Started by picking up my maid of honor from the airport, followed by a day in PE, shopping and doing my final show fitting. I had my shoes designed for me, I couldn’t find what I really wanted, so I went to see Monique at LeQin Designs in PE, and she was so super sweet, and very helpful. After seeing her in November, I have not had a chance to see her again, so she designed without me going in and out, and I am absolutely in love with my shoes! I will get better photos on the wedding day.

Today, Justin and I went for our pre shoot, Heather Stevens, our photographer is absolutely amazing, I love her dearly, she is one of the regular photographers that is used for weddings at work, so meeting her once or twice, I knew exactly who I wanted to be part of my wedding day.

My wonderful friend, and maid of honor, Tiffany, managed to really surprise me with a great Hens Night, which was great fun, didn’t get crazy, but a great time was definitely had by all. Along with that, I made my lavender infused honey…slight spillage, but that was a silly mistake as I was not controlling my heat properly, what a clean up!!!

Justin took me for a pre birthday lunch today at a little place called Sacramento Restaurant, in Schoenmakerskop, PE A great little spot, the food was decent, just the wait was long and the staff very unfriendly, but being right by beach, and enjoying the holiday vibe was great!

Justin had a Surf & Turf

I had an Italian Salad

and deep fried Camembert with tortilla chips

And of course, between wedding planning, family, friends and other exciting things, I have managed to get around to doing both my starter and dessert for the Ready Set Cook Challenge that was set out by Tandy. So its been rather busy. But having a great time!

I do look forward to the relaxation while on honeymoon next week, this will probably be the last blog until after the wedding!

This post is dedicated to the wonderful gifts I received from my loved ones. They all know me so well, and know my great love for African inspired food, and all the wonderful ways of South African cooking. And along with this, my great love for books.
My wonderful fiancé gave me Justin Bonello, Cooked in Africa, it’s his older book, but the first one of his books I own, and the first of many which shall be in my collection of cook books.

Reading through it, two recipes jumped out at me immediately, firstly the recipe for Springbok Neck Potjie. WOW! Had me drooling all over the pages, I can just imagine this potjie going down in my house, all the wonderful friends and family around to enjoy and share it…it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.

The other one, which is very unlike something I would normally cook up, is the breakfast bomb. Not being a huge fan of eggs for breakfast, I tend to lean away from these kind of recipes, however, this one grabbed my attention. Also something I shall be trying in the near future!

My parents in law gave me this book, such a great inspiration. 365 things every Woman should know. Every day I read one…today – The development and maintenance of our inner world should be our highest priority.

My parents gave me Kukumakranka – Khoi Khoin Culture, Customs and Creative Cooking. They understand my love for the African culture and their food ways. There are so many interesting facts in this book, from the music and dance, to the kitchen utensils used, to the kitchens built, it is really hard to choose what is my favourite part of this book.

The edible plants kept me intrigued, just the vast knowledge of what you can eat and what you can’t in the bush, and this recipe jumped out at me…goats cheese being a all time favourite in my books. A vegetarian dish made up of goats cheese, raw duiker root, boiled flowerbuds of Khoi-veldkoo, shredded slymstok stalks and wild leeks. Wow….mouth watering!

I was spoilt rotten this Christmas, along with all my lovely books, I was spoilt with flowers, and wine, and stunning wine glasses, and a beautiful photo frame full of lovely memories of our first year together, and the most important gift of all, the opportunity to spend time with Justin, my parents and my parent in laws, all the most special people in my life.