Sugar + Spice Design

dream house

2012-01-29T17:51:00.003+02:00

During the holidays we went to visit someone in Stellenboch and on entering the house, where they were staying in at the time, I absolutely fell in love. I wish I had some more info on this beautiful estate situated in the heart of Stellenbosch, but I just can't seem to find any. The farm-style homesteads are set on it's their own very large plot of land and the estate that has something like 13 houses. Each has it's own dam in front of the house and is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The houses themselves are big open plan affairs with lost of light and abundant space. I'm not one to go gaga over a house, but this one would really be my ultimate dream... if they weren't sooooo extremely expensive. One can only dream.

The architects are Slee and any one of their designs would suit me down to the ground. We're talking Top Billing stuff here people :)

large mahogany constellation bangle

2012-01-29T15:30:00.001+02:00

So pretty! Go check it out at LastPrize on Etsy.

doggie photos

2012-01-29T15:27:00.002+02:00

I love taking photos of my doggies and I have hundreds of them. But I really wish I was half a talented as Sarah so I could also get such beautiful photos of my precious pups. Go and check our more pics of Sarah, and her friends, pooches on her flickr site.

5 years together!

2012-01-29T15:13:00.002+02:00

Yesterday was Rudi and my 5 year dating anniversary. After getting married we haven't really celebrated this date much, but half a decade together felt very specially and we just had to do something. We agreed that we would get each other presents, but would combine our dating and wedding anniversary into one so that we could get something a little more pricey, but not spend a big amount on each anniversary. And so you see above what we got each other. Once again fossil was the place to go. I really am obsessed with them! I bought Rudi a stunning watch and he got me a beautiful bracelet and a leather iPad case which I'm now using as a clutch.

After a relaxing breakfast in bed and opening pressies we headed off to Steenburg wine estate for lunch at Sixteen82.

It was spectacular! The food was amazing, the setting was gorgeous and it was such a great treat. I had their Sauteed Potato Gnocchi with Basil Anglaise, Puglia mozzarella and panzanella and Rudi had the Port Neck Steak with Fondant potato, fennel puree, roast onions and green peppercorn sauce. We rounded it off with Morello Black Forrest Plate. It was a little bit pricey, but not as much as we thought it was going to be and totally worth it. They'll be seeing us again soon.

The rest of the day was just spent driving around Constantia, looking at some of the wine farms, and then lazing around at home.

So, I'm going to get a bit soppy now 'cause I know my wonderfully hubby reads my blog religiously.

I love you so much and couldn't wish for someone else better suited to me. You make my world a wonderful place to live in and I love being able to share this special journey with you. Thanks for an amazing 5 years and here's to another 50 (and more...) xxx

re-purposed wood table

2012-01-29T14:54:00.003+02:00

From Magneticgrain on Etsy

cupcake love

2012-01-29T14:51:00.001+02:00

funky nails

2012-01-27T15:13:00.000+02:00

After seeing some great inspiration on pinterest regarding glittery nails, I jumped at the opportunity to buy some glittery nail polish when I say the new essence range. I first painted my nails with Essie mint candy apple and then put a top coat of Essence make it gold on top of that. It turned out great (and just like the pics on pinterest). Something I'm not ever without when painting my nails is Essie's Quick-E quick drying fluid. It's a bit expensive, but it dries your nails almost instantly and, for someone who hates waiting to be able to use her hands again and usually ends up smudging her newly painted nails, I love this.

just another beautiful place to relax

2012-01-26T14:54:00.000+02:00

world of birds

2012-01-24T14:45:00.000+02:00

Over the weekend Rudi and I went to walk around the World of Birds in Hout Bay. I've been there once, when I was very small, but I still remember the joy of walking around in the aviaries with the birds just a few steps from me. It was no less magical for me as a grown up. I love that you can get so closed to the birds. The owls are my favourites. If you've got a couple of hours to kill one day I definitely recommend checking it out.

cause your beautiful my love

2012-01-23T09:07:00.001+02:00

Maybe you remember the above photo from one of my previous posts. Well I had someone asking where I'd gotten that "cause your beautiful my love" print and so I decided to make it available as a free download.

