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Paint and Sip: Unlock Your Creativity With This Unique Art Experience in Cape Town
Looking for a unique art experience in Cape Town?
Look no further! We found the perfect paint and sip activity to do in Cape Town and the best part, the venue changes from time to time, so you get to explore more of Cape Town and its beautiful surroundings.
And no, you don’t have to have any prior art or drawing experience! That is the best part.
You have the freedom to paint whatever inspires you, or whatever you decide on the day. It is sometimes better to pre plan your idea, so that you have an image in mind of what you are going to paint before arriving at the venue.
Also, saves you time from umming and ahhing about what you should do on the day.
In this blog post we talk about a unique art experience hosted by two lovely ladies, Eike and Carryn.
What is Paint and Sip About
Pret En Skep roughly translates to fun and create. Add some wine and friends in there, that sounds like the perfect mix.
Immerse yourself in a relaxation art experience surrounded by various venues, including wine farms in Cape Town to smaller Cafes and even markets.
We found out about Pret En Skep from a friend of ours, who booked this paint and sip for our birthday in 2022. Having never done something like this before, we were excited but also a little nervous about being the perfect “artists”.
Anyone can join, no matter your art skills. It’s all about having fun and finding your creativity through art, with a glass of wine. Get your creative juices flowing with a group of friends, solo “me time” or celebrating a special occasion.
All the art tools are supplied on the day, you just need to show up and get painting.
Who Are The Faces Behind Pret En Skep
The lovely founders of Pret En Skep are Eike and Carryn!
Pret En Skep are two best friends: one, a talented artist with a passion for creating, and the other, a people-loving networker.
Their venture began from a shared desire to combine art and social connections in a sip and paint side hustle.
The inception of Pret En Skep took shape when Eike expressed her dream of opening an art school, choosing a path dedicated to the arts over her full-time role as a qualified engineer.
In addition, Carryn saw an opportunity to infuse creativity with networking, bridging the gap between art and social connections. Together, their passions converged to give rise to the vibrant concept of Pret En Skep (fun and create).
What To Expect During Your Art Experience
A relaxing 2 hours spent with friends, colleagues or going solo.
Depending on the location, there will be a table set up with all the art equipment that you require to produce Picasso like work. If you are at an event located on a wine farm, of course wine will be included and a few snacks. Carryn and Eike will always let you know on their Instagram posts what is included in the pricing.
Try to think of potential ideas that you would like to paint before the time. This will save you lots of time finding ideas on the day. There are plenty of paint colours and brushes to choose from, so you won’t have any issue if you are planning on painting something unique.
If you are stuck on what you want to paint or what you had in mind, artist Eike will be able to step in and give you some guidance on designs, colours and shapes etc. Not being arty, it does take some time to get those creative juices flowing. And you will be surprised what you can design once those art creative juices do start to flow.
Why Do The Venues Change
Explore more of Cape Town, why not!
Everyone is always looking for new activities to participate in and around Cape Town. It is lovely to see all the different wine farms, as there are so many throughout South Africa. Another thing, it’s overwhelming to know where to even start or which wine farms are best suited for you.
All the art experience details are included on their Instagram posts, so follow their page to keep up to date with any new paint and sip sessions happening in Cape Town.
How To Find Out More About This Art Experience
The art sessions that we attend, we will always share on our page. Since Eike and Carryn are the owners of Pret En Skep, it would be best to contact them directly if you have any questions about their events.
Where and How To Book Your Sip and Paint
Are you keen to get creative?
Let us know if you would be interested in attending their first event for 2024! Their first paint and sip event “Love Yours” will be taking place on Sunday 25 February 2024 at 13:00 at Hartenberg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
Head over to their Instagram page Pret En Skep where you will find pricing and you can book using the link in their bio.
**Limited spots available
Get booking
Book using this link below or via Pret En Skep’s Instagram page.
Make 2024 your year to get creative and participate in unique art experiences like this!
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21 Coffee Shops in Cape Town to Work Remotely, to Escape Load Shedding
Cape Town – beautiful beaches, amazing weather and coffee shops/cafe’s popping up all over. We’re not complaining!
