Nov 18, 2009
Lunch at Olympic Cafe - it never disappoints!
I had Grilled whole Red snapper with mnash and green salad.
Others had polenta with Blue cheese and Spinach - bloody amazing - and Fishcakes with mash and baby leaf salad.
For dessert we tried the Lemon tart and Tiramisu.
Nov 9, 2009
Top 20 - Feng shui
Feng Shui:
There's some mighty fine advice in these words.
Hope it works for you!
Lotus Touts:
ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.
FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice
TWENTY. ONE. Spend some time alone. It is important to reflect and meditate.
There's some mighty fine advice in these words.
Hope it works for you!
Lotus Touts:
ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.
FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice
TWENTY. ONE. Spend some time alone. It is important to reflect and meditate.
10 spiritual tonics
"Ten Spiritual Tonics
1. Stop worrying. Worry kills life.
2. Begin each day with a prayer. It will arm your soul.
3. Control appetite. Over-indulgence clogs body and mind.
4. Accept your limitations . . .
5. Don’t envy. It wastes time and energy.
6. Have faith in people. Cynicism sours the disposition.
7. Find a hobby. It will relax your nerves.
8. Read a book a week to stimulate imagination and broaden your views.
9. Spend some time alone for the peace of solitude and silence.
10. Try to want what you have, instead of spending your strength trying to get what you want."
Abraham L. Feinberg
1. Stop worrying. Worry kills life.
2. Begin each day with a prayer. It will arm your soul.
3. Control appetite. Over-indulgence clogs body and mind.
4. Accept your limitations . . .
5. Don’t envy. It wastes time and energy.
6. Have faith in people. Cynicism sours the disposition.
7. Find a hobby. It will relax your nerves.
8. Read a book a week to stimulate imagination and broaden your views.
9. Spend some time alone for the peace of solitude and silence.
10. Try to want what you have, instead of spending your strength trying to get what you want."
Abraham L. Feinberg
Small steps that lead us to acheivement
Small steps that lead us to achievement
There are natural consequences that accompany every choice we make in life. Some opportunities inevitably pass us by, but we can take advantage of others. Many people feel powerless, but this is rarely the case--some opportunities just require a little thinking outside the box. Today, reflect on the doors you are opening in your world and which ones are closing. You have the power to create the life you want if you are willing to set goals and take steps toward them. Rarely does fulfilling our hopes and dreams happen overnight, but you can take one tiny move towards them each day.
The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.
- Flora Whittemore, author
There are natural consequences that accompany every choice we make in life. Some opportunities inevitably pass us by, but we can take advantage of others. Many people feel powerless, but this is rarely the case--some opportunities just require a little thinking outside the box. Today, reflect on the doors you are opening in your world and which ones are closing. You have the power to create the life you want if you are willing to set goals and take steps toward them. Rarely does fulfilling our hopes and dreams happen overnight, but you can take one tiny move towards them each day.
The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.
- Flora Whittemore, author
The key to happiness
The key to happiness
The secret to happiness is not to get what you want, but to want what you already have. If you think about it, most discontent grows from want. We want more stuff, more excitement, more pleasure. When we don't get those things, we're resentful and unsatisfied. Take away the want, and you take away the unhappiness. When your quality of life is tied to your desires, fulfillment is a shadow that escapes your view. Like trying to imagine a new color, the harder you look, the harder it is to see. Does this mean you stop setting goals and striving for a healthy lifestyle and better life? No. It means you can appreciate life regardless of the outcome. It means you can relish the pursuit while accepting the possibility of failure. It means you can still enjoy the ride. Happiness is not a destination--it's a way of life.
The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.
- James Oppenheim, short-story writer, novelist, poet
The secret to happiness is not to get what you want, but to want what you already have. If you think about it, most discontent grows from want. We want more stuff, more excitement, more pleasure. When we don't get those things, we're resentful and unsatisfied. Take away the want, and you take away the unhappiness. When your quality of life is tied to your desires, fulfillment is a shadow that escapes your view. Like trying to imagine a new color, the harder you look, the harder it is to see. Does this mean you stop setting goals and striving for a healthy lifestyle and better life? No. It means you can appreciate life regardless of the outcome. It means you can relish the pursuit while accepting the possibility of failure. It means you can still enjoy the ride. Happiness is not a destination--it's a way of life.
The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.
