LEOPARD PRINT

MORE LEGAL CENTURION YESTERDAY

RENOVATE REMODEL YESTERDAY

PARTYING AND PARTING

BOOTS I LOVE

MARCHED OUT OF KLOOF YESTERDAY

INVALID BANK CARDS

LEGAL MATTERS

YESTERDAY SLEEP

MUNICIPAL CHALLENGES

DUBAI AND GAMES

CHOCOLATES AND DANCING

SHOPPING THURSDAY

SHOPPING THURSDAY

SHOPPING THURSDAY

FOR THE LOVE

HOME SICK

NEW TIME STRAIN

GENEVA TOUR YESTERDAY

VIEW FROM WINDOW YESTERDAY

VEGGIE WEEK

WIPO

WIPO

SICKLY WEDNESDAY

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

MANOR

VIA DUBAI

BRAAIS AND FLIGHTS

COATS AND COATS YESTERDAY

WHAT I WORE

I actually wore a Xhosa traditional skirt with a separate overlay. We had a women celebration at work for the International Women's Day. Nothing looks prettier than the diverse SA traditional outfits together. So rainbow. Makes me proud.

NKANDLA REPORT AND THE BIRTHDAY

PRETORIA-JOHANNESBURG ACCIDENT INDUCED JAM

BIG 11 APPROACHES

CENTURION TOUR AND ELECTIONS

THINGS FALL APART

This home seems to be falling apart. Guest toilet needs a revamp. Today I went to buy a toilet and for the first time a hand basin. On the bright side, I went to get my re vamped chairs. I'm beyond thrilled.

TONSILLITIS

STEP AHEAD SHOES

Sale today at Brooklyn Mall health shoe store, Step Ahead. Bought 2 casual boots today. Just in time for winter. YAY!

SOUTPADSBERG ROAD

Dirco building in Soutpadsberg Road

I have to get time to photograph this building properly. Its a gorgeous building by the road. Its where the Department of International Relations and Cooperation sits. The weather was still cloudy and dripping when I drove there today, pity.


PERFECT TEN

I wore my ten year old pants today. It's part of a suit. Forget that I just had a baby at the time. The fact that they still fit is a big deal.

CARS ARE SWIMMING

Add caption

Not a joke. It's been raining for days. I feel like a European. How can anyone survive not seeing the sun every day. Took this photo today in the flooded road. This is a disaster.

BUNNIES ARE OUT

Easter Bunnies Already

Time flies. Easter eggs already out. Spotted at Cornwall View Pick n Pay today. No surprise because winter is knocking already.

DESIGNING ANTIQUELY

Antique Furniture

The antique shop in Hatfield is forever in my mind. I visited it today and it didn't disappoint. Everything inside there is amazing. An amoire I spotted was unfortunately too high up there at R400,000. I asked myself.. "who buys that?" Someone clearly does. I loved everything.

WEIGHTY DAY YESTERDAY

Yesterday was a rather heavy day. Meetings were at the hotel in Kempton Park. Lots of progress and nice food. But a number of legal life issues were just hanging. Not saddening, not frightening... a bit overwhelming.

ROSEBANK FIX

OLD FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES

THE GAUTRAIN

LOST PHONES

MY FRIEND'S AMAZING HOME

SHOWER CURTAINS AND TRIBECA

I forget about mall overcrowding on month end. Brooklyn Mall was uncomfortably packed. Mr Price Home sale was dead already. I grabbed a pair of shower curtains. Nice neutral colour combo, I thought. After that it was a disappointment at Tribeca restaurant. on the other news, the biggest boss was also at this restaurant. food shopping, chicken wings, cooking, etc.
Today has been a short day filled with stuff.

BLOCKED NOSE AND DISAPPOINTMENTS

Yeah, my nose is blocked. Lots of rush rush today but I was thrilled to spend the day with a dear friend. We went to Soutspanberg Road and enjoyed the view of the new buildings. Small things in life are definitely free. From there was food shopping and pharmacy. Bad news I discovered today.

BAKING FOR HEALTH

coconut paleo bread

My rest continues. Later in the day I baked my coconut bread. I really like how it turned out. In the evening I cooked the lamb liver. My very first, oddly. My mom used to cook it at home.

So today I baked and cooked.

BODY BUTTER

Homemade Body Butter

I had an amazingly lazy day. Completely clean diary and my bed. I had a late start, woke up, took a shower, washed my hair, then back to my PJs. Those who know my hair know what I mean by washing my hair. Its a task... no a chore. Something more significant maybe is that I whipped my homemade body butter today. This is all I apply on my skin, from head to toe. Even on my hair. Amazing stuff.

