Crocheting Craftiness Here We Come!

We're loving all things crochet... (doilies, chunky throws and DIY brooches... we even found crocheted pillowcases and a crochet-inspired clock)!

We aren't sure how we have survived this long without owning our own piece of crocheted heaven. Luckily we discovered that @Home have the most gorgeous cloudy grey (one of our favourite colours- it is meant to be!) throw for R399 (check out the catalogue here and see the picture below). 

We have also included some fabulous pictures of our new favourite things (all crocheted of course)!

How beautiful is the throw (R399)? We wouldn't mind a few of those suitcases either!

Nothing beats a crisp, white throw for summer (source)

Stacks of happiness! (source)

Aaaah... pastel perfection! And, of course we love the bunting too! (source)

The start of something beautiful. See more pictures here.

Crochet-edged bedlinen- L.O.V.E (and we're not just talking about the gorgeous lettering!) (source)

A stitch in time! (source)

Colourful brooches (source)

More pretty button brooches (how fantastic are these colours?). If you are adventurous or just keen to try these out- find the DIY flower here. (source)

DIY birdie brooch

Ashley Ann's gorgeous table runner! Instructions and how-to here.

Cute mug-warmer (source)

What are your thoughts? Are you in love or is crocheting too old-fashioned/outyds? Watch this space for pictures of our attempts at crocheting! (Might look more like a messy spiderweb... but practise makes perfect right?).

A Blade of Grass

So after much pondering over what to post we thought a simple (yet beautiful) poem would be the perfect way to end an otherwise complicated and exhausting Monday.

(source)

 A Blade of Grass

You ask for a poem.
I offer you a blade of grass.
You say it is not good enough.
You ask for a poem.

I say this blade of grass will do.
It has dressed itself in frost,
It is more immediate
Than any image of my making.

You say it is not a poem,
It is a blade of grass and grass
Is not quite good enough.
I offer you a blade of grass.

You are indignant.
You say it is too easy to offer grass.
It is absurd.
Anyone can offer a blade of grass.

You ask for a poem.
And so I write you a tragedy about
How a blade of grass
Becomes more and more difficult to offer,

And about how as you grow older
A blade of grass
Becomes more difficult to accept.

~Brian Patten

And before we go... just in case you are having trouble sleeping... watch this video- it really is the perfect lullaby. Gentle, but full of longing, desire and hopefulness (leaves us feeling nostalgic). And if that doesn't help... try some chocolate milk!

P.S You might find this fun (for the days when work is boring, or you feel like you need a little desktop inspiration).

Bonkers for Rompers!

We're not sure where to find these in South Africa (if you know- please tell us), but we are LOVING them! A romper (aka onesie, one-piece, jumper or jumpsuit) is an all-in-one outfit (usually top with pants/shorts) that is just so fun to dress-up (with heels, jewellery and accessories) or down (with sandals and a cardigan). We are considering making these our newest fashion staple... If we can find them anywhere... (we will keep you posted on our search for the perfect little romper).

We vote the romper as the uniform of summer :) perfect for the beach, the pool, lazy lunch in the sun or even a night out with friends. Do you agree? Here are some pics... have a look and let us know what you think.

Love the lacy/bow detail on the bottom... and how cute is that hat? (source)

These are cute and sexy at the same time (how did they get that right?) And isn't she just gorgeous?(source)

How retro is this Samantha Pleet romper? (source)

So feminine and gorgeous. Love the buttons and skirt. (source)

Gorgeous... with an 80's glam feel. (source)

How cute is the last jumpsuit... we're loving the bow! (source)

Love the scalloped sleeves and bow-tied shorts. Read more about this outfit here

Down With The Sickness

There is nothing glamourous about being sick... but there is something quite fantastic about dating a man who is willing to brave wet, icy weather to go buy you freshly squeezed orange juice. Is there anything better than fresh, cold 100% fruit juice when you are feeling sick?

Freshly squeezed orange juice available at most Spar and Checkers stores (in the fruit and vegetables section). Prices range from R 6.95 (500 ml) to R 13.95 (1 litre).

Our suggestions for feeling better: Hot vegetable soup; Corenza C, Corenza C, Corenza (Corenza now comes in a tube of 20 and they have also developed something called Corenza-Para C, with added Vitamin C and Paracetamol to fight off even the strongest, most evil germs); Halls Coolers (just because they taste nice); Nutella (because chocolate makes everything better); Strepsils and Kleenex Tissues with Soothing Calendula (the softest tissues EVER! Really- it is like wiping your delicate little nostrils with a piece of heaven).

