Archives - Minkys

Delicious French Treats and Baking Bread at the New PAUL Bakery

Loren

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03/03/2017

PAUL.

THE word on every fellow foodies mouth. But rightly so. All foodies and non foodies alike are very excited because the very first Paul has opened in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

PAUL is a family owned French bakery-restaurant whose finest baking traditions and savoir-faire have been passed down over five generations. They have outlets in 36 countries worldwide and now we have our very own in South Africa. It will have an 180 seater restaurant offering typical café fare sandwiches, salads, soups and more. With a glass window into the kitchen you’ll also be able to watch all the delicious breads being baked.

As you walk into the restaurant, a pastry cabinet filled with an array of delectable French treats will welcome you. Croissants, eclairs, macarons, fruit tarts and palmiers to name a few. Every sweet tooth will be satisfied.

Some of the breakfast dishes include omelettes, french toast, eggs benedict and filled crepes. The lunch and menu dinner is filled with french onion soup, savoury pancakes, baguettes, confit fuck, coq au vin, and potato gratin.

baking bread with master baker, Richard Blades

At the media launch of this restaurant, the other day, we were given the opportunity to bake bread with Master Baker, Richard Blades. Richard Blades has made two television shows with celebrity chefs Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Clarissa Dickson-Wright.

From folding, to the kneading and to the actual baking, we were taught it all.

It was so much fun!

I think PAUL is a French little haven right on our doorstep and I honestly couldn’t be happier. The prices seem reasonable, the food looks delicious and the atmosphere is very French café. This is definitely what we needed here in South Africa!

Address: Shop 010I3, Corner The High Street & Crescent Drive, Melrose Arch

Social Media: Facebook (@Paul1889.southafrica), Twitter (@Paulbakerysa) and Instagram (@PAULSouthAfrica).

Bonjour!

♥

A Day at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff with Omorovicza

Loren

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01/03/2017

1

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg is known for being a five star luxury hotel. The hotel offers world class dining, the best views of Johannesburg as well as a beautiful spa. The spa has recently welcomed a luxury Hungarian skincare brand Omorovicza to their list of premium skin care products and treatments.

Omorovicza

Omorovicza has an interesting story behind the brand. The owners and founders are husband and wife. They met in Budapest and both share a fascination for the city’s history and for the healing properties of the waters. Their home is built on a hot spring and features one of the famous baths in the city. Because the hot springs are rich in different minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc, it has tremendous healing properties on the skin. They then worked with a laboratory in Hungary to develop a delivery system that allows the minerals from the waters to be absorbed by the skin.

Omorovicza Gold Hydralifting facial

Last week I was treated to the most luxurious Omorovicza Gold Hydralifting facial.

This was definitely the best facial I have ever had in my life and here is why …

• The facial is a 90 minute long traditional Hungarian facial massage.

• It is aimed at repairing, hydrating, plumping and nourishing the skin.

• A rose scented gold mask is applied which contains bio-available gold.

• The therapist uses the most amazing hand technique where she combines a deep tissue massage with pressure point stimulation. This may sound a bit intriguing but it is amazing!

• Omorovicza products smell and feel ultra luxurious.

• Two rose quartz crystal massage wands are gently applied to your skin with just the right amount of pressure.

• After the mineral mud mask has been applied to your skin, you’re given a hand and arm massage.

• The results are immediate and you walk out with plump, nourished and very healthy looking skin. I received so many compliments for a few days after this facial. And even a week later my skin still has a natural glow to it.

• And, something I have to repeat for importance, is the hand technique. It felt too heavenly for words.

At the media launch of Omorovicza, we were given two products to try out.

The cleansing foam and the Queen of Hungary mist.

• The cleansing foam is a creamy pale blue foam that does not contain any sulphates. It is so gentle and leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished. It also has a refreshing mineral smell, which is a change from most cleanser smells that have a chemical smell.

