July/August 2009July/August 2009

(Re)Fresh(Re)Fresh(Re)Fresh

Hello,

I don’t know how your year has been so far but as for mine, it has been jam-packed. As I told a friend

the other day, it feels like I have gone through a whole year already and it’s only July.

If you, like me, feel like you need a break but can not take leave (again) then how about a weekend

hike in Cape Point? (p4). Adventurous Cherelle Gordon knows all you need to know about making

the most of the scenic route and, if necessary, scaring off baboons.

‘A change is as good as a holiday’ and fashion stylist Danine Naidoo knows how a fresh take on

your wardrobe can make you look and feel like a new person (p12).

If you feel like you are doing it all and getting nowhere, read some tips on how to get things done in

less time. Make your goal to set aside time for the things that really matter (p20).

What matters to Liz Hoare is creating art and sharing that passion with others in informal art

classes (p16).

Until the next edition of (Re)Fresh (September/October), I hope that you are inspired to try something

new, take a break and make passion a priority.

Cheers,

Monique

Monique Boucher

(Re)Fresh Founder & Editor

All Editions of (Re)Fresh: http://issuu.com/refreshed

Email:refreshednow@gmail.com

Blog: http://refreshtoday.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MoniqueLB

(Re)Fresh 2

Contributors —Thank you to this month’s contributors:

Cherellle Gordon, Liz Hoare, Danine Nadioo and Catherine Goulleé .

Disclaimer — (Re)Fresh is a publication that aims to include content that

is original and accurate. Please feel free to notify the editor should you sus-

pect plagiarism. (Re)Fresh can not be held responsible for the views and

opinions expressed by contributors and writers.

On the Cover: Insert of artwork by Liz Hoare.

Cape Point 4

Explore the beauty of

Cape Point

By Cherelle Gordon

Looking Good 12

Style yourself stunning with sound

expert fashion advice

By Danine Naidoo

Passion for Painting 16

Artist Liz Hoare shares her

creative inspiration

Doing It All 20

The ‘to-do’ list is never-ending, and

that’s unlikely to change, but how you

mange it could

By Monique Boucher

ContentsContentsContentsContents

“Cape Point was once believed to be the southern most tip of

Africa. Geographically Cape Aguhlus has that title, but the

Point still retains its fame of dividing two mighty oceans: the

warm Indian Ocean and the cold Atlantic”

Cape Point Cape Point Cape Point Cape Point

“Cape Point was once believed to be the southern most tip of

Point still retains its fame of dividing two mighty oceans: the

(Re)Fresh 6

Oceans, Proteas & Oceans, Proteas & Oceans, Proteas & Oceans, Proteas &

Indiana JonesIndiana JonesIndiana JonesIndiana Jones

By Cherelle Gordon, Firecloud AdventuresBy Cherelle Gordon, Firecloud AdventuresBy Cherelle Gordon, Firecloud AdventuresBy Cherelle Gordon, Firecloud Adventures

We saw them first at a distance, a We saw them first at a distance, a We saw them first at a distance, a We saw them first at a distance, a

few small specs with sails hoisted few small specs with sails hoisted few small specs with sails hoisted few small specs with sails hoisted

high as they made their way south high as they made their way south high as they made their way south high as they made their way south

around Cape Point. It was the start of around Cape Point. It was the start of around Cape Point. It was the start of around Cape Point. It was the start of

the Cape Town to India leg of the the Cape Town to India leg of the the Cape Town to India leg of the the Cape Town to India leg of the

Volvo Ocean Race, and we had Volvo Ocean Race, and we had Volvo Ocean Race, and we had Volvo Ocean Race, and we had

bird’s eye view. bird’s eye view. bird’s eye view. bird’s eye view.

Looking out from the grassy verge of Looking out from the grassy verge of Looking out from the grassy verge of Looking out from the grassy verge of

our bungalow we watched as the our bungalow we watched as the our bungalow we watched as the our bungalow we watched as the

yachts sailed one by one, until even-yachts sailed one by one, until even-yachts sailed one by one, until even-yachts sailed one by one, until even-

tually the magnificent sunset over tually the magnificent sunset over tually the magnificent sunset over tually the magnificent sunset over

the Atlantic stole the show. You the Atlantic stole the show. You the Atlantic stole the show. You the Atlantic stole the show. You

couldn’t help but sigh deeply, ‘schucks another tough day in Africa!’couldn’t help but sigh deeply, ‘schucks another tough day in Africa!’couldn’t help but sigh deeply, ‘schucks another tough day in Africa!’couldn’t help but sigh deeply, ‘schucks another tough day in Africa!’

