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Be Inspired, Cape Town Lifestyle, FAR Photography, Featured Posts, Gift Ideas, Gift Stores, Interviews, Lifestyle, Real Women.Real Life

Coco li – Exquisite Boutique Gift Store

I never need an excuse to shop and I absolutely adore the Cape Quarter Centre in Green Point, Cape Town. It feels as if you have crossed the Rubicon when you step into the centre; it has a wonderful cosmopolitan air about it and I was certainly not disappointed when I popped in to the centre on Monday, it was a hive of activity. The main purpose of my visit was to interview the lovely Leigh Tzouvanni, co-owner of the beautiful boutique gift store Coco li.

Tell Us A Bit About Coco li?

Coco li is a joint venture started by myself and my sister Lana Goslett. We opened our first store, in 2004, in The Paddocks Centre in Milnerton. We both have a background in Interior Design and architecture and the business was born out of our shared love of all things beautiful. Having a united vision and passion made establishing Coco li an easy venture; what better way to spend your day than surround by all the creative flare and beauty that feeds your passion. Five years later, in 2009, we opened our second store in Greenpoint’s Cape Quarter extension.

“Coco li is the perfect little boutique where you will not only be inspired to spoil someone else but you will also have free rein to spoil yourself. Come and get lost in our treasure chest…” You can expect gifts to be adorned with exquisite wraps that are then tied with vintage lace ribbons and perhaps even finished off with a rose – something uniquely Coco li and a real treat for the recipient of your gift.”

What Type of Products Do You Stock?

We stock a vast array of gorgeous upmarket goodies which range from unique homeware pieces, jewellery and stunning designer clothing, including some vintage pieces. I have even managed to source a few vintage clutches!

When asked what her favourite products are, Leigh’s response was fitting – I love it all!!

Where Do You Source Most of Your Products?

We maintain that 90% of our products are local and we import a few items to fill the gaps. We are lucky to live in the country we do and have access to such talented designers and such well-made local products, which include unique clothing collections from a selection of SA designers.

What Would You Say Your Personal Décor Style Is?

My personal style is definitely quirky with vintage inspiration, a great deal of what you see in store will be mirrored in my own home.

Do You Travel for Business?

I do not do much in the way of business travel at present but as the business grows I would love to travel to source more unique items of interest to add to our growing range.

You Have Developed Your Own Body Products – Tell Us More About Them

We have developed a range of local bath and body products, with the help of a friend of mine Tanya, who has her own range of natural body products, called Naturals! We worked on fragrances and bottling together and our labels were designed by Bridget from loveletterstationery! The Coco li Body Range includes Himalayan Bath Salts, Salt & Sugar Body Scrub, Body Butter and Hand and Body Lotion. These products come in soothing fragrances such as “Chamomile & Rose” and “Vanilla” and for something more invigorating, a vibrant “Ruby Grapefruit”. I am very excited to announce that we are currently in the process of developing a range of diffusers and massage oils.

Thank you so much to Leigh for giving me the opportunity to interview you and learn a bit more about Coco li, it is a beautiful shop filled with exquisite products! I wish you every success with the further development of your Coco li Body Range and we will definitely keep readers up to date with any new products that are added.

Images: ©FAR Photography

Cape Town Lifestyle, FAR Photography, Featured Posts, Gift Ideas, Gift Stores, Lifestyle

Smitten home & life Voucher

At the end of last year, I entered a competition on the blog Becoming you and was very lucky to win a gift voucher, from a gorgeous store, called Smitten Home & Life, that specialises in gifts, clothing, jewellery, decor and homewares.

Very embarrassingly I only got around to spending it just last week! I treated myself to a stunning grey scoop-necked sweater, by Lily Co and a fabulous, African inspired, makeup bag, by veldt. It truly is a wonderful store which caters to all your gifting needs, Smitten is situated in Constantia area in Cape Town and definitely worth a visit.

Thank you to both Becoming you and Smitten Home & Life – I will definitely be back in store again soon!

Contact Details: 53 Constantia Rd., 7801 Cape Town, South Africa, Tel: 0217629687

Be Inspired, Featured Posts, Food, Interviews, Real Women.Real Life, Recipe Books

Real Women Real Life…

Today on Real Women Real Life, we get to look inside the life of Sarah Graham. Sarah is the foodie behind the blog afoodieliveshere and author of Bitten.

Sarah Graham – Bitten

Tell Us About Yourself:

As of October last year Johannesburg is now our home. Having moved from Cape Town (Sarah used to live in the same area that I do), I approached the move with the usual disdain (for anywhere other than the mother city), that one would expect from Capetonians 😉 I have however been pleasantly surprised.

