Cape Town: The What to Do

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Welcome to South Africa week readers! I’m going to be sharing what we did on each of our main stops (see here for our hotels and route) plus a couple of additional South Africa related fashion and lifestyle posts. There may be more than one each day so do come back and as always, if you have any recommendations related to the post, please do comment and let everyone know!

Let’s get started with our first stop, Cape Town, where we spent the first three nights of our trip.

Our flight arrived in around midday and once we had got the car, bags and made the short (~30 minute) drive to our hotel in Camps Bay, the weather had started to go off a bit. We had checked the forecast and were expecting rain for about 24-36 hours from this point so weren’t too disappointed and decided to take in some culture by visiting the South African National Gallery. It turned out this was a great choice as the gallery was hosting a photographic art exhibition about Apartheid which was a great introduction to a time period I didn’t know much about – particularly how recently many of the laws that persecuted black South African people were introduced. The gallery also happened to be right next to Company’s Garden and the Botanical Gardens which we wandered through on-route to Long Street (just a couple of blocks across) and The Grand Daddy Hotel for a celebratory first-day-of-holiday cocktail on the roof under the heaters with blankets and Airstream caravans! It was cold but we were happy and as the weather really moved in we chose a local Camps Bay steak house and grill (which I think is a chain,) called Hussar’s for dinner that evening. We feasted on steak and a burger and enjoyed one too many glasses of brilliant South African wine :)

It’s worth noting that we could have spent quite a bit more time in museums – the District Six museum, The Slave Lodge and South Africa Museum all looked interesting and are very inexpensive to get into. (The gallery was R30/£2)


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On Day 2 we were beholden to the weather as the rain with high winds continued  - some of the activities we had on our to-do list like Table Mountain and Robben Island were weather dependent. We decided to make a day of driving down to the Cape of Good Hope and around the Atlantic peninsula which although a wet experience, was a great day and I’d highly recommend it. The weather was quite appropriate as the rugged coastline was pounded by huge waves and racing clouds.


The Cape of Good Hope marks the point where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet and warranted a photo stop before we went to Cape Point where there is a chequered maritime history due to the stormy Cape seas. There is a little museum marking these events, 2 lighthouses (one old and a newer one lower down making it more visible through the omnipresent fog,) and a funicular to take you to the top if you don’t want to walk.

There’s also a nice restaurant and a cafe where you can grab a snack or longer meal and I imagine that would have had an epic view for lunch if the weather had been better. After a warm-up coffee we headed up the Indian Ocean side of the penninsula through Simon’s town to Boulders beach.

Boulders Beach is famous for its African penguin colony – they’re called Jackass Penguins as they make a donkey-like hee-haw noise during the mating season (which we were there during) and apparently in the summer months they swim in the sea with beach goers. We watched them from a viewing deck and wandered down to another beach along the boardwalk with huge boulders and crystal clear turquoise sea as the weather started to brighten up.

By the time we reached our final destination Kalk Bay, the clouds were breaking and we sought out Live Bait for dinner.

Part of the harbour wall, you look directly onto the ocean, harbour and coastline and the seafood we ate there was not only the best but the cheapest we had all holiday. We feasted on a huge seafood platter that cost less than £25 and headed home just before sunset then hung out at the hotel that evening, warming up in our huge bath.

On our final full day in Cape Town the weather was still cold but perfectly sunny so we were able to visit Robben Island and go up Table Mountain. We drove to the V&A Waterfront area and parked before going to the Nelson Mandela Ferry Terminal to board the boat. It was an eventful 30ish minute trip as the sea was still rough and we were rocked a lot but there were amazing views back to Table Mountain and Cape Town!

