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GIVEAWAY: WIN A 2019 DIARY FROM MACAROON

Giveaway

Loren

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27/11/2018

If you follow Minkys on Instagram you will have seen my 2017 diary AND 2018 diary from Macaroon on my feed countless times. I feature it all the time because it is just so gorgeous and I love it so much!

I have just received my 2019 diary from Macaroon and I am just as in love with it as I was my 2017 and 2018 diary!

There are a number of reasons why I love Macaroon’s diaries so much, but to name a few :

♥ I love that the diary has MY name on the front cover. That personal touch just makes it extra special!

♥ It is absolutely beautiful, inside and out. I can just stare at the cover because it is that beautiful!

♥ I love that it is a hard cover with a spiral bound making it the best quality so I don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in my handbag every time I take it out and put it back in.

♥ At the beginning of every month there is an inspiring and motivational quote. These quotes just get me!

♥ I am obsessed with beautiful, personalised stationery and this diary is no different.

GIVEAWAY

If you would like to win yourself an absolutely gorgeous Macaroon diary for 2019, this is all you have to do:

• Comment below and tell me which design you would love to win – you can browse all the designs by clicking here.

• Follow @minkys.co.za AND @macaroon_me on Instagram

• Tag two or more friends on the Instagram giveaway post!

Just three east steps!

The giveaway will end on Monday 3 December 2018 and a winner will randomly be selected and announced on Instastories.

♥

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: 10 GIFT IDEAS FOR TRAVELERS

Loren

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22/11/2018

0

Christmas is just around the corner and what better time than now to share 10 Gift Ideas for Travelers – we all know of someone who is obsessed with traveling, so if you’re all out of ideas on what to get him/her, this gift guide will definitely help you. Let me just tell you, everything on this gift guide is something I love!

I will be doing a few more gift guides on the blog, so stay tuned to the blog in the next few days.

1. CABIN BAG FROM SAMSONITE

Gifting someone who is a frequent flyer (or yourself, for that matter) with a Samsonite Cabin Bag is possibly the best gift ever! You will be giving them something that will last forever and a day because Samsonite is known for it’s quality and durability as well as it’s luxuriousness. I have the Samsonite Lite-Box Spinner 55cm and I use it everywhere I go. As small as it may be, it fits everything I need.

⇒ R6 499 from www.samsonite.co.za

2. TRAVEL CUP

I don’t go anywhere without my trusty travel ecoffee cup, so neither should you, or your traveler friend you are shopping for. A travel cup like this is so handy for many reasons. You can use it to make your tea/coffeewith the tea/coffee facilities provided in your hotel room (granted you are staying in a hotel) or you can use it at your nearest coffee shop for them to make your coffee straight into. This ecoffee cup is so light, so your suitcase will never be overweight from it, and the lid is resealable and drip proof!

⇒ R212 from www.wellnesswarehouse.com

3. LEATHER TRAVEL WALLET

A travel wallet is the most ideal travel accessory for any traveler. This specific one is from Escape Society and it fits a passport and boarding pass as well as 3 cards and cash. It is made from full grain South African leather. It comes in a range of colours but my favourite is this dusty pink one. (Side note: for anyone looking to buy me a gift, this is on my wish list!)

⇒ R599 from www.escapesociety.co.za

4. TRAVEL HAIR DRYER

If you’re anything like me, you have to take your hair dryer with you wherever you travel to, then you definitely need this GHD in your life! I was recently browsing around on the GHD website when I came across their Flight Travel Hair Dryer Gift Set and instantly added it to my wish list. I love that this handy travel size hair dryer is so compact and comes with a protective carry case. It makes for the perfect gift for every travel queen, like myself!

⇒ R1 500 from www.ghdhair.com

5. A KINDLE

For all the travelers that are also book worms, this is the best gift ever! What I love about mine is I can slip it into my handbag wherever I go. It isn’t bulky or heavy like a proper book, which is perfect for traveling! The battery also lasts very long which is wonderful!

⇒ R2 999 from www.takealot.com

6. TRAVEL PILLOW SET

You get two types of travelers in this world, those that take a pillow with them wherever they go and those that don’t. I am most certainly the former! Granny Goose have a travel pillow that dreams are made of! No pun intended! It is filled with Snow White Duck Down and covered with a 300 thread count pillow case. It also comes rolled up in an embroidered tog bag that is small enough to fit in a briefcase. As you take it out though it puffs out into a 38x51cm pillow.

