This is South Africa

This post is super super overdue! Sorry! I've been so busy in SA with family and friends that I kept pushing my blog to one side.. But finally I'm back and ready to show you all what I've been up to; a personal post about how I've spent my time so far in sunny south Africa.

For anyone who doesn't know, me and my parents are spending a month visiting my sister and nephew. They live just below Cape Town in a village called Kommetjie - famous for it's surfing spot Long Beach. This is my second South African Christmas/ new year, and I wouldn't change it for the world; 32 degrees on Christmas day 100% beats an English Christmas.

Fish Hoek is defo my fave beach in SA, so I convinced the family to have breakfast there the day after we arrived! Syrupy waffle with ice-cream + chocachino = heaven. Everywhere you look in SA is either mountains or sea. (Or both!) 

The first few days we spent on the beach, seeing dad's old friends and eating out a lot! Over here they have Marcel's frozen yogurt, which is literally amazing! So we had to do a trip to the mall to get our fix - Nougat fro-yo with fudge crumble! 

                        

     

We then spent a day at Imhoff Farm, where I could have held a snake - obviously never going to happen! But instead got to pet all the bunnies and rode a camel (Random I know). This is my nephew Aya btw; by far the cutest guy ever.



After our first week we did a road trip to Montagu, where we're currently staying at Avalon Springs - a natural hot springs resort. I never expected it to be as insane as it is, we have a mountain chalet with a private jacuzzi, BBQ and sun lounger area. Why would I want to spend Christmas any other way??

This is the private pool for people staying at the resort, it's around 37 degrees (not even the hottest one) and has a cocktail bar right next to it - perfect. Separated by a fence are 5 more pools which day visitors are allowed to use, plus a waterslide going down the mountain side. 

Obviously I had to include a cheeky leg selfie! I'm having the best time ever with my family, and I hope everyone else is feeling the same! I was very lucky to get my Reading festival 2015 ticket bought for me as my main present; so I have to thank my number 1 reader,  my mum, and of course my dad.

Merry Christmas everyone! 

Something different - Handmade gifts

Looking for some christmas gift inspiration? How about something handmade? Something different; henna candles, dreamcatchers or butterflies!
My mum's friend and her daughter handmake all of these stunning gifts. All can be made by request, or you could just choose a colour scheme and see what you get!

Henna candles are definitely something I had never heard of. When I saw them I was in awe! They're soo stunning and can be used anywhere! Initially I had a couple which I never burnt, but much to my surprise they become even better after being lit! By lighting the candles and letting them burn down 3/4 inches, the henna stays in place and creates a lantern effect! You can then place a tealight in the centre and it will light up the henna! 

There is so much possibility for design! And a choice of a pillar/ rounded candle. Patterns are the obvious choice in terms of design, but you could even have an owl, elephant or peacock! Each candle comes with a flower ring too which matches the candle!

Dreamcatchers are my absolute fave, I have about 4 in my bedroom alone! The one pictured above is an example of the largest size, There is fabric wrapped around the outside, flowers attached, a peacock in the middle and tons of pretty decorative lace and feathers hanging from the bottom! Design for these is super diverse - I've had a gold metal heart turned into a dreamcatcher with pearls and black feathers! Christmas designs are also available with small figures featured (similar to the peacock). 

How about a different christmas tree decoration? All of the butterflies are made with a special meaning; to symbolise something. You will receive a note with every butterfly explaining this message. These are two of the large options, design will depend on size, but colour is completely up to you! Both of these feature a new design with the small flowers within the chains, these are also available in different colours! 

All of the butterflies are perfect for hanging in windows, or anywhere you fancy! Each butterfly has a small silver charm of your choice at the top, ranging from the tree of life, an ohm or small birds. My new favorite is a small ring with 'Faith, love, hope' written on it!

These stars are a brand new addition to the collection! This is a wooden option, however there are also silver/ gold! The one pictured is also frosted with small crystals which look like snow/ice! They would look absolutely fab hanging in your christmas tree! 

If you're at all interested in any of these gifts, feel free to email me at lauren.saltonstall@gmail.com with any questions! I am happy to take order requests to discuss! If you are wanting to order please include: the item you are interested in, your colour choice, your design choice and any other preferences! :) All prices depend on the different items/ sizes, please feel free to ask!