Tassels Twigs & Tastebuds

Blog it Forward Series ~ Pondside

2012-03-11T11:09:00.003-07:00

Good Evening friends!

I'm just recovering from a lazy Sunday and what better way than in blogland, catching up with my favourite "clicks"...

I have a lovely place to show you!

Come, take a look....

Hmmmm... I thought that you might like it!! It looks so peaceful and idyllic and it is home to my guest for today, Honora from the lovely blog, Pondside. Or , Pondie as many of us call them together...the blog and Honora.

I came across her lovely blog when I learnt all about linky parties and how to meet fellow bloggers and I found her at Mosaic Monday at Mary's Dear Little Red House.

Pondie tells us all about the charming place she calls home, between the ponds, in the Pacific North West, Canada. I adore reading her blog as she has the ability to use words to create a rich and intriguing mosaic without using a single picture! A rare talent indeed, and one that I would be prepared to put on my bucket list to acquire!!

Henry having a dip! I'm totally envious of dear Henry...

For those who have not been following my "Blog it Forward Series", this is how it works. I am featuring bloggers and blogs that I enjoy and have helped me in my blogging journey. I sent Pondie twenty random questions to answer and then I get to add the images or links that I have enjoyed on her blog. So, dear friends, lets chat to Pondie and get to know her a bit better. I will provide the link to her blog at the end of the post, but there is bound to be other links included to posts, so please visit and enjoy.

Twenty Random Questions: Honora

1. How do you pamper your soul?

I walk in all weather, alone or with my walking friend. We walk in silence and I find that at the end of the walk I’m restored – filled up from looking at the beauty of nature.

Read the post Walking on February Sunshine here

2. Name three things on your bucket list that you would like to do or that you have done.

1. Visit St Petersburg (I did that!)

2. Write an inspirational day book.

3. Learn to sail.

I will place my order for that Inspirational book right away. I so enjoyed this poem "Looking for a Sunbeam" click here.

Also... I love hearing that someone did something on their list already...

3. What is on your bed side table?

There’s a stack of books and a stack of magazines (it’s a fair sized parlour table). Currently I’m reading Lady Almira – and The Real Downtown Abbey. The lamp is one from my great-grandmother. I put my earrings in a little dish that was sent to me by a lovely blogger. Beside the dish is a bottle of lavender spray.

It looks like we all have a pile of magazines and books next to our beds...
Take a look at the magical little scene below...since we don't see snow in this part of the world, well, not up close and personal like this, I am thoroughly enchanted by it...

Oh yes, this little scene above, reminded me of a story that I had read on Honora's blog a while back and I went looking for it. This is one that will warm your heart and of course I was captivated by the whole journey through the storm and I would have been a nervous wreck for sure!! Read all about it here.

4. If you were a drink what would you be?

A Tea Martini. It seems cosy and comforting but if you’re not careful it will put you flat on the floor.

A Tea Martini?? It sounds so innocent, then?

5. Secret indulgence?

Regular professional pedicures – pure luxury!...and time alone in my own house.

6. Favourite décor shop?

Chintz and Company, in Victoria

7. Your favourite magazines

Vanity Fair, Country Living (UK)

8. Please tell us which city you live in and then which is your dream destination

I live in the country near Victoria, British Columbia. I’d love to live in Brussels.

9. What makes you laugh?

My grandsons make me laugh. When I need a belly laugh I watch Peter Sellers in The Party, or the craziness of Best In Show.

That line from The Pink Panther, (I think... ) about the "dug" (dog) always has me in stitches....actually Peter Sellers's face is enough....for a giggle...honestly!

10. Sweet intoxication…what does this phrase evoke in your mind?

The smell of a just-bathed baby.

11. Any hidden talents?

Baton twirling – singing in the mass in Aramaic

12. Your signature dish in the kitchen?

Whatever I love at the moment – today it’s roast chicken stuffed with orange.

Yum...beam me on up....please, I will do the dishes...

13. What does luxury mean to you?

Having the health, the time and the means to follow one’s dreams.

14. If I was to make a movie about you, who should I cast to play you?

Meryl Streep – she can do anyone!

I totally agree...she is just amazing! What are we wearing to collect our Oscar, Pondie?

15. I am giving you one day off from all of your daily responsibilities…what will you do?

Read two papers while drinking wonderful coffee – then a long hot bath, followed by a walk, a massage and a stretch-out on the couch with a book….until I sleep in a patch of sunshine.

16. Summer evenings are for…sitting beside the ponds and watching the bats swoop against the moonlit sky.

It sounds...just magical...

17. Your favourite gadget or appliance?

An amazing thingy that pulls weeds and dandelions from the lawn without the need for me to involve my hands.

18. What influences your style?

What I read, what I see – some art…my kitchen is inspired by a Matisse painting. In truth, though, I’d have to say that a huge influence was a dear old lady whose carriage house I rented for nearly four years. I now realise that I studied her homes (there were three) and took in a great deal about colour and placement.

Read about Pondie's kitchen here

19. Shoes or handbag?

Shoes. I will never admit to the real number in my closet – but I’d happily carry a backpack everywhere.

A gal needs her secrets....

20. The best part of your day is…

Getting into bed, between cool, crisp sheets, beside my sweet husband. After all these years, the end of the day is still the best.

Please do visit Pondside (please click) you will be captivated and on many occasions be regaled by wonderful tales of daily life besides the ponds in Honora's rich and layered linguistic tapestry of life ...

Oh yes, by the way... Pondie also inspired this post on one of our local wine cellars . Read all about it here on my Cape Town Blog.

Thanks to Pondie for many an entertaining read and chuckle, the odd tear and certainly always a thoughtful post. And a huge thanks to her for joining me today.

Thank you for your treasured company

Live Well

Veronica

xxx

I will be linking this post to Mosaic Monday at Little Red House, since that is where I found Pondside! Please click here

Please regale me with your comments down in the comment box... I am all ears...

Treasures from Adam's Eden!

2012-03-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

Good morning all!

For this Fabulous Friday post, I decided to take you on an inspirational trip through a friend's magnificent garden. I have shared this tropical paradise with you in three previous posts and I will include the link at the end of the post should you want to revisit it. If you have not yet seen those posts I highly recommend it!

I bet there are many many designers, in every single genre of design who regularly turn to nature for inspiration in their work. And , in this one single post there is inspiration for so many things....colour, shape, form, texture...you name it, it is here!

Oh yes, and while I had the amazing privilege to be allowed to wonder around this magical paradise with my camera, the very hospitable owner, Japie, saw to it that my tastebuds and ears remained in tune with nature as well. Yes, the birds were chirping, the wind chimes were gently swaying out a tune on the wind... opera music was wafting out the door and a home made glass of Limencello, over crushed ice, was placed in my willing right hand...what more could a girl want on a Sunday morn?

Take a look and enjoy the beauty of nature...

