of Bart Millard in this emotional film. It was his booming voice that first drew filmmakers to cast him as this pivotal character. Interestingly, his background proved to connect him even more to the role. “I was born in Arkansas and grew up in southern Missouri, so I had that Midwest mentality,” says Finley. “Bart and I both had early life events that made us grow up real fast. And I connect with the way Bart uses humour to deflect other people.”

Acclaimed actor, Dennis Quaid (The Right Stuff, Breaking Away, The Parent Trap, Far From Heaven) plays Arthur, Bart’s father, who saw his dreams dashed and strives to protect his son from similar disappointment, even if it means having no dreams at all. The film also boasts impressive performances by model and television star, Madeline Carroll, in the role of Millard’s wife Shannon as well as Golden Globe Winner, Cloris Leachman (A Brand New Life, Malcolm in the Middle), as Memaw.

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE is a gripping reminder of the power of forgiveness and beautifully illustrates that no one is ever too far from God’s love - or from an eternal home in Heaven. “What I’m most excited about is people seeing this who have never heard the story before,” explains producer Kevin Downes. “This is a powerful tale that I believe is going to bring hope to people all over the world.”

This inspirational movie is distributed by Ster-Kinekor Entertainment and will be released in South African cinemas on 11 May 2018.

For more information on I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, including official trailers, please visit our Facebook Page or follow us on Twitter at @SterEnt, using #ICOI.

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE – THE MOVIE

Genre: Drama | Family

Classification: TBA

Running time: 1h:50mins

Release date: 11 May 2018

Sneak previews to the public are taking place in cinemas around the country on Sunday, April 29 at the following Ster-Kinekor cinemas (bookings available onwww.sterkinekor.com):-

• Tygervalley
• Cape Gate
• Blueroute
• Somerset Mall
• Garden Route Mall
• Gateway
• Mall of Africa
• Cradlestone
• Matlosana Mall
• Brooklyn Mall
• Kolonnade
• Irene Mall
• Cresta
• Mall at Carnival
• Eastgate

The film officially opens in South Africa on 11 May at the following cinemas:-

Ster-Kinekor

Cape Region

1. Tygervalley
2. Cape Gate
3. Blueroute
4. Somerset Mall
5. Guarden Route Mall

KZN Region

1. Gateway

Northern Region

2. Mall Of Africa
3. Cradlestone
4. Matlosana
5. Brooklyn Commercial
6. Kolonnade
7. Irene

Southern Region

1. Cresta
2. Mall Of Carnival
3. Eastgate

Nu Metro

1. Canal Walk
2. Cornubia
3. Hyde Park
4. Menlyn Park
5. Pavilion
6. Westgate
7. Woodlands

Independent Sites

1. Epic Mall@Reds
2. Epic Northridge
3. Maxi Cineplex
4. Midlands Cine
5. Movies@Emnotweni
6. Movies@Monte
7. NC Game City
8. Suncoast Cine

DIY WATER-SAVING TIPS, WITH ELLE FRANCO

 

Elle Franco is a TV presenter, Voice Over artist, MC, producer and a DIY aficionado. Fresh and versatile, Elle elegantly executes all of her performances with passion. Not just a pretty face, Elle has had over 7 years experience in the TV broadcasting industry. 

 

We sat down with this dynamic lady and asked her for her top 5 water saving tips, to help our comrades in Cape Town!

 

"No matter where you live nowadays, being water-wise and saving water is always a good idea especially with the effects of global warming and climate change rapidly taking shape. Not only will your household help the environment but you will also save money.

Here are a few handy DIY water savvy saving tips that you can do at home.” Elle says.

Tip 1:

My first tip may seem obvious, but it’s one that is often overlooked or ignored. Do a quick inspection of all the taps in your home, inside and outside, for any leaks or drips. It may be just as simple as changing a ‘washer’.

You can also reduce the flow of water coming out your taps by adding a regulating Aerator, which helps to reduce water usage and aids the water to flow softer. And they are easy to install and inexpensive.

