Spookasem: The best thing ever.

No, no Im not talking about the Candy Floss, although I do love it. I'm talking about all the things I need in my life right now from this amazing Cape Town based Shop. (I'm almost starting to believe that Cape Town is on the scale of Moderate to Average... but I could be wrong.)
They're busy working on their online store at the moment, so unless you live in Cape Town and can pop by The Woodstock Exchange any time soon, it might be a little harder to get your grubby hands on these delicious designs.

Or you could order them from here (http://www.utique.co.za/seller/spookasem/)

You can keep up to date with them on Facebook, until their website is up and running then I'm sure we can all live inside the internet looking at these delicious things. Damn.
All right, enough babbling from me, take a look!

I particularly love the little illustrations and the cute story behind them. I think this brand can go along way and boy do I want one of those cute Ghostie Tote Bags!
&Kathrynwhat

Market Madness: Kamers 2014

As you probably know, I have a little bit of a Craft Market Crazy streak around December when all the Creepy Crafters Crawl out of their hiding places in time for the Christmas Craze. Well, Kamers Vol Geskenke, has just added a new Market to their bill, one that's happening right now! To keep all of us Jo'burgers sane over these long weekends for the next month, Kamers has introduced a Market over the Easter Weekend. It's still going to be on until Monday, so you have plenty of time to get your goodies.

Click HERE for some more of my Market Adventures.

This is my delightful new pillow from a lovely little Cape Town based Online Shop called ZANA. 

Their stuff is supper fresh and has a really good texture. 

I'm a sucker for good textured things. 

You can order Online or check them out at the Biscuit Mill.

Added a new ring to my ever so slightly growing collection! This one is super cool. Its paper thin, made out of copper and sterling silver. You can check out more from Liesbet Van Cappellens' Jewelry Collection on her website: http://www.lvcjewelry.com/

This, however, was the best. this chocolate is the most delicious chocolate you'll ever taste in your life and it hail from good old Pretoria. They have 6 exciting flavours and the best chocolate package design you could ask for. Check them out on Facebook to get your hand on some! 

Ah! A good day indeed!
&Kathrynwhat

Don't believe everything the internet tells you, unless it's me, then you can.

The other day, during my usual Blog Stalk, I read a really nice review of the Chinese place that just opened down the road form me, and being an enormous fan of Chow Fan, I thought I'd check it out on my way home.

The small shop was dark and the counter was cluttered with a mixture of chopstick, straws and pot plants, there was an awkward early family dinner that looked like it consisted of a Step Dad trying his hardest to win over the kids. The waitress gingerly took our order, the crumpled menu looked over used and slightly confusing,. She scribbled a few notes and went through th edoor at the back of the shop while the awkward step dad asked for a little more soy sauce and the little girl cringed her face at the taste. I sat near the door, waiting patiently for the food to arrive. The table was neatly set up, the green chopsticks standing out in stark contrast from the dark wood table. Mismatched chairs scraped against the floor as the sun slowly set over the chilly winters day, the parking lot slowly being plunged into the darkness of the night. One by one the street lamps lit up the sky.

Look, it was all right, not the best and not the worst - I've had some pretty dodge Chinese Food in my life time, and that's in four different cities spread across two continents and multiple restaurants, but I gotta say, I wasn't all that impressed.
My Spling Lols were burnt and there was hardly any Chicken in my Chow Fan. Now, it might have been a bad day and maybe I'll have to go back and have a second try of this place but it was super disappointing at the time, especially since I really, really wanted some delicious dinner times.

Then I found these
Ramen Overload: Source

Mmm. Looks so goood.
&Kathrynwhat

Music Mondays: Gangsterdam

Hey Everybody!
It's that time of year again! Music Monday!
Introducing my new favourite band and eye candy - Gangsterdam!

Saw them last Friday at Another-Days Prom night.
Its the first time I've actually made a concious decision to watch them perform live and made an effort to listen to their tunes, but damn are they good. They have a really cool sound and some sexy ass musicians that make up this little Bandy Band. Yup I said it. Bandy band.

While I'm not such a fan of this music video shot by Crash Car Burns own Bugsy Barnes, it's cute and endearing and trying to be 'Cool and Out There' but the whole Sexy Naked Chicks with Animal Heads Thing has been done to death. It's a good coming out video for them, and with only 400 likes on Facebook, Im sure it's nice to have friends in high places. These guys will shoot to the top of the charts with good old Matthew Mole and Shortstraw in no time at all.

