THE GRAND COCKROACH SHOWDOWN.

Oh my good lord Durban is being taken over by roaches. Not the small kind that you find frozen into your ice cubes at a certain Killer prawn joint, I'm talking about the cousins of those big ass Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches that Bear Grills likes on his toast. I am literally getting goosies just writing this down. Over the last week I have had 2 of the most revolting cockroach related ordeals that I think I have ever had in my life. I virtually lived that ad where Minki has to walk down the hall with a giant flapping Crayfish strapped to her forehead (except that my crayfish was not fake, and I didn't look at all hot while the incident was playing out.)

Ordeal numero uno:

3 days ago the bird and I had a lovely dinner, well he has a lovely dinner I was munching away on diet day 1 aka, a bowl of steamed cauliflower and a piece of chicken the size of a match box - gross - we watched some tv and hit the hay. Pretty much a peaceful evening resulting in me feeling very relaxed and generally ready to ease into sleep and wake up a new person. If only I had known. . .

3am: I lurch out of bed shaking my hands wildly around my now ghost white face whilst jumping up and down and pretty much doing a macabre Hokey Pokey.

The Bird shot out of bed ready to attack the attacker he now thinks is in our house because of my demon like behavior, burst into hysterical laughter as I burst into Tears - I am now on the floor in a shaky fetal position whispering Spider, Spider between sobs. 

Basically what happened is one of those cousins of those big ass Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches that Bear Grills likes on his toast snuck into our bed crawled through my hair down my FACE and scuttled down my shoulder, pretty much sending me somewhere between orbit and heart failure. So basically come morning I awoke with a searing desire to get vengeance on any creepy crawly that came my way which brings me to

Horrific Ordeal number 2:

That Night, I came home from the savaging that is Thai Bo pretty much exhausted (due to sleeping with 1 eye open) I waltzed through the door only to be met by 2 beady little eyes framed with those scratchy little feelers, my nemesis had returned. In an instant I had a flash like that guy on chuck and saw the red colour of revenge - according to reports I actually looked that scuttly little sucker in the eyes and swore vengeance as my eyes glazed over. Anyway I swooped through to the kitchen, grabbed our doom and went marching back to war and some how, I don't quite know how that little cockroach understood that he was heading straight into a shit storm and the little hissing bastard jumped at me fluttering his siff little wings all over my nose which lead to me pretty much performing act 2 of last night performance but this time on the kitchen floor. In the mean time, the bird waltzed casually over to that cocky little insect who was now mesmerized by my behavior and casually assassinated him. All in all I'm over Cockroaches in a big way, I'm planning on getting one of those fumigation tents for our new place that cheeky cockroach doesn't stand a chance.

Nom, Nom, Nom, Lee Price, Nom, Nom, Nom

So the engaged one's wedding is officially in 1 month, the count down has begun- eeek so excited. Hand in hand with the count down is the official wedding diet that I have embarked on. I'm on day 3 and Im already furious and feeling seriously sorry for myself. I am also finding myself attracted to anything food related which brings me to todays post.I was doing my blog rounds this am and I stumbled upon these beautiful/distubing images. I don't know what it is about them and I am not entirely sure yet if I love them or hate them but there is definitely something about them that has got my thoughts all tangled up.  These aren't photos by the way (I know right unbelievable) They are actually paintings done by a girl called Lee Price. Lee's series explores the intimate relationship between women and their food, they are almost ritualistic?. I love the quiet guilt that radiates out of each bite. What do you think, you like em?

I really like this one, this pretty much captures what I will be doing when this wedding hell diet is over. Sort of a diet honeymoon if you will.

LONNY LOVIN

Hello my lovelies, just to let you know that the latest Lonny Mag is out. It's a really lovely edition, I am completely in love with the story on the Lilly Pulitzer store- all the little doodles and bits and pieces, major major new house inspiration going on here. Anyway enjoy the read and keep your eyes out for the Chocolate Whoopie Pie recipe from the guys at Baked It is seriously good.

How glorious is this store?

