Last week was one of the busiest of the year as I was in KZN from Wednesday covering the Loeries. We also celebrated our 12th anniversary with high tea at the Oyster Box before heading home on Tuesday this week. It’s a bumper edition packed with pics so get that scrolling finger ready…
Wednesday, 21 August 2019: Slow Lounge CT, Spur meal in KZN
Slow lounging, Cape Town! The top pic of macarons and the Mango plane are from Husband’s trip to join me once the Loeries were over on Sunday, the bottom two on the left were my snaps from my Wednesday morning flight.Durban, check! Following a morning flight, I landed in the KZN heat with my colleague Angie. See the view from out hotel room at the Garden Court South Beach, as well as my strawberry milkshake and cheddamelt schnitzel special in the Spur downstairs, to start our stay on the right note.
Thursday, 22 August 2019: Loeries Masterclasses at the Durban ICC
Keeping it classy at the Masterclasses! Our Loeries fun always starts with the morning and afternoon masterclasses held at the Durban ICC. Click here to read my overview of the Game/Dion Wired ‘What do CMOs really want’ morning masterclass and here for my overview of the UN Women-Dove afternoon masterclass.
Friday, 23 August 2019: DStv Seminar of Creativity, first Loeries award night
Some of my Friday highlights included the view from our hotel room, on the 15th floor of the hotel, as well as Manuel Borde’s presentation at the Loeries’ DStv Seminar of Creativity, and bumping into Loeries CEO Andrew Human. Click here to read my overview of Borde’s presentation in full, here for more on Africans being creative sharks and here for more on checking stereotypes in the industry.Scenes from the Friday night Loeries ceremony, as well as the cheddamelt schnitzel meal we shared on Saturday, with a Bar-One shake each.
Saturday, 24 August 2019: Annual Brand SA brunch, second Loeries award night
Saturday started off with the annual Brand South Africa brunch at California Dreaming. See my strong cappuccino and the pool outside our hotel room.Looking windswept but happy at the Brand SA brunch at California Dreaming.A few social pics from the Brand SA brunch, networking with the industry before the second awards night…Red carpeting! See our outfits from Friday night at the Loeries at the Durban ICC in the top row and Saturday night on the bottom row.
Sunday, 25 August 2019: 12th wedding anniversary at the Oyster Box Hotel
Thank you, Oyster Box! Having seen off Angie and welcomed Husband at the airport, we were shuttled to the Oyster Box Hotel, where stayed in the King Willow Suite and walked in to find a special anniversary balloon and plate of sweet treats to celebrate.Hello, Oyster Box! See duckies on the lawn, us as snapped in the lift, the below-ground private dining area and Skabenga saying ‘hi’.Some of the lovely Oyster Box scenery, from the spiral staircase to the movie theatre.Our B Harmonised massage in the Spa at the Oyster Box is one of the best I’ve had, as it didn’t leave me feeling sore and knotted the next day. See Husband relaxing in the indoor jacuzzi as well as my flute of fizz, the hammam steam room and a private ‘relax space’ for two. All the words are coming to my full review on Bizcommunity soon…In my happy place, having a coffee and soaking up the view post-massage on the balcony of our Oyster Box Hotel suite.We strolled along the Umhlanga Promenade to take in that golden stretch of sand.Happy anniversary to us! We were delighted to find a table at La Spiagga a little further down the main promenade that night. See my Kahlua coffee shake, Husband’s glass of red, and the gnocchi piccante we wolfed down.Oyster Box bliss! See the main pool all lit up at night, and view of the ‘hidden’ pool’ outside the Spa.