WOOLIES FOOD SALE

Woolies Food Sale

For two months in a row, woolies had a food sale on a similar basket of food items. Makes me wonder if they overstocked. But I'm not complaining. I went food shopping there today.

THE DELIVERY

Fridge delivered

I am so happy to have so much space. I never thought I needed it but I did. So I got me a fridge yesterday which Makro delivered today. I can finally see all of my food at one glance.

OUT WITH THE GREEN

New Paint for the set

Mr took to the job of removing the old paint on this garden set today. The green is very odd. I am thinking white.

TAKING THE OTHER FOUR HOME

You may be remembering the six antique Victorian nursing chairs that I took home on the 2nd of this month. Well, I left four that was slightly different and more Queen Anne. I am no fan of Queen Anne stuff but I buy it if it looks great enough. I changed my mind about two weeks later and decided to get the extra four chairs to complete the set. Unfortunately for me, a lady in the Free State was driving all the way to collect them. A week passed and yesterday the seller gave up on the Free State girl's procrastinations and offered them to me again.
Today I went to take my four Victorian nursing chairs home where they belong.

DEFINITIVE CONFERENCING

Definitive Conferencing

Definitive Conferencing in Kempton Park, Isando is where I spent the whole of this week in meetings. Today was our last day in these meetings. Like my son says... meetings are not glamorous events at all. What gets into me the most is the hotel food. I cant stand it for more than three days. Five days is a pain.
I loved this chandelier in the double volume space. Its a much bigger version of my dining room one. The bulkier the better. I also loved the wall paper.

BACK TO THE SANCTUARY

The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary

The Geek's project is due tomorrow. Today we had to take another look at it just to be sure its completed. Its the project that took us to the bird sanctuary a few weeks ago. We saw lots and lots of bird species. This bird was one of the strangest. I must have taken tens of its shots whilst it gave a very strange peformance. Nature is amazing. 

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

Newly acquired antique pedestal

I've had these two single bed headboards for... like forever. Over the weekend I bumped on the matching pedestal/ bed side table/ night stand. ONLY one. See how tall it is. The wood is imbuia and the feet are ball and claw. Today we moved it into this bedroom. The headboards will have to be hung and lifted a bit to look less awkward.

ROSEBANK AGAIN

Rosebank meetings again

I spent most of today in Rosebank, Johannesburg for meetings again. Meetings that are out of office tend to be filled with pastry junk. I am trying to make good choices, which is not very easy.

MATCHING STAFF TOO PERFECTLY

TABLE SWITCH

Latest Antique Find

Lots of antique spot visits today. At the end we went to the Silver Lakes area to collect a smaller round table for my kitchen. The one I had was a tad bit too big for the space. The bigger table is now my verandah table. I need to oil it to stand all that. The new (to me) kitchen table is antique base, newer top. Base is close to 200 years old. I am so humbled by owning it. The grandfather of the seller actually cut his own 12 seater table in two, losing the top and gaining two smaller tables. The top is some veneer wood. I have to try get a carpenter work on it when I have energy. But I suspect I will enjoy it just as is.

Today I went to collect my new kitchen table from the Silver Lakes area and took my old kitchen table to the veranda.

FABRIC VINTAGE, CHAIRS ANTIQUE

Vintage look fabric for my antique chairs

Its happening! My chairs are at the upholsterer for new dresses. I chose vintage inspired fabric to take them as close as possible to their original state. I love red. Very much. All my Persian Rugs are a shade of red. Classic like that.
Today I took my chairs in for re-upholstering. I cant wait to get them back.

VALENTINE GRATEFULNESS

Valentine day's gift

I really love my husband. He is a keeper. Not only on valentines day but everyday since I met him 14 years ago. Thanks honey.

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2014

State of the Nation Address 2014

Politics drain me, long speeches drive me up the wall. I rather read. I started listening to the president but I couldnt take it anymore. So glad I'm not a member of parliament. Not only for long speeches, but for that red carpet nothingness.
Today the president of South Africa read the State of the Nation Address 2014.

RENOVATE

Renovate magazine

I cant believe how happy seeing this book in my post box is making me. That's what living in a house as old as mine does to one. Today they delivered the February copy. Its only 51 pages filled with building sector contacts in the form of advertisement. I enjoy browsing it these days.

SLAUGHTERING DEBT

Slaughtering Debt

Its so sick I know but I keep telling people about how they should take care of their own money. You'd swear I am government or a parent or people are my responsibility. Fortunately, there are people who like me enough to boost my ego by inviting me to give some chats on this subject. This week I have a class with young couples on finances in their marriages. We started yesterday on "dealing with debt".

