Henry Holland designs available at Mr Price!

Mr Price and Henry Holland Collaboration

The news of the day for us ladies of Cape Town : Mr Price have collaborated with indie-rock-pop band FUN, to produce a line of limited edition tees available at Mr Price stores. 

With that an entire new range of fabulous, fun dresses and other items come with Mr Holland - We had the privilege to be at the Mr Price Summer Festival party for the launch of the new range and let me tell you, its just beyond stunning.

The launch was set in the beautiful gardens of no other but the Résidence de France - it was like being a little girl all over again with a beauty bar so you can have your nails done and your hair braided - a flower stand to make your own flower crown - 2 pop up shops with instant shopping available with the latest designs. There was so much to see and to do, it was an amazing experience, attended by most Cape Town's A-Listers :)

All this to the beautiful sound of Jimmy Nevis's live performance, followed by DJ's until the night ended - just spoilled I tell you!!

 

FUN and Mr Price will donate R10 from the sale of each tee to the Red Cap Foundation Schools Project an initiative that empowers and creates cultures of learning excellence in schools throughout South Africa.

The co-lab with FUN. is the perfect combination of hot fashion, happening music and giving back to the community.

Another exciting co-lab is with Henry Holland, one of London’s hottest fashion designers. His dynamic and risk-taking fashion epitomises cutting edge London street style and everyone from international supermodel Agyness Deyn to music superstar MIA have rocked his designs. R10 from the sale of each of these items will also be donated to the Red Cap Foundation Schools Project. 

You can find all of these items of clothing at your local Mr Price store, or shop online here!

Oh the fun :)

Devonvale Provoyeur Wine

Who doesn't love a good glass of full bodied wine after a hard day of labor?
We all do of course!

And who doesn't love a nice relaxing day in a peaceful quiet place where we can eat as much as an ogre and drink.. well as much as ... an ogre too?
Well, one of my favorite place is Devonvale in Stellenbosh. About 30 mins drive from Cape Town, Devonvale is first of all a world class golf course, but also an wine farm and event venue surrounded by rolling vineyards and majestic mountains, the ideal place for the entire family or just a meal for two.
I enjoy their Sunday lunch as I hate doing anything at all on Sundays and this is always a good excuse to top up on most divine wine! :) And now that the sun has finally decided to join us, it's the perfect time to take a little trip to Stellenbosh, enjoy a good home cooked Sunday lunch and come back the boot full of wine for the season! Oh and if you happened to have one too many, you can always just stay over in luxurious accommodation.
With their wonderful Provoyeur Cabernet Shiraz blend at R45 per bottle, you cannot go wrong and you will find me leaving Devonvale with 2 or 3 cases each time.. hehe which I always share with my friends though!




The Cabernet / Shiraz is a meaty red blend of cabernet sauvignon 60% and shiraz 40%. Wood smoke and  pepper on the nose is carried by a savoury palate of red fruit and chocolate with a chalky mineral finish. Matured for 12 months with new French Oak.
My second favourite,  which has been recently voted N°1 on the top 12 Wine ( Top12 listing here )  is the Cabernet Sauvignon at R75 per bottle.
A classic Cape Cabernet Sauvignon with deep crimson colour. A palate of blackcurrant, green herbs and a chalky mineral finish compliments Cedarwood and cigarbox on the nose. A perfect companion for classic fine dining.
For More information and booking or purchase, contact Brigitte (who is just lovely) on brigitte@devonvale.co.za or +27 (0) 21 888 4736.
I hope you enjoy as much as I do and try to meet with JJ Provoyeur while you are there, he is one of the most interesting man I have met, and again, just so nice and lovely!! (must come from drinking that delicious wine!!)
 

Its Braai day on Tuesday 24th (South African heritage day - BBQ day)

If you dont yet know the word "Braai", it is the local slang for BBQ- and if anyone in the world knows how "to braai", it's definitely the South Africans! It is in their blood more than in their culture!



So if you are not planning your own Braai  or haven't yet been invited to one, celebrate South African culture at a selection of Braai Day events this Heritage Day - get ready to smell burning meat wherever you will be tomorrow, nothing will stop the South Africans from Braaing tomorrow!

See few places you can experience this unique wonderrful and warm day!

