Let The Good Times Roll…

Wooo hooo, finally it is here, the day I thought would never come. It is the last working day of the year and what a year it has been. One rollercoaster ride with many ups, downs and a few loop-de-loops, but here I am in one piece to tell the tale.

As of tomorrow, well maybe this afternoon, it’s all about good people, good times and good champagne, mixed with lots of fun in the sun and most definitely much relaxing.

Normally around this time, Pop Tart, Crazii and I would be finding any excuse to have a party or celebration including a pre Christmas party party. However this year as we are scattered around the world we will have to start some new traditions with some fabulous new friends I've made along the way, but ones that will always include a toast or two to traditions past.

Clark Kent and I have already kicked things off by totally embracing the Christmas spirit, Christmas tree, check
Flashing lights, check
Santa hats, check
Loads of crackers, check
Presents, check
Lots of champagne, check
Playing tourist in our own Country, check
Next, Christmas music…
And that’s just the beginning, I have a feeling this is going to be one super duper Christmas…

But for now I’d like to wish everyone out there a Very Merry Christmas!


~ Be safe and be merry! ~

Silly Season Essentials

So as it is the 1st of December and officially the start of the silly season, I thought I would put together a list of the essentials one needs to ensure it’s one to remember.

1.    A Christmas Tree covered in flashing lights 
2.    Christmas crackers big and small
3.    Mince pies (AKA flies graveyards)
4.    A Silly Santa hat
5.    A Christmas stocking
6.    Best of Christmas carols CD (Boney M will do)
7.    Family and friends (the more the merrier)
8.    A fully stocked bar with lots of Bubbly
9.    A large amount of food including Turkey and Gammon
10.    A stylish wide brimmed sun hat
11.    A new bikini or swimsuit in an outrageous pattern
12.    Jewellery in a warm gold or rose gold to get you noticed
13.    Wedges should be your footwear of choice
14.    Statement sunglasses are a must have
15.    Don’t forget the presents ☺

So now that you have the basics all that’s left to do is enjoy!

~Happy Silly Season Ya’ll~

I'm Back From Outter Space...

Well peeps, I think I am re-entering the world of sanity… maybe… After months of feeling like I’ve been locked in a padded cell, for my own safety, countless sleepless nights and a number of bottles of bubbly. The magazine is on the printing press and there is nothing more that I can do, so its time to breath and hopefully relax albeit for only a day or too.

But looking forward the silly season is approaching fast and I for one cannot wait…
It means “we’re going on a summer holiday, no more working for a week or two….” And man I can’t wait, it’s been one ball buster of a year, so I’m in some serious need of Sun, Sand, Surf and Fun… not to mention sleep.

It’s that time of year where you are allowed to be crazy and spontaneous, you are encouraged to over indulge and be merry. Even friends who are separated by millions of cubic tones of water are able to feel closer to each other, even while missing them terribly, simply because you know they are doing the same things you are, just in a different time zone.

I don’t care that Santa was created by Coca Cola, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same with out jolly old St Nic, and my dad telling me to leave out a mince pie and a coke….

I can’t wait to put up the tree, sprinkle it with decorations and give it some personality in lights, to spoils those who are close to me and say thanks for putting up with me and sticking around to see what comes next☺

~Bring on the silliness~

Loving Life with an Iron Fist

For the second time this year I have falling completely head over heels in Love. And before you jump to any conclusions there is still only one man in my life, Clark Kent, but I have recently discovered the clothing brand Iron Fist, and I am completely  in love with their entire range!

Now, I fancy myself as bit of a skater punk rocker some times, but one who still loves to put on a pair of sexy stilettos and jazz it up. Well my friends Iron fist has taken everything I love in fashion, attitude and life, thrown it into a magic mixing pot and can dress my alter ego from head to toe!

Let me set the scene, marching through the shopping centre, focused, on a mission, what that mission was for the life of me I cannot remember now, something catches the corner of my eye for the shop window, at least 2 meters away, forcing my head to turn and there they were on show for the world to see. I couldn’t help myself I had to go in. Once inside I was mesmerised by wall in front of me, which was decorated with the most breath taking footwear, I have ever laid my eyes on.

Do I dare try a pair on? I already know I don’t need another pair of shoes, but they are amazing! I really shouldn’t spend the money, but they are perfect!

I request a size five and as I slip my feet in, I already know, these babies are coming home with me!

The rest really was just a formality… the one thing I know for sure though is I will be back for more!

*Iron Fist is the brain child of two South African dudes who wanted to put back the energy and attitude the rebellious years had, filled with street culture, skateboarding, surfing, art and music.

I must say guys, you did it, you have read the hearts and minds of the people and given us the perfect outlet to express ourselves.

In just over 8 years these guys have gone from selling their products out of the boot of their car to an internationally recognised brand selling in most major cities around the world.

If you want to check out their merchandise and on line store check out their website here

~The thing about shoes is that even when you have a fat day, your feet stay the same size~

A Ferrari For the Little Guy

How many young women do you know that are completely addicted to the sound of a finely tuned engine? Who get goose bumps from a perfect gear change? Who is excited by the smooth sleek lines of aerodynamic genius that encase a finely tuned engine? 

For those of you who don't know me, I am a car fanatic, and extremely passionate about Formula One motor racing. My Team, Ferrari, as cliched as it is I can't help but love these automotive beauties, I have a block mounted poster in my room of my absolute dream car a Ferrari F360 Spider. And one day it shall be parked in may garage.

Some of you might not know Ferrari is actually owned by Fiat, yes I know the first thing that popped into your head was that old Skadonk of a Fiat Uno you or a friend drove as a first car. And are thinking its just not possible.

But now Fiat has combined all its automotive knowledge and know how between its brands and produced a car which makes my dream of one day owning a Ferrari (as one of the little people) just that much more attainable.

This past weekend saw Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa finish in first and third at the Monza F1 GP in Italy.  While they were there the two racing drivers were also handed the keys to two band new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari’s. The cars have been finished in Scuderia red (well obviously!) with racing grey details and are enhanced with carbon fibre parts like mirror covers and gear quadrants.

You can check out the website here!

This compact number is a collaboration between Abarth and Ferrari, (Karl Abarth and Enzo Ferrari were two great names whose passion and dedication helped create the legend of Italian motor racing that is universally recognised today) which guarantees superior performance from its 1.4 Turbocharged T-Jet 16v engine which produces up to 180 bhp* at 5500 rpm*  and 250 Nm* at 3000 rpm. Basically in simple terms it does 0 – 100 km/h in 7 seconds and has a recorded top speed of 225km/h.

YES PLEASE!

Only a numbered and limited special series of these cars went on sale in July and have already racked up more than 600 orders, more than half of these are for export to countries like the UK, France and Germany. Where it is priced at approximately GBP 29,600 (according to motoring.co.uk) And Sadly this sexy number is not currently part of the South African portfolio.

Which is very sad because I can definitely see me behind the wheel, burning rubber. 


~I’m gonna keep reaching for my dream, and my own Ferrari~

* bhp - brake horse power
* rpm  - revolutions per minute
* Nm - Newton-Meters of Torque

TOP GEAR - BREAKING NEWS!

WARNING: DO NOT READ IF YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH…

Today Pop Tart sent me a link, which delivered crushing news… which was met with a great mix of emotions… the true identity of The Stig has been unveiled, or so it seems.

I have been a long time fan of the great British TV show TOP GEAR, and was super lucky enough to have won tickets to the TOP GEAR LIVE show in Cape Town earlier this year. Which was totally awesome and a dream come true!

