Friday Wish

I find myself wishing on a Friday. Not that one should always wish for things, rather dream. Then do it.

But, there are days like today when it's rainy and gloomy and I wish that I could float away to a place where there are no tax returns to be filled in, deadlines to be met and bills to be paid.

Just today.

Happy Friday everyone!

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?

Kosbaar

It's the beginning of something wild for me.... :)

Soon all will be revealed, but in the mean time I'm ironing out the bugs and getting the admin sorted. (Why always so much admin?)

Can't wait to share with you all!

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!

Great online mags

I love online magazines. Number one, they are free. Pasella. Verniet. Mahala. Which, if you are anything like me and buy all the good decor mags and the occasional girly glossy, this is a very welcome change!

Number 2: these are international mags. So you really get to see what is trending in the US or Europe or Australia. Sure, Wallpaper and all the other international glossies are available at the local CNA or Exclusive Books, but do I really want to spend R150 on a mag? No thanks.

Number 3: You can click on whatever you like, and chances are you are linked directly to the site of said cushion / fabric / orange squeezer.

What's not to love?

My faves are Lonny and Adore - both with new editions out now. I've just started on Lonny, so don't know what's in there yet. But Adore is just adorable! Bright colours, beautiful homes...just a pity all the lovely goodies I want to buy are in Australia. Or is that maybe a good thing? ;)

Enjoy the online reading!

Happy Sunday

Just to make you smile :)

Speaking of animals and pets.....

Sadly, Withnail passed away suddenly (my green budgie of 2 years). He is sadly missed.

Through a bit of luck and fortune, 2 weeks later I was given 2 baby budgies. The one was rescued, after flapping about a courtyard all afternoon. The second one was bought just to keep the saved one company.

I've been struggling for about 2 weeks now to give them names. Nothing suited.

Then, after a bit of Googling from my guy and joking around from me, we got it. Flapper. She's always flapping about and giving the little (slightly younger one) loads of flack. And then Hawk. He's tiny, so he needs a big name. It's time he stands up to Flapper, and I think with a name like Hawk, how can he not?

Thought for today....

Happy thoughts!

It's difficult always thinking *happy thoughts* on a Monday. But I smiled today when I saw this!

It's raining colourful little balls, and who wouldn't collect them all like this lady?

This pic is part of a series - worth looking at!

Via Cecile Mella.

Cuteness

'Sea otters hold hands when they sleep, so they don’t drift away from each other.'

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Via Tumblr.

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!

Dream Kitchen

Maybe because it's so damn cold in Cape Town today, but I'm dreaming of a big, big kitchen where I can bake cakes and flip pancakes and make seriously dark hot chocolate. A kitchen with loads of sunshine - much like this one!

I need something pretty for a Monday....

...so here it is :)

I am dying for a bit of cake today, think I need to slip out of the office and go grab a slice!

This rainbow cake is just amazing! Will definitely have to try it out!

Pretty pretty paper art

I've just realised it's been over 6 weeks since my last post! Ouch. Gotta work on that.... ;0)

I'm working on a very exciting campaign for Ava - and I've taken inspiration from paper art. I love the fact that something so every day and ordinary as a piece of A4 paper can be transformed into a world of pretty things.

I'm also madly in love with the white-on-white look!

Image 1-3: Nataniel

Image 4: Unknown

A (almost) freshly sharpened pencil...

No sharpened pencil here, but this silver and enamel necklace from Victoria Mason is something I'd love hanging around my neck!

Science class anyone?

These greeting cards from Pink Loves Brown are damn cute. Now this might have made me pay more attention in science class...

Design Indaba Feedback Part 3: Tin Town

I know, I'm taking forever to post about the Indaba! It's been weeks now and I've not even begun to share all the magnificent stalls! (I blame my phone - not playing along in downloading images to my computer...naughty) But here is the next installment: Tin Town. I love their work for so many reasons: whimsical, fantastical designs, all items can be flat packed (great for retailers and consumers alike), innovative designs - these pieces are cute AND practical.... Here are just some of my favourites:

I wish I had a garden - these would go in first!

How great is this? I wonder if they do a double bed size?

Super adorable! (hehe...I think I have that place mat!)

Little Angel for Christmas.

This would be a perfect night light for a nursery.

I want this. Met 'n seer hart!

For more lovely creations, visit Tin Town. (I also love their website intro!)

I Love....

It started as a crappy day. No sugar for my coffee. No eggs for my breakfast. I had to had some switch replaced on my car so that my indicators would work, and that set me back quite a tudy sum... But, then I arrived at the office and opened my email. And there it was. The new issue of Adore magazine, ready to inspire me! And what do you think of this gorgeous cover! Funny thing is, I just bought myself some watercolours yesterday and started experimenting with painting in watercolours. I am madly in love with these cushions. I also spotted a similar fabric at Mavromac - it might have been a Pierre Frey? Not sure - will investigate and let you know! Hope you have a bright and lovely Thursday!

Design Indaba Feedback Part 2: Silver Spoon clothing

When it comes to clothing, the fiance insists that everything I buy looks like something that I already have hanging in the cupboard. "Nonsense" I always say.

When I arrived home after the Indaba expo with the cutest white Silver Spoon dress, he said "Now that's different!".

Silver Spoon Clothing hails from my hometown of Port Elizabeth, and the creative duo of Stephanie and Dieter (aka the "Dude" by those who know him) are already making waves in the local fashion industry.

When I stumbled upon their stall at the Expo (wish I took a pic!) I had no intentions of buying anything. My arms were heavy already with Wonki Ware bowls, magazines and other paraphernalia. Flipping through the rails I could not resist however.

I bought this (below) dress, and every time I wear it I feel sexy and girly all at the same time (must be the cute frills on the shoulder) - but the best part is how comfy it is! As they state on their website: "We make functional pieces with character".

My kind of clothing ;)

For more on this dynamic due, and for stockists have a look at Silver Spoon Clothing.