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La Dolce Vita at Dolci Cafe

Loren

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18/07/2016

Dolci Cafe

for the love of pastry

La Dolce Vita simply means the sweet life. And this is perfectly fitting for a new little café that has opened its doors in Johannesburg.

Situated in the suburb of Craighall Park, is Dolci Cafe. A little Italian cafe offering you a taste of authentic Italian done the Italian way. Not only is this little hidden gem a coffee shop, but you will find a selection of the very best pastries and cakes because it is also a pastry shop and a baking boutique.

Dolci Cafe is the perfect little spot for weekend breakfasts, afternoon high tea, the most decadent pastries, and scrumptious croissants. As well as, a variety of pasta dishes, as one would find at an Italian cafe.

The breakfast menu includes egg and soldiers, eggs in hell (poached eggs in an arrabiata sauce) and anchovy toast just to name a few. High Tea will give you a variety of savoury and sweet delights, such as mini quiches, and feta stuffed zucchini rolls to lemon meringue and choc and vanilla binge’s. And most of all, you will find a fridge stacked with a big selection of pastries.

To me, this is the epitome of the sweet life.

While you’re sitting inside the café sipping on your cuppacino and nibbling on pastry it will feel as if you are in the heart of Italy. The vibe is cozy chic. With white furniture and a few colourful key pieces, the ambiance is smart but still homely at the same time. There is also an outside area, perfect for basking in the sun on a winter or summers day. And bonus: its pet friendly!

What We Ate

Le bf and I went to Dolci Cafe for the very first time one Sunday for breakfast, on a chilli winters morning. We were totally spoilt for choice and after debating what to have we decided on the following: I had the boiled egg and soldiers and le bf had a mini breakfast. We chose the smallest breakfast options baring in mind we needed to have a pastry or two after. The breakfasts were perfect. The boiled egg in my egg and solders was just soft-enough-to-dunk-the-toast-in which is exactly how I like my eggs 🙂 Le bf’s breakfast was finished within a minute. Before I could look up his knife and fork was already strategically placed together on his empty plate.

We then opted for two cuppacinos and finally a cream horn that was calling out my name. The cuppacinos came with a coconut macaroon. I devoured the macaroons and ended up ordering 10 to take home for my afternoon tea time. They were delicious. As I type this my mouth is watering for another 🙂 The cream horn was filled with the creamiest custard and the crumbliest pastry, and was absolutely melt-in-your-mouth.

I foresee myself being a regular at Dolci cafe.

You know how I like to think I am Italian, and finding an authentic Italian hidden gem like this, makes me so darn excited!

Dolci Café is located at 101 Lancaster Avenue (corner Clarence Avenue) in Craighall Park.

If you would like to know anything more, visit their website here.

Finally, pictured below is just a few of the dishes and pastries they offer. There is a reason I left it for the very end of this post 😉

♥

Homemade Bread, Jam and Wine at Vygevallei Farm Stall

Loren

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11/07/2016

0

Homemade Bread, Jam and Wine at Vygevallei Farm Stall

Picture this: your alarm wakes you up at 4am. You want to be on the road by 4:30am in order to reach your destination in time and have a swim in the sea. You get into the car and you are finally on your way. You have taken your last sip of coffee from your travel mug and your stomach is grumbling for some breakfast. After driving 60km’s you finally see the sign …
Farm Stall 24 km.

Farm Stalls are little hidden gems on the side of the road that make for memorable pitstops on any road trip through South Africa. A farm stall allows you the opportunity to stretch your legs, grab a bite made from fresh local produce and stock up on snacks for the next leg of the journey. When I say fresh local produce, I am talking about freshly baked farm bread, homemade butter and cheeses, jams and preserves, local wine and dried fruit all of which are locally produced in the area.

Vygevallei Farm Stall

On a recent road trip up the West Coast we stopped at Vygevallei Farm Stall for breakfast, some snacks and to explore this farm stall.

Vygevellai Farm Stall is on the West Coast Road (the R27) and is about an hours drive from Cape Town. The farm stall is home to a cozy little coffee shop, a wine house, an area for the kids to play and a little farmyard with some farm animals.