So can you imagine not drinking coffee? Well, that was Lauren in her early days, before I changed her, or should we say Stockholm changed her…
This was when her coffee relationship began & I will be forever grateful for this, because I now have a coffee drinking sister friend! Going for fika is an everyday thing, where we would find ourselves searching for decent coffee shops in cute towns out of the city. Coffee and cinnamon buns (kanelbulle) from Gateau, Sweden became our new favourite weekend hangout spot, until we returned back to Cape Town.
We love trying out the newest and smallest cafes to support local and small and of course rate their coffee deliciousness.
One way to deal with load shedding in Cape Town is that you have the excuse to leave home in search of a good internet (coffee spot) to work from. We love taking a break from remote working and find we are more creative when working from a coffee shop. Is it the caffeine booster?
If you follow us on Instagram (@offtwowander), you’ll see that we love coffee shop hopping during the week for a remote working spot and on weekends, just to have a coffee and chill.
We’re all about living sustainably and our Huskee coffee cups go with EVERYWHERE.
You can purchase your Huskee coffee cup online on our E-commerce website.
Side note: Remember these Huskee coffee cups for a gift or end of year present for colleagues who are coffee lovers.
“Welcome to the little Paris of Cape Town, CBD. They are located on the corner of Buitenkant and Barrack Street, with lovely lighting and space for remote working.”
Love road trips & coffee? Check out our Shark Bay travel blog where we recently stayed for our birthday weekend. Another alternative, a staycation in Franschhoek, where you can have the best of wine and coffee.
Remote Working Coffee Shops in Cape Town
4 Conference Lane, Century City
Our parents always rave about Gusto Restaurant and we would joke that they have shares in the restaurant, because they are always there – we don’t blame them though! It’s stunning.
We love the fact that the modern design and large windows allow guests to look out onto the islands and waterways (this was the old Ratanga Junction, so lots of good memories popped up while looking out).
The ground floor of the hotel welcomes guests with different seating arrangements for guests to relax, work or dine in.
Gusto restaurant and the Bridgewater Hotel flow into one and create a large area for guests to dine – the evenings get busy!
The stylish Italian themed restaurant has the yummiest wood-fired pizzas, is a great place for you to work remotely and have catch ups with friends after work – which is what we did. We sat in the alcove space overlooking the waterways to finish off some work and invited friends to join us for dinner. The vibe is relaxed, but also sophisticated and a cute date night spot.
Perfect for a post walk brunch, lunch or dress up for a dinner date.
PS: Gusto gives 2 hour complimentary P4 underground parking.
No. 3 Energy Lane, Century City
“Right hand raised, we solemnly swear that starting one’s day with a respectable cup of coffee is the doorway to a happier life.”
Yes, Square Cafe, you got that right!
The Square Cafe have both a deli and cafe section, giving guests plenty of options to choose from, and thankfully includes Vida E coffee. The deli serves freshly baked breads, pastries, pies and salads. The harvest lunch menu has recently opened up again and has a variety of delicious home cooked meals for your lunch options.
Located on the ground floor on the Century City Hotel Urban Square, the interior design team outdid themselves with the classy design and included workstations to the open space. The mushroom pasta and fried hake are dinner winners.
This is the perfect spot to work remotely, book a night or two and dine into the evening – nothing to complain about here.
PS: Check out their Instagram to see their weekly drinks specials.
1 Keurboom Crescent, Plattekloof, Cape Town (NEW address: Soet Emporium, Wellington Road, Durbanville)
Looking for somewhere to work remotely? We found a cute cafe with a generator and wifi, tick!
Beano Coffee Co is a newly opened coffee shop in Plattekloof with white interior decor and big windows creating lots of natural lighting. The staff make you feel at home while they serve delicious coffee. They have a basic food menu and the WiFi is great.
Beano is based in a central location, not too far from the highway and very close to walking areas for post work walks. The Plattekloof duck pond is a lovely green space for walking and has beautiful views of Table Mountain.
Side note: Another Beano will be opening up in November at the Plattekloof Planet Fitness. Keep an eye out on their Instagram to see the opening date!
Shop 25, Plattekloof Village Shopping Centre
Well done to Sweet Beet for creating a healthy food menu and collabing with vida e caffe. The ‘build your own wrap’ is a real winner! Can we have this every day?
We were looking for a spot with clean, healthy food and decent coffee and Sweetbeet ticked all these boxes.
There is secure parking, delicious, healthy food and they also have decaf – coffee on tap please..
