Us Grazia girls love stationery, desk top accessories and fun things for the office. Here’s what’s landing on our desks within the next few days…

Leather pants | Keep Calm and Have a cocktail note book, R110, Exclusive Books | Funky fish pen, R19 | Wooden ball pen, R15 | Phone cover, R369, Superbalist.com | Nelson Mandela Note book, R295 | Wooden colour pencils, R219, Archineers | Sneakers | iPhone 5 | Woodland calendar, R179, Typo | 2014 Le Petit Prince Moleskin diary, R270, Exclusive Books | Post it, R11, Hyperama | Clip, from R2, Archineers | Jumbo eraser, R75, Exclusive books| Apple | Travel organiser, R280, Exclusive books | Crabtree and Evelyn Hand cream | Yellow rabbit décor

Did you miss our first stationery fix feature? Click here.

Some of us have already been back at work for two whole weeks, which means two weeks of oogling over fun stationery and must-have office stuff! Here are a few of our favourite things…

Nike sneakers | Express yourself stamp, R89, Typo | Stationery bucket, R15, Brooklyn Vintage shop | Mailbox, R119, Typo | 2014 Calendar, R89, Typo | Country Road mug | Pencil case, R115 Exclusive Books | Little Pieta Pens, R59 each | iPhone cover, R89, Typo | Parisian Chic weekly planner, R294, Exclusive Books | Notebook, R39, Typo | Watercolour pencils, R89, Typo | Nelson Mandela Note book, R295 | Highlighter R12 for 3, CNA | Apple iPod| Human + Kind hand elbow cream | Handbag

Did you miss Monday’s stationery fix? Click here and for Wednesday’s click here.

Golden Globe winner and major Osar contender, 12 Years a Slave, is based on a true story and tells of Solomon Northup – a free man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery on a cotton plantation in Louisiana. Played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, the film depicts Solomon’s fight for survival, freedom and finally, release, after 12 years of torturous slavery. The film also stars heavy-hitter and CoL alumni Michael Fassbender and Girl to Watch Lupita Nyong’o.

Oscar nominations include best picture; best actor for Chiwetel; best supporting actor for Michael Fassbender; best supporting actress for Lupita Nyong’o; best director for Steve McQueen; best writing, adapted screenplay; best costume design; best production design; best film editing

Here is the trailer:

It’s game on for twenty castaways and two sporting legends

One million Rand. Two tribes. Two sporting legends. Twenty contestants: ten men and ten women. 27 days somewhere in the South China Sea. The coveted title of the Ultimate Survivor. This is Survivor South Africa Champions.

The wildly anticipated Survivor South Africa is back for another thrilling season – but with a twist. The new season of Survivor SA: Champions sees international sporting legends, soccer superstar Mark Fish and former Springbok rugby captain Cornè Krige battle it out, head to head, as leaders of the respective tribes. Leading their tribe through the physical trials and psychological tribulations, hunger pains, sun damage, on a deserted island without any luxuries and only the clothes on their backs. (Cue Destiny’s Child I’m a Survivor here)

Sounds like typical, good ol’ Survivor, right? Wrong! The twist? The two captains can’t be voted off. Setting the contestants against themselves. Sneaky, Survivor SA, very, very sneaky. Don’t let their sporting celebrity status fool you, in the game of survival with a million bucks up for grabs, status means nothing and sporting physique is only a percentage of the battle won.

The contestants come from an array of backgrounds and include: an actress, a wedding planner, a sports manager, an astrophysics student, a martial artist, a school teacher and a fire fighter.

But, in a game of physical strength versus psychological scheming, looks and stereotypes can be deceiving when put on an island with no food. Game. Set. Survive!

It kicks off this Sunday, 19 January 2013, at 5:30pm. See page 91 in this week’s issue where Grazia test drives the Survivor island. Yes, our very own Robyn Bloch was invited onto Survivor and she will be live tweeting her behind-the-scenes info when the season starts. FYI: it’s all true, there are no make-up artists, trays of food or portaloos!

