Archives - Minkys

The day we got lost in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Loren

-

12/06/2017

We seriously got lost.

You are probably thinking “how on earth can you get lost in Bo-Kaap when it is so small and you just walk along the roads lined with colourful houses?“, but truth be told, we got lost.

Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap is a bright and colourful neighbourhood in the heart of Cape Town. This little neighbourhood lies on the slopes of Signal Hill and is in the shadow of Lions Head, with views of Table Mountain. The area is rich in history and unique in culture. It was formerly known as the Malay Quarter. You will find brightly painted houses, picturesque Mosques and narrow cobble stoned streets, which make this area a unique attraction for both locals and tourists.

This picturesque neighbourhood also makes for a wonderful photo opportunity. So don’t venture to this part of Cape Town without your camera and a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

I have been wanting to visit Bo-Kaap for the longest time but I just never made a point of it. I have been to Cape Town countless times and just never ever got round to venturing here. So while in Cape Town last, I knew I had to just get to Bo-Kaap otherwise I’d have returned home disappointed. Again!

So we woke up early, called Uber and asked the driver to drop us off in Bo-Kaap, not knowing where though. We hopped out the car on one of the street corners of all the colourful houses and we were so excited to finally see this colourful neighbourhood with our own eyes.

We walked down one road. Then down another road. Up a little hill. Down a little hill. Then up another road.

Then we got lost.

For the life of us, we couldn’t find the coffee shop we were looking for. So we “punched” the name into Google Maps on our phone. Google Maps cleverly picked up we’re walking so made us walk in circles.

Literally in circles.

We didn’t ever find the coffee shop.

Sade face.

But we left Bo-Kaap with vibrant memories, a million photos and a funny story.

Happy face.

If you would like more information on this vibrant neighbourhood, click here for the website.

Have you visited Bo-Kaap before?

♥

Recipe for Jewish Chicken Soup

Loren

-

09/06/2017

1

AKA: Jewish Penicillin

When you’re not feeling your best and a little under the weather, there are few foods more soothing and comforting than a bowl of hearty chicken soup. That is why it is also known as Jewish Penicillin.

Every Jewish family have their own version of chicken soup that gets passed down from generation to generation. And today I am sharing with you my families recipe that I learnt from my mom. We make chicken soup on Jewish holidays, or for casual dinners in winter or to store in the freezer for days we need a comforting meal on the ready.

The recipe is so easy and the end result is something delicious, satisfying and so comforting.

Ingredients

1 medium sized whole chicken
water
2 carrots, peeled
1,5 stalks celery, peeled
1 large onion, left whole but peeled
1/2 small pumpkin, peeled and diced
1 or 2 chicken stock cubes (depending on how salty/tasty you like_
salt and pepper to taste

Method

Wash the chicken inside and out, remove pinfeathers and hairs and place it in a rather large size soup pot. Pour enough water in the pot to cover the chicken by 1-inch. Bring the liquid to a boil, lower the heat, and for the next several minutes, remove any scum/fat that rises to the surface. Add the carrots, celery, onion, pumpkin and salt and pepper and cubes of chicken stock.

Cover the pan partially and simmer the soup for 2-1/2 hours or until the chicken meat is very soft when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. Using a strainer spoon, take out the whole chicken as well as the vegetables (carrots, celery, onion and pumpkin). Place the whole chicken in one dish and the vegetables in other dish.

Using a potato masher, mash up the vegetables until it forms like a puree. Then shred the chicken up, but only the white of the chicken. Remove the bones and skin. The bones and the skin are only used for flavour, but they’re not used in the actual soup after. Put the vegetable puree and then shredded chicken pieces back into the pot of soup. Boil for another half an hour and mixing through every so often.

Serve with a slice of Kitka bread or some matzah balls.

Or freeze until one day it is so cold, you just want a bowl of comfort.

A big pot of soup like this makes enough to eat once its ready, for a few days after as well as enough to freeze for when you want later on.

Comment below if you’re going to be making a pot of hearty chicken soup to help fight the winter blues!