I actually can't wait to see these guys live again or to hear what they'll be doing next.

Check out their video:

The lead singer looks like a boy i knew back in High School. Ha!

&Kathrynwhat

Prom Night!

I went to Prom in the 80's and this is what happened.

Jody and I were being super cool last Friday and got dressed in our best 80s style outfits - note how not 80's they actually were, cause what even are that? Either way we dressed up, we showed up and we had a real good time jiving to those Old Time-y Tunes.
Another-Day sure does know how to throw themselves a birthday party and boy do they deserve it, being one of the best blogs on my reading list..
Those guys are the best and also good at dancing.

With the likes of Gangsterdam and Satanic Dagga Orgy playing some cool covers of those kick-ass tunes we all know and are embarrassed to sing-a-long too, as well as the creepy guys trying to hit on you for their friends, the confetti, the balloons, the spiked punch and the awkward couples dancing to not so couple-y slow dance song, it was like we were really back at High School and that Molly Ringwald was about to loose her underpants. Yup! A great night was had by all.

A little later on in the evening, Jody and I had an unexpected encounter. She was sleeping at my house - as one does after Prom - and my Mother had agreed to give us a lift. These little lost Cape Tonians, looking around all bleary eyes and a little drunk, needed a lift home, they politely asked us, knowing that the answer would most likely be no, but trying anyways. Turns out we're such nice people and we gave them all a lift home, squeezed in the back on my Moms car. So funny. Turns out they knew one of my cousins. Small world. I cant really remember their names and they probably don't much remember the encounter, but what a fun story to tell the internet. Ha ha. Yes.

Here are some pictures from the evening shot by the Another-Day in house photographer and proud owner of a 'fro: Anthony Bila

&Kathryn What

I spend too much money on clothes for my body.

Could it be that horrible affliction of Body Vs. Mind Vs. Soul that we hear all too often being a part of Generation X? Maybe, but maybe it's the fact that I've been looking for boots since I was 7 years old and my last pair got a hole in the toe. They were really cute little brown boots that kinda look like Timberlands... sign... that day killed me forever. I haven't been the same since.
BUT, I found these at this fantastic shoppe called Factorie, maybe you've hear of it? Its from New Zealand. This also begs the question as to why, oh why South African designers cant hit the mark with good fashionable wear for the broke ass students. We seem to only end up with ill fitting, horribly made and even worse fabric choices from places like Edgars and Mr Price. Yes, yes you can tell me all about home grown and the whole re-branding thing, but lets be honest, it's still pretty shit and not quite as unique as we'd like to think. How am I supposed to be 'me', if ten thousand other people are also being 'them', whilst wearing the same clothes. Bla bla clothes don't make you who you are and you'd still be beautiful if you wore a plastic bag, inner beauty and all that, but hey, nothing beats a good pair of boots when that Winter Chill sets in and then you can take your plastic bag and tell me your toes aren't cold...
...and besides, really good South African designed clothes from Sgt. Pepper or good old YDE will pretty much break the bank, so...
My boots are cool and you can suck it biatch.
I've been wearing them all week cause they're amazing

&Kathrynwhat

Story of My Life

Except with out the crazy dance moves and the ability to pull sweet ass at clubs.

Woke up to this beauty and then watched it like eight times and told all my friends about it and then they told me that i need to get a life and then I made this blog post about it and now I'm seriously considering the direction my life is taking. Not everyone has One Direction you know.

#whydoialwaysmakeawkwardpopculturereferencesthatnooneunderstands #whatislife

Also, after I facebook stalked this guy I realised that we have like 12 mutual friends. #supercreep

Its pretty cool. (the video I mean)
You should watch it.

&Kathryn

The Market Place

Today I ventured out into the world to do some exploring. Weird right, I never leave my house any more. I tagged along with my Mom (classic me right) to one of my favourite South African Markets; The Mosaiek Crafts Expo. I've been before and you can read all about that little trip here.
South Africa has so many cool Markets, and because I'm a Craft Market fanatic I tend to frequent them, from the biggest to the smallest to the weirdest and of course, they're all wonderful.