Heritage Day Potjiekos Challenge at Noordhoek Farm Village

Contestants who craft the best tasting, truly South African potjie stand a chance to take home the gold, silver and bronze medals as well as a hearty helping of bragging rights.
Though, this Heritage Day affair isn’t limited to only those slaving away over their steaming, three-legged cast iron pots; visitors can sample each potjie and can perhaps even sway the judges’ opinions. Samples will be for sale at R20 per container (and rice, eco-friendly containers and utensils for eating will be provided), and the proceeds of the sales go to a nominated charity.
Time:09:00 - 18:00
Venue:Noordhoek Farm Village
Location:Cnr Main Road and Village Lane | Noordhoek
Price:R20p/p
Phone:+27 (0) 21 789 1317
Email  info@noordhoekvillage.co.za

Braai Day Menu at Dornier Bodega
For an elegant National Braai Day, indulge in lavish dining and fine wine at Dornier Bodega restaurant in Stellenbosch. On Tuesday, 24 September 2013, the charming eatery will be offering a special Braai Day menu, and guests can look forward to an upscaled version of the traditional South African barbeque: beef fillet, lamb chops and boerewors grilled on the fire. A pescetarian option of linefish, also done on the braai, is on offer too. The cost is R250p/p for a three-course meal (it also includes a mezze platter for starters and delicious local desserts), and the experience comes complete with views of scenic fynbos-clad hills and manicured vines.
Dornier Wine Estate | Blaauwklippen Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0) 21 880 0557

The Backyard Grill Lounge

Looking for a chilled vibe with your mates this braai day? Pop in at the Backyard Grill Lounge in Sea Point for some steaks and beers. Although the barbeque-focused eatery will not be hosting an actual event, there will be a steak special running on Tuesday, 24 September, that treats patrons to 300g of rump or rib-eye (including a side) for a mere R99. The succulent meat is smothered in Jason’s (the owner) signature “everything but the kitchen sink” basting sauce and expertly grilled by a seasoned braai master. If you haven’t come across this young and bustling restaurant just yet, don’t be fooled by the narrow, unassuming entrance. Walk through to the warm, rustic interior and on to the large outside (‘backyard’) barbeque area and make yourself at home. If you’re looking for something a bit less meaty, the menu offers alternative seafood and vegetarian options too. On Heritage Day the restaurant opens at 12pm.
72 Regent Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 433 1296

Longest Braai Marathon: Guinness World Record Attempt (22 – 27 September 2013)

Join Kidz Adventure Camp NPC at the Jan Burger Sports Complex in Parow North as John Hamman attempts to break the current Guinness World Record for the longest braai marathon with a five-day barbeque (clocking up to 120 hours). The festivities start on Sunday, 22 September 2013, with loads of family- and kid-friendly activities and live Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment. On National Braai Day, moms and dads can keep the kiddies entertained with jumping castles, and everyone is invited to bring along their Weber and enjoy some live music and braai day fun. Those who can’t make it to the venue can sponsor a braai pack, and all food braaied during the five-day challenge will be donated to orphanages around Cape Town. Entry to this event is free.
Jan Burger Sports Complex | De Grendel Road | Parow North | +27 (0) 76 323 5057

Hazendal Wine Estate’s Bring & Braai Day Celebration

For those who insist on holding fast to their braai master status, but who don’t have space at home to fire up the grill, Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is offering the perfect solution. The farm, with its sprawling lawns, mountain vistas and charming Cape Dutch architecture, is hosting a family-friendly Bring and Braai celebration for Heritage Day from 11am to 5pm on Tuesday, 24 September. So, pack your meat, drinks, glasses, blankets and portable braais with grids and enjoy a picnic on the estate’s gorgeous greens. A jumping castle and jungle gym will be set up for the little ones, and Hazendal wine can be purchased from the restaurant. Don’t forget the wood and ice! The entrance fee is R30 per adult, and kids enter for free.
Bottelary Road | Koelenhof | Stellenbosch | +27 (0) 21 903 5034

Heritage Day Lunch at The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse restaurant at the Claremont Cricket Club in Constantia is hosting its very first annual Heritage Day braai-inspired lunch on Tuesday, 24 September 2013. The family-style eatery is a great place for a traditional Braai Day celebration, and patrons can enjoy breathtaking scenery and views of Table Mountain across the cricket fields. The menu for the day includes dishes like Coconut and Coriander-Infused Chicken Skewers, Homemade Clubhouse Boerewors and Crispy Bacon, Caper, Red Onion, Pickle and Herb Potato Salad, to name just a few. Overall, you can expect a casual atmosphere, excellent food and great service, all at a cost of R115 for adults and R55 for children (drinks for patrons’ own account). The lunch starts at 12:30pm.
Claremont Cricket Club | Constantia Sports Complex | Constantia | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 794 6314