The light was amazing and although I am not a photographer, I was quite pleased with some of these shots.

The lushness of the staghorn fern is amazing...

Love the colours and textures of the bark and bromeliad.

An artists garden for sure.... look at the way the stumps of sett both the foliage and the cerise pink blooms. The colour is just so much more intense.

Dainty yet regal and divinely arranged!

Perfect positioning and a feast for the eye, believe me I could not get away from it to discover the next and the next...

This single palm leaf can inspire a pleated skirt, a fan shaped dress or even a pleated skirted round table cloth... what do you see in your mind's eye when looking at it?

I almost feel like wearing it with a cerise pink scarf!

How about this amazing colour?

A Master's paintbrush adorned this succulent with a glamorous pattern, that the eye never tires of...

Pattern and form and colour and and...

....shapes...

Love the way the textures of the bark accentuates the colours

This was one of my favourites in the garden. I just can not get enough of the shape and the painted tips are just perfection...

Unfortunately I am not familiar with all the bromeliad's names. Japie is a world authority and has cultivated his own plants. I would love to learn more and add names.

Ahh yes, I have showed you these beauties before , but they fit in here so well and anyway there is always another angle with the camera!

Doesn't she remind you of a painted lady?

Lace love....Acers are just so appealing in a gentle breeze when the lacy leaves whirl into a dance..

Sensational!

Grey whorls of intricate pattern..

The light fantastic!

I always "look" up with my camera and this is what I saw...

A lacy sky of silhouettes...

Contrast in foliage and colour elevates this scene to another level of viewing pleasure.

You can view all three the previous post on Japie's garden here. I only give you tis one link as you will find the links to the other post s included in that post. Get another drink and have a look, you will be captivated and enchanted.

Thank you for your company.

Have a great weekend

Live Well

Veronica

xxx

all images Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds and none of them have been digitally enchanced. You see what I saw!!

Let's chat in the comment box below... I am all ears...

By Invitation Only ~ My City ~ My Life

2012-03-05T21:46:00.001-08:00

Good morning all!

It is time for our monthly "By Invitation Only Post" hosted by my friend Marsha from Splenderosa and this month we get to take you all on a tour of the place we call home.

So, hop on the bus and lets take a tour....for free this time!

And yes, as citizens of The Mother City, we truly...

Live it! and Love it!

Now, we were also supposed to tell you where we began. So here goes...

I was born in the remote town of Zeerust in the North West Province of South Africa in what we commonly call " The Bushveld" over here. Actually, I was born quite close to the border with Botswana on a farm. Much of my childhood was spent in the City of Gold, Johannesburg and for the last twenty seven years I have been privileged to live in the fabulous city of Cape Town!

This is the view from my bedroom window at sunset...

And this grand view is a short drive from my home...

This is called Table View beach, for obvious reasons, and no matter what we do around here, our slab of granite is an ever present adornment to our everyday lives. When we are away from home on holiday, and we do not see it everyday, there is a distinct void in our lives. Each time I return home on the plane my heart skips a beat when the mountain comes into view and I know, I'm home! Driving the long road from somewhere, someone will always yell out....there's the mountain!, when it hazily appears on the horizon. Everyone strains their eyes to be able to see it first, and it is always a competition to see who spots it first!

This is where we walk on the beach with our dogs , or the long promenade. And where we have enjoyed many a stunning sunset!

I have started writing a blog on Cape Town called
Mother City Magic (click here)

I have not paid it enough attention, and really need to develop it properly and it is now high on my list of priorities to share my beautiful city and the the beautiful people with the world.

There is so much to share...

Of, course , no visit to Cape Town is complete without a trip up the mountain and I recently went up after a long absence!

A view of the City Bowl from Table Mountain and in the direction of my home, across the bay, which is just beneath the hills to the right called Tygerberg.

Saturday mornings are for grabbing your basket and making your way to the Neighbour Goods Market ( please click) in Woodstock. The market is situated in an old biscuit mill. First of all, you go to have a fabulous breakfast, anything from Champagne and oysters to good old fashioned scrambled eggs. The vibe is always fantastic and the parade of people a never ending source of entertainment. Oh , and in between a glass of morning wine you stock the larder for the next week.What a way to shop... Fresh fish, fruit and veg, flowers...you name they got it!
And, the conversation...well, lets just say...it revolves around food and wine, with the stall holders, friends and any stranger with a willing ear and an opinion or a recipe at hand!

A favourite spot, not only for the myriad of tourists, but also for us locals is the V & A Waterfront. There is a huge shopping centre and loads of world class restaurants , hotels and places of interest all within a working harbour environment.

Always a very festive and hip and happening place to be any time of the day or night!

And , when there is a passenger liner docked it seems to be even more festive and we sit with drinks watching the ever changing parade of tourists!

On this occasion it was a ship called " The World" and for those of you who do not know, it is in fact not a holiday cruise liner but people actually live on " The World" while it constantly cruises around the world! How about that? Interested?

There are always a few bands playing and normally a marimba band and the visitors get in the spirit and start dancing!

The Wheel of Excellence (please click) has now been moved to within the Waterfront and is very popular!

The Aquarium is truly an interesting place, especially if you are as snap happy with your camera as I am!

Creatures large and small and all very fascinating! You feel like diving in the Shark tank?

We take the New Years celebration a step further here in Cape Town and celebrate what is known as a Second New Year with the Mistral's Colourful Parade (please click) on the second of January come rain or shine...

A fabulously colourful and fun event!

The beach is never far away and beach picnics at sunset on Clifton's fourth beach is a summer treat.

There are always yachts about and many sunset cruises anchor here for an hour or two.

Greenmarket Square (please click for post) is a vibrant place, especially on a Friday when it is a thorough fare to the Mosque and it is also the place to shop for some amazing local art and craft.

It is great to stand and watch the artists at work...

Ahhh... Long Street....

Life on the Bohemian Long is a culture all on its own and just the place to try the night life.

Many a little "hole in the wall" establishments provides amazing fare.

A favourite decor shop Tribal Trends can be found on Long Street and is just a treasure trove of finds from all over South Africa. And the displays are breathtakingly beautiful.

Crocodile sandwich? I'll make it snappy...

There is just so much to share...

Of, course, I live just across the way from a gorgeous wine estate and the start of one of the many wines routes! Apart from that, the picturesque student town of Stellenbosch and also Franschoek is just a short drive away and two of my favourite hang outs!

So much wine... and so little time...sigh....

The picture above was taken at Fairview Wine Estate in Paarl who produces the Goats do Roam label. I saw a bottle on a fellow bloggers blog from Canada and she was enjoying the wine label, as much as the wine. So, I took a trip to Fairview and posted it for her to see, where her wine was from. By the way, I will be featuring her in my next Blog it Forward Series!

Waterford wine Estate is a firm favourite... actually it is impossible to have favourites...

