#PhotoOfTheWeek...Festive

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Today is our last photo challenge for the year! Well done to everyone who submitted a photo...they really are, ummm, well...Festive!

Every week, the team is given a theme (each team member is given a chance to choose the theme for the week) and then each person has 7 days to take the perfect picture. It can be as edited or as natural as you like, the only rule is it has to be submitted to me by Sunday evening (South African time) so that I can get the post up asap on Sunday night/early Monday morning! 

We will be continuing in the New Year, and if you would like to be a part of our weekly photograph challenge you can drop me an email here
Here are this weeks submission for the theme {Festive}
Taken by: Cayleigh
Taken by: Megs
"Christmas in a snow globe"
Taken by: Natalie
Taken by: Vicky
"Christmas treats!"
Taken by: Roxy

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Sparkle

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Sparkle'. Well done to everyone who submitted a photograph...They are awesome! 

Every week, the team is given a theme (each team member is given a chance to choose the theme for the week) and then each person has 7 days to take the perfect picture. It can be as edited or as natural as you like, the only rule is it has to be submitted to me by Sunday evening (South African time) so that I can get the post up asap on Sunday night/early Monday morning! 

We will have one more challenge this week before the New Year, so if you would like to join in, just drop me an email here :)

Here are the submissions for last week's theme:

"Ring bling!"
Taken by: Roxy
Taken by: SueAnne
Taken by: Sue
Taken by: Rosella
Taken by: Tanya
Taken by: Cayleigh

"Rainy sparkle"
Taken by: Nats

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Sharp

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Sharp'. Well done to everyone who submitted a photograph...They are awesome! 

Every week, the team is given a theme (each team member is given a chance to choose the theme for the week) and then each person has 7 days to take the perfect picture. It can be as edited or as natural as you like, the only rule is it has to be submitted to me by Sunday evening (South African time) so that I can get the post up asap on Sunday night/early Monday morning! 

And we have a new member to welcome to the team, welcome Rosella! I look forward to seeing your photo's!

Here are the submissions for last week's theme:
'Sharp fishing hooks'
Taken by: Keith
'Beautifully Sharp'
Taken by: Megs
'Sharp as a pencil'
Taken by: Rosella
Taken by: SueAnne
'Looking Sharp'
Taken by: Susan
'Kitchen Sharp'
Taken by: Roxy
'Sharp Contrast'
Taken by: Vicky
If you'd like to join in, just drop me a line at citygirlsearching@gmail.com and I will send you that week's theme and you can get started right away!

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Pastel

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Pastel'. Well done to everyone who submitted a photograph! They are really great! 

Every week, the team is given a theme (each team member is given a chance to choose the theme for the week) and then each person has 7 days to take the perfect picture. It can be as edited or as natural as you like, the only rule is it has to be submitted to me by Sunday evening (South African time) so that I can get the post up asap on Sunday night/early Monday morning!

Here are last week's submissions...

Taken by: Tanya
Taken by: Cayleigh
Taken by: SueAnne

Taken by: Kayleigh
Taken by: Sue
Taken by: Natalie
Taken by: Roxy

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Lines

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Lines'. Well done to everyone who submitted a photograph! They are really great! 

Every week, the team is given a theme (each team member is given a chance to choose the theme for the week) and then each person has 7 days to take the perfect picture. It can be as edited or as natural as you like, the only rule is it has to be submitted to me by Sunday evening (South African time) so that I can get the post up asap on Sunday night/early Monday morning!

"Natural Lines"

Taken by: Kayleigh

"Nature's Stripes"

Taken by: Natalie

Take by: Sue-Ann

"Colour in the lines"

Taken by: Roxy

Taken by: Tanya

If you'd like to join in, just drop me a line at citygirlsearching@gmail.com and I will send you that week's theme and you can get started right away!

{Our Wedding} Official Photographs

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Finally, I am able to pop these photo's up! All of these incredible photo's were taken by the talented Jacki Bruniquel, thanks so much Jax, Farmboy and I are so glad that we picked you to capture our special day.

 Here are a few highlights...

{I will be posting lots more in time and under particular headings with lots of tips for other bides-to-be!}

A little context for new readers...Farmboy and I chose to get married on his family dairy farm in the small town of Creighton, just outside Ixopo, KZN. He proposed in March this year and so began 6 months of prepping and planning and convincing my Dad that yes, I really did want to get married amoungst the cows! 

Words can't even begin to explain the hard work that was done by family and friends to get the barn and the shed ready for our big day. You see, the farm is a real life working farm. The Shed (where we had our reception) is the home to the calves after they have been removed from their mums. The Barn (where our ceremony took place) was used for storage and the shearing of sheep, as well as the home to a very special little owl.

So, with that in mind, Farmboy and his Dad set about hand crafting all 18 tables, I set about sourcing vintage plates, knives and forks, champagne glasses and mahogany tiffany chairs (who would have ever thought this things would be so hard to get hold of!) and so began the wedding prep!