Snoek Braai at Delheim Estate

Celebrate Heritage Day with a laidback snoek braai at the legendary Delheim wine farm, which rests just outside of Stellenbosch. From 12pm on the public holiday, the estate’s proprietors, the Sperling family, will light the fires in celebration of South African cultural diversity. The fresh snoek will be accompanied by traditional roosterkoek, mielies (sweet corn), sweet potatoes and braai salads; plus, the children can enjoy a special sausage-on-a-skewer alongside fresh fruit. Then, for dessert, adults can indulge in Delheim’s popular mascarpone cheesecake with berry coulis while kiddies tuck into a passion fruit sorbet cone. The cost to join in on the festivities is R145p/pfor adults and R65p/p for children under the age of 12. Seating is limited, so booking is essential.
Knorhoek Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0) 21 888 4607 

DIY Braai at Nederburg’s The Red Table

Book a braai barrel at The Red Table restaurant at Nederburg wine estate in celebration of Heritage Day on Tuesday, 24 September. The eatery will provide meat and seafood, as well as side dishes like salads, vegetables, traditional pap and sheba (tomato and onion relish), and guests are encouraged to fire up their own flames. If a DIY braai is not your thing though, the restaurant’s chefs are kind enough to man the grid on your behalf (just indicate this request when you make the booking). A tasty starter of home-baked flatbread with hummus, basil pesto and baba ghanoush will be served before the actual braai commences. And, of course, a wide array of reasonably priced fine wines from the Nederburg range will also be on offer. The cost of reserving a braai barrel is R220p/p for adults and R95p/p for kids, and the best braaier of the day will win a great wine prize. The braai starts at 12pm, and booking well in advance is essential.
Sonstraal Road | Daljosafat | Paarl | +27 (0) 21 877 5155

Braai Day Treats at Durbanville Hills Wines

Looking to do something a bit less formal on Braai Day? Durbanville Hills is offering a great option. At the estate on 24 September, you can enjoy live music and an assortment of gourmet boerewors rolls and chicken sosaties fresh off the braai at only R35 a serving. Alternatively, you can relax while being served lunch from the restaurant’s a la carte menu. There’s no need to braai yourself, so you’ll be free to spread out on the lawns and soak up the spectacular view of the vineyards and Table Mountain’s silhouette.
Tygerberg Road | Durbanville | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 558 1300
 

DIY BRAAI

OUDERKRAAL

Waves lapping gently at the sandy shore, a bevy of beauties parading around and wonderfully maintained braai areas make Oudekraal a must.
Location: Between Camps Bay and Llandudno
Contact: +27 (0)21 438 9555
Website: www.sanparks.org

SILVERMINE

With a backdrop of the beautiful Table Mountain Reserve,  Silvermine braai and picnic area is arguably the most beautiful BBQ settings in Cape Town. This is a fantastic braai spot for an ultra-sunny day but braaiing isn’t allowed during the hot summer months as it is a fire risk – take advantage of the Mother City’s warm winter days for this spot. The official braai areas are situated alongside the Silvermine reservoir and each clearing boasts a large and relatively private picnic space for its users. There are also plenty of trails and bird watching perches as well.
Cost: R25 adults, R10 kids under 12 (Wild Card holders are free).
Gate times: 07h00 to 19h00.
Tel: 021-780-9002
Need to know: Swimming in the reservoir is allowed so bring your cozzie.

Wynberg Park

Luscious lawns, a huge playground for the little ones and ample facilities to prove your braaing skills ... what’s not to love about Wynberg Park?
Location: Corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads, Wynberg
Contact: +27 (0)21 710 9403
Website: www.capetown.gov.za

Braai with Mzoli's

Great music, expertly braaied meat and a vibrant township vibe that you just won’t find anywhere else make Mzoli’s Place in Gugulethu a Capetonian favourite.
Location: Shop 3, NY115 & NY108, Gugulethu
Contact: +27 (0)21 638 1355

Braai with Amadoda 

Similar concept to Mzoli's but with already made up menus to choose from, great vibe and music, a Woodstock favorite!
Location: 4 Strand Street, Woodstock,

