Last weekend we had many foodie celebrations as we celebrated both my parents’ birthdays, as you’ll see from the pics below…
Thursday, 8 August 2019: Winter high tea at the Table Bay Hotel
We were invited to review the new winter high tea menu at the Table Bay Hotel, so ventured off to the V&A Waterfront after work was done for the day on Thursday. See lots of happy faces and lovely sights.High tea, served in style! See our flutes of bubbly and scones and savouries, all this before we visited the main buffet table!Tea is served! After sniffing away at lovely scented options I had a pot of the Pink Flamingo tea. Also see some fruity surprise treats – read all the words of my review on Bizcommunity to find out what they really are!Seal mascots and a further course of tea-time treats meant we left with even bigger smiles on our faces. Highly recommended.
Friday, 9 August 2019: Women’s Day breakfast at Wimpy
Last Friday was the Women’s Day public holiday so we made full use of the opportunity to sleep in late and brunch at Wimpy. See my Bar-One waffle with regular Wimpy coffee, as well as Husband’s streaky bacon breakfast.After a day of napping and reading, we ventured out for lupper at Colala in Table View, See Husband’s chicken kadai curry and my sweet-and-sour chicken.Sweet doglets snuggling up to their dad that evening.
Saturday, 10 August 2019: Hart Bakery breakfast, Dad’s 69th birthday lupper at Yo Eastern Fusion
Breakfast is served! We started the official weekend with breakfast at The Hart in Melkbos. See Husband’s large cappuccino and chorizo rosti, as well as my single cappuccino and single bacon benedict.We ventured out for a coffee-time treat later that afternoon, as Husband spotted a new addition on the Entertainer app: ‘Simple Bru Coffee’ in Reef Surf shop, just off Marine Circle. He had a flat white while I enjoyed the vanilla latte, both served with bite of rusk.Happy birthday to you! Saturday was Dad’s birthday, so we went for a joint early dins at Yo Eastern Fusion to celebrate. See various cocktails, happy faces and foodies.Some of the deliciousness – Mum’s Tom Yum soup, my satay chicken and chocolate spring rolls, and assorted cocktails, from left to right in the upper-right photo: Call me A Cab, Blue Hawaii, Mermaid’s Orgasm and Pina Colada.More scenes from our Saturday feast – cocktail happiness; Dad’s sweet-and-sour prawns top-right; Mum’s assorted appetizer starter of crumbed mushrooms, crunchy calamari, chicken satay and vegetable spring rolls; and Husband’s seafood fried noodles.What’s a birthday celebration without cake?! We popped in at Woolworths for this yummy white chocolate, caramel fudge cake and munched away at sunset at home.
Sunday, 11 August 2019: Breakfast at On the Rocks, Hout Bay roadtrip
We treated ourselves to breakfast at On the Rocks on Sunday. See the chandelier glowing brightly as well as Husband’s ‘Jonkershuijs’ breakfast bottom-left, full of pork belly, avo and poached egg, as well as my Hash bowl packed with potatoes, asparagus and poached eggs.The takeaway coffee hatch next to On the Rocks is also a lovely spot to explore.Winter in Table View, as personified by this scene outside the Ons Huisie parking lot.Next stop, Hout Bay! The weather was a tad chilly but just right for a road trip. I thoroughly enjoyed my slap chips with tartare sauce from Mariner’s Wharf and we walked around looking at the seals and gulls.I was still full from my slap chip session so stuck with a cappuccino while Husband sampled the seafood curry at the Mariner’s Wharf restaurant upstairs. The slogan in the window frame says, “Our windows are cleaned regularly. If dirty, curse the seagulls or blame the weather.”
Tuesday, 13 August 2019: Mum’s 65th birthday dins at Petisco’s
Happy birthday to you! Tuesday was Mum’s birthday so we celebrated at a local favourite after work – Petiscos. See my Lindt chocolate Flake shake, as well as Husband’leaning in’ for the photo bottom-left, Dad’s full chicken cafreal bottom-right, and Mum’s birthday surprise shooter with a sparkler. The whole restaurant sang to her!
That’s all, folks! Tune in for next week’s update a day later than usual, as I’ll be in Durban covering the Loeries in the usual Friday blogging slot.
