cocobutton

We have moved

2018-08-01T09:49:00.003+01:00

Hello friends,

Due to unforeseen circumstances, We have moved. Go {here} to find out why.

xoxo

PS. The way they leave tells you everything...

Weekend Learning's

2015-12-08T16:22:00.001+00:00

I had an extremely good weekend! London is total chaos currently. She is littered with tourists and shoppers and Christmas fanatics. Literally, people walking around in Santa hats and the Jamaican trio who play the metal drums at the station are now dressed in red and green Christmas pyjamas banging out a very festive jingly song. It is weird. I love it! Even the hobo’s who are usually sweary and bitter have the festive cheer, I saw one dancing on his mattress to another drummers rendition of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and singing something along the same lines... not really but he was trying and getting everyone in the mood and that is what counts! There is a lot of joy. And after being here for almost nine months… I am really loving it. I know, I know, I blow hot and cold, but I fricking LOVE Christmas, and it is on steroids here! And do you know why, there is a lot of sharing going on. It has made me gleeful. This is what else I learned;

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.” - Audrey Hepburn
Liberty of London is also one of the places to avoid during the December season. I needed to get something specific and stumbled out of the side entrance where the flower shop is. What a wonderful find! The aroma of fresh flowers is seductive! And during Christmas they have someone who hand makes Christmas wreaths for you to personalise and design yourself. Not only a beautiful gift, but a stunning keepsake.
“Always be touching her, even when your hands cannot reach her.” - J.R. Rogue
In a world where everyone is overexposed, the coolest thing you can do is maintain your mystery.
This is going to be a weird one. I love looking into peoples homes in December. Wait, I am not a creeper, let me explain. People in London, decorate their beautiful trees and then put them in their windows for all to see. They actually leave the shutters open. It is so gorgeous walking home at night, seeing all the pretty trees in the windows. Some are so sweet, decorated by children. I just love this! Something that you would never see in South Africa. People share their beauty with the outside world and I love it.
“I am infatuated by the way desire dances down your delicate skin in molten liquid moonlight.” - The Word Virus
Polpo is a bàcaro. This is a Venetian word to describe a humble restaurant serving simple food and good, young local wines. I visited this lovely restaurant with my closest friends in London. We shared wine, food and stories. We are all from South Africa, we all moved in 2015. I feel this is the smallest our table will be…

Have a nice week my vanilla piccolo! Stay out of the Christmas rush, or maybe join it, embrace the tinsel party, share a little!

Xoxo

PS. My moon, my man, my everything.

Weekend Learning's

2015-12-04T14:58:00.000+00:00

SO it is Friday. What a late Weekend Learning’s this is! It is the first week of December. Back home we call this Silly Season. And for good reason! Here in London, there is not a name for it. Lame. I cannot wait to go home for Christmas. I love London, this is true, but I have had enough for 2015. I want my family, my friends, my dogs, my home… This is what I learned;

If I have discovered anything this year, my heart, lives in South Africa.
“You’re in my bones, and my blood, and my heart. I’d have to tear myself open to let you go.” - Cassandra Clare.
Clifton Road Maida Vale is an amazing little road a good walk from my house. There are lovely little organic fruit and veg shops, deli’s, restaurants and even a pet store. A great London discovery.
The use of swearing to alleviate stress or pain is called "lalochezia.”
I finished another book this weekend. Yes I am proud of myself! Any suggestions on what to read next?
"Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind.” - Bertrand Russell
Shakshouka is a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chilli peppers, and onions, often spiced with cumin. I only came across this when I started dating my man. And I quite like it. I for some reason was craving it this weekend and decided to make it. Probably the fact that I miss him so much, maybe a little food could bring me closer to him... kind-of-maybe-not. Anyway! Easy, low cost, delicious. Craving killed.
You can remove errant deodorant marks from dark clothes by wiping the white streaks with a dryer sheet. I found this out this weekend. Fuuuuun, I love doing my washing. This is one of those things you do living in London; your own washing.
“Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters.” - Margaret Peters

I hope you keep warm my little teacups. And if you are in South Africa, soak up that sunshine for me! Have good weekends.

Xoxo

PS. I want a pawpaw.

Weekend Learning's

2015-11-25T13:41:00.002+00:00

Katie Holten's Trees of the USA.

Coldest weekend in London yet! It snowed on Saturday morning. Do not be daft, I did not see it, it was at 7 o’clock, I was in bed snoozing. But I did venture out, dressed like a snow man. By this I mean you wear so many items your arms stick out as there are so many layers, they sort of support your shoulder and armpits and create a funny bendy arm. As your elbow cannot bend either as that too, is padded to the max, it extends. It is fun actually. The blistery wind prickles your cheeks pink and puts a spring in your step. It is not as bad as I thought. This is what else I learned;

Have you ever tried fresh mint tea. It is fresh, very. Try it. Delicious.
Tip: A woman can always tell if a man loves her by how much time he is willing to invest. Money spent is meaningless, but time spent is priceless.
I ventured to Zone Four this weekend to visit a family friend. It is really lovely out there. Nino’s in South Woodford is a great little traditional Italian restaurant. Really delicious and good value for money! Unlike anywhere I have been in the rest of London… Lol. Joke.
I also saw my first fox! In my friends garden! I could not believe it! I was so excited I almost ran into the glass doors. My friend was rather amused by my excitement, as locally these beautiful creatures are considered pests as they attack dogs, rip up garbage and poop in the street. He he. But I think Mr Fox was looking very fantastic scratching his fleas and then jumping through the fence… I felt like I reached a milestone in my move to London. Fox – Tick.
“Later that night, I held an atlas in my lap, ran my fingers across the whole world and whispered; where does it hurt?” It answered; “Everywhere, everywhere, everywhere.” - Warsan Shire. What has happened to our world? Why is there so much pain and hurt? I cannot stand to watch the news for another minute.
I am loving Francois-Henri Galland at the moment. He is a French watercolour artist. His new work is all of lovers, shapes and spills of colour. Simply beautiful, very suggestive. You are almost left to imagine what is not there, and more importantly what is. See some of his work {here}.

