Last week I gave my lovely readers the opportunity to win a Nespresso Pixie, courtesy of the lovely folk at Ford, www.blacktoplive.co.za and Nespresso of course. Here for all the deets. I was inundated with entries and handed over the top three to the big-wigs to call. The decision was unanimous…

Leigh Crymble, the Nespresso Pixie is yours!

Nicely done Leigh, we hope you enjor your sexy new Pixie.

Thanks to all who participated. Your entries each contributed R50 to the Missionvale Care Centre in PE which is a fantastic effort.

brandslut xoxo

I’m not re-hashing this press release. Hell, I don’t have time. I’m dashing out to Food Wine Design, of course. Which is what this post is all about. I went last year and it’s a fantastic day out. Thank Dog today’s pay-day. #JustSaying. I’m making a bee line for Bar Bar Black Sheep’s zucchini flowers with Parmesan and lemon juice. Here’s the dealio…

“Talented local food artisans, winemakers and designers – handpicked to include only the best in South African products – will gather on the roof of the Hyde Park Corner from 25 to 27 November for the second annual FoodWineDesign Fair presented by Sanlam Investment Management (SIM). Guests of the boutique outdoor market will be treated to a feast of quality and originality under the Jozi summer sky.

Ross Douglas, director of Artlogic, says the fair gives a nod to the much loved ‘farmers market’ culture in South Africa. “FoodWineDesign is unique because all participants are hand-picked to take part in the fair to ensure exhibitors of the highest quality are represented over the weekend. This year, there will be more food and wine exhibitors and we encourage visitors to make a day of the fair and sample the offerings available.”

Douglas says tent structures, theatre lighting, specially designed and manufactured dining and selling areas and larger than life landscaping will greet visitors.

Standout exhibitors include wineland favourites, Kleinood wines and olive oil, Rickety Bridge and Vrede en Lust wine estates. We Love Real Beer will offer fine ale for those who prefer a beer, and food lovers should look out for popular Karoo based cooking school, African Relish, as well as Hijke Cheese and Honest Chocolate.

Those visiting the fair with an interest in design will not be disappointed as the lineup includes the likes of Koop Design, Shaw Sisters and Missibaba.

Sponsors SIM were drawn to the fair because it is a true celebration of the pioneering spirit of South Africa’s entrepreneurs.  Candice Paine, Head of Retail at SIM, says “Artlogic’s ability to find unique and exceptional talent, particularly at grass roots level, is a great fit for SIM. Our approach to investing is to identify businesses with masses of potential – be they small or large – and support their growth over the long term. We are truly excited about the prospects within the small business space in our country.”

The 5000 square meter roof-surface at Hyde Park will host the country’s top producers and will feature a seated dining area.

Operating Hours:

• Friday, 25 November:                13h00 – 22h00
• Saturday, 26 November:           10h00 – 22h00
• Sunday, 27 November:              10h00 – 17h00

Ticket price: R80.00 per person (children under 12 get in for free), tickets available at the door and at Hyde Park Corner a week prior to the event.

Where: Hyde Park Corner rooftop, cnr of Jan Smuts Avenue, Hyde Park

Additional exhibitors confirmed for the event this year include: Tinsel, Bos Ice Tea, Creation Wine, Abby & Ross, Mingo Lamberti, Morogo, and Vanilla Man.  For additional information on the FoodWineDesign Fair as well as pre-ticket sales, please visit www.foodwinedesign.co.za or call (011) 482-4459.”

See you there!

brandslut xoxo

If you follow me on twitter you’ll have an idea of how excited I’ve been about this launch. I’ve been a Zara fan for years, relying on overseas trips and travelling friends to get my fix. And then I heard whispers of a launch in South Africa early in the year. Rubbish, I thought. Another retail rumour to get our hopes up. But I was wrong, and Zara launched in Johannesburg today, the group’s 80th store, and one Inditex (Zara’s holding group) is extremely proud of. Launched in A Coruna Spain in 1975, the group has come a long way to be hailed by Harvard Business School as the retail model to emulate. A walk around the 2700 square meter space in the new Sandton City wing and you’ll understand why. From a merchandising, ranging, layout and design perspective, South Africa ain’t seen nothing like this. And the million Dollar question’s answer: it’s pricing model matches Europe’s. So no inflated poncy pricing out of our reach. This stuff is accessible, gorgeous, current. Don’t even get me started on the mens’ range. I look forward to an improvement in the dress sense of the average South African male. After all, there’s no excuse for him not to look steamy. Here are some photos I took at the launch last night, enjoy…

Now all we need is IKEA.

brandslut xoxo

I’m not scared of micro-beer. No, not really really tiny beers. Craft. Slow. Derricious. My new fav’ is the Darling Brew range, brewed in Darling of course, darling. I’m particularly fond of the Bone Crusher weiss, perfect for this year’s Halloween celebrations. Now available in Jozi at the Neighbourgoods Market, and here countrywide.

