Expatriates Forums in South Africa

Hw Women Can Look Good Inside and Out of the Gym ?

jasmine007 — Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:54 pm

Author: jasmine007

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:54 pm

Hello friends

The following tips are are for those gorgeous girls and mature women who spend their quality time in Gym to look the same outside of the Gym as well ?
Have Fun ....

1. Throw out your bodysuits and leg warmers

Avoid oversized shirts and shorts. While these items might feel comfortable they tend to make you look unkept and can be hazardous if they get caught in an exercise machine. If you want to look your absolute best, choose outfits that fit your body well and are in colors that flatter you.

2. Choose clothing that is made for exercise
The t-shirt and jeans that you wear are not be suitable for the gym. Workout clothes are designed to keep sweat and moisture away from the body. Cotton t-shirts, while breathable, can keep moisture close to the skin. Jeans similarly trap moisture next to the body and are also too restricting. Instead, shop for fitness wear that is made to be quick drying and moisture wicking. Look for items with polyester, spandex, and mesh ventilation panels.

3. Wear a good sports bra

An important part of looking good in the gym is wearing a good sports bra. Working out can include alot of jumping and running, activities that can cause breast jiggle and discomfort. If you are heavy breasted, look for sports bras with wide straps that provide good support. Make sure they are made of breathable fabrics to avoid chafing.

4. Wear footwear appropriate for your workout
Look for shoes that are appropriate for your exercise routine. Exercise footwear is designed to be activity specific. If you are a runner, look for a good running shoe. If you are an aerobics fanatic, pick a sneaker that is made for aerobic workouts. Picking the right shoe for your activity will guarantee you get the support you need and help you avoid injury.

5. Avoid wearing jewelry

As a general rule, your jewelry should not be a part of your workout ensemble. While you might want to keep your wedding band on, wearing too many rings can make it difficult to grab weights or handles on exercise machines.

Follow these simple tips and you will not only look good inside and out of the gym, but you will enjoy a successful workout too.

FOOD & DINING IN SOUTH AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA DINING

South Africa Info — Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:35 am

Author: South Africa Info

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:35 am

FOOD & DINING IN SOUTH AFRICA

GENERAL

A thriving agricultural sector yields excellent fresh produce, meat, fruit and wines and the long coastline produces very fresh and cheap. Bars/cocktail lounges have bartender service. ‘Liquor stores’ are open weekdays 0900-1800 and Sat 0900-1300, although alcohol is now available in supermarkets outside these hours and under certain circumstances on a Sunday.

National specialties

• Sosaties (a type of kebab),

• Bobotie (a curried mince dish, of which waterbolmmetjiebredie, made with a local water plant, is particularly good)

• Potjiekos, a casserole cooked for hours in an iron pot, usually outside,

• Bredies (meat, tomato and vegetable casseroles),

• Biltong (seasoned dried meat)

• Poetoepap, a sort of polenta made with white maize, is widely eaten with meat.

• Seafood including oysters, crayfish (or rock lobster) and linefish (examples of which are Kingklip, Kabbeljou, Cob and Red Roman).

National drinks

• Umqombothi, a home-brewed sorghum beer.

• Excellent local red and white wines (including chardonnay), sherries, brandies and some unusual liqueurs.

Tipping: Normally 10 to 15 per cent if service is not included. It is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers, caddies and room service. By law, hotel rates do not include a service charge.

PLACES TO DINE

CAPE TOWN

Harries Pancake/Pannekoekhuis
Clock Tower Shop 2,
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 421 0887

Blues Restaurant
The Promenade,
Victoria Road,
Camps Bay,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 438 2040

Dulce Continental Cafe
Shop 74,
Canal Walk,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 555 3490

Wakame Restaurant
Cnr Beach Road & Surrey Place,
1st Floor,
Mouille Point,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 433 2377

Au Jardin Restaurant at The Vineyard Hotel
The Vineyard Hotel,
Newlands,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 657 4545

Black Marlin Seafood Restaurant
The Loft, 81 Main Road,
Millers Point,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 786 1621

La Med Clifton
Glen Country Club,
Victoria Road,
Clifton,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 438 5600

Veranda Restaurant
38 Long Street,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 424 7247

The Tank
Cape Quarter,
72 Waterkant Street,
De Waterkant,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 419 0007

Mr Pickwicks
158 Long Street,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 424 3234

Obz Cafe
155 Lower Main Road,
Observatory,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 448 5555

Saul's Saloon Grill
152 Main Road,
Sea Point,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 434 5404