The cozy little coffee shop is cozy. I repeat: cozy. Especially in winter because there is a fire place ready to warm you up. They have a big selection on the menu, including slices of fresh baked farm bread with butter and jam. This is exactly what we came for, plus coffee. We got both, and we left wanting more.

Jams & Preserves

Vygevallei Farm Stall is owned by the Louw family, who are also the owners of the Nuweland farm in Malmesbury. That means that the quality jams, preserves and wine Nuweland is famous for, are sold at Vygevallei Farm stall. What makes the jams and chutneys so different from most preserves we know is the rare combinations. Mrs Louw is known for putting together such contrasting combinations, that actually compliment each other perfectly. Such as olive and lemon jam, dried fig and pecannut paste, grape jam, nectarine and passionfruit jam, pineapple and apple conserve with cardamon, dried turkish fig jam and so on.

We tasted a few of the varieties and what perfect flavours. The flavours go so well and compliment each other perfectly. We ended up buying a few bottles of the dried turkish fig jam. Mrs Louw informed us that its a delicious addition to camembert cheese. And you know how I love my camembert cheese!

The Wine House

Vygevellai Farm Stall is also home to a wine shop. As small as the wine shop is they have a big selection of wines from 16 local cellars. The wine shop also stocks wine from Nuweland. Mr Louw of Nuweland is the only winemaker in South Africa that makes a fortified wine with sundried grapes that are not fermented.

After having a taste of the wine made from raisins, we bought a few bottles to take home. It’s not often you find a local gem wine like this. It is a perfectly sweet with a subtle flavour.

Vygevellai Farm Stall was the perfect first stop on our West Coast road trip. From the cozy fire place to warm us up, the most delicious farm bread and butter with coffee, to sampling jams and preserve combinations you wouldn’t think existed, and lastly falling in love with raisin wine, I cannot wait to return to this little hidden gem on the R27.

A huge thank you to the wonderful Vygevellai Farm Stall as well as West Coast Way team for this adventure.

♥

Dinner with Masterchef SA Finalist: Claire Allen

Loren

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04/07/2016

0

It is not often you get invited to cook and dine alongside a Masterchef South Africa finalist. So when the opportunity arises you grab it with both oven mits!

Claire Allen is Masterchef South Africa Season 3 finalist and a food entertainer. Lets just say, she’s a magician in the kitchen.

A few fellow foodies and I got to share a lovely, fun, wine-filled, gourmet evening with Claire herself at Ginger and Lime. And when I say fun, I mean fun. We were all given the chance to cook alongside Claire and wow her with our skills.

We were all given a task. Some were in charge of the cauliflower cream cheese soup, others the avocado mousse, and some the chocolate coffee brownies. I was put in charge of the dill oil. Thankfully with a little bit of guidance by Claire, I mastered it. So I was given the go ahead to the next stage of Masterchef. (I joke!)

The kitchen got messy, the wine was flowing, the jokes poured were heartily laughed at and the company was amazing.

Starter

The cauliflower cream cheese soup with crispy bacon was so good. It was thick, tasty and hearty. It was the perfect starter for a cold raining evening. I was tempted to ask for seconds but I didn’t want to risk losing space for the mains and dessert.

Main

This is where things got very fun, especially as most of us were onto our second glass of wine. We had to plate our own dishes Masterchef style and Claire was the judge. Whoever took all the factors into consideration when plating was awarded a bottle of wine. But we were only given 10 minutes. It got very stressful and unfortunately I did not win the bottle of wine. I wasn’t even close to it! In fact, I was nearly asked to donate a bottle of wine! (I joke!)

The pan fried angel fish with herbed gnocchi, seafood bisque avocado mousse and dill oil was absolute perfection.

Dessert

Chocolate coffee brownies with whisky ganache. These were the best brownies I have ever had in my life (in this instance, I do NOT joke!).

I noticed one of the dinner guests eating his brownies with a teaspoon. I asked him why and he replied that its because with a teaspoon the dessert lasts longer. Guess who finished their dessert first? Yes, he did! Ha! (Hi Allan!!)

Caire Allen

Claire Allen is the Foodie In Love. Her favourite foods include bacon, cupcakes without the icing, salted caramel nuts and potatoes. A foodie after my own heart.

