Village Place Mother’s Day breakfast 2019, Aunty Jen and Gords’ visit braai

Last week was an exceptionally busy one on the homefront as we had two visitors from Joburg: My aunty Jenny stayed with my parents for the week, while Gords stayed on our side of the property for a night, plus it was Mother’s Day…

Saturday, 11 May 2019: La Rocca breakfast, Petisco’s dins

We slept in quite late on Saturday as my One Show work only ended at 5am. First stop was La Rocca in Canal Walk for breakfast. See my tiramisu latte, toasted sandwich and chips drenched in hot prego sauce. Hubcap went for the rib egg benedict and a cream-topped cappuccino.

Beautiful view across to Table Mountain from Blouberg beach that afternoon.

On Saturday evening we went to Petisco’s for dins. They were completely fully booked but we were happy to eat at the bar. See Husband and Dad with their wine and catemba (wine + Coke) respectively, my coffee shake with Amarula, a well-peppered portion of chicken xai xai and the menfolk with their pre-meal Jagermeister shots.

Sleepy doglets on the couch that evening.

Sunday, 12 May 2019: Mother’s Day breakfast at Village Place Cafe

We decided on Village Place in West Coast Village for Mother’s Day breakfast as it’s a fairly central meeting point for all except Spec, who drove through from Fish Hoek side to join us. See some of the lovely breakfast things we ate.

Hubcapsicum with our mums.

Proof that the others were all there, and see my dirty chai latte and low-carb banana-berry flapjack stack. Yum!

Various snaps of Mother’s Day unfolding in Mum’s lounge that evening. Such sweet doglets.

Tuesday, 14 May 2019: Evening braai at home with all the parents, Aunty Jenny and Gords

Aunty Jenny arrived at my parents’ side of the house for the week (she’s just left, at the time of publishing this), while Gords headed over with Husband’s parents after work on Tuesday. T’was a simple braai of wors rolls and Mum’s legendary potato salad, with lots of laughs and our pretty coloured lights.

More scenes from the braai. Was a lovely change of weeknight routine!

Husband snapped everyone busy with post-braai coffee in our lounge that evening. I say ‘everyone’ but only my parents and I had coffee.

Sweet little Bassie having a nap once Husband’s parents left and the others retired to their rooms.

Wednesday, 15 May 2019: Work-from-home treats

It was a treat to work from home on Wednesday, as I got to skip the commute and start from bed.

Dad provided almond croissants as tea time treats from Limnos Bakery in Table Bay Mall when I worked from home on Wednesday.

Thursday, 16 May 2019: Digital Agency Showcase at Red & Yellow School

The sun was only just rising when I got off the MyCiti bus in Woodstock on Thursday morning.

After a short stint in the office, I attended the second ever digital agency showcase at Red & Yellow School on Thursday, where work from some of SA’s top digital agencies was featured. Click here and here for my coverage so far.

That’s all, folks! We hope the weekend ahead is filled with all that makes you happy. 🙂

CTFM sunsets and Father-in-law’s 75th birthday breakfast at McPherson’s

Last weekend we celebrated Father-in-Law’s 75th birthday with a family breakfast at McPherson’s, amongst other things…

Friday, 13 April 2018: Cupcakes and braais

My favourite moments from last Friday – office birthday cake, also a small home braai and the doggies coming to fetch me from the bus stop after work. Bless.

Saturday, 14 April 2018: 75th birthday breakfast at McPherson’s

We all met up at McPherson’s for breakfast on Saturday morning to celebrate Father-in-Law’s 75th birthday the day before. See Mother-in-Law with the cutlery top-left, my parents with strong cappuccinos bottom-right as well as the R25 ‘bacon-eggs-toast’ breakfast bottom-left and the French toast with bacon and grilled banana top-right. Delicious and such good value, in a pretty setting.

The McPherson’s cat looked much orange-r, fluffier and larger than the last few times we’ve seen it – perhaps a different cat?

Full family photo with the birthday boy front and centre. This is best version of the many attempts we took, take my word for it 😉

Later that afternoon we soaked up some sunshine in and around the V&A Waterfront. This was taken while looking around the cruise terminal at the harbour.

Gourmet milkshakes, yes please! I had to work that evening so we went out for early dins, and decided to finally try the CTFM at Seaside Village – we’d popped in a few times but never ordered anything. See the gourmet shakes – I went for the caramel pop. Yum.

To eat, Husband had a salmon handroll and the East Coast mussel potjie, while I went with the lamb croquettes.

Lights and driftwood and birdies make up the pretty decor inside the Seaside Village branch of Cape Town Fish Market…

Just in case you didn’t know where we were eating, I branded my finger.

Precious doglets pretending they just happened to end up asleep on the couch together by the fire while I was working later that night.

