They say the older you get the quicker time passes...'they' are spot on with that saying.
A lot happened in 2015 and a super exciting year it was but all good things come to an end and so that chapter has closed and a new one is ready and waiting to be just as colourful and juicy as the one before.
This post is going to share all the wonderful and favourite highlights of the last 12 months.
Isabella's Bat Mitzvah in JHB
Jewish girl's coming-of-age ceremony and celebration
Friday night we had a big family dinner put on by my aunt, Jo- one of the most talented cooks out there :)
Saturday is the religious ceremony at the Jewish Local Shul and the Saturday night is the celebration and what a celebration it was...pictures speak a 1000 words!
Jul's Alice in Wonderland Kitchen Tea and Hen's Party
Jul's second name is Alice so it didn't take to much deciding when it came to choosing a theme for Jul's hens party. It was such fun prepping and planning for this day because Jul isn't hard to please, she is always grateful and this gave us more reason to go over board and throw the best hen's party that we could...and I think we did a pretty sterling job!
The bridesmaids dressed up as Queen of [Jul's] Heart and Jul was pretty in blue...Alice herself! We made sure that every detail was to theme from posters and bunting right down to the cake and the cookies...
A truly Alice in Wonderland affair
The Couple of the Decade
Andrew & Julie Portmann get married the day before their 10th anniversary!
Growing up and during our high school days we all had boyfriends. Some dated guys for days, others for weeks, some even for months but Julie and Andrew dated the whole way through. Seasons changed, people changed but their love remained constant.
So when Andrew got down on one knee and confessed his undying love to his high school sweetheart we were all over the moon that it was officially going to be Andrew and Julie forever.
In a previous blog post I chatted about the honour of being asked to stand beside Jul on her big day well that Big Day happened on the 7th March 2015. Here is a sneak peak of the special day...the day the couple of the decade tied the knot.
Swart Wedding
Richard & Kirst get hitched in Zululand
Rich and Kirst got married over the long weekend in May. It was a jam-packed weekend of fun, laughter, love and boiling hot days!
Kirst had her hen's party, Grease, a few weeks before- it was lots of fun... we all played raunchy games before heading out to paint the town red...
The Swart Wedding was gorgeous and unique- a morning ceremony followed by a delish brunch, a heart warming song by the groom to his new bride, which had even the men scrambling for tissues to dab their eyes- the most beautiful and touching gesture ever! and swimming...yes, the bride swam in her dress and all.. followed by late afternoon snoozes and round 2 was the reception at the venue's boma area which went on until all hours of the morning...
A gorgeous brunch wedding and to end off a fabulous weekend a traditional African boma experience...potjies and Zulu dancers.
Mr & Mrs Swart...cheers to eternity <3
Holiday of a lifetime with my parents, Sandro and his parents, oh and his grandparents
The Awesome 8 take on a Med Cruise
Both my family and Sandro's had been chatting about a cruise and when we found this cruise we all agreed it was time to set sail together.
Neither of our families had cruised before and we were so eager to tick if off our bucket lists.
My parents left a week earlier than the rest of us because my Brother and I treated them to a detour via Dublin and London to see family and watch a few shows.
We all met in Istanbul- bright eyed and rearing to go! We spent 3 nights in Istanbul and didn't rest for a minute. When we travel we love to mooove! and see as much as we can.
We decided to do the Istanbul Hop-on-Hop-off City bus tour and walking tour so we could have a guide with us and we could retain as much information as possible.
We went to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque- the condition of these Mosques are impeccable and it is really amazing that everyone has respect for them, regardless of your cultural and religious beliefs.
We went looking at the well-renowned Turkish Carpets and saw a lady sitting outside a shop hand weaving a silk carpet. She was so kind and sweet and let me stitch a few threads (lucky carpet for sure!) and she tied a piece of string around my wrist...8 months later and I still have this silk thread around my wrist and I have never taken it off.
We went searching for the famous coloured staircases which I had found before we left when I was doing some research on Istanbul.
