Rescuing tiny octopi, delicious brownies and advent calendars 2015

Wow, another week come and gone! We’re so close to the end of the year now, yet it feels so far off still. At least summer has finally arrived in Cape Town, with the doggies unsure whether it’s best to sit under the fan or run through the sprinkler outside in an attempt to stay cool. Here are a few of my most recent highlights…

Saturday, 28 November 2015: Primi breakfast, Pitmasters’ lunch

Last Saturday started off with an extra large latte for me. Just look at the size of it!

Husband had a Cola and this very filling breakfast bowl.

The weather was so gorgeous, we trotted across the road to dip our toes in the sea.

So gorgeous, in fact, that we headed home for some beach things and then returned to set up camp for a while. Here is Husband in his wet suit, about to pick mussels off the rocks. I stayed in safety under our umbrella and read with toes in the sand.

But it’s not just mussels that Husband hauled… he also got hold of a tiny octopus, hidden in an open mussel shell! He took it back to the deep blue after I’d met it.

By then we’d worked up an appetite so set off to try Pitmasters on Woodbridge Island. This is our ‘waiting patiently for our food’ selfie

Husband tried a ‘Striped Horse’ beer. Yes, that’s actually a zebra. Teehee.

And then the food came! This was Husband’s pulled pork burger, topped with coleslaw and sriracha sauce

For me, a Fanta and this delicious salted caramel brownie. Moist and warm and gooey, it was just perfect.

Sunday, 29 November 2015: Brekkie at home and pretty sunset

Husband had bought extra large eggs in our weekly shop and was delighted to find they held double yolks!

As it was another scorcher I opted for a caramel iced coffee instead of the regular steamy version from Reload. It was amazing.

Much later that afternoon we stopped in at the Driftwood. Here is one of the resident chickens, pottering around the tables.

I went for a Milo shake this time.

Husband had a Black Label draught in a Castle draught glass, as you do.

Sunset from the parents’ house much, much later that eve

Tuesday, 1 December: Hot doggies and advent calendars

The doggies were very hot this week. Here is Bertie lying on the cool tiled floor after a quick dash through the sprinklers outside.

Little Miss Bassie preferred to sit on the arm of the couch, directly under the ceiling fan. Such little characters, they are.

And as it was the first of December, I could open the first window of my advent calendar. Yes, I am 31-years-old… spot the hopeful doggie just behind me.

That’s all, folks – this weekend’s set to be another scorcher – keep cool! 🙂

Wading through rockpools, new water features and non-braai day 2015

It’s not quite officially Spring in Cape Town until I’ve had one last mystery bug/illness/bodily manifestation of stress to sap all the fun out of things. That’s exactly what happened last weekend – no mention of the Springboks’ #RWC2015 defeat, but it certainly didn’t help. It started with a hacking cough, moved on to body aches and shivers and even included a bit of a migraine for most of Heritage Day, so we’ve postponed our planned braai to this coming weekend.

Luckily I’m finally on the mend, and it wasn’t ALL bad, as you’ll see below…

Saturday, 19 September 2015: Coffee wisdom and sitting at the sea

Great advice, Mugg&Bean 🙂

I felt positively queenly – and a little bit silly – posing in this far-too-tall chair slapbang in the middle of Bayside Mall after brekkie

Bertie Andrews loves his bear. For some reason he’s pulled out most of the stuffing. My theory is that the animals he sees on TV are 2D, so he tries to make his toys look the same?

The weather was glorious so we did some playing ourselves. That’s Husband stomping around in rockpools

I got so wet stomping across at low time that I had to sit and thaw out on the rocks.

Still not cool enough, we went further up the beach for ice cream cones. Husband had a cherry swirl, I had butter pecan. Mmm!

Later that evening while I completed last week’s assignments, Husband installed our new water feature. Bertie was pleased

Sunday, 20 September 2015: Breakfast at Greens, doggie walks

We got up a bit later than usual on Sunday and drove around a bit to find something different for breakfast – and something different we found! This latte at Greens in Plattekloof Village Shopping Centre was nice and strong

Husband tried the eggs benedict with spinach and mushrooms, thoroughly enjoyed it

You can see I’m looking a little ill and windswept here, but look at my lovely French toast with berries and bacon! We have to return to try other things on the menu…

Later that afternoon, we took Bertie’s new blue harness along to his Granny’s house so he could try it out after lupper.