Having spent an evening alongside her in the kitchen was a wonderful experience and honestly a dream come true. I witnessed how her passion, enthusiasm and love for food shows in the magic she performs in the kitchen.

Claire has her own food blog too, called Food is Love. Go visit it now, you will find her recipe for the delicious cauliflower cream cheese soup with crispy bacon!

Thank you Claire and Michelle from EXBH for such an experience.

♥

P.S. I apologise for the quality of the images. It was all the wine.

3 Reasons Why I Love These Beauty Products When I Travel

Loren

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27/06/2016

2

As a regular traveller and a self proclaimed beauty product junkie, as much as I love trying the latest and greatest, there are a few products I buy over and over again, especially when I am on the road. Without boring you too much, I have kept this post simple with just 3 reasons why I love these beauty products so much …

The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturiser with SPF 30

1. A lightweight daily moisturiser that also protects your skin from the sun as it contains SPF 30.

2. Has a refreshing citrus scent which is not too overpowering.

3. Comes in a small petite 50 ml tube which is handy as it fits perfectly in my makeup bag.

♥ I use this moisturiser every morning before I apply my make up. It absorbs right away, leaves my skin feeling moisturised and it doesn’t make my skin feel oily/greasy. Bonus: it has SPF 30.

Did you know? When incorporated into your daily skincare routing, vitamin C can provide a range of benefits that keep your skin younger-looking, longer, by:

– Reducing the appearance of brown spots and other types of sun damage,
– Help boost healthy collagen production,
– Reduce inflammation and irritation, both of which cause a cascade of damage.

R180 from The Body Shop

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Lotion

1. This face wash gently cleans your skin without leaving it dry, irritated or aggravated. Although it is so gentle, it cleans the skin by removing all make up and impurities.

2. Recommended by dermatologists but it is still affordable.

3. The little bottle it so nice and small that it doesn’t take up a lot of space in my vanity case when I travel.

♥ This is my every day face wash that I use morning and night religiously, as it is so effective but at the same time so gentle.

R75 for 125ml from Dischem

The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream

1. A very nourishing, hydrating and moisturising night cream but doesn’t make your skin oily.

2. Helps combat very dry skin.

3. Very rich in vitamin E and anti-oxidants.

♥ I use this night cream religiously at night time together with the rest of my nightly beauty products.

Did you know? Vitamin E:

1. Acts as a moisturiser,
2. Reverses premature skin ageing,
3. Treats sunburns,
4. Lightens dark spots

R180 from The Body Shop

L’Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream With Shea Butter

1. The cream is in a paste form and it is so rich that the smallest amount is enough to smother both hands.

2. As rich and creamy as it is, it doesn’t leave your hands feeling oily or greasy as it absorbs quickly.

3. The scent is a mixture of jasmine and ylang ylang scent, which is not overwhelming at all, but rather soothing on the nose.

♥ I always keep a small travel size tube in my hand bag and it lasts forever!

R135 for 35 ml from L’Occitane

Blistex – DCT Lip Balm

1. This lip balm is perfect for day time as it protects your lips from the sun because it SPF 20.

2. Your lips are always left feeling super soft, moisturised, nourished and conditioned.

3. Leaves your lips with a subtle gloss/shine.

♥ I simply cannot live without this lip balm. It is the bees knees of all lip balms and if they ever discontinue it, nothing will ever compare.

R63 from Dischem

Palmers Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick

1. Works perfectly as a lip balm for dry and chapped lips.

2. Helps get rid of stretch marks, blemishes or scars.

3. The swivel sticks allows for easy application.

♥ I use this as a lip balm when I’m not going to be in the sun or outdoors (as it doesn’t contain SPF). Whenever I pull it out from my hand bag to apply it, I get asked if its a glue stick, and I use the same explanation: “no its not a glue stick, its a lip balm … and get with the times!” (not that harsh, but you get my point!) I also like to use on very dry patches. I love a good multifunctional product!

R35 from Dischem

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfecter

1. This BB cream is provides light coverage but is still buildable, so you can apply two or more layers for more coverage.