Click here to recap my full Table Bay high tea review on Bizcommunity and here for the SodaStream coverage I mentioned last week. 🙂
*Disclaimer: Our high teas at the Table Bay Hotel were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.
This past weekend, Husband’s parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary…
Friday, 26 April 2019: Lauren Beukes’ Creative Mornings talk at AAA School
Last Friday, I attended Lauren Beukes’ Creative Mornings talk for April, held at the AAA School in Long Street. See the lovely setting, and delicious morning treats. Click here for my overview of Beukes’ talk on Bizcommunity.Look at the lovely, fresh drip coffee we got to sample before the talk began. Clay Pigeon is opening later this year.And these doughnuts! Driven in fresh from Worcester for the monthly Creative Morning talks.The monthly Creative Morning talks are now held at the AAA School in Long Street. What a wonderful setting!Love this, posted on one of the internal walls at the AAA School on Long Street. “We don’t make mistakes, we master them.”
Saturday, 27 April 2019: Avengers Endgame at GrandWest Casino, cocktails at Catch22
We tried something different for breakfast on Saturday – Bean Authentic Coffee Roasters in Monte Vista, as found on the Entertainer app. See Husband’s cheddar-and-bacon ‘egglets’.Also at Bean Authentic – this delicious bacon, jalapeno, bacon, feta, cheddar and spicy mayo toastie.We watched Avengers: Endgame at GrandWest Casino on Saturday afternoon. As you can see, we splurged on the biggest box of popcorn we’d ever seen, especially as it was Avengers: Endgame themed. We did finish it, as the movie is three hours’ long…Next stop, Catch22 for some post-movie cocktails. The view is just gorgeous.Husband, busy with his Ol’ Spice mojito, featuring spiced rum, lime, mint, ginger, pineapple and soda.I went for the ‘Lava Me Long Time’. Served in a tiki glass, it’s a delicious blend of rum, coconut, lemongrass, lime, basil, blueberry and cranberry. The ice cubes mean there’s a little less in the glass than you think – that’s a good thing!
Sunday, 28 April 2019: Ruby anniversary lunch at Brass Bell
Husband’s parents were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary last weekend, so invited us for a celebratory meal at the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay.Full family shot, Spec attended, as well as Janet and Phil – we sat upstairs in the enclosed area, with a view of the wild ocean below.Oysters! Husband’s Mum ordered a portion for the table.See Husband enjoying some oysters and me with my Amarula Colada cocktail. Yum!My Amarula Colada again, a watchful gull statue along with some food – my beef burger and chips, and one of the fishy options.The happy couple, with their eldest and me.The tide pool at Brass Bell was flat and so inviting, if you ignored the nip in the air…Husband got into the tide pool behind me here, as we headed back towards St James’ side. Note my coffee as the weather got cold, fast once the sun vanished behind the mountain.
Wednesday, 1 May 2019: Sick Husband and Rocomama’s treats on Workers’ Day
Intercare Parklands was our first stop on Wednesday, as Husband woke up Very Ill – he even came home early from work the day before. Diagnosis: Full-blown influenza. Lucky I had the flu shot the previous week. So far, so good. We didn’t wait long, but coffee in the waiting area is always a good idea.Husband having a nap that afternoon.We had a Workers’ Day afternoon treat at Rocomama’s later that afternoon. See my espresso shake – yes, my second milkshake of the day, as I also had a peanut butter-toffee shake at Wimpy after Hubcapsicum’s doc visit (I got to order an adventurous drink as I’d already had a coffee at the doctor earlier) – as well as the chicken burger Husband and Mum opted for, and Dad with his Bud in a bottle.Mum and me at the Rocomama’s star wall.The doglets relaxing in the lounge at various stages of the week. They know this is home!
That’s all, folks! Husband is on the mend but we’ll take things easy, just in case. Here’s to a relaxing weekend ahead, filled with delicious moments.
This past week has been a blur of conferences, sunsets and good food, as you’ll see from the pics below…
Friday, 15 March 2019: Afternoon tea at home
I worked from home last Friday so took a quick afternoon tea break when my in-laws popped in for a visit. See the tea and stack of egg-mayo sandwiches Mum made.
