Archive for February, 2018

Summer Fun at The Clay Café

With summer upon us and the promise of a wonderful season ahead, Bill has suddenly decided that he needs to get back into shape! One of his favourite local places to go is The Big Red Barn, an outdoor activity venue that offers something for every member of the family.

Determined to make his spring resolution a family affair, we herded off down Main Road on Sunday morning. On arrival at The Big Red Barn, the first few minutes were spent debating our choices. Bill opted for a trail run to kick start his efforts so the calves and I decided to check out the Clay Café.

Living in an arty community like Destination Irene, we were pleased to find a spot where we could get a little creativity of our own done. Situated between the trees in a barn-like setting, we sat down to enjoy what promised to be a relaxed morning.

After ordering a coffee and then wondering around the already painted creations waiting to be collected for some potential inspiration, we couldn’t wait to get started.

Let the creativity begin…

Our friendly waitress took us over to an array of clay choices in all shapes and sizes for us to pick what we would like to paint. From character creations (my youngest calf chose Batman) to painting your own mug or a tea pot, and everything in-between, we made our selections and began our artwork.

A wide range of paint colours, stencils, stamps and stickers cluttered our table as our creative juices freely flowed. Batman was painted all sorts of colours, made beautiful with many dots and even now sports a heart tattoo on his back! My Africa stencilled plate came out so pretty that I might just send it off to my family in Australia.

After a couple of hours our pottery was looking as gorgeous as we envisaged it to be. I was delighted to see a number of young families and friends arriving eager to put their own creations to work – all of which were fabulous.

Once done, our artworks were taken away to be completed in the kiln. They’ll contact us once it’s ready for collection and then we will proudly display them in the barn.

We finished up just as Bill completed his run. Once he’d had a drink and a hearty breakfast to replenish his energy levels, we herded home happy that we had all gotten to enjoy our morning – although in different ways.

I envisage my barn is going to be adorned with pretty personalised pottery in the near future. (I’ve already booked a ladies paint night for our ‘Girl’s night out’ group!). Now to decide what I’m going to paint next…

Till Next Week,
The Dairy Cow

Valentine’s Date Night at Camdeboo Day Spa

Valentines came a little early for me this year! After a rather hectic month of Januworry with back to school and all, Bill decided to surprise me with a visit to my absolute favourite spot – Camdeboo Day Spa…

After what felt like the longest week ever, I arrived back at the barn on Friday evening to find my Mooother-in-law settled in on my barrel of hay! Before I could moooan in Bill’s ear, he quickly told me that she was there to babysit for the evening as he and I were going out!

I have to say (and let’s keep this between you and me), I wasn’t really feeling it! The thought of having to dress up, but on my big girl heels and herd off for a night on the town wasn’t really on my list of plans. But when Bill mentioned Camdeboo Day Spa and then… Valentines Date Night… well, I was in!

Mooother-in-law assured us that she had the calves sorted – so my valentine and I took a lovely stroll over to African Pride Irene Country Lodge.

Let the pampering begin!

Upon arrival, the lovely Camdeboo Day Spa ladies offered us a refreshing home-made ice tea and the chance to relax in their reception area whilst they got things ready for our treatment. After changing into our gowns, Bill and I were ushered to our treatment room where the next hour of total relaxation dreams came true!

A full body massage has to be the best treat ever – our therapists used Spalicious oil to rub into all our aching muscles with expert techniques and professionalism. It was so relaxing that I think I might have drifted off at one stage! Bill really enjoyed it too, this was evident in his sporadic bursts of snoring and the therapists were very good not to giggle! I suppose they might consider their clients drifting off to lala land a compliment – it certainly confirms their goal of ultimate relaxation.

And the Valentine’s spoils didn’t end there as we were each given a Gold Filigree Gift Box from MatsiMela to take home…

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And, now, to relax!

Once done (with very heavy eyes and loads of yawning!), we herded to the gardens where we were further treated to a snack platter and a bottle of Pongraz. Bill and I chatted about the calves, life on the farm and all the wonderful things we have to be grateful for. It was a fabulously romantic way to spend some time enjoying each other’s company – something we don’t often get to do.

Sipping on Pongraz and gazing at the beautiful setting, I felt the stress of everyday life drift away. We must have sat staring at the stars, and each other, for a long while as when Bill looked at his watch he was surprised to see how late it was! We herded back to the barn, hoof in hoof feeling the love as only true Valentines should.

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If you haven’t already, then do you and your loved one a favour – book the Valentines Date Night at Camdeboo Day Spa. Love yourselves some V-day spoils of your own!

Till Next Week,
The Dairy Cow

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Beautiful Round of Golf!

Bill’s ultimate day out is a walk around the golf course (as it is for many men!). His regular rounds of golf often lead to big business ideas and great networking, so when I politely hinted at the possibility of him reducing his number of games in a month, I got a very negative response!

