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| Hingham | |
| Toxic Candy Rocks Toxic Candy is fabulous new streetwear clothing and accessories store in Windermere Centre, Durban. The opening party last week was a blast with exciting looking street fashion much in evidence. The live music was super and the vibe was exceptional. Look at who was there… | |
| Art @ The Green Gallery There was paint everywhere – and it was beautiful! The Green Gallery in Flanders Mall, Mt Edgecombe is the place where serious collectors, artists and lovers of fine art come to find what they are looking for. Last week they launched an exhibition of work by Nicole Pletts and Shirley Howells that attracted the beautiful people like moths to a flame. The heady scent of roses added a special touch as the wine and conversation flowed…it was sublime. The Pletts/ Holwells exhibition is well worth visiting – you’ll be inspired! | |
| Action in the Ghost House Durban’s LX Seth launched his latest music video at Panama Room last week. The video, produced by Riyash Misra, was filmed in Durban at Panama Room, Cafe Barista in Reservoir Hills and the ghost house near Westbrook. Misra is also no stranger to the camera, as he is set to star in Isidingo next month. Seth is in preparations of his latest CD, which will be on sale in December, as well as launching all-girl group Miss-Tress. | |
| Ebedes @ Vanille The place to be seen in Kloof is the uber trendy Vanille, home to good food, hot design and beautiful people. Now musician Duncan Ebedes is adding live sounds to the mix. You should be there – we think you’d like it a lot! | |
| Froggie Goes Trendy Froggie Shoes has launched a new boutique in Gateway featuring an exciting new range of super comfortable footwear. They are aiming at a younger, trendier market as well as the more mature foot and we think they have taken comfortable shoes to a new level. | |
| Looking For Mr SA Durban’s Michael Busch is a business man, editor of an online fitness magazine, part time model and Mr South Africa 2010 entrant. In 2000, Michael was placed second in the Mr Teen SA competition. This year, he is aiming for the big prize. He is currently one of the Top 50 semi finalists and we wish him well in his quest for the title. | |
| The Big Little Party Company The Big Little Party Company was launched in style at the Animal Farm near Ballito last week. It caters for little people who are celebrating special occasions and we were delighted to be there. | |
| Coco de Mer Coco de Mer is a brand new boutique hotel set in a tropical forest a stone’s throw from one of Ballito’s best beaches. It’s the perfect venue for weddings and conferences but it’s also a great place to socialise with friends. The La Terasse Restaurant had just opened to the public. You just have to try it! Look at who was at the launch… | |
| Riverside VIP's The launch of the Riverside VIP Club and the hotel’s new weekly specials was the place to be seen and heard last Thursday with guests sipping cocktails and soaking up the general ambiance. | |
| Music For a Cause The Ballito Cancer Support Network held a very successful musical evening recently at the Ballito home of Meyer and Jaimé Ernst. The programme ranged from opera and classical repertoire to showtime and musical review favourites, performed by London-based mezzo soprano, Nicky Russell accompanied by Professor David Smith of the University of kwaZulu Natal. The Ballito Cancer Support Network holds regular functions, including musical evenings, which all are welcome to attend. Anyone interested in hearing more about the Network’s activities and future events are encouraged to contact Jaimé on 082-442-2080. | |
| Green is Beautiful There is a growing awareness of the benefits of going green with regard to our health and the environment in which we live and work. The Go 2 Natural Expo at the Salt Rock Country Club last week was a huge success, offering a cross section of ideas, products and information on how to live a healthier lifestyle and we were there to support them! | |
| Fine Food Fair Good food is the order of the day at the Durban Food Market held every week at the Gordon Road Girls’ School in Morningside. Here you will find a collective of fine, wholesome, hand made, healthy and thoroughly delicious fare. It’s a beautifully upmarket market – no flea market trinkets and cheap clothes from China here, Dahling. The music is tasteful, the atmosphere is lovely and you will be so glad to have found it. Open fro 8am – 3pm www.durbanfoodmarket.co.za | |
| LEAPING AHEAD The Leapfrog Property Group, Ballito, opened its Property Expo offices in the Boulevard Centre last week. We wish them great success in their new venture. | |
| Fabulously Fit The beautiful people were gathered together in Gauteng last week for the USN Fitness Model Search and, guess what? Two of the finalists chosen came from KZN. Both the ladies are represented by Durban Designer Warren Morck’s agency, Glamorous Models. Adel Futterof Kloof, was placed third while Tessa Websterof Ballito made it into the top ten. | |
| Silverline Shines Brightly Silverline Art and Framing held an exhibition in Ballito last week where five paintings were won in a lucky draw. The paintings were then framed on site much to the amazement and delight of the crowd of happy art lovers who attended the opening. We were there to enjoy the ambience and to capture these images. | |
