EVER CHANGING

The new year is looming, and with it, the possibility of change. So much has happened for me this year, that I almost can't believe I managed to fit it all into one year. New surname, new city, new home, new business venture, new me.

Towards the end of 2013, I got together with a long-time friend and decided to start our very own creative styling and events company, Garniche Studio. We finally launched our website in July this year and got to work with some of the best in the industry. This was probably one of the most scary decisions I have ever made, but it is paying off big time and 2015 is looking to be an amazing year for the Garniche Studio team.

Just before ending 2013, the love of my life, Rick, proposed to me on a scorching hot day, at the serene boathouse at Babylonstoren, overlooking the magnificent mountains. It was magical. Rick and I tied the knot in November of this year, surrounded by the people we love.

The weeks leading up to the wedding was tough. Living in Joburg and planning a wedding in Ceres comes with its own bundle of complications, as you can imagine. But in the end, it was the most special day and everything worked out perfectly. We were blessed beyond measure and it is a wedding day we cannot hope to do better, even if we had the chance to go back and do it all over again.

In short, this year was juggling my full-time day-job at an insurance firm in Johannesburg, starting a new creative venture (after hours), planning our wedding, and setting up house all in one year. It has been a roller coaster to say the least, but with the dust settling, I breathe out a sigh of relief and am truly grateful that I got to marry the one person in this world that makes it all worth while.

I look forward to a quiet December, with Rick planning some DIY projects for our home and me getting my fingers dirty in our new herb garden. Oh, and me finally getting some time to rekindle this blog of mine.  New name and all.

Image credit: Marsel Roothman Photography | Styling: Garniche Studio | Make-up: Kreativ Studio

THE KITCHEN AT MAISON

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining a friend and her mom on a long weekend to Franschoek, while the boys enjoyed a rather dirty OppiKoppi weekend. We were blessed with great weather for most of the weekend, so we decided to have ourselves a Saturday lunch at The Kitchen.

I came to know about this restaurant from a post by the talented photographer, Tasha Seccombe, who took some stunning photos of the place. As mentioned in some of my previous posts, I am a huge lover of Weylandt's furniture and decor.. and this is actually the family home of owner and mastermind behind the Weylandts brand, Chris Weylandt.

"Maison is my family home. It is dedicated to three simple pursuits: the production of beautiful wines, the making of delicious food and the appreciation of great design. Our wine-producing vineyard includes a stunning new tasting room and restaurant where you can relax in a space that engages all the senses. I invite you to come and enjoy it. Share intimate moments in good company and create memories over a bottle of wine and delicious food that will stay with you for years to come."

Who can say no to that? I know I can't..

NICE ON FOURTH - PARKHURST

Little by little I am discovering the heart of this lovely city of gold.  Although I am not yet a resident of Johannesburg, I spend most of my week and weekends here.  Fourth Avenue in Parkhurst must be one of my favorite places to visit. It reminds me so much of the streets of Cape Town, with really awesome restaurants, coffee and designer shops. They also have that charming lack of parking space, leaving you with a short walk to and from the restaurant. Nothing better to work off those consumed calories.

One of my favorite go-to brunch hot-spots in Parkhurst is the lovely Nice on Fourth, on the corner of 4th and 14th avenue. The long line of people standing outside and waiting patiently for a table will back me up on this. If you do decide to go, and you're more than two people, make sure you get there before nine am or be patient while you're waiting for a table. Trust me, it's worth waiting for.

I have been there a total of five times and have ordered their egg baskets every single time. If you're into avocado, I strongly recommend you add this to your egg basket - which is filled with poached eggs, bacon and topped with spicy tomato relish. Enjoy! 

Trading Hours

Tuesday to Sunday
07h30 am to 16h00 pm

Address
37 4th Avenue, Corner of 14th street
Parkhurst, Johannesburg

Tel 011 788 6286

Credits: images via

FEATURED - {ME}LONGINGS STUDIO

If I had to describe my style in a few words, whether it be my wardrobe or home decor, I would go for the word "neutral". I am constantly drawn to the earthy tones. Having laid that on the table, you can understand why the brand {me}longings studio  just speaks to my heart. I love everything about the organically grown fabrics, from their chic and simple patterns to their neutral color palette.

"The design story at {me}longings studio begins and ends with Chanee Vijay. She has a hand in each step of the design process. She draws her designs, carves them into blocks, hand paints the screens, mixes the inks, hand pulls the prints and block prints onto organic hemp fabric, and sews them with her vintage Bernina {a gift from her mother}.

She's been sewing since high school, but her mom taught her how to sew her pillow covers with quality finishes for a higher-end and more durable product. It's all a very, very, very slow process that she cherishes when she holds the final product. The best part is...it's all done in an environmentally sustainable way. Chanee's pillow covers are both elegant and practical - made to withstand the elements {removable & washable} in your most lived-in spaces."

If these stunning images are not convincing enough, head on over to their website to see even more prettyness. 

Credits: Information about the brand and all images via melongings.com.

FEATURED - COZAMIA PRINTS

As mentioned before, I have recently become very addicted to online shopping, especially when it comes to home decor. Art, kitchen utensils and ceramics are at the top of my list and I absolutely love browsing these items. Citymob is one of the coolest new things in my everyday life, keeping me up to date or introducing me to new artists and awesome products.

Citymob recently featured art prints by the very talented Nancy Ramirez, artist and owner of Cozamia. I just love her style and all the different shapes and colors she uses. 

About the artist

"I'm a color fanatic that’s fascinated with both traditional and digital methods of creating art. As a result, much of my work often combines these two unlikely mediums. I get a thrill out of mixing colorful fragments derived from abstract paintings with digital work as well as photography. I love how hand painted shapes and textures create unexpected contrasts against the sharp predictability of digital design.

I often draw inspiration from nature and everyday surroundings where I'm particularly drawn to color, symmetry and repetition. I get lost browsing through fashion mags, interior design books and blogs, all of this plays into the decorative vibe of my art."

My favorite prints

I prefer the neutral and earthy color palettes when it comes to decorating a home, but mixing it up with colorful prints just brightens up a room. These are some of my favorites, with the Flamingo Mingle at the top  of the list.

FLAMINGO MINGLE

LUCID

BRITTLE STARS

MARILYN MONROSES 

Credits: All images via Cozamia.com.