JOHANNESBURG

Harries Pancake/Pannekoekhuis
The Westcliff,
Saxonwold,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 646 2400

191 at The Park
Park Hyatt Johannesburg,
191 Oxford Road,
Rosebank,
Saxonwold,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 280 1234

Ile de France
26 Cramerview Centre,
227 Main Road,
Bryanston,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 706 2837

Montego Bay
Shop 31, Sandton Square,
Sandton,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 883 1526

Origins
Sandton Shopping Centre,
Sandton,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 783 9517

Butcher Shop Grill
Sandton Square,
Sandton,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 784 8676

Carnivore
Drift Boulevard,
Muldersdrift,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 957 2099

Catz Pyjamas
12 Main Road,
Melville,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 726 8596

Deluxe
44 Stanley Avenue,
Milpark,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 861 1000

Xai Xai
7th Street,
Melville,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 482 6990

SHOPPING IN SOUTH AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA SHOPPING GUIDE

South Africa Info — Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:34 am

Author: South Africa Info

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:34 am

SHOPPING IN SOUTH AFRICA

The numerous top class shopping malls in South Africa make the country a shopper's heaven. Upmarket boutiques and supermarkets generally coexist with a mass of street traders selling arts, crafts and anything else profitable. Stores are modern. Special purchases include Swakara hand-crafted gold, coats, gold, diamond and semi-precious stone jewellery, leather, suede and fur goods, ceramics and crafts, of which there are now a bewildering variety including many from the rest of the continent. Local wine, brandy and liqueur are cheap and usually excellent.

Shopping in South Africa is generally a pleasurable activity to the millions of consumers who frequent these shopping centres.

In Cape Town, Canal Walk is a shopping and entertainment complex with 400 shops, 18 cinemas and dozens of restaurants. It’s a good place to find hand-made leather and hide furniture, plus gifts and curios of all description.

Cavendish Square is a smaller, upmarket mall concentrating on high-end fashion.

Victoria Wharf, situated at the V&A Waterfront, has restaurants overlooking the bustling harbour, an art-house cinema and a number of stores offering top-quality South African art and objects.

Constantia Village is a Cape Dutch-style complex holding a handful of top-end stores – including a store that supplies locally made fashionable footwear and handbags - where ladies from the vineyard suburbs go to lunch and shop.

A short drive from the V&A Waterfront, on the Atlantic seaboard, are the suburbs of Green Point and De Waterkant. Green Point is home to a few small art galleries as well as furniture and décor stores, and De Waterkant is one of the city’s burgeoning trendy areas. The Cape Quarter, a collection of innovative stores set round a cobbled courtyard, is an excellent place to find contemporary furniture, lampshades, lights, vases and other unique home art.

In Johannesburg, Sandton City has received more facelifts than Cher and looks just as good. A favourite haunt of tourists and well-heeled locals, it has 300 shops, plus the added bonus of Nelson Mandela Square, a piazza containing fountains and a famous statue of Mandela, surrounded by eateries and designer stores.

Rosebank Mall attracts trendy youngsters in droves and is a pleasant mix of indoor and outdoor shopping areas, offering a mix of clothing, electronic goods, books, music and esoterica.

Eastgate, Northgate, Westgate, Southgate, Cresta, East Rand Mall and Fourways Malls are similarly styled shopping behemoths in different areas of Johannesburg. So wherever you’re staying you’ll find a one-stop shopping centre offering every gift, memento and precious trinket you need.

The Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg, near Johannesburg’s CBD, is a multi-level bazaar warm with the fragrance of curry and incense and the welcome of shopkeepers who run their own stores. Creators of breathtakingly beautiful saris and sari fabric can be found here. Bright with lanterns and colourful drapes, the centre has long been the first stop for anyone wanting the best in fabrics, curtaining and accessories.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1400, although there is an increasing trend to open later and all weekend in major tourist spots.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1530, Sat 0830-1100.

Currency

Rand (ZAR) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of ZAR200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ZAR5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency exchange

Money can be changed at banks, bureaux de change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange machines and ATMs are available at various locations. Proof of identify may be requested; therefore, it is advisable to carry a passport.

Credit & debit cards

MasterCard and Visa are preferred. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. Some ATMs will give cash advances with credit cards. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol stations. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.

Traveller's cheques

Valid at banks, hotels, restaurants and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency restrictions

The import of local currency is limited to ZAR5000 in cash. The export of local currency is limited to ZAR500 in cash. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited provided it is declared upon arrival or departure.

NIGHTLIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

South Africa Info — Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:33 am

Author: South Africa Info

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:33 am

NIGHTLIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA

GENERAL

Cinemas show a variety of international films. In the large cities, there are regular plays, operas and symphony concerts. The local music scene is thriving, and there is a unique South African ‘township’ jazz style, exponents of which can be seen in all large cities. There are a number of nightclubs and discos open until late. The large hotels usually have live music or cabaret.

Living it up in South Africa can take many forms. Most are covered by the word 'Jol', derived from the fluid Cape dialect known as Gamtaal, which can refer to anything from a nice picnic to an all-night rave. South African 'Jollers' head out seven days a week in cities, restraining themselves mainly to weekends in country towns, approaching their chosen pleasures with a certain dedication, inclusive and cheerful.

In the cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth there is no limit to the possibilities for celebrating a special occasion.

Perhaps the most logical place to start an evening celebration will be one of the countless 'Action Bars' that you'll find in most city centres and suburbs. There's no need to be scared of their title, as the nearest you'll generally find to action inside will be screen showing live games of golf from around the world, perhaps with a bit of car racing thrown in. Rave's and some hectic clubbing experiences can be found in almost all the major cities, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth.

South Africa's cosmopolitan population equally, diverse in their tastes for music have resulted in a wide variety of club styles in any given town. Sway your hips to sultry r&b or jump around in a crazed frenzy to rock and ska. Relax after a tough day in the sun, having a sundowner on one of the decks of the club and bars in South Africa.

CAPE TOWN

Cafe Caprice
37 Victoria Road,
Camps Bay,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 438 8315

Opium
6 Dixon Street,
De Waterkant,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 425 4010
Website: www.opium.co.za

169 On Long
169 Long Street,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 261 107

Rhodes House
60 Queen Victoria Street,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 424 8844
Website: www.rhodeshouse.com

Purgatory
8b Dixon Street,
Green Point,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 421 7464
Website: www.purgatory.co.za

The Fez
38 Hout Street,
Greenmarket Square,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 423 1456
Website: www.fez.co.za

Galaxy
College Road,
Rylands Estate,
Athlone,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 637 9132

Joburg
218 Long Street,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 422 0142

Lamed
Glen Country Club,
Victoria Road,
Clifton,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 438 5600
Website: www.lamed.co.za

Gallery
84 Sir Lowry Road,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 461 9649
Website: www.thegalleryonline.co.za

JOHANNESBURG

Moyo
Shop 5 Melrose Square,
Melrose Arch,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 684 1477
Website: www.moyo.co.za

The Bassline
7 Seventh Street,
Melville,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 482 6915
Website: www.basslinejazzclub.co.za

Katsy's
The Firs,
Oxford Road Rosebank,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 880 3945
Website: www.thegrillhouse.co.za/katzys.html

Carfax
39 Pim Street,
Newtown,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 834 9187

Monaco
349 Rivonia Boulevard,
Rivonia,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 784 5527

Shoukara
Rivonia Junction Centre,
Rivonia,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 807 3483
Website: www.shoukara.co.za

Su Da Da
12 Fredman Drive,
Sandton,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 884 1980

Sutra
Wild Waters Complex,
Margaret Street,
Boksburg,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 11 823 5714

Who's Zoo
Cnr Atkins & Alexander Road,
Midrand,
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 83 283 4916

PORT ELIZABETH

9 Yards
Donkin Street,
Central,
Port Elizabeth
Tel: +27 41 392 9822
Website: www.9yards.co.za

Sovereign
Da Gama Road,
Jefferys Bay
Tel: +27 42 293 2311
Website: www.sovereignsportscafe.co.za

Tapas
Brooke's Pavillion,
Beach Road,
Humewood
Tel: +27 41 584 0660
Website: www.tapas.co.za

Toby Joe's
Brooke's Pavillion,
Beach Road,
Humewood
Tel: +27 41 584 0082

DURBAN

330
330 Point Road,
Durban
Tel: +27 31 337 7172
Website: www.330.co.za

Tiger Tiger
15 Mitchell Cresent,
Greyville,
Durban
Website: www.tigertiger.co.za/dbn/

Burn
112 Umbilo Road,
Durban
Tel: +27 82 325 9746
Website: www.burn.co.za

Skyy Bar
25 Silver Ave,
Morningside,
Durban
Tel: +27 31 337 8479

The Reform Club
198A Florida Road,
Morningside,
Durban
Tel: +27 31 303 1802

Tilt
11 Walnut Road,
Durban
Tel: +27 31 306 9356

Home
Cnr Windermere & Innes Roads,
Morningside,
Durban
Tel: +27 31 303 3692