After that far (way, way too) dramatic cliffhanger at the end of season two, The Fixer Season 3 is back. Wracked nerves, be ready…

Here’s a quick recap of what happened in season 2: Olivia’s secret relationship with the President (more commonly known to Olivia’s – and our melting hearts – as Fitz) is revealed, plus we discover – as the final credits roll – that Olivia’s father is the much-reviled head of B6-13.

So, what does season 3 hold? There are lots of questions that need answering…. Who leaked Olivia’s name to the press, for one, and will Olivia and Fitz’s relationship survive the scandal? This season also answers lots of questions about Olivia’s past, her troubled relationship with her father the mystery surrounding her mother (shocks aplenty!)

We are also (obvs!) dying to see what Olivia will be wearing this season. Her work wear wardrobe is already the stuff of legend and this season brings a whole lot more colour, as well as some asymmetrical silhouettes – and a new iconic Prada bag to covet and a statement coat. When costume designer Lyn Paolo (dream job alert) was interviewing by E! News she explains the thinking behind Olivia’s coat. “There’s this amazing moment at the beginning of season three where everyone thinks they know that Olivia is the mistress, and I saw this Burberry coat in British Vogue and knew it would be perfect,” Lyn revealed. “I felt like she needed to be the white knight, so she needed to be in white, but I didn’t want to do a suit. I wanted whatever she wore to look like armor. She wore the coat completely fastened to the neck not showing any skin, and we talked about the cape being sort of like a superhero so she literally never takes the coat off.”

Be still our beating hearts. We cannot wait.

Season 3 of The Fixer starts tonight on Mnet at 20:30.

Based on a novel by Markus Zusak, The Book Thief is an American-German war drama film, about a strong-willed and courageous young girl, Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nelisse), who is sent to live with a foster family in Nazi Germany after her mother abandons her. She becomes fascinated with the only book she brought with her, and she eventually starts stealing forbidden books and sharing them with other Jewish refugees hiding in her home. With the help of her kind, new parents (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson), she begins to learn how to read, and creates a fantasy world inspiring all those around

her.

Let’s not give away the whole story now, see the trailer here:

The Book Thief opens in cinema’s tomorrow!

From foreign film nerd to out-and-proud popcorn lovers, there’s something for everyone on the big screen this year.

The Oscar Contender : American Hustle

Set in the 70s, this true story of blackmail gone bad brings together Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Christian Bale and Amy Adams.

Opens February 28

The Sleeper Hit : Fruitvale Station

Michael B Jordan made everyone sit up and take notice with his portrayal of the true-life and tragic last day of Oscar Grant’s young life.

Opens April 25

The Sequel : Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

It’s not often that a sequel threatens to be better than the original, but Will Ferrell’s second outing as 70s news anchor Ron Burgundy might just do it.

Opens January 31

The Black & White One : Nebraska

Saturday Night Live’s Will Forte and film legend Bruce Dern form the heart of director Alexander Payne’s dark road trip comedy.

Opens March 14

The Hip One :The Grand Budapest Hotel

An all-star cast of Hollywood’s hippest (think Tilda Swinton) have assembled for director Wes Anderson’s latest whimsical tale.

Opens March 14

The Kids One: Maleficent

Disney has given the villain a chance to explain with Angelina Jolie as Sleeping Beauty’s (Elle Fanning) nemesis, Maleficent.

Opens June 6

The Shirtless One: Pompeii

Calling all Game Of Thrones fans who yearn to see more of Jon Snow’s abs. As a Roman slave-turned-gladiator, Kit wears little more than a loin cloth.

Opens February 21

The Book Adaption: Gone Girl

The must-read of 2012 will finally find its way to the big screen this year. We’ll witness Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck take on the roles of the married couple at the centre of a mysterious disappearance.

Opens October 10

The Foreign Sensation: Blue Is The Warmest Colour

It was the talk of the Cannes last year thanks to a sex scene between two French ingénues. But this coming-of-age story is much more than that…

Opens February 14

The New Age RomCom: Her

A moustachioed Joaquin Phoenix finds his soulmate in his new operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.

