Word of the day: Snickerdoodle!

My gran used to make [these biscuits] and I used to LOVE [these biscuits] and dip a dozen of [these biscuits]. But never in my life did anyone think to tell me that [these biscuits] are called Snickerdoodles. The name itself is delicious. I mean, half the joy lies in saying that name, people! Quite frankly, I feel a little betrayed.

On a different note, tomorrow is my last day as a desk bound copywriter before I take off into the world of self-employed tea sippers, known to the rest of society as freelancers. Celebrations are in order, me thinks, and snickerdoodles seem like a worthy treat for such a golden occasion.

So, what is this 'snickerdoodle' I speak of? Observe, friend, and prepare for your taste buds to melt:

Tempted yet?

Snickerdoodles (recipe via Real Simple)


Ingredients

    3  cups  all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
    1  teaspoon  baking soda
    2  teaspoons  cream of tartar
    1/2  teaspoon  kosher salt
    1  cup  (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
    1/2  cup  light brown sugar
    1 1/4  cups  granulated sugar
    2  large eggs
    2  teaspoons  pure vanilla extract
    2  teaspoons  ground cinnamon

Directions


  • Heat oven to 375° F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
  • With an electric mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and 1 cup of the granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the cinnamon and the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Form the dough into balls (each equal to 1 level tablespoon). Roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  • Bake until the edges are golden, 12 to 14 minutes.
  • Cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  • Makes 60, yes 60 Snickerdoodle-doo's 

What's more, you can fill them with cream cheese frosting...

And prepare yourself for...

SNICKERDOODLE CUPCAKES! Holy moly, indeed.



Usually when people refer to food as "gorgeous", I want to throw myself off the nearest building. But in this case, even I can't think of a better description.

Bruilof season 1 ready to launch!


So a couple of months ago the director of a brand new TV series called Bruilof approached me to write the scripts for this fresh and glamorous lifestyle show. The idea? To showcase South Africa's world class wedding industry, helping brides-to-be to plan their magical day right down to the colour of the napkin rings.

And finally, after many many MANY sleepless scriptwriting nights (no exaggeration there), endless interviews with wedding planners and service providers, writing press releases, presenter biographies and what not, the first four episodes are ready to go live.

Bruilof launches on August 7th, 21:30 on KykNET and eventhough I've seen the pilot backwards and forwards at least 76 times, I can't wait to see it on TV. That, and the thrill of finally seeing my name in the credits, is really all that's keeping me from passing out cold on my keyboard. In the meantime, be sure to check out the site and Facebook page for more info and pics on this brand new brainchild.

I'm not old, Just senile


I've always had a bit of a thing for cute kiddie books and always imagined myself writing one someday. Then again, kids have enough nightmares of their own without me implanting vivid images of deranged teaspoons and telepathic space monkeys in their fragile little minds. So I've placed that dream on hold until I can remember where I once buried my sanity or my imaginary drug sniffing police dog locates it for me.

In the meantime I'll just let myself be inspired by kiddies books like this one - knock me over with a five foot spatula if this ain't the cutest thing since Nemo (",)




They can sure teach Cathy and Mark and Boet en Saartjie a thing or two.

Redro Print

You can only imagine how much fun we had shooting this campaign. Needless to say by the end of it "toast" was hardly on anyone's menu for the next week.

Click to enlarge

 



Don't strain your eyes, click on the ads to enlarge them.

Agency: Herbuoys éKapa
Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Art director: Paige Harris



ON TAP Print Ad

Agency: Tomcat
Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Designer: Berlize de Jager

Pie in the sky

I haven't slept more than 3 hours every night this past week so for this post only, all spelling and grammar aside, okay? Heck it took me two minutes to figure out how to spell grammar. Anyhoo. This is really just a quicky post to tell you, no to inform you, that I found this really cool picture you've probably already seen. But you're going to see it again now anyway. 'Cause it's cool. Which means it can't ever grow old. Or cold. So it can't get boring. Do you see where I'm going with this?

'Cause I sure don't.
 
In case you're as foggy as I am, click on the pic to enlarge it. You're welcome.


Moir's Biscuits trade magazine ad 2012

This ad formed part of the extensive Moir's Fit for a Queen campaign and is aimed at retailers. Instead of only showing off the packs, we opted for a more extensive chocolate box look & feel.

 

Agency: Herdbuoys éKapa
Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Art director: Paige Harris

Short and sweet inspiration

 I love a good ad that's short, sweet and simply to the point. Like this sentence.







These last two form part of a campaign recently launched by Draft FCB. I'm not particularly a fan of long copy ads (all that effort knowing no one will take the time to read it? No thanks.) But these... oh oh holy moly: writer dude or chicky - whoever you are, consider me a fan.




And just a last one to demonstrate why short copy just turns my little world upside down:



Now why didn't I think of that.