To everyone that lent a hand, an afternoon or even an entire month to help make our dreams come true, we love you all so much, and it would never have been possible without you!

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Balance

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Last week's theme for our photo challenge was Balance. I love how each and every one the submissions is unique! And how each and every team member is getting so creative with their shots, well done everyone, they are awesome!

This week we have a new member to welcome to the team...so welcome Cayleigh! I can't believe how this little challenge has grown over the last 6 months! Looking forward to seeing your piccies Cayleigh :)

Taken by: Cayleigh S
"There's no secret to balance, you just have to feel the waves"
Taken by: Kaylee

"Heels"
Taken by: Kayleigh
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving"
Taken by: Keith

"A balanced meal"
Taken by: Natalie

Taken by: Tanya
"Balancing Act"
Taken by: Megan

Taken by: Sue-Anne
"Tongue to balance tail"
Taken by: Roxy

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Bright

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This past week's theme for our weekly photo challenge was 'Bright'. Well done to everyone whi submitted a photograph! They are really great! 

Every week, the team is given a theme (each team member is given a chance to choose the theme for the week) and then each person has 7 days to take the perfect picture. It can be as edited or as natural as you like, the only rule is it has to be submitted to me by Sunday evening (South African time) so that I can get the post up asap on Sunday night/early Monday morning! 

And we have a host of new members to welcome to the team...Tanya (you can visit her blogs here and here, and Sue-Anne. Welcome ladies! I'm looking forward to seeing your photographs!

If you'd like to join in, just drop me a line at citygirlsearching@gmail.com and I will send you that week's theme and you can get started right away!

Taken by: Kayleigh
"Hello Mr Sunshine"
Taken by: Megan
"Bright Light"
Taken by: Roxy

Taken by: Tanya
"Hidden Brightness"
Taken by: Natalie

Taken by: Sue
"Bright Water"
Taken by: Tammy
"Bright Red"
Taken by: Sue-Anne

{Inspiration}

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I wanted to share these beautiful images from one of my favourite blogs, A Creative Mint. Each and every photograph leaves me feeling more and more inspired. I hope they do the same for you.

This collection came from her colour inspired set of posts entitled *Spring*

Have a wonderful Sunday
xxx





Rollin Vintage & Friends {Howick}

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After a tiring Saturday morning spent stand up paddling with Ryan & Liesa, we headed on over to their shop Rollin Vintage & Friends to see how the shop has been coming along. And all I can say is wow! I first posted about their exciting new venture into realm of retail in May this year (click here to see where they started off) and I can only say that the shop is booming and looking absolutely fantastic!
In their own words:
"Rollin Vintage & Friends grew out of an appreciation for Proudly South African, hand crafted, recycled goods.

As our personal business Rollin Vintage grew, we wanted to expand our horizons and venture forth into the retail world. We bumped heads with consignment, mark ups, bad attitudes and service toward our product. One morning Ryan woke up with an idea that changed all of this for us.To start a shop where we could represent the crafter, selling their items at their prices and on their behalf, giving them the best service and value for money - Rollin Vintage & Friends was born.

We have sourced products which meet one or all of the following criteria - being hand crafted, proudly South African and Recycled. We want to promote crafters who are taking a chance on their skill and living their passion - doing what they love"

Here are a few snaps from the store, click here to see more!






Beautiful Wedding Dresses {Grace Loves Lace}

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After hunting down my perfect wedding dress (which i eventually had made right here in Pietermaritzburg >> photo's to follow soon!) I have been really interested to see if anything similar has been done/is stocked here in South Africa...alas, to the best of my knowledge, most bridal shops stock your traditional cupcake meringue-eske dress (which I must add looks gorgeous on some) but which was just not my cup of tea. 
Then I saw these images on fellow SA born blogger Jessica-Lee's blog, and I just had to share them with you.
Grace Loves Lace is based in Australia, and each dress is made to order. Their prices range from +-R7000 (exl postage) and upwards.
"At Grace we personally hand make stunning ready-to-wear wedding dresses from the finest French laces and silks together with gorgeous veils & accessories . The collection takes inspiration from the ‘free-spirit’ of the Bohemian era and combines it with the charm and authenticity that exists only in the most beautiful vintage & antique heirloom pieces of yesteryear."

What's not to love about them...they are each so beautifully crafted, and so easy on the eyes, see for yourself:
all images from GraceLovesLace found via Diary-of-a-Day-Dreamer

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Love

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And we're back! After a 6 week break from the Photo Of The Week Challenge, we are finally back! 
How the challenge is works, is a theme is emailed out to everyone on the Monday, after which team members have until the Sunday to take one photo that they feel captures the theme. It can be as edited or as natural as you like. I just have to have the photo by Sunday evening so that I can put the post up on Monday morning.

Click here to see the previous photo's during the last 6 months of this challenge!

If you would like to take part in our Photo Challenge, simply drop me an email at (citygirlsearching@gmail.com) and I will add you to our mailing list. 