Opens February 28

The Local One: Four Corners

A 13-year-old chess prodigy from the Cape Flats is torn between his newfound allegiance to the Number 26 gang and love for his father, a general for the Number 28s…

Opens February 7

This year, the stars of the stage are hitting SA. With the live offerings looking this good already, we strongly suggest you diarise these don’t-miss dates!

The Boss

Block out all the cries of “middle aged dad rock”, because no one does a rock show better than music veteran Bruce Springsteen (and the E Street Band).
The Boss will perform in
SA for the first time after
30 years of touring the world. White tees and blue jeans at the ready.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Jan 26 to 29 in Cape Town, Feb 1 in Joburg. Bigconcerts.co.za; Computicket.co.za

More Is More

With five international headliners (including beloved indie rockers Foals, Biffy Clyro, Trivium and Austria’s Camo & Krooked), Ramfest 2014 promises to be the biggest music festival we’ve seen yet. Dear Oppikoppi and Rocking The Daisies, the bar has now been raised.

Ramfest 2014, March 6 to 9 in Cape Town and Joburg. Plankton.mobi

The Real Slim Shady

It may have been a while since we last heard from Marshall Mathers, but, with a brand new album to promote, the rapper will soon be making his way to Cape Town and Johannesburg. Don’t miss out.

Eminem Rapture 2014, Feb 26 in
Cape Town, March 1 in Joburg. Computicket.co.za

Mars Attacks!

While we still not-so-secretly pine for a
Jordan Catalano-era Jared Leto, the prospect of him and his grunge rock band Thirty Seconds To Mars covering Rihanna’s Stay makes this worth the admission.

Thirty Seconds To Mars live in South Africa, June 13 in Cape Town and June 16 in Joburg. Bigconcerts.co.za

Dancing In The Street

In yet another first for SA, Olmeca Tequila and Seed Experiences have joined forces to bring the Mad Decent Block Party to the country. EDM fans will be treated to performances from the likes of Major Lazer, Flosstradamus and Dillon Francis.

Olmeca Mad Decent Block Party, Feb 8 in Joburg and Feb 9 in Cape Town. Webtickets.co.za

It’s Miller Time

After postponing his SA tour last year, hip hop’s critically acclaimed darling, Kendrick Lamar, will headline Miller Boomtown parties across the country.

Miller Boomtown presents Kendrick Lamar’s Good. Kid. Mad. City Tour, Feb 7 to 9 in Durban, Joburg and Cape Town. Computicket.co.za

Ever thought the ocean was scary? Wait until you see outer space. Gravity stars Sandra Bullock as Dr. Ryan Stone – a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission – and George Clooney as Matt Kowalsky, a veteran astronaut (already a must see just because of the excellent cast!). What seems like a routine spacewalk turns out to be a disaster waiting to happen.

Here’s the lowdown: the shuttle gets destroyed by debris, leaving Stone and Kowalsky alone and stranded in the vast expanse of darkness and nothingness that is deep space, with only their space suits and each other. With the space shuttle destroyed they realise that they have lost any form of communication with Earth – and their every breath is eating away at the little oxygen they have left. The only way to get home? To travel further into the terrifying black nothingness.

We can’t wait for it to open today, Houston we have lift off!

See the trailer for yourself:

Whether you absolutely love hitting the gym or need some convincing to put on your running shoes, one thing is for sure, a work out playlist can do a whole lot to motivate you! Here our Grazia girls share their favourite workout songs.

You know the drill. Click. Download. Hit the gym!

Danielle Weakley, editor

Beg for Mercy by Adam Lambert

“I’m not even a particular fan of Adam Lambert, and I’m not sure if the song just speaks to my state of mind at the time of running either, but when that intro beat starts, I move faster!”

Mokgadi Seabi, associate editor

Single Ladies by Beyoncé

“The beat and pace of the song is nice to gym to while the memory of Bey’s moves inspire me to move more while I sing along.”

Kerri-Lee Candolini, marketing assistant

Eye of The Tiger by Survivor

“It’s just about the only song that makes me feel like I want to work out.”

Robyn Bloch, copy editor

Wandering Star by Portishead

“I like that it’s got a great beat to it.”

