Confessions of a magazine addict

I must let it be told that I have a condition, a magazine condition. Some women have a boot condition other women have a bag condition (I have a little of that one), but my biggest condition is my magazine collection. I LOVE periodicals!! Not just any magazine's, but design magazines.. like Coastal Living, Elle Decor and HGTV to name a few. Heck you can throw in some Instyle Mag. At times I bombard my family members who travel from SA to bring some South African design mags like Elle Decoration SA and Visi mag. 

Not so proud that my imprint on the environment doesn't bode well, so am starting to get my magazines downloaded on my iPad. It just isn't the same as the glossy surfaces of a magazine, but will have to work at it to get used to it!!

Yes, it's a bit of a condition, but one that is hard to let go! 

Yellow Door

After having a plain au naturale wood door for a few years too many, I decided to paint it a fun bright color.  I pondered my choices over a year ago, here.

About 6 months after that post, I painted my door, a bright yellow (lime-like). 

 It's been lovely having such a fun color, and my neighbors have said great things.  Glad it is cheering up those who walk by. 

Lately I've been dreaming up all kinds of design ideas for the house and started a list of 'projects' which I am now tired of putting off and getting rather annoyed with myself for the continued put off. I will post them here on the blog as they get checked off.     

A schlew of things....

There are many blog topics that I have on mind these days, so decided that I would end the week with an array of things!


Memorial Weekend!

After much persistence from our 4.5 yr old, we finally took Hen doodle to NYC!
Will write a post about this adventure as the 3 of us had a blast!

Interior design is one of my secret addictions! Currently I am trying to decide what color to paint my front door. Thinking that a yellow door will add a nice pop to my white house with gray shutters....

Here are some of my faves!!

But there is always blue too.....





Blue Door, Dublin Ireland, 2007. By Michael Gebauer Photography





Not quite sure what to choose, but will go buy test colors tomorrow to make my decision.

Greens Drink to start the day off!
Today was a fun and nutty day, but managed to start it off with a greens drink, which was actually quite delish, especially with pineapple coconut juice. My acupuncturist gave me this sample to try out. It has greens and minerals (like Kale, alfalfa, basil, dulse, kelp, nori) as well as various enzymes and probiotics!



Enjoy the weekend!!

China Seas and Rooibos Tea!

Tonight I prepped some yummy french-pressed

rooibos tea for the hubby and I.

It was a such a treat!

I combined the tea with frothed almond milk and cinnamon.

The wallpaper in the background is a sample from China Seas.

Plan is to wallpaper a section of my kitchen.

Check back for the transformation! ooh la la!

weekend away!

Weekend away!
Xudum Delta Lodge, Botswana

This is something to look forward to! A weekend away with my family. So excited! As much as a trip to Botswana is high on my list of "to do's," there is nothing like going away for a few days to see dear friends. After our hectic day we have planned for tomorrow, we hop in the car and drive to Princeton, NJ to see our good friends Nic and Jodie ! Nic's birthday is Friday so we plan to celebrate, hang out, enjoy their newly built house and eat good food. Must get through day tomorrow.
Hen has no school, so he plays with babysitter for part of the day as I work. We have a pressie to pick up, a bank to make deposit (fortunately not to withdraw), a car to wash. YIKES!
The time-line is written in my calendar and now I must dash to bed before I burn my eyes out.

Creating Buttons

Oh fun oh fun oh fun!
Today I did some of my very own creating! I am learning how to use html language to create buttons for the company Commandos. Very cool. I'll admit, I couldn't do this on my very own and have found a fabulous blog designer, named April, who has listed various tutorials on her site. I found April Showers Blog Design through the lovely Ali over at Holdenittogether. Thank you ladies so so much!

Here are some of my creations!


This one will be good for those who would like to post on their blogs or websites.
Nice feature is that it links to the Commandos website.



Use promo code COM-KBKb for 10% off.


This one will be used for those doctors and physical therapist whose practice focuses on patients who experience pelvic pain conditions, like Interstitial Cystitis and Vulvodynia.