Nutella (R 39.95 from Checkers, Pick 'n Pay or Woolworths), Soup (Price unknown from Woolworths- the soup is long life which is a bonus! Perfect item to keep stored away in the cupboard just in case), Corenza C (R 39.95 for 10 from Clicks), Tissues (R 15.99 from Clicks), Halls Coolers, Strawberry (R6.99 from Clicks) and Strepsils, Honey and Lemon (R16.95 for a pack of 8 lozenges from Clicks). There you have it! The perfect get-well soon ingredients!

Other perfect remedies: being able to snuggle in bed, whilst listening to the rain outside; kittens; good book or thick, glossy magazine; big fluffy down duvets and glitter shoes (because life is always better when your feet look pretty).

Don't these kittens just make you feel warm and fuzzy inside?

Can't wait for this movie!

If this was your bed... would you sleep all day?

Speechless! Mr Louboutin you are a creative genius! These shoes are magical!

Sending all our friends happy, get-well-soon vibes and wishing you all a very healthy and gorgeous week!

Towers Come Tumbling Down

The whole of Cape Town has been waiting weeks to watch the demolition of the historic Athlone Towers... People waited patiently in traffic, picnicked in the rain and hiked halfway up signal hill only to miss the explosion as an over-zealous engineer (it was alleged) hit the button three minutes early. If you missed the explosion like us- you can check it out here and see pictures and read about it here and here.

Now you see them...

Crash, boom, bang...

Now you don't!

These brilliant photos were taken by Patrick Ryan. Check out his blog here.

Sleepy Sundays

What a better way to end a perfect weekend than to spend the entire day in bed (or on the couch) surfing the internet, watching old series, drinking tea and eating cake.

And if you weren't feeling lazy enough already... these pictures of the most snooze-worthy beds will have you yawning and wanting to jump under the covers :)

There is something so fresh, serene and crisp about the combination of green, blue and white (source)

There's that green, blue and white again (source)

Soft blue walls, white linens, turned down sheets- perfection (source)

Imagine waking up to this view every morning (source)

How fantastic is this room? Inviting bed, freshly brewed coffee (we are tea people, but can definitely appreciate the smell of hot brewed coffee) and the basket bicycle of course! And how can we forget the gorgeous wooden floors? Love this!

On a side note: You need to check out A CUP OF JO- the blog of New York magazine writer, Joanna Goddard. She is obsessed with fashion, design, photography... and bicycles. So awesome. We approve! Have a look.

This room is dreamy- what we would call shabby-chic glam (is there such a thing)? The combination of the worn, vintage pieces, the brick wall, the fantastic chandelier and ladylike style- we love it! (source)

The perfect holiday hide away. Beach at sunset, oversized bed, sheer curtains flapping in the cool breeze. The only things that are missing are a hot cup of tea, pretty cupcakes and a good captivating book. (source)

Is there anywhere else in the world you would rather be than on a raft bed (complete with gorgeous linen, lamp and ladder) in a lake on a beautiful spring day? Bring cake, tea and a bag of books- or a bookbag- to pass the time! (source)

How clever are these- old drawers as extra storage. Genius! (source)

Is there a girl in the world who doesn't dream of a four-poster bed? (source)

Wall to wall books. Love! <3 (source)

And if you haven't had enough just yet- check out this princess and the pea inspired photoshoot here. Magical!

Happy dreaming!

Michelle Ludek/Doreen Southwood at Fashion Week

This evening's show was amazing! The event had the perfect mix of beautiful and fantastically dressed people (there was no shortage of short skirts, skyscraper heels and designer handbags... we even spotted a dazzling diva sporting a sparkly tiara); glamourous promo girls; loud, funky beats from the DJ bubble (to see what we mean by DJ bubble, see the pics below) and fabulous clothes (of course).

We managed to snap a few shots to share with you... enjoy! (Please excuse the minimal amount of actual fashion show photos- we blame our tools (technical issues) the camera died mid-show...) :(

Welcome to Fashion Week

Fashion show... here we come!

How gorgeous are these girls?

The 'DJ bubble' courtesy of Inflate (South Africa)

Pretty dresses... beads, sequins, ruffles, pleats... yes please!

Let the show(s) begin!

Michelle Ludek designs on the runway

How fantastic is the headpiece for this outfit?

Introducing Doreen Southwood

We want this dress!!!

What a great way to start the weekend!