No visit is complete without a trip to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and of course, the world famous stage backed by the mountains have been host to all the greatest artist. Here we are at the annual Christmas Carols by Candle Light concert.

Do you feel like I have you on and off the carousel or rather the bus?
Are you exhausted?

And I haven't even taken you shopping at our enormous shopping mall called Canal walk. Tell you what, you get an early night, and I will pick you up early so we can dodge the tourist buses!!

A slow walk on the beach to end the day is just the thing for a tired soul...

Please join us over at Splenderosa to see all the other fabulous posts!

Thank you for your company

Live well

Live the Cape Town vibe!

Veronica

xxx

All images are my own as well as those on my blog Mother City Magic. I do not photo edit at all or crop so you see it as I saw it!!

Please regale me with a comment , I love hearing from you...

Blog It Forward Series ~ The French Tangerine

2012-03-04T08:00:00.001-08:00

Good morning all!

How was your weekend? Great, I hope...

Welcome to all the lovely new faces on my followers list and also those from Face book! It's great to have your company late in the blogging night and you all keeping an eye on me from the sidebar!!

It is time to introduce my next guest in my " Blog it Forward Series" where I feature some of my favourite blogs and the talented people behind the blog.

This week it is the turn of Jan from The French Tangerine

Jan's blog was one of the first blog's that I landed on when I asked Granny Google about French Decor Blogs! I was instantly captivated and intimated!! Phew , I thought, I could never do all that... I studied all her posts and the layout and started experimenting with the idea of blogging. I emailed her and she delighted me with an encouraging reply, so I experimented some more and here we are... A whole new world opened up to me and I will be for ever grateful for your assistance Jan!

Jan also introduced me to the art of Mosaics, which I enjoy tremendously, although I do not come close to the Queen herself.... I think you will all agree, that Jan is the Mosaic Queen! So , I will include quite a few of those.

A veritable feast for the eye.

Oh, and Jan was also one of the first followers to my fledgeling blog...rather nerve wracking in the beginning..lol.

First, dear friends let me explain the format of this post to you. I sent Jan twenty random questions to answer and then kept the fun bit for myself. I get to play on her blog and select some of my favourite images to include in this post. So, enjoy and I will enclose the link to her gorgeous blog at the end of this post.

So, get ready for some eye candy, polish your spectacles and get a drink and lets chat to Jan.

Jaw dropping permitted ~ please beware of injury!

So fitting to start with a mosaic....

A favourite of mine....and many others... a spectacular colour combination.

Jaw....up!

Twenty Random Questions: Jan

1. How do you pamper your soul?

I’m not sure that I do. That question might be a little too deep for me...

Jan has a gorgeous home and we share a love of some warm colours. This is one of my favourite images from her stylish home. The colours make my heart skip a beat and that tapestry....well, lets just say...smelling salts might be needed! I am totally beguiled by the old world feel of tapestries and I have yet to find one for me, myself and I! Each one of us likes a different one, and space will only allow for one, and I guess the minister of finance will not be pleased with more than one, either...sigh...

I love the way the rug picks up the colours. Oh, and the floor under the rug gets a thumbs up from me as well. Jan loves loves green and here you can see how stunningly it all blends together.

2. Name three things on your bucket list that you would like to do or that you have done.

1. Family trip to South Africa

2. Publish a design book: Decorating with Collections for example

3. Go on a leisurely and charming trip through Europe and send a boat-load of fabulous finds home to sell in a one-time pop-up shop..

Whoop whoop! A trip to my beautiful country, South Africa! You will not be disappointed and I do hope that Cape Town is on your itinerary!

Hmm.. I also like no 3 ~ imagine the fun in finding fab!

Something like this?

3. What is on your bed side table?

Phone, paper and pencil for when I think of important things during the night, chapstick, my iPad.

The textures speaks a language of its own...

If you were a drink what would you be?

Coke! Regular Coke! It’s my favourite – crisp and so refreshing and delicious. (and a little bad for you)

5. Secret indulgence?

I think most of my indulgences are not secretive. I have been known to indulge in cookie dough for lunch and wash it down with a coke.. but it’s not really a secret.

6. Favourite décor shop?

Hmmm. That’s a hard one. I have been doing a lot more shopping in antique malls lately.. the hunt has become part of the fun. I think I want to pass on this one – I have way too many shops I adore, and could never pick only one.

7. Your favourite magazines

Veranda

8. Please tell us which city you live in and then which is your dream destination

I live in Omaha. My dream destination right now would be Mexico.

9. What makes you laugh?

My husband on travel day, my son knowing every line from every funny movie, my daughter signing an email, “joyous tidings” LOL! My other son laughing at funny movies with his headphones on.

10. Sweet intoxication…what does this phrase evoke in your mind?

Sounds like something Ben Stiller would say in Zoolander!

Jan's chandelier is de lovely as are the rooms.

11. Any hidden talents?

Absolutely not.

Gasping in pleasure...want one for my books, as well... Perhaps a cement column to play on with some paint techniques....

12. Your signature dish in the kitchen?

Probably Savoury Spaghetti… a recipe where the spaghetti cooks in the sauce. Definitely one of my kids favourites.

Yes please to the whole picture...

13. What does luxury mean to you?

Luxury is being happily married – and not having to worry about my children.. You are only as happy as your saddest child.

What a wonderfully true statement... I love this Jan and I think all moms will second that!

14. If I was to make a movie about you, who should I cast to play you?

DEFINITELY Jennifer Aniston. OMG my daughter is cracking up if she’s reading this because only she knows about my secret stash of JA photos in my bathroom drawer… I think she is the cutest!

She certainly is cute!

15. I am giving you one day off from all of your daily responsibilities…what will you do?

Totally watch TV in my flannels. Or blog surf in my flannels.

Yip, I had to find the urn ~ urn addict of epic proportion on the loose, on the www...

16. Summer evenings are for…

Sitting on the patio with friends and appetisers.

17. Your favourite gadget or appliance?

iPhone.

18. What influences your style?

I don’t know. I know what I love the second I see it. I’m not sure I am influenced by anything in particular.

19. Shoes or handbag?

Yes.

20. The best part of your day is…

After dinner. I usually organise my lists, feel good about what I’ve accomplished, and prepare for the next day/week. Feeling organised is what makes me feel calm. Then I can read or work on a post, total relaxation!

Find The French Tangerine here !

And you can view the post on Jan's Family room here.

Folks, I think we need a special drum roll and round of applause to Jan for all the hours she must put in to bring us all of those Oscar winning mosaics!!!

Jan has some wonderful posts and a huge amount of her own photography. She always has a inspired home or garden, or a shopping trip up her lens to share with us....

Thanks so much to Jan for joining us today and for allowing us to feast all our senses.

Do you have the sudden urge to make a new blog header??