Get it here. Hope you like it :)

stellar prints from yumalum

2012-01-23T09:04:00.004+02:00

Any one of Yamalum's prints would look amazing in our house. How to choose though?!?Check them all out here.

cute alert :)

2012-01-23T09:02:00.001+02:00

hot as ...

2012-01-23T09:00:00.002+02:00

Did you also feel like doing this last week? Too cute and I'm sure it helps the heat.

neon

2012-01-23T08:56:00.002+02:00

I'm loving these neon prints. I would love to do something similar for our office, but I can't decide whether I should cut the shapes out of neon paper or paint them onto cardboard. Letterpress would be best, but that's out of my reach so...

secret garden

2012-01-23T08:53:00.002+02:00

I wish I had a setup like this in our back garden. Imagine what wonderful times you could have around that fire pit with cocktails and good friends.

i love sushi

2012-01-23T08:43:00.000+02:00

And I love these sushi post-its. So delicious :)

Get them here (if you can figure out the Japanese)

valentines ideas?

2012-01-13T12:32:00.001+02:00

I had to laugh yesterday when I saw Woolies already has their valentines day goodies on display. It's a bit early isn't it? But then I found this cute cupcake recipe and I couldn't resist posting it as a VERY early valentines day idea. I'm definitely going to try these.

And dreamed of para-para-paradise

2012-01-12T16:38:00.002+02:00

Only a week back and I already dreaming of being somewhere like this *sigh*

if only i journalled...

2012-01-12T16:03:00.001+02:00

I'd use these rainbow hued notebooks.

soft aqua & pink

2012-01-12T16:01:00.000+02:00

I want to eat this gorgeous cake, while wearing...

...this beautiful dress.

These colours are very close to my heart at the moment and hopefully soon I'll be able to show you why ;)

jasper and george

2012-01-08T17:28:00.002+02:00

My lovely brother and sister in-law have just gone into business for themselves making the most stunning furniture. I'm sure you've seen on my blog that I've been drooling over a pallet coffee table for quite a while and I now finally have one thanks to Ina and Heinrich. Go check out some of their other work on their blog or contact them if you have something specific in mind.

inglot eye shadow

2012-01-08T17:23:00.001+02:00

I'm a sucker for make-up and after seeing the new Inglot store in Canal Walk I was dying to go in there and check it out. So I finally go the chance and walked away with these beautiful eye shadows. I love them and they work so well. I also love that you can replace a single shadow when it's finished instead of having to buy the others as well. I'm sure they will be seeing a lot more of me.

confetti wall art

2012-01-06T16:23:00.001+02:00

I really love these two simple diy pieces of wall art. There were plans to do the bottom on (I've even cut out all the little dots), but then I discovered that they boards I was going to use for it doesn't really work. So until I get the right size canvas this is on hold, but hopefully not for too long as this is so simple to do. Check it out here.

just some random cuteness

2012-01-06T16:09:00.000+02:00

all that glitters

2012-01-06T16:07:00.000+02:00

{design within reach}

I've never been a bit fan of gold, but suddenly I'm finding myself more and more drawn to it. I'm especially loving all these beautiful gold home décor items.

{etsy}

{olive and cocoa}

{oh joy for hygge and west}

{kate spade}

designer showcase: zach johnsen

2012-01-04T16:41:00.000+02:00

Names: Zach Johnsen
Claim to fame: Illustration
Location: Portland, OR
Website: http://www.zachjohnsen.com

beautiful table

2012-01-04T15:54:00.001+02:00

More from This is Colossal... These tables are just stunning! I'm very tempted to try this myself, but can you imagine the time that goes into knocking in each of those nails?!?

diy chocolate :)

2012-01-04T15:51:00.003+02:00

This made me smile. I am a complete chocoholic so I love these modular chocolates that you can add your own ingredients to. Brilliant. Check it out here. Also, check out the rest of this site as it features super cool art, design and illustration.