Day trip braai

Die Strandloper Seafood Restaurant

The aromatic fish braai at this coastal restaurant in Langebaan is worth the drive. Try their angel fish, snoek, crayfish, freshly baked bread and more. The moerkoffie (traditionally very strong coffee) and company aren’t too bad either!
Location: Langebaan
Contact: +27 (0)22 772 2490
Website: www.strandloper.com

European goods available in Cape Town at Euro Goods

So if like most of us foreigners, you go home with an empty suit case, just so that you can bring back all your favourite goodies from back home, this is the place for you!
Recently opened at the Palms centre in Woodstock, Euro is a little shop full of great non perishable food products from Europe. Mainly imported from Germany and Italy, they are starting to also stock some French products and you can also request some specific products and they can source them for you.

The good part is that they are really not overpriced either!
I bought some raspberry syrup (cordial), some chocolates, beers, jars of veg, Jaffa cakes of course and other little goodies for a small price :) Made my day to get home and savour some of Home in Cape Town!

You can find anything from pastas, to sauces to 4 ply toilet paper....and all type of sweets such as Milka chocolates, Harribo sweets, Jaffa cakes and German beers (a wide variety including 0% alcohol)

They are open Monday to Friday 9 till 5pm and Saturdays 9 till 2pm.

 

Cell:  (083) 294 7543

E-mail: schalkstapelberg@gmail.com

Web: www.germangoods.co.za

Location: The Palms décor centre, Sir Lowry road, Woodstock.

MARKET : The Lock Stock launches at the Woodstock exchange this Satudray

The fabulous design market takes centre stage at the Woodstock Exchange weekly, kicking off with their launch event this Saturday, where you will find art, clothing, jewellery, collectibles, homeware, object design, furniture and more. The designers & traders change from one week to another, so you will be treated to fresh design from the city’s best

The Lock Stock is all grown up and moved into a home of its own. The fabulous design market takes centre stage at the Woodstock Exchange weekly, kicking off with their launch event this Saturday, where you will find art, clothing, jewellery, collectibles, homeware, object design, furniture and more. The designers & traders change from one week to another, so you will be treated to fresh design from the city’s best. - See more at: http://www.b-guided.co.za/edits/2013/08/29/market-update/#sthash.apsB4aMf.r4xGGxPA.dpuf

Former younger sister to the Palms Food Market, The Lock Stock is all grown up and moved into a home of its own. The fabulous design market takes centre stage at the Woodstock Exchange weekly, kicking off with their launch event this Saturday, where you will find art, clothing, jewellery, collectibles, homeware, object design, furniture and more. The designers & traders change from one week to another, so you will be treated to fresh design from the city’s best. - See more at: http://www.b-guided.co.za/edits/2013/08/29/market-update/#sthash.apsB4aMf.r4xGGxPA.dpuf

99 bottles Beer House on Long st - A heaven for beer lovers

THE biggest beer selection of local and international beers. 50++ craft and mainstream beers from all over the world on one of Long Streets biggest balconies!!!

A new restaurant and bar that opened in Long Street last week is a beer enthusiast’s nirvana. Beerhouse offers 16 taps and 99 bottles of local and international beers, snacks and meals. - See more at: http://www.b-guided.co.za/edits/2013/08/08/99-bottles-of-beer-on-the-wall-beerhouse-opens-in-long-street/#sthash.pSjDIQLx.dpuf

Beer house is a newly opened bar and restaurant on busy Long street, it offers over 16 different beers on tap and 99 bottles offering 99 reasons to drink beer and here there are!

Not only you have ample beer choice, at one for each day, but Beer House serves an assortment of snacks baskets or bigger meals for the hungry bear!

Try it out!! you cant miss it, Long street, BIG Yellow building but just in case you are colour blind, its on 223 Long street!!

CHEERS!

BEERHOUSE
021 424 3370
223 Long St, Cape Town

BEERHOUSE
021 424 3370
223 Long St, Cape Town

A new restaurant and bar that opened in Long Street last week is a beer enthusiast’s nirvana. Beerhouse offers 16 taps and 99 bottles of local and international beers, snacks and meals. - See more at: http://www.b-guided.co.za/edits/2013/08/08/99-bottles-of-beer-on-the-wall-beerhouse-opens-in-long-street/#sthash.pSjDIQLx.dpuf

A new restaurant and bar that opened in Long Street last week is a beer enthusiast’s nirvana. Beerhouse offers 16 taps and 99 bottles of local and international beers, snacks and meals. - See more at: http://www.b-guided.co.za/edits/2013/08/08/99-bottles-of-beer-on-the-wall-beerhouse-opens-in-long-street/#sthash.pSjDIQLx.dpuf

"BENCH" it at the Fugard! From 28th to 31st August..

