Portrait by Greg Lourens

Introducing the Artist Greg Lourens.  I was lucky enough to meet, work with and become friends with Greg.  Greg's artwork is not just a striking portrait of his chosen subject.  His work reflects the person; their personality, mood, traits, their inner feelings.  How does he do this?  

From working with Greg and being one of his subjects I know that it is what Greg gives his subjects, that creates such unique and great pieces of work.  He gives you time, reassurance, confidence and forces you to understand yourself that much better. 

To create the portrait you see above, Greg and I did two photo-shoots.  The first photo-shoot commenced with Greg's explaining what drew him to me as a subject, in addition to his objectives for the drawing.  Greg pointed out the process of creating his art could be seen as a journey- a journey we would take together.  

The photo-shoot was different to my expectations and to anything else I had really done.  Because Greg's aim was to capture 'me' and not any facade, the shoot forced me to reflect on myself.  When I normally have a camera pointing at me my instant reaction would be to smile- to put up the facade of being happy. With no facade and just looking into the camera, I was forced to access my real feelings and mood. The only other parallel I can draw with the experience is meditating at the end of a yoga class- but meditate properly.  You go within yourself and time goes very quickly.  Throughout both photo-shoots Greg would ask me 'what are you feeling?' Both photo-shoots told me a lot about myself that I didn't really know.

After each photo-shoot Greg and I met up over coffee and discussed which ones we liked, wondered what was going through my head at the time of each shot.  Its strange to say but you think your pulling a blank face but actually there is a lot of emotion in each shot. 

The photo we both liked a lot was the one that Greg chose to draw,  A month later and the portrait was done.  It is a strange thing seeing your face blown up on a wall.  What strikes me about Greg's work is the amazing detail he renders, but ultimately it is how he captures the personality. I can see myself in that portrait.  I am so flattered and honoured to have worked with Greg.  Not only a wonderful artist but a wise and caring man. I believe he will go far.

More of Greg's work:

See more of Gregs work here

The Last day in South Africa

Last day in South Africa.

Lilac frill hem top: Topshop

Green High waited Shorts: Zara

Silver Satchel: Shop in Valencia

Leather Studded Silver Plimsoles: Kurt Geiger

Bow hair ties holding my top up: Little shop in Stellenbosch

Look What I Bought: Anchor Fluffy Jumper

Today I went to the Stellenbosch Slow Market.  For those that don't know what that is, it is a food and bits and bobs market which is on every Saturday just off the R44 in Stellenbosch. This market is great to come to for a nice brunch, social meet up and a browse the random little stalls.  This is what I found, tried on, loved and bought. It was from a 'vintage' rail and was priced at only R250 (about £18). Bargain!  Im pretty chuffed.  Ahoy sailor.

Style File: A Day at the Cricket

Since being in South Africa I have done some pretty cool things.  One of them was going to watch the South African Protea's (cricket team) play against New Zealand.  The match took place at Newlands Cricket ground. Newlands is just outside of the centre of Cape Town right next to Table Mountain. 

To the Cricket I wore: Leather looking leggings (Warehouse)

Purple Converse

Blue and Cream Strip Jumper by Jigsaw

Necklace from Topshop

Cap by LA Dogers (Baseball team) 

Bric's Handbag

Purple Converse

My view

Me in Andys Dogers Hat

So back to the cricket.. well I cant tell you much because I wasn't paying great attention to the game.  Instead I sat next to Niquitta (friend) and rabbited about all things current.  The atmosphere was amazing and we did join in on the woops and cheers when South Africa got 'out' the opponents, and not to mention the mexican wave that circulated the stadium. 

Phil and Andy in our seats in the stadium

One of the best things about Newlands Stadium was the veiw we had of Table Mountain right behind the cricket ground.  The only problem we had was that we were in the sun.  After drinking beers and diet cokes, munching on biltong and being burnt to a cinder, we left the stadium with a South African victory. 

Beetroot and Carrot Juice

Whilst in South Africa I have become obsessed with my fresh juice.  Luckily my two favourite cafe's in Stellenbosch do my fresh beetroot, carrot and ginger juice. Not only does this taste delicious, it is seriously healthy healthy.

The Benefits of Carrots:

"The two obvious nutrients most are aware of are vitamin A and beta carotenes. Vitamin A toxicity is possible with vitamin supplements and fish oils, but you cannot overdose on vitamin A with carrots while enjoying their extra large amounts of this vitamin.