Shop 42, Willowbridge Shopping Centre
Willowbridge Shopping Centre is also centrally located, not too far from the N1 highway. If you’re looking for a meeting spot or a break of scenery, then we would highly suggest getting a healthy meal and vida e caffe from Sweetbeet.
There are powerpoints, very good wifi and they have a pay up front & sit down policy.
23 Bakker St, Welgemoed
Alchemy Coffee Roasters is located in the leafy suburb of Welgemoed. They are open during load shedding, have a generator and the Wifi is great! Alchemy loves having remote workers pop in for a work session. Their coffee is delicious and they have such lovely staff.
Alchemy focus on roasting single origin coffee beans to a roasting profile which brings out and highlights its natural flavours.
Great news! They have recently expanded and will now be offering breakfast and lunch with their new kitchen and bigger space.
Pampoenkraal Ln, Durbanville
A freshly baked sourdough bread, with designs on them, and butter. Yummy! These breads are freshly made from Thursday – Saturday on a first come, first serve basis.
*Closed on Sunday’s.
BAARD & Co.Coffee Roasters is a boutique artisan coffee shop, micro roastery and a really cute spot for a meetup. Being a small, cozy spot, keep in mind to not sit all day & take up tables for hours at a time. Sharing is caring! 😉
They are currently working on their website, where you will be able to order items online! Exciting times ahead for the Baard team.
Flamingo Square Centre, Table View
Look out for the green. When driving past the Table View branch, you can’t miss the abundance of greenery in the outside section of Reload. This is inspired by the owner who has a background in environmental science and adds to the atmosphere of the restaurant.
They serve delicious wood-fired pizzas, coffee in the biggest mugs and promote remote working.
14 Leadville Way Leadville Park, Sunningdale
Coffee, food and dogs. Sounds ideal for a serotonin booster. Reload Sunningdale is located at Leadville Dog Park in Sunningdale and also promotes remote working. Just like their Flamingo branch, they have lots of plants hanging, creating a relaxing space for guests.
Reload’s delicious coffee is sourced from Malawi and roasted in a micro-roastery in Cape Town.
Fun fact: The founder & owner is a professional barista and trains Reload barista’s.
Shop 4, Mira Mar Centre, 26 Beach Rd, Melkbosstrand
For those who know us, we love everything about Melkbos and are there almost every weekend. We support most of the restaurants in the small beach town and found The Hart on the front strip.
The drive from Cape Town is worth it when you’re sitting having a meal or drinks, while staring at the ocean. From Wednesday to Sunday, The Hart is open until 8:30pm (3pm on other days) and serves delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Follow them on social media to keep up with their latest specials.
1 Fairway Drive Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, Melkbosstrand
We found out about Milkwood Deli while visiting The Hart – they are sister companies and we liked what we saw on Milkwood Deli social media, so we had to of course try them out.
Milkwood Deli is located on the Atlantic Golf Course and in the Atlantic Golf Estate, making you feel as if you’re in another world and only a two minute drive from the heart of Melkbosstrand.
The salmon wrap was a winner for me, so I have that each time we go, they have work stations and delicious 100% Arabica coffee. Although the deli closes at 5pm, they support remote working and don’t mind you sitting at the work stations. The Sunbird Restaurant & Bar is upstairs for you to have dinner and drinks after work. The views are beautiful!
Side note: If you wanting to have a home-cooked meal and not up for cooking, Milkwood Deli has home-made meal options made to order. Check out their social media to find out more.
13 York Rd, Muizenberg
Not too long ago, we did a planned beach clean up at Muizenberg on a Saturday morning and needed to refuel afterwards. We took a stroll past the coffee shops/cafes along the Surfers Corner strip and ended up at Hans and Lloyd – loved the vibe, so headed inside!
The cozy couch by the fireplace was what we eyed out as we walked into Hans and Lloyd Muizenberg.
They serve healthy, fresh meals and delicious house blend coffee. Great for a post surf coffee or brunch date with friends.
Their ice creams – they sell large soft serve ice creams which seems like a winner for many.
28 Kildare Rd, Newlands
Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Newlands, you’ll find Hans and Lloyd and other restaurants close by.
They have a lovely outdoor section at the back, with a fireplace for the chillier days.
Be sure to check it out!
42 Morningside St, Ndabeni
Looking for something sweet to go with your coffee? Look no further! Hog House sells the yummiest Pastei de Nata’s and we always end up taking extra’s home.