Saturday, 16 March 2019: Breakfast at Park’s End, Catch22 cocktails
We needed to do some weekend admin in the Southern Suburbs on Saturday, so stopped in where Cafeen used to be – it’s now called Parks End. See Husband’s salmon eggs benedict, my creme brulee latte and various interesting things in store.The name may have changed, but the menu basics are the same. See my French toast topped with bacon and bruleed banana, as well as syrup, cinnamon sugar and lemon curd. Yum!Lovely scenery on the way back home from Constantia side.We had our Saturday afternoon meal at Catch22. See the palm-tree light and my tiramisu shake. Yum!Also see my buccaneer beef burger topped with bacon, cheese and onion rings, some of Mum’s sushi and Husband’s coconut bay fish curry.Of course Husband had a dip in the sea that afternoon.
Sunday, 16 March 2019: St Patrick’s Day 2019
Some of the themed balloons we saw on display for St Patrick’s Day. We always celebrate as my dad is Patrick!We met Husband’s mum for breakfast at the Pink Olive on Sunday morning. Note all the green outfits, for St Patrick’s Day.Some of the Pink Olive decor as well as the flat whites, egg-and-mince on toast, and fresh scones with jam and cream.Sunday evening’s fiery sunset.
Monday, 18 March 2019: Women in Tech Africa Conference
On Monday I popped into the first Women In Tech Africa conference, at the Century City Convention Centre. See some of the treats that were on offer…Proof I was there, as well as the much-needed coffee and some of the sessions taking place. Watch for my coverage highlights in Monday’s #FairnessFirst column on Bizcommunity!
Tuesday 19 and Wednesday, 20 March 2019: eCommerce Africa conference
Tuesday and Wednesday this week were all about the fifth ever eCommerce Africa conference at the CTICC. See some of the eats and views here.These were some of my favourite moments of eCommerce Africa 2019, click through to my overview articles of the best talk on day 1 and day 2.Sweet Bassie napping with her grandpa.
It was Husband’s birthday on Tuesday, so there were quite a few celebrations over the past few days involving cocktails, pizzas and beach visits…
Friday, 25 January 2019: After-work dinner at Ikura Earth Cafe
Husband fetched me from the bus stop after work last Friday and we had an early dinner together at Ikura Earth Cafe. See my very pink shake, Husband’s glass of red, his salmon handrolls and my crispy honey chicken. Yum!
We opted for a quick breakfast at Reload Parklands on Saturday morning, before kicking off our admin chores for the weekend. See Husband’s eggy-bacon breakfast, my scones with jam and cheese, our coffees and the lovely leafy setting.After much mall admin, we tried Hooked in Tygervalley Mall for lunch on Saturday afternoon. Husband enjoyed his fishy platter for one and the waffle with bananas and hot, fudgey sauce served in a pan was delicious.We also met my parents at Beach Tavern in Woodbridge Island for Saturday evening cocktails. See the beautiful creamy pina colada shake with pineapple wedge. Dad and me had these, while Mum and Husband had Bloody Marys.The four of us at Beach Tavern, with our happy faces and cocktails.The weather was lovely so we stopped at Dolphin Beach for a quick beach visit on our way home. I was befriended by a doggy and there was a wedding ceremony underway. We sat on a dune and watched for a little while.
Sunday, 27 January 2019: Carlucci’s breakfast and beautiful beach weather
We had breakfast at Carlucci’s in Table View on Sunday morning, with a view of Table Mountain and delicious coffees. Also see my large almond croissant and Husband’s salmon eggs benedict.Beautiful Table Mountain beyond the bowl of Table Bay.Husband walking through streams of mussel shells to reach his preferred sea-swimming hole.Husband and sea birds, between various dips in the sea.I had a ‘Coffee in a cone’ from the cashless Cup & Cake in Eden on the Bay as my Sunday afternoon treat.Precious clean doglets after their Sunday afternoon shower.It was a ‘build your own gatsby’ lupper at Mum’s. Yums!T’was a pretty Sunday sunset, though the sky was hazy.
Tuesday, 29 January 2019: Husband’s 39th birthday dins at Panarotti’s
We met both sets of parents at Panarotti’s in Table Bay Mall for Husband’s birthday dins, after a long day of work. See all the happy faces.Also see some of our pizzas and pastas – they’re all on special on a Tuesday – as well as my Bar-One and Dad’s Cherry Bomb shake.The standard ‘birthday hat photo’ with the doglets once we were home that evening.