2012-01-04T15:03:00.002+02:00

Ok, so the above statement (which I laughed my head off at because it's so apt) is how I felt for most of November and December. Way tooo much work and not enough downtime turned me into a brainless little thing, and subsequently, nothing but work got done in my house, hence no blog posts. I'm determined to make up for that so hopefully I can create some balance in my life (my new years resolution!) and focus on more things that make me happy. One of which is my blog. So hopefully you'll be seeing more regular posts again.

Ok, so you'll also probably see a few posted dated blog posts popping up. These were a few things that I wanted to document, but never got around to, so I'm just going to stick them where they belong in the time line :), so forgive the confusion.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-04T14:57:00.000+02:00

I'm back (finally) and wishing you all a wonderful and prosperous 2012

Typography from here

Happy 30th at Casa Labia

2011-12-29T18:35:00.000+02:00

No, it wasn't my 30th (that's only this year), but a very good friend of mine's. We had a wonderful lunch at Casa Labia, which is just a beautiful venue. The food was to die for, we had lots of bubbly and the day was perfect. And it was all rounded off with a delicious red velvet cake covered in cream cheese frosting (my new fav).

Happy 30th Samara! Hope it's a spectacular year.

christmas cheer :)

2011-12-25T16:41:00.000+02:00

chocolate & fresh cherry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

2011-12-23T17:18:00.000+02:00

Pudding was my job this Christmas, so I make these yummy cupcakes. Pitting fresh cherries isn't the greatest job in the world though, but it was sooo worth it.

christmas tree, oh christmas tree

2011-12-16T17:16:00.000+02:00

weekend away in jacobsbaai

2011-12-04T16:09:00.000+02:00

We spent a wonderful weekend away with my family in this delightful little west coast town. It's a gem and we'll definitely be going back, especially if we can stay in the same accommodation.

Our Garden

2011-11-15T15:17:00.000+02:00

A before and after of our back garden. Quite an improvement I'd say. I'll post some new images soon as it's looking nicely established now.

cute new things

2011-11-09T20:06:00.001+02:00

From top to bottom and left to right:
beautiful country road frame with something I made in it
cute ceramic bunny from this year's Kamers Vol Geskenke
diy necklace holder I made
fragrance burner from The Body Shop (another b-day prezzy from my man)
ceramic bowls from this year's Kamers Vol Geskenke
gorgeous bamboo art

garden route holiday

2011-11-09T19:46:00.000+02:00

Well, despite my hectic schedule, I did get to go on holiday with my hubby for my birthday. It was superb and a well deserved break (though I can't say I loved the mound of emails and work that was waiting for me when I got back). We went for a bit of a trip down the Garden Route and back and I must admit this area must be one of my favourites to visit in SA

First stop was Swellendam

Then of to Wilderness, with a lot of stops inbetween, including Mosselbay, Groot Brak and Glentana.

I've only ever driven through Wilderness and it was so nice to spend 2 days there. We stayed in the most stunning little self-catering place called The Wallow, and I can definitely recommend it for anyone looking for accommodation in that area. We spent our time driving around the area and exploring.

On our way to Tsitsikamma we found this cute little shop in Buffelsbaai.

Then it was off to the Tsitsikamma National Park. I have always loved it there, ever since I first went there with my parents when I was a child. We spent time walking some of the trails, lying around reading, staring at the see and just doing as little as possible.

And look at the beautiful earrings I got from my hubby for my birthday.