♥

Lipidol Overnight Face Oil is a Winter Skin Care Must Have

Beauty

Loren

-

08/06/2017

1

During winter our skin takes a beating. If you don’t give it what it needs you’ll come out with ready-to-crack-because-it-is-so-dry skin. You can blame all of this on our skin being exposed to heaters, wind, cold air and hot baths. These are the things that strip our skin of its natural oily layer, leaving it dehydrated, itchy and uncomfortable.

We don’t want this to happen, do we? So we tend to take extra care and use products aimed at combating this.

Why is Lipidol Overnight Face Oil perfect for winter?

♥ Contains a number of rejuvenating ingredients that get to work on your skin while you’re sleeping.

♥ The natural oils and emollients spread easily and rapidly over the skins surface, which then form a film that prevents the loss of moisture from the skin and the outside environment.

♥ It has been fragranced using Ylang-Ylang and Black Pepper essential oils.

♥ Ylang-Ylang is excellent for calming the mind and inducing sleep and has a balancing, regulating effect on the skin.

♥ Black Pepper oil contains high levels of antioxidants that help protect the skin from the harsh effects of the environment; it also increases blood circulation to the skin, which of course is great for overnight regeneration.

♥ The Overnight Face Oil has been coloured using natural plant extracts, so no synthetic dyes are used.

I have been using the overnight face oil for a while now. Every night I apply it to my face just after I have cleansed. I then wait a while for it to sink in and soak up and then I apply my night cream. This oil is SO luxurious and I can tell you now, it works. One of my main skin concerns is dry patches with a little bit of psoriasis here and there on my forehead, which is more noticeable come winter time. The face oil has definitely worked because not only are the dry patches gone but the little patches of psoriasis are much less noticeable. I have tried just about every cream over and under the counter and never have I seen results like this.

The thing I love too about this oil is the fragrance. Ylang-Ylang and Black Pepper essential oils are the major contributing factor to being ultra luxurious.

When I wake up the next morning my skin looks and feels refreshed, nourished and dewy. And on a more serious note, the boyfriends Granny asked me the other day what skin care products I’m using lately because my skin looks amazing.

When is best to apply it? Straight before bed time, just after you have cleansed and before you apply your moisturiser.

Price: R89.95 from Clicks

P.S. Just to clarify, this is not a sponsored post, this is simply my personal thoughts on a skincare product that truly works.

♥

The Midlands Meander: 8 stops you have to make

Loren

-

06/06/2017

4

According to our To-Do list!

The Midlands Meander is a magical place. It is home to beautiful waterfalls, misty mountains, indigenous forests and my favourite part, farmland. It has hidden gems and wonderful treasures. Once you discover this part of South Africa, you will find you will want to return for more and more.

But what makes up the Midlands Meander?

The Midlands Meander is an 80km network of sightseeing routes between Pietermaritzburg and Mooi River . The routes wind through Nottingham Road, Curry’s Post, Lions River, Howick, Merrivale, Kamberg, Balgowan, Rosetta and a few other areas. Each little area offers accommodation, restaurants, arts and crafts, farms, activities and so much more. The expansive countryside offers breathtaking postcard material views.

A few weekends ago we took a road trip through the Midlands Meander. We have visited this side of the world a few times, but this time we visited with a to-do list. We wanted to stop at every coffee shop, every restaurant, every farm and explore every road. And we did. Every item on our to-do list got ticked off, slowly but surely.

SO, HERE ARE THE 8 STOPS YOU HAVE TO MAKE ACCORDING
TO OUR TO-DO LIST:

1. Chocolate Heaven

WHERE: Nottingham Road

WHAT IS IT: The name says it all. Chocolate Heaven allows you to indulge in a fine selection of hand-moulded Belgian chocolates as well as chocolate fondues.

WHAT WE LOVED: Fresh, juicy strawberries dipped in chocolate. And the sugar free chocolate (labelled: diabetic chocolate) is divine! Especially the coconut one.

Address: The Junction Complex, Nottingham Road

www.chocolateheaven.co.za

2. Romesco Olives

WHERE: Howick

WHAT IS IT: An olive showroom offering tastings with a huge selection go marinated, stuffed and smoked olives. The olives you love, you can buy and take home.

WHAT WE LOVED: The Greek Moussaka Kalamata olives as well as the Spicy Panzanella Olives. We loved them so much we brought home 3 bottles of each.