Sunday, 15 April 2018: La Rocca breakfast

W.e were meeting Brother-in-Law Spec at the movies in Canal Walk later in the morning so decided on breakfast at La Rocca. See my latte and toasted chicken-mayo with rustic fries, as well as Husband’s Mexican eggs benedict topped with prego sauce.

We had pork roast with roast potatoes for lupper at Mum’s that evening.

For dessert, slices of berry ice-cream ‘cake’ Mum whipped up.

Monday, 16 April 2018: Sunset burger special at CTFM

We’d enjoyed our meal at CTFM so much that we returned for dins on Monday. Glass of red wine and choc-cookie gourmet shake with sunset-over-sea views after a tough day at work? Don’t mind if we do!

Pretty pink clouds at sunset, as seen from our table.

To eat, this time Husband had the ‘salmon poppers’ starter followed by the fish curry, while I had the choc-cookie gourmet shake and the R55 Monday burger special.

That’s all, folks! It’s definitely Autumn here in the Cape so I’m looking forward to lots of hot drinks and hugs for warmth.

Excellent Italian lunch at 95 Keerom and return of the purple hairdo

The past week was filled with delicious bites and happy moments in the sun…

Friday, 9 February 2018: New Friday lunch offering at 95 Keerom

What a wonderful place this is – I went to review the new Friday lunch option at 95 Keerom (yes, situated at 95 Keerom Street), long known as the place to go for a delicious Italian dinner in the Cape Town CBD. There’s a tree growing in the middle, large glass panels in all the walls, with pale wood everywhere you look and delicious starters like this – the asparagus salad and Caprese salad. Full descriptions in my review, coming to Bizcommunity soon!

For mains, see the ’95 Carpacchio’ and the butternut ravioli.

Dessert! Everything sounded wonderful, but I can personally vouch for the mango sorbet (middle-right) and duo fondant (top- and bottom-right) – excellent way to end a meal.

See the lovely selection of breads (yes there was olive oil and balsamic to mop up with the softer hunks), also my cappuccino – typically a ‘morning coffee’ in Italy but it paired perfectly with the dessert.

Saturday, 10 February 2018: Early burger dins at Jerry’s

We started our Saturday at Canal Walk – see our reflections in the lift.

The W Cafe in Woolworths was our first port of call. See my Nutella French toast, as well as honey-nut latte and Husband’s kale-haloumi bowl.

For our Saturday afternoon treat we decided on Jerry’s Burger Bar as it’s just around the corner and we were suddenly quite hungry after all our weekend admin tasks – their burgers are enormous. See various shots of the decor/view and Husband with his Castle draught.

See what I mean? That’s my pina colada shake and double cheese smash burger on the left, with Husband’s Thai chicken burger and fries on the right.

Sunday, 11 February 2018: Melkbos Kitchen breakfast

As we’d not had a braai with Husband’s parents on Saturday afternoon, we met them at Melkbos Kitchen for breakfast on Sunday. See my cappuccino with biscotti and apple-toffee crumpets with walnuts, as well as Mother’s ‘build-your-own’ breakfast and a group shot.

More pics featuring foodie, such as the salmon eggs benedict both Husband and his dad opted for.

A forkful of my apple-toffee crumpets. Yum!

We all went for a long stroll along the beach to help digest our breakfast.

I was allowed to nibble my ‘coffee in a cone’ purchased elsewhere while Husband polished off his salmon sashimi at The Orient in Eden on the Bay that afternoon. See our reflection in the middle mirror panel.

Salmon sashimi for Husband’s Sunday lunch nibble.

Bassie decided to hop in the back of the car and travel with her head out the window just like Bertie on the way to her grandparents’ house that evening.

Voila! My hair is now an ombre purple/blue in some light – and quite a bit shorter (though still long), but most people only notice the colour change. Click here, here and here for reminders of my previous ‘purple hair’.

Pretty pink-streaked sky at sunset that evening.

Tuesday, 13 February 2018: Rainy evening in Cape Town

The precious doglets were a bit chilly and confused as it finally rained, stormed and even hailed on Tuesday evening, here in Cape Town.

The doggies on the couch and with their dad.

That’s all, folks! T’was my birthday yesterday, so expect pics of all the celebrations in my next update. 🙂 Happy weekend!

Winter’s best comfort food: Italian Club gnocchi, News Cafe’s cherry hot chocolate

Fiddlesticks and phew, here we are at the start of a weekend where both of us are going to switch off, not think too deeply and have many happy moments together.

But first a few of our favourite happy moments from the past week…

Friday, 30 June 2017: Day off breakfast and winter gnocchi

We both had Friday off work so once we woke (without an alarm, yay), we headed out to Canal Walk. Breakfast took place at La Rocca. That’s my cappuccino and caramel banana pancakes with Husband’s deboned rib eggs benedict topped with prego sauce.

The day was cold so after naps and chores we decided on the Italian Club for dins. Just look at these perfect plates of gnocchi bolognese, drowning in grated parmesan and chilli. Plus Husband’s Stella Artois and my cappuccino.