Your ticket includes the ferry and then two tours. The first is a bus tour by a local Capetonian who told us all about the history of Robben Island – far from being just a prison it has also been a military base and a leper colony. The second part was a tour by a previous political prisoner who details what life was like as a prisoner whilst guiding you through the eerily empty and foreboding prison, including Nelson Mandela’s cell. I was a little unsure how that would be and anticipated it to be harrowing and uncomfortable but our guide stuck to a matter of fact style and covered the daily life and I think I actually would have liked to know more.

After disembarking the boat we grabbed a sandwich at the V&A and had a quick wander around the waterfront. If I’m honest this wasn’t an area that was for us. It was clearly the tourist centre and not representative of Cape Town at all, but it was busy, safe and very jolly with street performers and a fun atmosphere.

By late afternoon we drove back to Table Mountain – you can climb up along several paths of varying difficulty and I think it takes around 2 hours from the car park which is already a good way up, but we opted for the very fast cable car. It only takes about 5 minutes and revolves all the way up. We were told it would be cold at the top but it really was freezing. We were lucky it was clear though with amazing views in front to Table Bay, and left and right over the Cape Flats or the Atlantic coast down to the Cape of Good Hope. There are short, medium or long walks at the top, (which don’t take as long as they say they do) and we spent some time watching the famous ‘tablecloth’ of cloud coming over the top inland, then magically disappearing as it fell onto the Cape Town side.

We were too cold to stay for sunset and headed back to the hotel then chose a place that I had had several recommendations for called the CodFather. They have a great sushi bar and then a fish counter where you choose your fish for dinner but we were warned it was overpriced (we felt) for what it was – especially the prawns, and if I went back I would simply stick to the sushi which was brilliant. We did however very much enjoy our seat by the fire and it was busy with a great atmosphere even though most places were quiet due to the cold weather.

Our final day was my birthday and we woke to even warmer sunny weather. We were due to leave and keen to get to Stellenbosh, but decided to head down to the beach at Camps Bay as we hadn’t had much chance to enjoy it. The beach was glorious – white sand, crashing waves, blue sea. We sat and watched surfers then walked the beach admiring the dramatic back drop of table mountain before heading off for Stellenbosch.

That’s where I’ll leave you readers, until tomorrow!

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Friday Frock O’Clock

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I know the weather has gone rubbish again and I know summer feels like it may have already become a distant memory, but right now, all I’m thinking about are summer days and holidays. I do love a maxi dress but find them all a bit samey with too much jersey shapelessness and unforgiving ‘cling’ so when I spotted this one it felt just right. I love the colours and print (unusually for me as I’m not much of a ditsy florals girl,) but the boho draped style and unusual cut make it a winner for me. And of course it could be dressed up or down…

For now I’ll be dreaming of distant summer evenings when I can wear this to drift out for candle-lit twilight drinks.

Have you guys spotted any dresses that you’re hankering after but feel it’s too soon to buy? Happy weekend readers.

Love,
Rebecca
xo

PS, I may be even more in love with the model’s haircut than the dress…

Tried & Liked… Beauty

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Just recently I happen to have tried quite a few new beauty products for various reasons, so I thought I would do a little round up of some of them here along with my thoughts, in case any of you were looking to make a purchase.

Vichy LiftActive Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes (Available instore at larger Boots branches or here online)

Earlier in the year as part of January Joy, I made some skin care resolutions, including applying eye cream and finding a super serum. So when I was asked to try this Vichy Eye and lash serum I was keen to have a go. The product is supposed to ‘illuminate the eye, smooth surrounding skin and fortify the lashes’. I have to admit, I was very interested in anything that would improve my lashes and had been disappointed to recently find that my renewed enthusiasm for applying my usual eye cream was leading to puffy eyes in the morning, so I was pleasantly surprised by this light serum. Applied with the finger tips around the socket area, as per any usual eye cream, you finish by stroking the serum over the lashes and it feels quite refreshing. As you know the jury is always out for me on whether any anti-aging product works but if you’re looking to invest in an eye cream I really liked this one which is also suitable for super sensitive skins.

