Bucket Scene: BOOMTOWN Presented by Johnnie Walker Blonde

 

The excitement is building as the countdown begins for the return of the country’s most anticipated annual horse racing event of the year. Today, organizers of the renowned lifestyle BOOMTOWN experience together with iconic partner Johnnie Walker Blonde are thrilled to announce the official opening of ticket sales

BOOMTOWN, synonymous with unparalleled hospitality, is set to deliver yet another unforgettable experience. Renowned for its world-class sound, spectacular lighting, and electrifying live performances from the hottest artists in the country, this year promises to surpass all expectations!

Scheduled to take place at home of the Durban July, Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 6th July 2024, BOOMTOWN will once again play host to a dazzling array of South Africa's biggest names in entertainment, sports and business.

Year after year, this event has solidified its reputation as the pinnacle of July weekend festivities, drawing discerning enthusiasts of horse racing, fashion, and music. With its opulent tiered hospitality decks, plush lounges and captivating experiential activation's, BOOMTOWN remains the ultimate destination for luminaries from the realms of entertainment, sports, and business.

"BOOMTOWN presented by Johnnie Walker Blonde epitomizes the celebration of life. This year marks our 14th year and we have prided ourselves throughout the past decade on crafting an unparalleled hospitality experience for our esteemed guests. From world-class entertainment to seamless betting stations, an extensive selection of gourmet cuisine, and fully stocked bars, our diverse hospitality packages ensure that every attendee feels like a VIP" stated event organizer Stuart Scott. He continued, ”Over the next few days we will be finalizing our carefully curated lineup, featuring some of SA’s finest talent to keep our guests entertained throughout the day," 

Limited tickets for this highly coveted lifestyle experience are available for purchase at Ticketpro. Act fast to secure your spot, as limited Phase One (Early bird) tickets start at R650

Bucket Babe: Astrid Aurora

Winter seems to have come early to the Southern parts of Africa this year as its icy chill has affected most of the country, we at the Bucket aim to help defrost the country with some heat this weekend thanks to the return of the Bucket Babe! Yes, its been a while since we featured a local beauty on the blog but like they say, good things come to those who wait and boy, today we have some thing more than good! Today's featured beauty is a multi-award winner and has spent most of her life behind the lens, be it photography or video, she was a former TV anchor/ journalist but now has stepped into the modeling world where she began to and continues to shine with her Lingerie and Swimwear work. We got to take a few minutes out of her busy schedule to chat about work, life and everything else, read more to see what she had to say. 

Astrid Aurora

BIO

Hi! My name is Astrid, I'm from Cape Town and a former Television Anchor and journalist, I know embrace my new career in modelling, doing both commercial and lingerie shoots. I am passionate about the beach and nature, I've taken on this new exciting venture which see's me travelling and exploring while taking my fans along the journey. If you would like to see where I go next, follow me on my Instagram page. 

LINKS

Q&A

1. Hot girls and hot cars go hand in hand, what ride would you like to  see yourself in?

• There are so many cars that I love, but I especially love the Pagani Hermes, Maybach 62 and the new Hybrid Ferrari SF90.  

2. What sandwich are you most likely to make for me? and will it be toasted or plain?

• I love making sandwiches! A sandwich that I enjoy making is a delicious oven toasted bun with butter, that is layered with rocket, tomato, mayo, lots of pastrami beef, mustard and a sunny side egg on top!

3. Everyone loves popcorn (well I think they do) what is your topping/ sprinkle of choice?

•  I definitely love butter salt!

4. Dream cover shoot?

• Maxim or GQ.

5. If given a choice, full time model or full time executive, what would you choose?

• I was a full time executive and worked in corporate for ten years, which was empowering but I can definitely say that being a full time model is a lot more fun!

6. Growing up you must have had someone you aspired to be, so who is your role model?

• I have so many role models. I enjoy the fact that women empowerment means women can be anything she desires! I admire both female leaders and glamour models alike! I especially love the Playboy Bunnies.

7. Anyone holding that hand yet? or is it available?

• There is a very special man in my life, so unfortunately for you gents, I'm not available.

