Sunday, 30 August 2015

A Little Boy And A Toy Store...

Hamleys...The finest toy store in the world, opens its doors in South Africa!!!


Buddy loves toy stores...but then again, which kid doesn't? (and many adults too!) There is nothing like a toy store to bring joy to a child's life!

The iconic Hamleys bear.

We were delighted when we heard that Hamelys, the oldest toyshop in the world, was opening at the Greenstone shopping centre. My Buddykin was beyond excited! 


And then the invite to the opening arrived and he could speak of nothing else for weeks...


 Unfortunately on the morning of the big day, my three month old twins took ill and were admitted to hospital. They spent a week there, but thankfully they are feeling a lot better now. Needless to say Buddy (and I) were really disappointed,(that look of disappointment that I saw in his eyes is going to haunt me for a long time), but he was so sweet and understanding about it... We have promised him a visit to the magical toy land soon... I think that he deserves something special for his patience. The past three months have been really hard on us, but most especially on  him, considering that he was an only child for almost four years, and even though I try to give him a lot of attention, the twins seem to take up the bulk of my time, so I really thought that it would have been wonderful to have done something special with him, but alas, it was not to be. We are really looking forward to taking him and treating him to something special. See you soon Hamleys!!!

The CEO of Hamleys, South Africa, Philip Paphitis.

 PS: Stay tuned for the twins' nursery reveal coming soon!

Wednesday, 12 August 2015

Hope you all had a wonderful Women's day weekend! Is it Wednesday already? I can't believe how quickly this week has gone by! I have been meaning to do a post since Monday, but I just haven't got round to it. I guess, I have a good excuse this time! I had an assignment to submit this morning...

We've had such gorgeous weather since the weekend...Has spring finally arrived? I hope so! 
Did any of you go to Decorex this weekend? I was there on Sunday...Enjoyed it very much...or at least most of it! 

                               Went crazy for the marble! I adore marble but Calacatta gold wins hands down is my all time                                                                                                                          favourite...                                                       


The 100% Design hall had some pretty  impressive stuff.

Loved Egg Designs...Kelly Wearstler would have loved this! And that Lacroix fabric!

The Pantry was the busiest hall but I managed to make my way through it and picked up some yummy goodies!
How delicious are these ice cream flavours? Pity, they're in Durban...

These chocolates were swoon-worthy...

Loved these perfume bottles...So pretty...

This stall had some delicious smelling candles...

Always love Granny Goose...I wanted to get a new duvet, but this stall was so busy so decided to visit their store instead...besides it would have been a nuisance to lug a duvet around!

Blu Line Kitchens...Just wow!

I'm a sucker for anything gold!

I also saw some pretty impressive artwork, alas, I wasn't allowed to take any pics...
Overall, I would have liked to see more designers and decorators. Had a lovely time, nonetheless. What did you think?
Excuse the ghastly pic quality. My phone died so I had to use an old phone...Lucky for me that I had it with me!!! Is it just me, or does everyone carry an extra phone? Haha!
xoxo

Monday, 3 August 2015

My UAE Diary...


Hi loves, hope you 're all well! Once again, life has been so hectic, I've got loads of assignments due and before I know it, it will be exam time again! I can't believe that it's August already! How time flies...
Anyway, a couple of months ago, I was in the UAE on vacation and I promised to share my pics with you. I know this post is long overdue, but better late than never, right? The UAE is one of my fave destinations! I love how vibrant and beautiful it is. There is also an endless variety of activities...the shopping is great, the beaches are lovely, the man-made ski slopes are awesome...there really is something for everyone! So here are some of the pics that I've put together to share with you...Enjoy!

P.S: This post is picture heavy! Don't say I didn't warn you!


The Dubai skyline is spectacular! Whether you take it in from your hotel room, a cruise or from atop the Burj Khalifa, it is sure to take your breath away. 
If you are in Dubai, I highly recommend that you try dune bashing. The desert is beautiful and it is quite an experience (nerve wrecking yet amazing, at the same time!).


The aquarium at the Dubai Mall is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world...If you've been to Dubai but not the Dubai Mall, then...well you haven't been to Dubai! This mall is magnificent. It is home to just about every major fashion brand in the world. Love this mall!

Is any vacation complete without some shoe shopping? I admit, I am a little shoe crazy!

Fauchon
Fauchon
Dalloyau
Laduree
Pierre Herme
The UAE is home to just about every Parisian patisserie.... Angelina, Laduree, Fauchon, Paul, Pierre Herme, Dalloyau...the list goes on! I was in patisserie heaven... Each one is just so fabulous and I loved it...
Omnia by Silvena
The Japanese Restaurant at the Sheraton Hotel.
The Armani Caffe.
With the number of fantastic restaurants in Dubai, I was truly spoilt for choice! My favourite restaurants were Omnia by Silvena (amazing risotto), The Japanese Restaurant for some fantastic sushi and the Armani Caffe  for spectacular food and vibes. I highly recommend these restaurants...

Emirates Palace.
I also spent a few days in Abu Dhabi.
 Emirates Palace is just so beautiful...Sun, Sand and Sea along with spectacular architecture and interiors. Truly amazing...

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is so serene and beautiful. The architecture and the details are exquisite. It is a must-see if you are in Abu Dhabi.

The Viceroy-Yas Island.
The Yas Viceroy is pretty amazing. Futuristic architecture, fabulous views of the Yas Marina and built across the F1 circuit...awesome, right?

Emirates Palace Brunch.
Cafe Bateel.
Cafe Bateel.
Origins at the Viceroy.
Like Dubai, there is no shortage of great restaurants in Abu Dhabi! One of my favourites was Cafe Bateel. Their menu combines Italian and Middle Eastern food and the result is mouthwatering. The iced coffee was the best I've ever had. Other great options include brunch at Emirates palace (especially if you are staying there) and the buffet at Origins.


Ras Al Khaima is one of the other Emirates. It's not as popular as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but its definitely up and coming! I spent a couple of days on Marjan Island, which is a man-made island in the shape of a crescent. A couple of the days relaxing on a beach and getting massages is always therapeutic...

I had an amazing time but it had to come to an end! At least I've got the memories...because like they say, 'life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry and the smiles fade, but the memories last forever'. So, loves, I hope you all have a wonderful week filled with special moments! xoxo