DirtyUnknown

Literary gluttony

2012-01-15T10:46:00.004+02:00

The December holidays are always an excellent time to catch up on my literary neglect of the year past.

I asked my parents for an Exclusive Books gift voucher for my birthday in early December, and just before the holidays I went on a book shopping spree. I was lucky to bump into a well read gentleman working at the Exclusive Books in Menlyn, who was able to recommend four amazing books to me, all of which I devoured.

The first book I read was, as below, Room by Emma Donoghue.

This book is one of the most unique, well thought out books I have yet read. It is sweet and heart breaking at the same time. Intense and funny. Intriguing and disgusting. It has a beautiful plot, and I would recommend this book to anyone. The story is of a young boy, brought up in an 11 by 11 foot room, and who finally just after his fifth birthday is made aware of a real world outside 'Room'.

Thrilling, and definitely a 5 star book!

Christmas number two

2011-12-23T07:43:00.006+02:00

Last night we had our "second Christmas" at my mom and dad's. We had savory mince and rice (Craig's favorite), and my mom's famous peppermint crisp tart.

We opened presents after dinner, and oh what fun it was!

My sister, being the beauty that she is, made my present into a game. She picked a couple of our most memorable childhood times and made them into little presents. She gave me a tamagotchi (present one) , a new gold alice band (present two), stickers (present three), blue sherbert and a candy watch (present four). It was so sweet I literally cried- like tears would not stop coming out of my eyes! Oh and Craigy got Spongebob golf balls, ha!

Oh Christmas, Oh family, so special!

Christmas number one.

2011-12-22T13:32:00.005+02:00

This year, Craig and I are spending Christmas in Shaka's rock (near Ballito)- just the two of us; swoooon ♥ .

The only downside is that we won't be with our families, and so we have decided to have Christmas dinners at each set of parents beforehand.

Last night was with Craig's mom- we had Avo Ritz as starters and Pasta Alfredo as a main.

Craig's mom always puts in so much effort with the decor and the Christmas tree, it's so much fun! We listened to Michael Buble (who is Christmas in my opinion) and got personalized gym towels as one of our gifts!

On to my parents tonight, yay!

Can you say dream bath?

2011-11-22T20:06:00.004+02:00

Spent the weekend at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve with mates.

Apart from the awesomeness of the weekend itself, by far one of the best experiences was waking up 05:30am on Saturday morning (I had passed out ~~drunk~~ not feeling my best at about 9pm the previous night, so I had plenty of beauty sleep), and climbing into this beaut of a bath to watch the sunrise.

What a view!

And so the obsession begins...

2011-11-16T21:34:00.004+02:00

This beauty belongs to me as of Saturday. The lovely miss engaged Jessica and I, went galavanting, and I happened to take her to Karoo.

This is a lovely plot of land that houses a sweet little restaurant, pottery studio, gift shop, and then, my favorite of all favorites; an antique/ curio shop.

I saw him sitting all by himself- thought he looked really pretty, and starting playing with him. Smitten was I, and that's how he ended up with me.

I now realize the obsession with cameras, what awesome little gadgets!

Hello and Yum

2011-10-16T19:13:00.004+02:00

So I haven't graced the pages of my bloggy blog blog for some time now, hello!

Anyways, I felt inspired to make a delicious supper for my gorgeous husband, and decided to document it- so that I can start blogging again.

So here is what we ate tonight; chicken breasts baked with lemon and feta, together with a salad of spinach, mushroom and hazelnut, with home fried potatoes on the side.

It was great!

(the gooey looking stuff at the bottom is the chicken topped with feta, lol)

I wouldn't call her my idol exactly

2011-07-25T19:46:00.002+02:00

But I loved her...

This is Craig and I at his dad's 50th. I am Amy herself, and he is Kurt, ironic combo in hindsight.

Tea, wine and the outdoors

2011-07-17T15:07:00.004+02:00

Last weekend I got to see miss jessica again, for the first time in a long long time. What a treat.

We talked, drank wine, attempted a movie, made our very own pizza, talked, drank tea outside, and just had an all-round jolly time.

Love you long time poo.

