Slurping JHB’s priciest dessert milkshakes & seeing CT from the sky

We started 2016 with a bang – a messy, salted-caramel-cheesecake dessert milkshake-shaped bang, that is. See it and other highlights of the first week of the year below…

Friday, 1 January 2016: Monopoly braai at the parents

As it had been ages since ‘the gang‘ was all in one space at the same time, mother-in-law arranged a braai at theirs on New Year’s Day. Husband and I caught up on some lazing around in the lounge before everyone arrived… look at those frown lines!

To celebrate, mother-in-law made sangria. It went, fast.

The gang, all in/around the pool!

Relaxing on the lawn between bouts of Monopoly and swimming.

Saturday, 2 January 2016: Joburg hail storm and dessert milkshakes

Our big task for Saturday was braving the sudden hail storm and travelling to 4th Ave, Parkhurst to meet up with my bestie for amazing-sounding milkshakes. The expected hail storm hit with full force and we stopped for shelter, but were soon on our way again.

Folk were photographing milkshakes left, right and centre – and little wonder. Just look at it. There were layers of creme brulee inside, that’s a ginormous chunk of cheesecake on top, Rolos around it and the caramel sauce dripped everywhere, but it was most delicious. We slurped up every last drop, as it cost an eye-watering R95.

Michelle and Daryn had the fancy R46 shakes – hers was a Ferrero Rocher, his had swirls of marshmallow fluff.

This year’s attempt at ‘the friend photo’ was one of our best yet. Seems the guy at the table behind us agreed. 🙂

We couldn’t just have a liquid lunch, so Husband and I also shared this cheese-and-bacon stuffed and wrapped hot dog with pink slaw. At R95 (yip, same as the shake) it’s one of the priciest, but also one of the best we’ve had.

Bellies full-to-bursting, we went for a stroll down the street. Parkhurst pups get special signs to read, teehee.

Later that afternoon we went on a quick sightseeing trip with father-in-law. We stopped to look at the Skybar bungee/rockclimbing effort that’s sprung up in the Fourways area.

That night we had a ‘family farewell’ dinner at Greek Sizzler in Banbury Cross, just up the street from the parents. Here’s a group shot the waiter took of us all.

Husband spoiled himself with the R150 ‘platter for one’. He finished every last morsel on his plate.

Sunday, 3 January 2015: Gramps visit and flying home

We started the day with breakfast at Vigour & Verve in the outdoor eating area at Silverstar Casino. The parents treated me to this enormous waffle topped with grilled bacon and banana, Husband went for a ‘full house’ omelette filled with chillies, cheese, mushrooms, bacon and more.

We were so, so full we had a quick walk around the water to stretch out legs after brekkie.

The reason we went to Silverstar? It’s walking distance from the retirement home Husband’s Grampa lives in. You can see the four of them in the upper right of this photo – I was impressed by the teatime spread. But too full to sample any. Sob.

Final swim at the parents. Husband dragged me in, as you can tell from my face. So glad he did!

After our final swim in their pool we bade the parents farewell at Lanseria and trotted off to our flight home – it was delayed 20 minutes as an unidentified bag was added to the hold and had to be placed on the correct plane before take-off. Here is Husband trotting across the tarmac.

A few minutes into the flight husband snapped this impressive anvil-shaped cloud.

Much, much later Husband woke me to this pretty sight – Cape Town at sunset. Home, sweet home!

Tuesday, 5 January 2016: Enjoying the pool

Monday was a day of adjusting back to the heat of Cape Town, so on Tuesday we spent much of the day in the pool. Mum and me having fun here.

Bassie showed off her latest ‘trick’ – balancing upright under Grampa’s chin. What a sweet little girl!

Wednesday, 6 January 2016: Colouring, baking and more

Husband and dad played pool on Wednesday morning with dad’s regular team so mum and me spent the morning reading, colouring-in and baking.

Poor Husband had a tummy bug much of this week – here he’s being comforted by Bassie.

Thursday, 7 January 2016: Local eggs ben and funny doggie poses

On Thursday Husband was well enough to stomach some eggs ben – with ham at our local Village Cafe in West Coast Village.

The doggies sprawled in the lounge with us under the fans for most of the day. Just like this.

Friday, 8 January 2015: Golf breakfast and windy beach

We celebrated our last day of leave with breakfast at Espana at the Burgundy Estate Golf Course, then mum and I chatted while the boys played a quick 9 holes.

Mum had this interesting flat bread breakfast option.

The rest of us had the prettily-painted Piquino/golfer’s breakfast – just enough to get you going for the day.

We went to the beach later in the day to dip our toes. Note all the kite surfers to the left of Husband.