Some history about the Rainbow Steps:
'In 2013, retired forestry engineer Huseyin Cetinel spent four days and around £500 transforming the huge staircase, from concrete grey, to beautiful rainbow colours. It was a kind of guerrilla street art project. No one expected it, but everyone fell in love with it.
Sadly, overnight, the stairs were repainted a dull shade of grey. While the local government didn’t own up immediately, it caused such a stir, and they were forced to take ownership of the act. Many saw it as an example of a controlling government, and a lack of respect for the people. It was time for a revolution… a rainbow revolution!
Within a few days, not only were the stairs repainted, but volunteers also started painting other staircases and walkways in cities across Turkey. Photos spread via Twitter, and crowds flocked to take photos of the colourful sights.'
For more info visit:
http://www.wanderlustchloe.com/2015/05/the-colourful-revolution-of-the-rainbow-steps-istanbul-turkey.html
We came up close and personal to mountains of Turkish Delights, Baklava, Pistachio and spun sugar creations and definitely had multiple sugar highs in a few short days. We did eat savoury food, not a lot but a little, hahaha well maybe I speak for myself. We ate Donor or more commonly known as Schwarmas.
People often say things like: you've never been kissed until you've been kissed by the French, or other sayings like when in Rome do as the Romans do...well this applies to Istanbul- you've never eaten Turkish Delight until you've eaten authentic Turkish Delight in Turkey- none of that powdery rose watery stuff which sells in SA as Turkish Delight.
I am talking about the Turkish Delight that we tried and tasted and over indulged in whilst in Istanbul. This Turkish Delight comes in every imaginable flavour from Pistachio,Almond, Marshmallow, dried rose petals, Pomegranates and even Nougat. Turkish Delight with pistachio nuts inside and coated in dried Rose petals- untouchable in my opinion- my favourite by far.
Turkey is the only country that is on both the European and Asian continents! A real must to anyone thinking of traveling to the East Coast of Europe... One of my best cities to date!
After 3 nights in Istanbul it was time to embark on the Costa NeoClassica- our water home for the next 7 nights.
We drank almost every cocktail whilst we were on board and had an incredible time with our families both on-board and on-land.
Our first stop...Mykonos #1 of our Greek Isle visits
Destination 2...Santorini #2 of our Greek Isle visits
Very similar to Mykonos but a little more on the 'posher' side but it could be because it is slightly more commericalised compared to Mykonos
Destination 3- Argostoli... #3 and last of our Greek Island hopping
Apparently this place is where all the postcard images of Greece are taken but we only learnt of this when we had already set sail onto Dubrovnik. We didn't really enjoy Argostoli as we didn't venture too far from the harbour.
Here are some on-board photos before I share our last 3 destinations with you. When on a cruise you've just got to reenact the Titanic Scene, according to my boyfriend. I don't know what I was more nervous about: 1) jinxing the Costa cruise line that already had sinking issues or 2) Sandro throwing me overboard hahaha thank goodness neither happened!
Croatia definitely hasn't seen the end of me. I will be back to explore other cities because we loved Dubrovnik.
When you cruise you have limited time on land at each stop so if you not one to get up and go get 'em then I don't recommend cruising because you've got to make the most of your short stops. Unless you like to cruise and do nothing but that's a waste in my opinion.
Destination 5...Ravenna, Italy
A little city not very well known and one that we certainly hadn't heard of but we all had a lovely time. Most of the shops were closed as it was a Sunday but Sandro and I along with his parents decided to find a nice quiet beach and soak up the sun.
I bought this bikini in my photograph so it was so worth the visit. We didn't spend the full time off the ship we went back earlyish and played Bingo- which Margaret (Sandro's gran) won $200 so you see, things happen for a reason!
Lunch and dinner and more cocktails were had on-board together before we disembarked the following day.
After saying our goodbyes our families went their own ways.
Venice...Speechless! We walked Venice from North to South and East to West. There is not a part of Venice my parents and I haven't been too.
We were there for 3 nights/ 4 days and didn't stop for a seconds rest. We needed a holiday from that part of the trip. We have no regrets at all. It has been on my mom's bucket list for years and it was wonderful to experience Venice with her and my dad.
