For some, chilling out may mean booking a camping site 20 km from the nearest village a year in advance. Or going into a Trappist monastery until the festive season is over.

But most people will have a more sociable time – either at home, visiting relatives, or at the seaside somewhere. Who knows, you might need to get back to the office in January to get some rest. In order to get the most out of your break , women24.com suggest that you try and avoid the following festive season stressors.

Guests galore. You have a big house, and over Christmas it fills up with aunties, grannies, nieces, uncles – you name it. Instead of looking after four people, you are now looking after twelve. This is no holiday for you, as you are the unofficial entertainment committee, the caterer, the conflict resolution specialist, and the local cleaner. If you live in a popular destination, you might have to put your foot down. Or at least put together a duty roster for the cooking and the cleaning. And, for heaven’s sake, don’t feel you have to be the unofficial tour guide. Take a day or two off and let the guests entertain themselves.

Feeding frenzy. Food, food, food. It’s all over during the Christmas season and it’s lying in wait for you everywhere, and we’re not talking about celery sticks either. It’s chips, cakes, cheese snacks, chocolates, to name but a few. And, after all, you’re on holiday. So why not? That’s fine, but just don’t get into a new habit. Most people end the festive season with quite a few kilos that were not there in November. Don’t become a festive season fatty.

Booze bonanza. From the office party to friends’ homes, to family barbecues – booze is no stranger to the festive season. And often, other people are paying for it. By all means have a beer or two, if you’re not driving, but don’t binge on booze. Drinking too much is something that carries its own punishment with it, a bit like eating that second helping of hot Indian curry. And do remember, that everyone likes you to have a drink or two, but nobody likes having a social embarrassment at their parties. Fall down drunk, or insult one of the other guests, and you can be sure you’ll be off the party list. Forever.

I’m so lonely. Some people wish everything could be a little quieter. Others wish for a break from the peace and quiet and they dream of the phone ringing or a horde of guests arriving. The secret is to arrange a few things in advance. Invite people for supper, get a friend to go with you to a movie, or organise a day or two away in a different place. Don’t wait until the festive season is upon you before doing something about your social calendar. It’s not going to happen by itself.

Exercise inertia. Most people give their exercise regimes a break during the festive season. It is, after all, the end of the year. Problem is, many people overindulge completely on the food front at the same time, and coupled with a fortnight of couch-potato-ism, your waistline might be expanding at the rate of knots. Go for a walk with the family, run along the beach, play volleyball. Do anything to burn up those extra calories. And get back into it early in the new year.

Credit card crisis. The last of the Big Spenders. If that describes you in the shopping centre with your Christmas bonus and your credit card, you’re obviously a sucker for all those Christmas ads. And you’re going to be stony broke in January, and depressed in February when the credit card statements start arriving. Point is that you can probably buy just as nice a present for R100 as you can for R200, or R400. You just need to plan it well. It’s the thought that counts, not the size of the present.

Sunburn stress. The sun in the southern hemisphere is vicious , and skin cancer is a real danger. And remember that the damage is cumulative. Burning yourself to a crisp or having a whimpering and sunburnt child on your hands, is no way to spend Christmas. Speak to your pharmacist and get a high-factor sunblock before you head for the beach. And speaking of the beach – watch out for bluebottles or pieces of broken glass in the sand.

Crowd control. Think of Christmas, and what many people see are teeming masses of people in a shopping centre, all of them with a mission, and accompanied by at least two unwilling and exhausted kids. It can be avoided – do your gift shopping in November and do a bulk grocery shop before 18 December. Milling crowds can be exhausting, and elicit everything but the Christmas spirit in you. In fact, it can bring on a bout of trolley rage.

Gift of the grab. Frantic last-minute gift-buying is a killer – not only don’t you get what you are looking for, you also spend a fortune on it. Rather than give unwanted and expensive presents, go for gift vouchers – at least people will appreciate them, even if they are not the most personal of offerings.

Family fest. Family. You get them, you don’t choose them. And never is it more obvious than at Christmas time when Uncle Freddy is holding forth on all his achievements, or Aunt Doris is slurring after her third beer. Or your cousin’s kids are running around screaming, chasing your poor cats. Then there are the endless questions about when you are going to tie the knot, have babies etc. Family get-togethers seldom do much for your self-esteem. Just repeat the mantra, “It will soon be over for another year.”

Arniston Bay has a wide wine range that will suit any palate for all the festive season occasions.

Source: women24.com

A recent study found that consuming a glass of red wine before dinner may help shed a few pounds by increasing a woman’s sense of fullness.

