Cherryflava 'write-off': Day 1

As you know...we're searching for an editor to join the Cherryflava team to frankly spruce the place up a bit around here....you know, bring some flowers around and maybe cook something nice now and again.

So, for three days, we've invited four talented writers to show us what they've got. At the end of this, we'll than be able to better decide who we'd like to take on full time. The brief was really simple; bring a femine touch to Cherryflava in three short posts.

Feel free to add your comments of support for your favourite post.

This....is day 1.

Are you struggling with your shoes? By Ndundu

Shuzz! I think the answer to this question is yes for many people, especially the ladies – but men beware...

They are probably the item of clothing most neglected and yet, many women site them as a determining factor in choosing a partner. Surprise you? They shouldn’t! First impression last, your shoes included!

Some women and men buy expensive designer shoes, which somehow end up at the back of the house, the garage or at times the rubbish bin due to neglect. What’s the point of spending all that money, if you can’t even care for your shoes?

Does it mean buying a new pair for every occasion?

Proper caring for your shoes is essential, as it prolongs the life of your shoes.
Well, if you are a culprit, don’t despair; I might just have a solution for you.

Your shoe care includes the following;

• Clean your shoes regularly with leather cleaner and leave them to dry. Never wash them with water. When shoes are dry, you can apply polish if needed.   
• Condition your shoes to keep leather shoes soft and supple. Otherwise the leather cracks or just falls apart.
• Protection. Moisture protection is a must. Mink oil will waterproof and preserve the shoe. Silicone spray provides water protection and doesn't alter the color. Try the local shoe repair store if can’t find any.
• Preserving your shoes includes storage. How you keep your shoes is important. Try this idea and tell me if it works.

My friends thought I had gone crazy when they saw me doing this. But now they come back to me and tell they love the idea. Firstly you need to know how many pairs you have. Then write all of them down. Sort them into different categories, i.e. sneakers, sandals, heels, boots etc. Then type out what you have, i.e. Black pointy heels, Pink ankle strap sandals, Lime suede boots or blue snakeskin leather cowboy boots.

Cut out the tags and paste onto the boxes. One better a Polaroid on the front of your shoe boxes gives you a clear idea of how it will look with your outfit. If you don’t have enough boxes ask at the shops, they always have many to spare. It will be easier to find your shoes, and believe you me it works! If you need help, just shout!

For other tips and ideas check the http://shoes.about.com/ website.

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love @ first site: Shopping for love on the net   By Lisa

 

Once upon a time, you were seen as desperate or weird if you admitted to being registered on an online dating site. However, today it has become the norm and almost uncool not to have met the new man or woman in your life in cyber space!

With the media bombarding us with lines like “He’s just not that into you” and Mr. Right Now rather than Mr. Right, it would seem like the whole world has become obsessed with trading in their single status for a relationship.

In a society where, heaven forbid, you should be single and flying solo, where Bridget Jones has become somewhat of an icon, and Sex in the City is considered a reality, many singletons are feeling the pressure to meet a potential mate – and the quicker and easier, the better.

So what exactly has led to this surge in Internet Dating? For starters, advances in technology. Nowadays, unless you’re living in a cave in Afghanistan, everyone has access to the internet. Techno-savvy singletons looking for love do not have the time or energy to hang around in bars “waiting” to be picked up.

In the land of Internet Dating, we are advised to see ourselves as commodities, or better still, as Brands. We need to make sure our Brands are out there, getting as much exposure as possible. It’s important how you sell your Brand to others. With so much competition, your profile has to scream “Look at me!” louder than the others.

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Live orange juice        By Lientjie

 

If you have Portuguese friends and you want to take them somewhere, treat them to bread rolls with queijinhos (soft white cheese) at Vida e Caffé in Kloof Street – probably the trendiest street and the trendiest coffee bar in the city bowl.

If you don’t have Portuguese friends, go anyway and treat yourself to the best coffee and muffins in town. While sipping on your café check out the cool kids from the City Varsity next door and the other liberals, and the rest of the cosmopolitan crowd.

I go because of the orange juice. They make it there right in front of your very eyes! Ten or so really healthy looking orange oranges are fed to a machine one by one and out comes the freshest (stating the obvious) thickest tastiest orange juice.

Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention that the toilet has a mirrored ceiling – don’t hurt your neck when checking your hair or make-up…

And oh yes, if you don’t want to get hit on by a handsome, foreing looking guy don’t go.

And remember chá é para a minha avó (tea is for my grandmother)! Brush up on your Portuguese.