Sanctuary 5 minute Thermal Detox Mask, Boots (£3 for a sachet or £10.50 for 100ml)

When my skin is in trouble, I often turn to a mask to calm it down and prevent future breakouts. Previously my favourite has been Eve Lom’s Rescue Mask but having recently run out and always a fan of warming masks I thought I’d try this one. I absolutely loved it – Not only was it really lovely and warm on the skin but it was really effective. It dried up my skin a treat, calmed redness and I felt that it really put an end to the hormonal breakout I was experiencing.

Elemis Freshskin Purifying Facewash (£9.99 online from Superdrug)

Another of my beauty resolutions in January was to try not to go to bed with my make up on. My plan at the time was to keep face wipes by the bed which I did do but another weapon in my arsenal is this face wash. I haven’t used a true face wash in years, finding them drying and leaving my skin uncomfortable afterwards – hence my love affair with the oil enriched Eve Lom. This was a freebie from the Cosmo Blog Awards and I thought I’d give it a go. Despite low expectations I have actually found myself going back to it time and again, when I simply want to freshen up, or when I just want a super quick cleanse. I just wet my face, squeeze out a blob of the cleanser, wipe it all over my face and splash off. Done. Admittedly it’s not super moisturising but it doesn’t leave my skin dry or flakey either. This is actually aimed a young skin and also has purifying ingredients too but I don’t think it matters and would suit any skin as long as it’s not too dry. Great for the shower too.

So, I’d love to hear if any of you have any great recent beauty finds to recommend or if there’s something you want a recommendation for, just leave a comment and I’m sure the readers will have some suggestions!

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Triple Temptation: ASOS 50% off 50

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This week I got a newsletter from ASOS about a spring event – 50% off 50 key pieces. I’m not usually inspired by the selection but this time I clicked through and found 2 items I loved at total steal prices. Even better I could totally see them together so I decided to included a third item (the shoes) and create a triple temptation outfit.


ASOS Metallic PRIOR Pointed High Heels £45 // T-Shirt with Tiger Print in Foil £18, now £9 // Trousers in Geo Jacquard £45, now £22.50

My love affair with metallics and pastels shows no signs of waning so this outfit is right up my street. The sugary pastel tones in the shoes and trousers are given a futuristic edge by the addition of the mirrored metallics and the copper foil tiger tee is just the right amount of quirk to give some necessary cool factor.

What do you think readers?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

PS It’s a two post day!

South Africa: The Where to Go

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Now I’m back from South Africa I want to share all the details of the holiday with you all. I really want everyone who might not be sure about it as a holiday option (just like I had my reservations) to know how incredible it was. I also hope with your additional comments and recommendations this series of posts will become a great resource for those of you planning future trips. We’ll start with today’s post and then next week is going to be ‘Africa week’ :)

I’m going to start this series with a preface. Firstly, this was not a budget holiday… Pete and I had always wanted to do SA and as a result decided to blow the budget. We figured that safari (although probably not the rest of our itinerary) was a pre-children experience, or at least a no-go until they are much older, so our choices are perfect for a push-the boat out holiday or honeymoon, but I have included some alternatives we spotted too and hope readers will chip in with their finds and recommendations.

I’m going to start, as is tradition, with our route and hotels, in case you’re planning a similar trip. Here goes!


View Larger Map

The need to know:
As an aside, we flew with Emirates, Manchester – Dubai – Cape Town, a 20 hour trip but actually very painless. We arrived at Manchester airport at lunch time, ate a normal lunch there and then got the Airbus A380 to Dubai lading at about 10pm our time. We had dinner at Carluccio’s in Dubai airport and then boarded about 1am our time to fly to Cape Town, promptly going to sleep and waking about 8.30am the next day (our time,) and landing 3 hours later due to the time zone being only an hour different.