This time though was a little blast from the past and a look into the future. Gahd, I'm deep.

Ice-Cream Necklace by Two on Toast

Ice-cream and Necklaces?! Damn, could it have gotten any better than this? Two on Toast is a great little South African find started by two Besties that share my passion for tea and toast. Check out their website at: www.twoontoast.co.za They have pretty cool stuff, especially the dresses.

Denim Backpack by Skinny Cow

I love Skinny Cow, they have the coolest jewellery and accessories, and to make it even better I nabbed this beauty! Good for the beach or to be super cool which is obviously what I will be doing with it. You can check out their Facebook Page or just head on over to their shop in Linden.

Wooden Stud Earrings by Net 'n Kameel

 Net 'n Kameel has the coolest wooden broaches and earrings, but if thats not your thing you can check out their silver, cut out necklaces on their Facebook Page.

Fabric Covered Tin Mugs by Jamtin

I absolutely love to collect odd and extraordinary mugs, so you can imagine my delight when I found this beauty. Jamtin have a range of awesome Fabric covered Tin Mugs and Lanterns. You can check out their website (here) and maybe even indulge your tea scenes to one of theses guys.

So that was my little outing to the Market. Yay!

Ok

&Kathryn

Cant wait for the Kramers Market in January! This is what happened last time.

Illustration Contemplation

This afternoon I wanted to do something fun and creative and then this happened!

They're posters inspired by some of my favourite South African Bands.

I guess I ate too many cupcakes and drank too much caffeine in the form of Five Roses, either that, or I'm a super lameo. Classic right. 

Whatevr.

I'm gonna make more noww...

Shortstraw - Couch Potato

Mathew Mole - You and Your Crown

Shortstraw ft. Shane Durant - The Wedding Blues

Desmond and the Tutus - The Future

Peace Out
&Kathry

Couch Potato - Shortstraw

A little bit of light hearted, indie music to get this whole show on the road.

This song pretty much describes my life. 

I pretty much love Shortstraw. I've seen them quite a few times since I turned 15 and would spend my nights trawling bars and Live Music Venues, being caught up as a part of the unbelievable city night life that Johannesburg has to offer. 

The most memorable time I ever saw them live was at Cool Runnings in Fourways. They were playing the gig with none other than Desmond and the Tutus and The City Bowl Mizers. It was a crazy-amazing show and a night I wouldn't soon forget - because that was the night I went Stage Diving.

The crowd was insane and absolutely wild as I stood on stage, the blinding lights shining in my eyes. The people were pulsating along with the music jumping up and down in rhythm to the band playing their well rehearsed set and dripping sweat all over the stage. I was with a complete stranger, tall and with dark, wildly curly hair. I looked up at him, because he was so tall, uncertainly but he smiled reassuringly and shouted "GO!" and pushed me to the edge of the stage. I jumped, free falling for what felt like a life time into the crowd with nothing but a the hope that some one would catch me. 

It was amazing.

I felt like I was flying.

The floor was hard and slightly slippery under my feet. I fought to regain my balance as I pushed my way back to the front of the crowd and joined the sweaty, smelly writhing mass of people that we're jumping and dancing to the beat of the band.

Listen.

I am the Potato God.

&Kathryn

Don't Drink and Drive.

I think its really stupid for the South African Government to want to change the drinking age from 18 to 21 because of drunk driving.

Here's why:

1. People that thought they could drink at 18 will still do it, and thus there will be a crazy high number of illegal drinking.
2. People that are 21 will just go crazy over it because its now a thing that they get to do that other people don't.
3. There will be a rise in under age drinking.
4. Places that rely on the income from Matric Vac will loose business
5. The government will keep raising the age limit on drinking until were living in the prohibition.
6. People that are 21 will still drink and drive no matter what. Most 18 year old's do't even have cars or drivers licences because the whole system is shit and corrupt.

Ways to fix this without changing the age limit:

1. Better public transport so we don't have to drive.
2. Safer roads and city so people aren't scared of the general public
3. More places for youth/young adult entertainment. Not just Greenside.
4. Better/Not Corrupt police systems so people aren't scared of the police.

People just randomly disobey the law anyway. Completely sober.

I was driving home from dinner this evening and we had stopped at a red robot. A car pulled up beside us, decided to just go anyway.