Guinevere Davies, senior writer

Movin’ by Beastie Boys

“If I did workout, I’d pick Body Movin’ by the Beastie Boys. And probably all of MIA ever. Especially Bad Girls and Paper Planes. And, if I’m being completely honest, all of Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz album too.”

Wilmarie van der Merwe, assistant digital editor

Get Me Bodied, Beyoncé

“When I first started running after not exercising for so long, it was my inspiration to run for the duration of the song without stopping. The song is a good seven minutes or something! Now it’s just a ritual to start running to that song.”

Michelle Cory, senior designer

She Wants To Move by N.E.R.D

“This song always makes me feel sexy even though I’m blood red in the face and panting. It gives me that extra push.”

Denise Khoele, junior designer 

Dance Wiv Me by Calvin Harris

“I don’t really play music when I work out because I work out outside. But when I do go to the gym, I like Calvin Harris because the tempo changes three times, so it’s quite a challenge to keep up to the beat, making the workout more fun.”

Nonkuthalo Xapile, junior fashion editor

We Can’t Stop by Miley Cyrus

 “It’s such a great song to listen to when working out – just when you feel like you done or can’t go any further it says: “and we can’t stop, and we won’t stop”! Nothing more to say.”

Situated on Blueberry Hill overlooking Nottingham Road in the Midlands of KZN, as well as a breath-taking view of the Drakensburg Mountains, lies a modest, stylish and charming restaurant called Blueberry Café. This newly designed café with walls covered in plant life is flooded with natural light. As you enter there is  the home décor shop (with everything from furniture, to luggage and gifts) on your right and on your left is the Blueberry Café.

Their menu boasts an uncomplicated breakfast and lunch with fresh produce, drinks to compliment, and sweet treats that will have you wishing you lived close by (in case you don’t!). Their portions are generous considering the reasonable prices.

We highly recommend their boastful burgers as well as their specialty blueberry cheesecake!

For more info click here.

Thanks Emma Jane Nation for the best pics!

No guessing where this famous line is from! We adore the Baz Luhrman version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with the young, charming and oh so dreamy Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo and the innocent and beautiful Claire Danes as Juliet. You know the story – the two fall hopelessly in love, but soon find out that their families are sworn enemies. Their eventual deaths eventually unite the feuding families of Montague and Capulet.

There have been many versions before the 1996 Baz Luhrman version, yet none since. Until now. Introducing, Romeo and Juliet, the modern day version. Directed by Carlo Carlei and starring Douglas Booth as Romeo Monatgue and Hailee Steinfeld as Juliet Capulet, the one thing that sets this version apart from the others is the dialogue. The film will stay true to all other aspects of the classic Shakespearean play and will still be set in the romantic Renaissance Verona, but does not make use of the Shakespearean dialogue. This really is the modern day version, but don’t be let down by the change as the eye candy makes up for that – hello there Douglas Booth… don’t be surprised if you find yourself on Grazia’s CoL soon!

We can’t wait for it to open tonight!

See the trailer here:

We chatted to Philippa Stewart, owner of The Perfect Proposal, to share the dos and don’ts of Valentine’s Day!

Tell us what you love about Valentines Day?

Valentine’s day gives you an excuse to celebrate the one that you love. Although you have 364 days of the year to do so, it’s the one- day you can make an extra effort, arrange a special date, get creative and make memories. We love that you don’t have to make things about how much you spend or which restaurant you dined at. Rather, it’s about taking time out of your busy schedule to enjoy each other’s company.

Heart stickers via Match Set Love

What is the perfect gift for a girl to receive on Valentines Day?

Chocolates and flowers are a “I didn’t give this much thought” kind of a Valentine’s Day gift. Try doing something sentimental or special for her. Put thought into her gift, it shows. A woman appreciates you expressing your feelings, so don’t forget the card. Do something unexpected – use what you know she loves to create the perfect evening, adventure or day.

Can you give us some gift ideas to give our boyfriends?

• Bjorn Borg is launching in South Africa this February at selected Stuttafords stores! You will find really amazing underwear that is trendy, is amazing quality and usually fits very well. Follow @bjornborgsa on Twitter for updates.