⇒ R650 from www.grannygooose.com

7. INSTAX MINI POLAROID CAMERA

An instax polaroid camera is a perfect gift for any traveler. I love my mini polaroid camera that I received in a press pack a few weeks ago and I use it often! I love the whole process of taking a photo with it, waiting a few minutes for the photo to develop and then having the photo right in front of me! It’s awesome in comparison to having a million and one photos on my phone waiting to be developed.

⇒ R1 199 from www.superbalist.com

8. PERFUME

A perfume scent is the best way to be transported back to a time and place. Every time I go on a big trip, I like to use a new perfume because after the holiday, when I take a whiff of that perfume I will be reminded of the amazing holiday! For example. the new Gucci Bloom Acqua Di Fiori takes me back to Italy! So if not an actual perfume then buy a voucher for a perfume store for your friend so the person can choose what they want for their next trip!

⇒ www.edgars.co.za

9. BEACH HAT

An avid traveler always needs a gorgeous beach hat ready to be put into her suitcase for when she’s headed to a tropical island, like the Seychelles! Oh how I wish that was me! Elizabeth Summer has such a beautiful selection of these summer hats but I would have to say my favourite is this Madagascar Hat that says “out of office”.

⇒ R750 from www.elizabethsummer.com

10. A TOWEL

Every traveler needs a towel! Whether they are off to the beach, going camping, or headed to the city, a towel comes in handy, always! Macaroon sell the most beautiful microfiber towels of the highest quality. The towels have an ultra-suede finish and the best part is, if you want to personalise the towel you can have a name put on it! Isn’t that the most perfect gift?

⇒ R390 from www.macaroon.co

What will you be buying first?

♥

WE DID A WALKING FOOD TOUR IN FLORENCE WITH EATING EUROPE

Loren

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19/11/2018

1

WE DID A WALKING FOOD TOUR IN FLORENCE WITH EATING EUROPE

Italy is a country with such a rich food culture, but the thing with Italy is, if you go where the tourists go, you will miss out on most of it. You will find yourself eating at the mediocre pizza and pasta joints. We did a walking food tour with Eating Europe while we were in Florence and the tour took us far away from these mediocre joints. Instead we enjoyed an unforgettable evening filled with authentic Florentine cuisine at some of Florence’s favourite local hangouts.

ABOUT EATING EUROPE

Eating Europe is a company that gives people visiting Europe a taste of Europe. Their goal is to expose people to real, local and authentic food. They ensure you experience local food, made by locals in authentic restaurants outside of the big touristic areas.

Doing a food tour like this was the best thing we could do while we were in Florence. It took us to areas we would have never explored ourselves and we ate food we would never have tried!

OUR TOUR

The tour started off from Piazza Santo Spirito, located in the area of Oltrarno. Piazza San Spirito is where all the action happens. During the day you will find markets, boutique shops and galleries. At night you will find all the restaurants have opened, as well as the trattorias and the night clubs have come to life! It really has so much atmosphere.

Once everyone had gathered at the meeting point for the tour, we introduced ourselves and then set off. It was rather fascinating to meet different people from all over the world doing this tour. There was a honeymoon couple from Laguna Beach, two doctors from Chicago, a lady from New York who was visiting Italy for the seventh time, a family from Australia and us South Africans. What I loved is how we all had something in common – the love for Italian food!

My favourite highlights of the tour:

Tasting artisan cured meats and cheeses at the neighbourhood deli while the owner of the deli told us some of the most interesting stories of how the deli came about.
Learning how to make Florence’s most famous cocktail, the Negroni and then sipping on one while nibbling on some delicious snacks.
Tasting some of Chianti’s finest wines.
Watching a live demonstration of how Steak Florentine is made and finally tasting it and absolutely loving it!
Wandering down the cobblestone streets and watching the locals go by.
Ending off the most delicious experience with biscotti and vin santo.
Making friends with everyone on the tour.

This food tour was one of the most memorable experiences from our trip to Italy and I would honestly recommend it to everyone! The tour not only taught us about Florentine and Tuscan food but we learned so much about the Italian culture in general as well as the history of Florence.

We got back to our hotel so happy that we started planning an escape route on how to miss our flight back home and live in Italy forever 😉

A huge thank you to Eating Europe for hosting us on this food tour! You made our trip to Italy even more memorable than it was. Visit Eating Europe’s website over to find more tours to eat your way through!

Website: www.eatingeurope.com

♥

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM – WHERE CAN I GET ICE CREAM?