We have a serious problem with disobedience in this country, because people hate the stupid laws (not so much road rules) but like dumb shit.

Besides, the police is useless. I mean, a guy got dragged behind a vehicle by the police for parking on the wrong side of the road in a suburban area. Dragged. Behind. A. Police. Vehicle.

What the hell.

24 Hours

We met for lunch at around one thirty in the afternoon. After a frantic phone call from yours truely because my computer was dying from ten thousand viruses, most of which I have now sorted out.
There were a good few familiar faces scattered around the room, the one that was a little more out of place was that of my dear friend and bunk buddy - Yoni. We had shared a bunk bed for a little less than a month over the December holidays and I hadn't seen him since the Night Before New Years, when we were on Long Street, dramatically being pulled away from each other in fits of laughter and watering eyes.
He politely introduced himself before pulling me into a bone crunching hug and what I believe is called a nugi- Something Israeli men are fond of. We sat about the lounge room sharing stories and reminiscing about Cape Town and him sharing new stories of his travels with the rest of the group. We slouched on he couch, both engrossed in a touring book of Johannesburg. It was mostly ironic.

We piled his and his friends gigantic backpacks into the boot of Rosa's car and squashed into the back seat. Me, and two broad-shouldered, hairy men, fresh from a months worth of backpacking along the coast of South Africa. Cape Town to Johannesburg in 30 Days.
Our first destination was Town. We headed along the highway, complete with a small historical and political tour of the old, dilapidated buildings that lined the streets of the city centre. We pulled up to the Maboneng Precinct, piled out of the tiny car and proceeded to indulge our intrigue with trips into all the little art galleries taking in the contrast of the new, modern area of town and the intense contrast of the older buildings. I bombarded them with Fun Facts about the city and Mitchel kept them sane with some political facts, just to shake things up. Much silly-ness was enjoyed on our tour and we soon were in need of sustenance and found Arts on Main.
Feeling a little peckish we ordered some chips and drinks for an afternoon snack.
We also drew on the big, blackboard in one of the galleries. The Israelies wrote silly phrases in Hebrew about Bamba.

Afternoon turned to night and we ventured back to Town to investigate the night life of Johannesburg. We started at Kitchner's, sneakily getting stamps before they started charging entrance. We decided that the whole idea of sitting and drinking in bars was beneath us so we drove across Mandela Bridge and watched the moon rise, like an orb of yellow creepy-ness over the city. We attempted to get into the massive psytrance party, failing dismally and headed, almost defeated back to Kitchner's for another beer and some really bad dancing.
It was at this point that Rosa would tell everyone about her spectacular parking skills, and everyone, being amazed would clap and bow down to her.

The night ended with a kitchen party and exhausted conversations in the dark.

We still had a few more hours to go, though, and many more adventures to have before Yoni left South Africa for somewhere a little more African- Uganda and then Ethiopia.
Our long road trip to the airport and then to a small, weird hostel on the other side of Jo'burg had its perks. Yoni and I had another dramatic goodbye and we got McFlurries because it was hot and lunch time.

xxx

PS. Enjoy North Africa Yoni!

Wide Angle Lenses

Friday: Great Dane
We started off this whole adventure with a trip into the depth (not really) of Town. We had origionaly planned to go the Kitchners Carvery Bar, but instead ended up at a place called Great Dane. I had never been there and therefore had no idea what to expect. I made a great first impression on the door man by handing him R20 in about fifty coins, half of which were coppers. I know right - My life. A little chuckle with the Door Man later - Weather at me or with me I'm still not sure- we entered the Bar Slash Club into a sea of people from the hipster-est of bald black twenty something wearing polkadot bow ties to the 'poppie' girls wearing the same denim shorts and white chiffon blouses.
After pushing our way through the crowd at the bar, Zamelek and a glass of water in hand we found our way to the outside area. Tables and chairs lined the walls, but we made ourselves comfortable on these cool barrels and, what looked like, life sized cotton spools. Above our heads hung lanterns in the form of old lampshades in many different shapes and sizes. I felt like I was inside the Far Away Tree or some sort of other warped children's book where the lead characters spent their nights getting unfathomably wasted in dingy bars.
The floor is made of Fife Cent Pieces, and I bet you didn't know that.

