I was lucky enough to see the real 'Dancers in Blue' at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris in January.
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| Degas 'Dancers in Blue' c1890 |
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Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Degas and the Ballet
Degas and the Ballet – in pictures | Art and design | guardian.co.uk
I was lucky enough to see the real 'Dancers in Blue' at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris in January.
There is something so beautiful about the way he captures the magic of ballet and ballerinas. Perhaps you need to have been one as a little girl to really understand?
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I was lucky enough to see the real 'Dancers in Blue' at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris in January.
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Monday, 12 September 2011
Thanda Zulu Jewelry
Thanda Zulu Jewelry
I heard founder Angela interviewed on 5FM last week and was intrigued that someone so young had managed to start something so fantastic: a non-profit which really is making a difference to orphans - with a jewelry business supporting the community as well.
She also mentioned in her interview the importance of raising awareness and trying to get one more person to effect change somewhere...it is so true. Even if you make a difference in one person's life - that can go on to be part of a bigger chain reaction.
Instead of just talking it, she's doing it.
Here's a link for other ways to get involved with Thanda
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I heard founder Angela interviewed on 5FM last week and was intrigued that someone so young had managed to start something so fantastic: a non-profit which really is making a difference to orphans - with a jewelry business supporting the community as well.
She also mentioned in her interview the importance of raising awareness and trying to get one more person to effect change somewhere...it is so true. Even if you make a difference in one person's life - that can go on to be part of a bigger chain reaction.
Instead of just talking it, she's doing it.
Here's a link for other ways to get involved with Thanda
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Thursday, 08 September 2011
TOMS Shoes - Start Something That Matters
Official Store - TOMS Shoes - One for One - A Pair of New Shoes is Given to a Child in Need With Every Pair Purchased | TOMS.com
I really like this concept and think there is a such room for more of this, especially in South Africa.
What's great about it is that he's managed to keep style, fashionability and quality in the item - all things which can fall by the way side when you're trying to make a business profitable while also giving things away for free!
The founder, Blake Mycoskie, has also just released a book based on his experience getting his company TOMS off the ground. Read more about it here and once its released in SA ...
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I really like this concept and think there is a such room for more of this, especially in South Africa.
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Monday, 05 September 2011
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Cocktail jeans – Woolworths we need these!
Cocktail jeans – add a dash of leopard | Life and style | The Guardian
I've just come back from a family trip to London and wish I had come across these...they really are something unique! I love the way SJP has paired them with a tailored jacket (in pastel) and an updo for her hair.
I've just come back from a family trip to London and wish I had come across these...they really are something unique! I love the way SJP has paired them with a tailored jacket (in pastel) and an updo for her hair.
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| Top Shop |
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| Isabel Marant Etoile jean |
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| ASOS |
Pre-school pain! Don't bother reading unless you're a Mom :-)
So Samuel didn't get into the pre-school that he's been on the list for (since he was 2 months old grrr,...sigh) The reason he went on a list at 2 months was because I was told to MAKE SURE he was on the list to ensure his place in 2 years time i.e. now! The school is also walking distance from us and we've supported the fundraisers and open days because my niece goes there.
Having spoken to the school the reason he's not accepted is because there are a) too many siblings coming through (they have priority) and b) too many boys. So although I know of 5 girls who were accepted, and have subsequently turned down their places, Samuel still won't get in because he's a boy! In other words, should a girl his age come along, who hasn't been on the list at all, she would get in, while he wouldn't. Doesn't that seem just a LITTLE unfair?
Maybe we shouldn't have been so short-sighted in not making Plan B or C school. But here we are desperately looking for B or C school to accept him.
I was told by the secretary of non-accepting school to keep him at home and try again next year - she clearly doesn't understand!
It also seems that there is no information / reviews of schools available besides word of mouth and visiting. Guess what I'll be up to in the next week! Wish us luck!