Address: 7 Prospect Rd, Howick

3. Howick Falls

WHERE: Howick

WHAT IS IT: A waterfall. Duh!

WHAT WE LOVED: So beautiful!

Address: Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

4. Terbodore Coffee

WHERE: Curry’s Post

WHAT IS IT: A coffee shop where they roast their own coffee using the finest imported Arabica beans.

WHAT WE LOVED: There are 3 things we absolutely loved about Terbodore Coffee. Firstly, coming from the city of Johannesburg, we only know coffee shops in shopping centres and franchise coffee shops. This coffee shop, however, is in an old barn and the setting is in the garden. It was so lovely to sit outside, enjoy fresh air and sip on delicious coffee. Secondly, we loved the dog bone shaped coffee biscuits that accompany your cup of coffee. We bought 3 packets of these to bring home! Thirdly, the dogs that run around the garden are so cute and friendly.

Address: 87 Currys Post Rd, Howick

www.terbodorecoffee.co.za

5. Nottingham Road Brewing Company

WHERE: Nottingham Road

WHAT IS IT: A rustic craft brewery producing some of the nicest beers I have ever had. Some of the beer names are Whistling Weasel Pale Ale, Pickled Pig Porter, and a Tiddly Toad Lager.

WHAT WE LOVED: The beer of course. But two of our favourites included the mango ale and the cappuccino porter. Also, they make the most delicious ale pie.

Address: R103, Rawdons estate, Nottingham Road

www.notssbrewery.co.za

6. Swissland Cheese

WHERE: Balgowan

WHAT IS IT: A dairy farm, with a farm stall. But this is no ordinary farm. They offer picnic baskets and picnic blankets, and the farm stall sells delicious artisan goat cheese, snacks, wine and everything you need for the perfect picnic. The picnic also comes with a magical view.

WHAT WE LOVED: Everything! The delicious cheese, the view, the setting, the atmosphere. This is exactly what you want when you’re in the countryside.

Address: Old Main Road R103, Balgowan

www.swisslandcheese.net

7. The Ugly Duckling

WHERE: Rosetta

WHAT IS IT: A shop that sells just about everything except the kitchen sink. From furniture, carpets handicrafts, clothing to so much more.

WHAT WE LOVED: All the goodies we bought for our home, like a beautiful ornament for the TV cabinet.

Address: 84 Main Road R103 Rosetta

www.theuglyduckling.co.za

8. Blueberry Cafe

WHERE: Nottingham Road

WHAT IS IT: A restaurant on top of a hill specialising in blueberry goodies, like blueberry cheesecake, blueberry milkshake and blueberry pancakes.

WHAT WE LOVED: The blueberry cheesecake!

Address: Netherwood Farm, R103, Nottingham Road

P.S. DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE STOPS I MAKE ALONG MY TRAVELS THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA? WELL THEN YOU OUGHT TO FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM …

Click here to follow on Instagram or search the handle @Minkys.co.za

P.P.S There is the BIGGEST beauty giveaway happening on my Instagram and the value of the prize is over 11k! So go enter 😉

♥

How To Make A Perfect Bowl Of Oats

Food
Recipes

Loren

-

28/05/2017

8

Just like your granny used to make

When I was growing up my grandparents ate a bowl of oats every morning. I didn’t quite understand why anyone would choose to eat a mushy, bland breakfast. Now I know why; if you make a perfect bowl of oats, you will become a creature of habit too.

Oats is one of the healthiest breakfasts you can have. It is full of soluble fibre, has a healthy amount of protein, helps keep you full for longer, and it is a low-glycemic-index food. No wonder it is considered a breakfast of champions!

With the weather getting cooler, oats is the ideal breakfast for winter. It is hearty, wholesome and satisfying.

If you want your oats to be extra delicious too, here is how to make the perfect bowl of oats, according to me:

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup of oats (I use normal Jungle Oats)
1 cup of hot water
1 cup of milk
– Cook on the stove top for about 12 to 15 minutes, depending how thick you like it, but remember to keep stirring it.

ADDITIONS:

Sweetener: honey, maple syrup, brown sugar
Flavouring: cinnamon, coco powder, nutmeg, vanilla powder
Nuts: almonds, walnuts, chopped mixed nuts
Fruits: banana, strawberries, berries, mixed frozen berries or any fruit you so desire
Extras: chia seeds, peanut butter, shredded coconut, chocolate chips

As you can see, the options are endless, and you can never get bored of the same bowl of oats!