Loren

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14/11/2018

1

Now that summer is here, the only way I like to cool down is with ice cream! Whether it’s by the swimming pool, at my desk or even if I’m out shopping, my ice cream cravings are at an all time high! So I recently asked a question on my Instagram and received an overwhelming response that I thought I must share the answers! The question I asked was:

Where is your favourite ice cream spot?

I gathered everyone’s answers and put together the top 5 spots. So, in no particular order, here is the scoop on everyone’s favourite ice cream spots:

1. THE CREAMERY in Cape Town

Every time I visit Cape Town, I always make sure I treat myself to a scoop or two at The Creamery. What I love most about The Creamery is that they source seasonal ingredients from local farms. This means that over and above their classic flavours, there is always a selection of new seasonal flavours. This adds an element of excitement, especially for me because I love trying new flavours. The classic flavours include 65% chocolate, sea salt caramel, peanut butter, Rosetta Roastery coffee and sweet cream. Sweet cream is my favourite! Some seasonal flavours that I have tried before and loved are grape, choc peanut butter, toasted coconut and blackberry cheesecake.

Website: www.thecreamery.co.za

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaEnAyvFr7j/

2. FAB CAFE AND GELATO in Johannesburg

Since returning home from our trip to Italy, all I want is more gelato! If you didn’t know what the difference is between gelato and ice cream, I am going to tell you now. Gelato has a higher proportion of milk and a lower proportion of cream and eggs. Gelato is also churned at a much slower rate which incorporates less air making gelato denser than ice cream.

I’m happy to know my Instagram followers are all on the same page as me because so many recommended Fab Cafe and Gelato and I know why – their gelato is absolutely delicious!

Website: www.fabgelato.co.za

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ber9PZWBRHH/

3. UNFRAMED in Cape Town

The first time I had Unframed ice cream was when I was aimlessly walking around the V & A Food Market and the Unframed stall caught my eye. I didn’t know much about Unframed then but the ice cream looked SO good that I had to have a scoop! I can’t recall the flavour I had but I do remember it being so deliciously creamy that I wanted more. Since then I am now a regular when I am in Cape Town. What makes Unframed stand out from the crowd is that it is artisan ice cream. This means that they make small batches at a time using real, sustainable ingredients. You are also able to get sorbet and different vegan flavours!

Website: www.unframed.co.za

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ben42scFBS7/

4. MORO GELATO in Cape Town

Moro Gelato is possibly the most beautiful shop in Long Street Cape Town. Picture marble counter tops, pastel walls and gold finishes. Let’s not forget the main attraction though which is the gelato. It is deliciously creamy, indulgent and delightful. It is possibly the best gelato in South Africa that I can compare the gelato I had in Italy to. They also offer exotic fruit sorbet which is so good too! The next time you are in Cape Town, head straight here from the airport – my Instagram followers sure do know what they’re talking about because you won’t be disappointed!

Website: www.moregelato.co.za

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkSxcjUl1t4/

5. PAUL’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM in Johannesburg

Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream all came about when Paul received an ice cream maker for his birthday when he was at University. He started making ice cream out his garage and would host ice cream tasting days from his home for all his close friends and family. I remember a friend of a friend of a friend of Paul’s telling me about an upcoming tasting day and I pitched up there not knowing Paul or anyone and being absolutely surprised by how delicious the ice cream was. I knew then that he was serving up magic! Now Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream is honestly the best you can get in Johannesburg and if I could, I would have a freezer full of his ice cream boxes ready to be guzzled. But I can’t because I have to fill my freezer with meat and real food 😉 Ha!

The only problem with Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream is having to choose a flavour because they are ALL amazing! My favourites include pistachio, birthday cake, butter cake, roasted banana and nutella, milk tart, jelly and custard and and and and and …

Website: www.paulshomemade.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjKgIPsFpi5/

So, there you have it – the top 5 ice cream spots according to my Instagram followers. It is clearly evident that they have very good taste, because these are my 5 favourite ice cream spots too!

♥

SNAPSHOTS OF ROME AND TRAVEL TIPS

Loren

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12/11/2018

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I know there is no such thing as a perfect holiday, but if there ever was one, it was our first trip to Italy. As the plane landed in Rome, I could tell this was going to be everything I dreamt of and more. We spent our days walking the streets, looking for the coziest trattoria’s to eat at, stopping for gelato every so often and just soaking up the history and beauty of the architecture. On average, we walked about 15 km’s a day, so without a doubt, we walked off all the gelato we ate! The best way to see a city is to walk everywhere, and that’s exactly what we did.

