The weekend in Instagram

The weekend started off with a heavy heart as our beloved former President, Nelson Mandela, passed away. It felt as though everywhere I went on Friday was quieter, sadder and deep in introspective thought. People nodded knowingly to each other and it was the only thing being spoken of. Everyone was reminiscing as to where they were when he was released from prison, or who they knew who had met him, and we all agreed how blessed we all are to have had such a perfect role model. Gone but never to be forgotten.

On Friday evening I popped in at the Wakaberry Endless Summer party to check out their new flavours and their new summer merchandise. I love the brand extensions, like the big, bright beach towels and the iPhone covers with the sweetest little yogurt bowl design on them. The new chocolate flavour is delish, but my new favorite is Granana - a granadilla and banana combo. Perfect for summer!

We started Saturday off with a run on the promenade, followed by some stand-up paddle boarding at the Waterfront Canals. It was a little windy so it ended up being a serious workout - but as always, loads of fun. We definitely earned the burgers and cupcakes that followed! It was all for a darling friend's birthday. I love it when we get to do something different, and to spend some quality time with our friends in the sunshine.

Sunday morning was spent with our god daughter at her 3rd birthday party. Nothing in the world beats seeing her dressed up as a princess. I also realised upon seeing her dress, that the very similar one I tried on at Topshop last week is probably not the best style choice for my 30th birthday party this week. If its fit for a 3 year old, it is probably not the best idea for a 30 year old.

We then ended off the weekend by visiting the brother and sister in their new home just up the road. It is going to be so great having them back in the hood. We had to make the most of the perfect weather and met up with them again that evening for a walk on the beach with the pup.
All the sunshine and exercise was then promptly cancelled out by gorging on pasta and sour worms while watching an episode or two of our new addiction, The Newsroom.

And so the last 4 days of 20's commences. Send love and anti-aging thoughts my way please!

xx
Leigh

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New in: The Zara Skort

If you keep up to date with international blogs, you'll have seen this little number on many a blog post. The Zara skort pretty much took over internet as far as fashion was concerned. I am still seeing it paired with tights and booties as our Northern Hemisphere friends head into winter.

But for us down South, its rolling into Summer and Zara hasn't forgotten about us - they have stocked the must-have piece in a variety of colours just in time for December. I popped in on the weekend and picked up a white one - although I think I should have sprung for the black and royal blue as well. I love how it seems to slim the leg, especially when paired with heels.
You better get there fast if you want one, because they won't be on the shelves for long!

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The weekend in Instagram

I love weekends that are just back-to-back festivities and involve quality time with friends and family. We kicked it off on Friday at San Julian to celebrate the mom-in-law's birthday - the place has definitely gone down since our last visit. However, the company made up for it and we had plenty of margaritas, and even more laughs. We decided to finish off the night at Planet Bar at the Mount Nelson with coffee and dessert.

Saturday was spent in the kitchen! We decided to start a new tradition and have Thanksgiving. Sourcing all the ingredients for a traditional feast wasn't easy, but once we had everything, I hopped in the car and drove straight to mom's house for help - and a far bigger and fancier oven! I would not have coped without all of her hints and tips and together we pulled off the full Thanksgiving feast - turkey, pumpkin pie, creamy mashed potatoes, a heavenly stuffing and veggie sides. I raced home with an hour to spare to set up the table and get ready before our friends arrived. It was totally worth all the preparation because it was one of those evenings where you blink and its after midnight. Great conversation and amazing friends  - and we all took a turn to say what we're thankful for and it was truly heartwarming. I love our new tradition!

On Sunday I met my favorite panda for another new tradition we're trying out - dessert for breakfast. She shares my insatiable sweet tooth and we love discovering new fat-kid hangouts. This time we tried out The Creamery Cafe in Newlands and shared a waffle with salted caramel sauce and a s'mores sundae and both are as amazing as they sound - I highly recommend it for a real treat.
The rest of the day was spent at the beach and finishing off leftovers - another reason all the cooking the day before was totally worth it!

It was a particularly difficult weekend for me emotionally - so I was so grateful for the distraction of a busy weekend, but even more for being surrounded by those who have loved and supported me unconditionally over the past year. This blog post is dedicated to you guys. Thanks for the weekly, sometimes daily check-ins, the constant encouragement and interest in the blog and the endless reassurance that I am on the right path. You are what I am truly thankful for.

xx
Leigh

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