The New Years Eve Line-Up: 2015 Edition

New Year's Eve is one of my favourite night's of the year. Its like being caught in the surreal comfort of "WTF did I do this year?" and a fresh, new beginning. Still not sure where to ring in the New Year come 31 December 2014? 

We're pretty spoiled for choice right now - the SA party scene is brimming with the promise of bright lights, lust on the dance floor & a New Years Eve kiss, splattered with tequila.

Here's my round-up of the hottest NYE parties in Durban and Cape Town!

    DURBAN:

Celebrate your city at the FACT DURBAN ROCKS NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY at the Moses Mabida Stadium, with the likes of Black Coffee, Mafikizolo, DJ Tira and Big Nuz. With the city skyline at your fingertips, you definitely don't want to miss this one! 

Tickets cost R250 for general admission or R750 for VIP. Get more information here. 

The BALLITO NEW YEAR'S EVE STREET PARTY is basically a right of passage in Durbs, and this year promises to be one for the record books. With a ten-year anniversary around the corner, we've been promised a complete "neon spectacle", with DJ Fresh, Pascal & Pearce, GLOWINTHEDARK and Flash Republik. 

Find out more here.

Can't make it to Ibiza? Then make your way to the IBIZA WORLD TOUR at the Wavehouse in Gateway! Make your NYE one to remember by breaking into 2015 with an ultra hot line-up of some of the best international house and electro DJs. The line-up includes Klingande (France), Michael Calfan (France), Da Cat (France), Pascal and Pearce (SA) and Dennis Kruissen (Netherlands). 

Tickets are available from Computicket and prices range between R480 and R1 400. 

      

      CAPE TOWN:

If hitting a trendy sidewalk is more your thing, the PROTEA HOTEL FIRE AND ICE has got you covered! The promise is a tropical style beach party, complete with confetti, cannons, the best of Metro FM and a chance to rub shoulders with the city's elite.

Tickets will be available at the door on the night, and range between R200 - R1550. 

Head to The Bungalow and welcome the new year with an island style soiree courtesy of CAPE TOWN CALLING! With DJ's Roger Goode, Milkshake, Dean Fuel and Goodluck on decks, 2 stunning dance floors, and partners 5FM, GUESS and Red Square, you're pretty much guaranteed a breathtaking New Year’s Eve experience. 

Tickets range from R550 for general admission and R850 for VIP. I went to last year's soiree, and can promise you that you definitely don't want to miss this one! Get your tickets here.

Sun, sand and the finer things in life? Kick of your 2015 at SHIMMY BEACH CLUB’S NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA and London’s hottest dance group, ‘The Girly Show'. Get ready for a lavish affair, filled with glitzy garb and the hottest deep house beats this side of SA.

General entry tickets (includes complimentary welcome drink) cost R850 and are available from Computicket.com.

Get Juiced With Cold Press!

I'm really not much of a juicer. Sure, I love the odd Kale leaf, and nothing cures a tequila binge quite like a fresh smoothie, but who has time to juice an entire vegetable garden?

On Monday evening, I headed to the official media launch of Cold Press, which is probably going to turn into one of my new favourite Summer obsessions!

Cape Town is currently experiencing the smooth thrill of a juice revolution, with most people looking for a new way to stay healthy during the infamous spell of 'Silly Season'. 

Cold Press is the perfect new spot to combat that sugar addiction, carb obsession or late night bender. 

So, what sets this chic eatery apart?  An edgy interior. Rich textures. Raw yumminess. And,  quality service. The concept is simple, yet works like a charm. 

Cold Press caters to pretty much every palate, with delicious options such as tossed quinoa salads, hot tuna sandwiches and a peanut butter/banana duo that would make The King himself proud. 

We were treated to cheeky cocktails courtesy of Absolut Vodka, which proved that after-hour concoctions can be both fresh and healthy. I was super impressed with the Pop My Berry (how cute is the name?) cold pressed juice, which is a delightful blend of pink grapefruit, pineapple, green apple and fresh mint. 

In terms of appetite-pleasing options, I tried The Rabbit King salad (quinoa, roasted butternut, feta, avo, dried cranberries, toasted seeds, baby leaves & a lemon-olive oil dressing), which completely changed my perception of quinoa being a tasteless grain, which is only eaten by hipsters and health nuts. The Up Stream salad is also worth mentioning, as this is one cafe, who definitely don't skimp on their smoked salmon! 

I doubt that Cold Press will be a fleeting experience for Capetonians, as its been designed to deliver more than the typical juice bar exploit. The cafe has taken a spicy approach to delivering a raw, authentic experience, with a crowd-pleasing menu and an urban edge. 

Thanks must go to Marina Nestel & her team at The Little Black Book PR & Events for a fabulous evening!

You can visit Cold Press at the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village: The Square | 27 Somerset Road | De Waterkant | Cape Town |

Cold Press is open 7 days a week, from 7AM to 6PM  (021 - 418 1155).

Quarter Life Crisis? Ain't Nobody Got Time For That.

I've been single for most of my 25 years. People often find it surprising that I seemingly have my shit together, am not a complete weirdo, and yet, I have never really indulged in the whole 'lets-watch-The-Notebook-every-Friday-night' club. 

Sure, I've had flings. I've had the pleasure of getting to know a few boys over a glass of Merlot, and impending rose-tinted sunglasses. I've even had my cardiovascular system malfunction over unrequited lust.

The truth is that I've never really known myself enough to know someone else. Until recently. They say that love is about recognising yourself in another soul, right? But, how do you engage in some sort of intimacy with another human being, when you feel completely disconnected with yourself? 

This year has been one of the most stressful, aggravating and exhausting years of my life, and yet it has also been one of the most beautiful, honest & life-altering ones. 

Pain really is the best medicine when it comes to changing the way we interpret the world, and the way we see ourselves. A few months ago, I came to the realisation that my life had to radically change, if I was ever to be the free-spirited soul, that my body desperately craved. 

I decided to take a breather from "real life", resigned from my job, went home to Durban, and resolved to channel all my energy into uncovering the layers of my mixed-up mind. It was probably the best decision of my life. Screw the "quarter life crisis" stereotype of a lost soul, covered in mounds of insecurity and misplaced emotions - 25 has been the year of falling in love with ME, discovering who I am, and knocking down a few walls. 

A few years ago, I was more concerned with how many friends I had, if people liked me, and what I looked like. Now? I relish in saying "no" to people, have a close-knit group of friends-turned-family, and I don't really care whether you think I'm pretty enough. 

I'm more interested in whether I like ME, if I'm happy at 2am when I'm alone in bed, and whether I'm living my life with an unapologetic sigh of passion. Life. It changes who you are, who you thought you were, and who you'd like to be.

At 25, I love my so-called "quarter life crises" in all its unsettling emotion. 

I've started to play with my demons, purged my life of those who don't belong in it, and I may even be ready to watch The Notebook on a Friday night.  

25 is an opportunity to get to know yourself. Do it. I dare you.