.“Bench”, which enjoyed a successful reading at the Baxter Theatre in May 2012 and premiered at the Kalk bay theatre in September is coming to us City sleeker's from Wednesday 28th at the Fugard Theatre!!!

The plot:
Hendry and Dwain, two local petty thieves, are seated on a park bench on the brink of their most daring job to date – a job which they believe could make them wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. When one of them gets a crisis of conscience and begins to question the job, the planning takes an interesting turn. It is a gritty compelling comedy drama examining a day in the life of two hustlers with surprising and unexpected turns of events. 


As a foreigner, it is sometimes a waste of time to go to the Theatre as in South Africa, many shows have a mixture of all those beautiful languages SA has to offer (which I only understand ONE) so often miss out on the PUN!!!! Indeed, NOT so funny when every one laughs but you... ne? Well, I can guaranty a good laugh on this one, foreign or not you get the joke!!!!

The play is hysterical, the actors are brilliant and so damn funny (with the real cape coloured accent) and there is a sticking message that will make you think differently :)


 Book your ticket ASAP for this MUST-SEE Michael Kirch directed play and experience a day in the gardens, like never before...

Playing at the Fugard from Wed till Sat!!!
Cost R110-R130 per ticket
The Fugard Theatre

t	021 461 4554
e	lamees@thefugard.com
w	www.thefugard.com
a	Cnr of Harrington Street and Caledon Street District 6

Jamaica me crazy makes my wallet crazy and my stomack empty

Jamaica Me Crazy is a buzzing restaurant and bar situated at the top end of vibrant Roodebloem Road in Upper Woodstock, which is one of Cape Town’s oldest suburbs.

I have been here many times before and always enjoyed its tropical cocktails, beautiful views from the balcony and some tropical type food items. Indeed, not the most elaborate dishes, but when you feel like something homey... Jamaica me crazy has it all!

Jamaica Me Crazy offers delicious, healthy home-style island cooking. All the chicken is free-range and popular dishes for the health conscious include the carrot and ginger soup, homemade walnut veggie burgers and gluten-free butternut ravioli. Caribbean specialties include Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Curried Goat, Jamaican Patties, Pineapple BBQ ribs and Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya. Vegetarians are well catered for; try the Mo’bay (Jamaican slang for Montego Bay) mushrooms, Roast Veg Pasta salad or Trinidad Roti to name but few.

Saying all that, I need to say that I was greatly disappointed the other day when I really felt like ribs and decided to pop in to Jamaica me crazy for their fab ribs and chicken wings (my fav quick snacks).
My mouth was heavily watering until the food arrived : 2 PATHETICS ribs on one plate for a whole R56 - YES that is R28 per rib of which half is a bone!!

I wasn't expecting a full rack of course, but when you see that they offer a Caribbean platter for two at R109 containing ribs, wings, mussels, patties, calamari and more... I wonder how they got the starter portion of ribs (for 2 single ribs only) at R56.. Maybe some extra maths lessons might be helpful?

Well, I will for sure find a new spot for my ribs cravings.. I am even considering Spur at this stage!!










Jamaica me Crazy
74 Roodebloem Road
Woodstock , Cape Town
tel 021 448 0691
email : info@jamaicamecrazy.co.za

aMadoda - Just like Mzoli's but in town!

So you like Mzoli's, just like we do!!! Indeed, I wake up sometimes just craving their so delish meats....But sometimes, I feel a tad too lazy to bother going... so although aMadoda is not that new, It has become my quick fix for some tasty South African braai meat!
aMadoda Braai is in the heart of buzzing Woodstock where people from different walks of life come and celebrate life. This braai venue is uniquely South African, offering different 'braai packs' on the menu. From braai meat to pap and chakalaka, aMadoda is sure to get you to unwind the South African way...