8. Obviously being a female, fashion would be a big interest to you, do you have a favourite label/ designer?

•  I adore fashion, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Chanel and Gucci are my absolute favourites!

9. What type of music gets your booty shaking?

• I love house, deep house, EDM, reggae and R&B.

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

• Definitely Tulum!

Bucket Babe: Tara Martin

Greetings and welcome to another long awaited instalment of one of the most loved features on this blog, the Bucket Babe! Due to the busy schedule of new car launches and test drives, not to mention all that is going on in the tech space, this segment sort of took a back seat on the blog but we will try to bring you every now and then the best of what South Africa has to offer in terms of beauty. Today's featured model has a passion for film and with that has her honors in film studies, with this she has written two movies and a television series. She has other passions as well which she will enlighten you on in the interview, and you will see she has quite the charm in her answers in our Q&A with her. We wish her all the best in her career and hope to see her name more often on the silver screen and her face on many campaigns. 

Tara Martin

BIO

Hi! My name is Tarz - I am really bad at talking about myself but here’s an attempt! 

So I am 23 years old, and am really proud of myself for having graduated my honours year with distinction in 2020 despite all that was going on. I did my honours in film studies with a focus on scriptwriting and filmic editing – having written two movies, a television series and a short film; as well as produced two short films which you can watch on my Instagram page! (@Tarzmartin) My real passion lies in psychology, however, which is why a majority of my honours projects surrounded a host of misunderstood mental illnesses. I plan to return to university to pursue psychology after a few more years of working and gathering experience.  

My hobbies include modelling (most obviously), cosplay, playing video games, spending time in the gym, watching horror movies and taking my dog to cool new places to see how he will react – the best one so far was seeing him chase around naked people on Sandy bay, the nudist beach. Very very funny (He is a Great Dane for reference).

If I could offer advice to the reader of this article it would be Wabi-wabi – The Japanese philosophy of beauty being found in imperfection. The biggest thing modelling has taught me is to embrace the things that I see as flaws, as they are what make me stand out: a broken vase fixed with gold resin is much more interesting than a glass that never broke at all!

LINKS

Q&A

1. Hot girls and hot cars go hand in hand, what ride would you like to  see yourself in?

• Ever since I watched Supernatural for the first time in Highschool I have always dreamt of driving a 1967n Chevvy Impala! To make it more “me” though, ideally it would be black with a ruby red interior!  

2. What sandwich are you most likely to make for me? and will it be toasted or plain?

• I pride myself in my grilled cheese sandwich, so I’d have go with that! It’s no ordinary grilled cheese, however. Three different cheeses in between two thick slices of ciabatta bread, topped with a medley of fragrant dried herbs and fried on a pan with hot butter. Ideally, this would be paired with a big bowl of hearty home-made tomato soup!

3. Everyone loves popcorn (well I think they do) what is your topping/ sprinkle of choice?

•  I love popcorn! Many late nights have been spent munching on a bag of popcorn. If we are talking spices alone, I love traditional butter flavoured popcorn. If we are going to be a bit crazy, I sometimes like to add a drizzle of honey to my butter popcorn. It may sound strange but trust me, it is amazing!

4. Dream cover shoot?

• Definitely Vogue. I love their high-fashion, quirky and fun themed covers. My favourite kind of shoot is an artistic one, so it would be right up my alley.

5. If given a choice, full time model or full time executive, what would you choose?

• I would have to say corporate. I think it would be an awesome challenge to head a project or product that I could be excited about! I also like to keep my modelling as a hobby – I fear losing my love for it if it became my full-time career.

6. Growing up you must have had someone you aspired to be, so who is your role model?

• When I was very very little my role model was Courage the Cowardly dog. As silly as it is, Courage inspired me to face a lot of my fears – that is what the tattoo on my back represents; the shadow monster from Courage the Cowardly Dog. My mom is also a big inspiration. She always taught me that independence is everything for a woman.

7. Anyone holding that hand yet? or is it available?

• I do have a boyfriend whom I have actually been with for about 5 years now! I am a very lucky lady to have him.