2. Gives your skin a beautiful healthy looking glow.

3. Definitely acts as a skin perfecter as your skin looks dewy, smooth, moisturised and even.

♥ My go-to BB cream as I love that it works as a tinted moisturiser for light coverage or I can build it up when I need more coverage, especially on the road when makeup isn’t a must.

R88 from Clicks or Dischem

Physicians Formula Light Bronzer Powder

1. Works as a light bronzer, powder and blush all in one.

2. Gives a natural light bronzed glow to your skin.

3. Very subtle at first, but still buildable.

♥ I always use this for a finishing touch to my makeup look. It provides a natural glow that is still shimmery and bronzed. It is perfect for day time and night time looks!

R160 from Dischem

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

1. The best mascara ever!

2. Gives your lashes length, volume, definition and boldness.

3. Affordable for an everyday mascara.

♥ I have used this mascara since the days I started experimenting with makeup in my youth 😉 Enough said.

R100 from Dischem or Clicks

Some of the products have been mentioned before on the blog, over here and here!

♥

A Grand Lunch At Grande Provence

Loren

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20/06/2016

0

Grande Provence Estate sits perfectly in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley. While boasting views of magnificent vineyards, rugged mountain tops and the rolling valleys, it is also home to The Restaurant.

On a recent trip to Franschhoek, we stopped for lunch at The Restaurant. My oh my, what a sensory treat it was both for the eyes and the palete, thanks to executive chef Darren Badenhorst. Upon arrival and a quick walk around, we took our seats in the outside area by the Sculpture Garden as the weather was still accommodating. We were handed the three course à la carte lunch menus to browse, or actually admire. After quite a bit of going back and forth we decided on the following …

WINE

The Grande Provence Red
Grande Provence Rosé

FOOD

STARTER:

Butter-poached BBQ lobster, XO quinoa sea sand, kombu-pickled courgette, ponzu- infused cucumber and dill gel, sweet miron gribiche.

MAIN COURSE:

18-hour sous vide Karoo lamb neck, toasted pearl barley and pickled butternut, local river cress, wild sprouts.

DESSERT:

Hot fondant sphere, set anglaise, aerated espresso, red velvet textures, salted cocoa twig, amarula pipette.

“Chocolate forest” – 80% hazelnut pot au crème, Tonka bean semi-freddo, Madagascan vanilla-poached shimeji mushrooms, pistachio brittle, white chocolate snow, apple moss, micro basil.

THOUGHTS

The whole experience was elegant, refined and sublime.

The butter poached BBQ lobster left me wanting more and more. The lobster was perfectly BBQ’ed with a natural taste to it. The lamb neck was melt-in-your-melt tender and tasty. And lastly, the desserts were an experience all on their own, as my eyes and palette were treated to a real feast. Yes, dessert is my favourite part of any meal.

After all of this we were in a post-meal high that needed to be relished and savoured. We took a stroll around the estate soaking up the beautiful autumns day as well as the beauty of the estate.

Grande Provence

If you would like more information on Grande Provence, you can visit their website by clicking here.

♥

Take Me Back to Valley Lodge and Spa

Loren

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14/06/2016

0

This past weekend I had the pleasure of staying at Valley Lodge and Spa with le bf and it was an experience far superior than most. I say this with emphasis on the word superior, as we were given a superior room to indulge and lavish ourselves in.

Valley Lodge and Spa, in Magaliesburg, is the perfect getaway out of the busy city, because it is a quick 100km drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. This means we were driving through the gates of Valley Lodge and Spa within an hour of leaving home. And, no le bf is not a race car driver, the roads were quiet.

As we drove into the Valley Lodge and Spa we were greeted by a tree lined road, a few zebra’s nibbling on the lush grass as well as the flowing Magalies River. With these welcoming sights you know very well you are out of the city and can start unwinding.

THE ROOM

Valley Lodge and Spa caters for everyones taste and budget offering standard, luxury and superior rooms. Each room offers striking but homely interiors as well as all the amenities needed for first class luxurious comfort. From an en-suite bathroom, a lounge area and a veranda to soak up nature from, every little corner is superior. The amenities are a mini-bar fridge, DSTV, internet, air conditioner, electric blankets, underfloor heating, tea/coffee making facility with a proper coffee machine and lastly, room service. What more can you ask for, especially in the cold wintery months?