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Having spoken to the school the reason he's not accepted is because there are a) too many siblings coming through (they have priority) and b) too many boys. So although I know of 5 girls who were accepted, and have subsequently turned down their places, Samuel still won't get in because he's a boy! In other words, should a girl his age come along, who hasn't been on the list at all, she would get in, while he wouldn't. Doesn't that seem just a LITTLE unfair?
Maybe we shouldn't have been so short-sighted in not making Plan B or C school. But here we are desperately looking for B or C school to accept him.
I was told by the secretary of non-accepting school to keep him at home and try again next year - she clearly doesn't understand!
It also seems that there is no information / reviews of schools available besides word of mouth and visiting. Guess what I'll be up to in the next week! Wish us luck!
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Friday, 12 August 2011
Russell Brand on the riots
UK riots: Big Brother isn't watching you | UK news | The Guardian
And here is the crux of it for me:
"That state of deprivation though is, of course, the condition that many of those rioting endure as their unbending reality. No education, a weakened family unit, no money and no way of getting any. JD Sports is probably easier to desecrate if you can't afford what's in there and the few poorly paid jobs there are taken. Amidst the bleakness of this social landscape, squinting all the while in the glare of a culture that radiates ultraviolet consumerism and infrared celebrity. That daily, hourly, incessantly enforces the egregious, deceitful message that you are what you wear, what you drive, what you watch and what you watch it on, in livid, neon pixels. The only light in their lives comes from these luminous corporate messages. No wonder they have their fucking hoods up."
My 2cents worth is that these kids also need to get a bigger perspective on what's actually going on in the world. Nothing like some 3rd world exposure to show you how to appreciate what you have and what opportunities are actually there for you...we're talking about a new pair of trainers vs enough food to fill a stomach (and that of your orphaned 3 year old sister).
Make those 'feral teenagers' volunteer in some 3rd world countries...
..........................................................................................................................
And here is the crux of it for me:
"That state of deprivation though is, of course, the condition that many of those rioting endure as their unbending reality. No education, a weakened family unit, no money and no way of getting any. JD Sports is probably easier to desecrate if you can't afford what's in there and the few poorly paid jobs there are taken. Amidst the bleakness of this social landscape, squinting all the while in the glare of a culture that radiates ultraviolet consumerism and infrared celebrity. That daily, hourly, incessantly enforces the egregious, deceitful message that you are what you wear, what you drive, what you watch and what you watch it on, in livid, neon pixels. The only light in their lives comes from these luminous corporate messages. No wonder they have their fucking hoods up."
My 2cents worth is that these kids also need to get a bigger perspective on what's actually going on in the world. Nothing like some 3rd world exposure to show you how to appreciate what you have and what opportunities are actually there for you...we're talking about a new pair of trainers vs enough food to fill a stomach (and that of your orphaned 3 year old sister).
Make those 'feral teenagers' volunteer in some 3rd world countries...
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Kate Moss and Jamie Hince's wedding in American Vogue, photographed by Mario Testino – in pictures | Life and style | guardian.co.uk
Love these images!
Read the captions - this one is a classic!
Thursday, 11 August 2011
How to make perfect hummus | Life and style | The Guardian
How to make perfect hummus | Life and style | The Guardian
I love these "how to do the perfect..." recipes from The Guardian. I've tried the pancakes, haddock kedgeree and now this!
Easy to follow and fool-proof results
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I love these "how to do the perfect..." recipes from The Guardian. I've tried the pancakes, haddock kedgeree and now this!
Easy to follow and fool-proof results
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Sunday, 07 August 2011
I (heart) Tamarillo Ceramics
I saw these collections at the Design Indaba this year, and bought us the white vase with aloe and honeysucker bird. It's beautiful and sits on a shelf in my kitchen looking down at me.
I now need wedding gifts and I think these are perfect...
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Friday, 05 August 2011
Bangs « allthingspretty
Bangs « allthingspretty
My friend Trish recently blogged about bangs, that is, fringes. They seem to be a hot trend right now.
Oh but if you have curly hair like me - don't even bother! I remember as a teenager trying for the perfect straight fringe - relaxers, wax, gel, mousse - you name it, I tried it. As soon as one bit of moisture hits - it bounces back.