VIDA E CAFFE Shop 1, Mooikloof, 34 Kloof Street, Gardens

(021) 426 0627

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The Skype is the limit!        By Isabel

 

If you’re not Skype-ing yet, more than 56 million people got the point before you… Voice over IP is the new black… ok, ok for the non-techies, speaking over your internet connection as opposed to “sleeping with the enemy” Hellkom is IT. Who wants to pay for expensive international calls when you can have the same voice quality over your PC. And keep your eyes open for new devices, which are mobile and are being launched in other parts of the world. True onvergence (IT & Telecommunications) is here!

And with the growth of more than 170 000 free subscriptions a day, you can not afford to miss this Skype wave… Especially with the new release (October 2005). One of the new features is Call Forwarding from one Skype user to another… guess what, you’re secretary is going to be busy… and with low “SkypeOut” rates (for the Skype user), you can forward the call to up to three landline or mobile numbers when you’re away from Skype, at no cost to the caller. Just don’t let your ex find out, who might phone when Call Forwarding is on and leave Skype connected until your “SkypeOut” minutes run out…

There’s also new ways of customising the interface, and more ways to find and connect contacts. And if you’re an open source evangelist, Skype also runs on Linux. Skype is furthermore available in 27 languages and is the fastest growing voice communications offering worldwide. The Skype is the limit!

 

Comments

[Aretha]

I love Ndundu's article and the tips helped me a lot, I like her style of writing as well.

[Kim]

Interesting cross section of topics. I found Ndundu too girly for me. Shoes / Clothes / Make-up etc just aren't my thing (yes, I'm female). Lisa's blog on internet dating is an interesting look at a growing phenomon. Useful info as is Lientje's review of Vida e Caffee. Isabel has lots of useful info, I think most girls (see comment above) will not be interested in such a technical discourse.
Kim

[Jerry Phiri]

I love Ndundu's article, her writing skills are enticing, its enjoyable to read!

[Oscar Mangope]

Shoes...Mhhh! Interesting! "Modern" men regard the appearance of a lady's shoe as a latest trend of attraction. A lady with a well looked after and beautiful shoe, potrays a sence of stability, self confidence and most importantly, emotional intelligence. You tend to be more comfortable, content in a beautiful shoe... and believe me, a cat walk won't be far from the action. Ndundu's article rocks.

[Rashida]

I enjoyed Ndundu's article immensely, it was helpful with a funny twist. She has a warm and confident writing manner. As a reader, the article made me feel like a trusted girlfriend and that was cool. Lientjie's article was a bit repetitive for me, but gave some insight into the people that frequent Vida e. Isabel's article was just very confusing with too much jargon that left me out of the loop.

[DipoleloM]

Ndudu, wanna come help with ma shuzzz, i have many, and yes i do wear them all, i still buy more but i dont want my old ones 2 age with time. Luv ya article!

[k8ep]

Whilst i appreciate Ndundu's article was supposed to add a touch of feminine spice to the 'flava', i felt like she shook a little too hard and the lid flew off, which resulted in a slightly disappointing read. Rather too much like a "how to" section which would be comfortable to hang out between the pages of Femina, rather than an upbeat, bit-o-this bit-o-that CT based site. Looking forward to day 2 tho - here's to a second chance.

I found Lisa's topic very pertinent and the content was a funky enjoyable read. Nice one chica!

[Paula]

a whole new concept in online "mags" - groovy - its interesting to read others comments....the brief bring a feminine touch - hell whats the stress with a name like Cherryflava :) But since you asked for opinions... I am impressed with the Skyping one....this writer doesn't think that all women are just out there to look cute or date. And if its too technical - goodness then how on earth did you even get to blogging ?!

[ENDZ]

That Shuzz article... really nice. I think Ndundu had a very interesting and informative take on what might have otherwise been just a simple topic.I mean let's face it, as much as we all love shoes, how many of us really take CARE of them. Personally, I appreciate the advice. As for Lisa, what is your angle?...And Lientjie, you sound like someone who needs to take Lisa's advice and indulge on internet dating. And finally, what's the skype hype????????

[k8ep]

good point paula.

[Lientjie]

Thanx Endz. I was really hoping somebody would pick up how desperate I am.
U obviously don't have a sense of humour.

[Strawberry lips]

Ndundu's article is quite nice, but I think it is more suitable for a fashion magazine. I think Lientjie's article fits in perfectly with a hip blog site. You go, girl!

[Jammin]

I find Vida e the most unnecessary pretentious place in cape town, Its worse than getting a beer a cafe Jo-burg, you need to know exactly what you want and how to pronounce it or you would be given the "cant believe you had the audacity to walk in here" The cofee jockey never ceases to give me a once over with his eyes (even when I'm stylin). No thanks

[Strawberry lips]

Ndundu's article is quite nice, but I think it is more suitable for a fashion magazine. I also don't find it very original. Lientjie's article on the other hand fits in perfectly with a hip blog site environment. You go, girl!

