This weekend’s annual art fair is a barometer of South African contemporary art – and it’s getting hotter every year. The FNB Joburg Art Fair has grown since its inception in 2008 and, today, is the largest contemporary African art event of its kind. Artists, curators, collectors, academics and art lovers will congregate at the Sandton Convention Centre (expect lots of air-kissing) to browse the works, which range in price from a few thousand rand to well over six digits. If the thought of more than 200 artists and 33 galleries exhibiting under one roof sounds intimidating, fear not, Nechama Brodie has established what not to miss…

Mocke J Van Veuren and Nelisiwe Xaba

The pair won this year’s FNB Art Prize for their collaborative work Uncles & Angels, a mesmerising 3D video dance work about the controversial Zulu reed dance. It’s serious content – designed to explore and provoke questions around the young women’s chastity and purity, and look at issues of tradition and relationships of power – but it is presented with almost hypnotic grace.

Nandipha Mntambo

The award-winning young artist is producing this year’s Pirelli Special Project, inspired by its Formula 1 line, “Let’s Dance”. In a video series, “…everyone carries a shadow”, Nandipha follows the movement of the Paso Doble, a Spanish dance rooted in bullfighting. The piece continues a narrative she began years ago in which she rehearsed the steps of a bullfighter. Savvy art fair buyers could have snapped up the sold-out works for a song at the time.

Roger Ballen

Photographer Roger Ballen’s staggering body of work (he has been shooting for more than 40 years, and has won numerous awards) might just be eclipsed by his foray into pop culture as the photographer and video collaborator for Die Antwoord. Roger, who is no stranger to exposing the extremities of the human psyche or physique, will be showing a collection of his (often unsettling) images.

David Goldblatt

This year’s fair focuses on photography, and will present a collection of works by the iconic documentary photographer. His exhibition is a collection of images from a series he began in 1961, documenting structures that physically referenced or reflected the forces that shaped South Africa and its society during and after apartheid. David has influenced generations of photographers – including people such as multiple award-winner Jodi Bieber.

Santu Mofokeng

Internationally acclaimed photographer Santu Mofokeng will present photographs of black working- and middle-class families commissioned between 1890 and 1950. Santu has commented that the significance of many images lies not in what they show but in what they do not.

Mohau Modisakeng

Primarily a sculptor, Mohau Modisakeng has taken his mastery into the video art arena. Mohau’s video, Inzilo, will be played as part of an installation that includes stills from his shoot and one of his sculptures. It expertly captures minute detail such as dust particles and incense rising.

Grazia art buyer’s guide

Don’t go to the fair expecting bargains (unless you’re shopping in euros, pounds or dollars – South African art is exceptionally cheap by world standards), but do keep your eye out for more affordable editioned prints (the smaller the edition, the higher the price; the physical size of the work and the reputation of the artist will also influence price). Buy what you love, not what you think is a good “investment”. Art is something you have to live with.

The FNB Joburg Art Fair runs from today to Sunday, 29 September at the Sandton Convention Centre. Day tickets cost R50 on Friday, and R100 each for Saturday and Sunday, or you can purchase a three-day pass for R200. Tickets for the opening night on September 26 are R200. Visit Fnbjoburgartfair.co.za

Words: Nechama Brodie

She is the a-lister we love to hate, but after seeing pics of Gwyneth Paltrow’s garden party in The Hamptons last week, Grazia has noted two key facts. One: you wanted to be there. Two: you want every summer party you throw to be just like it. So, yes, critics might be calling it too fancy, but we’ve picked apart her essentials and come up with Grazia’s definitive guide to a Goop-tastic garden party. The best news is, it appears totally doable – if you discount the rock star husband and Hollywood BFFs! Bring on summer…

Have a dress code

Why not insist on monochrome? It’s not like the guests will find it difficult. Black and white is, hands down, the hottest trend of the season. It’s easily transitioned from day to night, too.

Make your guest list an A-list one

There is really no time for B-listers at garden parties worth going to. In Gwyneth’s case, we’re talking Cameron Diaz, Naomi Watts, Sarah Jessica Parker, Molly Sims and Rachel Zoe.