Things I want for my home

2011-07-03T21:08:00.005+02:00

So, of late, I have pre-occupied, or rather; obsessed with researching, looking at and watching things related to houses and homes. I have vision boards of different fantasy rooms, my PVR is full of home shows (the last two Grand Designs I watched made me cry from happiness for the owners), all because in less than a year, Craig and I will be building our dream home. I thought in honor of where my time has been spent, I'd share with you- interweb- some of the things I love, and hope to be able to incorporate in my home.

fireplace

window-walls

quirky pieces

double volume & more window walls

kick-ass library

I walked out two cardigans later

2011-05-29T21:21:00.006+02:00

Twice a month Pretoria is graced with The Irene market. Set at the top of a long, tree-filled street, the market is filled with quirky stalls; selling food, antiques, newtiques and everything in between. The previous time I went was before my wedding last year where I found cool, rose-shaped cup-cakes which I used as my wedding cake(s). I also bought the most amazing (no exaggeration) winter coat, for something riddic like R150, from a lady with a stall selling really beautiful clothing.

This Saturday I decided to go to the market again, with R300 in my pocket (on a bit of a budget, as I'm saving for the house we're building in a couple of months) and went straight to the stall with the great clothes. Low and behold the same lady was in the same spot, selling her beautiful clothes.

I probably would have bought everything (if she took cards) but had to submit to these two beautiful cardigans on my limited budget. I love their detail and shall wear them everywhere.

They're my hooker heels and I love them.

2011-05-28T16:33:00.004+02:00

I bought these beauties for half price. They're an Iron Fist creation, and death to walk in. But last night I went to a birthday party and the hostess commented that everyone stopped to look at them as I walked in. Which means they're totally worth it.

Right?

The only thing the 80's contributed to modern society is Big Fat Laughs

2011-05-20T21:12:00.003+02:00

Have a seat.

2011-05-19T20:19:00.005+02:00

Really digging the whole high back vibe.

Gotsa have me one of these in my housie, think it makes such a statement.

Yeah.

Golfing with the Mr Kellys

2011-04-28T23:18:00.005+02:00

Craigy and I joined his dad, and the lovely Karen, for a round of golf today at Sun Valley in JHB South. What a beautiful course.

The day was splendid, not a cloud in the sky, and the boys played well.

I also snapped some lovely pics...

Too beautiful not to share

2011-04-21T17:05:00.001+02:00

How Mcbeautiful is this...

Thanks Nelz

It's us! On a barrel of hay!

2011-04-06T20:08:00.004+02:00

From our engagement shoot.

Taken by the lovely Kat Forsyth.

Just for fun

2011-04-05T20:37:00.007+02:00

These beauts are from my wedding.

♥

It all happened on End street

2011-04-04T20:43:00.011+02:00

This weekend my dear granny turned 77. She is the sweetest thing that lives.

We had a tea party for her at my aunt's house in Cullinan; which is a little mining community just outside Pretoria. The town is quaint; and the streets lovely. My aunt lives on End street, and my camera liked it here; in and amongst the pretty trees, bushes, paintings, grannies and sisters...

I almost called this post 'A cut above the rest', and then realized it might have been the corniest thing I ever said.

2011-04-03T14:23:00.007+02:00

My sister recently cut her hair into an admirably stylish bob.

This is the work of my sister-in-law, Angela, who owns her own Salon in Kempton.

She cut my hair a week or two back too, and the only thing I have to say is;

Angela is a hair genius!

Oh my hat.

2011-03-31T21:30:00.008+02:00

So anyone who knows me, knows that I have a slight hat fetish.

When I was younger; it was trucker-cap gangster-cool. But lately, i've been drawn to the beautiful... The two below are staples in my ever growing collection.

love ♥

Engagement Shoot Amazingness

2011-03-28T20:39:00.008+02:00

So, Nadia from this lovely site wrote a great post referencing cool places that will help with the aesthetics of one's blog. In the piece, she mentioned a site, that has fast become a favorite of mine. Rollip.

So tonight, I was playing around with the Engagement photos we received from our wonderful photographer... and I would like to share them with you- internet world.

Because. they. are. just. too. beautiful. not. to.

Gosh.

Itching for another tattoo

2011-03-22T20:24:00.006+02:00

In my current collection, I hold these two beaut's:

It says; Love & Happiness (between two music notes)

Three little swallows flying up me hip (they look a bit manky, but that was just because they were new)

The first one I got with one of my besties, Gary, and a year later (a week before my wedding) I got the three little birdies.