• The Queen of Hungary Mist is honestly my favourite beauty product in the bathroom right now. It has the most gorgeous rose and neroli scent that I cannot get enough of. I love it so much that I spray a bit on the palm of my hand and treat this mist as a perfume. The mist is a refreshing spritz that can be used as a toner, or even over makeup to freshen up your face. Or a perfume, like I use it as.

For a list of treatments, visit the website here.

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg
Address: 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff, 2193
Tel: 011 481 6000
Website

♥

Find Your Perfect Pair

Fashion

Loren

-

27/02/2017

2

… Of Shoes!

You have the dress and you have the accessories. Now all you need is the perfect pair of shoes? This is all part of the fun of putting an outfit together, isn’t it?

Superbalist sent me a pair of Laser Cut Sandals to style. That that means, I was given the perfect pair of shoes, and had to team them up with a perfect outfit. This is what I did …

1. boyfriend jeans and a denim shirt

2. leggings and a lengthy top

3. summer shorts and a tshirt

What do you think?

Head to Superbalist and find your perfect pair of shoes!

♥

Oyster Box Hotel

Loren

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24/02/2017

0

I know I say this about a lot of hotels, each for different reasons, but the Oyster Box Hotel is one of my absolute favourite hotels. It oozes opulence, flair, class and every time I visit Natal, I have to pop in to soak this all up.

On a recent visit, I couldn’t miss a photo opportunity. We popped in for lunch and a photo shoot. I had to, especially with the weather being misty and magical.

did you know?

The Oyster Box is very rich in history. In 1863 it was first known as The Oyster Lodge, and was originally used as a navigational beacon. In 1954, the grounds were then sold and it became a tea garden. It then became a restaurant, and then the Oyster Box Hotel opened. In 2006 the property came up for sale. The then owner wanted the Oyster Box to pass on to a family who would continue the traditions and values the hotel was known for. A Mr and Mrs Tollman then bought the hotel. They had a vision to restore and develop the legendary Oyster Box Hotel to its original glory. They restored the property in a way that was authentic to the period it was built while still bringing it in line with the 21s century.

The Oyster Box

Address: 2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, Durban, South Africa

♥

A Perfect Cuppacino Using Almond Breeze Barista Blend

Food
Recipes

Loren

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22/02/2017

1

We all love our coffee, a frothy latte and a little bit of artwork on our cuppaccino’s.
And we all try be a little bit healthier in our daily lives.

Say hello to Almond Breeze Barista Blend …

A dairy free alternative that ticks all the right boxes and makes for a perfect cuppaccino.

almond breeze barista blend

Just the other day, the milk man delivered a briefcase filled with Almond Breeze Barista Blend. Almond Breeze isn’t new to me as I always have some in the fridge to use for my smoothies, but the Barista Blend is. After opening up the briefcase, I got busy in the kitchen. 3 cuppacino’s later the Barista Blend is definitely delicious.

Almond Breeze Barista Blend is a great tasting, rich and creamy alternative to milk. It is also much healthier. It combines the superfood benefits of almonds, it is non-genetically modified, it is naturally low in saturated fat and it is suitable for vegans. Together with all of this, the great flavour compliments a delicious cup of coffee and makes it visually appealing too with its frothing capabilities. What I like most is that there is no sugar added, so the taste is naturally flavourful.

the perfect cuppacino

Almond Breeze Barista Blend is created specifically for use with cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites. I put this to the test. After 3 cappuccinos in the same day (or within a few hours), it makes for a great tasting and ultra frothy coffee. The taste isn’t what we used to when we have coffee with normal milk. It is a lot tastier and flavourful with a subtle nutty hint.

It is definitely delicious!

more about almond breeze barista blend

♥ Suitable for vegans? Yes

♥ Should be used within 5 days of opening and it should be stored in the refrigerator.

♥ Should not be put in the freezer.

♥ Almond Breeze is just like any other milk made for coffee use. It can be heated to 60 °C. .

