Fine things make me happy

So, from previous blog posts I'm sure you can all tell that I like the finer things in life and it extends from my car to my clothes to my eye wear (see previous post) and even to fragrances.

Speaking of fragrances..... I try out fragrances at least once a month but probably closer to three times a month! I absolutely love great fragrances by great brands and mostly one whiff is enough for me to say whether I like it or not.

One such amazing fragrance that I just discovered a few weeks ago is the new-ish fragrance by Dolce & Gabbana named simply "The One". For me it definitely was "The One". It is, in my humble opinion, such a versatile fragrance which I have worn both during the day and at night and I find it absolutely delicious for a special occasion or even just a lunch at a trendy spot in the sun.

It has the most amazing staying power and I have put it on very early in the morning only to take one last whiff of the fantastic scent as I'm about to hit the sack after a late night.

I recently found the perfect gift box at Dischem Pharmacy for an amazing price, better than most retail stores for just the fragrance and it came with two 'free' gifts too. What a bargain! Check out www.dischem.co.za

Dolce & Gabbana 'the one' beautifully packaged from Dischem pharmacies nationwide.

Try it out and let me know what you think, your better half will love you for it. It also makes for the perfect Christmas gift, but you'd better rush as you haven't much time to get your hands on this amazing gift before the holidays or just get it for yourself and its the gift that keeps on giving.

Till next time,

Cheers,

Wayne

Summer time, and the living is classic luxury

So its Summer and it was seriously time for me to get some new updated shades for the harsh African sun.

I wanted something that suited me but if I was going to spend a pretty penny I wanted something classic, timeless and always fashionable that can be worn with everything.

So, naturally I set my mind on the classic Ray-Ban Aviator style. So this past weekend I happily set off to the mall and found Sunglass Hut housed within Edgars and almost instantly found the pair that I wanted. The sales lady was exceptional, did the necessary amount of flattering and soon I was just about convinced.

I did try a few other varieties of Ray-Ban and even tried some other brands but I just could not get the one's I originally picked out of my mind. It wasn't long and I took these which I think compliment me completely, suite my face and will last a lifetime.

A true classic in every sense of the word.

I absolutely love my new sunnies. Check out www.sunglasshut.com/za or  www.ray-ban.com/southafrica for your own pair of the "Legend".

True Legend Ray-Ban's - "Legends Live for 75 years"

I prefer the lighter lens and these are brown shaded which go perfectly with the gold metal frames. So excited with this amazing purchase.

Thanks to Sunglass Hut SA for the great service and to Ray-Ban for making classic eye wear that protect, make a fashion statement and last forever.

Cheers,

Wayne

Stress Relief

Hi All,

Sorry, I haven't posted in a few days but I desperately needed some time out from the rat race that is Johannesburg traffic and the stress of work. So, I took a week off and drove to the beautiful Eastern Free State town of Clarens, South Africa.

What a gorgeous part of the world this is and should the opportunity ever cross my path I will most definitely want to live there some day.

I stayed at a B & B right at the entrance to this beautiful town called The Courtyard Cafe. It was absolutely exceptional, great service, fantastic breakfasts and the host Jane is one of those people that the minute you meet her you feel as though you have known her forever! I was travelling alone and it was never a problem for this gracious hostess.

I stayed in Apartment number 2 which is a one bedroom, with a lounge, kitchen and bathroom with shower with the most fantastic views from a private balcony. Other alternatives are available, check out the following links for more info. www.wheretostay.co.za/the-courtyard  
www.safarinow.com/go/TheCourtyardCafeClarens

The Courtyard Cafe - right behind the Phatt Chef Restaurant

A giant extremely comfortable bed that you just want to spend the whole morning in

Comfortable lounge and mini-kitchen area

View from the balcony of Apartment number 2 - yes those are horses and geese on the farm beneath the mountain. Food for the soul!


