lovely people making lovely things

It's that time of year and as I'm lucky enough to know lots of lovely people who make and do lovely things, I thought I'd share some links here ... you know, for Christmas present purposes.

Blossom Creations ~
Lots of simply gorgeous products for babies and mums, Jan's selection of fabrics is heavenly.

I have one of the very lovely cellphone wallets - perfect for your phone, Driver's Licence, debit card and an emergency R20 note when you're just popping to the shop or gym etc.

Make. Believe ~
Beautifully folded origami beauties ... these strings of birds,

... and Wendy's now famous exquisitely balanced and delicate mobiles, as featured in the latest House and Leisure magazine.

Lemon & Lilac ~
Specialising in paint techniques, reinventing old furniture and some gorgeous home decor, Lisa has a shop in Chenoweth St, Durbanville, an exquisite home in Observatory, a talented eye for spotting a treasure and lots and lots of energy!

Little Fire Company ~
Sponsor of my recent giveaway, the Little Fire Company has oodles of goodness for the babies and kidlets in your life, all of which can be purchased online.

Go shopping!

*All photos shamelessly lifted from their respective websites and facebook pages!*

observatory bucket list

Before leaving Obs a few months (or was it a lifetime?) back, I made myself a 'bucket list' (loathe the term) of shops, restaurants, places of interest I wanted to visit, and revisit, before we moved.
Then in the chaos of moving and subsequent weeks with no internet access (once again a big fat Up Yours to Telkom on that one), I completely forgot to post it!

But I think it's still relevant, and as I find myself back there at least once a week now, looking at that beautiful and crazy suburb with new (possibly more appreciative?) eyes, I quite enjoyed revisiting the list of revisits and reminding myself why I just hated to love the place so much for all those years.

Number 1: Have tea & cake at Queen of Tarts

Number 2: Trawl Munro's 2nd Hand Shop
Text borrowed from Cape Town Magazine 'cos they say it all best:
Owned by Mr Munro, this junk shop on Lower Main Road in Observatory will give you the feeling that you’re looking thorough someone else’s attic. The shelves are stocked with vintage finds galore: from old-school kitchen equipment to dusty paintings that may need to be reframed. Also available is more basic second-hand furniture, such as bookshelves, desks and tables.
Best for: Quirky objects from another time, whether it’s an ancient snow globe or antique spoons.
Price range: Affordable.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9am – 5pm; Saturday: noon – 3pm. 
131 Main Rd | Observatory | Cape Town |  +27 (0)21 447 1852

Number 3: Stock up at Fargo Trading
The best stockist of spices, basmati rice, poppadums, oils, coconut milk, pink Himalayan rock salt, Smarties in bulk, baking chocolate, crisps, couscous, fish sauce ... the list is endless.

Number 4: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups at Komati Foods
By god I ate too many of these while packing ...

Number 5: Milnerton Market (again and again and again). Although not actually in Observatory, it very well could be!

Number 6: Stock up with art supplies at Artsource

Despite having the most boring website (can I even call it that?) in the world this is one of the best art supply shops you'll find in Cape Town. Catering for professional artistes and kiddie crafters alike, Artsource was a pleasure to visit and the Perfect Source of endless birthday gifts, both given and received.

Number 7: Pancakes from Crespella

And so, so much more. Love you Observatory!

crespella café creperie

With one month to go in Observatory I've compiled a 'bucket list' (dreadful concept really) of places I'd like to visit and things I'd like to do before we move.

Number 1 on the list was crepês at Crespella in Lower Main Road.

We've been meaning to go there for years ... I walk or drive past it every day for pancake's sake.

Vast menu, utterly vast. So much sweet and savoury goodness to chose from. Selections finally made (Italian owner makes his own dulce de leche!), we scoffed them down before I thought to take any photos ...

If gorgeous presentation is what you're looking for however, you'll be disappointed - there's no bells and whistles here - but if wafer-thin crepês rock your world, look no further.

And don't just take my word for it ...

They're 'Crespelicious'!