- James Oppenheim, short-story writer, novelist, poet
Living according to your true values
Living according to your true values
The best intentions matter little if your daily life doesn't reflect those values. How can you make sure that your thoughts and actions match? Good or bad, your values are shaped by your actions just as much as they do the shaping. Actions that are true to your values build a stronger personal foundation that others can see. Why are the memories of our greatest personal and public heroes so powerful and timeless, long after they're gone? They stood for something. They were living, breathing examples of the values they prized. It takes courage, a belief in yourself and strong determination. But it can be done. Do one thing today that shows the world what you believe. Do one thing that you know is right. Do one thing that would make your hero smile.
I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.
- John Locke, philosopher
The best intentions matter little if your daily life doesn't reflect those values. How can you make sure that your thoughts and actions match? Good or bad, your values are shaped by your actions just as much as they do the shaping. Actions that are true to your values build a stronger personal foundation that others can see. Why are the memories of our greatest personal and public heroes so powerful and timeless, long after they're gone? They stood for something. They were living, breathing examples of the values they prized. It takes courage, a belief in yourself and strong determination. But it can be done. Do one thing today that shows the world what you believe. Do one thing that you know is right. Do one thing that would make your hero smile.
I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.
- John Locke, philosopher
Conquering your fears with action
Conquering your fears through action
Life brings with it many doubts and fears. But the unknown and the untried have held more people back than any lack of ability. Most successes are never seen because they're never attempted. The courage to face your fears can build momentum that creates magic. Each time you overcome an obstacle, a fear or a step back, you gain confidence. Every small victory helps you feel more certain of yourself and your direction, pushing you further and faster than you ever thought possible. You can do it! What's holding you back? True, fears are intimidating. So start small. Believe in yourself and take one small swipe at your fear today just to see what happens. If you can't talk yourself past the "point of no return", get a friend to help. In the end, half of the doing is in the deciding. If you stumble, don't be afraid to brush yourself off and jump back in.
I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them until he gets a record of successful experiences behind him.
Life brings with it many doubts and fears. But the unknown and the untried have held more people back than any lack of ability. Most successes are never seen because they're never attempted. The courage to face your fears can build momentum that creates magic. Each time you overcome an obstacle, a fear or a step back, you gain confidence. Every small victory helps you feel more certain of yourself and your direction, pushing you further and faster than you ever thought possible. You can do it! What's holding you back? True, fears are intimidating. So start small. Believe in yourself and take one small swipe at your fear today just to see what happens. If you can't talk yourself past the "point of no return", get a friend to help. In the end, half of the doing is in the deciding. If you stumble, don't be afraid to brush yourself off and jump back in.
I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them until he gets a record of successful experiences behind him.
The Greatest Advice - Rick Warren
THE GREATEST ADVICE
By Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life)
Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat. Don't lie. Don't pretend.
Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.
Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don't philander because you think you are irresistible.
Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough & know better.
Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don't stagnate!
Don't regress.
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back.
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr. Right.
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong because your biological clock is ticking.
Learn a new skill.
Find a new friend.
Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.
To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfil your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.
Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.
To make yourself happy, pursue your passions & be the best of what you can be.
Simplify your life. Take away the clutter.
Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons.
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.
Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family.
Be true to yourself.
Don't commit when you are not ready.
Don't keep others waiting needlessly.
Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.
Say those words. Don't let the moment pass.
Do what you have to, even at society's scorn.
Write poetry.
Love Deeply.
Walk barefoot.
Dance with wild abandon.
Cry at the movies.
Take care of yourself. Don't wait for someone to take care of you.
You light up your life. You drive yourself to your destination.
No one completes you - except YOU.
It isn't true that life does not get easier with age.
It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love.
Pursue your passions.
Live your dreams.
Don't lose faith in God.
Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!
By Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life)
Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat. Don't lie. Don't pretend.
Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.
Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don't philander because you think you are irresistible.
Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough & know better.
Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don't stagnate!
Don't regress.
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back.
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr. Right.
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong because your biological clock is ticking.
Learn a new skill.
Find a new friend.
Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.
To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfil your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.
Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.
To make yourself happy, pursue your passions & be the best of what you can be.
Simplify your life. Take away the clutter.
Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons.
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.
Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family.
Be true to yourself.
Don't commit when you are not ready.
Don't keep others waiting needlessly.
Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.
Say those words. Don't let the moment pass.
Do what you have to, even at society's scorn.
Write poetry.
Love Deeply.
Walk barefoot.
Dance with wild abandon.
Cry at the movies.
Take care of yourself. Don't wait for someone to take care of you.
