Breakfast inspiration for Valentine's Day.

There is nothing to beat a silky smooth, Smoothie, packed with the flavour of fresh seasonal fruit.


I find making smoothies a great way to use up over ripe fruit, especially bananas as the flavour and sugar level is enhanced.
Blend together 2 ripe bananas, or a cup of fresh fruit of your choice, a drizzle of honey, 2 cups of yoghurt of your choice, be it plain or flavoured, and for some texture add a handful of toasted sesame seeds.   
Be adventurous and serve in interesting glasses, and garnish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. 
Serve with a touch of class making use of herbs, serviettes and saucers or platters.

Cheers to good health on Valentine's Day!

 

Served with a touch of class on a platter with crystal and herbs to add sparkle!


Some more breakfast inspiration from the Cape Grace Hotel.....What more could one ask for on a spectacular Saturday morning in Cape Town, than a stint of early morning exercise and a luxurious breakfast next to the luxury yachts in the marina?

A simple omelette to satisfy and eager breakfast appetite...filled with ham, cheese and herbs!

Eggs Benedict, always a winner, this one served with smoked salmon.....yum! 

This potato rosti topped with creamy mushroom sauce and poached eggs....another winner!


If you prefer something more simple, one can take inspiration from the Tapas style breakfast menu served at the Tapas Bar at Woolwoths in the Waterfront.

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Always good for a light breakfast snack is the all time favourite, anchovy toast with tomato slices

mmmmm...... A crisp and flaky croissant with cheese and ham.

Here is a perfect picture of trust and admiration....my Sweet Olivia and a delightful little girl share a few entertaining moments together!
Olivia just melted with love and the little girl was totally mesmerized!!


I leave you with love in your heart....isn't it just too beautiful? 

More creative Valentine's Day ideas.....from my heart to yours!

Start setting the scene for Valentine's Day by decorating your  home with a few loving touches....but keep them simple!

Load a cake stand with all things pretty, pink and sweet.

Special occasions allow us to use those treasures we always hide away ....waiting for a 'Special' day!
Unpack the crystal glasses and polish the silver.....use the special vases, buy a bunch of roses and enjoy a bit of self indulgence and spoil yourself and your partner.


Spectacular table settings will show off your style....so go ahead and be brave....and creative.

My signature jacket style serviette fold is always a winner.... go and impress your guest !
 

   Using your best linen, fold your serviette using a bit of style and panache. Tuck in a rose or a little bunch of herbs....or a small gift.

Be bold with your colour and since it is Valentine's Day, go RED  in a big way!


If you are a romantic, write a special verse or poem, and use the words to create a theme for your special dinner, picnic, cruise or secret get away.


Here is some inspiration for you:


The best and most beautiful things
in the world cannot be seen
or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart.   

Simple elegance always works......as it is said, less is more....and it works!

Simple elegance with white, gold and silver also sets the scene with true style.

And for some final inspiration, remember that:

A true friend

Reaches for

your hand

and touches

your

heart.

Cheers....and may your Valentine's Day be filled with love and laughter!!

Time to start thinking about those Pink Skies and bottles of Bubbly.......

And this is just the sunset from the back yard at home....Imagine how beautiful it is down on the beach?

We are so lucky to live in Africa with all its beauty....but many of us take all this so for granted. February is a special month in Cape Town, with spectacular weather and of course we have Valentine's Day as well....so take advantage of our beautiful city and celebrate its beauty with your loved one.

Pack a picnic and take a trip into the Winelands or the Botanical Gardens.........Wander along our magnificent coastlines and enjoy each and every breath of fresh air.....and feel the sand between your toes....a special feeling for some of us!

Enjoy a glass of chilled Rose with that special person in your life....the world will take on a new perspective......Just celebrate life and enjoy the special moment.....Valentine's Day is coming!

Pack a picnic basket and relax close to home in the Winelands.....or take a trip up the West Coast...... you just know that you will not be disappointed with the wonderful scenery and culinary offerings around you!

A picnic at home can be just as rewarding...especially as your pets will be close by.......
 

Start planning that perfect place setting for your special Valentine's day dinner....or  Breakfast.....
I found my beloved  Crystal hearts for that added touch of elegance........just be creative!

More creative Valentine's Day inspiration to follow...........

Are you following the three R 's this New Year?

 Re- using, Recycling and Revamping......

Collect all those corks as well....I will tell you who recycles them later....just need to confirm that the project is still running!

It is so easy once you are in the habit of sorting your waste......paper, glass, plastics and cans. Do not forget the compost for the organic matter. Once this has been done, what else is there to dump.....not much!!

Find suitable containers to store your recycling....even try and make a 'feature' of  it.

 

Keep a sealed compost bucket outdoors to collect all the kitchen peels, shells, stems and seeds for the compost heap. You will be amazed at how quickly the bucket fills up. Remember that for a successful compost heap you require the dry wood cuttings, the moist organic matter, as well as shredded paper, tissue and cardboard. Added to this a touch of moisture will help the decomposing process to get started....so give your compost heap some water as well.


It is so rewarding to see what grows in your garden once you start using the home made compost....a huge mystery game! I have found that tomato pips and squash pips are the easiest to propogate from the compost.

Fresh from the Veggie patch....Crisp Spinach and baby tomatoes.

 

 

Butternut Squash leaves are generous in size and decorative.

 

 Once you start gardening organically, you will be surprised and amazed to see how easily nature  designs a beautiful organic patch....possibly better than we can!

Herbs, flowers, salad and greenery from the garden ready for use as garnishes....just get creative in 2011.

Revamp a simple hand towel and make your guest feel as if they are staying in a luxury resort!

 

 Keep a collection of ribbon and raffia handy....you will be surprised how often you will use them. That is, once you start picking bunches of herbs, wrapping gifts and revamping items around the house.
 

Revamp your collection of old silver cutlery and silver bowls.

 

 A collection of vintage silver will always come in use as gifts....polish up and present with a favourite herb and recipe to use the chosen herb in....just an idea...try it.

Here I have re used the ribbon, revamped the serviette with the ribbon, grown the tomatoes....and will plant some for another batch of seedlings!

 Have fun and do not stop using the three R's this year....once you start and see the results you will want more.......So, just keep on recycling, revamping and re- using....it will change your life!

Did your 4 legged friends have a good Festive Season?

"Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless he's owned a dog."Gene Hill

A dog wags its tail with its heart. Martin Buxbaum

 

A good dog deserves a good bone. U.S. proverb

Dogs are really people with short legs in fur coats.

Lunchtime in the garden with Wiseman.....an absolute ritual with our 4 legged family!

 

 May you and your 4 legged family have a waggingly good New Year!!