KIM GRAY, BLOGGER & FOUNDER KIM GRAY, IN CAPE TOWN
Kim Gray is the author of the acclaimed Kim Gray Beauty, Decor, Fashion, Lifestyle, Travel & Wellness Blog. Kim was born in Cape Town, “The most beautiful City in the world !” After watching her dad; a creative director for TV commercials, she always wanted to do something in the fashion industry.
Interning at Marie Claire magazine, followed by a few years of freelancing as a fashion & decor stylist, she eventually started a blog to document and share her finds. About a year ago Kim moved to Dublin. “I've started getting involved in product design and collaborations and enjoying a fresh perspective to life. Cape Town will always be my home, but Europe is a great place to be in right now, allowing us to travel while Harry's still young".
IN CAPE TOWN WITH KIM GRAY
Eating out with the kids. The Creamery, Harry loves going for ice cream and at least I know this ice cream, although loaded with sugar is at least not "plastic" and is made with quality ingredients. So incredibly tasty, it's hard not to get one yourself.
Da Vinci's in Harfield Village - they make an excellent banting pizza, kids can draw on the paper table cloths and it's the perfect place for great, casual dining.
Deer Park Cafe: A nice spot for coffee and/or breakfast where the kids can run around in the park, swing, etc.
Starlings Cafe is a favourite perhaps more for moms with small babies as space is a bit of a problem. If it's a sunny day, the garden is a bit more roomy for prams or baby carriers. They make the most beautiful, locally sourced meals and excellent coffee. (I love the Le Creuset cups!)
Green Point Park is a great outing for kids and good on the budget - get some take away coffees or pack a picnic.
Cafe Roux is great for lunch, has a lovely play ground and kid-friendly food. Take a scenic drive along the coast while kids sleep in the car on the way home!
A pretty shop for kids. For kids gifts, I love Picture & Words especially for friends overseas. Cotton On Kids is my favourite as I think they're by far the best when it comes to fun, quirky styling for kids. For the babes, I love Bubs for Babes, locally made products that are cleverly thought out. Harry has a little sheep from them. I've gifted a few and babies seem to love their snuggly texture. If you're into creating that designer pinterest room, Kids Living is super inspiring. For something super special, I love L'Orangerie for gifts too. They have from beautiful beatrix potter ceramics and knitted blankets to luxury soaps and decor for moms.
Having fun with the kids on a sunny day. When we stay with my folks in Hermanus, the Klein River Cheese Farm in Stanford is an excellent family day out. Kids can feed the farm animals, there's loads of space to run around plus a large play area. Enjoy their picnic service and sample a great selection of cheeses. While there, The Hermanus Country Market is great fun for kids and adults alike. I like that I can have an excellent artisanal coffee (Or bubbly) and watch Harry in an enclosed sandpit area. The little train is a highlight for kids, plus there's face painting and loads of great food and treats from cake pops to healthy smoothies.
Having fun with the kids on a rainy day. Harry's just getting into being able to concentrate more on a movie, so I'd probably do something a little lazy and go for a popcorn and movie. I still remember my first movie, my dad took me into the city to see a Christmas movie, it felt so exciting! I'm hoping to take Harry into Dublin City this Christmas for his first xmas movie adventure. If I were back in CT I'd go to the V&A and go via the Christmas lights on the way home.
A cultural activity with the kids. At this stage we're more into nature activities - Harry loves collecting leaves which we take home and stick on paper to create a big tree - so it's a nature walk turned craft activity. He loves collecting all sorts of sticks, stones, bugs, pods etc on his walks, so a Bug Box from Cape Union Mart has been a great investment. Kirstenbosch & Newlands forest are favourites for this.
A kid-friendly hotel in Cape Town. We recently stayed at The Vineyard Hotel. The gardens are perfect for kids, seeking out the huge tortoises. They have an indoor and outdoor pool, good kids menu, camper cot and high chairs and the staff was so sweet with Harry, offering him a ride on the luggage trolley. It's a favourite spot even if it's just for a cup of coffee or a drink, kids can play on the lawn and chase squirrels.