Get the kids involved

Allow the children to do dances and performances for your guests. Everyone loves a confident child and they’ll love an enthusiastic mom even more.

Play lawn games

This summer, you shouldn’t think you’re too cool for lawn games. Old-fashioned pursuits like badminton, croquet and bowls are de rigeur.

Keep the small animals around

If your pooches match the colour scheme and are impeccably trained (no barking, please), they should stay for the festivities. Gwyneth would suggest small, fluffy dogs or pretty white rabbits only.

Music is paramount

Even if your husband is a world-famous rock star, dress him in white and make him play with the kids. Instead, book a jazz quartet – it’s way more appropriate for a late-afternoon event.

Dance, dance

Perfect a signature move and, if possible, dance with your mom. Everyone loves a classic mom-and-daughter Instagram moment. Can you say Sierra filter?

In the details

Think rose – pink champagne and soft pink roses are the way to go. When it comes to food, go for small, bite-sized canapés. Also remember some fun things for the kids – woodland masks are, according to Gwyneth, a good bet.

Boast about your BFF

If your BFF is a world-famous designer, like Stella McCartney, allow her to display her newest accessory line at the party.

Hire an amazing photographer

Don’t be afraid to pose – everyone loves smiles and kisses. Also hire a discreet videographer to catch all the beautiful moments and edit them into a short film that makes the rest of the world have complete FOMO.

October will see the launch of Crossley & Webb, Cape Town’s brand new automotive investment showroom in the historic red brick buildings of the Wembley Square precinct. Besides providing a home for covetable cars, the showroom will also boast a Truth coffee bar. Just in case the sight of a Ferrari or Maserati doesn’t give you enough of a kick.

The folks from Red Bull Studio Cape Town and a few of their ridiculously talented friends have made a little corner of Braamfontein their own – with the Alexander Theatre serving as their headquarters. For the next four days, musical greats like Hugh Masekela, Black Coffee, Francois K and Julian Gomes will share their immense musical know-how with a selection of the country’s fresh, young talent – including Dirty Paraffin’s Okmalumkoolkat, Bateleur’s Nicolaas Van Reenen, Robin Brink from Beatenberg and songstress Moonchild – through a series of lectures and workshops as part of this year’s Red Bull Music Academy Bass Camp.

So, if you’re anywhere near Braamfontein from now until November 3, you best not miss out, as a few of these workshops are open to the public too. And there will be a RMBA party somewhere in Braam every night until the good times come to an end. We recommend heading to Chaf Pozi in Soweto for the Bass Camp Soweto Session with Francois K, Black Coffee, Vinny Da Vinci and Christos, Jullian Gomes, Kid Fonque and Trancemicsoul on November 3.

Follow along on Instagram and Twitter with the #BassCampZA and #RBMA

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Paris Hilton as Miley

Fergie and Josh Duhamel as Elvira and Riff Raff

Chelsea Handler as a pregnant woman

Neil Patrick Harris and Davif Burtka as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

Kelly Osbourne as Christina Hendricks

David Space and Kate Hudson dressed as Ylvis and a character from Game of Thrones

If you’re feeling as inspired by the latest batch of celeb Halloween costumes as we are, then best you make use of your last opportunity to get your Halloween on this year by heading to Arcade Empire in Pretoria tonight.

It’s here you’ll find a Halloween Block Party of epic proportions. Which, thanks to a partnership with Griet, will include three separate stages and a line-up featuring Desmond And The Tutus, Shortstraw, Tommy Gun, Haezer, Niskerone and Fuzigish.

Tickets available at the door.

The Sanlam Investments FoodWineDesign Fair is without a doubt a highlight on any Joburger’s calendar. We literally count down the months until the fair hits Hyde Park, and are beyond excited that the wait is finally over. It kicks of this Friday for the weekend

And because we are so excited, we are giving away threedouble tickets to the FoodWineDesign Fair, as well as a handcrafted belt (valued at R480) from Colony Design,to each winner!

To win, comment below telling us why you are so excited about the fair, and you could win double tickets and a belt.

