iDale

That’s what Levi Strauss & Co have been saying since July, and what they mean by “for good” is the upstanding noble type of good… the kind that gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside that you’ve done something for someone else less fortunate as well as the environment (that’s two fuzzy feelings for the price of one!).

4 old pairs of jeans = 4 discount vouchers. That's quality!

So it’s simple: Take any old wearable jeans into a Levi’s store and you’ll get vouchers discounting your new pairs of Levi’s!

I did it today, so should you!

Read the press release, get your questions answered and see the terms & conditions.

So I borrowed a chicken recipe from Simply Delicious, SA’s Blog Awards Winner in the Food & Wine category. I’ve got to say that it turned out to be one of the tastiest chicken dishes I’ve ever cooked! Here is how I did it…

First I prepared all the ingredients which cost less than R100 from the Spar up the road.

Preparation is key. Write that down.

• 4 chicken leg portions
• 1/2 cup Olive oil
• Juice of 2 Lemons
• 1tbsn Dijon mustard
• 2tbsn Chopped Parsley
• 1tbsn thyme leaves
• 1tbsn chopped Sage
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• Salt & Black pepper

I mixed everything you see above into a bowl and stirred it up with a fork until the mustard and olive oil were completely fused. Then I drizzled it over the chicken leg portions and left it to marinade for about 30 minutes while the oven heated up. Be sure to turn the chicken a couple of times so that the marinade is absorbed – you don’t want to miss a spot!

4 little polkas sucking up the juicy herb marinade

Initially I was going to braai using the twin-fire method I used here, but instead I grilled the food in the oven for about 30 minutes and then turned on the fan setting to make the skin slightly golden brown.

mm... mmm... mmmm... Perfection!

As you can see it came out brilliantly. And it tasted even better than it looks! I washed it down with a well-matched glass of Meerlust Pinot Noir – just right with grilled meats like chicken or salmon.

Be sure to visit Simply delicious for more recipe’s.

I’m a supporter of the local arts, so every now and then I like to expose a previously disadvantaged artist that I think does incredible work. This time round it’s a gent by the name of Mr Ndabuko who’s work speaks for itself…

"Group of Gals"

Ntuli Ndabuko was inspired by his grandfather (a painter and sculptor) and began painting and sketching both at school and while looking after cattle on the rising slopes of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

"Male Nguni Head"

When he came to Johannesburg he was encouraged to continue creating art and landed up at the JHB Art Foundation where he perfected his skills as one of the only black artists who painted with a palette knife.

"Panel Family Returns"

Ntuli later became royalty when he hooked up with the daughter of Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu (the reigning king of the Zulu nation under the traditional leadership clause). He is also a sought after sangoma – Nice one!

"Standing Masai"

As one of the greatest previously disadvantaged artists in South Africa, he chooses to reside in a township in JHB and displays his works at the Gerald A Lee Gallery in Norwood, Johannesburg. Click here to see his portfolio.

Last week I did a little “Out with the old / In with the new“. What started off as an innocent “get rid of a couple-a-things”, quickly turned into the wardrobe apocalypse of the new millennium! The final outcome was good because I ended up with some smart new threads…

Shirts with fine detail need accessories with fine detail

Being the “double cuff” kinda guy I am, it’s been a nightmare trying to find some fabric cuff links. You see, it’s not ideal when you hear the constant clanking sound of metal cuff links in the office. It’s also a complete bugger carving your name into your desk every time you move your mouse! So you need to dress them double cuffs down…

But do you think I could find said fabric cuff links anywhere? Not so fast tiger! Believe it or not, there is only one (yes, ONE) store in the entire self-proclaimed “centre of the fashion world” that is known as Sandton City where these little beauties are available:

Sigh of relief - so many wonderful colours to choose from!

Now we’re talking! From nothing to a plethora of fabric cufflinks thanks to Taggs on the upper level opposite Louis Vuitton. Hit it!

You’ve either seen these faces, read their posts or heard their names being thrown around town. You haven’t? Luckily you’ve come across this post then…

I’ve rounded up 14 diverse South African bloggers (including myself) to give you an insight into our favorite feasting activities – combining our passion for blogging with something we all need to maintain life and growth. Food.

Don’t hesitate. Get all the information on where and what’s cooking from the blogs you shouldn’t be ignoring!

Feed your curiosity! Click here to see the list…

While everyone was standing in queues to get U2 tickets, I was having a laid back relaxed weekend. As usual it kicked off with some food – on Saturday I used a herbed chicken recipe found on Simply Delicious (I’ll share that with you later in the week) which I washed down with a glass of great wine.