Live Well

Veronica

xxx

all images The French Tangerine

Thank you Jan for the mosaic magic!!

Now lets have a chat in the comment box below...

I'm all ears...

Conservatories

2012-03-01T23:26:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends!

I can not believe that today is the first day of autumn already!! Well, over here it is autumn and officially my favourite season... It is a balmy beautiful evening in Cape Town and a cascading starry sky hangs above us! Totally gorgeous.

As I was on my way home from a service for the World Wide Day of Prayer for Women I was wondering what I am going to blog about and then I checked into my blog and my eye fell on this beautiful conservatory...and voila! I was on a mission....

The conservatory above is my favourite of all time! It is also from one of my favourite houses ever... Henk and Monika Smith's amazing home, of which I can never get enough!

So, then I found a few more that grabbed my fancy...

This image is quite amazing... you can quickly bend down and retrieve your jaw from the ground!

It's like a dream, isn't it? I could not find the correct photo credit and it just said Winter Palace . Does anyone know?

Anyway, I could do a great deal of daydream believing in there!!! It's like a movie set for a romantic scene and ..well...let your imagination go... a proposal perhaps?

These beauties are at Schonbrunn Palace Vienna. Love the shape and can you just imagine the treasures they hold?

Everything we need is here... beautiful shapes, a chandy, an elegant bench, a water feature and one of my favourite tree ferns...perfect!

Is it just me or does a conservatory hold a sense of mystique for you as well?

Just the place to while away a lazy Sunday....

The architectural detail on conservatories are always beguling.

I think its time to take a look at some daybeds for another post. I bet you all have a favourite lurking in your wish list closet!

Enchanting...

On Monday I will introduce another wonderful blog in my Blog it Forward Series and on Tuesday is our monthly international Bloggers post for "By Invitation Only" and this time I will be taking you on a tour of my wonderful city of Cape Town!

Have a fab Friday

Live well

Veronica

xxx

Images ~ Pinteres and House and Leisure

I've BeenTagged!

2012-02-28T23:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone.

Welcome back to old friends and a big warm welcome to any new readers, peeps and followers. It is an honour and a great pleasure to have you tag along my lil dot of the universe.

Remember the game tagged that we played as kids?

Well, I have been tagged by Tina from the The Enchanted Home (click to view the post in which she was tagged...so cool to get to know her). She set the questions for the next

eleven bloggers which she tagged. What fun and I am delighted to have been tagged.

So here goes, Tina's questions and my answers...

1. Do you have a hobby? Tell me about it, if not tell me a hobby you wish you had!

I have a wide range of interests so...

I am an avid gardener and lie awake at night dreaming up planting combinations!!

Below is a few pics from my garden...

I am also trying to get to known my camera better and am developing a strong interest in photography and of course, living in Cape Town, there is a never ending source of inspiration.

Blogging has become a large part of my life and I am looking forward to doing more on my blog about Cape Town.

I love love food and wine and so cooking and visiting wine estates is high on my "to do " list.

And, I also have an insatiable addiction to magazines....sshhh. I have ones dating back to the year dot and they all get filed in seasons for ease of reference. Any known cure?

2. Whats worse, failing at something or never trying to begin with? Are you ever truly successful if you haven't failed and have had to start over and make it work! Failure is the birthplace of solutions to succeed, so try and try and try again. I love the way singer Cher says..."you can always say... I shouldn't have done that" I think its worse to say I should have done it ... I have always told my kids that its best to take part, you don't always have to win, but as long as you take part and try.

3. Would you rather be a great cook or a great designer?

Oh no! You can't ask me that... I love both...I wanna be both, please... I won't be able to design anything worth while if I don't have something fab to eat and drink..

The Table is Life!!

4. If you could only have two rooms in your house which would they be?

The Kitchen , of course!!!

and....my formal lounge, where I usually sneak away to with a magazine and my cup of tea....

5. Tell me which 2 famous people you would choose to have dinner with (dead or alive)

Desmond Tutu and The Dalai Lama

What a feast for my soul and what a great laugh I will have with those two pals at the same table!

6. What are four descriptive words that describe you well?

Gosh, this is not easy....um...

compassionate, hospitable, motherly, humorous...

My son said...just!

7. Best book or two that you read in the last year?

Roots by Alex Hailey... I just had to re read it again... and The Night Jasmine Man by David Lambkin

8. What do you miss most about being a kid?

Brown paper packages with treats that I got from my gran.

9. If you had a freaky Friday experience and had to trade places with one person for one day, who would it be? Why that person?

Goodness me, there are a few options...ummm.... I would love to be James Bond... not to drink martinis, but to jump out of aeroplanes, drive in ridiculously fast cars, deep sea dive, ski, cruise on a yacht all in the space of a day. Oh and to play with all those amazing gadgets...Best to keep the emergency services on speed dial!!

Perhaps, Christiane Amanpour is a better option, I deeply admire her spunk and would love to throw some tricky questions at a few politicians and watch them squirm!

10. Describe a perfect day for you from morning till evening.....

Stumble out of bed, kettle on, fling open the patio door and greet the birds while I wait for the kettle to boil. Enjoy my first cuppa in my pj's and listen to the birds and have my quiet time.

Take myself and my very large basket off to the Neighbour Goods Market and stock up on fresh tuna, vegetables, cheeses, preserves, bread , wine , etc. Camera in hand to snap the parade of people and food. Stop of at the bookstore and stock up on all the wonderful overseas design magazines ( which are too expensive to buy here :( )

Home with my bounty...

Lay out a cheese and fruit board for lunch next to the pool.

Place myself firmly in a lounger with my notebook and tags, yes I know it is weird, but that is how I read magazines!!

Camera within reach to shoot the birds if they venture close enough and slowly work my way through all that eye candy.

Long candle lit bath and cocktails at The Grande on Granger Bay...

Dinner will be sushi at Sevruga's in the Waterfront and then some Jazz at The Green Dolphin...

A walk on the beach

Home and my soft possessive duvet.....

11. A place in the world you have never been that you would love to go......

The beautiful city of Prague please. I would be seriously snap happy with my Canon there!

Now for the fun bit... I get to tag 11 other bloggers to pass this onto...

Lene from Essence of a Good Life

Trinidad, Martin and Johan from Atelier De Campagne

Lynne from Lynne's Gifts from the Heart

Annie from Plum Siena

Kristi from Simple Everyday Glamour

Glenda from The Paper Mulberry

Mary from Dear Little Red House

Shel from Just Me Shel

Carolyn from Desire Empire

Vanna from Delusions of Grandeur

Cathy from Wives with Knives Don't you just love the name !!!?)

Put on the kettle and have a cuppa... whilst you give my questions some thought...

And my new set of questions... have fun!