Happy doglets in front of the fire a little later that evening.

Saturday, 1 July 2017: Durban July at the in-laws

Our table at Primi for Saturday morning breakfast. Close-ups in next snap…

We each started with a cappuccino, then I had the French toast with peanut butter and caramelised banana (mmm), and Husband had the Eggs Florentine with haloumi and many mini tomatoes adding a ruby glow.

Sunset at Husband’s parents house that evening where we were having a braai to celebrate the Durban July.

Bassie took a liking to her grampa’s SA beanie and spent most of the afternoon on, in and under it.

Bertie was also at his sweetest – this is the face he made when asked if he’s allowed to sit on granny’s new couch.

Coffee and my Durban July draw ‘second place prize’ Strawberry Lindt (I shared with everyone, promise).

Sunday, 2 July 2017: Rainy Baconville brekkie and News Cafe afternoon

My sleepy boys. Best faces. ❤

Sunday morning was rainy and cold and we had a craving for bacon so breakfasted at Baconville in Willowbridge. See my chocolate latte, bacon flapjacks, Husband’s Breakfast Club with an extra egg and his ‘hmm’ face at the ‘I dare you sauce’ – child’s play, he said.

Sunday afternoon felt like an ‘afternoon treat at News Cafe’ time of the week – I tried the cherry hot chocolate while Husband had a dom pedro. Not on the menu but one of the best he’s had, and he’s had a few.

In addition to sweet-tart cherry flavoured syrup in the hot chocolate, you get a sweet cherry on top.

More delicious wintery food ensued at Mum’s for lupper that eve – minestrone soup with cheesy breadsticks, spag bol topped with parmesan, malva pudding with custard and stormy skies.

Midweek lonely evenings with dogs

Husband was Marvin this week so these are the faces I was rushing home to from work – sometimes with pretty pink streaky clouds when I got there, sometimes with night already setting in.

Thursday, 6 July 2017: Digital influence launch at Grand Daddy Hotel, after-work drinks at Tap Room

Such pretty elephant graffiti just outside the Grand Mac Daddy Hotel on Long Street – my early morning stop before work to cover Popimedia’s digital influence in SA study launch. Coverage on Biz next week.

Not joking when I say I got there before the sun was up. The lovely view down Long Street, as well as coffee and cold breakfast bits to snack on kept everyone happy.

One of the amazing student artworks in the main hotel area. Such soulful eyes.

My colleague from Joburg was visiting for a few days this week so a few of us went for a chat over liquid refreshments at the Tap Room at Devil’s Peak Brewery after work on Thursday as it’s close to the office. Of course we took photos as proof we were there. These people keep me sane during office hours!

I went for the double choc milkshake – it’s a small as it’s listed under the kiddies’ drinks. The others enjoyed the ginger cider, if you’re in the area.

That’s all, folks! It’s set to be a cold wet weekend in Cape Town – stay warm and dry.

Working windmills and Constantia Glen’s winter soups

This has been a very long week for both of us as Husband was called on to do night shift again (after being Marvin just last week) as a colleague had taken ill and I had a number of late-night award shows to track and work on.

But we still made time to enjoy ourselves, as you’ll see below…

Thursday, 4 May and Friday, 5 May 2017: Dress-up days

Yes, I’m cheesy like that – if it’s a certain themed day and I have a relevant item of clothing, I’ll wear it. So last Thursday, Husband and I both wore Star Wars gear (#Maythefourthbewithyou) and on Friday I donned a Cinco de Mayo top. If only I could find an SA store that makes sugar cookies like this, my snacks would match…

I love this pic of Bertie through the peep hole in our door. Just being a dog. ❤

Saturday, 6 May: Reviewing Constantia Glen’s soups

We took our Saturday morning breakfast at the Sunningdale Village Place Cafe. Note my pretty cappuccino with spoonful of heart biscuits, Husband’s eggs benedict with bacon and my banana-granola-yoghurt-berry breakfast pot. All recommended if you’re ever in the area.

We had a bit of time on our hands thereafter so Husband surprised me by stopping in at the windmill – you know the one, just to the left of the prettiest leafy main road in Cape Town, De Waal Drive AKA the M3? Well, it turns out it’s called Mostert’s Mill and is the only working windmill in the country (s’True.) You can buy a family ticket that grants you access for a year. You can then have a guided tour inside, see flour being milled by the wind power and even taste a bite of bread made with that milled flour. Stop in if you’ve not yet been, for sure.

Our destination for the afternoon – Constantia Glen. I’ll let the pictures talk for themselves, but you can click here for my full review if you want more words. (Yes, those are tiny lambs frollicking in the field in the middle pic!)

The simple-yet-pleasing menu at Constantia Glen.

