The Holiday that was ~ 2013 and 2014

Hello everyone.....I have missed my spot here for a while....

Our December started off with my dearest Jozi children arriving for an extended weekend before they set off on their own travels.... just saying goodbye to them on the Monday  saw the arrival of one of my closest friends from Australia and her 2 precious children (my Godchildren)

No time for elaborate table settings and exotic food as this was "kuier time" and time for special bonding at the fire with cocktails, braais,  koeksisters and melktert in huge helpings! Just to make my friend a tad more homesick for South Africa!!!

Solomon was certainly the centre of attraction again and we shared some wonderful memories for the boys to have as keepsakes as this home has celebrated so much of their lives including their footprints in the foundations way back then! So please no need for others to go further...this post is meant for them xx

I trust that 2014 finds you all happy and healthy and ready for all its challenges!
True blessings from our home to yours wherever you might find yourselves!

Some of my window and tablescapes and pretty tables I sat at are below:-)

 

 Craytail dinner with a glass of chenin blanc

At the Palace of Sun city

 

 they do a delightful High Tea fit for a queen.....

 

And at the Gariep Dam where we over -nighted, their Karoo food is to die for and
breakfasts are really scrummy!

obviously I had to judge their eggs benedict!

At the beach we had to show Claire our watering holes amongst others..the oldest pub in Africa

Some of the beautiful sites we took in whilst driving thru our beautiful country ....

here are a few of where our beloved Mandela and his first wife lived whilst he was studying law...

in Soweto and from there we paid his final home in Houghton a visit...

i

We loved this home in Vilakazi street ...

down the road from Mandela's home...

of course Tess had to ring the bell....

then onto Houghton after a few frosties....

 

Sun City in all its magic!

 

Eddie had such a great time playing at the Gary Player Country Club

 

 

 Life is good here in AFRICA!

 

 

and on  to my friend's beach!

 

 

My beautiful Aussie friend and my God children

Children,friends and God children @ Solomon

 

having fun capturing them......

 

all grown up!......

 

 

 

 

more posing.....

 

 

 

Isn't he gorgeous....

 

 

 

 

 

my garden...........

 

 

and the boys finally arrive back from Thailand

 

 

 

pretty Xmas trees, tables and gingerbread houses!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

we finally all got to celebrate our family reunited in January.....

 

so as the sun sets on this magnificent dam

 

 

I leave you with this quote....

 

 

So long......x

Madiba 1918 - 2013 ~

An icon yet humble man laid to rest today.
I salute you Nelson Mandela.....1918 - 2013

                                                           ( picture and quote from Google.)

Let us pray that your legacy lives on in our beautiful country!
Hamba Gahle  ......go in peace tata.

Marktfees Port Elizabeth

Anyone who says that there's not enough going on in the friendly city really needs to get out more often!
No excuses needed to be lonely......there is a wide array of festivities and markets at this time of the year!
The creative women of PE and surrounds have been hard at work putting together festive gift and craft ideas to make your Christmas extra special this year!
I was privileged to be accompanied by my son's sweet♥ this morning and..... what promised to be just a quick nipping out from my day job...... ended up in a whole morning affair!

Apart from a dark- haired lady who really ruffled my "fairy wings" trying to find out from my young friend what I intended doing with all those placemats etc, etc, annoying to say the least, I really was not impressed with her!.....it was a stunning morning.

Hats off to the 2 hostesses that pulled this off....what warm- hearted kind ladies who gave their thumbs up to "have a ball snapping away" at their baby.....a mini "Kamers"
......I can only cross fingers that this becomes a regular event and evolves into something as big as a full blown Christmas Market those fortunate citizens of  the bigger centres get to experience!

Here are a few shots I put together from my morning...... rather upsetting that my camera's battery failed as I was about to start....I had to end up using my camera on my cellphone!!!!




You might need to grab a cuppa of your favourite and come sit down here as there's a lot going on at this "fees"
I found a very comfy seat filled with gorgeous cushions for you to lazz in whilst you browse through.....

Loved these cement holders for  the desert roses....and the carrot cake was to die for!

Lovely ideas for the Christmas shoppers..... these holders below to collect your goodies with pretty paper weights.....

 

Don't you just love this little cheese knife.....

 

 

loved  this gorgeous fairy stand for all the little girls visiting...

and "my now famous" placemats for my family and friends to enjoy....

Jarryd's ♥ friend was in love with these.....

pretty bird cages blowing in the gentle breeze....

 

 and this art deco cupboard with its quirky yellow dash and pretty bowls arranged on top!
Someone has an eye for detail!

Some early Christmas shopping ticked off for my special people

 

or  how about this wonderful canvas....with special words...

 

a little treat for moi....

 

 

 

 

thanks for an awesome market!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'll be back with something different soon!
Shel