That’s all, folks. It’s back to work for both of us this coming week so expect lots of relaxation to take place this weekend! 🙂

The best milkshake in Cape Town and doggies discover the lawnmower

“We’re all going on a Summer holiday…” OK, maybe not all of us, but me and husband sure are. And it’s only going to be three days. And the weather will likely not be Summery… but you get my drift! Expect a full update in my next post – for now, here are the past week’s highlights:

Friday, 13 November 2015: Love Scottage Pie

I’d had a long, hard Friday so once I’d finished blogging, Husband surprised my with this pretty Scottage Pie filled with love. Aww! It was absolutely delicious and we ate every last bit. ‘Scottage’ Pie is cottage pie made by a Scottish person, in case you’re wondering.

Saturday, 14 November 2015: Foodlover’s, doggies meet lawnmower, bunny chow at Mum’s

This was Husband’s breakfast burger stack concoction at Foodlover’s Market on Saturday morning.

For me, a supersized croissant and a cappuccino.

Later that day we introduced the doggies to the new lawnmower, which Husband has named “Meneer Snyman”. They crouched low and shadowed it up and down the garden, growling all the way. Such funny doggies.

Relaxing under the parents’ garden umbrella.

Later that afternoon we had chicken bunny chows from Yeh Dosti at the parents. Looks how excited most of us are!

Little Miss Bassie sat on my lap throughout. Stubborn little thing.

For dessert, strawberries with icecream.

Ha! Selfies don’t often work out for me – just loved how Bassie is rolling her eyes in this one. Plus my hair seems to be three different colours in the light.

Sunday, 15 November 2015: Currywurst, My Sugar shakes, dog walks and more

We felt like a bit of a roadtrip on Sunday, so headed off to Gardens Centre. This was Husband’s currywurst and roll he opted for as breakfast from Raith’s German deli

I had a ham and cheese roll, and this cappuccino with a gorgeous foam face. No one’s ever made a cappuccino foam face for me before, can you believe?

Seeing as we were ‘that side’ of town we decided to see if My Sugar was open and ready for us to try their milkshakes – it was a yes all round. Look at these tiny chocolate skulls, filled with caramel sauce. A bit pricy at R20 each as I’m sure I could fit 10 in my hand with ease. OK, maybe 8 in my hand and 2 in my mouth 😉

We made our tough selection and went to sit and play games while waiting for our milkshakes to arrive. Yes, we really played games. Husband figured out these wooden block puzzles in record time.

And then, the milkshakes came. You guys. Oh my word. This here is the Super Chocolate, with a round of brownie atop it. You can just make out Husband’s Butterscotch Popcorn in the bottom left. And I’m going to have to go back to try the Coffee flavour (can you believe I passed it up?), as well as Caramelised Coconut, and Miso Caramel, which is dressed with a little chocolate buddha floating on the cloud of vanilla cream. Just heavenly.

Of course we had to walk off all that sweetness, and we didn’t go alone. Bertie was so pleased to be going for walkies later that afternoon he gave his dad kisses while stepping into his walking harness. Bassie was not impressed, as you can see.

A latte in the late-afternoon sun at Doodles. Unfortunately they’re rather pricy now that their Winter specials are over, so we didn’t stay long.

Tuesday, 17 November 2015: Day 1 of AfricaCom at CTICC

This is one of the biggest expo/conference hybrids I’ve been to, by far. I attended last year so had an idea of what to expect, but my goodness was it extensive! It’s actually 16 conferences in one. Here are some of my highlights…

I finally had my first coffee for the day just after 11am while walking through the AfricaCom expo, in a five-minute lull between the interviews I’d set up beforehand – on other ends of the centre. Huff, puff…

Finally got to lunch at around 2pm – my first food of the day, eaten standing up. I followed a delicious portion of sweet-and-sour chicken noodles with these three mini desserts – fruity custard flan, custard slice and chocolate mousse/marshmallow ‘tot’.

That’s all for now, folks! Check in again next Friday for my next set of visual highlights 🙂

Conference treats, final assignment submission milkshakes and pink skies

What a week it’s been! Over and above the usual doggy-parenting, working and remembering to eat, this past week was the final one of the UCT GetSmarter part-time online SEO course I’ve been busy with for the past 10 weeks. As a result the assignments we had to complete were the most comprehensive yet and I only really finished on Sunday, so we have fewer pics than usual for you to peruse, but rest assured everything will be back to normal from this week! Yay! Relief! 🙂

Friday, 6 November 2015: Reputation Matters conference treats

I should have mentioned I’d been out conferencing last Friday but my brain was frazzled so I forgot to tell you anything about it! It’s hard work live-tweeting (especially if the Wi-Fi’s spotty and your phone’s 3G doesn’t play along), while also taking down notes, networking and taking in what’s being said, but someone has to do it! These teatime treats make up for it…

Saturday, 7 November 2015: Wimpy breakfast, Jerry’s burgers dins

We had lots of errands to run last Saturday morning so wanted a fast breakfast – Wimpy did the trick. That’s my toasted cheese (on a stick) with chips and a Mega coffee. You can just make out Husband’s streaky bacon breakfast at the other end of the table, by the Tabasco sauce bottle.