Doesn’t this pic just scream ‘perfect Winter meal’? We couldn’t decide on an individual flavour of soup so opted for the trio sampler instead, and were so glad we did. In case you can’t tell, that’s the beefy traditional Austrian goulash on the left, then a dark-brown French onion soup topped with slice of gruyere croute, and one of the best butternut soups ever.

As you can see, we were also treated to the cheese and charcuterie platter. Teehee, I love how Husband ‘drank in the meal’ not just with his eyes and mouth but also with his nose.

Snaps of some of my favourite flavours from our lunch – the creamy honey-roasted butternut-sage soup topped with coconut-milk swirl top left, a fresh caper berry top right, forkful of baguette topped with soft white cheese and Constantia Glen’s own delicate rosé grape jelly and the truly delicious cappuccino I chose to end the meal with. t’Was so good we told our waiter to compliment the barista.

I mentioned the ‘selfie-worthy’ bathrooms in my review, so of course I took a few snaps. Just look at that pretty honeycomb-mosaicked floor and the beautiful birdied wallpaper.

Later that evening we had the first official Andrews family braai at our house (here’s a reminder of the first version at Husband’s parents’ new house) – though I kept dashing back to the laptop for work. We still had a fun evening, as you can see, mainly from the glee on the brothers’ faces.

Sunday, 7 May 2017: Europa breakfast and Sunningdale sunset

We stopped off at Europa in Canal Walk – on the Pick n Pay end – for a breakfast bite on Sunday. Note my flat white, Husband’s eggs ben-on-bagel and my strawberry-topped tiramisu French Toast. Delicious but a tad expensive.

Streaky clouds like this guarantee a stunning sunset. Especially on a Sunday evening.

That’s all, folks! Things may be a little chilly right now but I believe we’re in for a mini-heatwave after the weekend, so hold onto your hats! 🙂

*Disclaimer: Obviously our meals at Constantia Glen were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.

Hiking Table Mountain’s Skeleton Gorge, touristy fun at the Waterfront and Christmas 2016

As we’ve been on leave for exactly a week, you can expect a double dose of the usual amount of pics below…

Friday, 23 December 2016: Brother airport collection, Spur breakfast and my first Dunkin Donut

First thing on Friday, our first day of leave,  we headed off to the airport. Next step, the brothers reunited! This scene was all the more touching as we’d just watched the ultimate ‘Christmas airport reunion’ movie the night before, Love Actually. I also liked the pretty tree of light on the right.

First stop, breakfast! We went for the Unreal breakfast at Canal Walk’s Spur.

We ran a few errands at Canal Walk that morning, and I finally got to try a Dunkin Donuts’ pastry. All cost R14, so you pay for quantity then select the one you want. They didn’t have yellow smiley faces so tried a ‘snowman’ – and was pleasantly surprised when I bit into a rich chocolatey centre.

It was a rainy afternoon but we were happy to spend it at home, catching up by playing Star Wars Trivial Pursuit, blogging and braai-ing.

Saturday, 24 December 2016: Big Bay morning, Woodbridge afternoon

Saturday was sunny and we had lots and lots to do, so we started our day with breakfast at The Daily Cafe in Seaside Village – that’s my cappuccino and Nutella flapjacks on the left, with Husband’s bruschetta and brother-in-law’s breakfast wrap on the right.

I couldn’t say ‘no’ to trying a Slo-Jo ‘Coffee in a cone’ when we passed Village Place Cafe in West Coast Village while running a few errands on Saturday. You down the coffee before it can melt through the chocolate and cone, then munch through the shell. I’ll be back! 🙂

View of Table Mountain from Big Bay, where brother-in-law dunked his feet in the sea for the first time during this visit as it had been raining the day before.

Husband and his brother in the yellow Nat Geo picture frame of Table Mountain from Big Bay.

That afternoon we did a very mild hike from Woodbridge Island, across Lagoon Beach and back. We rewarded ourselves with chilli poppers at Woodbridge Island’s Ilha.

We gave the Star Wars Trivial Pursuit another bash later that afternoon. I came last, even with Bassie’s help.

Sunday, 25 December 2016: Christmas lunch at our house

Cheers, Merry Christmas! Pose of all attendees at this year’s lunch, doggies are at our feet so sadly not in this shot.

But the doggies had lots of fun moments. Bertie tugged his new stuffed toy and his Mickey Mouse Christmas stocking, while Bassie sat on my lap and admired the view from her granny’s shoulder. Most of all they looked at the Christmas lunch spread.

Christmas lunch! Look at all the lovely baked potatoes, turducken, corned beef, gammon, ‘salad wreath’, trifle and mojitos.

Hills also treated Bassie and Bertie to these personalised Christmas stockings, each filled with a can of tasty age-appropriate stew for their Christmas dins.

After all that attention and all that food, the doggies nodded off happily.

