A LIEBSTER AWARD..

thank you !!

A couple of days ago, I was very happy to receive a Liebster Award from the lovely Naomi's blog - Coulda Shoulda Woulda!  For those of you who haven't yet stumbled across her blog - please hop over and have a look.  I love her quirky, zany style - intelligently written and always fun!


A Liebster award is awarded by bloggers to other up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers apparently.. I was very chuffed!! 

Coupled with receiving this award is that I answer 10 questions that Naomi has sent me! As I am travelling, have been jet lagged, and have intermittent wifi issues,  it is a bit of a miracle that I have posted this!! 

So - here are my answers to her questions. 

1. If you could look like anyone who would it be? 

It's not about what she looks like really,  but I really love Diane Keaton's energy and her quirky zany look!  She has seemingly managed to bypass the usual facial surgery interventions – and yet remains funny and beguiling – I love her look!  

2. What character from a book do you most identify with?

Mmmm ... it has to be Madam Defarge from the Tale of Two cities!!  .... I love knitting as much as she obviously did!

3. What is your favourite flower? 

    

A peony!.... no contest!... I have found them difficult to grow which makes               them even more special!

4. If you could meet one person from the past, who would it be? 

Gertrude Jekyll 

Gertrude Jekyll loved vibrant colours

5. What would you talk about? 

All things gardening and I would ask her to introduce me to Edwin Lutyens the great British architect!

6. Have you ever won anything? If you have, what was it?  

Yes!!  I won an Ardmore jug in Cape Town on a blind auction at a Red Cross do!  It's beautiful and very treasured.  Read more about the lovely people who create Ardmore here

7. Which bag would you choose between a Chanel 2.55 bag or Hermes Kelly bag?  

Definitely the Chanel – so chic and besides,  the Kelly bag weighs a ton!

8. What one event will forever remain etched in your  memory?  

The birth of Arabella by Cesarean section – my grand-daughter – I was present at the birth!

9. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one book, which one would it be?  

The Beginner's Guide to Foraging!

10. What made you finally write a blog?  

Initially it felt like a good way for far away friends to catch up with what I was up to but as time continued,  I really began enjoying  the process of blogging.   Taking photos and sharing experiences  – whether it was my garden or somewhere new I was visiting!…. And of late,  getting to know other bloggers little by little has been so great!  

Thanks again Naomi!

  

Delaire Graff - an estate in the Cape

Posts from Cape Town

DELAIRE GRAFF -

DIAMONDS,  ART AND WINE

As I am in Cape Town, visiting my sister and friends,  I suggested that we have lunch at the Delaire Graff Estate which is just outside Stellenbosch.  The name Graff - as many of you already know is synonymous with diamonds and magnificent jewelry.    I have often stopped outside the Graff New Bond street store in London and simply gazed at the window displays.  The magnificent jewels and  collections are simply breathtaking and their website is exceptional.  Have a look here - you won't be disappointed!  

It's difficult to believe that Laurence Graff started his career as a jewellery apprentice in London in 1950.   He opened his first two stores in London in 1962 and his expansion today stretches to 37 stores world-wide.  But, for the moment,  let's get back to the Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch!

This estate, set high upon the mountainside,  was founded by Simon van der Stel in 1679!  Laurence Graff acquired the estate in 2003 with the intention of  'transforming it into South Africa's most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination' and after visiting this incredible estate,    I really believe that he might have achieved his intention!  'The personally curated collection has been a lifelong passion of Laurence Graff who continues to discover promising South African artists.    Have a look here for more information on the art collections, the restaurants, state-or-the-art winery, Lodges, Spa and boutiques.

The avenue leading up to Delaire

The views from Delaire are incredible - here two cheetahs by Dylan Lewis sit gazing over the valley

and another

The dramatic entrance 

William Kentridge-inspired curved  tangerine leather banquette

We were lucky arriving on a perfect autumn day and sitting in the soft, dappled light on the deck, looking out at the magnificent mountains I was sure that this could be one of the most unique settings in the world.  The food was exquisite - both in taste and presentation. 

buffalo mozzarella, caramelised cauliflower florets, basil, parmesan broth

poached trout, lemon preserve, toasted almond, spaetzle

fish of the day, fondant potato, beets, taramasalata, smoked tuna, broth

free range beef, braised shin, shimeji mushroom, marrow crumbs, watercress

tastes of vanilla: creme brulee, vanilla yogurt, toffee, blancmange

Apologies for all the food photos but I really want to emphasise how exceptional it was!  Each mouthful was a delicate discovery of flavours, fusing together into utter deliciousness! When the lovely waitress saw me photographing the menu,  she arrived minutes later with a fresh set of pages, signed by the chef!  The service was excellent.  

We took a long stroll after lunch exploring the Lodge and Spa, the pool, and more exceptional views. The photos tell you the rest of the story!

Seating area in the reception area of the Lodge

One of the many water-features

The infinity pool with Table Mountain in the far distance.

More of Dylan Lewis' cheetahs - must be tricky mowing the lawn here!

The complete sensory experience and 

to the many people out there who might be hesitant in planning a trip to Cape Town and South Africa - I hope this post and a couple more coming, will encourage you!

Home from Home - The Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town

THE VINEYARD HOTEL
CAPE TOWN
home away from home!

The Vineyard Hotel has become an old friend.  Since leaving Cape Town for Sydney, 8 years ago, it has become a comfortable and welcoming  'home away from home' when visiting Cape Town.

Situated at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain, surrounded by 6 acres of beautiful gardens and alongside the Liesbeek River, this hotel began life as the home of Andrew and Lady Anne Barnard in 1800.  The house was later sold and turned into a hotel and when Rudyard Kipling came out to the Cape in 1898 and stayed at The Vineyard for a while, he loved the surroundings and described the hotel as "a quiet place surrounded by oaks under the shadow of Table Mountain."  An abundant bird life and two famous tortoises - Herbert and Gloria, are happy inhabitants of these beautiful gardens.

In case he should get lost!!

Now celebrating 115 years,  this hotel is incredibly busy and has a very high occupancy. 

The staff are happy remain here for years and always give us a warm welcome. They remember where we like to sit for breakfast and book us into our favourite room.   It is this familiarity and friendliness that brings us back here, visit after visit.  

Nombulelo has been working at the Vineyard for 30 years!

The food could be another reason!  The breakfasts are legendary and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings at The Vineyard, is a very popular meeting place  for many Capetonians.  

The 'Vineyard bread' ... delicious

Omelets made to order with a variety of fillings

My lunch today - grilled Kingklip!

There is a cool and shady terrace overlooking the gardens and the mountain where one can enjoy a coffee, a drink, lunch or dinner in the summer.

The Vineyard has a very high occupancy and this hotel caters for everyone - families with young children,  conferences, the elderly travelling alone and more.  The buzz, casual friendliness and a very relaxed atmosphere make this hotel hard to beat.  There are, of course,  other beautiful, glamorous 5 Star hotels in Cape Town,  but the Vineyard with it's emphasis on friendliness, and customer service is in a league of it's own.

The pool, gym and Spa

The Liesbeek River - the 'River Walk' meanders along this little river and the bird-life is amazing.