Back from the BUSH!

Although our stay in the bush was short, it was definitely sweet. The good thing about being in the bush is that the days actually seenm a lot longer, mostly becuse they are filled with nature, beauty, good food and SILENCE! We were lucky enough to experience some decadent hospitality at Molori
and at Morukuru  and even luckier to see Leopard twice in one day and a pride of lion chomping on what Vesper though it was "chocolate" (the head of a wildebeest). This was Vesper's first real safari and she loved every minute, including the baby jaguar ( leopard), the peackocs (springbok), plunge pools, room service and the decadent homemade pink ice cream!!! being back in the bush definitely made us a bit nostalgic for our life at Singita....but once landed in Capetown we were happy to be back! We do live in the most beautiful city in the world.

Spring is Here!

Vesper and I often go to our local nursery Stark Ayers for a little stroll....this past week it was a particularly colorful one, with lots of blooming flowers and puddles for Vesper to jump in. And then...the ultimate treat...ICE CREAM from Sinful. Did you know that Stark Ayers not only has a great cafe' but also a  Sinful Ice Cream Parlor!!! another cheap and cheerful outing with your little one!

Fabulous Things to Do in our town in October!

Symphonic Rock

This year's Symphonic Rocks concert features a cross-genre mix of some of South Africa's most popular artists, backed by the epic power of a full 65 piece Symphony Orchestra! A truly unique and very special music spectacular! Grand Arena - Grand West.

1 October 2011

Coldplay

Coldplay have captured millions of fans around the world since the release of `Parachutes` in 2000. They have earned the title as one of the world`s best selling artists, with over 50 million album sales worldwide. Cape Town Stadium

5 October 2011

Chelsea Flower Show

Visitors will be able to view the re-created award winning South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI’s) 2010 Kirstenbosch – SA Chelsea Flower Show exhibit. Awarded a silver medal, it shows an innovative interpretation of our spectacular plant heritage. The display will be housed on the Marquee Lawn just below the Kirstenbosch Tea Room.

2 to 10 October 2011

The Constantia Fair

The Gift Fair boasts over 100 exhibitors offering jewellery, ceramics, garden accessories, gifting, and a wide variety of deli items allowing guests to savour their time and enjoy the company of friends and shopping over a glass of wine.
19 to 23 October 2011

 

The Cape Town International Fair

There will be more than 100 exhibitors from six different countries and foreign manufacturers selling direct to the public. For bargains of the year, fashion wear, home décor, leather garments, jewellery and much more.
21 to 30 October 2011

Kite Festival

Africa’s biggest kite festival, with kite-making, kite-flying, food stalls, kiddies’ rides, and an eclectic craft market, this is family entertainment at its best. The Festival will be open from 10:00 to 18:00 each day and takes place on the lawns surrounding Zandvlei, Muizenberg.

22 to 23 October 2011

 

Franschhoek Classical Music Festival

A range of classical music events at some of Franschhoek’s finest eateries and the beautiful Dutch Reformed Church, with all proceeds donated to local charities. Artists participating include the celebrated US pianist Bryan Wallick, German guitar virtuoso Ulrich Busch, and many more.

28 to 30 October 2011

how absolutely gorgeous is this salad???? you can make it by following the recipe on one of my favorite Food Blogs: 101 cookbooks. and then you can invite me to lunch!!! Enjoy the sunshine.

More Waterkant....

Today's adventure has taken me and Vesper to Hemel Huis (3rd time!)  in the Waterkant (71 Waterkant Street at the end of the Fan Walk Bridge) for another great cup of coffee...but this place is more about fabulous design, amazing juices and the most decadent trufflled mayo wedges you will ever taste (at least in Capetown!). It's only open for breakfast and lunch and I promise you will want everything on the menu.....if you have not been yet...what are you waiting for?





Pretty Coffee Cups!

I love the fact that a lot of the Cape Town cafes serve their coffee/tea in really pretty cups, so I'm going to make a point of photographing them all....Here's my pretty cup of Rooibos Cappuccino  at LA PETITE TARTE in the Waterkant, a lovely French Cafe' owned by Len Straw and Johan De Villiers who used to run La Residence in Franschhoek for many years!!! Their Mushroom Pie and Salad was delicious and the Tarts looked very French....I'm going to have to go back soon for more!

On a completely separate note.....looking for the BEST cotton pads for the face?? I LOVE these from the Body Shop: Organic Cotton Pads - they have two differently textured surfaces for lotions or liquids and they are huge (R35).

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There is more to Woodstock....than the old Biscuit Mill!

Woodstock has always been one of my favorite neighborhoods in town (it must be the New Yorker in me!). This morning between dropping off my car at Subaru and a play date with Bridget and Jessica, Tony and I managed to squeeze in a Cappuccino and a Croissant at THE ARTISAN BAKER . A lovely break on a gorgeous day!!

Dani's Tip: Park right at the old Biscuiy Mill (R5 up to 30 minutes) and spend a bit of time browsing through the lovely shops without the Saturday crowds. Scoop: The Pies are better than the croissants!!

Check out this website for more on what's happening in Woodstock! I LOVE WOODSTOCK.

Do you have a messy Jewerly Box?

Do you ever look in your jewerly box and find all sorts of bracelets, necklaces, earings that you no longer wear, or that are missing a stone, or that are simply out of style?? well I did, and for the longest time I did not do anything about it, until I came across Brenda Parker at the Montebello Design Center. I brought her all sorts of bits and pieces, including an old little diamond ring, some charms, some tormaline beads and together we designed a necklace I can now wear everyday . Not only it was a fun process, but it only cost R350.

Another Blog!!!???

Just an easier way for me to share all my discoveries with those who actually want to know....at least now you have to voluntarily SUBSCRIBE to hear from me !!! :-) Spring has arrived!!

Vesper and I spent a couple of hours with Tommy and Luanne at HIGH TEA at Farriers and it was just glorious...rocks, fountains, sticks, sunshine and yummy Savory Scones and Cappuccinos. I highly recommend it....and the bill for 4 of us was under R100 !!!! a cheap date with your little one. Dani's Tip: Always book a table (021 797 1421) it gets busy. They will not reserve a table outside but if you book and there is one available you will have priority seating. If you order a savory scone- share it! it is enormous. SCOOP: New Gift Shop coming soon right in the courtyard.