If you have straight hair - be my guest!
The bonus of a fringe is that it makes you look younger...but with that comes maintenance and upkeep.
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My friend Trish recently blogged about bangs, that is, fringes. They seem to be a hot trend right now.
Oh but if you have curly hair like me - don't even bother! I remember as a teenager trying for the perfect straight fringe - relaxers, wax, gel, mousse - you name it, I tried it. As soon as one bit of moisture hits - it bounces back.
If you have straight hair - be my guest!
The bonus of a fringe is that it makes you look younger...but with that comes maintenance and upkeep.
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Thursday, 28 July 2011
For today and everyday
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann (1872-1945)
'desiderata' means desired things in LatinGo placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for there will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
UK gets tough on air-brushing ad campaigns - here, here!!
L'Oréal's Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington ad campaigns banned | Media | The Guardian
It's about time someone challenged the big beauty houses who blatantly airbrush their models so the skin looks completely flawless! Can we please use a new angle to advertise make-up? It's so boring.
And don't get me started on the mascara ads that claim to thicken and lengthen - when the model is CLEARLY wearing false eyelashes.
We're not stupid.
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It's about time someone challenged the big beauty houses who blatantly airbrush their models so the skin looks completely flawless! Can we please use a new angle to advertise make-up? It's so boring.
And don't get me started on the mascara ads that claim to thicken and lengthen - when the model is CLEARLY wearing false eyelashes.
We're not stupid.
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Monday, 25 July 2011
In the wake of Norway's tragedy these photos give me hope...Nan Goldin's photographs of children
Nan Goldin's photographs of children – in pictures | Art and design | guardian.co.uk
"It's about hoping that my friends will bring up a new species of people." Nan Goldin
Friday, 22 July 2011
Taller women more likely to develop cancer | Science | The Guardian
Taller women more likely to develop cancer | Science | The Guardian
So being 5"10 has its disadvantages - I know I've already had 2 x cancerous incidents.
I wanted to know the reasons and apparently its not 100% certain, but could be due to the growth hormones released making us taller or the fact that being taller means there are more cells in our body. "The most likely explanation is that hormonal changes that are related to tallness in women may also be related to growth abnormalities, especially in the breast, that lead to cancer," said Professor Karol Sikora, the medical director of CancerPartnersUK private treatment centres."
It's even more crucial for tall women to get regular checks and keep healthy!
Science empowers but can also make you a bit paranoid.
So being 5"10 has its disadvantages - I know I've already had 2 x cancerous incidents.
I wanted to know the reasons and apparently its not 100% certain, but could be due to the growth hormones released making us taller or the fact that being taller means there are more cells in our body. "The most likely explanation is that hormonal changes that are related to tallness in women may also be related to growth abnormalities, especially in the breast, that lead to cancer," said Professor Karol Sikora, the medical director of CancerPartnersUK private treatment centres."
It's even more crucial for tall women to get regular checks and keep healthy!
Science empowers but can also make you a bit paranoid.
Latest Coldplay - Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall - YouTube
Coldplay - Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall - YouTube
Beautiful song, stunning video - love the colours!
"I turn the music up, I put my records on, I shut the world outside till the lights come on"
Now I need to find out when the new album is being released.
Bring on their live concert in Cape Town in October! Woo hoo!
Beautiful song, stunning video - love the colours!
"I turn the music up, I put my records on, I shut the world outside till the lights come on"
Now I need to find out when the new album is being released.
Bring on their live concert in Cape Town in October! Woo hoo!
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Mr Price Limited Edition SA designer ranges
Mr Price
Check out the link - loving the lace dress, skirt with tuile trim and those harem pants!
I'll let you know where and when I find them in stores.
Check out the link - loving the lace dress, skirt with tuile trim and those harem pants!
I'll let you know where and when I find them in stores.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Mich's Pantry
Michelle, a crazily creative friend has launched her amazing ready-mix range called Mich’s Pantry. She's selling at local markets around Cape Town.