TIME TO GET DECOR8-ING

DECOR8 is a blog that i have been following for probably the longest. Infact, I think its' one of the first blogs I ever actually came across. Holly, the editor is a super talented woman who always seems to come up with the most remarkable and inspiring projects that adorn the walls of my dream home that I WILL have someday- sigh. Talking of Dream homes, the Bird and I are on the move hoorah! We are moving into a gorgeous new flat at the end of the month. I'm really looking foreword to all that 'out with the old in with the new', clean walls, fresh spaced vibing that is going to be flittering around my life for the next while and how convenient that dear Holly has introduced a brand new column called "Handmade Home" which will start next week. I'm going to be getting my Handmade on in a big way and can't wait to see what she has in store for me and my little housie. Here are some pics to get those taste buds going...

READY TO ROLL

Pic via ffffound

Rightee hoo Tontorino's I would love to stick around and entertain y'all while you are stuck at work but I have wild plans and exciting expeditions on which to embark so I hope you all have a rad weekend. See you on Monday :)

MAKE MY LOGO BIGGER CREAM

I was scrummaging around my treasure chest of things to do inorder to look like you are busy when you are actually screwing around at work, and I stumbled upon this baby. I can't believe I have not shared this with you guys yet as It's pretty magical stuff. This glorious little snippet is dedicated to Askashe who has had a supremely crappy friday. If you are a client, watch this and make sure you never repeat any words heard in this clip ever. Let this be a warning to you.

THE OLD MAC DADDY

In between the mince pie baking, turkey basting, egg nog drinking scoff fest that is the Christmas season lies mine and the Bird's anniversary. In between all of the panicked cooking and wedding planning (The engaged one is set to become a missus in pretty much four weeks- eeeek) that is pretty much all that happens in my house hold these days. I wanted to whisk the Bird away for a glorious and romantic evening away from bbm, pastry brushes and the deranged shrieks of my mother to a quiet lace where we could chill out and do what ever we wanted with out being told what to do. So, sneaky woman that I am booked a night at the Old Mac Daddy trailer park, an outrageous Part wholesome caravan park, part designer farm lodge nestled between the apple orchards that comprise the Elgin valley.

 

The whole thing was a surprise- of course and the bird was surprised out of his socks! We were welcomed into our little trailer (The Kind Midas suite!) by a gorgeous bottle of Villera bubbly which we promptly drank while we gawked with open mouths at the Golden orb that was our trailer. The big idea around this place is that they got together a whole whak of air stream trailers (like the one Mcdreamy lived in for a while on Grey's) and they got some sa designers to think up their wildest trailer park fantasies and let them rip over these glorious trailers. What has resulted is a fantastic, hilarious and outrageously fun little holiday get away.

All in all we had the most wonderful time, the staff were crazy helpful and the little trailer was an absolute hoot. The one we stayed in was the most basic one they have (and the only trailer available) it comes with a very comfy bed, a shower and neat bathroom, a sink, stove and microwave- if you feel like getting your domestic on- and a pretty roomy fridge to store all your champers:) There are bigger trailers available and even a beautiful Villa (See piccie below) if you are keen to hit the road with afew mates (it sleeps 6 max).

This little get away comes highly recommended by DC - it is fun, affordable and a really romantic- the ideal anniversary, birthday, surprise awesome destination in Cape Town. Its also a pretty cool esacpe for the family with some rad hiking trails, dams to fish in and a general outdoorsy vibe. There are masses of distractions for the kiddies also allowing for some nookie time:) For more info check out their website.

VIA makedo

So we are officially back (That's me the second bum I seem to have adopted in Cape town- sob) After a wonderful Christmas and New Years spent with my fam and the Bird. I hope that you did the same and are now ready to face the new year with a grrrr face, a hungry determination, and maybe a small detox plan:) I am really excited for the new year as there are heap fulls of exciting things on the horison for me and DC so I look foreword to another 365 days with you lovelies.

SUN KISSED NECTARINE TARTE TATIN

7 Ripe and juicy nectarines

150g Brown sugar

Teaspoon of cinnamon

puff pastry
 

Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees celcius.

Grab a 25cm tart tin and cut out a piece of grease proof paper (not wax paper) into a circle that fits into the base of the tart tin. Smother it in butter- don't be stingy.

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a little bowl and sprinkle the lot it into the base of the tart tin.

Cut the nectarines into more or less 1cm thick wedges and pack them side by side in a tight spiral until the whole tart tin is filled with a beautiful juicy nectarine spiral. Just remember that fruit shrinks when you cook it so don't be scared to really pack those juicy wedges in.