All in all it was a great trip and I think we should definitely make this a yearly affair :)

kitty kat

2011-11-09T17:08:00.001+02:00

I want a kitty. Aren't these 4 just to cute?!?Wonder what my doggies would say though....

bad bad blogger

2011-11-09T17:06:00.002+02:00

So, I've been a super bad blogger of late. And it doesn't look like it will be improving any time soon :P. Let's just say, due to a crazy workload, I'm just can't spend another minute in front of a pc, even for my lovely blog. Most days, nights and weekends spent working will do that to you. But hopefully I'll get out of this work frenzy (hopefully sooner than later) and then the blogging fun can commence.

So, I just wanted to say hi and hope that this bought of bad blogging won't scare you away.

There are a few posts coming up, just to tied you over :)

how you make me feel

2011-09-13T17:17:00.000+02:00

I love you because you can make me laugh when I don't even want to smile

cutie pies

2011-09-13T17:15:00.000+02:00

Just some cute critters that made me go "aaah!".

"the art of clean up”

2011-09-06T18:36:00.000+02:00

Love this! By Ursus Werhli

camera cookies

2011-09-03T18:34:00.001+02:00

Can we change the saying to "cute as a cookie" because these are just adorable.

finally, so frames

2011-09-02T18:34:00.000+02:00

So, all those hours of hunting for beautiful ways to hang frames has finally paid off. The biggest hindrance to date has actually been finding frames that I like. Nothing has grabbed my attention and the few that I've found that I really like were crazy expensive. Then I spotted the most gorgeous frames on a twitter post and just had to have them. They come from Country Road in the Waterfront and they are spectacular. I might have spent a little too much on them, but they were so worth it and I'll keep them forever.

Then I saw a great way of deciding how to hang frames on pinterest (see here) and off we went. It's super easy and save you the anxiety of having to drill holes before you're 100% sure about the arrangement. I first arranged the frames on our lounge carpet to get the basic layout and then all you do is cut brown paper into the sizes of each frame, mark where the hook is so you know where the nail need to go and then stick it to the wall with masking tape. This was great because I spent a whole afternoon moving them around to find just the right layout. And, TADA, here they are. We've got wedding pics in them, but the wonderful thing about this is you can change the photos when you want.

We also finally put up some of our other art and our house is not really starting to feel like a home. I also made a note board with an old frame, which I pained yellow, and some chalk board paint, and we finally put up our house number, so people can finally find us easily :)

popcsicles

2011-09-01T17:18:00.036+02:00

Getting into that spring feeling (even though warmer weather doesn't seem to be any nearer) I put together this collage of pretty popsicle. Doesn't it make you long for the beach, warm evenings and picnics?

Fruity, Savory, Creamy, Boozy Popsicles
Popsicle Cards
Strawberry Popsicles
Popsicle Game
Popsicle Tattoos
Popsicle Wallpaper
Mango Orange Popsicles

louis vuitton window display

2011-08-31T08:36:00.001+02:00

I'm not a Vuitton fan, but I just love this :)

sushi at Willoughby & Co

2011-08-27T12:18:00.000+02:00

My wonderful hubby took me for sushi at Willoughby yesterday. And it was spectacular. Definitely going again *lick lips*

paarl and the taal monument

2011-08-20T08:30:00.006+02:00

This weekend Rudi and I went out to the Taal Monument in Paarl. I've always wanted to go see it, but just never got round to it. You have a stunning view from up there and we're planning to go have picnic there when the weather warms up. We also popped in at Fairview Wine Farm for some cheese and bread. The last stop was ice-cream at our favourite little gelato shop.

out and about

2011-08-14T08:13:00.000+02:00

Breakfast at LaCuccina, a drive around Camps Bay and Bantry Bay, and sitting in a Sea Point parking lot looking out over the sea. What a great way to spend a Saturday.

*I'm being naught and back dating my posts to when they actually happened, but I have been crazy and haven't had any time to blog, so I have a lot of catching up to do :)

fab shelves

2011-08-12T17:41:00.002+02:00

I wonder if I could get my dad to make me these shelves?

crayola colour chairs

2011-08-12T17:40:00.002+02:00

I want these for our patio *sigh*

paper ring

2011-08-12T17:38:00.000+02:00

Beautiful paper ring by Elsa Mora

rainy friday

2011-08-12T17:36:00.000+02:00

This is how you should spend a rainy Friday, snuggled up in bed...