And go for walkies we did! Mum and me took Bassie and Bertie down the road to a secluded park and let them do a few laps, all enjoyed the outing

Tuesday, 22 September 2015: Two pretty highlights

By Tuesday my cough was getting noticable – luckily my lovely colleague had stayed up all night baking cupcakes to celebrate her birthday. Tasted just as good as it looks.

The shot’s a little hazy as I took it out the bedroom window that night, but a pink-streaked sky always makes me smile

Thursday, 24 September 2015: Non-braai day

We stopped in at News Cafe for breakfast – Husband ordered for me as I’d lost my voice. I had the early bird muesli jar for R25, Husband had the new Hangover eggs/fresh juice option – he tried the orange-mango-chilli option.

Our only other joint excursion for the day involved visiting a market and popping our eyes out at the size of these strawberries. We didn’t buy any. I called it non-braai day but Husband did still rustle up the most delicious ginger-chili ribs for us that night.

Sadly that’s all, folks – here’s hoping the next weekend is a little healthier and happier all round 🙂 At least Bertie had an exciting time, so we lived up to the Mugg&Bean ‘fortune’…

September SEO studies, walks along the Cape coastline and lots of lattes

I’m now into the third week of my 10-week part-time course and my brain is positively overflowing with information that you may well see filtering across into this very blog’s design soon. Exciting! 🙂

Other highlights from the past week include the first true glimpse of Spring 2015 for Cape Town – always a few weeks behind those of y’all upcountry, alas. See below…

Friday, 11 September 2015: Chilly dogs in blankets

Bertie Andrews feeling the chill.

Bassie Andrews also felt the need to be blanketed.

Saturday, 12 September 2015: Breakfast at Woodbridge Island, post-assignment burgers at Rockstar Diner

Some pre-brekkie grins at Ilha, Woodbridge Island on Saturday.

Husband about to tuck in to his full English.

You know I love French Toast! This is a stack with bacon and grilled banana, and a cafe latte on the side.

Much, much later that day, after Husband had done lots of cleaning and clearing (we visited the local dump twice and that final box that had sat in the garage since we first moved to Cape Town is gone).. plus after I finished my last assignment for the week, we treated ourselves to fancy drinks and burgers at the Rockstar Diner. This is Husband’s Long Island Ice Tea…

There we are with our burgers and big grins adorning our faces. You can just see my ‘strawberries and cream’ milkshake, as well as my cheese burger topped with a crumbed onion ring and Husband’s ‘magic mushroom’ burger.

Sunday, 13 September 2015: Breakfast and long walks along the West Coast

First thing on Sunday, we headed to Eden on the Bay and dithered over where to eat. We started out at Captain’s Kitchen, where I had a strong cappuccino.

Husband had a Cola, of course. We then decided to walk “a little up the road” to see what else was on offer.

Walk and walk we did! All the way past the Blue Peter, Ons Huisie and the incoming sea. There’s a ship in the top left of the shot.

See? As close as close can be to the sea. Actually I lie. We were walking in the sea later, and I very nearly got swept away when I stepped into a hole in the sand – luckily Husband was right there to rescue me and I only got soaked up to my knees.

We ended up having breakfast at Petit Fours. Husband had this lovely poached egg concoction.

My favourite Boy and his favourite sauce.

For me? This rather delightful mini cheesecake filled with salted caramel and sliced almonds, washed down with a Chai latte.

Later that afternoon we were back in the area and stopped off for a spot of sushi at Best of Asia on Marine Circle

Wednesday, 16 September: Dins at Fat Cactus, Woodstock

To celebrate my first assignment results, Husband met me down the road from work on Wednesday at the Fat Cactus

For me? A super large espresso milkshake. There was enough in there to fill two glasses.

For Husband, the pulled pork, crispy tacos. He loves them

For me? The ‘starter’ rib basket. Husband helped me finish and we brought the rib bones home for the doggies.

Later that night we gave Bertie the teddybear we’d rescued from the side of the road a while ago and cleaned first. He loves it.

Friday, 18 September 2015: SEO studies and delicious tea breaks

I took the day off from work, so my Friday started like this – chocolate Poptarts and cappuccino breakfast while cluing myself up on the design aspects of SEO.