Monday, 26 December 2016: Road trip to Langebaan

We had a busy day ahead so decided to fill up on the buffet breakfast at Doodles on the Blouberg beachfront as it was a public holiday. There are my three courses, and note the couple photobombing me and brother-in-law in the bottom left.

Duckies and geese all on patrol at the Vyge Valley farm stall on our road trip to Langebaan.

Finally there, we popped into Husky’s to wet our whistles and for a bite to eat. See my very pink strawberry shake and the samo basket once we’d eaten all the ‘samos’, chipolata sausages and tiny chicken wings (see how small in Husband’s wrist).

Brothers examining the sea at Shark Bay just outside Langebaan.

Some of our Langebaan seaside activities. See if you can spot Husband and brother-in-law, the tiny dots in the sea on the top and bottom left!

Tuesday, 27 December 2016: Skeleton Gorge hike up Table Mountain

Tuesday was hiking day. We’d dithered over tackling Lion’s Head or Table Mountain, eventually opting for Table Mountain through Skeleton Gorge – we parked the car at Cecelia Forest, then hiked into the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens and started the trail. It looks very sunny in these pics but quickly became overcast.

Once in Kirstenbosch we ambled across the slightly swaying Boomslang canopy walkway before the heavy hike began. Quite the view.

We were completely exhausted by the time we reached the top of Skeleton Gorge. Some of us literally lay down to nap among the flowers, some gazed at the view.

Success! We reached the rock cairn of Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point of the Table Mountain park, after a good six hours of hiking.

After trekking across the top of the mountain we finally reached the upper cable station – there’s no way we were hiking back down! See some of the cloud and sights from the top, and how unimpressed Husband looked after 9km of hiking.

Wednesday, 28 December 2016: Touristy things at V&A Waterfront, dog walkies in the suburbs

We had an Entertainer voucher to use on Yacoob Yachts’ Ameera before the end of the year, but got to use it on the slightly larger Tigresse as Ameera wasn’t running that day. No seasickness in sight, but we got a little sunburnt. Spotted a few dolphins and other sea life and felt a little more like we were on holiday after.

We decided to use another of our 2016 Entertainer vouchers while at the Waterfront, for a two-for-one trip around the Cape Wheel. Another touristy thing to tick off the to-do list.

We stuck with our nautical theme for the day by lunching at Panama Jacks in the harbour. I felt like a plate of chips while the boys went for the fettuccine marinara. We had to hold onto our hats as it was really windy.

It was too windy for beach walkies that afternoon but the doggies were keen to stretch their legs so we went a few blocks around the house. They loved it.

Thursday, 29 December 2016: Mussel morning, Cape Point afternoon

Thursday morning was for mussel collecting as it was the best tide for it. I read under a beach umbrella while Husband bravely ventured into the sea to collect a bag-full.

By then we all had rumbling (and rambling) tums, so stopped off at Village Place Cafe in West Coast Village. I had a delicious cappuccino with a shot of toffee syrup, so yum.

There’s Husband with my cappuccino, my banana-peanut waffle, brother-in-law’s big breakfast on top and Husband’s pesto breakfast below.

Next stop, Cape Point! We saw the most beautiful ocean views and smelled delicious sea air the whole way there.

We didn’t follow all the cars on their way to Cape Point, instead turning off before then to reach the not well-known tidal pool.

Venus Pool is only accessible by short hike, so short hike we took. The pool was pretty empty and just right for my first swim of the summer.

Husband had a wonderful time splashing about and gazing out at the sea from the sea wall.

That’s all for now, folks! Brother Spec is with us for a few more days and we have another week of leave to look forward to, so expect another image-heavy post next week (make that ‘next year’… ) 🙂

Jumbo hotdogs, Intaka Island walks and teatime treats at The Vineyard

I said we’d have lots of pics of the in-laws in my last update, and lots of pics we have! They’ll be in town for a few more weeks so expect them to feature in the next few updates. 🙂 We had lots of food balanced out by lots of walks, as you’ll see below…

Saturday, 12, November 2016: Big Bay brekkie, Intaka Island and doggy walks

We started our Saturday with breakfast at the Eden Cafe at Eden on the Bay in Big Bay. That’s my latte on the left and banana-marscapone flapjacks on the right.

There’s Husband and his mum, both tucking into their Surfer’s breakfasts (salmon-and-scrambled-egg panini), with his dad’s English breakfast on the right.

Here are Husband and his parents, mountain-gazing from a chilly Big Bay after breakfast at the Eden Cafe.

We popped into Canal Walk briefly after that as we were in the area for our afternoon at Intaka Island while Dad-in-law met up with a friend. Just look at this enormous hotdog we shared! Tis a jumbo cheese griller.

Intaka Island is a real hidden gem in the heart of all those fancy buildings. Here is Mother, making her way through the walkway.

Lots of little weaver nests are dotted in the rushes at the water’s edge.

These are the floating heronries at Intaka Island. We joked they should be renamed ‘ibiseries’ as we saw just one grey heron on the day.