Coincidently a colleague arrived at work last Monday raving about this jar of brownie mix which produced a heavenly brownie to eat – and she brought some to share - so I can vouch for them!
YUM
The best part is the mix is in a reusable jar with a special blackboard paint where you can write over for the jar’s next purpose!
Here are the details:
Gran's Crunchie Mix R55
Cowboy Cookie Mix: R75
Choc Chip Cookie Mix: R75
White Choc & Cranberry Cookie Mix: R85
Gooey Chocolate Brownie Mix: R85
And her contact details: 0832921452 or info@michs-pantry.co.za
Catch Mich’s pantry at the City Bowl Market or the Earth Fair Market
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Friday, 15 July 2011
Skin Science
I work in the beauty/skincare industry - so I've become familiar with ingredients, brands and what works and doesn't.
There's a lot of product out there which costs a fortune and doesn't work. There are also other products which aren't well known but actually work brilliantly!
It's hard to know what to believe and what to spend your money on wisely.
If you were to believe the beauty/fashion mags - you'd think that Creme de la mer at around R2,000 (yes over £200 / $250 a tub) is the miracle you should aspire to for your skin!
There's a lot of product out there which costs a fortune and doesn't work. There are also other products which aren't well known but actually work brilliantly!
It's hard to know what to believe and what to spend your money on wisely.
If you were to believe the beauty/fashion mags - you'd think that Creme de la mer at around R2,000 (yes over £200 / $250 a tub) is the miracle you should aspire to for your skin!
Honestly - who has that kind of cash to spend on a face cream - its just immoral when there are starving children in the world. Save the children
But the real point of this post is to share a new skincare range Skin Science I'm trialling (for myself). I heard about it thanks to job contact with the cosmetic scientist who developed the formulation. It uses apple stem cell technology that helps the skin rejuvenate and repair damaged cells.
I'm trying the day cream and so far am very impressed. My skin (combination, with oiliness on t-zone) is looking healthy and doesn't feel too greasy at the end of the day. It also is SPF 20, which is fantastic - I've been searching for a stronger SPF than 15 which doesn't leave a white palour.
The face wash is also good and feels fresh when applying. It doesn't foam as well as I think it should - but this means it doesn't dry the skin out and is gentle enough to remove eye make up as well.
So far the flaws lies in the packaging - it's trying to be too much - silver, grey and snazzy - and comes off cheaply done. The copy on the packaging (yes I read it) is badly written, edited and half-finished. This is a bad reflection on the company who didn't take the details seriously. And in business it should be all about the details.
But I can forgive the outer transgressions knowing that what goes in it is legitimate and will certainly be beneficial for my skin. I'd rather this - than empty promises in pretty packaging I've paid a fortune for.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Pumps - shoes with a twist
I've decided I can handle animal prints on shoes and accessories - not body-con dresses! It's taken about 3 years of denial, hoping these prints were a fad, destined to disappear next season...
But
They
Just
Don't
Go Away
So I've embraced it with a new pair of pumps!
Trick to ensuring you don't look like Ivana Trump
is to tone down what you wear on top - black 3/4 pants, white shirt, denim jacket does the look.
I also just love the red trim and flower and I'm sure that makes them more wearable.
But
They
Just
Don't
Go Away
So I've embraced it with a new pair of pumps!
is to tone down what you wear on top - black 3/4 pants, white shirt, denim jacket does the look.
I also just love the red trim and flower and I'm sure that makes them more wearable.
Wednesday, 06 July 2011
Tuesday, 05 July 2011
Eyecandy Brows special for July
I can't recommend having your eyebrows done at EyeCandy Brows enough! If you've ever wondered how some women manage to have perfectly scuplted, clean eye brows - their secret is threading - which is what Eyecandy specialise in!
And they're running a special in July where you get a free tint with each eyebrow thread at R80 a pop!
The trick is to grow those brows out (I know, its awful, but try and channel your '80's Madonna) then go to them for a brow makeover. It's worth it!
