Indaba Overload

Saturday turned out way better than expected! Gotta say, last year's Indaba was a total let down. It was cramped, and it felt a bit "same old, same old". But WOW. 2011 was a phenomenal year. All the up and coming designer's really gave the established ones a run for their money: Intuitive, great eco design, exciting use of materials and just all round beautiful things.

I prepared myself for a 2 to 3 hour stint at the expo, but I only left way past 6pm (and I arrived at 11am!). OK, it did include a leisurely lunch with plenty of chatting and a cider or 2... I bumped into Elzette - who has a *very* exciting venture that she will be launching soon. For now, let's just say that the frustrated creatives in Cape Town will have a haven to escape to and a place to nurture their creativity. I can't wait!

But, back to the Indaba. I bumped into Elzette and we walked the Expo together, which was great fun. We both had such a creative overload, and we by late afternoon were on such a high. (It could also be the 20 Fizzers we had courtesy of the Visi stand).

In the next couple of days I will share my highlights from Expo with you, it's bound to make you go gagga ;)

Were you at the Expo? What did you think?

Design Indaba Expo / 5 things for the weekend

Eek! It's here! The conference has been happening all week, and finally it's Friday and the Expo opens it's doors!

"Design Indaba Expo is a 100% local-is-lekker celebration of South African ingrained creativity. Advertising, architecture, craft, decor, film, graphic design, interior design, jewellery, new media, publishing, product design and visual media, are all presented shoulder-to-shoulder."

If you are in Cape Town, head town to the CTICC this weekend. The Expo runs from today (Friday) until Sunday, tickets at the door are only 60 Rond ;)

I hope to tell you all about it after the weekend - it's sure to be a kicker!

(Can you tell I'm excited?)

On another note, it's time I start organising my life (and apartment) again, so here goes with my list of 5 things I want to do this weekend:

1. Visit and enjoy and be inspired by the Design Indaba Expo


2. Finish the twig chandelier for my brother's wedding (will post pics after it's done!)


3. Finish the New York vintage subway sign I started painting last weekend


4. Start a new painting - I've been inspired by so any great pieces I saw online this week


5. Really enjoy Sunday. We are going to the wine lands for a wine tasting and lunch. I want to take it easy and enjoy - too often I rush through Sunday just to wake up on Monday morning ;)

What have you planned for the weekend?

Hope it's a good one!

I'm sorry

Source Unknown

Post Valentine's Lunch / Cafe Mozart

OK, calling it 'Post Valentine's Lunch" is a little pretencions, like Mr M and I drag the day out to a whole week affair! We really don't.

It's was just an excuse to have a lovely lunch, really.

The trick with Cafe Mozart is to go early in order to secure an outside table. Or wait. It's worth it. On a *lovely* summer's day there is nothing better than sitting under the big trees, with the buzzing city around you. Situated on the Church street cobble stoned walkway, there is always interesting folk passing through. On Tuesday we were surprised with street buskers playing a catchy tune ;)

By far the best thing about Cafe Mozart is their buffet. A table laden with fresh salads, homemade bread, gorgeous potato bake (which I suspect has dollops and dollops of cream in it), so much more. For me it was the perfect (almost) healthy lunch. And at R45 per plate, a great deal for a lazy lunch.

You might think that I get paid for these reviews they way I carry on, but truly, I just love it when I stumble upon a place that not only serves good food, but also makes me feel happy when I sit there. You know? Even if I had only a glass of water I suspect I would enjoy the experience ;)

PS. more more info go to Cafe Mozart and Cafe Paradiso

Valentines Dinner

The Fiance and I never really make plans for V Day. In the past we've ambled into restaurants without booking (realising it's really silly, not getting a table and having a slice of pizza from the food court instead). So yesterday on a whim I made a booking at Cafe Paradiso. I was lucky, someone had cancelled (thank you dear stranger who made other plans!).

I've never even heard of it, but stumbled upon the restaurant's website while looking at different Cape Town eateries. So we went.

Cafe Paradiso is on the very top of Kloof Street. The garden is magical, with huge trees providing shade. Unfortunately our table was inside (hey, what could I expect having booked at 3 in the afternoon?). But even the inside had it's own appeal, with quaint interiors and rustic touches: we sat next to the guy making the homemade pasta. :)

We decided not to have starters, and rather save space for the pudding, which ended up being a great idea...

I had the organic sirloin (done medium rare to perfection) with black mushroom, with crunchy rocket and Parmesan. Delicious is an understatement! Mr M had the feathered steak with pasta, tomato salsa and arugula.

We finally decided on brandy tart, and ask to swap the cream for ice cream instead. Oh, and not just any ice cream. You have a choice: Vanilla, White chocolate, Lindt, and I think there was also an Amarula flavour. We opted for the white chocolate.

Oh. My. Goodness. I'll go back just for the brandy tart!

Cafe Paradiso is part of a group of restaurants / venues under the Madame Zingara banner. I get the feeling that everything this Madame touches turns to ....magic!

I'm on my way to have lunch at Cafe Mozart - also part of the group. Will tell you all about it!

Happy Valentines Day

As good as gold?

I am madly in LOVE with this kitchen island. A standard kitchen unit was wrapped in brass, giving it an ethereal glow! I am always surprised when designers and manufacturers use materials that have never before truly been considered for a certain application. And this result is down right gorgeous.

For more on this lovely London Home, get the February issue of Elle Decoration.

Because it's the month of love.

And I really, really love my Bokkie.

I'm dying to make some 'heart art' this month. I found these images quite some time ago (sorry - can't remember which wonderful site it's from) and have ever since then been on the look out for really great box frames.

I think this makes the perfect Valentine's gift. Just saying.... ;)

Time Flies....(and so does my property)

I realised with a shock that it has been almost a month since my last post. Sorry!

Things have been a little crazy (I say that a lot). We had not one, but two, break-ins at our offices some time ago. Off all the things they got away with, the most horrific discovery was walking in and seeing an empty desk. My empty desk. Where a big computer and flat screen used to sit and wait for me, every day. With over 4 years worth of work, for 2 businesses. Countless clients, countless projects and campaigns....all gone.

It's been a nightmare trying to get back on track. But luckily, living in South Africa, everyone can relate. I've had to phone client's and say "You know the last quote I sent to you? Yes, the one you OK'd? Can you please email it back to me!!"

People have been telling me that I've handled the whole situation remarkable well. (They don't know that I go home at night and cry for an hour just at the thought of all the work waiting to be done). My motto through all this mess has been "It doesn't help freaking out, just get on with it."

When I saw this poster design, I had to giggle.....