8. Obviously being a female, fashion would be a big interest to you, do you have a favourite label/ designer?

•  I actually don’t have a favourite fashion label or designer. If I had to choose though – I love a Steve Madden shoe!

9. What type of music gets your booty shaking?

• I love all genres of music (yes, even country). There are songs in all genres that I jam to on the regular. Two classics that always get me dancing though are: “The next episode – Snoop Dogg” and “Downtown – Macklemore ft Eric Nally”.

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

• Definitely Tokyo-Japan. Everything from the history to the food to the architecture in Japan just enthralls me. I would move tomorrow if I could!

Gary Rom - Umhlanga

Gary Rom hairdressers need no introduction to the South African market as they are one of the more popular franchises around with a big footprint in Guateng, they are expanding their reach to KZN with the first salon opening in Umhlanga from December 2020. This particular store is aimed and the male market, something which has been lacking for us Durbanites. While ladies are spoilt for choice when it comes to their pamper sessions, men had only their general barbers to go get a haircut and odd shave. Gary Rom Man offers so much more than just a haircut as I got to find out last week. They ensure that they leave no stone unturned to offer you the ultimate grooming experience. 

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the store manager who was very welcoming and accommodating, making sure all Covid protocols were handled by means of temperature check and form filled, it was time to get my hair did but first, a visit to the lounge area where a host of lifestyle magazines were available to read as well as being offered a drink while I wait, apart from the usual coffee options, there was also a well stocked bar, which has some great single malts and other spirits should you wish to indulge before your session. 

Not longer after I had my drink in hand, I was summoned to the chair by my barber for the day, Chadwin who was going to be in charge of making me look good, not an easy task but he seemed to be confident of the task at hand. Guiding me to the sanitized chair where I was then cloaked up and ready for my trim. What strikes you first about Gary Rom Man is the set-up, well for me personally I've never seen such a wide variety of machines and scissors which were on display, after telling Chadwin what I had in mind and how I preferred my hair cut, he got to it but with intricacy and patience that I've never experienced before. To my surprise he spent quite a long time ensuring my fade was meticulously done with precise blending before moved onto chopping my hair to make sure the final product looked good. What I loved about my haircut was that it wasn't rushed, while every cut is appointment based, there wasn't that sense of urgency that you may have at other establishments which gave me the sense of every client being important to them. 

Once done with the hair, it was time for the shave, I opted for the steam shave which in itself was quite fascinating as they have a steamer over your face ensuring your skin stays moist and warm before your face is lathered up and you get the smoothest shave this end of the east coast. Feeling nice and fresh after the shave I was also offered a facial, now it was highly recommended and not having had one before I was intrigued to say the least. It was a rather refreshing as part of the process is to exfoliate and remove dead or dry skin as well as deep clean the skin to have you glowing. After this is complete, your face gets covered by a refreshing hot towel for a few minutes and you're all done to hit the town. 

All in all, my experience at Gary Rom Man Umhlanga was nothing short of exceptional. It was a great to see that there are various treatments offered to men as well as being taken cared of so well by the management and staff. What was great to note that they spare no expense on how they treat clientele, from the time you arrive, to the refreshments on offer and the products they use, all high quality and worth every cent of your time spent there. It was also such a relaxed environment, far from the rush and cut that I've become to accustomed to most of my life. It's definitely changed my perspective on men's grooming and now I cannot wait for my next session. 

You can visit Gary Rom Man at Umhlanga Center, 189 Ridge Road, Umhlanga Rocks. 

Call to make your appointment now on: 031 880 1955

Bucket Babe: Charissa Cooper

Hard to believe one year ago our lives got turned upside down, no that wasn't an intro to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air but we all know how disruptive things have been while living through a pandemic. Hopefully now with vaccine roll-outs there seems to be an end in sight. Enough of the depressing bits though, we're here to cheer you up on a Friday and what better way to get a smile on your face than getting to know another one of SA's finest. Todays featured model calls herself a jack of all trades and bly me, after reading her bio, she sure seems like it! From being a Flight Attendant, Model, Writer and COD player, there seems like there is nothing she cannot do! She really has great ambition and enthusiasm that we love to see. This bubbly character resides in the fairest cape, has a BA degree and wants to remove the stigma that models are only good for their looks, we're here to support you on that front! Meet the gorgeous....