And they're running a special in July where you get a free tint with each eyebrow thread at R80 a pop!
The trick is to grow those brows out (I know, its awful, but try and channel your '80's Madonna) then go to them for a brow makeover. It's worth it!
Thursday, 30 June 2011
My Mr Price find of the week, some must-have items this winter and how to wear leggings...
I had to browse the accessories long and hard and tear their rails apart, but I found this really funky belt in an amazing red.
It will look fab around a crisp white shirt - which is my must-have item this winter. I also managed to find the white shirt at Mr P - its tailored, extra long, and has slight embellisment on the front. The extra length shirt is so important when wearing with leggings, which I've finally worked out how to wear!
The trick is the length of the top you wear over them. It must sit and fit below your butt cheeks (any longer and it looks strange unless you're wearing an oversized jersey or dress) and any shorter and you don't look good from the front (anyone heard of camel toe?) You can layer tops underneath if there's one you particularly want to show off - make sure the one underneath is the length I'm talking about. Leggings do fit tightly, so they can make you feel self-conscious, but give them a chance and you'll be sold on their comfort and warmth!
And a last word - don't be afraid of bright colour leggings - I saw red leggings with a black and white outfit - it was fab. If only I had taken a photo! But I'm now on the look out for some for myself!
And if you need to see it in action check out:
http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z35/fashionunder100/fu1002/?action=view¤t=hild.jpg
It will look fab around a crisp white shirt - which is my must-have item this winter. I also managed to find the white shirt at Mr P - its tailored, extra long, and has slight embellisment on the front. The extra length shirt is so important when wearing with leggings, which I've finally worked out how to wear!
The trick is the length of the top you wear over them. It must sit and fit below your butt cheeks (any longer and it looks strange unless you're wearing an oversized jersey or dress) and any shorter and you don't look good from the front (anyone heard of camel toe?) You can layer tops underneath if there's one you particularly want to show off - make sure the one underneath is the length I'm talking about. Leggings do fit tightly, so they can make you feel self-conscious, but give them a chance and you'll be sold on their comfort and warmth!
And a last word - don't be afraid of bright colour leggings - I saw red leggings with a black and white outfit - it was fab. If only I had taken a photo! But I'm now on the look out for some for myself!
And if you need to see it in action check out:
http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z35/fashionunder100/fu1002/?action=view¤t=hild.jpg
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Good Housekeeping to launch in South Africa
I attended the launch of Good Housekeeping magazine this morning.
It's going to be the magazine which speaks to women 25+, who are (more) settled and happy to stay at home on a Friday night. So I guess that should mean me?
I paged through the sample edition from the US (which is what our SA version will be based on) and it was pleasant enough. I chuckled at one or two articles: 'Be a calmer Mom' and a reader page where she admits to less-than-perfect Mother behaviour.
Let me admit that while I am considered settled and more than happy to be home on a Friday night - reading Elle or Marie Claire - edgy, out there and trendy does appeal to me more. Perhaps it helps me escape and will keep me hip?
Buying Good Housekeeping is not going to make me feel that way.
It all comes down to content. If they can keep the content modern, relevant and in touch with us modern 'settled' types - perhaps I will feel that it adds so much to my life I can't be without it. Hopefully it won't become a generic, must-please-everyone middle aged read. This remains to be seen.
Good Housekeeping launches in South Africa in October 2011.
It's going to be the magazine which speaks to women 25+, who are (more) settled and happy to stay at home on a Friday night. So I guess that should mean me?
I paged through the sample edition from the US (which is what our SA version will be based on) and it was pleasant enough. I chuckled at one or two articles: 'Be a calmer Mom' and a reader page where she admits to less-than-perfect Mother behaviour.
Let me admit that while I am considered settled and more than happy to be home on a Friday night - reading Elle or Marie Claire - edgy, out there and trendy does appeal to me more. Perhaps it helps me escape and will keep me hip?
Buying Good Housekeeping is not going to make me feel that way.