1. How did you come up with the name of your blog?

2. What City / Town do you live in and if I came to visit where would you take me?

3. Your favourite spot to relax in your home or garden?

4. If you could only plant two types of plants in your garden, what will they be?

5. Your favourite dish to cook and the favourite to eat?

6. What is currently top of your wish list for your home... to buy?

7. If your life was a book, the title would be...

8. The best therapy is....

9. One place you are longing to visit?

10. Most people would agree that I ( as in you) am...

11. Most romantic movie you have seen and would like to play the lead in?

Thank you for your company

Live Well

Veronica

xxx

Lets chat below in the comment box...

I am all ears...

All images from my home and garden

Blog It Forward ~ Splenderosa

2012-02-26T05:48:00.000-08:00

Good Morning all!!

I am happy to report that I am back and not permanently lost in that wine cellar where you left me on Friday afternoon...

um...elegantly wasted?

I hope you had a great weekend and that you are ready for the next instalment in my Blog it Forward Series, where I introduce you to some of my favourite bloggers and their gorgeous blogs.

This week we are going glam ... not glam in a small way, but G. L. A. M in a big way!!!

Are you ready for...

" Gems of Glamour"

from

The Fabulous Marsha

SPLENDEROSA

Marsha and I both feature this image in our respective blog headers and I know one other gal who also adores this image.

Totally luscious...hey ladies?

Lets get started. Just a quick explanation of how it works. I sent Marsha twenty random questions to answer and then I get to play on her blog and select some of my favourite images to include. I had a great time surfing all the older posts on her blog, which seems to be easier than on most other blogs, which meant that I have now got a huge file full of glamour!

Marsha is a talented jewelry designer and I just had to show you a few of my favourites before we get going...

I really enjoy these colours together.

Love love love both!!

My favourites!

Okay friends lets hear from the glam girl from Texas...

Twenty Random Questions: Marsha

So stunning!

How do you pamper your soul?

Oh, in so many little ways. My doggies, Bono & FiFi give me such pleasure. Reading late at night. Walking in our beautiful Memorial Park, which is huge, we have a 3-mile jogging trail there and once you make a commitment to walk, you just do it. Getting my hair done 2x a week

Bono

Name three things on your bucket list that you would like to do or that you have done

Have a big beautiful Christmas party, with musicians.

Be 27 again.

Move to Sorrento, Italy, where my soul resides.

What a stunning place...would totally visit you there Marsha!! I will buy the olive oil on the way...
Sorrento has such a great vibe.

What is on your bedside table?

Kindle Fire

Blue/White Lamp

A little cushion my son gave me

A geode my daughter gave me

Framed photographs of people I love

If you were a drink what would you be?

Champagne, absolutely champagne.

Glamour Glamour Glamour!

Secret indulgence?

I’m not really secret about things I love.

Could not give up my morning coffee

What a view...I think this is the spot where coffee could become an all day affair...

Favourite décor shop?

Oh, goodness, I love antique shops all over the world, and art galleries

Your favourite magazines

The usual, Vogue, Bazaar, W, T&C, all the shelter mags (really, all of them) & gardening with flowers

Goddess gorgeous...

Please tell us which city you live in and then which is your dream destination

Houston, and I already said Sorrento, Italy...can you imagine anything more opposite?

Beautifully done mosaic...

What makes you laugh?

Jim Carrey, outrageousness, good gossip, movies

What a wonderful starry sky and the perfect gown...

I always enjoy these paired images that Marsha does, you will see that I have included quite a few of them.

Sweet intoxication…what does this phrase evoke in your mind?

Cartier fragrance “So Pretty”

Glam and opulent...

Any hidden talents?

Actually I can do so many things (or at least I try). Cooking, no one expects me to be able to cook, but I can and I love it.

Delectable delightful delicious....

Your signature dish in the kitchen?

Grilled Salmon

Hmmmm.... I am coming over....

What does luxury mean to you?

Everything. It means everything to me. Even the most simple things can be luxurious if you take the time. Ironed sheets, the ultimate luxury. Beautiful white linens perfectly ironed and tended.

If I was to make a movie about you, who should I cast to play you?

Carol Lombard, I think, with a little Kate Hudson thrown in.

I always enjoy the answers to this question....
Glamorous and vivacious combo!

I am giving you one day off from all of your daily responsibilities…what will you do?

Go to NYC for lunch with my girlfriends.

How about lunch here?

Summer evenings are for…

Getting out of Houston where it’s too hot to stay in town. Colorado, Santa Barbara, Cote d’Azur

Your favourite gadget or appliance?

My computer, hand’s down !!

If there is one post you absolutely have to see, please make it this one!!!

Gucci Gucci Gucci

Click here please

What influences your style?

Well at this point in my life I have my own style, developed & refined over time. But I always want to be current, so I would say JEWELRY, handbags, shoes. A couple of fabulous black outfits with a collection of different accessories can take you around the world effortlessly.

Shoes or handbag?

Handbag !! Bottega is my most coveted and desired accessory (but no, I don’t have one).

Bit of an unfair question, I Know!

Dearest Marsha is always so inclusive and invited me to my very first linky party in blogland and gave me much encouragement and a huge amount of glamorous inspiration. Her blog is always a fab stop over for me.

The best part of your day is…

Late evening, when all is peaceful, watching a great movie with my 2 doggies sitting beside me.

A glass of lovely wine, and maybe a cheese stick :)’s

I will join you in that glass of wine...

Please visit Marsha here at Splenderosa and enjoy all the glamour, and don't forget to check out her jewellery collections click here please!

Thank you Marsha for being part of my Blog it Forward Series!!

And thank you for the wonderful friendship!

By the way friends, Marsha hosts us once a month in her unique linky party called

"By Invitation Only"

You can visit previous "By Invitation Posts" on my sidebar.

Our next Post is scheduled for the 6th March and each participating blogger will be featuring the city/town that they live in. So please join us for the fun.

Thank you for your company.

Have a great week

Live Well

Veronica

xxx

All images from Splenderosa

Lets chat in the comment box blow...
I'm all ears....

A Few Fabulous Finds for Friday!

2012-02-24T01:59:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Its a fabulous Friday in Cape Town and I thought that I would just share a few fab images to get you into the mood for the weekend!

From the fabulous blog La Brocanteuse. The tapestry has me in raptures!! The colours are amazing...

Love Love the vignette on the table as well...

Also from La Brocanteuse..love the chair...and the colours!

From: Splenderosa

Dreamily romantic...

Decorpad

Love the weathered leather and the composition of this room.

Trovais

Just a sigh of contentment at the viewing pleasure...

Restoration Hardware

Sofa sofa sofa...

walls... lights...pictures...

What's not to love?

A sofa to live on, I might never leave it!

Stylish from Splenderosa

Wouldn't you like to sit there whilst reading this post?

Shabby Chic Mania

Totally lovestruck!

I so enjoyed doing this mosaic for my own post ...Colour My World ~ Blue and Orange

Loved this post from Chic Coastal Living.