You light up your life. You drive yourself to your destination.
No one completes you - except YOU.
It isn't true that life does not get easier with age.
It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love.
Pursue your passions.
Live your dreams.
Don't lose faith in God.
Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!
Give your goal a deadline
Give your goal a feature that will vastly improve its chances of being fulfilled. Give your goal a deadline.
A deadline provides a firm boundary for your efforts, yet it does not limit or constrain those efforts. On the contrary, a deadline will focus your efforts toward a single point, giving them more power and practical effectiveness.
Without a deadline you can exhaust yourself and still not arrive at any meaningful accomplishment. A deadline compels you to prioritize and to expend your best efforts in the most meaningful direction.
With a deadline, you are constantly reminded of how valuable and precious your time is. You're able to see resources and opportunities that would otherwise remain hidden.
A deadline encourages you to do the best you can with what you have. And that's a skill that reliably leads to great accomplishment again and again.
Give yourself a deadline. And get the job done sooner rather than neve
A deadline provides a firm boundary for your efforts, yet it does not limit or constrain those efforts. On the contrary, a deadline will focus your efforts toward a single point, giving them more power and practical effectiveness.
Without a deadline you can exhaust yourself and still not arrive at any meaningful accomplishment. A deadline compels you to prioritize and to expend your best efforts in the most meaningful direction.
With a deadline, you are constantly reminded of how valuable and precious your time is. You're able to see resources and opportunities that would otherwise remain hidden.
A deadline encourages you to do the best you can with what you have. And that's a skill that reliably leads to great accomplishment again and again.
Give yourself a deadline. And get the job done sooner rather than neve
15 Tips to de-clutter your heart & mind
Whether your surroundings get choked by emotional baggage, or you get swamped by all your receipts and bills, you need a proper spring clean to reset your life and get things working at their best again.Here are 15 tips to get your life in order and clutter-free!
Get rid of that anger, jealousy and self-doubt. If you're waiting for an apology from someone, let it go. If you need to say sorry, then bite the bullet and do it!
In the same vein, make room for happiness. Take the space where that negativity used to be and fill it with something positive. For example, instead of complaining endlessly about how bad you day at work was, take the time you have to have fun - watch a funny movie, go out with friends or do something creative.
Practice acts of kindness. You'd be surprised how it will clear your mind and leave you feeling good as well!
Be creative! Allocate time towards a hobby every day - be it painting, gardening or reading - and let your mind soar. We're creative creatures, so use what you've been given!
Prepare for change and accept it. One of the biggest mental litter bugs is the refusal to adapt. Rather than fearing change, let it excite you.
Toss out those bad habits which leave baggage or guilt, such as drinking too much or gossiping behind other people's backs. It all comes back to you and causes more trouble than it's worth.
Sleep! To have an uncluttered mind you need to recharge it often with revitalising rest and relaxation. Make sure you get enough sleep and the rest will follow.
Why not spring clean every season? Cleaning up your surrounds and de-cluttering your physical environment is therapeutic. The more orderly your immediate surrounds, the more orderly your mind will be.
Communicate with your loved ones. Communication is the glue that holds all relationships together. Speak openly with your partner every day and try to initiate regular family time where you can all speak - with no TV on in the background! You don't want to be strangers in your own home.
Have a medical check up. Avoiding our health doesn't make problems go away, and ''what you don't know can't hurt you'' certainly does not apply! The best cure is prevention, so stop being stubborn and make your health a priority.
Make time for exercise. You don't need to spend three hours a day in the gym...just start walking when you can, or even get physical and do those chores around the house. No matter how you get moving, just get moving! If you involve your family then not only will you be spending quality time together, you'll also motivate each other to keep going.
Clean up your eating habits. If your food is your fuel, it's better to put in the best if you want the best out. Adopt a healthy eating plan as a lifestyle and see the difference it makes!
Figure out what you want from your job and if you're headed in the right direction. If you're unhappy, then do something instead of complaining!
Set goals and take steps to achieve them. If you feel you're meandering along meaninglessly, it's up to you to do something about it!
Remember...you have one life to live and how you live it is completely up to you. Feel empowered to make your own decisions and be the person you want to be!
Nov 3, 2009
My friend Amy's guide to Rocking it old school style in Cape Town
Compliments of Amy ...