As a fanatical F1 supporter, I watched in disbelief when they unveiled Michael Schumacher, as the Stig in Series 4 I think it was. But sill I wasn’t sold, it was too easy, too obvious a choice. My personal belief has always been that The Stig was more than one person, whether it was current or retired F1 drivers, test drivers, NASCAR driver, whom ever, almost like a secret celeb driver of the week. I mean what driver wouldn’t want to be The Stig, one of the most renowned drivers of our time.

But if latest news reports are to be believed, The Stig has removed his helmet, and in doing so let out Britain’s best kept secret…

33-year-old racing driver Ben Collins has written an autobiography highlighting his seven years as The Stig, which is being published by HarperCollins publishers. Apparently the BBC filed and injunction to stop the book from revealing the true identity of the infamous Stig, but this has been refused. And the secret is out.

So my question is, is this the end of the Stig? Or will he be replaced with another equally, or better driver?

What you must remember is Ben wasn’t the first drive to come out as The Stig, Perry McCarthy removed his Black helmet and took off his black suit in 2003. Allowing Ben to pull on the white suit and helmet to continue the legacy.

So is there a red or green suit waiting in the wardrobe of the BBC for yet another STIG?

~Some say that his heart ticks like a watch, and that he’s confused by stairs… all we know is, he’s called the Stig.~

August Rush

I don’t know why but for some reason the universe has been throwing life tests at me from all angles. It doesn’t just rain, it pours.

This past month has been a really challenging one and all I can say is I hope September is a far less eventful month.

As I’m sure you have gathered from my previous ramblings, ranting and complete word vomit posts, work has been beyond busy. So much so that I have actually pushed myself further than I ever thought I possibly could go and have proved a lot to myself which has really boosted my confidence on the work front. The draw back, I want to try more, which logically I know just wouldn’t be sensible right now.

But oh no, mother universe is not happy with only one area of my life being completely overwhelming and chaotic, so she felt the need to dislodge my social life too.

Which started with Crazii, telling me she has decided to jump ship and move to America, (which is a cruel sick joke all on its own, I mean how many more of my loved ones does the 'American Dream' want to take away from me?) This announcement was proceeded a week later by her asking me to be her Maid of Honour at her wedding, wait for it, in three days time. Yes you read correctly I had three days to get my mind around all this very BIG news. But It was a lovely Wedding and I wish MR and MRS Crazii all the best! Even though it is eating me up a little bit inside, that my two bestest people are going to be so so far away.

Following the Crazii roller coaster ride, and in-between sleepless nights, complete exhaustion, not to mention threatening calls from The Plumber, my beloved brother pulled a mysterious disappearing act, sending the family, mother in particular, into panic mode. He has since made contact and is fine, but it’s never a nice feeling not knowing where your loved ones are.

Then the absolute test of my last remaining thread was the horrific news that a friend was tragically killing in a plane crash in Nepal last Tuesday, 24 August. We were not extremely close but that didn’t mean he didn’t impact my life. Jeremy Taylor was an extraordinary person and he gave so much to this world and he will be sorely missed but never forgotten. He was a man who loved life and was living his dream; no one can ever say he let an opportunity pass him by. My thoughts are with his family and all the friends he made along his journey.

Some of Jeremy’s friends have set up a tribute blog, if you would like to add anything or just read how much love was in Jeremy’s life.

Jeremy Taylor Tribute Blog

Somehow I have managed to break though the turbulent water I felt I was drowning in and finally feel like I can breath. But I have defiantly learnt a lot about myself throughout this month and really need to thank Clark Kent for helping me though it and putting up with me.

I have also decided to take a leaf out of Jeremy’s book of life.

~Seize the Moment~

Just Breathe!

I actually don’t know where to begin, this week has taken everything I have to offer out of me and given me sweet flick all in return. Ok maybe I’m fibbing, its given me sleepless nights, sore limbs and shown me that when needs be I can make things happen.

So this week was shoot week for me, when we shoot our main fashion feature for the magazine, but first a little background, with no creative director I have had to coordinate a fashion shoot in Durban without me there.

Thank my lucky stars Super mom has been but a phone call away providing guidance and hooked me up with the fabulous Irish Stylist. So leading up to this week has been about 2 weeks worth of logistics… nightmare.

Monday and Tuesday were choc-a-block with sourcing of merchandise, styling up, taking inventory of stock and sorting out insurance to cover our re-donk-ulously expensive merchandise! So those were some good 12 hour days right there! To add to the sleepless nights is the fact that I am not on location at the shoot and cannot monitor the merchandise myself but have to put my trust in other people, which should be easy because I know I’m working with a great team. But it’s that fear of the unknown and if something goes wrong I cannot control it… eek

But by the sounds of it the shoot is going smoothly, I just look forward to 17h00 on Friday afternoon once I have completed my returns of all the merchandise and its been a clean run!

At the same time, I am also dealing with freelancers who are making mountains out of molehills, and whining about 30cents difference in commission rates… seriously do you have no life that 30cents is really going to make that huge an impact? Ok then fine have it… just don’t waist 3 hours of my life moaning about it! Some of us actually have work to do.

To add insult to injury the Plumber saga is still continuing, I’m at the point where if I had a spare second in my life, I would go get a plumbing degree and sort it out myself. I cannot believe the stupidity of some humans... and as the Kind Chiro says, “He’s a complete muppet”... Serioulsly some mothers children!

And this is just the icing on the cake, I don’t actually know where to turn or what to do… 
In life it never rains, it only pours and right now I’m soaked through my bones with the reality of life!

Yet there is some good news, I can now officially Congratulate one of my  bestest girl's, who would have Thunk it,  the Crazii Redhead, knocked Clark Kent and I off our feet when she told us she was getting married to her Prince Charming and would we be apart of her special day. Like DUH… It was a magical day and I wish the two of them all the happiness in the world!

~Just keep breathing and looking for the silver lining~

The Social Scene

Other than being completely rushed off my feet at work, I have been up to a few tricks on the social front too.

Starting with a most magical evening at Madame Zingara. We were a group of 13 and I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of people to have shared this wonderful experience with. We dressed the part in wigs, top hats and feather boa’s, shaked our bums, wined and dined ourselves!

I was completely astounded by some of the performances and watched in disbelief, who knew the human body could do such things… certainly not me!

The food was amazing, a real taste sensation. Not only is the Theater of Dreams a party for the body and soul but a party for your taste buds.  This all set in a staged South African Township, to give you that real proudly South African feeling.

Madame Zingara is a definite must see for all!

For more information check out their website here.

Following the high of Madame Zingara, the long weekend was a jumble of social engagements and good times, shared with good people. Which included these little gems found on sale at Nine West…

 completely perfect!

But to end it all off and in support of Woman’s day on Monday 9 August, Clark Kent, Gym Buddy, The lecturer and I ran a 10km race, supporting Woman’s day.

So we dragged ourselves out of bed at 06h15 trying to convince ourselves that it really isn’t that cold.

Well it didn’t work, it was bitterly cold and by the time we reached the start it was pouring with rain, with drops the size of golf balls. So we threw on some black bin bags for some slight protection from the elements.  However feeling was still lost in my hands and feet, and my legs were so cold they were stinging from my knee's down… we couldn’t help but think we were completely insane.

Non-the less we all did it and made it in good time. We didn’t set our personal best times but it was an enjoyable race once it was done. And we did our bit to support Woman’s day ☺

I must make special mention to Gym Buddy, who was really struggling with a boggy knee, Well done you did great and I’m proud of you.