Tip 2:

Most households make use of a dishwasher and washing machine; make sure that both are full to the maximum to get the most out of one wash cycle.

If you are buying a new washing machine or dishwasher look out for the star eco rated water and energy saving models. Buying these models makes for long term use in saving water and will make all the difference.

Also select toilet systems that have dual half and full flush options, using less water when needed.  Always keep a look out for new water saving products that can be easily added to your home.

Tip 3:

3 Words- Grey water recycling! Grey water recycling is gently used water from your kitchen or bathroom sinks, showers, tubs and washing machines, which may contain traces of dirt, grease and certain household products that can be reused to water your garden and plants. 

You can opt to use and install “grey water recycling systems” or simply connect a “grey water hose” from your washing machine or bath gutter and let it flow into the garden. (Remember to also make use of eco friendly detergents).

A really easy way to grab “grey water” from your bathroom is to make use of small buckets. Decant the bath water before pulling the plug, or shower with a small bucket near your feet, this is a great way of collecting extra water to reuse. Remember to time your shower and only shower for about 4 to 5 minutes to limit water usage. 

One last easy tip when it comes to showering is to replace shower heads with a low water usage shower head.  There are so many water -wise shower heads to choose from.  Remember…never leave a tap running!

Tip 4:

Gardening water-wise tips to keep in mind when trying to save water, is to use tap timers (manual or digital) and connect them to your water irrigation system, this helps the amount of time  used for.  You can set specific times for either early in the morning or late afternoon, which are the best times to water your garden to limit evaporation from the sun. 

When planting plants in your garden bed add “garden water storage crystals or granules” to the soil and mix thoroughly. This way when the garden is watered, the crystals in the soil expand to soak up and store moisture close to the roots of the plant. Genius! This tip was given to me by friend, Tanya Visser, everyone’s favourite gardener :-)

Choose plants that are water efficient, like succulents and plants that are indigenous to South Africa, these plants need very little water to survive and look lush and pretty in your Garden.

Tip 5:

Install a rain water harvesting tank in your home; they are a great way of catching all the natural rain fall from your roof and gutters. Rain water tanks and systems come in all different shapes and sizes.  Choosing one that suits your style and budget is easy and will save you money on your water bills. If you want a DIY option of a rain water harvesting tank, I show you how in this You Tube video in collaboration with the Home Channel and Builders for the “Home Made Easy TV show 2017”.

My DIY version of a rain harvesting bin lives in my garden and comes in so handy. Follow the link to make your own Rain harvesting tank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p0IeSrP4Mk

Follow her journey:

https://www.instagram.com/withelle_/

https://twitter.com/WithElle_za

https://www.facebook.com/DIYwithelle/

Slimatone Designed for Women

Slimatone Designed for Women is a lifestyle brand . They have products in their range that cater for every women 's needs . From Meal Replacements (the Breakfast Shake )  to very advanced natural  products such as Stracura , that is proven to go to work immediately and effectively , 1 hour after ingestion .  They have created these tools to make a women's life easier, we all know how busy we can get during the day, so they have now created this brand that is specifically designed for women that helps them in getting healthier and stronger.

I was recently given some of the Breakfast Shake to try and test, and I must say it is one of the best I have ever tried. All too often you buy a shake with the intention to become healthier or to try and be a better eater or get the vitamins you body is missing, but they taste horrible and make you feel worse than before. But with this, I am feeling more energetic, healthier and ready to make a healthier lifestyle change. I give this brand the biggest thumbs up possible because it really is a great idea, if great for wellness and creates a much needed positive change. 

 Alexandra, the owner and creator, created this brand last year. She started Slimatone because there are no other brands that cater for women only in South Africa, she wanted to create a full range for every women’s needs. Their product range includes but is not limited to, tablets for sleeping, stress, weight loss, protein and breakfast just to name a few. They have created a one stop shop to living a healthier life for women. Women can get everything they need from this one shop, instead of shopping around trying to find the best products suited for them.