Architechtural pleasures...

Oh...yes please!! I'll pour the wine..

Also Chic Coastal Living

Conspicuous Style

Gorgeous wine cellar and tasting room... can we overnight, do you think?

I'm lost in.....here somewhere...

....and, I am sorry but I will be busy for a while....

So I bid you farewell until Monday...

Have a fab weekend

Thanks for your company

Live Well

Veronica

xxx

all images as indicated

Colour My World ~ Blue and Orange

2012-02-21T10:39:00.143-08:00

Good morning friends.
It's a chilly Wednesday morn here...

The process of inspiration never ceases to amaze me. You know, where you find inspiration.... sometimes in the oddest of places and sometimes in the most obvious places, inspiration will strike. I was just on a casual meander through Pinterest when I found this piece of fabric...

Quite striking, don't you think? I love the turquoise blue against the orange .... it is so rich and intriguing...

And then, I decided that it was about time to do another of my " Colour my World " posts to explore the combination of Orange and Blue and turquoise ...

As I usually do, I turned to nature to see what it had to offer. It always offers inspiration, absolutely always...

Let's take a look...

This image of an autumn leaf is just exquisite, rich and rewarding to my eye...as is the pattern of the blue image...gorgeous.

Of course, these images always seem to inspire a mosaic ...

the one image enhances the enjoyment of the other...

...and please note the bird's colours, wonderful, isn't it?

These images fully satisfies my colour craving!

But, before we go shopping and look at rooms dressed in orange and blue and turquoise , we need to dress... in orange and blue of course... would you wear it?

And how about putting hubby into an outfit of blue and orange? Nope, I can't see some of your husbands in an outfit like that! I can just imagine the comments...

I love this clutch and blue outfit together!

It all fits together, fabric and nature...

I often wonder... in the colour spectrum or wheel, where is the precise point where turquoise ends and blue begins, where does orange end and terracotta start.... I concede, that I am odd!

My only conselation being...that it takes all kinds to make the world go round!

What a luscious image down below...

Right, enough of that, lets get to the real reason why we are here...Rooms!!

Doesn't the entrance of the home of Mary Mc Donald make your heart beat faster, just like that first piece of fabric which inspired this post?

It's a bit fuzzy but you get the feeling. I love the blue and white and did you see the peacock on the table? Love that jar in front of the curtain which makes it pop out at the eye. That pair of daybeds ~ wonderful. Love the proportions of this room and every detail is just perfect!

How about these fiery orange wall? The plush blue velvet looks wonderful against that backdrop and the window back lights everything just nicely.

Just a splash of orange combined in an eclectic mix of colour and styles. Pops of colour, yet, it is still quite soothing...How cool that the legs of the orange chair picks up the plates on the wall, did you notice it?

It seems that orange always invokes a bold eclectic look!

More traditional.

Just the right amount of boldness in the mood board below.

Just a quick peek back in the closet to make sure my blue suede shoes are still in there...

These images are from the blog Stone Gable and all so gorgeous. Sadly, Yvonne does not blog any longer, but she has left us with loads of inspiration!

I love the shape of these chairs.

Note the ceiling covered in wallpaper!

Amazing...

Now, friends, I am a bit red faced...in the embarrassed sort of way!!

Here's why...

I was busy uploading images for this post and after a few uploaded, I decided to do a preview to see what the quality was like. I hit the preview button on blogger and it froze, the doorbell rang and I left my computer, frozen, you understand... I got busy somewhere else and my Blackberry Bleeped with an email. My dear friend Marsha from Splenderosa had left me a comment on my post...huh??? What post, she had already commented on the previous post! I checked the message again.... NO!!!!!! It published my unfinished post with spelling errors and half sentences!!! And to top it all, I could not get back into blogger to rescue my errand post, now surfing the www authorised!! Holy moly...

So sorry bout that, but thank you Marsha for your kind comment!! You are a doll!

Here, now, I present the completed post, spell check done, and hopefully a bit improved on the previous one with better quality images!!

Thank you for your company

Live Well

Veronica

xxx

All images here from Pinterest

Linking this post to:

New Neighbour on the Block at The Tattered Tag here
Potpourri Friday with Honey at 2805 here

Lets chat below in the comment box, after Marsha's lovely comment...

Chuckles at my calamitous post also most welcome!

Blog it Forward Series 2 ~ Conspicuous Style Blog

2012-02-19T10:05:00.001-08:00

Good Monday Morning to you!

I hope you had a relaxing weekend...

Last Monday I started my new series, Blog it Forward, and it was a huge amount of fun and I had a great response. In fact, I was overwhelmed...

Today, we have another great blog and blogger joining us.

Welcome to Stacy from Conspicuous Style Blog.

I love the slogan she has in her blog header...

"Great style should never go unseen..."

And, I think this sums up the lady and her blog perfectly!

I will include the link to her blog at the end of the post.

She covers such a wonderful variety of styles in her blog posts that this is the blog where I pin up a storm on my Pinterest boards!!

Stacy is a former attorney turned interior decorator and what a great move that was judging by her blog and own home...

Before we get started, I have to first show you her master bedroom....

Sorry Stacy, I couldn't wait!!

Top of the glamour charts, wouldn't you say?

So here goes...enjoy!

Over to Stacy...

1. How do you pamper your soul?

I spend time alone when I can. I am busy - working, blogging, taking care of kids, doing hours of homework with them, cooking, etc. - so when I get a chance to be totally alone, I take it. This is one of the reasons I don’t sleep a lot - I stay up really late to have my own quiet time to think, wind down, plan, and pamper my soul.

By the way, friends, how this works... I sent Stacy twenty random questions to answer, and then I kept the best bit for myself!!! I could select some images from her blog.... Boy, did I have a hard time choosing. I now have the huge file of pics on my computer that I will be drooling over, the next few days.

Just look at those two console tables and mirrors ... completely dreamy...

2. Name three things on your bucket list that you would like to do or that you have done.

The first was to stop practising law and start a design business, which I did. That was very scary, and I’m proud that I did it. The other two are things I haven’t done yet: Travel in Europe, and build my dream house from the ground up. The third may never happen, but it can’t hurt to dream!

This is a tub that has been on my dream bathroom list for yonks now! I adore the copper. How cool is that foot?

3. What is on your bed side table?

My bedside table is 60” long because the room is so wide. So, really its a console table. I have a chair at it and use it as a makeup table, too. On it now are a lamp, my iPad (I’m an avid reader, and I use the IPad every night for hours of reading), a makeup mirror, perfumes, and about 15 design magazines that I will get to some day!

You can read all about Stacy's Master Bedroom here

4. If you were a drink what would you be?

I think something really girly, like a cosmo or other pink cocktail. I’m proud that I’m strong and can do a lot myself (like light carpentry, moving furniture, etc.), but at heart I’m a girly girl. I love my makeup and high heels!