Yum-o!

brandslut xoxo

My Marvellous Mary

I’m on a bit of a health mission at the moment and recently bought myself a juicer from Russell Hobbs. Their website is useless and doesn’t list many products at all, but if you can get your paws on one you’re in for a treat (I purchased mine at Woolies in Melrose Arch). It’s a really great product, affordable, and most importantly quiet (my friends’ juicers scream and it’s a rather unpleasant experience, not entirely conducive to getting the day of to a zen start).

I’ve only mastered two variants, one naughty, one nice, but I think you’ll like ‘em:

1. Fresh Bloody Mary: fresh whole tomatoes, spice and horseradish garnished with home-grown celery [vodka optional ]

2. The Marcus (inspired by a friend): beetroot, pear, carrot, ginger and chilli

I hope you feel inspired.

brandslut xoxo

If, like me, you’re not scared of staying in kick-ass accomodation that doesn’t break the bank, then watch the video above and book your next trip through www.airbnb.com.

It’s a pleasure.

brandslut xoxo

I recently sampled the full range of Mischa Estate wines, my new best friend this winter. I’m no sommelier and I don’t have the skills to describe noses and palates and poncy bollocks, but I do know a good wine when I taste one. Enter Mischa Merlot 2009, winner of the Michelangelo Awards Grand D’Or / Double Gold (2010). This is what the professionals have to say about the wine:

“Plum with a hint of rasberry and inviting olive and mocha as well as coffee and chocolate aromas make up this complex nose. Juicy luscious red fruit flavours with soft smooth tannins are the initial impressions but chocolate and coffee add to the taste of this wine.”

I don’t think you need any more reasons to be convinced. Order your stash of Mischa online here.

Thirsty,

brandslut xoxo

My weekend was purdy much complete when I stumbled upon Marks & Sparks’ world-renowned Percy Pigs in Woolworths on Saturday, now available in Mzansi! I nearly platzed when I spotted the pink and green packaging calling out to me from the aisle-of-death. And don’t you just love the word platz? I’m going to bring it back.

Percy Pigs are made with fruit juice and without artificial colours of flavourings. They’ll change your life. Become a fan of Percy Pigs here on facebook – 250 000 people can’t be wrong.

Tickled pink,

brandslut xoxo

The good folk at NoMu recently sent me a Winter Wonderpack comprising their new drinking chocolate, mini marshmallows (swoon!) and some insanely comfortable K-Way hiking socks. I’m not really a hot-chocolate kinda gal, however I fear those days are over, thanks to this death-by-cup-o-deliciousness. The product has also been packaged using a new composite cardboard tube with a locally printed label (printed on 100% recycled paper), which means that by drinking NoMu hot-chocolate you’re in fact saving the planet. As if I needed another reason?! Pfft.

Thanks NoMu, you rock my winter socks.

brandslut xoxo

I’m growing increasingly sceptical of perfumes and, for want of a better word, the crap that laces the potions and lotions we lather ourselves with on a daily basis. My grandmother believed in aqueous cream and avocado – this comprised her beauty regime and she died looking a great deal younger than her peers. Another firm believer in all things hand-made and au naturale is Body Thrills, a local brand of his and hers beauty products that, erm, cuts the crap.

I recently tried out these products from the Body Thrills range:

• Lemon, nougat and honey coconut body polish (OMFG)
  
• Jasmine, rose and ylang-ylang body butter (if you like rose you lurve this)
  
• Healing and soothing lip-balm (perfect for the dry Jozi air)
  
• Lavender and lime room spritz (complete with a sprig of lavender in the bottle)
  

Let me start by mentioning I had to restrain myself from eating the lemon, nougat and honey coconut body polish. I have never smelled a product as edible and utterly delicious as this one, let alone a natural one minus perfumes and preservatives. I’m sniffing the jar as I write this and fear I may have developed an addiction.

This is the brand in a nutshell:

“Born out of the need to create a range of products that are natural, preservative-free and entirely delicious – comes Body Thrills, brought to you by ExMi. A variety of handmade, organic, orgasmic, delicious and divine body and bath products – there’s something for everyone – sweet, serene, spicy, fruity and fragrant – Body Thrills will charm, relax, indulge and revitalise with each product. Made from the purest essential oils, organic ingredients and homegrown herbs, these products are all safe for even the most delicate skin to use.”

The entire range is truly irresistible and your skin will thank you. Take a look at the Body Thrills menus which resemble beauty product p*rn: menu, manly menu and pregnancy menu.

Happy online shopping

brandslut xoxo