I had this for a brunch break later with the parents – custard-filled croissant and a large Chai latte. Yum!

That’s all, folks! The weekend ahead is set to be sunny yet windy, so who knows what my next blog update will have in store for you?

Week-long celebrations with muchos nachos, sunset beach walks and burny bunnies

This week the title pretty much says it all, except it was ALSO my half birthday, plus we had breakfast with my Cape rellies AND we’re heading off on our very first holiday since moving here almost 3 years ago, so we’ve been in good cheer all week. See below…

Thursday, 20 August 2015: GIL Africa Conference at Table Bay Hotel and my half-birthday

Pre-conference coffee in the quiet outside section at the Table Bay Hotel. I was there for the Growth, Innovation, Leadership (GIL) Africa Conference and loved this interesting water feature.

Pink, pink flowers during morning tea at the Table Bay Hotel.

The 20th is also my half-birthday. Odd, I know, as my real birthday is 15 Feb. The doggies don’t care though, as long as they get to give kisses. Bassie wasn’t too impressed that the moment was photographed – she’s a little shy…

Friday, 21 August 2015: Bizcommunity’s 14th birthday fun at the Fat Cactus, Woodstock

Starter platters! We ate and we ate, so much so that we were full by the time our mains arrived.

That’s my rather large portion of Sloppy Joe nachos. I took more than half home with me for dins!

It was so sunny and bright that we pulled the blinds down – then there was too much light on the other side of the table. So we reached a happy compromise by wearing hats. Metallic. Cowboy-style. Obvs.

The doggies received another special delivery from Hills on Friday – this time they are dental crouton things to keep their little mouths healthy. Bertie merrily crunches his way through them, Bassie isn’t too keen and eats them with long teeth as she’s a little fusspot.

Saturday, 22 August 2015: Special coffee and snorkelling

I love the way the peppermint choc syrup is swirled onto the medium latte at Reload.

It was the hottest day we’d had in weeks, so we headed down to Cosy Bay near the 12 Apostles – Husband did a spot of snorkelling – he put on his snorkel and flippers after I took this shot.

We then stopped off at the always-delightful Riverway Cafe in Hout Bay for an afternoon snack. This was my coffee shake…

And the most delicious lemon cheesecake.

Husband opted for his favourite, the piggy poppers – jalepenos filled with cheese and pulled pork, wrapped in bacon. Really hot and really good.

Sunday, 23 August 2015: Brekkie with my Cape family at Durbanville Hills

My cappuccino and the tiny Durbanville Hills menu – packed with tasty options.

Most of the ladies opted for the eggs ben with ham. Such delicious, frothy Hollandaise sauce. Mmm!

I don’t think Husband shouted loud enough for the end of the table to hear it was time to smile for a photo – teehee.

Monday, 24 August 2015: Pre-anniversary bunny chow at Inside, Big Bay

My precious Husband with our half-price chicken bunnies on the eve of our 8th wedding anniversary.

Of course ‘koffie-bekkie’ over here washed hers down with a latte.

Tuesday, 25 August 2015: Team lunch at The Tap House, Salt River and sunset beach walk

When a restaurant mentions their cheese burger has won an international award, that’s what you order. It was really good – like a gourmet McD’s. Plus there’s an R55 ‘burger and beer’ special on Tuesdays…

Lunch eaten and work finished for the day, we headed off with the doggies to their favourite walking beach, Kreeftebaai, close to Melkbos. Witnessed a beautiful sunset…

Husband on the rocks next to the setting sun.

The doggies in a calmer moment. Looks like Bertie is licking his sister’s head. Teehee.

This shot just captures Bertie’s personality to a T – curious, intelligent, inquisitive. Love that dog!

Proof the little ones were there…

I know it’s blurry but it’s too funny not to include. Husband photobombing my usual ‘Bassie and Mommy post-beach visit’ shot 🙂

Thursday, 20 August 2015: Breakfast in Constantia and afternoon naps

Just look at that yummy deliciousness! Parents treated me to elevensies at the Raith deli in Constantia on my day off. This is the Strammer Max – rye topped with avo, heaps of ham, cheesy egg and slices of sweet pickle.

Dad and me, while he tucks into his franks with potato salad.

