Monday 30 December 2013

Model Update: Maliaka Firth

Cara who? Dubbed by British Vogue as the model to watch in 2014, Maliaka Firth is making big waves.


Signed in 2011 by Premier, the seventeen year old, London-based model has been popping up on every big runway and can be seen in the pages of all the glossiest magazines. She has even struck the big guns: The Victoria Secret runway and the new Burberry and Prada campaigns.

Victoria Beckham

Burberry Porsum

Derek Lam

Diane von Furstenburg

Giles

Marc Jacobs

Michael Kors backstage

Proenza Schouler backstage

Victoria Secret backstage

Vera Wang

Reed Krakoff

Delicate features, mixed with a touch of exotic spice, the fashion world might just have found themselves a new dainty darling.





Friday 27 December 2013

Health: Cleansing smoothies

If you are feeling a bit bloated and icky after the Christmas feasts and leftovers - no judgement, special days  = no calorie counting. However over the festive season we do tend to over eat, we drink to much and we do not get enough sleep, which all puts your body under tremendous stress. So do yourself a favour and try a cleansing smoothie, to help restore and revive your fabulous body.



Directions

Choose one option from each category. Place in a blender. Blend until a smooth consistency forms. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy first thing in the morning.

Category one: Super fruit
1 cup frozen berries-vitC
1 frozen banana-potassium
1 cup fresh pineapple-vitC
1 cup frozen mango-fiber
1 large apple-fiber


Category two: Greens
1 handful of spinach-iron
1 rib of celery-kidney cleanser
1/4 cucumber-rehydrates the body
1 cup parsley-vitK



Category three: Liquids
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice



Category four: essential fatty acids
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/4 avo
2 Tbsp pure organic peanutbutter

Mix and match and experiment, until you find one that suits your taste buds.



'To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we won't be able to keep our minds sharp and clear.'
- Buddha





Wednesday 25 December 2013

Travel Update: Bruges

The last day trip was to Bruges, more known as the tourist town of Belgium. Located northwest in the country, it was a short train ride from Antwerp to Bruges. We arrived in the beautiful city to quite a storm, possibly the worst weather that I have encountered thus far on my holiday. Handsome as Bruges was looking on this particular day, I believe that it would be even more beautiful in springtime, when the leaves are green and the flowers plentiful.


Being South African, we just couldn't handle the weather, and looking for an excuse, we stepped from the train carriage into the nearest restaurant. A cosy place with a fire and plush couches, we surprised ourselves by NOT staying there all day - only half the day. The meal was followed with a kannetjie koffie, served the traditional way.



 Some patrons at the table went local, with a Flemish rabbit stew.

The kannetjie koffie, very nice to look at, but very hot to handle.

After lunch my travel companions headed to the Belfry tower, but having seen the Belfort tower in Ghent a few days ago, I decided to rather go shopping. Quint alleyways, revealed bookstores, coffee shops and exquisite boutiques.





Just when it was getting dark, at about five in the afternoon and we wanted to head home, one of us saw an ice rink and thought it would be a good idea to go ice skating in the semi-darkness and pouring rain. I was happy to just stand and watch.


There is a reason why Bruges is such a tremendous tourist attraction, it feels like you are stepping into a magical Narnia when you enter the Christmas market and surrounding sights.




You hear me Bruges, I will be back one day, one day when you are in full bloom.

Top 3: Alex & Sierra Perform "Say Something" - THE X FACTOR USA 2013

Sunday 22 December 2013

Travel Update: Ghent

On Wednesday, we decided to take the train to Ghent, for a day trip.

The city of Ghent is a mere thirty minute train ride from Brussels. It is located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capitol and largest city of the East Flanders Province and absolutely picturesque.

A city filled with various churches, canals and the Belfort tower - the whole day was spent taking photos, exploring the city and spending(far too much), time at the Christmas market.


The beautiful canals.



 The ruin of an old church.


What you have to do to get the above shot
-just chillin.





Stepping inside the Belfort Tower.


 The mechanisms for the bell.  

A view from the top tower.

 A view from the tower window.


A breathtaking view of the city of Ghent.







The town square.

 One of the most colourful statues, I have seen thus far.

A seven hour day in Ghent, well spent. Next stop Bruges.