I am a lover of coffee, perhaps a coffee-junkie or coffee-snob is the better term. You could say that coffee is my Happy Place! I will only drink ‘proper coffee’, no instant for me and the stronger the espresso, the better. I even went as far as buying my own Lavazza coffee machine, to satisfy this need! In the interests of purveying fine coffee, I thought I would share a few of the popular Cape Town Coffee Shops, according to of some of my readers. [Read more…]
Lighting Trends for 2012
Olde World Glamour Revisited!
My favourite lighting trend of late is the chandelier, which comes in all shapes and sizes, to suite both the room and the budget in question. There are definite influences from a time gone by – where opulence and luxury where the order of the day. To be absolutely honest I love a bit of bling and what better way to incorporate it into your space than a bejewelled light fixture!
Lighting has become a larger element of decorating a space; gone are the days when lighting is a purely functional part of décor. Although chandeliers dripping with jewels are ever popular, there is also a move towards using more vintage, antique style fittings as well.
The rule at the moment is that there are no rules; traditionally these glamorous fixtures would adorn grand rooms but this is no longer the case. We are seeing beautiful chandeliers gracing the ceilings of bedrooms, kitchens and even bathrooms – as I said there are no rules. Brides are opting to use beautiful crystal chandeliers to create the ultimate romantic mood for their reception areas. Even outdoor areas are being glammed up with the help of gorgeous light fixtures. See my previous post on Interesting ‘outdoor décor and lighting ideas’.
As chandeliers can be a rather bold décor element you can soften the look with romantic soft furnishings or balance the lighting effect with the help of down lights or a dimmer switch to control the amount of bling and sparkle you get from your chandelier.
My friend Mandi, who has a flair for interior design, recently decorated her dining room and the results were amazing – it just shows you what a bit of vision and creativity can accomplish. I love the red accent wall and her husband actually chose the chandelier – move over Sarah Richardson!
"The Earl Dining Room"
[quote style=”1″]We love a little bling every now and again! It took a bit of getting used to as there is quite a lot of bling but I think it suits the room nicely….it makes a statement as you walk in! The chandelier is also on a dimmer switch, so can be toned down or as bright a light as you need!! We went for pretty plain lamps and shades for the dresser as the chandelier had enough sparkle for the room. I love their height and antique finish! – Mandi Galloway Earl [/quote]
So ultimately your only boundaries are your imagination and your budget. Have fun with lighting and create the space that is right for you.
One of my favourite places to visit and shop in Cape Town, for lighting, décor and heaps of inspiration is Smileys At Home – they have the most wonderful array of chandeliers on display.
"Smileys At Home"
Images: Pinterest, Smileys At Home
The Gorgeous Sophie Dahl
The gorgeous Sophie Dahl was born in London on the 15 September 1977. Born Sophie Holloway, she is the daughter of actor Julian Holloway and writer Tessa Dahl. Her maternal grandparents were author Roald Dahl and actress Patricia Neal. Her paternal grandparents were actor Stanley Holloway and actress and chorus dancer Violet Lane. Sophie was the inspiration for the main character, Sophie, in her grandfather, Roald Dahl’s book The BFG.
Sophie began her career as a fashion model, but writing has always been her first love. In 2003 she published her first book, an illustrated novella and Times bestseller, “The Man with the Dancing Eyes”. Following this she wrote “Playing With The Grownups” – published in 2007.
As a devoted food lover and cook she published two cook books: “Miss Dahl’s Voluptuous Delights”, published by Harper Collins (2009) and “From Season To Season” (2011). Sophie is a contributing editor at British Vogue. She has also written for others publications such as: American Vogue, Waitrose Kitchen, The Observer, The Guardian, and The Saturday Times Magazine.
Dahl then went on to write and present her six-part cookery series, currently airing on BBC (South Africa), entitled “The Delicious Miss Dahl” – which I am loving. It features some great recipes, for more on the series visit the BBC Food website. She also wrote and presented a television programme about the Victorian cook, Isabella Beeton which was aired on BBC2, in September 2011.
Sophie with husband Jamie Cullum
Sophie currently lives with her husband, Jamie Cullum and daughter, Lyra in England where she continues write and is a regular contributor to both fashion and food magazines. To find out more about this amazing woman visit her website – Sophie Dahl.
Life In Technicolor
When visiting Muizenberg Beach, look out for these Technicolored Victorian beach houses, dating back to a time when this was Cape Town’s favourite beach for swimming. I could not resist this great photo-op!
Photography: ©FAR Photography by Super Mom Blog
Muizenberg Revisited
Muizenberg is a seaside suburb in Cape Town, South Africa, situated on the Cape Peninsula, on the east side of the False Bay coast. It is home to many examples of grand Victorian architecture, dating back to a time when the area was an exclusive seaside resort for the rich and famous. Muizenberg beach is one of the more popular swimming beaches in Cape Town and is considered to be the birthplace of surfing in South Africa.
This area comes alive during the summer season, with holiday-makers and novice surfers enjoying the calm, warmer water, which makes this stretch of coastline so popular.
There are a variety of surf shops, surf schools, restaurants, coffee shops and apartments located along the main beach pavilion – “Surfers Corner”. You have to visit Knead Bakery, when you are in Muizenberg and sample their scrumptious pastries, washed down with a glorious cappuccino!
As a teenager, my friends and I frequented Muizenberg Beach, catching a train from the Southern Suburbs along the coast. We spent many a day lazing in the sun, watching our friends surf and swimming in the sea. Visiting the area recently brought back many happy childhood memories! My eldest daughter is a keen boogie-boarder, so I can see “surf school” in her future!
Photography: Muizenberg images – ©Inspired Living, Painting – Communitree!
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