The Cafe downstairs offers the most delicious breakfasts, wonderful coffee and fantastic service and, if you are lucky, some engaging conversation from hostess Jane Ball. My favourite breakfast was the delicious poached eggs, so good I had it twice in a row!

The also have a bakery on the premises (try the sublime Lemon merangue or cheese cake, delicious!) and they make their own breads, croissants etc. The smell alone will drive you down from your apartment to try the delicious baked goods. This place is fully serviced and well worth a stay for absolute relaxation and rest. Walking distance to the shopping mecca that is Clarens.

As for Clarens itself, this is a beautiful mountaineous town that takes your breath away and immediately ensures you relax and soak up the surrounding scenery and fresh air.

Go for a hike to admire the beautiful scenery around this gorgeous town with lots to offer. From shopping, restaurants, white water rafting, the beautiful and stunning Golden Gate Highlands National park. The town has a lot to offer to the weary traveller and well worth a vist or even better stay permanently.

Oh and if you can get some cherries, this is cherry country after all.

Delicious fresh cherries, available almost anywhere in the town of Clarens, in season of course.

I had a wonderful time and really this little beautiful town has stolen my heart. I absolutely cannot wait to go back and would love to re-locate there permanently some day.

One never knows, the posibilities in life are endless if you want something bad enough you'll work hard in getting it.

Have a good day all and please, please get to Clarens some day soon.

Cheers for now,

Wayne

P.S. Please comment and let me know your thoughts, comments or suggestions.

www.clarens.co.za
www.clarenstourism.co.za
www.infoclarens.com

36 Man

While browsing the Internet I came across quite the find for the South African man, or quite frankly the worldwide man too.

From the people who brought you 36Boutique for women's fashion and which every man bemoans for not having a similar site now comes 36Man! Find them at www.36man.com

They still seem bit new because there really isn't much on it at the moment but it has a great look and will surely have a great future for the fashion conscious man in South Africa. I think this is just what most me want. A click here, a click there and your stuff is delivered in the post. Rather clever really.

Ok so I personally do love the thrill of the find and shopping up a storm but hey there are those among us that do not venture into a mall. So guys there really is no excuse for wearing you matric jeans still even though you are in your 30's. Please for the love of fashion check out 36Man.com.

Looking forward to some retail therapy myself.

Cheers,

Wayne

Shoes, shoes and more shoes!

So today I made a startling discovery.

While walking in the city centre of Johannesburg in search of a leg stretch, fresh air and a much needed break from the office I came across the 'Edgars Shoe Gallery'. A brand new concept store just for shoes and I think (although I may be under correction) that its the first of its kind in South Africa.

Major Brands are represented such as Polo, Aldo, Converse and that's just for the men. Its in Kerk Street in the Johannesburg CBD and quite a find. Until the 15th of November you can save R100 if you spend R400 or more. That's extremely easy to do, believe me! www.edgars.co.za

Dozens of brands of shoes - if shoes is your thing get to the new "Edgars Shoe Gallery" now!

Should I buy a few pairs I will post pictures of them here. I'm now stuck in that moment when you simply dont know which to buy and at this stage I absolutely cannot buy them all. There's definately one pair of Polo sneakers that has my name on it.

Guys (and Girls) let me know what you want to read more about. Fashion is my thing but I can talk about anything you want. Let me know. I'll put a poll up and in that way you can let me know what your thing is.

Cheers,

Wayne

Easy Bread and Salad

Morning all,

So yesterday I felt particularly adventurous. There's just something about cooking in Summer that I really enjoy. Unfortunately I mostly only get the chance on Sunday's.

So I had a spare rib braai (barbeque for my international friends) and I baked a bread and made a simple easy salad to go with it.

