2 and a bit months away

Ok, all us South African fashion lovers know by now that Zara is opening in the newly-refurbished Sandton City this year. But did you know the exact date? It's November 10.  So, who wants to join me on a roadtrip to Jo'burg to sleep in front of the shop doors and storm in the second it opens?

Image: Zara

just to torture you

I ate some really yummy food in Cape Town. My fave were the toasted banana bread with mascarpone and honey at Melissa's, seared salmon with crushed potatoes at Greens, banana tempura with vanilla ice cream at Genki, a vegetarian version of Croque Monsieur at Superette, and courgette and parmesan soup at Manna. Mmmm... I am definitely making the salmon and the banana bread sometime soon.

Image: Mission Nutrition

sandal weather

With warmer weather hopefully on the way, I have started dreaming of swapping my jerseys and jackets for one of these dresses.

Check out more summer dress awesomeness here.

Images: Sessun, A.P.C

dream job: interior decorator

Images: La Maison d'Anna G, Emmas Designbogg

back

So I flew back home yesterday morning. Was sad to leave Cape Town, but since I am the ultimate homebody , it is always nice to be back in my own little space, surrounded by my own things.

I bought all kinds of pretty things, which I will photograph and post here later the week, but for now, take a look at these adorable matryoshka measuring cups a friend got me from the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Thanks Willemien!

 Image: Fred

bargain vs bling

I bought the cutest retro orange and white striped hanging glass lamp from O.live yesterday. It was on sale for R50. This beautiful light below is a bit more expensive - $120.

Image: Design House Stockholm

tv, tv on the wall

Sigh...I've been seeing waaaaaaay too many awesome things in Cape Town. I seriously could spend thousands here every day. It's very dangerous. Unfortunately...or fortunately, I don't have much money to spend, it being the week before I get paid and all.

I didn't actually see this mirror, but I do like it too. Would look rad above my retro couch...

Image: Bam! Boom!

thoughtful gift

So I arrived in Cape Town yesterday afternoon and so far it's been great. My mom brought with a belated birthday present from a friend of mine. Thanks Elz! Me and my Moomin cookbook are gonna have so much fun!

Image: Amazon

skater girl

I was kinda obsessed with the idea of skating the first time I watched Lords of Dogtown.

This photo rekindles that obsession. How cool are these girls?

Image: Tomboy Style

flash and bones

My yearly guilty reading pleasure is a Kathy Reichs Bones book. The latest in the series is coming out in 4 days. 4!!

"Just as 200,000 fans are pouring into town for Race Week, a body is found in a barrel of asphalt next to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The next day, a NASCAR crew member comes to Temperance Brennan’s office at the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner to share a devastating story. Twelve years earlier, Wayne Gamble’s sister, Cindi, then a high school senior and aspiring racer, disappeared along with her boyfriend, Cale Lovette. Lovette kept company with a group of right-wing extremists known as the Patriot Posse. Could the body be Cindi’s? Or Cale’s?

At the time of their disappearance, the FBI joined the investigation, only to terminate it weeks later. Was there a cover-up? As Tempe juggles multiple theories, the discovery of a strange, deadly substance in the barrel alongside the body throws everything into question. Then an employee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention goes missing during Race Week. Tempe can’t overlook the coincidence. Was this man using his lab chemicals for murder? Or is the explanation even more sinister? What other secrets lurk behind the festive veneer of Race Week?"

Ooooh...how exciting!

Image: Kathy Reichs

P-A Syndrome

Hahahaha ...

Image: Perpetual Kid

new old

Jason Lewis makes insanely beautiful retro-inspired furniture. Though I prefer buying the real deal (buying secondhand is more eco-friendly ad all that), I can't deny the fact that I would probably buy his stuff if I was a rich girl

Images: Jason Lewis Furniture via Rhan Vintage

hair envy

Ooooh, how pretty is this beehive/top bun? Sadly, I would have to pay a hairdresser a lot of money to do it. Me and complicated hairdos are not good friends. There is always swearing and throwing of brushes across the room involved.

The clothes aren't bad either.

Images: Vanessa Jackman

additions to my wishlist

Hay mega dot quilt

Just Wipe Miranda vinyl coated tablecloth

Chair Crazy steel cafe chair

ivy envy

The photo below gives me butterflies in my tummy when I look at it. I have always loved buildings covered in ivy.

Image: A well travelled woman

an update and end to Flat Search 2011

So I've called off the flat search. What! you say? How difficult can it be to find a flat with 2 bedrooms, wooden floors, and a cat-friendly policy? Darn (please insert a stronger word here for your personal use) difficult dear readers. It seems everyone in this city hates cats for some unknown reason. Anyway, I have decided that the husband and I will be staying in our flat for the indefinite future (AKA until we can move to Cape Town). I am going to rent a storage unit for all our stuff (insert expletive here too). This will hopefully lead to more space (AKA I can shop for more retro furniture).

1 of each

I will be in Cape Town with my parents later this month and one of the places I can't wait to visit is Vamp. It's a bit of of the way for me, but I've promised myself that I will get there this time. Just look at some of the awesome things they sell.

Images: Vamp

rock n roll gatsby

Have you seen Kate Moss' official wedding photos that appear in the September issue of US Vogue? Of course with Mario Testino as the wedding photographer they couldn't be anything less than amazing.

Images: Vogue

take your leave winter

Loving Australian brand Bec & Bridge's Spring/Summer collection. My favourite piece is the maxi dress, but the maxi skirt is also calling my name. And the hats...oh my.

Images: Bec & Bridge

we are more than our looks

It's been on loads of blogs already, but have you read Lisa Bloom's article How to talk to little girls? It really makes one think.

"... I always bite my tongue when I meet little girls, restraining myself from my first impulse, which is to tell them how darn cute/ pretty/ beautiful/ well-dressed/ well-manicured/ well-coiffed they are."

Image: Hucklebones

for all the ladies

Hmmm...ok, maybe I'm being sexist. I know some really nice guys (Hi Miguel!) who like decor stuff a lot too. Anyway, hope all you South Africans are enjoying Women's Day.

Images: Hmmm...good question. If you know, please do tell.