| Another Fabulous Nicht Crawford Nicht has become a major social event on the North Coast. The annual free fireworks display and live entertainment at Crawford North Coast is hugely popular and it attracts a substantial crowd every year. This year was no exception. The Spoonfeedas rocked the crowds on the playing fields before the haggis was piped in and the spectacular fireworks display began. Fast food stalls did a brisk trade and there were fire dancers, stilt walkers, magicians and face painters all adding to the carnival atmosphere. We loved it! | |
| Handmade Music When people get together to listen to music at the Vagabond Café on the North Coast, they create a kind of magic. It has something to do with the ambience of the setting and the quirky original artworks by owner, Andrew Strode and his partner, Kerry that are hidden in the trees. There is wholesome home made food to compliment the hand made music and the company is always good. An old pot bellied stove warms the interior of the little restaurant and log fires add an earthy charm to the gathering. This is not a pub type mainstream venue so you won’t find that sort of action here. It’s a gentle place where people gather to enjoy intimate music evenings or the occasional classic movie with a themed dinner. Last Friday this was the venue chosen to host the first Handmade Music evening on the North Coast. A collaboration of local musicians got together to play the blues and various other genres of music for the listening pleasure of those who had come to enjoy it and support them. On the bill were Donovan Crewe, a masterful guitarist from the big smoke now resident in Ballito, Gary Jackson, a super vocalist, brothers Dan and Mike Charles who added the essential elements of bass and rhythm guitar. Llewellyn Cronje joined in on the big finale and the event was hosted by Dave Charles who has a love for these things. Others hovered in the firelight and added weight to the music that rolled into the night. It was a lovely evening. The next get together will be held in a few weeks and if you would like to play call Dave on 082 551 4768 | |
| Creative Canvas Creative Canvas is an art exhibition currently being presented by artist Michelle Scott featuring the work of some of the best artists on the North Coast. You’ll find it at 2 Lozi Park behind the Lifestyle centre. Contact Michelle for details at 082 442 7508 | |
| Restoring Body, Mind and Soul. As people become more aware of the benefits of alternative medicine and wellness practices, new opportunities arise to cater for the growing demand. The latest of these on the North Coast is San Aquam’s Beach Retreat near Ballito. In partnership with the popular Cane Cutters Resort, San Aquam has created a sanctuary in the cane where you can enjoy a range of therapeutic and massage treatments to restore balance and health the Ayurvedic way. Another option is a lovely secluded area right on the beach, designed to offer these gentle and restorative treatments within sight and sound of the rolling breakers. The Beach Retreat was launched at Cane Cutters Resort last week and is now open and ready to restore your body, mind and soul. | |
| Strictly Come Dancing at Seaforth Since the advent of the TV show “Strictly Come Dancing”, ballroom dancing has become wildly popular again with people of all ages. No longer seen as odd and old fashioned, ballroom dancing has been elevated to supercool status and it is now really desirable to be able to dance. Then there are the added benefits of a regular dance class. Participants have found that they have lost weight, gained confidence, improved memory and co ordination and have loved the fun and excitement of it all. But dance studios everywhere have been oversubscribed with applications and it has been difficult to get into to swing of things. Now residents of the North Coast now have a great opportunity to hit the dancefloor as Seaforth College launches an initiative to bring the benefits of dance to a wider market. This initiative is not only for students but older folks are also being catered for. Students (grade 8 – 12) who would like to join are to contact Mr. Graeme Hough on 083 376-4511. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 7pm. Adults who would like to join are to contact Kathy Johnstone on 082 877 6404 or 031 764 0553. Their classes will be held straight after the students on a Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm. | |
| Italian Passion for Art and Culture The idea of an Art Exhibition with the theme 'Italy through the Eyes of the Artist', was the brainchild of Vanessa Mancini, the wife of the Italian Consul, Ugo Ciarlatani. The committee members of the Dante Alighieri Society were thrilled with the concept and it was so well supported that it will now become an annual event. We had an overwhelming response, with sixty artists submitting110 works for exhibition. The opening ceremony, dinner and luncheon were also highlights on the social calendar of those with little Italian passion in their souls! | |
| British Invasion of Botha’s Hill THE BEST OF BRITISH coming to Botha’s Hill this week, features the music of popular British singers and bands from the 1960s to the present day. Songs include Faith by George Michael, Mercy by Duffy, Summer Holiday by Cliff Richard, Up Where We Belong by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warner, Anyone Who Had a Heart, You're my World by Cilla Black, Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison Doo Wa Diddy by Manfred Mann and many of your other favourites. THE BEST OF THE BRITISH runs for 3 days at Falcon Crest Manor House in Botha's Hill from 5-7 June. Tickets are R175 including a three course meal. Bookings on 0845136271 | |