Some of their products include:

The serenity  stack, for people who suffer from sleep deprivation and stress , Secura is a supplement, that can be taken and adjusted accordingly according to your needs, its natural products that will get you through the day, that just keeps you calmer and able to function with the added stress levels our bodies too often added onto us.. Snooze, is the second range that helps with natural sleep, that doesn’t leave you with that “hangover feeling”, is non addictive, all natural products. All of the products are made specifically with natural ingredients to keep one healthier for longer without having the chemicals that come in so many other brands. This is A healthier alternative to chemically based products that do similar things

Their Breakfast shake was created to eliminate day to day worries. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Alex encourages women not to skip it, as when you do, women find themselves aggravated, moody, grumpy all those negative emotions, you have to have something when you wake up. Many women aren’t always comfortable or feel the need to eat breakfast as they are always on the go, they grab a cup of coffee or tea and leave to start their day. Now they have the shake for on the go. The level of the quality for the breakfast shack is very high.. The shake is a food blend of multi-vitamins, as well as added fibre and many healthier products that are not commonly found in meal replacements. Women need the extra vitamins and fiber that is isn’t always readily available for on the go. The fibre is needed to keep you regular and not get stomach cramps etc.

Slimatone has many more exciting products and events coming your way including a recipe book designed especially for South Africans and the ever busy lifestyle. These recipes are coming straight from the creators themselves along with their ambassadors who are developing their own meals to put into the book. Catering to the SA market is of huge importance.

Slimatone is a wellness brand who is original and has created something unique in the products. They are also not going to expect you to just buy the products and off you go; they are interested in customizing your diet, helping you to achieve your wanted goals.

We are running a competition with The Vibe ZA and Slimatone. We are giving away a Breakfast Shake Hamper. All you have to do to enter is like and follow all of us on social media and tell us why you want to win this amazing prize. Follow the link to enter. 

A Styling Session with ghd

I had the amazing opportunity to go over to ghd South Africa’s offices where I was treated to a styling session for my hair. The stylist and ghd educator, Natasja Pienaar, did the most wonderful 70s inspired look on my hair. Whilst having my hair styled, I learnt a lot about the products, styles for my own hair and the latest in ghd technology.

I personally have always loved using ghd and their products, personally I believe it is one of the best styles on the market and doesn’t damage my hair as much as if I were to use a cheaper brand. ghd is a very competitive brand that takes the market by storm, not only in South Africa but around the world. Their secret? They keep ahead of the demand, they have ever evolving technology and they are one step ahead of the rest of other brands around the world

One of the things that I loved chatting about was the ever revolving styles and fashions that have come in and out throughout the time, but how the golden oldies always seem to make reappearance in our time. Right now, the 70’s hair is making a comeback, the golden waves, the middle paths, crimping, and many other looks that was made famous by 70’s icons. Which of course meant that I was going to have my hair styled to look like a golden girl babe. A boy did I, if I do say so myself. (Total vain moment)

I’ve always known there were many tricks of a ghd straighter, like being able to straighten and curl hair, however I had never seen it being done that way. My hair turned into proper cork screws curls with the slight twist of the hand. You can watch the video here. From there, they were brushed out with a large toothed comb that separated the curls into beautiful waves flowing down my back. I felt as if I was ready to take on the role of one of Charlies’ Angels.

The new ghd Technology is guaranteed to keep your hair healthier for longer with minimal damage. The new ghd Gold, has two sensors that make sure the device doesn’t get too hot, the ghd gold styler (like the other stylers) are designed to stay at 185 degrees. They say this is the perfect temperature to minimize damage and create great styles.

Ella Golden Honeybee

We’ve seen the embroidery trend take over for the past couple seasons from the runway to the streets and it’s here to stay!

This season is all about winter classics with a twist. Inspired by nature and a contemporary bohemian feel, the Pretty Ballerinas Ella Golden Honeybee loafers boast intricately stitched details with the perfect amount of personality.

These stylish flats are a subtle way to add an edgy touch to an otherwise understated outfit while still remaining chic and fashionable. With a dramatic stylish pointed toe that embodies the Pretty Ballerinas elegant look, perfectly contrasted with the hand embroidered bee detailing this shoe is guaranteed to get you noticed!