The space is light and bright, with friendly staff and all the great smells coming from the bakery. They have a variety of good food to enjoy whether it be alone or a meet up. There are plug points in certain seats and they have great wifi. Hog House has a generator, which allows for certain items to be made. Make sure to check the load shedding schedule before visiting to avoid disappointment.
So what makes this spot even better, is that they are a craft brewery and have Friday night Barbeque’s (make sure to book in advance).
Cafe / work spot during the day and beers by night – why not?
Have a zoom call or meeting? Hog House has a meeting room which you can book out. Contact them on social media to see the costing.
278 Main Rd, Kenilworth
Fresh produce from the farm to Wildsprout. If you’re looking for healthy, fresh meals and a cute spot to work remotely or a lunch date, this is the place.
Wilsprout have both a cafe and grocery store, where you can enjoy a wholesome meal or buy your daily groceries from – no need to head to the shops afterwards. They also have an online store for you to buy your groceries – check it out here.
The grocery store supplies ready made meals, pantry staples and stock homeware and lifestyle items from local, small businesses.
If you have any allergies, they have this covered with gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, vegan and banting options on their menu.
Wildspout Kenilworth has an inverter, which allows for certain items to be made. Make sure to check the load shedding schedule before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Shop 1, Constantia Village Courtyard, Constantia
If you’re looking for a remote working spot or needing a wholesome meal, head to Wildsprout Constantia. There is a large variety of meals to choose from, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and ending it off with a guilt free sweet snack. You deserve it!
Wildsprout Constantia is fully operational during load shedding as they have a generator.
Remember to be mindful of taking up big tables during busy periods and remember to tip staff according to the time that you are there, not just the 5% of your bill…
For those who are looking for a unique farm stay outside of Cape Town, Wildsprout have authentic self catering country cottages located in Wellington, known as BoPlaas.
277 Main Rd, Sea Point
Pauline’s is an intimate coffee bar with the friendliest staff and Bougainvillea plants in their outside section to welcome you.
They have the best kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) we’ve tasted (beats some of the Swedish cafe’s we’ve been to..). We would highly suggest trying these out – they will make you come back for more each week…
Pauline’s are open during load shedding, but keep in mind them being an intimate coffee shop & not taking a large table the whole time during their busiest hours.
136 Bree St, Cape Town City
We love a large coffee mug! These ceramic mugs were the reason we visited The Ladder and made the coffee experience even better. Surely we aren’t the only ones like this??
The Ladder is located in Bree Street and very aesthetically pleasing for your Instagram photoshoots 🙂
A lovely spot to have a break during the day or meet up with friends or family.
Corner Buitenkant and Barrack St
Bonjour! This is how you’re greeted by Swan Cafe staff as you enter the cafe.
Welcome to the little Paris of Cape Town, CBD. They are located on the corner of Buitenkant and Barrack Street, with lovely lighting and space for remote working. They have a generator and are fully functional during load shedding.
Swan Cafe serves Damn Fine Coffee, which is hand sourced from a local micro artisanal roaster.
PS: Most importantly, don’t forget to try out their yummy crepes!
Cnr Upper Maynard and 221 Vredehoek Ave, Vredehoek
We love exploring and always jump into the car with a coffee shop/ cafe in mind (that’s one of the reasons we decided on our name, Off two wander).
Our dad grew up close to Lazari’s, when it was a laundromat back in the day, which encouraged us to support the small restaurant.
We chose the couch spot in the corner, where the large glass windows allow all the natural lighting in and showcase the stunning mountain views.
It is a cute cafe, with some space to work, but keep in mind those who are coming to enjoy their time at the restaurant.
We love the vibe at Lazari & the fact that the owner is very hands on and also so lovely to chat to! Being dog friendly makes it even cuter ;P
85A Regent Rd, Sea Point
mischu is a quaint cafe located in Regent Road, Sea Point, perfect location to escape the office and change scenery.
Their coffee blend, Isabella, is a medium roast & won titles for mischu, including Best Espresso & Cappuccino in Cape Town and Best Cappuccino in South Africa.
They are open during load shedding, with the kitchen being partially closed. Just make sure to check load shedding times to plan your coffee & lunch order before the power goes out.
