Ahh the famous South African wine. You simply cannot come to South Africa and not visit a winery & the area of Constantia in Cape Town is world famous for its wine production, so a little wine tasting session is a must.

There are many tours you can do, on our last trip to SA 2 years ago we had childcare so did a full day of tours visiting 4 different winery’s, not only was the wine delicious but it was fascinating to see the whole process of wine production. One of the many things I loved was the fact they play music to the vines. Happy vines- great wine!

So this time as we had our 3 year old daughter with us we decided to visit the Constantia Glen winery for lunch and a small wine & chocolate tasting. It’s a very picturesque boutique wine estate in stunning surroundings. Let me just say I felt very comfortable in these surroundings. Wine, Sun, great food, what’s not to love???

Constantia Glen

It cost just £6 for a 3 wine & chocolate tasting which was utterly delicious & of course we bought a bottle to take home. The sun was shining and we dined outside it was such a perfect setting. My husband & I have always said we would do a wedding blessing & party on our 10th wedding anniversary in South Africa & a vineyard is a great place for a party. We loved it here and it’s definitely on the shortlist.

Next stop was the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens. We went to meet some family for a picnic but got there early enough to have a good walk around first. It always reminds me of Jurassic Park, minus the dinosaurs Obvs. It’s so lush, green and overlooked by table mountain it’s really quite breathtaking.

kirstenbosch also offers live music performances on Sunday afternoons.. Gather your picnic baskets and blankets,  meet with friends and family, enjoy the stunning surroundings to live music.

As long as I come back to Cape Town I’ll always find time to visit these beautiful gardens. They’re just magical.

Thanks for reading

The SummerMama x

Boulders beach is somewhere I have always wanted to go, but somehow we didn’t make it last time we came to South Africa, so this time I was determined to see those penguins.

Boulders beach is in Simon’s Town, around 45 minutes drive from Camps Bay where we are staying, so we set off early on rather a grey day, which sadly took away from the fantastic views you get on this drive.

However nothing could distract from the penguins. Just amazing to see them free & happy, and we were the ones behind the fence. They are so relaxed and you can get quite close to them, it seems everyone has a healthy respect and doesn’t bother them either. It was fantastic to make it there and my daughter absolutely loved it too.

The sun then made an appearance just as we settled on the beach for a picnic & a paddle.

Thanks for reading

The SummerMama xx

Bo Kaap – Today we went to check out the famous Bo Kaap. It’s an area known for its colourful buildings but there’s so much more to this area than pretty pastel houses.

The Malay Quarter, known by some as “Bo-Kaap” and built largely by and for the artisans of Cape Town between 1790 and 1825, was subsequently occupied by people of the Moslem faith. Liberated slaves moved into the area after 1834 and with them Malay people who had been living in the town. Over the years the area has come to be identified as the heart of the cultural life of the Malay people. Major influences of their life in the Cape have been their religion, the culture of their forebears, visits to Mecca and the Dutch and English colonists.

Skills and talents passed down from generation to generation accompanied the malay people. Not only skilled craftsman but superb cooks and cuisines blossomed. The Cape Malay Cuisine are not only delicious but unique and has played a huge role in South African dishes. The dishes are a combination of asian, arab and european which makes people view food in a different light.

Just a 10 min drive from Camps Bay where we are staying we decided to spend the morning there and then wander round the Green Market Square and Church Street for excellent coffee at Mozart’s.

As you can see from the pictures this was another fabulous day in Cape Town …

Thanks for reading

The SummerMama xx

The fabulous day that is Mother’s Day is almost upon us. It’s such an incredibly special day. I’ve always loved to spoil my mum and let her know how much she is loved, I know we don’t need a day to do this, but I adore the reminder of just how special mums are. They are the unconditional giver of love, our best friends, our biggest supporters, but we do take them for granted & it’s since becoming a Mum myself, like lots of others, that I truly understand a Mother’s love. So many Mother’s days passed where I felt very incredibly sad, I worried I would never become a mother & the ache would never leave. Now each Mother’s Day I still pinch myself this little lady is mine, my daughter, my world.

So on Mother’s Day Just a kiss from her fills me with so much joy, – my husband always gets me a gorgeous little treat. This year I shall be in South Africa for Mother’s Day, so I’ve put together this little collection of beauties that I am lusting after & maybe I can inspire you too.

On my first Mother’s Day as a mama, my husband bought me a necklace & pendant engraved with my daughters initial from @poshtottydesigns and I wear it nearly every day. You’ve probably seen it in lots of my daily outfit posts. They’re currently offering a fantastic 20% Mother’s Day discount. Go go go…

Posh Totty designs

Tshirt by Muthahood

Without any doubt my strong girls club t-shirt above by @muthahood is always going to make any mama smile. I’ve even got the mini version for the munch. Twinning is winning.

Being a skincare junkie I had to include the Sunday Riley Luna sleeping night oil. I’ve read so much about this incredible oil, what better present to give that sleep deprived mama. It’s not cheap at £85 but is dubbed sleep in a jar.

Sunday Riley at Net-a-porter

This @Hariandthegang pink hoodie (available to pre order from today) I mean 💕… I truly love this brand and the hoodies are just so soft. This new shade in the softest pink is everything.

Hari and the gang

The ASOS beauty box is just £12- A fantastic selection of face packs, eye treatments and general beautifying magic. More detail on my Instagram stories but a fantastic price for a much deserved pamper in a box.

Asos

The list goes on but I won’t, …I’ll let the pictures do the talking..,

Braided design mules – Mango

Days of the week jumper by @loveandlemon Loveandlemon

Die cut basket Zara

double hoop wall hanging BHS

Bracelet by @haniajewelery Hania jewellery

Wildflower by @kemitelford Kemi Telford

Earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane Net-a-porter

Hyacinth gift bag Marks and Spencer

Tshirt by @latotch Latotch

Wicker handbag Zara

Gucci bloom – Available nationwide

marble notebook BHS

Necklace Mango

Ugg slippers Ugg.com

Print- John Lewis

bag Kemi Telford

Set of 3 scented candles – Aldi

Kate Moss book – Net-A-Porter

Breakfast in bed, made by anyone – just not mum!

To be honest the only thing I want for Mother’s Day is for my mum to be happy & healthy and lots of giggles (and maybe a lie in) & cuddles from my girl. But any of the above would be a bonus.

Happy day of the Mother to you all. In whatever capacity you are, married, single, step mum, as good as a Mum, about to become a Mum, or trying to be a Mum,…we are all brilliant 💕

thanks for reading,

The SummerMama xx