The following collection of snapshots were taking during our daily walks through Rome. Rome is absolutely beautiful and everything about this Ancient City just made me the happiest.

TRAVEL TIPS

When to visit?

Rome is one of those holiday destinations that if you visit at the wrong time, your holiday won’t be as enjoyable. What I mean by this is consider traveling to Rome just before peak season or just after peak season. Peak season is during summer (July, August and September) and summer in Rome can get unbearably hot. Summer is also when the city is at its busiest so there will be lots of people and very long queues.

We visited Rome in early October and it was just perfect. There were people, but not swarms of people. The weather was warm in the day and a bit chilly at night, which is what I like. It rained a little bit too so just remember to carry a small umbrella in your bag for in case.

How long to stay in Rome?

For your first time in Rome, you want to stay long enough to see all of the city’s most famous sights and still enjoy free time to wander aimlessly. We were in Rome for three nights. Even though we didn’t want to leave as we fell so in love with this city, we were ready to explore the next city which was Florence. In the three nights we were in Rome, we did everything! We visited the Colosseum twice (once during the day and once at night), the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. We woke up early to do the Vatican Museum before all the crowds and we did an evening walking food tour through the area of Trastevere. Most of our free time was spent just walking and walking and walking. It may look like we did a lot in such a short time but everything is in walking distance of each other. So if you plan your routes and your days you can really do everything!

How to get around in Rome?

The best way to get around in Rome is to walk because Rome is such a walkable city. If you’re staying in the center of Rome you can easily walk to all the main attractions. Our hotel was just a few blocks away from Termini Station which was the perfect location. We easily walked to the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. The only time we took the Metro was to the nearest stop to Vatican City because our tour began at 8am and walking would have been too time consuming at such an early hour. We didn’t even use the bus once!

I definitely recommend choosing a hotel that is in the center of Rome. A centrally-located hotel may cost a tiny bit more than a hotel outside of the center. But the money you saving on a cheaper hotel out of the city will then be spent on transport into the city! So, it’s definitely a case of 6 of the one and half a dozen of the other 😉 Ha!

One last thing, the taxi’s in Rome are SO expensive. Try walk or take a bus and only if you’re really desperate or stranded, take a taxi!

♥

51 THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN THIS SUMMER

Loren

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05/11/2018

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51 THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN THIS SUMMER

1. Take a walk along the sea front from Camps Bay to the V&A Waterfront

2. Grab an ice-cream from The Creamery in Mouille Point along the way

3. Get onto the Hop On Hop Off bus and do the Constantia Wine Route

4. Head to Clifton for a day on the beach

5. Take a drive to Boulders Beach and spend a day with the penguins

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmIUA81lWrC/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

6. Go up Table Mountain to see the most beautiful views of Cape Town

7. Climb Lions Head (best time is in the early morning or late afternoon)

8. Grab a coffee at the famous Truth Coffee

9. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium at the Waterfront

10. Visit the Old Biscuit Mill on a Saturday morning

11. Learn how to surf in Muizenburg

12. Take a walk through Kalk Bay

13. While you are in Kalk Bay, have the freshest fish and chips at Kalkies

14. Head to Boschendal for a picnic under the trees

15. Go for a jog on the promenade in Sea Point

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bechdd_lUEA/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

16. Watch the duck parade at Vergenoegd Wine Estate

17. Grab a coffee or two at Bootleggers

18. Book a spa treatment at Lanzerac Hotel and Spa

19. Do some shopping at the V&A Waterfront

20. Go restaurant hopping on Bree Street

21. Visit Babylonstoren for a delicious and healthy lunch

22. Walk through the gardens of Babylonstoren after lunch

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoN-d9fFJp6/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

23. Take a drive up the West Coast

24. And stay in Paternoster for a night or two

https://www.instagram.com/p/BodfOF1FERD/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

There’s more …

25. Hire a bicycle and cycle up an down the promenade in Sea Point

26. Stay on the promenade for the sunset

27. Take a drive to Blouberg Beach to see Table Mountain from the other side

28. Indulge in High Tea at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

29. Watch a live band perform at the Mojo Market

30. Have mussels at The Mussel Monger and Oyster Bar at Mojo Market

31. Grab a smoked salmon bagel at Kleinskys in Sea Point before heading to the beach

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlaT6X2FhOs/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

32. Walk through the colourful suburb of Bo-Kaap

33. Have a cocktail or two at The Grand in Granger Bay

34. Go wine tasting in Franschhoek on the Franschhoek Wine Tram

35. Have dinner at The Cousins and feel like you’re in Italy

36. Watch a sunset from Camps Bay

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlDsggdFFcx/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

