I’ve created my first vector set and will hopefully be selling it online in the very near future. There are 28 individual elements and the set will come in ai and eps files as well as individual pngs.

I love waffles, especially for brunch on a Saturday or Sunday. Adding the fruit makes it seem like a little less of a guilty pleasure but for all intents and purposes that’s exactly what it is.

Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
3 eggs
1¾ cups full cream milk
½ cup vegetable oil
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat waffle iron to its hottest setting.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt./li>
3. Beat eggs thoroughly. Whisk in sugar, milk and oil.
4. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients. Whisk gently until combined and no lumps appear. Do not overmix.
5. Spray both surfaces of waffle iron with cooking spray. If you’re allergic like me, then brush melted butter onto both surfaces instead.
6. Using a soup ladle, spoon mixture onto waffle iron. Amounts may vary depending on the size of your waffle maker. Use your initiative, but remember that the mixture will spread and rise. If there is excessive leaking use less batter on subsequent waffles.
7. Cook until the iron’s indicator light goes off, or until no longer steaming. Finished waffles should be golden brown and crispy.
8. Drizzle waffles with syrup and top with sliced banana and halved strawberries. Dust lightly with icing sugar and top with cream or ice-cream.

A few years ago, South Africa was in seriously short supply when it came to online retail spaces. I used to sit and reminisce about the good times, when I lived in England, and everything was a few clicks and less than 24hrs away. Not so much any more, these days it’s a tough choice deciding which companies to buy from. I figured I’d put a list or my favourites together for you, starting of course with Yuppiechef.

Yuppiechef
www.yuppiechef.co.za

Since their humble beginnings back in 2006, Yuppiechef has only continued to grow. They are currently SA’s leading e-commerce store and have quite a few awards under their belts. As mentioned they sell kitchen tools, but they have recently expanded to include selected perishables as well.

They have a serious commitment to quality and service, the products they stock are among the best brands in the world and their dedication to their customers is incredible. I can guarantee that if you buy something from them you’ll very rarely experience any problems. In the event that you do, a quick tweet, email or facebook message and they will do everything possible to make it right.

Delivery usually takes around 24 hours to major city centres and it’s completely FREE no matter how small the product. If you’re already a fan you’ll understand why I’m gushing. If you’re not, well it won’t be long until you sound like me. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.

Superbalist (formerly CityMob)
www.superbalist.com

In their own words: “Superbalist.com expertly curates the world’s finest art, design and style. Members have access to daily features, pop-up shops and seasonal lines, offering a dynamic blend of international and local brands across various categories. The common theme for Superbalist’s product selection is always, good design.”

I can’t lie, when they first started out as CityMob I’ve never had to wait so long for anything in my life. I think it took around 3 months to get some postcards and a cell phone cover. However, I’m happy to say that they did a quick 180 and their service is now among the best in the country. They also have an epically large range of some of the best products available around world, plus they’re always finding new stuff to add to their growing collection. If you like great design – whether it’s for your house, your office or some threads to adorn your body – take a look, I’m pretty darn sure you won’t be disappointed.

Nevada Furniture
www.nevadafurniture.co.za

If you’ve been hankering after your very own Ikea furniture then look no further. Nevada Furniture imports brand new Ikea products directly to South Africa. They do this by collecting orders from customers, after which they import the products directly to South Africa once a month by the container load.

Macnificent
www.macnificent.co.za

This one pretty much does what it says on the tin. If you’re looking for anything to do with a Apple or anything that works in conjunction with your Apple then this is the place for you. I’ve only bought a few things from them – because let’s be honest, Apple products ain’t cheap – but I’ve found their delivery times pretty respectable and their products have never given me any issues. All in all not a bad place to buy from if you’re lazy like me and want things delivered to your door instead of having to venture out to buy them.

I haven’t tried any of the places listed below personally, but I’ve only heard good things so I figured they were worth sharing too.

The Lot
www.ilovethelot.com

THE LOT is a contemporary SA fashion retailer that scours the globe to bring you the coolest fresh & vintage fashion, accessories & lifestyle products. They also have some actual stores scattered around Cape Town for those of you in the Western Cape, aren’t you lucky?

Stylemologyza.stylemology.com

Spree
www.spree.co.za

Spree is an online shop where you can buy designer fashion selected and styled by your favourite magazines. They have Free Delivery to all major city centres within SA.

Hello Pretty / Hello Man
www.hellopretty.co.za / www.helloman.co.za

Hello Pretty and Hello Man offer up all sorts of goodies for both women and men, from clothing to décor items and everything in between. Everything is made in South Africa by a vast collection of designers, so go on and get shopping, your country thanks you.

There is always and awesome vibe at the Café and last night was no different. What more can you ask for when you have gorgeous clothing, yummy food and coffee, Ice Tea by Tea Hunters as well as live music. I’ve seen Tyler from Big Red Photography around but I had no idea he could sing like that.

If you missed out last night, or you can’t make it to any of the I Hearts, then you can always buy directly via the Jane Sews online shop.

Social Stuff
Twitter – @Jane_Sews / @TheFactoryCafe
Facebook – janesews / thefactorycafe