I'm thinking of getting another one either somewhere on my back (in the middle, at the top) or on that little bone part on the outside of my arm (close to my wrist). So sexy.

It was certainly the truth with me; you only need one tattoo to be hooked.

Totally hooked is me...

(Photos by the talented Kat Forsyth, on my wonderful wedding day)

Ideas that are awesome!

2011-03-21T10:12:00.003+02:00

I got married!

2011-03-07T20:07:00.007+02:00

It was a special day.

Photo's by: the talented Kat

Property excitement!

2011-02-20T14:53:00.003+02:00

Late last year, Craigy got a lovely little increase at work, and being the clever people we are, lol, we decided that instead of just having more money for clothes and disposal things, we were going to invest it into a nice piece of land.

What we didn't know at the time was that we were going to find the bargain of a life time; a one hectare plot in the lovely Rietvlei View Country Estate. Nestled just slightly out of the hustle of Pretoria, the estate has a distinct country feel, with available horse stables in the estate!

Craig and I plan on designing and building our dream home in the next year, and are excited about this new (albeit a little scary) chapter in our life.

Yay to grown-up adventures!

Pics below...

How much land is this? :)

Light of my life

2011-01-12T20:03:00.002+02:00

Catching herself in the mirror

2011-01-10T20:12:00.002+02:00

I like any place with a chandelier.

2011-01-09T18:31:00.005+02:00

This New Years eve we decided to do something a little different.

Jess, Gary, my beautiful boy and I had a lovely dinner and dance and a relatively early night.

So refreshing.

Jess and I had the loveliest dances. SALSA! So much fun!

These are some of the only photos I have from the night, and although they aren't picture perfect, I kinda like them. ♥

It's us!

2011-01-06T20:39:00.005+02:00

On honeymoon. Swoooon...

Walking the Botanical Gardens

2011-01-05T21:26:00.004+02:00

In Mauritius. On Honeymoon. Where i've been for the last while. After just getting married. Eeeek. Oh yes I did. I recently tied the knot. Whooootothefreakinhooo!

So hopefully poor Bloggy Blog will get some more attention now that that's all done with.

Would you like that blog? Oh yessssh you would. Wouldn't you...

I want a heart necklace!

2010-11-26T15:08:00.002+02:00

My bestie Jessie is having this awesome comp, best you all enter. You could win the above! Eeeeek, it must be mine!

Work bridal shower

2010-11-16T19:21:00.003+02:00

So the peeps at work threw me the sweetest little bridal shower 'surprise'.

Note the surprise in inverted commas. Poor Sammu the receptionist forwarded me a mail (not intended for me) spilling the beans the day before the shower. She was nearly in tears so sorry was she.

Anywhoo, tis was a lovely afternoon, got really spoiled, and will now be smelling nice until my 50th wedding anniversary ;)

Folding origami. Eating ice-cream.

2010-11-02T19:52:00.004+02:00

This weekend, by BFF/ maid of honor (pretty much the best thing that could have happened to me) and I, spent the weekend planning the day that is to be my wedding.

The majority of it was spent folding origami birdies, which are going to hang as curtains attached to the pillars outside the venue that will host my reception.

Okay, boring; time for photos:

Did you bring your drum?

2010-10-24T17:08:00.004+02:00

Friday night was the 10th Anniversary of Klitsgras-

the awesome drumming circle party in Pretoria.

Jess and Gary surprised us by coming.

After my little freak-out on their arrival, we had an awesome time.

I think Gary should change his name from Gary Potta to Gary Drumma.

Lots of love guys.

♥

Sandton and back on the Gautrain.

2010-10-17T19:04:00.004+02:00

On Saturday Craigy and I went for a ride on the Gautrain from his mom's house in JHB East to Sandton, and back.

It was really fun, and made me so proud to be South African.

José González makes me cry every time.

2010-10-12T21:06:00.003+02:00

This man's music is almost too beautiful.

Surreal almost.

He was was born in a suburb near Gothenburg, Sweden.

He commented; "It's a very small town. It has about a half-million people living there. It's a pretty good music city by the ocean. It rains a lot there, but it's beautiful in the summertime."

