Bucket Babe: Kayla Baker

We did it! After what seemed like an eternity, we've finally made it to the end of January and I think we deserve a pat on the back for that or some sort of celebration and we thought we'd kick things off with the years first installment of the Bucket Babe. This feature was started not to only showcase the beautiful woman that reside in our country but also celebrate their accomplishments or their passions. Today's featured model for example has a career in which she helps new mothers and mum's to be keep in shape during and after their pregnancy. She's an avid traveler and like most people who live inland, loves to spend time at the beach. She's got a good eye for cars and makes a mouth watering sandwich you can read up all about that a more with our interview with her below.

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Kayla Baker

BIO

Hi guys! My name is Kayla Baker and I'm a Pre and Post-Natal Fitness Instructor from Johannesburg, you can check our my Instagram page for what I do @mamavation_sa.

I have a passion for healthy living and helping ladies reach their goals, I love travelling and exploring different countries and cultures, I love anything beauty related.

My goals for 2020 is to expand my business, continuing to help woman with their fitness journeys and to keep travelling! 

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! One of them being the Lamborghini Urus.

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

• Provolone cheese, prosciutto and pickled aubergine. Its amazing! And probably, plain for this one. 

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

• Lightly salted, topped with Astros, for sure.

4. Dream cover shoot?

• Anything fitness related or swimsuit/ beach related.

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

• Depends what the executive is for? I enjoy modeling, so that would be my first choice.  

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

• Honestly, I never had anyone I wanted to be like. i was just learning to grow and enjoy myself.

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

• It's being held, Married.

8. Obviously being a female you would love fashion. Favourite label/ designer?

• We travel to the states for this exact reason! LOL. Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger are some of my best. 

9. What type of music gets your booty shaking?

• Anything really, depends on my mood.

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

• Ibiza. 

Photography by Epix Shoots & Embers & Envelopes

Bucket Babe: Amber Brits

With Spring just around the corner we thought we'd start celebrating early with this months installment of the Bucket Babe. This weeks stunner hails from the fairest Cape, and can be found frolicking on the beautiful beaches, strutting her stuff in the most fashionable bikini's. She's a lover of fashion and more importantly cars! both modern and classic, speaking of classic she also has a classic taste when it comes to toasted sarmies. Her body is the epitome of "bikini bod" and we're honored to have her featured for Women's Month, here is...

Amber Brits

BIO

Hello, my name is Amber Brits and I am a free lance model based in Cape Town, Fashion played a big part of my life when I was young and growing up so transitioning into a model came very easy for me. I do a lot of fashion and swimwear shoots and recently was chosen as one of the contestants for the up coming Maxim Mag Cover Girl search, voting starts in September and I'll have the link in my bio on Instagram so make sure you hit follow on the link below!

LINKS

Q&A

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

• Ah I really love cars, there is so many honestly, I love classics as well as modern cars, I'd have to say, Audi R8, Ford Mustang, Mercedes Benz G-Class for the modern ones and classics will be Dodge, Pontiac and Chevrolet Chevelle.

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

• Toasted cheesey for for sure, when I prepare any food, alot of love goes into it. 

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

• I love popcorn! When I go to the movies, I always go a bit over board and put salt and vinegar, butter, so much that my taste buds are burnt off, haha but at home its salt and little Aromat.

4. Dream cover shoot?

• I've actually entered the Maxim Mag Cover model shoot so I would really love to get all the votes I can with that, voting starts on the 2nd of September, the voting link will be in my bio on Instagram.

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

• Full time model. 

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

• Avril Lavigne was someone I really looked up to when I was growing up.

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

• Taken, I'm with an amazing man who treats me like an absolute queen, wouldn't trade him for the world.

8. Obviously being a female you would love fashion. Favourite label/ designer?

• Fashion! Where do I start?! Fashion is a big love of mine, my grandmother is where my love for fashion began, she is also my mom as she has raise me. I've always looked up to her fashion sense as I was growing up. She always had long red nails with red lips and always looked so fabulous. She set the stand of fashion for me. Fashion icons that inspire me now are all the Kardashians, as well as big international brands like House of CB, Princess Polly, Youaremi, Fashionova but also a lot of local brands such as Zouhar Designs, The Shopaholic and many more. 

9. What type of music gets your booty shaking?

• Deep Techno with a dirty beat.

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

• I would say LA.

