Happy New Year 2013

We road tripped. we left Cape Town and headed up the Garden Route. we overnighted a few nights at my friend's magical farm between the forests of Knysna and Plett. they have fireflies that visit and fly in a spiral dance every night. we saw a full moon rise. we harvested 100 vine leaves to make 100 dolmades. we harvested fresh herbs from the garden, and visited Sedgefield Market where my friends sell their handmade silver jewelry and leather goods. we swam in the rock pools of Kara Tara. my friends are living the good life.

We made our way to Hogsback, to the magical misty mountains of Terra Khaya and Away with the Fairies. we drank whiskey, we walked the Labyrinth. we partied on the edge of the world. we left the mist for the sunshine coast, to the shores of Cintsa and Buccaneers. this is a place of legends, the most beautiful shore line, people and food. The Barefoot Cafe gets a special mention. it was a holiday to remember, my thanks.

Photos: Fiona Hare

In the studio

I was in the studio today recording the 7th track for my album. 3 more songs to go and i'm done. I'm playing electric guitar on it that has a slow, hard, grungy feel, my tribute to grunge, to the 90's. it was a fun session. i'm happy with my harmonies (which used to be so hard for me, but i'm getting better the more i do it) and with ashton's vision. i'm in the studio every Thursday till the album is done. the track is called Hands.

Shop Local

Support Local

I have a great belief is supporting local. Today I bought lunch from my friend, an out-of-work-mother-of-two. She receives no maintenance from her ex-husband. Our paths have crossed for a year now. I met her in Checkers with her teenage daughter. She started selling sandwiches where I work, and now she is doing amazing things: fresh ciabattas, and organic healthy salads for R25 each. (real value for money) I feel good for her, I feel good supporting her. She found a niche and went for it. She didn't sit around.

This year I tried to support local and buy local for Xmas presents. I went to a great home market in Muizenburg. My people loved what I bought them, and I wanted to share a few of the artists' goodies that were on sale (I could have bought so much more) (I am saving up more) (It's a good feeling.) These artists are among the best in Cape Town. They are ceramicists and jewelers and designers are creatives and I love their work.

 

http://www.mychinaceramics.com 

http://www.laurenfowler.co.za

http://www.steffanyroup.com/


http://www.genekierman.com/art-design/

The Wheel by SOHN

 LISTEN HERE The Wheel

Steffaloo - Would You Stay

LISTEN HERE Steffaloo - Would You Stay

Ellie Goulding - High For This (The Weeknd Cover)

LISTEN HERE Ellie Goulding - High For This (The Weeknd Cover)

Black Dog

Holy Shmoly I released a track today. It's called Black Dog.
It's super rocky and hard. My hardest track to date.
You can listen to it here if you like http://soundcloud.com/fionahare/black-d0g

Don Pedros

For locals and lovers, travellers and gypsies, this restaurant is a treat. Don Pedros was originally opened in the 1990's, a popular drinking spot, and has recently been taken over by Madame Zingaras. It is quirky and fun, like most of their restaurants, and you can dine while listening to cabaret. (Find out what night it's on, it's a R20 cover charge but so worth it taking you back to the70's) I thought the food was great, the prices good, and the experience was all round memorable. I had the Duck al Orange, and lots of 'champagne'. I'll definitely  be back for more.

113 Roodebloem rd, Woodstock

Gypsy

I've been feeling nomadic of late. it's the gypsy spirit stirring again. luckily i've planned my life so that i'm away every weekend until Christmas. lots of west coast trips, ocean, music and sun. the beautiful life on the open road. here are some beauties i want for summer.

single fin board, original wood finish

floral beach turban

ethnic print dress

aztec print pancho

friendship bracelets

gypsy turban

Indie Shuffle

Hello lovelies. What are you up to? I'm flat on my back (pretending to watch the rugby) but actually blogging. (From my iPhone) (yes I know I'm late to the party) The best thing I can say about my Iphone is the new App I downloaded this morning that streams new, never heard of before Indie music. I was making breakfast, flipping pancakes and streaming new tunes from www.indieshuffle.com Just, go there, you won't be sorry. I promise. (and was created by a fellow South African! Jason Grishkoff) (super awesome)

Nu Folk

Oh my soul. today is a day of winter rain and Cape of storms. a day for fireside singing and all things nu folk. let me give you an example of how i'm feeling..(also expectant for all the summer festivals!)

Evelyn Hart

Evelyn Hart is our very own Florence & the Machine. she is better than Florence. A sweet celtic gothic songstress, she has created her own genre. I cannot describe it, you've got to see it. She held her own, and commandeered a rowdy Waiting Room crowd for over an hour with her voice. you could hear a pin drop. I'm not exaggerating. I've still got goosebumps. Her band members (her fiance is the drummer, plus her guitarist) fit in perfectly with her, weaving spell-binding rhythms and e-bow around her vocals. Here are my pics from Tuesday night, and a link to her Facebook page. I hope you get to see her soon. https://www.facebook.com/evelynhartmusic

 

Photos: Fiona Hare

Matthew Mole is the business

Matthew is amazing. I saw him live on Tuesday. His voice makes me yearn for something, I don't know what. He has a great humbleness on stage. Accessible. I hope he never changes. If he had a cd out I would by ten. C'mon Matthew, let us have it :) I believe in you. Here are my pics from Tuesday night, at the Waiting Room. I hope you like them. Go and listen to his sounds here http://soundcloud.com/matthew-mole
and go and watch his shows. this boy gonna go far..

Photos: Fiona Hare