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.

Cuban flair

A few Sundays ago, after a weekend of being a total sloth and barely venturing outside the front door, I decided that we needed some fresh air, and a cocktail. So we did.

We headed out to one of my favourite spots south of the mountain - Kalk Bay.  After a bit of walking about, munching on breads and pastries from Olympia Bakery, we headed to Cape To Cuba. 

Whenever I go there, I end up staring at the walls and ceilings and floors and not talking to whoever I'm with, at all!

 I'd love the back pendant, well 2 of them actually, to hang over my kitchen island - one day.

Mosaic detail - table tops. So much better than a standard 60 x 60 stock table top, don't you think?

Sure, we tend to take in the vibe and the whole picture, but next time focus a bit on the details, the finishes. Pretty damn amazing!

Spring...almost, but not yet

After living in Cape Town for just about 5 years, I've become used to the fact that Spring arrives a little later here than in the rest of South Africa. Since yesterday I've been hearing 'Spring is here! Pack away the boots!" from people in Johannesburg, or especially Durban (do they ever have real winter?).

But, alas, Cape Town is still chilly. And the rainy season has just started. I'm sitting here, boots and all, next to my little heater and wishing some magical fairy would bring me a cup of really good coffee. Or hot chocolate, I'm not fussy.

At least the sun is shining today, so I can dream of warmer days, flowers blooming and the creepers against UCT's wall going green again.

ps. I am really bad at saving the references for all the pretty pictures I find on the net. Can anyone give me tips on how to do it?

Gem of a town

The road to Riebeeck-Kasteel dips and rises, winds around the mountains and then when you come around the last bend - the town lies peacefully in the valley. Loads of pretty houses, tiny little tree lined roads and the glamorous old-world Royal Hotel all add to the charm of this town about 40minutes outside of the Mother City.

The first time I entered this town, it was actually me getting lost on the way to Tulbagh. It was the middle of the night, so we literally just passed through after some help from the locals.

There are loads of little eateries to choose from, as well as quaint shops to buy anything from scatter cushions to embroidered napkins, dresses to garden accessories.

Two weeks ago we headed north once again and found the town bustling on a Saturday morning. Parking was actually hard to come by!

Across from the Royal Hotel there is a little gem - a row of buildings with restaurants, shops and even a brewery. At the back of these buildings you'll find Bar Bar Black Sheep. We sat down for brunch and immediately ordered coffees to ward off the cold.

I do believe that any restaurant, coffee shop, bar or deli can (and should) be judged on their coffee. The speed at which it comes to the table, temperature (why oh why do some people serve tepid coffee?) and taste. Maybe it was the cold and hunger, but at least I was not disappointed.

Then their was the grub. It was difficult to choose, because everything on the menu sounded yum! I settled on the French toast, served with bacon, strawberries and pomegranate pips. Oh - let me not forget the green figs and cheese inside the french loaf! Plus syrup of course.

I woke up the next morning dreaming about that plate of food - no jokes.

Riebeeck-Kasteel is the perfect destination for a day trip from Cape Town. You'll love the ride there, and there is loads to discover in the town.

Around this time of year I always need a break. It's going into that final stretch towards December, when work gets more and more unbearable. There are no more long weekends to look forward to, so you really need to make the most of those 2 days every week. So, get in your car on a Sunday morning and just head out of town. I don't know if it's the fresh air or the charming surrounds - but it sure does work to make Monday morning more bearable!

Colour coding

Colour coding the books in your shelf is not something to be afraid of. And don't you dare think it's silly! Putting books in order of colour seems completely irrational, especially if you know the Dewey System. But I'm a very visual person, and tend to remember the picture on the cover of the book or the typography on the spine before the author or title jumps to mind. But maybe that's just me.

Plus, it looks great! Especially if your bookshelf is in the lounge or family room of your home, where you see it all the time, you need to spend a little extra time in 'dressing' your bookshelf. Now not everyone has the skill, insight, patience or time to place memorabilia, books, flowers or trinkets in clever configurations to make the bookshelf look good. But as long as you are not colour blind, this is a neat trick that will make your shelves look instantly 'arty'.

I've done it a couple of times, and love it. You won't be disappointed!

Random Prettiness

I bought a new dress on Saturday. It's blue and pink and has flowers and a bit of lace and even a bit of roughing. When I asked the fiance what he thought of said new dress he had 2 responses: "It looks like everything else in your cupboard" and "You seem to be going for all this cute housewife with frills stuff".

Huh?

Firstly, it's nothing like anything in my cupboard thank you very much. And secondly, it's romantic! I admit, I am drawn to anything in soft hues with lace and buttons and frills. Dresses are my current weakness. And pretty sandals and flowers in my hair and pink cheeks.

Currently, I love being a girl, that's all!