Take note, this is our bed and not hers :)

cape town

2011-08-12T17:34:00.000+02:00

Taken and edited with Camera+ on my iPhone.

more cute garden ideas

2011-08-12T17:33:00.002+02:00

designer showcase: Mike Kus

2011-08-12T17:32:00.000+02:00

Names: Mike Kus
Claim to fame: Design
Website: http://mikekus.com/

california dreaming

2011-08-12T17:26:00.000+02:00

I've wanted to go to the USA since I can remember. Time and money don't always play along in my grand ideas about traveling the world and most of the time day to day life overshadows my dreams of seeing far of places. But really, I'd just like to travel more and I need to make a plan to do it :)

So, with that in mind I've been doing some research into the possibility of Rudi and I going to America next year. It really is just a dream at this stage, but if I do enough homework I can at least find out what it would cost and then work towards saving for it, even if it's not next year.

Obviously America is huge, and to see it all in one go would be, if not impossible, very very expensive. So we've narrowed down the places we'd like to see quite radically. Firstly, we have to see New York. This is an absolute must. I think I've watch too many tv series (sex & the city, gossip girl, etc) not to want to set foot there are least once in my life. I don't imagine that we could only stay a few days, but that would be enough. Just to walk down 5th avenue once would be amazing.

Most of our trip would then be dedicated to seeing the natural wonders of California. We'd love to go to San Diago first, to Comic Con. Our little geek hearts would burst from all the sci-fi goodness. Then we'd make our way up the coast along the Pacific Coast Highway, which National Geographic rates as one of the top 500 trips in the world to do. They it would be off to Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe and we'd end it all off with a few days in San Francisco.

Mmm... I have it all planned out in my head. Now just to make it a reality.

*those beautiful photos at the top can are from here

lust have: woolies knitted blanket

2011-08-11T22:26:00.000+02:00

Aah, you have to love half price end of season sales. I've been eyeing this chunky knitted blanket at woolies since it first appeared in stores at the beginning of winter. I was dying to buy it, but wasn't willing to part with the amount of money that they wanted (woolworths can be outrageous sometimes). So I decided to bide my time and see if it would go on sale at the end of winter. And low and behold, on Wednesday when I popped into woolworths it was on sale, and for 50% off. So I snapped it up in a second. Its warm and cuddly and oh so pretty. I now spend all day cuddled up in it in front of my pc. Such a good buy :)

gardening: our potted plants

2011-08-11T22:21:00.000+02:00

So, I mentioned last week that we had just gotten some paving done at our new place. And after checking it out for a bit we decide that we definitely needed to get some potted plants to liven up the place. So off we went to Stodels on Saturday on a plant buying mission. We bought 3 pots, ranging from large to slightly smaller and planted a yucca and two succulents in them. I love it! They look fab and are apparently super easy to look after, which is a good thing for me. I so loved buying stuff for our garden that I went out on Sunday again and got another succulent (in the purple pot) and some pretty white flowers. I never thought I'd like gardening, but I can't wait to get started on the rest.

italian greyhound cuteness

2011-08-11T22:15:00.000+02:00

I don't know what my sudden fascination with this bread is, but I just can't get enough of their flighty cuteness. I was watching Dogs 101 on tv the other night and they had an insert about Italian greyhounds. I wanted to squeal with suppressed glee. They are so skinny and neurotic and afraid of their own shadow, but they are adorable.

pink pop

2011-08-11T22:12:00.000+02:00

I'm already imagining (and buying) clothes that I can wear this summer. I'm already tired of winter and can't wait to haul out all my cute summer dresses. The one in the photo is gorgeous, especially pared with that bright pink blazer. Summer, please come quick.

