And this is what happens when people have just too much time on their hands...

A crochet apple cozy...

I don't know about you, but I like my apples cooled and crisp. Via Etsy.

Garden Walkway

What a novel idea for a garden walkway! You could do any shape or pattern, but I do have an affinity to hearts.  

Seen at Klein Roosboom.

Yip.

Good to know :)

Deer Park Cafe - if you can ignore the decor

Some time ago a friend and I were on a mission to find a good cup of coffee. It was a Sunday afternoon, and the restaurant where we had lunch had a power outage - so no coffee or anything other than the bill being served.

So we headed Vredehoek way, and as neither of us had been to Deer Park Cafe - we aimed for it. Upon entering, the rich coffee smell in the air was enough to make us sit. Not before we had a look at their cake displays though....

You really do need to disregard the decor of this well positioned establishment. It feels more like a 70's cafeteria, but the coffee was good and the cakes scrumptious. Their menu looked good enough for us both to promise to try it again for dinner. 

Maybe it looks better in candle light?

Happy Bunch

After work I popped in to the Oakhurst Farmstall, just up the road from home in Main Road, Kenilworth. They have a great selection if fruit and veg at very good prices.

They always have fresh flowers, but today's bunches caught my attention. They were marked, with a big cardboard sign stuck in the bucket, as "Happy Bunches".

I couldn't help but smile and take one!

- blogged from my iPhone

Hidden Gem

Whilst manoeuvring the narrow streets and many cul de sacs around Kloof street earlier (all in the vain attempt to find parking) I spotted this amazing little house. Just had to share :)

- blogged from my iPhone

Blooming Marvelous

After a long and busy day at the office, I was super happy to walk in the front door, and see that the poppies I bought on the weekend have bloomed! What a pretty sight.

It's no secret that I adore flowers in the home- especially Proteas. I bought these from Woolies, don't you just love the deep pink?

- Blogged from mu iPhone

Happy yellow

I've only become a fan of yellow quite recently- especially when paired with grey. And while Cape Town is a little on the gloomy side, there's nothing like a bunch if yellow lilies to make you smile!

Hope you've had a relaxing weekend- let's tackle Monday with with a happy heart!

xx Amanda

- blogged from my iPhone

This will make you smile

I saw this ad a couple of months ago - but it still makes me smile (and cry!) every time I see it.

Wimpy introduced Braille menu's into all their stores - and this was the campaign:

Enjoy, happy weekend!

So true....

...but difficult to imagine on a day like today!

I had to wake up earlier than usual today, and it was quite a sad sight looking out the window! Cape Town is pretty gloomy today, cold and wet. I'm longing for loads of hot chocolate, a good book and my duvet!

Wrap up warmly! xoxo


Image via here

Swooning over this

I popped into Home Fabrics this morning, and did a double take when I saw this swoon-worthy fabric from Nina Campbell.

Also love the black en white trip at the top - SO doing this in my bedroom! Now, if only I had the appropriate budget....

Have a super weekend everyone! Cape Town looks like it's going to be chilly- so wrap up warmly and have some cocoa!

- blogged from my iPhone

I'm trying, I really am!

via here

Jubilee Pantone Guide

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration did not go unnoticed by the clever crowd at Pantone.

Not one to ever shy away from colour - Queen Elizabeth has become synonymous with monochromatic outfits - from bright yellow to pink and purple and very shade in between.

Pantone launched the limited edition set just in time for the weekend's celebrations - with each hue of the Queen's ensembles matched to the Pantone colour, and cited with the date and occasion of each memorable colour.

PANTONE 13-0755 Primrose Yellow “The Queen’s royal wedding outfit from 2011 was Primrose Yellow. Yellow is a colour that speaks to the future with hope and optimism. William’s wedding was a time of national celebration and this choice of yellow complements the joyous mood of the occasion. It’s a colour that is high visibility (befitting a queen), while still not detracting from the bride.”

PANTONE 13-4411 Crystal Blue “Blue is a colour staple in the Queen’s wardrobe, it’s a colour that communicates constancy and it is also symbolic of her devotion to the British people. Blues traditionally have calming properties and she is often seen wearing them during difficult times. Blue is also seen as de-stressing so it’s no surprise she was sporting a serene blue to a Royal Garden Party in 2010.

PANTONE 16-2124 Pink Carnation “Queen Elizabeth wore lighter tones of pink more frequently when she was younger, adding softness to her role as Queen and make her seem less austere, for example the PANTONE 16-2124 Pink Carnation she wore to the Chelsea Garden Party in 1967. In recent years however, she has been seen in trendier bright pinks, defying her age and communicating that she is a monarch modern in thought and spirit.”

PANTONE 13-5414 Ice Green “During the Queen’s landmark state visit to Ireland, the first since the country gained independence in the 1920s, she was seen in a cool shade of green. Her colour choice echoed the sentiment of her visit as green is widely seen to symbolise new beginnings, fresh thoughts and rejuvenation.”

Images from here and here and excerpts from here

Fine example of what NOT to do

For now, just until I've decided what colour needs to go on the walls, I've hung a couple of pieces just on the nails that were left by the previous owner.

They're all way too high, and in the most arbitrary of positions!

We're still deciding whether we have the patience or energy to skim all the walls before painting (I think it's totally necessary), so as soon as that's been done, I can pick out paint colours!

I'm thinking of doing all the walls myself (yikes!) - I mean, how difficult can it be? ;)

- blogged from my iPhone

Where did they all come from?

Last night I unpacked some of the books that are still in their brown boxes. With almost every bundle that I took out the box, I was surprised at some of the titles I had accumulated over the years. Perplexed, really.

'The Terminator'. Seriously?