37. Walk through the harbour in Hout Bay

38. Grab a burger at Junior Burger

39. Do a cupcake and wine pairing at Delheim

40. Do a bit of shopping, eating and drinking in Long Street

41. Visit the Oranjezicht market on a Saturday morning

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlfDxtwluoR/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

42. Have lunch at Roundhouse in Camps Bay

43. Go for a swim in Muizenburg as the water is warmer – ha!

44. Have a delicious meal at Kyoto Garden Sushi

45. Take a drive along the very scenic Chapmans Peak

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlYDFVNFOMf/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

46. Watch a concert at Kirstenbosch Gardens

47. Get on the boat in Hout Bay to seal island

48. Pack a picnic hamper and head down to Clifton beach for sun downers and snacks at sunset

49. Have lunch at Chefs

50. Go to Fairview for cheese and wine

51. Visit the Silo Hotel for a drink or two and enjoy the beautiful views of Cape Town

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoMTS_TlzB8/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

♥

FIVE FAVOURITE THINGS

Five Things

Loren

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29/10/2018

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Some of my favourite things lately include the most delicious yoghurt, a pair of shoes that are so comfortable I may sleep in them and nougat you can eat for breakfast. If you’re feeling a bit confused, read on …

woolworths new double cream yoghurts

Woolworths have recently brought out a new range of yoghurts that are absolutely beyond delicious. They are so delicious that they’re a little bit addictive … Or maybe a lot! So much so that I have to have one everyday. The new strained double cream yoghurt range comes in four flavours: plain, raspberry, blueberry and wild blossom honey. The wild blossom honey flavour is my favourite of them all. I like to open the tub, put a handful of bluberries inside, mix them around and eat it either for breakfast or as an afternoon snack when I feel like something sweet. Or I may even have one as an after dinner delight when I need dessert in my life because I kid you not, my little combo tastes like a healthy panna cotta – try it, you’ll see!

birkenstocks

I recently went to the opening of the new Birkenstock store in Morningside Shopping Centre and what a beautiful store it is! I’ve owned two pairs of Birkenstocks in my life and yes, they are as comfortable as they promise to be! They may not be the most visually pleasing pair of sandals according to some people, but then again comfort and quality wins, don’t they? I am so excited to wear my new white pair with jeans, a white t-shirt and a statement necklace this summer!

where: Shop U14A, Morningside Shopping Centre, Corner of Rivonia and Outspan Roads, Morningside, Sandton

lavazza coffee

While we were in Italy recently we were drinking coffee and lots of it. There is just something about Italian coffee that is so much better than any other coffee, I believe. They make it perfectly because it isn’t too strong nor too milky. One of the brands we were drinking was Lavazza. I love Lavazza and will try go to coffee shops in Johannesburg that serve Lavazza. But I have exciting news, not just for me who loves Lavazza but for you who would like to drink this delicious Italian coffee in your own home! Lavazzaa has relaunched and is now available at retailers like Pick n Pay, Checkers and Spar! Can I get a whoohooo!

chocolate cake from leafy greens cake

When you think of rich, gooey, delicious chocolate cake you really don’t picture a slice of gluten free, sugar free and dairy free cake, do you? Well you’re wrong because I had the most delicious slice of rich, gooey chocolate from Leafy Greens Cafe and it was gluten free, sugar free and dairy free! I am not a vegan or gluten free but where I can make healthier eating choices, I do. So sometimes we’ll drive out to Leafy Greens Cafe to enjoy a vegan lunch and I’m not just saying this, but I feel after a healthy lunch here, it’s done the world of good to my body.

where: Rocky Ridge Rd, Muldersdrift

sally williams peanut butter nougat

Peanut butter (on toast) is acceptable for breakfast, right? So what about these new Sally Williams peanut butter nougats? I definitely think so! Also because nougat is mostly egg whites … So you’re having eggs, peanut butter and you just need some toast!

♥

WHERE DO I FIND GOOD COFFEE AND STRONG WIFI IN JOHANNESBURG?

Loren

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25/10/2018

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WHERE DO I FIND GOOD COFFEE AND STRONG WIFI IN JOHANNESBURG?

As I sit here typing this post I am drinking a good cup of coffee. You’re probably asking where am I? Well the answer is I am sitting at Naked in Sandton City Shopping Centre. Naked just gets their coffee right, all the time! And their banana bread. Let’s not forget the banana bread- you can read more of this in a blog post dedicated to Naked’s Banana Bread. Naked is one of my go to coffice’s*, because the coffee is strong and the WiFi is good, along with a few other spots which I’ll be sharing in this post.

