I’m sitting inside model lounge new york and the place is buzzing with beautiful girls. They are all getting ready to head to castings for fashion week. I love coming here to see the cool outfits the girls put together. The girls are so stylish, and full of energy. Model lounge has a host of event set up as well for the girls to help them get valuable casting tips, as well as providing a relaxing and fun stop over place from all the hustle and bustle of the freezing cold city. Heres a blurry pic

I’m finally back on board with this blogging business, and I have been trying to think of something to blog about. Mostly because I feel so out of practice, I keep thinking about really stupid stuff to write about. But i guess i need to start somewhere again, so i thought to write about how ridiculously fun and embarrassing white water rafting is.

For Christmas i decided i was in much need of some quality family time, so i headed across the world to New Zealand, where both my brother and sister live. All in all its very beautiful and if you like the out doors its great. So as one does when one is in an out-door-sy environment, one slaps on a giant orange life vest that makes one feel like an oros man. I have never felt so beautiful as i did that day….kidding obviously.

It’s a lot harder than you think to paddle along in the river, but as I was feeling fat and gross in the orange suit i figured i may as well put some effort into trying to look athletic. So we are going along and going along, all the kiwis going “sweet as”, “sweet as”. when we come to a waterfall… we go sailing down it and I’m thinking “SWEET ASS, IM GOING TO DIE”. All the while with a big smile on my face. The idea that near death can be so fun boggles my mind, when the next thing i get landed on top of, and that was not so much fun. So I hardened the f#%^ up and got over the pain so i could enjoy the rest of the mini water falls.

All in all i would definitely do this again

This year I got to appear on The David Letterman Show for the second time, although just a cameo appearance, its was still very fun. I really enjoyed being part of this segment. here we say what the reasons are that this years SI Swimsuit issue is the best. If you didn’t get my line: which i didn’t at first either, it means that the issue is made from recycled paper, and the jokes of The Letterman Show are also recycled.

It was great to be at the cover reveal, and feel the excitement in the air between the girls over what the issue would be like, ho

This years Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue was one of my favorite, mostly because i had had one of the most exciting shoots of my life. Its not hard to see why if you have bought the magazine. My shoot takes place in the wild of Zambia, and even though i had been there many times for shoots, i was not prepared for the crazy yet awesome things i was going to encounter. As the magazine opens on one of my favorite shots i thought this story would be the first that i would tell.

The Victoria Falls is the highest waterfall in the world, and the river leading up to it is full of wild animals, and is very strong. Before arriving in Zambia, i spent the entire plane trip from new york thinking, i hope they don’t put me in the river, i do not want to go over the waterfall. However after a few days of shooting and getting my groove back, i agreed to do the Devil’s Pool shot. (Of course i asked around to see how dangerous this actually was). The guides who take you there had told me that nobody had ever gotten hurt, so i was pretty confident in their guidance.

The most amazing part was when we realized that we had to swim through the river against the current to get to the pool, and i can only imagine what it must have looked like from the shore. The entire team swimming through the river in a line. The adrenaline rush that i felt once i got the the devils pool was incredible, i would definitely recommend it to anyone heading out that way. The guides who were taking us there were quite fun as well, very upbeat and tried to keep the mood light, which was a great way to make us all confident in what we were doing.

I jumped into the Devil’s Pool from the rocks where we were standing and made my way to the edge of the waterfall. The currents had formed a little pool, and at the edge of the waterfall the rocks formed an edge which was about half a meter wide. there is a rope in the water which tourists can use to hold onto. I sat up on the rocks, scared of how high the falls really are and not knowing weather the rocks were slippery or not. It took me some time to get my feet but eventually i used the top to lift my self out of the water, while at the same time using the back of my legs against the wall to steady myself. I did not look over the edge of the falls, i saved that till the shot was over.

One of the hardest parts about shooting this shot was trying to keep my balance while still moving and creating elegant body shapes for Derek to photograph. At the end of it all the entire team jumped into the pool with me and one of the guides took a group photo of us. i can’t wait to get that photo and put it up, because it’s definitely one of my most favorite memories.