- blogged from my iPhone

Moving Day

You know all those images of happy couples moving into their new home? Boxes all around, happy faces, clean surroundings and a pot of colourful paint about to go on the walls.... Yes, like this one:

Well, that's not us.

We're moving today, and I can now, for the first time, totally comprehend why they always say moving is so stressful.

So  much has gone wrong over the last couple of weeks, I could keep you here for an hour relaying all my stories. But I won't. Because right now I'm just focused on getting out of the old place, and into the new!

By the way - everyone has  been telling me "Throw away!" and "Clear the clutter!" but do you know how difficult that is? The big, and the important, and the obvious, stuff are all in boxes. There are boxes stacked in the garage, along the passage, in the bath - all over! I suddenly feel very overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I have!

There are some things though, that I just can not part with. Like the cards from my mom, little notes from long lost friends. Even if it's only to be looked at again with the next move - I'll hang on to it all, thank you very much.

Wish me luck!

Hob Knobbing

Just a quick post to brighten up your Monday!

I love this mad collection of different knobs on the dresser - perfect for the person (like me) who can't make up their mind!

Happy Monday everyone! It's a short week, so no excuse not to tackle it head on!


Image via Home May 2012

New Life

Way back in 2010 I did a post on the concept of 'Take flight' and butterflies in particular.  I mentioned a artist by the name of Paul Vilinski.  

For the most part I find Paul's work to be whimsical, happy and totally gorgeous.  

Then there is this piece. 

'Tears', 2004. Aluminium (found cans),
wire, silver chain, found crack cocaine
vials, dimensions variable.
Private Collection, New York

Butterflies rising up with vials of crack cocaine. It's such a moving piece, it's the first time an artwork has moved me to tears simply by looking at it.

Crack is such a horrible addiction, and more often than not destroying beautiful people.  But butterflies signify new life - emerging from their cocoons more beautiful and lovely than before.  

If you are going through a dark and challenging time - take note. This too shall pass. Life goes on, and the possibility and potential is there for each and every person to emerge a beautiful butterfly. 

Image from Paul Vilinski.

Mad Men moment

So, I got 'in' to 'Mad Men'. And when I say that, I mean watching episode after episode until my eyes could not stay open. On week nights. Because if you are a fan like me, watching 1 episode is just not enough. How can it be? Watching episodes again, because you might have missed something in the background.

And while the whole of the USA is getting their fix every Sunday night with the fifth season, we need to wait. It's killing me.

But, all is not lost. Thank you Esquire.

Lighting problems no more

I am always super envious of all the international blogs, spotting lamps that I adore, but know I'll never be able to find anything similar locally.

Look, if you want to import or spend heaps of money at some of the great decor stores, sure. They have stunning pieces, all of which I would gladly have in my home. But my budget sadly does not allow for that. I'm more of a chain store girl, in that respect.

So, I was overjoyed to spot these lovely lighting options at Woolies recently.

Now if only they sold proper lamp shades......

Available from selected Woolworths stores nationwide, also check here.

If I were to go camping ever again...

..it would have to be in one of these!

Yes, it is indeed a tent. And it can sleep 4 people comfortably, and you can even stand upright in it. Seriously, what is NOT to love?

from here.

Love this wallpaper

I've been up and down the stairs at Neighbourhood in Long Street countless times. But last night was the first time I noticed this pretty wallpaper going up both sides if the staircase.

It has a unique hand drawn quality about it, almost as if someone sat on those stairs and doodled away with a Koki pen.

Just goes to show, we might be going places and doing things - but do we take it all in?

-blogged from my iPhone

Saturday morning goodness

Not a bad way to start a busy Saturday! Happy weekend everyone!

Read This...

I need to start doing this. Especially watching less TV, it's all crap anyway. 

Have a happy weekend, and WEAR YOUR PASSION!!

A different Red Door

via. here

This little red door leads to Fairy Land. Or Wonderland. Wherever your imagination will take you!

Green fingers

... is something I don't have. The rosemary and thyme on my balcony have all died, and I mean, those are supposed to be the 'hardy' herbs!

So imagine my surprise when my orchid, that I bought 12 months ago, sprouted a new branch and bloomed! I am so chuffed - I didn't feed it, forgot to water it for more than a month, and even now the mandatory 'half-a-cup-once-a-week' is more like 'half-a-cup-when-I-remember-and-don't-get-sidetracked-on-my-way-to-fetch-water'.

OK so it's not quite the Garden of Eden, but it at least it's a step in the right direction for me! Who knows, I might just attempt basil next... ;)

Xx Amanda

- blogged from my iPhone

I am who I am

Happy Monday everyone!

Detail

I am seeing, and loving, all sorts of intricate details everywhere I go - and more so bright colours that go with it. Maybe it's the optimism that a new year brings with it, and the happiness of bright colours!

Tomorrow it's back to the office for many of us- so here's hoping the the first Monday back is a gentle one. ;)

- mexican bowl from Poetry

- blogged from my iPhone

New beginnings

Happy New Year to all you lovely people! I trust by now the hangover is gone, the house cleaned (although mine is not) and your resolutions are still intact!

I spent an amazing day at a friend's house- poolside with drinks, cold watermelon and boardgames. This carried on onto the night, and as we all cheered (and got sprayed with champagne) I stood back for just a brief second and was 100% happy. I was amongst loving friends and this is more important to me than profit, marketing, work or the trappings of today's fast paced lifestyle.

I am able to enter 2012 with a whole lot more wisdom than I did 2011. It will be the year that a lot needs to change for me, something that is really difficult to accept for this Cancerian!

May you all go through 2012 with a happy heart!

- blogged from my iPhone