Feel the love…

Without getting too serious in your lovely faces, this week’s post cannot go without mentioning the fact that today marks the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. You’d think that after 27 years behind bars, the man would have booked a one-way ticket to Mauritius and taken a well-deserved holiday - spa treatments and cocktails included.

But no, Madiba stuck to his peace-loving guns and transformed our country into something we can be proud of. So it’s only fair that at the age of 91, he is allowed some R&R away from the public eye. A huge thank you to the nation’s grandfather for everything he’s done for us and here’s wishing him a wonderful day surrounded by the people he loves.

Speaking of love, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday for those of you living in denial) and whether you’re single or coupled up, make sure you do something fun. As for me, I’m heading to the movies with some friends and colleagues to watch the star-studded Valentine’s Day tomorrow after work. Who can say no to Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Julia Roberts, Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner? Not me, clearly.

The rest of the weekend is quickly filling up with too many awesome alternative parties to attend at once. The Bohemian in Richmond is hosting the Bo Janglers’ tribute to New Wave and New Romanticism on Saturday (R30 gets you in. Find them on Facebook for more info). The Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein is celebrating love with another Scream party featuring Desmond and the Tutus, City Bowl Mizers and Spoek Mathambo (R40 before 10pm and again, Facebook will tell you more) and the super dodgy but always fun vampire hangout Red Room in Honeydew is giving props to Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game, screening Wild at Heart at 8pm and opening up the dance floor afterwards (entrance is usually about R30 and you know where to click for more info).

It probably sounds like my job is one big party, and mostly it is. I won’t bore you with my work week, suffice to say it’s been a long one. I did however gate crash a YSL launch with our beauty ed Pippa last night at Circa gallery in Rosebank. If you haven’t yet checked out the architectural wonder, visit the contemporary art showcase at 2 Jellicoe Avenue. The current exhibition is apparently the work of local artist Angus Taylor whose masculine sculptures and giant straw heads are all kinds of intimidating, interesting and thought provoking. More than that, I’m not nearly qualified enough to say…

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. If you can’t be with one you love, love the one you’re with…

Nat
XoXo