That’s all for now, folks! We’re sure to celebrate Husband’s birthday even more this weekend, so keep your eyes peeled for my next update. 🙂
Last weekend was a different one for us, as we were invited to the launch of the Spier Light Art Festival on Sunday night, so we took a day’s leave on Monday so as to extend that weekend feeling…
Saturday, 8 December 2018: Cup & Cake’s pancakes
It felt like a ‘Cup & Cake’ kind of day, so that’s where we had breakfast on Saturday. See my 3 cinnamon-sugar pancakes for R20, caramel cappuccino and Husband’s mushroom benedict-style breakfast.After a few hours at Husband’s work, we treated ourselves to ‘Ralph breaks the internet’ at GrandWest Casino. See the pretty Christmas tree just in front of the skate rink.
Sunday, 9 December 2018: Spier Light Art Festival
We breakfasted at the Pink Olive in West Coast Village on Sunday. See Husband’s ‘meaty toast’ topped with egg, my fresh scone duo and our cappuccinos.On our way through Stellenbosch, Husband’s phone told us to detour through Vredenheim Wildlife. What a hidden gem, with lots to see, including antlered-reindeer – just the thing to get us into the festive spirit!Some of the lovely sights in and around the Spier entry. Yes, that is Husband taking one of the bicycles for a spin.The exploration continued inside on check-in. See the Christmas trees at reception, welcome drinks and more.Our suite was just right, with a view over two different pools, enormous bed, and in-room coffee-making kit. Yes, please.There are many, many pools at Spier, tucked between the walkways, but the main pool is where the icy, fruited waters were, so that’s where we swam. It was wonderful.There was lots of shade to sit in, once you’d had your fill of sun. Loved the bright, mosaic tables.Some of our post-swim explore included swinging around, spotting ducks in the river and crossing bridges. Wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!Exploring out of the way, it was time for our pre-Festival packed picnic. A full basket awaited us, but you could also create your own from the items in the deli.This was our picnic: Crusty bread, melba toast, butter and hummus, cold meat charcuterie, gherkins and olives, camembert, spicy coronation chicken salad, smoked corn-green pepper salad, a bottle of Spier Signature Wine, gruyere-mushroom individual frittata-style quiches, and rich brownie bricks with a tart summer berry compote. This even got a thumbs up of approval from Husband, and he’s not much for picnics.Sipping wine through linked arms. It can be done!Picnic packed away, it was time for the Light Art Festival to begin. First up, large puppets that roamed the grounds, capturing everyone’s attention until the sun set.This is what we came for. It’s free entrance, every night until the end of January. If you’re in the area, I definitely recommend popping in! Click through to my official review for more info.There was so much to see and hear and do, as the festival took place all over the grounds of Spier. A really lovely way to spend a Summer evening.Teehee. We also made friends with the friendly kitty that was strolling the grounds of Spier.This the the Spier version of our standard ‘gownie night-away shot’. Tick.
Monday, 10 December 2018: Eagle Encounters, Pakalolo’s and Rocomama’s
The breakfast buffet at Spier was extensive and delicious. See a few of our courses here. Husband also had a filled omelette while I stuck with the crispy, streaky bacon and fresh baked goods after my mixed bowl of cereal (including muesli and Coco Pops), and topped with pitted dates and candy-coated sunflower seeds.We took a golf cart down to the Eagle Encounters area at the far side of Spier once we’d breakfasted, but they weren’t yet open. Luckily we still got to see lots of eagle owls, like this one peering back at us.Husband having his ‘weekend’ dip once we got back on our home ground that afternoon.Ahh. There’s nothing like a cocktail at Pakalolo on the beachfront to put you firmly in ‘holiday mode’, even if just for a day. See Husband’s Bloody Mary and my ‘Pakalolo Sunrise’.We finally had an early dins at the newly opened Rocomama’s in Parklands that evening. No better smash burgers and shakes in Cape Town, if you ask me! That’s the espresso shake and creme brulee shake, as well as a portion of chili-cheese fries and our enormous burgers you see here.
Wednesday, 12 December 2018: Wacky Wednesday and Steers’ chips
We were both exhausted when we got home from work on Wednesday, so opted for Wacky Wednesday from Steers for dins. Plus this large portion of chips, drenched in all the sauces. YUM.