Why Colony Design, you may ask? Well, watch thismeet-the-maker video and you will totally understand our love of their beautiful handmade leather products!

Yes, the season of Christmas market shopping has officially begun. Find unique, crafted and organic gifts for those hard-to-shop-for people in your life. Here’s our pick from around the country

1. Bryanston Magical Moonlight Markets

Jozi’s original outdoor market, Bryanston Organic Market (Bryanstonorganicmarket.co.za), holds special Christmas markets with gifts, Christmas carols and an amazing festive nighttime atmosphere.

Where: 40 Culross Rd (off Main Rd), Bryanston

When: Each Tuesday evening until December 17 from 5pm to 9pm

2. Cape Town Summer Market

The historical Company Gardens in the centre of Cape Town will be transformed into a mega market for the second time this year. And the best part – it’s open every day (except Christmas and Day of Goodwill) and until late for night-time shopping.

When: December 14 to 30, 12pm to 11pm

Where: The Company Gardens, Cape Town

3. The Parkview Christmas Market in George Hay Park

This charity market (Nicarela.org.za) will have over 70 stands and appearances from Idols’ Cameron Bruce and Josie Field. There’s also a nativity play on Sunday morning.

When: November 29 to December 1

Where: George Hay Park, Parkview

4. Kamers vol Geskenke

This series of Christmas gift shopping destinations (Kamersvol.com) is renowned for its range of beautifully crafted gifts.

Pretoria: December 3 to 8 at The Open Window School in Southdowns, Irene

5. German Club Christmas market

The Germans aren’t famous for their Christmas markets for nothing. This is your chance to get a taste of traditional German Christmas fare (think stollen and spiced biscuits) as well as handmade toys, crafts, jewellery and more at the German Country Club.

When: November 23
from 10am

Where: 131 Holkham Rd,
Paulshof, Joburg

6. South Coast Summer Christmas Market

This massive market (Scmarkets.co.za) on the South Coast is a gift mecca with approximately 300 stalls, and it’s open every day except Christmas and Day of Goodwill.

When: December 12 to January 5

Where: Douglas Mitchell Sports Grounds, Uvongo

7. Slowfood Christmas Candlelight Market

The special Christmas edition of the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market (Slowmarket.co.za) is particularly good for organic Christmas food shopping, from turkey to Christmas cake, and there are gifts, clothes and carol singing, too.

When: December 6 to 7
Where: Oude Libertas, Stellenbosch

8. Irene Christmas markets

The regular Irene Village Market (Irenemarket.co.za) held on the second
and last Saturday of every month just outside Pretoria holds special Christmas markets every Saturday throughout November and December.

When: Saturdays from now to 16 December

Where: Smuts House Museum, Jan Smuts Ave, off Nellmapius Ave, Irene

9. Shongweni Farmers’ and Craft Christmas Market

The Shongweni Farmer’s Market (Shongwenimarket.co.za) has a special Christmas market featuring handcrafted gifts, live music and great food.

When: December 16, 9am to 3pm

Where: 1 Fraser Rd, Assegay, Durban

The great thing about a December break is that you finally get to read all those books on your must-read list, whether you are lying on the beach or lazing beside the pool. Here is what some of the Grazia girls will be reading this December.

Kerri-Lee Candolini, marketing assistant

Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

“Who wouldn’t want to know what Miranda Priestly has been up to?”

Karen Wentzel, art director

The Unbearable Lightness Of Being by Milan Kundera

“I’ve always wanted to read this novel about fleeting, haphazard love and sex. These themes are attached to the idea we only have one life and that our experiences within this life happen once and never again, explaining the ‘lightness’ of life. This is in direct contrast to Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of eternal recurrence, which ultimately ‘gives weight’ to our decisions in life – as we’ve already made them and will continue to do so. It’s not your average holiday read, but when and where else do we find the time to give these books the right focus, but on a beach?”

How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran

“I’m going to need a good laugh after the abovementioned book, and I’ve recently seen this book being described as ‘engaging, brave, and consistently, cleverly, naughtily funny’, as well as ‘anarchic, bonkers 21st-century women’s lib with laughs’. Caitlin Moran, a columnist for The Times in the UK, tackles some of the most pressing issues facing women in today’s society, including abortion, ageing, sexism and high heels – and has been described as a rock-star feminist. I can’t wait!”