HOW I LIKE MY PERFECT BOWL OF OATS …

For every one part of oats, I use two parts of liquid (as said above). I like to add a lot of cinnamon as I love the flavour and a little bit of honey for sweetness, all while its cooking on the stove. I then pour it in my bowl and hide it under all of the fruit I can find in the fridge. Sprinkle it with chia seeds and some coconut flakes. On weekends I like to use maple syrup, chocolate chips and banana pieces … To satisfy my extra sweet tooth!

DID YOU KNOW?

Instant oats that is ready in two minutes in the microwave has a higher glycemic-index as compared to regular oats and it won’t keep you as full for longer like normal regular oats. The reason for this is because instant oats is the most heavily processed of all the oats varieties as the groats have been chopped fine, flattened, pre-cooked, and dehydrated, and it has added salt and sugar.

So rather stick to normal regular oats.

How do you like to have your oats?

♥

Why We Love The Kruger Park

Loren

-

23/05/2017

1

When people ask me what I love most about South Africa, I always say where else in the world can you hop into your car, drive a few hours and enter a world where its just you, nature and animals.

I love South Africa, I love the African bush but most of all, I heart the Kruger Park.

There is simply no place that can compare or come close to it.

The moment you hop into the car and start the road trip, your mind is instantly at ease. Its like you’ve already escaped into a different world. The little stops along the way add to the build up and the excitement of the whole trip. From stopping over in Dullstroom for pancakes, to little farm stalls for fresh oranges and avo along the way, each little moment is magical, tranquil and therapeutic.

Once you enter the Kruger Park you don’t know what you’re in for. No, not in a scary way. More of in a thrilling way. As you drive through the gate, there could be a lion waiting to welcome you. Or a heard of elephants. Or if luck is on your side that day, you could see a leopard in a tree. But even the simplest of animals, like buck, giraffes or a hippo for example, have a big presence in the excitement factor.

The magic of the Kruger Park is endless and limitless. From its sunrises and sunsets, to the sounds and whispers, and finally the animal sightings, its a majestic place for everyone.

If you have never been to the Kruger Park or any game reserve for that matter, this is what you’re missing out on …

Every year, for the past 10 years, we go on our annual family trip to the Kruger Park. And, without exaggerating, it is the highlight of our year. We plan the whole year and the months coming up to our trip, we make lists and start getting organised. We even start packing the car. Jokes. Ha!

In no particular order, these are my favourite sightings:

♥ Elephants playing in the water.

♥ Leopard in a tree (obviously ;)).

♥ Hippo’s. I always say the hippo is my absolutely favourite animal in the bush. I love them!

Have you been to the Kruger Park before?

Another post that will make you want to go to the Kruger Park:

The Kruger Park: Sunsets and Sunrises

♥

Food Diaries: Plettenberg Bay

Loren

-

19/05/2017

1

What I Ate and Where I Ate.

In Plett.

Plettenberg Bay is known for having cozy little coffee shops, chic cafes and absolutely delicious food. Whenever I visit Plett, I have my must visit places and my must eat dishes. I know we’re all a little nosy in one way or another, so here are a few of the things I ate on my last visit to Plett not so long ago.

I hope you have a snack on hand, you’re going to get hungry.

Flat Whites at DoubleShot Coffee Bar

DoubleShot Coffee Bar is conveniently located in the Main Street and is definitely my favourite coffee shop in Plett. The flat whites are delicious, the breakfast options are endless and the baked treats are melt-in-your-mouth. We frequent this little coffee shop nearly every morning as its just a short walk away.

Website: DoubleShot Coffee Bar

Fresh Line Fish and Veggies at Ristorante Enrico

Beyond beautiful ocean views and a fresh piece of fish. What more can you ask for when you at a seaside town?

Website: Ristorante Enrico

Meze at Bramon Wine Farm

Plett’s very own wine farm offers wine tasting and meze style lunches. What this means is you tick off items you want from the menu. The items are small portions so you have to order a lot and you have to share. It makes for a very fun lunch. Team this with great wine and some friends and you have yourself a whole days affair.