For more information, visit here: almondbreeze.co.za

To find your nearest stockist, visit here: Stockists

Or for more information regarding storage, ingredients, packaging and more, visit here: FAQ

♥

Thanda Safari, Kwa-Zulu Natal

Loren

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20/02/2017

1

Join me on safari to a little piece of African paradise
and let’s go see the big 5 …

There is no better experience than driving through the African bushveld, in an open-air Land Rover at full speed, under the glare of the African sun, looking for wild animals. You are miles away from the concrete jungle that is the bustling city. It is just you and nature. When this experience encompasses a luxury bush lodge as your home base, you know you’re in for a truly African wildlife safari experience.

Thanda Safari …

… is situated in a 14 000 hectare private game reserve, just 23 km’s north of Hlhuhlwe, in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The private game reserve is home to the Big Five, as well as cheetah, hyena, warthog and the elusive wild dog. Thanda, meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, unites romance and exclusivity, with Zulu culture and wildlife. Thanda Safari comprises of three very different accommodation types: the Safari Lodge, a Villa IsiZulu and the Thanda Tented Camps.

After a 3 hour drive from Durban Airport we arrived at the gates to this African dream destination. We parked our vehicle and waited a little while before our ranger and guide came to collect us. Together with our luggage, we are driven up in an open-air Land Rover to the Tented Camps. Along the way we spot a few lanky giraffes in the distance. So picturesque, the scene looked almost like an animated, intricate painting of the African bush from an artists impression.

We are welcomed at reception with hand towels to freshen up and a refreshing welcome drink.

We were then briefed on what to expect at Thanda Safari. The itinerary and forecast for the weekend ahead was 2 game drives a day, a temperature of 35 degrees, total relaxation and utter African bliss. Alongside all of this we would be indulging in lavish brunches, tranquil high teas and delicious dinners in the boma.

With a 14h00 arrival, high tea at 15h30 and a game drive departure at 16h30, we were shown to our tent for a quick freshening up. We walked along the pathway, through the beautiful trees with the birds flickering above us. Along the way, a few buck also gave us a warm welcome. Although the camp has a partial electrified fence, some of the friendly animals managed to sneak in.

We arrived at our tent, which was quite a distance away from the main reception area, as well as the other 14 tents. As we walked in, our breath was taken away. The tent was spacious and ultra luxurious, with a private sun deck, an en suite canvas bathroom and an outdoor shower. There was candles, a paraffin lantern and a walkie-talkie in case we needed to get hold of reception.

Our tent was hidden, private and secluded, and using the outdoor shower, at any time of the day, was totally permissible.

This was definitely the bush as nature intended and we knew we were in for a real safari experience.

A typical day at Thanda unfolds like this:

4h30 – wake up call;

5h00 – morning game drive with tea/coffee and snacks;

8h00 – arrive back for breakfast;

13h00 – lunch is served;

14h30 – tea time;

16h30 – afternoon game drive with drinks and snacks;

20h00 – arrive back for dinner;

All in all, your day revolves around game viewing and eating, with more than enough time to fit in a siesta, some reading, swimming or a treatment at the Spa.

A true African safari goes hand in hand with thrill of a game drive and the excitement of searching for the Big Five. Each game drive was more exciting than the next. On one of the morning drives, the guides showed us the fresh tracks of a cheetah. And on an afternoon drive, we spotted fresh blood in grass close to where lions recently did a kill.

It feels like we owned the game reserve. It was just us, on our game drive vehicle, in search of the animals.

We saw some amazing sightings. From lions sleeping in the grass, to a big herd of buffalo with calves. As well as two cheetahs so upclose that if I stretched out my arm, I could have patted their back. Elephants, rhino, giraffes and zebra too. If you had to ask me what my favourite sighting was, it would definitely be elephants swimming in the dam and a poor lioness trying to get to the water for a drink. The closer she got, the more the elephants trumpeted to chase her away. In all my years of going to game reserves, I have never captured a herd of elephant and single lioness in one photograph and at Thanda, I did.

