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.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT

Namibia Prawns at The Raft, Walvis Bay, Namibia

Yep, Today we had an amazing girls' night out with my lady colleagues at The Raft, Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Remember the restaurant I spoke about a few days ago? The food was.... a lot. Way too much. I couldn't eat half of that plate. It also cost a small fortune. That set me off R200 before coffee. Vegies were kebabs with some garlic sauce. I missed Ocean Basket right at the beginning of the meal until the end. I must be obsessed with South Africa.

GUESTS AND A CUPPA SOUP

Hotel Room, Namibia

The two word description of this hotel would be "bad taste". Nothing looks planned and well thought. This is no review but I just couldn't stop myself.

My colleagues came visit my room this evening just for a chat. A few hours and lots of giggles later, we said our goodnights with more giggles. 'The room above is the space we were in. I have amazing view towards the ocean/ lagoon. The place is not as miserable by the way. Stuff looks quite interesting around here.

Today some of my colleagues spent most of the evening in my room.

RESTAURANT OF SORTS

Waterfront Restaurant-The Raft, Walvis Bay, Namibia

As we had our lunch at the hotel restaurant today, we had this view. Heart warming right?  It is indeed. This is a restaurant (The Raft) built in the bay. It looks painfully ugly like it can fall anytime from the outside. Work of art if you are strange like me. My hotel room also faces this structure. I'll try to capture it at night. Looks far more interesting. Pity I cant capture flamingos that live near it because I forgot my camera. I am using my tablet with no proper zoom. Kicking myself really hard.

Today I had lunch at Protea Hotel Pelican Bay, Namibia facing this waterfront restaurant.

WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA

Walvis Bay, Namibia, Protea Hotel, Pelican bay 

Today was a rushed kind of a day. Woke up very early because I thought I'd need a Gautrain to go to the airport. Someone loved me enough to get me transport to the airport. I was so early I started shopping at Woolworths. Why wouldn't I grab the opportunity to get me a white shirt when I am in such a huge need. Then some jeans and casual top. That was money well spent. From there it was boarding to Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The airport was so dry, so  so very dry. And the dessert is just how I imagined a dessert to be. Or rather, how I see it on TV. We drove through a long dry and sandy stretch of nothingness from the airport. I continued taking pictures of the nothingness with the hope of spotting something. A tree maybe. Suddenly WATER! Lots of water! The coastline. Walvis Bay Lagoon. WHAT A CONTRAST! I an trying so hard to fall inlove with the place for now. It may happen at some point.
Today I am at Walvis Bay, Namibia.

MEETING IN ARCADIA PRETORIA

Meeting in Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa

Lots of new developments in Arcadia. Most of what is in this image is newly demolished structures that are in the process of re-construction. I just cant believe how quick this place is evolving. Not so long ago, I was driving past this area daily. Well, that's a country at work for sure.

Anyway, today I had a meeting in Arcadia Pretoria. Whilst everyone was packing, I took a couple of photos through the window of the boardroom we were in. Other photos show the other side of Pretoria, towards the CBD. Its a gorgeous city.

MENLYN MALL

Menlyn Mall, Pretoria

I ended up shopping up a storm in Menlyn Mall sale. Problem though is that clothes are getting smaller. I wonder why??? Anyway I ended up with all tops and no dress. I am very sad about it. We then went to have a meal at fishaways with hubby. It was my very last meal at that restaurant. No options, fish not done the way I like it, hubby not happy with his fish not well done. But honestly, what were we thinking?
Today I went to Menlyn Mall and impulsively shopped for 5 tops. I took the photo just after 18h00. The place was empty, being a Sunday evening and all that. I will ALWAYS remember not to visit fishaways there.

VORNA VALLEY, MIDRAND

Vorna Valley, Midrand, Johannesburg

Such nice food I had at my friend's house in Vorna Valley, Midrand, Johannesburg. I kept thinking about my not having an e-tag. E-toll guys are not playing. I feel great I went. She is just amazing. I reminded her guy about my Washington book.
Today I attended the send-off party thrown by a friend for a hubby going to Washington.

