Fruit and Flowers

On the 21st November Andel and I celebrated four years of (mostly) wedded bliss. In the short time that we have been married, one thing we have realised is that we can save a lot of money by not purchasing wedding anniversary gifts, and so instead of buying each other lavish presents, we go the traditional route, and try to do/give something small and fun. So far, it's been as follows:

1 - Paper
For this anniversary I made Andel a photobook of our wedding pictures - a definite labour of love as this was before the days of downloadable-photobook-software, and I had to do each painstaking page from scratch! Still, it's a treasured possession - one displayed proudly on our coffee table.

2 - Cotton
So with this anniversary we had just found out that I was pregnant with Zac, and to say that I was feeling tired is an understatement! In addition to this, I had just finished the first half of my studies, and I needed a pamper. So in celebration of all things cotton, Andel and I spent a night of luxury at Asara Wine Estate, where we were upgraded to the President Suite, and dined like royalty - well, Andel did. I was feeling a little ill!

3 - Leather
This year we did buy gifts. It may have had something to do with the fact that with a small baby in the house, we weren't getting out much. Also, I desperately needed a new purse, and (if any of you have seen how low Andel's trousers sometimes hang, you will agree) Andel needed a belt. In fairness, I guess the nice thing about a 'real' gift sometimes is that you have it long after the other experiences have passed, and so occasionally I do steal a look at Andel's belt and remember our 3rd anniversary!

4 - Fruit and Flowers
Neither Andel not I were going to settle for a bouquet and fruit basket, so we added a modern twist to this traditional gift, and decided to treat ourselves to some pampering with fruit and flower infused oils. We went to a Moonlight Spa at Mangwanani at Zevenwacht (a special we received the morning of our anniversary!), and were each treated to a full body hot-stone massage, a foot and leg massage, and the most heavenly Indian head massage (I feel my eyes drifting close as I think about it), along with snacks, dinner and decadent dessert! And of course, none of it would have been possible without a reliable and responsible babysitter (thanks Dom!).

Sipping champagne on the coach ride to Zevenwacht

The beautiful site of Mangwanani, overlooking the city

Nothing better than the comfort of gowns and slippers!

Growing up, I wasn't sure that I would ever get married. But I'm pretty sure that it's one of the best decisions I've made. I'm not very good at being a good wife (or even a good person at times), but, by the grace of God, I have a husband that I'm mad about (more than at!), and we have a lot to be happy about and thankful for...

So next year is number 5, and the traditional gift is wood. Wood. I know. I'll be thinking about that one for a while. So if anyone has any ideas...