News made interesting. No jokes.

This particular post pre-dates Noah's ark, I know. But please bear with my scattered brain - if I don't post this link right here, right now, I fear I might wake up one morning and this gigglesome parody site (yes, I just linked it again. Sue me) will be wiped clean from the oddly distorted slate that is my brain.

Next to 9gag, Hayibo (yep, that's another link) is definitely one of the sites that has me cackling out loud in the office every so often, earning quite a few evil eyes and even the odd finger. Here are two excerpts to whet your appetite and make you click this link not tomorrow, but right now. The funnies are happening as we speak, peoples, as...we...speak.

Cape Town hipsters sweat ironically in post-cool heat wave

Remember the days when we were complaining about the heat rather than the rain? Yes, this excerpt really is THAT old. But it doesn't make it any less funny. “Obviously we’re sweating ironically” said Josh Trustfund, flicking his asymmetrical fringe. “We’re just not sure whether to embrace sweat as a creative expression of ‘post-cool’, or to shun it as too mainstream” he added. “I mean, we were sweating long before it was popular.”

Woolworths shoppers foil Islamist hot cross bun terror plot

And then of course there was the Woolies hot cross bun incident that was really pretty serious, but  had me stifling quite a few Sandra Bullock snorts while reading this article.... “We threw holy water at the Moorish buns, and sure enough, they began to hiss and writhe and babble in a language we’ve decided is probably an ancient Urdu dialect,” said leading food exorcist, Father Donut O’Really. “Or, at least, they wilted a bit. But that’s close enough.”


Sheesh. News has never been this interesting.

Is it Friday yet?


Keep Calm and make more Keep Calm posters

I stumbled upon this online Keep Calm generator and it was quite difficult to Keep Calm and not do a string of bum wiggles at the thought of printing gazillions of Keep Calm posters. Here are a few I wish I'd thought of first...









Now to think of one that no one's thought of yet...




Bokomo Rusks 'On the Road' DPS

Agency: Herdbuoys éKapa
Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Art director: Paige Harris

go! magazine
Weg! magazine

PKF print & radio

PKF is a chartered accounting and business advisory firm in Cape Town.

RADIO:

PRINT: 


Agency: Herdbuoys éKapa
Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Art director: Paige Harris

Moir's Christmas Print Ads 2011

Agency: Herdbuoys éKapa
Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Art director: Paige Harris

English print

Afrikaans print

MediCare Kraaifontein website 2012

Medicare Kraaifontein website copy

A while back I did some freelance work for Ipsum and went quite the serious route - website copy for Medicare Kraaifontein. Click here to read a little more on it.

GROUPON radio ad 2011

Following the launch of Groupon in South Africa, we recorded this radio ad to announce it to the world. Well, just SA really, but you get my point.

Click here to give it a listen.

CRUNCHY BITES Kiddies Mag Ad

Agency: Herdbuoys éKapa
Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Art director: Paige Harris


ADS 24 'Praat Afrikaans' competition

More for laughs than anything else, my college art director genius friend and I decided to take a whack at coming up with an Afrikaans movie poster idea.

Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Art director: Anne-Rika Giliomee


Poster

T-shirt

EPILEPSY SA tactical rugby mag ad 2011

Agency: Tomcat
Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Designer: Jeanene van Zyl


OUR PLACE homepage copy 2011

www.ourplaceon46.co.za
During my first week as the sole copywriter at Tomcat, I was asked to write home page copy for Our Place - a petite Stellenbosch eatery, owned by ex-Miss South Africa Tanya Fourie. "Daunting" is not the word. In the end it turned out way better than I ever could've dreamed and my boss received this snippet of feedback from Nanine du Preez (manager): "I LIKE!! Wie is die skrywer?"

And suddenly I wasn't just the New Girl anymore...

ON TAP print ad 2011

Agency: Tomcat
Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Designer: Jeanene van Zyl

Architecture SA magazine

GROUPON Restaurant copy

During my time at Groupon, I wrote copy for a broad spectrum of vendors, including many many restaurants. Here are a few snippets to give you a taste of what I'm talking about...


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THAI RAK-SA

Thai Rak-Sa can only be described as a little patch of Thailand set in the heart of Gift Acres Mall, Pretoria. The warm ambience lends itself to any given occasion and makes for special moments straight out of an “Explore magical Thailand” travel brochure. Expect sprightly staff, scrumptious cuisine and aromas of lemongrass, cilantro, ginger and fresh Thai basil coming to greet you from inside the kitchen. The food in itself is an excellent topic for conversation – a treat for both the discerning palate and art-loving eye.

The chefs are the real deal – as authentically Thai as the dishes they prepare; their ideas as fresh as the quality meats, vegetables and seafood that go into the delightful fare. The kitchen is their playground where their finely honed skills are put to good use, combining, mixing, blending and marrying flavours and spices to absolute perfection. Sweet is married with sour, soft mixed with crunchy and spicy intertwined with sweet, striking that perfect balance between East Indian and Chinese that’s so authentically Thai Rak-Sa.