That’s all, folks! Read my review on Biz for more on the Spier Light Art Festival. We were back at work on Tuesday already, but towards the end-of-year holidays we will go…
*Disclaimer: Our meals and accommodation at Spier were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.
Last weekend was chilly yet sunny – some would say Spring is here, but the weather at the moment is anything but. Grey, misty and drizzly, with bursts of sunshine now and then, it feels like we’re back at the start of winter. Let’s look back at the sunshine instead…
Friday, 31 August 2018: Bizcommunity and Cinemark’s Cannes Lions feedback session
Some of the scenes from the Cape Town version of the Bizcommunity and Cinemark feedback from Cannes Lions morning – see Proteas and French flags alike at the food table to depict a taste of France (Cannes) in SA; as well as some of my favourite moments from the presentations of the morning. Click here for a more comprehensive overview.Proof I was there! Networking with a lovely attendee from Doctors Without Borders – her boss bought her a ticket to attend the event as a birthday present.
Saturday, 1 September 2018: Spring Day braai at the in-laws
Beautiful palm tree-lined street in Melkbosstrand, and just look at the cute little bench.We got to Damhuis in Melkbosstrand just as they were opening on Saturday morning, so that’s where we breakfasted. See our cappuccinos with tiny rusks to dunk; as well as my scone topped with jam, whipped cream and grated cheese; and Husband’s banting bacon eggs benedict served on a mushroom.Bertie was in the Spring spirit later that morning, merrily sniffing flowers in the garden. Such a sweet boy.Beautiful crashing waves and view of Table Mountain at one of Husband’s favourite swimming spots that afternoon.Lol! Pictures on the right are there to see if you’re paying attention – it’s my caramel treat milkshake and husband’s beer, obviously. This is outside at Doodles on the beachfront in the early afternoon. Just lovely.Later that day, we headed to my parents-in-law’s house for an evening braai.Pretty flowers blossoming at my in-laws’ house.Little Miss Bassie did a heckin’ explore of the long grass in the garden. What a cutie!Bertie boy sitting patiently on the couch while we braai.Sweet little Bassie wanted to see all the foodies on the table. Teehee at her facial expression.Some of the foodies Bassie was interested in – assorted braai meats, salads and chocolate mousse for dessert. Yum!Aww. Bassie having a moment with her father-dad.Such pretty clouds above!
Sunday, 2 September 2018: Brotherly breakfast at the Pink Olive
Spec slept over at ours that night, so we breakfasted at the Pink Olive the next morning. Big smiles once our coffees were downed.The Pink Olive should be called the Blue Olive with this decor, really. See our coffees, the boys’ ‘bacon banting basket’ breakfasts (yes, Husband’s second banting brekkie of the weekend) and my toasted chicken mayo with red onions and gherkins. Yum!
Monday, 3 September 2018: Sunrise from the bus window
Sunrise on Monday morning, as seen from the bus window on my commute to work.
Wednesday, 6 September 2018: I always feel like somebody’s watching me
This is how the doggies stare at me when I’m trying to work. That’s when they’re not jostling for spots on my lap, of course.
That’s all, folks. Keep warm and dry this weekend!
Last weekend the weather took a turn for the chilly, as you’ll see from our clothing in the pics below. I think it’s fair to say we’re ready for winter though, hopefully with lots of rain!
Thursday, 8 March 2018: Retail marketing trends talk at FCB
Oh how I love the FCB Cape Town offices. All the bright colours and lights and views of the trees outside.Snacks! Pencils! FCB notebooks! Trees! Click here if you missed my coverage of the session retail marketing session presented by Chicago’s FCB Red.Couldn’t ignore this eye-catching graffiti on my way from FCB’s office after the talk to the Woodstock MyCiti bus stop that afternoon.To mark the end of a steady stream of weekend work for both of us, we went out to dins at Doodles that evening. See Husband grinning in the sunshine, his curry-topped pizza, my nachos and latte, and the sunset. Cue heart-eyes emoji!
Friday, 9 March 2018: Columinate research presentation at The Cullinan
I covered Columinate’s ‘measure of tomorrow’ research presentation on Friday, held at The Cullinan Hotel. We were treated to a delicious brunch and there were bicycles galore ahead of last weekend’s Cape Cycle Challenge (formerly known as the Argus}. Click here if you missed the resulting article!