Charissa Cooper

BIO

A small town girl living a big city life. There is absolutely more to me than meets the eye. I have obtained a BA degree in graphic design, specializing in Advertising, Business Management, Communication Science. I have also obtained my Cabin Crew license as a flight attendant whereby I'm absolutely passionate about Aviation Medicine. 

I'm passionate about helping people and believe a small change can make a bigger difference. I'm a nerd at heart and enjoy reading the news and yes, I enjoy playing COD from time to time. Yes, I'm definitely a Jack-of-all-trades! 

My hobbies includes: modelling, photography, writing, drawing, art, gymming, traveling & exploring - I'm quite adventurous. I enjoy spending time in nature and at the beach. I'm very ambitious and believe that time equals money. I work hard and believe also that balance is key in life. 

A few accomplishments: I have worked with various of brands, but working for Wonderbra SA which was a sponsor for Miss SA was an absolute modelling career highlight. I also have been featured in SARIE magazine and recently got two cover features in Australia and America, representing South Africa. 

My first article got published in a magazine  that I have written based on my project called, "Dr. LOVE GURU" - whereby I help and give valuable guidance for relationships, marriages, finding love, self esteem matters etc. My first topic was based on Long distance relationships. @mollmagazine 

As a model I do believe that I have more to give than meets the eye. To break the boundaries regarding body & image sexualization. Most models get judged based purely appearance or their job. I would like to break the Stigma regarding this as to be beautiful is a form of art not  judgment. 

As a flight attendant I have met many walks of life. To serve with joy, to create memorable experiences and to provide  passengers with excellent customer service - was the most amazing experience. The sky is truly a place I call home.

I was also awarded as a flight attendant with various of compliments from passengers and a Golden star for excellent customer service - this was a very prestigious moment in my life. I got featured 3 times in the News as a flight attendant alongside with Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi.

I truly miss flying - and yes, I got a job with the number one Airline in the World, Emirates. 

Unfortunately, due to Covid, I couldn't go to Dubai and the job opportunity got withdrawn. Life has its ups and downs, but where one door closes another one opens. I do believe I will fly soon again! 

For now I'm a model in SA, writer, Influencer and Coordinator / team manager for @letsgoo.co.za - a fantastic company for influencers of all ages! 

Where there is hope within there a better dream and opportunity for tomorrow. The sky is after all the limit... 

Future goals: I would definitely like to start up my two businesses this year which I'm excited about. 

I also would love to fly again - and who knows maybe become a pilot. 

A definite future goal would be to publish my 1st book. . 

LINKS

Q&A

1. Hot girls and hot cars go hand in hand, what ride would you like to  see yourself in?

• Im already driving my dream car, my little classic Mini Cooper. I wouldn't change it for the world. Who would of thought my surname would suit my Car (haha). 

2. What sandwich are you most likely to make for me? and will it be toasted or plain?

• Local is lekker afterall... We are having a Braaibroodjie haha.. 

3. Everyone loves popcorn (well I think they do) what is your topping/ sprinkle of choice?

•  Can I add Astros please!

4. Dream cover shoot?

• Dreams do come true they say... Let's go with Forbes.

5. If given a choice, full time model or full time executive, what would you choose?

• Definitely full time executive - I'm very ambitious.

6. Growing up you must have had someone you aspired to be, so who is your role model?

• J.K. Rowling. As a child I believed to never stop dreaming and believing that something magical is about to happen. 

7. Anyone holding that hand yet? or is it available?

• I'm married to my career - just kidding haha. Both hands is available - one for holding and the other one for the onion ring haha. On a serious note, I'm single like a Pringle.