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ASHTON’S AT GREENWAY

Draped in old world elegance and charm, Ashton’s Restaurant is the perfect combination of comfort, exquisite taste and intimacy, located in the leafy suburb of Bishopscourt. Everything about this fine establishment is on par with the stylish and upmarket surroundings, and speaks of unsurpassed style and elegance. Sheltered by the majestic peaks of Table Mountain, the sunny terrace and manicured gardens provides the perfect setting for a midmorning brunch or an early evening picnic. The wood panelled dining room on the other hand sets the mood for anything from an intimate family gathering or dinner with the in-laws, to a romantic candlelit dinner and a game of footsie under the table.

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DEL FORNO CUCINA

Del Forno Cucina is one of those places you’re sure to frequent. This stylish pizzeria is infused with a sophisticated yet warm ambiance and the mouth-watering aroma of mozzarella melting over pizza toppings like bacon, brie and cranberry sauce, Italian pancetta and homemade basil pesto...

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CHILLI  BEAN CANTINA

Mexican spirit is almost tangible in the aromatic air that infuses the many nooks and crannies of Chilli Bean Cantina. From the scrumptious cuisine and zesty cocktails selection, to the feisty music and exquisite décor – the entire experience can only be described as authentic Mexican with a generous dash of local flavour. After a couple of tequilas and margaritas, everyone becomes everyone’s amigos, new accents are adopted and you’re bound to attempt a couple of Latin American moves before the night is over. The relaxed Mexican means you can come as you are, dress up or dress down, or finally whip out the old sombrero – after a night of endless fiesta and espíritu you’ll find it hard to say adios!

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BARBA’S CAFé AND CLUB

Located in Westdene, Barba’s is where it’s happening. Whether ‘it’ be Gareth Cliff stopping by to party like a rock star, DJ Mario Kleovoulou spinning beats on the turn-table or that lip smacking new cocktail that everyone’s raving about – if it’s got Bloem ‘aan die gons’, you can be sure it’s going down at Barba’s.

By day Barba’s takes the form of a bustling café where suits meet suits and friends meet friends for brunch, lunch and top class conversation. But when night comes tapping on the window, the café puts on its sequined party dress and transforms into a hub for the contagiously cool. In fact, if the cool kids with their cool jobs and cool cars could be melted down and moulded into a club, it would be Barba’s after 7pm.

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CAFé GENESIS

Café Genesis is a fully licensed kosher establishment. However, no matter if you’re Jewish, tall, young, married, Asian, Afrikaans, a candlestick maker or an art lover, the menu is sure to please. This cosy and stylish eatery is the perfect place to meet up with new friends, old friends, family friends or meet some flavoursome new personalities.

On the other hand with so many choices and such scrumptious dishes and flavours to choose from, the best company can be found on your plate. With a menu as diverse as the restaurant clientele, Café Genesis offers an anecdote for every possible 9 to 5 symptom – decadent cakes to boost sugar lows, freshly brewed coffee to awaken the spirit, a zesty ambience to curb loneliness and plush sofas offering comfortable escape from the office rush.

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THYME SQUARE CAFE

With its light and relaxed ambience, Thyme Square Café is a charming and popular spot for both trendsetters and locals. Even Durban tannies are known to frequent this delightful corner, meeting up for a trammezinni and tea at after having their perms done at the local hairdresser. The menu boasts everything from light lunches and tea time treats to fresh and lip-smacking flavours sure to please every palate. Patties are grilled to perfection, tomatoes are sliced with the sharpest blade and spices are blended to tease the most discerning taste buds. Whether it’s the flavour of thyme you’re craving or escape from time you’re thirsting, this quaint hideaway is sure to put a spring in your step.

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THE FLAVOURS COFFEE SHOP

Contemporary yet homely, The Flavours Coffee Shop is the perfect halfway house between bed and office. Let the aromas of freshly brewed coffee and grilled sausages wake up your mind and senses and warm you up from the inside on cold winter mornings. While waiting for your bacon to brown, feel free to peruse the shelves of homemade rusks, freshly baked muffins and little delectable treats – all perfect to help curb those office munchies.

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Coming soon...
2. Spa's
3. Golf courses
4. Hairdressers
5. Bowling alleys
6. Magazines
7. Events such as plays and festivals
8. Sport and fitness
9. Health treatments
10. Dental institutions
11. Online buying sites
12. Travel and accommodation
13. Photographers
14. Limousine services
15. Tours and attractions
16. Cars and accessories

NEW BALANCE tactical Valentine's emailers

Agency: Herdbuoys éKapa
Copywriter: Charn Neethling
Designer: Noleen Jones

PF Flyers

New Balance trainers