Hope you have a positive rest of your last week of November and remember, stay weird, moon babies.

Xoxo

PS. “You are the calm that saves me from my own hurricane of maddness.” - Almaz A.

Francois-Henri Galland, Untitled.

Weekend Learning's

2015-11-18T17:22:00.001+00:00

First weekend I have felt back to normal in a while. Been under the weather and under so much pressure at work. Then was attacked by a migraine… like a week of them *cry, then more work. It has been an interesting few days. It has been a tad of a struggle. But I am still here, smiling and happy. Why? I have so many great people in my life, blessed. You all know who you are. It is sickening how positive I am, think I might be glowing. And it is all because of you. And this is what else I learned;

I had to work on Saturday. I feel like if you are in a good mood, nothing can bring you down not even working on the weekend. On the other hand if you are a negative ball of gloom, not even the sunlight will feel warm on your skin. How incredible is the human mind? How powerful is it that we can so easily convince ourselves into one corner and into another… this fascinates me.
"They tried to bury us. They didn't know we were seeds." Mexican proverb.
I find cooking a butternut one of the most frustrating things. Sometimes I try to chop it myself, stick the knife in, get it stuck, *bang bang bang, butternut turns into rocket and flies across kitchen. Or, some more common problems; over cook, par and under cook. Also there is the chance I get it chopped and it is under-ripe and it is just fuzzy. I found a solution! Again, my slow cooker. 1x whole butternut, remove sticker, clean (do not peel or anything), put in slower cooker for 5 hours on high heat, DONE! {This} is the slow cooker I have if you would like to get one.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain. Not that I ever find myself here, I always find myself on the outside looking in and I am very happy here.
Gails mince pies are some kind of devil food. They are so delicious. Trying a tiny sample was a mistake. I love mince pies. You know the Christmas pastry with spiced fruit in it… yum. Do not go there. Stay home and hide.
"You know, some people say life is short and that you could get hit by a bus at any moment and that you have to live each day like it’s your last. Bullshit. Life is long. You’re probably not gonna get hit by a bus. And you’re gonna have to live with the choices you make for the next fifty years.” - Chris Rock. I like this. At some point you decide to find the middle ground and not every huge risk is an opportunity, it is about making choices that make you light!

Have a good week, keep warm London, it is going to possibly snow this weekend!

xoxo

PS. "There is too much room, far too much space on all sides, in this bed alone.” - Daily Haiku on Love by Tyler Knott Gregson

Weekend Learning's

2015-11-02T17:08:00.000+00:00

From one of my all time favourite sites, Maddie on Things.

I was sick in bed this weekend with the onset of a cold. I had to make sure I kept it at bay by staying indoors (as much as I could) and keeping warm and snug. You know, you can still learn a thing or two from the constraints of ones own four walls. This is what I learned;

Working late on a Friday is no fun at all. However, it does have its perks. Leaving the office late makes you see Oxford Street a little differently on Halloween Eve. Full of mad teenagers trying to get the best witchy outfit or slutty mummy. "That my dear cannot be worn as a skirt!" I heard one mother voice… rather you than me dear…
"I’m oxygen and he’s dying to breathe." - Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me
I must admit, I have gotten into a habit of making chilli broccoli pasta on a Friday night. It must be the reminiscence of my parents Friday night pasta evenings back home. But when I get home hungry on a Friday night, the Lingunie calls to me.
A sick introvert living with two extroverts… the lock on the door is never enough. One realises how thin ones walls are when one desperately wants to sleep.
Bao London has got to be one of the worst decisions I have ever made. Korean buns filled with delicious spicy, crunchy, good smelling things. And then some Horlicks ice-cream to finish it off… YES in a BUN as WELL. I know it is ridiculous I was sick at myself and I want to go back immediately. And so did everyone else, there was a queue of thirty people standing outside waiting for their own buns. Buns. Amazing Bao Buns. Not healthy though… definitely only for a cheat day!
Chamomile tea. I am an addict.
"Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." - Khalil Gibran
I have this terrible habit, I do it all the time. I plan to go from A to B and then that is that. A; being home and B; being the destination and then I would like to return home. But I know, in London this is impossible. So I went from A, home, to B the chemist to get medicine for my cold. I saw a crowd and somehow managed to stumble upon a motor show in Regents Street. Then a parade or strike, for I do not know what, but they were singing and dancing so I followed it quite amused and happy with the tunes and miraculously managed to end up in Covent Garden and went looking around the Rugby Stands, FOUR hours later I had not eaten or taken my pills. This is what happens, London sucks you in and POOF, from A to B turns into from A to G and then some J for a bit of L, M, N, O, P! I got home and passed out.
"To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow - this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” - Elizabeth Gilbert

Have an amazing week sparklers, it is Guy Fawkes on Thursday, hope you are going to see a bonfire and some fireworks somewhere!

Xoxo

PS. Discombobulate

My love...