• We’re huge fans of online Men’s Style destination, Mr Porter. Order his V-day gifts online at Mrporter.com. Explore the grooming and gifts section. It’s a goodie.

• For the tech savvy: Heard of the Samsung Galaxy NX? If your guy’s into social media, photo editing and an Insta addict – he will love this (and so will you). The Galaxy NX is an android powered, interchangeable lens camera with a 20-megapixel sensor. You can access smartphone apps and features a built-in wi-fi and 3G radio so your pics can be shot, edited and uploaded as quick as you can say snap.

• For the guy who loves Porsche: So you can’t exactly afford to buy him the 911 Carrera but have you seen the Porsche Design SA collection? Fashion, sport, watches, luggage, shoes, eyewear and even technology all in modern designs, high-end luxury (obviously, people, it’s Porsche). We’re obsessed with the Men’s French classic tote. Visit the Porsche Design SA store in Hyde Park or shop online at Internationalfashion.co.za at 40 percent less and free delivery for anywhere in South Africa.

• Get him wheels: If he’s in the market for a bike – the Dahon folding bike is super cool. Browse for the right bike at Dahonbikers.co.za

• For the guy who loves fine wine or craft beer: Create a special evening of wine tasting (or craft beer tasting) for him to enjoy. Go for a bottle of white, a bottle of red and a dessert wine then pair each with a food that complements the wine (either speak to a sommelier or do your research online before deciding on which food goes best with the wine). Create a beautiful table setting with subtle touches. Get your decor from online store Ingoodcompany.co.za.

• 250gram is a social media printing service that we love! Go online at 250gram.co.za and login to your Instagram account, select the pics that you love of you and your better half or pics that you know he will love and just like that, your Instagram snaps are printed in beautiful Polaroid print outs and delivered to your door. How cute is that?

Are there any big trends this year for Valentines Day?

1. The great outdoors: cycling, picnics, anything outside is on the up! A picnic is an affordable and romantic option for lovers.

2. Pretty decor – Radiant orchid is Pantone’s 2014 colour and hues of pink are also predominant. Keep this in mind when buying or ordering your packaging and stationary or even decor for Valentine’s Day.

3. In the world of lifestyle trends, infused ice cubes and craft cocktails are big this season…

4. We’re shifting to a visual vocabulary that relies on photos, imagery and visual beauty supplementing text so welcome the year of visual – capture your day in Polaroids, social media platforms and embrace videos that document your love.

Do you embrace red for the day of love or do you think people should stay clear of the usual conventions?

We are seeing a lot of pink, lavender, mint, navy and gold as popular colours for 2014. Using subtle hints of pink is always great – pink roses, pink ribbons, and pink accessories. Pink works well with mint, grey and gold. If you want to go classic, then black and red are always timeless.

Can you tell us about the best Valentines Day date you have ever planned?

The Perfect Proposal is all about original content and innovative ideas for romantic occasions so we plan Valentine’s Day to suit the couple, their loves and their vision and then add our expertise. A beautiful idea is to create your own chocolate or sweet “pop-up shop” containing all her favourite sweet treats. We find the venue, transform the space and create your own romantic candy shop, filling the space with her favourite flowers and scented candles along with a soundtrack.

If all else fails, then… drink champagne with the girls.

*Need help? The Perfect Proposal can make it happen: take a look at The Perfect Proposal packages for date planning, romantic events and tailor-made packages designed to suit the couple.

Good Hope FM ‘Feel the Love’ pillow fight

This isn’t your traditional Valentine’s Day event – but then who wants traditional when you can have fresh and exciting? This is one event on the social calendar that you won’t want to miss. Bring your friends and family – and, most importantly, your PILLOW – along for this exciting event… that will literally make you feel the love this Valentine’s Day.

An evening with great food and entertainment? Check. Your fave DJs and celebs? Check. A chance to get in a one-on-one pillow fight with one of your fave celebs and DJs? Check!