Unroll the puff pastry (I just used store bought woolies one) measure it and make sure it is big enough to drape over your nectarine spiral. If it is a little small gently roll it out. Using a sharp knife cut out a circle the size of the tart tin and drape the pastry over the fruit. Put it in the fridge for about 30 min to chill. 

Once your Tarte Tatin is chilled put in in the oven on the centre rack and bake for about 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffy and gorgeous. Take the pud out the oven and leave it to cool. 

When the tart tin is cool enough to handle put a plate over the top and flip your tart right over onto the plate. Remove the tart tin and serve with some vanilla bean ice cream.

SANTA, BE A DARLING...

Dear sweet, gorgeous Santa... 

I luuurve a good magazine subscription, this year I'm gunning for WomensHealth. Before it launched in SA I used to buy the odd American one from CNA which I literally read, cooked, worked out from and pretty much loved them till their pages fell out so now that it has arrived on our shores I feel a little celebratory subscription is in order. Of course these things are always much more fun when someone else is buying:) thanks Santa.

Im in love with "Cloud Guy" 2009 by Frank. These little statues are such a hoot I have been lusting over them for years, maybe this year I'll get lucky:)

I think these cheeky little poppets would make the coolest gift to a mum or a friend. Salt pigs (as they are commonly known - best kitchen accessorize name ever) are so super useful and they just look so pretty. I personally am smitten with the Emile Henry (you can get them at that rad kitchen shop at the cape quarter - I forget the name help anyone?) and the Le Creuset one (via Yuppiechef If you are planning on buying one make sure you wrap it up next to a box of Maldon sea salt. Gifting an empty pig is like giving a kid a toy with no batteries.

 

Im of the belief that one can never ever have enough white takkies. They go with everything and anything and are a wardrobe staple that I firmly believe in.  Now that I have successfully murdered 3 Mr P pairs, and 2 Country Road pairs I have decided to give Astore's Feiyue's a bash.  I couldn't face leaving them to go stale in their shop window, that would just be cruel.

So that is about it in the Christmas Round up stakes for now but fear not my lovelies, tomorrow is another day and there are many gifts left to be lusted after.

DANIELA DOTAN - MACAROON GURU FROM HEAVEN

Piccies by the lovely Kamini Pather of Deelishuss

I recently met the Macaroon wunderkind Daniela Dotan. I blogged about Decadent Dani's a little while ago and announced to the world that she would be opening in Durbs in December. I got completely beside myself with excitement, jumped the gun as usual and then the worst happened. Some hoochy sex shop opened right by her potential spot so she has had a few delays while she looks for a new store. She ensures me that she has found a bigger better more fab one so I'm not completely heart broken. So opening will be more around Feb- just in time for your man to spoil you on Vday (there is that great timing thing again!).

Now I consider myself to be quite the Macaroon connoisseur and let me tell you these little darlings in the picture look very lady-like and petite. As usual pictures lie! Dani's macaroons are like the Eva Mendez of macaroons. They are sexy and girly but they come with big curves and and a much fuller figure than the usual dainty jobs you see else wear. I even close my eyes and go oooohhhmmm like that irritating girl in the Aero ad when I eat them- They are that good!

Dani landed in Durbs last week and I jumped at the opportunity to grab a cup of coffee with her and make friends because well she is a macaroon guru and I am a macaroon addict so naturally we are destined to be bff's so i thought i would speed up the process. Dani arrived clutching a beautiful box bursting with heavenly macaroons and instantly won me over. I am so excited for Dani to open her store here so that the girls of Durbs can be introduced to the heaven that is a macaroon hang over and the warmth that is Dani Dotan.

FLIPPING MARVELOUS

Hello hello my dears! ITS THE WEEKEND BABY:) This morning I got up to the most ridiculous beautiful day and hit the tarmac for regents (the best running club that Isn't really a running club in the whole world!) and then jumped in my car the moment Gareth burst into his weekend baby extravaganza- I love perfect timing. The mixture of Gareth's glorious announcement and the huge endorphin kick has me grinning like a fool and did I even mention that Christmas is just a stone's throw away? There is just too much to be happy about so if you are feeling grouchy today best you bugger off now because I am going to be irritating happy for the rest of today and I would hate to enrage you more.