Their bread is so so soft and you have to pull it apart to enjoy it the most. Don’t even think about using the knife 🙂

More info about Bramon in this blog post.

Website: Bramon Wines

Rack of Lamb at Shamwari Game Reserve

On my trip to Plett we stayed at Shamwari Game Reserve for two nights (more in this blog post). If I tell you how delicious the food was, I would not be exaggerating. But the one dish that stood out for me and that I keep dreaming about a few weeks later was this rack of lamb. Lamb is my favourite but if it is done perfectly, like this dish, it is my absolute favourite, ever.

Website: Shamwari Game Reserve

Almond Croissants at Le Fournil de Plett

Like I said above, Plett is known for cozy little coffee shops and Le Fournil de Plett is exactly this. It is positioned in a courtyard and has the atmosphere of a little cafe in the heart of France. The food is exceptional. And they make the worlds best almond croissants. They are so delicious, you will want to take home a dozen just to snack on.

Address: 18 Main St, Plettenberg Bay

Farmers Breakfast at Wild Oats Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning there is the Wild Oats Farmers Market just outside of Sedgefield. You will find a selection of stalls selling organic fruit and veg, freshly baked homemade goods, jams etc. And you will also find a stall selling the best breakfast ever of scrambled egg, boerewors and homemade bread with butter. Add a little sweet chilli sauce like I do and this will be a real breakfast of champs.

Website: Wild Oats Farmers Market

Roast Beef Sandwich at Le Fournil de Plett

As mentioned above, I love Le Fournil de Plett for its food, atmosphere and its food. I repeat: the food! This is my favourite sandwich from here. Roast beef, with mayonnaise and gherkins on rye bread. It comes with crisps and a salad which is dressed in a delicious salad dressing.

Address: 18 Main St, Plettenberg Bay

Tea and Scones at the Plettenberg Hotel

And last but not least, tea and scones at the Plettenberg Hotel. A gorgeous view and scones that the Queen will approve of – what more?

Website: The Plettenberg

♥

A Weekend at Granny Mouse Country House and Spa

Loren

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18/05/2017

1

who doesn’t love a weekend away?

Weekends away are just the best. Your bags are packed, you wake up early, get in the car and drive out of the city. The more you drive, the clearer your head becomes. The further away from the city you go, the cleaner the air. And once you arrive at your destination, all you want to do is relax, unwind and explore.

This is exactly what we did a few weekends ago. We set our alarm for 5am on Friday morning. Had our coffee, packed the car and we were on the road to Granny Mouse Country House by 7am.

Granny Mouse Country House and Spa

Granny Mouse is a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg. Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, with 32 luxurious rooms, 2 restaurants and a magnificent Spa, it is the perfect destination for the ultimate weekend away. It is also the perfect home away from home.

As we arrived at Granny Mouse, the first thing that struck me is how beautifully quiet and tranquil it is. Coming from the city, the moment you drive through the main gate, you feel like you’re a million miles away. Surrounding farm lands, majestic view, the sounds of the Lions River flowing past, and lush gardens all add to this tranquility.

Staying over at Granny Mouse allows you full access to all the amenities. A gorgeous swimming pool, a wine cellar, many lounge rooms to relax in, the spa and even the on-site wedding chapel. Might I add, its the cutest wedding chapel I’ve ever seen.

One of the things I absolutely loved during our weekend stay over was being able to explore the incredible walkways/pathways surrounding Granny Mouse. We took a long walk along the Lions River stream then another walk along the other pathway that looked out onto beautiful farm land with cows in the distance. To walk, clear your minds, chat away and breathe in fresh air is always what the doctor orders.

We were given a deluxe suite for the weekend. The room was so beautiful with a cozy bed, a bathroom with a view, and a little balcony. The deluxe suites are quite a walk from the main hotel area, but through well manicured gardens, it makes the walk rather lovely.

My favourite thing about the room was all the different areas to bring out a book and read. From the cozy reading nook in the bedroom, to the peaceful balcony offering only sounds of nature or the huge bath. I definitely made use of all three cozy nooks that offered uninterrupted views.

What I love is how Granny Mouse ensures ultimate relaxation.

