Oooooooops!

Oh dear. 

I am rapidly turning into the worst "blogger" of all time!!! (although I don't actually class myself as a blogger at all)  Firstly, there is the small matter of never updating said blog, and secondly, my blog's "identity crisis"... which quite frankly, is nearing catostrophic disaster levels... Perhaps thats slightly melodramatic of me, and I'm sure if I stopped neglecting it so much it might just bounce back to life!

In Cape Town the upkeep was quite easy.  There were pretty pictures to take, stories to tell, mostly everything was still novel and my days weren't as governed by routine... Although routine is good - routine pays the bills!  My routine is especially good as I work with great friends and get to play with pretty jewellery all day long. It is great for the magpie within.

Its a hard job, but someone has to do it...!!! Carat Ring, stocked at Tombland Jewellers.. 

Life continues to plod along in sleepy Norwich. Worryingly, I have only been back for 2 months, yet it feels a lot longer.  Days are spent working, daydreaming, pondering, seeing friends and playing with the exploding population of babies I find myself surrounded by. Thank goodness for my friends who all decided it was time to grow up - I get to relish in the nice parts of the baby boom.

There are a lot of decisions to be made.. Some are glaringly obvious, some are a little more fuzzy. Taking a giant leap of faith into the unknown is never an easy task, especially for one who ponders and wonders "what if..." as frequently as I.  As the adventure unfolds I will endeavour to become decisive and assertive, and of course, share the results.

Exploring The Winelands...

Long overdue once again, but finally, here is the tale of my last adventure in Cape Town before returning home to the good old land of blighty...

I managed to persuade The Boy to take me to Franschhoek - one of the few places I had yet to discover. The sun was finally shining again, and there was a spring in our step as we ventured out of Cape Town to head deep into the winelands. Nestled amongst the mountains, Franshhoek translated, quite literally means "French Quarter". Famous for its fabulous wines, gourmet feasts, stunning views and it's pretty town centre, I was most excited about the day ahead.  It was also a good distraction from being sad about leaving.

By sheer chance we drove past a wine farm that I had been desperately trying to remember the name of, one which caught my eye when I first arrived to Cape Town, but I typically misplaced the piece of paper on which I had jotted the address down!!!  Deciding it was too early for lunch, we popped into the centre of Franschhoek itself... It lived up to it's reputation of being a pretty, bustling town, full of weekend markets, cafes and all things lovely. After a quick stroll, I couldn't contain my excitement and wanted to get back to what I was sure was going to be a pretty special wine farm... and it didn't disappoint.

Maison is a boutique vineyard, with it's first crops being produced in 2008. Mainly producing Chenin Blanc and Shiraz, they also have small quantities of Chardonnay (which was surprisingly good, as a non-chardonnay drinker!),  Viognier, Port, Straw Wine (Dessert wine) and Cap Classique. Their Shiraz is possibly one of the nicest wines I have ever drank, and I could happily have bought a case or two if I were not returning home!!!  The farm exudes style, minimalistic chic and comfort - and so it should with Chris Weylandt at the helm, famous in SA for his furniture store Weylandts.

Inside Maison...

We decided to explore a couple of other wine farms Backsberg, which sadly was closed for a wedding, and Vrede en Lust, where we managed to have lunch outside after admiring the wonderful views.  As you can see, they were pretty spectacular, and it was a great second last day in Cape Town.  Whilst it distracted me temporarily from my impending departure, it gave me a heavy heart knowing I soon would no longer have al this on my doorstep...

Backsberg & Vrede en Lust.. Pretty Pretty!!!

Holy Moly!!!

Long time, no see... I seem to have neglected my blog for far too long now, but I have had an excuse!

Unbeknown to my family back in the UK, I decided after a lot of consideration to come home.  Afterall, I had a newborn niece yet to meet, I urgently needed to start working after a rather expensive trip home in March, Cape Town was starting to get a little too nippy for me (inside, that is!) and The Boy needs to concentrate on his empire, and I am quite a distraction (low boredom threshold!) so with mixed emotions, it seemed like the best thing to do. 

So, all my news to write about was that I was coming home, and I could hardly declare it on here when my darling, wannabe, Inspector Detective Mother and her daily question time reads it. Of course, it is all conducted with love, but when you are trying to keep a secret, she is not the easiest person to hide from. I have been likened to a Jack Russell in the past - I now know where I get it from.

I had a gorgeous last weekend in Cape Town - that will be a seperate post - and all too soon it was time to leave once again. Quite the gypsy I have become of late., bloody boys!  Naturally the day I left the country, Cape Town had a week of glorious weather.

Whilst it is fabulous to be home, to be around my wonderful friends & family and to have home comforts such as central heating, it is also quite a strange transitional period again. I find myself somewhat bedless and sofa surfing seems to be the way forward for now. My back is so thrilled!!!  Who knows what this summer will bring and where I will be at the end of the year. I have a summer to figure out where and what I want to do and to be proactive in getting there, and whilst doing all of that, I intend on enjoying every minute of it with those I love.

Friday Frolics...

Friday afternoon saw us visit one of my favourite spots in Cape Town - Camps Bay. The sun was shining, we had the urge for pizza with a view, so what better excuse?!

Nestled under the Twelve Apostles with perfect views of Lions Head, Camps Bay is affluent and chic, trendy and buzzing, but perhaps most importantly for me - it's sheltered. None of that pesky wind which howls on our part of the west coast!!!

I love going to Camps Bay. I could sit and people watch for hours, or gaze wistfully into estate agent windows, dreaming of a day that I too may own a stunning white house in the cliffs.