We were at the overnight stop of the two day Cape of Good Hope hike (Also known as Cape

Point), sipping some fine Cape wine while the steak simmered over hot coals. It was mid

November and the weather had been absolutely perfect, clear blue sunny skies with just a slight

breeze to cool us down occasionally. Equipped with just our day packs and lightweight hiking

gear, nine of us had set out from the parks board gate just after eight thirty that morning.

The bonus of the Cape Point hike is that for a nominal fee you can arrange to have your overnight

bags transported to the huts. This means that you can afford to pack in a few luxuries as you don’t

need to worry about the added weight and having to carry it yourself. The huts themselves are

well equipped, with mattresses and bunk beds, a fully equipped kitchen, flushing toilets and even

a hot shower. There are also more up-market huts for those that prefer some home style creature

comforts.

The first leg of the hike is a moderate 13km’s which follows a well marked path down the Eastern

side of the peninsula. Day two takes you up the West coast, along white sandy beaches, across

colourful fynbos plains, up and over some hills and back down to the start. It’s a distance of

20,5km’s so you need to keep up a fair pace to make it back to the gate before closing time.

(Re)Fresh 7

(Re)Fresh 8

There is a wonderful fresh water lake you can cool off in along the way and some interesting

rock formations to explore. With spectacular views over False Bay and the Atlantic and

hundreds of yellow pincushion Protea bushes and wild flowers in full bloom; it’s simply the most

awe-inspiring hike – real soul food.

Walking at a leisurely pace we stopped frequently to take photographs, enjoy some snacks, or

just rest and take in the ocean vistas. Most of the group had not met prior to the hike and it was

great to see how well everyone blended in this magnificent outdoor environment.

Cape Point is a nature reserve that forms part of the Table Mountain National Park in Cape

Town, South Africa. It was once believed to be the southernmost tip of Africa. Geographically

Cape Aguhlus actually has that title, but the Point still retains its fame of dividing two mighty

oceans, the warm Indian Ocean to the East and the cold Atlantic to the West of the point. The

reserve has re-introduced indigenous wildlife and is one of the few parks where you can see a

herd of Eland - Africa’s largest antelope. Other wildlife includes Dassies, the rare Bontebok and

Cape Mountain Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Ostrich and of course the cheeky Baboons.

We were fortunate to see all the above

mentioned wildlife but the baboons left the

most adventurous memories. We’d seen

signs at the park entrance warning us that

baboons were attracted to food, but we’d

not seen any along the path and had let

down our guard.

Naively we set up our picnic lunch on the

beautiful beach at Buffels Bay and no

sooner had we started to nibble on our

sandwiches, we saw several large male ba-

boons approaching us. We expected them

to stay at a distance but these guys had no

such intentions. Walking straight into the

middle of the group, they barked and

grabbed our food, making us scatter like

marbles on a playground.

(Re)Fresh 9

Hike Distances:Hike Distances:Hike Distances:Hike Distances:

Day 1: 13 km

Day 2: 20,5km

Technicality:Technicality:Technicality:Technicality:

Moderate depending on your

level of fitness.

Accommodation:Accommodation:Accommodation:Accommodation:

Hikers huts can take up to 18

people (Basic).

Hoerikwaggo (up market)

trail huts can take up to 14

people.

Costs for 2009:Costs for 2009:Costs for 2009:Costs for 2009:

The following rates are

applicable for South African

residents for a self catered

and unguided hikes:

Cape Point conservation fee

is currently R60 for SA Resi-

dents (Wild cards are ac-

cepted). Hike fees R150-00

per person for staying at the

basic hikers huts

(Supplements are payable

for use of the more up-

market Hoerikwaggo Trail

huts). Porterage is approxi-

mately R50-00 per six bags.

Please note that rates may

vary according to TMNP

policies and seasons.

FAST FACTS FAST FACTS FAST FACTS FAST FACTS ———— Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trial Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trial Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trial Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trial

(Re)Fresh 10

At first we stood back in shock, holding on to whatever possessions we’d managed to grab. But

then we discovered that slapping kelp on the ground made a cracking sound that scared the

baboons. Moving together we slowly approached our picnic site, kelp in hand, feeling almost like

cavemen in an ancient jungle stand-off. We managed to salvage our bags but not much of our

lunch. It did however make for some Indiana Jones innovations as we collected sticks and

shipwrecked rope on the beach and concocted grand war strategies to fend off possible future

attacks. I am pleased to say that the remainder of our hike passed without further incidents, but it

did leave a lasting memory with all of us. Our moment of battling the wilds of Africa, our adventure

in Cape Point Reserve!

