bali beach blessings

M: Yes, Bali is beautiful rice fields, ceremonies and temples. But when you spend your days in the Seminyak area, there's only three things you've got to worry about: where to eat (1), what cocktail to drink (2) and which massage to pick (3) ;). Walking on the beach from Petitenget to Seminyak you'll find 4 great beach club spots in a row: funky La Barca Beachclub, stylish Starfish Bloo, lively Potato Head and worldfamous Ku De Ta. All four are special in it's own way and sooo worth a visit. Where La Barca charms with a fun interior and a simple but tasteful menu, Starfish Bloo (part of the new W Retreat & Spa) will impress with state of the art decor and gourmet food. Porc ribs were never so refined AND mouthwatering as here. Then head for Potato Head to chill at the pool, admire the stunning architecture and try the prawn or tuna ceviche. Finish off with an exquisite cocktail at Ku De Ta while listening to the sunset tunes from one of the lined up DJs. I mean: if you're on a holiday treat, you might as well do it properly ;) *From north to south: La Barca, Starfish Bloo, Potato Head and Ku De Ta

daisies rock

B: It's that time again where spring has sprung, the birds are full of chirp and the hottest bands are ROCKING THE DAISIES! Whoop whoop, can't wait for all the bikini show offs and beer totting rock lovers who will be enjoying the sights of the Cloof Wine Estate in Darling only 100 km out of Cape Town… For three days it’s (hopefully we are blessed with awesome weather): tents, rivers, braais and REALLY loud music. I’ll be performing with the iScream and the Chocolate Stix at 1.00 pm on the 8th of October 2011 on the main stage. Rock on!! :) *Rocking the Daisies, 7-9 Oct 2011 *Download our new hot single Skitso!

peruvian pisco in cape town

M: For a big South America fan like me, discovering restaurant Keenwä in Cape Town was as fulfilling as the taste of the awesome classic Pisco Sour cocktail they serve. This national drink from Peru is made of Pisco liquor, lime juice and syrup and comes with a thick layer of whipped egg white. The combination of the sour and the cream is just magical. Can't wait for the P.I.S.C.O. bar upstairs to open... Keenwä not only brings back fantastic memories of travelling through Peru, but also surprised me and B with it's excellent food and colorful decor. The ceviche clasico (fish cubes marinated in lime juice and a sprinkle of chillies) for a starter is a MUST. And if you want to try South African ostrich Peruvian style: order the ostrich fillet with gooseberry sauce and quinoa risotto. Don't forget to check out the arty travel pics on the wall and the toilets upstairs! *Keenwä, 50 Waterkant Street, Cape Town

work it, work it, work it out!

M: With summer around the corner, there is no better way to kick off the new week than in the gym. The best part for me is not the vision of myself pulling off my bikini though, but the energy I get out of a proper training session. Truly addictive like nothing else. Our personal trainer Joseph makes sure that B and I sweat it all out without using ANY machine... the holistic approach! My favorite? The kettlebell! It's a simple cast iron weight designed to swing it and lift it while combining cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. *Check it out: First Principles Gym, Sea Point, personal trainer Joseph Chinana or 360 Specialised Training, Woodstock

burstling & burlesque

S: Looking back at a very succesful opening of a new monthly event in London: the Fashion Bound Burlesque Show. Our venue was the happening nightclub 141 Park Lane, visited by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Prince, Outkast and many more. We started with strawberry bellinis and fusion canapes. Highlight of the night was the Sweet Harlots Burlesque act. Yep, that's the same duo that was asked by Prince Harry to perform on his bru Williams' stag party... It was DJ Liquid Motion accompanied by Saxadelic who finished the night off with some warm and bassy tunes. To be continued! *Fashion Bound Burlesque Shows by Jaded Lifestyles, 141 Park Lane, London

cooking with siba... and bex :)

B: It might surprise a lot of people, but I know my way around the kitchen... yeah I said it: the kitchen! So to make it as public as possible ;), I was invited for 'Cooking with Siba' on Mzansi Magic TV channel. They're shooting their second season now and I must say we need more inspiring people on TV like chef Siba. Supported by an amazing crew and producer, the show boosted an array of top South African celebs. Siba interviews and gets to know the celebs while cooking. This Sunday afternoon in the Old Biscuit Mill, me and her made my favorite exotic dishes with a twist... Siba style. Lasting tone and vibe: live, eat and experiment. Holla! *Cooking with Siba on Mzansi Magic TV channel, broadcasted in September *Tailor fitted black jacket with flowerprint B: Jaded Lifestyles (own design)

quirky wapping project

M: It was in the less known East London Whitechapel area, that S showed me a hidden gem: Wapping Project. The building is a converted power station, housing a restaurant and a rotating art installation. The venue with high ceilings has got that nice industrial feel without compromising on charm. A true dream location for photographers like me, as the light breaks so beautifully in spaces like this. The restaurant menu was as impressive as the decor. I never got to taste the food though, instead I visited the little bookshop in the greenhouse outside. From the shelf I grabbed a must-have-book for all fashion designers and graphic artists: Masters of Fashion Illustration. The book contains a collection of the greatest illustrators of all times and will leave no one uninspired. All together Wapping Project is a unique and quirky experience and definitely a nice change from London's crowdy tourist traps! *Wapping Project/ Wapping Food, London *Book: Masters of Illustrations by David Downton

unwinding wind

M: Yes, the Capetonian wind can drive you crazy. Especially at night! But shoo, I dig it too... So by the sight of the rough sea and a proper sandstorm in Camps Bay last weekend, I stopped my car to enjoy the feel of a natural sand scrub. B's hat flew away and he had to run for his life to catch it, but it was energising like nothing else. Today I made a decision: every day I will go for a short beach walk. No matter what the weather is like. Simply because its illuminating effect on the mind is so powerful. *Camps Bay, Cape Town

