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Clockwise from top left: Wine tasting at De Grendel; Coffee with sprinkles - as it should be; Healthy Saturday morning green smoothies and chock-nan pancakes (my new speciality); Cupcakes and chai lattes for breakfast at the CY Market

It has been a while since I did one of these posts. Mostly because I think I was all Instagram'd out after our Thailand trip. And I think I am still suffering with the remnants of some post-paradise blues.  On top of that, being on the butt-end of the fashion industry (manufacturing, importing and such) means we've hit crazy season. Hence I've had to be very selective when it comes to dashing out to events and launches. That doesn't mean that I don't have tons to share with you though. I have some beautiful sunnies coming up tomorrow, a facial to end all facials and so much more.

Clockwise from top left: Sun worshipping with my little bug; The best smile from Vida my little fat squirrel; Sibling selfie at The Fray concert; My ever-inspiring gym.

On the personal side, I've had a great few weeks of very laid back weekends. Life is all about balance so they say, and I've been bouncing between my beloved SWEAT classes, yoga and running - and balancing it out with some very yummy new discoveries. My favourite being our new hole in the wall, Yo Meatball on Roeland Street. Its tiny, uncomplicated and ruddy delicious. You simply order your meatballs, your sauce and your side - and everything is one price, R55. If you go, have the chicken meatballs smothered in a creamy basil pesto sauce, with sweet potato mash. It is comfort food at its finest.

Shameless selfie while trying new Revlon lippy; A fun little vest I found in Thailand; Margaritas from Zapata with sour worms, why don't all margarita jugs come with these? ; My Forever21 shopping spree that started at the launch, and has not stopped yet.

I had a bit of a cold this past week so my weekend was spent buried in a book. I finally got around to reading Gone Girl and I pretty much read for 48 hours straight. With the movie having already being released, I needed to get it done before I heard any spoilers - and my mind, well she was blown. I don't think I have been this excited for a movie in ages. I hope they do this incredible book justice. I read somewhere we'll be seeing Ben Affleck's junk, so the movie already has that going for it.

The week ahead brings a few challenges, some exciting launches and potential collaborations. I am also in the process of redecorating at home so I'm up to my ears in projects. Just the way I like it.

So happy Monday, get to that grind - even if that means just making it to the coffee machine.
xx
Leigh

Bastille Festival 2013

Bastille Festival is upon us at last. This is one of my favorite wine festivals and its become a tradition where the bestie and I make a weekend away of it. We drink copious amounts of red wine and bubbly, eat ourselves sick and eventually roll into the Elephant and Barrel pub for a raucous after-party.

Every year we drive through on the Friday with the intention of taking part in the run the next day. But every year Friday night gets a little out of hand, and well, we don't end up ever doing that run.

Saturday is spent in the marquee trying out the best of the Franschhoek valley's wine, bubbly and of course, the glorious food.
You can then watch or even take part in barrel rolling - but we prefer to work on our drinking so we can roll ourselves down the road later.

It really is a great day out, and makes for a super fun weekend away. The vibe gets you every time. More importantly, the wine gets you every time.
So don your red, white and blue outfits, buy a cheap red beret and get your French on.

Its R150 for general entrance to the marquee which includes your booklet of tasting coupons. You can go for the VIP option for R550 but I don't think its worth it unless you're taking your festival very seriously.
Get your tickets at Webtickets asap, because once they are sold out, thats it. None sold at the door. Boo-hoo for you.

Lastly, don't be an idiot and drink and drive. Arrange a designated driver, a taxi - or better yet, stay over and stumble around drunk walk everywhere like we do.

See you there Bon Ami!

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Root44 Market

This market isn't new. Its just new to me. But what a find! Root44 will be a regular on my weekend market trawls.
The venue is at Audacia Farm in Stellenbosch, right next door to the Mooiberg strawberry farm (the one with all the giant scarecrows). There is a sneaky little slipway to your left just before Mooiberg so keep your eyes peeled as you could miss it.

I can't say I found anything that I'd buy on the craft, decor or clothing side. Maybe they'll pick up a few more fashion vendors towards summer.
The food tent however, oh that sweet food tent...
Firstly, they have a Bubble Tea stand, my favorite gimmicky drink in the world. Then they literally take you on a tour around the world with the food selection. Its massive, with so much to choose from that my friend and I did lap after lap around the tent unable to settle on anything. Eventually we chose a steak shwarma which was delish, and a plate of nachos, which were good. Not great, but nachos are always reliable. Next time I am going to join the queue for the much raved about Eisbein Burgers. They sold out too quickly - as in by about 12h30.
So they must be good. Really good!
Then there was dessert. Again a selection to blow your mind, such as cupcakes, brownies, a candy bar, and cheese for days.

All of this can be washed down with a glass of bubbly, Audacia wines or craft beer as well. I really enjoyed the bubbly but I thought R35 per glass was a bit steep at a market, and with the R20 glass deposit, our 2 glasses cost R110. I got my R40 back in the end, but I couldn't help compare to a restaurant where the bubbly would be the same price, and they don't charge you for a broken glass.
A small turn-off, but it won't stop you from indulging.

Lastly, I love that there is tons of indoor and outdoor seating and you aren't hustling for somewhere to sit. Is there anything worse than a family hovering over you like vultures waiting to take your seat, with the mother holding a screaming, snotty child looking at you like you're the sole reason she's so miserable? No, there isn't.
So back to the point, there is plenty of space for everyone. Inside, and even more so outside with loads of tables and chairs and open ground for kids to play, while the adults can relax and listen to some pretty decent live music.

Root44 Market is open on both Saturdays and Sundays from 9h00 to 15h30

Audacia Wines, Cnr of R44 and Annandale Road, Stellenbosch

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The weekend in Instagram

Even though I've been down with a cold/flu hybrid I've kept quite busy - which is probably why I am only getting worse and not better. Oh well, life waits for no one.

I have done a wardrobe and vanity cleanse of late so I finally made room to try out some new make-up products. I splurged a little and am very happy with my haul - from new make-up brushes, to BB cream and other make-up products I've been dying to test out. I blame All Dolled-Up and Superficial Girls for being enablers of this particular spree.

I also received the best delivery - its for my next Glamour Style Blogger Starter challenge which will be a tech review. Parrot Zik headphones! They are too gorgeous for words and are so full of tricks its unreal.

Saturday was the much-anticipated Hey Gorgeous brunch. They did not disappoint! It was hosted at Dear Me in Longmarket Street and we were greeted with bubbly and goodie bags, followed by a lovely  spread of delish bite size brunch eats. The tester area was set up so that you made your way around the room trying out all of their amazing products (All organic. A vegan. All natural). I picked up the rosewater toner and the ginger and cayenne pepper scrub - which is a foot scrub, but cayenne pepper does wonders for cellulite so this may make its way onto my bum instead.

The evening was spent watching rugby at Cocoa Oola which might be my new favorite spot for watching sports. No smokey pub and creepy old guys. Nice place, nice crowd, big TV's everywhere and amazing burgers - trust me, try the Mr Mayagi chicken burger (no that's not a typo, its a combo on Mayo and Miyagi, clever no? ).

On Sunday we tried out the Root44 Market at Audacia Farm in Stellenbosch. It must go on your list of markets to try! The selection of food alone is worth it. I will be going back for the eisbein burgers which people are raving about and, sadly, were sold out by 12. Another selling point for me is that Bubble Tea have a stand there and if I can have my coconut tea and strawberry bobas, then I am a happy girl!

Now for some flu flighting drugs and bed!

xx

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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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