For old school rockers who don’t mind a diamond in the rough type of spot but love classic rock tunes and eighties dance anthems to rock out to, I recommend Mercury Lounge (upstairs a mish mash of both unknown and known rock outfits jostling for their slot to shout it out on the mic). Downstairs its all eighties and pogo dancing (c’mon, you know what I mean!) as we rock till the early hours of this postage stamp sized party venue. TIP: There is an even more dodgy pool place next door called The Shack if you want to start out with a few beers to loosen up…or have some legendary Mexican food washed down with fragrant Jose Cuervo at Papa Luke’s next door to get the juices flowing… J (if its still there…I can’t keep track of these places anymore)! http://www.mercuryl.co.za/
Similarly, for an eighties rock experience with a slightly more clean-shaven sheen, try the Deco Dance club in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock…by day it is an unassuming organic market with a trendy boutique-esque feeling. By night, the mood changes to accommodate the old school devotees (such as myself). You will not find bubblegum pop, electronica or any such frivolities…oh no…this is the place for the Cure, Depeche Mode, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie lovers to join hands and rejoice in their common love of damn good music of olde! J Average age: 35 – so no feeling like you have just gate crashed a high school house party! Free entry before 10pm unless they have a party on. http://www.decodance.co.za/
For old school rockers who don’t mind a diamond in the rough type of spot but love classic rock tunes and eighties dance anthems to rock out to, I recommend Mercury Lounge (upstairs a mish mash of both unknown and known rock outfits jostling for their slot to shout it out on the mic). Downstairs its all eighties and pogo dancing (c’mon, you know what I mean!) as we rock till the early hours of this postage stamp sized party venue. TIP: There is an even more dodgy pool place next door called The Shack if you want to start out with a few beers to loosen up…or have some legendary Mexican food washed down with fragrant Jose Cuervo at Papa Luke’s next door to get the juices flowing… J (if its still there…I can’t keep track of these places anymore)! http://www.mercuryl.co.za/
Similarly, for an eighties rock experience with a slightly more clean-shaven sheen, try the Deco Dance club in the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock…by day it is an unassuming organic market with a trendy boutique-esque feeling. By night, the mood changes to accommodate the old school devotees (such as myself). You will not find bubblegum pop, electronica or any such frivolities…oh no…this is the place for the Cure, Depeche Mode, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie lovers to join hands and rejoice in their common love of damn good music of olde! J Average age: 35 – so no feeling like you have just gate crashed a high school house party! Free entry before 10pm unless they have a party on. http://www.decodance.co.za/
Choc-Almond Cake
(6 peeps – 80 min + cooling)
220gr dark choc
150gr castor sugar
150gr butter
Melt in pyrex bowl over simmering pot
Remove from heat & stir thoroughly
Mix in
100gr almonds ground
4 eggs – separated
beat in yolks one by one.
Beat whites until peaky & fold in spoonfuls into cool choc – gently fold in rest
Cake tin – 20 cm – butter and flour
Bake 180 C x 40 -50 min
The top rises cracks and falls
Remove when cool, dust with icing sugar
Serve with poached fruit - ideally berries and clotted cream
220gr dark choc
150gr castor sugar
150gr butter
Melt in pyrex bowl over simmering pot
Remove from heat & stir thoroughly
Mix in
100gr almonds ground
4 eggs – separated
beat in yolks one by one.
