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

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Gorgeous Patio Chairs just arrived ....

These stunning patio chairs have just arrived in the shop and are the real mccoy! They are simply stunning. Snap them up before someone else does!

Contemporary meets Antique

It is a fact that antiques can be mixed with hints of contemporary furniture and it is not necessary for antiques to be paired with antiques, giving that stuffy brown museum appearance. Penny's photograph (right) of her lovely Joburg home proves just that. This stunning 'French style' table bought at Simply Sam Antique Brocante & Gifts was paired with French designer 'Philippe Starck' chairs for that eclectic look and is simply wonderful.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Residents come in please!

In our wee little hamlet here we have a radio system to enable residents to keep in touch with each other in an emergency. Daily, usually around 7pm, one of our neighbours will do a 'call in' just to check everyone's ok. The electricity had gone off after a bad storm, so someone radio'd to check it was off everywhere. No sooner had it gone off than it was on again. One of the neighbours called in to say "electricity is back on, there goes my chance of romance in our house"! Well I couldn't help but laugh when one of the pensioners got on the radio saying  "turn your electricity back off, put the candles back on, and enjoy that bit of romance"!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

New Stock arriving soon......

When my friend, Debbie, called today to say she was bringing me new stock I couldn't wait to see what goodies she had found for Simply Sam. She is making the trek here with a full trailer including two gorgeous shabby chic patio chairs, fully painted and distressed to liven up any patio into that French look you've been dying to achieve!  And I know, just by the number of comments I get from people that come into my shop, that you are going to love the various shabby chic cupboards she's bringing.  There's a stunning 'must have' Oregon window with mirrors that I feel sure won't even make it into the shop, cause I have the most perfect spot for it at home! The beautiful French looking demi lune table with matching mirror is one of those items you are going to have to snap up before someone else does. Stock will be in the shop by Saturday morning, so be sure to pop in and be one of the first to see. Else wait a couple of days and i'll have done my best to load it onto our website www.simplysam.co.za

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Welcome to 2011 at Simply Sam Antique Brocante & Gifts

A very happy new year to all our readers. 2011 eased its way into our lives as we climbed into bed at 4h30. Our children had started a new game of pool in 2010, especially so they could complete it into the new year. A novel idea! We had a superb brunch after we'd eventually crept out of bed and then had a leisurely walk up our mountain.Someone mentioned scones and cream whilst we sat at the top, over looking the beauty of the scenery that abounds in our area, so we made a leisurely walk back home to bake - well scones of course, whilst we left the men flying kites in the local field.
I remember my Mum baking scones, black berry and apple pie, rhubarb crumble, or whatever took her fancy, just off the cuff. I find myself doing exactly the same thing. Today I baked two large Focaccia bread. One with ham and fetta the other with loads of garlic, olive oil and crushed salt. I'd actually baked them to take to my neighbour's memorial, who had died strolling on top of our mountain on the morning of Christmas eve. David Fox had lived in our little hamlet for fourty four years, so knew this Fort better than anyone. He had worked tirelessly to keep the Fort Nottingham Museum running (which is on his property) as well the popular annual Fort Nottingham Highland Games which has been attended by hundreds of people every year. I like to think that he passed away doing what he loved best amongst some of the most beautiful scenery.
I think sometimes we have to stop and smell the roses and really appreciate what we have around us. We now have two comfy chairs on our veranda and that is where I have taken to sitting every now and again while I snatch a moment to read. We have the most amazing bird life and the number of times I see both male and female Sunbirds flying into where i'm sitting is a real special treat. It's only in this garden that I have ever actually been able to view the 'Piet-my-vrou' - the red chested cuckoo- who signals that Christmas is near. He is usually so elusive that you can recognise his call, but never actually get to see him.
It has been raining most of the day and the mist cover reminded me of the Lake District when I drove out today and it was just like being back home in England. I hope I can always appreciate what I have right here on my doorstep and realise just how lucky we are to live in this beautiful area. I need to remember to go Blackberry picking tomorrow with my children and bake, well Blackberry pie of course!