Monday, 26 August 2019: High tea at the Oyster Box Hotel
Our first-morning pickings from the Oyster Box Hotel’s breakfast buffet featured oysters and salmon for him, as well as bircher muesli, chocolate milk and a waffle with all the toppings for me.The CL2 cocktail (coconut milk, lavender and litchi) with stunning striped sea and sky beyond, as well as iconic red-and-white lighthouse and Oyster Box Hotel striped pool umbrellas. Love!High tea is served! See some of the tea options, as well as stacks of savouries for those with a little less of a sweet tooth than me.See blue macarons, our reserved table and some of the delicious cakes – there was even a sushi station for Husband to feast from.Husband, caught sipping tea with pinkie finger extended.Pool time! After we’d had a nap to digest some of that delicious high tea, we spent time at the main pool. It was bliss!Swimming in the main pool at sunset was pure magic.Husband ended our anniversary with a cigar and brandy in the Chukka Bar downstairs at the Oyster Box Hotel. We laughed at the ‘rules of the inn’!
Tuesday, 27 August 2019: King Shaka Slow Lounge
Oyster Box breakfast, take two. For me, a strong cappuccino, mini pastries and delicious single egg benedict. Husband ended up with a proper cooked breakfast this time, including bacon and even curry.Vehicles seen in and around the Oyster Box Hotel – the Merc top-left served as our shuttle from the airport to the hotel.Once we’d checked out of the Oyster Box Hotel (sob), we took another walk along the pier and main promenade in Umhlanga.King Shaka Slow Lounging! Once we had checked in our bags for our flight home, we made our way to the Slow Lounge in King Shaka airport. See some of the lovely snacks on offer.Home time! See us on the plane home, as well as THE view out the window and Husband’s view when he stepped into the cockpit to chat to the flight crew after we’d safely landed.
That’s all, folks! Here’s to a warm and restful week ahead. 🙂
*Disclaimer: Our meals, spa treatment and accommodation at the Oyster Box Hotel were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.
This past week has been busier than usual as I’ve been in Durban covering the Loeries Awards for work since Wednesday. But lots happened before then…
Friday, 16 August 2019: Bus station walkies
When I got off the bus from work last Friday, all the male members of the household were at the MyCiti station to greet me. Bertie was a very good boy on his walkies while Bassie stayed home with her granny.He (Bertie, not Hubcap) stopped to sniff at things and rustle in the shrubbery along the walkway, but didn’t bark at anyone or anything – a different doggie to the shouter on car trips!
Saturday, 17 August 2019: Roadtrip to Paarl, to Eat at Perdeberg
We breakfasted at Reload, Flamingo Vlei on Saturday and sampled their ‘breakfast bun’ special. Husband had a flat white with his, I went for the peppermint-choc latte.We had an open road on our way to Paarl to review the winter ‘chef’s special trio’ at the new ‘Eat at Perdeberg’ restaurant.It was perfect weather for sitting outside, so sit outside we did. See the main Perdeberg Cellar building, as well as their grape juice bottles, my strawberry shake and the wines Husband sampled.Some of the deliciousness of Eat at Perdeberg – see the bobotie springrolls, served samoosa-style with the most delicious homemade chilli, tomato, coriander and ginger jam; the braai boxes for two; their strawberry shake, the chef’s trio special of oxtail, venson pie and chicken curry with veg and chips on the side; and Husband’s glass of red. Read all the words in my review on Bizcommunity!Husband looking pleased with the lay of the land at our Eat @ Perdeberg table.We passed such pretty scenery on our way home from Eat at Perdeberg – field of sunny yellow canola, cows grazing and more.Later that afternoon we visited the beach. We called these pics ‘calm before the storm’ – see the waves crashing on the rocks in the background! Husband also had his customary weekend dip in the sea.By Saturday evening we were a little peckish again so see the Otomi (chilli con carne, coriander, spiced yoghurt) pizza we shared at Col’cacchio, Seaside Village. Also see the sunset over the sea.
Sunday, 18 August 2019: Bica brekkie, Burger King lupper and sleepy dogs
Breakfast is served! This is what we ordered from Cafe Bica in Bayside Mall on Sunday morning. See Hubcap’s chorizo-egg croissant, as well as my banana pancakes and one of our flat whites.Hubcap and baby dogs napping in various spots around the house.Mum was a little under-the-weather on Sunday, so we opted for Burger King takeaways for lupper. See our extra-long chilli cheese burgers and cans of ‘coffee Coke’.