A Simple Plan by Scott Smith

“Stephen King describes this as one of the best thrillers he’s ever read – that’s saying something! I need to balance out all the heaviness of Kundera and the cynical LOLs of Moran with some nail-biting suspense. I’m all about balance!”

Robyn Bloch, copy editor

Contact by Carl Sagan

“Remember that Jodie Foster flick where she goes up in a giant weird spaceship and when she reaches the stars/alien planet she begins to cry and says, “So beautiful. Should have sent a poet”? (Okay, it’s not Silence Of The Lambs, but her sharp nose and flashy eyes make her performance tolerable. Plus, aliens!) It’s a book. I will read the book, then rewatch the film. Which I love doing.”

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

“Pretty much as above. Aliens, spaceships, though no poetry as far as I know. I haven’t yet watched the movie, so as soon as I’m done I’ll rent it. (I’m going through a real sci-fi phase.)”

Joseph Anton by Salman Rushdie

“It’s a memoir about Salman Rushdie’s time in hiding after the fatwa against him pronounced on Valentine’s Day 1989. For three years, he never stayed in one place longer than three days. His pseudonym – Joseph Anton – is taken from two authors who inspired him: Joseph Conrad and Anton Chekhov. I’ve had it for a while, but haven’t got round to reading it…”

Araffa Mpungwe, beauty assistant

The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes

“An easy, fun read, perfect for my tropical getaway this December. I love the way Marian Keyes writes – it’s relatable, and she is terribly funny.”

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

“My dad just bought me this one and I am very excited to read it. She’s a hero, so young, and extremely brave. We have a lot to learn from Malala.”

Mathilda van Graan, publishing manager

Sense And Sensibility by Joanna Trollope

“As a great fan of Jane Austen (dare I say, one of her biggest), I am always intrigued by the mere mention of one of her titles. Even though modern retellings of classics often disappoint, I am excited to enter the world of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood again, albeit via another author and in another century.”

Every day our resident Grazia DJ, Delish Mich (aka senior designer, Michelle), plays the office a song to get us in the mood for a fun, glam day at Grazia HQ. Here, she and the team have put together the ultimate road trip mix. Download them and hit the road!

1. Counting Crows – Accidentally In Love

2. Eagles – Hotel California

3. Nat King Cole – Cappuccina

4. Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’

5. Phillip Phillips – Gone, Gone, Gone

6. Avicii – Wake Me Up

7. Die Heuwels Fantasties – Beloofde Land

8. Boston – More Than A Feeling

9. Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer

10. David Guetta – Titanium

11. Earth, Wind & Fire – September

12. The Ramones – Rockaway Beach

13. The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition

13. The Killers – Somebody Told Me

14. Drake – Hold On, We’re Going Home

15. Naughty Boy Feat. Emeli Sande And Wiley – Never Be Your Woman

16. Rihanna – Shut Up And Drive

Ps. This is only part one. Look out for part two of the Grazia Road Trip Mix next week.

(image: source)

Here at Grazia we live by our phones; they are always in our hands. As we get ready for the summer holidays, we asked our digital editor, Cheska Stark, to recommend apps to make travelling easier.

Here are her eight answers:

1. Stow

The ultimate packing app. Stow makes planning for your next holiday super-easy, but allows you to create and customise your lists. Are you a regular traveller? You can save your own templates!

2. Uber

Basically, a taxi-finder app! How convenient? Recently launched in SA – Durban, Cape Town and Joburg to be specific – this app has already been downloaded onto every Grazia girl’s phone.

3. VSCO Grid

This photo app takes your pics to a whole new level with its awesome filters and super-easy editing. Of course, you can share the pics on any of your social media platforms, including Instagram. #bringontheholidayselfies

4. SneakyPix

Before you judge, you have to admit you are guilty of this, too: wanting to take a snap when technically you are not allowed to! SneakyPix makes it look as if someone is calling you, and as you “pick up” and start to talk, the app continually takes pics or videos. Gone are the days of weird texting angles or faking selfies.