They say Woodstock is like a township... Why? Cos everything comes together... da culture, da heritage, da people? all da beautiful people, mixing it up happily! That's why we say at aMadoda "it's da Township style in Woodstock" because when we celebrate at aMadoda ? Woodstock comes alive, people come from everywhere! All shapes, colours and styles! Some flash cash? others flash a smile. aMadoda eases into Weekend mode starting Thursday, it gets crazy on Fridays and Saturdays from early to very late and we cool down to a chill on Sundays!

 We tell everyone "it's where da Who's Who meat" and that's no joke! It's filled with style, fashion, beauty, bling and big money makers! Smart cars, high heels, sexy people and smooth OPERATAAS! So you dress to impress! You arrive to be admired!

Da Venue... is aMazing! It's ALIVE, happening? da place to be and be seen! We call it Da Vibe? you know da feeling you get when you arrive! Beautiful people who MEAT to EAT, who are in da mood to party, to dance, be together as one! Share drinks, feel da music!! Da beats of DJ Brian, smell da aroma's of fresh BRAAI meat in da ULTAMEAT hot spot that is aMadoda Braai ? Woodstock!

So whether you want to DANCE, CHILL, PARTY, GROOVE, LAUGH, CHAT, RELAX, UNWIND or HAVE A FEAST!!! aMadoda is da Place to Be!

Unlike Mzoli's, aMadoda works with menus from R30 for one person to R250 for a bunch of you...
It gets pretty busy on week ends, so although, there is free parking, try not to get there too late!

(T) +27 21 447 2133
(F) +27 21 447 2204
(C) +27 82 611 5612
(e) info@amadoda.co.za        

1 - 4 Strand Street,
Woodstock,
Cape Town
.

Cape Town and Surroundings Outdoor Festivals - 2013/2014

Finally the days will start getting longer and warmer and there is nothing better than enjoying some live entertainment in and around Cape Town!

THE FESTIVAL SEASON IS COMING!!!
So get your dancing shoes on and start booking!

With all the so many sites or festivals, I tried to get as much info as possible on the upcoming events - I probably forgot many, so please feel free to comment below to have an event added on to the list :)

DATE ★ EVENT
2013-08-31 Sunflower Festival!
2013-09-02  Psytribes Festival
2013-09-07 Alien Safari | Sprung!
2013-09-21  Earthdance
2013-09-28  Afriscot vs UltraNoize
2013-10-3 Rocking the Daisies Weekend
2013-10-05  Mindcultivation – Cosmic Connection
2013-10-12  The Village
2013-10-19  Organik
2013-10-26 Disasterpeace Halloween
2013-11-02  ZONE Festival
2013-11-09  Groovy Troopers – MANDALA PROJECT 2011
2013-11-16  MMD & Beartrap :: Remanufacture
2013-11-23  Altered States – Secret Garden
…………….  The EQUINOX experience
2013-11-30  Synergy
…………….  Noisy Radicals
2013-12-07  Vortex – Open Source
2013-12-14 Alien Safari | Flying Circus
2013-12-21  Love and Light

2013-12-28  Rezonance NYE Festival (exact dates tbc)
2103-12-28★ BOOMERANG NYE FESTIVAL – MindCultivation (Dates TBC)

2014-01-04 My little Sunshine
2014-01-11 The Red Telephone
2014-01-18 MMD Records
2014-01-25  Organik and Groovy – Metamorph
2014-02-01  Origin 2013
2014-02-08  Psytribes Festival
2014-02-15  Celestial Beings
2014-02-22  Multiverz
2014-03-01  Alien Safari | Masqued Ball
……………. . UltraNoize
2014-03-7 RAMFest
2014-03-08  LOVE & LIGHT FESTIVAL
2014-03-15 DisasterPeace – Mechanical Animals
2014-03-22  Ground Zero II
2014-03-29  Groovy Troopers – VISION SERPENT 2013
2014-04-05  UltraNoize
2014-04-18  Easter Vortex – Ascension
2014-04-26 Jungala Festival
2014-05-03  Village
2014-05-10  Organik Love Project
2014-05-17  Psychedelic Edge

List to be updated and subject to change!

Truth - Vintage Experience! Wednesday 31st July!

If you don't already know Truth coffee cult on Buitenkant street, now is the time or never to make acquaintance with this viby, wanna be seen at coffee place!

Situated at 36 Buitenkant street, close to the popo's, this is the new hip hang out whether you are looking a coffee fix, a meeting place, some place to work from, a snack or just hang out with your mates!
The Stripped away industrial look with its vintage bars and many vintage deco items, it has a vibe on its own that you would not want to miss and when you leave, you feel like adopting their unique personality!