Tuesday, 20 August 2019: Tribe coffee break, family dinner at Rocomama’s
I met Husband for a quick coffee at Tribe, across the road from my offices on Tuesday. See our nice strong flat whites.Gords was in town for the night on Tuesday, so we dined at Rocomama’s. Spec also drove through for the ‘family dins’.Hubcap and Dad enjoying themselves at Rocomama’s.
That’s all, folks! Watch for my ‘Loeries pics’ update this coming Friday and click here to recap my full Eat at Perdeberg review on Bizcommunity. 🙂
*Disclaimer: Our meals at Eat at Perdeberg were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.
This past week was filled with work fun and lots of family time, as you’ll see from the pics below…
Thursday, 1 August 2019: Sampling Cavalli’s winter menu and Cremello white blend
I attended a media lunch to celebrate Cavalli’s Cremello white blend wine on Thursday afternoon. Views as seen from the deck at Cavalli. It’s gorgeous!Some of the delicious food. See my enormous bowl of cauliflower chive risotto topped with a parmesan crisp top-left, starter tortellini served with vichysoisse, pumpkin seeds and tomato ragu top-right, the springbok loin was another win, paired with fermented garlic mash, bok choi and celeriac puree with the Warlord red wine in the middle, and a selection of dessert friandes on the bottom. Yum!Liquid refreshment on offer at Cavalli…Some of the lovely sights at Cavalli, which means ‘horse’ in Italian.This is a cremello (blonde) horse. Fancy Boy lives in the stables at Cavalli and celebrated his 13th birthday on the day of our visit!
Friday, 2 August 2019: Silly sleepy dog
Teehee. Bertie sitting and sleeping in funny positions on Friday evening, after tiring himself out yapping and snapping at the garden sprinklers. See his completely vertical back leg and wide-open eyes yet fast-asleep face.
Saturday, 3 August 2019: Good Thyme Cafe brek, braai at Husband’s parents
We breakfasted at the new Good Thyme Cafe at Stodels in Milnerton on Saturday morning. See my apple-cinnamon oats and Husband’s spicy chorizo potato rosti with an extra egg, lots of rocket and Sriracha Hollandaise sauce.We’d not braaied at Husband’s parents house in a while, so that’s where we were on Saturday afternoon. See some of the food and Bassie exploring the garden in one of her warm jerseys.Precious doglets at their other Granny-Grampa’s house that evening.Tabasco was unimpressed that this bag of movie popcorn shared her name.
Sunday, 4 August 2019: News Cafe brek, Flamingo Vlei dog walkies
We breakfasted at News Cafe, Marine Circle on Sunday morning and were in time for the earlybird English breakfast special.We stopped at Bread and Butter for a quick cafe mocha while running weekend errands that afternoon.We also stopped at Driftwood Cafe for a late-lunch on Sunday. See my pink strawberry shake and toasted chicken mayo, as well as Husband’s Castle Lite draught with the chicken curry special.Scenes from our walkies with the doggies around Flamingo Vlei last Sunday afternoon. Love the one bottom-right of Bassie saying ‘Come Mom, it’s this way.”Picture perfect view of the Vlei, about 1.5km’s walk from home.Two exhausted doglets snuggled on various couches post-walkies.
Tuesday, 6 August 2019: Panarotti’s pizza special post-work
Tuesday night is the pasta and pizza special at Panarotti’s, so we ventured forth after work that evening. In addition to the pizzas, see all the milkshakes! That’s a Bar-One shake for me, lime for Dad, banana for Husband and a Sprite Zero for Mum.
