Boxing Clever

There is nothing that lifts my mood more than baking (ok except maybe a glass of wine with my bestie). Honestly, it’s not necessarily even what I’m baking, but the creating, taking raw ingredients, mixing them all up and then having some fun making the end product beautiful. It really has nothing to do with the tasting in fact. That is just a bonus…

So when I came home from a long day I knew that I needed to bake. I was looking for instant gratification, so I admit I cheated. I used a box mix (gasp). But in truth, it works. Yes, it is not my mum’s delicious, moist chocolate recipe, but it offers instant cupcakes and instant opportunities for fun.

I was in the mood for pink so added a few capfuls of pink colour to the batter, whipped up this awesome icing and topped the cakes with little flags I made using my washi tape around toothpicks. In an instant I had adorable pink cupcakes, and nobody was any the wiser that these weren’t made from ‘scratch’. 

Oh. My. Ombre

I love ombre. Ombre hair. Ombre clothes. Ombre utensils. I love ombre. And then I saw this awesome blog on how to get the ombre affect on your nails and had to give it a try.

I had imagined it would be tricky, but it was super easy and has a really lovely effect. I used a light and dark pink (Essie: Lovie Dovie & Mavala: La Paz) Next time however I’m going to try more contrasting colours and take this up a notch. I’m thinking blue and white or pink and grey…

Here are all the instructions. 

(Note: I sent my pic of my nails to my bestie and told her she had to give this a try. She tried blue to purple, which looked very cool but did resemble a heavy bruise from certain angles.)

Is that you Summer?

(Denim jacket - Mr Price, White T - Woolworths, Skirt - Mr Price, Belt - Accessorize, Bracelets - New Look & Mr Price)

With summer sneaking up on us slowly I can’t help but embrace the upcoming sunny days by wearing bold colours paired with fresh white. Although the mornings may still be cold, it’s no secret winter is almost over.

Minitown

I love my city, and I especially love the mini version of it. 

I recall going to minitown as a child, my hand in my grandfather’s, as we strolled (read: me desperately trying to get Pere to run with me) through our town, admiring the city from Godzilla’s point of view. As an adult it is still as awesome. I couldn’t help but get excited as the boats cruise through the harbour, the planes taxi on the runway and the churches praise with songs of worship… 

The train stops, the bridge lifts, and the ship gets to pass through.

The aeroplanes taxiing along the runway.

The funfair, complete with circus, animals, rides, and carnival games.

A rather unfortunate collision between a Volksie and the streetlamp.
Thankfully an ambulance, fire engine and the police are all on hand to help.

Minitown - 114 Snell Parade, Beachfront, Durban - 031 337 7892

Picture Perfect

Here’s a really easy key holder idea. 

I couldn’t quite find the right key holder for our home so decided to make my own. All I used was a pretty photoframe (this one is from Mr Price home) and six cup hooks. Remove the glass and backing boards, screw in hooks and ta-da, your key holder is complete!