But some dieticians indicate that wine may also hurt a weight loss program because the wine reduces the ‘focus on appropriate eating’. In other words, after a little too much wine, the bag of potato chips may become irresistible.

Read more on winemag.com

They are the winners  of the Head over Heels competition and we hope they enjoy their prizes.

 Thanks to everyone who entered and who contributed to make this a very successful competition.

The prizes: 

• - The first prize is a gift voucher for one pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. The gift voucher will be sufficient to cover the average cost of a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. 
• - The second prize is a shopping spree. This comprises a gift voucher worth R4 000 for the mall closest to where the winner resides. 
• - The third prize comprises champagne hampers (a case of Arniston Bay sparkling champagne, a cool de sac and champagne stopper) and spa treatments (worth R500 each) for the winner and three friends. 

Shows and exhibitions can take its toll and really tire you out and that is why laid back brand , Arniston Bay  Wines,  decided to be the ‘Unwind Haven’  for visitors at this year’s Jo’burg Women’s Show.

This year’s Women’s Show promises to be an exciting event with numerous interesting talks, make up tips and exhibitions focusing on the celebration of being a women. The Show  will run from 27-29 August at the Coca Cola dome.

Come and join us for an unwinding glass of wine and stand a chance to win pampering foot hampers to revive tired tootsies.

For more info please visit: thewomensshow.co.za

Life is rushing by and we really don’t have the time to treat ourselves. But this Women’s day is probably the right day to get the batteries recharged,  relax and untwined. Do it,  you deserve it.

A few tips to relax and unwind, and to spoil yourself a bit this Women’s Day.

• Take a bubble bath

Light some candles. Play some of your favourite relaxing music. Run a warm bubble bath, and let your troubles soak away. Taking a warm bubble bath will relax your muscles, and put you in a more focused state. A glass of wine can also help to set the relaxing mood.

• Go to the spa

Getting a spa treatment is relaxing, and should help to get you in the right frame of mind to chill and relax

• Buy something for yourself

Treat yourself with something that you really like but never get the time to convince yourself to buy it.

• Get some rest

Take a timeout, rent a movie and relax at home. Me time is necessary and you never make time to spend with your best friend … you.

• Open a bottle of Arniston Bay bubbly

This wine has been described as an elegant wine with fresh bubbles and a crispy finish. This is just what you need to spoil and yourself.

Arniston Bay Wines salute all women who make a difference and we hope you enjoy your Women’s Day.

Source: essortment.com

Even though all women are affected with MCD – Manolo Compulsive Disorder – most don’t take things to Imelda Marcos extremes. But who’s to say that, with the resources, time and shelf space, they wouldn’t?

According to a UK study, British women possess £637 million (R8 billion) worth of high heels that they have never worn. ‘A woman’s predilection towards buying shoes is only occasionally a practical one,’ explains Sue Constable, a shoe heritage officer at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, which holds a collection of more than 12,000 pairs. And if you’ve ever dispatched half your pay cheque on a pair of yellow neon mules with vertiginous heels, you will know exactly what she means.

But don’t worry: ‘Buying shoes fulfils another need,’ continues Constable. ‘The need to escape, to fantasise; the Cinderella factor.’ In other words, it’s enough to feel that those heels could whisk you safely down a red carpet, even if they’re more likely to end up sitting in their box.

‘For every practical purchase there is an aspirational purchase, and that is enormously beneficial for mental health and well-being,’ says Cary Cooper, a professor of psychology and health at the University of Lancaster. So, before your partner throws up his smelly trainers in protest, let him in on the cure for your addiction – increased cupboard space.

Source: docstoc.com

And now that you stand the chance of winning a pair of designer shoes, you’ll have even more reason to enjoy Arniston Bay wines. Send us the reason why you’re head over heels for Arniston Bay wines (the wine bottle must also have a starring role in your entry), and we’ll add another pair of enviable shoes to your collection.

Enter online by clicking here

The competition closes on 31 July 2010. Terms and conditions apply. 

COMPETITION:

Show us why you’re head over heels for Arniston Bay wines

-      Please note: To be eligible to enter, a bottle of Arniston Bay wine must be visible in your entry, regardless of whether it’s a photograph, video, etc

COMPETITION PRIZES:

First prize: Win a pair of designer shoes (Jimmy Choos, of course!)
Second prize: Win a shopping spree
Third prize: Champagne hampers and salon treatments for you and 3 friends

One for the ladies!

To celebrate the release of the Sex and the City movie sequal, Arniston Bay are offering a chance to win one of two hampers to the value of R500!