Saturday, 10 March 2018: Forries’ tapas snacks and Black Bull dins
We needed to purchase and price a few products at our local Builders Warehouse so ate in the accompanying Cafe Lacomia. See my chocolate-sprinkled cappuccino with not one, not two, not three but FOUR mini cookies, also my toasted chicken mayo and Husband’s sloppy joe (eggs and mince on toast). Just what we needed!That afternoon we were on the Claremont side of the world and the weather was quite wintery so we stopped in at the Forester’s Arms for a quick treat. See Husband with his Castle 1895 draught, me with my strawberry shake and delicious foodies in the next photo…We decided on two types of tapas – the roasted chili poppers wrapped in bacon with a fig glaze (yum) and beef satay – that peanut-chili-coconut dipping sauce is amazing!We met Husband’s parents for dins at the Black Bull diner, which is roughly ten minutes from both our houses. See my caramel shake top left, the ‘starter portion’ Alabama ranch baked potato (there are two of them topped with cheese and bacon, with a side tub of sour cream) – Mum-in-Law and I each ordered this and each ended up taking a full potato home), the bangers and mash that Husband and his father devoured and the mushroom starter shared by most of the table.
Sunday, 11 March 2018: Afternoon treats at Cup & Cake, Eden on the Bay
Stark Ayres’ Pink Olive breakfast usually means a cappuccino and the made-to-order scones for me, with Husband downing a Coke Zero and the salmon eggs benedict.Cup & Cake was the venue of our Sunday afternoon treat. You can just see Husband’s cappuccino and my Zoo-biscuit shake, here.Husband also had some salmon sushi as part of his Sunday afternoon treat at Eden on the Bay.The view of the mountain from our side of the cape was just gorgeous.More shots of the lovely mountain that afternoon.
Monday, 12 March 2018: Cat joins Husband and Bassie in the car
Bassie hadn’t been well over the weekend so Husband dropped her off at her usual vet on Monday morning, after an emergency vet visit on Sunday evening. This three-legged black-and-white cat hopped into the car and kept them company while they waited to be admitted.
Wednesday, 14 March 2018: Chilly Cape evening
Healthy, happy doggies waiting for their dins on Wednesday evening. Blanket is another sign of the evening chill that hit.
That’s all, folks! May your weekend feel long and relaxing. 🙂
Last weekend we did a great many things as usual, key among them was seeing Lifehouse and Collective Soul live at GrandWest Arena…
Friday, 2 February 2018: Work meetings
Last Friday was a super-busy one, with two high-profile telephonic interviews and a face-to-face with Johanna McDowell in the coffee shop beneath my office. Was so good to finally meet her, you can click here and here for the resulting articles I wrote about her recent accomplishments.
Saturday, 3 February 2018: Mexican benedict at La Rocca
We started our weekend at Canal Walk. Husband had a strong cappuccino with the Mexican eggs benedict at La Rocca, I had the pumpkin-spice latte and Jump jar filled with berries, yoghurt, granola and banana.The sea was calm and so refreshing, I stood ankle-deep in it myself when Husband had his weekly dip – that’s saying something.Table Mountain in the distance. We love Cape Town!T’was just us at the braai at Husband’s parents that week. See the doggies being sweet on the couches, all sorts of braai foodies and a ganache-y caramelly chocolate cake for dessert.Bassie says she didn’t really mind sitting with her brother’s dog on her head as a blanket, as it was quite chilly on Saturday evening.
Sunday, 4 February 2018: Village Place breakfast, Lifehouse and Collective Soul at Grand West Arena
See the pretty menu and pistachio-coloured seating area, as well as my banting flapjacks with yoghurt and berries, and Husband’s pesto breakfast.The little heart-shaped shortbread biscuits are such a sweet touch.Coffee and magazine with the doggies later that morning.Little Miss Bassie couldn’t decide which was her best side to show us at her other Grannie-Grampa’s house on Sunday – a proper lunchtime visit for once as we’d be at GrandWest for Collective Soul later that evening. Also see the chicken with mini taters and homemade scones with jam and cream (and coffee) for afters.Tada! Presenting Lifehouse and Collective Soul, live in concert at GrandWest Casino! They were both truly excellent. Click here if you missed my full review on Biz earlier this week!