Contact and general information:Contact and general information:Contact and general information:Contact and general information:

Table Mountain National ParkTable Mountain National ParkTable Mountain National ParkTable Mountain National Park

Tel: +27(0) 21 780 9204

Email: tablemountain@sanparks.org

Website: www.tmnp.co.za

Guided and catered hiking tours in South Africa:Guided and catered hiking tours in South Africa:Guided and catered hiking tours in South Africa:Guided and catered hiking tours in South Africa:

Firecloud AdventuresFirecloud AdventuresFirecloud AdventuresFirecloud Adventures

Tel: +27(0)2 712 0347

Email: info@firecloudadventures.co.za

Website: www.firecloudadventures.co.za

Photography Supplied by Cherelle Gordon. 2009

(Re)Fresh 11

lunch. It did however make for some Indiana Jones innovations as we collected sticks and

shipwrecked rope on the beach and concocted grand war strategies to fend off possible future

Lemon Tree painting by Liz Hoare. 2009. Go to page 6 for more art and information about

Liz Hoare

By Danine Naidoo, Fashion Stylist

Has anyone ever asked you whether you are feeling sick, on a day when you

feeling on top of the world? Did it leave you dumbstruck and pondering on the

reasons why? Probably.

The fact is that most of us have never taken the time to think, am I wearing the

correct colours? Am I selecting the appropriate clothing to flatter my body’s shape?

Is my hair colour and style really accentuating my face? On the other hand, maybe

you’ve heard all about it but never really put it to the test. These factors are all vital

in executing the perfect style and conveying the way you feel.

Wearing the wrong colours can make your eyes appear dull with no sparkle at all,

and your hair will look rather bland too. However, wearing the right colours will

bring out the pink tone in your cheeks, the colour in your eyes and will make your

hair’s tone appear rich. Your skin tone will also radiate and appear to be healthier.

Putting time and effort behind identifying your body shape will help you select

flattering and appropriate clothing. The most common body shape amongst

women is the “pear” shape. The hips are wider than the shoulders and the waist

and bust is an average size. Do you think you are a pear shape? If you are, then

stay away from the following: pencil skirts, skinny jeans, harem pants and side

fastening trousers. Why? Because the aim of flattering the pear’s figure is to either

make the shoulders appear wider or make the hips seem narrower, while never

forgetting to accentuate the waist. Other common body shapes include the

hourglass, apple, skittle, vase, cornet, lollipop, column, goblet, cello and brick.

(Re)Fresh 12

Looking Good

Has anyone ever asked you whether you are feeling sick, on a day when you

forgetting to accentuate the waist. Other common body shapes include the

By knowing the exact shape of your face, you will be able to select a signature

hairdo and purchase eyewear that will do your face justice. Often, people leave the

hairdresser feeling uneasy about a new haircut or colour, and this is mainly because

there is no thought behind the shape of someone’s face and their colour palette.

When it comes down to eyewear, make sure that your cheeks barely grace the

frames when doing “the smile” test.

So now that we’ve covered the three basics of looking good – colour, body and face

shape – it’s important to remember that fashion trends come and go, and they don’t

necessarily suit everybody. Stick to classic items that are timeless and rather buy

trendy accessories. It will give you more mileage out of your wardrobe.

Speaking of accessories… Feeling unsure about the last item you put on with your

outfit before dashing out the door? Take it off immediately. The fact is if you’re

unsure about it, then it probably looks out of place.

If you constantly struggle to “connect the dots” when it comes to looking good, then

don’t even book your next hair appointment. Instead, try consulting with a fashion

stylist, also referred to as an image consultant or personal shopper. This will serve

as a good confidence investment and you will put your personal style uncertainties

at peace.

Any day is a good enough excuse to wear something special. Too often, people say,

“I am saving it for a special occasion” or simply choose to admire their best items

rather than wear them. Then why did you buy it in the first place? You don’t need

an excuse to look good, just do it because that special occasion

might never come round again.

For more information & personal image consultations, contact:

Danine Naidoo, Fashion Stylist

083 358 1496

Email: daninenaidoo@gmail.com

Blog: http://daninenaidoo.blogspot.com

Styled Photography from Danine Naidoo’s Portfolio. Images owned & supplied by Muse Management and Mark Le Grange Photography

(Re)Fresh 15

Cape Town based artist Liz Hoare shares her passion for painting, her

inspiration and her advice for aspiring artists.

What inspires your art?

I am continually drawn to capturing a moment in time. A discarded old bucket, a dilapidated old door;

they all have a story to tell. Light and colour also influence me but a great deal depends on my mood,

sometimes I paint with vibrant colours and other times in more muted shades.

Passion for Painting (Re)Fresh 16

Could you describe your artistic method?

For many of my paintings I use photographs as references. I am always on the look out for new

inspiration and keep scrapbooks with all sorts of subject matter. I also do a lot of sketches in rough with

notes for potential work.