It all comes down to content. If they can keep the content modern, relevant and in touch with us modern 'settled' types - perhaps I will feel that it adds so much to my life I can't be without it. Hopefully it won't become a generic, must-please-everyone middle aged read. This remains to be seen.
Good Housekeeping launches in South Africa in October 2011.
Monday, 27 June 2011
Rachel Weisz marries Daniel Craig in secret New York wedding ceremony | Film | The Guardian
Don't they make a gorgeous couple :-)
Rachel Weisz marries Daniel Craig in secret New York wedding ceremony | Film | The Guardian
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/daniel-craig-rachel-weisz-secretly-205637
Let's hope it lasts...trying to stay away from the prying-media eye is a good start!
Rachel Weisz marries Daniel Craig in secret New York wedding ceremony | Film | The Guardian
Let's hope it lasts...trying to stay away from the prying-media eye is a good start!
Closet Space | Second Hand Online Clothing Store | Cape Town, South Africa
Just got sent a link to this online clothing auction idea - what a great concept! I'm going to look through my cupboard and see if there is anything I can add! It would be good to know when they're going to get new stuff in.
Closet Space | Second Hand Online Clothing Store | Cape Town, South Africa
I still think there's an opportunity to do wardrobe swops! Online or not - it would be such fun to get a group of girlfriends together and share the clothes you think will suit each other.
Closet Space | Second Hand Online Clothing Store | Cape Town, South Africa
I still think there's an opportunity to do wardrobe swops! Online or not - it would be such fun to get a group of girlfriends together and share the clothes you think will suit each other.
Friday, 24 June 2011
Friday night supper - steak, pommes frites and hollandaise
Pete's cooking me supper tonight! Yippee! I was inspired by my best mate Kate (who, unfortunately for me, lives in the UK) when she shared her husband's supper idea two nights ago.
So we're having a salad to start (more about that below) a steak (a free-range rump from Woolworths - the only meat worth eating) with french fries (pommes frites) and I'll try my hand at a hollandaise sauce - calorific, but delicious.
The wine is Warwick Pinotage (2009) which we discovered at our father's day lunch at the estate www.warwickwine.com last Sunday. Its wonderfully smooth and easy to drink and it says on the lable enjoy with a good steak - so there you go!
Here's my sneaky salad:
And here's my easy hollandaise recipe:
YUM - I can't wait to tuck in!
So we're having a salad to start (more about that below) a steak (a free-range rump from Woolworths - the only meat worth eating) with french fries (pommes frites) and I'll try my hand at a hollandaise sauce - calorific, but delicious.
The wine is Warwick Pinotage (2009) which we discovered at our father's day lunch at the estate www.warwickwine.com last Sunday. Its wonderfully smooth and easy to drink and it says on the lable enjoy with a good steak - so there you go!
Here's my sneaky salad:
- Packet of bitter mix leaves (like rocket, watercress, baby spinach)
- Grated raw beetroot
- Mint (if you can find some)
- Granny Smith apple sliced thinly
- Cranberries
- Blue cheese
Balsamic oil / olive oil dressing mix to taste.
And here's my easy hollandaise recipe:
- 1 x egg yolk (beaten) and placed in a good size bowl
- Heat up about 2 / 3 tbsp of butter (use a microwave - super quick)
- Heat up juice of one big lemon
- Then get your whisk ready and slowly from a height, drip the butter (hot and melted) into the egg yolk beating all the time.
- Then do the same with the hot lemon juice and keep whisking
- The mixture should start thickening - you need to do taste tests and check to see whether you need more butter / lemon or both - until you get to the taste / sharpness you like!
- Don't forget black pepper and salt afterwards
YUM - I can't wait to tuck in!
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Sunday, 19 June 2011
City Bowl Market
Thanks to my friend Louise, I now know about the new market happening down my street! www.citybowlmarket.co.za
at 14 Hope Street.
It's gourmet food - lots of samply bits and delicious delicious coffee - a strong selling point! We tried the chicken wanton noodles for lunch and they were fresh, tasty and a real treat.
