10 Reasons why the Ford Eco Sport may be my next car

If you know me, you would know that the car I mission in on a daily is nothing glamorous at all,  In fact, its a 1989 model which even makes it a few years older than me.  However, I hope that it's my first before many others and the fact that my hardworking parents got it for me as a gift a couple of years back means more to me than anything else. I feel like it's a good life lesson, not having or expecting things to come easy, which only means you as a person would work so much more harder for everything you want in this life.  For me though,  knowing that my car didn't  come easy just makes me treasure the memories my friends and I have shared in my little old faithful so much more but sometimes, like many others,  we need a change.  A change that will open up our minds to what the future could possibly hold and just to give us a small taste of what we can one day work towards and this was exactly what I needed. 

 

So you can imagine the excitement I felt when our lovely friends at ford South Africa dropped off the Ford Eco Sport for me to drive around in and basically run all my errands in.  before I give to much away,  below are 10 reasons why I would definitely consider buying this smooth ride in the future.

 

1. It's a compact SUV

I've always pictured myself driving a big SUV someday.  However, on many attempts I felt as though I wasn't able to control a vehicle of that size.  The ford eco sport however, was the perfect fit. It was almost as big as a usual SUV but also small enough to pass as a slightly bigger car in my opinion.  From the first pull away everything just balanced.  I could make the sharp turns without fail and even cut through busy roads without thinking I'm going over the lines in the street and not being able to tell.

 

2. I could hear myself breath

Communication barriers were a thing of the past once I got into the eco sport.  Sometimes we are so use to it, we don't even realise how loud and annoying old cars are and this beaut had to bring it to my attention.  Even with the radio on I was able to have a clear conversation with my passengers.

Constant win! 

3. Bluetooth and handset sync

To be honest,  I'm not the most tech savvy person, so finding that this car could be synced to your handset device in a few minutes literally gave me Goosebumps ( a little dramatic...I know).  A few minutes later all my data from my cell phone was synced into the car and there I was jamming to my playlist and even making calls from the car.  How Kris Jenner is that?  I know right.

 

 

4. Voice Command

 

If syncing everything from my cell phone to the car wasn't enough, I later on realised by a click of a button I could make voice commands.  So there I was, going "Call Mom" and in a split second, the lady would go " Calling Mom" you could say I was in AWE.

 

5. 1.0 Ecoboost

We all know that filling up your tank in South Africa is no fun.  With the rate at which fuel is going up, we'd much rather get a pair of cool sneakers and run from A to B.  The Eco Sport however was so economic and lite, you could just feel it in the drive it gave you.  I was lucky enough to get the car with a full tank of petrol and by the 7th day after a hard week of missioning and long drives,  the tank was just under half full.  This could never have been if I were driving my car as much as I did with the Ford. 

 

6. Cruise control

We all get abit lazy at times,  some of us more then others and I believe there are little things we can cut down on to increase our energy levels a tad bit more, even if it means resting your feet while operating a vehicle.  If you are one who is always chasing a different sunset, or even just love road trips, The Ford eco Sport offers a cruise control function which by a click of a button you can set the speed at which you want the car to move and voila!  You no longer have to accelerate and the car would literally move at the speed you wish.  amazing right?  totes!

 

7. Reverse or Parking Sensor

To many of us, driving may not be as much of a problem as parking ( side eyes most of his friends) but with this amazing feature, reversing or parking in general, parallel or alley docking will never be the same.  The sensors around the car would indicate when you are to close to a wall or another vehicle, show you exactly how much space you still have to back up and even made a beeping sound so you knew exactly when it was time to hit the break.

 

 

8. Airbags and Central locking

 

Now I know I might be stone aged over here, but my car, as much as I love it, is a driving hazard (lets be honest).  With a maximum of only two safety belts in working order and no airbags at all, we all know how big a problem this can be at the end of the day.  I really felt so much more safer driving around with the Eco Sport and knowing that I had full control of all doors, windows and if anything should happen, there are airbags all around this amazing piece of machinery to save lives in the event of an accident.

 

9. Leather Interior and detailed finishes

 

You probably all want to know...does the carpet match the drapes right?  Indeed it does.  There's just something about the smell of a new car that gets me going, even more so, a car with a chic, sophisticated and detailed interior.  The inside interior is made of the softest leather but also hard enough to not tare anytime soon.  Ample interior lighting throughout, a place to store coffee mugs or holders, a separate compartment for your sunnies and lets not begin to talk about the Air con/heater, definitely the cosiest I've felt inside a car in a while.
 

