**Decorex** JHB

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Guess who won double tickets to Decorex Jhb??? Little ol' me :) Thanks so much to LuckyPony (and of course Decorex for the win!)

The convention is happening from the 5th (today) to the 9th August at Gallagher Convention Centre. Tickets cost R70 and can be purchased at the door. Hope to see u there!
Source: LuckyPony



Frock Xchange *Durban*

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I found this on MissMollyFashions. I will be in Durban this weekend (snow and all) and will hopefully be able to make it. 
Hope to see you there
xx


Brekkie in Melville...De La Creme

/ Melville, Johannesburg, South Africa/
Being a Jo'burg girl, I haven't done too much exploring of the Melville area. To remedy this, I spent some time wandering around and came across this little gem...



 Great service, lovely atmosphere and lots and lots of yummy yummy goodies to munch!

My mom and uncle Mike who is here out all the way from New Zealand to celebrate my mom's wedding :)
Yummy Egg's Benedict, and the tasty toasted croissant with bacon and avo...

Directions:

Cnr 4th Avenue & 7th Street, Melville


From the N1 (Western Bypass) take the Beyers Naudé turnoff and travel through Blackheath, Cresta and Risidale towards Melville. When you get to Melville, Beyers Naudé Drive becomes Main Road. Turn left into 4th Avenue from Main. Continue straight ahead for approximately 4m. They are situated on the corner by traffic lights on your right.

Opening Hours:
Monday - closed
Tuesday - Sunday: 07:00-23:00

*Tomorrow I will be posting a recent interview I did with a very interesting lady...stay tuned for that!* 


*Bill Craig* Men's Executive Outfitters...Melville

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With a wedding happening tomorrow (*eek! Mommy I am sooo happy for you and Rob!) all the men have had to get suited up. Here is a place that Rob has been going to for years, a place much more distinguished than it's neighbours on the slightly dodgey end of Melville, Johannesburg.

"Bill Craig has been in Melville since 1976. We cater for the middle to upper class Men’s clothing needs and we are a family based business with years of knowledge behind us.
All our customers are treated with respect and professionalism. We have our own in house tailor for alterations done on the premises. 
We stock everything from top class Suits and Jackets to Casual wear and shoes. The atmosphere and service in our store sets us apart from any shopping centre. 
Pop in for a cup of coffee and browse through our range of clothing. 

Open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm 
Saturdays from 8:30 to 1:00 pm 
Speak to Bill, Craig, Jethrow or Dawn"


Find them at 4 Main Road, Melville.

For more info on what's on offer, check out their website. 


#JoziBloggerMeetup

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Early on a recent wednesday evening, a group of 50 enquiring souls streamed into the wonder that is Wolves for a night of wine, socializing, prizes and a red velvet cupcake or two.  The reason I hear you ask? Well, three friends had an idea, an idea which would shake the very ground that Jo'burg stands upon. An idea to hold a get together for all those bloggers residing in the city of gold...

The goodies up for grabs! And of course the vino...
Then venue...Wolves Cafe, Ilovo. 

Playing around with fellow friend & blogger, Lou
 My dear friend Lou and I arrived at Wolves at a fashionably early 17:39 (bear in mind things were only kicking off at 18:00). We sat down awkwardly and ordered some tea, feeling very much like farts in a perfume factory. Luckily, Angie came over and with talk of a raffle & wine, we had made at least one new friend. At that was only the beginning...

The lovely Araffa and Lou on the left, and swopping blog url's...Sarah & Serena
Lou, Serena, Sarah and me...all smiles! And on the right, Michelle & Alma getting ready to win some prizes!
 What a delightful way to spend an evening, chatting away about life in Jo'burg, blogging in Jo'burg and everything in between.


As is the case with most events, one never get's a chance to meet *everyone*. But, to combat this little dilemma, here is a list of all those in attendance and their blog urls! Yay for Jo'burg bloggers! So go on, check them out and get commenting :)

A HuGe thank you to Angie, Nicci, Emma, Natasha & Jo for a stupendous evening! Here's to many more, and to many more amazing raffles (*let's get Mauritius on the cards this time!*)


* Tanya – tan32.wordpress.com
* Roz – jellybeanjourney.wordpress.com (email Roz at wrighttwinmommy@gmail.com for access as her’s is a private blog)
* Gina – gnatj.com
* Hayley – hayleymal.blogspot.com
* Carlette – nunuza.blogspot.com
* Paul – itsjustafantasybaby.blogspot.com (need the proper link asseblief)
* Emma – emmajanenation.com
* Michelle – smokethissxx.blogspot.com
* Lou – thetrialsofmisslola.tumblr.com (computer says no???)
* Natalie – cleomagazine.co.za
* Gareth – garethpon.tumblr.com
* Tamiya – tamiyat.co.za
* Faye – what.to.do.with.daylight.blogspot.com (Blogger does not like this?)
* Yusuf – untitledawearness.com (under construction)
* Megan – waitingformeg.blogspot.com (Second Floor Living)
* Stacey – storyscarves.org/blog
* Ricardo – (waiting for URL)
* Tamaryn – exmi.co.za
* Indianna – nicefind.blogspot.com



"Shape" up!