Pretty girls and models, tanned and taut males, families, tourists and locals - everyone adorns the wide and sandy beaches or fills the street cafes, bars and restaurants relaxed and happy, basking in that wonderful Camps Bay feeling.  It is a must visit if your ever in the Western Cape and if your local, but haven't been for a while, I urge you to get back down there. Its marvellous for the soul! 

Catching The Last of Summer...

Here in Cape Town, Autumn has finally set it. For those of you who don't know, myself and the weather in Cape Town has what I would decidedly call a Love / Hate relationship!!!

The wind continues to blow, but now it's a little fresher, the sun still shines, but it's rays don't warm as deep as they used to.  Being a typical English Girl, I am quite the sun-seeker, so as soon as I see the sun and can't hear the wind, I race to the beach and drag the boy along with me. 

Here is a little peek into our Monday walk on the beach. The boy doesn't like having his picture taken - so getting this was quite a feat!!!

Big Bay, Blouberg, Cape Town

Nice Day for a Wedding...

Wow.

I have always wondered if the post-wedding blues were fact or fiction. Now I know what many of you have long known, they are indeed fact.   The ironic thing is, I wasn't even the bride!!!!!

The Boy's Sister's Wedding was amaaaaaaazing.... I feel so lucky and blessed to have been included in their special day and to play such a huge part in the run up to it.  What was great was how much creative input I was allowed...of course, that is me putting it politely!  The inner control & organisational freak in me took over and I pretty much ran the show as I wanted. Thank goodness the bride had total faith in me and my ideas, and had no time to organise her wedding herself!  Without wanting to boast, it didn't look too shabby at all!!!  I had fantastic help on the day itself in the form of my partner in crime, Mandy, who was a stunning and elegant bridesmaid and helped me realise my vision with no quibble whatsoever.

Mine & Mandy's Creation - No Florist in Sight!!

Sadly, as we got out of the car, the heavens opened and there was a downpour of rain. Thankfully it cleared for long enough to have some pictures taken at the venue with the sweetest and most fun photographers. Check them out http://www.bandepix.co.za/  If you are based in Cape Town I totally recommend them to shoot your big day.

The speech was as nerve-wracking as expected, but I heard a few laughs, the bride shed a tear, and I was told it was very "Me". I think thats a compliment! After that I don't really recall so much. The night flew by and the double vodkas and my arch nemesis (Tequila) appeared to flow a little too freely.  I've heard my DIY photo-booth props were a roaring success and I cannot wait to see the pictures of those in use. Also I am told I made the Bride's Father-in-law's night, when I told him he was sexy on the dance floor!!!  Someone.  Please ban tequila from circulation.

And the bride. What a beautiful vision she was, like a little doll. She looked absolutely stunning, I don't know what else I can say... Other than how much she deserved to have her big day and I am so thankful that we made it happen.

So, I wish the beautiful bride and her groom nothing but the best for their future and know that their marriage will be one filled with love and laughter!!!  Congratulations!!!

How Time Flies...

Oh My.. How quickly time flies. The trip home just flew by, and my darling newborn niece arrived one hour after my plane had taken off to head back to Cape Town. Sixteen days late, she just did not want to come out! I think Heartbroken pretty much sums up how I feel about missing her arrival, especially as her birth was the sole reason I went home! I am so proud of my "little" sister who was amazingly calm in the run up to the birth and just makes the best Mother ever.  It was so great to be home and to spend some lovely, if not limited, time with my family and best friends, just wish I got to see more of them all.  The food was fine, the shops were tempting, the internet fast, there were new series of my favourite shows, and the sun even shone - Some would say I was spoilt!!!

Love Our Post Boxes...

Me & My Best Friend...

Lusting After a Red Bag... I resisted!

Back in Cape Town it's been a manic few days, planning The Boy's, sister's "Kitchen Tea" which myself & her cousin arranged, fufilling our Bridesmaids duties with joy. We don't have "Kitchen Tea's" in the UK, but if and when I do get married, I am SO having one! Its basically an afternoon Tea, with the bride getting lots of cute little presents for the home - tea towels, wooden spoons, glasses etc - although this bride got kitchenwares AND lots of sexy lingerie!!!  I'm not one for the stereotypical Hen Night, so this is a great way to have a more civilised get together with all the ladies rather than enduring the pain that may otherwise occur.  I spent a day trying to perfect my sister's Dark Chocolate Ganache Truffles and also her White Chocolate & Lemon Truffles... The blood, sweat and tears were worth it as they were the perfect treat for it - phew!

We had the event at the nicest cafe,  Our Place, which is exactly the sort of place I would both like to own as my own cafe (one day...) and take style inspiration from for my home. Soft greys, whites, antique mirrors, beautiful chandeliers and a garden full of big leafy trees, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and wooden hearts. Stunning.  The evening was spent at a great restaurant in Greenpoint, called Beefcakes... Both bride and Mother were initially...sceptical & concerned..... However, once there, they loved it!  We were an "Unofficial" Hen Party, thank goodness. Some of the less well-behaved brides were kinda crazy!!!!!!

So, only 4 days until the wedding, which is going to be a wonderful and beautiful masterpiece... How do I know this? Because yours truly (and The Boy's Mother) have spent many an hour plotting and planning the whole thing.  Its going to be a little manic and stressful I fear, but only because I am such a perfectionist, and the wedding is over Easter Weekend - no room for errors as they cannot be corrected when the world is on holiday!!! 

Must dash as I am busy cutting out moustaches and such like for the "photo-booth" corner I decided to make... Next stop, placenames... No rest for the wicked!!!!