We stopped at the viewing hut mid-way to gaze across at the pretty view…

Such a photogenic spot in Century City, but those construction cranes framing the mountain mar the beauty.

Husband and his mum taking a break from all the walking.

We stopped at Sunset Beach on our way home. This is the view of Table Mountain from the walkway between parking lot and beach.

Blouberg looks tiny and so far away from Sunset Beach, but it’s the next stop on the bus route along the coast. Look at those tiny kites in the distance!

There were quite a few ships on the horizon and the water was freezing.

Despite having had quite extensive walkies ourselves already, we treated the doggies to an amble around the neighbourhood that evening. See how happy we all are here.

But the doggies soon changed expressions. These doggy faces are just the funniest!

That evening we dined at the Driftwood Cafe. That’s Mother-in-law and Husband with their food on the left, with Dad-in-law and me on the right. Don’t worry, close-ups of the food to follow…

Our four full plates from the Driftwood Cafe. I had the blooming onion, top left, Husband had the eisbein and mash, bottom left, Mother-in-law had the mussel pot and Dad-in-law had hake and chips.

Sunday, 13 November 2016: Primi beachfront breakfast and full family braai

We wanted a view of the sea for Sunday breakfast – and delicious food, of course, so Primi is where we ended up. I had the super-sized cappuccino (just look at that mug bottom left!) I also ate the freshest croissant with a side of bacon (top left), with Husband going for the salmon eggs benedict you can see bottom right, and the parents sharing a portion of eggs Florentine between them, top right.

When last did we have a full family braai, with both sets of parents in attendance? Probably a good four years ago, before we moved to Cape Town. Top left is all the meat on the braai, bottom left is Husband and his dad getting the fire going, me with a Strongbow berry cider and all the menfolk watching/playing/laughing at cricket on the right.

Much later that evening it was just Bassie and me on the couch with my book. She refused to look at the camera though.

Monday, 14 and Tuesday, 15 November 2016: INMA Conference at The Vineyard Hotel

I spend Monday and Tuesday this week networking and note-taking at The Vineyard Hotel at the Interntational News Media Association (INMA) global summit. The tea time treats were amazing – here are my four mini-plates over the two days. Read up on my conference coverage here and here and here and here.

Just so you know, this was the distracting view from my seat in the Vineyard Hotel ballroom at the INMA conference. It’s a wonder I got anything done.

That’s all, folks! Happy weekend 🙂

Pina Colada shakes and exploring Intaka island

This week’s update is a bit more picture-packed than usual as we took so many snaps last weekend that I just couldn’t decide which to use. All the better for you to scroll through below…

Saturday, 29 October 2016: Squirrel-greeting at Company’s Garden, Intaka Island tour

We were up very early on Saturday to stand in the collections queue at Home Affairs for our new IDs (only the first 100 in queue get to collect). Here is Husband outside a lovely tiger sprayed in the CBD.

Mission complete, we were hungry and decided on Company’s Garden. The eating area is set among such pretty greenery and we were there early enough to have a choice of tables.

I started off with a flat white, and sliver of perfectly dunkable biscotti.

The banana bread French toast, served with bacon, marscapone cheese and strawberries is always a win, as is the Eggs benedict served with salmon and spinach that Husband opted for.

These very tall trees make you feel very small, but not quite as small as the squirrels that scamper about…

Like this curious little squirrel! We named him Nutmeg. He came over to nibble our fingers.

There were lots of inquisitive pigeons around, too.

We had more birds on the brain that day as our next stop was here: Our vessel for the early afternoon, in which we explored Intaka Island, in the heart of Century City. Intaka means bird in Xhosa and we sure did see a lot of them, even the elusive Peregrine Falcon.

Look at these three feathered friends, for example – we weren’t sure if they were going to hop onboard with us or back in the water for a swim. They chose the latter option.

Just one of the intriguing displays at Intaka Island – this is a wall of ‘air plants’ – their roots grow out of soil.

Of course Dad and Husband explored some of the steam engines before we set off across the canal.

Mum and me on the boardwalk through the marshes and reeds – you can see some of the Century City skyscrapers behind us.

The weather was just right, with a light breeze and lots of sunshine to keep us warm and happy.

Only Husband was paying such attention to the guided tour that he didn’t turn for this shot.

Group shot from the other side – see how ‘Intaka’ reflects from the outside onto Dad’s shirt.

The view of Canal Walk from the other end of Century City, with a birdie flying by.

We’d worked up quite an appetite by then so decided to meet up again at Jerry’s Burger Bar in Blouberg, close to home. Look at that amazing view – half the reason it’s always packed.

I had to try the pina colada shake. Was just as creamy/coconutty/pineapple-y as you’d expect, with no alcohol.

Mom and me, with the Jerry and the Sloth. Both delicious. Unfortunately the scary Halloween decorations are out of shot.