Secondly, many of these places are booked through Mr & Mrs Smith. We use them because they give excellent customer service, often have offers on, you get freebies in every place you stay (Smith Extras) and collect points, which for us usually equates to a night or two away in the UK yearly. Contrary to popular belief they aren’t more expensive than other agents and will often match a competitor price too.

1. Atlantic House, Camps Bay, Cape Town (3 nights)
We were told Camps Bay had a foodie, younger vibe than Cape Town centre and didn’t want to stay at the touristy V&A Waterfront. In the end there was a storm while we were there which meant the beach was a no-go for the first couple of days of our stay but I still preferred it to inner-city Cape Town. Don’t be fooled though, security is as high and you still can’t walk to restaurants at night. The hotel itself has only a few rooms – more of a luxury house, and we were there with only a couple of other rooms occupied so it felt like having a luxe home to ourselves. There’s an honesty bar, a view of the bay and huge tubs and beds… what more do you need?

Alternative: We also looked at this place in central Cape Town, on Long Street. If you like quirky, this place had it by the bucket load (we stopped by for cocktails) and Airstream caravans on the roof if you fancy it – The Grand Daddy Hotel, Cape Town

2. River Manor, Stellenbosch (2 nights)
Booked through Trailfinders, I was looking forward to this place the least but the photos online didn’t do it justice at all and the staff were fabulous. It had true colonial style, but what made it was the safety of Stellenbosch – if you’re visiting be sure to book somewhere in town and then you will experience the rarity of being able to walk to dinner even in the dark, and back.

3. Schoone Oordt, Swellendam (1 night)
We toyed with making two costal stops at Wilderness and Knysna but Pete’s cousin and his wife had done the same route for a honeymoon and enjoyed Plettenberg Bay, so we opted to go there. On route we thought we would cut inland, for no other reason than that it looked pretty and the M&MS review was great. Our expectations were exceeded. Swellendam is a historic, sleepy town and we basically parked ourselves by the pool for an afternoon. We got an upgrade and loved the hotel – rooms are not in the historic house, but purpose built suites in the grounds so are very private.

4. The Grand Cafe and Rooms, Plettenburg Bay (3 nights)
This was our planned beach time to just unwind from the hectic schedule we had planned before, and recharge prior to early starts on safari. We chose Plettenberg Bay instead of Wilderness and Knysna but in truth there’s not much between the three areas. Plett is a little busier and closer to a lot of the thing to do locally though and from driving through each, I think Plett centre is closer to the coast. A quirky north African inspired hotel, artfully styled with a cool bar/restaurant and bay view, we had the most incredible room (5) with a seating area where we watched a DVD one night, a bath in front of the shuttered window and the beds were so high you needed a step to get into it at night – fantastical and fabulous is the best description. This was the closest we came to a ‘big hotel’ as they have branches in Camps Bay and Cape Town, but cocktails were still only R45 (£3.20) and I’d definitely consider it a boutique bolt hole.

5. Tsala Treetop Lodge, Knysna (1 night)
Who doesn’t want to stay in a tree house? This was a good example of us getting more out of being with M&MS – although bookable elsewhere, we got a better rate, points and free bubbly, so worth using them as the agent. This was 10km inland so although we really wanted to experience it, we also wanted to be by the beach and opted for a single night of tree-top luxe after our beach break. It was a total budget buster but really incredible and I’m so glad we went – I wish we had stayed a second night and the restaurant’s food was also top notch. (Note: We paid almost half the rack rate because we booked closer to the time of staying too so it’s worth hanging on.)

6. Eagles Crag, Shamwari, Eastern Cape. (3 nights)
I’ll expand a bit more on our safari choices in my post on Safari holidays soon, but for now, this choice was also booked through Trailfinders, although not one of their listed properties. It’s worth noting we booked a special offer where we made a negligible donation (about £15 each I think) to the park for conservation projects and accessed a cheaper deal. I found this on their website then got Trailfinders to book it for us. I wanted a full on ‘plunge pool amongst the jungle/savannah’ experience and couldn’t be bothered with malaria tablets for just three nights so we chose the Eastern Cape with it’s malaria-free safari parks instead of Kruger.