Once we checked in, we were taken to our room. As we walked in, we were totally taken aback by how spacious the room is, the cozy lounge area as well as a ginormous bed waiting to be floated away on. The bathroom boasts the biggest bath and a double shower too. I kid you not, we thought we were seeing double when we saw two rain shower heads; we had to look twice.

Look carefully and you will see the two shower heads! What a win!

THE SETTING

Valley Lodge and Spa is located on the banks of the Magalies River allowing guests to take a stroll around the streams and be at one with nature and view the bird life on offer.

When we woke up we took an early morning walk around to see what was on offer. We came face to face with the resident zebras, which was so exciting and so beautiful to see up close. We then took a relaxing walk along the river bank and debated whether we should take a canoe. Le bf won as his argument was he wanted breakfast first and had no energy to paddle.

We also came across the wedding chapel, which is the cutest one I have even seen.

If you open up the front door, The Smurfs will come running out! Ha!

THE FOOD

Valley Lodge and Spa’s restaurant offers a buffet dinner, or you can order a la carte off the menu. If you’re feeling lazy you can also order room service. As well as a buffet breakfast in the morning.

We had the buffet dinner and ate until our hearts were content. The starters included crumbed artichokes, curried fish, smoked trout fillets and chicken livers peri peri. Main course was roast rump, lamb bredie, grilled kinglip, and chicken breasts, with a big selection of sides. And lastly, my favourite, was dessert and we had the choice of carrot and vanilla cake, crème brule, chocolate roulade, amarula milk tarts, and petit fours.

Breakfast the next morning is definitely something we look very forward to when we wake up and Valley Lodge and Spa’s breakfast is worth waking up extra early for. From smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, to a hearty bowl of oats, and fresh fruit, a breakfast buffet like this gets me so darn excited!

THE EXTRAS ♥

I love it when there are special touches that make a guest feel extra special, and Valley Lodge and Spa definitely exceeds this. From the friendliest and accommodating staff where no request is too much, to my favourite magazines and welcome snacks (biltong, dried fruit and nuts) in the room, and a jar of my favourite rusks by the coffee machine in the room, I felt so at home, so spoiled and so special.

Thank you to the wonderful team at Valley Lodge and Spa for allowing us to stay at your wonderful lodge and we cannot wait to return!

♥

You can find out more about Valley Lodge and Spa on their website here.
As with all posts, the opinions are my own.

Five Favourite Things: The Winter Edition

Loren

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13/06/2016

0

Winter is here in full swing. It is 5 degrees right now, I have a heater to my left, a cup of hot chocolate to my right and all I can think about is a hot bubble bath. Here are Five Things I have been loving lately, all which are helping fight the cold …

I know, I know, I am 28 years old, but I still wear a onesie with pride. If you are sitting reading this right now, shivering, I suggest you invest in a onesie. They are the warmest most comfortable things ever, especially the ones with the built-in socks, like this one from Woolworths. They are the perfect little outfit to lounge around at home in, sipping on a hot drink.
I can promise, if you get one, I won’t call the Fashion Police on you.

If you are wondering what is inside the mug? Its the Nomu Just Add Water Hot Chocolate. Head to Le Creuset and grab yourself a mug which comes with a sachet too. Score!

I featured my Swagger Boots over here but because I love them so much, I have to tell you about them again now that it is proper winter. I simply cannot get these boots off of my feet when I go out. They are so comfortable and so warm too. They go nicely over a pair of black jeans, leggings or even thick tights. For R699 from Saint and Summer they are a real winter winner.

When you are craving a cup of coffee and your sweet tooth needs satisfying, but you don’t want to waste unnecessary calories, a cup of Cinder Toffee flavoured Beanies Coffee is perfect. Beanies is the UK’s number one flavoured coffee brand and I couldn’t wait to try a cup. At 2 calories a pop, you don’t have to feel guilty at all when you’re onto your fourth cup for the day 😉 Available at Checkers.

If I’m not in a onesie, you will find me in my gown from Cotton On. This gown is so soft and fluffy and if I could wear it out as a tracksuit top, I would. I love the bright colouring and the grey detail. Available from Cotton On.