~I’m proud of all four of us!~

Seriously!

WTF… why is it that at 16h00 on a Thursday I am busting my ass off at the office and it’s like a ghost town working on skeleton staff! Which leaves me to pick up the pieces of other people’s mess because they are not around to take responsibility for it!

Shit people I’m swamped as it is! But wait I still break my back getting everything done while you’re off sipping on cocktails or what ever it is you are doing!

Honestly there are like four people working on my floor, well that are here, whether they are working or not who knows… but I have more than enough work to go around!!! But alas I am the only person in my team at the moment, and that's not an option.

And secondly... I'M NOT YOUR BLOODY P.A!!!! Sales people are infuriating, do your own dirty work damn it!!!! But no I don't talk back I just do.. I sort it all out and they lap up the credit!

I feel like I’m drowning and no one is around to hear my screams!

PS: Still fighting with the Plumber... Yes, we going on two weeks now! If I never see another plumber again it will be too soon!

~ FML ~

The Geyser and The Plumber

Last week was a real test of my sense of humour, starting with a Blue Monday to top all Blue Mondays.

It started off as any other day, but at around 11h00 I got the phone call informing me there was water gushing out of my roof and into my neighbours back courtyard.
To which i could only respond, “Oh Right.”

I could feel all the blood draining from my face, as the thought runs through my head; “this is the last thing I need right now! Why do these things happen at the worse possible time… my sense of humour isn’t in need of a test right now… It might just fail.”

Cue Clark Kent, a mad panic phone call telling him to get to the house and turn off the water and to check for damage. Clark Kent arrives to find that my neighbour, the Kind Chiro, has found the water mains and turn it off and there seems to be no damage on the inside. Ah, I breathe a sigh of relief, it could have been worse.

Now for my next miracle I will perform the impossible task of getting the plumbing contractor to inspect the damage and diagnose the problem and offer a sound speedy solution… Yeah right.

As it turns out Monday’s are full of plumbing emergencies and they can only come and assess the problem on Tuesday at 13h00. So I take a deep breathe and agree to Tuesday’s appointment, knowing at least I have somewhere else I can stay for the night.

Now please keep in mind that work is manic crazy at the moment with my Creative Director having gone on Maternity leave and fulfilling her other roll as SuperMom. I am flying solo in the office for the next two issues of the magazine and have more work than one could even imagine. So not a great time to have admin issues of my own right now. But we have to roll with the punches.

Tuesday morning, I call twice to confirm the appointment for 13h00 with the plumber and they assure me they will be there. Guess what! They never showed, somehow I am not surprised. When I call to find out where they are, I am told an emergency came up and they are not sure when they can get through to me.  Well I consider my situation to be an emergency and I would like them to keep their commitments. I tell myself to remain calm as I count to ten in my head, because I realise I cannot do anything about it. We agree for them to call me when they are ready to come through even if that means after 18h00 that evening... So to cut a long story short, my whole cylinder has blown and needs to be replaced. Bugger!

Ok so what is the next step, as I have no running water to speak of and need this sorted out like, yesterday.

“Well we need to order the new geyser and parts and and and and…” all I’m hearing is bla bla bla,… we can only do it on Saturday and it takes 5 to 6 hours…

WHAT! You mean I have to wait another four days for water, eish, well at least I have somewhere else to stay in the meantime but what an inconvenience.

The appointment is set for Saturday at 10h00, by 10h30 I’m annoyed, I mean seriously I can’t even have a cup of coffee! After a few phone calls the plumbers arrive just after 11h00 and begin the banging, sawing, moving and shaking. Eventually just over five hours later, I have running water, hot and cold, I also have a damaged ceiling, which they tell me they will come back and fix next week.

Hooray I begin to celebrate, but alas it was in all too good to be true.

A little after 19h00 we hear it, and Clark Kent watches the smile and colour leave my face and immediately volunteers to check it out. Yes I have boiling hot water coming out of my roof, which would put Victoria Falls to shame.

Off with the water mains, off with the geyser mains and onto the phone.

Thunder: “Um, hi there you installed my brand new geyser today which isn’t working, I still have Victoria falls gushing out my roof”
Plumber: “But it’s all new parts”
Thunder: “So you keep saying, I’m still not caring as I once again have no water and want it fixed”
Plumber: “But everything is new”
Thunder: “Like is said, not caring, when can expect you to come fix it”
Plumber: “I can come out in the morning”\
Thunder: “Well the time is 19h45, I’ll expect you here just after 20h00, Thanks”
Plumber: “Um, well…”
Thunder: “I’ve put up with this for six days, I’ve had enough, you will come out now and fix it.”
Plumber: “ Um, ok”

So they arrive and give me some story about faulty factory parts, which I don’t care for I’m not a plumber and know nothing about valves, pipes, cylinders and thermostats, I just want running water that is hot and cold. So eventually at about 21h30 all seemed to be in working order. But I fear this is not the end of the geyser saga or the Plumber.

~Just Breathe and count to ten~

The Parking Saga

WOW, I simply must share this, because its so ridiculous that I almost don’t believe it really happened.

You see it all started on Monday when my geyser burst, (that’s a whole post on its own) leaving me stranded without any water at home, so I have spent the week living at Clark Kent’s

So I arrive back at his house just after 10pm on Tuesday evening after a wonderful dinner with some of the girls, to find a dirty silver Toyota Yaris parked in my (Clark Kent’s) parking bay.

First thoughts to go through my mind are, “WTF, who does this person think they are,” followed by some more colourful adjectives which I wont repeat. So Clark Kent does the decent thing and chats to the security guard, and finds out that the owner is in unit 48, and goes to ring the bell to ask them to move the car…. Ring, ring, ring, ring..

Thunder: “SO what’s the story”
Clark Kent: (shrugs his shoulders) “There is no answer”
Thunder: “WTF so now what???”
Hmmmmmmmm…
Thunder: “Stuff that, I’m parking her dirty ass in”
Clark Kent: “OK”

So I proceed to park right behind Ms Yaris and off we go. Fully expecting the door bell to ring at stupid o’clock in the morning with a very grumpy person hurling abuse at us.
As it turns out that is not the case, so on Wednesday Morning, it is business as usually and on my way out at 08h00 I leave a note on Ms Yaris’ windscreen which reads as follows:

Please Do Not Park Here!
This is a Private Reserved Parking Bay and you have Inconvenienced us, The Next time your car will be Clamped.
No.6

So at around 11h00 or so Clark Kent sets out and notices Ms Yaris still has not moved her car. So again he chats to the security guard who assures him that they are from unit 48 and they are home. So again Clark Kent rings the buzzer… ring, ring, ring, ring, ring… Nothing.

Clark Kent: “Well fine screw that”
He then gives the instruction to have the car clamped!

One his return home sometime around 14h00 or something, he is greeted by a little note sticking out of his post box which reads:

HELLO
First of all, I WAS TOLD TO PARK IN THIS BAY. I WAS TOLD by the security guard that it was fine to park here, so don’t put that shit on me, I was told to park there. Second of all, where would you like me to park? Sorry for the inconvenience number 6, BUT I WAS TOLD I COULD PARK THERE.
48

PS- Not paying for my car to be un-clamped either. Awesome.