Beta-carotene is also a major antioxidant. The vitamin A and beta-carotene help maintain vision along with the carrots' fair share of lutein. Beta-carotene also maintains epithelial tissue, the tissue surrounding internal organs. Epithelial tissues are susceptible to cancerous growths.

Carrots are also rich in poly-acetylene anti-oxidant falcarinol. Research at the University of Newcastle has shown carrot falcarinol destroys pre-cancerous cells in tumors. Carrots do help keep cancer away.

Carrots are deep soil root vegetables, and this enables them to absorb an abundant array of minerals. They are also rich in other vitamins, including the B vitamins and folates. Folate is the natural and safe provider of folic acid.

The list of nutrients doesn't really measure up to carrots' actual regenerative capacity, especially when juiced. Obviously, the unique synergy of its enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids provides herbal healers with a magical remedy when juiced." 

Source

The Benefits of Beetroot:

Research has shown that beetroot can help reduce blood pressure as well as its associated risks such as heart attacks and strokes. This is because the high content of nitrates in beetroot produce a gas called nitric oxide in the blood which widens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

Betacyanin, the pigment that gives beetroot its colour, is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants are believed to help reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, in turn protecting artery walls and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Beetroot contains folic acid which is essential for normal tissue growth. Folic acid is crucial to the development of a baby’s spinal cord during the first three months of pregnancy and can help prevent spinal cord defects such as spina bifida. Beetroot also contains iron so is a fab pick-me-up for mums-to-be suffering from fatigue during pregnancy. Expectant mums must remember though that cooked beetroot has lower levels of folic acid than raw beetroot.

Beetroot contains the mineral silica. This helps the body to utilise calcium, which is important for musculo-skeletal health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Beetroot contains soluble fibre, which has also been shown to have cholesterol lowering capabilities. It also contains carotenoidsand flavonoids, which help prevent LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol from being oxidised and deposited in the arteries.
Stabilises blood sugar

Beetroot is virtually fat free and low in calories. Although it has a 'medium' GI (Glycaemic Index) of 64, It has an extremely low GL (Glycaemic Load) of 2.9 which means it’s converted into sugars very slowly and therefore helps to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Beetroot’s iron content means it’s good for those with anaemia and fatigue.

A recent study by Wake Forest University in North Carolina, USA has shown that the high content of nitrates in beetroot may also help fight the progression of dementia, as nitric oxide in the blood (produced by the nitrates in beetroot) also helps increase blood flow to the brain. Beetroot’s folic acid may also play a part as studies suggest it can help protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Source

The Benefits of Ginger:

1. Eat fresh ginger just before lunch to stoke a dull appetite and fire up the digestive juices.

2. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body.

3. Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the pesky sinuses that tend to flare up from time to time.

4. Feeling airsick or nauseous? Chew on ginger, preferably tossed in a little honey.

5. Ginger helps reduce flatulence!

6. Tummy moaning and groaning under cramps? Munch on ginger.

7. Reeling under joint pain? Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil into your bath to help aching muscles and joints.

8. Got a surgery done? Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea.

9. Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming benefits of this tasty tea are even greater!

10. Bedroom blues? Try adding a gingery punch to a bowl of soup.

Source

Style File: Hayley

This is Hayley.  Hayley always looks immaculate and very elegant but on this day I thought she looked exceptional.  I would say Hayley's style is classic. What topped this outfit off for me was the hat. 

Hayley has a strong sense of style.  Her b-e-a-u-tiful Wine & Stud Estate, Brenaissance just exhibits this sense of style.  The theme of H's style, business and interior design is black and white.  This leads to a well put together lady, running a stylish Estate: both Hayley and Brenaissance exudes a timelessness and opulence.  

Hayley's gorgeous manicure and silver watch. 

Black Nail Polish, in-keeping with her theme and style.  Silver Haviana's with a jewel perching on the top.

P.S. If you are going to South Africa you MUST go to Brenaissance Wine & Stud Estate. It is on the Devon Valley Road in Stellenbosch.  They have a Cafe there with the most incredible food and such lovely atmosphere.  I am planning on doing a post on this beautiful Wine Farm so you can see what the place is about.

Style File: For dinner

Eating out is half the price here than at home (England).  As you eat out a lot in South Africa you rarely dress up for the occasion. On this evening I decided its time to dress up (a little bit at least). This is what I wore...

Burgundy lace top: Urban Outfitters

Jeans: Levi 501s

Shoes: H & M

Bag: Black Suede Vintage from a shop called Retro Boutique in Leeds

You gotta love Levi's.  Super comfy and super cool. I always feel like a cool cat wearing these. #cringe - I know but this is my blog not yours....