Looking for a little Love?

Need I remind you that Tuesday 14 February is Valentine's Day....again!

LOVE is the greatest  refreshment in life...... Pablo Picasso.

Be bold this year and go Organic with herbs and flowers from your garden, or even better, stay true to our beautiful Indigenous flowers and buy a Protea bush from your local nursery.

 For even more information on Indigenous plants, visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens for inspiration and become a member of SANBI ( SA National Botanical Institute), and receive seedlings and be kept up to date on events at the Gardens.
Visit www.sanbi.com for more information on membership, events and the most useful information on plants indigenous in South Africa.

The ultimate retreat on Valentine's Day..... taking in a glorious sunset at the beach or on top of Table Mountain.

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness......Spurgeon.

Champagne Breakfast for two...... why not? Start off  with Champagne or MCC and freshly squeezed Orange Juice..... stay healthy and indulge in a bowl of yoghurt topped with fresh fruit in season.

Why not stay at home and enjoy your own beautiful garden? Set up your brunch outside and create a romantic setting... be it on a rug under the trees, or at the side of the pool, with the ice bucket and a bottle of  bubbly placed conveniently on the top step of the pool.

So you could not do breakfast? No problem, just arrange a lunchtime escape from the office and settle down somewhere peaceful and enjoy a crunchy, fresh salad .

This view from my Kitchen window proves that you can enjoy the beauty of nature, and a perfect sunset at home.

Staying at home can be great fun..... Pack a picnic basket and relax in the cool evening breeze. You may just discover a new way to enjoy your own garden?

Do it in style with the ice bucket and all..... raid your secret stock and surprise yourself ! Cheers .........

Share the love with your canine family as well....... If  only my Valentine boy, Shumba was still here to celebrate with me? Miss you so much my boy.

Talking about canine companions....do not forget to bake a batch of homemade peanutbutter cookies for your furry family. They will love you all the more for them.

Coffee time will not be perfect unless there is cake! This Marble Cake recipe has been circulated around our family for many years and it is still a winner!

Should you be waiting for a special dinner on Valentine's evening, enjoy a crunchy, sweet,  pick me up in the afternoon. The perfect companions....cheese and apple on rye bread.

Spread the love around your home....in each room, and outside in the garden. The colour red will also make you feel strong, powerful and in control of your day..... make it happen.

If you are going to go all out...... do it in style with a Vintage car. Isn't she beautiful? Make sure that you have the picnic basket and blanket packed in the back.

Indulge in the perfect table setting as well. Use the best white linen you have available, polish the silver cutlery and shine the crystal glasses.

If you follow some of these pointers you should have a great Valentine's Day. 
Remember that the only true gift is a portion of yourself....Ralph Valdo Emerson.