Thanda Tented Camps are perched on a little mountain top that overlooks the beautiful rolling hills of Zululand. If we weren’t on our game drives, we were lapping up the breathtaking view from our room or we were hanging out at the boma by the waterhole and enjoying the view from there. With a book in hand, waiting for the elephants to come drink at the waterhole, its all about the relaxation and listening to the sounds of nature.

At night, it was us, the clear skies, the calls of the laughing hyena and the roars of the hungry lion.

Thanda Safari can definitely be considered one of my absolute favourite safari experiences. The wildlife encounters were especially up close and the game viewing was rich and fulfilling. The whole experience is enhanced by the highly experienced game rangers as well as the hospitality of all the staff that do their utmost.

The tented camp also ensured a unique African experience like no other.

Thanda Safari is a five star private game reserve that exudes amazing service, excellent food, intimacy and privacy, together with the Big Five and the peacefulness of the bush veld.

I cannot wait to return.

For more information on Thanda Safari, click here.

♥

Thank you Thanda Safari for the getaway. As with all posts, the opinions are my own.

How To Make a Pot of Popcorn

Loren

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09/02/2017

2

What is your favourite salty snack? Mine is popcorn. Making popcorn from scratch however can be quite tricky, so we tend to buy the microwave one instead. Microwave popcorn isn’t so healthy, with all the oil and added salt. I remember in the good old days my mom used to make the best popcorn from the pot. It was light, fluffy and crispy. I made her dig out her recipe a few months ago and I’ve been making popcorn in the pot ever since. I may have tweaked the recipe a little bit. Instead of normal oil, I’ve been using coconut oil. It is so much more delicious and tasty! The coconut oil gives the popcorn a sweetish flavour. With a little sprinkle of salt you getting the best of both sweet and salty. It is so good!

Perfect Pot of Popcorn

3 Tbspn Coconut Oil (or normal oil if you prefer)

1/3 cup of popcorn kernels

A pot with a lid

Salt to taste

Heat the coconut oil in the pot making sure its melted through. Add 4 or 5 kernels to the oil and cover the pot with a lid. When the 4 or 5 kernels have popped, and the rest of the 1/3 cup of kernels to the pot in an even layer. Put the lid on and remove the pot from the heat waiting a few seconds before putting the pot back onto the heat. Why? This just makes sure each kernel reaches the same temperature before popping and will pop altogether in one go! Return the pot to the heat and listen to them all pop! Once they’ve all popped, take off the heat, add some salt, let them cool.

Then put on your favourite show on Netflix, sit down and munch on your perfect popcorn made in the pot!

This recipe makes enough for two people or one very hungry person thats having popcorn for dinner.

Not only is popcorn so satisfyingly crunchy, here are the health benefits if you need more reason to eat it!

♥

Dear Boyfriend – It’s Valentine’s Day Soon

Lifestyle

Loren

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05/02/2017

8

“Dear Boyfriend,

Valentine’s Day is soon. We all know it can be a very expensive day, if we don’t do it in a clever way. If you fall into the trap of booking at a really romantic restaurant that offers a Valentines special of champagne on arrival, a 5 course meal, rose petals on the table, complimentary chocolate and a free bottle of wine you are going to pay a ridiculous amount for everything.

Or if you are planning on buying a piece of jewellery and giving it on Valentines Day, it will be just as sentimental if you give it to me on any other day. But if you are thinking of getting me the hugest teddy bear that says “I love you”, we don’t have much space in our apartment. And, if you are planning on buying me the biggest box of chocolates thats only sold on Valentines Day, lets wait a few days for them to go on special and then we can buy them in bulk.

I know that if we can’t do all of these clichéd romantic things, what can we do? Well we can actually do a lot …

♥ BREAKFAST IN BED

We can treat ourselves to a lie-in and breakfast in bed. My favourite breakfast is oats topped with fresh fruit and some chia seeds. Here’s a super easy recipe for oats, so you don’t have to google all funny recipes. Serve with a cup of coffee and a hearty smile, that I love.