5. MyEdit

MyEdit is South Africa’s hottest new app, and I am obsessed. MyEdit gives you access to thousands of stories from more than 40 of South Africa’s most popular magazines, newspapers, blogs and websites (including Grazia, of course!). As you travel, there’s no need to buy a whole lot of reading material. Just subscribe to your favourite magazines or topics on MyEdit. All you need is your phone or tablet.

6. Covet Fashion

Only a celebrity stylist could create an app as fashionable as this one, and you could only download it during the December holidays, because trust us, you will waste a lot of time playing on this one. This app lets you play paper dress-up with current-season items. You can also enter to win prizes, and Rachel Zoe is the judge. Now that’s major!

7. Trip It

For an organisational obsessive like me, this app is fantastic. Forward your itinerary to your account and see everything in one place – from flight details to hotel reservations, not to mention NB phone numbers and weather forecasts.

8. City Maps 2 Go

This is fantastic! Not all of us have millions to spend on roaming, so this app lets you download the maps you need on Wi-Fi and then use them when you have no data or Wi-Fi access. Even when not connected, the app will pinpoint your exact location. #nomoregettinglost

Two of the five are actual award winners, but since the short list for Britain’s most prestigious literary prize, the Man Booker, saw women lead the way – girls penned four of the six books that made the cut – it feels only right to award each one a place on our bookshelf

The 2013 man booker winner

At only 28 and hailing all the way from New Zealand, Eleanor Catton wasn’t exactly the favourite to win this year’s Man Booker Prize. But, at an intimidating 832 pages, her historical epic The Luminaries, set amid the 1860s New Zealand gold rush, proved too good not to take home the 2013 honours. Britain’s The Guardian newspaper describes it as: “a page-turning, suspenseful story about a series of unsolved crimes, written in the manner of a Victorian sensation novel”. She’s also the youngest author ever to receive this prestigious prize. Described as a “dazzling feat of a novel”, it’s one of Grazia’s recommended reads and the author’s second novel.

The Nobel Lit winner

Canadian short story master, 83-year-old Alice Munro became the 13^th woman ever to win the Nobel Prize for literature. While American Psycho author Brett Easton Ellis might have tweeted his disdain at the choice, most will know Alice’s quiet and perfectly crafted tales deserving of praise. Start with The View From Castle Rock and end with last year’s Dear Life, her final offering.

The Local Lass

We Need New Names is the coming-of-age tale of a child named Destiny, who makes the transition from a shanty town in Zimbabwe to the promised land of America. It is the debut novel from 31-year-old Zimbabwean NoViolet Bulawayo – yes, it’s a pseudonym she dreamt up in honour of her home town – and, if this is any indication, bigger things are yet to come.

The Global Traveller

Spanning across continents, the seemingly mystical events in Zen Buddhist and film maker Ruth Ozeki’s novel, A Tale For The Time Being, are set in motion when a novelist (also named Ruth), walking along a beach in British Columbia, Canada, stumbles upon the washed up diary of a Japanese American after a tsunami.

The Second Time-arounder

From the author of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Namesake, Jhumpa Lahiri’s latest epic spans 50 years in the lives of two brothers, who, after surviving the turmoil of 1960s Calcutta, eventually make the move to the US, only to be hit by greater personal tragedy. The Lowland is a must.

As we told you last week, our resident Grazia DJ, Delish Mich (aka senior designer, Michelle), plays the office a song to get us in the mood for a fun, glam day at Grazia HQ. We have already shared part one of our ultimate road trip mix with you (click here). Here is part two. Download them and hit the road!