floating in the clouds

2011-08-11T22:09:00.002+02:00

felt bunny necklace

2011-08-04T20:05:00.000+02:00

I just thought this bunny's face was too sweet. Can't believe it's made out of felt.
See more here

pinterest overload

2011-08-04T20:03:00.000+02:00

As if I don't spend enough time on Pinterest, I've just discovered (and downloaded) their iPhone app. Check it out if you dare.

scrumptious logos

2011-08-04T20:00:00.000+02:00

If I ever get to go to America I'd love to visit these bakeries. If their foody fare is even half as tasty as their logo I'm sure I would be in for a treat.

Top to Bottom: Kara's Cupcakes, Trophy Cupcakes, Frost Donuts & Vanilla Bake Shop

2 years in the cape!

2011-08-04T18:08:00.000+02:00

Yesterday we celebrated our 2 year "move down to cape town" anniversary. I can't believe that it's been so long already and so much has happened in those two years. If you had told me then that in 2 years I would have a thriving business and own a house of my very own, I would have laughed. But that's were we are now and it's wonderful! Here's to the rest of our live in this beautiful place.

ps: we went to Sevurga for supper and, like always, it was spectacular. If you go you have to save place for their chocolate fondant. It's to die for. And there are great half price sushi platters in their winter special.

brick planters

2011-08-04T18:02:00.000+02:00

We are now the proud owners of a pretty decent paved patio (pics coming soon). There's an area down the side of the house that doesn't get a lot of sun and no grass grows there. with the winter rain and the dogs it was turning into one big mud pit, so we decided to get someone to pave it. I never thought I'd be this excited about paving! But I suppose that because it's our own home that we're doing up it makes it special.

This weekend we will be on the hunt for a few things to brighten up our new patio and while browsing through printerest I came across the above planter ideas, fist done by the people of Potted. Isn't it just fab, and super easy for beginner diys. We are definitely going to investigate doing this somewhere. Wish us luck :)

cuddly cushion friends

2011-08-03T18:03:00.000+02:00

These are all so adorable. I love quirky cushion and would scatter then all over the house if I could. I just need to find them first, and get past Rudi, who, like most men, don't understand the fascination :). We laughed so hard when we saw this scene in Coupling and I've never been able to think of cushions again in the same way

loving metal type

2011-08-03T17:58:00.002+02:00

How cool would any of these be on the wall above my desk?!? I wonder who I can commission to make me some cool type out of metal.

pinterest love: confetti

2011-08-03T17:57:00.000+02:00

Is it spring yet? Cos I'm in a party mood :)

marshmallow

2011-08-03T17:55:00.002+02:00

This was too cute not to post

iphone photo apps

2011-07-20T10:53:00.000+02:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, the minute I got my iPhone I downloaded a bunch of photo manipulation apps. Some are great and some are so so. My favourite is

Classic TOY

I stumbled across the free version by accident and then loved it so much I bought the full version for $1.99, which was totally worth it. This little app gives you 17 different film settings, each with 3 different variations (Original, Supertoy & Grunge) and 11 different lenses. The two photos at the top were taken with the Mikkers and Shinoks Edition lens. I've only started to experiment with this, but it's very fun.

I also bought Hipstamatic after seeing that it is the top selling photo app, but I must admit that I'm very disappointed in it after using Classic TOY. The full version doesn't give you half as many lenses or films and each one comes with a cryptic hipster style info section that doesn't explain anything about the item. In comparison, Classic TOY gives a brief, but informative explanation about each thing in your camera bag. You also have to pay an additional $0.99 for new hipster packs, which usually consist of one new lens and a couple of films. Hipstermatic feels like it is really just for those people out there who think they are too cool for school. I'm not even going to bother posting a pic.

I then also got Tilt Shift Generator which creates the same miniature effect in your photos that a tilt shift lens does. It's fun and super easy to use and just a bit of creative fluff.