Weekend Learning's

2015-10-27T13:11:00.002+00:00

So I went to Israel to see my love. I do not care what anyone says, when you really love someone, it never gets easier to say goodbye. There is always a little part of me which is lost when I leave him. And when we are together, I am whole again. Everything is simple and easy, it is just right. I had an incredible time - I always do… an adventure is not a place, it is the person you are spending those little moments with. I could go from the third floor to the ground floor and he would turn it into something incredible… a ride in a lift… romanticising the waves under the moonlight, watching the democratic debate! Adventures! Because it is you. This is what I learned;

"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." - Eleanor Roosevelt
That whole new thing about checking in online for your flight is becoming a big deal. Some poor souls were left off the flight due to overbooking… not cool, but I guess it is becoming an online booking first come first serve deal… shame.
"Republicans win when there is low voter turn out.” - Senator Bernie Sanders telling all of your asses to go vote.
Eilat has got to be one of the most gorgeous places I have ever been. Yes I had my rose tinted glasses on… I feel a little warmth in my heart thinking about its beauty… I wish I had done more there… next time!
"The mind is beautiful because of the paradox. It uses itself to understand itself." - Adam Elenbaas
You cannot be on a migraine eating plan in Israel and at an all you can eat buffet! That is all.
Sometimes my boyfriend makes me laugh so loud I stop mid laugh and think… gosh is that me? I have never experienced that before… it is those things in our relationship that I cherish… sore cheeks from smiling… sore stomach from laughing… lé good life, still, after all this time, you keep me laughing.
The açaí palm is a species of palm tree cultivated for its fruit and hearts of palm. Its fruit can be made into a kind of sorbet and it is really delicious! Oh my gosh it is actually divine! With the addition of toasted coconut (best), granadilla, banana, granola, just to name a few, it becomes an Açaí Bowl, delicious, especially served with two spoons and a chilly kiss.
Anyone who cuts and shares an apple with you is a sweet and lovely human.
"You belong right here, in the stillness next to me. You are home with me.” - Daily Haiku on Love by Tyler Knott Gregson

Have a good week little yellow leaves, back to the grind of the fall.

Xoxo

PS. “Learning how to love is the goal and the purpose of spiritual life… love is the truth. Love is the light.” - Lama Surya Das

Weekend Learning's

2015-10-06T11:19:00.000+01:00

The first weekend of October. Something changes in the air in October in London. Yes the weather, obs! But the menus at the markets have changed. There are now warm apple, pumpkin and cinnamon turnovers and hot spicy mulled wine. There are chimneys billowing white mist into the crisp blue sky. People are wearing burgundy and mustard coloured throws. There is a nip in the air but a warmth in the spirit, an English Autumn is vibrant and idllic! Also, while pottering around London, as one does, one noticed a lot of new things. Christmas decorations? Really? One cannot believe! This year has flown. And what a year it has been. This is what I learned;

“Like a wild flower; she spent her days, allowing herself to grow, not many knew of her struggle, but eventually all; knew of her light.” - Nikki Rowe
I love to read. Sometime back home I would stop reading for long periods of time. I find I struggle to get into books. Now with my trusty iPad and kindle app, I have successfully finished three books since I moved here. I know for big readers a book every two months is not impressive but I am on my fourth book since I moved here and enjoying getting lost in my books more and more. I have been reading such scary books that I sometimes get too scared to go out into the hall, let alone get out of the bed and have to watch an episode of Friends to try and relax before bed… funny! I know I am silly… stop laughing!
"Remember: the time you feel lonely is the time you most need to be by yourself. Life’s cruelest irony." - Douglas Coupland, Shampoo Planet. I strongly believe in inner reflection.
There are so many health places in London. Honestly, healthy, vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, animal friendly, green, organic and biodegradable eat-in / eat-out restaurants are the new black… it seems. I have many favourites, I am yet to find a smoothie place where I truly love the menu. Most places do juicing but I think they water a lot of them down and we all know me and a smoothie – a love affair in a plastic sippie cup. I had a great one at Crussh this weekend – The Bliss Blend - Mango, pineapple, peach, bananas, coconut milk, bliss blend booster. (I took out the orange juice and yoghurt you will see on the menu, cannot have those on the The Migraine Diet). Was a little Saturday morning treat! Their branding is terrible though… it pains me. Just saying.
I finally finished Grey’s Anatomy Season 11. I cried like a blubbering little wet blanket, and I LOVED IT! Really was not the same watching it alone. I used to watch it with my little Sis, at least then we would cry together, and then laugh at each other. Quote I loved the most, Owen’s quote; "We're supposed to feel; we're supposed to love and hate and hurt and grieve and break and be destroyed and rebuild ourselves to be destroyed again. That's human; that's humanity. That's being alive," he told Amelia. "Don't avoid it. Don't extinguish it."
I think its a joke that peanut butter says “once opened consume within 3 months”. Three months… do people really have that much self control that they can keep a jar of peanut butter for more than three months? Wow. A jar of peanut butter lasts me about eight days, sometimes a little more but three months… never!
"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close." - Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets.

I hope you have an incredible Autumn week my fallen leaves. There will be no Weekend Learning’s next week, I am going on an adventure with my favourite sun baby!

Xoxo

PS. "Your flaws are perfect for the heart that is meant to love you."

Weekend Learning's

2015-09-28T17:43:00.000+01:00

Ahem, super messy hair!

Hey hey heeey! Another weekend has come and gone. They really do go quick, especially when you are a busy body like me. Smirk. Let me just say; Hello Autumn, I have not seen you in a long time. Since I skipped my last South African Autumn when I came over here I am really looking forward to the above quote. Some browns, reds and yellows in the beautiful parks here must be magical. I haven’t had an English Autumn since 1996, woa! This is what I learned;

“Let us read and let us dance, these two amusements will never do the world any harm.” - Voltaire.
I have always been interested in the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. I cannot tell you where I heard about it. Ever since my discovery of this lunar worshipping festival I became desperate to visit one and come on, don’t you love the idea of eating something called a mooncake? It was a lot of fun. I ate a mooncake! They are very unusual… I took the leap and bought the traditional ones made with either lotus seeds or red bean paste with a salted duck yolk in the middle… I know odd. But they are weirdly delicious. I ated them. In fact I saved one for today and I cannot stop eating it, I cannot do the egg in the middle its too weird (sorry!) Thanks London China Town, I had a blast ^_^
“Abracadabra” is actually the Aramaic (before Hebrew) phrase “Avra Khdabra” which means literally “I will create as I speak”. Fascinating!
You aren’t rich until you have something money can’t buy…
I love sitting at the front of the bus at the top. It is like riding a kids ride at Disney Land! It is a little scary how close the bus driver gets to things and sitting at the top makes it look like crash time is seconds away! Eeeee! Also in Autumn, for me it is quite cold already, so sitting in the sun spot there in the front alone (the Brits are way too lazy to go up there for a couple stops) is my ultimate… on Saturday and I must admit on Sunday too, I missed my stops and sat up there till the bus terminated. The simple joys! I just sat there, looking at the sights in the sun, snug as a bug in a er… bus.
"Your absence has gone through me. Like thread through a needle. Everything I do is stitched with its colour.” - W.S. Merwin, “Separation”.
“When you are washing the dishes, washing the dishes must be the most important thing in your life. Just as when you are drinking tea, drinking tea must be the most important thing in your life… live the actual moment. Only this actual moment is life.” - Thich Nhat Hanh.