 

10. Spacious

If you have as much belongings as me,  you would know that travelling with a full car can be a complete struggle when you have a laptop bag, an overnight bag, a camera bag, two pairs of shoes and a gym bag to cart around with, however, the eco sport was quite spacious from inside and could easily accommodate my passengers and all my baggage too.  From the inside of the vehicle, the boot looks like a tiny storage space behind the backseat leaving a very narrow space to even get things into the boot via the inside of the car, however, once opened up from the outside, there is so much space for you to pack enough goods for a long weekends.

 

 

I hope my 10 reasons were as valid as I thought they would be.  All in all I am definitely marking this beast as one of the top three vehicles I would purchase in the future.  you can even ask the guy who fetched it from my house,  I didn't want to part with it :(

Thank you Ford South Africa!!!

Follow ford @ fordsouthafrica

 

Thabiet Amardien

 

Bronx Woman celebrates 10 years

A month ago, in March, funky and stylish footwear brand, Bronx Woman celebrated their 10th Birthday as well as launched and shared their new AW15 collection with all the media folk and fashion influencers from in and around Cape Town.

 

The event was held at Wembley studios and I'm pretty sure you all know that when Girl about Town PR plans a party,  there's plenty to enjoy.  A beautiful shoe installation hung from the roof, mystery prizes were against the wall for winners to choose from and to my delight, even a candy floss maker and non stop drinks flowed throughout.  I know right...Score!

 

About the collection

 

The team at Bronx Woman have decided to push the styling envelope a little further this season by adding a more diverse detailing and silhouette to their designs.  From a selection of riding boots to the more delicate stiletto heel and even the grungy combat boot, the new AW15 collection definitely has something for every girl out there.  Zips, wedges, platforms, buckles and quilting.  This is for sure the brands most exciting shoe portfolio to date.

 

What's great too, is that the brand offers something for everyone's budget, with the main collection styles starting from R299.00 and the leather ranging from R1099.00

 

It's time to be Front Row Ready for winter

 

For stockist

visit their website

www.bronxwoman.com

 

 

 



New Venture | Herbalife

Some of you might remember me talking about the list of challenges I had drawn up the end of last year (in a previous post) and how that list has really helped me reach and concur most of those challenges just by focusing on one task at a time.

 Another tick off that list was "living a healthier lifestyle" in 2015 and today I want to share my story and journey with you all. 

It all started in that first week of January, you know, the week of positivity and joy, where everyone has a changed mind-set and some sort of New Year’s resolution they’re hanging onto.  Though I wasn’t the New Year’s resolution type, I read somewhere that “it takes 30 days to kick a bad habit as well as gain a good one”.  So in those seven days of euphoria, I had officially decided that it was time for me to hold on to that resolution and start living a more active lifestyle.  I started out slow.  I took morning walks once a week and enjoyed it so much that those walks soon became little jog-walks and as time went on, I found myself running up and down stairs until I eventually puked my guts out LOL.   Although I couldn't see much of a difference in the beginning, I could definitely feel that I was doing something right for the first time in what could have been a solid year, because well…I literally couldn’t move the day after.  

 I eventually got use to the pain and had the courage to attend a boot camp session with my sister (who's been hounding me for a year) and I absolutely loved every muscle burning minute of it.  It was way more intense then running the stairs if you’re asking! And it hurt much more the next day too, but after the 30^th day, it’s true, I picked up a new habit.  A good one.

 

 Now before I go any further, you should know that the words "healthy foods" were never in my vocabulary.  I never ate any fruit or vegetables besides the ones that are almost bad for you and it soon caught up to me that there is no way I would be able to lose this weight without having a proper nutrition plan set in place as well.   I started speaking to the trainers from my boot camp class to find out how I could lose the weight and they were so eager to help me.  They introduced me to Herbalife nutrition and in late February I started using the products on a daily basis.  Immediately I could feel that my energy levels were up.  I wasn’t craving junk food like before and hey, I could even say no to white bread .  But what I really loved about starting the programme, was that not only did I get these amazing products.  They came with my very own herbalife coach, who made sure I stayed on track every day and who was even more invested in my health then what I was at the time.  He made sure that I was not eating unhealthy and that I was drinking water by the litre.  At the end of my first week I already had amazing results.  I lost a good percentage of body fat, gained some muscle and I got back all the energy the business life has taken from me.

Now you're probably wondering..."why are you telling me this?" 

Simply because I want to help you!!!  After getting great results from Herbalife, I opted to become a  member and an independent distributor.  Which means you can now speak to me about going on the nutrition programme and I will hook you up with the best life coaches possible.

