The weekend in Instagram

As far as weekends go - this one was near perfect. It kicked off with a girly dinner at Simply Asia, which then ended with Wakaberry. What's not to love about a night of great company, thai food and the best frozen yogurt in town?
I also tried a slicked back hairstyle - hence the shameless selfie included in this weeks pics. I think it turned out okay.

Saturday was spent with the bestie on a marathon shopping spree. I am trying to be a grown-up and have made a list of "investment items" that should carry me through this winter in style and I am trying very hard to stick to the list and not impulse buy. I have to say, I did very well. I am evolving as a person. I didn't come home with the black stilettos I tweeted about, and instead bought, or rather, invested (I can see my husband rolling his eyes right now)  in a leather jacket, a parka and a denim shirt, plus a few sundries like pretty tights etc. Come now - those are all winter staples that should be hanging in every girls closet for this winter, and many winters to come. See, investment! Like the ultimate shopaholic Carrie Bradshaw once said, "I like my money where I can see it - hanging in my closet".
I also spotted a pair of black leather boots that I might need as well, and may just have to go back for. Its between those and the stilettos - which I really don't need, but they're really pretty!

Shopping was followed by some takeaway sushi from our new favorite sushi spot, Nuri Sushi Factory, and cuddling under a blanket on the couch watching movies - only getting up to take a walk to Woolies to get some marshmallows for our hot chocolate. It was the perfect weather for vegging out and digging into that 1kg of Nomu drinking chocolate I bought a while back.

Sunday was a busy morning of running a few errands, followed by a super fun date night at the Twelve Apostles for their 'Dinner and a Movie' special. I'll post a full review tomorrow, but I will say for now that it was fantastic! We had a great meal, followed with a milkshake, popcorn, a well stocked candy bar and a screening of My Best Friends Girl in a 15-seater cinema. It was supposed to be There's Something About Mary but the disc was missing or something. It really didn't bother us, as we preferred the substitute anyway.

Now I have to show you the stilettos and the boots. I just cant decide. I need your opinion!
Its winter, I should get the boots right? But look at those stilettos! I think I need to get a poll going in the comments section.

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Your Cape Town Market bucket list

I probably spend at least one day each weekend at some kind of market. I grew up trawling flea markets all over Durban with my folks when I was little, and loved it. Nothing beats spending a morning discovering treasures, relishing in eating home-made eats and sweets as well as experiencing different cultures and countries through some amazing artisan food.

I've compiled a list of the markets in and around Cape Town that I highly recommend you visit:

Cape Town

V&A Market on the Wharf, V&A Waterfront

http://www.marketonthewharf.co.za/

Wednesday to Sunday, 9h30 to 18h00

Neighbourhood Goods Market, Old Biscuit Mill

http://www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za/

Saturdays, 9h00 to 14h00

City Bowl Market, Hope Street, Gardens

http://www.citybowlmarket.co.za/

Thursdays, 16h30 to 20h30

Saturdays, 9h00 to 14h00

Cape Town Surrounds

Bay Harbor Market, Hout Bay

http://www.bayharbour.co.za

Fridays, 17h00 to 21h00

Saturdays and Sundays, 9h30 to 16h00

Bluebird Garage Food and Goods Market, Muizenberg

http://bluebirdgarage.blogspot.com/

Fridays, 16h00 to 22h00

Winelands

Stellenbosch Slow Market, Oude Libertas, Stellenbosch

http://www.slowmarket.co.za

Saturdays, 9h00 to 14h00

Blaauklippen Family Market, Stellenbosch

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blaauwklippen-Vineyards-Family-Market/147482601977987

Sundays, 10h00 to 15h00

Route 44 Market, Audacia farm, Stellenbosch

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Root-44-Market/356379571045401

Sundays, 9h30 to 15h30

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The weekend in Instagram

The weekend started off on a fabulous note when I received some lovely jewellery from Antique Fusion Jewellery. I am obssessed with dainty and quirky pieces of jewellery and my goal is to stop buying costume jewellery for the most part, and to start investing in beautifully crafted pieces, from brass to rose gold, and from diamonds to amethyst and everything
in-between.

We also are finally getting the finishing details done in our home and I am loving how our bedroom has come together. Between the colour, the decor and, of course, the view and the sound of the waves crashing outside - it has become  my favorite place in our home.
Another highlight is we finalised our USA plans and booked hotels, car hire etc. I celebrated by buying a travel journal from Typo on my way home from work.

Friday saw us indulging in our new favorite Mexican spot, San Julian, in De Waterkant. They do THE best margaritas and I really like the authentic food - no greasy tex-mex a la Panchos, just really fresh, really good food. Their decor is amazing as well and you feel totally transported.

Saturday was laid back ending in an evening filled with red wine and homemade lamb curry and great company. Much plotting for the up-coming Bastille Festival to be done. I am so happy to have a much needed girls weekend to look forward to.