We've always been reluctant to go to the markets as they can be crowded and cramped - not ideal when you have a toddler who needs to run around.
The hidden gem in this market was the outside jungle gym (look for the double doors next to the pancake man and walk up and around the passage) A lovely grassy patch, some chairs for the grown-ups to sit on and a quiet jungle gym for Samuel to explore!
We'll definitely be going back.
PS - and Samuel enjoyed his babychino there too (see previous post!)
at 14 Hope Street.
It's gourmet food - lots of samply bits and delicious delicious coffee - a strong selling point! We tried the chicken wanton noodles for lunch and they were fresh, tasty and a real treat.
We've always been reluctant to go to the markets as they can be crowded and cramped - not ideal when you have a toddler who needs to run around.
The hidden gem in this market was the outside jungle gym (look for the double doors next to the pancake man and walk up and around the passage) A lovely grassy patch, some chairs for the grown-ups to sit on and a quiet jungle gym for Samuel to explore!
We'll definitely be going back.
PS - and Samuel enjoyed his babychino there too (see previous post!)
The Joy of the Babychino
 |
| I can hold and sip like a grown-up! |
It's now my mission this winter to find places we all can enjoy with good coffee and some indoor space. That's if your toddler is as susceptible to sugar as ours is - the chocolate sprinkles need to be run-off afterwards.
Wembley Square www.wembleysquare.co.za has a Vida E with indoor space and a suped-up car (those R5 coin jobs) and a Saturday kids area with supervision. This is serious luxury during a wet winter morning as you can even get to glance at a paper between sips of coffee and making sure the toddlers aren't tearing the place apart. I think they should do it on a Sunday as well!
Upstairs at the Waterfront is another good spot - there's space between the tables and less pedestrian traffic for toddlers to cause major chaos.
Its my mission this winter to find some more of these places. Somewhere we all can enjoy a really good coffee and Samuel has his fun at the same time!
Anyone got their own secret spots?
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YUM!   |
Naartjies and weather nostalgia
I sat on the front steps with Samuel recently, aborbing the Cape afternoon sunshine, and watched him peel a naartjie. I'm captivated as his face squeezes up as the sweet/sour juice hits his tongue. So cute.
These moments gave me weather nostalgia. It reminds me of childhood days in Kwa-Zulu Natal where the autumn days are always sunny. Afternoons lying next to the pool and watching my mom lie on the warmed slasto opposite me; both of us absorbing the sun's perfect temperature. We'd eat naartjies off the trees that grew in our garden. Then just enjoy those late afternoon minutes before the sun dipped behind the mountain the winter chill hidden in the shadows crept back.
Happy memories to make me nostalgic and a wonderful story to share with Samuel about his Granny!
These moments gave me weather nostalgia. It reminds me of childhood days in Kwa-Zulu Natal where the autumn days are always sunny. Afternoons lying next to the pool and watching my mom lie on the warmed slasto opposite me; both of us absorbing the sun's perfect temperature. We'd eat naartjies off the trees that grew in our garden. Then just enjoy those late afternoon minutes before the sun dipped behind the mountain the winter chill hidden in the shadows crept back.
Thursday, 09 June 2011
Check out Google's home page today
Google
I (heart) Google's home page today.
It's a Les Paul guitar in honour of his birthday - and you can even strum the strings! Awesome!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Paul
I (heart) Google's home page today.
It's a Les Paul guitar in honour of his birthday - and you can even strum the strings! Awesome!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Paul
Monday, 06 June 2011
Intel® The Museum of Me
Intel® The Museum of Me
You have to try this. The perfect mix of brilliant back-end programming and awesome 3D design.
You have to try this. The perfect mix of brilliant back-end programming and awesome 3D design.
Saturday, 04 June 2011
Attention to the little boys
Here's my lament about trying to find toddler boy clothes...