Bottom line...I know what it feels like to always be tired, stuck in an unhealthy rut and just lose motivation and will power by the day.  I also know what it's like to not have the proper support system in place to help you reach those goals.  However,  Speak to me and we can change that up for you!  You can have more energy, get into shape and have that support system you need. 

 So contact me if you're looking to shape up and just live a more healthier lifestyle.

I am excited to help you reach your goals with herbalife24.

Contact me on

Whatsapp 079 091 8025

Thabiet.herbalife@gmail.com

Car Seats on the catwalk | FORD

Since 2001,  a group of dedicated Ford engineers have been working on incorporating sustainable materials into all their vehicles, whilst keeping the brands clear quality and performance standards intact.  Ford now uses recycled plastics, cotton, wheat straw, soy beans and even castor oil to help reduce consumer waste, decrease depletion of natural resources and lower energy consumption by a mile.

 

The new Fusion and Kuga's interior door panels are made up of 50% Kenaf and 50% plastic, Reducing the weight by a stellar 30%. 

 

Up and coming designers from Europe and Asia have now caught on to this amazing innovative and creative project and have decided to start building up full on couture collections with the insides of the Ford Kuga and Fusion vehicles.

 

As a challenge, these designers have created a collection consisting of Dresses, Jackets and shirts from the insides of Ford vehicles, sourcing materials from waste and even car seat covers.  All this was put together for 'The Redress Forum : Ford design challenge", an event organised by Hong Kong sustainable charity "Redress" to highlight sustainability in fashion design as well as automotive.

 

“Sustainability is a key element of Ford design and it is tremendously exciting to see material from our cars given a new lease of life on the catwalk,” said Emily Lai, manager, Colour and Materials Design, Ford Asia Pacific.

 

“Designers have the power to affect environmental waste through their designs and the design process, and can minimise this total impact through the creative use of materials and other innovations. All the creations we have seen are innovative and thought-provoking, and we applaud each participant for rising to the challenge.”

 

 

If this amazing concept wasn't enough to bring change to our globe,  Ford has now also decreased its total water use in the production of vehicles from 64 million cubic metres to 24 million cubic metres.  How amazing and inspiring is this?

 

WELL DONE FORD

 

See the pictures below

 

 

 

T H A B I E T   A M A R D I E N 

Win Tickets to Showtek | GIVEAWAY

EXCITING NEWS!!!!

 

Dutch duo Showtek will be electrifying our shores for a second time with the legendary edm party Electric Music SA at Shimmy Beach Club on 10 April 2015. They will be joined by our very own local legends to bring you a "one night only" electric dance experience you will never forget.  We have decided to give 1 lucky reader and a friend a chance to experience the greatness that are EDM festivals by launching a little giveaway competition on our social platforms, so that you won't ever have to suffer the fomo again.

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE EVENT

(Press release by AmpliconPR)

 

Electrifying the Cape Town stage will be Sam World, the international sensation that has shared the stage with the likes of Calvin Harris, Tiesto and David Guetta. Jak Skandi, who is known for his high energy and even crazier hair will be doing a back-to-back set with Dean Fuel, who has performed alongside global legends such as Armin van Buuren and Basement Jaxx. Chris Taylor, who wowed the crowd at Ultra South Africa, will be bringing the same dynamism to Shimmy Beach Club. Roger D’Lux is a name that has been heard in the industry for almost 20 years, he has played across the country, supporting the local music scene, and internationally for long enough to know how to make a crowd happy, and beg for more...

 

Gareth Kenward has graced stages across Europe and the rest of the world and also featured last month at Ultra South Africa. Lastly, local favourite, Pascal & Pearce who topped the charts abroad and have played alongside the best house DJ’s in the world will also grace the stage.

The show will be at Shimmy Beach Club in Cape Town on 10 April 2015

 

 “We live in exciting times. The dance music revolution is happening right here and Showtek is committed to leading the charge with a sound that is always pushing forward – always riding on the cutting edge,” Showtek, the dance dynamos, said recently.

 

Shimmy Beach Club full line up:

• Pascal & Pearce
• Dean Fuel
• Gareth Kenward
• Chris Taylor
• Jak Skandi
• Sam World
• Roger D’Lux

Tickets are on sale exclusively available at: electricmusic.co.za

Cape Town:

Early Bird GA - R250

Thereafter, ticket prices will be:

Cape Town:

GA - R350

VIP - R500

VIP

Showtek SA VIP Ticket holders will receive express entry through the VIP entrance, an exclusive dance floor with a scenic view of the stage as well as private bar facilities.

Doors open at 6pm

Table bookings:

Call 021 200 7778

info@shimmybeachclub.co.za

#ShowtekSA.

