New normality

I've been spending a lot of time getting used to a new normality......

This was me a few weeks ago just after I started chemotherapy. Since my hair was already short, I thought I'd have a bit of fun with a Mohawk before it all starts falling out. The hair is all gone now and I look like a proper "Kojak" (for those who remember the television series). I'm doing fine and feeling great these days. Apologies to those who have checked in regularly and found no up-date for so long. I will try to post some things I keep myself busy with from time to time.  Otherwise you can follow me on Instagram under the name jopauche.

Here is a cute doggie softie I made for my Captain from fabric that is traditionally from Jakarta, Indonesia. I'm not sure anymore where I found the pattern, so if you know, please let me know so I can include a link. (thanks!!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Bedroom inspiration

Here are a few pictures of absolutely delightful bedrooms from the Loft I Love Facebook page that is just too good to keep to myself. For me,  a perfect way to start a Monday is with a bit of eye candy like these. "Like" their Facebook page and you'll also get inspiring updates like these to brighten up your day (wink). 

This first picture with the suspended bed and fabulous grey bedlinen is just "WOW!" and something I wouldn't mind for my own bedroom. Not to mention the fireplace and the awesome white hide on the floor!

The headboard in the second to last picture is super "WOW!", don't you think? Have a look....

Like usual (because that's what I like...) the theme is grey and white although I do like a bit of bohemian Moroccan brightness too, sometimes. These just create such a fantastic, serene atmosphere for a bedroom that is impossible to resist.

Happy week folks!

Kooperasie Stories

The name "Kooperasie Stories", I link to an Afrikaans television programme I used to watch as a kid. The shop is also located next to a Co-op, which is probably where it got the name from. But it's not the meaning/origin of the name that matters here. Walk into "Kooperasie Stories" and you walk into a bit of history (and vintage-lovers' heaven). It is incredible, the amount of beautiful stuff they have in there. Quite terrible actually, because my wallet can never have enough to buy everything I want from this shop. Furniture, enamel-ware and crazily awesome, linen/woven fabrics from Eastern Europe to DIE for, really!

Kooperasie Stories is on the road between Paarl and Franschhoek in the Western Cape. Lovely area to visit and even lovelier shop to lighten the load of your wallet; but definitely worth it! Go there; you won't be disappointed!

Happy day!

Random stuff

gooseberries from our garden

fabulous 2nd hand/vintage store near Franschhoek

lemon tree at Babylonstoren

South Africa's gorgeous flora

vintage toy that belonged to my brother

handkerchief and lace curtain I made for our guest bathroom

Happy day!

A bit of Friday inspiration courtesy of Loft i Love

With so many beautiful images on their FB page, I'll have to do this again and share some of their pics that I love so much.

Happy weekend folks!

My Style

Here are some of my "i want that" favourites of the moment. I've always been a "lover" of underwear as outerwear, but only with pretty, lacey slips like these ones. They look fabulous when layered with a plain, white, cream or pale coloured slip and is very sexy for summer. I usually wore it with strappy, flat sandals or flat pumps. Add to that, a pretty cardigan and voila! 

1. gorgeous lacey slip from Top Shop
2. chiffon and lace slip from Top Shop
3. printed scarf from not on the high street
4. floral slip from Top Shop
5. sexy halter dress from pip-squeak chapeau etc.
6. "gotta have this" embroidered bag from hardtofind
7. stripey pants from Top Shop
8. vintage style slip from Top Shop
9. fabulous black midi slip from Top Shop
10. cotton dress "must have" from pip-squeak chapeau etc.

Happy day!

Baking

With the wintry, wet weather today, I feel like deliciously sweet, warm bread straight from the oven, dripping butter... Hmmmmm......   So I'm going to try this recipe....

source

I'll let you know how it turned out.

Happy day!

Dottie stuff

How can this be? I was just too late!! One Of my favourite of favourites on Etsy and the world of Vintage and blogging had  a handful of dresses going on sale on Etsy and they sold out in just a couple of days! Nooooo!!!

Dottie Angel   have been my muse since I "discovered" her a couple of years ago and when I saw that she has her trademark, gorgeous, vintage inspired frocks on Etsy, it was just a tad too late. Now I have to wait until "fall" which is our Spring and keep my eyes peeled on her Facebook page and Etsy shop to make sure I'm a "happy chappie" this coming summer, in my "dottie frock".

Here's a peek at her creations.....

pics source

pics source

Dare I say that it would make me a happy chappie indeed to see ALL of these in the wardrobe that I call mine? Sigh! Oh, yes! Very happy indeed!

Happy weekend folks!