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to both wear Nicholas Kirkwood on my feet and meet him at the same time! Saks Fifth Avenue was abuzz with people falling over their fabulous footwear to meet the man who has created these sexy pieces of art. I must say i was also quite excited, but I’m guessing partly because, i had his design on! The evening was wonderfully attended by girls and boys looking to take in the shoes, champaign and cupcakes. My favorite pair on display was a red white and yellow pair (see above) which caught my eye from across the room as though it fancied asking me to a valentines dinner, if it had, I’m convinced i would have said yes. However i did really love the pink ferraris I had last night (above) they made me feel like cinderella at the ball, but i definitely wouldn’t have left THIS shoe on a step like her! Have a peak at their website and see for yourself.

Since i have been working in america, specifically new york, one of the things i always look forward to when coming back is, the model lounge. Its always there for me when I’m cold, when I’m tired, need someone to talk to or just need a pick me up. It’s the models best friend. My contribution was my love for hot apple cider, Bernard the genius behind it all, made this available soon after i first started going there. Whether it is or is not, i’m going to claim as something special just for me.

The idea behind ModelLounge is great, its a place for models to go in between castings and shows, or jobs. In fact when ever a model feels like she needs a place to go. She can go there. With comfortable couches, lively music, internet, and refreshments available- its the perfect place a for the traveling girl to find what ever she needs.

Sometimes we get goodies like today i got a bag filled with wonderful treats to make life that much easier, but ModelLounge is more than just what YOU can get. Its about finding a place to go and interact with other girls, and ultimately make friends in this huge city.

I asked Bernard a few questions:

What is your favourite thing about ModelLounge?
My favourite thing about ModelLounge is, when a model appreciates, and conveys their appreciation. For example some have baked cookies or brought flowers, or even just a simple word of acknowledgement goes a long way.

What’s the funniest thing that ever happened here?
Sometimes girls try to sneak in that aren’t models, it isn’t embarrassing for me, but its embarrassing to them. I try to be nice about it and take them aside and just explain the situation.

Which ModelLounge is your favourite, Miami or New York?
I like both because they are so different, New york because its year round, and because i live in new york. New York just because it is , New York.
And miami because of the warm weather, as well as the onsite beach, pool and gym access.

When is your favourite time of year to hang out in ModelLounge?
The september fashion week is my favourite time, because the time of year and weather. Its also directly following our summer program so there are a lot of girls.

What’s the worst part about the job?
Disappointing models, especially those who value Modellounge. Lack of appreciation. Misconceptions. Rude visitors.

Well some girls love it some girls don’t care for it, but i only wish that there could be more ModelLounges, because i love it.

Recently a new TV series was launched called Pan Am, for those that haven’t seen the show its quite an adventurous show, set around the glamorous Pan Am air hostess’ lifestyles of the 60′s. Knowing that i had a trip planned i tried to find ways to glam things up a bit for myself. A kind of mini adventure.

I read an interview online, where the person being interviewed was an actual air hostess for Pan Am in the 60′s. She went on to say, that when she was hostessing, they never used the carts to carry the food around, and also that a lot of the food, like the eggs, where made fresh. While the article did nothing for my preflight glamour ideas, and left me going along with my usual routine, it did get me thinking during my flight. Fortunately on this particular trip i was lucky enough to fly business class on Emirates. During the leg of Dubai to JFK i was on a new kind of plane, double decker the whole way, it was pretty impressive, and we had our own little suites each.

The air hostesses and stewards didn’t use carts, and i did feel very glamorous. They had a cute little bar/lounge at the back of the plane for the passengers, and even had a high tea. The food of course was delicious, i had to really hold myself back. Emirates had really gone above and beyond to make flying that little bit more glamorous than the more recent flights I’ve been on. So maybe there is hope to making air travel an exciting pleasant experience. Instead of making us fellow passengers feel as though we are hitch hiking for free. It was so refreshing to have such great service. I look forward to my return trip home!