Wednesday, 7 August 2019: SodaStream’s City Sightseeing red bus tour
After briefly checking in at the office on Wednesday morning, I dashed to Tasha’s at the V&A Waterfront, where I was meeting a media group for our morning excursion. See my steaming-hot blueberry muffin (they’re not on the menu, just ask!)City Sightseeing bus tour, anyone? This was another media event, for the launch of SodaStream’s new sustaianle bottles – we also sampled their non-alcoholic pina colada and pink mojito flavours. More on Bizcommunity soon!A bunch of the attendees posing on top of Signal Hill in the freezing wind.Signal Hill, as seen from the SodaStream Red Bus tour, for the launch of their new sustainable bottles.Look at that view! Cape Town, as seen from Signal Hill on the City Sightseeing red bus tour.
That’s all, folks! Click here to recap my full Cavalli review on Bizcommunity and watch for my SodaStream coverage soon. We hope you’re having a wonderfully restful long weekend. 🙂
*Disclaimer: My meal at Cavalli and City Sightseeing red bus tour were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.
Boy do we have an action-packed blog update for you! This past week has been a super busy one, so you’re in for a bumper edition of pics below…
Friday, 31 November 2018: Staff end-of-year lunch at Strandkombuis in Yzerfontein
I got to work before 7am last Friday, but the sun was already up. I had lots to do and it was also the day of our staff end-of-year lunch at the Strandkombuis in Yzerfontein – see my ‘Hawaiian-themed’ outfit, and the huge loaves of farm-fresh bread we ate as starters. See my jammed-up bread slice next to my large bowl of spicy butternut soup, for size.It was quite a windy day but that didn’t stop us from exploring the venue and deserted beach. Also see the fish-filled menu for the day and a kitty more interested in his nap than in the food around him (though he did proudly parade through later, with a mouse in his mouth).My goodness, but the food was good. See a plate of the seafood option bottom-left; my braaied chicken and chops and pumpkin fritters top-right; and the plate of fresh koeksisters and pot of ‘moer koffie’ for dessert – we shared, that’s not all mine.One of the few team shots taken of the afternoon – thanks to my deskmate Angie for letting me use her snap!I got back home that evening just in time for a braai with Husband’s parents, who’d not been to our house since June, despite living just 2km away. See the pretty sunset, my food, and our pre- and post-loadshedding faces.
Saturday, 1 December 2018: A ‘staycation’ at Once in Cape Town
We breakfasted at Village Place in West Coast Village with Spec on Saturday morning. He was staying at our house all weekend, to keep the doggies company while we explored the Cape. He had the eggy mince on toast, Husband had an eggs benedict and for me, the low-carb flapjacks.Waves were crashing loudly at Husband’s favourite swimming hole in the sea that morning. He braved a quick dunk but didn’t stay in for long.Our venue for the weekend – the four-star Once in Cape Town backpackers’ lodge on Upper Kloof Street. It’s a wonderful setting with lots to do, and was buzzing with guests catching up at Yours Truly’s ‘Up Yours’ upper bar area and at the downstairs pool table throughout the weekend.See Husband testing out our en suite shower with mountain views beyond; the charming cactus decor in our private room; and ‘bedside tipple’ wine with tin mug.Bright, floral sights from the balcony at Once in Cape Town.We walked a few blocks up Kloof Neck Street to Van Hunks for an afternoon cocktail. See my espresso martini. Husband’s Bloody Mary, complete with celery stick, not pictured.We’d booked for an early dinner at Hudson’s Burger Bar, just a short walk from Once in Cape Town, so that was our next stop. See Husband trying out the top-deck shooter; my Strawberry Candyfloss ‘Insta’ shake; the interesting avo fries; and my delicious ‘bacon jam’ burger topped with thin, crispy ‘dusted onions’. A win!Ahh. The stunning sunset from that side of the Cape on the left, and our complimentary breakfasts downstairs in Yours Truly first thing on Sunday. Once in Cape Town’s guests have a choice of coffees, as well as a juice, fruit and either a croissant board or muesli bowl to start the day.