5. Secret indulgence?

Taking a nap when I can. As I mentioned above, I sleep very little, and it catches up with me sometimes. I think naps are the ultimate luxury!

I want to snuggle here with that luxe throw, below...

Pure Bliss...

6. Favourite décor shop?

I have to say Home Goods. I would love to be able to shop exclusively at Mecox Gardens or Layle Grayce, but realistically, I get most things on discount, and do love finding a deal.

7. Your favourite magazines

Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Home & Design, and Veranda. I so miss Lonny and Southern Accents (sniff sniff).

8. Please tell us which city you live in and then which is your dream destination

I live outside of Boston now, and my dream destination is Paris. Although I was scheduled to go to Europe twice, both trips fell through, and I’ve never been at all. It would be a huge regret if I never get there, so it is at the top of the “must-do” list.

9. What makes you laugh?

The Bloggess, The Bearded Iris (two lifestyle/comedy blogs), and Modern Family. I’m not a great joke teller, but I find humour in a lot of things. Oh, and my 11 year old cracks me up :)

I love this room above..my favourite palette.

10. Sweet intoxication…what does this phrase evoke in your mind?

Being totally and completely happy, at peace, and doing something you love, preferably as a surprise. Like an unexpected trip to Europe (hint hint husband)

11. Any hidden talents?

I can paint a little. I don’t do it much any more because I don’t have time, but I taught myself to do oil painting and did a couple that were actually pretty good. When I see them in my parent’s house now, I get surprised that I actually did them myself! I also painted a huge mural for my kids that turned out well. That’s probably my only hidden talent, but I am glad I can do it and hope to go back to it someday.

What a wonderful hidden talent, I deeply admire people who can paint...

12. Your signature dish in the kitchen?

Stacy's gorgeous kitchen. This lady goes glam everywhere...

Chicken Picatta. It’s so easy, but everyone in my house loves it. I just pound whole breasts really thin, coat them with milk, egg, and panko crumbs, then fry them in light oil. I add lemon and white wine at the end. I’m sure there are much more complicated recipes out there, but we love this one.

Can I please eat your Chicken Picatta at this table, please Stacy? Yum...

13. What does luxury mean to you?

Having the time and resources to follow your dreams, and to be able to do the things you want with the people you love.

14. If I was to make a movie about you, who should I cast to play you?

This was the hardest question for me. I think it would have to be Elizabeth Shue. She has that sort of “real” look about her, and she is my age. Of course she’s gorgeous, but I think without makeup she could look like an every day person (like I do). And she seems to be down to earth and just “normal.”

I asked Stacy this question, but if I had to cast someone, I would just cast her as herself. Wait until you hop over to her blog and see her beautiful smiley face greet you! Then you will nod in approval!

I loved the post that Stacy did on Philip Starck. Pure indulgence...

15. I am giving you one day off from all of your daily responsibilities…what will you do?

Sleep, read, meet my husband for lunch, take the kids to the movies or the beach after school, and go out to dinner at a great restaurant with my whole family.

I love this dreamy image of Stacy's lovely home...

16. Summer evenings are for…

Cherishing not having to do homework with kids! Making the most of the free time together. Being outside and enjoying nature and each other. Cooking outside, running around in the dark. Catching fireflies (my favourite thing when I was a child).

17. Your favourite gadget or appliance?

My iPad. It’s changed the way I read, watch TV and do business. I don’t think the device is perfect, but I can’t imagine not having a tablet computer of some sort. It is especially handy when I have to be on the real computer working, and my son has computer homework. He’s too young for his own computer, so he uses the iPad. There are so many good websites for kids now (IXL for math, Ticket To Read for reading), and I often need to be using the computer after school, so I’m glad the kids can use the iPad to go to these sites.

18. What influences your style?

Other designers and bloggers. Seeing something I truly love (something new and creative) is what motivates me and inspires me to change things and make them better in my own home.

Have a look here at how Stacy redid this 1930's Secretary Desk!

By the way folks, cast your eyes down to that floor....Love!

19. Shoes or handbag?

Both. I can’t pick one, sorry!! I love them both so much. In my dream world, Gucci and Louboutin.

Sigh....! Dream world indeed...

Swooning over that trio of urns above!

20. The best part of your day is…

When my kids get off the bus and come running to me. The oldest, at 11 years old, still runs to me, and it totally warms my heart and makes a bad day good in a heartbeat.

To Visit Stacy's gorgeous blog please CLICK HERE

And Enjoy ...

I would like to thank Stacy for taking time out of her very busy schedule to participate in my series. It has been great getting to know her and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have.

I hope you will make her blog a regular stopover and of course pinning destination!! Be warned...have time on your hands...

I found this at the end of one of her posts...

Thank you so much for your company

Live well

Veronica

xxx

All the images are from Conspicuous Style Blog

Please leave me with your comments down below. I love hearing from you....I am all ears...

Linking this post to Inspire me Monday at Create with Joy here

Montpelier ~ Franschoek

2012-02-18T01:19:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

It's the weekend and for many of us the garden chores winks ... some of us give an audible sigh of pleasure...all together now...sigh...

..... and others will utter a grunt of displeasure at the prospect of running up and down with the mower!

Which ever group you fall into, I give you permission to take a break with a cuppa and find some inspiration, and then perhaps it will be a tad easier to push that mower....

I was cleaning my PC up and have found my lost photos from all my spring garden visits, that somehow got lost in geek translation inc! Do not ask how... I absolutely have got, not the slightest incling, how it happened!

Happiness is ....finding them, and now I can post them and you can just imagine that it is spring, okay?

This is Montpelier in the picturesque valley of Franschoek. It is situated up against the mountain on a rocky outcrop and blends in perfectly with it surroundings. The Tuscan style of the house and the Mediterranean feel of the garden is timeless.

I am in love with the wall treatment, the tiles, the rock, the colours and the view...

I have visited this garden a few times and always find something new.

Succulents and plants nestle in nooks and crannies in between rocks.

Montpelier is in a totally different style to all the other garden that I usually visit in Franschoek during our open garden program. There is much to learn her from the layered planting and the use of succulents, aloes and indigenous plantings. I love the sculpted feeling of these plants set off to perfection against the rocks!

Lantern love!

Have a look how it all blends into the mountainside. I love the textures and colours.

Genius in the herb garden...

Let's sit a while... note the mills mounted on the wall.

Most of you will know that I am an urn addict! These are divine, don't you think?

Details in the herb garden.

Bird life abound in the garden and there is also some baboons, buck and there has even been sightings of a cat with spots!!! Seriously friends...there have been leopard sightings. Imagine, nature's pure theatre from your kitchen window....Can anything top that in your day?

Walking up the side of the house with the view to the top.

It was a cold and rainy day when I visited.

The views of the valley...

A pool with a view...

It's wonderful how the rocks add another dimention and the textures are enchanced.

