Words: Betsie Loock-Van der Merwe | Images: Supplied & Silver Lakes Golf Estate
Silver Lakes Golf Estate resident Cassidy Taylor-Memmory says her blog, The Glam Green Girl, came about through her passion for living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. “It developed into a space for cruelty-free beauty, my travel diaries, lifestyle inspiration and, of course, eco tips.”
Cassidy credits the recycling programme at the estate for inspiring her to adopt a more eco-conscious lifestyle and to share her journey through her writing. So much so that in 2014, she was a regional finalist for Gauteng in the Miss Earth South Africa pageant. She is as passionate about her neighbourhood as she is about life.
Home sweet home
Cassidy has lived in Pretoria her whole life and spent her childhood in the Pretoria East suburbs of Garsfontein and Faerie Glen. “My family and I moved to Silver Lakes in 2001 when I was a teenager. We’ve lived happily in the same house since then. I love this area so much that I plan on staying close by for as long as possible.”
Cassidy says her parents chose to live in Silver Lakes Golf Estate because of its safety. “It’s such a secure estate and offers its residents a beautiful neighbourhood. We’ve been so happy and never looked back.”
Cassidy’s favourite time of the day is when she heads home and drives down the palm-tree-lined streets welcoming her into Silver Lakes. “Another reason I love it so much is that I can go for long walks around the golf course and enjoy the views in the late afternoons.” She says the area’s warm and friendly residents are an added bonus.
“As far as hobbies and work go, I tend to stay as close to Silver Lakes as possible – my office is next to Silver Lakes and I can see my future being in this area,” she adds.
Hidden gems
Cassidy also has a normal full-time job. “I then spend my free time either creating content for my blog, freelancing or planning my next trip.” Cassidy’s bedroom is where all of this happens and it’s also her favourite place at home.
“It’s where I do most of my writing and where I get to be most creative.” But Cassidy’s life is not all about work. She also likes to chill out at a few of her favourite places in the neighbourhood. Cafe 41 – overlooking the golf course, the lakes and gorgeous gardens at Silver Lakes Clubhouse – is her favourite spot for a mouth-watering breakfast on the weekends.
Cassidy highly recommends Aroma Gourmet Coffee Roastery at the In Shere Lifestyle Centre for a delicious cup of coffee made from freshly roasted and ground beans. She says it’s a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy light gourmet meals, pastries and cakes.
A little further afield (to the east), just off the Boschkop Road, is another of Cassidy’s favourites: Tin Roof Cafe, which serves delectable country cuisine in a laid-back countryside setting.
On weekends the place to be is the nearby Cowhouse Market offering great food, arts and crafts, a kids’ play area and a host of entertainment for young and old.
Perfect Sunday
Cassidy says the heart of a home is the people living in it. “My family and I are very close and we love spending time at home. I love relaxing on the weekends with them and my friends, and always try to encourage them all to be as green as possible.
“My favourite thing to do on a Sunday is to lie in my bed and read a book. I also love being in the pool during summer and we spend most of the weekends on the patio. When I’m not at home, I’m usually travelling because it’s such a passion of mine.”
Whenever I walk around the estate, I see people greet each other! I love it.
Cassidy Taylor-Memmory
Shop:
- Silver Oaks Crossing, Willow Acres Estate
- Six Fountains Lifestyle Centre
- Hazeldean Square
- Chamberlain Centre, Silver Lakes
- The Grove Mall, Equestria
Eat:
- Dros, Silver Lakes: for family-friendly dining
- Doppio Zero, Hazeldean: for a delectable mix of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine
- Mo-Zam-Bik Restaurant, Silver Lakes: for great seafood
- Papachinos, Silver Lakes: for delicious pizza and pasta
- Cafe 41, Silver Lakes Golf Estate: conveniently around the corner
See:
- Cedar Junction: with breath-taking views over the lake and the Bronberg mountains, this train theme park offers a memorable outing for the whole family
- Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum: featuring historic agricultural implements, farm animals and horse riding
- Hedianga Farm: offering off-leash dog walking, hiking, trail running, mountain biking and great outdoor adventures