Go out and live that life tiny trees! Have a great week.

Xoxo

PS. Twinkle, twinkle little bat…

xXx

10 Things Never to Say To a Migraine Sufferer

2015-09-25T17:39:00.000+01:00

I am a migraine sufferer. This is true. And I get a lot of them. If there is one thing I cannot stand, it is people who have no idea what I go through, telling me what to do, how to treat it or how I should just deal with it. Migraine sufferers are you with me? So I read this article about things you should not ask a Migraine sufferer. It was quite amusing. I decided to write something similar. I especially find it fascinating when people, who do not get migraines, and are not doctors tell me exactly how to treat my problem. My favourite to date; my friends mother told me that I should wrap my head in raw potatoes and put my feet in ice water… ya excellent.

So here are my top 10 things never to say to a migraine sufferer;

Oh I had a Migraine once. (but I changed A,B and C and I don’t get them anymore)
No you didn’t. Migraine’s are recognised as a disease in the U.S. It is a neurological disease and attacks can last for 72 hours - it is a hereditary thing, if you got one, it is likely you will get another in your life (sorry) and yes I understand that perhaps you had a really bad headache once but a migraine and a headache are not the same. In the U.S. 80% of people get tension headaches and only 12% get migraines and 2% are chronic migraine suffers!

I read something about a cure? (You should do Botox.)

I think its lovely when people try to help me, the chances that there is a miraculous cure after all this time… are rare. Let us get to the Botox, of course I have spoken to my doctor about this, do you think I enjoy my suffering? Here are the facts; Botox takes a minimum of three months before you see full results (that is three months of injections into your neck, forehead and temples) and then you have to maintain it, so every month at £349.40 (that is the injection and the service at the lowest price I could find, and NHS does not always pay for it), for the rest of my life? That is IF its a success, not all patients respond positively to the treatment. There are mixed reviews on results, I have read about people who are on similar medication as me who have tried botox and had two weeks worth of solid migraines… No thanks. I get that it will work for some, and I am so happy for them but I will not try something so extreme till I know for sure it is safe and there are no long term side effects.

Do some exercise

When I have a migraine, light, sound and smell raises the bar of my migraines. The day before a migraine, my sense of smell is on super alert! Anyone who has skipped a shower or who is wearing a funky scent… stay away! Once my vision starts to fuzz and it gets to a certain point, I might as well go and lie next to the toilet because I am going to be violently ill… for a very long time… and then once I have sat there I probably will not be able to get up… so no exercise is not a good idea when I am having an attack. Exercise can also be a trigger for some sufferers! Every migraine sufferer has unique triggers.

I wish I could sleep in all day like you do

Trust me, wasting my life away in bed because I have another migraine is really not the way I want to spend my life. This is quite a sore topic. The amount of my past I look back on and recall myself hiding in my room trying to overcome the agony, I wish I could get those days back.

Drink some coffee.

Not only is coffee a (more common than not) trigger for some migraine sufferers, drinking something hot with caffeine would catapult a migraine into a stage four clinger… Caffeine, is added to some pain medication for headaches to open the blood capillaries in the brain, a migraine needs a different fix.

You still get migraines?

Yup. And I will for the rest of my life. It is about managing the problem as best I can, and helping people accept me. Maybe one day there will be a solution. I feel like The Migraine Diet and a routine seems to help a lot but I still get them, I always will.

Why don’t you try A, B C?

Hello? I am 30 years old. I have tried everything! Should I start from the beginning? I have been to neurologists, as they once thought it was a tumour, I was 14, this was scary. I have been to a Naturopath when I was placed on a strict diet and literally carried around a bag of herbal lotions, potions and pills to take all day – this did not work at ALL. I have been for monthly sessions of acupuncture, trigger therapy, massage therapy where they clicked my spine and neck and strapped me up with tape. I have done yoga, gone to the gym, run, skipped, swam and done nothing for days! Been a vegetarian, been a vegan, done the blood type diet, partied my butt off to see if it actually did make a difference… migraine punishment. I have done the nose spray, the wafer the injection, worn the pressure bracelet and done the cold pack and the neck brace… trust me… I have done the lot.

I have an (insert OTC headache pills) in my bag if you need?

Thank you, you have no idea how sweet this is. If only it was this simple and two Myprodol would fix me in one go. Alas… I am on daily preventative medication and the pills I take for migraines are so intense they basically give me a hangover. They are brutal, the side effects are extreme but they are the only medication I have found that works that does not induce more migraines (this is actually a thing, if a migraine sufferer takes the wrong medication they are likely to have a recurring migraine, this is called a Medication Induced Migraine, see here).

But I thought you had a migraine yesterday/the other day?

Pain is only one part of a migraine sufferers life. A "migraine attack” can differ from patient to patient. For me, on occasion, I can feel one coming. I have to be very careful and tentative to my body’s needs. There are signs I have noticed, now I look out for them. If I am lucky it might go away, if not, I take my medication as soon as that needle sharp pain starts and the following day I have the migraine fog. It is a combination of the migraine hangover and the medication. It feels like I have flu, a cold achy body, all smells are heightened and I am drowsy and quite out of it. I will go to work (because I have to) but I cannot be with a crowd or in a loud space, it is hard. This is a three day affair, the medication makes me really irritable and my fuse really short and all my emotions are heightened - its a strange place to be as people often think I am being rude or unaccommodating. The truth is I am trying to deal with an illness that is quite hard to cope with.