Beat whites until peaky & fold in spoonfuls into cool choc – gently fold in rest
Cake tin – 20 cm – butter and flour
Bake 180 C x 40 -50 min
The top rises cracks and falls
Remove when cool, dust with icing sugar
Serve with poached fruit - ideally berries and clotted cream
Nov 1, 2009
Boutique Hotels in Cape Town
Kensington Place - hidden away above the city bowl on the slopes of Table Mountain, this boutique hotel is ideal for the city traveller that wants some peace and quiet but isn't to far away from things. Prices start from R2860 per room per night www.kensingtonplace.co.za
Camps Bay Retreat – obviously located in Camps Bay but less obviously one of the oldest estates in the area with a garden rolling down to Victoria Road. You are tucked away from the madness of the poncy Camps Bay beachfront but still close enoughto get there in 5 minutes. Prices start from R2200 room per night http://www.campsbayretreat.com/
Camps Bay Retreat – obviously located in Camps Bay but less obviously one of the oldest estates in the area with a garden rolling down to Victoria Road. You are tucked away from the madness of the poncy Camps Bay beachfront but still close enough to get there in 5 minutes. Prices start from R2200 room per night http://www.campsbayretreat.com/
Tintswalo Atlantic - yes, this is one of the most incredible locations in Cape Town even though it’s in Hout Bay… it’s worth it to wake up and look straight out to sea. This boutique is also located within the Table Mountain Nature Reserve so you will be collected from the main gate on Chapmans Peak drive and driven down to the hotel. Prices start from R6000 per room per night http://www.tintswalo.com/Atlantic/about_hotel.html
The Waterfront and De Waterkant Luxury Apartments are a collection of privately owned properties managed for short term holiday rentals. They are all located in the historic area of Greenpoint known as De Waterkant or in the V and A Waterfront Marina. The Luxurious apartments, Pemthouses and Villas are fully serviced and have a 24 hour concierge and reception. If you really to live like a local I would highly staying in one of these properties. Prices start from R2000 per night for an aprtment http://www.africaneliteproperties.com/
Camps Bay Retreat – obviously located in Camps Bay but less obviously one of the oldest estates in the area with a garden rolling down to Victoria Road. You are tucked away from the madness of the poncy Camps Bay beachfront but still close enoughto get there in 5 minutes. Prices start from R2200 room per night http://www.campsbayretreat.com/
Camps Bay Retreat – obviously located in Camps Bay but less obviously one of the oldest estates in the area with a garden rolling down to Victoria Road. You are tucked away from the madness of the poncy Camps Bay beachfront but still close enough to get there in 5 minutes. Prices start from R2200 room per night http://www.campsbayretreat.com/
Tintswalo Atlantic - yes, this is one of the most incredible locations in Cape Town even though it’s in Hout Bay… it’s worth it to wake up and look straight out to sea. This boutique is also located within the Table Mountain Nature Reserve so you will be collected from the main gate on Chapmans Peak drive and driven down to the hotel. Prices start from R6000 per room per night http://www.tintswalo.com/Atlantic/about_hotel.html
The Waterfront and De Waterkant Luxury Apartments are a collection of privately owned properties managed for short term holiday rentals. They are all located in the historic area of Greenpoint known as De Waterkant or in the V and A Waterfront Marina. The Luxurious apartments, Pemthouses and Villas are fully serviced and have a 24 hour concierge and reception. If you really to live like a local I would highly staying in one of these properties. Prices start from R2000 per night for an aprtment http://www.africaneliteproperties.com/
Designer Crafts in Cape Town
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Local design talent in South Africa has come along way since Guinea fowl painted plates, mass produced masks and porcupine quill lampshades. A collection of store owners have focused on the unique and quirky creativity that is emerging and chosen to showcase this in specialist shops and galleries around Cape Town. 
Heartworks
I love Heartworks. It inspires me, makes me feel proud to be South African and keeps me browsing for at least 25 minutes. The 3 little shops, one on Kloof Street, in the Gardens Shopping Centre and at The Old Biscuit Mill, play host to a carefully selected range of products that owner, Margaret Woermann, has sourced personally from all over South Africa. The shops are tiny and crammed to the ceiling with goods making choosing difficult but guaranteeing that you will find the perfect item. Margaret has worked closely with a number of the crafters and artists helping them to develop their skills and providing them with a platform to sell their goods. No website so just go find them or call +27 (0) 21 424 8419
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Africa Nova
All over Africa and still constantly bring in more finds is the best way to describe Africa Nova. The Gallery sells (I should say exhibits) authentic African art and craft, each item is carefully chosen ensuring a high quality and aesthetically very appealing selection of items. Carved fertility dolls rub shoulders with delicate silver jewellery from Mozambique resting on Handwoven Kente cloths from Ghana. About half of the stock on the shop is from locally artists and designers ensuring a good mix of the contemporary and then the more tribal influence from further into Africa. http://www.africanova.co.za/
The Neighbourhood Goods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill
Not a shop as such but a wonderful and ever increasing market that happens on a Saturday down in the bottom of Woodstock, an area that no tourist would ever get too, until recently that is. The moral is you must be a small producer and offer something unique. Items on sale range from jewellery to fresh flowers to hand made leather shoes to dresses to printed tea clothes that the NYtimes has featured. And then there is the food… Oyster’s fresh from Knysna, Artisan bread baked in the Karoo the night before, free range beef and lamb, cheese from the herd whose owner knows every cow by name and local wines, organic of course. The market is open every Saturday from 9am till 2pm (rain or shine) and is located on Lower Woodstock Main Road near to the Maitland circle www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za.jpg)
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