Bucket Babe: Melissa van Tonder

Yes, just like that we are in the sixth month of the year. To be honest, I gave up about a few years ago with the adage "the years flying by" because no matter how much you say it, the faster the months will go! So rather than complaining how time flies, take time to appreciate things in life, like for example our featured model today. This young beauty hails from the fairest Cape, like most of SA's finest, she's an avid lover of animals and loves the water, which oddly enough involves her profession, and that might involve wearing more bikini's we hope! While she's a woman of few words, she lets her actions speak for her

BIO

Hi! I'm Melissa van Tonder, I'm 25 years old and from Cape Town. I love animals, the outdoors and fast cars of course. I'm a swimming instructor and model. My motto in life will always be "Believe and you'll achieve"

LINKS

 

Melissa is currently in the running for the Worldswimsuit Model search and she could really use your votes to help her out. :http://worldswimsuit.com/model-search/profile/melissa-van-tonder

Q&A

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

• I definitely see myself in any sport car but always been a BIG fan of Audi, especially the RS3 sedan of RS5, or the old school Mustang GT. 

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

• My go to sandwich will definitely be a toasted chicken mayo.

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

• BUTTER SALT

4. Dream cover shoot?

•  I don't have a specific cover shoot but won't mind seeing ny face ib a Rolling Stones Magazine Cover.

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

• Full time model for sure

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

• My big sister was always a big part of my life. Growing up she motivated me to always do better and be a better person. I'm very blessed to have a role model and sister in one.

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

• Blessed to sat that Dewald van Tonder, my husband has been holding my hand for 10 years now.

8. Obviously being a female you would love fashion. Favourite label/ designer?

• Berta Bridal Collection (OMW!)

9. What type of music gets your booty shaking?

• Anything bass

10. Which city is your dream party destination?

• Bali!

Holiday Express: Valentines Day Event 2018

With Valentines Day just around the corner, those with no plans or are looking at something different to do for their loved ones for the night, don't stress the Holiday Express has got you. Spend the night of February 14th under the stars, enjoying a 3 course meal at the Canelands Beach Club and Spa in Salt Rock. 

Join the Holiday Express with your loved on for a romantic "Valentines Day" train celebration up the Dolphin Coast. Arriving in Salt Rock early evening for a special three course dinner on this pristine north coast beach. Experience the soothing evening sea breezes wafting off the wave crests as the sun sets in the West. Lovely background music, to take in this romantic setting. 

Sounds like something you would like to do? Well don't hesitate and reserve your tickets immediately by contacting Angela Whittle via: info@holidayexpress.co.za. Price per person is R690 and it includes the return train trip, coach connections, welcome refreshment and three course dinner. (drinks excluded).

Itinerary is as follows

• 5pm - Registration at the Premier Business Lounge at Durban Station
• 5.30pm - Train departs Durban
• 6.30pm - Train arrives at Umhlali Station. Short coach trip to Canelands
• 6.40pm - Arrival at beach
• 6.50pm Welcome drink
• 7pm - Valentines three course buffet dinner
• 9.30pm - Depart Canelands via coach.
• 10pm - Train Departs Umhlali station
• 11pm - Arrival at Durban Station

Winning Year for Tsogo Sun Suncoast!

2017 has been an award-winning year for us and it’s not over yet!” says Louise Howell, Marketing Manager at SUNCOAST.

The awards range from recognition for contributions in the community to topping popularity-polls by readers of one of Durban’s daily newspapers.

In Women’s Month (August) SUNCOAST scooped the Corporate Citizenship Award, sponsored by British American Tobacco, at the 14^th edition of the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women Awards held at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

The Corporate Citizenship Award acknowledges the role of business in improving the communities in which they operate and the positive impact on quality of life, economic prosperity or regeneration through direct investment, pro bono work or employee-led initiatives.

The award recognized the ongoing contribution that SUNCOAST makes to the community of Chesterville via its partnership with Vukukhanye (an NPO operating in the area).

Vukukhanye was formed in 2001 and offers essential community services in the form of children’s foster homes, Educare centre, bursary projects, health and welfare services as well as support for community-based organisations and schools. SUNCOAST has been collaborating with the NPO since 2009 providing financial support and regular participation from SUNCOAST staff on various community projects.