We then headed back home via a SA Airways flight from Port Elizabeth, picking up the Emirates route in Jo-Burg, via Dubai then Manchester.

So what do you think readers? Any additions you would have made here or hotels you can recommend?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

PS. It’s worth noting that Hermanus (about 1-1.5h east of Cape Town,) is one of the best land-based spots for whale watching but we didn’t make the trip as the best time is between June/July and November, hence our inland route above.

Musical Discoveries: May

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Good day to you Findettes! This will be my last post for a while, as I am about to be plunged imminently into the sleep deprived, poo-and-vomit-splattered world of parenting. I’m well up for it, sounds like being at a 365 day long warehouse rave. I’m packing glowsticks and a dribble bib (for me, not the baby).

Seeing as this is my last for a while, I’m not going to hold back on telling you how great this record is and, as usual, failing to substantiate my claim with anything remotely descriptive or helpful. THIS ALBUM IS AMAZING. Savages are four London ladies who I imagine sit around wearing black and reading Baudelaire a lot. They exploded last year with their excellent single Husbands, and the hype around them has been so ridiculous ever since that I hardly dared listen to their debut album Silence Yourself, in case it failed to live up to expectation. What do you know? It’s brilliant. It’s loud and exciting and angry and bleak and it makes me want to be in their gang. The thinking side of my brain is telling me it sounds a lot like a lot of post-punk bands from the 80s, but the feeling side of my brain is too busy pressing play again to notice. If you were looking forward to hearing the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs record, you should check this out. It’s even better. Sorry Karen O -your awesomely tasselled sleeves are still the best sleeves and I still love you.

But enough of this youth and vitriol! The sun is shining, it is May, the month of bank holidays! So let’s find something we can dance to. I’ve always been a bit scared of the World Music tag, seeing as it makes me think less of the rich musical heritage of other cultures and more of muddy hippy festivals with diabalos and tie-dye-wearing people who really ought to brush their hair a bit more. Apparently this ludicrous prejudice has kept me from some brilliant tunes. The Soundwave label have just released an excellent compilation of solid gold Kenyan music from the 70s and 80s which could easily be the soundtrack to your highly cool summer. I’m particularly enamoured of this track by the Rift Valley Brothers, from the album, Kenya Special, which has seen me dancing rather precariously on chairs this week as I cleaned the tops of the kitchen cupboards…

Finally, if you want some grooving Brooklyn style then look no futher than terminal funksters !!! (or “chk chk chk“ if you want to risk saying it out loud without incurring the wrath of hipsters). These chaps have been around forever, raising the roof at live performances and generally being very good at bashing out dance music rhythms and dynamics with a full live band. I’m delighted to see they’ve stepped it up a gear for their new album THR!!!ER, which is more radio friendly and shimmering than anything they’ve done so far. The single One Girl/One Boy is getting a lot of airplay at the moment which makes me think they might be turning up at some festivals this summer – and they’re not to be missed live. Perfect party music.

Tell me Findettes – what are your plans for the summer? Any festivals planned? Any amazing gigs you’ve been to, or have booked in? What brilliant records have you bought that I should be listening to through the long and testing nights? Tell me all about your musical adventures in the comments so I can live vicariously through you!

And now it’s adieu from me, I’ll still be updating my music-and-blather blog Radio Gaga and complaining on Twitter @tokaipenny. See you later in the year!

Px

Friday Frock O’clock

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After last weeks dress which was edgy and interesting, but not represented well by the way it had been photographed, I was left considering some of the comments. Like Kirsty, I find many of the current dress styles cut oddly with a high waist, but really it’s more than fashion that’s the problem. Dare I say it, we’re all getting a little bit older. I don’t want a thigh or bum skimming skirt, or a dress that doesn’t flatter womanly curves. We’re not in our late teens anymore but that doesn’t mean we don’t want flattering, confidence boosting dresses that make us look great. I can find 100 and 1 dresses that fit the bill, but the challenge is in finding the right price. This week I think I’ve done it.