"Love: something to smile about"
Taken by: Rachel
"Mourners braving the rain to pay their respects to the former King of Cambodia outside the Royal Palace"
Taken by: Vicky

Some quick context:
The former King of Cambodia died 2 weeks ago and I have been amazed at the outpouring of love for this man. He was deeply revered by the people and many braved rain, distance and expense to come to the palace to pay their respects. Cambodians love the King deeply for securing the country's independence from France and he was referred to as King Father by the people and referred to Cambodians as his 'children.'
'Love & Friendship'
Taken by: Roxy
Taken by: Keith

'Puppy Love'
Taken by: Megs

If you would like to take part in our Photo Challenge, simply drop me an email at (citygirlsearching@gmail.com) and I will add you to our mailing list. The new theme for the week is sent out to everyone on a monday, and then each team member has until that Sunday evening to submit their photograph to me. It can be as edited or natural as you like...so go wild!

Greece {Athens}

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After a very short glimpse of Turkey {we had a 6 hour layover in which time we got a free tourist visa, managed to negotiate the mind boggling Turkish Metro, and make our way down to the Bosporus for breakfast and coffee *click here*) we landed in Athens for the next leg of Honeymoon. We only had one night in Athens, and made the most of it exploring the streets below the famous Parthenon {which just so happened to be closed for a strike, can you believe it!} But we still managed to get a few piccies around the base...
Here are some shots of part 2 of our honeymoon {the best is still to come though!}, enjoy!
xxx



Our first ride on the Metro rail in Athens...why doesn't Durban have such a cool underground transport system?!

The Parthenon!

We were hoping to catch a sneak peek of Zeus peering round the corner...

The old and the new...

Loved the look of these shutters


Our first truly greek meal...yum!

Very cool antique shop we found at the end of a side street...pity we didn't have 300 euro's lying around to make a purchase ;)

Honeymoon Highlights {Joburg > Istanbul}

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And we are back to reality! Back to a very rainy and wet Pietermaritzburg, after 2 blissful weeks of sun, sea and sand in the Mediterannean. Here are a few highlights of part 1 of our honeymoon.

Enjoy xxx





Waiting for our plane to take off...next step is for me to get my ID & Passport doc's changed!

Breakfast on the Bosphorus

Sunrise...



The most delicious street saamie!
We only had a 6 hour layover in Istanbul, but managed to at least make our way down to the harbor to see a few of the lovely old buildings

Local brew


Magnets anyone??

Every building had one of these, ornate and golden
Turkish coffee...no one ever warned us it would be so strong!

A trip to Turkey just ain't complete without a little delight...

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Spring Has Sprung

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Hello everyone...And welcome to Spring! Such a wonderful time of the year, a time for pretty flowers and new beginnings, and my wedding in 2 weeks :)

Here are this week's submissions for the theme 'Spring has Sprung'.

Taken by: Keith

Taken by: Sue

Taken by: Tammy
Taken by: Meg
Taken by: Roxy

Well done to everyone who submitted a photograph. This will be our last challenge for a little while, and we will be back in a few weeks time once I am back from honeymoon! Enjoy the break, get those creative juices going again, and I look forward to seeing your photo's soon!

If you would like to take part in our Photo Challenge, simply drop me an email at (citygirlsearching@gmail.com) and I will add you to our mailing list. The new theme for the week is sent out to everyone on a monday, and then each team member has until that Sunday evening to submit their photograph to me. It can be as edited or natural as you like...so go wild!

#PhotoOfTheWeek...Golden Hour

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This past week's theme was a really interesting one, allowing for a lot of creativity! The theme was 'Golden Hour' the last few hours before sunrise or sunset, when the sun leaves a beautiful warm glow on all it touches.

 Well done to everyone who has submitted a picture, and a very warm welcome to our newest member, Caley! Welcome Caley, I look forward to seeing all your pictures! 

 If you would like to take part in our Photo Challnge, simply drop me an email (citygirlsearching@gmail.com) and I will add you to our mailing list. The new theme for the week is sent out to everyone on a monday, and then each team member has until that Sunday evening to submit their photograph to me. It can be as edited or natural as you like...so go wild!
"How we appreciate the last few hours of sleep"
Taken by: Caley
"From dusk till dawn...they need our protection"
Taken by: Cathy

Taken by: Kaylee

"The golden hours on angel wings Flew o'er me and my Dearie; For dear to me
as light and life Was my sweet Highland Mary"-Robert Burns
Taken by: Keith
"Cape Diem"
Taken by: Lisa

From Soil to Clay...

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After our lesson on soil a few weeks back, I realised we I had a whole bucket of clay and some very itchy hands which were not being put to good use! My Grade 2 class was very fidgety after a whole week of miserable weather, so I decided to shake things up and let them get their hands dirty...








Just in case you're a little puzzled as to what they are making, our lesson was on transport. So I had some "limo's" "GTI's", and "snowmen"?!