WASHINGTON POST'S APARTMENTS SHOWCASE

Washington Post's Apartment Showcase - January 2008

I am invited to lunch tomorrow by a friend whose hubby is going to be working in Washington DC for 6 months. The lunch is a send-off by my friend. I sent this picture to my friend through whatssap to say "this is the free book I took from Washington when I visited in 2008 January. If your hubby brings me the latest version, I will love his wife forever". And there is no way that wont work. This book inspired me to do a hobby I love a lot. And to this day, I search for a property book when I visit any country.
Today I persuaded/blackmailed a friend (Lungi) to ask hubby to bring me the Apartment Showcase book from Washington.

PRETORIA SUNNYSIDE

Pretoria, Sunnyside

Someone let the sun out today. Its one of the hottest days in Pretoria. I'm told Australia is worse. I just happened to be in great view of the two apartments I lived in, in my single days in Sunnyside. When I arrived in Pretoria I stayed in the first apartment block to your left, with a friend. Long moons ago, this complex was gorgeous. There was no security. I miss those days. Anyway, I moved to rent solo and later bought in a block that is not even showing well behind all these blocks. I had a very nice apartment there, and walked to work everyday. I miss those days, sometimes.

Reminiscing on my days of singlehood and living apartment today.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2014

books on the first day of school 2014

Schools are really on now in South Africa. The Geek (son) came with a diary with what read like a million rules. I guess its what you get for choosing a school that is regarded as good. And the rule is that you read and SIGN. The first entry in the diary was "cover English books", "cover Maths book". My sister covered her nephew's books.
Today is the first day of school 2014.

STUDENT OF EQUITIES

I am a student of equities

In 2012 I took serious interest in equities, the JSE, bonds, notes, dividends and everything that is related to passive investments. I am one of those people who think in numbers. I do calculations by hand. I hardly ever use my calculators. Oh well, excel spread sheets are a life saver. I have tens of formulas for my budget, savings plans, homeloan, and everything related to finances. I quickly run a spread sheet to take a lot of decisions. Geeky, I know.
Today, I laid in my bed calculating the returns on various International Exchange Traded Funds (Index Funds). 2013 returns on quite a few of them is very impressive.
I have an early morning with son going to new school and all that. Have to go to bed earlier today.

THE COLOR PINK

the color pink

Its a Monday but definitely not a blue one. I am in black pants, a sweet pink shirt and black sandal. Its summer here and very hot. On my wrist is my relatively new watch which I bought last month in the Mauritius Airport. Its not an expensive piece. I also have two dressing rings on and a green neckpiece to break the pink and black. I love dressing up, but its not so much fun in this weather.
My outfit today is mostly black and pink, with my pink watch to match.

THE BLOGGING LIFE OF ME

decorating-small-space.com

I write all the time. Even with a pen and paper. I actually prefer the pen and paper kind of writing. I get lost in my sums. But I am too randomn to journal or write in a hardcover diary. I seem not to like routine. I wish to do a few sentences here daily, but I still manage to skip a day or two at a time. You probably wonder where I'm going with this yadayada.
What I'm saying is that, I am a blogger with a few blogs. decorating-small-space.com is one of my blogs.  
Today I spent time researching my next decor article. I enjoy home tours lately. Its too much fun getting into someone's space. 

BACK TO SCHOOL 2014

back to school

My day was pretty messy. The Geek (son) is changing school because we changed homes. In the previous school he pretty much just pitched for school with his casual clothes. New school has a winter and summer uniform and a long list of stationery. I had to buy stuff I never saw in my life. Even a school bag has a hundred specifications,  scissors have to be blue... I don't know why either, so don't ask. This is a complex life. Further complicated by my lateness, eish.
Today I went "back to school" shopping with DH and the Geek. It was no fun at all.

YESTERDAY EVENING IN MY GARDEN

rose from my garden

Well, a rose from my own garden. I actually missed on a wonderful post yesterday. I spent more than 1 hour in a moony evening listening to birds. I really am blessed with a huge garden filled with tall trees, and amazing birds wake me from my sleep. Last night they were competing with amazing music. I will always love waking up to this.
Yesterday evening I listened to beautiful bird music in my front garden.