“It was extremely gratifying receiving the Corporate Citizenship Award as it validates the culture that the TSOGO Group has instilled in all their properties,” says Howell. “Partnering with Vukukhanye and the CEO, Dr Anthony van der Meulen, allows us to practise the values of Teamwork, Service, Opportunity, Growth and Ownership and make a positive difference in other people’s lives.”

Another award won during the year is the PMR Awards, where SUNCOAST won a Golden Award (4.2 out of 5) in the category of Casino Executive Lifestyle. SUNCOAST also topped a popularity poll from Durban readers when it was recently voted the Best Casino in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in the 2017 Daily News Your Choice Awards for the 14^th year running.

“Being voted the Best Casino in KZN for 14 consecutive years is a record that SUNCOAST is extremely proud of,” adds Howell. “It also gives our staff the recognition they deserve. SUNCOAST firmly believes that keeping staff members motivated and happy are the keys to great customer service. The award confirms that our guests notice and appreciate our efforts!”

Individual employees have also been excelling in their departments.  Croupier, Cheszine Muller, was named first runner-up in the 2017 Tsogo Sun National Dealer of the Year Championships at Montecasino, Johannesburg in September.

Muller was one of 18 finalists and was joined in the top five by fellow SUNCOAST colleague, Mbuso Dube (who placed fourth). The table dealers were judged on various criteria in the preliminary rounds of the competition, including knowledge, dealing skills and customer service standards. Once through to the final round they were assessed on technical skills and other aspects of the dealing cycle in American Roulette and Blackjack. The winner was announced after the final five had to answer judges’ questions at the prizewinning dinner.

“Taking part in the Championships was so much fun and not difficult at all because the tasks involved what I do every day,” says 29-year-old Muller, who has been a croupier at SUNCOAST for the past three years.

Meanwhile, finalists Devina Dawkinun and Lebo Mohoko are anxiously awaiting the outcome of their respective competitions.

Dawkinun (founder of the Gemkids Catch-up Programme and manager of SUNCOAST’s Day Care Centre) is one of the top five in the 2017 Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a competition for entrepreneurs and alumni benefiting from the Tsogo Sun Entrepreneurs development programme.

The Day Care manager at SUNCOAST was selected as a finalist from 200 fellow-entrepreneurs and will be attending a National Showcase and Conference at the Southern Sun in Pretoria at the end of October, where the Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced.

“I feel proud to be acknowledged by Tsogo Sun,” says Dawkinun. “All too often entrepreneurs go unrecognized. The nomination has meant the world to me and it would be that much more special if I was to win.”

The Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur for 2017 will receive R50 000 from Tsogo Sun, a bursary valued at R30 000 from Tsheto Leadership Academy and will be ambassador for Tsogo Sun Entrepreneurs for the next year.

Mohoko (barista at Café Vigour and KZN winner of the 2017 Tsogo Sun - Avanti Coffee National Barista Competition) is eagerly anticipating the national battle of the baristas in Gauteng in November. His expert coffee-making skills saw him win the regional round earlier this year.

“Coffee is my passion and, although I am nervous and excited about the Gauteng finals, I hope to make Café Vigour and SUNCOAST proud by bringing the National Barista Champion title home to Durban,” says the popular barista.

“We are eagerly awaiting the judges’ decisions in these two competitions and hope that Devina and Lebo will come out tops,” says Howell. “The accomplishments of the year have made all the hard work worthwhile and motivated everyone to aim for more success in 2018. The public’s support also plays a large part in SUNCOAST’s success for which we are very grateful.”

Top Beaches in Cape Town & Durban - Guest Post

With the year winding down and summer on the way, everyone is getting into holiday mode and what better place to be than at the seaside? With this in mind, today's blog post will feature a list of some of the best beaches to visit in Cape Town and Durban, it's a list compiled by guest writer for the blog, Zaytoon Hanief, who writes for the Travel Start blog. She shares her insights into the top beaches to visit in SA, so you can plan in advance where to spend your summer days enjoying the seaside. 

Top beaches in Cape Town and Durban

Summer is basically here and in South Africa, that means good times filled with friends, fun activities and lots and lots of Instagram moments!

For a lot of us here in Jozi, that also means heading to South Africa’s coastal cities and enjoying some much-needed time at the beach!

Durban and Cape Town are some top choices as they offer a great variety of options, whether its family fun, surfing or just a girls/boys’ weekend away that you’re after!

