Memo 181: The Mountain Top

To: All

From: Me

Date: April 23, 2015

Subject: Sitting on Table Mountain

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I continue to learn new things about myself everyday. I didn't realize that I was afraid of heights until I was on the aerial cableway on the way to the top of Table Mountain. It is one of the new seven wonders of the world located in Cape Town, South Africa, and noted for it's flat-topped appearance. For the record, Table Mountain is high as shit. Period.

But you can probably see the entire city of Cape Town and half of the Southern Ocean from up there. Legit, the most amazing views that I've ever seen in my life. The pictures don't do it justice. Like, at all.

Again, these travel days were jammed packed with fun and exploratory things to do and comfort was at the forefront of my mind. On this day, I opted out of the Jeffrey Campbell Gladiator Sandals and opted in for a pair by Sam Edelman. 

I say "Gladia-tor", you say "Gladia-tah", Gladia-tor, Gladia-tah....let's call the whole thing off.

Get the Look:

H&M Cargo Jacket - Sold here

Forever 21 Bandeau - Similar here

Burberry Shorts - Similar here

H&M Fringe Crossbody - Sold here or similar here

Sam Edelman Sandals - Similar here

Marni for H&M Bracelets - No Longer Available

Pony Hair Cuff - No Longer Available

Memo 180: The Braai-ght Side of Things

To: All

From: Me

Date: April 17, 2015

Subject: Chaf Pozi and N'em

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No visit to Johannesburg is done right without a proper Braai. We stopped over at Chaf Pozi (on a slow day) in Soweto and got our entire life. Lucky for us, this didn't take hours upon hours. See, you first have to choose your meat (kind of like at a butcher shop) and then they put it on the braai (better known as the barbecue). If it's busy this can take up to 6 hours to get your food. Six. It's worth it though. You just have to plan accordingly.

What's a Braai without the perfect summertime relaxed and casual look. We were doing a lot of touristy things and I wanted to make sure that I was comfortable for the occasion. I lasted the entire day in these Jeffrey Campbell Gladiators (my designated shoes for the week), H&M Seersucker Shorts and Tory Burch Tunic.

And of course the Bo Derek inspired cornrows were the perfect icing to this look. I forgot how low maintenance braids can be. Who doesn't appreciate a get up and go hairstyle. Just pray for my edges. Amen.

The South Africa Travel Clique in front of the Orland Towers. They were used to supply power to the surrounding suburbs and caused a great deal of pollution in Soweto who was not able to actually benefit from the power supplied by the towers. Now the towers are used as a landmark and for bungee jumping.

Get the look:

Tory Burch Tunic - Similar here, here and here

H&M Seersucker Shorts - Similar here and here

Michael Kors Belt Bag - Similar here

Halston Heritage Hobo Bag - Similar here

Jeffrey Campbell Gladiator Sandals - Sold here

ASOS Necklace - No Longer Available

Memo 179: Paris Is Always a Good Idea

To: All

From: Me

Date: April 15, 2015

Subject: The Layover Visit

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11 Hour Layover in Paris? Why not.

Note to self: Check the weather, first. Again, CHECK THE WEATHER. Where I was coming from (Arizona) and where I was going (Johannesburg, South Africa) the weather was perfection featuring sunshine with temps in 70s and 80s. However, my dear sweet Paris was on it's own program with 50 degrees accompanied by temperamental and sporadic gusts of wind. Why Jesus?

Sipping on expresso at La Coincidence

But the show must go on. For the first stop, we went to meet my friend at her beau's restaurants, La Coincidence at 15 Rue Mesnil. Who am I?! I have a friend who with a boo that owns a restaurant in Paris #WhatIsMyLifeAbout.

My friend with the boo who owns the restaurant. I like to capture the more candid moments #ShesProbablyGoingToKillMe 

The next stop was to Colette Paris. I don't shop here, I just dream, wish, hope and pray here. I call it the Urban Outfitters elevated to the 2nd power. I visit Colette to window show and toss pennies into the air and make wishes upon my favorite pieces. 

The Mannequin Parade at Colette

These shoes are for the boys but I can get them in my size #JustSaying

Get The Look:

H&M Cargo Jacket - Sold here

Zara Dress - No Longer Available

Ecote Hat - Similar here

Jeffrey Campbell Gladiator Sandals - Sold here and here

Halston Heritage Bag - Similar here

Necklace - Similar here

Cuffs - Similar here

Memo 178: Camp Conrad - Volume 2

To: All

From: Me

Date: April 2, 2015

Subject: Photo Diary As Told By Instagram

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The saga continues...

Joshua Tree National Park

Alright, alright! I didn't actually sleep in the tents. I only took pictures of them but I did sleep on the RV. #GiveMeCreditForThat #ProudMoment #ImNotAnOutdoorsPerson

Let's count how many times our friend, Jack Daniels, makes an appearance in these photos #NumberOne #WheresJackD

Look #2: Top: ASOS - Sold here | Skirt: ASOS - Sold here | Aztec Cape: H&M - Similar here | Hat: Ecoté - Similar here | Cowboy Boots: Steve Madden - Similar here | Bottle: Jack Daniels 

Our RV won! Not because we organized a dance routine, won the twerk contest, had a clean and organized RV for the entire trip,  discussed world issues or developed business plans. No, we did none of that! We had spirit and heart! We, also, mastered the fine art of catching flying lasagna.  #CanYouSayTheSameForYourRV #YesIJustThrewSoMuchShade #YouWouldntEvenUnderstandIt #ShadeShadeShade #DidYouSeeIt #TwoTimes #WheresJackD

Life is all about making memories. Because I have early onset Alzheimers,  I have to capture all the moments (in different formats) that I can! #FujiInstax #InstantFilm #ImJokingAboutTheAlzheimers #IHope #IJustHaveSelectiveMemory

You're witnessing the Joshua Tree National Park takeover #TheyDidntSeeUsComing #BlackExcellenceInTheMiddleOfTheDesert #TheyWerentReady