secret dining at opal lounge

M: Last week I was invited for a 'Secret Dinner' by my good friend Maria Vasco. She initiated a brilliant concept that guarantees a stylish venue, exclusive food and -most important- a group of wonderful, life embracing peeps. Where, what and who is only revealed on the day itself. When I receive her message saying that she would meet all of us in the Private room at Opal Lounge, I knew I would not be disappointed. In it's warm decor the gorgonzola with pear starter and rare seared yellow fin tuna tasted as pretty as it looked. Before we knew it everyone was bedazzled from the oriental vibes and fully enjoying a genuine fun night. We topped it off with a nightcap and dance at Jade, before I slipped into my bed with a big smile on my face. What a lovely night... can't wait for the next one! *The Opal Lounge, Cape Town *Secret Dinner by 68 Encounters *Black silk top Maria: Jenny Button/ Wool dress M: Patrizia Pepe

dreaming away with sade

S: While preparing a London nightclub event for next week, I'm listening to one of my favorite artists: the legendary Sade. End May this year I was there when she performed for 20.000 fans in the O2 Arena in London as part of her UK tour. Her performance was out of this world! If you get the chance to see her live (she's currently on tour in the States); you will not regret it!! She's an icon and still as beautiful as when she debuted with Diamond Life. My favorite songs performed: Soldier of Love, Love is Found, Morning Bird, Sweetest Taboo, Feel no Pain and Kiss of Life. *Watch the Sweetest Taboo live @O2 Arena

the land bank afterparty

B: After fashion it's time for afterparty! With The Land Bank as venue, Dino DJing and loads of models and fashionistas attending, all the ingredients were there last night for a proper finale. We just had to worry about our own outfits and where to go AFTER the after party ;) *The Land Bank, Cape Town *Lace dress M: The Edge by Supertrash/ Tweet coat B: Hugo Boss

vegas volt

M: I'm a big MAC fan and shooting behind the scenes at a fashionshow is the perfect job to pick up on new trends! Michelle Collins was the artist of the colorful and sexy look for the Undacova & Dax Martin shows.  She and her colleagues also introduced me (Miss-Nude-Look ;)) to my new love: bright and glammy Vegas Volt. A winner coral shade that looks stunning on pretty much everyone... *Check it out: MAC Cosmetics website

show abigail betz

B: I used to walk down the ramp at Fashion Week, but this time I could just sit down and watch. Holla :) Abigail Betz came up with a serene show: lots of pales, beachy decor and fresh 'nude' models. Short but sweet. The only thing that was missing at the end of the show was Mrs. Betz herself... *Cape Town Fashion Week 2011/ For more pictures of the show: see official AFI website.

drink with a bite

M: When you come to the point that you want to lower your alcohol consumption, it all becomes somewhat boring... A promotion table in the Wellness Warehouse brought me this little pricy but truly delicious solution: 'Ega'. A healthy drink made of grapes, pomegranate and rooibos. That last one gives it a proper bite. Finally a mature alcoholfree drink! Mixed with a shot of white also not to be sneezed at though... ;). *For more info: see www.egalife.co.za.

flashback joburg fashion week

M: One week to go before Cape Town Fashion Week starts. Can't wait! It makes me remind of the Joburg  edition earlier this year. I remember designers and models stressing out backstage. Or killing their time reading and sms-ing before the can enter the ramp. On the final day of JBFW it was designer Abigail Keats' turn. Great lady; mature collection. Unfortunately I can only shoot her show as it's the first. When miss Keats appeared on the ramp, I rushed back to my laptop for the edit. It's Heni's collection though that blew me away in Joburg. Just loved the naughty schoolgirl look and the styling 'au Pierrot' totally works. Let's see what Cape Town will bring... *Joburg Fashion Week 2011/ For more info: see official AFI website.

mozarella times

M: It's only today on my way from the gym, that I notice this place: Mozarella Bar. My Italian friend Simone waves at me from behind the coffee machine. I quickly pop in for a ginger tee and buy smoked mozarella & parmaham. Mozarella Bar is cappu for R10, clean but comfy interior, Italian guests, healthy food and lots of... mozarella! * Mozarella Bar, 51 Kloof Street, Cape Town

bob still rocks

M: Had one of these lazy nights this week... was couch hanging like Heath, with the TV on but not watching at all. Untill I hear the timeless tunes of Bob Dylans 'I want you'. I look up and realise that I'm missing out on a great movie, a great scene and fantastic track.  *Check it out: 'I want you' in 'I'm not there' by Bob Dylan

hideaway with charm

M: When looking for a truly secluded hideaway not too far from Cape Town, Kommetjie is a winner. We were invited by a friend a while ago and enjoyed our bubbly at the beach. We watched the stunning sunset, fooled around taking pictures and realised that you don't have to travel far for paradise. Hmm... could do with another sweet weekend trip ;). *Kommetjie beach, Western Cape *Dress M: G-Star Raw Correct Line/ Top S: Diesel

the vibes @the vibe party

M: What started as a slightly pretentious party last Saturday @the Grand Beach, loosened up completely when the sun got down. It was the place to be for modeling Cape Town and everyone else in 'the industry'. So I wasn't surprised to see the absolutely stunning Fi-Sofia entering at hairstylist Marios' side. Ten point for the black dress and ten point for the fab hairdo! Just WOW... Later on it was Afrodizzyacts that impressed with fire juggling and stiltwalking. After slurping a couple of oysters and taking some random snaps of the fancy crowd, I decided to wrap my cam and just enjoy the vibes like everyone else. And that was the best decision made that eve. *The Grand Beach Vibe Party, Granger Bay, Cape Town