My goal in life is to raise content and considerate children, in a happy home with my amazing husband, to continue cooking with abandon for as long as I love it.

Where Do You Find Your Inspiration?

I am motivated and inspired by my family, friends and my love of food.

Indian-style Coconut Fish Curry Recipe from “afoodieliveshere”

What Are Your Strengths & Weaknesses?

I am not afraid of a challenge or hard work! I also like to think of myself as considerate and objective. On the flip side I can be impatient and feel that sometimes I am not spontaneous enough.

What Are Your Fears?

My biggest fear is rushing through life, getting to the other end and not having savoured all the special moments along the way.

What Keeps You Busy?

(Besides for being a mom, writing a blog and publishing a cook book!)

I am one of the founders and now marketing director for an award-winning responsible tourism company, www.africanimpact.com.

What Do You Do To Let Your Hair Down?

I love to socialize and cook. I spend my free time going to the movies, reading, doing Pilates and I love spending time in the bush.

What Is Your Favourite Foodie Website?

One of my best SA food websites for everything from recipes, to shopping and restaurant reviews is Eat In, who recently featured my book and my very precious 6 Minute Chocolate Cake Recipe.

What Do You Feel Your Biggest Success In Life Is?

Having a baby and so far being a reasonable Mum 🙂 Writing and publishing my cook book, entitled Bitten, which is currently available for purchase, in stores in South Africa and online.

What Has Been Your Greatest Challenge In Life?

Without a doubt – having a baby and being a parent has been my biggest challenge, it teaches you amazing selflessness, commitment, hard work and an overwhelming sense of unconditional love.

Thanks Sarah for sharing a bit about your life with us, we definitely share a passion for food and I look forward to trying more of your recipes! We wish you every success with your cook book and your life as a Mum.

Also in this interview series Real Women Real Life, meet Chicara from Lipgloss Kisses

Image Source: Sarah Graham, afoodieliveshere & Food 24

Children, Education, Family, Featured Posts, Lifestyle, Websites

Mammabella

My Community Feature this week is somewhat different as it is more of a cyber-community feature. Both my husband and I are rather passionate about education, both in our immediate family enviroment and in the greater community around us. We are always on the lookout for new and innovative ideas and concepts, like the one that I am about to introduce to you.

The website is called Mammabella, which is a fun website developed out of the need to create both an interest and appreciation of the Afrikaans language. Afrikaans is spoken natively in South Africa and it is the third most spoken mother tongue in the country. Most English-speaking schools, in South Africa, require Afrikaans to be studied as a second language, which can be difficult for parents who do not speak the language themselves and are not able to assist their children. Mammabella could be instrumental in encouraging learners from a young age to enjoy learning this language.

Who Is The Person Behind Mammabella?

Kirsten Rossiter, is the creator of Mammabella, she is a home-schooling mom of 3, a musician, songwriter and graphic designer. “Mammabella is a true extension of who I am and what I do – I love music, language, art and teaching.”

Why Did You Create Mammabella?

Mammabella started off as a challenge…to encourage my children, to want to learn Afrikaans. I began by making up funny, catchy songs in the car, in the kitchen, in the bedroom…anywhere…to try and teach them a basic Afrikaans vocabulary, made up of day-to-day things. I have been very impressed and surprised by the impact these songs have had on my children, they have grown in confidence in their Afrikaans vocabulary and actually started showing an interest in learning the language. After this personal success I decided to make my music available to other families too. I hope that Mammabella helps spark an interest in other children and encourages them to learn Afrikaans and enjoy it!

Where Does The Name Mammabella Come From?

The name Mammabella is one that is very close to my heart. Princess, a special Malawian friend to my daughter, Bella, used to call me Mammabella, in other words Bella’s mother. I was never Kirsten to her, only Mammabella…and I fell in love both with her and the cute little name she gave me. Shortly after she moved back to Malawi, my ideas for this site began to form, and there seemed no better name than Mammabella as a way of remembering little Princess.

What Can You Hope To Find On The Mammabella Website?

The website offers fun, sing-along songs, catchy tunes and entertaining pictures that will take your children on an Afrikaans musical adventure and while at the same time giving them a foundation in basic Afrikaans vocabulary. A selection of modules are available on the website, along with registration details and costs. Mammabella is currently offering a free introductory module, so pop over to their website and start your Afrikaans Musical Adventure!

Each song that you purchase forms part of a module that includes the following:

To find out more about this fun and inspiring website click on over to Mammabella or email them on [email protected] You can also follow them on Twitter.

Images: Mammabella