Here are some top beaches that you should definitely visit when visiting our coastal cities:

Cape Town

Llandudno Beach

If you’re not looking out for the sign on the road from Camps Bay to Hout Bay, you may just miss the turn-off to one of the city’s most laid-back and beautiful beaches. Llandudno is especially loved by locals because of its location alone, meaning that you’re bound to run into many easy-going Capetonians. Not just a beach for sunbathing, Llandudno is also a great spot for surfers and bodyboarders alike.

Local tip: If you’re driving, make sure to arrive very early during peak season as parking fills up easily. Alternatively, take the MyCiti bus and walk down the winding driveway, but be warned the walk back up is bound to be quite a work out!

Camps Bay Beach

Probably the most famous beach in all of Cape Town, Camps Bay Beach is a top tourist attraction. It has everything that you could hope for, including sparkly (though somewhat icy!) water, glistering white sand, space for all, nearby convenience stores, top-notch restaurants and also public transport.

Local tip: During the summer period, it may be difficult to escape the crowds but there’s always a loophole. Unless you don’t mind the crowds, try to visit during the week days. Summer days in Cape Town are long and hot, and even if you’re only getting to the beach at 4.30pm after work, you’re still guaranteed at least two hours of beach time.

Clifton Beaches

A staple for the rich, famous and all of us in between, the four Clifton beaches have long since been seen as the beaches of Cape Town. Top of the list is Clifton 4th beach, cornered off by million-dollar beach houses, perfectly-placed natural boulders to keep the wind at bay and of course, the most beautiful shimmering waves and white sand. What’s not to admire? Clifton is also home to 1st, 2nd and 3rd beach – each known for their somewhat different crowds but each a masterpiece of its own. Do yourself a favour and walk along the coast from 1st to 4th beach to take in its full grandeur!

Local tip: The beaches of Clifton can get pretty packed as well, but for a slightly thinner crowd head over to 2nd and 1st beach.  

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is the perfect beach-meets-picnic spot. The water is warmer (thankfully!) due to its location on the Indian Ocean side of the Cape Peninsula and the large boulders in the water make for a pretty safe and tranquil spot to float on your back and just unwind. Of course, one cannot mention Boulders Beach without talking about the African penguins that you’re bound to see! Picture yourself not just admiring them from a distance, but instead sharing a sandy spot with them just two metres away, or swimming right next to these feathery cuties in the ocean – there’s nothing quite like it for sure!

Local tip: Go early and pack in plenty of food and drinks to last you many, many hours as you’ll find it hard to want to leave this ideal location!

Durban

Umhlanga Rocks Beach

The golden sand of this glorious stretch is guaranteed to get you swimming! Unlike the colder waters of the Cape Peninsula beaches, the beaches of KwaZulu Natal invite you in as the temperatures have been known to hit 25 degrees Celsius during summer! Umhlanga Rocks Beach is one of Durban’s finest, with an enigmatic ebb and flow of the waves. The paved walkway alongside the ocean allows visitors to take in its sights before heading in and enjoying its warm waters.

Local tip: bring your wellies if you’re a bit of an explorer as there are some great rock pools to explore along the beach.

North Beach

North Beach in Durban is possibly the most well-known and popular beach in all of Durban. There’s so much variety of activities to do here that you could plan to stay in the area for a week and still not get bored. The warm waters offer the ideal swimming location, but be warned that it does get extremely crowded and you may need to get there at 6am to find a good spot during the summer holidays!

Local tip: Not just a beach to be enjoyed during the daytime hours, North Beach is known to be a thriving and energetic evening location too. Pack some cash in your back pocket as you enjoy some of Durban’s finest treats along the boardwalk.

Willard Beach, Ballito

Calling all surfers, bodyboarders and everyone else who enjoys some good waves with the sun on their skin! Willard Beach is the main beach of the town of Ballito, just outside Durban, and you can rest assured that you’ll have a great time on this Blue Flag beach. Another firm favourite just around the corner from Willard Beach is Thompson Beach.

Local tip: the beach gets really crowded during peak season and summer weekends. If you’re not too keen on this, there are plenty of other, more secluded beaches in the Ballito area for you to enjoy.

These are just of the top beaches to enjoy, so make sure to visit them on your next trip to Cape Town and Durban!