Today the debate was on "debt consolidation". I enjoy these classes so much. I like these couples a lot. I hope to be done by Friday.

LUNCH TURNED DINNER

Lunch from batch cooking

Well, yesterday I decided on lean mince and vegies soup for this week work lunch. Then I found myself too busy at work, I couldn't stop working. I ended up with my snack for dinner. Very bad behaviour actually.
Today I took my lunch back home to eat as dinner. Very delicious soup it was.

BRAND NEW WORK CLOSET

New Work Closet

My Sunday afternoon was spent revamping my work closet. I went to Pretoria East Malls including Menlyn. Great time to shop at the clearance sales. I do love shopping but avoid it because I think about the cost too. I spent a small fortune on this but it was worth every cent.

Today I went shopping to revamp my work closet. I managed to stop myself from buying casual clothing. I usually end up with too much casual/ weekend items in my trolley. Today my trolley was filled to the brim with pencil skirts. Feeling too grown up. In search of a red and a navy heel now.

THREE PARKS AND A BIRD SANCTUARY

Three Parks and a Bird Sanctuary

I find I am a primary school learner again. The Geek's homeworks and school projects keep me on my toes. I also learn a lot from all this. I'm very grateful.

In search of a pond with some life (plant and animal species) we visited The Fountains park, Venning Park in Arcadia, Magnolia Dell in Nieuw Mackleneuk and Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary in Groenkloof today. I took about a hundred photos of bird species. I loved every minute of that silence. So gorgeous.

THE RED VELVET CAKE

the red velvet cake

Yes I did. I craved the red velvet cake today and really ate it. Thanks to the Mr and the Geek and their love for me. Remember that I am trying to cut on wheat and sugar.

THE PHARMACY

the pharmacy

Feeling a bit unwell today. Passed by  the local pharmacy after work to get me some myprodol. Have to sleep on time.

ROSEBANK, JOHANNESBURG

1Sixty Jan Smuts, Rosebank

Design District Building, Rosebank

I had meetings in Rosebank, Johannesburg today. Lovely day but even prettier area. I loved architecture. My meeting was at 1Sixty, Jan Smuts. So difficult to get, I think. With a 160 written like that, we struggled. I think Growthpoint owns the building and also think the numbering should be written. 1Sixty is the name of the building, it seems. Meetings went well.

Today I had meeting in Rosebank.

PORTUGUESE VS AFRIKAANS

AFRIKAANS

I actually took Afrikaans up to Grade 12. I was one of the few in the school who liked this language. Fast forward, two decades later, I am faced with the task to teach my son this language. Its not easy for a boy who started with Portuguese second language. But I believe that together we will conquer. For now, we are in the mercies of a very inaccurate google translation.

Today I used google translate to understand the Afrikaans reading instructions from the teacher. So much typing.

OUTING, SHOPPING AND DINING

Mr Price Shorts

What a day. Work was quite tiring with work and hectic schedules. A colleague told me about Mr Price and how promising it can be. I browse the place with the Geek after work and got him shorts and a vest. I couldn't get any dress for myself. I loved the shorts a lot. We then headed for Exclusive Books to buy him another one of those "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books. He is obsessed with them. Then off to get my colleague a voucher as wedding gift. Finally Ocean Basket. My son is so much fun now that he is bigger.

Today I went to Brooklyn mall with my son for shopping and dining out.

FALLEN TREES AND ANTIQUE OBSESSION

fallen tree in my garden

two of the 6 OLD chairs that I acquired

My neighbour's humongous tree fell on my backyard last night. The damage on the boundary wall doesnt show as the fallen tree still sits on it. The electric fence is torn together with some other wiring (no idea what's what). We expected a knock on our door from them (seeing that the whole tree is in our garden) but in vain until we went to them at around 1pm today. We were not treated well at all by neighbour. We were not fighting with her.

Just before that, we went to collect very old chairs from the seller. It was a set of 10 with different detail on them. I didnt like the 4 that was modernised with new upholstery and more straight legs like Queen Anne style. I liked the 4 that had a lot of detail in the legs and torn original fabric plus the dwarf kind which is same size but short. This two short ones are referred to as baby feeders by the seller. They are on casters. I will have them refurbished the coming week.

Today I added 6 chairs to my antique collection and tried to address the fallen tree situation with my neighbour.