Well, unfortunately I wasn’t around and Clark Kent doesn’t like confrontation much, so he kind of just let it slide, and thought we could compose something later should need be.
 BUT
I want my 2 cents said anyways so my response would have been along the lines of:

Dear Ms Yaris

If you were TOLD to jump off a bridge with no cords attached would you do that too?
Were you born without the part of your brain, which holds common sense, because I am assuming you can read as you are able to wright. And there is a lovely blue sign conveniently at eye level as you park your car that states the Bay is reserved for No.6
As for where I would like you to park, gee I don’t really care to be honest, but since you need to follow direction, I’ll give you this for free, how about the side of the road along with all the other visitors. And oh gosh if you can’t park there and you're in my parking, well I’d hate to state the obvious but where do you suppose I am to park.

Oh and as far as not getting the clamp removed and moving your car, no biggie, traffic department is down the road, it wont take them long to get here and move it for you.

Best
No. 6

Anyways moving on, we both returned home around 19h00 last night and were met by mixed emotions when we noticed Ms Yaris had indeed mover her car. But wait it isn’t over, we have yet another note waiting in the post box:

Dear Number 6

I am sorry to have inconvenienced you for ONE NIGHT.  It must have been aweful not having your parking for (once again) ONE NIGHT.
But, thanks to you and the security guard who Told Me I could park there, I am out R250 and wont eat for the rest of the week.
Good Job, (Thumbs up!!) Have a good week.

PS- My car wasn’t even parked there for a Full 24  hours, legally that’s not allowed. GOOD JOB! (Thumbs up!)

WOW, is this chick for real, I mean what you gonna do take legal action against us now…
get real Ms Yaris.

At least we were provided with some mild mid week entertainment ☺

~Here’s to Reserved Parking~

It’s Here!

Well I'm back in action and in the full swing of things, after a few relaxing day’s soaking up the sun, catching up on some really needed sleep, getting watered, fed and scratched, I’m back to tackle the challenges head on!

But First…I must gloat and blow my own trumpet as they say…I’m proud to announce the arrival of Private Edition Issue 8, isn’t it just amazing!

Click here for more info

It gives me a real sense of accomplishment to receive copies of each magazine once it's finished and printed. It makes all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears all worth it in the end.

And who would have thought, me in the magazine industry, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better place to end up. Especially because I knew my dreams of becoming a Rock Star weren’t going to ever come true. But honestly I had imagined myself in events management, or something along those lines, never once did magazines, fashion, writing or publishing ever enter my mind. But I have opened a door to a world or possibilities and loving every minute of experience I can get.

And people lets get one thing straight right from the beginning, the world of magazines is not what you see on ‘Ugly Betty’!

It is a lot of hard work, generally long hours and things don’t just work themselves out, there is someone slaving away trying to make it happen and to make deadline, going above and beyond. And no it's not all high fashion and cocktail parties, but every once in a while there just might be an invitation to a little something something.

But for now I will bask in the after glow of a job while done, just for a little longer, before putting my head down and getting to work on the next fabulous issue of Private Edition.

~It’s not what you know~

The Need to Woooooo Saaaaaa...

Life has been pretty hectic recently. Between moving into a new position at work, The World Cup soccer, and trying to maintain some form of a social life I’m feeling completely shattered!

Everything that is happening or going on is really positive and I am excited for what the future has to offer, I just wish I had time to catch up with myself. I feel like a walking time bomb ready to explode at any minute!

Firstly, work is really busy and stressful at the moment, I have moved full time onto Editorial and Production of the magazine, which is amazing and I’m really excited about it! This is over and above all my old PR and Marketing duties. Anyways we have frantically been finalizing our next issue, which should be hot off the press tomorrow, I’m so excited to see it!!! But then the distribution process begins. (A never ending cycle I tell you)

So along with my new responsibilities, just to top things off, my creative Director is leaving me to have her second Oompa Lompa, which is all very exciting for her and completely nerve racking for me. You see I will now be the only person working full time on the magazine for the next two issues… EEEEEK!

Yes that means taking on even more stuff while she is away, Woooooo Saaaaaaa, it will be fine, just breathe. Today I finally hit freaking out point as it is her last day tomorrow and reality is setting in… but I am trying to take the high road and embrace this new challenge and I intend to kick the shit out of it and produce two awesome issues. Obviously I can’t do it alone, and I’m very lucky to have some wonderful people on the team to help bring it all together!

Secondly, its been World Cup fever, which unfortunately means lots of late nights, filled with shouting, vuvuzela’s and lots of walking in the cold night air…Basically good times with good people, and experiencing our amazing city like never before! But these also happen to fall on a lot of weeknights and I’m a grumpy person when I don’t have enough sleep. Which on top of hectic workdays and stressing out, It’s a recipe for disaster, and just for good measure let’s throw in a cold, see how you like that!

And although I’ve managed to kick the sick-cold gremlins, I’m feeling completely D.U.N. Dun…. So on Saturday I am packing a bag, getting into Denny (my most awesome little blue Ferrari) and heading to my Parent’s for 5 days, to get watered, fed and scratched! And hopefully be rejuvenated and fully recharged to take on the challenges ahead!

~Time to Relax~

Spain VS Portugal

On Tuesday morning I arrived at work to a parcel waiting on my desk form one of my clients. Upon opening the courier packaging I get my first glimpse of a Fifa logo, not thinking much of it at the time I continue to unwrap the layers. Inside is an invitation to a hospitality venue for pre match drinks and entertainment, and two tickets to the soccer! WOW I couldn’t believe my eyes or my luck. I think I must have read the letter 5 times before it had sunk in.

So at 17h00 Clark Kent and I arrive at the venue, which just happens to be one of my favourite venues simply because it is loaded with classics and sports cars, yes we were at Future Exotics. We are greeted by some fabulous ladies who lead us to registration where we collect our hospitality passes, tickets for the game, a beanie, scarf, blanket and poncho each. Wow talk about prepared.

We were spoilt with lovely entertainment, food (which was practically dinner totally amazing everything form lamb chops, chicken curry, salmon, to chocolate brownies and more) and drinks. We even got flags painted on our faces, which raised a few issues as I was supporting Portugal and Clark Kent was routing for Spain, we then had a picture taken wearing Makraba’s and blowing a vuvuzela. Which we received a framed copy of once we had returned from the game, and also enjoyed some warming soup.

To add to the fun of the evening, each guest was issued with a number 22, 23, or 24; this was the number bus that would be escorting you to the stadium. But this is no ordinary bus; this is a foot bus consisting of two people and two signage boards, one at the front and one at the back, and all the guest in between. It was very festive!

We arrived at the stadium feeling like little kids on Christmas morning, we couldn’t contain ourselves and acted like great tourists in our home city. I was blow away by the stadium and the ease and efficiency of entering, ok yes we did go though a special hospitality entrance but the procedures were the same.

It made me wonder why can we get it right with an event as huge as this but things go so wrong on far small events.

But that is beside the point, the game was great, the atmosphere electric, the Vuvuzelas… oh the vuvuzelas, we were surrounded by so many different variations and sounds it was like a dysfunctional orchestra, but somehow it all came together in harmony.

I was sad Portugal lost but Clark Kent milked Spain’s win for all he could (which really wasn’t much), but we had a most magical evening and feel proud that we can now say,

~We were there!~

Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dumb

OMG… how hilarious last night turned out to be. What was a lovely chilled evening with Crazii the girls, turned into Clark Kent and I into playing tour guides.