Or, you can make one of these breakfasts.

♥ VISIT A FARMERS MARKET

What is better than strolling hand-in-hand through farmers markets and eating your way through every stall. Remember once we went to the Fourways Farmers Market and we ate the best belgian waffles topped with chocolate sauce, condensed milk and ice cream? Can we do it again, please 🙂 This time I promise not to devour half the thing when you not looking.

♥ A PICNIC IN THE PARK

Or we can grab a bottle of wine, some of our favourite cheeses, a bottle of olives, a blanket and head to the nearest park for a little picnic to get some fresh air and lap up the last bits of summer.

♥ GRAB A COFFEE

We can head out to a very cozy coffee shop and grab a delicious cuppa and chat. We don’t do that often enough and its both of our favourite things.

♥ MAKE HOMEMADE PASTA

You love pasta. I adore pasta. For dinner we can be adventurous in the kitchen and make homemade pasta with homemade sauce. As difficult as that sounds, I think it would be easy and fun. Especially with a glass of wine … Or a bottle or two.

♥ TEN PIN BOWLING

To work off everything we consumed, we can see who is the king pin and ten pin bowling. The last time we played was so long ago, so lets see who has improved over time (I think its still me). Whoever wins, gets a massage from the loser. Deal!

♥ ROSES

If you reaaaaally feel you have to, I don’t mind a bunch of roses. But I also don’t mind waiting for the next day when they not triple their normal price.

♥ CHOCOLATES

Chocolate is never the question, it is always the answer. So if you’re really stuck with ideas, I am always happy with chocolate.

So, thats my plan and some ideas for a super romantic Valentine’s Day.

xxxx

P.S. I’ll make some space in the lounge for the teddy bear.

Jokes.”

♥

My 29th Birthday

Loren

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01/02/2017

1

I would rather have a special memory, than a whole
lot of crumpled up gift wrap.

This past weekend it was my birthday. I turned 29 on the 29th of January, so as it was a crown birthday, I got to wear my crown all weekend. Ha! We did a little something different this year to celebrate compared to every other birthday. Instead of going to a fancy shmancy restaurant and eating all of the food, I wanted to go on an adventure rather. I wanted to do something exciting that I will remember forever. So on Sunday morning, after having coffee and cupcakes for breakfast, and opening my presents, we got into the car and headed on our little merry way to the Elephant Sanctuary.

A road trip, of any duration, isn’t complete with a soundtrack. So I played every birthday song imaginable. It was fun. Even though the drive was a short 45 minutes.

The Elephant Sanctuary

The Elephant Sanctuary, at Hartbeesport Dam, has African elephants and offers an interactive experience. From being able to touch and interact with them, to walking trunk-in-hand, feeding them and elephant back riding. You even learn about the anatomy of an elephant.

We arrived at the Elephant Sanctuary and boy, were we excited. It has been a dream of mine to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, and I finally did. We fed them, we walked hand-in-trunk with them, and we got up so close that we managed to see the ellie smile 🙂

The one thing I loved about the Elephant Sanctuary was the special relationship between the elephants and their handlers. And also how well looked after and cared for the elephants are. This is definitely evident in their behaviour.

The whole experience was absolutely amazing. And I have the most beautiful photos to show for it.

Who else can say they’ve looked into an elephants mouth and seen one very ginormous tongue? 🙂

For more information, visit the website here.

♥

Pasta Showdown at Jamie’s Italian

Loren

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30/01/2017

1

The very first Jamie’s Italian has finally opened up it’s doors in South Africa.
And, lucky me, I got to eat here twice in one week.

more about jamie’s italian …

Jamie’s Italian is your every day neighbourhood restaurant either for a casual family meal or to celebrate a special occasion.

pasta showdown

The boyfriend and I booked for lunch at Jamie’s Italian for the last Friday of our summer holidays. We needed a little cheering up as the end of holiday blues started creeping in. A few days later I attended the official media launch.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, or follow me on Instagram, you will know pasta forms part of my staple diet. I like to think I am Italian and I love my carbs.