So in no particular order, here are my favourite spots for good coffee and strong WiFi in Johannesburg:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkvCya4lo_3/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

Naked Coffee: This little coffee shop located in Sandton City is just the perfect spot. I love that you can sit down to do some work before you hit the shops or after you have shopped up a spree. The staff are always friendly, the coffee is excellent and the freshly baked treats (read: banana bread!) are delicious! And, the wifi is pretty good too, obviously! I love that you can also choose either to sit by the tables where it’s perfect to people-watch or you can sit on the other side where it’s more quiet and you can concentrate.

Where: Kiosk 4, Level 4, Sandton City, Rivonia Rd

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjegOytFjA6/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel: I’m a little hesitant to tell you about this work spot because it’s my little secret gem but the African Pride Melrose Arch is my favourite place. This isn’t so much an actual coffee shop, but more a library in the hotel. It is my favourite place to spend a morning or afternoon working. The atmosphere is just so cozy, it is nice and quiet and the coffee is delicious too. And let’s not forget, there is wifi!

Where: 1 Melrose Square, Melrose, Johannesburg

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnI2-euFYQ0/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

Paul Bakery: There is something about Paul Bakery in Melrose Arch that makes me feel like I am overseas somewhere, perhaps Paris (duh!) and I love working in this atmosphere. The French music playing in the background, the smell of freshly baked treats wafting in the air and the chitter chatter of the patrons, I just love it. Besides for all of this, I am also slightly obsessed with Paul’s almond croissants and find I have to satisfy a weekly craving for them. Plus, the coffee is delicious too! And the wifi! I love Pauls, so if you ever in the area, come look for me, as I’m definitely a regular!

Where: Melrose Boulevard, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfSl3-Wljah/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

Fab!: This little spot is so close to my heart simply because they make homemade artisan Italian gelato … And you know how much I love all things Italian, especially gelato! Besides for the gelato, I love working here because the coffee is delicious and the wifi is good. Ha! Fab! has two stores, one in Parkhurst and one in Linden, but both are equally as Fab!

Website: www.fabgelato.co.za

https://www.instagram.com/p/Biv-cXglAul/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

Motherland: If I’m not working at the Motherland in Sandton City then I’ll be at the new one at Blubird Shopping Centre. I don’t know what I love more at Motherland – the coffee, the chai latte’s or the actual mugs they use! I think it’s the mugs …

Website: www.motherlandcoffee.com

* A coffice is a term that combines “coffee” and “office” to describe a coffee shop that people go to in order to work. It is an attractive place to work for those who need coffee to function and free WiFi. WAH persons are usually the ones that utilize a coffice when they need a change of scenery to be more productive.

THE DUCK PARADE AT VERGENOEGD WINE ESTATE

Loren

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23/10/2018

2

THE DUCK PARADE AT VERGENOEGD WINE ESTATE

… Is the cutest thing!

Vergenoegd Wine Estate, in Stellenbosch, has a flock over 1 000 Indian Runner Ducks. These ducks play a huge role in the functioning of the wine estate. Instead of using pesticides, the ducks assist as natural pest-control by eating all the snails and bugs on their daily patrols around the estate.

This is a practice that the estate has been refining since 1984. The estate also has a basic research and breeding program which ensures the ducks are kept healthy and happy at all times!

The best part about this duck parade is that it is open to the public, so anyone can stop by this beautiful wine estate and witness something so fascinating. It really is fascinating, trust me! Here are some photos I took when we watched the duck parade this year:

WHEN IS THE DUCK PARADE AT VERGENOEGD WINE ESTATE?

The duck parade happens every day (Monday to Sunday) at:

10:30am
12:30pm
15:30pm

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO AT VERGENOEGD WINE ESTATE?

There is so much to do at Vergenoegd, like:

wine tasting
wine blending experience
having a picnic
visiting the Saturday market from 9:00am to 15:00pm
doing a cellar tour

For more information visit the website by clicking here

Address: Baden Powell Drive, Faure, Stellenbosch

♥

ITALY THROUGH MY INSTAGRAM

Loren

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22/10/2018

1

Italy has been on my travel bucket list since forever. It’s a destination I dreamt of for years and I always said the year I turn 30 will be the year that I tick Italy off the list. Well I did it, I made it happen and what a dream holiday it was! We explored Rome, Florence and Venice and each city was everything we thought it would be and more. There is just something about Italy that is absolutely magical and I cannot wait to return for more magic! From the food, to the culture, to the history and even the people, it all just makes you want more and more. We ate so much pasta, pizza, croissants and gelato and we sipped on so much wine, spritz’ and coffee. It was just like a dream!