Soft cotton alternative for painful pelvic conditions.
Click above and use promo code COM-KBK1 for 10% off.


Ok, so these took me all of a few minutes to make so I will definitely continue to play. But at least it is the start to having some more tricks up my sleeve! HA HA!

DESIGN & LIFESTYLE FRIDAY

ZENSA LODGE SOUTH AFRICA

(Images from Elle Decoration South Africa)

I came across this gorgeous lodge located in South Africa over at the Elle Decoration South Africa blog. This is one stunning place. I like the openness and laid back appeal. Yet, it still has a keen eye for great design. However, I would be slightly nervous about bringing my two year old there...a lot of white. Next time in SA, must go and have a look. It would be a great location to have a retreat. Hmm, maybe a Pilates/yoga retreat? Zensa Lodge is near Capetown and close to the water. I love how there is a huge open grassy area (place for future yoga and Pilates classes, hehe). Any who, check out the ZENSA LODGE, they have many great design pics on their site.

As for my work, my proposal has been sent! It's off and now I must wait.....so must you! Will keep you all posted as the time draws near!

DESIGN & LIFESTYLE FRIDAY!

It's OUT OF AFRICA, again! So I am addicted to South African designers. Today, I was perusing some of my fave blogs. One of them, Skinny laMinx, of South Africa, showcased some local Cape Townians goods...Ninon. The Neighbourgoods Market in Cape Town is a gourment foods delight with tradesmen selling all sorts of delights; from the local famer's and wine estates to artisans. Ninon produces handmade delicious SHOES. They are adorable. And I NEED at least 3 pairs of them. I am lamenting a bit at the moment because they seem affordable, but once I would actually ship them to the states, they will cost an arm and a leg and two, I can't be so sure they will ever make it here. Their post system is well....S L O W and you can't be too sure if your mail will ever make it states side. I've learned that when shipping things from SA, if you aren't going through DHL, you MUST ship them through the Royal mail system (which basically means it goes by way of the UK and from there it ships). It is slightly more expensive but you are pretty much guaranteed a quicker delivery. For now, I will just drool, wish and dream wearing them! Any how, see below how yummy they really are!

Oxford Brogue

Morris

Morocco

Bokkie

Looking forward to the weekend. Hanging here in town. Tonight, we go to friends for dinner, shall be fun with all the kiddos together and tomorrow am it's off to the farmers market! Hope you all have a fun weekend!

DESIGN& LIFESTYLE FRIDAY!

Where did the week go? Yikes! I am getting us all packed and ready for our weekend up at the RANCH! Oh I can't wait to be there, now, please! An hour 45 min drive won't be bad. Looking forward to R&R!

Today I am posting some fab interiors pics! Enjoy! Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Weekend!

image from Elle Decor

image is from Living Etc Magazine


this images is from Elle Decoration South Africa

DESIGN & LIFESTYLE FRIDAY: South Africa's The Grand Cafe and Rooms

(this photo is from www.thegrand.co.za)

This is one of the most beautiful little boutique hotels I have ever stayed. It is located in Plettenberg Bay, in South Africa. I love it not only for it's gorgeous location to the water, but the decor and food was divine!

(www.thegrand.co.za)

(www.thegrand.co.za)

(Delicious array of antipasti's...bellissimi)
This pic was taken from our trip. We sat by the pool and ate to our hearts delite. Mmmm!

They opened a cafe in Camps Bay in Cape Town recently. Will have to post some images of that soon too! Just really gorgeous.
I will post more design/lifestyle goodies on Friday's as it is a nice way to end the week.
Upcoming post is on silly Henry antic's ...can't wait for you to see these hilarious photos of him and his 'nay nay.'

8 x 8 x 8

Kirsty over at The Weaver's Nest graciously noted me and my blog for the "Sista-hood Award." Thanks Kirsty for being a great blog-bud!
I've been tagged to participate in the 8x8x8 game...so here goes!