Tuesday, 6 February 2018: Healthy office birthday cake
T’was my colleague Ruth’s birthday on Monday, but as she’d cleverly taken a day’s leave then, she brought in ‘healthy’ baked goods on Tuesday. The carrot cake and lemon-poppyseed muffins were yummy!
Thursday, 8 February 2018: After-work croissant and coffee catchup at Cafe Puka
I met my friend Hasmita for a coffee catchup after work on Thursday. We’d last seen each other 7 years ago, when we did the advanced sub-editing course through Wits. Cafe Puka in Tamboerskloof was an excellent choice. Look at the enormous almond croissant we shared (cue shocked and delighted faces), each with a hazelnut cappuccino. And see the sweet doggie who decided to nap under my chair. He was so friendly.The hazelnut cappuccinos were not small, so you can only imagine how gigantic these croissants were. Flaky and pull-apart perfect!Husband fetched me from the bus and we treated ourselves to Oreo McFlurries that evening.
That’s all, folks. We’re finally due a spot of rain later this evening – holding thumbs!
We’re finally on leave, woohoo! 🙂 It’s been a week of feasting, family and fun…
Friday, 22 December 2017: Annual Love Actually viewing
We kicked off the holidays once we were both officially on leave last Friday evening with this year’s viewing of the ultimate Christmas movie, Love Actually. complete with poinsettia, hot chocolate and popcorn.
Saturday, 23 December 2017: Rocomamas burgers and shakes
We sat outdoors at the Pink Olive for Saturday morning breakfast. It’s open before the Stark Ayres nursery officially opens its doors (if you know which door to enter through). See Husband’s bacon basket and my fresh scones with jam and cream.Clouds were scattered prettily across the sky that afternoon.We stopped in at the Rocomama’s at Willowbridge for treats after a day of Christmas shopping. See Husband’s chilli cheesebomb burger and creme brulee shake, as well as my Candyliscious freak shake, complete with bits of fizzer, white chocolate sauce and berry swirls.
Sunday, 24 December 2017: Christmas Eve dins at ours
We had our Christmas Eve breakfast at Bread and Butter.My breakfast smoothie bowl was amazing. Filled with nuts, peanut butter, chocolate, ice cream and bananas, it was healthy AND delicious!The beach was calling my name so we stopped in at Dolphin Beach for a few minutes, to dip our toes in the sand and sea, respectively.Proof that we enjoyed our time at the beach.We usually have Christmas lunch at our house (see here for a reminder of last year) but as Husband’s family is finally firmly located in the Cape too, we had a few extra festivities to factor in. So, everyone came to us on Christmas Eve…A few happy moments from the night.Bassie and Bertie got all dressed up for the occasion and had fun ripping open the wrapping on their presents, with help from their dad.Aww. The doggies loved all the gifts and Christmas affection.See the lovely tablecloth mum made for me, complete with my fluffy reindeer centrepiece. Also Christmas lights and various clever presents – adult colouring books, gingerbread and Christmas pudding-flavoured coffee, and slabs of caramel chocolate and biltong fudge.Husband Webered the turkey (much like he did in 2013), father-in-law brought cold gammon and mum made a selection of desserts, savoury and sweet. Was tricky not going back for more and more!
Monday, 25 December 2017: Christmas Day lunch at Mum’s
We had Christmas Day breakfast at W Cafe in the Woolworths at Table Bay Mall. See my vanilla-cinnamon latte and slice of banana bread topped with espresso cream-cheese and nuts on the left, with Husband’s poached egg on mushroom on the right.Happy faces at Mum’s house for lunch on Christmas Day.Chilled pink bubbly from Steenberg was lovely to kick things off.Our Christmas Day feasting included warm gammon, roast potatoes, colourful salad and roast veggies, with homemade Snickers-ginger biscuit ice cream.
Tuesday, 26 December 2017: Boxing Day leftovers at Mum-in-law’s
It had been a while since we last ate at Wimpy, so I had a regular Wimpy coffee and a sweet-treat waffle while Husband had the streaky bacon breakfast with an extra cheese griller.All at Mum-in-law’s house with Janet and Phil for leftovers on Boxing Day.Despite it being a ‘leftovers’ lunch there were many fresh new items, too.
