We had a three day business trip and we had to make the most of our time in the mother city. As previously stated, we don't do chain restaurants that often and all that well, only when the kids insist. We love to travel and to explore new restaurants and this time was no different from the rest. Our wanderlust took us to Melkbosstrand, situated 35km north of Cape Town to a beach front restaurant called Die Damhuis Restaurant. 

 

The Damhuis was the first built structure in Melkbosstrand on the farm De Melkbosch and dates back to 1785. It is also one of the oldest buildings in South Africa and the thick walls contain big chunks of whale bone. It was used as a fish shed and was given to Christiaan Brand by Governor van de Graaff as a reward for services rendered. A true national monument. 

The 1000m² restaurant has several venues within that flow into another from the outside terrace and beach area to the fisherman's tent, voorhuijs and stampkroeg. They serve seafood and traditional cuisine that can be enjoyed with good conversation, laughter and views of Table Mountain and Robben Island. 

I would suggest this restaurant to anyone and everybody that visit or reside in Cape Town. The food is mouthwatering and the service is fantastic. Just one thing to mention though - time does stand still when you enter the little gate at the entrance. We spent three hours there without noticing it and we only had lunch. Well done for creating this gem of a restaurant!

Market day

The definition of entrepreneur is a person who sets up a business, taking on financial risks in the hopes of making a profit. Synonyms are tycoon, magnate and I immediately think of Donald Trump, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. They had dreams and goals and they followed through on it. I know it is impossible to even try and compare what they do or have done with a kids market day, but that is where everything starts. When you are small or young and from small beginnings come great things.

It was time for Laerskool Doringkloof Primary's first market day of 2015 and Armani wanted to be part of it. I was excited for the both of us. Time to plan and make lists and create a new Pinterest board. There's so much to do ... I went ahead and created the board and we sat down and pinned everything we liked and that was do-able for a 6 year old. We decided on sweet treats because who doesn't like something sweet. We decided to make lollipops with lips, mustaches and butterflies, marshmallows dipped in chocolate and rice crispie hearts on a stick. Things that were really easy to make and that kids would love.

We planned it out well and were done a couple of days before. I dreaded having to make everything the night before and have little to no sleep. However this was not the case. I went and got enough change the day before and all we had to do now, was wait.

It was the morning of market day. We had set up our table and we called it The Cute Cookie. Quite fitting to the produce we sold and it fits Armani's personality just perfect. The kids gave us compliments about the overall look and our prices. Who knew ... Our prices were R2, R3 and R5 and the treats were a hit. We made our first sale and we were off to a great start. Before we knew it we were sold out on the chocolate dipped marshmallows and with that it was the end of her first market day, the taste of entrepreneurship. We were open for 45 minutes only and in that time Armani made a profit of R90. Not bad considering the time and the amount our treats sold for. She made a profit and she was over the moon and my mother heart was happy. Check!

Eating a burger at Beestekraal Stasie

Yesterday it was time to get out of the house again and enjoy the beautiful landscapes that South Africa has to offer. It was a short road trip to the North West province.

We went to have lunch at Beestekraal stasie situated on the R511 outside Brits. It is an old station converted into a restaurant and shop that sell vintage items and sweets. There are pictures painted on the exterior and if you feel like it you can even write your name on the "we were here" wall. Quite an interesting place. As the sign suggests - not just a shop but a "moerse" experience! Agreed. We both opted for a burger and a lager. I had an hawaiian and Marius had a bacon and cheese. It was a super delicious burger and I was glad I starved myself the morning. Almost too much to eat with a burger, chips and side salad for only R55.

The toilets, well ... they are on the other side of the train tracks. Quite cool. Spoornet still owns the building and does not want to sell! 

After our burgers and a bit of driving around we bought some ice-creams at the tree tops farm stall. It's a small stall that sells "homade" jams and pickles and honey. They spell it homade and not home made. Don't ask me why but funny if you think about it. After our not so homade King Kone ice-creams we searched for a viewpoint where we can enjoy a craft beer, sunshine and silence. And then some... We found the perfect spot. All you could hear were the insects buzzing about. The view of the mountains were spectacular and the feeling of the sun on our skin made us relax even more. South Africa is a beautiful multi-cultural country and it is what you make of it. We love it. We enjoy travelling through it and thus far it has only been good to us! As the lyrics of the famous Toto song goes - may we all bless the rains down in Africa, for it is our home.

A farmyard is a truly magical place

There is a childish excitement in me whenever I know we are going to a farm. Neither am I from a farm nor am I a country girl but that does not matter to me. The feeling starts to build up when we drive towards the gate and the sun filters trough the dense trees above. 