Its because you’re a woman…

So… if you are a man and you have a migraine, what does that mean for your manhood? Men get migraines, children (of both sexes) get migraines too! Migraines are a genetic disease. The differences between our hormones can trigger Migraines in those people with the genetic capacity for the disease – in both men and women. Unfortunately for us ladies, our reproductive hormones are designed to fluctuate (yay.), and lucky for men their hormones are meant to remain more stable. Hormones are only a small part of the Migraine picture though, and only one of thousands of potential triggers. Next time, consider asking the Migraineur about their particular triggers instead.

At the ripe old age of 30 with an average of 8 migraines a month on a good month, I’m pretty pleased with myself. Of course I have a bad week and sometimes I have a good week and sometimes I want to eat or live without a care in the world, I just need to make sure I am prepared and the people around me understand and more importantly support me and what I am about to go though.

Xoxo

PS. We are people too

Weekend Learning's

2015-09-22T12:11:00.001+01:00

Illustration; Bri Emery

Gosh. I have not done a Weekend Learning’s for so long. Where to start? At the beginning. This is what I learned;

I live in a semi-detached, ground-floor, newly refurbished (so new it was finished two weeks after I moved in) house. It is complicated! I am still learning her ways. It reminds me of this quote to one of my favourite movies, Under The Tuscan Sun.
"Pick one room and make it yours. Go slowly through the house. Be polite, introduce yourself so it can introduce itself to you." - Frances Mayer.
Maybe I hope too much, maybe I dream too much, but at least I won’t give up until I’ve tried, and I won’t regret anything.
Did you know that all the swans in London are owned by the Queen? Well since back in the day they are a protected species so the Royals look after them. I like it. Hurt them and get fined! Wish South Africa would do this for the Rhino’s.
“The best smell in the world is that man that you love.” - Jennifer Aniston. Oh how I miss the little things the most.
I live in London. Just incase you forgot! Which means sometimes I will catch a bus somewhere and go past Marble Arch or Selfridges or Big Ben or any of these amazing landmarks! This weekend, the bus I caught took me past Harrods. Their window dressing is out of this world. Every time I realise I am about to go past there I get excited, open my eyes a little wider to see a little more (like a little kid) and gawk with my mouth open at the incredible display of the Harrods windows. This particular weekend I think I heard myself gasp out loud - they are magical!
“It takes both sides to build a bridge.” - Fredrik Nael
My little sister is getting married! Yay! So I spend a lot of time looking into wedding stuff, did you know there is a bouquet glossary? Like a Pompander, is a flower covered ball tied with a ribbon for a flower girl? And a Nosegay is a compact cluster of flowers wrapped tightly and cut to one uniform length? And that is only two of them… I know.
I recently started a migraine eating plan to try and figure out what foods are triggering my migraines. I am a chronic sufferer. This means if I am not medicated, I can get 15 migraines a month… debilitating. So I am basically a vegan at the moment who cannot eat some select fruits and veg and nuts to add to it. But I feel great! Can you believe? I did have one migraine last week though… one is better than four… I’ll keep you updated.

Hope you have a Harrods window kind of week!

Xoxo

PS. Be grateful. Eat more vegetables. Love others.

So many friends I thought would build haven't,
Friends I thought wouldn't have surprised me,
thank you.

London Diaries

2015-09-17T15:37:00.000+01:00

How I felt... a lot.

Six months in London. What can I say?

Well I can say that last month I was so convinced it was six months I tried to convince myself and my boyfriend it was until I actually said to him… “So I got here in March, so one month, twoooo, three, four… five… Oh...” It felt like six. It has felt like forever. But it has also felt like I left yesterday. It feels like yesterday I was trying to fit my life into 23kg’s of bag. Yes that’s all I could bring. It also felt like yesterday where I lived happily on my own and drove a car and NEVER took public transport for fear of death.

It also feels like yesterday that I had my first night in London. I got lost on my way home. In the dark. No GPS. Naturally I feared getting stabbed or mugged (The South Africa Hangover I like to think of it as)… till I saw a girl, alone, sauntering down (what I thought) was a dark alley, iPod, cell phone and headphones blaring looking at me like I was insane… or escaped from Africa… which I kind of did… Now I walk home at night with not a care in the world. Can you imagine? I have to admit, living in a safe, first world country, swinging from train to sidewalk like a wisp in the night is a wonderful thing.

I always dreamt of living in London, since I was a little girl. There is an electricity in this place that no other city spills. The old and the new. The creativity. The architecture that is juxtaposed by the nature, I love it! You can never be bored! OH a hedgehog!

There are always a hundred things to do at any single moment. There are these sites and magazines which come out and tell you what you can explore, not monthly, not weekly, daily! And each one is different. You can walk down the street and find an artist selling his soul all for a penny and a pound.

My favourite singer in Oxford Circus (I work here!! Wow hey?) is a man who sits with his legs crossed on the street and sings the same haunting song into an orange street cone which he rests on the sidewalk in front of him. What rubbish!? You say? His song is strangely melodic and he is very dirty and his song is very pure and I can hear him from five blocks away and the sound soothes my soul. I love his consistently, I love his brand! I truly will hang around him listening to his mad echo because compared to all the guitars and soapboxes littering London, this street cone songster, stole my heart. And this my darlings, is London. To be continued…

xoxo

PS. “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” - Samuel Johnson.

I am yet to see a fox, have heard one... scary.

Weekend Learning's

2014-12-09T14:24:00.000+00:00

I ated this... a summer - treat details below.