Wednesday, 27 December 2017: Being touristy at the V&A Waterfront
We had intended to walk around the new Zeits Mocaa (Museum of Contemporary African Art) as it’s free entry on a Wednesday morning, but clearly the whole of Cape Town heard this, too. See the queues! We’ll come back another day…Being tourists. Sun, sea and happy faces.Various delicious eats and treats from the Waterfront – my Amarula Colada from Gibson’s far left and right, along with Husband’s very minty mojito, also his two extra-large oysters and my Woody’s burger from the food court. Yum!Teehee, we couldn’t resist posing in the fat suit outside Ripley’s Believe it or not – that’s how we feel after all the Christmas feasting!We couldn’t resist lunch with a view upstairs at MareSol – see various shots of the harbour, my pink shake with Husband’s carafe of white wine, and his fresh fishy platter.
Thursday, 28 December 2017: Star Wars movie at GrandWest Casino
On Thursday, we breakfasted at the Village Cafe in West Coast Village. See my latte and Husband’s large cappuccino, also my banting flapjacks topped with yoghurt and berries, Husband’s toastless brekkie and the sweet Christmassy reindeer at the door.T’was time for our second viewing of The Last Jedi, and the parents’ first (they’d caught up on all the previous movies in the past few weeks). Enjoyed it even more second time around!We took the customary ‘strike a pose’ snap at The District section of the casino.
Thankfully we still have a full week of rest ahead of us before we start the 2018 work year. Hope your Christmas was all you hoped for! 🙂
I know I’m starting to sound like a stuck record but it’s been yet another super busy work week, as you’ll see below. Luckily, we managed a few treats between the scenes…
Saturday, 7 October 2017: Cocoa Wah Wah breakfast, dog-friendly braai
You probably can’t tell, but this is the inside magnet-and-graffiti wall corner of Cocoa Wah Wah on Main Road near Rosebank. We were in the Southern Suburbs to drop off the bike for a service, so stopped off there for a bite to eat.See my cappuccino with chocolate biccie top left, Husband’s Popper breakfast with side of chillies and Tabasco sauce and my full portion of chocolate-almond French Toast. Yes, that’s exactly what I ate the last time we visited Cocoa Wah Wah, click here for a reminder.Ching! Saturday evening usually means it’s braai time for the Andrews family. See what we ate and drank here (the bubbly was to celebrate the sale of Fairbridge, a house all five of us in the photo have lived in). But we’re not the only ones who enjoyed the celebrations…One minute I was merely holding my glass of fizz, the next Bassie had her tongue in the glass to try some.The sweet girl hopped around like a little ping-pong ball for most of the visit but also had a few quiet ‘napping moments.Bertie boy was also being as sweet as ever – see how he snuggled up to both grandparents.Pretty cloudy sky just after sunset.
Sunday, 8 October 2017: Scones for breakfast and Milky Lane treats
We decided on the Pink Olive in our nearest Stark Ayres nursery for Sunday breakfast. See my cappuccino and fresh scones topped with jam and cream on the left, and Husband’s bacon basket’ on the right. He rated those among the best mini tomatoes he’s eaten.When we lived in Joburg, Milky Lane was top of my list for weekend treats, especially for the berry-meringue whizzer. That’s why I was thrilled to find a proper sit-down Milky Lane at the new Table Bay Mall. No mere ice cream counter here, there are tables and seats and full menus to browse. This tasted just as good as a remember!Little Miss Bass also had lots of lap time at her other grandparents’ house on Sunday. Everyone loves this little brownie.
Tuesday, 10 October 2017: Spark Media breakfast talk at The River Club
On Tuesday, I attended Spark Media’s presentation on mental availability for marketers at The River Club. It was a gorgeous day and I learned lots – click here if you missed my overview.
Wednesday, 11 and Thursday, 12 October 2017: Business of Design
Business of Design is one of my favourite conferences, and it was finally time for the 2017 version on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Held at Red & Yellow School in Salt River, it’s filled with inspirational speakers from the design realm. Click here, here and here for my feedback articles so far.Me with the ladies I sometimes work with – Business of Design’s Head of Programme Tracy on the left and Ann on the right, who covers the Cannes Lions Trends for us.
That’s all, folks! Happy weekend 🙂
Ramblings, rumblings and random ruminations, version ii. Also reviews, recommendations and alliteration. Based on living the good life in the fairest Cape. Eating is my favourite pastime. Updated weekly
Rambling Litchii 