FAR Photography - Inspired Living SA

Cape Town, Cape Town Lifestyle, Exploring the Cape, FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Local, Travel

Discovering Cape Town – Franschhoek

As I have mentioned before we really enjoy taking trips out to Franschhoek, it is mere 45 minute drive from Cape Town, which makes it perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. I love visiting the area, truth be told I would love to move there! I just need to convince the rest of my family!

We took a trip out to this beautiful little town two weeks ago, the main purpose for our visit was to take photographs and gather information for my eldest daughters school project. The added benefit, for the parents, was a wine soaked lazy lunch! Franschhoek, in my opinion is by far one of the most stunning wine regions in the Cape! The town’s name Franschhoek is Dutch for ‘French Corner’, the area is steeped in history and home to The Huguenot Monument, which you can see in the photographs above.

Images: ©FAR Photography

Cape Town, FAR Photography, Vintage

Photography – Vintage Light

Images: ©FAR Photography & AJR

Be Inspired, Cape Town, Children, Family, FAR Photography, Featured Posts, Parenting, Parenting Advice, Poems

My Top 4 Bits of Parenting Advice

I have never really been someone who readily dishes out unsolicited parenting advice – I think I have been burnt once too often by the reaction you get from some people, so now I mostly just smile and nod knowingly! So rather than call this advice, we will file this list under the title of “I wish I knew Then, What I Know Now!”

My Top 4 Bits of Parenting Advice

First up – cut yourself some slack; you most definitely are not expected to be the perfect parent, especially the first time around! Just remember all children will eventually “eat”, “sit”, “walk”, “Sleep” – so don’t sweat the small stuff and do not compare your children with their peers or yourself with others parents (it’s dangerous). We all get there in our own time.

Let your children discover the “world” for themselves, try not to be a helicopter parent, calculating your child’s every move, constantly doing everything for them – it’s exhausting and they do need to find out stuff for themselves. Sometimes they need to “burn” themselves to find out that something is indeed “hot”! Which certainly does not mean you should not protect your child but be careful to not “over-protect” them.

Remember to look after yourself and remember to put yourself first sometimes. Nurture those relationships that are important too, especially your marriage. You are of no use as a parent if you are constantly stressed out, take time out for yourself, find a hobby, read a book, get a pedicure (yes even Dad’s!) – you get the picture!

Last but certainly not least remember to enjoy your children, laugh with them, talk to them, especially as they get older. Very often we are so busy with our own lives; we forget that our children are “people” too. Make time to share family meals, get to know your children, find out what makes them tick, what they like or what they don’t! You may not always agree or get along but that’s life. Just remember that someday they won’t want you around or want to talk to you and then it may be too late!

Walk A Little Slower Daddy

“Walk a Little slower, Daddy.” said a little child so small.

I’m following in your footsteps and I don’t want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast, sometimes they’re hard to see;

So walk a little slower Daddy, for you are leading me.

Someday when I’m all grown up, You’re what I want to be.

Then I will have a little child who’ll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right, and know that I was true;

So, walk a little slower, Daddy, for I must follow you!!

~author unknown

Images: ©FAR Photography

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.

Cape Town, Cape Town Lifestyle, FAR Photography, Lifestyle, Photographic Equipment

The Fuji Instax Wide

My new toy, the The Fuji Instax Wide 210, shoots Polaroid size, high quality, images and prints instantly, it is so much fun! I am really enjoying my photography and this is just another medium to express myself. It is certainly not in the same league as my Nikon Slr but it is not meant to be, it is a point and shoot with instant gratification, it does of course mean that you really need to put some though into your subject matter! I must admit I am still getting the hang of using it but I think I have become quite spolit having digital, which does a great deal of the thinking for you.

Well I am definitely building up my stock of photographic equipment and next on the list are new lens and filters. I have come across a great photographic shop called Exposure Gallery, they stock a vast array of inspirational photographic products, Lomography cameras and Lensbaby lenses, as well as showcasing original photographic art. Now you know where you will find me on Saturday mornings!