Sunday, 2 December 2018: Lucky & Lost Cape Peninsula tour
Breakfast down and check-out sorted, it was time for the full-day Lucky & Lost Cape Peninsula tour! We were the first guests to be collected, just after 8am, and the last to be dropped off back at Once in Cape Town after 5pm. See some of the sights and our Cape Malay curry ‘picnic lunch’ top-right.The beautiful Bo-Kaap, our first stop of the tour. We learned that back in the day, different house colours could denote different professions.Seeing some of the sights in the Bo-Kaap. We got to try some of those fresh ‘koesusters’ (not the koeksisters I ate on Friday) when we stopped on Chapman’s Peak Drive, later in the day.Next stop? The high cliffs above Muizenberg. I love the trees down below, beside the train track.Some of the sights we saw in Kalk Bay, Cape Point – see the ostrich family crossing the road, and lines and lines of penguins sunning themselves at Boulders Beach.If you peer closely, you’ll see Husband standing just in front of this crashing wave at the edge of Cape Point.Our next stop was one of my favourites – the Cape Point Vineyards in Noordhoek. It was a lovely afternoon to sit and sample white wines, while gazing at the gorgeous scenery.Taking in the sights on our last stop of the tour, along Chapman’s Peak Drive. Such a wonderful setting.You can see why Chapman’s Peak is such a popular tourist spot.The doglets were happy to finally see us again that evening. They just couldn’t contain their excitement. 😉Mum had made a delicious cinnamon-baby apple cake, just the thing on a Sunday evening with cream and a fresh coffee.
Tuesday, 4 December 2018: Heavy Chef’s YouTube masterclass at Workshop 17
My Tuesday was all about the Heavy Chef masterclass on ‘winning at YouTube’, held at the always-inspirational Workshop 17 venue. Coverage on Bizcommunity soon!
Wednesday, 5 December 2018: A loadshedding sundae at Milky Lane
We discovered that Table Bay Mall’s load-shedding schedule is different to ours at home, so that’s where we spent much of Wednesday evening’s ‘electricity-free hours. Husband decided we should share the ‘Churro-full of Smiles’ sundae at Milky Lane, so we did.Pretty pastel sunset on our way back home from the Mall.
That’s all, folks! Don’t forget to tune in next week, for my next update…
*Disclaimer: Our meals and accommodation at Once in Cape Town, Hudson’s, Yours Truly and Lucky & Lost were part of our review package. All else came from our own pockets. All enjoyed equally.
This last week saw an intense heat wave hit, so we spent much of our free time gazing at, walking beside, and swimming in the ocean. And let’s not mention all the milkshakes I glugged down…
Friday, 26 October 2018: After-work espresso shake at Fat Cactus
A colleague and I went for an after-work chat with milkshakes at the Fat Cactus across the road from work.How cute are the cactus-shaped milkshake glasses? That’s my espresso shake. Yum!We started our weekend early, with Friday evening dinner at Earth Cafe. I chose the crispy honey chicken, while Husband had two salmon hand rolls and the black bean curry.
Saturday, 27 October 2018: Bagels at Reload, oysters at Catch22
Proof that I follow instructions well: My peppermint-choc latte at Reload in Parklands on Saturday morning told me to smile, so I did. Also see my bagel with smashed avo, and Husband’s trim portion of open Mexican omelette. It was lovely.Husband gazing at Table Mountain from the rocky outcrop in the bay in Table View.All the blues and greens we saw at the beach.It was so very hot that he spent more time than his usual quick dunk in the sea.It was the perfect weather for a meal with a view of the beach. See Table Mountain and the sea as seen from the balcony of Catch22. Also, Husband’s glass of red and my Peppermint Aero milkshake.Husband was delighted with the jumbo-sized oysters – R25 each, followed by the Calypso’s Catch seafood salad. The Buccaneer beef burger, topped with cheese and bacon and onion rings, was also delicious, as always.Hot dogs cooling down under the fans that evening.