Lace Insert Shift Dress, Topshop £46

I tried this dress on when I was looking for something to wear to the SMV Weddings Launch party in London. I wanted to look grown up but on trend and a bit different to all the Vintage style I knew would be worn there. I spotted this dress in Topshop and was drawn to the cut out detail, flatteringly filled in with lace, and the red/orange shade that I’m currently lusting over.

When worn it’s far more flattering than it’s £46 price tag suggests with more than a whiff of Whistles about it. It fitted my body shape, highlighted the narrowest part of the waist yet didn’t cling anywhere, hit just above the knee and for once, had plenty of room for a decent bust. For those of you sick of teen-esque dresses but not ready for LK Bennet and Hobbs, I’d recommend checking it out.

So what do you think readers?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

Wear it Two Ways: Lace Skirt

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Today’s Wear it Two Ways is all about an item that I had been looking for for quite a while before I found it, and this post illustrates why – because I knew it would have so much versatility.

The skirt is from Whistles – first spotted in the SS13 preview at The Savoy that I attended at London Fashion Week last September. I picked it up in the recent sale and there are still some around if you like it. I love the contrast darker blue waistband, sporty style and pockets. Who doesn’t love a pocket?


Top, GAP // Skirt, Whistles // Necklace, Banana Republic (old) // Shoes, Dorothy Perkins

The first time I wore it was almost as soon as I bought it – We headed across to see my sister in law and niece to celebrate their birthdays. I wnated to dress up and look nice but with young kids around needed to be a little bit practical too, so opted for a striped tee (GAP) and flats. This was a few weeks back too when the weather was super-cold, so tights were obligatory as was my trusty parka. A chunky necklace upped the ‘party’ factor.


Top, Whistles // Skirt, Whistles // Earrings, Whistles //  Shoes, Sam Edleman (old) // Coat, Zara (old) // Bag, Zara (old)

More recently I was out for dinner and tried it with another top from Whistles, with cut out lace inserts across the shoulders. It didn’t look quite right left out even though it’s a structured T-shirt style, so I tucked it in and went for a more streamlined look with animal print courts and my favourite sparkling box clutch.

The shoulder detail would have competed with a necklace so I went for chunky drop earrings and neon bright nails to finish it off.

You can see the top in action previously here and the coat here.

Love,
Rebecca
xo

The Fash Flash: Your Holiday Wardrobe

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Before my recent holiday to South Africa I found I needed to stock up on a few things and although I was looking for a few treats and a few necessary items, I realised a lot of them formed the backbone of the holiday essentials everyone needs, so I thought I’d share them here. This trip was varied with fancy restaurants and hiking in one, had the possibility of unpredictable weather, and of course, I wanted to look half decent without buying things I would never wear again. Here are my solutions…

The Bikini: Not having splashed out last year due to poor weather it was high time I picked up some new swimwear. I bought a Florence Oversize Frill Bandeau bikini in this neon coral and blue flower print, with frilled bottoms, but Accessorize have a great range of Missoni or J.Crew-esque zig zag prints or stripes too.

The pick-me-up lipstick: Remember me saying I wanted an orange-red lipstick? This one appealed because it was more of a sheen, lighter for sunny days on holiday, but also non-staining so I wouldn’t look odd after it wore off or even the next day.

The go-everywhere dress: I wore it belted, loose, with and without heels. Great investment. Second Female, Guess Dress, Atterley Road. Expect a wear-it-two-ways coming soon.

The seasonal flats: Another thing I didn’t update last year as they simply didn’t wear out. I went for on-trend metallic look silver for a change from my usual gold styles, from Topshop.