This last week has been one of the most stressful weeks of my life. Due to unforeseen circumstances i had to pack up my whole life and put it into storage before my upcoming trip to new york. The packing part was easy, the hard part was moving my Horatio. He is definitely the cutest most lovable cat in the whole world, its an undisputed fact! He has become one of the most important things in my life, and knowing that i would have to take him to live with my dad for the next 2 months was very traumatic for me. I felt so guilty for having to disrupt his happy little life, and take him on a plane, something he has never done. While i spent the whole week boxing and cleaning and sorting, little Horaysh kept me company by playing in and on everything.

His cuteness is really what made this so much harder. I soon realized that Horatio has a LOT of toys and intact his own furniture pieces. I sent all this by cargo a few days before hand, and finally on moving day it was me my bags and him and his little travel box. My heart was broken, he cried when i put him in the box, which made me cry and before long sobbing mom and baby were on their way to the airport.

But finally when we got to durban, i realized i had made the right decision for him, and that’s what really counts at the end of the day. Having pets is a wonderful thing but also a huge responsibility, and it doesn’t matter at the end of the day how sad i am about leaving him with my dad, what matters is his well-being and safety.

3 days later, Horatio is settling in nicely and I’m ready to go, i know that when i say good bye to him tomorrow i am going to be very upset. After all he is the cutest kitty in the world. If you don’t believe me just look at the pictures.

The first week of 2012 saw my learning to do something i have never done before. My mother used to say that the way you spend new years is the way that your year will be. Based on that, maybe this year will be about learning to challenge myself in things that i haven’t done before. What i learnt during that week was how to ski. Being from a country where it snows only every 20 years for 5 minutes, this was a serious deal for me. Not only this but i had the fear of God in me, that i would fall and hurt myself, leaving me not able to work. Lucky for me i didn’t hurt myself, although i definitely fell enough times.

The first day was very scary, i felt as though i was going to be ridden into as well as snap all the bones in my body. fortunately the coach that i had was kind enough to take me away from the other students to learn. We decided to go to the top of the mountain to learn and before long i was able to go on a small slope, although i snow plowed my way down i was very proud of my self. The second day saw me having lots of muscle pain, i clearly was not expecting that! so i just did a half day because hey i knew i had 5 more days to go. But low and behold day three was going to attack me like a rabid dog. I got up nice and early to go and meet the coach, we went up to the top of the mountain and came down the first short slope, to discover they closed all the lifts. In my naivety i assumed they would just let those of us who were on the mount back up to the top so we could catch the gondola down, but no, no they said no. Upon freaking out inside after realizing that i had to ski from the very top to the very bottom of a mountain, we set off. I must say that this was one of the most exciting experiences of my life, not knowing whether i was going to make it down safely or not, or as to whether i would land up just sitting on a rock until the snow melted in the spring. I did crash into piles of snow to slow down about 20 times, but i didn’t hurt my self at all, i felt so proud of myself. By the time i got to the bottom i was almost able to ski parallel! Unfortunately the weather stayed bad for the last few days of the trip but I would definitely like to go back next year and give it another go!

Recently the social media in South Africa has been abuzz with the promise of something, special for us girls. I am all for a little bit of me time, and pampering. And GlossyBox came to the rescue. The idea behind GlossyBox is to give us girls a chance to try out new products in the comfort of our own home without the hassle of having to almost bribe the women who work at make up counter to part with a sample or 2.

Everyone loves receiving gifts, especially me, so when my glossy box arrived this morning i was having a fit of excitement, what could be better than receiving a gift every single month. Elegantly boxed in a feint pink box, its holds an array of exciting new products to try. i almost thought to run upstairs and start applying all the products immediately, then i had a better plan. I would finish doing all my packing for my upcoming trip to new york, then sit back, relax with a glass of champers, and get girly.

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