My decorations for Christmas 2012

 Before we close the door here

 to depart for the beach house..

a few last images of our Noel decorations .
Simple, hand made and me.

Since lichen branches and moss was the theme for all of my recent end of the year events,

here, here and here

 it was inevitable that the idea would spill over into our home. With compliments of a lot of windy days and fallen oak branches in the streets of Stellenbosch, I had no difficulty finding them. It was a matter of taking a walk around the neighbourhood.

She carried  a Cape fynbos wreath  tied to her arm...

 pretty home made biscuits from the Christmas market

 tree cups with wooden saucers

 on contentment:

" The greatest tranquility is when we desire nothing."

I can honestly say that I desire nothing worldly.

 My desires are good health, peace 

and having my loved ones close..

I know it is yours too

Colette x

PS: for local South Africans, if you like me love nostalgia...
I found these old fashioned Christmas cards large 5 &  small  8 per pack in both Afrikaans and English at a local supermarket (the one that had yellow carry bags and now white and blue...CHE....RS)
it reminded me of the cards we used to receive by post  when I was a child....
Dd added glitter...

Blessings of love and nurture

We ended 2012 events with a 

Christmas market at Gabrielskloof Estate-Botrivier.

 I could not ask for a nicer finish to a year of hard work, much appreciated growth and new friendships formed..

~Thank you Nicolene and family for inviting me..loved every minute!~ 

 

 Dd and I collected lichen covered branches which was used as a tree to display our etBLANC range..

we also made  crosses

 that we gave out with messages of love..

 

Had the huge honor to do a Christmas window display at 
Gallery 91 Somerset West
wonderful art, gifts, coffee shop and all things NICE

here:
 

image by Henrique Wilding Photography

thank you Terry for allowing me to have fun in your window!


now off to the beach house for our  summer holiday~

+  *  +  *  +  *  + *  +  *  +

wishing you all a blessed Christmas,

 and time to reflect...

but before I leave, 

sharing some freebie tags found on pinterest..

Thank you dear bloggers, readers, followers and friends for your generous support. It is much appreciated. With out your kindness and visits here to my blog and my events, I would not be inspired to share with you...

with love

Colette

Noel inspirations

off to plan our Noel

All images via Pinterest

Weekend activities

Found at a favorite vintage shop: 

"GISTER"

old woven willow trunk

(to be used on pool veranda for  towels and cushions)

* * * * * * *

intricate wire plant stand for upstairs veranda

to be filled with potted  herbs 

close by for upstairs kitchenette

will def include mint for mint julep - 

drink of the moment 

as we watch the sun set from up there 

and the cool breezes set in after

 the hot summer  days .

Dd had last  dressage and jumping event for 2012

happy to share:

two first places and one second place
on her new Arab
DINAR
fondly known as
"My little copper penny"

started sorting for last upcoming event 

14/15 December

GABRIELSKLOOF

BOTRIVIER

more details soon

* *****************

Mint Julep recipe

4 fresh mint sprigs
2 1/2 oz bourbon wiskey
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 tsp water 

 Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw.

 

Traditionally Mint Juleps are served in silver or pewter cups and held by the handle or rim in order for the cup to obtain optimum frost. As an alternative to muddling the mint and sugar cube you can also infuse a sugar syrup< with mint. With this much bourbon in a drink, slow sipping is the appropriate way to imbibe 

Anyone who is into horse racing will be familiar with this, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby  during which some 80,000 juleps are served. .

enjoy!

Colette

 

Featured

image: Henrique Wilding

featured in December 

GARDEN and HOME