I think everything about him is actually too beautiful.

♥

It's called riding horses.

2010-10-11T20:47:00.002+02:00

My bestie Jess, oh Jess the best, and I, went to watch the horses on Saturday.

In and amongst other things.

Just actually spent the day together, and happened to be able to witness jumping horses.

Kind of reminds me of My Little Pony, without all the color, and the little ponies.

What's with your hair. It's weird. But I like it.

2010-10-04T20:26:00.005+02:00

Jess' B-day was a special day. We ate, got stalked by little kids (the one in the pictures above) wore pretty clothes, jumped on trampolines, and ate.

Did I mention anything about eating?

Mozambique in outfit.

2010-09-28T18:46:00.005+02:00

Oh ye faithful beach hat.

♥

Back from Mozambique... with some fabulous pictures. Heart.

2010-09-27T20:13:00.003+02:00

So I just returned from lovely Ponta do Orou.. what a charming place.

Lots of lovely photies that will make their way up here.

Yes.

I felt like something pretty to look at

2010-09-20T20:34:00.005+02:00

Addicted to the Travel Channel

2010-09-19T20:38:00.003+02:00

So if you were to snoop around my PVR, you would most probably find a whole lot of Travel Channel shows, (in an amongst Craig's South Park and Two and a half men).

My favorite at this very mo, is Julian and Camilla's World Odyssey.

They are two 'ordinary' New Zealanders, who make travelling to weird places extremely fun (and funny)- definitely worth a watch.

If you've never ventured to the channel 181, you don't know what you missing.

You can go to France, Argentina and Tokyo in one night... life is but a dream.

Wine night

2010-09-19T15:38:00.003+02:00

Friday night Thelma and her lovely new bf Christian came over for a chill.

Loving the more grown up form of entertainment; wine and good conversation.

Friday night...

2010-09-12T20:55:00.003+02:00

was interesting...

Blue steel and weird shades (oh and a random of Al the Man)

2010-09-07T20:21:00.002+02:00

Hope ya'll having a good week thus far.

kisses.

Bring out the Summer wardrobe!

2010-08-30T20:19:00.002+02:00

Can you feel it???

This was my Sunday outfit.

I am so totally chuffed about the warmness... getting ready for Mozambique with my favorite Jess and Gary in less than a month!

Yay!

Surprise package at work... love!

2010-08-25T20:11:00.003+02:00

Today Thelmas and I received a little package at work, and it was from our friends at Nedbank Capital.

Which reminded us of the night we were invited to a work cocktail evening... can you say free booze.. can you say yay...

Anywhoo, in our less than sober state, we stopped at a Nedbank ATM on the way to my sister's little dj'ing event, and stuck our stickers up by the ATM.

Thelma wanted to see the pictures, so i'm sticking them up here.

PS: My name is Meleshe, not the version as above involving the use of the unnecessary letter c

For the table numbers

2010-08-22T14:22:00.005+02:00

I bought these today... in love with them.

What do you think Jessicans?

You're invited.

2010-08-18T20:05:00.005+02:00

The invites for my wedding are done, and people have been invited.

Which makes this official.

Exciting!

PS: thanks to the mama of all Jess' for your creative inspiration.

Got much love for you girl.

Birthdays of the Mothering sort.

2010-08-16T18:56:00.005+02:00

Saturday celebrated the birthday of my mother.

We went to a charming restuarant in Pretoria East called The Brazen Head.

Good old Irish grub.

The food was alright, but what really stood out was the place- so charming and had an awesome energy.

Anywho, Happy Birthday Mommy, enjoyed spending it with you.

Love you big.

My sister the DJ.

2010-08-15T11:50:00.005+02:00

My sister recently participated in the local, Sisters of Spin competition (an amatuer DJ competition for girls)

It started off as a complete joke, but I think she did well, and looked right at home behind the decks.

Although she didn't make it through to the next round, she put on a pretty good show.

Go Sister!

Local blog lusting.

2010-08-11T20:37:00.004+02:00

Miss Moss. I love you. I really do.

Your blog makes my eyes scream with joy.

Thank you.

You can go and follow her here.

The sky rocks!

2010-08-10T19:22:00.003+02:00

Random photos I've taken of the sky this year.

Isn't it a pretty.