My search for fun, funky, good quality toddler boy clothes continues. Once again Woolworths has the most disappointing winter range for boys ages 1-3. Goodness knows who the buyer is, but clearly and sadly they have no clue. If you were to dress your boytjie in their range he'd look just like a Walton-boy in lots of navy blue, bottle green and red polyester trackpants and boring cotton long-sleeve t-shirts (plain I add). Their baby-boy range is gorgeous but enter toddler years and its a serious let down.
Mr Price is far better on the fun and funky (and almost every t-shirt Samuel has comes from them) But good luck trying to find the sizes in their other items! PEP is another store - super cheap - and remarkably cute! I found Samuel some jeans and a surfer t-shirt here for under R70!
I won't go into detail about how disappointing the boys' pyjamas are either. A 2-year old isnt exactly into Spiderman / Ben 10 yet - but he doesn't have a choice. Luckily when I was in the UK I bought Samuel some brilliant step-in, zip-up pyjamas - they're warm and practical and he loves them. It's not a struggle to get him dressed after a bath...he wants to get into them. I don't blame him!
I know Woolworths can improve the boys clothes - after all the toddler girls stuff is gorgeous. So come on Woolies - isn't it time you paid some attention to the little boys?
My search for fun, funky, good quality toddler boy clothes continues. Once again Woolworths has the most disappointing winter range for boys ages 1-3. Goodness knows who the buyer is, but clearly and sadly they have no clue. If you were to dress your boytjie in their range he'd look just like a Walton-boy in lots of navy blue, bottle green and red polyester trackpants and boring cotton long-sleeve t-shirts (plain I add). Their baby-boy range is gorgeous but enter toddler years and its a serious let down.
Mr Price is far better on the fun and funky (and almost every t-shirt Samuel has comes from them) But good luck trying to find the sizes in their other items! PEP is another store - super cheap - and remarkably cute! I found Samuel some jeans and a surfer t-shirt here for under R70!
I won't go into detail about how disappointing the boys' pyjamas are either. A 2-year old isnt exactly into Spiderman / Ben 10 yet - but he doesn't have a choice. Luckily when I was in the UK I bought Samuel some brilliant step-in, zip-up pyjamas - they're warm and practical and he loves them. It's not a struggle to get him dressed after a bath...he wants to get into them. I don't blame him!
 |
| Just woken up - too cute! |
 |
| The back of the PJ's even has a tail! And the feet are non-slip |
I know Woolworths can improve the boys clothes - after all the toddler girls stuff is gorgeous. So come on Woolies - isn't it time you paid some attention to the little boys?
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Books - The Fall of Giants - Ken Follett
I've been introduced to Ken Follett and I'm hooked.
www.ken-follett.com
I managed to get my hands on his latest novel 'Fall of Giants' which is the first in his next triology series called 'The Century Trilogy'.
I'm captivated by the way he can mingle his narrative into historical fact and make it seem effortless, easy and a pleasure to read. The Fall of Giants is taking me through the start of World War I, the Russian revolution and the suffragete movement in the UK. Usually historically based novels intimidate - this one has me spellbound.
When I'm done with these masterful pages - I'll have to get hold of the previous novels The Pillars of the Earth and its sequel World Without End.
I love finding a new author!
Rating:
Overall readability: 4/5
Narrative: 4/5
Characterisation: 5/5
Would I take on holiday: DEFINITELY
I can't wait for the sequel - its due out in 2012 and it can't come soon enough!
www.ken-follett.com
I managed to get my hands on his latest novel 'Fall of Giants' which is the first in his next triology series called 'The Century Trilogy'.
I'm captivated by the way he can mingle his narrative into historical fact and make it seem effortless, easy and a pleasure to read. The Fall of Giants is taking me through the start of World War I, the Russian revolution and the suffragete movement in the UK. Usually historically based novels intimidate - this one has me spellbound.
When I'm done with these masterful pages - I'll have to get hold of the previous novels The Pillars of the Earth and its sequel World Without End.
I love finding a new author!
Rating:
Overall readability: 4/5
Narrative: 4/5
Characterisation: 5/5
Would I take on holiday: DEFINITELY
I can't wait for the sequel - its due out in 2012 and it can't come soon enough!
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