I even did a feature post of my Favourite Pasta Dishes in Johannesburg.

On my first visit to Jamie’s Italian I had to have pasta so I opted for the Our Famous Prawn Linguni. On the media visit, I obviously had to have pasta again, so I had the Mussel Linguini.

With pasta being my favourite and seafood of all kinds being my second favourite, I thought I would do a showdown between these two dishes. They’re the only two seafood pastas on the menu, so why not?

Our Famous Prawn Linguini

“Garlicky prawns with tomatoes, fennel, saffron, fresh chilli and rocket”.

To me, this pasta dish lacked a bit of flavour. All I could taste was saffron. Maybe there was too much and not enough of the other ingredients, so it overpowered the other flavours. I struggled to taste the fresh chilli (and I love chilli) as well as the fennel. The prawns were firm, which is always a good thing. There is nothing worse than mushy prawns. The linguini was just slightly overcooked. I like my pasta to be perfectly al dente. What I love though is the linguini is freshly made in the store. I think having fresh homemade pasta is such a treat.

Overall: 3 / 5

Mussel Linguini

“Sustainably sourced mussels, white wine, pomodorini tomatoes, garlic, chilli and parsley”

Now this pasta dish had all the flavours I was after, especially for a seafood pasta. The mussels were complimented by the white wine, and the tomato base, garlic and chilli enhanced it. Nothing was overpowering. It was just perfect! The linguini was cooked al dente too and the mussels were super fresh. All in all: a delicious dish.

Overall: 4.5 / 5

Which pasta dish will I be going back for more and more and more of …

The Mussel Linguini

♥

P.S. The Molten Chocolate Praline Pudding is Too.Die.For.

Book Club: 3 Thrillers

Loren

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27/01/2017

4

It has been a while since I did a book club post, but that doesn’t mean
I haven’t been reading.

I have been reading so much and have so many exciting books to share with you. If you missed the last book club post, have a read here. You will notice in the last book club post, they were all a bit on the romance side. Two were Young Adult, two were by the same author (Rebecca Raisin) and one was a memoir. In this instalment, the books all have one thing in common; they’re thrillers. I have never been one to read thrillers, as I have always loved total chic lits, absolute romance and just good old love stories. After reading the first thriller, I was hooked.

Luckiest Girl Alive – Jessica Knoll

As a teenager at the prestigious Bradley School, Ani FaNelli endured a shocking, public humiliation that left her desperate to reinvent herself. Now, with a glamorous job, expensive wardrobe, and handsome blue blood fiancé, she’s this close to living the perfect life she’s worked so hard to achieve. But Ani has a secret. There’s something else buried in her past that still haunts her, something private and painful that threatens to bubble to the surface and destroy everything.

With a singular voice and twists you won’t see coming, Luckiest Girl Alive explores the unbearable pressure that so many women feel to “have it all” and introduces a heroine whose sharp edges and cutthroat ambition have been protecting a scandalous truth, and a heart that’s bigger than it first appears.

The question remains: will breaking her silence destroy all that she has worked for—or, will it at long last, set Ani free?

♥ For my first thriller, this book kept me hooked from start to finish. I thought the author did a wonderful job of tying two timelines together, and presenting Ani in two stages of her life. It felt like you’re reading two different stories in one. More so, because the older Ani has a completely different personality to her younger self. She is more materialistic and shallow. Her younger self was innocent and vulnerable. This book gets a little bit graphic close to the end, so hold on tight 😉

The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins

EVERY DAY THE SAME – Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason, she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

UNTIL TODAY – And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel goes to the police. But is she really as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

♥ At first I got a little bit confused with all the characters. Not only does the book jump from character to character but the timelines also keep changing with the change of characters. But once I started concentrating more, I started enjoying the book a lot more. The book is a real page turner. You end up loving and hating the characters, a lot! And you start feeling sorry for Rachel as she’s a bit of a helpless sad case alcoholic depressant. But you realise why throughout the book. A real suspense from start to finish. And a little scary at the end. But it wouldn’t be a thriller then, would it?