1. Tracy Chapman – Fast Car

2. The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations

3. David Bowie – Heroes

4. Sixpence None The Richer – Kiss Me

5. Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody

6. Mark Ronson Feat. Amy Winehouse – Valerie

7. Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive

8. Outkast – Hey Ya!

9. The Isley Brothers – Shout!

10. Aloe Blacc – I Need A Dollar

11. The Charlatans – Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over

12. The Shins – Australia

13. Siouxsie And The Banshees – The Passenger

14. Heavy D And The Boyz – Now That We Found Love

15. Rihanna – Cheers (Drink To That)

16. Haim – Forever

(Image source)

Triple Threat

Listen up, Mother City! For one night only, the living DJ legend that is Carl Cox will be on hand to help you welcome in 2014 the right way by manning his signature triple decks at The Electric New Year’s Eve Ball (Computicket.co.za) at the Cape Town ICC. Just add champagne for an even better time… December 31

Island Style

International DJ sensation Danny Marquez will once again be making his way to SA to show Cape Town a good time at Ibiza Calling (Computicket.co.za) at the Bungalow in Clifton. He won’t be alone, though, because 5FM’s Rob Vember, DJ Fresh (below) and Stephanie B are on the line-up, too. December 31

We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday

Desmond & The Tutus and Shortstraw (below) will be on a mission to show most of SA a good time this season with the Puma Happy Holiday Summer Tour (Pumahappyholiday.co.za). And they’ll be bringing Al Bairre, Gateway Drugs and The Dollfins along for the ride! December 18 to January 3

Year Of The Dragon

Bigger and better than ever before, this year’s Smoking Dragon New Year’s Festival (Nutickets.co.za) in the Drakensberg holds the promise of picturesque mountain views and performances from Cortina Whiplash, The Slashdogs, The Frown, DJ Satori and Beach Party. December 29 to 31

Dancing In The Streets

The annual Ballito New Year’s Eve Street Party just got a little bit more exciting for party lovers on the North Coast. Samsung Galaxy and 5FM have joined forces to make Get Ready To Jump With Danny Avila (Newyearsevesa.co.za) a reality. Yes, Ibiza’s resident DJ (below) will be making his presence in SA truly felt. December 31

Party In P-Town

Come NYE in Pretoria, it has to be Arcade Empire for Hello New Year’s, Goodbye 2013 (Ticibox.com). It’s here you’ll find Gangs Of Ballet, Zebra & Giraffe and Desmond & The Tutus (below) as well as international addition, the UK’s DJ Culprate. December 31

Whether or not we like to admit it, come January and we all vow to be ‘more organized this year. Sound familiar? Here we round up our top 10 apps to start the year:

Everest

What’s your “Everest?” Learning another language? Getting to the gym daily? Eating your weight in bacon? With this app, you can finally start working towards your life goals. Think of it as a social network for people who get things done. Share your goals, get tips on how to break each down into steps, and track your progress towards a more productive 2013.

Prey Anti Theft

Losing a phone isn’t cool, but getting it back sure would be. The person who lifts someone’s smartphone better pray it doesn’t have Prey Anti Theft – a tracking and security tool for Android and for iPhone and iPad that also protects Mac and Windows PCs. Prey uses GPS and Wi-FI to track device location and once put into action by any of three registered devices, sends an email with a web link with the phone’s location pinned on a map. The free version includes 10 such tracking reports, and can turn on Wi-Fi and/or mobile data, remotely trigger a factor reset (erasing all data), get a snapshot of the phone’s current user, and even detect and send an email if the SIM card is changed.

Zombies, Run!

When Nintendo Wii first hit the scene, it was billed as a way to get kids (and some parents) off the couch. But when zombies are afoot, people actually run for their lives. That’s the idea behind Zombies, Run!, a clever game for joggers that describes activities of fictional flesh-eaters, the only escape from which is to physically run away. Voice prompts indicate the runner’s actual mileage along the way and encourage runners to speed up when biters draw near. Love.

Snapscan

With SnapScan you can pay using only your phone. Snap-Open SnapScan and use your phone’s camera to scan the SnapCode displayed at the checkout or with your bill, then simply enter the amount you want to pay and confirm payment with a 4-digit PIN.

Gautrain Buddy

Gautrain Buddy displays Gautrain Train and Gautrain Bus timetable data on your phone, featuring a summary view showing your next trains or busses, plus you can swop stations and check the full 24 hour timetable.