Maxi and Luke meet Charlie ♥

2010-08-08T14:32:00.005+02:00

Yesterday we had lunch at Craig's mom, and decided to bring our boys along to meet Charlie.

Charlie is the black beauty, and the two outrageously gorgeous boys are mine.

We ate a lovely potjie in true South African style and had a really lovely day.

♥

Us.

2010-08-05T20:34:00.001+02:00

Warning- too cute for a weak heart.

2010-08-04T20:25:00.001+02:00

Um... can you say cool?

2010-08-02T21:37:00.002+02:00

Thanks Jess for letting use your totally amazing glasses as props.

The jacket. she is Green.

2010-07-31T15:07:00.002+02:00

Went to my friend Jess' b-day party last night. Wearing this Green Beauty. Oh yes I did.

Must love dogs

2010-07-27T20:59:00.003+02:00

Lukey likes to pretend he's flying.

He is the cutest dog in the world.

Man, my heart is too swollen right now.

Go-karting is fun

2010-07-25T16:12:00.003+02:00

On Saturday evening Craig and I went on a double date with Stefan and his lovely Candice.

We went go-karting.

Stef came out the winner- but we all had so much fun!

I liked being little

2010-07-22T19:43:00.002+02:00

In the process of learning to love life like a little person.

When life was all about riding bikes and hugging dolls.

Spotted

2010-07-19T19:40:00.002+02:00

These were things spotted at the drumming circle.

Random things.

Pretty things...

It's not an umbrella- it's a parasol. It keeps out the sun and not the rain.

2010-07-18T08:09:00.003+02:00

Went to a drumming circle on Friday, and bought this beauty at the little shoppe there.

Now; get it right- it's a parasol- not an umbrella, ok?!

PS: drumming circles rock- photos to come.

We're not old. We just look that way

2010-07-15T20:41:00.002+02:00

Alistair 's birthday included us dressing like grannies and granpa's.

Or if you will; Ouma and Oupa's.

Cos you know; we proudly South African and all and all.

Ha!

You know, cos it's cold...

2010-07-14T20:12:00.002+02:00

How cute is Lucas?

I'll tell you... TOO cute!

I found these photos...

2010-07-12T20:24:00.003+02:00

..from my last trip to Umhlanga, and was sad that I had not used them for anything.

So I thought- well why not put them up here.

Well ok then, here they are then.

Underthewater

2010-07-12T20:03:00.001+02:00

These photos make me laugh. What a silly me.

Gary

2010-07-08T20:04:00.004+02:00

Gary's granny passed away today. We all love him so much, and my heart breaks for his sadness. Love boy.

His face makes me happy

2010-07-06T21:29:00.000+02:00

I love him

Vanity

2010-07-05T20:55:00.003+02:00

Became me.

& so did the three tequilas

Good people = Good friends

2010-07-04T17:44:00.003+02:00

Had lots of fun on Saturday night watching the soccer with friends at Monte Casino in Johannesburg.

Such beautiful people.

Ping to the Pong

2010-06-30T19:59:00.001+02:00

The other night we played a little ping pong.

I always seem to forget how fun this game is until I play it again.

Was Friday night a mess? I don't remember.

2010-06-29T19:00:00.003+02:00

Interesting things happen on Tequila.

Happy Birthday to Angela. Your mom has nice things.

2010-06-28T19:18:00.003+02:00

Yesterday we celebrated the birthday of my soon-to-be-sister-in-law. We had lunch at my soon-to-be-mother-in-law's house. We saw little Charlie, had the-best-cake-in-the-world, and I got to take pictures of all her pretty things.

Happy birthday Angelas.

xxx

Made me laugh

2010-06-24T19:47:00.000+02:00

Louise Ebel makes my heart skip a beat

2010-06-23T20:26:00.004+02:00

This is probably the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.

I am totally obsessed with everything Pandora.

Moving

2010-06-22T20:37:00.004+02:00

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen.

From the people acting in it, to the setting, to the colors, to the story.

Totally moves my world.

Gosh Penelope is beautiful.

She's the inspiration/ muse for my wedding look. Right there.

Every day should be yours

2010-06-20T19:26:00.003+02:00

Spent the afternoon with my daddy dearest,

at a lovely restaurant in Pretoria called Chef and the Fat man.