Should we talk about how great my weekend was? Right! It was fantastic! I’m just loving life these days. It is blissful, and it is summer, and next weekend… well this Cocobutton will be surfing the Cape Town shores! Mmm hmm. A whole month of holiday… So this is what I learned;

My favourite Essie shade for the Summer holiday? Tart Deco. It’s not too hot to be lumo but peachy enough to show off a tan. Perfect!
“Dear Ladies: you should never have to prove to other women that he’s in love with you. That’s his job.” - Charles J. Orlando
I’ve learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I love hummus. That is all.
“I don’t want to be the other half of your soul. I want to be the one who reminds you that you’re already whole.” - G.S.
You’ve got a face with a view…
“The trouble with being a daydreamer who doesn’t say much is that the teachers at school, especially those who don’t know you very well, are likely to think you’re rather stupid. Or, if not stupid, then dull. No one can see the amazing things that are going on in your head.” - Ian McEwan, The Daydreamer. I feel like this explains a lot about me… this head of mine, its full of galaxies.
My sister is an amazing little chef. She pretends not to be, but the chicken, rosemary and mushroom lasagne she made the other night… good god girl… I’m glad I know you!
Sometimes a girls just got to to have an ice-cream cone… and why not? The Woolworths frozen yoghurt has the low calories I love and the summer shade of pink I’m crushing on this season… 10 points! Yum!

I hope you have a plush week full of petals and puppy kisses! See you on the beach!

xoxo

PS. You’re the type of person who makes forever seem too short.

Summer lovin'

Weekend Learning's

2014-12-01T15:16:00.001+00:00

Happy Monday sweet potatoes! So it is two quick weeks till this working year is over for old Coco. I cannot wait. Not only has this year flow by, but I think my followers will be in for a big shock next year. But that is for a later post. This one is about this last, and lovely weekend. This is what I learned,

Friday was our annual Santa Drop off at our Interbrand Creche. I love doing it. We collect important daily items for the little ones and wrap them in a shoe box. When I am there I am so happy and engulfed in love. But when I leave my heart is broken. There is so little generosity in this world… what will you be doing for the less fortunate this Christmas?
“Generosity” n. The quality of being kind and generous - showing a readiness to give more of something than is strictly necessary or expected. (I usually place rare words on my blogs. I believe the act of being “generous” is scarce.)
“What is done in love, is done well." - Vincent Van Gogh.
Now those of us who live in Joburg know The Patisserie in Illovo. There is a certain Banana Bread item on the breakfast menu that is just to die for. You have to go give it a go. Served with sour cream and hot berry and fruit compote, it is to die for. The Patisserie was also just voted Best Coffee Shop in South Africa for the second time in a row, now that’s got to tell you something.
"Il y a des fleurs partout pour qui veut bien les voir.” - Henri Matisse. (There are flowers everywhere to those who really want to see them).
I love summer. No wait, I love summer in Africa. I love how hot it is one day, so hot you hear those crickets and the heat rises off everything and makes a mirage of heat waves. Then the next day its pouring and storming with rain and the wind is so strong it blows me away… its pretty magical and exciting.
“Don’t kiss me if you’re afraid of thunder. My life is a storm.” - Anita Krizzan
Sometimes a girl needs a little sunshine in her life. In my case, that comes in beautiful yellow roses. When you bye roses still in bud, waking up daily to their scent and watching them bloom… Really, nature brings me pure happiness!
Have a lovely first week of the last month of 2014 you lovely peeps! Make it count! "Celebrate the people around you. Every breath is a big deal.” - Kid President.

Xoxo

PS. “We live on a blue planet that circles around a ball of fire next to a moon that moves the sea, and you don’t believe in miracles?”

How lovely, thank you Dior.

Weekend Learning's

2014-11-04T14:29:00.002+00:00

Life. It just keeps jumping out from behind the curtain and ripping the rug from under my feet. I hate it. I wish it was simple and life would let me be happy and just go with the flow instead of constantly pushing me off the cliff and watching me fall and finding so much joy in the smash. Thousands of tiny pieces. And no matter how hard I try to put my foot on the breaks, they’re always broken. Always! Speed kills. This is what I learned;

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we should dance.
“L’appel du vide” (n.) the unexplainable desire to jump when on the edge of a cliff.
I cannot remember the last time I stayed up till I could hear the birds, Halloween was a big one this year. Im guessing it was the Black Swan in me, wanting to see the sunrise on the water…
“I think hell is something you carry around with you. Not somewhere you go.” - Gaiman, Neil.
There is something quite divine about getting lost in the weekend, being so happy it almost stops in time but goes so quickly you’re not quite sure it even happened… that.
“Women are emotional in order to feel the divine energy at the highest levels and be supreme healers and lovers and mothers. Not to drive men insane. Her deep spiritual connection to feelings is to inspire a man to his spiritual heights as well. She is not a nag, she is an oracle.” - Raja Khan
Escondido is my new favourite Tapas bar. And I LOVE tapas bars but this one is the best. Snuggled in the best suburb in Jozi, Illovo, She shines brightly downstairs in the post office centre below Assaggi (if you don’t know where Assaggi is… shame on you!) Go now, make your tummy happy.

Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish them.

Have sweet weeks my petals, don’t jump or if you do, try to fly!

xoxo

PS. I am not a one in a million kind of girl. I am a once in a lifetime kind of woman.

... true, and so rare.

Weekend Learning's

2014-09-15T15:45:00.001+01:00

And I am grateful.