8 Things I am looking forward to
1. Going to this evenings Farmer's market with Henry, the hubby and friends.
2. Get my hair cut and colored (desperately needed)!
3. Paying all my bills.
4. Going to San Diego to see my sister and my niece Norah.
5. Teaching my workshops (two are at the end of this month).
6. Going to South Africa for Christmas.
7. Cozying up my family every morning.
8. Going up to the ranch for some R & R over memorial weekend!

8 Things I did yesterday
1. Worked on business.
2. Walked with Henry to the park. We picked flowers and stones and threw them into the creek!
3. Had a picnic.
4. Went on a hike with our friends Helen and Klara. We saw a snake and we soaked our feet into the stream.
5. Worked on the computer while Henry napped.
6. Thought about a nap while Henry napped (of course I didn't).
7. Decided that i need to do more journal writing.
8. Planted Asian blue grass seedlings.

8 Things I Wish I could do
1. Go to bed earlier (too much to do)!
2. Take yoga everyday (yes, I love yoga just as much as Pilates. Yoga is for ME)
3. Be an interior designer
4. Travel more often
5. get my certification in IMT
6. Redo my house
7. Be a professional dancer (did it for most of my life, but quit when it really mattered)
8. write a book (not sure on the exact topic just yet).





Those reading...consider yourself 'tagged!'

Budding artiste

I gave Henry his first sketch book in June 2008. Barely able to hold a pencil much less a canyon, we started this artistic endeavor. This was done to satisfy my desire to see what creative potential my child possesses. Henry has filled two sketch books with 'cars', 'trains' and other such things with tracks. He has slapped numerous stickers and has done quite a few lovely abstract pieces. So much fun to see. So far our artistic time has been limited to drawing with pencils and crayons as well as play doh (which is partly due to the fact that I myself as a creative person is going through a heavily dried up period. Got to get those creative juices flowing). I am looking forward to embarking on paints (am slightly fearful of the mess...I know, silly). However, spring is here and we can take all that art outside!

Very first sketch books


abstract#1


abstract#2

Since Henry has been going to Boulder Bilingual Childcare, Pati has been organizing various creative projects. Some signify the change in season, holidays and some just to introduce the children to something new. He has painted, planted, dyed and drawn. It is so fun to see what he comes home with. This stage of his development is so fascinating, ever changing and at times quite physically draining for this mama too!
I've posted a few pics of his various projects!


Finger painting


Planting


painted egg


*sorry for the poor photo quality. I'm uploading pics from my blackberry as my digital is BROKEN*

South Africa CALLS!

Definitely a traveler transient type and definitely love traveling to SA! SO very very excited as my sis in law Judy is getting married in December!!! YAY! Congrats to you little sis! She and her hubby to be, Neil, make a very adorable couple. This means that we will be going to South Africa for Christmas this year. Can't can't wait! We try to get to SA every year but it always manages to set us back financially as it is not only such a far place to travel to but costly tickets! This past year we skipped out on a trip to Africa as we moved from San Diego to Boulder Colorado. Which was an adventure in itself. Now that we are settled back in good ol Boulder, I am looking forward to getting back to the motherland (I like to think it is my motherland). There is such a vibe in that country, it is very difficult to describe, but bottom line, my heart is there in that country. Not just for it's land, people, cultures, food and the like, but for something more internal or maternal. It stumps me. For all the crime, social and economic issues SA has and had over the many years, in my mind this country has a lot going for itself (some may disagree with me on this, but I am an optimist). Opportunities do knock in this country. I have a huge interest in art and design. And as I see it, the art culture in this country is so strong and progressive. People don't have to be safe here when it comes to art. It's cutting edge (all forms, dance, film, design etc). Take the interior design field (which is an addiction of mine), I read all the South African interior design mags and think how broad and open it is. There is a sense of opportunity and freedom in its execution and perhaps this is because SA had been held and stifled and cut off from the rest of the world during apartheid. now its skies the limit and less controlled? very ahead yet very organic. Ahh, I could on and on and .....more on that in another post. Any who, I am excited now that we have something as wonderful as a wedding to look forward to as well as to see all our family and friends! Now I better get back to the chain gang so we can actually afford our tickets (no credit card debt accumulation this go around).