Bucket Seat: Mini Cooper Convertible

I've always spoken about the joy one gets when driving a Mini, it's a car unlike any other that gives the driver a sense of happiness when they're behind the wheel. It's small, fast and nimble, the short turning circle means tighter steering so it's almost like you're driving a go-kart and with the new engines the latest models have, whether you're driving the Cooper, Cooper S or JCW derivative, you're guaranteed to have sufficient power at any time, with any type of gear box. 

This past week I spent it driving around in the latest Mini Convertible, it essentially is everything I said above but you have the option to have a roof or not and that in Durban is a major plus. The east coast is proud to boast a winter that's not really winter, mornings and evenings have a slight chill but during the day, bright sunshine and warmth which is perfect conditions for a convertible and with that, the Mini came in very handy. 

Style

I, for one quite like the look of the new Mini, it's meant to be a small car but it's quite bold in it's design giving the impression that it's much bigger than it actually is. It's a fun car and everything that has to do with the design is just that, fun. The car I had was bright read and came fitted with the JCW kit which had all the sport goodness with a JCW front grille and bumper, bigger wheels fitted with JCW rims, the interior received the JCW treatment as well with sport seats, JCW steering and carbon finishes. I'm not quite sure what it is about Mini's, they are good looking cars but they're guaranteed to turn heads, where ever you go. with the folding roof, this just escalated attraction as people always asked to see what it looked like with the roof down. Of course, I was more than happy to oblige to their requests. The roof can also be opened slightly almost like a sunroof for the car if you don't feel like opening the entire thing.

Performance

As mentioned before, the engine line up in the Mini is excellent even the Cooper model which I had, comes fitted with the 1.5l Twin Power Turbo engine which gives you more than adequate power for this little car. Being a convertible, it is a bit heavier than your normal Mini and this is evident when cornering but on straight stretch this baby has no problem propelling itself to quite high speeds. There is slight turbo lag to it but nothing that will get you too bothered. Side note, the car sounds really good and that exhaust plays a tone that you don't get tired of hearing especially when you throw down the hammer but this affects your fuel consumption drastically!

Comfort

While the car is a 4 seater, it would take a group of very small individuals to sit in total comfort. Being 1.8m in height, I am forced to move my seat almost entirely back which negates any leg room for something sitting behind me, unless they have no limbs, then it would be fine but with the front passenger, we did manage to seat a passenger behind them with a slight compromise to the front passengers seat position but they were not in discomfort from this. The seats are really comfy and of high quality. If there's no one in the back, you can always make use of the wind breaker screen that comes with the car and folds up neatly so you can chuck it into the boot if not in use. 

Storage

What did surprise me about this model is that even thought it has a folding roof, it doesn't impact the storage space in the boot. It remains the same whether the roof is open or closed. The one problem I had with it is the door and access hatch, it could be a little bigger for slightly larger luggage to get in and out. Like I said the space is sufficient and you can get a lot of stuff in there but it's a mission to get it in! If that's not enough for you, you can always put stuff on the back seats and since they're bucket seats, it won't go rolling around the car. 

Extras

It's a Mini but lets not forget who's its relative is, the big boys from Germany so you can be rest assured that there is a significant extras list for every car. The car I had came with the JCW kit as mentioned before, heated seats, satellite navigation, Mini Connect which is like BMW Connected Drive, Harman Kardon sound system, automatic windscreen wipers, colour changing mood lighting, Bluetooth Telephone connectivity and audio streaming and heads up display which is pretty cool as it's a small screen that pops up when you switch on the car. Also a cool addition to the covertible is that you can choose to have the Union Jack imprint on your roof as an added extra. 

Verdict

In many of my Mini reviews before, I mentioned that the Mini was aimed more for the youth but given it's price tag and how much it's grown I don't see why adults can't enjoy them. I certainly did during my time. It does seem a bit gimmicky but that aspect also adds to the charm of the vehicle. What I do love a lot about the car is the high quality finishing, with many of the cars we get now, they have a lot of cheap plastics and make the car look and feel cheap but with this product you're getting what you paid for. Good quality finishes and a solid built car. I found it very difficult to get more than 400km from one tank but that could just be my heavy foot along with the automatic gear box but hey, I can't deny I didn't have fun driving every one of those kilometers. 

Specifications

• 1.5 litre, 3 cylinder TwinPower Turbo
• 6 speed automatic gear box
• 100kW
• 220Nm torque
• Consumption: 5.1ltr/ 100km
• Top Speed: 208kph
• 0-100kph: 8.8 seconds 
• Price: R397 000* (*excluding extras)