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So...it's nearly spring (can someone please tell Mr Winter this fact) and that means it's nearly time for shorts and dresses. And that means getting into shape so we don't look like we have been curled up indoors for 4 months with nothing for company but hot chocolate and sweet treats. 
So, Shape Magazine & Total Sport are challenging all you ladies to a 10k run in Joburg, Durban & Stellenbosh...


Durban
This year the Totalsports Ladies Race will make its debut in Durban!


DATE: Sunday, 31 July 2011
VENUE: Kingspark Athletic Stadium (Durban)
START: 08h00 – 10km / 09h00 – 5km
DISTANCE: 5km run/walk & 10km run/walk
Stellenbosch


DATE: Tuesday, 9 August 2011
VENUE: Coetzenburg Stadium (Stellenbosch, starting in Plein Street)
START: 08h00
DISTANCE: 5km run/walk & 10km run/walk
Johannesburg


DATE: Tuesday, 9 August 2011
VENUE: Emmerentia (Johannesburg)
START: 08h00
DISTANCE: 5km run/walk & 10km run/walk

How it works



  • Register– it’s free! You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the programme.
  • Your first training schedule will be emailed to you on the first Friday after your registration. Thereafter you will receive a training schedule every Friday for 12 weeks.
  • You are required to run 3 times per week.
I haven't managed to run further than my bedroom to the fridge, so it will be my first race...ever! So no more excuses, get those tackies on and get out there!

For more info about registering etc click here.
Besides, who wouldn't want to look like this...

Market on Main...Jo'burg

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Market On Main is the market for Johannesburg, made by Johannesburg. Open every Sunday at Arts on Main from 10am - 3pm. What a great place to meet new & interesting people, while stuffing your face with loads of yummy treats.



Directions:

Next door to The Bioscope at 286 Fox Street, Johannessburg 2094

click here for GoogleMaps
For more information, click here for their website.
More grown up than the I Heart Market in Durban, Market On Main has a slightly more modern, city-slicker atmosphere...and so it should being a Market by Joburg for Joburg. Definitely worth a visit (*just make sure to go hungry!).

I ♥ market...Durban

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Last weekend I was lucky enough to be around the Durban area, just in time to attend the I ♥ Market at the Greyville Race Course...and what a treat! The market is held on the first Saturday of every month. Click here for their blog and here for their facebook group so you can stay up-to-date with all their news.

Here are just some of the wonderful stalls selling everything from cupcakes to fancy smancy dog bowls..


 "shopping with a conscience" All products here are either made by HIV positive ladies, small communities, individuals who deserve support or are made of Eco friendly materials.  What a wonderful cause ♥
**click here for their facebook group**

Ikhaya
 "a little shop in Durban where we manufacture most of our stock ourselves using re-cycled items" 
Eco-aware products, furniture & interiors
**click here for their Facebook group**



"products crafted and hand-assembled in Durban, South Africa using wood grown in managed local forests"

click here for their facebook group 
Sophia Basckin Design 
Gorgeous hand-made earrings, rings and necklaces. So nice in fact, the one pair I bought is just not enough! I will be making *many* more purchases from the lovely Sophia very soon!
Email her at sophiabasckin@gmail.com for more info ♥

BarkyBark
Don't your pets deserve to eat out of gourmet bowls too? Dog & Cat Bowl holders ♥
Email Calire at clairewager@gmail.com
**click here for their facebook group**

Madame Dija 
Fashion Designer. 
I spent ages going through each and every wonderful item at her stall. Everything unique and just so darn pretty...
email here at khadijabassa@gmail.com for more info ♥


I Love Bokkie
Kids spaces, furniture & lovelies

Florals, love & Lipstick...BiancaKim- Clothing is inspired by New Age culture, with a vintage feel...The promise we make to you is that you will feel like a million bucks, without breaking the bank, while staying up to date with the latest trends ♥
**click here for the facebook group**





Fun & fresh, the lovely Nadia not only sells cupcakes but also fabulous goodies like the fabulous corsages pictured below. You can even try your own hand at making on yourself ♥


Directions:
DLI Hall, 5 DLI avenue, Greyville, Durban, South Africa (DLI stands for Durban Light Infantry)

Drive down Marriott Rd and keep on going thru the traffic circle and down that road that goes through the racecourse and on the right hand side you will see a grand old building, that's the DLI!
And there is loads of parking around the back of the building, and grass and trees and a bowling green.