Fun. And yummy.

Love you lots daddy.

Happy day that is yours.

Melt my heart

2010-06-18T20:47:00.001+02:00

Ah shame, this little noo noo.

I just want to take her in my arms and give her hugs.

Bye Kyle!

2010-06-17T19:03:00.003+02:00

Jess' little brother is on his way to the UK, for forever.

Well, maybe not forever, but definitely for a while- with no specific return date set.

If anyone can make a success of it, I believe Kyle can.

Have fun Ky Ky!

We'll misssss you!

Must love dogs

2010-06-16T17:41:00.006+02:00

Craigy's mom got herself a new little puppy, who we went to visit today.

A beautiful black spaniel named Charlie.

This is the cutest little puppy in the world (bar my two boys hehe).

He is so good tempered, sweet, playful and beautiful.

I love you Charlie.

Loving the soccer

2010-06-15T21:06:00.005+02:00

Totally loving the fact that the world's attention is on South Africa.

Viva!

The need to tell you I love you

2010-06-10T19:25:00.005+02:00

Jessica van Zyl is my Best Friend and Maid of Honor.

And she has, in no uncertain terms, officially (in my books) claimed the title of

best maid of honor in the world.

She has been pivotal in the planning to make my wedding the most amazing day ever.

World; this is Jessica.

I love you.

Orchids orchids

2010-06-09T19:31:00.011+02:00

So I'm getting married in December, and at present, everything I do and think is relating to this momentous day.

The one thing i'm really excited about it decking the wedding out with Orchids.

I think they are such amazing flowers, with such a special meaning.

Yay for Orchids!

The cutest damn thing

2010-06-08T19:23:00.001+02:00

aaaah, noo noo.

Must love dogs

2010-06-08T19:15:00.002+02:00

This is my Maxi. I can't express the love that overtakes me when I think of him.

Nina is beautiful and 23 ♥

2010-06-07T18:59:00.004+02:00

Happy birthday love child.

♥cakes

2010-06-05T08:01:00.003+02:00

Eating cupcakes in Parkhurst.

We are

2010-06-04T20:33:00.002+02:00

Funny

Tree

2010-06-01T20:34:00.002+02:00

This is a tree in the below mentioned gary and jess' garden.

What a beautiful picture.

Spooky like.

Must love dogs

2010-06-01T20:21:00.004+02:00

This beauty belongs to Gary and Missy pants Jess.

Her name is Lola, and if you are not really really careful she will steal your heart.

The birthday belonged to Kyle. Therefore it was Kyle's.

2010-05-31T19:59:00.005+02:00

The birthday boy

Me, really involved in the 30 seconds

Vic and Kill- awesome game

Oh hippy to the hoppy, we didn't stoppa rocking.

We had a bang bang shibby libby time!

Bjork, I miss your voice

2010-05-31T19:52:00.004+02:00

You're loopy, but it's why I love you.

Audrey you make my heart smile

2010-05-27T20:59:00.002+02:00

You flippen gorgeous you.

Mothers day picnic in the zoo

2010-05-26T20:38:00.004+02:00

So I know it was some time ago, but I was recently looking through the photos of the lovely mothers day picnic we had in the JHB zoo.

What a lovely way to spend a love-filled Sunday afternoon.

Dedication to a Craig Kelly

2010-05-25T21:09:00.004+02:00

My soon to be Mr.

I told you about the pony camp

2010-05-23T03:55:00.004+02:00

My most favorite Jessica and I rode for three days straight, and we wished this was our lives.

The beauty at the top is her baby (and therefore my godchild) the most beautiful Asfa.

The little white lovely is Miss Buttons, slowly becoming the obsession of my heart.

Pony camp

2010-05-18T21:07:00.003+02:00

So as of tomorrow Jessica and I are off work, and are spending the rest of the week riding horses.

Her on her beautiful boy Asfa, and me on sweet and pretty Buttons.

Too exciting for words for real, exciting as can be.

Yes. Flips. Excited!

Thelma and I went to CCHQ

2010-05-17T19:31:00.003+02:00

And these were the two photos we took.

(CCHQ- old antique shop in JHB turned into a club= too beautiful for words)

Joy is...

2010-05-12T21:33:00.002+02:00

Giggling at a penguin.