Time always flies when you're having fun, even if you're not it still goes by fast. Father time just keeps ticking away doesn't he?! Sometimes we reach the month of May and then I realize wait a second, I haven't done anything which I set out to ... I then scramble around to find my lists, glorious short sometimes long lists which I leave all over the house, in my diary, handbag (black hole) - the list continues, really!

This year I want to try and do everything I plan to do. Starting with making digital lists on my Samsung Notepro to try and avoid running around like a headless chicken. I cannot ditch the list making. I am addicted to writing everything down. Like everyone I know, I have personal and business goals that I want to achieve and things that I want to change.

I want to create a better, more creative space for myself. Be more creative. Do a possible name change for the blog and Triple D. Maybe relocate. Be more. Who knows how this year is going to turn out. But for know, I plan to take it day for day and look at achieving my goals more. 

Things to do on the Garden Route

My heart belongs to the Western Cape, there I said it! There's no reason to deny it, only reasons to embrace it. I love the scenery and weather. We were fortunate enough to visit these stunning places this past December. Below is a list of my favourite spots!

My list of reasonably priced (some are free!) things to do while visiting the Garden Route. We did all of it in a week!

Dolphin point lookout (Wilderness)

The lookout point looks like any other you find along the coast, overlooking the deep blue ocean with waves crashing into the boulders below. That is until you stop and get out of your car. Depending, on which side of the road you stop, there's a walkway under the N2 leading to the lookout point. The view is absolutely beautiful overlooking the Wilderness beach and Kaaimans river mouth with the point shaped like a dolphin contrasting against the deep blue. This is one of nature's goodness and is free of charge!

 

Timberlake organic village (N2)

Timberlake organic village is situated on the N2 between Wilderness and Sedgefield. Offering a unique shopping and activity experience it is definitely worth a stop. They have a big kiddies play area with mini foefie slide and jungle gym. If that doesn't tickle their fancy try a pony ride or quad-tractor ride. Acrobranch caters for the adventurous at heart while Zucchini caters for the hungry. There are various little shops that will appeal to a variety of different tastes, like the mohair mill shop (i bought some socks for winter!), the fairy shop and a german deli, Schwaben.   

Admire the view form the Heads (Knysna)

The Western head is a privately owned nature reserve that can only be reached by ferry. With different viewing decks, the Eastern Head, offers spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna. Remember that it can also be enjoyed by night. We (as in my husband) took some beautiful images just after sunset.

Cloud 9 viewpoint (Sedgefield)

Cloud 9 offers a spectacular view of Sedgefield, the lagoon, Myoli Beach and Gericke's Point. The view gets better when you paraglide from this point but for those with a fear of heights, it doesn't get more beautiful than this. 

Eat an ice-cream at sunset (Sedgefield)

The best things in life truly are free. Nothing calms down your soul like the ocean can. You can give all of your worries and sorrows to it, or you can just enjoy the beach sand underneath your bum and wait for your ship to come in.  

Tsitsikamma micro brewery (Tsitsikamma)

The Tsitsikama brewery is a must for all craft beer lovers and is situated between the Hotel and Marilyn's 60 diner. They have four beers on tap, friendly service and a couple of board games you can play. My daughter tried her hand at beating me at tic-tac-toe - look at that face! I love finding new gems. I love the barn like feel and the fact that you can watch the entire beer making process.

Stormsrivier suspension bridge

Situated in the Tsitsikamma National Park, is the storms rivier suspension bridge. Entrance fee for 2 adults and 1 child was R120, which we have no problem in paying. You have to conserve what you love. The strenuous walk and steep descent is nothing compared to the view you get where the storms river mouth meets the ocean. Stunning! Ideal view for photography. Take some!

Stoepsit restaurant (Mosselbaai)

On the N2 outside Mosselbaai is where you will find this little gem of a restaurant. Do yourself a favor and enjoy lunch at the restaurant, eat the calamari. Quality and great service must be their recipe for success! The big windows help to appreciate the views and breeze especially on a hot summers day!

Circles in a forest trail (Knysna)

We are all familiar with Dalene Matthee and her well known and loved book - Circles in a forest. Visit her memorial stone and be in awe of the 40 m Outeniqua Yellowwood tree. Follow one of the hiking trails that start at Krisjan se Nek. Choose between a 3km or 9km walk. The route takes you past Outeniqua Yellowwood trees, tree ferns and fungus. The abundance of life in and on the forest floor is mind boggling. I would suggest that you take a light jacket with.

7 Passes scenic route 

The seven passes road connect George in the West with Knysna in the East. It was built by Thomas Bain from 1867 and 1882 and used to be the highway between the two towns. There are various points of interest like the big tree.

Christmas tree on a stick

'Tis definitely the most wonderful time of the year and what wonderful way to celebrate the summery fa la la spirit with my first (ever!) recipe post and an edible Christmas tree on a stick! I want to start off by saying that I am by no means a chef nor the perfect cook who measures all the ingredients beforehand. Oh no, I would like to think that I am an creative chef ... I just go with it. 

And on that bombshell - here goes!

The recipe and method is the same for rice krispie treats, the only difference is that we are going all Christmassy on this one.

You will need:

200g of Marshmallows

1 Tbsp Butter

6 cups Rice Krispie breakfast cereal

1 Tsp Vanilla extract/essence

3 Tsp Green food colouring

Icing sugar

Christmas decorations and general kitchen equipment (yes, really!)

Makes 16 medium sized trees

In a microwavable mixing bowl add the marshmallows, butter and vanilla extract/essence. Start melting the mixture with ten minutes on the clock and gradually work your way down. Stir every 10 - 20 seconds, depending on microwave strength. You don't want to burn the mixture because you would have to through it away, start over and the kids will start crying and nobody's got time for that. 

Once the mixture is completely melted (if you have little marshmallow bumps that's okay), add the green food colouring. If you want a lighter shade of green don't add to much, and if you want a darker shade add more. This is completely up to personal preference. Mix in the food colouring until the mixture is completely green.  Add the rice crispies to the mixture and stir gently until it is evenly coated. 

Place the mixture onto a baking sheet or serving tray lined with baking paper and gently flatten the mixture. Set it aside and let it cool down. Once cooled, cut the rice crispie treats into triangles or use a cookie cutter if you have a tree shaped one. Use whatever kitchen tool is handy to make a hole and insert a plastic stick or paper straw on the bottom of the tree. 

Use the icing sugar to create a tinsel effect on the tree and add edible decorations to the tree.

Perfect for an all round Christmas treat or to use as a place setting.