First the bread, it really is the simplest thing to do and you can really go mad with flavours. Yesterday I made this one:

Garlic and Italian Herb Bread

2 Cups white bread flour (sifted)
1 Pkt Anchor instant yeast
1 cup warm water (not boiling, just from the hot tap)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sugar
7 mls Garlic Salt
1 ml salt
15ml Robertson Italian herbs (dry)

Sift the dry ingredients into a bowl. Make an impression in the middle and add the olive oil and water. Now for the fun part, mix with your hands until it forms an elastic dough (you can add more flour if its too wet) and knead by folding the dough in and punching/pushing it out for 5 to 10 minutes.

Then place the dough (it must not be wet at this stage) into a bowl wiped out with olive oil. Cover with a Pick 'n Pay (shopping) plastic bag and place in a warm room to rise for at least an hour and a half, at which time it should look like this:

Bread dough has risen to as least double its original size

Then knead it down again and place in a small bread pan. Cover in the plastic bag again and leave to rise again for at least half an hour. Preheat your oven at this point to 200 degrees Celsius. It should look like this:

Raw bread dough risen in a bread pan and ready for baking

The bread is now ready for baking. Place in the pre-heated oven for 20 minutes until a skewer comes out clean, the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Final product, yummy!

Remember to let the bread cool down completely on a rack before slicing. There are endless varieties to this simple every day recipe. You can add a cup of grated cheddar, sweat corn etc. Just remember that you need at least 5ml salt ( i needed less for my recipe because of the garlic salt).

Experiment with flavours and enjoy!

Next up my Beetroot and Feta salad.

1 Tin Divine whole baby beetroot
Simonsberg Feta - plain

Dressing

2 1/2 Tbsp Honey
2 Tbsp Lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cut up the beetroot and feta into blocks/chunks and put into a bowl. Whisk the ingredients for the dressing together, drizzle over the beetroot and feta and toss to coat. Easy Peasy. This dressing really makes the flavours of the beetroot and feta pop and it utterly moreish. Try this simple recipe, it is sure to impress.

Simple and delicious Beetroot and Feta salad with a honey and lemon dressing

If you like you can add thinly sliced red onion (I don't do onion!) but not the normal white onions as the taste will overpower this salad completely.

It went down a complete treat with my guests.

Right, that's it for today. Try these recipes next weekend, they are sure to be a hit. Let me know what you think about my blog, looking forward to some comments. Tell me what you want to hear about/know about etc.

Have a good week!

Cheers, Wayne

Mumbo Island - Lake Malawi

Ok guys, if you haven't planned a romantic getaway in a long time (read years) you'd better do it soon or you'll be single again and lets face it those college days are way behind you.

I just read an amazing article in the November 2012 issue of Country Life Magazine and did some research for you guys (yes I am that downright good guy).

So if you love the lady in your life and want to do something way out of the ordinary that does not cost you the world, how about a trip to Mumbo Island on Lake Malawi, in Malawi. No Visa's required for South Africans, yay!

Very affordable packages can be made up to suit your needs. Check out www.kayakafrica.co.za for tailor made solutions including flights, accommodation and activities.

Check out some photos below.

Cottages tucked away for secluded "Robinson Crusoe" privacy

Relaxing on your own private hammock is just one of the 'activities'. Check the view!

Amazing, what else can one say.

There are activities like snorkeling, swimming, hiking, swimming or just lying on your backside and doing nothing at all.

Don't say Mr Gads does not provide inspiration.

Your ladies will love you for it.

Cheers,

Wayne

Now for some fashion, accessories etc,

I recently went on quite the shopping trip and yes I have my favourite stores which I will happily share here.

First up is a new find:

A store called Kingsley Heath. You can check out their website at www.kingsleyheath.com

They stock both clothing for men and women mostly casual such as jeans (amazing jeans) and casual shirts and shorts etc. The store themselves is the bomb let me tell you. It really begs you to sit there and blast your budget with soft bulky leather couches, even in the change rooms! So the missus can join you while you are fitting on your jeans and let you know there and then if its hot or not. All I was waiting for was the whisky and cigar! Great store, keep going to find bargains every now and then. African luxury it is and the quality is beyond great! And its African guys, what more could we ask for? There are branches all over the country.

