Corner Cafe, Durban

Looking for a place that offers good service, scrumptious food and a friendly local...then pop into Corner Cafe in Glenwood, Durban.  

After a hasty 'Help! Looking for fun places to visit in Durban' message on Twitter, the lovely Nadia from CupCakeCourture suggested I head to Corner Cafe for a fill up. She had also suggested Mooi & Wakaberry  which have since been plugged into 'Favourites' on my GPS! 

After a quick caffeine fix, I was bouncing off the walls while being given a delightful breakdown of other cool spots to check out in Durban by Corner Cafe's owner, Judd.  

Thanks for all the helpful info Judd, We will be back!

CornerCafe also boasts its own vintage store full to the brim with treasures that are "Resurrected and Recycled". 

Address

Corner of  Cromwell and Brand Roads

 Glenwood 

Durban

Phone 032 201 0219

Opening Hours

Monday - Saturday 07h00 - 17h00

Click here to visit Judd's blog, and click here for Corner Cafe's Facebook Group.

Mooi, Durban

A recent trip to Durban to drop off Farmboy's work vehicle led to some exciting finds in this lovely coastal city. Wackaberry was a super duper way to get our taste buds going, while Mooi was a treat for all our other senses. Such pretty things to look at and buy, Farmboy had to literally drag me out the shop while threatening to never go shopping with me again! 

Stocking everything from local handmade prettyness to thrifted goodies, and just about everything in between you won't be leaving empty handed. And it was the friendly Lauren (half of the genius behind Mooi) who told me about the Wonder Market in Umhalanga. Smart lady :)

If you've only got one day in Durbs, make sure that Mooi is at the top of your to-do list...

Address:

100 Bulwer Road

Glenwood

Durban

031 201 8274

Click here to visit their blog and here to get in contact with Lauren and Fiona

Wakaberry, Durban

Having found this yummy pit stop on a recent tour of Durban, I can't wrap my head around the fact that they aren't on every street corner!

It's all so easy...grab a cup, choose a flavour, add a gazillion topics, pay, and you're A for Away.

 And because it's all frozen yogurt as opposed to ice cream, it's pretty guilt free! Well, that is until you top yourself up with ever sour worm, flake and turkish delight under the sun.

Location:

217 Florida Road

Morningside

Durban

and

Shop 3

41 Mackeurtan Avenue

Durban North

and coming soon to Hillcrest and Ballito!!!

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thu:10:00 am-9:00 pm

Fri - Sat:10:00 am-11:00 pm

Sun:10:00 am-9:00 pm

Click here for their Facebook group. 

Happy snacking! 

*Barn Swallows* Mount Moreland, KZN

A few off ramps up from Ballito (back towards Durban on the N2) is a wonderful place to watch the over 3 million barn swallows settle down for the evening. The reedbed roost site the Barn Swallows have chosen is a wetland, locally known as the Lake Victoria Wetland, it is covered with indigenous Phragmitiesreeds. The Barn Swallows at Mount Moreland and their roosting habitat are now recognized as a world famous Barn Swallow site and IBA (International Birding Area). Now doesn't that sound impressive. 

Not sure where the swallows were yesterday, because we were only graced with the presence of a few stragglers. So no pictures of a blackened sky, but instead a few cheesey pic's. Enjoy!

Our friends Carmen & Abrie joined us for the weekend, as well as Farmboy looking handsome.

A very sweet little begger, with the most incredible eyes.

For more info click here.

Wonder Market and then some

On Sunday Farmboy and I (and my mom's fluffy poodle Xena) took a trip to the new Wonder Market at the Chris Saunders Park in Umhalanga (right opposite Gateway). A nice chance from the I Heart Market which happens on the first Saturday of ever month, the Wonder Market takes place on the freshly cut grass and manicured garden that make up the Chris Saunders Park in Umhalanga. With stalls offering wholesome and healthy delights as well as all sorts of pretty things, there is something for everyone. 

