A couple of weeks ago my husband and I had the pleasure of staying at Blue Gum Country Estate. It was heavenly. We only stayed for one night, but we left feeling rested and renewed. It’s amazing what fresh air and beautiful scenery can do for the soul.

Our perfect country getaway

I can’t remember the last time my husband and I had a little time to ourselves, and when we got the chance to go away for a night, we couldn’t let the opportunity pass us by. Everything was just perfect… the accommodation, the food, the people. Even the weather was on our side.

Blue Gum Country Estate

Blue Gum Country Estate is a slice of paradise nestled in a picturesque valley close to Stanford. Overlooking the leafy banks of the Klein Rivier, the estate is a 130 acre working wine farm and developing vineyard (wines coming soon!), that offers a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle. If it’s peace and tranquillity you’re looking for, Blue Gum Country Estate is absolute perfection.

On arrival, we were welcomed by the sound of rustling leaves of ancient Blue Gum trees and friendly tail wags from Skye, the beautiful resident Border Collie.

Booking in was a breeze and the lovely lady at reception made us feel at home from the get-go. Everyone we encountered at the estate was an absolute delight.

We stayed in a Mountain View Room and let me tell you, it’s gorgeous. We had a standard room, but Blue Gum also offers a double room for families.

Our charming Mountain View Room is decorated in a English-Country style with comfy furniture (including a king size bed!), stunning wooden floors and a daybed that can accommodate two extra people. The lovely en-suite bathroom has both a shower and a bath, and the fully equipped kitchenette includes a gas stove top, microwave, fridge, kettle, and everything else you may need. The room also has a fabulous inside fireplace.

My husband and I prefer self catering when we go away and if there is a braai, it gets two thumbs up. We had a lovely braai and enjoyed our meal by candlelight on the verandah facing the majestic Overberg mountains. Later that night we enjoyed a cup of coffee underneath a blanket of stars. I haven’t seen a dazzling night sky like that in years. Pure bliss.

The next morning, we had a stroll around the estate to soak up the views and to see what more Blue Gum Country Estate has to offer.

Activities include swimming in the sparkling pool, tennis, boules, hiking and even a bit of shopping (the gift shop and deli is amazing!).

Campbells Café serves breakfast and light lunches daily and autumn and winter introduces buffet Sunday roast lunches. Each month also features a ‘Wine of the Month’ with a free wine tasting available at the Blue Gum Bar.

This stunning eatery offers seating inside and outside as well as comfortable sofas to enjoy a warm drink (or a glass of one of the spectacular wines on the menu) and the local newspaper.

The rustic seating outside leads to the curated lawn where one can enjoy a deli picnic whilst soaking up the sun. There you’ll also find a kiddies play area with both a sand pit and jungle gym. Blue Gum Country Estate is super kid and pet friendly and truly a fantastic getaway for both couples and families alike.

The inside of the Café is serene and cosy and it’s there that we enjoyed a fabulous breakfast.

My husband had a warm breakfast and I opted for the continental buffet breakfast (uhm… pastries!).

With full bellies, it was time to hit the road and enjoy the scenic drive back to Cape Town.

We left Blue Gum Country Estate feeling relaxed and refreshed and eager to visit again soon.

Whether you visit Blue Gum Country Estate for a romantic getaway or family holiday (the Villa is spectacular), a sumptuous meal at Campbells Café or to celebrate a special event, I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Thank you for a wonderful stay Blue Gum!

xoxo

Disclosure: Accommodation sponsored by Blue Gum Country Estate.

I got the best Christmas present ever – my husband gave me a tattoo voucher and five weeks ago I got the tattoo that I’ve dreamed of for ages. I still can’t get over how beautiful it is. If you love your tattoos, you know how important it is to treat your art the way it deserves. Tattoo after care is vital.

Treat your art the way it deserves

I am still completely and utterly in love with my tattoo. I love the design and I am so happy that I finally have my dragonfly (it’s for my grandmother who passed a few years ago). I was a bit nervous for this one. I now have ten tattoos in total, but most of them are small and not really ‘in your face’. This one is very visible. To myself and others. I am taking extra good care of this beautiful piece. I want my tattoo to look fresh and vivid for years to come.

Note: Always follow your artist’s guidelines while your tattoo is healing!

Tattoo After Care Skin Moisturiser

The kind people at Tattoo Skincare gave me a voucher to shop on their online store and I got myself a big bottle of Tattoo After Care Skin Moisturiser. They also surprised me with a jar of Sonatur Exfoliator.

Did you know that exfoliating your tattooed skin is an important part of your skincare routine? Regular exfoliation is a key step in ensuring that your tattoo stays looking fresh and vibrant. Note: only exfoliate your skin once your tattoo is completely healed! Gently exfoliating once or twice a week is more than ample. I haven’t tried the exfoliator on my tattooed skin as my tattoo is not 100% healed yet, but I tried it on my face. This is lovely stuff! If you like manual exfoliators, this one is well worth it.

Another vital part of long-term care to keep your healed tattoo looking fabulous… sunscreen. In the words of the Sunscreen Song… ‘If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it’. Showing my age here again, ha-ha.

And now we get to the most important step of caring for your tattoos…

Moisturising your tattooed skin is vital to keep your tattoo looking fresh and vivid. Dry skin = tattoos that look faded and dull. Skin health should always be a priority.

Tattoo After Care Skin Moisturising Cream has been developed to keep your tattoos moisturised and vivid, without putting any harmful chemicals on your skin.

With a unique combination of essential oils and a natural base, the Tattoo After Care Skin Moisturiser range is suitable for normal or sensitive skin and can be used on the face or body and as often as needed. And it’s all natural!

The Tattoo After Care Skin Moisturiser is non-oily, it’s not sticky, it absorbs quickly and it makes a great after sun soothing lotion.

A key ingredient in this lotion is organic rose geranium essential oil. Rose geranium has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which is great for healing.

This truly is a lovely lotion. It’s light, but packs a punch in the moisturising department. It applies smoothly and easily and does not drag the skin. It also absorbs super quickly and it does not leave a film on the skin. It leaves your skin feeling nourished and cared for.

My husband and sister also tried it and agreed with my thoughts. My husband’s words: ‘Wow, it really brings out the tattoo’.

The rose geranium scent can be overwhelming when you apply the lotion. The scent does dissipate after a while leaving a lovely scent on your skin. I don’t mind smelling like a turkish delight :)

I highly recommend Tattoo After Care Skin Moisturiser.

Pop on over to www.tattooskincare.co.za and treat your art the way it deserves.

xoxo

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Author: Charlene