The hampers include a pedicure set, Sex & the City 1 DVD and a case Arniston Bay bubbly.

To enter visit:  winemag.co.za   

Remember:

You can also go to   www.arniston-bay.com  to stand a chance to win more prizes including a pair of Jimmy Choos, a shopping spree, spa treatments for you and your girls as well as bubbly.

Haul out your beloved heels, and huddle your girlfriends closer! Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha are stepping out in style again on the big screen for the Sex and the City movie sequel. And now, Arniston Bay is giving you even more reason to celebrate: simply show us why you’re head over heels for Arniston Bay bubbly and you could win a pair of designer shoes!

Distinctive, modern and definitely the best “accessory” for any occasion: you’d be forgiven for thinking we were describing an item from a SATC star’s wardrobe, when in fact we’re referring to our delectable Arniston Bay Charmat Brut. Little wonder it’s the drink of choice for fashionistas and the well-heeled for when celebrating with friends.

The link between champagne and shoes (or should we say Choos), dates back to the olden days when gentleman in fact used to drink champagne from a gorgeous lady’s shoe. In modern times, the ladies are far too fanatical about their footwear to allow such an act of opulence. (In fact, the only time they’re willing to part with their prized pairs is when kicking their feet up in Arniston or dipping their feet in the azure Arniston ocean.

Marilyn Monroe summed it up correctly when she said “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!”.  Luckily, you won’t owe much (the recommended retail price is R45) when you open a bottle of Arniston Bay Charmat Brut, a refreshing wine that’s perfect for life’s carefree moments.

Made from Colombar grapes, this non-vintage Charmat Brut is known for its fresh aromas, natural acid and zesty tropical fruit flavours. Arniston Bay winemaker, Abraham de Villiers, said: “This wine has wonderful aromas and a creamy, delicate palate, and is perfect for everything from pamper parties to a relaxing with a good book or an uplifting dinner party with friends.”

And now that you stand the chance of winning a pair of designer shoes, you’ll have even more reason to enjoy Arniston Bay wines. Send us the reason why you’re head over heels for Arniston Bay wines (the wine bottle must also have a starring role in your entry), and we’ll add another pair of enviable shoes to your collection.

Email your entries to info@arniston-bay.com with “Head over heels for Arniston Bay” in the subject line. The competition closes on 31 July 2010. Terms and conditions apply. 

COMPETITION:

Show us why you’re head over heels for Arniston Bay wines

-      Please note: To be eligible to enter, a bottle of Arniston Bay wine must be visible in your entry, regardless of whether it’s a photograph, video, etc

COMPETITION PRIZES:

First prize: Win a pair of designer shoes
Second prize: Win a shopping spree
Third prize: Champagne hampers and salon treatments for you and 3 friends

Sophia Loren once said, “When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”

Mother’s have been recognised in special ways for thousands of years. Mother’s Day is celebrated in over 40 countries around the world, the exact date and the way this event is celebrated, however, varies from country to country since Ancient Greece. In South Africa, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in the month of May (this year it falls on Sunday 9 May).

Let’s make sure we all tell our mom’s how special they are to us. Start from the very moment she wakes up. Ask anyone what the most important day of the year is to them and you will get answers ranging from their birthday to Christmas. How many will say Mother’s Day? Unfortunately, very few, for some reason Mother’s Day gets overlooked or down played a bit. Yes, there are commercials all over reminding you to send flowers or do something special… but where is the real sentiment? Your mom deserves a great reward for taking on the most rewarding yet thankless jobs on earth.

Allow her to put her feet up for a change and spoil her with the crisp taste of the Arniston Bay Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009 vintage with its lifted cut grass and green pea aromas. It’s a treat for your palate with crisp acidity and is delicious with a variety of green salads, asparagus and any shell-fish dish. In fact why not cook her a great meal and serve her, the very best in premium wine.

From clubdine.co.za

The first SA Food bloggers conference was a wonderful day and will definitely become an annual event.

South African Food bloggers came together at the Cook’s Playground in Cape Town and it was amazing to meet (in person) some of the legends of SA food Blogging.

It was incredible to have online food personalities like  Browniegirl , Jeanne (the Cooksister) and Jenny (Giggling Gourmet ) under one roof at the same event.

The speakers gave very interesting views and tips and this all was fruits for thoughts.

Arniston Bay was proud to be a co-sponsor of this event and we truly hope that this event will become an annual highlight for SA food bloggers.

Read more…

Photos of this event visit can be seen here