I paint mainly in acrylics. Once I am inspired, I tend to be impatient to get into the subject I have in mind.

It is very easy to get started with acrylics because they dry so quickly and don’t slow me down. My work

in oils is done mainly for commissioned pieces that I only wish I could keep. Although I do work on some

small pieces I prefer to work on larger canvasses. I work better on my own and enjoy playing music while

I work, it helps to inspire me.

Cape Town based artist Liz Hoare shares her passion for painting, her

(Re)Fresh 17

Tell us more about the art lessons you offer?

Years ago my family suggested that I give art lessons but because I had not had any formal training, I did

not feel confident enough. One day I read a book by Dr Wayne Dyer called The Power of Intention. It is

all about learning to co-create your world your way. It made me realise that I could help others be

creative. My art classes do not to teach a strict procedure but rather encourage expression and fun

through art.

What are benefits of painting/creating?

In the world today the pace of life is rapid and for most people the result is high levels of stress. Creating

art grounds one, allowing the body to be calm and escape into the world of imagination and inspiration.

Stress levels reduce and the body relaxes and tunes into how we were meant to be… creative beings.

(Re)Fresh 18

“One day I read a book by Dr Wayne Dyer called The Power of Intention. It is

all about learning to co-create your world your way. It made me realise that I

could help others be creative. My art classes do not to teach a strict procedure

but rather encourage expression and fun through art.”

For more information about art classes & to see more of Liz Hoare’s artwork, visit her blog at http://www.lizziesart.blogspot.com/

create your world your way. It made me realise that I could help others be

(Re)Fresh 21

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

My advice to any aspiring artist is never give up, everyone has something special to give and every art-

work has the potential to give someone else immense pleasure.

Where readers could find your art?

Finding outlets for ones’ work is not easy for most artists, we tend not to market ourselves very well.

However, I have been fortunate in being able to find outlets that work for me - such as The Opposition in

Diep River, Cape Town.

What could you couldn't live without?

I could not live without my faith, each day is a walk in faith. I coul not live without my family and friends

who support and encourage me, my pets, plants, books and music.

Do you have favourite artists and art galleries you could tell our readers about?

I do not have one favourite artist as most of them inspire me but one artist that I admire is an Australian

artist Margaret Olley. I recently read a book on her and she epitomizes perseverance. It is good for us

artists to visit galleries. There is a great deal of exciting art out there to inspire us. All artists feed of each

other.

We admire people that seem to have it all, do it all and somehow, manage it all the

time. We expect ourselves to seamlessly juggle building a career, family time, ro-

mance, friends, house work, eating healthily and working out… And as if that is not

enough, we try to pack more and more, adding to our already over stuffed ‘to-do’

lists.

As a result we are losing our ‘play time’, time to explore our creativity, read a good book

and enjoy a decadently lazy afternoon. When do you have time for you anymore? If you

are screaming, “Never!”, then you understand the need to find faster ways to get the

‘to-do’s’ ticked off so you can do whatever it is you want.

TV time - TV has been called the ‘idiot box’ but, as much as we may hate to admit it, many of us

enjoy time in front of it. You could save a lot of time by simply giving up TV … or you could find ways

to ‘double duty’ TV watching. You could iron, fold washing, sort through files or exercise while

watching your favourite show. Of course there are occasions where sitting back with popcorn, hot

chocolate a good DVD is called for and when it is, you will enjoy it all the more!

Working it - Recession fears have us working harder and some, looking into a second income.

This means even more time spent working. Manage your time at work better by eliminating the typical

time wasters which include gossiping, smoking (both destructive nasty habits), long phone calls and

reading jokes or chain-mails emails. You will be surprise how much you get done when you actively

avoid these common time traps.

Romance, right on schedule - Understandably monotonous daily routines are not the inspiration

for romance but somehow we have to keep that spark alive. Make sure you have some time every

week for time to be spent with your partner. You could plan an outing, taking turns deciding where to

go and what to do. You may find you learn new things about each other by the activities chosen.

Remember you are not the same person you were when you first met and neither is your partner.

Look at your partner with new eyes and fall in love all over again.

(Re)Fresh 21

By Monique Boucher

Illustration by

Catherine Goulleé

Hand crafted jewellery

Contact Monique @ refreshednow@gmail.com

For more designs click For more designs click For more designs click For more designs click

herehereherehere

Show-stopping necklaces, glitzy bracelets &

dainty beaded rings made from the highest quality

beads, Swarovski crystals, fresh water pearls

crystals & gem stones.

Find all editions of (Re)Fresh @ http://issuu.com/refreshed

Visit the Blog @

http://refreshtoday.blogspot.com