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

Christmas wreath

I was one of the unlucky (not so) few that headed to the shops on Christmas Eve. I was at Woolies just after 9, and quite surprised that I only had to wait 5 minutes for parking!

I love shopping this time of year- lots of smiles, pretty much everyone is in a good mood and there is tangible excitement in the air!

Pick n Pay sold fresh pine branches - such a great idea! I grabbed 2 bunches (a steal at R30 each).

I think since most people nowadays either have the fake plastic trees or do something less traditional (like I do with my wire Baobab tree!) this is a novel idea to bring the great smell of pine trees into your home.

Plus, I even made a Christmas wreath! Although fair warning: it hurts! Those needles are pretty sharp!

I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas! Good luck with the gammon glaze, remember to check the oven for any last dishes ( my Mom and I forgot something in the oven almost every year) and indulge in a second (or third) helping of trifle!

Merry Christmas!!

- blogged from my iPhone

Last minute gift idea

These gorgeous soaps from Woolies make for a great stocking filler. I am in love with the pretty designs and colours, could just pile them on the vanity and look at them instead of actually using the soap!

Available in different scents and only R35 each.

Happy last minute shopping!

Festive spirit

It's taken me a little longer this year, but I am finally in the Christmas spirit !

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!

Introducing: Kosbaar

It's been a dream of mine for such a long time to get really stuck in with events and an online shop of sorts.  I just never knew how exactly I would make it work, until I decided about 3 months ago to jump, and just DO it! 

So here it is: Kosbaar. It means 'precious' in Afrikaans, and it's one of those amazing Afrikaans words that mean more than what it just says.

Over the last couple of months I've had so much fun with various events, from weddings to corporate evenings, and that is the foundation of Kosbaar. I firmly believe that weddings should be special - without breaking the bank.  There are so many creative ways of making your day unique - and one that you will treasure forever more - and that's where I come in.  

Whether you need full event planning and management (I will be there on the day to set up and run the whole day) or just some input on ideas that you could run with - it's up to you. I always try and outsource as little as possible - as that is where the extra costs just add up and add up! 

Take 5 minutes to browse the site and say hello!

My latest obsession

I tend to catch on to the things a little later than some people do. But once I catch on, seems there is no letting go!

Pinterest is one of those things. Instead of doing a whole long list of things that I had planned for the weekend, I was pinning. And clicking 'to see more pins'. The whole of Saturday afternoon, the entire Sunday morning. Oh, and last night for a bit too.  If you haven't yet, go check it out. But I warn you, it's very very addictive!

Guest Post: We love colour

I am so happy to share today's guest post with you. Susi is sharing her best tips for bringing colour into your life this summer.

Arcadian Lighting is a treasure trove of amazing light fittings - to suit all tastes. I am in love with so many pieces on their website - wish they shipped to sweet old SA! But for now, all of you in America need to appreciate what you have in terms of suppliers! :)

So, without any further babbling from me, be inspired by Susi and loads of colour to get you in the mood for summer!

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Hi, I'm Susi, a writer for the Arcadian Lighting, a great resource for lighting inspiration and. I'm very lucky I get to “travel” the world visiting amazing design blogs like Freshly Sharpened Pencils. With summer right around the corner in South Africa, everyone is craving color after a long, cold winter. Here are eight gorgeous pictures of colourful décor from hanging vases and lighting fixtures to textiles and art that we hope will inspire you. Enjoy!

Art is a beautiful way to introduce color into a room. Hang art in groups by similar color for a big impact.

Add color to a sofa, chair, or bed with pretty patterned cushions. Pillows are a favorite accessory to add color because they are so easy to switch out as the seasons change.

For a seasonal dash of color, look to the flowers of the season. Spring daffodils and peonies are beautiful in this bedroom and fit in with the bright yellow blanks and pillows on the bed.

Gloriously colorful indoor or outdoor lanterns could add just a pop or even a riot of color to any room. A few of these lanterns would certainly add a burst of color to a bedroom, or hanging several lanterns in the garden would be a magical touch on a warm evening.

White and other neutrals are great choices for walls and large upholstered furniture as they create the perfect background for big bold colors. Accent pillows and curtains in colorful patterns and solids stand out wonderfully against neutrals.

Color does not have to be the boldest and brightest to have a big impact. Sherbet or pastel colors can pack a punch, especially when grouped in contrasting pairs of colors like on these chairs.

Beautiful colored glass used in clever ways is a great way to add colour to any décor. We saw these hanging vases in Elle Decoration and were smitten.

Of course, in addition to colorful lamps, accessories and textiles, walls are the perfect place to add color to décor. Paint, wall paper or hang colourful fabric to add a zing of colour to the wall.

If these colorful rooms have you inspired, check out Arcadian Lighting's website for even more inspiration, not to mention a brilliant selection of light fixtures to choose from as well!  (Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

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Don't you love the lanterns? And I have to say, even after winter I'm not tired of yellow and grey combo's - looks great!

I always think people are afraid to use colour, that's why we see so many boring beige and cream interiors. Have a little faith, be daring and have fun with colour!

New Lonny Out

I'm so inspired by the latest Lonny mag.

OK, so I'm actually behind the times a bit and it's the September / October edition, but still. Check it out here.

We're heading into summer, but I'm not drawn to the bright colours all over the shops. Instead, pastel greens, pinks and purples are what inspire me right now. I find it so easy working with pastels, as any shades work together and immediately calms me down. Combined with old oak, and loads of white - how can I go wrong?

The weekend is over, and it's a long week ahead. Here's to coming out the other side filled with love and smiles!

Experience this....

Brilliant.

Swoon #1

I tend to fall in love quite easily. The latest bedspread. The array of cushion on display at any given shop at any given time. The cute teapot in pink polka dots.

But luckily I normally stop myself before I buy all these items and think about it. Chances are that by the time I get home I've forgotten about the pink polka dot teapot, or I've realised I'd be much better off buying something else. Or nothing at all.

Then there are items that I think of day in and day out. Dream about. Swoon over. These are the items that, if I win the Lotto on Wednesday (which would be a real miracle, considering I don't play) I would immediately go out and buy.

For the most part I can't afford these items, and that is the ONLY reason that I don't already own this gorgeous Paul Smith designed rug. 

Go on...

be different!

via here.

My mind feels like this....

It's all a bit of a blur right now.

Not always a bad things I suppose?

Remembering.

via Ads of the World

No, white men can't dance.

Or do the Haka it seems. 

Check this clip from 1973.... and tell me if you'd be afraid to face them on the field or just have good chuckle? :)

Clever.

Maybe it's because I really like chevron patterns at the moment. Or maybe it's because everyone has an ugly ceiling fan like this in their homes.

I don't know, I just think it's cute.

For the full how to, clicks HERE.

If I ever were to get a tattoo.....

...it would look something like this.