I cannot wait to share all the details of this magical trip of a lifetime with you, but before I do, I thought I’d share a couple of photos from my Instagram:

ROME

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bol0uAvFbco/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

First things first as we arrived in Rome was to go see the Colosseum. Our hotel was in walking distance of the Colosseum, so we put our luggage down, washed our faces, and started our short walk to this absolutely beautiful piece of history. The closer we got to it, the more we couldn’t believe our eyes. It is breathtaking! It is also rather surreal to imagine the horrors that occurred here – from gladiators fighting for their lives, to animals being slaughtered and humans being executed. Thankfully this is all history!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BorebgkFCU1/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

We did a walking Local Foodie Tour in Rome’s famous for food neighborhood of Trastevere with The Roman Guy and it was just amazing! I will do a full blog post on this with all the details. But for now let me just tell you we explored the coziest neighbourhood in Rome, drank a lot of wine, tasted a lot of cheese, ate delicious pasta and finished off with gelato, of course!

The best thing about this tour was that it began just before the sunset so we got to witness the most beautiful sunset over Rome.

FLORENCE

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo3PRLOFSWc/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

Florence is just beautiful! This photo was taken at the Michelangelo Square at the end of our Chianti Wine Tour with Fun in Tuscany. From Michelangelo Square you can see the whole of Florence and it is gorgeous! I would have loved to watch a sunset from here but the clouds were just not cooperating. I will do a full blog post on the Chianti Wine Tour, so stay tuned to the blog.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoyJ5bHlE4V/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

We ate a lot of pasta and pizza (obviously) and one of the best pizza slices we had was from a little hole in the wall shop. I cannot remember the name or the location, so do excuse me, but just know it was really really good! When we went back the next day to get another slice, we just couldn’t find the place. It must have disappeared! Obviously!

VENICE

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo-9mbflv8Z/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

Venice – wow! There are no words to describe this place. Venice has no roads, so that means there are no cars. There are just canals and boats. It is the most fascinating thing! The one morning when we were walking by the Grand Canal (the main road, if you must!) we heard an ambulance siren approaching and thought how on earth is there an ambulance coming! Well it was an ambulance boat speeding past! Visiting Venice and seeing this place in real life feels like you’re in a painting. Every turn you make is just too beautiful!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpCi-Y_F4Dc/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

Sitting at a restaurant on the Grand Canal, sipping on a spritz’ or three and watching the sunset is a moment I will cherish forever!

♥

Stay tuned to the blog for more posts on Italy, especially one about where we had the best gelato. Ha!

A MOMENT OF BLISS WITH LINDT’S NEW LINDOR MILK MINT

Loren

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28/09/2018

1

A MOMENT OF BLISS WITH LINDT’S NEW LINDOR MILK MINT

*Knock Knock*
Me: Who’s there?
LINDT
Me: LINDT who?
LINDT Master Chocolatier

Just over a week ago there was a knock on my front door. I wasn’t expecting a delivery that day, so when I asked who is it and they responded with “LINDT”, I knew very well I was in for a treat. It was the most beautiful gold package with a gorgeous rose, which definitely added that extra little touch. I held back for as long as I could before I looked inside, simply because it was such a masterpiece, I did not want to ruin the package! Instead I started at it for a good long while, until I finally gave in to temptation.

Inside was the new limited edition LINDOR Milk Mint.

LINDOR Milk Mint

The LINDT Master Chocolatiers have expanded the LINDOR range to introduce a true South African flavour that we all know and love … Say hello to the new limited edition LINDOR Milk Mint.

The moment you pop one into your mouth, you instantly enter a moment of absolute bliss. Just imagine irresistibly smooth melting milk chocolate and mint centre, inside a shell crafted from the finest LINDT milk chocolate. This new range is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The subtle mint flavour is both refreshing and utterly indulgent, and to put it lightly, one is just not enough. You will end up having three or four, at least. They are THAT good!

These little treats have become my new favourite chocolate (you know how much I LOVE chocolate!). To sit down with my book, a cup of tea and a few of these LINDOR Milk Mint’s after a long day is just absolute bliss.

The new LINDOR Milk Mint is available in cornet box 200g (R94.95) as well as a 3-piece 37g (R18.95) at all major retailers and Lindt Boutiques nationwide.

