Colour me pretty

I love colour charts. I like walking into Builder's Warehouse and staring at the wall of colour charts.

I especially love new colour charts. And Plascon's colour forecast for 2011 is out, and it's made me a very happy person.

Don't know if you remember the Plascon Colour magazine? Well, is had a reincarnation into the new Spaces magazine. This is second issue, and it's filled with inspirational pages, easy decor ideas and loads of colour options.











The 2011 forecast is inspired by Love. Gotta *love* that.

"In this year's palette, the romance of the past, coloured in soft nostalgic pastels, is a grounding element but at the same time we experiment with colours and textures, creating something new and sophisticated. We look to our environment for inspiration, drawing its rich verdant and earthy tones into our homes and lives, but we also embrace the bright colours and dynamic culture of our cities. This is a love of the past and the future, nature and city."

There are 4 pallets, with my favourites being Future Passion and Romance Rekindled (pictured above). Then there is also Vibrant Possibility and Eco-sustenance.

If you are at all thinking of painting, decorating or simply need some inspiration (who doesn't) then you really should spend the 15 ront on this one.

Be inspired people!

x a

Interesting Print

This print from The Brick Lane's shop en Etsy features a beautiful little bird (love the colours) printed on an original 1878 Bible Dictionary page. I love the idea of using old (in that case, very old) items and creating something new and useful.  I also like this butterfly...

                                          

Maybe I should grab my old,  fat, green HAT (Handwoordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal)  and see what I can conjure up...

 x a

Easy decor

I posted not too long ago about the art of Origami and folding paper cranes here.  I have made about a dozen paper cranes so far, and love having them on mass! I use scrap booking paper, which is quite a bit thicker than normal paper. So it does take a little longer, is a little more tricky, but so worth it!

These pictures just go to show that with a little imagination and patience, interiors can look glam on a budget!

Happy folding!

x a

Images via Apartment Therapy

Best thing since...

...the last sale. Whenever the Exclusive Books sales comes around, I tend to place restrictions on myself. Something like this:

1. I will buy only 2 books

2. I will go only once

3. I will go to only one branch

I'm kind of following the mentality of  "it's meant to be" if I'm there, in that one store, on that once occasion, and I find the book that I love. I shouldn't go hunting for things.

Yeah right. 

I was in my home town of Port Elizabeth on the weekend, and just stumbled onto the sale. I left with 4 books, and I'm already planning my route home to include Cavendish which will enable me to pop downstairs and see what's on offer. (Never mind that Cavendish that is about another 6km's in the opposite direction of where I live)

I might just have my car washed at the Waterfront too...

Happy book shopping and happy reading!

x a

Tweet Tweet

Nope, it's not a Twitter update (I must say I enjoy John Cleese's tweets the most. They are few and far between, but always get met giggling).

I am in love with Genevieve Motley's whimsical jewellery designs. She creates the most amazing pendants, rings and absolutely to-die-for earrings. (BTW: why are pretty earrings so hard to come by?)

These are some of my favourites from her Etsy shop.

Being Brazen is giving away a heart ring and necklace from Genevieve's collection, but hurry, the competition closes tomorrow. Go here now.

Good luck!

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*sigh*....double *sigh*

How utterly gorgeous are these?

Each and every piece hand made, using either goose or rooster feathers.

I am speechless.

(You see, this is why I love design - that feeling I get when I see something so original and creative. It's like nothing I've ever seen.)

Pluma Cubic by Heike Buchfelder. Available in South Africa from Pure Light.

Do I take a trip to Europe or buy one of these lovelies? Seriously, I'm leaning towards the standing lamp....

;) x a

Flashback

I'm sitting at my desk eating a large, sweet orange. (I realised I need the Vitamin C during winter, so have been eating at least one orange a day for the last 2 weeks)

As I bruised the skin and the citrus sprayed, the smell of this orange skin took me back to when I was probably around 6 or 7.
My dad knew a guy (no, not that kind of gangster guy) that had, amongst other things, an orange orchard in the Langkloof. Now if you've ever driven to PE via the Langkloof, you will know just how picturesque this area of our country is.

Every year, around June when the oranges were ripe and orange (colour) and round on the trees, we would take a day trip to the Langkloof and be able to pick oranges - as many as we liked. Actually, as many as fitted in the boot of the car! We would pick oranges, eat them as we go, fill up the boot and then head home with a very heavy car!

Mother dear would make marmalade - which I never tasted, I just didn't like the smell. And for the rest of the year we would have a gazillion bottles in all shapes and sizes of marmalade.

Good times. :)

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Thought for today

"We're never gonna survive unless we get a little crazy"

image via Michael Hitoshi

My kind of lounge seating

We all love swings, so why not have one in your home? I can imagine it's perfect for daydreaming and relaxing.