Time: 6 to 10pm (actual fight starts at 7pm and will last approximately two minutes)

Where: Sea Point Promenade (opposite Winchester Mansions)

Cost: R14 gets you in – and all proceeds will be donated to the local Heart and Stroke Foundation

Bring: a pillow

Ready? Set? Pillow fight and feel the love!

(image source)

…Vivienne Westwood, of course

Miss Piggy, the famous face and flamboyant personality destined for stardom, has finally achieved her biggest moment of fame – and an iconic one at that.

The new Muppets movie, Muppets…Most Wanted, sees the glitzy character set to marry her long-time love, Kermit the Frog. In true Miss Piggy style, the wedding gown couldn’t be just any old dress, so legendary designer Vivienne Westwood was commissioned to design the fashion icon’s dress for her big day.

The long ivory court wedding gown with corset detailing and paillettes by Vivienne Westwood couture was made from recycled plastic bottles and accessorised with an ivory tulle veil. This dress further cements Miss Piggy’s status as a fashion icon.

Miss Piggy also entrusted the designer with additional looks for the film, including a Vivienne Westwood couture Harris tweed hounds-tooth check coat and matching beret, which she wears in a scene set at the Tower of London. The Muppets star also chose a long hand-embroidered silver floral lace gown for a very special number in the film.

We can’t wait to see the fashionista walk down the aisle in her gorgeous one-of-a-kind wedding dress!

The latest film, due to be released on March 28 year, stars not only the popular and celebrated Muppets themselves but also co-stars Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais and Ty Burrell. And that’s not all… Also look out for: Zach Galifianakis, Lady Gaga, Christoph Waltz, Stanley Tucci, Debby Ryan, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Diddy and more.

Her follows the life of Theodore played by Joaquin Phoenix (hello dreamy blue eyes!) who is an withdrawn writer who writes emotive and personal letters for other people. After the demise of a long relationship that leaves him heartbroken, Theodore becomes intrigued with, and finds solace in, a new and highly advanced operating system. The operating system’s voice becomes known as ‘Samantha’ (Scarlett Johansson) who turns out to have a witty and sensitive personality of her own. It’s not long before Theodore falls deeply in love with a woman that technically doesn’t really exist. Talk about labelling a relationship as complicated!

We love this movie because it discovers the challenges and evolving, intricate nature of relationships in the modern world. See you at the opening tomorrow!

Here is the trailer for a sneak peak of the movie:

Craving a bit of Clooney this Valentine’s Day? We feel you. And so does our favourite silver fox. At least, we’d like to think that’s why The Monuments Men, directed by and starring George, opens nationwide tomorrow on the international day of love.

Based on an actual events, the storyline follows a questionable World War II platoon (museum directors, curators and art historians) who are tasked with the impossible mission to rescue art masterpieces stolen by Nazi thieves, located from behind enemy lines and return them to their owners.

Helping George lead the charge to protect Europe’s masterpieces are Matt Damon, John Goodman, Hugh Bonneville, Bill Murray and Cate Blanchett.

Here they all are, looking incredibly stylish, along wit

h Alfonso Cuaron, Ellen Barkin, Joel Coen and Sofia Coppola at the film’s NYC premiere last week Tuesday.

Eating out in Durban has a new name, and it’s Factory Café. Serving craft Columbian and French roasted coffee, selected exclusive teas and light meals, this modest café adds a certain je ne se quoi by offering customers more than just food and drinks. There is an art gallery inside and the eclectic space is often host to special food events and pop-up shops within the Factory. Add coffee tastings, appreciation courses and barista training into the mix and you’re good to go! Oh, did we mention the free Wi-Fi?

New to Travel Channel (DStv Channel 179) is the exciting and thrilling show ‘Jonathan Phang’s Gourmet Trains’. Aboard the elegant, old world trains, Jonathan truly tests the old adage that sometimes it can be better to travel than to arrive. His gourmet journey sees him crossing continents and along the way he stops off in extraordinary culinary destinations, such as Venice, Paris and Istanbul to explore modern fine dining. Bliss.

The six episode series premiered on Travel Channel on Tuesday, 11 February 2014 at 21:00, so don’t miss the second episode tonight.