dream house

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

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

doggie photos

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!

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

From Magneticgrain on Etsy

cupcake love

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funky nails

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

world of birds

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

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 :)