Hello, my name is Loren and I am a chocoholic. You will find a stash of chocolate hidden in the bottom drawer next to my bed. Ok, now that I have admitted my problem let me tell you introduce you to my new friend … Hello my name is coconut love, nice to sweet you!

Chocolate plus coconut = melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. The inside is a creamy coconut and pineapple filling which tastes exactly like a summer. What is better than tasting summer in winter? 😉

I have noticed that I seem to do my Five Things post on a Monday. Maybe its to appreciate all the things that make me happy for the rest of the week, but also, to help fight the Monday blues. If you have missed the last few Five things posts, you can read them here, here and here.

♥

Wanderlust Tag

Loren

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10/06/2016

2

1. Your most treasured passport stamp?

Ummmm, gosh, it is only the first question and I already can’t just give a simple answer.
I would have to say it is Malé, Maldives. I have been very lucky to have visited the Maldives twice, both times being when I was younger and didn’t quite realise I had wanderlust in my blood.
I have several memories about the Maldives from each trip, so let me tell you them briefly:

♥ It took my brother and I about a half an hour to snorkel around the whole island we were staying on. Thats how small the islands are.
♥ There is one hotel per island. So you literally living on your own island.
♥ You wake up to swim and snorkel the whole day.
♥ The underwater life is like no other tropical island. There are little reefs everywhere!

2. Can you recite your passport # from memory if asked?

No. But I can recite my first cellphone number I ever had, if that will help?

3. Preferred method of travel: planes, trains or automobiles?

I say each method of travel adds to the actual experience of travelling. The excitement and thrill of stepping onto the big plane knowing you will be landing on foreign ground is the best feeling ever. Then you are finally in a foreign city and you have to get to another town and a train is the cheapest option, so you take the train. Then you finally in another town and the only mode of transport is the local busses, so you have to take the local busses.

Here are a few experiences I have had with different methods of travel:

♥ We took the bullet train from Amsterdam to Germany and I have never experienced such speed.
♥ Taking the star ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon in the scariest stormy weather.
♥ Hiring a rental car and driving from Tel Aviv to Eilat and stopping at the Dead Sea en route.
♥ Landing at Koi Samui airport, which has one landing strip and is literally the smallest airport I have ever been to.
♥ Getting peckish on a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong and asking the air hostess for a snack, and she made me Cup ‘O Noodles. They were the best I have ever had in my life! 🙂

So all in all, I love it all, and each mode has a story that comes with it!

4. Top 3 travel items?

1. All of my cameras, from my GoPro to my Canon and my cellphone.
2. My Superdry Hoodie for warmth and comfort.
3. My glasses cleaner. Haha! I can’t handle when my glasses get dirty.

5. Hostel or hotel?

Hotel! I cannot imagine sharing a hostel room with absolute strangers, sharing a bathroom and having no privacy or even a comfortable bed to sleep on. Eeeeugh, it gives me the creeps!

6. Are you a repeat visitor or do you explore new places?

I am proud to admit that I am repeat visitor.
I have been to Hong Kong, Thailand, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and a few other places more than once and will definitely go back a million times more. However, I won’t go back to Malaysia, as we had a rather non-enjoyable time there. So if I love place a lot, I am a repeat visitor, but at the same time I love exploring new places too.

7. Do you read up on your destination (culture,history,safety) or do you wing it?

I read up and try do all the necessary research beforehand, but then I get too excited and just want to get going on my travels, so I stop from too much excitement, and then I wing it.

8. Favorite travel website?

By website, you mean blog, right? My favourite travel blog is: The Blonde Abroad – I love that she quit her job in the boring corporate world to travel!

9. Where would you recommend a friend to visit? Name city & why.

Hong Kong. It is the most exciting place ever. I cannot say more until you get your butt there!

10, You’re leaving tomorrow, money is no option, where are you going?

Ok ok, lets get my pipe dreams going 😉 I will first start off in the Isle of Capri. I would then head to the Greek Islands for a while. After that I would head to Paris and do a little bit of Europe too. I would then end this whirlwind trip in America and see what New York and Las Vegas is all about. Then … I will wake up from my dream.

I tag the following South African Travel Blogs, all of which add fuel to my (wanderlust) fire:

Handfuls of Moments
Green Lydia
Snippet Station
Rafiqua Israel
Dominique in the City
SimpleeB
The Authentic Girl
From My Fingertips
City Girl Searching
In Africa and Beyond

And anyone else who would love to do this tag post!

♥

Wish List: Aretha Bauwens Statement Shoes

Fashion

Loren

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07/06/2016

2

When you work in the corporate world and a monochrome suit is your every day uniform, a pair of statement shoes is the only accessory that will help you stand out from the crowd. As an attorney, I know how easy it is to feel camouflaged amongst your peers as you are all dressed head to toe in black and white.

However, I discovered the perfect way to stand out: with a pair of bold statement shoes.

From a sparkly pair of neon pumps, to a floral pair of wedges, and a pair of gold glitter sandals, I have them in all my wardrobe.

Now on my wish list is a pair of Aretha Bauwens Statement Shoes.

Aretha Bauwens, a South African actress and model, has launched a collection of statement stilettos and wedges. You can browse the range over here: www.arethabauwens.com and see why I want to own every pair.

Aretha has designed the shoes for successful women who love to make a statement, who mean business and ooze confidence. Each pair of shoes is designed to be worn through all the seasons, meaning you won’t have to put them in the back of your wardrobe come winter. The shoes have inner soles and built in cushioning for added comfort and support.

In my humble opinion, I think these shoes were made just for me. They are absolutely beautiful and have the ability to transform any dull monochrome outfit into an eye stopping masterpiece.

Where can you buy yourself a pair?

The Square
50 Buitenkant Street
Cape Town

www.arethabauwens.com
♥

Milking The Cows At Irene Dairy Farm

Loren

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07/06/2016

2

Living in the city of Johannesburg means we are surrounded by big buildings, malls and a puff of smoke. Don’t get me wrong, I am a city girl through and through, but I also like escaping out of the city and exploring the country side. Irene Dairy Farm allows for just that. Although nestled between the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, whether you are a city girl or a country girl, you will have the best of both worlds.

Started in 1895, this old-style dairy farm has become an iconic landmark in the Gauteng country side, as it is the only one of its kind that it still operational and functioning.

This picturesque little hidden gem has a lot to offer and is perfect for a Sunday outing. You can take a walk around the farm amongst the dairy cows and watch the swans in the ponds. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the two restaurants that the farm has to offer. Or you can visit the dairy shop, buy some goodies and set up a picnic under the trees. The dairy shop sells the actual milk from the farm, the most delicious greek yoghurt, milkshakes, cheeses, rusks and a whole selection of homemade goodies.

A few Sundays ago we woke up with an urge to explore and Irene Dairy Farm was just the right place. A short little drive from Johannesburg and we were at the farm in no time. On arrival, we first went into the dairy farm, just like a natural foodie should, to see what goodies were on offer. We bought some milkshakes and a few snacks and took a walk around the farm soaking up the beauty of it.

As they say life is better on a farm, I can now see why 🙂

♥

Irene Dairy Farm:Nellmapius Drive, Irene, Pretoria, Gauteng

Keeping Time With Daniel Wellington + Discount Code

Loren

-

06/06/2016

2

Keeping Time With Daniel Wellington + Discount Code

Ever since I first spotted Daniel Wellington watches in the shops, my eyes were drawn to the thin elegant design, the variety of straps, and that they are the perfect watch for every occasion.

Daniel Wellington focus on simple but stylish dress watches for both men and women. They come in a variety of designs and sizes, leaving you with a timeless piece on your wrist that is bound to attract attention.

What makes Daniel Wellington watches stand out, besides for their minimalistic and classic look, is the interchangeable straps. If you are in the mood for a leather strap, instead of your nato strap, you don’t have to go buy a whole new watch altogether. They are also super affordable for the classic elegant watch you are getting.

The design and finish of the watch leaves you with a beautiful thin and perfectly round timepiece, that is perfect for any occasion, and for every day wearing.

With all of the above in mind, when Daniel Wellington asked me to choose a favourite, I struggled to decide on the perfect one.

Only after a few hours of browsing, did I realise that whatever design I choose, I won’t be stuck with it because I can change the straps whenever I so desire, but as long as I chose a face I would love.

So with pink being my absolute favourite colour, I chose the Rose Gold Classic Southampton.

Can my Classic Southampton be any more beautiful?

THE EXCITING PART …

If you would like a Daniel Wellington watch too, I have a 15% DISCOUNT CODE for you to use when shopping on www.danielwellington.com which has the biggest selection you will find as compared to the retail stores!
AND
If you order before the 13th of June 2016 you will receive a complimentary strap
AND
Worldwide courier shipping with UPS is free!

My watch took one week to arrive! How amazing is that 🙂

DISCOUNT CODE: minkysDW

Visit the Daniel Wellington online store by clicking here

Follow Daniel Wellington on Instagram by clicking here

Oh and did you know? Daniel Wellington watches are the most instagrammed watch.

♥

P.S. With Fathers Day around the corner, I suggest a Classic Bristol would make for a perfect gift.

Go on … and don’t forget to use the discount code.

Ladies Who Lunch at Glenda’s Restaurant

Loren

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01/06/2016

1

There is a new restaurant in town and it is perfect for the ladies who like to lunch. This new spot is for all the Carrie’s out there, who like to gather up their Samantha’s, Miranda’s and Charlotte’s and sit for hour sipping on Presecco, eating devilled eggs, gossiping and showing off their latest bling.

Say hello to Glenda’s, a stylish bar and café located in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.

Glenda’s offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The menu is forever changing, allowing the focus to be on seasonal flavours. Think smashed avo toast and grapefruit carpaccio for breakfast, or a bacon roll for brunch. Lunch allows for you to have salt and pepper calamari as a starter and rotisserie chicken with stuffing and roast potato. And for dinner you can have steak and chips or duck and waffle.

If you are more into sweet than savoury, you can get a take away from the Dotty Choux patisserie counter, which specialises in choux pastries of all flavours and colours, as well as cakes you have only seen in magazines.

As you walk in, you will be welcomed by peacocks adorning the bright botanical wallpaper, marble tables, a touch of zebra print, and bunches of fresh flowers everywhere. The establishment is perfectly charming and chic, and is a real treat for the eyes.

WHAT WE ATE

We visited Glenda’s the other day for a tantalising lunch.

For starter, we shared the Gravadlax and a Super Sprout Salad, which were both out-of-this-world-melt-in-your-mouth. If I could have, I would have ordered two more of the Gravadlax starters.

For main course, we shared the Rotisserie Chicken for two. It came with a side salad, which had Glenda’s signature dressing from the old Patisserie days, which we have loved ever since. It also came with roast potatoes, perfectly roasted, stuffing, which was truly satisfying, and extra gravy on the side. The gravy was so tasty that I was actually sipping on it (no jokes!) like it was soup.

For dessert, we took home some lavender and pistachio choux pastries from the Dotty Choux counter.

We left Glenda’s thoroughly satisfied, full, and wanting to return the next day for breakfast.

Stay tuned for a post on Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

I mean Breakfast at Glenda’s.

♥

Glenda’s: Hyde Square, cnr Jan Smuts Avenue and North Road, Hyde Park, Johannesburg.

MINKYS

Minkys

Minkys

Dolci Cafe

for the love of pastry

What We Ate

Vygevallei Farm Stall

Jams & Preserves

The Wine House

Starter

Main

Dessert

Caire Allen

The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturiser with SPF 30

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Lotion

The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream

L’Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream With Shea Butter

Blistex – DCT Lip Balm

Palmers Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfecter

Physicians Formula Light Bronzer Powder

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

WINE

FOOD

THOUGHTS

THE ROOM

THE SETTING

THE FOOD

THE EXTRAS ♥

1. Your most treasured passport stamp?

2. Can you recite your passport # from memory if asked?

3. Preferred method of travel: planes, trains or automobiles?

4. Top 3 travel items?

5. Hostel or hotel?

6. Are you a repeat visitor or do you explore new places?

7. Do you read up on your destination (culture,history,safety) or do you wing it?

8. Favorite travel website?

9. Where would you recommend a friend to visit? Name city & why.

10, You’re leaving tomorrow, money is no option, where are you going?

THE EXCITING PART …

DISCOUNT CODE: minkysDW

WHAT WE ATE

MINKYS