GRAIN FREE BREAD

Grain Free Bread

I've been back on my mostly paleo diet. This food is the only medication for me. I feel light when I cut grains in my diet, I get healthier, my mood improves, etc. I have lost the weight I piled on in December too. I am praying that my travels don't spoil it. I ate a lot of salad this week. I never got tired of it. Since I am a bread addict, I have found ways of baking without grains.
Today I baked Almond and Flaxseed grain free bread and I loved how it turned out. Its perfect for tea time and breakfast.

SNACK OF THE DAY

Its probably a bit weird that I eat healthier when I go to the office than when I work from home. I enjoy packing healthy lunches. When I go to the office I my snack of the day is always well thought and well prepared. I have to learn to do the same at home. Forget all the options I see when I open the fridge and pantry. Tough!
Today I packed a boiled egg, nectarine, nice salad with mozzarella, beef soup, a few dried plums for my tummy situation and a slice of grain free pumpkin bread. I enjoyed it.

LONG WALK AND A SUNSET

Sunset View from my Balcony

Today, hubby dearest dumped his own jogging routine to give me support in my first 2014 slow walk. I was very lazy at the beginning but so proud of myself I pushed for it. As we approached our home, we noticed an amazing dusty orange sunset. I ran up the stairs as quick as I could to photograph it on the balcony. Our neighbour's high house was actually blocking most of it. It was so gorgeous.

MATRIC RESULTS IMPROVED

Class of 2013 Matric Results

My little brother in law was in the matric class of 2013. Like all of the matric students, he is some sort of a nervous wreck together with all of us. The Hubby seems to be in more suspense. The minister is presenting the national results tonight. So today, me and hubby are doing nothing but starring at the TV screen with occasional comments about the whole speech. The national matric pass rate is at 78.2%, an improvement from 2012's 73.9%. Individual student results are only out tomorrow. I wish little brother all the best.

LADIES DEVOTIONAL AND BATCH COOKING

Ladies Devotional Journal

Its official, our church loves its girls to bits. me and daughter skipped church today but the hubby and son did go. To start the year on a high note, Ladies Devotional books were distributed. I am so thrilled that the man of the house got me a copy. I love everything about it.

Apart from the book gift that I received today, I cooked my first batch meals for 2014. This is great for me because I get to pre plan healthy paleo meals to take with for lunch at work. I also bake paleo (grain-free) breads once a week because I just cant leave without bread.

RETRO SWIVEL TUB CHAIRS

Retro Swivel Tub Chairs

As luck or in my case a blessing has it, we took a ride to East Lynne. That's where I usually spot rare finds at times. I go to pawn shops to search for treasure (antiques). I don't always come alright but this Saturday our eyes were on the coal stoves. I want one so badly. As we go to the back of one fully stocked store, we find the two retro swivel tub chairs. they are just vintage, from the 1960s. I have been passively searching for one of these. I left the store with two old cups of tea, whilst we continue on our quest for stoves. We failed to get a stove worth our cash as most are just tempered with and have no original features anymore. From there it was back to the swivel chairs. They were closed but still inside. I am very persistent and wouldn't listen to the door guy until they gave me my chairs. One is in the Geek's bedroom, lucky fish.

Today, I took home a pair of retro swivel tub chairs and a two dusty old bone china cups.

THE TWINS AND ONION FROM HOME

onion from my parents'garden

My sibling twins were at our parents' home for the festive (holiday) season. They drove back today. Its a very long drive from the Eastern Cape to Gauteng. My dad, a very good gardener slash farmer harvested quite a lot of onions for the twins to take with. They gave him short notice which meant we had to miss on potatoes and spinach... I don't even eat potatoes but I would cherish the thought as I prepare them for my family.
Today I was too excited to have such great home grown food and to reunite with my sibling twins.

PRETORIA VIEW POINTS BY FORT KLAPPERKOP

Pretoria viewpoints by Fort Klapperkop

We now officially love to drive in the sloppy viewpoints by Waterkloof Golf  club. The houses there are just to die for. Cant stop clicking on my phone camera. I really need to buy me a new camera. Anyways this post is about nature.
Today we drove past this pair of zebras in those Pretoria viewpoints by Fort Klapperkop. I never passed any wild animal that close. They are as gorgeous as they are from the distance.