Ultra comfortable stressed, dark blue jeans from Kingley Heath Eastgate and at a complete bargain too! :)

Next up is my all day, every day favourite store, Woolworths www.woolworths.co.za

I never fail to find great clothing that's good quality and value for money and entirely fashionable.

I recently pruchased these great pastel dress shirts in 100 % cotton. Just a mention on dress shirts guys, please find out your size and wear your proper size. There is nothing more unattractive than a guy with a dress shirt where the buttons are either straining against your beer boep or the shirt is so big it looks like it belongs to your dad. Please make sure shirts fit you properly. I'm sure a consultant at Woolies will be happy to help, or you can send me your clothing pics and I'll tell you where you are going wrong. I am, after all, here to help you guys.

Pastel Summer dress shirts from Woolworths.

Next up some casual accessories, also from Woolworths:

A burgundy and blue summer snood (like a scarf but not). Perfect for get togethers after dark when the evenings can still get a little chilly or even as an everyday accessory to give your outfit some oomph. Along with that a cap in blue check that just great for everyday wear whether your are on the beach or at a trendy restaurant. Very trendy. These items are worn with jeans and a T-shirt.

Summer snood worn around the neck as it lies in this picture with the check cap.

So that's it for now guys. Any questions, comments welcome. I will assist you with anything and everything a guy needs. From grooming and fashion to food.

Hope you enjoy the blog, let me know what you think.

Cheers,

Wayne

Right.....

Lets start with breakfast.

A Mediterranean Omelette full of flavour:

What you need............

3 eggs
1 Tbsp water
Handful of cherry tomatoes
Italian herbs (dry)
Origanum (dry)
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt
Crushed garlic
Extra Virgin olive oil
Robertson Garlic Salt
Grated cheddar cheese
Aromat

Method:

Take the handful of cherry tomatoes and place them in a heat resistant bowl. Add about a teaspoon of olive oil, sprinkle with the dried origanum, Italian herbs, half a teaspoon of the crushed garlic and season with salt and black pepper. Mix it up with your hands or a spoon until all the tomatoes are covered. Place the bowl under the grill in your oven giving them an ooccasional shake every now and again. This takes about five minutes and you do it just until the skin blisters.

Beat together eggs, water (mucho important!), a sprinkling of Italian herbs, Robertson garlic salt, half a teaspoon of olive oil and crushed garlic, black pepper and salt to taste.
Heat a non-stick pan on the stove with a blob of butter, adding a small sprinkling of garlic salt to the butter (or margarine) for added flavour. Once sufficiently hot, pour in the egg mixture, put a lid on it and check it after a few minutes, it should be slightly runny on top but mostly done.

Then add the tomatoes (minus the oil in the bowl) cover with grated cheese, sprinkle with a little Italian herbs and aromat. Fold over the omelette and turn off the heat. Leave for a minute and flip the omelette (gently so as not to break it), leave for another minute and then slide it out of the pan onto some buttered toast.

So yummy............

What could be better. Runny cheese, flavourful tomatoes. It will be loved by all and perfect for a lazy Sunday morning breakfast in bed. Try it, she'll love you for it!

Catch you later, when I'll be posting some fashion goodies I recently purchased during a mega shopping trip.

Later dudes................

Men can look good, cook and still be men

Hi,

Im a man, hear me roar!

Men can be both fashionable and cook and still be considered sexy, manly and someone women want! Yes guys its true, here's a revelation for you. Women love a man who can cook and looks good while doing it.

On this blog I will post fashion tips for men and easy recipies to entertain your loved one/s. This is a South African post so many of the things will be available in SA only.

The posts will have the South African man in mind. I'll let you know where to get things and upload photos as and when I can. Oh yes, I am based in Johannesburg and things will mostly come from here, however I will try and locate stores in various cities across the country.

Right,