Tour South Africa: Pretoria

Today I've asked Sam from Frills and Thrills, my go-to for fashion info (and the best Fashion Week coverage in my opinion!), to tell us more about her favourite places to visit in South Africa. I've decided to split up her choices by city, so we can appreciate each one (and if someone googles the city, they will hopefully find useful info here!)

To recap, this is part of a series I'm hosting on South of the Sahara for anyone interested in where to visit, what to do, and what to eat in South Africa (you can also read more by clicking on the Tour South Africa tag at the bottom of this post).

Sam lives in a small town on the border of three provinces - Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal & Free State and is also directly in the middle of the route between Durban and Johannesburg. Sam's biggest passion is writing, with fashion is secondary to that. She's a great resource for the Tour South Africa series because she loves stumbling upon quaint little South African Towns, social anthropology, and gaining insight into other cultures. Oh yes, and she has a major obsession with Eastern Europe.

Right, first up! Pretoria!

" Visit the Union Buildings. It is an architectural marvel that forms a part of our rich history. Take a leisurely walk around the beautiful terraced gardens while you're there.



Eat at Cappuccinos Restaurant in Menlyn Park. I used to eat there at least once a week, while I attended Tuks University. It's one of my all-time favourite eateries that serve the most delicious Italian food. Sit on the deck outside and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Explore the Pretoria Zoo. I've been there on numerous occasions, yet never tire of seeing exotic animals such as grizzly bears, lions, tigers and the elusive red panda. It is the largest zoological garden in the country and houses a walk-through aviary, aquarium and reptile park.



Shop at Menlyn Park, Brooklyn or Centurion Lake Mall. Each of these offer similar stores in a relaxed shopping environment."

Next week - Sam's favourite spots in Johannesburg.

Postcard of the Union Buildings from here and the flamingos from here.

Old Skool Spook

Happy Halloween everyone! This year we've had quite a few little monsters at our front door, which is more than last year (it was dead quiet around here, har har). There was a Frankenstein, a few princesses, some just plain old scary monsters, a fairy, Tinkerbell, a bumblebee, Spiderman and some others. I'm glad the teenagers didn't stop at my stoep because I didn't want to have to tell them that they are too old for trick or treating.

My best story from tonight? Our new neighbours upstairs left a note on their door that said, "Sorry! No candy - baby sleeping, please do not ring doorbell". Interesting that they are a bunch of single grad students!

I thought it would be fitting tonight to share some pics I took last summer down on Cape Cod, in one of Barnstable's oldest cemetries, Lothrop Hill Cemetery. Some of them are just beautifully made, and others have become more beautiful as the time passes and the lichens grow.

On Pitch

If you are lucky enough to be in New York in the next month, make sure you stop by RH Gallery to see Paul Edmunds' exhibition, Pitch.



If you're like me, and a bit slow when it comes to contemporary art you should watch this video. Why? Because Paul talks about how his work correlates to music (true! I can almost hear the sounds) and that made me "see" the work more easily.







Also because if you are a designer/artist/been in an art class you will laugh because he talks about erasing pencil with bread, and you will gasp because HE USES A MECHANICAL PENCIL (I strongly object, although I draw the line *cough*cough* at sharpening with a knife).

Joburg Photowalkers

When I was at university I took an amazing photography course in an area of Johannesburg called Newtown. I learned a lot. About photography, myself, Newtown and also the wonderful people I did the course with. So I only have admiration (and some jealousy!) for the Joburg Photowalkers - they get together every month and, as their website says, "explore Joburg through a lens, one photo walk at a time".

Beautiful photos (there's even some of Newtown! The first one is the old Park Station in Newtown, right behind the buildings where I developed my first film.)



















You can like them on facebook and see all their photos, or find out more on their website. I encourage you to click on the images to see them larger, and each photo is titled, with the photographer's name.

House Stalking

I'm taking a leaf from one of my favourite blogs, desire to inspire, and sharing some house stalking. I love this house (I've been calling it the Marlin House) right near picturesque Christmas Cove, Maine.



Literally up the street from a small harbor, and some of the most beautiful coastline in Maine, its a catch (*cough*cough*). It's got that old, comfy house feeling going on, y'know, like visiting the summer house that's been in the family for generations. Great for feeling relaxed and totally not caring if you still have sand on your feet when you walk in.







Well priced at $265,000, it can be yours. Check out more here. Just be sure to invite me over next summer!

Fall in New England

This really is the best time of year around here. 2011 has been especially kind - we've had warm days, crisp nights, and lots of sun. The colours have been glorious, so I thought I'd share some of what I'm seeing around Boston, not only in terms of the autumn display but some great Halloween decorations too!









And now for the scary variety! Be sure to look for the bats in the fourth image.













PS: A big thank you to my friend Andrea who took the beautiful pic of the purple 'mums!

Florence Broadhurst meets Kate Spade

I nearly jumped out of my chair at work today. I was looking around the ol' internets for some inspiration, when I discovered that Kate Spade has done a new range using Florence Broadhurst's designs. Oh, heavens!! I'm a big fan of both, so this is just up my alley.