We did the island cruise to the 3 Venetian Islands
Murano -
The Murano Glass and Pandora Glass Beads come from here! yes we bought loads for ourselves and as gifts
Burano -
This is the island with all the brightly coloured houses! yes I love colour so yes there are lots of photos to follow
Torcello -
A peaceful island which has spectacular Byzantine mosaics housed in the seventh century Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell'Assunta. Much of the island is a nature reserve, accessible only on the walking paths.
We took another boat trip across Venice to Lido, it is the narrow strip of land which separates the central part of the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea and we got on one of those push pedal bikes- never laughed so hard in my life! We were far too big and heavy for the one bike hahaha!
The different places we explored, the unique city cultures, all the wonderful and interesting foods we sampled along with perfect company and ice cold cocktails made this holiday a dream vacation!
Mom and Dad... I love you both dearly! thank you xx
The Da Silva Wedding
The end of June saw Sandro and I getting dressed up for the Da Silva wedding at Camp Orchards in Waterfall.
A beautiful setting on a crisp winter's day was the perfect backdrop for Calvin and Jess to wed.
Jess looked gorgeous as she came down the aisle on her dad's arm and overall a simply stunning day
July:
The Arthur Wedding
July came without warning and it was time for Sandro and I to once again put our best foot forward and witness the special day of Ash & Mike Arthur's wedding.
It was a stunning and incredible wedding and even better was that Mez was with us to join in the celebrations of the newlyweds!
I know I always say that weddings are special and beautiful and I truly mean it. They are days just filled with endless love and happiness, it's hard not to be happy and joyous for each bride and groom. This wedding was no different...and I think this picture on the right sums up how everyone felt when they saw how radiant Ash looked. Wishing the Arthur's all the love in the world x |
Berg Weekend with the other Monks Mob
On our 2015 bucket list my parents and I wrote that we want to do more with people (friends and family) that we don't see very often.
We booked a trip to the Berg- Castle Burn for the weekend and invited my dad's brother's family. Harry, his wife, Kim and my oldest cousin, Darryl, joined us.
We had such a phenomenal time together, laughing and catching up. We were actually in the middle of a heated game of 30 seconds when my dad called us to come have a look outside... Low and behold it was SNOWING!
My mom, Kim, Darryl and I ran outside like little children and danced and jumped in it whilst it fell, leaving a a very light white blanket.
Looking forward to another Monks Mob adventure in 2016
xx
My 25th Birthday Weekend
Nambiti 5 star Game Reserve
Being born on the 8th August I have a public holiday the day after my birthday, every year! The 9th of August is National Women's Day (perfect planning mom and dad)
My birthday was a Saturday and myself, my parents, Sandro, his parents, Byron, Brit, Andrew, Jul, Darren and Kirst all ventured to Nambiti Game Reserve for 2 nights to celebrate my birthday and to see the Big Five!
I couldn't have asked for a more memorable and special day, it exceeded all expectations and it will go down in the history of top birthdays for years to come.
When can we go again?
Best friends and best birthday ever
xxx
Cape Town Destination Wedding
Migs & Ros Netto
An early morning flight on Friday the 13th which was still the smoothest flight I have ever been on. I think the Good Lord knew how nervous I was flying on this day (bad experience a few years ago had to have an emergency landing on foam and it was Friday 13th) but it was an incredibly peaceful and non-turbulent flight. Sandro's parents and I flew together, Sandro had flown down a few days earlier as he was best man at the Netto wedding.
We did a few touristy things and on Saturday we went to the Slow Market in Stellenbosch...Foodie Heaven and Foodie Galore. I spent so much money in such a short space of time but it's always worth it at the time.
Ros and Migs had their ceremony at the Stellenbosch United Church a very personal and intimate wedding.
Ros looked breath-taking! She carried Proteas- so classy and sophisticated!
An incredible setting for this beautiful kind-soul couple. Sandro's speech was perfect, just the right amount of laughter and only a few tears... So proud of him!