One of the nicest markets I've ever been to in a long time. It was a pleasure walking around and meeting some of the stall owners and finding out more about their goodies on sale. This is the place to be if you want to be surrounded by very chic, young individuals with loads of talent. And of course, it's the perfect way to spend a Saturday ♥♥

Taking in the Trash: *Deer Hunter* Greenside, Joburg

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Deer Hunter...the ultimate junk shop...see for yourself


Who wouldn't want an old school coca-cola sign in their room??


Cool, redefined

That handsome guy in the middle...meet Farmboy, the ♥ of my life :) Ok, ok, I'm getting sidetracked, where was I...oh ya, how about some of these...


 Or even better...this little guy


Every month, Deer Hunter holds a Junk sale where you can get your hands of any and all of the above, check out their facebook group (click here) for more details. 





Deer Hunter
135 Greenway Road, Greenside
Johannesburg, South Africa

Monkey Bay Backpackers, Ballito

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As of late, Ballito has been buzzing with activity. What with the opening of the King Shaka Airport and rumors of a Virgin Gym there is so much more than just sun, sea and surf. Ballito has become one of the biggest places for Matric Rave (those few weeks around Nov/Dec when every second person strolling around town is on the hunt for a good party after finishing their final exams).

But, for all the other months of the year there is still lots happening in this growing coastal town.

So what does one need when planning a trip? Accommodation of course...and that's where Monkey Bay Backpackers comes in!

Only a short stroll from the main beach and with plenty of space for you to bring your own tents too!




For booking and more information, click here

Must See...*Defending the Cave Man* Monte Casino, Jo'burg

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"Alan Committe stars in the all-time favourite "date comedy" that explores the reasons why okes don`t like to ask for directions and why girls need so much cupboard space. Directed by Tim Plewman from the original by Rex Garner". That about sums up this witty classic, although I would add that at times I found myself relating more to his definition of the male species than the female...but maybe thats just me :)

Tickets cost R150 and the show makes for a light hearted evening, while you hum and harr about what similarities you can pick up between you and the Cave Man...click here to book your tickets. Defending the Cave Man is also showing at 'Theatre on the Bay' in Cape Town, click here for more info.

Municipal Elections 2011

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What not to do:

Wake up at 6:30 and think about maybe getting to the voting stations early for this little baby:



Then go back to sleep till 8:30 and have to deal with this:


All for the sake of checking you get one of these:



To put your mark on this:


*and not forgetting to check that one of these was on the back*



My advice to you would be to get there MUCH later in the day after having a lovely long relax in bed and a nice breakfast with your family :)

For some great tweets (*and lots of other cool stuff!*) about the Elections, check out my awesome friend's blog by clicking here...and there you have it. Another bout of elections done and dusted, and now we wait and see...

The **Green Grass** Shop

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This afternoon Farmboy and I took a little drive to a slightly different part of town. Our travels took us to Parkhurst, one of the coolest areas of Jo'burg I've ever come across. I can't quiet believe I've never been there before. Packed full of dainty antique stores, and cute cafe's, the main focus of our morning was The Green Grass Shop.  




The Green Grass shop sells lots of unique gifts, like this clock (above middle) and a host of crocheted animals...the owls being my favourite! But their main focus is on design. They have just got themselves a laser machine, and with it create all sorts of designs and engravings on anything from paper to wood. A nice touch for wedding invites :)




Check out their website here or pop in to their store at Flat 3 Sunlit Court, 34 Fourth Avenue, Parkhurst


Must See...*Dream Girls* Teatro Monte Casino, Jo'burg

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What an electrifying performance, South African theatre, you have done us proud! I thought the Lion King was fantastic, but that was before I sat glued to my chair, totally absorbed in the world of glitter, scandal and hair-do's. If you only see one theatre production this year, make it this one!

Dream girls tells the rag-to-riches tale of an up and coming 1960's girl group, and all the trials and tribulations that follow fame and glory. Featuring an entirely South African cast to play its all African American characters, Dreamgirls is produced by leading South African Producer, Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management.

Special Easter Performances have been added for the week of Easter - with shows now open for bookings from Wednesday 20 April to Sunday 24 April. Top ticket prices over the weekend have been dropped to R350 per ticket!

Special Easter Packages are also now available:
4 top price tickets only R1000 (save R400)
5 top price tickets R1250 (save R500) and
6 top price tickets for R1500 (save R600)

Click here to book your tickets today!


*Shows also at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town*

Byanston Organic Market

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Looking for a place to buy fresh, home grown veggies for your home cooked Pizza and Pasta dishes??

"The Bryanston Organic & Natural Market is Johannesburg's original outdoor market. When you visit our market, you will enter an environment where the emphasis is on quality hand crafted goods, unique art and photography, clothing made from natural fibres, a deli filled with rich, wholesome foods and, of course, fresh organic and naturally grown produce" Byanston Organic Market
The market is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am until 3pm. 

Why not pop in for cup of tea and a snack, before checking out the wide variety of funky goods on sale...





How to get there: