tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42390389565937381092024-03-13T15:13:06.703+02:00kookalooksKookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-15067206875648088672016-09-07T12:08:00.001+02:002016-09-07T12:09:20.024+02:00Spring things + new family traditions<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wf_sVfJbGhg/V8k5ulaXkdI/AAAAAAAABGs/sPKO4LdDwhokqY0VVHGr17AnYkR0dz3IwCLcB/s1600/A%2BBlooming%2BAffair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wf_sVfJbGhg/V8k5ulaXkdI/AAAAAAAABGs/sPKO4LdDwhokqY0VVHGr17AnYkR0dz3IwCLcB/s400/A%2BBlooming%2BAffair.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.abloomingaffair.co.za/" target="_blank">Source</a>}</td></tr>
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Happy Spring!<br />
Ok, that was last week, but happy official spring to everyone who is celebrating the season.<br />
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We had a lovely first-of-spring weekend. We went to explore the <a href="https://thelindenmarket.com/" target="_blank">Linden market</a>, which was so much fun. Just very HOT. Think great food stalls, beautiful flowers and curated goodies for sale, and of course champagne. The next market is on 3 December, so save the date.<br />
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We also had our first family spring dinner under the stars in our garden. One of the things I've been looking forward to doing as we leave the baby stage behind us is starting new family traditions. Nothing too onerous, just small things that we do together as a family that make things special.<br />
The kids had an early bath, Daddy put a <a href="http://taste.co.za/five-inspiring-ideas-with-snoek/" target="_blank">snoek</a> on the braai, and we had picnic on the lawn, with our Consol solar jars and fairy lights providing a little bit of light. It was lovely (and of course the now everyone wants to eat dinner like that <i>every </i>night).<br />
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On the down side, severe water restrictions have come with the warmer spring weather, and I've been obsessively checking the news, reading <a href="http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2016/08/la_nina_2016_is_it_going_to_ha.html" target="_blank">articles like this one</a> about sea surface temperatures and El Nino/La Nina diagnostic trends to see when we will (please) finally get some rain.<br />
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But we'll keep positive and keep checking the skies for rain clouds.<br />
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This weekend we're heading to the bush with friends, which will give the kids an opportunity to ride their bikes and run around in swimming cozzies. After that, the upcoming <a href="http://www.gardensofthegoldencity.co.za/current-season-gardens-of-the-golden-city.php" target="_blank">open garden season</a> starts in Johannesburg, a really lovely way to see some different parts of the city.<br />
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Here's to green shoots and sunshine...<br />
<br />Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-67866324306320667972016-08-31T21:50:00.000+02:002016-08-31T22:13:13.282+02:00Preserves <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnwFHC50NtE/V7bV0fouRPI/AAAAAAAABGU/RNsgKRPM2cA484FlAwMZSOIBTamnvgK-gCLcB/s1600/Easy-strawberry-jam-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnwFHC50NtE/V7bV0fouRPI/AAAAAAAABGU/RNsgKRPM2cA484FlAwMZSOIBTamnvgK-gCLcB/s640/Easy-strawberry-jam-2.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Image: <a href="http://simply-delicious-food.com/easy-strawberry-jam/" target="_blank">Simply Delicious</a>}</td></tr>
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So. Last week was kind of quiet. So I decided to channel my inner-granny and do something I've been meaning to do for a few months - whip up batches of preserves in preparation for the gift-giving season.<br />
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I don't know why I have this weird obsession with canning and making preserves. I even got my mom to email me her recipe for chutney while I was living in London. No, I did not spend my weekends in one of the greatest cities in the world making chutney, but it was a sort of security blanket from home that if I chose to, I <i>could </i>have done so<i>. </i><br />
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This year I have decided to try my hand at making jam. Strawberry ginger jam to be specific. Mostly as gifts for teachers, sisters-in-law, hostess gifts. As well as red onion marmalade.<br />
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The jam was super easy, and when strawberries come into season in October I will be making another batch or 40. If you've never made red onion marmalade, it's also a breeze. It take maximum 1-2 hours of your time and is great as a side for a cheese platter. If you want to make a really easy starter or finger nibble for pre-dinner drinks, onion marmalade, olive and feta tarts are your friend. Just place all the ingredients on some rolled-out puff pastry and in the oven until brown and crispy, and there you have it.<br />
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The recipes.<br />
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For the strawberry jam, I used <a href="http://simply-delicious-food.com/easy-strawberry-jam/" target="_blank">this wonderful recipe</a> from the lovely Alida Ryder's blog Simply Delicious. All I did differently was add in approximately two tea teaspoons of fresh grated ginger, which gives it a lovely taste and cuts through the sweetness. Oh, and please follow the instructions for sterilising your jars really closely, it's important to get this right.<br />
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<a href="https://www.yuppiechef.com/spatula/" target="_blank">YuppieChef</a> has the most amazing recipe for <a href="https://www.yuppiechef.com/spatula/how-to-make-onion-marmalade/" target="_blank">red onion marmalade.</a> You may just want to double, or triple the qualities.<br />
Also, increase the cooking time a little bit to thicken, or add a bit of cornstarch to make it really jammy.<br />
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<br />Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-28946909819076650382016-08-19T11:41:00.001+02:002016-08-19T11:44:27.963+02:00Spring uniform (kids edition) <div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OJhL0kF3ZI/V7bQN9vPt8I/AAAAAAAABGE/KpF9j0KndN8cAclAA_2ApWI3fAKrZ4rZACLcB/s1600/Naartjie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OJhL0kF3ZI/V7bQN9vPt8I/AAAAAAAABGE/KpF9j0KndN8cAclAA_2ApWI3fAKrZ4rZACLcB/s640/Naartjie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.naartjie.co.za/" target="_blank">Naartjie</a>}</td></tr>
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If current weather patterns are anything to go by, it seems as if we are again going to be skipping spring this year and going straight from vests-puffy-jacket-and-boots winter weather to dresses-shorts-t-shirts summer.<br />
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Which becomes a little bit challenging when trying to get three little ones dressed in the morning.<br />
<br />
My shopping philosophy for the kids has really changed over the years. I used to hit the end of season sales hard and store clothes away for the next year, buying reams of pyjamas and tops and dresses. But I've come to realise how few clothes kids actually need to get them through a season, and would now rather spend a bit more on fewer, better quality items.<br />
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My favourites for this spring are definitely Naartjie's beautiful range of stripes for girls (we're and I are all going to look like a group of little Breton clones in our matching <a href="http://www.naartjie.co.za/product/essential-striped-top-9312" target="_blank">blue and white tops</a>) and lovely <a href="http://www.naartjie.co.za/product/denim-shorts-91333" target="_blank">denim shorts</a>.<br />
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Not that I can convince them to wear shorts very often in dress season.<br />
And who can blame them. <a href="http://www.earthchild.co.za/girls/dresses/" target="_blank">Earth Child</a> has the most beautiful dresses (strictly saved for weekends, and not for painting in at pre-school!)<br />
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My eldest daughter will be going into school uniform in the new school year, which starts halfway through summer in January. So I'm hanging back a bit on summer school clothes and just getting her the minimum to get by until the Christmas holidays. Pick 'n Pay clothing and <a href="http://www.woolworths.co.za/store/dept/Kids/_/N-1z13s2t" target="_blank">Woolworths</a> are still winners for basics that generally make it thorough the season.<br />
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I know I'm being a little bit biased against the boys here, but really there isn't much competition. In summer, dressing boys generally means a few shorts, a t-shirt or two and we're ready to go. Done.<br />
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Another item I've come to learn it's worth spending a bit more money on is swimming costumes. We spend hours and hours in our cozzies during the summer months, and no one does cozzies quite like the Aussies. <a href="http://www.woolworths.co.za/store/cat/Country-Road/Kids/_/N-1z13s2tZ1z13t66" target="_blank">Country Road</a> and <a href="http://cottonon.com/AU/shop-by-category/kids/swimwear/girls-swimwear/?prefn1=countrySpecificMarkets&pmin=0&prefv1=AU&region=AU" target="_blank">Cotton On</a> are hands down the winners for cute one pieces, board shorts, bikinis and of course, rash vests to protect against the sun.<br />
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The only category I haven't cracked yet? Shoes. Trainers are too hot. Slip slops have things that go between your toes. Sandals have buckles and are a pain to take on and off. So wherever possible, we just go barefoot!<br />
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Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-54828341045853481622016-08-12T08:49:00.000+02:002016-08-12T11:04:17.046+02:00FriYAY<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7C4OD1Pzi0/V6JFsLcdfsI/AAAAAAAABFo/7csAoTSgBJopAqNFTj_XRRX7bmA-VRteACLcB/s1600/Peony%2Bice%2Bcream%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m7C4OD1Pzi0/V6JFsLcdfsI/AAAAAAAABFo/7csAoTSgBJopAqNFTj_XRRX7bmA-VRteACLcB/s400/Peony%2Bice%2Bcream%2B.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://vintagepiken.blogspot.co.za/" target="_blank">source</a>}</td></tr>
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Hey! It's Friday!<br />
The past two weeks have been really strange, with so many public holidays, it feels like every other day has either been a Monday or a Friday around here.<br />
<br />
But it's Friday (for real) and while I'm looking forward to a warm, spring-ish weekend (temperatures are already in the mid-twenties) I'm equally excited to get into a normal five-day school week routine when Monday rolls around. Moms and their routines, what can I say.<br />
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We've got a fun-filled weekend packed with twin birthday parties - that is, birthday parties for two precious sets of twins, and a house warming, and maybe we'll throw in a little bit of gardening in if there's a moment or two.<br />
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But in the meantime, have a look at some of the interesting things I've come across over the past few weeks.<br />
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<br />
<li>What I'm reading now - I've just finished Anthony Doerr's <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18143977-all-the-light-we-cannot-see" target="_blank">All the Light We Cannot See</a>. It is one of the only novels I've read this year (2016 seems to be the year of non-fiction for me). It was really enjoyable and all-consuming, with beautiful imagery. I had to be left alone on the picnic blanket in the back yard for an hour or two while I finished the last few chapters.</li>
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<li>What I'm cooking - Slight signs of spring all round mean that I'm starting to abandon the comfort food and yummy dishes like <a href="https://www.donnahay.com.au/recipes/fast-weeknights/ginger-salmon-with-zucchini-soba-noodles-and-kimchi" target="_blank">ginger Salmon noodles</a> from Donna Hay are back. </li>
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<br />
<li>What I'm doing - I've recently finally started barre classes at the gym, which might just change my life as I find my inner ballerina (in my mind at least...) But more on that in a later post I'm sure. </li>
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<br />
<li>I came across this <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/fashion/mom-hair-tips.html?_r=0" target="_blank">New York Times article</a> on 'Mom' hair, which has freaked me out considerably. It kind of, (read <i>exactly</i>) describes my current hairstyle. Longer-in-back, slightly-shorter-in-front bob. Eek. Ok, no, mine is choppy, and layered and edgy. I promise (that's what I keep telling myself).</li>
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Isn't it odd how hair becomes such an integral part of our identity as women? And, where did the rule come from that you shouldn't have long hair if you are over 30? Is it just me, but it seems like this was something that we grew up with. I thought long and hard about cutting my hair this year, because it's been past my shoulders since I was in my mid-twenties and I have some weird, ingrained thing that once you have cut your hair in your 30s you can't grow it again. That's it. Short, mom hair for the rest of your days.<br />
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But no, that's just rubbish. </div>
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Just like <a href="http://www.whowhatwear.com/turning-30-fashion/slide28" target="_blank">this list</a> of things women over 30 should toss from their wardrobes is rubbish, and had me rolling my eyes back in irritation. Can you just imagine the bleakness of a future filled with "<i>playful graphic tees</i>," "<i>subtly pre-distressed sneakers</i>" and "<i>figure flattering pieces</i>"?!?<br />
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If you are under 30, and reading this, and you think that "<i>Underwear or socks that are in less than perfect condition</i>" will magically disappear from your wardrobe when you become a grown woman, you are woefully wrong. So wrong.<br />
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Ok rant over.<br />
Have lovely weekend everyone!<br />
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Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-65936901784842671332016-07-26T12:00:00.004+02:002016-07-26T12:00:52.146+02:00London in the summertime<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yT1F2QPk_NI/V5crRIPWiUI/AAAAAAAABFY/KxghGaB0wcoBN61YcqdHmu-YifTV-WrUACEw/s1600/IMG_3673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yT1F2QPk_NI/V5crRIPWiUI/AAAAAAAABFY/KxghGaB0wcoBN61YcqdHmu-YifTV-WrUACEw/s400/IMG_3673.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fifteen.net/bar/" target="_blank">Fifteen</a> in Shoreditch</td></tr>
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<br />
I read a tweet recently (unfortunately I can't for the life of me remember by who) which said that adulthood is the ability to deal with complexity. That might be one of the truest things I've read in a long time. Or perhaps it should have read "the inability to deal with complexity."<br />
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As three weeks of winter school holidays have come to an end, it's back to work and admin for me, all the while simultaneously preparing 20 cupcakes for class baking, cleaning cupboards and finally getting to the to-do list which has been abandoned during the past month of pyjama mornings and play dates and trips to the bush.<br />
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Oh and to London!<br />
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Ha I almost completely forgot. If you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wendyduplessis/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> you would have seen we took a very brief trip to London town. It was so lovely to be back, and to visit all our old haunts. I really struggled to leave the kids and head off to the airport this time - it just gets more and more difficult as they get older. And I drive my husband crazy by constantly pointing out things that the kids would love to see or do while we are away. But hopefully they will be able to join us in the not so distant future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9gg5keHMqY/V5crPwTqSkI/AAAAAAAABE0/77vESKOKJ6YxLp3tk5AeN43sULGjeNO1QCLcB/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9gg5keHMqY/V5crPwTqSkI/AAAAAAAABE0/77vESKOKJ6YxLp3tk5AeN43sULGjeNO1QCLcB/s400/IMG_3647.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monmouth Coffee, yum!!</td></tr>
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Borough Market was our first stop from the airport (!) for Monmouth coffee, and there really is nothing like London in the summertime. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q60QsXnCsLo/V5crREVWYZI/AAAAAAAABFA/W9HPHzYAHWw4HshG9z1yXbHBaOvngrtnQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q60QsXnCsLo/V5crREVWYZI/AAAAAAAABFA/W9HPHzYAHWw4HshG9z1yXbHBaOvngrtnQCLcB/s400/IMG_3654.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Highlights included lunch at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen in Shoreditch, and sitting in Green Park enjoying raspberries under blue skies at 8pm in the evening! I still, however, do not like the Tube. Never have, never will. And we did unfortunately spend too much time running up and down escalators trying to catch the next train.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kings College Chapel, Cambridge </td></tr>
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We even managed a quick trip up to Cambridge to visit friends. Such a beautiful town, and we wandered around the grounds of the various college imagining what it must be like to be an actual student, surrounded by those beautiful buildings. </div>
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But possibly the highlight of the whole trip for me was the day we spent in Marylebone, walking around Regent's Park, visiting the restaurants where we used to have long lazy brunches in our pre-children weekends. And the best of all - hours spent browsing in <a href="http://www.dauntbooks.co.uk/#" target="_blank">Daunt Books</a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful <a href="http://www.dauntbooks.co.uk/#" target="_blank">Daunt Books</a>, Marlebone High Street </td></tr>
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<br />
For those of you lucky enough to be in the midst of the Northern Hemisphere summer holidays, have a look on this article from Cup of Jo on <a href="http://cupofjo.com/2016/07/how-to-plan-a-vacation/#more-92140" target="_blank">How to plan your best vacation</a>. There are some great tips, like packing a uniform (one day I'll get this right), to staying in local neighbourhoods.Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-700689871180191582016-06-10T16:35:00.001+02:002016-06-10T16:36:38.449+02:00Friday finds <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ArHHZNlUqQ0/V1rJwwC-DhI/AAAAAAAABD8/O_rpCmIuXnYU09M5MDm-r6q25E19w0dcQCLcB/s1600/8234897712_7b28fa3b95_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ArHHZNlUqQ0/V1rJwwC-DhI/AAAAAAAABD8/O_rpCmIuXnYU09M5MDm-r6q25E19w0dcQCLcB/s400/8234897712_7b28fa3b95_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>[<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/hansel5569/" target="_blank">Source</a>]</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My plan to blog on a more regular basis seems to have hit something of a little speed bump. It might be that life at the moment has been an endless succession of work, tidy, tidy, look after sick children, tidy, wine, work and sleep. In no particular order. For the last week at least.<br />
<br />
But I have been making progress in the background, and have even been working hard at getting together an editorial schedule of posts I want to write. Ta-dah! For someone who is supposed to be super organised, I have no idea why it has taken me so long. But hopefully it means that the posts will start coming on a more regular basis.<br />
<br />
But in the meantime, I thought I would ease into it with a few links that I've come across lately and you may find interesting.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The real winter cold is supposed to make its way up to Johannesburg this weekend, so here's wishing you lots of warm blanket snuggles and warm meals like this <a href="http://taste.co.za/recipes/gingered-sweet-potato-soup-with-soy-cashews/" target="_blank">gingered sweet-potato soup with soy cashews </a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jane Sews is having <a href="http://janesews.co.za/collections/a-home-for-every-garment" target="_blank">a sale</a>. You better be quick. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bedside books - T<a href="http://www.exclus1ves.co.za/books/search/?logSearch=true&q=The+Smartest+kids+in+the+world+" target="_blank">he Smartest Kids in the World</a> (and how they got that way) by Amanda Ripley about an author who follows three American exchange students in Finland, South Korea and Poland and compares each country's education systems. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>After my yoga studio was knocked down to incorporate the space into yet another shopping centre, I've been bringing new meaning to the word sloth. So I cannot wait for <a href="http://newbeginningspilates.co.za/" target="_blank">New Beginnings Pilates</a> to open (almost right on my door step! No excuses, right) the week after next. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>If you are looking for a very easy weekend project which will yield impressive results, why not try planting some paperwhites? Have a look at <a href="http://gardening.about.com/od/forcingandprechilling/a/Paperwhites.htm" target="_blank">these instructions</a>, or at my previous post on the topic <a href="http://kookalooks.blogspot.co.za/search?q=paper+whites&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">here</a>. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-76245361161739699862016-05-04T11:08:00.000+02:002016-08-12T08:55:13.657+02:00Reasons not to blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3_uMXTG44w/Vym70q0wHEI/AAAAAAAABDU/c09hmxeuPl4-9es4XiBMEHL1RsbNFcJOgCLcB/s1600/01aee55c8c1a163c1f070d22f6f7c629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3_uMXTG44w/Vym70q0wHEI/AAAAAAAABDU/c09hmxeuPl4-9es4XiBMEHL1RsbNFcJOgCLcB/s320/01aee55c8c1a163c1f070d22f6f7c629.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Because<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Does anyone read this anyway?</li>
<li>Who has the time anymore? </li>
<li>Lack of inspiration and anything going on in my world that may be remotely interesting to the outside world.</li>
<li>Because it's kind of scary to put yourself out there today. When social media is a mine field. On a good day. </li>
<li>Because I write for a living, and sometimes the very last thing I want to do is spend even <i>more</i> time with my computer. Unpaid time. </li>
<li>Because blogging takes time. Lots of time. Thinking of the right thing to say, putting it into the right language. Spell checking it. Hyperlinking. And finding an appropriate image (oh heaven help me). </li>
<li>Because life is busy. Very busy and very complicated these days. </li>
<li>Because I'm tired of receiving requests for coverage of products or issues which don't interest me, aren't relevant to my life stage and have nothing to do with this blog. Baby bottles? Room spray? No, thanks. (Just target the correct people is all I'm saying). </li>
</ul>
<br />
But besides all those reasons, which may or may not explain my nearly year-long absence, I do miss writing my blog. I miss having somewhere to share my inspirations and latest finds. To discuss things and write about non-serious topics.<br />
<div>
So I'm going to give it another shot. Here goes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-53806317026344303882015-08-07T08:12:00.000+02:002015-08-07T08:12:44.640+02:00Friday finds<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FeL16oIAuI/VcMmOh-2Q_I/AAAAAAAABAU/WOlJhI5C5Qc/s1600/urkeltheandroid.tumblr.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FeL16oIAuI/VcMmOh-2Q_I/AAAAAAAABAU/WOlJhI5C5Qc/s400/urkeltheandroid.tumblr.com.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://urkeltheandroid.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">{Source}</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is the start of a long weekend here - yay!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We've got quite a packed social schedule – a birthday dinner tonight, friends
over on Saturday, lunch with family on Sunday for my brother’s birthday and a
looong overdue catch up with other friends on Monday. It doesn't look like I'm
going to get much of a chance to sleep in...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's my reading list of Friday finds for the long weekend:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- I’ve just started reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lean-In-Women-Work-Will/dp/0385349947" target="_blank">Lean In</a>. I know I'm a little behind on this one, but I really am enjoying it. I’m trying
to convince my husband to read it too, purely from a management and business
perspective, not from a feminist one. It's one of those books where I find I want
to underline certain phrases to review later, as they ring so true. But mine's
a borrowed copy so I can't!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sheryl Sandberg’s take on trying to achieve a balance
between career, work and parenting is quite encouraging. I’m only a third
through the book, but her point that the current portrayal of working or
professional women as harried and guilt-ridden “make women unnecessarily
fearful by presenting life’s challenges as insurmountable” (<i>p24</i>) really struck
a chord with me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That's all they are, challenges. And it's up to you to find a solution that
works for you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But also, for someone who has was described in performance
reviews during my corporate life as being ‘too nice’ the following really rang
true: “When you want to change things, you can’t please everyone. If you do
please everyone, you aren’t making enough progress<i>.</i>” (<i>p51</i>).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- On another female-focused note, <span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="http://youtu.be/JiZduqXCdjE" target="_blank">this video</a></span><span id="goog_1407967465"></span><span id="goog_1407967466"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> was launched
by Dove this week, discussing the beauty legacy we leave for our daughters
simply by the things we may say, unintentionally or in passing, about our
appearance. Most moms of girls I know of
acutely aware of this, but it’s always good to be reminded. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- I have to tell you about my houseplant obsession! I've been
working on doing a bit of decorating in our living area. Our most-used space
has recently received a new rug and chairs. But still on the list are a
couple of indoor plants. Follow my <span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wendyduplessis/" target="_blank">Pinterest feed</a> </span>for
more lovely indoor plants. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- And if you’re in Johannesburg and thinking of what to do
next weekend (I find August just stretches out forever, so long and dusty
before all the exciting weekend activities of spring start next month) there is
still time to get tickets for the<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> <a href="http://www.jyb.co.za/" target="_blank">Johannesburg
Youth Ballet's</a></span><a href="http://www.jyb.co.za/" target="_blank"> </a>production of Peter and the Wolf at the University of Johannesburg's Art Centre
Theatre. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have a lovely weekend, wherever you are!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-69281494707370896942015-08-06T14:20:00.000+02:002015-08-06T14:21:45.447+02:00Blueberry Cafe<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGiZiD2db9Y/VcHdGDl344I/AAAAAAAAA_o/Q7HgijwuVtQ/s1600/DSCN4509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGiZiD2db9Y/VcHdGDl344I/AAAAAAAAA_o/Q7HgijwuVtQ/s400/DSCN4509.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains (and Nguni cows) for miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I’ve been meaning to write up a post about the <a href="http://www.blueberrycafe.co.za/" target="_blank">Blueberry Café</a>
ever since we went there during our trip to the Midlands in April, but, anyway.
But as many people are heading out of town for this long weekend, I though now
is a good a time as any.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Midlands is great for quaint little cozy places where
you can stop for a quick light lunch. But Blueberry is like a breath of fresh
air. From its hill perched above Nottingham Road, looking over the tree lined
avenue that leads up to <a href="http://www.fordoun.com/" target="_blank">Fordoun Spa</a> you can see the mountains of the Drakensberg in the distance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiGHWzPJFLA/VcHdIEeF2fI/AAAAAAAAA_0/wmXMIdbbHRU/s1600/DSCN4516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiGHWzPJFLA/VcHdIEeF2fI/AAAAAAAAA_0/wmXMIdbbHRU/s320/DSCN4516.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKXa5f4Vj1g/VcHdH5AtkkI/AAAAAAAAA_4/Cnj_bmhx9CU/s1600/DSCN4519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKXa5f4Vj1g/VcHdH5AtkkI/AAAAAAAAA_4/Cnj_bmhx9CU/s320/DSCN4519.JPG" width="276" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXUuif34tKc/VcHdKaFWquI/AAAAAAAABAA/A-7TZXgTu2w/s1600/DSCN4520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXUuif34tKc/VcHdKaFWquI/AAAAAAAABAA/A-7TZXgTu2w/s400/DSCN4520.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blueberry has an organic garden outside and some lovely
Nguni cows which make for great photo ops, it reminded me a little bit of
Babyonstoren , on a mini scale. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The restaurant and décor shop was designed in conjunction
with <a href="http://www.anatomydesign.co.za/" target="_blank">Anatomy Design</a> at 44 Stanley, so expect the same modern industrial cool.<br />
<br />
We all shared the most incredible charcuterie platter, which
we couldn’t even finish between the five of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Salami and Parma ham olives and olive jam, pates and bread... It was
superb.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C08vQx7icmw/VcHdLzYfrCI/AAAAAAAABAI/Q9JtU-VSTjM/s1600/DSCN4526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C08vQx7icmw/VcHdLzYfrCI/AAAAAAAABAI/Q9JtU-VSTjM/s400/DSCN4526.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-3156567761897533392015-07-30T12:01:00.002+02:002015-07-30T12:07:12.822+02:00Family life review 2015 <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2LV10PHc78/VbinYwsvdQI/AAAAAAAAA_U/F0Gz9eZsv60/s1600/DSCN4486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2LV10PHc78/VbinYwsvdQI/AAAAAAAAA_U/F0Gz9eZsv60/s400/DSCN4486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The idea to write an annual family life review is one I got
from reading Aussie blog <a href="http://planningwithkids.com/2015/04/10/family-life-the-roller-coaster-years/" target="_blank">Planning with kids.</a> I've been mulling over the idea of writing a 'day in the life
with twins' post for ages now, as I suppose it's a topic that people find quite
fascinating, if the number of questions about it I get are anything to go by.
But I think this format is better - more focused on a number of aspects of
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I plan to update this post once a year and have a
record of how things have changed over time. Essentially, I'm attempting to answer that perpetual question moms ask themselves over and over: ‘Does it get easier??' And even though I’m only four and a half years in, I now
understand when more experienced parents tell you: Yes, it gets easier, physically, but it also gets more complicated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've used some of the headings from the above mentioned blog,
some I've modified and some are my own.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ages of children</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 and a half year old daughter (pre-school)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 years and 4 month old twin daughter (pre-school)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 years and 4 month old twin son (pre-school)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Running errands, school run</b></li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really do try to run most, if not all errands while the
kids are at school in the mornings and try and leave the weekends and afternoon
as admin-free as possible. However, it does honestly feel like I spend my life
running errands for everyone, nearly every morning of the week. I'm able to do
one or two chores with my eldest in the afternoons while the twins have their
nap, but I suppose this won't last for much longer. It really is quite tricky
navigating a parking lot/grocery store with three. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
School only starts at 8am, thankfully. The school run has become easier of late, as the twins
started at the same preschool as their big sister last week. This probably
gives me an extra 45 minutes a day to do one drop off/pick up and they're very
happy and settled already, which is fantastic.<br />
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Getting out the house</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
Not so bad on a weekday. School mornings mean everyone knows
the routine and is in the right place at the right time. Winter is just such a
pain though with millions of layers and dark cold mornings. My eldest is able
to mostly dress herself, but needs help with tracksuit tops, shoes etc. The
weekends are a bit trickier and we are a family of faffers, of which I am chief
dawdler.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On another level of getting out of the house, this is the first year that we've been able to travel a bit more and not be stuck at home with babies and all the paraphernalia that they come with. We have gone away for a few long weekends and have a week at the beach planned for August. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Extra curricular activities</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
I've consciously kept afternoon activities to a minimum as I
think it's really important for the kiddies to just play at home and be in
their own environment. My eldest does ballet one afternoon a week, and all
three will start swimming in the summer. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Sleep deprivation</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
We're getting there slowly on this one. Grace Mae would wake
up every night at 2 or 3am to be cuddled, but this seems to be dwindling and
we've had a few mornings when we're the only two people in the bed at 6am! Of
course all bets are off when the kids are sick. And we are planning the move
out of cots soon, once the twins are 2 and a half.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sleep deprivation these days is mostly my own fault as I have a terrible habit of only going to sleep at 11pm as it's the only time I get to do what I want during the day. Another thing to work on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Lifting, carrying, chasing</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
Now that the twins are two and a bit and are happy walking
independently this is getting much easier. I still help them up and down the
stairs, which is slow and a bit tedious, but we've come pretty far in the past
year since moving into our new house when I had to carry both at once.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Another looming milestone is potty training, but we are waiting for the warmer
weather.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Peace in the home</b> - sibling rivalry and fighting</li>
</ul>
<br />
We are really lucky to have kids that play and get along
quite nicely with each other. I’m not sure if it’s because of their age, but
the twins are still quite happy to go along with what their big sister wants to
do. But don’t get me wrong, they have their moments. Afternoons when we’re all
at home together can be peaceful, but there are those days where one or two
constantly push my buttons to see what they can get away with.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Individual time with the kids</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
I don’t feel I’m totally winning on this one and is
something I hope to continue to work on over time. When I was pregnant with
twins I was terrified that there wouldn’t be enough of me to go around for
everyone, and some days I do feel very thinly stretched. But kids don’t need a
solid hour of one-on-one attention, and I try to grab small moments here and
there – when doing the girls’ hair before school in the morning, with the
eldest while the twins are napping, playing together for 5-10 minutes. A little
can really go a long way in this category.<br />
<br /><o:p></o:p>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the kids get older I do plan to introduce one-on-one dates
or outings with each of them, and them with their Dad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Family time together</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
This we are getting right. On the weekends. During the week
it’s pretty much just me with the kids and my husband will be home for
bath/bedtime maybe on a Friday. But on the weekend we do most things together
and it’s great.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Time on my own</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
However, the flip side of the above category means I don’t
get a lot of time to pursue what I want to. Maybe my expectations are a little
unrealistic with such small kiddies, but I hope to improve on this area. I like
to do things myself, but not handing over means not getting a break. With work, errands and just keeping things running means squeezing
in exercise and my own interests is something that doesn't happen too often but needs to become more of a
priority for my own sanity.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Time with my husband</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
We do ok on this I think. I’m lucky enough to have extended family
living in the same city and they do help out and allow us to go off together
about once a month. We’ve gone on trips together, which I do look forward to
for months (Cape Town in November, yes please!!) and keep me going through the tough times. We’ve started meeting up
with friends for dinner without kids occasionally, which is great for
friendships too.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Household workload</b> - cooking, cleaning, groceries and
running the house</li>
</ul>
<br />
Um, this is ok I suppose. I do have a lady to help me out,
but the consistency is lacking, which I find very exasperating. I suppose I’m
finding this area very frustrating at the moment.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Overall</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
Sometimes I have to remind myself I have two 2-year olds
(something I don’t try and think about too often as it might just overwhelm me).<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am definitely a type A personality (or A+, some might say),
which is not a great combination with little kids, no matter how many you have.
I like things done a certain way, but I’m able to let things go a lot more over
the weekends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every twin mom I know told me when Michael and Grace turned
2 that this would be my toughest year with them yet. Honestly I’m not finding
that to be the case – I found newborns and crazy busy irrational 18 month of
twins to be more challenging. The ability to express themselves better and slightly
more discipline (read slightly) means I think we’re on an upward trend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-11337210422140666122015-04-17T15:19:00.003+02:002015-04-17T15:21:15.402+02:00Friday Finds <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AvIpixCMOs8/VTD1Oak9deI/AAAAAAAAA9w/s_6BRNfOQe8/s1600/explore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AvIpixCMOs8/VTD1Oak9deI/AAAAAAAAA9w/s_6BRNfOQe8/s1600/explore.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></div>
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<br />
You know how some weeks are just survival mode all the way? Well, this was one of them.<br />
After lots of work deadlines, a husband away on business, the start of a new school term for my eldest and power outages which saw me working by torch-light. Oh, and then I dropped my iPhone in water. So I am effectively cut off from the world unless I'm sitting in front of a laptop for the next six to seven weeks.<br />
<br />
So you will understand when I say that I am more than ready for a bit of weekend and our trip to the Karkloof Forest on Sunday. We're planning lots of outdoor time, walks under the autumn leaves, maybe some bike riding and just time as a family as it feels like we haven't seen each other for the past two weeks.<br />
<br />
So as I go off and start packing and getting into relax mode, here are some great links I've come across this week:<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://www.kinfolk.com/alain-de-botton/" target="_blank">This</a> <i>Kinfolk</i> interview with Alain de Botton. I loved this article. Read it. If only for this:<br />
"<i>Work-life balance is a myth. Anything worth fighting for unbalances you - parenting isn't a hobby, it's a job. You have to make choices, and therefore sacrifices. Having it all exists only in the mind of Sheryl Sandberg." </i><br />
<br />
- <a href="http://www.cordmama.com/blog/2015/4/8/three-truths-about-c-section-mamas" target="_blank">The truth</a> about c-section mamas.<br />
I think this is quite an emotional one for lots of women out there. And this article expresses it so well - especially that isolation and fear in the moments before being wheeled into theatre and being prepped for surgery.<br />
<br />
- On a lighter note, I've been looking for some good Australian blogs to follow. Maybe it's the design aesthetic that we in South Africa have been exposed to recently (Country Road and Witchery, Cotton On) or just the South-South element (it's such a relief to read blogs that aren't awash with spring pictures as we descend into the colder months).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://planningwithkids.com/" target="_blank">Planning with Kids</a> for all you A types (or even A+ types) out there, you know who you are. Nicole has some great resources and also great advice.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gallerieb.com/" target="_blank">Gallerie B</a> I'm desperately casting around from interior design advise to make our house feel more complete. Although I know it's a project that will realistically take years. I think maybe the best part about Gallerie B is being able to look up her Pins according to colour. Genius!<br />
<br />
Have a lovely weekend!Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-53909166797815334322015-04-10T17:01:00.000+02:002015-04-10T17:01:40.500+02:00Autumn <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_S7Jbh9SHmg/VSZliW9fqnI/AAAAAAAAA9c/yWtphWPKlNw/s1600/autumn-essentials-finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_S7Jbh9SHmg/VSZliW9fqnI/AAAAAAAAA9c/yWtphWPKlNw/s1600/autumn-essentials-finished.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn essentials<br />
{<a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/autumn-essentials-freebie-art-print/" target="_blank">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It seems autumn is here and we've had some lovely rainy cloudy and cool days to make it feel like Europe or a Cape winter in the very least.<br />
<br />
I think this lovely Emily Jones print sums up the feeling of the season pretty well, with essentials like candlelight, falling leaves, red lipstick (yes please) and hot tea.<br />
<br />
To that list I'd have to add new winter scarves, soup, down duvets and new books for snuggling with under said duvet.Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-83435508922353996612015-04-09T13:56:00.002+02:002015-04-09T13:56:46.445+02:00Turning a corner <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-othmimFgtBM/VRO0gO8iyDI/AAAAAAAAA8g/GYQ8LEamW_w/s1600/IMG_6760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-othmimFgtBM/VRO0gO8iyDI/AAAAAAAAA8g/GYQ8LEamW_w/s1600/IMG_6760.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8weEx95I24/VRO0Kgpv9RI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/fl1Af8gpulY/s1600/IMG_6763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8weEx95I24/VRO0Kgpv9RI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/fl1Af8gpulY/s1600/IMG_6763.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mL8kElnZ_hI/VRO0KKV3EtI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/5WzpjVCW6h4/s1600/IMG_6806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mL8kElnZ_hI/VRO0KKV3EtI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/5WzpjVCW6h4/s1600/IMG_6806.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tqu3AgqiQ0E/VRO1sSD15iI/AAAAAAAAA8s/3fPJp60iAag/s1600/IMG_6901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tqu3AgqiQ0E/VRO1sSD15iI/AAAAAAAAA8s/3fPJp60iAag/s1600/IMG_6901.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5f6MoT0yHc0/VRO1xdQT03I/AAAAAAAAA80/A-CADe8Pw34/s1600/IMG_7195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5f6MoT0yHc0/VRO1xdQT03I/AAAAAAAAA80/A-CADe8Pw34/s1600/IMG_7195.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some memories from our summer beach holiday<br />{<a href="https://www.facebook.com/nicci.scheepers" target="_blank">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Um, hello there. If there is any one out there....<br />
After five months of not posting (!) I'm finally sitting down and intend to write this until I press 'Publish'. For reals, I promise I'll do it!<br />
<br />
Phew, well this year I have really had to hit the ground running - the twins started play group, and because of that I have had the most ambitious household admin lists and decorating lists I've tried to work through. Plus add in work, combined birthday parties - 3 kids, 2 cakes and 30 small guests. (What was I thinking?)<br />
<br />
But it feels like we are turning a corner (dare I say it). Michael and Grace Mae turned two last Thursday and it is getting just a <i>teeny tiny</i> bit easier.<br />
<br />
<u>[Sidebar</u>: I had a whole gushing draft post saved here about how it's getting so much easier everyday, and then Michael broke his cot by jumping in it when he should have been napping. So I had to do a bit of a real-life edit and I think <i>teeny tiny </i>is quite appropriate for now.] <br />
<br />
I know we will are still awaiting the emotional irrationality and roller coaster that is two and three, and potty training that will come in the spring, but their little personalities are just so great, so I must admit while it's crazy at times but we do have fun.<br />
<br />
Autumn is fast approaching, as are the school holidays. I have really gotten used to a few hours a day to myself to get things done, but I'm looking forward to a trip to the Natal Midlands we've got planned, just our little family. Also on the horizon is the autumn <a href="http://www.kamersvol.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=4" target="_blank">Kamers</a> (I haven't been for four years! I'm ridiculously excited) and the <a href="http://www.947.co.za/events/groves--vineyars--olive--wine-festival" target="_blank">Groves and Vineyards festival</a>. And plenty in between.Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-19443483141456855822014-11-07T16:30:00.001+02:002014-11-07T16:30:33.022+02:00Something for the weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJHZYsgUmiI/VFxwOs1QUdI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/L1kDItdkvTU/s1600/weekend%2Bstylecaster.com%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJHZYsgUmiI/VFxwOs1QUdI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/L1kDItdkvTU/s1600/weekend%2Bstylecaster.com%2B.jpg" height="400" width="383" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
I for one am really glad that it's nearly weekend. It's been great week, and challenging in all sorts of good and exciting ways, but I'm really, really ready for a little down time!<br />
<br />
Have you got any exciting plans lined up?<br />
Things here are getting pretty busy here as the end of the year approaches, so we've got an action-packed weekend.<br />
<br />
First stop is the <a href="http://foodwinedesign.co.za/home/" target="_blank">Handmade Contemporary</a> Fair (old Food Wine Design) at Hyde Park. I've always wanted to go to this, but this is the first year I am actually going to make it. I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing some good art pieces, as we still have plenty of bare walls downstairs. And maybe have a glass of wine or two...<br />
<br />
As Friday afternoon closes in, here are a few things that I've come across this week that I thought you might find interesting:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.designmom.com/2014/11/extroverts-raising-an-introvert/" target="_blank">This article</a> on Design Mom about extroverts raising introverts.<br />
I must admit I've never really given the introvert/extrovert division too much thought in the context of parenting. But I really do hate the way people make introversion sound like a "condition." (No prizes for guessing which camp I fall into! INTJ and proud of it.) But when I think of times in my life when I have just been completely emotionally drained, I can definitely identify with the concept of just having people overload and "hitting some sort of emotional wall and mentally checking out, or getting grumpy." <br />
<br />
I have a strong suspicion that my eldest daughter might fall into the introvert camp, and my husband and I are definitely a combo of introvert/extrovert (boy, has it taking some explaining when I don't want to attend every. single. social. event) so I'm definitely going to try do some reading up on this in the future.<br />
<br />
Speaking of reading, I promised a while ago that I'd let you know what I thought of Naomi Wood's <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/feb/20/mrs-hemingway-naomi-wood-review" target="_blank">Mrs Hemingway</a>. While I'm not going to go into exhaustive detail here, I really enjoyed the book and it was perfect to read on the beach. It's also inspired me to go back and read some of the original works, which I haven't done since early university days. However I do think you need to have a basic biographical knowledge of the man or you'll be a little bit lost.<br />
<br />
Mrs Hemingway is a tough act to follow. and unfortunately the task fell to Elizabeth Gilbert's <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/06/signature-all-things-elizabeth-gilbert-review" target="_blank">The Signature of All Things. </a> I do like Elizabeth Gilbert's writing. I know some people find it self-indulgent and whingey. But I enjoyed <i>Eat, Pray, Love</i> and <i>Committed</i>. But they're not up there with my favourites. And neither is the novel. It was good, but very long winded, and needed a sharper focus.<br />
<br />
In a drastic change of direction, I'm now onto <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/09/peter-thiel-zero-to-one-review/380738/" target="_blank">Zero to One</a>. It's good so far. It's aimed at start-ups and entrepreneurs, and I'm hoping it's not one of this business books that could actually be summarised into three pages of bullet points instead of taking up pages and pages of waffle expanding on one very singular idea.<br />
<br />
But I'll let you know.<br />
<br />
Happy weekend wherever you are and whatever you might be getting up to.Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-74432626269238265842014-10-24T08:18:00.000+02:002014-10-24T08:18:40.908+02:00Well, hello again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0XsSGSXrTw/VEjs5sXi09I/AAAAAAAAA5o/Ec8v0_CQOnU/s1600/DSCN4105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0XsSGSXrTw/VEjs5sXi09I/AAAAAAAAA5o/Ec8v0_CQOnU/s1600/DSCN4105.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private beach for miles</td></tr>
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Hi there.</div>
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I'm slowly coming back down to earth after having spent a wonderful week on the beaches of Mozambique at <a href="http://www.massingabeach.co.za/" target="_blank">Massinga</a>. No kids, no schedules, sleep ins and lots of books and walking (ok, there may have been some cocktails involved too....). It was pretty much sublime, but I would be lying if I said I didn't miss the little ones. </div>
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We had two days of sparkling, beautiful weather and two days of rain, but that's how it is at the beach I suppose. The resort was lovely, although a little bit more out of the way than I expected (it took a full day of travelling to arrive there, using various forms of transport, including train, plane, ferry and shuttle) but was well worth it. </div>
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I managed to get a large amount of reading in, and I'll share those books with you soon in another post. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pvWmlomVL4/VEjsvALwNtI/AAAAAAAAA5g/jSqY6AZK5dU/s1600/DSCN4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pvWmlomVL4/VEjsvALwNtI/AAAAAAAAA5g/jSqY6AZK5dU/s1600/DSCN4144.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our patio</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9J5oevqfgM/VEjs5d1ckcI/AAAAAAAAA5s/nGnrKE9VPno/s1600/DSCN4113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9J5oevqfgM/VEjs5d1ckcI/AAAAAAAAA5s/nGnrKE9VPno/s1600/DSCN4113.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deceptively steep walk to the beach</td></tr>
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<br />
I've come back in a rather strange frame of mind, I have to admit. Sort of a hyper-awareness that the year is drawing to a close, and with the twins off to nursery next year I will have the time and energy for new challenges. So I'm in a bit of a reflective mood about what this means for my next chapter. <br />
<br />
I'm dusting off my portfolio and my contacts book and trying to feel excited about the opportunities that could lie ahead, rather than daunted by challenge and emptiness and questions of 'what now?'Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-90467170518660480202014-09-22T10:29:00.002+02:002014-09-22T10:30:54.081+02:00A few things from the weekend<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i6cD0_r-1Ts/VBwEvZijrDI/AAAAAAAAA48/RwTQ7eT72Os/s640/blogger-image--390900310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i6cD0_r-1Ts/VBwEvZijrDI/AAAAAAAAA48/RwTQ7eT72Os/s640/blogger-image--390900310.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://agirlandagluegun.com/">agirlandagluegun.com</a></td></tr>
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<div>
Well, hello Monday. </div>
<div>
I must say I am relieved to get a little Monday peace and quiet, where I can catch up with my computer, commune with my emails and tick of a few items from the old to-do list. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not that weekends aren't great. It's just that at the moment with two nearly-18-month olds they're not very weekend-y. No switching off time and the dishes that multiply everytime I blink. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I do really have to remind myself that it's all about attitude at this stage, and I thought the little poem above very appropriate, as things are full of <i>wild</i> and <i>giggles</i> and <i>wiggles </i>around here lately. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few other things that have been on my mind over the weekend and on my list for the week ahead:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>The great furniture hunt continues. I've discovered <a href="http://www.mezzanineinteriors.co.za/" target="_blank">Mezzanine Interiors</a> who have some really beautiful occasional chairs. Now we just have to see how elastic that budget can be..</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I'm always on the lookout for a good book, and I've <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18114165-mrs-hemingway" target="_blank">Mrs Hemingway</a> by Naomi Wood spoken of very highly. I'll let you know if it's any good. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The reason I'm on the hunt for a new book is this! In three weeks time we will be here <a href="http://www.massingabeach.co.za/" target="_blank">Massinga Beach </a>in Mozambique. And the kidlets with the various grandparents. We booked months and months ago and I can't believe it's nearly here. I think all I'm going to do today is watch the image slideshow on the website and dream of some "barefoot luxury"...sigh!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Oh, and in case you forgot, the <a href="http://www.rockababy.co.za/" target="_blank">Rock a Baby Fair </a>is on at Juta Street this weekend. It's going to be great, and the 2-for-1 special is still on tickets, so don't miss out. </li>
</ul>
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Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-44161247060410153202014-09-10T11:39:00.000+02:002014-09-10T11:39:12.371+02:00Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8dO_vVV_0PE/VBAWGouFsdI/AAAAAAAAA4k/yGIoxVQ5Sj4/s1600/blossoms1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8dO_vVV_0PE/VBAWGouFsdI/AAAAAAAAA4k/yGIoxVQ5Sj4/s1600/blossoms1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring!</td></tr>
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I cannot begin to tell you how absolutely thrilled, <i>thrilled</i>, that spring is finally here! It is probably my favorite time of the year, with blossoms blossoming and new green leaves shooting all over the place, and blue skies and warm temperatures and mornings with light streaming into the windows as I wake up. My children probably already think I'm mad as I shout "blossoms!" at every pink or white tree we drive past these days. </div>
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But I don't care, I'm just so happy to throw off the bleak winter and know an entire summer lies stretched before us. </div>
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To celebrate this first-of-spring weekend, we took Michael for his first really boy haircut (Mommy trimming the back of his hair in the bath doesn't count) to my husband's Italian barber in Norwood. He looked too sweet and was very well behaved, except for the fact that he was really taken with the pictures of girls in bikinis in the cubicle...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing quite like Sunday snoozes...</td></tr>
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Sunday saw us at the Jo'burg Country Club in Auckland Park, stretched out on the lawn, enjoying the new green grass. None of which we have at home as we wait for our never-ending garden revamp to come to an end, but right now that doesn't matter and it was lovely to celebrate a new season, gin and tonic in hand.Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-79202527641630699602014-09-03T09:45:00.000+02:002014-09-03T09:45:00.393+02:00France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Exactly two years ago my husband and I went on a trip to France. </div>
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It was our first time away together since having Lilia (she was 18 months at the time) and we planned and planned since the beginning of the year. I didn't enjoy the trip as much as I could have though, as we'd just found out we were going to have twins, which weighed quite heavily on me the whole time we were away. </div>
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So I really look forward to the day we can redo the whole trip over and be in a better mental space! (hint...hint...)</div>
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Despite it all, the whole 10 days stands out for me as one of the loveliest holidays I've ever been on. I can remember all the details of every little town we drove to, every meal we ate. </div>
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After five days in Paris, we took the TGV down to Avignon in Provence, with Tour-de-France type scenes passing by the window. We then hired a car and drove to our little guest house, <a href="http://www.auralentidulierre.com/" target="_blank">Au Ralenti du Lierre</a> in Beaumettes. From there we drove around to Gordes, Menerbes, Lacoste and a million tiny towns in the surrounding areas. </div>
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<br />Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-61176510097984096952014-09-02T09:07:00.001+02:002014-09-02T09:07:26.946+02:00Baby boom <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rockababy.co.za/" target="_blank">RockaBaby </a></td></tr>
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We're expecting a rash of babies to enter our lives early next year (Is that the right terminology? Can you even say that?) as many close friends either embark on parenthood or complete their families. On a purely selfish note, I'm so glad we won't be the only ones with three kids, as boy do the comments get old.<br />
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As I prepare myself for some serious baby shower shopping, I heard about the RockaBaby fair happening at 73 Juta Street at the end of September. Now, I've never ever been to a baby expo in my life, something which I am actually quite proud of. I can think of nothing less appealing than trawling around a huge hall filled with baby products and millions of kiddies on their way to see Barney perform. I hear there are good deals on nappies, but I'll take the chance, thanks very much.<br />
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But <a href="http://www.rockababy.co.za/" target="_blank">RockaBaby</a> is something completely different. It's going to be held at the home of the <a href="http://kookalooks.blogspot.com/2012/02/whoops.html" target="_blank">Neighbourgoods Market </a> in Braamfontein and there's going to be some amazing exhibitors there - FancyPants, Oh-Lief and Exquisite Tastes.<br />
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In my opinion, there is nothing worse than giving or receiving a pile of newborn clothes or baby blankets at a baby shower, especially when there is so much more that you actually <i>need.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.rockababy.co.za/" target="_blank">RockaBaby Fair</a> - Johannesburg Sunday 28 September.<br />
<i>Quick! </i>There's a 2-for-1 special on tickets at the moment if you enter the code FRIEND14 on <a href="http://webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=829616603" target="_blank">Webtickets</a> (Tickets are R50 for adults and kidlets go for free). <br />
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Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-52323495847564400212014-09-01T10:10:00.000+02:002014-09-01T10:10:16.981+02:00Where to from here?I'm changing tack here today to talk about something a little more serious than the usual decorating finds and baby things...<br />
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It's not often that I check Twitter anymore, I find I'm suffering from an overload of social media and something has to give. But last Friday I had a quick look through and came across <a href="http://www.financialmail.co.za/coverstory/2014/08/28/millennial-women-get-a-move-on" target="_blank">this article</a> in last week's Financial Mail by Andiswa Maqutu. <br />
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What prompted me to read it was the teaser about how women of the Millennium Generation are going to change the workplace faster than any of their predecessors, a topic that particularly interests me. But, I found I was disappointed in the story once I had finished reading it.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Droid Serif', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">"Millennial women are more career-focused than their mums and delay having children into their 30s."</span><br />
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Being of the Millenial Generation (born between 1980 - 1995), I completed my postgraduate education and embarked on a great career which took me to amazing places and allowed me to enter into a management role at a multinational company in London. Yet, I still decided to have children before the age of 30 because, well, that was my decision. This does not mean that I am not 'career-focused'.<br />
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As many of my friends enter into the world of motherhood, some of whom had children before 30 or some after, some of whom have taken a few years off their professional careers, and some of whom have returned to work directly after their maternity leave period of 4 months, we are all finding out how very inflexible and quite frankly, inhospitable, the workplace is.<br />
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I know many extremely talented women, all with professional or post graduate qualifications and experience sitting at home or in coffee shops, or in dull mornings-only jobs. Their expertise and experience dormant, for the simple reason that it is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to find work that is flexible and meaningful, and allows you to fulfil your role of mom.<br />
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What we are looking for is stated in the FM article: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Droid Serif', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">alternative employment models," </span>something which sounds so very simple and yet is still very slow in coming to this country. However, the writer does make an encouraging point about women in the Millennium generation: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Droid Serif', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">They are also output-driven and know that they don’t have to be seen in the workplace."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Droid Serif', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>So now if we can only convince everyone else.Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-20302986141012086342014-08-19T09:36:00.000+02:002014-08-19T09:36:22.758+02:00Making a house a home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vinyl sticker from <a href="http://stickaroo.com/" target="_blank">Stickaroo</a> </td></tr>
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I must say this whole moving and setting up house thing is starting to wear a little thin and become a bit of a chore. Two months in and we are still waiting for shutters, have a nagging DIY list to get through and have a garden that looks like little more than a glorified mud patch.<br />
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But we push on. And with spring only a little more than 10 days away, I am clinging onto the thought of backyard parties with friends and a less rush rush rush to get me through this final stage.<br />
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But what I have realised about making a house into a home is that no matter how much you decorate and how beautifully all the details hang together, it is the time you spend there and the memories that the place contains that makes it a home.<br />
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But that aside, I'd like to share one of my little decorating triumphs with you: I ordered a vinyl sticker for Michael and Grace Mae's nursery from <a href="http://stickaroo.com/" target="_blank">Stickaroo</a> and absolutely love it.<br />
They have an option for custom design, and the thought of making something unique really appealed to me. So after a little bit of back and forth with the designers - this is what they came up with for me.<br />
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Although you can't quite see it in the picture, it is on gold vinyl, which I love. And it's just gender-neutral enough to work for the shared nursery (very tricky).<br />
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I'm not going to lie to you and say it was easy to put on the wall. It required two pairs of hands, lots of patience and the twins to be confined to their cots while their older sister amused them with fluffy toys... Oh, the things that go on around here on a Sunday morning. Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-10205730561198604842014-07-24T09:51:00.002+02:002014-07-24T09:51:34.843+02:00Great Eastern Food Bar<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the Great Eastern Food Bar (Image: inyourpocket.com)</td></tr>
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Yum Yum.<br />
That's all there really is to say!<br />
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We went to the Great Eastern Food Bar about three weeks ago for birthday celebrations and had such a lovely time.<br />
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The restaurant is above Service Station in the Bamboo Centre, Melville, which is apparently undergoing a bit of a revival and has some great restaurants for those tired of the same-old Parkhurst weekend scene. The decor is sparse and modern, with small tables that mean you can have a good conversation and still enjoy the atmosphere.<br />
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If you are looking for something really different and love light Asian food it's definitely for you. The menu, as all the reviews I had read prior to going had warned, is rather small. But the style of the restaurant is 'Asian tapas' so go with a group and order lots of different things.<br />
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We shared lots of starters, which was probably my best part of the evening - dim sum, sashimi tacos, steamed buns and edamame beans with nori chips.<br />
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It is a vegetarian restaurant with fish and seafood, and I must be honest that I was quite relieved when one of our party who is a 'meat and potatoes' kind of guy had to cancel at the last minute.<br />
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Look, no one is going to accuse them of being inexpensive. But it's such a great restaurant offering something different from the usual boring old Jo'burg nonsense, so give it a try.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/gefoodbar" target="_blank">Great Eastern Food Bar</a> in Melville.<br />
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<br />Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-4899873959050712842014-07-09T11:17:00.000+02:002014-07-09T11:17:14.532+02:00New blog discoveries <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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You know that moment when you should be working but all you can do is hang out on Pinterest and read other people's blogs??<br />
Hmm, well yes.<br />
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I wanted to share two lovely blogs with you that I have discovered lately.<br />
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I was lucky enough to recently meet Bailey, the author of <a href="http://buryanddiscover.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">bury & discover</a> (which she writes with her sister) and <a href="http://www.kimmyandbear.com/" target="_blank">Kimmy & Bear</a>, a blog about all things mommy. She's one of those really glamorous girls who have it all together and knows about all the latest stuff before it breaks, but is also super likeable. And the fact that she is the Mommy to two gorgeous twin bubbas also helps!<br />
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So take a look, especially if you are looking for some lovely baby-related things.<br />
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P.S. The pic above is a little sneak preview of a vinyl sticker I'm having made for Michael and Grace Mae's new room from <a href="http://stickaroo.com/" target="_blank">Stickaroo</a>. Gold vinyl! Who knew such things were possible. I can't wait to share the finished product with you.Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-67544322701882345412014-07-04T12:29:00.001+02:002014-07-04T12:31:12.316+02:00Deadlines before decor <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current state of my study </td></tr>
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It really has been a case of deadlines before decor around here lately, as my house to do list stays untouched and I work away in my makeshift office.<br />
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One of my favorite things to before we moved in was to trawl <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/wendyduplessis/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and find pictures of beautiful sunny home office spaces filled with tidy storage ideas, inspirational quotes on the walls and quirky accessories.<br />
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Well, the picture above is to show you how far I am currently with that particular project.<br />
But I suppose, what's the point of having a home office if you have nothing to do in there? So, work first, fun later. In all honesty, I'm waiting for my shutters to arrive which will be the starting point for the room, and did go and buy a tin of <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/paints.html" target="_blank">Annie Sloan chalk paint</a> with which to paint my book shelf and trestle, now to just find the time.<br />
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In other news, we're going to the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/gefoodbar" target="_blank">Great Eastern Food Bar</a> tonight for a belated birthday dinner (for who, you may ask? For me!) I'm hoping it's lovely, will let you know next week.<br />
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Happy weekend everyone!<br />
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<br />Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4239038956593738109.post-37520489487832172412014-06-20T12:02:00.002+02:002014-06-20T12:02:57.201+02:00Lists about lists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is what my life looks like right now.<br />
Lists about lists about urgent lists referring to budget lists and weekend to-do lists and DIY lists.<br />
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Don't let anyone tell you that moving isn't fun!<br />
But on the upside, we are in and nearly all the boxes are unpacked. Phew.Kookalookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073837894284597570noreply@blogger.com0