images: Kathryn Rossiter

This past week was my 10th wedding anniversary, to celebrate I decided to treat myself and my husband to a night away at Old Mac Daddy in Elgin – our first sans kids in a while (so a very big treat!). We had visited The Pink Flamingo rooftop cinema located at the top of The Grand Daddy Hotel in Long Street a while back and seen all the funky Airstream trailer “rooms” on the roof (see pics here) and had thought it was a fun idea… When I heard that you could experience the same thing but out in the …  Read More »

I am a big fan of taking day trips out into the country to explore a place I have never been before. I think of them as mini holidays! One place I had heard about and was dying to visit this past summer was Babylonstoren Farm, a 17th century fruit farm located between Paarl and Franschoek. I finally got my chance when a mid-week public holiday with no other plans appeared on the calendar and I took the opportunity for an outing! Here are some of the photo’s of our wonderful day at the paradise that is Babylonstoren. We started …  Read More »

images: Kathryn Rossiter

Late last Saturday afternoon we were in the city centre after visiting the National Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the SA National Musueum (one of my “must visit” exhibitions held each year at this time) We weren’t quiet ready to head home yet so I suggested a visit to the new kids play area at Green Point Park. I had visited the section for 0 – 6 year olds but never the area for slightly older kids and wanted to see what was on offer. When we arrived I was overwhelmed by the number of families out enjoying …  Read More »

As we enjoy the last few weeks of summer I have been trying to find ways to make the most of these beautiful days and the amazing, wind-free weather we are currently enjoying. One way has been to start most Saturday mornings down on St James beach located only 10 minutes drive from our house! This lovely little beach is perfect for kids as there is a tidal pool which gradually deepens and plenty of rock pools for exploring. We try to pack light and only take our bare essentials – towels, costumes, fishing net and buckets and spades plus …  Read More »

A visit to the beautiful Fairview Wine Farm near Paarl is always a pleasure. This farm is not only known for it’s wine but it’s fabulous cheese, a favourite of mine is their brie. YUM!! The Goatshed restaurant is also fab and the kids will love visiting the goats perched up in their little tower! A great day trip for the whole family. The Fairview tasting room is open seven days a week from 09:00 to 17:00. Last tasting vouchers are sold at 16h30 (standard tasting) and 16h00 (Beryl Back tasting). The Goatshed restaurant is open seven days a week …  Read More »

Matjiesfontein is an old Karoo town that was a popular train stop during the last century. Today it is not more than a one street town with a hotel, 2 museums, a post office and coffee shop. And don’t forget the beautiful lamp posts and big red London bus! Matjiesfontein was founded in 1884 by James Douglas Logan. It is well known for its beautiful historical buildings and was declared a National Historic Monument in 1970 after restoration. This little town is situated just off the N1 near Laingsburg. Be sure to stop off for a lunch or stay overnight …  Read More »

One of our favourite family outings has been a visit to Butterfly World on the Klapmuts Road to Stellenbosch just off the N1 to Paarl. The experience of walking around amidst the beautiful butterflies is breathtaking. These delicate creatures are wonderful to photograph and the colours are exquisite. Here are some of my favourite butterfly photos. The prettiest butterfly by far! Not only are there butterflies in abundance there are various other creatures living at Butterfly World. They have become a sanctuary for various birds, reptiles and small mammals that have been abandoned by their owners. Those brave enough (not …  Read More »

Last year we went camping at Palmiet. While we were there a wild fire was raging in the mountains near by. These are some of the photos taken at Palmiet lagoon, river mouth and beach as well as of the huge moon which rose behind the smoke clouds that evening! images: Kathryn Rossiter