Hello world! It is me! Yes I have been MIA for a while. I have to be honest I have missed you. There is something that comes over me when I do not have direction in my life. Since I was a tiny tot I have planned out every step in my life… to the year, not to the day, I am not that much of a perfectionist. But if something changes or goes a little off I have never really been too bothered as I strongly believe that there is a bigger plan for each of us, that everything happens for a reason and that no matter what - everything will work out in the end. But when the road so heavily veers off the path I thought I was sticking to for so long… a speed wobble can really throw a girl a curve ball and sticking to the straight and narrow tightrope of life becomes a little more difficult than I thought.You'd never notice though, I’m known to always keep a cool head. But that my friend is why I have been avoiding you. So sorry, so sorry indeed! Here are some very belated weekend learnings;

Being lost in your own life can sometime help you find the path you always knew you were meant to take.
I know a little about art. I did it at school and at university and I pride myself in the fact that I use my ‘skills’ in my profession. This weekend I did an art class at the divine Sharon Sampson Studio’s with my better half. Do you even know what fun it was? I cannot recall the last time I played so nicely and felt so creative. Yes it was definitely the inspiration of learning a new skills but also being encouraged by a partner who both inspires me and encourages me and loves me no matter what I do… (even if it is drawing an obscure looking primate)… I am so lucky… it was most definitely the best part of my weekend.
“Love is fuel for the soul”
On that note, I am truly in love with the people in my life at the moment. It is so gratifying when the people in your life are pure and honest and the friendships are real, the love is genuine and the time is treasured. What bliss!
We are not strangers if we like the same bands.
I cannot begin to express the joy that Spring brings me! Shorts and skin, sandals and sexy bodies, AH, the joy of it all! No more hibernation for Coco…
“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Be curious.” - Stephen Hawking
I really love my Jawbone. Not the one attached to my skull, the one on my wrist. A wearable, yes. A fitness, food and sleep monitoring stylish bangle which helps you record your life. You do not even know how addictive it is! But I do however find that it has helped me a little with my migraine monitoring as well, you should give it a go…
"Live for the moments you can’t put into words”
When was the last time you went to Cnr Café? We are so quick to jump to the next best restaurant only to be disappointed by their teething problems or mediocre issues. I was so excited to both hear from them via Twitter and go for dinner and thereafter be reminded of how much I enjoy them. Service, food, everything – impeccable, delicious!

I hope you have a blooming week my little blossoms…

xoxo

PS. “And his feet danced to the beat of her heart” - Louise Erskine

Everyday, no matter what.

Weekend Learning's

2014-06-11T09:24:00.002+01:00

Oh just imagine... {George Eliot}

On Sunday evening when I was sitting in my nest thinking about my Blog I was quite content that I wasn’t going to write a post this week for no other reason than I wasn’t feeling too positive and I didn’t want to spread that little black rain cloud with anyone but myself. It isn’t that I have problems or that things are going badly. I am just going through a bit of a transition in my life and have become quite aware that I am going at it alone, again. The main culprit is the cold. I don’t know why it affects me so badly. I really am a sun baby! The winter reaches into my tiny body and grips my bones and makes me blue… literally and metaphorically, *wink!

But today is Wednesday and halfway through this wretched week and I’m MADLY looking forward to this big weekend… so this last weekend of hibernating, this is what I learned;

“The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.” - Unknown
Dogs, they amaze me everyday! Spending a few hours at the park, two of us on one side, two on the other (out of sight) and having the cutest boxer run from side to side following our voices, amazing and so sweet!
“Don’t settle. Don’t finish crappy books. If you don’t like the menu, leave the restaurant. If you’re not on the right path, get off it.” - Chris Brogan
I don’t care what anyone says, I love my new healthy lifestyle and I really struggle to veer off it. Workout, eat well, be patient. Your body will reward you. The results I am feeling mentally and physically just after the last 6 weeks… I can’t wait for the rest of my life!
“Call a boy a gentleman and watch his shoulders straighten. Call a girl a lady and watch her spirit turn graceful. Humanity was brought into existence by God speaking words into the void of the universe. We tend to become what we are called.” - The Medicine of Hope
Deli One in Sandton City has always been one of my favourites for a quick pop-in-and-go lunch. I cannot admit that the fact that they are in a mall for me is super unfortunate and the fact that they are next to the parking lot is also a bit of a turn off so I often grab a takeaway. they are pretty reasonable and they are really healthy (depending on your pick of the display!) and in this respect the parking lot location is a plus for a run-in-and-run-out purchase.
This weekend I did some serious hibernating. With the cold front hitting Jozi hard, I was indoors as much as possible. Thus I finished True Detective. Wow. What a show! I was blown away by the beginning credits, they’re gorgeous. But the small eight episode first season kept me on my toes, biting my nails and at the end of every episode I was desperate to watch the next. The love affair had just started and the series was already over! Bother.
“Please know there are much better things in life than being lonely or liked or bitter or mean or self-conscious. We are all full of shit. Go love someone just because; I know your heart may be badly bruised, or even the victim of numerous knifings, but it will always heal, even if you don’t want it to; it keeps going. There are the most fantastic, beautiful things and people out there, I promise. It is up to you to find them.” - Chuck Palahniuk

Now, put on your jumper and your wellies and keep the chilly monster at bay! Run, run to your beds! See you next week!

xoxo

PS. “Listen to your blood. Go where it beats.” - Maza-Dohta

This was me this weekend... gym yes, bed, defo, damn you cold!

Weekend Learning's

2014-06-02T12:39:00.001+01:00

Maya Angelou, you will be missed.

A weekend spent trying to save money is a relaxed weekend. I like, love, these weekends. Don’t get me wrong I am sure there is a little boogie waiting to jump out of me and shake my booty! But for now I’m taking it super chilled, the only addiction I’m giving into is that of my duvet, my health and my boyfriend… not in that order… this is what I learned;