 Following on the success of the launch of the Wonder Market, this last Sunday was only it's second appearance. I'm sure there will be many more in the coming year. Click here for the facebook group so you can get all the nitty gritty.

Picked up this lovely poster at the market, from the ladies at FreshlyFound:

After the market it was down to a spot of shopping at Gateway. Or rather, I should say, I spot of run-into-store-grab-last-minute-present-run-back-out but we managed to pick up these old photographs at the Antique Fair happening at the one end of the mall...

Not sure what we are going to do with them yet, any ideas???

Market Buys...

A recent trip to the loveliness that is the I Heart Market  at the Moses Madiba Stadium in Durban left my purse a little lighter, but my smile tthhhhiiissssss much bigger...

My purchases:

I just <3 these gorgeous ceramic magnets made by the lovely Natasha of Love Inspired. Natasha hand makes gifts and other things of prettyness for weddings, special events and decor. Make sure to check out her site to stay up to date on new stock!

How adorable are these hairclips from Nadia at CupCakeCourture?? So lovely I just HAD to get two, these are the perfect stocking fillers for someone special. If you like what you see, get in touch with Nadia (click here) and you can place an order directly through her.

And these lovelies are just for me...Jen from Jen-Jen Designs dabbles in freelance art, design and photography and I am just so in <3 with my new pictures!

It's the last market for the year happening this Saturday...Get your bums down there for some last minute Christmas Shopping!

I Heart Market...Christmas Shopping!

I Heart Market is happening 3 times this month...yipee! So if you missed it this past weekend, never fear, you have two more chances to get your Christmas Shopping on. Here are a few goodies I picked, as well as a few photo's from some of my favourite stalls:

This was our first stop...Wafel for some brekkie. I had stuffed my face with 3 bowls of Milo Cereal before I arrived at the market so I can't say for certain just how good these were, but all I could hear from Louise while munching was "mmmmm".

Jen was just so sweet, not minding me snapping away. Sometimes people get very sticky about me taking pictures of their work, which really grates me as I always make it very clear that I'm not stealing idea's when I take photo's. I love blogging, I love taking photographs, and I love it when people leave comments telling me how useful they find my blog, thats why I do what I do. For no other reason than that. Anyway,*enough grumbling * from me :)

Click here to see Jen's blog, and click here to see a catalogue of her work!

These pretty little things are from Natasha of LoveInspired. Natasha makes handmade gifts in a range of designs for weddings, special events and other home decor.  I had to stop myself from buying each and every magnet in collection! And how cute as these gift tags, I will be buying many more delights from her stall when I come again!

And as always, I love touring around Pippa and her beau (from TheThriftCollection) gorgeous caravan in search of treasures...

I Heart Market is on for the next two Saturdays leading up to Christmas (10th & 17th December) and is held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium from 9h00 - 14h00.

Pop into *Churchill House* Durban

If you're in the neighbourhood and feel like a rest stop, why not pop into Churchill House. The staff are wonderful, always smiling and serving an endless supply of 'Holy Wine' in the sweetest glasses...

The food is good (except the Health Bread as the portion is tiny) and my favourite thing to eat is the savoury muffins. Here is my new favourite, the brinjal and sun dried tomato 'potted' muffin:

And when you've stuffed your face, take a walk around the rest of the shop which is home to an amazing collection of antiques and collectibles...

Directions:

Corner of Churchill Road and Windmere (now Lilian Ngoyi)

*Milk Cafe* Ballito

Spending a weekend in Ballito is never complete without a stop to my favourite ice cream chop...Milk Cafe. With super friendly staff and really really yummy ice-cream, it's the perfect place to hang out this summer...

Directions

18 Compensation Drive Ballito 

032 946 2310

click here to visit their Facebook page

Markets to look forward to in Kwazulu Natal...