The Girls – Emma Cline

Northern California, during the violent end of the 1960s. At the start of summer, a lonely and thoughtful teenager, Evie Boyd, sees a group of girls in the park, and is immediately caught by their freedom, their careless dress, their dangerous aura of abandon. Soon, Evie is in thrall to Suzanne, a mesmerizing older girl, and is drawn into the circle of a soon-to-be infamous cult and the man who is its charismatic leader.

Hidden in the hills, their sprawling ranch is eerie and run down, but to Evie, it is exotic, thrilling, charged—a place where she feels desperate to be accepted. As she spends more time away from her mother and the rhythms of her daily life, and as her obsession with Suzanne intensifies, Evie does not realize she is coming closer and closer to unthinkable violence, and to that moment in a girl’s life when everything can go horribly wrong.

♥ As much as this book is fascinating, it is a bit haunting as well. The book is extremely well written, Emma conveys the details, emotions and settings in such a way, that you feel you are there. The story line is a bit disturbing though, but realistic. Young teenager girls would do just about anything to fit in, so it is easy to relate to such a character, because as much as that was the case in the 60’s, it is probably worse today. I loved this book. Would I recommend it to you? A big, fat Y E S!

♥

Can you recommend any other good thrillers I have to read?

Hiding Away at Kievits Kroon Country Estate

Loren

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25/01/2017

2

Also known as: the Winelands in Gauteng,

Kievits Kroon is a perfect hideaway.

Kievits Kroon is situated just outside of Pretoria and is a mere 45 minutes’ drive out of Johannesburg. Without venturing too far, it feels like you’re whisked straight out of Gauteng and you have landed in the middle of Franschhoek.

As you drive through the long driveway you are greeted by big arching trees and Cape Dutch architecture. It is no wonder why Kievits Kroon has been described as the Winelands in Gauteng. The vineyards aren’t present but the atmosphere is definitely there.

A few weekends ago we had the pleasure of spending a perfect night at Kievits Kroon. It was the ideal hideaway out of Johannesburg. With such a short drive, it felt like we were far far away on a secluded country estate, in the middle of the Cape.

our suite

We checked into our VIP suite on a perfect sunny Saturday. Our suite was nestled away, far from the main area of the Manor House. Our little home on the hill was private, secluded, welcoming and cozy. It had everything we needed. From the most comfortable bed, to a huge jacuzzi bath, a tea and coffee counter and a large lounge area.

Next time I visit Kievits Kroon, I would love to try a traditional zulu hut … They come with thatched roofs, cool interiors and are decorated in an ethnic style.

the picnic

After checking in and having a quick lie down, we were whisked away for an afternoon picnic. The picnic is set up on the perfectly manicured lawns of the estate. It is no ordinary picnic, it is something so very special. The hotel will supply the picnic blanket, cushions and a basket of gourmet treats. From a delicious Greek salad, to cheese and crackers, fresh bread and patés, smoked salmon and cold meats, and an array of fruit and desserts, just to name a few. All you have to do is get cozy on the picnic blanket and decide on a glass of your favourite wine from the award-winning wine list.

Decisions, decisions.

the spa

Kievits Kroon is famous for their spa and it is no wonder why. It is spacious and ultra luxurious. They ensure the guests are pampered, relaxed and rejuvenated. Their attention to detail is impeccable and what I loved is how attentive and professional the therapists are.

The spa provides you with complimentary snacks and drinks on arrival. Before your treatment, you are taken into the relaxation room for a bit of pre-unwinding. The relaxation room plays the most serene music and allows your mind to enter a state of total relaxation. Before and after your treatment you can make use of the indoor heated pool, Jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas or Swiss showers.