Sunday, 28 October 2018: Doggy beach walks before breakfast at On the Rocks
We took the doglets for an early Sunday morning beach walk at their favourite, Kreeftebaai. See various stages of said walkies.It didn’t take much time to coax little Bassie into the sea too, to cool down her feeties.Our lack of sleeves in these pics shows you how hot it was on Sunday morning. We opted for breakfast at On the Rocks, with a strawberry shake and the berry French toast for me, and a cappuccino, Coke Zero and the breakfast pan for Husband.We stopped off for a walk around Eden on the Bay that afternoon.It was so very hot that Husband set up the air-conditioner machine in the kitchen, then sat in front of it for a while, cooling down with Bertie. Bassie also enjoyed the air that was reaching her from the couch.Ice-cream with blueberries and a cup of coffee at Mum’s after lupper that evening.
Wednesday, 31 October 2018: Halloween dins at Petisco’s
We found ourselves at Petisco’s in Parklands for dins on Wednesday evening. It was Halloween, so there was bunting and decorations galore. We ended up with a plate of the chicken xai xai each, as well as a Fanta orange and the mocha shake.Loved the Halloween decorations!
Thursday, 1 November 2018: BrandZ launch at Kantar MillwardBrown
The first BrandZ results, for the top 30 most valuable SA brands, launched on Thursday morning at the Kantar MillwardBrown offices on the Foreshore. It was such a nice event.
That’s all, folks! We’re in for a slightly cooler weekend, with some rain even set for Sunday, so expect a few more sleeves in my next update. Teehee 😉
Husband was nicknamed ‘Marvin’ this past week (he was on the night shift at work). I worked from home for a few days so we could see each other but we were much like ships passing in the night. Luckily he’s off this coming week so can recover and reset our internal clocks. It wasn’t all “work work work” though (sorry if you clicked through to those links and now have two earworms running through your head), we did have a few fun moments, too…
Saturday, 4 February 2017: The Hart Bakery and Melkbos beach visit
We’d not been to The Hart Breadhouse and Eatery in Melkbos for a while, so that’s where we breakfasted on Saturday morning. Here’s my strong cappuccino.We both had the benedict breakfast for a change. Don’t worry, close-ups to follow…I had the single bacon benedict…
Husband had the double salmon benedict. Really delicious, we both ate every morsel.Full to the brim, we need to walk off some of that food before we could get anything done. Luckily, The Hart is just a hop, skip and jump from Melkbosstrand itself. Here is Husband heading towards the sea.He’s just about the enter the water here.And he’s in! Look how far away he is here, scampering along the rocks.I stayed on the shore and admired the scenery. The clouds were just starting to scatter across the sky.The clouds lightened up a few minutes later and we headed off to avoid the midday sun.Aww, sweet little doggies. Obviously Bertie’s not trying to lick Bassie in this pic, I just chopped most of myself out so you can focus on their lovely faces.Bassie wanted more attention so snuggled up close to me and her dad while Bertie went out for a lap around the garden.
Sunday, 5 February 2017: Woolworths Cafe meals and Captain’s Kitchen drinks
We tried the Woolworths’ Cafe in Canal Walk for Sunday breakfast. It only opens at 9am and was packed when we got there, so there was a little wait for the food, but it sure was delicious. I started off with a gingerbread latte while Husband had the bacon-potato cake with basil cream mushrooms.For me? Possibly the best French toast ever. I went for the Nutella-banana-crushed nut option, as you can see. Each mouthful was a warm cocoa delight.After a few Sunday chores we stopped at the beach. Husband scrambled along the rocks before taking a quick dip in the sea, as he does.For our Sunday afternoon treat we decided on cocktails at Captain’s Kitchen in Eden on the Bay. It was sunny and bright out, just right for my strawberry shake and Husband’s Long Island Ice Tea.Lol at this: Far too bright and we have mismatched expressions, but I think it’s gorgeous.
Thursday, 9 February 2017: Work meet at M&C Saatchi Abel CT
On Thursday morning, I popped into the M&C Saatchi Abel offices with Charlene from our sales team. What a lovely, bright space they work in!
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