You see the apartment next door to Clark Kent is a holiday rental, and there have been some interesting characters making it their temporary home during this Soccer madness… First there were the strange hippy German’s, who couldn’t figure out how the key worked to open the gate into the complex and would sit on the stairs outside waiting for someone else to come home and grant them access. Then came the hooligan pom’s, who would come home at stupid o’clock in the morning completely wasted and not be able to operate the front door correctly, or quietly, for at least a good 20 minutes, having left a trail of blood behind them, leading back to the front gate, for the other residents to ponder over the following morning.

But last night we actually officially met the latest holidaymakers, Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dumb, the one an American the other a Holland/American. Oh and don’t forget about the guy passed out on the couch from Texas.

Me being the responsible adult I am, I decided that after a few glasses of Bubbles with the girls I wasn’t fit to drive and called Clark Kent to fetch me.

As we arrived home, these two rather drunken figures appear at their door desperately wanting to know where they could get a pizza, (or any type of food really) at 11pm on a Wednesday night. So Clark Kent, being the hero he is, offer’s to play taxi. We all pile into the Blue Beast and off we go. Eventually ending up at Saul’s Saloon in Sea Point, where better to take American’s who are lost in Africa, once inside I managed to make friends with an Aussie who was celebrating their win… come to think of it he actually wasn’t that friendly. Anyways moving along.

After our new (very drunk very loud) American and Holland friends had ordered 2 Saul’s breakfast specials and a burger for the Texan, we waited… to entertain us during our wait, we located a juke box, the American chooses Michael Jackson’s – Bad, the Hollander was tickled pink by the sounds of Queen. After which they began to tell us all about their outfits they will be wearing to support Holland at today game. Much love and hard planning went into these outfits and by the sounds of it they are outrageous.

All round it was a fun and entertaining experience! And we have some new found friends…

~Ladies and Gents I present to you, Holland America!~

 

A Nation United

WOW, GO BAFANA BAFANA… We might not have made the final or even the second round of the world cup, but as a nation South Africa has won.

Yesterday the country was draped in yellow and green, the sound of vuvuzela’s could be heard for miles. The spirit was electric and the men on the pitch made the nation proud! As we held our breath together and screamed cheers of joy when we scored, all South African’s moved as one body.

I have no doubt that throughout the rest of the world cup South African’s well keep wearing their Bafana Bafana shirts and South African supporters memorabilia. We are still the host country and proud of it. This event has brought the whole nation together and there is finally a light shinning its positive energy over us, for the rest of the world to see.

~I am Proudly South African!~

A Sporting Weekend

What a weekend! Firstly I would like to say welcome home Crazii, we missed you!!! Good to have you back darling!!

So it was all a go here on Friday, with the start of the World Cup Soccer, the air was filled with excitement and the sound of Vuvuzelas (well it has been since Wednesday), but there is a new feeling of a nation united.

The weekend kicked of with a World Cup party at work to see who had the most gees (spirit), I made the top five dressed head to toe in yellow and green, my super hero cape a South Africa flag, my weapons of choice a Supa Striker soccer ball and my very own Vuvuzela (which I have learnt how to blow I might add) coloured in the flag. On my head was my World Cup rugby 7’s hat draped in our home flag, but alas it was the Makaraba that took the prize home for the winner.

The opening ceremony was a colourful and spectacular event, what else would you expect from the rainbow nation, followed by a decent result from Bafana Bafana, drawing one all with the Tequilla drinking Mexicans.

Saturday brought with it the rugby; South Africa vs France, where we more than doubled their score, 42-17… don’t mess with the men in green and gold!!!  This gave us just one more reason to celebrate that night.

You see it was Mr Polski’s Birthday, and in his honour we embraced the moustache, raised our glasses and let the madness begin. Madness being the key ingredient, throw in a wicked punch, Captain Stroh, Clark Kent (AKA the Barmen) and I plus some other party animals, an excuse to party… and you have a recipe for a good time. We even had Mr Polski down on one knee taking funnels through his Vuvuzela, now that’s Gees. Such crazy antics lead to dialing Pop Tart in America at 02h30 (my time), form the O’s bathroom, which was brought on by the sounds of “sweet home Alabama”, the one time I was happy there is a time difference ☺!

After the fun was had, Sunday crept around bringing with it sore heads and a hangover of mammoth proportions!!  Leaving me swearing never again! I couldn’t even summon the strength to join the McLaren Supporter for the F1 race and decided to take it in from the safety of my own couch. Where Clark Kent saved the day when he arrived, with food and cream soda to ease the pain.

We now have to face the reality of the working week ahead, and just incase Monday wasn’t bad enough on its own, its pouring with Rain and about 10 degrees…

~Happy Monday Peeps ~
 

The World Cup Question?

 So there is no more denying it… This Friday will be the opening ceremony for the Soccer World Cup, giving the mayhem a green light.

I for one have been in denial about the whole thing, personally because it is going to interfere and upset my day-to-day routine (selfish…Yes). With road closures and an influx of tourist, the thought of the traffic congestion is gut retching. Any traveling around town on match days is going to be excruciatingly slow and chaotic.

*Quick example from the office to gym, normally a 10minute drive (in traffic), now the roads are all closed on match days, what do they expect us to suddenly evolve into super humans and teleport ourselves to gym? Hello if we could do that we wouldn’t need to go to gym would we, because we would be super human. *

Oh and lets not forget the last, how many months of disruption we have endured due to the construction of the new stadium and the surrounding road system… but hang on, what was it all for as these are the roads being closed on match days and will not be in use… hmmm… lets think about that for a second.

Oh and what about our lovely African Taxis that already feel they are more important than every other car on the road… I can see them now practically mounting the pavements, vuvuzelas blearing out the window, competing with the base from their radio's (and don’t get me started on the noise pollution that is vuvuzelas) to get in front of that corsa-lite.

Not to mention the fact that the cops are going to be so focused on the stadium and its surrounding area, basically giving criminals free range in the ‘burbs… that’s were I live.

So, I’m now faced with reality and left with the burning question… Do I cave in and embrace the craziness and join the masses or do I stand my ground and be grumpy and bitter for the next month??

Did I mention I hate soccer, I love a great deal of sports… but soccer doesn’t crack a nod on that list.

But alas for the sake of my own sanity I might have to embrace the chaos, jump into the middle of the crowd, don a yellow T-shirt branded SOUTH AFRICA and join the Gees. (While I hum quietly in my car, whoooo Saaaah, as I watch my fuel dropping in the traffic)

~Feel it, it is here~

The Life of a Fashion Assistant…

Wow… feeling vaguely human again after one utterly insane week!
Nothing like running on your reserve tank for 3 out of the 5 days in a week, knowing that if you stop for a second it will all come crashing down, so you just push through hoping you going to make it out the other side. Once you do, you take a second to breath then completely crash.

That's what happened to me at least and I think I have had a collective 24hours sleep this past weekend to refuel for what lies ahead.

Last week we shot the fashion feature for the next issue of the Magazine, and boy it is a lot of work, especially when you are part of a team consisting of two people and the other person is 8 months pregnant. Yes, early mornings, busy days and late nights… Sourcing, collecting, styling up, fittings, exchanges, shooting and returns… complete madness. But wow it’s going to be 10 pages of magic I tell you! It makes the sore feet and knees, the lack of sleep, the glamorous job of taping sanitary pads to the bottom of Prada shoes and walking around looking like a Christmas tree, thanks to all the metal clamps attached to your clothes ‘just incase’, all worth it.