Sculpted beauty...

A feast for the eyes and senses. A wonderful fragrance pervaded the air as I headed down the stairs.

All this beauty is just a stone's throw from Cape Town...

The slice of rock below holds all the colours that I so adore and which is my natural colour palette.

I hope you enjoyed our visit to Montpelier.

Thank you for your company.

Live Well and have a great weekend

Veronica

all images are my own and none of them are digitally enhanced.

Please regale me with a comment in the comment box below.

I appreciate all your wonderful comments and chatty emails immensely. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to chat...

A Tour de Kitchen...

2012-02-15T05:01:00.007-08:00

Hello dear friends!

I had a rocking Monday thanks to all of you!!!

My new, Blog it Forward Series kicked off with Tina from The Enchanted Home!! Her participation and the company of her wonderful readers was thrilling and all the generous comments was a gift extraordinaire! You can read all about it here!

A huge warm thank you!!

Welcome to everyone who has decided to join me here in my lil dot of the cyber universe and may we have many days to converse, share and inspire! By the way, I had such an overwhelming reaction that it might take me a while to get around to visit you all, so please bear with me!

Now, as I was scrolling through Tina's lovely blog and enchanting home, I returned time and time again to her kitchen and butler's pantry! Well, you will understand why.... take a look if you haven't yet!

Most pleased that you understand...

I could live in here alone and let the world go by...

Anyway, it got me dreaming... about what I would cook in her lovely kitchen... and some other kitchens. It made my mouth water and my hand itch to whip out an apron and get cookin!

The dish I would most love to prepare in Tina's lovely kitchen , would be my favourite summer Paella! I just adore the whole process and find it both stressful and therapeutic!! Umm... if that makes any sense at all. I love making the stock and stirring the arborio rice whilst sipping my favourite Sauvignon ( who wouldn't?) and prepping the prawns and seafood on the side. It gets hectic towards the end of the dish when everything needs to fit into the pan ( I always overdo it!!) and to co-ordinate, who ever is Braaing (bbq 'ing) the fish! It sounds a bit like a crazed affair sometimes but, it is always a theatrical and totally satisfying act to serve to guests and to hear their gasps of pleasure at the colourful dish! You can find my recipe for Paella here! It's always on my summer holiday table between Christmas and New Years!

Paella is always best served outside near the pool, don't you think? And anyway, I need to cool off after that last minute kitchen flurry, so I 'm ditching the apron for a dip in the pool!

Another fab kitchen below...

I just love it!

What shall we make in here?

How about something wickedly indulgent, something comforting for the bit of bite that has been in the air here lately?

Like...

Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Muffins or a cup of Salted Caramel Mocha?

I think I am going to make those Caramel wrapped marshmallows...while you get on with the toffee Crunch Cupcakes with Caramel frosting, okay?

This kitchen below makes me feel like being a drama queen!

So lets add a bit of theatre, shall we?

Cupcakes can be girly, but here, they prove to be quite dramatic. Top a cupcake with a strawberry that you have scooped the core out of . Fill with vodka or rum and set alight. A torched cupcake!! ,,,,, and,,,, drum roll !!!! ,,,, make a dramatic entrance with the lights dimmed for gasps from your guests!

Those black and white patterned cupcakes looks way to sophisticated to eat, but I think we will manage just fine, don't you?

A delectable strawberry tower is so easy to make...

A piece of sturdy cardboard folded into a cone, doused with melted chocolate and strawberries stuck on to great effect and it would make quite the centre piece for any dessert table!

Or we could bake the zebra cake or those red velvet pancakes....hmmm...choices!

Simply enjoy a single black fig...pure earthy pleasure.

From drama queen to earth mother...

That is feeling, of earthy goodness, that the kitchen below evokes in me and instead of serving vegetables, harvested from my own kitchen garden, of course, I feel the need to bake baguettes in here to fill a truck with...

An honest loaf for an honest day's work...most satisfying...

Another fabulous french Provencal kitchen. Isn't it just magnificent?

This most definitely, is where I want to cook with vegetables!
Luscious ripe red tomatoes, plump purple aubergines, green zucchinis, sweet red peppers, onions and ...and ..and...sigh.

So lets get chopping and peeling... you can do the potatoes for some chips , in olive oil , of course, whilst I get colourful with a tray of roasted balsamic vegetables, and then we can make the stuffed zucchini boats together. This is the kitchen where you want to steam artichokes in, and there seems to be ample space for a song and dance session, as well!

Since we are in the Mediterranean already, we might as well move the kitchen outdoors. What a lovely setting to cook in, under blue skies adorned with a flutter of green.

May I entice you with Roasted Carrot Harissa and Creme Fraiche Crostini? Actually, I think this is just the spot to prep my Can Can Chickens and Salad of Roast Aubergine, Tomato and Mint (click here for the recipe). These are all from a favourite cookbook A Kitchen Safari.

Oh, and I almost forgot to offer you a bacon wrapped cream cheese jalapeno bite, sorry!

John Jacob Zwiegelaar's sophisticated kitchen is just the most wonderful space. I want to sit and stare. Can you imagine stumbling in here every morning to put the kettle on?

Spot the rooster.... instant rooster love!

Here, I want to be elegant but still full of earthy goodness. So how about an Avocado and Tuna Tartare, A Bramble Berry Jello Shot or a Fig Salad (recipe here)

PS: For those who asked... I promise to photograph the fig salad properly and post it!! PROMISE!

I feel so cosy and content looking at the kitchen below. There is so much to love in here, rooster, butcher's block, copper pots and pans, floors, etc, etc!

You got the picture?

I want to roast pumpkin and make soup. Curry Roasted Pumpkin Soup (recipe here) there is already a autumn bite in the air, so it won't be long before this will be on the menu here at House Tassles. We can also make a

chili garlic pumpkin hummus, since we already have some roast pumpkin or a cheesy cauliflower puree. Listen to this.. a lemon quinoa, cilantro and chickpea salad....phew is there life after that? Lastly we can turn the humble aubergine into glam bites with a stuffing of goats cheese.

I think this post will have to continue another day with a second part as dinner is approaching fast here on the tip of Africa. So I am off to the kitchen, my own old faithful much less glam one to get chopping!

What's on the menu?

Fillet of Pork in a sticky Soy dressing served with sweet potato braised in orange juice and honey. Still thinking about the rest but that's about the gist of dinner tonight.

thank you for your comany

Live Well Friends

And remember...

The Table is Life!

and it starts in the kitchen with love, no matter how humble your kitchen, if its made with love it will be good...

Veronica

xxx

I am linking this post to support fellow bloggers to:
The Tattered Tag's New Neigbour on the Blog Linky Party
Friendship Friday at Create With Joy
Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum here

Images: Pinterest, The Enchanted Home and Tassels Twigs and Tastebuds

Now, I am all ears... lets chat below in the comment box