There are large windows to allow in natural lighting, adding to the ambiance of the cafe.
mischu sells wholesale coffee, has an online shop and sells their own blend in capsules for you to make in the comfort of your own home.
Bootleggers: More Remote Work Coffee Shops
We all know the brand Bootleggers, so we decided to include the locations in Cape Town surrounds which have generators.
Bootleggers in Cape Town with generators:
• Point Mall
• Green Point (limited)
• Cape Quarter
• Harrington
• Woodstock Quarter
• 112 Kloof
• Kenilworth
• Tokai (limited)
Inspiring you to make your travel dreams happen!
Why These Coffee Shops Are Best For Remote Working
We always look for the following to tick off when choosing our cafe to work at.
- Generator: to make coffee, food and wifi for remote working. For the few with no generator, plan your choice according to the load shedding grids.
- Plug point: to charge up our laptops and phones
- Wifi: fast wifi is a winner
- Delicious coffee: with alternative milk options (we love oat milk)
- Bathroom: nearby bathroom is great so you don’t have to stress about leaving your items behind. Having a remote working buddy or someone to sit with helps.
Save Our Coffee Shop Map
Share/save this map for when the day comes where you need a remote working coffee shop to escape load shedding.
The coffee shop options listed are in the Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs and Cape Town CBD.
Tips When Working At Remote Coffee Shops
We’re all for remote working and supporting these coffee shops, but remember to be kind to the staff and actually support them.. If you are planning on working for a long period, please keep in mind the table turnover if you weren’t sitting there the whole day. The staff also need to wait tables to make money, just like you are making money while sitting on your laptop.
Be generous on your tip and not just a small % of your bill – think about if you hired a remote work space and how much you would be charged for sitting all day 🙂
Are you fortunate to work remotely / have flexibility during your work day? Save these locations and check out these coffee shops soon!
Remember to take time out of your day to have fika.
Tag us on social media to let us know where you’re at or comment below which coffee shop you visited first!
We’d love for you to share the love by sharing this blog post on social media platforms to reach others who may be looking for their remote working coffee shop.
Julia x
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15 Relaxation Techniques To Help You De-stress
Try Out My Relaxation Techniques for Stress and Anxiety
Last year I was asked what I do to relax and replied by saying that I go to the beach. All weekend. Yes, fair enough, but this question made me think about what more I can do to thank my body, and focus more on my health – just going to the beach is not going to cut it. I started thinking about what relaxation techniques can work with my body and how each of these techniques can play such an important role in my overall health improvement.
Relaxation techniques and exercises can help you reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and even boost your immune system. We just need to take the time from our busy lives to find out which techniques work best for us.
So I’ve decided to continue last years resolutions into 2023, by continuing to do more to look after my heath. By being mindful of my body’s functions, or lack thereof, I’m going to be implementing these 15 relaxation techniques into my every day/monthly routine, even if it’s the smallest de-stress technique, collectively, they may make the biggest positive impact on my overall health.
These are my 15 relaxation techniques that help me de-stress and relax my mind and body.
Benefits Of Using Relaxation Techniques for Stress and Anxiety
1.) Body Stress Release
Here’s to trying new things!
Body Stress Release is something very new to me, as I have only been for 2 sessions, and have already booked my next appointment!
It isn’t for everyone, which I completely understand. Some may say it feels like you are being tickled or poked and a massage would be preferable. But the point of BSR is to not massage, but for a very gentle hands on technique.
My BSR practitioner, Ingeborg, activates the body to release stress by applying light and firm pressure to key areas on the body, stimulating the nervous system and body’s self healing response.
For those remote workers who are sitting in front of a computer all day and struggle with headaches and body pain, I’d highly recommend going for at least 3 sessions to see if this helps you.
This form of self-care will make you feel so relaxed afterwards, trust me 🙂
2.) Pedicure
Life Day Spa, I am coming for you 🙂
Lauren and I have been going to the Life Day Spa for many years, but mainly for massages (the 60 minute Swedish Massage is a must). Recently we have decided to go there for our pedicures and love all the colour options, as well as the therapists.
The pedicure room is a more private room, which can accommodate 4 people and is away from the reception and massage rooms.
Gentle calming music is played in the background and one hopes for the best that the other clients have earphones in and aren’t open to chatting 😉
Pedi on repeat with Vanessa and Ashleigh!
3.) Facial
Dermalogica is my new best friend!
