Loving this

I am madly in love with these earrings and rings from Lady Peculiar!

I first spotted this little shop one evening after dinner in Stellenbosch. They were closed of course, but I stood in front of the window which must have seemed like ages to my boyfriend - then boyfriend, now fiance ;) Still love saying it...

Anyway. Their pieces are delicate, but still have loads of character and gusto, you know?

I also love how they incorporate such iconic Afrikaans things such as 'suikerbekkie' and 'hartlam' (wanneer laas het jy daai woord gehoor!).

It's my birthday on Saturday, and I might just go and spoil myself with a piece or 2 of Lady Peculiar.....

Cape Town is terribly cold and wet today - I hope you are wrapped up warm wherever you are!

Design Indaba feedback Part 1: Skermunkil

I've been following Skermunkil's lovely blog for a while now, so when I saw them at Design Indaba, I was in heaven! Seeing all the lovely pieces up close and personal really made me realise just how great her pieces are. Also, I think the great thing about the Indaba is it gives exhibitors the chance not only to display their goods, but to tell us a story. Inspire us. Captivate.

You know, when you go to these exhibits, there are always some stands that you just walk past. There is nothing that grabs your attention, nothing note worthy. But then there are gems (like Skermunkil) that make you stop, listen, look, touch, feel, admire and inspire. And it does not have to be a dramatic exhibit, no flashing lights or spinning displays. You just have to feel the love that goes into each piece, into the way they display it, the way they talk to the people that come to browse and shop.

For more (and details on where to buy), visit their blog "Eendag op 'n reëndag" (Once upon a time on rainy day).

Image 1 and 2: Eendag op 'n reëndag
Image 3: Lucky Pony
Image 4: Design Indaba

Eight at Spier

I've lived in Cape Town now just short of 4 years. And - shockingly yes - I have never been to Spier Estate outside Stellenbosch. I've heard great things about Moyo, with the face painting and African drums and pots full of food. I've been told about the rolling hills and impeccable lawns and deli food and picnics and pond and ducks.

But, still I had not been. I've always had this feeling that Spier was a very commercial estate. tour buses and African crafts. No thanks.

Until a few weeks ago that is.

I am part of a monthly wine club, a very informal affair. We visit a different wine farm every month, and some time ago it was Mr M's chance to organise. And so we ended up at Spier.

Very briefly: the Barrel Thief wine tasting is worth it. Our host, Jacqui, taught as many new things about the tasting and preserving of wine, and was a hoot to boot.

Then on to the new restaurant of the estate: Eight. A purely organic, recycled restaurant with the concept of "from the farm to the table". But there is nothing 'platvloers' about this place!


We started with *heart* shaped boards filled with freshly baked bread, salted butter, olive oil and Balsamic vinegar. Then, even before really taking in the menu, espresso cups filled with butternut, honey and ginger soup for everyone. And it was a chilly morning, so it was perfect!


The glasses at Eight are made from recycled glass (that's my ice tea there - so delicious!). So are the light fittings, made from plastic bottles by the incredible Heath Nash.

Ladies and Gentleman, above you see the piece de resistance: Hot chocolate. A steaming cup of full cream milk, with a whole heap of Lindt chocolate shavings for you to stir in and make the perfect cup of heaven.

Sorry - the food was so good I forgot to take a pic. I had roasted pork belly on braised veggies and roast potatoes. Yum. There is no menu - only a travelling black board. See, depending on what they can source from the farm, it all dictates the menu. Everyone at the table raved about their options (from fish cakes to pork belly to chicken pie and more) and everything was reasonably priced. The average lunch was about R65 each.

I *loved loved loved* the interiors. Open, welcoming, innovative and damn beautiful. The interiors are a great blend of rustic and sleek, recycled and new.

Well worth a visit. Even 2.

Happy Happy day!

I am now the *super* proud owner of not one, but two lovely pieces by wickedly wonderful Cape Town designer Haldane Martin. I'm quite giddy with happiness! (Remember I blogged about his home here)

I won't be going out much this month, nor will I eat out, buy flowers, indulge in Woolies goodness, see a movie, have the car washed or do anything that is not within my budget (the same budget that now needs to be revised in order to accommodate this purchase). Hey, good design never came cheap...

As soon as the lovely pieces of furniture are delivered to moi, I will post a pic.

So, going to buy the 2 pieces also made it my first visit to Haldane's impressive studio in Woodstock. It's a converted church (can't you see?). It made me want to live in such a building, with high ceilings, big windows, lovely arches and stuff. With a long, old table with some of his pink Riempie chairs (also by Mr Martin) around it. Perfect for candle lit dinners and entertaining friends.

All in good time....all in good time...

Up Close

Cape Town stadium - ain't it pretty? We've all seen photos of it from afar, with the mountain in the background. But only when you get up close and personal with it do you appreciate it's true beauty.

Oh and the best of all? The stadium is so well designed there is no queue in the woman's bathroom. With 64 000 people in the stadium, there is no queue. I still can't believe it, but I love it!

x a

Chilli Poppers... Yum!

It was a Sunday morning and M and I, together with bestest friend Mia, set of to Rafiki's. She said we should try the chili poppers, 'dis die beste'. I was sceptical, as I don't like chilli's much.

But we had it, loved it, and ever since then (it's been more than 2 years) I have always ordered chili poppers if it was on the menu.

Today I stumbled on this blog entry. 2 girls setting of to find the best chili poppers in Cape Town. Of the 5 placed on their list, I've only had the chili poppers of 2 of these establishments. Have to agree - Neighbourhood in Long street have great chili poppers. The variety is fantastic!

On Sunday M and I popped into Cafe Sofia (Rondebosch) for a cuppa, and ended having the stuffed chilli's. Very good! It's got me thinking that chili poppers are a bit like scrambled eggs and bacon - you have to try really hard to stuff it up.

Do you have a favourite spot to go for the poppers? Let me know!

Every girl has to own a tiara (even if it's plastic)

I've been working with a really super fantastic girl who really knows how to string sentences together (on a project I can only reveal a little later, so keep on coming back here). Her blog is a great find, and I'm realy happy to share it with you, so go and read Tiara - musings of a princess.

She shares everyday happenings and mishaps, including how she gave away her boss's rugby season tickets (Ouch girl!) and her thoughts on buying French cars (never a good idea).

Promise, you'll love it.

x a

It's Beautiful Here...

...OK, that's actually taken from designer Heath Nash's clever coat rack, but it just happens to be in the home of another famous designer, the insanely talented Mr Haldane Martin. (Ha, and they are both Capetonians).

I am a firm believer in a picture is more than a thousand words, so I'm not even going to bother to garble on about this stunning renovation. Have a look see...

I love the simpliticity of this home. There is no clutter, which I don't think I will ever be able to achieve... I really find it amazing how people can live without even a little bit of clutter. Doesn't everyone want to hang on to their school books? Don't we all have piles of books and magazines stuck in the corner and next to the couch and on to of the dining table, which is never used as a dining table because where would the stuff on top the dining table go? Hey, but's another discussion in itself.

Haldane's furniture pieces stand alone likes work of art, pure beauty! Haha, and I think it's also my Afrikaner heritage that makes me really really like the Riempie Couch.

For more, go to Haldane's website and have a look.

x a

All images via Apartment Therapy