After an incredible 30 years in the local decor industry, Lynn McAdam, and her company Block & Chisel has established a significant brand at the top end of South African retail and interior design. Her daughter Sue, and son Paul, are now sharing the reigns in this family owned and run business, Paul operationally runs it day to day and Sue heads up the look and feel of the shops. Block & Chisel have featured in many magazines, at trade shows and are a house hold name in South Africa. They have also opened up a flagship store in Illovo, and we caught up with Sue to find out more about this thriving decor business… Tell us about the idea behind Block and Chisel and how it developed in to the well known brand that it is today? My mum had been collecting antiques and hiding them under her bed…
If you are looking to create a bit of a mood or lighting difference to your home or work space – then do make sure to check out Streamlight’s brand new multi-branded collection, ironically called ‘Dark’. Dark introduces a warm and friendly glow of elegance, modernism or artistic creation into your workplace or living space. Streamlight have specialised in the art of illumination over the last 2 decades, and also provide expert guidance for you to achieve your dream aesthetic. They also specialise in lighting layout designs and supplies exclusive, quality lighting for corporate, residential and hospitality spaces. The team behind industry favourite, Streamlight, have just launched their world-class showroom in the heart of the Design District in the trendy area of Kramerville. A new, sophisticated playground where lighting brands and designers from all over the world showcase their work. In the heart of the Streamlight showroom, you can look…
The Lou Harvey brand has become synonymous with high quality, unique design & vibrant colors and has been selling like hotcakes for over 10 years now. Now selling around the globe (most recently in the USA), this sophisticated range is the realization of Lou’s desire to balance style and functionality for every woman at any lifestyle juncture: whether you are a new mom in need of a nappy/diaper bag, taking a trip to the beach, headed to the golf course or the gym or even catching a plane, Lou’s creations are designed to support your journey in the most practical and fashionable way. A mom herself, Lou keeps innovating with cool designs and colours that she loves. We recently caught up with Lou to find out more about this Durban-based entrepreneur… A stunning wallpaper collection, Lou, well done! Tell us about the inspiration behind the collection and the patterns? Thank…
Your excuse to rev up the romance is here – why not book a table for two at The Da Vinci for Thursday night and spoil your better half to a superb meal created by Chef Sylvester Nair and his team at The Maximillien Restaurant. This one is a great deal – affordable, and in one of our favourite restaurants in Sandton – what’s not to love? Situated in Legacy Corner Mall, guests at the restaurant get to enjoy a New York style vibe with impeccably prepared bistro fare incorporating touches of the famed New York Bistro, Balthazar. The restaurant has been designed with expansive windows and an extended deck to afford guests a spacious restaurant with beautiful views of Sandton City life, and the hustle and bustle down below seems a distant memory when you are unwinding on the comfy couch chairs and surrounded by beautiful black and white…
We caught up with the gorgeous TV presenter, celeb blogger and brand new mum, Roxy Burger, to find out more about where she loves to hang out in our beautiful city. Favourite Restaurant… I’m a sucker for GREAT sushi and dim sum, so my go to would have to be Koi in Sandton. When I was pregnant I craved a lot of salty and spicy foods, so soy sauce and wasabi were everything to me then, I could have drunken the soy sauce straight from the bottle. Favourite coffee spot… I recently had cake and coffee at Gabriella’s Tea Room in Parktown North (formerly the Pudding Shop) and it was decadent. Their food is delicious and there cakes are phenomenal too. I highly recommend their carrot and pineapple cake. Favourite Hotel… I would have to say the Saxon Hotel in Sandhurst. Their spa is incredible too. The atmosphere is fantatsic and…
Local celeb, presenter and fashionista K Naomi is going from strength to strength, and it has just been announced that she is the new face for the stunning local footwear brand, Footwork. Footwork are known for their cutting edge stylish, yet elegant and easy to wear ladies shoes, for the busy, fashion-savvy women who need footwear for every occasion. They are also known for their great collaborations with celebs that embody hard-working women with a deep understanding of themselves, who have excelled in their chosen fields, and who are independent and are ultimately style icons in South Africa. For the SS18 collection, Footwork partners with K Naomi, an influencer who represents the brand’s strong, independent and fashionable customer. The brand has followed K Naomi’s journey and has seen personal and stylistic growth, which has developed a great sense of self-purpose. Like K Naomi’s style, this SS18 Footwork collection makes a…
Bartending as a career has really taken off, and competitions such as Protégé and World Class are providing platforms for talent to shine and helping to launch people like Julian Short, owner of Sin + Tax, into the limelight they so deserve. Julian’s highlight for the year is being able to support not one, but two salaried professional barmen at his establishment. His eyes light up when he says, “A few years back there was no way you’d have been able to make a career out of bartending in the South African bar industry as a mixologist.” Innovation is the key to Julian’s success, coupled with the growing range of seriously mixable, premium brands becoming available in South Africa. Reinventing the kitsch cocktails of the seventies and eighties using fresh ingredients that subtly enhance the handcrafted base spirits is resulting in a cocktail revolution in South African bars and restaurants.…
We are loving the beauty that being out of the city brings – don’t get us wrong we love our home in Sandton, but the fact that we live in one of the most beautiful parts of the continent does not escape us, and so we travel! La Petite Ferme – Franschhoek Pass, Western Cape Situated on the slopes of the Franschhoek Pass and the Middagkrans Mountain Range lies one of the finest spots the infamous town of Franschhoek has to offer, famous for having the best view in the valley. This picturesque spot offers exceptional hospitality and traditional yet luxurious country-style accommodation, with a range of Vineyard Suites or the Manor House to pick from for your stay. With the spectacular views of the rolling hills, out-of-this-world comfort and serene tranquility, you really will feel like you’ve been transported to a picture-perfect paradise that you may have to be…
American Express have been around for years, but the fact that this The Platinum Lifestyle is the way of the future, we reckon. How so? Well, Platinum Concierge offers you complimentary assistance, anytime, day or night wherever you are. in the world. Whether you need a reservation at a recommended restaurant, tickets to a sought-after event, or the perfect gift for a discerning recipient, Platinum Concierge is just a phone call away. They will help you take advantage of unique travel benefits and special offers, as well as provide advice on how to use your available Membership Rewards® points as payment for your personalised experience. Are you looking at getting your hands on those exclusive tickets to the Opera or VIP tickets to English Premier League? Maybe you are thinking of attending a life changing conference or you are really looking forward to watching a live performance of your favourite…
Our country is so beautiful, and we honestly believe that as long as we live, we would never run out of places to go and wonderous things to see. We spent time in KZN recently and share about two amazing new retreats that we discovered. Surrounded by mountains, and peace and quiet – these are both literally an oasis of calm and relaxation. Wild Horses – Drakensburg If you’re looking for a true hideaway and escape from life, then look no further than this charming spot in the notorious Drakensburg which overlooks the breath-taking Sterkfontein Dam and Platberg Mountains on the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve. The comfortable yet stylish lodge is all about the finer details, and with freshly baked biscuits accompanying your tea and a nightcap waiting for you on your bedside table, you’ll quickly get used to the spoils that accompany this restful and restoring getaway. With only four…