Let your Shoes be the star of the show and rock your pair of Pretty Ballerinas Honeybee Loafers with mom jeans and a soft knit or dress them up with a midi skirt, tights and a leather jacket for the perfect combination of feminine edge.

Get your hands on a pair of Pretty Ballerina loafers available at the Pretty Ballerinas flagship store in Hyde Park Corner. For more information please call: (011) 325 5411.

THE HEALTHIEST OPTION

A healthy lifestyle has never been easier to achieve!

Good Hearts Brown Rice chip range is the perfect healthy snack to take with you on the go, made with only the highest quality ingredients like whole grain rice and olive oil these chips have 50% less fat than regular potato chips!  GMO, MSG and preservative free these chips will be sure to help you reach your health and fitness goals!

With a Range of delicious flavours including sour cream and onion, cheese, barbecue and sweet tomato and herb there’s no craving that these chips won’t satisfy!

               

Gone are the days of bland and tasteless healthy snacks, the Good Heart Brown Rice Chip Range will be a favourite amongst adults and children alike , packed with flavour and nutrients they are perfect for anyone from executives to mothers on the go who want an easy lunchbox treat.

The Good Heart range is not only good for you but good for others too! Good Heart is partnered with Feed SA allowing you to fuel your body while helping a child fuel theirs. Good Heart donates a percentage of every packet of chips sold to Feed SA and will go towards helping feed a hungry child.

Be sure to grab a packet from Clicks, Dischem, Engen garages and a truck load of independent stores and kick off your healthy lifestyle.  

Discover The Convenience of ROCKA’s Progressive Earphones

Fitness enthusiasts now have something to get excited about! Our favourite celebrity-endorsed electronics brand ROCKA is expanding into the Sports World.

ROCKA, the leading brand in complete multimedia experiences, has released a new contender in the realm of performance earphones with their Progressive Sport Hook-Ons. Featuring a multitude of powerful features and capabilities, The Sports Hook-On Earphone incorporates performance and durability whilst keeping style in mind.

Progressive Earphones are the perfect combination of style and functionality.  With their innovative hook on feature, music lovers can now effortlessly use earphones while completing strenuous activities like gym, hiking or cycling. The ROCKA Progressive Earphones feature removable over-ear hooks which are soft and flexible, making it easier to go from a quick run to a casual walk and talk offering both comfort and security.

ROCKA believes in the power of music and is determined to bring the joy of music to as many people as possible. The Sports Hook-On Earphones gives users high quality sound, control, durability and comfort.

Get your very own pair of ROCKA Progressive Earphones available at selected Makro stores nation.

For more information contact 011 608 3633 or visit their website

www.rocka.co.za

SUPER SS18 COLLECTIONS

SUPER SS18 SUN CRUISE COLLECTION

A keen new take on the brands most iconic shapes and tuttolente technology characterize Super’s new cruise collection.

Fusing together different aesthetic references that range from fashion forward, fearless oversized styles to activate- inspired, utilitarian finishes, the brand new cruise collection anticipates experimental, visionary trends for the coming spring/summer 2018 season. The collection starts with 2 of the most iconic super silhouettes – the timeless, bold flat top and iconic rounded Lucia- to be precise, their tuttolente versions, giving them a brand new sleek metal armor. The cruise collection features two new flavors in four color- ways: Lenz flat top and Lenz Lucia in black and gold, silver and gold, all-blue, and tone on tone amaranth.

SUPER SS18 OPTICAL COLLECTION

Innovation within the limits of everyday utilitarian optical frames, that need to conform to the ergonomic, construction and material constraints without compromising in look and feel. For the coming season, Super has created a line of optical frames that stretches the boundaries of traditional eyewear design by introducing new silhouettes, materials and production techniques. From application of the tuttolente all- lens technology to optical frames, as well as exciting geometries that fuse past references into cutting edge models for the 21^st century.

The new line of optical frames is bold, fresh and determined. With its mix of evergreen designs, eclectic visual styles and sophisticated materials, the new optical line of glasses for spring/summer 2018 sets a new benchmark for innovative and stylistically eyewear design.   