And what a hoot it was on the day of said magic… we were based at the new fashion hotel 15 on Orange, which has some really spectacular elements, we worked with four really great male models, each a character I tell you, but nothing beats the blonde with a dirty sock phobia. Here he is decked out in a jet-black Hugo Boss suit looking to kill and his dirty, should have been chucked away a year ago, supposed to be white but are actually brown converse takkies, why you ask? He is so freaked out about having dirty socks he couldn’t walk 20meters (if that) in just socks (brand new socks we provided)… Because he is freaked out about having dirty socks inside his shoes… I guess it was one of those moments of ‘guess you had to be there’ to really appreciate the hilarity of the situation.

Not to mention the chaos that ensued when I left the crew alone for a total of 20 minutes, the clothes where everywhere the system, which I have carefully put together, had gone to shit and the keycard for the room had been lock inside… seriously people 20 minutes.

So for a day that started at 7am and ended at 10pm, we are going to have some wicked results to show for it. I’m so excited to see the images I think it might even top ‘A night at the Taj’ which was our last shoot with South African Haute Couture. Which totally took my breath away!

~For now we wait with baited breath~

New Experiences...

So my philosophy in life is “I’m willing to try most things at least once” that way if I don’t like it I have a valid reason when I say, “Sorry no thanks, I’m trying to quit”. But having said that it can take some crazy persuasion to get me to the door.

Last Saturday was one of these days, I for the first time ever, went to a chiropractor. Now you need to understand that I have been to at least four orthopedic surgeons and all they do is hurt me and they don’t fix the problem. The first didn’t diagnose the full extent of my injuries correctly, the next said all looked fine, the third botched my Knee Op and the Forth told me I was a good candidate for a Knee replacement. So I tend to stay clear of anyone who thinks they going to get near my knee.

But for months Clark Kent has been trying to convince me to see his chiropractor so I finally made a deal, if I went to see his chiro he would go and have correct innersoles made for his running shoes (because he basically runs on his ankles, thanks to his wicked pronating feet)… So Saturday morning rolled around and I found myself at the chiropractors doorstep. FUCK. Not my happy face to say the least, but yes I was going through with it.

Well I made it out alive people! And here I am to tell the tale… I was pleasantly surprised although nervous as all hell.

Doc Rub-a-Dub was great he explained everything to me and promised he wasn’t going to twist and turn me or hurt me. Apparently it is all about neurological alignment and such. Doc Rub-a-Dub practices a technique called NeuroImpulse Protocol (N.I.P) ‘it is through a highly sophisticated integration of precise chiropractic assessment techniques and detailed neurological examination he can locate the right location to adjust. These adjustments can be to your spine, pelvis, limbs or cranium and once made you will feel increased range of movement, muscle strength and a nervous system working free of interference.’

Yeah… Doctor mumbo jumbo right… basically he finds out where you have a problem and traces it back to the neurological source or something like that. Then using pressure points or whatever and fixes you.

I must say I was well impressed, and left feeling completely aligned and with no pain… the catch is going back to maintain such perfect alignment which has been skewed over the past 26years… because you see we are all onions and need to be peeled back one layer at a time.

So if you keen to take the plunge and get your self neurologically aligned (which is great for athletes of all kinds) check out his website and give it a bash.

~PS: Clark Kent best you be making that appointment….~

Social Networking

So over the last two weeks I have attended a number of after work functions/Launches and besides being surrounded by beautiful garments and products, the free wine or bubbles and scrumptious snacks, it really does appeal to my people watching fascination.

I like to think of these social encounters as a choreographed dance, because if you had to put a soundtrack in the background it could be rather entertaining. As you watch the fake European greeting, an air kiss on both cheeks, then the head is thrown backwards as a plastic, almost bottled, laugh is released into the atmosphere. Then the grand gesture of pretended sincerity with a touch of the hands, it is a dance I have watched time and time again. Yet it never gets old.

The key to a successful social networking function is a great wingmanwoman, this ensures you are never seen standing alone looking lost, like you are unimportant and don’t know anyone. Because we are all important in our own little ways. It provides you with an escape route should you feel trapped in an unpleasant situation or conversation. You will always enjoy the glass of goodness when shared with a wingmanwoman. They also double your chances of people you might know at the event, as well as they understand the strange comments you make in what seems to others as a foreign language. Most importantly, if you anything like me, you feel a little awkward and silly at some of these things, like you don’t really belong, but with your wingmanwoman by your side you feel like you can take on the world!

In view of all the above these events are necessary and they do help to solidify many wonderful working relationships, past and present. So we shall continue to do our dance and invite great wingmenwomen to be by our sides and as a result we keep the wheels of our industry turning!

~Let us dance~

A Pill Popping Society

So when did society decide that it was no longer acceptable to have a bad day, to actually feel some kind of feeling or emotion, and that the minute you show any sign of a mood other than ecstatic, you need to be medicated… suppress any real feelings you might have… shove some happy pills down your throat and be jolly.

Seems like more and more people I know are having their doctors write them prescriptions for these “happy pills” mind numbing tranquilisers, to help them deal with their lives… and god forbid the effects wear off and you plunge back down that black hole. Oh no just double your dose, hey why not throw these trial drugs in for good measure too.

Yes of course there are people who actually do have a problem and need to take a cocktail of drugs to keep their moods in equilibrium, and without them, it just ain’t a pretty picture… so for those people we are grateful to have them mildly sedated when interacting with them for fear of our own lives. 

Well I’m having a shit day! I feel shit, grumpy, sad and angry… all I want to do is crawl into a ball somewhere dark and warm and forget about the world today… but I’ll just have to deal with it the old-fashioned way… suck it up and deal with it…

~No use in complaining because no one is listening~

Helpless

I’m feeling very helpless today, 2 of my girls are stuck in difficult places and are far away from home. One is little further than the other but both are away from the comfort of a familiar face. All I want to do is pick them up take them back to my place and have wine, popcorn, chocolate, pizza or even a simple cream soda on tap for them and help them figure things out. Even if that simply means distracting them from reality for a little while, but I can’t. And for me there is nothing worse than feeling like I can’t fix it or be the support pillar. It’s who I am and what I do.

Pop Tart and Crazii I’m think about you girls and sending positive happy vibes.

~I love You Ladies!~

Juggling Act...

Whooo Hoooo, what an amazing weekend, with Clark Kent and I successfully attending all social engagements, I will admit it took some careful strategic planning, but its become a juggling act we are beginning to perfect…

The fist pit stop was Mr & Ms Batman’s, a few moments earlier we realised that we were wearing semi-matching tops, me in Superwoman and company and him in Superman, completely by chance (pet peeve number 1, matching couples… and now I was one of them, eeek, I just threw up a little bit in my mouth), But lucky for us, as we arrived we noticed the house was decorated with Batman and the Justice league, so we fitted right in, totally in-tune with the parties theme… after the drinks were poured, a toast to the birthday boy, we were on the edge of our seats watching the Bulls crucify Crusaders… being strung up on their own cross so to speak… after the game, we bid farewell and hopped back into the Blue Beast and were off to the next social gathering… a quick detour to the drug store to dose up on anti-histamines, thanks too a few long haired feline not so much of friends, both Clark Kent and I were sneezing, itching, coughing and struggling to breathe… So once we had had our quick fix, we were good to go!

We arrived at the double G’s, where we were mistaken either for intruders or the cops… as we saw bodies scatter as we approached from the dark driveway… but once we had been great for the good company we are, we cracked open another drink and began shouting at the Stomers. Once the final whistle had been blow and an all SA final had been solidified, it was onto the main event.