Saturday: Neighbourgoods

Sunday: Lily n Rosa Birthday Party
Its been an incredibly long time since I've been to a house party. Here in SA we sure do know how to throw one hell of a rager. With the Black Label flowing and the awkward vibes of sober teenagers getting over their hormones nearly disguised by inebriation the party had only just begun.
People were scattered all around the garden, clad in swimming costumes, high fashion and hippie pants all around me people were getting to know each other a little better. I sat in a circle of about six people who were engage in deep, intellectual conversations. If he wasn't gay, and she wasn't so proud I'm sure they would have hooked up. I felt a little bit lost and out of my depth in these kinds of situations. I walked around, a little haze-y as to where I was going but soon found a few people that were familiar enough for me to invite myself into their group and relax a little.
It was a strange night indeed.

Monday: Dinner at Rainbow and Ice creams
Rainbow is a small Sushi Restaurant in Norwood where my Netzer Friends and I regularly attend for some delicious sushi and good times. I truly enjoy the company there and mostly what Sushi at Rainbow represents for us. I remember almost exactly a year ago to the day and even one before that, just after camp we all go get sushi and ice cream and talk about our plans for the year. Last time it was Rosa, Lily, Mitch and Myself talking about when we would all be meeting up over the course of the year in the Middle East and Northern Africa. This time we reminisced about our plans and how they had in fact come true. It was a crazily circlic expirience. This time, were all going to be here and the ice cream machine had no ice cream. Im trying not to read too much into this.

Tuesday: Greenside, Ten Rand Tuesdays, Gin and Bob Rocks
Well, for ten Rand, how could you not expect me to get unfathomably drunk in a very short space of time? We started our night at Gin playing a weirdly distorted Camp Only version of Never Have I Ever around the small table in the corner. I'm sure we all looked like a bunch of Crazies laughing and sharing intense stories. The rest of the night I spent with Marni either talking animatedly about life in Bob Rocks or on the bench just outside. There was also a little bit of cleaver Ex Boyfriend and Creepy Guy avoidance which I'm quite proud of/don't really remember.
Also, we saw Ninja. Just casually. #namedropping

Wednesday: Made Collages, The Bo and Greenside 
Recovering slightly from a hang over and just spending time with Marni doing something fun and creative was absolutely lovely and refreshing. I was making Cute Little Books for the kids leaving to UCT while Marni made a birthday card for one of her friends. The sun was moving slowly around the earth as we sat neatly under the umbrella outside, drinking tea and hanging out.
The Bohemian is a great place to make new friends, which is exactly what we did on Wednesday Night. It started off a little rocky when EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the Bar, mostly creepy old men, were giving us shit. This is probably because, despite my amazing hair and disastrous good looks and life experience. I still look 15 apparently. I disguised my shock by making a witty comment asking weather he wanted to see my fake ID or my real one. There were no bands playing so it was pretty quiet except for the rowdy table next to ours that soon joined forces and many discussions about Life, the Universe and other big round things commenced. All before heading back to Bob's for another round, and a sneaky bathroom break which clarified the myths of people bonking in public Bathrooms.

Thursday: Farewell picnic at Zoo Lake and Carlo Mombelli at the Bowls Club 
It was quite an intense day of work at the office followed by a farewell picnic in Zoo Lake. There was much too much food and drinks and cakes and sweets and chocolate and by the time 6pm rolled around we were all too excited to head over to the Bowls Club for a refreshing Beer and some good ol' Shnat Reunions (Marni not me). I was dieing of tiredness and sleep deprivation. We sat at the back of the club against the Trophy Case eating chips and watching Mr. Mombelli play his music. There were a few blurred people around me, but I wasn't really in the mood for conversation and just let my brain get a little bit molested by the Jazz Music. It was rather nice to just stop for the first time in a while
Carlo Mombelli either plays really good music or really bad music and I'm not sure if I like it.

xxx

Ye Olde Hipster Central

We've all heard about Neighbourgoods Market that has cause a massive ruckus in the streets of Johannesburg. Its the place to see and be seen by all of Joburg's trendy-est citizens, and if you haven't gotten yourself down to New Town yet, then you better get there soon. There's amazing home made food and coconut and rum drinks and the biggest and best fashionistas in the city, showing off their finest threads. Not to mention us photographers who skulk around the market snapping some tasty pictures to put on our blogs.

That's what I did this weekend.

xxx