Over the years, we have tried many face products and have never been 100% happy with any of them.
I asked my previous therapist advice and tips on the product lines and she couldn’t tell me… and I get why. Some stockists stock hundreds of items, how is it possible to know each product in detail?
So, I decided to find a face product where there is a physical shop and a place which is dedicated entirely to one brand. I also listened to a podcast on Spotify that featured the founder of Dermalogica, Jane Wurwand, and was highly intrigued to know more about her and her product line.
That is when I found Dermalogica.
The Tygervalley store is my go to place and I’ve been booking monthly facials with our lovely Kelly. I love this relaxation technique & my skin loves it too! Glowing skin afterwards is a win.
There’s a variety of facial options to choose from and we love that Kelly customises our treatment according to our skin type and budget. Not everyone has the same skin type and money in the bank at the end of the month
For example, Lauren and I don’t use the same facial products and have different treatments, as our skin types aren’t the same and have different concerns. 4.) Candles
There is something about the scent & ambiance candles give, that is so calming for me.
Whenever I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I light my candles, put my feet up and go into complete relaxation mode. This is one of my all time favourite ways to de-stress and you’ll often find me reading a book with my candle flame dancing in the breeze.
Candles became a big part of my afternoon routine while living in Sweden, as it lifted the mood during the darker winter months. My favourite scent of all times in the Rose Essential Oil.
Another plus, there is nothing better than walking into someone’s home where they have lovely scented candles on display and it freshens up the entire space.
Fun Fact: I know how to make candles and have all the ingredients at home 😀
5.) Walk breaks during work
(to the park)Working 8 hours a day in my new corporate role is something I took some time to adjust into and realized the hard way that I needed to move more frequently and find out what worked better for my body.
With my previous role in the classroom, I had plenty running around here and there (my fellow teacher friends will understand and have chuckle at this). I could stand and walk around the classroom and school all day, whereas my current role has completely changed to sitting on my computer most of the day.
After listening to my body not enjoy sitting all day, I decided to move more and get the blood flowing through my muscles.
Walking to the park opposite my office block works wonders for me to de stress, create a calm setting and go back to work feeling refreshed.
I am one for being outdoors and in nature and love adding to my step count by going to the park. My colleagues call it ‘Julia’s Park’ when I disappear on my daily walks
Not only am I getting my steps in, studies show that taking a brisk walk outdoors reduces blood pressure and improves your mood. If I don’t get up and move, I feel my body needing to be outside and breathing in the fresh ocean air.
6.) Beach walks
Melkbos here I come!
Wildlife, travel and nature are our three pillars in our travel blog, as you will find me at the beach nearly every weekend, even in the winter.
Putting my feet in the sand is very therapeutic and definitely grounds me. Anyone else feel like this?
When the weather is on the hotter side, I also like having an icy ocean dip, and studies show it’s very good for your overall health too. The icy feeling goes away after some time, but it’s totally worth it afterwards. You’ll understand this once you try it
7.) Less screen time
We don’t need to be on our phones 24/7.
It’s actually crazy how much time we spend staring at technology – whether it be a laptop, tv or cellphone.
Load shedding has helped with me having less screen time. No power, means minimal cell service, which is probably the one positive with load shedding.
I think we should take a moment to think about how much time we spend on technology each day and make a few changes going forward.
Load shedding makes us get off the couch every time the power goes out and made us become more creative when looking for a remote work places in Cape Town.
Posture and devices. Sitting for such long hours on mobile devices effects your posture and creates unwanted neck and back pain. Be mindful at how your neck is angled down while working on a device and if you’re sitting incorrectly at your desk.
After going to physio for neck and back spasms, the physio showed me the importance of posture on a day to day basis.
Remember to sit in a comfortable work chair, raised screen, correct arm posture and both feet flat on the floor (not up on the chair and you sitting on your leg – guilty) and your screen at eye level.
These small changes can make a world of a difference!
8.) Cuddle a dog
I don’t have pets, but can I hug yours?
Asking in advance, if you have a pet, I might be hugging it.
Being at the beach or in nature, we’re always waiting for the Golden Retrievers to come up to us for cuddles! We used to have our own Golden, Storm, who was an absolute pleasure. She would go with us everywhere, loved the beach, coffee shops and humans coming up to her.
