Simply Sam Trading - Antiques.Brocante.Gifts

We stock a variety of vintage, antique and hand-crafted items. Available on our web store simplysam.co.za or select antiques and beautiful 'proudly South African' hand-made Gift items on sale or to view at VinLee Art Gallery Hilton College Road, Natal Midlands. Hilton off-ramp, N3, Kwazulu Natal

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Property for sale Natal Midlands or Nottingham Road - looking to down-shift?

So you want to 'down-shift' to the Countryside ... The Nottingham Road area, in the Natal Midlands, has to be one of the most beautiful places in South Africa. It is located only an hour and a bit from Durban, an hour from the stunning Drakensberg and five hours from the hub of Johannesburg. Many families have moved to the Natal Midlands in search of a wonderful place to raise their children, with peace and tranquility, open spaces and fresh air, away from the madness that city living brings. Properties for sale in Nottingham Road, Natal Midlands, and surrounding areas are sought after especially due to the locality to some of the best schools in the country including St Annes, Clifton, Michaelhouse and Hilton College. If you are looking for excellent education for your children in stunning environments, you'll find it here in the wonderfully privilledged settings of the Natal Midlands.
If you are looking for Property for sale in Nottingham Road or property for sale in Natal Midlands there are various agents who deal specifically with this area.
http://www.simplysam.co.za/Properties-for-Sale-in-Natal-Midlands

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The first of our workshops at Simply Sam Trading

Together with the launch of our new shop in the beautiful hamlet of Fort Nottingham, we launched the first of our stunning workshops today, in the form of a gorgeous soap making which included soap cupcakes adorned with little flowers, fizz bombs and leaf soaps, all smelling absolutely wonderful. Each attendee went home with a bag full of goodies, and judging by the smiles as each person left, lovely memories of an enjoyable day.
Workshops planned for the future will include, cup cakes, chocolate, recreational cooking, beading, art courses, etc. If you would like to be advised of future courses you can register on www.justboutique.co.za

Launching our new shop

We made the most of the voting day public holiday yesterday by having the first of our two day 'Open Day' at our new venue in Fort Nottingham. A number of merchants have joined forces with us, thanks to Lara Edmonds of www.justboutique.co.za and these include Natalie Foss Jewellery, Gilly's shortbread, Di of Munchies, Marlene of Indigo Frames, Just so Hats, Feebie and Floyd, Coffee table books and recipe books from Nuts about books.

Delicious eats have been provided as well as sherry from 'The Wine Cellar', Rosetta, and coffee compliments of   Hirsch's who are giving all donations received to 'Reach for a Dream'. 

If you're free today, join us from 10am-6pm at our new premises, Hamlet of Fort Nottingham, 15kms from Nottingham Road. See you there

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

From Nottingham Road to the Vendee

Holiday Cottage in France To Rent

Looking for a retreat in France? - aren't we all! One of the residents in Nottingham Road is lucky enough to own this beautiful cottage in the Vendee and all the details are below if you are planning a trip to France. 

Birdsong from the wooded commune and the sounds of water flowing along the River Vie in front of " Le Logis de Dolbeau" create a tranquil haven to return to after a day spent at bustling beaches, markets and villages.
A perfect combination of a secluded holiday cottage with plenty of activities nearby.
Ours is a simply furnished French country retreat, offering clean and comfortable accommodation for 4 people.
This year the stages 1,2 and 3 of the TOUR DE FRANCE ( 2nd, 3rd and 4th July) take place in the Vendee, and within easy access to the cottage.
Rate: R4500.00 per week.

For additional information please log ontowww.holidaylettings.co.uk
Home number 129110
Contact Lindy on 083 412 9503 or 033 263 153

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Desperation or Innovation?

The other morning my espresso machine bombed out and eager for my morning coffee realised I still haven't replaced the glass on the recently broken bodum. Having done away with instant coffee about a year ago, cause I couldn't bare to keep any more jars, I was desperate. It suddenly occurred to me, in my sleepy stupor, that the plunger part of the bodum would fit perfectly into a glass vase standing near by, as if it knew it had another purpose. Then voila - Coffee!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Just Boutique Presents…

Gorgeous Workshops at

Simply Sam Trading
antiques.brocante.hand-made gifts
in their new venue - the Old Shed at Fort Nottingham

“Learning Gorgeous Skills & having loads of fun with friends...”

When: Wednesday 18th May & Thursday 19th May

Gorgeous Novelty Biscuits – Wednesday 18 May 10am-12noon (R175)


In this stunning workshop Farhana shows us how to make beautiful biscuits using shaped cutters and original templates. This will enable you to go home and make whatever your heart desires be it: Easter bunny biscuits, flower biscuits, heart biscuits, reindeer biscuits...You will get a lovely biscuit recipe, but the focus of the workshop is on practical biscuit decorating with royal icing and plastic fondant icing. The following decorating skills will be covered in the workshop: Flooding, Embossing, Basic piping, working with textured rollers as well as the use of other decorations and enhancers...ENJOY a lovely TEA with all workshops plus YOU leave with your gorgeous creations!

Butter Cream Cupcakes –Wednesday 18 May 2pm-4pm (r175)


In this gorgeous workshop Farhana teaches us beautiful piping and decorating skills with delicious butter icing. The focus is on learning a number of piping skills using various nozzles as well as learning some hand-crafted decorations like roses and bows. The cupcakes will be pre-baked and the work shoppers task is to transform ordinary cupcakes into special High Tea cupcakes. You will also get the opportunity to use pre-made enhancers and decorations sponsored by Foodpak. You are encouraged to bring any nozzles you may have at home, so that Farhana can teach you how to use them!


Gorgeous Soap and body product workshop (R175)
In this fragrant workshop you will learn how to make a whipped sugar scrub, beautiful leaf soap, cupcake soap and bath fizzies. You leave with a gorgeous hamper of spoils or gifts! Please email me at info@justboutique.net if you would like me to send you the pictures of what you will be making.

Bookings are essential to ensure your place. For more details CONTACT LARA ON 0845870880  


We invite you to join us for ‘sherry n snacks’ on Wednesday 18th May & Thursday 19th May between 10am-6pm to view our new showroom

Friday, May 6, 2011

We're open at our new Premises this weekend


We have moved to the picturesque Hamlet of Fort Nottingham and will be trading this weekend from 10-4pm. Bookings for lunch at Els Amics restaurant can be done on 033 2666 982 - children over 12yrs welcome, otherwise bring a picnic. 

We look forward to seeing you.

Warm regards,
Sam 

From Nottingham Road Spar, travel west towards the mountains for 12km. Follow the signs for the Fort Nottm Museum. We are in the barn next door.



Sunday, May 1, 2011

Beautiful Designs using Wrought Iron

We are so lucky to have a new supplier of Wrought Iron who will be selling their designs from our new shop and just to prove that wrought iron is not just about light fittings and chairs, take a look at these beautiful pics. The wrought iron in the French doors is just so chic and makes a real statement in any home. And for a new take on 'Brookie Lace' how about this fixture to add sophistication to your garden wall. Then one can think about having wrought iron panels made to hang at the side of a window instead of shutters maybe?