I also love the all white palette - soft pinks, creams, weathered timber: whimsical and beautiful!

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image via Anita Kaushal

My rediscovery of books

Yes, it had to be rediscovered. Something I'm sure must horrify some of you.

I used to read. Don't know why I stopped, but I did. I tried reading again a couple of years ago, but people would come to me with "Oh, this is the best book ever, it's so funny" and I wouldn't find it funny. Or I would not be able to get past the first chapter.

The whole experience taught me that I do not like being disappointed, more than most. I get really upset. And so I stopped reading books, because I could not bare to start reading a crap book.

Well, I got over that. I realised I just had to grab a book and start reading it. If it's bad, I don't need to finish it.

But then I realised I have one more problem: I don't like second hand books. And I particularly don't like Library books, they are all kinda sad? Borrowing books from friends is OK, because you know where they've been and they normally have been well maintained. But a Library book, ag, the stuff gets dropped in water, people with issues draw lines over swear words, stuff like that.

I'm happy to say that I've found the solution: I buy at least 1 new book every month. I'm much happier in Exclusive Books than I've ever been in a library.

Oh, and although I don't see myself as a superficial person (I'm not), I've realised I do judge a book by it's cover. Maybe it's the interior designer in me that always sees the potential of a book as a piece of the puzzle: it's going to lie on the coffee table or next to my bed or sit in the bookcase, so it needs to look like it belongs. You know?

Now that I'm reading again, I've had the *absolute* pleasure of reading 3 really good books recently. I'll share some more info with you soon, and hope to share many book reviews with you. I just finished my latest read last night, and can not wait to start Marita van der Vyver's new release.

What are you reading right now?

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Yes, Waka Waka people

It actually means " Do It".

But translations aside, last night's performance by Shakira and Freshly Ground at the closing ceremony of the World Cup was energetic and fun. The song has received major air play here in South Africa and has become the biggest selling single in the history of the event.

(I'll admit - I always sing along and every now try the dance moves)

Anyway, what I actually want to show you is Shakira's outfit, designed by Roberto Cavalli (who also designed her opening concert getup). Don't you love it? I think Roberto has captured a little essence of Africa in both outfits - with the latest one being extremely colourful and vibrant.

And just in case you missed it.... here's the video from last night.

Have fun! And let's keep the flag waving!

x a

We knew this day would come..

..but we chose not to think about it.

Now that the World Cup is over, everyone is asking "What now?". Hell, I don't know. For the past month all M and I have done in the evenings is plonk ourselves down in front of the TV (with heater and a bowl of popcorn) and watch the games. Even last week was like a bit of withdrawal with very few games being played and everyone waiting for the weekend's big match.

I've gotta say I'm still basking in the glow of a fantastic event - where South Africans quite rightly was able to say "Up yours" to all the pessimists and foreign media who didn't give us half a chance of hosting this event. Now investors are looking at the country in a new light, and it's about time I say.

Last night's closing ceremony was sure to give every South African goosebumps. (Um, I was not impressed with the opening ceremony and was a little apprehensive before last nights show kicked off - but I was stunned by everything that was going on in Soccer City last night)

The elephants (or 'Elafants' as Paris says) going to the watering hole was cute, the musical instruments being played by performers on the ground very clever, Shakira and Freshly Ground simply riveting (hell, that woman is built!) and everything was smoooooooth. Enough lighting and fireworks to show that we can, without being tacky. (I think the Beijing Olympics overdid the fireworks)

Oh, funny by the way - M calls it the "Burger Patty". I see the resemblance....

My Weekend project

This weekend it seems that Cape Town will be having some bad weather, which to me is a good thing. I am desperate for a weekend of cocoa, DVD's, duvets and sleep. But amongst all this nothing, I do have one little project: folding paper cranes. I started on Tuesday and have done a few. The more I fold, the better I become and the more I love the mass of paper cranes all over my apartment!

I'll share more of my little project next week, but in the mean time here is a 'how to', just in case :)

Have a happy happy weekend everyone!

Oh, and I am supporting the Netherlands in the final on Sunday, who are you supporting?

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Cool, not so cool

Cool: wearing high heels to work for a change

Not so cool: wearing stockings with my high heels and they get a run. (expensive) black stockings ruined.

Hope everyone is going to have a fabulous weekend, and support Ghana in the quarter finals! Go Africa!

(I have a feeling it's going to be a soccer weekend - not altogether a bad thing. We've only got 1 week left of Ayoba-ness, then the foreigners go home and we'll all be broke from too much partying with them. Enjoy it!)

x a

image vir flickr

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!

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Ayoba!

This afternoon Bafana Bafana play France in their final group match. And I am still shouting and rooting for our boys! Wherever you are in the country, make sure you watch the game and show some support for our team!