She had such a calming nature and knew when it was the right time to come waddling in for some attention. We unfortunately had to say goodbye to her in Jan 2021, so for now, we’ll be taking all the cuddles from your dog
9.) Yoga
Another new relaxation technique added to my list.
I was never one for doing yoga, but recently learnt about the benefits it can have on one’s body and now I am ready for scheduling in those yoga sessions!
A few benefits of yoga:
- Improved strength and toning
- Improved flexibility
- Improved muscle pain
- Calming
- Improved metabolism
- Improved sleep patterns
10.) Horse riding
Thanks to our cousin who started a horse riding school, Mzansi Equestrian, in Tokai. The Instagram page is @mzansi_equestrian for those who are keen to try out something new.
It is so therapeutic riding on horseback through the Tokai Forest in an intimate group setting. The freshness of the forest air, the motion of being on horseback and the views are just so spectacular.
I am totally going to be making this a regular part of my relaxation techniques. Just need to remind myself to take antihistamines 😉
If you’d like to join us, let us know!
11.) Gym
Let’s goooo!
New gym contract, who this! I actually cancelled my gym contract before I was meant to leave for Sweden… Alas, I got over my sadness, reopened my account and ready to hit the gym.
So good to get the blood flowing through the body and get those muscles moving. Many times I have gone to the gym after a hectic work day and end up feeling so much better afterwards. Get those endorphins going!
I really enjoy walking on an incline on the treadmill for 30 minutes and head to the studio to do some weights too. A bit late for the summer body, but we will try again for next summer – OR Europe summer 2023 in 6 months time!
12.) Journal
Writing down how I feel at the end of every day and what I’m grateful for, puts my life into perspective and for me to see how far I’ve come. For example, I journaled and manifested getting my current role and I am now working in it. So every time I have a hiccup or struggle with something at work, I can read back to when I dreamed I was working in this role and somewhat makes me forget about the small things. Has this happened to you as well??
Going back to candles, writing in your journal by candle light, is one of the most therapeutic things you can do for yourself. If you struggle to sleep at night, this can help you clear your mind of everything and relax your brain to hopefully have a well rested night.
13.) Breath work
The importance of breathing. And not just breathing like most people do. Take deep breathes every day where you breathe in through your nose, get the air into your lungs, expand your lungs and breathe out through your mouth.
During my Body Stress Release sessions, I have learnt the importance and benefits of breath work.
14.) Road trips
Something we love doing! And do it so often 🙂
It doesn’t have to be a road trip to Johannesburg, it can be a mini road trip to Melkbosstrand. We often travel this route over the weekends and will one day be living in Melkbos (manifesting again!), but for now it will be a part of our weekend relaxation techniques.
Franschhoek is another one of our go to road trip destinations. If you are looking for accommodation in Franschhoek, these are our suggestions.
Good music, hitting the road & coffee stop = best
15.) Read my book 📖
I have become a bookstore. I love buying new books from Exclusive Books and enjoy diving into them over the weekend.
My latest read was Children of Sugarcane and I loved finishing it over the summer break. I have already forced a friend to read it, because it was just so good! Have any recommendations for my next read?
Have you ever read a book while sitting in a hammock? Now that’s relaxing. I have a hammock in the garden which is one of my reading spots. Reading calms my mind, makes me super relaxed and I hone in on the lives of the characters. Majority of the time, I tend to have a little nap after reading a few chapters
Find Relaxation Techniques That Work For You
Of course I would love a vacation 4 times a year to de-stress on a tropical island for a month at a time, but let’s be real here.
That isn’t real life. Or could it be… goals!
On a daily/monthly basis, try out the relaxing techniques you’re interested in and see how this helps your body.
I’d love to know which one of these 15 relaxation techniques you are going to try out and how you feel afterwards, whether it be a complete mood change, less anxiety, feeling healthier or any other changes you’re feeling.
Julia x
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Your New Favourite Coffee Accessory Must Have
That first sip of coffee hitting all the right spots first thing in the morning. We all know the feeling of a good warm coffee and going “aaaaah”, and then your day can commence 🙂
If you saying, “yes me” then this coffee accessory is definitely for you.
Your New Favourite Coffee Accessory Must Have
New product, so get your Christmas orders in!
We have been working on our product range for some time now and can finally say, hello Huskee! Huskee coffee cups are available to purchase on our E-commerce website and we offer both local and national delivery options. PS: Christmas is around the corner!