We enjoyed the signature Winelands Spa Experience. For 90 minutes we were in total heaven.

wining and dining

Dinner that night was a gourmet feast together with wine pairing at Granita. The food was delightful and each course was paired with a wine that complimented each dish. From amuse bouche, to roasted quail and a duo of lamb rack and springbok loin, each dish was delicious. My favourite was definitely dessert, which was a frozen tiramisu.

Breakfast the next morning comprised of smoked salmon, oysters and mimosas. The breakfast buffet was a feast for the eyes and the stomach. After breakfast we enjoyed a mid morning swim before having to check out.

We had an absolutely wonderful time at Kievits Kroon. We will definitely return for another weekend hideaway, or for a special occasion. Like a Valentine’s Day getaway. Hint hint!

Kievits Kroon is a quick escape out of the city and makes for a perfect romantic weekend getaway, especially for Valentine’s Day.

If you want to take advantage for Valentine’s Day and celebrate at Kievits Kroon, they have put together 3 totally romantic packages. More info here.

♥

Thank you Kievits Kroon for the stay over. As with all posts, the opinions are my own.

MINKYS

Minkys

Minkys

PAUL.

THE word on every fellow foodies mouth. But rightly so. All foodies and non foodies alike are very excited because the very first Paul has opened in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

baking bread with master baker, Richard Blades

Bonjour!

Omorovicza

Omorovicza Gold Hydralifting facial

At the media launch of Omorovicza, we were given two products to try out.

… Of Shoes!

1. boyfriend jeans and a denim shirt

2. leggings and a lengthy top

3. summer shorts and a tshirt

did you know?

Say hello to Almond Breeze Barista Blend …

A dairy free alternative that ticks all the right boxes and makes for a perfect cuppaccino.

almond breeze barista blend

the perfect cuppacino

more about almond breeze barista blend

Join me on safari to a little piece of African paradise and let’s go see the big 5 …

Thanda Safari …

This was definitely the bush as nature intended and we knew we were in for a real safari experience.

A typical day at Thanda unfolds like this:

It feels like we owned the game reserve. It was just us, on our game drive vehicle, in search of the animals.

At night, it was us, the clear skies, the calls of the laughing hyena and the roars of the hungry lion.

Thanda Safari is a five star private game reserve that exudes amazing service, excellent food, intimacy and privacy, together with the Big Five and the peacefulness of the bush veld.

For more information on Thanda Safari, click here.

Thank you Thanda Safari for the getaway. As with all posts, the opinions are my own.

Perfect Pot of Popcorn

“Dear Boyfriend,

♥ BREAKFAST IN BED

♥ VISIT A FARMERS MARKET

♥ A PICNIC IN THE PARK

♥ GRAB A COFFEE

♥ MAKE HOMEMADE PASTA

♥ TEN PIN BOWLING

♥ ROSES

♥ CHOCOLATES

I would rather have a special memory, than a whole lot of crumpled up gift wrap.

The Elephant Sanctuary

The very first Jamie’s Italian has finally opened up it’s doors in South Africa. And, lucky me, I got to eat here twice in one week.

more about jamie’s italian …

pasta showdown

Our Famous Prawn Linguini

Mussel Linguini

Which pasta dish will I be going back for more and more and more of …

The Mussel Linguini

It has been a while since I did a book club post, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading.

Luckiest Girl Alive – Jessica Knoll

The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins

The Girls – Emma Cline

Also known as: the Winelands in Gauteng,

Kievits Kroon is a perfect hideaway.

our suite

the picnic

the spa

wining and dining

MINKYS

Join me on safari to a little piece of African paradise
and let’s go see the big 5 …

I would rather have a special memory, than a whole
lot of crumpled up gift wrap.

The very first Jamie’s Italian has finally opened up it’s doors in South Africa.
And, lucky me, I got to eat here twice in one week.

It has been a while since I did a book club post, but that doesn’t mean
I haven’t been reading.