(OK, I know we probably won't go through to the next round. But hey, do you remember the feeling you had when Thsabalala scored that goal in the opening game? That alone is worth watching the game and shouting for one more goal from the team! And yes, I am the ever optimist!)

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House Rules

I remember one day in primary school we were asked to stand up and tell the class about the rules we have in our homes. I got up, and realised that we didn't have many rules. Sure, I asked if I could put the TV on, checked if it was OK that I have another glass of Coke, and we kinda had a bed time.

The other kids got up and recited long lists of rules such as:

"Wash your hands before dinner"

"In bed and lights off by 8"

"Put your dirty clothes in the basket everyday"

"Afternoon nap for 1 hour at 3 o'clock"

"Stay out of the kitchen" (Yes, this was someones house rule)

"Do your homework straight after school" and then the parents would check it (oh, I always forged my mom's signature when tests had to be signed..shhhhh)

...And so it went on. I realised that my parents let me and my brother be. If we didn't put the dirty clothes in the hamper in time for washing, we just didn't have clothes to wear. If we didn't put the dirty lunchbox in the sink we just wouldn't have lunch the next day. If we had to watch McGiver and go to bed at 10, we would just be really exhausted the next day.

So, we learned. Quickly.

On the other hand, I love this poster with it's 'Family Rules' from Etsy seller Harper Grace. It lists simple things like "Smile" and "Use kind words" that I think are way more important to remember than to be in bed by 8.

Have a look at her shop here.

Ava launches in South Africa

Without a doubt I can say you saw it here first! ;) Ava tampons have finally launched in South Africa. Not only do these pretty tampons come in a gorgeous tin, but they are premium quality as well.

The tin protects your tampons in your handbag, and probably more importantly, hides the fact that you've got tampons in your bag! We've all had that experience of taking out your wallet / keys / cellphone / whatever and then see tampons flying. Oh, very embarrassing.

I have been working on this product now for 2 and a half years, all to ensure that we have the very best quality tampons for Ava. I won't bore you with a long sales pitch, but just know that Ava is at the forefront of design, quality and understanding women and their needs. Have a look at http://www.loveava.co.za/ for more.

Ava Secrets are available exclusively at selected Clicks stores nationwide.

Hope you love it as much as I do!

x a

Sneak peek....

Just to get you a little excited (of nog meer nuusskierig?) as to what is coming on Monday!

Colour for winter

I know winter is supposed to mean white, grey, muted tones etc. And I do like grey (a lot) at the moment and all variations of it (blue-grey, purple-grey), but right now my nails are painted in lumo orange and I love it. It makes me happy and makes me smile overtime I look down and see them!

I never spend on nail colour, probably because I end up only using about a third of it before I get bored and move on to the next colour. So these stunning colours from Charlie are a great buy at only R40 ront a pop. Right now I'm wearing the orange, but the pink is also divine.

(Oh, neat trick: mix your colours. I had deep dark purple on my nails the other day, then painted 1 coat of the pink - it really looked great).

I'm dying to try the turquoise, just worried it will make me look like I've got frostbite.

I love...

... free stuff!

Visi (arguably the best local decor mag) have loads of free down loadable goodies on their website. Gift tags, desktop wallpapers, wrapping paper, stuff like that. And it's good.

Go have a look at Visi and see what I mean. It's also a great website for some general inspiration!

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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!

Best of the catalogues

I love retail therapy. And I love buying things for my home. My teeny apartment that is now overflowing with 'stuff'.

Right now I'm on the lookout for a new sofa. I've kinda set my mind on a corner unit in dark grey, but because the dark grey is such a leap for me, I'm postponing the purchase every month! But I think this weekend will be the deadline. I've already painted the walls, got new curtains up, so really, no more excuses.

I always get a teeny bit giddy when retailers bring out new home ware catalogues. It gives me time to shop without the danger of actually having (or being seduced into) spending money.

My favourite chain stores for home ware are Woolies, @home and Mr Price. In the last say 5 years these stores really have upped the anty and actually sell good design. @home stocks design classic knock-offs at good prices (let's not start that debate) and Mr Price is great for bargain finds. Woolies just have the best towels at the nicest price (their bale packs) and always have great glasses and crockery.

Below are some of my faves from the current catalogues.

@home, ceramic flower votive holder R39 (love the purple and green combo!)

@home, in love with this pic with the grey purple wall, lots of white, timber floors. Gotta say the couch sucks. The cushions are from @home, felt cushions from R129. Oh, and the aluminium bokkie it R590 - I want!


It surprises me that @home have quite a good range of posters and artwork. I always expect chain stores to have the same old framed landscape in water colours. But @home have some darn good posters. I bought myself a green "Keep Calm and Carry On" (which by the way has quite a history - will tell you about it). And they really are not badly priced.