I Heart Market: Moses Madiba Stadium, Durban. Saturday 3rd, 10th, 17th December

Wonder Market: Chris Saunders Park, Umhalanga (opp. Gateway Shopping Centre). Sunday 18th December

Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market: Cnr Kassier & Alvestone Rd, Assegay. Every Saturday from 06h00 - 10h30.

Hook...Line...and...Sinker!

This CityGirl has been taking her farm life responsibilities very seriously, and one of the most important ones...fishing! Can you believe I caught a huge 2 1/2kg bass on my second cast?! And then another 3 after that...thing I might have found my new calling :) After very carefully removing the hooks from the fishies we said goodbye and placed them all back in the dam...responsible fishing is the only way to go (and well, to be honest, having to remove the hook myself was enough cruelty for me, eating the poor things would have just been too much!)

And the best fishing partner ever...Scooter the Jack Russell! Closely followed by my very handsome Farmboy :)

Bloom Cafe...Natal Midlands

Nestled in Nottingham Road, between a hair salon and an Antique Shop, lies the marvelous Cafe Bloom. The perfect stop for a dose of caffeine and to fill up your hungry tummy after a long day of meandering.

Address: R103 Old Main Road, Nottingham Road

Hours: 08h00 - 16h00 Wednesday - Monday 

Mozying around Maritzburg

What does one get up to away from the hustle and bustle of a big city like Joburg? Well, take pictures of course...and roam around second hand stores looking for treasures :)

This picture was taken a few days before being sunk 7 kilometers into the depths of the ocean...sad hey

Market Haul...

On a recent trip to the beach (we swopped sun, sea & sand and for rain, wind and mud) and when the weather had improved slightly, my friend Odette and I headed for the lovely I Heart Market in Durban, which has made the Moses Madiba Stadium it's new home. 

And a trip to the market is never complete without a couple of purchases...

Don't you just love these pegs! Wrapping gifts will never be the same again! The lovely Vanessa at Little Mud Hut Designs also makes magnets, tags, bunting, gift bags and lots lots more, click here to check out her facebook page for more information on where you can get your hands on these goodies

Aren't these little ring holders just so pretty...I had stop myself from buying all of them!

 Up at the Top, Pottery and Mosaic Studio.

 Eleanor Gillitt: upatthetop@gmail.com

35 Laughton Avenue, Glenashley, Durban,

These are my second and third pair of earrings from Sophia Baskin, all made by her from gorgeous pieces of material!

Email her at sophiabasckin@gmail.com for more info ♥

Odette surprised me with this pretty pair of rose earrings :)

Click here to check out the website with all the other goodies to buy!

RBH Salon, Ballito

The weather over the past few days has been cold and wet, not ideal for the beach, but ideal for treating oneself to some "rest and relaxation". Thats exactly what Odette and I found at Redlands Beauty and Health Salon in Ballito. An hour later, we walked out the door with the softest pads and cutest toenails...for a lovely R170. The next time you find yourself in Ballito, go on and treat yourself...your feet will love you for it :)

I ♥ Market *October*

After resigning from my job (yes, some of you may be wondering as to my mental state as I had only been there for a month...let's just say, I would have completely lost all sense of normality had I stayed there) I thought it about time for a trip to the sea. And a trip to the north coast sea is never complete without a stop at the I Heart Market. I Heart Market happens once a month, where fabulously talented people gather to sell all sorts of lovely things. Here are just a few of the stalls at this months gathering:

MisMatch Jewellery 

omnomnom deliciousness

Up at the Top, Pottery and Mosaic Studio.

 Eleanor Gillitt: upatthetop@gmail.com

35 Laughton Avenue, Glenashley, Durban,

Freshly Found...vintage refreshed

Denise Kiggan: denise@freshlyfound.com

Malva

Little Mud Hut Designs

Vanessa: vanessa.matthews@telkomsa.net

To visit their Facebook page, click here

Sophia Basckin...I just had to treat myself...with another 2 pairs of her gorgeous earrings!

