The main reason I can't sleep

Image from Pinterest

Well, that, and I find it very difficult to turn my brain off.

Little bits of wisdom #4

Image from Pinterest

"Be Thankful" Tuesdays

[Due to a wobbly internet connection, here's a belated "Be Thankful" Tuesday....]

Some of the small and big things I love and am thankful for

• The fact that I have an internet connection (in Africa, that puts me in a small minority)
• Funding for another year of my MSc!
• All my amazing friends in the Chemistry department (even those who are graduating this week and leaving Stellenbosch...)
• My chemistry actually starting to work again!
• Taking time out from an unbelievably busy few weeks to just relax and recharge
• Making the most of the last days of summer - wear ALL the sundresses!
• My supervisor taking an active involvement in my project
• Dressing up for no reason other than it's a beautiful sunny day
• Dry shampoo - lifesaver now that I'm growing my hair again!
• Neelsie coffee breaks with friends
• Frequent customer loyalty cards - free coffee and lunch once every two weeks!
• Fervently reading "A Clash of Kings" in time for Season 2 of Game of Thrones
• Getting the opportunity to go on my first Organic Chemistry conference in three weeks time

Thought for the Day #5

Image from Pinterest

And that's the reason why I never leave the house unhappy with my reflection.

Afternoon at Vergelegen

After a typical Sunday morning (Church, breakfast at Willowbridge, followed by grocery shopping), I joined my parents and some family friends for an afternoon out visiting one of my absolute favourite estates: Vergelegen. Honestly, spending several hours walking through the beautiful grounds (from manicured gardens to the wilder forests), taking in the history of the place, is my idea of a perfect afternoon.

I just wanted to share with you guys some of the photos I took today :)

Looking out over the herb garden from the new tasting room.

Enjoying the last days of summer sun (and the infamous Cape South-Easter wind!)

Sitting at the Rose Terrace and enjoying one of the best cheesecakes I've had in ages!

The rose garden is absolutely amazing - most of these rose bushes are as tall as I am, and are covered with huge, old-fashioned roses that fill the air with a heavenly scent!

The estate's famous 300 year old camphor trees :) (These always seem to remind me of the Ents in LOTR...)

Exploring the forest... this tree's branches seemed to extend forever!

Sitting at the edge of a babbling brook...

 Bamboo forests...

There's something eerily beautiful about the creaking and moaning of bamboo forests in the wind 

Well-traveled feet

 Taking my newest sundress out for the first time!

 The "Royal" Oak

The Manor House, as viewed from the entrance to the Octagonal Garden.

Looking the other way...

Some of the detailing around the Manor House (no photography allowed inside, unfortunately).

 

So, what's your idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon?

Little bits of wisdom #3

A Day Out in Stellenbosch

Today was a public holiday in South Africa (Human Right's Day). I had originally planned on working today, but I've been feeling so drained and demotivated lately, that I decided what would be best for me would be a day off. After a lazy morning (the first time in over a month that I wasn't woken up by my alarm!), I put on my comfy shoes and headed out in Stellenbosch, to walk, enjoy the sunshine and do a bit of retail therapy with my remaining birthday money :)

Looking east from my apartment

Looking west - beautiful blue skies!

Walking past some of the chemistry buildings on my way to town

Victoria Street - some of the leaves are starting to change, Autumn is on it's way!

My old House

Spent all my undergraduate years here...

I love the old houses in this town...

Walking alongside the diverted river

All this walking in the sun called for some gelato!

Sugar cone with chocolate brownie and creme caramel gelato! So good... (On holidays, food has no calories...)

Church Street

Visited this museum a lot over the years. Always reminds me of my childhood... (The oldest known townhouse in South Africa.)

Eikestad - City of Oaks

The long walk back home

More beautiful old homes...

Troubles melt away when you rest in the shade of an old oak...

Mountains in sight again!

Almost home!

The Stairway to Heaven

 Retail therapy purchases!

Winter pajama pants! And they're grey and purple!

Long-sleeve tee - the colour is actually more of a jewel green than the teal in the photo...

Grey jersey, with sequins and a big bow! I fell in love.

Cream and brown sling handbag - so cute!

Braided leather headband

Black and gold chain neclace - more bows!

New lipstick! It's Pink Quartz ColorSensational from Maybelline - a super pretty soft pink for everyday, with a gold shimmer when the light hits it.

Also managed to buy most of my mom's birthday present for next week, so all in all, I declare today to be a success!