 

How to ENTER:

 

FACEBOOK

 

1. Like our On Fashion Street Blog & Online Store Facebook page

 

2. Find the competition post on our page (Monday 23 March)

 

3. Tag a friend you would like to enjoy this event with, in the comments section and also share the post for a better chance of winning.

TWITTER

1. Follow us on twitter @onfashionstreet

2. Tweet us and @electricmusicsa using the #winwithOFS & #ShowtekSA
 

 

 

GOODLUCK :)
 

  

 



 

 

 

ULTRA SOUTH AFRICA

You know how they say you should live while you’re young? well...Whoever they were, they were right. Spot on actually.  In the last few months leading up to the New Year, I had drawn up a bucket list containing things I haven’t experienced yet vs. what I’ve been forced to hear my friends rave about all the time.  I decided to challenge myself with this little adventure list and the first one I needed to tick off was to attend the International Music Festival South Africans have been so lucky to experience in the last couple of years, Ultra South Africa.   Although I had seen the after movies from the last year, I was easily convinced by my peers that you only get the true vibe experience once you’re in the crowd and a world famous DJ drops his beat.   So I did what I had to do and scored myself a media pass to the official press conference as well as the main event.  Yes, you can say I slayed that Friday the 13th dragon.

Now don’t get me wrong.  I don’t want to sound like a snob who's been living under a rocks for all eternity, but I never gave trance or edm music a proper listen to, so getting the opportunity to attend such a successful and renowned international music festival like this, didn’t quite hit me until stepping Into that elevator at the pepper club Hotel on the 13^th of  February and seeing everyone so happy and excited.  Immediately I realised that I was infact very lucky to be there.  19 floors later, we arrived at the penthouse suite to a buzzing venue filled with media and press.  We anxiously sipped our appletizers, took our seats and waited patiently.  The official voice of ultra MR Damian Pinto gets on the mic to welcome us and introduces us to the world famous Djs.  Martin Garrix, Armin Van Buuren, Dvbbs, Hardwell, Oliver Heldens and even our very own DJ Fresh & Euphonik and Goldfish Live.  Mics begin to circle the room and the questions start flowing.  The djs were so humble and down to earth, it was actually refreshing.  18 year old martin, seemed to have been asked the most questions and someone even tried to sneak in a personal question whereby he replied with a giggle and “errrm…that’s private.”  They also spoke about where their inspiration to their sets for later on had come from and why they were so excited to return to our shores for a second time.  The conference soon ended and I left there feeling it.  And by it I mean the vibes of excitement everyone else had been holding in for months.  I was ready to be in a crowd of 25000+ people dancing their hearts out.  I was ready for ULTRA!  

(pictures from the conference are my own)

 

 

 

 

 

I was a little bummed that we only made it through the still heavy traffic by 8pm, missing all the South African acts who apparently smashed it all afternoon long but we did however make it just in time to hear the closing few beats of Martin Garrix’s set and man can that kid play.  Coming through the tent, I was amazed at the amount of people there actually were.  All of them on an equal level, holding hands in groups of 5, no one person dived from the next, dancing towards the massive crowed of waving glow sticks, Confetti and even fire works.  No care in the world besides having fun and “living while they’re young”.   Instantly the euphoric energy made me realise that I had in fact been growing old to fast in the couple of years past and not enjoying my youth as often as I should, due to the on-going hustle most of us are to thick skinned to give up on (haha).  I thought to myself.  I am here to tick off one itinerary on that bucket list of mine yes and hey, even because I might be trying different things with the blog and this was the one step I needed to take to keep it moving.  But most importantly.  I was there to give myself the night that was owed to me for a solid few years now.  The night I would never possibly forget.  The night I danced in the rain like I was in a Kevin and Perry movie.  The night I lost my friends and family in the crowed and kept on grooving on my own.  The night I LIVED while I was young!! Initially, I had plans to go into the pit (front stage) possibly for some videos of the crowed, but then my battery died and I got so into Hardwell’s Set, I ended up in front of the pit but on the other side.  The side with 25000 people dancing behind me and there was no way I was going to leave.  The rest as they say folks….is history!  

 

Sponsors of the festival:

5fm

huaweicultureclub

MTV

Red bull Studios

Heineken

DSTV

and many others

Find out more about the amazing festival at www.ultrasouthafrica.com and make sure you secure your tickets as soon as they go on sale for next year.  You do not want to suffer the fomo!

 

Until next time, take care folks

 

T H A B I E T   A M A R D I E N

(The pictures below are all sourced from Rukes.com)