Email her at sophiabasckin@gmail.com for more info ♥

I lurve presents...

Tomorrow, I will officially be joining the thousands of other South Africans and becoming a part of the working world...not too excited for this as my new job involves a 6 day week and lots of long hours (*hoping I still get the time to fit in blogging!*). But I am very keen to start this next phase of my life :) So, where does the title of this post come from? Well I headed down to Durbs to see Farmboy as he had a long weekend *not sure when next I'm going to be able to see him as I will be working weekends...sniff sniff* and along the way I met up with a new friend for some hot chocolate and my first nibble of a macaroon. Macaroons are all the rage at the moment, with bloggers going crazy for them, but I wasn't so taken, a little sweet for my liking, but definitely edible!

Anywho...where was I...oh yes, I met up with Megan from ChinaDollIllustrations, *I did a little interview on her a short while ago and we hit it off and have been friends ever since* :) In the process of buying one of her prints, we got our wires crossed and the print that I'm waiting for is still on it's way, so she gave me this one as a little prezzie...it's gorgeous! You have to check out her other work, she is just so darn talented!

**Megan is having a giveaway at the moment! Click here for more info on how to get your paws on a puppy!**

Q&A with Sara of *LuckyYouHandMade*

I have loved getting to know the wonderfully talented Megan of ChinaDollIllustrations, and Jess of HelloThula. Here's a chance for you to get to know the creative soul behind the blog LuckyYouHandMade!

 Q) First of all, for those readers who have yet to see your blog, what is it that you do?

 I do many things but my focus is on felt brooches, lace and embroidery accessories and I also make paper mache dolls

Q) What materials do you use/prefer to use?

I mainly use hand dyed felt but I love using silk as well.

Q) Did you study your craft? Or did it come out of a passion for making pretty things?

I actually studied to be a chef but have always loved making things. 

Q) Is there anything in particular that you absolutely *love* making more than anything else? Why?

I love making my dolls because they always end up with such personality.

Q) You recently had work displayed at the Mr Price 031 Collection, thats incredible! What

was that like?

It was amazing to be involved with such a professional, slick show with all those talented designers- a real ego boost!

Q) Where can we get our hands on your awesome pieces?

I have some things for sale at Con Amore at the La Lucia Mall in Durban but anyone can mail me with any special orders - sara@luckyou.co.za

Awesome, now to just get my bum down to Durbs to get my paws on some of those hairbands....click here to check our Sara's blog and stay up to date with her latest offerings!

The *Honey* Guys...

Driving from the Farm to Pietermaritzburg, Farmboy and I passed these delightful characters. Selling fresh honey off the comb (for R10 a chunk) we, as the saying goes, **overindulged**. This led to a very long and windy ride to Maritzburg and a few stops along the way to 'get some fresh air'.

We did check to see where they 'found/scavenged' the honey and they got it from the Bee Farm they work on where the owner sells the honey by the barrel :) Anyway, couldn't resist a few pic's (and some padkos for the road!)

Missioning around *Centacow*

On a recent trip to Durban, Farmboy and I decided to do a little exploring of the area surrounding his farm in Creighton (you're not alone if you have no idea where Creighton is...it's about 40 kilometers from Ixopo, KZN). Centacow Mission was founded in 1888 by Trappist Monks, when a man called Abbot Francis Pfanner purchased a small farm in this small corner of Kwazulu Natal. Missionaries developed Centocow into a flourishing station where the brothers cared for the farm, did all the carpentry, blacksmith work and made the bricks for building operations. Today Centocow Mission looks desolate. Farmboy recently made a purchase of an exquisite piece of yellow wood furniture from one of the few monks still staying at Centacow, who told him that they now offer one of the buildings as accommodation for conferences etc.

Enough with the history lesson :) here are some pictures to set the scene for you...