We’d heard that a branch of Jerry’s ‘burgers, craft and shine’ (that’s craft beer and moonshine) had opened in our area so went to have a looksie once I’d done as much assignment-ing as possible that eve. Here is Husband, hiding behind the menu

That’s my apple-pie milkshake treat. Delicious and oh-so-sweet.

We enjoyed munching on hot, salty crisps while awaiting our burgers (they didn’t take that long to arrive)

Tadaah! Husband had the drunken chicken, which was ‘nice’, and had to help me finish my Jerry’s Original with Swiss cheese.

Sunday, 8 November 2015: Breakfast at Stodels, celebratory milkshake at Mike’s Kitchen

We wanted to do some garden nursery things on Sunday so started off with breakfast at Lisa’s in Stodels. Here is Husband with his double-lemon slice Cola.

For me, a tall cappuccino. I was either at table 5 or table 27. Not sure how the waiters knew.

One of the glossy chickens we’d seen huddled up on the doorstep the previous week came over to ask for some scraps. Alas, we were all done by the time he reached us.

This is what we’d been to the nursery for – jasmine to grow along a trellis! Husband created this (it involved sawing the roof off of the unused doggy house) while I was sweating over my final assignment. I was pleased with the outcome, as was Bertie, as you can see.

And much later that afternoon, I clicked ‘submit’ on my final assignment. Yay! We headed off to Mikes Kitchen where I tried the Oreo-caramel treat milkshake. It was goooood and I needed a long spoon to dig out all the bits of biscuit and caramel globs. Yummo.

Later at mum’s, we had strawberries with ice-cream.

Tuesday, 10 November 2015: Lentil bobotie and pink skies

Mum created this wonderful lentil bobotie for our dins on Tuesday eve.

The sky that evening was spectacular, with lots of our neighbours posting amazing photos of sunset over the sea. I snapped this quickly while looking out the bedroom window.

That’s all, folks! 🙂

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?

Spring Day picnics, sunny beach walks and seminars at the Mount Nelson

Husband picked up a horrible cough last week. Add that to my studies and it’s fairly obvious that we had a quiet weekend – but that doesn’t mean it was boring…

Friday, 4 September 2015: Work Spring Day picnic

Note my floral pumps? Worn in honour of our Spring Day picnic at work last Friday, complete with sparkling wine, pizza and sour worms.

Ice cream in sugar cones and pretty paper serviettes sealed the scene.

Saturday, 4 September 2015: Ribs at the Flaming Fox and Dolphin Beach visit

Apologies for the poor lighting, you can’t really see just how large my bowl of ‘cheesy bacon’ fries is. So big that Husband and I just finished this and 200g of ribs between us. Delicious.

The ribs were long gone before they could be photographed alas, but here is Husband with some of the Flaming Fox decor.

After that, a trip to the beach to dip our toes and soak up some sun was in order. That’s Husband walking far along the horizon at the water’s edge.

With that icing-sugar sand I was happy to just sit in front of the Dolphin Beach Hotel for a while and set my brain to screensaver mode.

The mountain looked magical.

Sunday, 6 September 2015: Primi breakfast, Melkbos milkshakes

With the gorgeous weather continuing, we wanted breakfast with a view on Sunday, and that’s what we got at Primi Blouberg. This is my enormous cappuccino mug…

Husband clearly enjoyed his breakfast tacos.

For me? French toast, of course. I chose the sweet option and added a side of bacon and berries.

Looking for another isolated beach walk spot, we ventured out to Melkbos side. These seagulls were our only companions, for a while…

We’d walked up a thirst so stopped in at ‘I ❤ Melkies’. Here is Husband with his doctored vanilla shake

I had the coffee version. Very yummy.

Wednesday, 9 September 2015: A conference in the Mount Nelson Ballroom

There’s a statue of Ghandi on the Mount Nelson’s grounds – I was there to cover the Media24 Magazine Summit, held in the Nellie’s Ballroom. T’was a lovely day.

Dessert featured tiny mugs of creamy creme brulee – yes, that’s balancing on my knee.

For afternoon tea we had delicious chocolatey-pink macarons and cappuccino-speckled ones.

Do you think he’s the black sheep of the family, heading the wrong way? Such a cute installation I spotted on my way back home that evening.

Friday, 11 September: Study break snack at Col’Cacchio, Big Bay

Mom and dad fetched me at noon on Friday (I had taken the day off to catch-up  on my studies, there’s just so much reading material and so many smaller online group discussions to participate in and Wikis to add to). This was my salted caramel milkshake treat.

See? It was long, tall and delicious.

For lunch I opted for the half-price half-half pizza. (So many halves! Plus I brought half home with me.) One of few food items that photographs well.

That’s all, folks! We’re now two weeks down with my studies and Spring is well on its way, so here’s to another relaxing, enjoyable weekend ahead.