I also picked up Label Box, which lets you add cute labels onto your photos and Instagram, a great free app with different photo effects and frames.

If you want some more control over your iPhone camera, I suggest getting Camera+, which turns your iPhone into a mini SLR (sort of). You can adjust focal points, switch on the stabiliser and in the editing more you have a lot of cool options, from white balance, crop and adjustment to effects and borders. This is definitely a worthwhile app for $0.99.

If you have any cool photo apps worth trying, just let me know. I'd love to test them out :)

designer showcase: Stanley Chow

2011-07-20T10:14:00.000+02:00

Names: Stanley Chow
Claim to fame: Illustration
Website: http://www.stanleychowillustration.com/

holiday

2011-07-20T10:08:00.000+02:00

Well, this week Rudi and I have taken a long overdue break. We drove up to Colesberg on Friday to visit his dad and I have done nothing constructive (except blog) for the last couple of days. It's wonderful. My days have consisted of sitting outside in the sun reading the Carrie Diaries (really a must if you liked Sex and the City), watching tv and eating. It's great to get away to somewhere were there really isn't a lot to do as it forces you to just take it easy. I'm going to be wonderfully recharged by the time I get back to work :)

pink + yellow

2011-07-19T17:56:00.000+02:00

The pink and yellow colour combo in these rooms is just so unexpected and fun. Another great idea that I'd love to try in my own home. And I love it so much I've decided to use it in my new website :)

big ears

2011-07-19T17:52:00.002+02:00

This pup is too cute. He definitely still needs to grow into his ears

food porn

2011-07-19T17:45:00.000+02:00

Food porn is a provocative term variously applied to a spectacular visual presentation of cooking or eating. And these image from Evan's Kitchen Ramblings is a perfect example of this. Aren't they fantastic? I can't decide whether I like the food or the photography more. One thing I can say is the colours in these are wonderful.

frozen bubbles

2011-07-14T17:49:00.001+02:00

Spectacular!

what am i chasing

2011-07-13T17:47:00.001+02:00

Some days I just feel like this :P

iphone love

2011-07-11T17:36:00.003+02:00

Anyone who knows me could tell you that I'm a gadget girl. I'd own all the latest fads if I only had the money. So, with much anticipation and glee, I finally got an iPhone today! And it's fabulous. I just can't put it down.

The first thing I did was download all the free photography apps I could find and I'm having a ton of fun with them. I'll be doing a post about my favourite ones soon so watch this space.

There's no going back now. I will always be an iphone girl :)

around cape point

2011-07-11T17:26:00.007+02:00

Saturday was such a beautiful day that we thought we would take a trip around cape point. I could almost imagine it was spring, with the bright blue sky, no wind and warm vibes. We stopped in Kalk Bay to stroll around the shops, had lunch in Simon's Town and just took a slow drive back home. The one thing I couldn't get over was how flat the sea was. Not a wave or a ripple. It looked like a lake. What a great way to spend a Saturday.

head scarf heaven

2011-07-08T13:27:00.000+02:00

I'm loving this vintage head scarf look. And it's so easy! Just check out the quick tutorial here. Keiko Lynn's blog is also just divine and I love her style!

Now does anyone know where I could get a beautiful silk scarf?

stunning illustrations

2011-07-08T13:24:00.000+02:00

Aren't these illustrations by Brittney Lee just beautiful. I wish I could create something like this. It makes me want to dig out my old sketch book and get drawing.

Check out more of her wonderful work here

vampire diaries

2011-07-08T09:32:00.000+02:00

I know this show is old news, but when it started I was quite frankly completely uninterested in another "Twilighty", weak whiny girl meets brooding whiny vampire. One Bella and Edward is more than enough for me. I even watched the first episode just to give the show a fair chance, but it didn't strike me as something I'd get into.