For more information please visit www.lindt.com

♥

Blogging Tips: Starting a Blog in 5 Easy Steps (Part 2)

Blogging Tips

Loren

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05/09/2018

1

Blogging Tips: Starting a Blog in 5 Easy Steps (Part 2)

In the first post of my Blogging Tips series I covered all the things you need to consider before starting a blog which is basically how to find a blogging niche. You can read more about all of that over here. Now that you’ve considered everything in that post and you have (hopefully) found what you want to blog about, I’m going to tell you how to finally start a blog in 5 easy steps.

I promise you, it’s really that easy.

HOW TO START A BLOG IN 5 STEPS:

1. Choose a blogging platform

Before you can blog, you need a blogging platform. There are so many blogging platforms to choose from – from WordPress, Blogger and Squarespace to name a few. All of have their own pros and cons, but I can personally recommend WordPress. It is by far one of the biggest blogging platforms in the world. It comes with countless plugins and endless themes.

I started my blog with Blogger and after a year or two, I moved my blog over to WordPress. As a first time blogger, I loved working with Blogger. It was really so easy to use and did the job, but then when I wanted to change my theme, design and layout of my blog, I found WordPress was the answer for this.

If you’re still stuck on which blogging platform to choose, I recommend reading this article: Choose the Best Blogging Platform – Comparison 2018.

2. Find a host

Hopefully I have managed to convince you to choose WordPress as your blogging platform, so now the next step is to find a host. WordPress is simply just “software” and in order for your blog to be online and accessible to the public, you need server space, and you get server space from a hosting company or a “host”.

Some of South Africa’s most popular hosting companies include Hetzner, Afrihost and Webafrica. If you’d like to see what other hosting companies there are, I recommend reading this article: Top 10 Web Hosting Companies in South Africa.

3. Pick a domain name

A domain is a web address. For example, www.minkys.co.za is my domain name. If you don’t already have names or ideas, use the name of your blog or think of something short and catchy. Just remember though that your blog’s name should ideally be the domain name.

If you need some help deciding on a domain name, I recommend reading this article: How to Choose the Best Domain Name.

4. Design your new blog

Now this is the fun bit. This is the part where you design your blog to look exactly how you want it to look. If you’ve chosen WordPress, you can choose a new theme to work with by going to “Appearance” then “Themes” and installing a free WordPress them. If you don’t like what you see then you also have the option of buying a theme off ThemeForest.net.

Changing theme’s takes somennavigation, and I will admit, it isn’t so easy. Google will become your best friend when it comes to needing some help.

Here are a few things to remember when choosing a theme:

Your blog’s design should reflect what the blog is about while also ensuring your personality and you shine through (does that make sense? but you know what I mean!)
Your blog must be easy to navigate so your audience will enjoy browsing and therefore stick around

5. Get blogging

Last but not least, write your first blog post and hit publish!

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or email me on info@minkys.co.za

♥

MINKYS

Minkys

Minkys

GIVEAWAY

1. CABIN BAG FROM SAMSONITE

2. TRAVEL CUP

3. LEATHER TRAVEL WALLET

4. TRAVEL HAIR DRYER

5. A KINDLE

6. TRAVEL PILLOW SET

7. INSTAX MINI POLAROID CAMERA

8. PERFUME

9. BEACH HAT

10. A TOWEL

What will you be buying first?

ABOUT EATING EUROPE

OUR TOUR

My favourite highlights of the tour:

Where is your favourite ice cream spot?

1. THE CREAMERY in Cape Town

2. FAB CAFE AND GELATO in Johannesburg

3. UNFRAMED in Cape Town

4. MORO GELATO in Cape Town

5. PAUL’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM in Johannesburg

TRAVEL TIPS

When to visit?

How long to stay in Rome?

How to get around in Rome?

There’s more …

woolworths new double cream yoghurts

birkenstocks

lavazza coffee

chocolate cake from leafy greens cake

sally williams peanut butter nougat

So in no particular order, here are my favourite spots for good coffee and strong WiFi in Johannesburg:

… Is the cutest thing!

WHEN IS THE DUCK PARADE AT VERGENOEGD WINE ESTATE?

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO AT VERGENOEGD WINE ESTATE?

ROME

FLORENCE

VENICE

LINDOR Milk Mint

HOW TO START A BLOG IN 5 STEPS:

1. Choose a blogging platform

2. Find a host

3. Pick a domain name

4. Design your new blog

5. Get blogging

MINKYS