They often have jazz evenings on Fridays and they have now come up with the Vintage experience!
It is happening this Wednesday from 5 till 9 pm at Truth.

Shop up a storm with the greatest vintage & 2nd-hand bargains in town! Each month sees a fresh mix of your favorite traders selling their latest treasures and some new faces just waiting to introduce their finds to you.
A 4-stall men's wear section plus plenty of unisex stalls means there's lots "pour les garçons" too.

Plenty of food and tipple on offer from Truth and a selection of old-school choons to keep your toes tapping while you shop.

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Home waxing, a big danger!!

NEVER WAX YOUR HOO-HA

All hair removal methods have tricked women with the promises of easy, painless hair removal - The Epilady, scissors, razors, Nair and now....the wax. 
My night began as any other normal weeknight. Come home, fix dinner, watch something on tv.

Just before my man gets home and while dinner is on, I  had the ingenious idea that would ring painfully in my mind for the next few hours: "I shall try out this waxing at home thing and surprise my beloved with a smooth cookie". So I headed to the site of my demise: the bathroom.

With recent price escalations, I have been delaying the salon for weeks and thought to try to find ways to save few pennies there and there...right?
 
It was one of those 'cold wax' kits. No melting a clump of hot wax, you just rub the strips together in your hand, they get warm and you peel them apart and press them to your leg (or wherever else) and you pull the hair right off. No mess, no fuss. How hard can it be?

I mean, I'm not a genius, but I am mechanically inclined enough to figure this out. (YA THINK!?!) So I pull one of the thin strips out. Its two strips facing each other stuck together. Instead of rubbing them together as indicated on the packaging, my genius kicks in so I get out the hair dryer and heat it instead. ('Cold wax,' yeah...right!) I lay the strip across my thigh. Hold the skin around it tight and pull.

It works!

OK, so it wasn't the best feeling, but it wasn't too bad. I can do this! Hair removal no longer eludes me! I am She-rah, fighter of all wayward body hair and maker of smooth skin Extraordinaire. With my next wax strip I move north. I feel ready for the ultimate hair fighting championship. I drop my panties and place one foot on the toilet...

Using the same procedure, I apply the wax strip across the right side of my bikini line, covering the right half of my "hoo-ha" and stretching down to the inside of my butt cheek (it was a long strip).

I inhale deeply, hold tight and brace myself.... RRRRIIIPPP!!!!

I'm blind!!! Blinded from pain!!!!..... OH MY GAWD!!!!!!!!! My head is spinning and my bottom area in fire!!!
Vision returning, I notice that I've only managed to pull off half the strip.

OH CRAP!

Another deep breath and RIIPP! Everything is spinning and spotted. I think I may pass out.... I must stay conscious.... I must stay conscious. Do I hear crashing drums??? Breathe, breathe.... OK, back to normal.

I want to see my trophy - a wax covered strip, the one that has caused me so much pain, with my hairy pelt sticking to it. I want to revel in the glory that is my triumph over body hair. I hold up the strip!

There's no hair on it. Where is the hair??? WHERE IS THE WAX???

Slowly I ease my head down, foot still perched on the toilet. I see the hair. The hair that should be on the strip... it's not! I touch....I am touching wax. I run my fingers over the most sensitive part of my body, which is now covered in cold wax and matted hair. Then I make the next BIG mistake ... Remember my foot is still propped upon the toilet? So I put my foot down.

Sealed shut! My butt is sealed shut. My Hoo-ha is sealed shut and I can barely imagine what my man would say if if walked in on me just now!! I am sealed shut! 
I penguin walk around the bathroom trying to figure out what to do and think to myself 'Please don't let me get the urge to poop....my head may pop off!'

What can I do to melt the wax? Hot water!! Hot water melts wax!! Of course this is a well known scientific fact, and I even wonder why it is not written on the instructions in case of emergency??
I'll run the hottest water I can stand in the bathtub, get in, immerse the wax-covered bits and the wax should melt and I can gently wipe it off, right ???

*WRONG!!!!!!!*

I get in the tub - the water is slightly hotter than that used to torture prisoners of war or sterilize surgical equipment - I sit. Now, the only thing worse than having your nether regions glued together, is having them glued together and then glued to the bottom of the tub.....in scalding hot water. Which, by the way, does NOT melt cold wax.