| You Gotta Have a Little Faith! The Faith Film Festival was launched at NuMetro cinemas in Hillcrest with the movie "Fireproof" featuring Kirk Cameron. This festival, collaboration between Nu Metro and CUM Books, promoted movies with messages and themes relevant to people living faith based lives. Look at who was there | |
| Mr & Ms Ushaka After much deliberation, the winners of the uShaka Marine World beauty pageant have been crowned. They are…(drumroll)… Elizabeth Whitehead of Durban is Junior Miss uShaka, Durbanite Victor Samsonov is Mr uShaka, and Miss uShaka is Bluff resident Candice Osler. Elizabeth’s princesses were Quintessa Ali (Montclair) & Rochelle Barnes (Durban). Victor’s princes are Mlungisi Mkhize (Woodhaven) and Nthuthuko Maphumulo (Umlazi). Candice’s princesses are Lechelle Nieuwoudt (Ballito) and Julia Petersen (Greenwood Park). Celebrity judges included media personality Terence Pillay and former Miss India SA Shabnum Mohamed. | |
| Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum ADVERTURER Kingsley Holgate and his wife, Jill were guests at an intimate dinner hosted by Owen and Jacqui Williams at Hotel Izulu last week. They chatted about their latest adventure into the back of beyond in darkest Africa and spun tales about rum fuelled escapades in distant places to a gathering of armchair travellers. The expedition to supply mosquito nets to distant communities had been sponsored in part through the efforts of a benefactor who was present to receive a short video by way of thanks. The venue, a beautiful wine cellar, is perfect for private dinner parties like this and Chef Floris Smith and his team delighted everyone present with an excellent menu. | |
| Doshas The Perfect Balance Doshas, KZN's only Ayurvedic Cafe' is now open and ready to delight. The modestly priced menu offers a wide range of healthy, preservative free and freshly prepared fare in the tranquil setting of SanAquam, an urban sanctuary spa in Kensington Boulevard, Durban North. This is an oasis of beauty and peace where people learn to reconnect through yoga, meditation and music therapy. They also offer a full range of spa treatments. SanAquam combines the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, with the best of Western health science to help people achieve a life of balance and vitality beautifully. Doshas offers a selection of curries, pastas, burgers, salads, wraps and desserts along with teas, smoothies and fresh juices. There is also a healthy breakfast selection available. The food is simple yet amazingly delicious and it’s so good for you! You'll find Doshas inside SanAquam, open weekdays from 8am to 7pm and weekends from 8am to 4pm. Call 0861 999 181 to find out more. | |
| Shaves Paint (Click here for pics) Another
Perfect Day to Paint. Shave Paint
& Décor has opened a one stop shop for house proud people on the | |
| Colours in Kloof Popular Durban fashion designer, Karen Monk Klijnstra, opened her 1st store in the Kloof Village Mall recently and we were there to celebrate. Karen is famous for her clever use of bright colour in her creations and so it was with a sense of joy that her latest project was unveiled to the world. See who was there to join in the fun… | |
| Beauty at the Bev[click here for pictures] It was the perfect setting for a beachwear pageant, one of the competition categories for the Miss World competition, the finals of which are scheduled to take place in Joburg next week. So many beautiful people were there to enjoy the action as 120 of the world’s most beautiful women strutted their stuff for the judges. We were there to bring you these images… | |
| Hybrid Living Opening (click here for pics) The latest Wow factor on the North Coast is Hybrid Living, a lifestyle accessory hive with lots of carefully monitored attractions for the little ones and an amazing café deli to help you unwind in a park like setting. It’s really cool and we were at the opening to bring you these pics! | |
| Great Dames (click here for images) The Broadway musical theatre star Christine Pedi appeared in her hilarious musical GREAT DAMES at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre recently. Look at who was at the premiere, daaahling... | |
| Pirates of U & G I JENERGY (click here for images)
The Jenergy Studio was invaded by pirates last Saturday in yet another hilarious themed weekend workout...Aaaaaaar! Shiver me timbers...yo ho ho and a bottle of rum! Sponsors who contributed to the treasure chest and helped make this day a great success included: The Ozone Destination, Secrets Day Spa, Laser sure, Time Out Beauty Salon, Beira Alta, Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, Scissor Sisters and Food Matters.
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| More Bones (click here for images) Following the local box office success of Leon Schuster's "Mr Bones" comes "Mr Bones 2" which was launched in Durban last week at a mega bash where taste and sophistication was not a criterion for invitation. Look who was there... | |
| The Simbithi Art Group (click here for images) We were invited to attend an exhibition of art by the Simbithi Art Group at their club house overlooking a picturesque dam on the estate. What a gorgeous venue for an event like this…and the art was equally impressive! | |
| Chairman's Park (click here for images) Some call it the best investment on the
north coast - Ch | |
| Sprigs (click here for images) Sprigs, that famous icon of good food in Kloof, was where the beautiful people gathered to learn the secrets of the chefs recently. They give master classes to the lucky few in their demonstration kitchen and we were there | |