Kids Aid

Emergency First Aid for Children. Your children are irreplaceable and accidents happen when you don’t expect them. The First Aid app empowers you as parent to have first aid information available to you anywhere, anytime. With step-by-step instructions you will be guided to ensure your child or infant is treated immediately for the most effective results

Any.do

This apps makes completing everyday tasks actually fun! Why? You get to ‘swipe’ them off your lift. If you ask us, the best thing about making lists is crossing things off so this swiping app makes lists even more appealing. Of course, the app also syncs with your Google calendar and we love the ‘someday’ tab because all of us have those tasks that we will get to ‘some day’

Evernote

EverNote is the ultimate organizational apps allowing you to remember everything form saving your ideas, taking notes, photos and creating lists. There is even recorded voice reminders and everything is searchable!

MyEdit

MyEdit is South Africa’s hottest new app, and we are obsessed. MyEdit gives you access to thousands of stories from more than 40 of South Africa’s most popular magazines, newspapers, blogs and websites (including Grazia, of course!). As you travel, there’s no need to buy a whole lot of reading material. Just subscribe to your favourite magazines or topics on MyEdit. All you need is your phone or tablet.

Yes yes, we are all settling in back at work but if you are not quite ready to hit the office, here is our round up of our favourite, wifi work spots in Durban…

The Bean Green Coffee Roastery

www.beangreen.co.za

Why we love it: if you’re in Durban and looking to get some work done outside of the office, there is no better place that The Bean Green Coffee Roastery. Not only do they serve only Ethiopian coffee beans, but you will be transported back to simpler times with music playing from a fantastic retro record player. That, combined with awesome interior which is unassuming with wooden tables and flooring, chairs with Hessian coffee bag covered cushions and a couch, makes this one of the best places to work away from work.

Freedom Café

www.tastefreedom.co.za

Why we love it: why think outside the box when you can house a restaurant/ coffee shop in a converted red shipping container with a glass extension. Seriously – need we say more? This is the ideal place to get work done away from the office. If the scenery alone doesn’t do it for you, their fresh homemade lemonade should have you hooked!

The Corner Café

www.thecornercafe.co.za

Why we love it: This place is the movie version of a café with ‘regulars’. Customers inhabit this space on a daily basis to stay away from the office for as long as possible. Why we love it even more? It’s an eco-restaurant, “trying to save the planet, one cappuccino at a time”. It cannot get any better than this. Just ask our ed – its her home away from home too on the weekend.

Market

www.themarketrestaurant.co.za

Why we love it: This is the ideal ‘get away for the day’ place to get some work done out of the office. Situated in a quiet courtyard behind a classic 1930′s colonial building at the foot of Durban’s Berea in Marriott Road, this little ‘get away for the day’ serves only local or organic sourced ingredients,

Yes yes, we are all settling in back at work but if you are not quite ready to hit the office, here is our round up of our favourite, wifi work spots in Joburg…

Wolves

www.wolves.co.za

Why we love it: Hidden in the hub of Illovo on Corlette Drive is where Wolves- home to free Wi-Fi, the best red velvet cupcakes with the most amazing coffee – resides. With a wide selection of board games to play with friends, you will find yourself becoming a regular even when it’s not for work purposes.

Warm and Glad

www.thebeachhead.co.za

Why we love it: Fairly new on the Joburg scene, we love how this space has become, as Dion Chang says, a “coffice” (coffee office). We love the free wi-fi , the coffee and the food-and we are kind of seriously obsessed with the fact that they serve Paul Ballen’s homemade ice-cream. If you have never tried it, then you are failing at life and need to visit W&G as in yesterday.

Motherland

www.motherlandcoffee.co.za

Why we love it: Free wi-fi, great coffee, great service, what’s not to love? This is one of the perfect places to get your caffeine fix to help you plough through your work outside of the office. Coffee shop banter has been proven to improve productivity; combine that with the small and intimate Motherland space, and you have the perfect place to work outside of the office.

Croft and Co.

www.croftandco.co.za

Why we love it: It’s a nifty place in Parkview that combines two of the greatest things in life: quality shopping and good food. When you’re looking for a place to work for the day outside of the office, with no distractions and excellent, personalised service, this is the place to go.