Our website and travel blog is a space where we want to promote and sell products that align with us, our goals and ambitions.
The reason that we decided to make this coffee cup accessory our first item to be sold on our website, is because we just love a good coffee. But so often you stop for a quick coffee and end up using so many takeaway coffee cups over a short period of time.
Yes, we know that take-away coffee cups have become more eco-friendly and recyclable, however, there are some elements of the cup that cannot be broken down – for example the plastic lids and the little lid stopper to not make you mess your coffee all over the show.
Going back to our exciting product, this is the perfect gift for any coffee lover. Christmas, birthdays, random gifts just because. Also, running late for work, pour your coffee in your Huskee Cup and hit the traffic, especially those who live in Cape Town…
Our Coffee Story
Lauren never used to be a coffee drinker and would be the boring one, always choosing the tea option.
When Covid-19 lockdowns were in place, the only outing you could go on, was to go for a takeaway coffee, and this is when she got hooked!
One positive that came out of Covid..
Natural and Eco-Friendly
Lauren and I have always been at one with nature and try to be eco-conscious individuals. This was ever since we traveled to Bali in 2016 and snorkled amongst a sea of plastic. This was not fun having plastic bags wrap around your legs, thinking the worst – is it a shark or animal attacking me!? I already have the heebie jeebies about things touching me in a body of water that I can’t see through, but this just topped it off.
We came back home to Cape Town and made a conscious effort to be better.
Our aim for our travel blog is to base them around our three pillars: wildlife, travel and nature
But Why This Coffee Accessory You May Ask
Lauren and I lived in Sweden in 2019 and revolved our weekend trips around our favourite coffee spot, Espresso House.
The perfect cozy spot to read a book, get a takeaway coffee or sit having fika with a friend. We love the word fika and it has now formed part of our vocabulary. (as well as skal – cheers).
“Fika means to take time to relax and enjoy the moment alone or with a friend. It’s a big thing in Swedish culture.”
These cups have a special memory in our hearts. Before returning home, I bought 2 mugs as souvenirs for the both of us. They are a must have accessory and go all over with us – most of you know we are often adventuring all over and stopping at cute cafes along the way. We received compliments about our coffee cups and that’s where our product idea sparked.
6 Reasons Why You Need Huskee Cups in Your Life - They are eco friendly
- Made from coffee husk
- Minimises the need for takeaway cups
- Supporting small businesses
- Great end of year / Christmas gift to your coffee lover friends and family
- Looks sophisticated
Sophisticated Eco Mug + Your Favourite Coffee inside = Winning
We have two size options:
1.) Short 235ml
2.) Tall 350ml
Both of these Huskee cups come in natural and charcoal colours.
Head to our products to purchase your Huskee coffee cup online. Remember to tag us on your social media pages! @offtwowander
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Huskee Coffee Cups
Coffee Cup lovers, this is for you. If you haven’t heard about the Huskee Coffee Cups, here’s the lowdown. The word “Fika” became part of our vocabulary while living in Sweden and we decided to bring the trend back home.
These cups have a special memory in our hearts. Before returning home, Julia bought 2 mugs as souvenirs for the both of us. They are a must have accessory and go all over with us – most of you know we are often adventuring all over and stopping at cute cafes along the way. We received compliments about our coffee cups and that’s where our product idea sparked.
You can read all about our favourite coffee accessory and where our idea originated from in this blog post.
What is Huskee Coffee Cup made from?They are primarily made from the recycled husks of coffee beans & a unique eco biopolymer (eco friendly & biodegradable, resembling plastic visually, but actually biodegradable). This husk by-product would usually be discarded by growers.
Huskee Coffee Cups in South AfricaYes! We deliver throughout South Africa. You can purchase your Huskee Coffee Cups from our online shop www.offtwowander.com
6 Reasons Why You Need Huskee Cups in Your Life– They are eco friendly
– Made from coffee husk
– Minimises the need for takeaway cups
– Supporting small businesses
– Perfect gift to your coffee lover friends and family
– Looks sophisticatedFind out more about @offtwowander on our Instagram page, and we will show you all of our favourite coffee spots. There are quite a few cute spots in and around Cape Town 🙂
For example, Lauren and I don’t use the same facial products and have different treatments, as our skin types aren’t the same and have different concerns. 
(to the park)