Sunday was spent at the Waterfront, but this time instead of going to the V&A Food Market again, we tried out the Clock Tower area exploring the Moyo food market and having brunch in the gorgeous May sunshine at Tribakery.
I couldn't escape without a visit to Lush to pick up some more goodies to try out. I have heard amazing things about the American Dream conditioner and also snapped up a face scrub, some shampoo and my all-time favorite, and constant bath time staple - the Buffy Bar.

Now its time to enjoy the sunset, with some homemade lasagna - using my mom's recipe that my brother and I have grown up loving. (Finally starting to get it right and hopefully I will have it perfected by the time I have kids)
Feet up, Sunday night movie on and a glass of red. Bliss.


Have a lovely week pretties!
xx

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The weekend in Instagram

After a manic week with birthday dinners, Bon Jovi and much tequila, it was a relief to have a relaxed weekend where we kept our plans to during the day so that we could enjoy a lazy Saturday night in, eating pasta and drinking hot chocolate - which we earned by going for an early morning run along the promenade with some friends. Cape Town in May is perfect for starting the day like that.

The majority of this weekend was happily spent with both our families, splitting Mother's Day over two days. We had my in-laws over for rugby and brunch followed by a stroll through the waterfront and the V&A Food Market where I got to introduce my mom-in-law (who I lovingly call Ninja Mom) to my favorite drink, Bubble Tea.
I also loved showing her around Lush - I think I may have another member to add to the cult of the Lush Buffy Bar!

Sunday morning was spent with my parents at the Blaauklippen Family Market where, amongst so many other treasures, I found the cutest winter hat. I definitely think it will be my winter staple.
We also got to hang out with some Alpacas - no idea why they're there actually. They're a rather random addition to a market. I think I may have missed the stall they were attached to somehow.
As far as markets go, this one is great. Plenty of amazing food, tons of options as far as wine, craft beer and home made lemonades and juices are concerned. It also offered loads of spots to sit and enjoy the atmosphere with trestle tables under the trees. They had live music going as well and it ended up making for a gorgeous morning out. I was particularly happy to find a childhood favorite - mini donuts, or Orbits as they used to be called. For R25 we got 12 freshly made and still warm donuts drenched in a mix of chocolate and caramel. Complete bliss!

I loved hanging out with my fabulous mom, and it always delights me at how we almost always choose the same things to eat and drink at markets. It little things like this that make me feel proud and happy when I realise how much we are alike.

I love looking back on weekends like this because it makes my heart happy having spent quality time with family, and spoiling my two amazing moms. I am a very blessed girl, surrounded by strength, grace and love.

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Spoiling Mom - Some last minute gift ideas

Mother's Day is coming up this weekend so you still have time to put together the perfect gift for that special lady in your life.

As I get older I find I have more and more in common with my mother, and much more respect and admiration for her too.

Seeing many of my friends become mothers has also taught me what it really entails. Its beautiful and heartbreaking, and while terrifying, it is so rewarding. I am constantly in awe of the dedication, bravery and selflessness it takes to be a good mother and while one day a year really isn't nearly enough to honour our beautiful mums - its a good start, and definitely a day to be cherished and to really make an effort to spoil her rotten.

Here are some last minute gift ideas I've sourced for you from Woolies, Poetry, Lush and Mr Price Home for that wonderful mom of yours:

1) Slippers from Poetry, R299

2) Weekender Bag from Woolworths, R250

3) Floral apron from Mr Price Home, R79,99

4) Bon Bons from Woolworths, R49,95 and Toffees from Poetry, R25 each

5) Silk scarf from Poetry, R99

6) Delicious Gifts cookbook from Poetry, R160

7) White crate from Mr Price Home, R99,99

8) Buffy Bar, R85 and Dream Cream, R155 both from Lush

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The weekend in Instagram

I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked to this weekend. I was just too delighted by San Julien Mexican restaurant that I didn't even think to take my phone out to snap away. I suppose that must be the sign of a good place, so good that my inner hipster was repressed by their fantastic food and amazing margaritas.

I also cut my hair off. So now I am sporting a "Short hair, don't care" attitude :)
I am loving the new look so much. It feels so fresh and I think I've finally found a look that suits me and makes me look like I actually have more than 5 strands of hair.

We also tried a wheat-free banana pancake recipe, which I can highly recommend. Bananas and eggs, whizzed with a stick blender - and thats it! Delish.

Lastly, Sunday was spent celebrating an amazing friend's 30th with a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour of the city which went out to the Constantia wine route where we lunched at Simon's at Groot Constantia. This was followed by some wine tasting and then a gorgeous bus trip back through Hout Bay, and then back to the Waterfront. I highly recommend being a tourist in Cape Town, its so incredibly beautiful and we are so lucky to live here.

P.S. Is that not the best fortune cookie ever? I am keeping it and framing it for future inspiration. Those things don't lie people, so watch this space for greatness!

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