Beers’ cheers from the boys’ side of the table.

Husband went for the junkyard dog, wrapped in bacon and topped with avo and cheese.

Dad ordered a side of onion rings that we all shared and still couldn’t finish between us – that’s a huge side order!

Bassie in pensive mode, later that evening.

Bertie Andrews. Such a handsome boy. You can see why we tell him he’s a white doggie with brown mask and superhero cape.

Different faces entirely when it comes to waiting for their dins. Such sweethearts.

Sunday, 30 October 2016: Sampling Wimpy’s new sweetie-topped milkshakes

Husband felt like the Bullseye breakfast from Cafe Lacomia on Sunday morning, so that’s just what he had. You can see my cappuccino with two tiny biscuits in the saucer. Also ate a toasted sammidge, no pics of it alas.

Sunday afternoon was the perfect time to try out Wimpy’s new ‘topped with sweeties’ milkshake. I went for the coffee option, Husband had banana.

Monday, 31 October 2016: First day of BrandLove’s Customer Design experience course at 360 Business Parks, Paarden Eiland

Just loved this wall art in the entrance to 360 Business Parks, on Wessex Road in Paarden Eiland.

Two of my favourite workshop sights – coffee cups and boxes of Lego!

One of the Lego scenes I created. It looks like fun and games – and is – but also requires quite a bit of deep thinking and even a certificate of attendance for completing the course.

My little ones came to fetch me from the bus! Bassie seems to have an urgent message to share here, along the lines of “Mom, that other dog is shouting out the window. Help.”

That’s all, folks! Next week’s post will also be packed as we’ve had a busy few days…

Cloudy Malmsbury scenery, OJ for breakfast and new spectacles

Another admin-filled week as we’ve had to present affidavits to replace most of my bank cards, my prescription glasses and even spent the bulk of a day at home affairs applying for a new ID. That said, there were still highlights, as you’ll see below…

Friday, 30 September 2016: #AspirationsReport event and home braai

I spent most of the day at the Sport Science Institute in Newlands, right by the sweet smelling South African Breweries, taking in the findings of the UCT Unilever Institute of Strategic Marketing’s #AspirationsReport 2016 – click here to find out more.

The weather was delightful that evening, so Husband braaied some cheese wors for our dins.

Saturday, 1 October 2016: Malmsbury scenery

Our first stop on Saturday was home affairs in town… only to find they’d already taken their 100 ID applications for the day. We decided to also try the department in Malmsbury, +-120km away as it was also a bucket list location for us to tick off. You can just see the mountains and roads in this photo dominated by clouds.

Lots of pretty lavender, rosemary and other assorted plants add a splash of colour to the countryside.

This window frames the natural beauty of this scenery perfectly. This was on our way back home on finding the Malmsbury office just as crowded. We ticked off Malmsbury and decided to try again in town during the week.

By then quite tired and hungry, we stopped in at the Village Place Cafe and noticed they had a new menu with intriguing items like enchiladas. Husband tried them, with a filling side salad.

For me… well I couldn’t pass up the S’mores Belgian waffle, could I? Delicious. Look at all that ice cream and gooey marshmallow. Yum.

After even more admin of replacing loyalty cards and buying a new handbag we treated ourselves to large milkshakes at the Wimpy in Canal Walk. Husband had the banana, I had the coffee.

Much later that evening, I noticed a pair of eyes watching me munch some crisps.

Sunday, 2 October 2016: Beachy mornings and cocktail afternoons

For breakfast on Sunday we found ourselves at Bread & Butter again. This flapjack stack with bacon, cinnamon-fried banana and syrup was truly delicious. Note my cheapie non-prescription sunnies.

Husband, being healthy, opted for an orange juice instead of his usual breakfast Cola. Lol at his face after 🙂 That’s my cappuccino you can see, Husband had the same Banting breakfast as last week (click here for a reminder).

It was beach weather, so we went to the beach. That’s Husband running ahead of me, desperate to dip his feet in the water.

I was happy to soak up some sun, doze off and read a bit while Husband splashed about.

Here is Husband exploring the rocks after his dip.

We stopped in at Eden Cafe in Big Bay a little later in the day. I finally got to have the pina colada I’d been waiting for all week.

Husband went for his standard Long Island Ice Tea.

Such a pretty floral centre piece at mum’s that evening.

Wednesday, 5 October 2016: Burger King ad premier

On Wednesday evening, Husband and I were invited to the premier of Burger King’s first ad, fittingly at the newly opened Burger King at Canal Walk (where Joe’s Easy Diner used to be). We were treated to a Whopper meal each. I’ll be writing about the ad for Bizcommunity next week!

We had a bit of time to spare between eating and watching the ad (as well as the new Masterminds movie), so wandered around the mall and its perimeter.