A very special day spent with lovely people... Ros and Migs I wish you a lifetime of eternal love, joy, peace and happiness!
We were only flying out on the Monday evening so we had a full day to go exploring and sight-seeing, I mean, wine tasting. We stopped off at Warwick Estate- home to the famous and my favourite Warwick First Lady. Apart from the delicious wines that we sampled we had our photo taken with Mr Mandela...a ginormous beaded Madiba...The love people still have for Tata is remarkable. A short but very very sweet visit to the Mother City... It's always a pleasure! |
Girls gone wild!!
WAGs | Wives and Girlfriends
We're hoping to make this an annual affair where the WAGs just go away for a night, without the men and just have a crazy fun time.
8 WAGs, 2 cars, 1 epic trip to the Midlands. We (me, Brit, Kirst, Shan, Andene, Jade, Chels and Shan S) planned this trip to concur with the Bubbly and Rose Festival.
It was a lovely time spent with these ladies. We had brunch at Piggly Wiggly on the way there, followed by cheese and cured meat platters to accompany our unlimited champagne tasting which obviously ended in Pizza slices and tequila with pineapple.
I'll let you know where we end up later on in the year.
Another year comes to an end!
The year flew by that by the time all the Christmas trees and decorations were up and already collecting dust, it still didn't feel quite like Christmas time.
My brother was flying out from Boston to spend Christmas with us and that's all I was focusing on...counting down the sleeps until he arrived.
He is still with us in SA, so I am going to switch between past and present tense so please bear with me.
2 weeks before my company shutdown for the Silly Season we had our staff party. We first did our Secret Santa present swapping (which is always loads of fun) and then made our way to Spiga for what turned out to be a very fezzie afternoon/night. We had it at Spiga in Durban North and we all had to wear Christmas Colours and a Christmasy hat. |
We started out classy with a glass or two of wine but after a few hours we were throwing back the shooters and the night became very young...so young that when everyone decided to call it a night, I had Brit and Kirst come around to help continue the celebrations. My friends sure know how to have a GOOD time! |
It was such fun that I actually ended up being the first one home. I started out as if it was my 18th birthday and alcohol was allowed to be consumed in public. Surprisingly I woke without a headache the next day!
My parents flew to Cape Town as my bro was flying into Cape Town so they decided to spend a few days there and do touristy things, let the jet lag settle and then embark on the short journey to Durbs. I had to work so I unfortunately couldn't go and I had a list the length of my arm (thanks Mom!) to do and buy for Christmas as they only flew in on Christmas Eve. |
My first attempt was superb! Thanks Yuppiechef for the awesome and easy-to-follow recipe!
Christmas was wonderful, just the way it should be...An eat-a-thon! You eat until you are bursting at the seams and then you let your food settle, slightly, and then you start munching on the food again as if you hadn't eaten the entire day and then this time you burst at the seams.
My family and I spent Christmas at the Fernandes house... It was such fun! We ate, too much, drank, too much and laughed, too much <3
Cheers to hundreds more <3
South African Safari:
Hluhluwe Game Reserve | Zululand
As part of our Christmas presents (the mounds that I already got) my parents treated us all to a night away at the Zululand Tree Lodge for a safari adventure.
We went on a Hippo and Crocodile River Cruise, which was awesome- and we got to hold Hippo's teeth- unbelievable how heavy they are!
We were on a 6am game drive and saw 4 of the Big Five which was amazing, especially for the American guests that my brother had with him :)
It was such an amazing 24 hours in the bush with minimal cell phone signal and to breathe in the fresh wild and unpolluted air... Can't wait to plan another safari trip this year :) #obsessed!
Saturday was one of the worst days and hopefully the worst day of this year. I think my parents and I shed enough tears on that day to last us the entire year.
I apologise and will be more strong willed next time. I have just fallen out of the photographing my food habit but I will get back into it- I promise!
So long Boy...See you soon <3 We love you and thank you for all the amazing Christmas spoilings and just for being here with us over Christmas!
Until next time
Vanilla Roses
x