25.1.13

Living House


I have always wondered what happens to living walls during winter? Do they follow the seasons and wilt the in winter or do they stay evergreen, do they need watering and fertilizer?


This is one of my favorite houses around my hood, its red brick walls are drenched with a carpet of greenery. I took these photos in the height of summer, I'll come back in winter to see if there are any changes.

23.1.13

Salvaged Materials - Window Frames

Salvaged Window Frames
Generally South Africans put up a lot of walls and fences around their houses, even though these are beneficial in making us feel a little safe, sometimes they hide the beauty of one's house and be quite depressing.

These salvaged windows frames transformed what would have been a simple unattractive fence to one that has a little bit of character. 

18.1.13

Pretty Pregnant - Black Pencil Skirt


Maternity Black Pencil Skirt
Top by Cotton On, Skirt by Jay Jays

A black pencil skirt is one of those clothing items that a woman must have in her wardrobe, pregnant or not. 
I've noticed that it's silhouette flatters most body types; it can be easily be dressed up for work - when teamed with a crisp white shirt and heels or dressed down for weekends - when paired with a tank top and sandals.

Black as a neutral colour can be worn with a lot of other colours; it is also slimming so I always feel sophisticated when I wear black.
Looking back, I've always had one in my wardrobe, so when I got pregnant I made sure that I got myself one - made of stretch material with an elasticized waist, for extra comfort and to allow for my growing bump.

I wore this outfit to work a few days ago, I paired my black pencil skirt with a cream white loose lace trimmed top, I felt comfortable, feminine and sexy yet appropriate for a day at work.

Maternity Tip #2: Black Pencil Skirt is a must have item
  • A black pencil skirt in a comfortable material is a must, it can be dressed up or down and if you buy the right size and material, it can last for your whole pregnancy and those post baby-bump fat days.

For more tips, also read Maternity Tip #1

16.1.13

Girls Girls Girls - Run the World


I grew up wishing that I only get baby boys, 4 of them!!! Raising girls always intimidated me, because as a girl, I knew how complicated it was to be one; I always assumed it was easier to be a boy and thus raising a boy would be easier. I also thought it would be cool to be only lady of the house *wink*

When I became pregnant with my son, it was a dream come true, however, this time around, I somehow found myself wishing that I would have a baby girl. Maybe it’s because now that I’m older, I realize that life is what you make of it, whether you are boy or a girl.
Or maybe it’s because I often found myself plaiting his hair, wishing that I could play dress up with him.

I am delighted that this time around, I’ll be having a baby girl. I know that I will be the best mom I can to be to her, as I try to be to my son; however I am scared at how I will handle her tiny little soft hair. 

Black hair seems to be a controversial issue and often becomes a talking point; “natural vs weave vs relaxers” seems to be a popular debate among black ladies…and men. I have recently grown to love my hair, all its texture, limitations and capabilities, but it was not an easy journey so I pray that I will do her little scalp justice and make her grow to love her hair from an early age.



These are my friend's beautiful daughters. I love how she dresses them up, they are always in these organic but very stylish dresses, I also love how she has kept her girl's hair natural, she is truly an inspiration, one of the best mothers I know.

5.1.13

Pretty Pregnant - Stripes on Print

Maternity Fashion

Pants by Fashion Express, Vest by Makro, Wedges by Europa Art, Bag (thrifted)

When I was pregnant with my son, my primary focus was my health and making sure that I gave birth to a healthy son, how I dressed my baby-bump became secondary and honestly, it was a bit of a challenge. 

The maternity clothes racks were not inspiring and my choice to buy normal clothes in a bigger size didn't work out. I would find that even though my belly was well covered, the arm holes were just too big; the proportions were off; not pretty at all.

This time around I am hoping to have fun with maternity wear, discover different ways of dressing my growing belly stylishly, without sacrificing comfort and avoid breaking the bank.

This outfit is all about comfort, I was planning to wear it to a braai (BBQ) with friends on New Years Day, to which I eventually didn't go because the rain decided to give us showers of blessings for 2013. 

I don’t have an ultimate guide to pregnancy fashion but I'm excited to explore and learn a few tricks and tips along the way, which I will share them as I go about on my adventure, and this is what I've learned so far.

Maternity Wear Tip #1: Comfort is Key
  • I find that stretchy materials and drawstring pants are comfortable and give the allowance needed for belly growth.
  • A short wedge heel shoe is a great alternative to flats; it gives comfort without sacrificing style.

Stripes on Print
To see who inspired this outfit, follow my Love Dilo page on Facebook. 

2.1.13

2013 - On To The Next One


This photo and the word, "content" are the perfect ways to describe my 2012. My year was wonderful, for the first time in my life... I did not lack, I was at a state of peace and happiness.  I'm not saying that I had it all or that all was perfect but, where things didn't go my way, I accepted the situation gracefully and just moved on.

My highlights, other than just being alive, were:
  • Raising my son (pictured above), he turned one in September, I loved it all, the day to day stuff, I wouldn't have done it without my husband, daily breast milk pumping sessions at work included!
  • Getting a new and exciting job, it was about time, I was stuck in a rut, it injected some needed motivation.
  • Last but definitely not least, discovering that we have another bundle of joy coming our way.

The lows, like I said, there's nothing significant:
  • I hated it when my son was hospitalised for chest infections in the winter... he was admitted 3 times... that sucked.
  • Family and friends did not get to see much of me, though it was not intentional, I feel guilty about it.
  • I regret staying away from the blog, but I don't feel guilty, motherhood and pregnancy can be demanding. My new job came with more money money, yay, but unfortunately it also came with more hours, nay.

Well, that was last year... now... on to the next one, 2013. I'm mostly looking forward to meeting our new family member...and indulging in all that she will bring. I'm still excited about my job, and I will make an effort to connect with friends and family a bit more. Ok ok ok, I promise to throw in a post or two here once in a while :-)

Happy New Year Everybody!