Without hesitation I start to play the game of spot the farm animals. Although, it is more a game for one, because I don't leave much room for anyone else in my family to participate.

The ever present smell of fertile soil and cows grazing in the meadow are just some of the treasures found on a farmyard. You get to enjoy mother nature in her purest form. The raw, unvarnished version of her without any pretenses. A farmyard is truly a pleasure on the five senses. The green landscape contrasted by a blue sky with white fluffy clouds. The smell of farm animals, crops and flowers. Hearing a stream of water cobbling and ducks quacking while flapping their wings. Eating eggs and drinking milk and last but not least the soft feel of a calf's hide and it's scratchy tongue against your hand. It lets you exercise by walking around the farm. You pick up acorns and hearing it fall on the paved walkways makes you walk faster because you don't want one to hit you on the head. The thought and memories makes one smile and that in itself is wonderful.

Unlike the African big five that are praised for their brute strength and power, farm animals are the complete opposite. They are not dangerous and feared but are humbled and loved animals. They are not hunted but are used in everyday items such as food, clothing and bed linen. They are the main attraction of petting zoo's that young and old enjoy equally as much. They were present at the birth of baby Jesus and I think that is the reason we love these animals so much. God chooses the small and insignificant to make the biggest uproar, difference and change. 

RFAD 4x4 family fun day

The first weekend of March is always associated with Reach for a dream and this year was no different. It was time for the annual 4x4 family fun day held at Base 4 - Home of the Four Wheel Drive Club of Southern Africa.

We had an early start to the morning with plunger coffee and rusks. We purchased this nifty plastic plunger that works like a bomb. Having a pretty glass one would not work for camping at all. We need gadgets that can be man handled.

After the drivers briefing, it was the start of the nine obstacle fun day. We were in the RFAD (Reach for a dream) mixed team with my parents-in-law and a friend to name but a few. Neither parties have ever participated but they enjoyed it nonetheless. Some obstacles were technical, some had general knowledge questions and others were there to test your concentration and alertness, but they were all definite fun. 

Marius and I drove our '99 4.6 HSE Range Rover that day and we finished 14th overall. The total money that was raised for the day was over R100 000.00 which is totally amazing. Especially if you take into account the work that they do, realizing children's dreams that battle a life threatening illness. Some of these children don't live long enough to see the next year, so realizing their dreams are paramount. This event hits home when your a mother. It makes me wonder if I am to strict with the kids. Children need unconditional love, food and a good home to grow up in. Be the best parent that you could be. Your child/ren will always be the best gift that you will ever receive. 

Make your time with them count everyday ...

Meandering through the KZN Midlands

For quite some time now, we wanted to drive through the KwaZulu Midlands and the past weekend we finally did it. Like so many people visiting the Zululand it becomes a mad rush on the N3 only stopping at the major petrol stations and forgive me for saying this but buying over the counter plastic food. When we dine out, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner - we want an experience and we don't mind paying more for this. 

We downloaded a handy guide to the Midlands Meander and decided we were going to have breakfast at the legendary Notthingham Road Hotel. Decision well made. It has an unique charm, a cozy atmosphere and excellent service. The perfect stop after a four and a half and hour drive. In addition to this it was also a bit on the cold side with a slight drizzle. It was the perfect setting. Not to mention the splashes of turquoise in their decor. The only way that they could top this was with coffee and syrup drizzles flapjacks. Oh boy and did they deliver. 

After our scrumptious breakfast Umhlanga was only 150km away. We walked on the beach for a bit, got my hair blown in 2000 directions and watched the waves roll to shore from the pier. The ocean has a way of making me feel so small. The mass is so huge that i cannot help but feel overwhelmed. I love the bush veld but the ocean has a way of calming my soul and I like to feel the sand between my toes. Writing my name in the sand and running from the waves to avoid getting wet.

On Sunday it was time to say goodbye to the Durban shore once more. We headed back towards the Midlands Meander once again stopping at a coffee shop called Steam punk coffee to satisfy our inner coffee snobs. Awesome coffee shop and I would recommend it to anyone. It has a unique feel and experience. 

For lunch we stopped at Piggly Wiggly Country Village. It has numerous shops and restaurants an even an art bar. I didn't spend enough time at the art bar where you can paint and bake your own ceramics therefore we have to go back. I like items with a personal touch. Makes one's home more interesting. We had pizzas at The Pizza Place, shopped around for a bit and headed home.