Here we were greeted with shots of Tequila, which I kindly declined and Clark Kent cashed in on, bottles of bubbles and surrounded by amazing people, there was much chatter and birthday wishes, followed by hours of bum shaking and letting loose.

Finally arriving home, after a wonderful, yet long day and night of drinking and celebrating, Clark Kent arrives at the security gate and is all of a sudden fascinated by the slightly curved shape of the key. Unfortunately his Superman strength was just too much for him as he proceeded to break the key in half… FUCK... there is a shocked exchange between us as the realisation sinks in. we are locked out, its stupid o’clock in the morning and the security guard is M.I.A.

Clark Kent then decided that because his Superman strength go us into this situation, it was going to get us out… this lead to him testing his cat burglar skills as he proceeded to jump the wall, which just happened to have a mixture of spikes and barbed wire across the top, not to mention the 4 meter drop on the other side, after a night out…it was at this point I retreated and hid, holding my breath, behind the entrance wall waiting to here the thud followed by either silence or that blood curdling scream, as a result of broken bones.

But I could finally breathe easy again as I heard the buzzer sound, announcing that Clark Kent had been successful and without injury… (Gee it just makes you feel so safe when you can break into your own complex)

~I guess we can officially say that there is never a dull moment in the comic strip we call our lives.~

For the love of all things Beautiful!

Amazing, Gorgeous, Beautiful, Vibrant, Stunning, Unique, Elegant, Glamorous, these are just a few words I would use to describe the Shanghai Tang brand.

Yes it’s true people it is here, Shanghai Tang, has arrived in South Africa with their bespoke boutique flagship store opening in Johannesburg, they have launched the collection through a series of Trunk Shows in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Last night was the first of the Cape Town Trunk Shows, showcasing the Spring/Summer 2010 collection, from the minute I stepped through the threshold it was like stepping back in time, as the fond memories flooded though my mind. I could barely contain my excitement, to say I was happier than a kid in a candy store would be putting it mildly. You cannot help but be happy and walk around with a goofy grin on your face, the rich vibrant colours are infectious, the designs are beautiful and the Mandarin collars put me back in Hong Kong, where the Shanghai Tang art deco concept store is. One I have visited on a number of occasions during the 6 years I lived there.

I will never forget for my birthday the one year, my bestest girl gave me my very own little green box which held in it a beautiful, rich purple, silk covered journal. My very own little piece of Shanghai Tang! One, which I treasure and still use today!

To check out the collections click here

*Shanghai Tang is the first luxury brand to have emerged from China, it is east meets west, creating a modern, sophisticated Chinese-inspired collection, including accessories and home decor. It really is beautiful, vibrant and amazing.*


Being a fashion assistant definitely has it’s perks, it means I can go shopping without having to spend the money, and be surround by some of the most beautiful garments for a short period of time and imagine what it would like to one day own such glamorous things.

But back to reality for a second, it’s Friday Peeps, and that means weekend, and what a weekend it promises to be. It’s bursting with birthday parties, dinners, dancing and more and not to mention the Super 14 rugby Semi-finals, both games being played on South African soil… we have a lot to look forward to. I can’t wait!

My biggest concern is… what am I going to wear???

~Party like Rock Stars!~

The Final Product

I love that feeling of accomplishment, after all the blood, sweat and tears, the late nights, the hard work, the moments of crisis and even the odd moment of laughter. To see it all come together is one of the greatest feelings there is, well in my opinion at least.

Yesterday we received our new magazine hot off the presses, and it looks amazing! Beautiful! Delightful! (The word that was used to describe the magazine from the get go, they wanted a product that made the reader feel delightful)

To say that this project was the test of our teams sense of humour is a complete understatement, it was riddled with challenges form the get go, but we rose to the occasion and exceeded limitations, and we made it out with all limbs in tacked and we have produced a great product! One that I am very proud of! I am so lucky to work with such amazing people, they really make it all worth it!

So a big congratulations to the whole team, a job well done, and something to be proud of!

Nagging Ways

So I have two things that have been playing tag in my mind today.

Firstly, the phenomenon of Traffic... it blows my mind how you can be traveling along a highway quiet merrily, singing along to the radio or your favourite CD, glad that no one in the outside world can hear you. When all of a sudden you round the corner and are greeted by a sea of red brake lights and 5 lanes of free flowing traffic come to a screeching halt.

After a short burst of tourette’s escaping form between your lips, you eventually sit back and ride your clutch as you slowing move forward with the rest of the pack… Then without warning the traffic is flowing again and you are flying through your gears as you accelerate and find your freedom… but WTF was the hold up??
• There was no accident
• There wasn’t a car broken down
• Not even road works or a taxi seemed to be the cause
Can it simply boil down to the plain and simple fact that most individuals are shit drivers and seem to have purchased their licence in a lucky packet for the convenience store on the corner?

It really grates my carrot I tell you… there is no excuse for bad driving other than complete stupidity, the kind from being dropped on your head when you were a baby!

The Second thing eating away at my grey matter is, how many times have you muttered the words, “Well, you should have known”, either to a lover, partner, friend, spouse, sibling.

Known what, that some volcano was going to cause huge air-traffic issues? Known that dinner was in the oven and I was supposed to take it out? Known that you were feeling horrible and wanted a hug and for someone to tell you it’s going to be ok?

And before I go any further, I will admit I have done that in the past but over the last 10 months I have learnt not to use that phrase and have realised why it is so completely absurd!

How the fuck is the other person supposed to know if you have never said anything? And I know us girls are very good at using this absurd little phrase when we haven’t gotten our way with something. But seriously people we are all pretty much wired the same way and last time I checked I didn’t have some extra funky antenna that picks up what the fuck other people are thinking. So how am I supposed to know… your thoughts don’t transfer through the air and into my brain through osmosis.

It’s fucking communication 101 people, if you are feeling a certain way, or what something to be done, use your words. Let the world know what goes on between your ears, because if you don’t say anything, if you don’t reach out… guess what… no one will know, big surprise there. (Please hear the sarcasim in my voice)

So people lets open those lines of communication, and if you feel like using the phrase, “but you should have known” think to yourself, would you have known if you were in their shoes, did you ever mention it, even in passing, could they really have known? And I bet you’ll find the answer to be NO.

Seriously, we're not mind readers, so if you want something, just say it. It’s not brain surgery people… well… maybe for some.

My Kind of Church

So I’m not a religious person in any way, shape or form, yet ever other Sunday I do attend my kind of church. (Which funnily enough is positioned next to a real church). This ‘church’ is by no means conventional and has a very different set of beliefs and ways of doing things. For example, you are encouraged, almost expected to drink at least half your body weight during the 2-hour ritual, with the exception of the occasional cream sober, which is required every so often. Shouting and interruptions are not frowned upon, even finger pointing and snaky comments are acceptable. We all get dressed for the occasion, be it in clashing, sometime eye burning, headache causing outfits (no names mentioned, McLaren Supporter), but we are all representing our personal beliefs and hopes.

Yes, this is my kind of ‘church’ filled with car and F1 fanatics who are all there to share their love of the sport and are in it for better or worse, supporting their teams through the good times and the bad… proving to be the ultimate romantics who can love in the best and worst conditions.

So, The McLaren supporter, Captain Stroh, Clark Kent and I arrive at our local ‘Church’ on Sunday, where we are greeted by a jet black Lamborghini and the regulation Mini Cooper. All hyped up for what promises to be a great race… we definitely weren’t disappointed.