Did you miss our Durban wifi favourites? Here they are.

Yes yes, we are all settling in back at work but if you are not quite ready to hit the office, here is our round up of our favourite, wifi work spots in Cape Town…

Truth coffee

www.truthcoffee.com

Why we love it: Three words: Artisan. Coffee. Roasters. Truth Coffee brings home the coffee cup. So, if you’re a coffee enthusiast looking for a place to get work done outside of the office, this is the perfect place for you. Oh yes, did we forget to mention the free Wi-Fi? #firstworldproblems

Lola’s

www.lolas.co.za

Why we love it: conveniently positioned in the heart of Cape Town’s central business district. Lola’s fresh, rustic interior creates a vibey, young feel for you to get some work done outside of the office. Throw in some free Wi-Fi and a tasty food menu, and you are set for the day.

Rafiki’s

www.rafikis.co.za

Why we love it: More commonly known for its bustling student ambiance, but what you might not know is that during the day, Rafiki’s dims down the noise and the bustle and becomes a great spot to settle in and get some work done ( did we mention Wi-fi is free and uncapped? Yes please!). Doors open at 11am and the rush only starts around 5pm, meaning you have a lengthy period of time to relax and enjoy the quiet on the deck.

Loading Bay

www.loadingbay.co.za

Why we love it: Great food, excellent service, plus amazing men’s and ladies’ wear shop attached to it. The Cape Town hotspot offers customers free wireless Internet in an inspiring worker-friendly environment. So if you’re keen to break away from everything and get some work done outside of the office, Loading Bay comes highly recommended.

Not in Cape Town? Here are our Jo’burg and Durban suggestions.

If you thought that 2013 was the year of the Instagram and #selfie then just you wait, we are only eight days into 2014 and already we know Instagram is going to hit a whole new level. Here our digital editor, Cheska Stark, rounds up her favourite apps to up the anty of your Instagram shots… #itsapleasure

1. VSCOcam

http://vsco.co/vscocam

If you ask me, this is the ultimate photo editing app. It focuses on minimalist creativity. I have noticed many photographers use this app for their Instagram pics. Not only are there 10 filters which put Instgram’s to shame, but you also have the option to fade, highlight, add shadows, tints, change saturation, sharpen your colours and change the grade. PS. It’s also super easy to use.

2. Diptic

http://www.dipticapp.com

Have you wondered how your fellow instgrammers load collages, grids of four pics or fancy shapes? Diptic is your answer.

3. A Beautiful Mess

http://www.abeautifulmess.com

One of my favourite apps for changing up your pics. With it you can add text, doodles, fun phrases in exciting fonts and cute boards – we are talking stars, hearts and zig zags.

4. Afterlight

http://afterlight.us

I learnt of this app from famous blogger Miss Moss, who uses it on all her shots. I love using this app to add white boarders to my pics but Afterlight has a whole variety of editing tools that are super easy to use. As for filters, Afterlight has hundreds!

5. Repost

https://twitter.com/RepostApp

Your Instagram friend posts a pic that you love and you want to repost? This is your answer. The app automatically loads your followers and once you have selected a pic to repost, it adds a repost logo and credits the original poster.

6. Flipgram

http://flipagram.com

Flipgram creates a slideshow of your pics to post on Instgram. This is a great app to use when summerising an event, think of “the best of my birthday” and the best part? You can add music to it! Woohoo!

FOLLOW GRAZIA ON INSTAGRAM @GRAZIASA

Set to be released in South Africa tomorrow The Wolf of Wall Street is based on the real life experiences of motivational speaker and former stock broker Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. It tells Jordan’s story – his rise to become a wealthy stockbroker living the good life to his spectacular fall from grace, including crime, corruption and the federal government. But, let’s not give all the juicy deets away, here is the trailer and we’ll see you in the popcorn queue this weekend. Be still our beating Leo-obsessed hearts…

Back to work and days at the office don’t have to be depressing. In fact, up the excitement with new stationery for a new year. Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing our favourite back to work desk accessories….