As it happens just last week the calves were out and about with their friends and Bill, much to my surprise, invited me to tag along to Irene Country Club. He felt that if I experienced the game for myself, I might take his view on it a little more seriously. My golfing knowledge is pretty limited, but Bill insisted that we could use it as time well spent together – “A couple who walks together (in this case around an 18-hole golf course!), stays together!” was his reasoning.

Let the swinging begin

Sporting my newest pair of takkies and making sure my pedometer was set, Bill and I headed over to Irene Country Club for an afternoon of golf. I remembered seeing the club advertised in the latest issue of Destination Irene, so quickly brushed up on my knowledge of it on our way over.

Impressive is an understatement! Not only on arrival did I notice the old-world charm that this country club exudes but the hustle and bustle of all the sport taking place was phenomenal! I’ve travelled up and down Nellmapius Drive often enough to know the course holes adjacent to the road are always occupied but never did I imagine just how busy Irene Country Club is! Cricket, bowls, tennis and squash are great additions to this beautiful golf course and driving range. All teaming with players, young and old, enjoying these first-class facilities.

FORE!

As Bill and I joined his four ball I soon realised that I was going to enjoy this far more than expected. Peaceful, serene, gorgeous and green are some of the adjectives that come to mind when describing my walk around this course. Bill’s interpretation is slightly different – challenging, tricky, competitive and sometimes frustrating if you aren’t hitting the ball straight! We agreed on one aspect, this course is in pristine condition and it quite possibly is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the city.

The four-ball chatter mostly consisted of pars, birdies and even an eagle, all of which made the men very excited. I simply enjoyed the surrounds and time spent watching my Bill do what he enjoys most. Although the odd Kiviet guarding its nest kept me on guard and sometimes deviating through the thick to avoid being pecked, my perception of golf has changed somewhat.

Clocking in at just over 12 000 steps for the day (walking around a golf course is no mean feat), we checked into the 19^th hole. Our day ended on a happy hour note and by the time Bill and I returned to the barn, our herd was patiently awaiting our return.

Needless to say, I’ve told Bill I’ll be his caddy for his next round of golf at Irene Country Club! And he is very pleased…

Till Next Week,
The Dairy Cow

Romancing like a bull!

Being the head of the heard, Bill is often inundated with young bulls wanting to know the secrets to wooing the cows in the fields.

Of course, he loves Destination Irene just as much as I do so we have loads of fun coming up with super romantic ways to ensure the ladies get the treatment they deserve. The impending month of love this year has been no different. Bill asked me to scout the Destination Irene offerings so he has a plan of action for those looking to romance their ladies like a bull!

Valentine’s Promotions

Firstly, African Pride Irene Country Lodge has their Romantic Rendezvous package – perfect for couples wanting a wonderful break away from the norm.  Dreamy superior accommodation, a five-course dinner and breakfast in the Meadow Green Restaurant, a picnic lunch under the oak trees and selected spa treatments with the complimentary use of the day spa aqua facilities – you and your better half will feel loved up to the max. R2 639 per person sharing, per night… who could ask for more?

For the bulls wanting to woo their better half (or potential future better half) with a night of fine dining, African Pride Irene Country Lodge’s Meadow Green Restaurant has the perfect Valentines Dinner offering. At just R595 per person, platted starter options of duck, beetroot three ways and a scrumptious looking salad are just the beginning of this taste sensation extravaganza. Moving on to the buffet main course including soup, a charcutery selection, a live action pasta station and much more, this spread will definitely impress your date. Then a platted desert, because we all deserve something sweet on Valentines, and ending off with a selection of cheese and breads. Pencil it in, 14 February 2018 and book it before it’s too late!

A firm favourite with the ladies (bulls take note!) is the Valentine’s Date Night at Camdeboo Day Spa. Available for the whole month of February (so there’s absolutely no excuse boys!) a Twice as Nice Massage, snack platter, bottle of Pongraz and a Gold Filigree Gift Box is all yours for R2 115 per couple. You can’t go wrong with this fabulous treat!

For those not able to take advantage of the Valentine’s Date Night package (because you were too late to book),don’t forget that Camdeboo Day Spa has a whole bunch of Date Night packages that will definitely make up for it…

 

Last but not least, and a firm Destination Irene favourite, is Irene Farm’s offerings that will make any cow feel most loved.

A romantic outing to the recently refurbished The Deck Restaurant with beautiful views over the farm and a smashing menu to boot is just perfect. A stroll around the farm afterwards is a winner too – like you’ve escaped to the countryside for your own little private Valentine’s celebration.

 

If you haven’t already, then why not book a romantic photoshoot on the farm? The calves and I have often witnessed the most beautiful couple’s photos being taken next to the fields, creating images to keep for a lifetime. We are so blessed to have such a picturesque place in the city.

Bull will be pleased to hear of the variety on offer this month. He has a reputation to maintain – being a mentor is no easy job!

I look forward to hearing all the cows moooing in the fields about their romantic valentines treats and I’ll quietly smile to myself when they cooo about how their bulls came up with the ideas all by themselves!

Till next month,
The Dairy Cow