8. Obviously being a female, fashion would be a big interest to you, do you have a favourite label/ designer?

•  Strange enough growing up in a small town im quite a plain Jane. I love wearing comfy sweatpants and sneakers. If I had to mention my favorite brands: definitely Calvin Klein,  Louis Vuitton, Cotton On, Shein, Zara, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo - haha there is way too many. I also love supporting local brands in South Africa like @flock_it @tracyb_swimwear, @utg.clothing etc.

9. What type of music gets your booty shaking?

• Let's get down to business? Haha. On a serious note I actually enjoy peaceful music or music with meaning - as I believe words has power.

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

• New York City or anywhere tropical... 

Pictures by black wolf studios 

Bucket Babe: Mia Pretorius

Hard to believe we're in the second month of the new year already and with that we bring to you our first featured model of the year. Today's beauty hails from the fairest Cape and while she considers modeling a side hobby, her main passion is DJing. This young vivacious lass has many achievements to her name already and has set her sights on achieving more throughout her life. Apart from the catchy grooves she spins, she loves spending time in front of the camera, collaborating with local photographers and brands. Anyway, enough from us, here meet...

Mia Pretorius

BIO

My name is Mia, I'm a 20 year old female DJ and music producer living in Cape Town, South Africa. I have traveled to various locations in SA to perform and I'm known as the youngest female tech house producer in South Africa after producing my first song 'Energies' - which is available on all major platforms. My dream is to become a full time DJ and music producer and travel the world. In 2010 I became the youngest girl to successfully climb Mount Kilimanjaro, I was 9 at the time and spent my 10th birthday on the mountain which is another major achievement within my lifetime. I am a full time business student, currently in my final year as well as a part time model who loved to collaborate with local photographers and brands. I have a passion for helping others and I use that when helping out at a NPO called 'Reach for a Dream' in which hope is given to children with life threatening illnesses through fulfilling their dreams. Though my lifestyle is pretty busy, I use my free time to spend time with my friends and family as well as hitting the gym. 

LINKS

Q&A

1. Hot girls and hot cars go hand in hand, what ride would you like to  see yourself in?

• My absolute dream car would be any unique colour Lamborghini Aventador!

2. What sandwich are you most likely to make for me? and will it be toasted or plain?

• Most probably a club sandwich toastie with sweet potato bread (because I'm gluten intolerant - but to be honest I prefer that over regular bread). 

3. Everyone loves popcorn (well I think they do) what is your topping/ sprinkle of choice?

• I'm not fussy when it comes to popcorn flavours but when I'm at the cinema I mix all the flavours together and if I'm in the mood for something sweet I would mix in something like Astros into plain popcorn. 

4. You being a model and a DJ, if you had to choose one profession, which would it be and why?

• Definitely DJing ,modeling is just a side hobby which I do when I have time or if brands or photographers want to collaborate. My dream job would be a profession DJ who travels the world. 

5. So DJ, which would be your dream festival to play at?

• I would love to play at as many major festivals as possible but my dream would be to play at Tomorrowland.  

6. Being SA's youngest female tech producer is quite an achievement, what was your inspiration into getting into this particular genre?

• I used to love commercial house music but as I started listening to more music during my years of DJing my taste in music developed into the tech house genre, I had friends who played that type of music around me and I really took a liking to it. Being the first youngest female in SA to produce this genre came from the fact that I generally just enjoy that style music and I really wanted to be able to to play my own music when I DJ, as well as the fact that I wanted to do something different to what everyone else does. I love standing out and participating in things that others wouldn't generally do and I definitely aspire to inspire females of all ages - this also led to me being the youngest girl to climb Mount Kilimanjaro..

7. Anyone holding that hand yet? or is it available?

• Very much available haha ;) I do however ,have a super busy lifestyle so finding a relationship isn't a priority to me right now.

8. Obviously being a female, fashion would be a big interest to you, do you have a favourite label/ designer?

• Not really, I generally get most of my clothes from Factorie and Cotton On. I also love supporting small local designers.  

9. We know you're a firm lover of tech but what music gets your booty shaking?

• I love almost every other genre- I love deep house, trance, techno, rap, commercial.

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

• I would love to experience the hype created around parties in Ibiza one day!

Pictures by r2fphotography and epixshoots