When the very first Christmas decorations started appearing in the shops this year, I strolled into a Typo store & there it was: Mickey & Minnie Mouse XMas ornaments. And mini Coca-Cola can ornaments! It was a lightbulb moment for me! I could see this theme come alive in my mind. If you are looking to create an unusual Christmas look,  then I really hope that this post will inspire you. It’s all about nostalgia, sweetness, movie nights, carefree holidays, games, laughter & old-fashioned fun. Can you tell that I’m loving this theme even more as I’m typing this? I created a ..read more

It’s the middle of November. When did this happen? Phew. I feel like we’ve skipped three months this year. Is anyone else with me? Well, we’re here now & November means get-togethers, so I don’t mind the skipped months at all! Hosting season is just incredible, but let’s face it – everyone is tired but also desperate for some quality time with friends. I want my get-togethers to be beautiful, easy, memorable & delicious all at the same time. Without running around for days. Here are some thoughts on setting a gorgeous table & keeping your get-togethers special with minimal stress ..read more

As humans, our sense of smell is so incredible that it can transport us – in an instant – to a different era, a different country or a different time. A familiar smell can teleport you to be with someone that you loved that is no longer with you. Read the comments on this New York Times article & notice how many people associate smells with their grandparents & parents. For some people, it is the smell of leather, wood, or roses that make them long for their grandmother or grandfather. For, me the smell of over-ripe bananas mixed with sweet pea flowers remind me of my dear German teac ..read more

This is not quite a room reveal but rather a walk around our room if you like. Maybe it is a before post? The thing is that I always have a running list of ideas & small changes that I want to do in our room. In the past, I’ve often regretted not taking before or during pics of a room. So, here it is. Our room mini-tour: We have had many of the items in our room for a very long time. The frames above the bed are from my late granny. I’ve just put mirrors in these frames. The headboard, scatter cushions & lampshades (to go with the Coricraft lamps) were custom-made when we lived in Geo ..read more

If 2020 was the year of no celebrations, 2021 can be coined the year of mini celebrations. I’m really hoping that 2022 – when I turn 40 – will be the year of big celebrations! One positive thing about the party drought of 2020 is that people now appreciate even the tiniest get-together or party in 2021. Our Oliver’s recent 8th birthday was no exception. It was a small party, but it was a hit – even if I have to say so myself. A lot of planning & talking went into it – in fact, Oli starts talking about his next birthday about a week after his current birthday. Dad was in charge of the ..read more

Easter is such a beautiful time of year. Around the world, a new season – spring or autumn – is arriving & with it the hope for new things. This year, we can all do with a reminder of the hope that Jesus brings. For us here in South Africa, Easter time marks the start of Autumn. The chill can already be felt in the air. As I was thinking about Easter this year, I realized once more that we should put much more effort into Easter & make it as memorable as possible. It is after all the most significant time on our Christian calendar. Instead of something pastel with chicks & tulips ..read more

When we moved recently, Ernie asked me: “Do we really need six Christmas Crates?” Me: “I can’t believe I have only six Christmas Crates.” Haha. I’ve never been vague about how much I love Christmas & that I love to decorate in a different style every year. I understand that some people love a traditional Christmas with traditional decor that stay the same year after year, but for me the opportunity to dream up a new theme every year can not be passed up. My inspiration for this look came from my friend Karie who set this table at the West Coast a year ago. A town like Paternoster, f ..read more

Very often in life, we need less. This could not be more true than for the upcoming festive season. After the craziest year ever, we can really all do with less. Less drama. Less mess. Less clutter. Less waste. Less noise. Less voices. Less cleaning. Less cooking. Holly Becker of Decor8 Blog describes it as a Slow Holiday. A slow Christmas. This resonates so much with me. Isn’t that what Christmas is really about anyway? Slowing down & focussing on the real meaning of our existence & the fact that Jesus Christ was born? If that is where your head space is at, then this beautiful mini ..read more

We were recently invited to two different dinner parties & what it treat they were. Each was unique with different menus & seating arrangements but what both had in common was that the hosts knew exactly how to make us feel at home & cared for! So today I’d love to share some tips with you for being a great host(ess) without breaking the bank or your back. I’ve also chatted to Betsie van der Westhuizen, general manager at Maxwell & Williams about entertaining at home. Here are some great hosting tips that you can use to create a wonderful, memorable evening: Getting a head st ..read more

If 2020 was the year of no celebrations, 2021 can be coined the year of mini celebrations. I’m really hoping that 2022 – when I turn 40 – will be the year of big celebrations! One positive thing about the party drought of 2020 is that people now appreciate even the smallest get-together or party in 2021. Hooray. Our Oliver’s recent 8th birthday was no exception. It was a small party, but it was a hit. A lot of planning & talking went into it – in fact, Oli starts talking about his next birthday about a week after his current birthday. Dad was in charge of the hunt/expedition. Oliver was ..read more