Despite her open eyes, Bassie was fast asleep in this shot, leaning on me as I read and had an afternoon nap. Just what the doctor ordered!

That’s all, folks – next week will be an update on our anniversary stay at Avalon Springs in Montagu, watch this space! 🙂

PS: The text that’s underlined in gold is linked to related content I’ve posted earlier in my blog, so go back and click on the links of you missed ’em!

Charly’s Bakery, Argus cyclists and the many faces of Bassie Andrews

This past week? Whoosh. A blur. Can’t believe (but thanking my lucky stars) that it’s Friday again. To get you and me in the mood for the next weekend that’s just inches away, let’s have a quick recap of what I’ve been up to in the past week…

Saturday, 7 March 2015: Mugg n Bean coffee, Charly’s Bakery, parental beach visit, Catch22 dins

The easy cappuccino at Mugg n Bean always goes down a treat for me as it’s extra milky. That side biscuit was a treat.

Definitely, coffee saucer saying. I agree.

Finally got to visit Charly’s Bakery with fellow Joburg-transplant Kat, to see what all the fuss is about…

Look at the pretty heart-embellished seats! Look at the delicious cupcakes! We had a lovely time, and can cross that off our ‘Cape must-visits’ list…

Then we went to the beach with the visitors. Stepping out of the wave’s path, just in the nick of time

Husband and his dad took a LONG walk across the beach

Haha! Here is dad-in-law blowing his nose on his towel post-swim, me holding his Argus 2015 race shirt, and racing friend taking in the view

Ha. Love these three so. Husband is tired of posing for photos, Bassie is wary, and Bertie is distracted by the telly, as usual

What Husband ate at Catch22 – super jumbo oysters (R25 each) and the Calypso’s Catch salad, positively brimming with all sorts of goodies from the sea

I opted for the deceptively plain-sounding Buccaneer beef burger, which comes topped with bacon and cheese, as well as a side of skinny fries and huge onion rings

Sunday, 8 March 2015: Doggy beach walk, family braai at ours

Love the pink orchid decorating the eating area at our local Foodlover’s Market. And Husband, obviously.

If you take me for breakfast where the running special is a slice of cake and a cappuccino for R28, that’s what I’ll have.

Bassie is very cross with mommy for some reason…

Another beach visit, this time with the dear doglets. Bertie had a long paddle, even Bassie was tempted in

See how she’s gazing off contentedly?

Oh my goodness this is a funny sandy face! Looks like the Phteven underbite dog

Then I noticed Bertie was waiting for his photo to be taken. First he made a solemn face…

Then he grinned widely to show how much he loved going to the beach. Such a sweetheart.

When we got home, Husband finally had time to hang my hammock chair. Bertie was then coaxed onto my lap

Then, when Husband adjusted the height and tested it himself, Bertie sat on HIS lap, too.

Yay, the Driftwood Cafe has reopened! New management means my favourite milkshake’s off the menu but they were happy to make it for me (that’s chocolate ice cream, peanut butter and custard. Delicious)

Husband had a draught, as he does. Note the patio roofing above us, ours at home will eventually look like so

Argus medal 2015, check. Would you believe my friend Kat, who I was merrily sharing tasty cakes with the previous morning, entered the race on a whim after she met with me, as a friend of hers had a spare ticket, and she completed it too? With no special training. Huh.

Bertie had a chair to himself during the braai

Bassie prefers to share a seat – here she looks pensive again

Indifferent Bassie on her Granny’s knee

Bassie telling Grampa a story while Husband tends to the meat. Rose quartz holding down tablecloth as it was that windy

Let’s eat! All enjoyed the spread – you can just make out Bassie begging at her granny’s knee

Of course Husband had to teach his dad how to play cricket on the XBox. Hmm.

Husband called me to capture these pink streaks just before they vanished

Monday, 9 March: Dins at home with the cyclists

Bit blurry but you can see the six of us – that’s my dad-in-law, his friend who came down for the Argus with him, Bassie in my arms and Bertie in his dad’s

Worried Bassie, sprawled on the bed

Thursday, 12 March 2015: Thursday cupcake

Belated birthday cake in the office is a surefire way to uplift a Thursday. These Woolies cupcakes were divine

That’s all, folks! Dad-in-law and his cycling friend are still with us this weekend, so expect a few more pics of them next week. And with that, I bid you good night…