What an amazing race, nail biting stuff from the minute those lights went out and definitely my driver of the day has to go to Alonso! Starting for the pit lane as car 24 and finishing in 6th on one of the toughest overtaking tracks on the circuit, you got to hand it the guy in red… that’s some skilled driving!

Hey, let it be known as much as I love my Ferrari team, the day they announced Alonso to be driving for them this season, let’s just say it wasn’t my happiest of hours…. Non-the less he is a driver for Ferrari so I will be supportive, as I am one of those romantics.

Anyways, the race was riddled with incidents with 3 safety cars to mix things up a little but at the end of 78 laps it was once again Red Bull racing with another 1,2 finish, which Clark Kent felt he needed to celebrate with a round of Jäger-bombs… ouch. Oh and well done to the ‘Yellow Car’ who came in 3rd, definitely the best finishing position for Renault this season so far.

Wow what a weekend, I would definitely say it was a sterling success with an 80% achievement rate.

And if Monday is anything to judge the rest of the week by, its going to be a cracker people, so put on your comfy heels, put your heads down and keep those wheels of industry turning!

It’s the Weekend Baby!

And what a weekend it promises to be… Clark Kent (that’s the other half’s inner superhero, AKA The Barman) and I have to make appearances at various events, this entails some serious careful planning. Our problem is we never want to let any of our friends down, so we try to split our time as efficiently as possible, also keeping in mind various distances and driving times between each engagement. It does turn out to be quiet the art, one we are getting quiet accustomed to.

Anyways, back to the point, It’s the weekend and a great one is planned… a little shopping, business networking expo, a few birthday parties… and that’s just Saturday.

Then comes Sunday and with it the main event…. Monaco Grand Prix! Monte Carlo is one of the best tracks on the F1 circuit in my opinion, a road track, which basically shuts down half the city. Spectator can watch from the comfort of their own balconies and many moor their yachts, or boats and take in the race right from the harbour's edge. It’s a very narrow track, leaving very little overtaking opportunities; and it is extremely demanding on the drivers. It’s a race that attracts everyone who is anyone. This race has everything an F1 Junkie like me could ask for, Speed, Technicality, Passion, Glamour, and that on the edge of your seat feeling for all 78 laps. A race is never over until you cross that checkered flag… Just ask McLaren’s Hamilton, last week he looked set to take second place, flying along his second last lap and ~Bam~ front left tyre gives way and snaps the suspension and sends him into the tyre wall, SWEET, handing second place to Ferrari’s Alonso… yes there was much screaming and finger pointing involved.

I’m getting all excited just thinking about it! And the other best part about it is I have my F1 partner back, after he took a year to travel and left me to watch the a great season alone… So the McLaren supporter and I (a die hard Ferrari fan) have joined an F1 club and we now have a regular home to enjoy the races with fellow enthusiasts. Enticed by lucky draws and a chance to win the kitty after every race, with the correct top ten predictions.

*Side note:
To illustrate The mix of glamour and speed in Monte Carlo, McLaren drives, Hamilton and Button will be sporting individually crafted diamond crest on their steering wheels … make sure you don’t crash, no pressure.
(Check out the full story here at formula1.com)*

So peeps wishing you a wicked weekend!
~Party like a Rock Star!~

For the Love of Shoes

To say I have a mild obsession would be an understatement; I currently own around 43 pairs of shoes, most of which are high heels, and I’m finding that as I’m going up in years, so is the height of my stilettos…. I promise it has nothing to do with the fact that I haven’t grown in what, 13 years.

This coming from a girl who’s parents had given up on the fact that one day their daughter might just be a girl who wears dresses and high heels. Not the tomboy they had become to know... I was a straight down the line shorts and a T-shirt, with skater takkies tomboy. I played touch rugby, watched motor racing and wasn’t afraid of getting dirty.

Then at the age of 16 I put on my first pair of High heels and a formal dress and I haven’t looked back. I still watch motor racing and talk rugby with the boys but I just do it looking a little more stylish.

Last year a very special person gave me the best present a girl could ever ask for… my very first pair of David Tlale heels ☺ thanks Crazii



*David Tlale is a South African designer who set out to become a top couture house in SA, and then take on the global market. He made his Catwalk debut in 2003, in that year alone he won the Elle new talent competition and was awarded Designer of the year by the Sunday Times. In 2007 he showcased at Paris fashion week and in 2008 he was invited to Washington DC to showcase at the De Beers Shining Light Collection, to name just a few of his achievements.
The David Tlale brand has grown from strength to strength over the years, and through the use of bold colours and fabrics, it is making its mark as a brand that is stylish and full of individuality.*

One day I will own a walk in shoe cupboard, with walls lined with Jimmy choo’s, Manolo Blahnik’s, Christian Louboutin’s and Alexander McQueen’s.

Hey what girl wouldn’t?

But for now I’ll be happy with what I got and just to make myself feel better I just bought me these little guys to keep me warm this winter :)

The Eternal Life Cycle

Don’t you find it funny how life has a way of repeating itself, especially when you have just sat back to breathe and think… I’m right where I want to be… Then ~Bam~ something will happen to send you spiraling again, almost as if to say, Naha don’t get too comfy.

For my whole life I have been the new kid, forever moving and starting at a new school and always having to make new friends just to say good-bye. And by the way as a kid it ain’t so easy making new friends, kids are mean I tell you and especially when you from a foreign country, they think you carrying some kind of catastrophic disease. Never the less you kind of get used to it after a while a make do with what you got. My philosophy was “If you like me great, and if you don’t, well I probably don’t like you.” Hey don’t get me wrong here I cannot complain, I have met some great people through these travels, some of whom I still keep in contact with and for that I am grateful!

So by the time I reached varsity (University or College) I had made the decision to go study and kinda stick around in the same place for a couple extra years to see what it was like, and I found myself surrounded by great people and I had an amazing support structure of friends. It stayed that way for a while, crazy Pap-suck Sundays, Girls nights consisting of pizza, popcorn and wine…lots of wine, and many other crazy adventures… some including boys. And it was at this point when I started to sit back and think, “yeah this is it, this is the life, great friends, great times, great memories, great stories to share amongst the grandchildren.”

Then it started happening slowly but surely the travel bugs hit, one at a time, eating away slowly at my new found circle of friends and sense of security.

Yes, yes I know what you thinking, in this age of technology no one is every really that far away. But Skype doesn’t replace that hug you need every now and again.

What it boils down to is your ‘Go To’ people, they are the ones sitting next to you at the police station saying, “shit that was fun”. So I figured as long as I have my ‘Go To’ girls I’ll be ok. But one by one they too have been swept away by promises of a better land. Two have already set sail and the last is looking for her escape route, which once again leaves me…

Trying to start all over again…

A Brief Introduction

So here I go, diving head first into a world I don’t know all that much about and I’m supposed to be part of the techno generation. Well here’s to hoping I know how to float until I figure out how to swim.

People say we "you need an outlet" some type of release valve, otherwise we are destined to implode or explode, or as I like to think of it Pop like a champagne cork, and so here I am jumping on the blogging bandwagon so to speak, following suit, going digital, after being inspired by the Crazii redhead and Pop Tart, Changing Gears has been born.

So for a long time now I have been confusing people, as they just can’t understand how a girl like me can be a complete walking contradiction. If I really had it my way I would be dressed from head to toe in Haute Couture behind the wheel of a racing car clocking 320km/h down the pit straight, rocking to Pink as my backing track.

I hope to entertain and inform you through my "release valve" about what goes on in the place I like to call home…