Scrapbooking weekend

As we do each year, the Scrap Addicts group gathered at Good Shepherd recently for our annual Christmas scrapbooking weekend.  Lynette flew up from Cape Town to join us which was lovely; Linda couldn't make it. 

 

 

We got totally spoilt with gifts - both Lynn and Leonie had bags made for each of us; I had personalized notebooks made for the girls.

 

Lynette

Leonie

Lynn

And we had fun with silly Christmas hats...

 

Leonie had these scrapbook bags made for us; each bag has a plastic file box as it's frame - perfect for loading up our scrapbooking supplies 

Lynn had these beautiful personalized bags made for each of us, and crammed them full of our favourite treats

 

These are the personalized notebooks which I had made by Loveletters stationery suppliers

 

And we scrapped and scrapped.  It was a scorching hot weekend which washed me out a bit but I still got a lot done.  It was a wonderful weekend spent with amazing friends, I am so blessed to have these ladies in my life.

 

 

(more) wild things

While at Zebula recently, Leonie and I got to stroke cheetahs.  They are magnificent; being this close to wild cats made my heart beat a little faster.  God is so awesome!

 

Bush break

Leonie and I recently spent some time at Zebula, near Bela-Bela.  We hired one of the private homes ("House Gramarulas") which had its own butler.

 

 

It's definitely a summer house, with most of the living space outdoors under thatch

 

 

 

These buildings are the 2 separate bedroom suites - each the size of a small house!

 My bedroom for the week

 

the dining room and lounge area are under thatch but open to the garden

The kitchen and tv lounge 

 The sunsets were gorgeous

We were very blessed to be able to spend time resting, crocheting, scrapbooking, and just chilling in a beautiful environment (with the occasional antelope and zebra strolling by)

Hooked on crocheting

While we were down in Durban, Leonie and I visited Be Inspired; if you love yarn, this place is heavenly!  I wanted to learn some new crochet stitches; Be inspired sell little sampler kits which are great for getting comfortable with new stitches.  But we didn't just buy the kits and buzz off.  We hijacked Chantal's shop and her time and she did a 3-hour lesson for us - it was wonderful.  Thank you Chantal!  And did I mention that she's a cat person - uh huh.  Peeka is the perfect crochet cat - he snoozes on the table and doesn't chase the wool.  I forgot to get a photo of him

 

Leonie and Chantal (Whiteford) choose wool for a blankie for Mr. Jackson - Leonie's 4-legged child 

Thank you Chantal for a gorgeous morning spent in your home! 

I bought scheepjes wool to make a lap blanket in the ripple stitch

How clever is that - an easy-start tag!  Love it

We started crocheting our blankets while watching the American election results (seriously America - WHAT were you thinking??)

Yup - we are now both hooked on rippling.  Did I mention that Be-Inspired delivers country-wide?  If you love crocheting or knitting, sign up for their newsletter; they do road trips offering workshops in other provinces

Bush and Beach

My recent mini holiday comprised both bush and beach; for the beach part, Leonie and I flew down to Durban to visit my friend June.  And to chill.  We stayed in a flat right on the beach, and the views were gorgeous.  I tried to 'inhale' the sight and sound of the sea, to store it up for those days when I'm stuck in endless traffic jams back home in Joburg

 

June, Leonie and I.  I met June many years ago while on a trip to Vietnam.  She turns 80 next year but is still very active and fit (and feisty!!)

pink and orange - this hibiscus is magnificent