If you’re looking for the ultimate cosiest weekend away out of the city and into the countryside head no further than the Midlands and definitely stay over at Granny Mouse Country House. You will find it is truly a home away from home.

More info on Granny Mouse Country House, visit their website here.

♥

Thank you Granny Mouse Country House for the stay over. As with all posts, the opinions are my own.

Crumbs and Cream Johannesburg

Loren

-

08/05/2017

0

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Crumbs and Cream!

We finally have our very own Crumbs & Cream here in Johannesburg,
so say goodbye to the days of wanting to fly to Cape Town for the weekend just to have your fix.

hip hip hooray!

what is Crumbs & Cream?

It is a delicious, mouthwatering ice cream sandwich you create and craft yourself.

how does it work?

1. Walk into Crumbs & Cream and smell the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies.

2. Choose any two cookies from a freshly baked variety. Oreo, Choc-Chip and Brownies just to name a few. You can choose two different kinds or two of the same. I like to go for two different cookies … Go big or go home. Ha!

3. Then you choose a scoop or two of gelato. It is at this point that you will become very indecisive.

4. Finish off your ice cream sandwich with a choice of toppings and spreads, like Nutella sauce or mini marshmallows.

5. Take a seat and enjoy your totally delicious treat.

the story behind Crumbs & Cream

Crumbs & Cream was started by sisters, Shahar and Or Peled. After months of cookie batter experiments and baking around the clock, they turned a a love of all sweet things into a business.

Crumbs & Creams first started out in a tuk-tuk/truck at they V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, then into a flagship store in Sea Point, Cape Town.

did you know?

In addition to ice cream sandwiches, you can indulge in delicious ice cream cones, coffee and milkshakes.

And if you’re one for healthier choices, they have sugar fee ice cream, as well as vegan and banting options.

where?

Find us at – Illovo Junction – CNR Oxford Road & Corlett Drive

Open daily from 11am to 11pm

prices?

Ice-Cream Sandwich R38
Toppings / Spreads are R5 each

www.crumbsandcream.co.za

♥

Winter Wardrobe: Boots, Boots and more Boots

Loren

-

05/05/2017

2

My theory when it comes to shoes is always invest in a pair of classics that will see you through from one season to the next. For summer, I like a good pair of pumps. And for winter I love a pair of classic boots. A good pair of boots, especially leather, have a good life span if you look after them. I have had a pair of brown leather boots for nearly 10 years now. I polish them all the time and keep them really clean and well look after. They have seen many an icy cold winter and should see a lot more. Hopefully they’ll be seeing snow if everything goes according to plan these December holidays.

So with winter here in full swing, I thought I would share with you what boots I’ll be rocking this coming winter.

Leather Riding Boots

These are the boots that I have had for almost 10 years. I bought them from Woolworths ages ago and they are just such a classic style. They are definitely an investment and almost always look stylish and on-trend. I love how the brown leather goes with nearly any outfit. Jeans, leggings or even a dress. My favourite is black leggings, a long denim shirt and these boots. The whole horse riding look just gets me, I love it!

Buy yourself a pair …

♥ SPLURGE: Similar here from DUNE LONDON
♥ SAVE: Similar here from Woolworths

Rain Boots

Also known as wellingtons, everyone should own a pair of rain boots. With the weather being totally crazy and us Joburger’s now having rain in winter, we probably will get snow too, so it is always good to invest in a pair of these. Rain boots are perfect if you don’t want to mess a quality pair of leather boots. You can wear them in the rain and jump around in the puddles without worrying about doing any damage. My leopard print rain boots are from Woolworths but I bought them about 3 years ago. I keep checking if they get more in as I would love another pair but alas they haven’t yet.

Buy yourself a pair …

♥ SPLURGE: A pair of these Hunter Boots from Spree
♥ SAVE: A pair of CROCS Rain Boots
♥ MUST HAVE: A pair of Quilted Wellingtons from DUNE LONDON

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are ever so stylish too with a slight grungy look. I wear my little black ankle boots often in winter simply because they’re just so easy to slip on. I bought these from Woolworths (yes I shop a lot at Woolworths) last year. They are leather, so soft inside and very comfortable. A pair of ankle boots should also be in everyones wardrobe.

