An Autumn Wishlist

Autumn Wishlist

The summer heat is finally draining away, leading us into autumn and it’s nippier days – which truth be told, I absolutely adore. After all, what’s not to love about creamy hot cocoa and cuddles, as you binge-watch your favourite series, wrapped up in soft blankets. And let’s not forget those cozy jerseys and socks, along with waterproof boots and chic coats.

To me autumn is a time to enjoy flush-cheeked hikes and sedate picnics, with trips to the winelands and country markets. It’s a chance to relish the last taste of the outdoors before the winter rains descend.

For us this year is going to include evenings where we consciously slow down and cosy up with our tiny princess, who I can’t wait to dress in soft, knitted jerseys made by her loving aunties. I’m busy experimenting with homemade puree’s so, when Amelia starts her solid foods at 6 months, I’ll have a good idea of what’s quick and easy to prepare.

Our first family holiday is happening later this month over Easter, and as picnics are on the cards while we’re away, a wine that’s travel friendly (and oh-so-tasty) is in order. I’m also not-so-secretly coveting the Cotton On Waffle Weave pullover which looks ideal for chilly sea breezes, and it’s that time of year when I stock up on my favourite socks in the whole world (seriously, they’re my first grabbed travel item and always keep my normally chilly toes toasty).

Rambling aside, to ring in this first autumn with my little family, the above are some of my current favourite and sought-after items, focusing on comfort, coziness and just a touch of indulgence.

Links

Cotton On Pullover

Bon Chance Baby Girl outfit

Mohair Socks

Food processor

Tangled Tree Wine

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Our Anniversary at Old Mac Daddy

Hello lovelies,

Wow – what a stunning anniversary we had in Elgin at Old Mac Daddy! It was characterised by crisp mornings followed by warm, sunshine-filled days that were spent exploring the Elgin area – with it’s smooth wines and hard cheeses, as well as plenty of fresh organic foods and friendly locals.

I loved heading out to explore the surrounding countryside, but I also loved returning to our cosy caravan each evening and sitting out on the deck under a canopy of sparkling stars. Seriously, if you love star gazing then this is one of the best spots to be at … plus the odd nightcap at Brinny Breeze was a welcome decadent treat.

So in short, I can say that our time in this beautiful little valley was as perfect as could be hoped for. Want to have a peek at how we spent our anniversary? Check out the pics below! ^_^

Old Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 1)

Old Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 39)

Old Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 12)

Old Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 11)

old-mac-daddy-c-rambling-with-rose-54old-mac-daddy-c-rambling-with-rose-26-1Old Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 43).jpgOld Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 60).jpgOld Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 61).jpgOld Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 74).jpgold-mac-daddy-c-rambling-with-rose-38old-mac-daddy-c-rambling-with-rose-3old-mac-daddy-c-rambling-with-rose-edit-17old-mac-daddy-c-rambling-with-rose-edit-34old-mac-daddy-c-rambling-with-rose-edit-37Old Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 32)

Old Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 23)

Old Mac Daddy (C) Rambling with Rose (edit 15)

 

Charles Fox (they do gorgeous MCC tastings)

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Winters Drift Winery (so awesome – plus it’s on a train platform <3)

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South Hill

South Hill (C) Rambling with Rose (2).jpgSouth Hill (C) Rambling with Rose (8).jpgSouth Hill (C) Rambling with Rose (7).jpgIf you’re ever in this part of the world, do stop in and make yourself at home – it’s one of my personal favourite escapes and it’s literally just outside of Cape Town. There are so many gorgeous wineries and restaurants in the area to check out  (ya’ll know I’m a secret foodie, right?) and plenty of fun to be had for families with kids too!

Have you ever been to Old Mac Daddy? Which trailer did you stay in?

Sauntering around sand dunes and spotting whales at De Hoop Nature Reserve


Main pic De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose

Hi there lovelies,

Have you ever just wanted to run away and escape? To explore beautiful scenery and marvel at the wonders of nature far from the daily grind? I’ve had that feeling recently, an ache to go exploring and simply be.

Which is why being whisked away to De Hoop Nature Reserve was the best thing I could’ve imagined! I said goodbye to city life, and bid farewell to responsibility for a little while as the Mr and I spent a weekend in utter paradise with some dear friends. Be warned that the road in to De Hoop is incredibly bumpy (and you feel a tad like 007’s famous drink at the end of it).

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (482)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (473)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (470)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (467)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (427)

After settling in and sunscreening up, our group got to scramble around sand dunes, explore walking trails and beautiful flora, spot whales breaching and calves playing while we picnicked near the shoreline, before dashing merrily around algae-stained caverns at low-tide to watch sea anemones sway gently in underwater currents.

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (153)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (171)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (192)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (204)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (251)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (241)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (219)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (261)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (274)

Letting the soft sand cling to our feet and trickle between our toes as the wind whipped our hair about was magic in it’s purest form before we headed back to De Opstal to light an evening braai fire.

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (78)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (346) resize

Trading stories and laughter over a bottle of wine as barn swallows flitted about at sunset; replaced by bats after dark along with the call of a baboon troop, while a sea of stars sparkle above us meant I just had to use my stargazing app and discover the constellations both above (and below) where we were.

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (354)

The next day we took a bit of a drive and saw buck of all kinds, along with zebra with calves, the odd ostrich, and passed other weekenders riding bikes, which naturally meant we had to take a turn too.

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (452)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (453)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (335)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (319)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (312)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (307)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (301)

I hate to admit it, but I’ve never actually learnt to ride before, so while our friends merrily followed along one of the bike pathways, hubby got to coach me for just under 2 hours on how to ride – and I was over the moon when I finally stayed on my two-wheeled transport for over 3 minutes (before kissing the dirt yet again … I’m almost certain I saw a buck shake it’s head at me when that happened). Ah well, maybe one day I’ll get to try again and master riding a bike. After that, to somewhat soothe my spirits, we wandered the gift shop and restaurant, and I photographed the ruins of the old restaurant which burnt down very carefully. From the doorway. Of course. 😉

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (418)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (414)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (420)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (380)

De Hoop Nature Reserve (C) Rambling with Rose (378)

If you ever get the chance to go here, do take it! Because spending time in this coastal paradise and unique biome does a world of good for your soul.

Have you ever gone to De Hoop and done a stargazing experience or marine walk? I’m tempted to do one of the two next time I go. ^_^