Then a friend of mine encouraged me to watch some more and stick it out until at least episode 8, when, she assured me, it would get much less high school drama and actually become quite cool. And I must agree, it's definitely improved and become quite fun to watch, if for no other reason than to watch Damon's wise cracking deviously evil ways. And Stefan's not bad to look at either ;)

Why dogs don't live as long...

2011-07-07T19:29:00.000+02:00

I saw this pinned on Pinterest the other day and I thought it was so adorable that I couldn't help crying. I'm a sucker for animals so anything cute/sad/wonderful having to do with them usually illicitness some tears from me. But can you blame me after reading the following. I dare you not to :)

Our little boy seemed to accept our dogs transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after his death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are so much shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long."

cute shoes

2011-07-07T19:24:00.000+02:00

These are my latest indulgences. I looooove beautiful shoes, but don't get to wear them too working from (slippers are much more comfy ;). But when I saw these I just had to have them. The camel one's are from Woolies and my wonderful hubby bought the purple ginger mary ones from Trueworths. So pretty...*Sigh*

side table diy

2011-06-29T22:47:00.000+02:00

I've been working on this table project for a couple of weeks and I'm quite pleased at how it turned out. I with I had a before picture as it started out as a ratty old thing painted pitch black with plaka paint. I wanted to throw it out, but I desperately needed a side table for our new and improved spare room and I thought there must be something I can do with it.

So I got to work sanding it, painting it (which took about 3 weeks because it wouldn't stop raining here long enough for me to give it a second coat) and decorating it with silver leaves. I'm chuffed at how it turned out and it matches the new colour scheme so well.

Now, what to paint next ... :)

rainbow kitty

2011-06-29T22:37:00.003+02:00

sidewalk cafe

2011-06-29T22:37:00.000+02:00

Monday night Rudi and I went out to Sidewalk Cafe for a friends birthday. It is such a lovely place. Cozy, quaint and very artsy, with all sorts of wild and wonderful things strewn around the place. They are having a type of chef showdown there over the next couple of weeks and Rudi and I tried the Oxtail Ravioli off the menu. It was to die for. We definitely have to go back there sometime, preferably for breakfast, which I hear is great, so that I can take some photos of the place.

stationery love

2011-06-28T19:30:00.000+02:00

circus tent

2011-06-28T19:29:00.000+02:00

More rings I would love. Just soo cute. Find them here

pink and pretty

2011-06-28T19:27:00.000+02:00

I would die for a ring like this. Hint hint :)

paper flowers

2011-06-28T19:25:00.000+02:00

Just a very simple craft project. Some pretty bottles, some twigs and some paper. Costs next to nothing and looks great. Find the tutorial here

photographer showcase: Barb Uli

2011-06-28T19:20:00.000+02:00

These are some of the most magnificent photographs of kids that I have ever seen. Her use of light, locations and props is superb. I would love to be this good one day.

Check out Barbs website here.

2011-06-28T18:48:00.000+02:00

This is the coolest floor I've ever seen. I would love to be able to do this.

doggie noses

2011-06-28T18:47:00.002+02:00

So cute. Betsie and Einstein both pull that top move every morning to see if we're away. Love dogs!

weekend highlights

2011-06-28T18:35:00.000+02:00

No work. Yeah! Dinner with friends (Friday & Saturday & Sunday), tv cabinet hunting (and finding :), lots of tv, lots of birthday cake and wii (Happy Birthday Wiehan!) and breakfast pancakes at Petits Fours

natural splendor

2011-06-28T18:28:00.000+02:00

Beautiful image from here. I'd love to go and visit there.

supernatural & good music

2011-06-21T18:36:00.014+02:00

Rudi and I are big Supernatural fans and this week we got hold of a bunch of the great music from the show. So it's been rocking in our house ever since :). I think we've listened to "Carry on my wayward son" by Kansas a hundred times already.

One of my favourite scenes is this one and we nearly laughed our heads off.

And it doesn't hurt that Jensen Ackles isn't bad to look at :)