Buy yourself a pair …

♥ SPLURGE: Similar here from Poetry Stores
♥ SAVE: Similar here from Spree
♥ MUST HAVE: Chelsea Boot from Crocs

Booties

The difference between ankle boots and booties are that ankle boots end 1 to 4 inches above your ankle, and booties end right at the ankle. I bet you didn’t know that. The lovely people over at Saint & Summer sent me a pair of these Swaggers and I love them. I have worn them every winter since I received them.

I like to wear these over skinny jeans or even leggings. They are super cute!

Buy yourself a pair …

♥ SPLURGE: Similar here from DUNE LONDON
♥ SAVE: Similar here from Marcha Ballerina

Slippers

If you don’t have a fluffy pair of slippers to help you get through winter than how are you going to survive? A pair of slippers lined with sheepskin are so warm and so comforting. Waking up in the morning and slipping on a pair of these make getting up in the morning so easy.

Buy yourself a pair …

♥ SPLURGE: Exact same here from Cape Union Mart
♥ SAVE: Similar here from Woolworths for R225.

♥

Mother’s Day Giveaway with Lipidol

Beauty

Loren

-

28/04/2017

0

Incase you haven’t penciled it in yet,
Mother’s Day is on the 14th of May.

And I have a giveaway just for you to take this opportunity to tell your mom just how much you appreciate, admire and adore her.

Have you heard of South Africa’s local skincare range, Lipidol? It is the worlds first range of oils for daily skincare. All the products in the range have been fragranced using essential oils and coloured using natural plant extracts, which means no synthetic dyes are used. Lipidol has also been independently tested and found to be suitable for sensitive skin and non-comedogenic.

The Lipidol range includes the following:
♥ a cleansing face oil,
♥ a cleansing body oil,
♥ an after shower oil,
♥ sunscreen oil with SPF 20,
♥ aftershave oil,
♥ overnight face oil

The range retails at R89.95 each and is available at selected Clicks stores.

Giveaway

Would you like to spoil your Mom with a gorgeous hamper of these amazing goodies? I can vouch for them being amazing because I use them.

The hamper includes the following: the full Lipidol range, a handy travel toiletry bag and a white 100% cotton gown to the value of R1 200.

How to enter?

♥ Head to Instagram and follow Minkys – the Instagram handle is @minkys.co.za,

♥ On Instagram you’ll find the photo below which is of the giveaway. Like the photo and comment with a friend/your mom who deserves to be spoilt this Mother’s Day!

Easy as pie!

Giveaway will close on Friday 5 May and I will announce the winner on all social media channels.

♥

A Recipe for Homemade Banana Granola

Loren

-

24/04/2017

7

It is delicious …

Did you know store bought granola has so much added sugar and nasty stuff? I bet you didn’t know that because I didn’t know that either. So after having realised this fact and reading up so many articles on this, I decided to make my own granola. But not just any granola. Banana granola!

I found a few recipes online as a guideline, but after a few tweaks here and there, here is my recipe. You can add more or less of anything you would like as it is all up to your preference. The great thing with this is, it can’t flop, so even the non-domesticated can make this. Ha! It is super easy to make and it came out delicious! I look so forward to my breakfast every morning now knowing its so yum, healthy and nasty stuff free!

Ingredients …

2 cups oats

1 cup mixed raw nuts

1/2 cup melted virgin organic coconut oil

2 tbsp honey

1 tspn ground cinnamon

2 bananas mashed

How to?

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

2. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

3. Place the oats and the mixed raw nuts in a big bowl.

4. In a smaller bowl mix the bananas, cinnamon, honey and coconut oil.

5. Then add the banana mixture to the oats and nuts, and gently combine all the ingredients making sure all is well coated.

6. Taste the mixture to see if it needs anything else, maybe some more honey or cinnamon.

7. Pour the mixture onto the lined baking tray and gently spread it out as evenly as you can.

8. Put in the oven for about 10 – 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn (the nuts can burn quickly!).

9. Remove from the oven and mix around the granola with a wooden spoon.

10. Put the granola back in the oven for another 10 – 15 minutes.

11. When the granola looks nice and brown, take it out the oven and let it cool completely before you put it in a container.

Enjoy with yoghurt and a cup of tea for breakfast, or grab handfuls as an afternoon snack!