RAIDING ANTIQUES AND A BRAAI

Imbuia ball and claw table #2

Braai/ barbeque with our siblings

Our most favourite table in this house is an imbuia ball and claw dwarf kind. Its very short and quite gorgeous. Well, today we went to collect a slightly taller and smaller version from the antique seller. Whilst at it we also grabbed a coat hanger and desk. We later browsed a few other antique stores along Soutspadsberg Road. And then back home to prepare for the family braai (barbeque). Our Gauteng based siblings were invited. We were so happy to have brother in law join us whilst my sister and brother didnt show up. The braai went very well.

Today I raided the antique stores and enjoyed the braai with my family.

RAIN, MALLS AND STEKINEKOR

Rain outside my window

My day started extremely slow. I was still exhausted after the Namibia trip. So, naturally I camped in my bedroom for what I thought would be the entire day. Suddenly I heard what seemed like heavy rain. I peeped through my window, quickly grabbed my phone and snapped a few photos to capture the moment.

I later had to quickly rush to in Irene villages Mall. Mr came back after work with a huge bunch of roses (he's a keeper) and we decided to go tire our bodies at Brooklyn Mall after dinner. It seems that everyone was actually at Brooklyn mall for dinner. People were waiting, sitting in queues, wine in hand, courtesy of the restaurant.

roses that were given

so many people at Brooklyn Mall

Wakaberry sounded like a great idea for dessert.

Wakaberry dessert at Brooklyn

Exclusive Books shopping was light

 From there it was Exclusive Books and finally the Movie which kept us until Saturday...LOL. Just after 12 midnight.

A movie was unexpected content

We watched The Wolf of Wall Street. Not what I expected at all and an over use of the *F*word. Today was an eventful day. I had to add more photos.  

GOODBYE WALVIS BAY

Walvis Bay Airport

The Walvis Bay Airport is being constructed. For now, this barn like structure was all we had. It didnt look different to a barn even inside. That's where I spent a few hours sipping on my can of drink and photographing with my phone. I was very grateful to be going home to my hubby and kids. Felt like a lifetime away from them.
Today I said my goodbyes to Walvis Bay. And I really liked it. I will always remember Walvis Bay for its sleepy character, no 2 cars at a time dusk to dawn. Neat and peaceful like a retirement village.

MY OFFICE TODAY

Protea Hotel, Pelican Bay, Walvis Bay, Namibia

I had a peaceful time working from the hotel coffee shop. The view is that of a bay outside. Lots of natural sunshine. I loved it for sure. I can do with a home office like that by the SA ocean somewhere. A girl has a right to dream right?

Today I worked from a coffee shop at the Protea Hotel, Pelican Bay, Walvis Bay, Namibia. I can get a lot done in the coffee shop. I love informal settings.

COCKTAIL PARTY

cocktail party

My small phone camera can be terrible. Not to be blamed though, this is at night with disco lights. The hosting organisation threw us a cocktail party. It was a nice relaxed atmosphere. I even had a serving of dessert. Which I had not touched my whole time in Namibia.

Today I was invited to a cocktail party.

PROTEA HOTEL WALVIS BAY

the Protea Hotel Walvis Bay

I am staying at the Protea Hotel Pelican Bay but for the past two days my meetings were at the Protea Hotel Walvis Bay. I am always fascinated by the hotel interiors. The exteriors in these hotels are nothing special. But for the past two days I have been snapping little details of the interiors. I then took the picture of part of the front above. The main entrance part doesn't look as good.

Today was spent at the Protea Hotel Walvis Bay.

AMAROSTILE AND NAIL OBSESSION

Amarostile and nail obsession

I had it all planned earlier today. I was to share small details of the hotel where we had today's meeting. As the day progresses, my sister who lives in East London sends me image numbered one above. I love bread in general but the roasted one is my weakness. We passionately refer to it as amarostile. Nothing as tasty. More like a grilled Portuguese roll with a harder crust.

I made a comment about her nails... she then sent me photo number two. Gorgeous nails. She mentioned something about the nail bar/salon and some gel and them not chipping. My sister is fancy like that.

I also photographed my own backhand number three and sent to her. Mine has no gel thingies, just my own DIY. I painted my nails in the hotel when I arrived in Namibia and touched them up yesterday.

Today me and my sister exchanged photos of our nails as they look currently.

WATERLESS HOTEL DAY

Bottled water I use for absolute necessities

Still in Namibia. What a miserable day. There is no water in the hotel. The staff (which I think deserve some disciplining) lied and said the whole of Walvis Bay has no water. Not true. They later mentioned water coming back at 13h00... didn't happen. Its such a painful experience. Worse, we have some meetings today. I am so lucky that I woke up and had a bath so early in the morning. Most of the people in this hotel weren't so lucky. Being a Saturday and all.

The whole day without water is what is irritating me currently.