So, now I'm stuck to the bottom of the tub as though I had cemented myself to the porcelain!! 
I just don't know what to do!!! All kind of images are running through my crazy mind: Maybe my man is gonna walk in and find me stuck and save me - not save me from the embarrassment for sure, but maybe he will know what to do, right? Then realised that men wouldn't have a clue!
I looked around and see my cell phone on the sink! Yeay! "Call a friend?" I think. I call my friend, thinking surely she has waxed before and has some secret of how to get me undone. It's definitely a very good conversation starter.

'So, my butt and hoo-ha are glued together to the bottom of the tub!'

There is a slight pause. She retains the giggle, try to remain focused. She doesn't know any secret tricks for removal but she does try to hide her laughter from me. She wants to know exactly where the wax is located, 'Are we talking cheeks or hoo-ha?' She's laughing out loud by now ... I can hear her. I give her the rundown and she suggests I call the number on the side of the box. YEAH!!!!! Right!! I should be the joke of someone else's night. Why don't they just print instructions on these bloody boxes??

While we go through various options, I resort to cut the was off with scissors. Nothing feels better than to have your girlie goodies covered in hot wax, glued shut, stuck to the tub in super hot water and then try to pull it off enough so you can reach with a pair of home scissors! Needless to say, this was a painful, deceiving attempt !! By now the brain is not working, my body is on shock and my dignity has taken a major hike and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need Post-Traumatic Stress counseling for.

My friend is still talking with me when I finally see my saving grace.....the lotion they give you to remove the excess wax. What do I really have to lose at this point? I rub some on and OH MY GOD!!! The scream probably alerted the entire neighborhood and beyond! It's sooo painful, but I really don't care. I can't think of anything else but having to be taken to the emergency room with no panties and half my bathtub stuck to my behind! This needs to work! And.....

'IT WORKS!!

I get a hearty congratulation from my friend and she hangs up. I successfully remove the remainder of the wax and then notice to my grief and despair....THE HAIR IS STILL THERE.......ALL OF IT!

So I recklessly shave it off. Heck, I'm numb by now. Nothing hurts. I could have amputated my own leg at this point.

Next week I'm going to try hair color......how bad can that turn out???

To avoid these sort of experiences, I STROOONGLY suggest seeking a professional! 
Try Wow! Ways of Wellness on Park road in Gardens for an organic wax, 
Raydiance skin by the Mount Nelson Hotel and Sorbet in Gardens center and around Cape Town

Delicious French winter warmers at a bargain

The main reason for deserting Europe is to seek a better life - and for me that means to seek warmth and sunshine somewhere where it is expected to be! All this to say how much I hate winter!
I know the Cape winters aren't the worst, they don't last so long and we do get some really nice, sunny days... but in the mean time, those odd few winter days can be, especially at night, as cold as the ones in Europe! Brrrr

Vitamin D is produced by the body when it is exposed to sunlight and a deficiency of it over the winter months is thought to be one of the causes of SAD (seasonal affective disorder); yes it is a REAL disease!!! and what do we do when we are SAD? We eat of course!!

The only one good thing about winter is the food!!! This week, my favorite lunch hangout is Cassis for their great winter warmer dishes - Allll of my favorite (I wonder if they read minds)!


Cassis was well known for their fantastic bread, their mouth watering gateaux and the best macaroons in town, recently developed this new bristro/café ambiance in Newlands and more recently in the Gardens center.
So if you work close to the CBD and feel like a real warm lunch with fantastic flavors but without breaking your purse, head to Cassis "salon de thé" for a fantastic experience through France.
My personal favorit is the Onion soup for a tiny R35.00, the classic Croque Monsieur (a super glorified toasted sandwich with so much more than a toasted sandwich) at R48.00 (served with potatoes croquettes) but do yourself a real favor and try out their Duck confit Cassoulet at R58.00!! Yes Only R58!!!

I also love them for their poached eggs breakfasts at R50 each - all is missing is the sunshine and a great actual garden, and it would just be perrrfect!

I am now so glad I finally joined the gym so I can have more of their delightful dishes more often without feeling too guilty! :)




Gardens Salon de Thé 
Open Mondays to Fridays from 7.30am till 7pm - Saturdays from 8am till 5pm and till 2pm on Sundays

Shop 11
Gardens Centre
Gardens
T. 021 462 6106

For more info visit their website here