The perfect Orange-Red nail polish: Essie Meet Me at Sunset.

The travelling bag: A cross body bag in the softest grey leather, which took me from plane (roomy enough for all my essentials,) to beach, to town and beyond. I didnt worry about it being slung in the overhead locker, or by my feet in the car and it was comfortable. Although not cheap, It was simple and perfectly my style so worth the investment as my summer go-everywhere tote.

The showerproof jacket: Knowing the weather would be temperamental and I may well get wet, I bought this sunny and cheap Coated Cotton Parka from ASOS. I found out it wasn’t ‘waterproof’ in a downpour, but to be honest I don’t think much is without buying all-weather gear and I wanted something that would work in spring showers at home too. It did the job and kept me warm enough on many an evening trip out to restaurants etc when cooler weather descended.

The essential scarf: I have never invested in a quality scarf and ordered this thinking I would choose a cheaper alternative I had sen. When it came to it, the print and wool/silk mix made the quality well worth the price and I wore it non-stop for the first 4-5 days of our holiday when the weather was cooler as well as on the plane to sleep and wrap up, then later on safari. Mynuka Peacock Printed Scarf (in blue/grey), Atterley Road

Things I didn’t buy but always take with me.
1. A pair of casual trainers. I dislike planning activities ahead but like to be prepared so I always take a pair of lace ups for comfort and safety when walking up waterfalls, hiking through forests, or walking Cheetah’s ;)
2. A Hat. I forgot mine, but sorely missed my foldable straw number to keep the sun off my face on the beach and around.

So readers, will you be making any pre-holiday investments this year and do you have any must have’s for travelling?

Love,
Rebecca
xo

My Month: April

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This month is a tale of two halves. As you read this I’m travelling back from 2 weeks in South Africa, (remember when I started planning back in January?) I have so much to share from the trip but for now will whet your appetite with a few Instagram snaps. The first half of the month follows, with my usual and far less interesting exploits ;)

As always, the links in the list go back to posts I have written that correspond to the snaps (if you want to catch up,) and you can follow me throughout the month on Instagram @rebecca_norris on your phone, online or there’s a feed on the right hand side bar here on Florence Finds :)

  • My Travel Outfit for the plane: spots and stripes, layers and flats.
  • Cocktails on the roof of The Grand Daddy Hotel, amongst Airstream caravans
  • A long way from anywhere, at the Cape of Good Hope
  • A rainy day outfit for walking and sightseeing on the Atlantic peninsula.
  • The view from our Camps Bay Hotel
  • African Pengins at Boulders beach
  • Just one selection of amazing seafood we enjoyed.
  • Table Mountain, from the ferry to Robben Island
  • My very apt lion birthday card (from Paperchase) from Pete :)
  • Birthday outfit
  • The view from Table Mountain
  • Camps Bay beach
  • One of our hotels on route to The Eastern Cape
  • Meeting the Cheetah’s at Tenikwa – a trip highlight.

  • Making macarons with my sister and enjoying nights out over Easter, with Francesca again.
  • Re-wearing my Whistles Wisteria print dress for a (cold) early April wedding with tights and sparkly shoes (see it worn here and here also)
  • Mixing animal prints in my new favourite outfit – worn for the Style Me Vintage Weddings book launch in London.
  • Animal print points with my blue lace skirt (and Pete getting in on the footwear action!)
  • The Style Me Vintage Weddings launch
  • Breakfast in Hoxton
  • New reading material, courtesy of Gemma, pre-holiday.
  • Purchases from & Other Stories
  • Trying out my new boots and my go-anywhere dress for dinner one night.
  • New art (that I bought pete for his birthday) framed and ready to hang, starting off our new gallery wall.
  • Outfits of the day, trying to bring colour into cold days.

How was your April readers? Are you looking forward to May with all it’s bank holidays and the promise of warmer weather?

Love,
Rebecca
xo