Woolies, R 25. A steal at that price.

Woolies, R599. Again, I want. The perfect secy desk lamp!

I feel like hitting the shops this weekend (hey, it was payday!) and buying that sofa. Will let you know how it turns out!

x a

How many shoes are 'enough'?

M keeps on asking me this question, or many like it. Like "How many bags do you really need?" He's answer is 2: a black one and a brown one. Huh?

And then whenever I go shoe shopping (and drag him behind me) I get "How many more shoes do you need?" Love, it's never been a question about need.

Well, I do believe I need the black leather boots I am wearing now. It's winter, I live in Cape Town and I hate getting wet around my ankles. But I suppose I didn't have to pay almost R1000 for these lovelies, but that is where 'want' steps in.

Remember those utterly gorgeous blue wedge lovelies I blogged about a while ago? Well, I thought they were not meant to be for me when I missioned into Woolies and they were all sold out. Not even the size 4's were left. (And I think I might have tried to squeeze my feet into them if there were)

But. Yes. Then I walked into the Waterfront branch yesterday on my mission to find black boots (why do all the stores have ugly boots? They are either full of fake fur, biker buckles and zips, or so damn high I would never live longer than 1 hour in them), I turned the corner and there they were. IN MY SIZE!!! Not on sale, as I had hoped for 5 seconds later after seeing them, but they were there. And they are beautiful and comfy (bonus!) and they have a little blue satin bow on the front and I just love them.

I feel a little guilty after buying 3 pairs of shoes yesterday (I found the perfect black leather boots, by blue lovelies and a cute pair of silver pumps), but my buying frenzy does not compare to this girl. Go read her note on how she stumbled upon this collection of vintage shoes at an estate sale. Every girl's dream!

x a

*sigh*

Look at these beautiful ceramic goodies available from Cecile & Boyd here in the Mother city. I've seen some of these also at The Space in Cavendish.

I'm sure I've made it known before that I love collections. Different types. Right now I am building on my 'white' collection, all manner of white ceramic goodies (all exceptionally pretty on their own). I've grouped them all together on my aunt's dark timber coffee table and love it!

My favourite on this table is most definitely the big protea head. I have a little obsession with proteas, so these lovelies are just the thing to add to my collection! (Bokkie, hint hint)

x a

Green Kitchens

The colour! Not necessarily eco-friendly, but that's also on the cards.

I'm helping both my future sister-in-laws with their respective homes, and I'm enjoying the fact both have very different styles. P is a little more colour daring, and during Mother's Day brunch this morning, which turned into lunch but it was good all round as now one was really watching the clock anyhow (expect maybe M, as he missioned into the kitchen not able to wait an longer and munched on toast and peanut butter) P asked me what I thought of green for the kitchen.

Well, I love it. I've always thought that the kitchen is one of the spaces in a home that one can get away with painting a brighter colour, especially when people are not to sure about painting a 'colour' in the living areas and tend to stick to neutrals. Here are some of my favourite green kitchens.

Now the only trick is to get the Dom out of the house for long enough to make the transformation. He's a little anti-change right now, but I can promise once it is done he will thank me!

x a

Image 2: Daisy Green Magazine

Image 4: Country Living

Cape Town is having a rainy day...

...so I'm heading off home to make a big pot of soup!

During winter, I normally make about 4 big pots of 'boere sop', you know the kind. Meat, carrots, potato, tomato, onion, beans, anything you can find in the cupboard really, plus the crucial '4-in-1 soup mix'. The pot lasts for days, and I always end up freezing an ice cream container or 2 for later on.

But tonight I feel like creamy hot steaming delicious butternut soup. I think everyone loves butternut soup, and everyone has their own recipe. I don't really have a recipe, as with most things I make in the kitchen it really is hit or miss! My butternut soup though always starts with a chopped onion, butternut and potato chunks. I chuck it all in the pot, add a little butter and let the veggies 'sweat' a little. Oh, and at this point I sometimes remember to add some curry powder, some cinnamon and a little ginger. And sometimes I forget.....

Then I add about 1,5 litres chicken or vegetable stock and let it all party in the pot until the butternut is soft and squishy. Then I get out the blender stick thingy and whizz it all smooth (I hate chunky soup). Oh, I scoop out most of the stock. Then after all the butternut, onion and potato is pureed, I add the stock back bit by bit so that I can control the thickness of the soup. If you want, now you can add cream, (yum - but not good if you're on a diet) or some low fat milk (my option).

An extra sprinkle of cinnamon is always good!

Tonight I might just try this recipe from Martha Stewart. She uses ginger, garlic, cloves and orange juice, an no potato. Either which way, I'll have soup!

Have a lovely rainy evening with lots of bowls of soup and fresh bread and cosy duvets and hot water bottles and lots of cuddles!

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