Herbed chicken, rice and a bottle of Pinot Noir

The girlfriend and I have kept the morning jogging going, this time doing a little more distance. It’s great to have a walk and a jog early in the morning – it just wakes you up and sets a good tone for the rest of the day. My aim is 5km per run – so wish me luck!

The starting gutter - this is where it all begins!

We always pass Skin Sense in Rivonia and I couldn’t resist snapping a picture to show and tell you that this is possibly the most tranquil place on earth. If you haven’t been for a massage or some kind of pampering here yet… then go. GO!

You'll never know true bliss until you've passed through these gates

On route we also pass this very weird house. My money is that a crazy lady like the one in Great Expectations lives here. Either way, the gate is so creative, so I had to share it with you…

This is where Nemo was last seen...

On Sunday we were lured into a small coffee shop in Sandton City called Chocolate. The menu looks great, but we didn’t have time to sit down, so we decided to get a chocochino. The owner was such a nice guy and gave me a small bar of 99% cocoa dark chocolate (Michel Cluizel) while he prepared our drink (which was incredibly tasty). The chocolate thing must be an acquired taste though – I’ll only go as far as 80% else it’s way too bitter. Lindt to be precise.

Find "Chocolate" next to Cartier in Sandton City

As you become familiar with idale, you’ll realise that a weekend is simply not complete without a braai. We gathered at a mate and had one massive cook-up! Chops, wors, chicken & kebabs – what more could you want to end off another perfect weekend?

Sometimes. Juuust sometimes... gas will do.

How was your weekend?

The Swiss are known for banking, watches and chocolates. With the aim of mind-shagging all of us, someone has gone and combined the latter with another symbol of Swiss heritage – mating the Swiss Army Knife with a little bit of Willy Wonka’s finest…

At first glance we have a set of six Swiss Army Knives...

But…

...in fact we have a swiss chocolate knife.

Not much good when you’re stuck in the wild and diabetic! But I’m sure they’re delicious!

Last night I headed to EFC AFRICA 05 for their first Heavyweight Title fight. The event was huge and all the bouts leading up to the big one were great! As you can see below, the venue was setup in it’s usual word-class way with big screens above the hexagon, floor seating and bleachers – with the latter having the best view of the cage, screens and the vibe in my opinion.

Every empty seat was filled by the time the first bell rang!

An exciting element of the night was AG Cellular’s Lamborghini giveaway. Yes, they gave away a Lamborghini Gallardo in a raffle-style competition to some oke that purchased a cell phone at some point in the last several months. Spectacular prize if you ask me!

Our favorite ginger, Sias Du Plessis, announced the winner of the Lamborghini

The Fighting

Norman “Chef” Wessels defeated Bernardo “the Black Panther” Mikixi, winning the EFC AFRICA heavyweight title. After taking Mikixi to the ground, Wessels dominated the fight until he submitted the Black Panther by rear naked choke 4 mins and 17secs into the first round!

Heavyweight Champion: Norman "The Chef" Wessels. Picture source: www.smacktalk.co.za

They kept flashing text on the screen that said something like “When giants clash, the world shakes and the heavens open!”. I hadn’t a clue what they meant until Wessels wept with tears of joy after the fight. I’m super stoked as Mikixi is a serious contender and I was expecting him to win after witnessing the past victories he’s had at EFC.

Gareth McLellan

The grudge match between Garreth “Soldierboy” McLellan and Wade “G.O.A.T” Henderson lived up to the massive hype, with McLellan taking a submission victory late in the second round. But Henderson didn’t tap out! He was way too stubborn for that and rather passed out.

Fight of the Night was the welterweight bout between Remo “the Destroyer’ Ralph and Dino “the Lion” Bagattin and submission of the Night went to Nolan “the Real Deal” Swanepoel submitted Chad Hepburn with a heal hook.

Riveting stuff! Visit EFC AFRICA and get your tickets for the next event in December. My favorite fighter, Chris Bright, will be taking on Wentzel Nel!

I’m a complete sucker for industrial designs that combine the functions of two products into one. It’s just… so… smart! Like I wish I came up with this kinda stuff…

Now it's a bin.

Now it's a pan.

And there you have it… the “Binpan”. Admit?

Behold the Sesto Elemento concept from Lamborghini…

Front view, when I'm walking towards her from far...

Side view, about to open the door for the girlfriend...

Top view, looking down on her from the balcony INSIDE the garage...

Did you take that in? Great! Now set your sight on these:

• The Lamborghini Reventón Roadster (guys)
• Seriously Hot Lambo Heels (girls)
• SA Blog Boys and Their Dream Toys (everyone)