♥

MINKYS

Minkys

Minkys

We seriously got lost.

Bo-Kaap

AKA: Jewish Penicillin

Ingredients

Method

Why is Lipidol Overnight Face Oil perfect for winter?

The thing I love too about this oil is the fragrance. Ylang-Ylang and Black Pepper essential oils are the major contributing factor to being ultra luxurious.

Price: R89.95 from Clicks

According to our To-Do list!

But what makes up the Midlands Meander?

SO, HERE ARE THE 8 STOPS YOU HAVE TO MAKE ACCORDING TO OUR TO-DO LIST:

1. Chocolate Heaven

2. Romesco Olives

3. Howick Falls

4. Terbodore Coffee

5. Nottingham Road Brewing Company

6. Swissland Cheese

7. The Ugly Duckling

8. Blueberry Cafe

P.S. DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE STOPS I MAKE ALONG MY TRAVELS THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA? WELL THEN YOU OUGHT TO FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM …

Click here to follow on Instagram or search the handle @Minkys.co.za

♥

Just like your granny used to make

INGREDIENTS:

ADDITIONS:

HOW I LIKE MY PERFECT BOWL OF OATS …

DID YOU KNOW?

I love South Africa, I love the African bush but most of all, I heart the Kruger Park.

Have you been to the Kruger Park before?

What I Ate and Where I Ate.

In Plett.

Flat Whites at DoubleShot Coffee Bar

Fresh Line Fish and Veggies at Ristorante Enrico

Meze at Bramon Wine Farm

Rack of Lamb at Shamwari Game Reserve

Almond Croissants at Le Fournil de Plett

Farmers Breakfast at Wild Oats Farmers Market

Roast Beef Sandwich at Le Fournil de Plett

Tea and Scones at the Plettenberg Hotel

who doesn’t love a weekend away?

Granny Mouse Country House and Spa

What I love is how Granny Mouse ensures ultimate relaxation.

Thank you Granny Mouse Country House for the stay over. As with all posts, the opinions are my own.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Crumbs and Cream!

hip hip hooray!

what is Crumbs & Cream?

how does it work?

the story behind Crumbs & Cream

did you know?

where?

prices?

Leather Riding Boots

Buy yourself a pair …

♥ SPLURGE: Similar here from DUNE LONDON ♥ SAVE: Similar here from Woolworths

Rain Boots

Buy yourself a pair …

♥ SPLURGE: A pair of these Hunter Boots from Spree ♥ SAVE: A pair of CROCS Rain Boots ♥ MUST HAVE: A pair of Quilted Wellingtons from DUNE LONDON

Ankle Boots

Buy yourself a pair …

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Booties

Buy yourself a pair …

♥ SPLURGE: Similar here from DUNE LONDON ♥ SAVE: Similar here from Marcha Ballerina

Slippers

Buy yourself a pair …

♥ SPLURGE: Exact same here from Cape Union Mart ♥ SAVE: Similar here from Woolworths for R225.

♥

Incase you haven’t penciled it in yet, Mother’s Day is on the 14th of May.

And I have a giveaway just for you to take this opportunity to tell your mom just how much you appreciate, admire and adore her.

Giveaway

It is delicious …

Ingredients …

How to?

MINKYS

SO, HERE ARE THE 8 STOPS YOU HAVE TO MAKE ACCORDING
TO OUR TO-DO LIST:

♥ SPLURGE: Similar here from DUNE LONDON
♥ SAVE: Similar here from Woolworths

♥ SPLURGE: A pair of these Hunter Boots from Spree
♥ SAVE: A pair of CROCS Rain Boots
♥ MUST HAVE: A pair of Quilted Wellingtons from DUNE LONDON

♥ SPLURGE: Similar here from Poetry Stores
♥ SAVE: Similar here from Spree
♥ MUST HAVE: Chelsea Boot from Crocs

♥ SPLURGE: Similar here from DUNE LONDON
♥ SAVE: Similar here from Marcha Ballerina

♥ SPLURGE: Exact same here from Cape Union Mart
♥ SAVE: Similar here from Woolworths for R225.

Incase you haven’t penciled it in yet,
Mother’s Day is on the 14th of May.