Thanksgiving

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, a tradition of gratitude that really appeals to me and that I've celebrated for a few years (despite having never experienced it in the States). A year ago, my overseas family was visiting and we spent Thanksgiving together. It turned out, that my sister was only a few days pregnant at the time, so a year later, we have a gorgeous new addition to the family to be thankful for.

I started a tradition of bringing in sweet treats to our office for Thanksgiving in 2008. Everyone has to write down something they're thankful for in order to receive! I then type up all the gratitudes – anonymously! – and stick them up around the office. I'm always amazed how hard it is for people to think of something they're grateful for at first, but once they do, the thanks keeps flowing and there's really a feeling of good will in the air.

It was my mother (and Oprah!) who instilled an attitude of gratitude in me, which – ha ha! – I'm very grateful for! Taking time to tally your thanks really puts things into perspective.

Funny luggage tags

My holiday obsession in full, swing, I found these quirky luggage tags here. Definitely think I'll be ordering some – they make great stocking fillers too.

Baggage

I got some amazing news today. No, not that I'm getting promoted, an above-inflation raise or a 13th cheque. No, I haven't lost 5 kilos. Nope I didn't win anything. I found out that my luggage restriction for my trip overseas is 23kg. But, that's not all. Between the two of us, we're allowed THREE CASES! 69kg!!!!!! I am consumed with thoughts of how many baby grows I can fit on the way there for my niece, and how many shoes I can bring back after the Christmas sales!

December 16 – The Departure Date – is a mere three weeks away, but it's felt like an eternity with all that needs to be done before now. Let the excitement begin!

My dream room

I get misty eyed just thinking about the the scene in Sex & The City movie when Mr Big remodels the (bee-ootiful) New York loft so that Carrie has every girl's dream: a walk-in closet. Every morning when my boyfriend and I queue for the hanging space, circling each other in our underwear-clad morning dance, searching amongst the compressed garments for a blouse, which is hidden under a shirt because I have to put a few things on one hanger, I think to myself, My life would be complete with a walk-in cupboard.

This weekend I did the seasonal swop – despite the rain and grey clouds, steadfastly switching winter coats and jerseys for bikinis and shorts; making a pile of clothes I didn't wear once this season to give away. I like my cupboards to be tidy, if cramped, so getting things organised and rediscovering something that was shoved to the back of a drawer can be a liberating experience. But I've been putting it off because it's a pretty time consuming puzzle working out where everything fits and folding and stacking and hanging, and, well, I'd rather be napping, or reading, or going for a walk, or having a sundowner or doing a headstand, anything else really on my precious Sunday.

So instead, I turned a rather uneventful weekend into a learning experience. I learnt...

• To finish what I start – I'm prone to become so overwhelmed by the chaos I've created, that sitting on the couch seems like the only option at the time.
• To get rid of something that I'm hanging onto because I like the idea of it.
• Rose wine can really help clear your mind and help with the process.
  
• Men don't understand this process, or why it has to take so long.
  
• They are also far less sentimental about your stuff, so are good to ask when you're unsure whether to toss something.
  
• You can stop after three biscuits.
  
• To choose a Sunday with a dismal Sunday movie, so you're not tempted to give up and watch it.
  
• Look at the big picture, and don't get lost in the details.
  

Posh Indian at Bombay Brasserie

I reviewed Cape Town Taj's Bombay Brasserie on JP Roussouw's new site. Check it out here.

Image courtesy of www.tajcapetown.co.za

I do

I love wedding blogs. While I believe in marriage, I believe more in commitment. And while I had day dreams about a wedding, I've never been desperate to be a bride. So this is not a life-long scrap book obsession culminating in one day; it's more a passion. I get lost in gorgeous wedding blogs, in wedding photographs and ideas. I'm a details person, so I do love and appreciate the sentiment and tradition (whether upheld or subverted in a quirky way), ritual and creative elements of a wedding. And I love seeing people's unique interpretations and how those are captured in great imagery.

One that I've enjoyed exploring, from its template and icons to its layout, pictures and inspiring ideas, is a local The Pretty Blog. And an all-time favourite is Snippet & Ink. Enjoy!

Introducing Olivia

I've mentioned Narina's gorgeous Crazy Aunt creations before. Here's one that was made specially for my niece (7 week old) Olivia, who lives in England. Olivia herself was created in South Africa while her parents were on holiday here almost a year ago. I'll definitely be putting an order in with The Crazy Aunt Co for Christmas!

Time out

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. – Carl Sandburg

The last few months have passed in a blur. I've watched three issues go to print and begun working on January 2011's issue already! I've welcomed a niece into the world and celebrated my boyfriend's milestone birthday. I've walked on a windy West Coast beach in Jakkalsfontein, and then seen the same beach from the air, flying over it in a helicopter. I've experienced the fickle change in seasons – basking in the sunshine and then running in from the rain. I've stayed in my pajamas till 10 on a Sunday, sweated on the treadmill, overindulged, laughed and cried and read a couple of books.

As the year draws to a close, I look forward to longer summer evenings and opening all the windows to listen to the city go still; to wrapping up a decade, focusing on the final stretch and reaping the rewards of holiday with family; and to welcoming a new year. I like new starts, cleans pages, beginnings. But, I'm determined during this silly season, not to let it go by in a blur. I will blog.