CHARM AND UNIQUE CRAFTSMANSHIP UNITE IN CHLOé’S NEW “ROSIE” STYLE

Chloé advances its whimsical fascination and high-tech expertise with “Rosie,” the brand’s latest style, distinguished by a contemporary yet dreamy shape that looks as though it was just drawn from a lively bouquet in a secret garden.

This design, unique to the Chloé sun collection, features a 3-piece frame equipped with 4mm premium lenses that are multifaceted and finely molded to evoke the shape of a flower.
Selected as the focus style for the brand’s seasonal advertising campaign, the new sunglasses possess a rare shine, achieved through a meticul

The temples add personality to the enchanting design and are patterned with a subtle chiseled finish and fitted with functional anti-slip temple tips in Mazzucchelli marbled acetate.

The frame, available in two sizes, is completed with the new stopper hinge and the signature metal tear drop cut-out, serving as an aesthetic detail and a functional element for attaching the chain accessory.

Rosie’s exceptional construction is further elevated by the original and fresh new colours of the gradient lenses. Offered in Blue, Rose, Ochre and Classic Brown.

CHLOé FUSES CLASSIC INSPIRATION AND CONTEMPORARY SPIRIT IN THE NEW “ROMIE” STYLE

Presented with the Spring/Summer 2018 runway collection, this lightweight frame features a semi-rimless metal structure enriched with the luminous and polished touch of the metallic contours.

The signature circle on the top replaces the traditional double bridge construction and is treated with a special hammered finishing borrowed from the goldsmith tradition. It is combined with high-impact lenses that create a delicate floating effect on the lower part of the front.

The style is fitted with silicone anti-slip nosepads, colourful temple tips that coordinate with the mirrored lenses, and the new iconic metal tear drop cut-out, which serves as a decorative touch and a functional element for attaching the chain accessory.chloe.com

The new “Romie” style stands out for its streamlined and versatile shape, which bestows a modern allure to the classic aviator style.

Krispy Kreme is mixing things up again and collaborating with Bakers Romany Creams and Choc-kits!

How often do you find yourself reminiscing about the days that you ran around Grandma’s

house, barefoot, with your ponytail bouncing as you go. Your BB gun securely fastened in your

makeshift pocket harness? Honing your puppy dog face to try and bribe granny for some more

cookies from her treats jar, which come to think of it, never seemed to run empty. Krispy Kreme

is taking you back to those carefree, mud stained days by collaborating with a South African

favourite, Bakers Romany Creams and Choc-kits.

Let freshly baked memories consume you when you bite into a Classic Romany Cream – an

unglazed shell with a Classic Romany Cream infused Kreme, dipped in chocolate icing and

topped with crushed Classic Romany Cream and a chocolate icing drizzle. For the coffee lovers

you may enjoy a Cappuccino Romany Cream – a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnut with

Cappuccino icing, topped with crushed Cappuccino Romany Cream. Alternatively try a Vanilla

Choc-kits – an unglazed shell with a Vanilla Choc-kit White Kreme, dipped in white icing, topped

with crushed Vanilla Choc-kits and finished with a caramel drizzle.

For all the Joe Cools out there the Classic Romany Cream Chiller is a must try - a white chocolate

chiller infused with Classic Romany Cream biscuit, topped with cream and crushed Romany

Cream biscuit. Is your heart beating a little faster yet?

Why not, invite your Grandma to share the joy this month of April? Thank her for all the years

that she sent you home with a little lunchbox full of your favourite sweet cookies, helped you

with homework and never snitched on you to your parents.

The Bakers collaboration launches nationally on the 3rd April and will run until the 30th April

2018. This collaboration is proudly South African and world-class. Is there anything in this

world that sounds better than merging two of your favourite treats together? Delicious

doughnuts and Freshly Baked Bakers biscuits.

Krispy Kreme has captured the flavours and feelings of the season. With winter fast

approaching this pairing could not have come at a better time. Find these nostalgic rings of

goodness at any Krispy Kreme outlet.