Thursday, 6 October 2016: Home Affairs morning, Doodles evening

We had  a very early start to queue at Home Affairs again, and despite a few system crashes – I had to have my photo digitally taken three separate times – all was sorted and we had confirmation that the new IDs will be ready in a few weeks. To celebrate we decided to eat at On the Corner in Paarden Island. Here’s my peri peri sauce-drenched double-toasted chicken mayo and handcut chips, with cappuccino is handle-less glass cup.

Husband went for the ‘Full on’ breakfast – all this and the cappuccino in the above photo for R45!

Following a nap and collection of my last few replacement cards we went to Doodles for a late-afternoon treat. Look at my Bar-One milkshake, almost bigger than Husband! Lol.

We shared the nachos. Just right for both of us and one of the most popular orders.

Friday, 7 October 2016: Fat Cactus family and new spectacles

Husband met my parents at the Fat Cactus just up the road from work so he could save me some travel time home. Mum is holding up a rib, dad a margarita, Husband a beer.

We stopped off at Specsavers in Bayside on the way home to collect my new glasses. Prescription sunnies, too. Silly poser, me 😉

That’s all, folks! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend, hope you are, too.

Long weekend burgers, shakes and fries in multiple locations

Yay, last weekend was a long one – but hold your horses on the excitement, as one ends up doing just as much in a shortened work week as one would usually get through in a 5-day week. As a result Husband and I were riddled with aches, pains and stress – but watch for next week’s update to see how we got to soothe that all away…

Friday, 29 April 2016: More fire dogs

Last weekend was pretty chilly, so the family spent much of its time huddled up for warmth in the lounge together. The doggies are demonstrating how much they enjoy sitting near the fire here.

Saturday, 30 April 2016: Wimpy’s bigger cups and prices, evening at Jerry’s 

We headed to our nearest Wimpy first thing on Saturday morning, only to find new menus, which always mean new prices. Indeed that was the case, and they justified the bigger price with the following cup liner (it states they have ‘sized up’ their cups), but the same isn’t true of the food price hike…

See for yourself. Here is Husband’s streaky bacon breakfast with extra cheesegriller. We ended up paying about R12 more than we used to for the same meal a month ago.

After Saturday chores, we headed off to our local Jerry’s burger, craft and shine in Blouberg. This is me about to go up the stairs to the seating area.

We sat outside at first but the chilly wind soon sent us back indoors. Look at that view though!

The same view from indoors.

Husband had a ‘bloody Jerry’, to celebrate his distinction certificate in graphic design, achieved a few hours prior.

For me, the peanut butter-banana shake. It was thick and delicious.

For Husband to eat: the pulled pork burger, and chips splashed with sriracha sauce.

For me to eat: the plain Jerry burger – with crispy fried onions, melty cheese and rocket. Just what I wanted.

I forgot to snap the sunset while we were there, but caught its reflection over the sea as we headed home that eve.

Sunday, 1 May 2016: News Cafe breakfast, homemade gingerbread ice cream

We started our Sunday with the early bird English breakfast at News Cafe on Marine Circle. It’s a really good deal – just R29 if you order before 10am (that’s without the cappuccino, obs) – cheaper than our Wimpy breakfasts from the day before!

Much later that afternoon we tried Mum’s homemade gingerbread ice cream. So very tasty!

Bassie loves getting attention from Granny!

Monday, 2 May 2016: Breakfast at Blueberries, treats at Canal Walk’s MyShake milkshake bar

We woke a little later than usual on Monday, and as it was a public holiday, headed to Blueberries in Table View Centre for breakfast. This was my pretty-to-look-at cappuccino.

That cappuccino was the perfect choice to wash down my ‘banana and caramel’ filled pancake.

Husband opted for the salmon breakfast, which came with hash browns, cream cheese and a side of toast.

After some reading and other hibernatey-day off from work things, we went to Canal Walk in Century City to try out the ‘MyShake’ bar as many friends had posted a link to it on my Facebook wall. We finally located the kiosk at the far end upstairs, opposite Game.

After much deliberating and deciding, we went for the ‘Oreo Craving’, which came with burned marshmallow bits, chunks of cookie and lots of chocolate sauce squeezes. A bit pricey at R55 for 500ml but I enjoyed every slurp.

The seats shaped like cows were a lot of fun too, and those waiting in the queue for their order kept an eye on the handful of seats so they could hop on and have a turn. Moo.

Wednesday, 4 May 2016: Team lunch at Woodstock Grill & Tap

We finally settled on a date and venue for our ‘meant to happen every two months’ team lunch on Wednesday (our last one was late last year). We really enjoyed the fresh, sweet bread that came out before our orders, and my salted caramel shake was delicious.

While most of the meat orders came out wrong, it’s hard to mess up a burger. I’m so glad I went for this – and that plate of cooked sweet potato – while not wedges as promised – was a delicious side dish.

That’s all, folks, hope you have a relaxing weekend. I know we will! 😉