[Tandi]

I found Lisa’s story on internet dating really interesting – and have to admit that this topic has surfaced in conversations more often than not…to the point where our group of friends dared each other to try it out. It turned out to be a ‘close but no cigar’ scenario since none of us wanted to take the first leap - perhaps now….
After reading Lientjie’s story, I know what I’ll be doing this weekend - visiting Vida e Caffé for some orange juice. Living just outside of Cape Town these kinds of useful information about hip places to visit and things to do in an around our city is certainly a welcome addition!! Keep up the good ‘work’ and reporting Lientjie!

[WILL03]

You go girls! Lientjie, your article hits the spot, as I'm sure the food at Vida e Caffé will. Maybe all of the fab4 should contribute.

[Paula Alexandra]

Lientjie's article - Vida e Caffe

Brilliant article!
I had frequented the place on numerous occassions during business trips to CT and it enjoyed it throughly.
I would like to refer to comments made by Strawberry lips. I found your opinion(and you entitled to one) extremely biased and it only reflects to me that you have never travelled abroad well not to Portugal that is. If you had, you would know Vida e Caffe is a mirror image of the real thing.
Give other cultures a chance!

[seadragon]

I'm not from Cape Town, so I don't know if my vote matters here, but... the only one that I was especially interested in was the Skype one. It gave me a little new information, including helpful links (as opposed to the internet dating post that didn't include any links [e.g., to a particular company or personal experience], or shoes post that included a generic link to http://shoes.about.com which is about as helpful as doing a google search for shoes and worse, it comes with pop up ads).

I don't know if the Skype post brought a specifically "feminine" touch to the posts here, but I'm not sure that femininity needs to hit you over the head with a pair of shoes. :)

I think what they all lacked in this first post was a little Cherryflava style wit and brevity. But for first blog posts, they weren't bad.

Finally, the Vida e Caffe post wasn't particularly relevant to me, but it was my second favorite because it showed me a little slice of life somewhere away from home. And even better, it generated a comment from someone who disagreed, giving us an even better sense of the place and what people think about it.

[Di]

Internet dating...if u arent psycho then the person on the other side probably is. Anyweays,it's 4 the desperate. Wht happened 2 gud all checking each other out, getting 2 know each other in person?? At this rate we'll get married over the net. Say our vows over the phone. It's all becoming 2 impersonal...SORRY!!!!
Call me technologically challenged but i didnt get a thing in the skype article....mayb next time. SORRY!!!
Thanx Ndundu 4 the useful advice. Get wht I'm doing later...taking out all my shoes, need I say more. Ndundu's article rocked

[Konrad]

Ok, so who the hell am I to comment... But I love cherryflava, and as a regular reader I must say I'm disappointed. I think they should all try harder to do something a lot more original, or else I certainly won't come back to this site! Skype is old news and boring, polishing and shoe care are worse, and looking for love on the internet is hardly groundbreaking. Surely NEW, fresh content is what this site is after? These guys should up their game. Cherryflava is better than this.

Nothing personal, but you can all do better.

[Khanyisa]

I like Ndundu's article, these are the kinda things we need to see nowadays when we open magazines. When we buy shoes 80% of the time we don't know how to take care of them. Thanks for the advice.

[Kgomotso Mogapi]

SHOES!!! I'm a woman who loves shoes, but never thought much of caring for them nor how to store them (explains why I need a new pair for every occasion). Ndundu, loved the article, helpful, light...and I do decide whether to date a guy or not depending on his shoes...

Also like Lisa's article in internet dating. Seems like since Isidingo has gone on this tip, everyone else is!

[AnniP]

I can't believe that in this day and age there are still so many completely ignorant people out there!! For many Skype is still a very new concept, only the arrogant believe that we all learn about something at exactly the same time. Isabel I think your article rocked. Maybe you could have just added a "how to get started" for the technically challenged? I've been Skyping for a while now and I've met interesting people without having to subscribe to a "Dating Site" Who wants to know how to care for shoes when it's sooo much fun buying new ones? So between all of them GO ISABEL!!!

[Herman Meyer]

Interesting concept. Obviously your choice of articles will determine how popular the site will be. Didn't enjoy the shuzz article much, but thought the Skype article was quite insightful. Some spelling mistakes in all the articles but hey this is blogging so keep going. Will definitely research Skyping to keep in touch with friends.

[shobini singh]

I loved Nundu's article. I think her ideas are fresh and funny.