Truly heartbroken about the loss of Maya Angelo. The amount of posts I have littered with her words… what a gift she was.
"The older you get the more you realise that it isn’t about the material things, or the pride of the ego. It’s about our hearts and who they beat for.” - R.A.
I love surprises, and I really love the little things too and having my boyfriend visit me at the office, even if it is for one minute and bringing me a little something, truly makes me the happiest girl in the world.
“Love doesn’t just sit there like a stone. It has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.” - Ursula K. Le Guin
The Eatery JHB, I can still say has the most amazing Autumn menu. I can’t speak for the summer one as I did not visit the glorious place the whole season. Ridiculous. But I visited them on Friday for a quick Friday office farewell and I could not decide… so much choice… only an hour lunch break… the turmoil… must revisit… ASAP.
“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” - C.S. Lewis
Sometimes I just need a day, to myself, to do nothing but reflect, to unwind. I can’t remember the last time I took an entire weekend to do this. I feel like I always have to answer to people. I allow so many people to dictate my movements that I often forget that the weekend is actually mine and I can do whatever I want with it and my time is precious and it is totally okay to say “No.” and not feel bad. So there.
“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” - G.D Anderson
Speaking of strong women, my mother’s exhibition ended at Hyde Park Corner this weekend. She was exhibiting with The Rotary Club, some of her students and she sponsored a talented up and coming artist. My mum’s stand, the printmaking section, raised a third of the Rotaries earnings with their sales and most of that is due to my amazing mum’s hard work and dedication. I am so proud. See more of here work {here} and {here} or you can like her Facebook page {here} for more up and coming events. Truly inspiring!
“Do your little bit of good where you are, it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” - Desmond Tutu
I really love the teeny-tiny Tictac’s that Tasha’s give out after their meals instead of mints, they are so cute! And they really last a lot longer than one mint… and perhaps you can use the container and reuse it for tiny other things, like maybe, erm, one or two pieces of gum or one jelly baby or to keep your favourite paperclips in it, perfect!
A real gentleman only lies to his woman if it involves surprising her… l like this.
I had such a fun gym session with my man. He came with me on Sunday and we had the entire place to ourselves, well almost. Anyway the point is, I really enjoyed looking over my shoulder on the treadmill and knowing there was some gorgeous man coming to see me, momentarily. Same time next week?
I owe no explanation for my flaws. I don’t have to justify my mistakes, my past, or my insecurities. I am growing and learning. Let me live.

Live my little fireflies, live!

Xoxo

PS. “Hearts are wild creatures, that’s why our ribs are cages.”

I love this, find a sunray in every chilly moment!

Weekend Learning's

2014-05-26T14:13:00.003+01:00

Pretty vintage glasses on a wooden table,
wild flower (babies breath) - happy Coco.

I am in a weird place in my life where I’m feeling pretty uncomfortable on a daily basis. I do not know what it is or where it comes from. Last week I had two near death experiences (no jokes) and no I’m not in the mood to discuss. I also was informed some planet is rubbing my Leo moon up the wrong way and this is why I feel so prickly… great. And just to add to my woes someone very dear to me who I have learned to strongly lean on over the last year has packed up her teepee and pottered on over to London and left me here with an empty hole in my heart! Glum. I have my own opinion on what the universe is trying to get out of me… all I know is that I’m really trying very hard to keep smiling… meep! This is what I learned;

Having all my family is one place is my ultimate! Friday night with all five siblings, plus all their partners and my little niece and my mum and dad – there are a lot of us and there is a lot of love, we are so blessed! BEST! What a great start to the weekend.
“I like messy people; people who don’t fit in a box or stay between the lines, but who’s integrity is greater than any rule book and who’s loyalty is stronger than blood.” - Jim Wern.
My little sister makes better banana bread than I do, and I love that! And my older sister has the best taste in shoes, so I love getting her hand-me-downs! Sisters - I can’t get enough of them!
“Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise so I am changing myself.” - Rumi. Well one day at a time, at the gym, and mentally improving my outlook on life.
Can you remember the last time you sat and drew or painted something? So I draw a lot it’s part of my job. On Friday we painted some canvases for work. I was very quite, as I always am when I draw or paint. I get lost in my wild imagination and it’s wonderful! So many people who were also painting (who work in other departments) commented on how much they enjoyed it and how good it felt. When was the last time you picked up a paint brush? Try it, paint! Just for fun!
“Sometimes life is a constant battle against the nostalgia of a time that can never be real again.” - Jason Myers
I’ve come to an understanding that I love Rooibos. I follow a “Food benefit” site on Instagram and the other day they posted the “Rare Miracle Plant Rooibos”. I giggled. I know how amazing it is, but I wasn’t amused by the word “miracle” I was interested in the word “rare”. Then I read the comments, poor souls. It is virtually impossible to get hold of if you don’t live here in South Africa… now I love it even more! Read some Rooibos benefits {here}.
“There’s a difference between loving the idea of someone and actually loving who they really are.” - White Collar.
Bad times, or rough patches like this little hiccup I’m having is good for you… well for me and for you or anyone! They teach you to appreciate the good times, learn from the rough and discover during the bumpy roads. Just remember not only could it be worse, but this is a lesson, learn from it, take it in your stride and come out of it a better human… shucks but I’m positive!
This weekend I said goodbye (for now) to my special Sarah. I can hardly write this without burting into tears (again). I am so grateful to everything you brought into my life and I cannot wait to see you again.
“Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them but you know they are always there.”

Have shining weeks my shooting stars!

xoxo

PS. “Courageous hearts are often covered in scars.” - T.B. LaBerge

Last but most importantly,
Happy Anniversary to the one who reminds me to breathe.
Love.

Because I'm Happy

2014-05-21T12:43:00.001+01:00

Actually, everyday!

There is a thin line between a good day and a bad day. I've heard simply getting out of the bed on the right / wrong side can influence someones mood. Dramatic. This year I really put my happy hat on and made a decision to wake up everyday and smile. I am so blessed after all! Not only that but it is good for my health... apparently.

I am not the only one who has had this outlook on life. The 100 Happy Days craze blasted through the social media air waves and me and a sky-full of happy sunbeams are still strongly posting. In this modern society when choice is so vast, relationships are disposable and using social media as a soapbox to gain attention with selfies and empty depressing captions... what is the world coming to?

So lets try and be positive, keep it upbeat and be grateful! Of course I cannot speak for everyone. Some people really do have little black rain clouds above them and need someone to help them and I hope they do find their light.

I stumbled across this post last week (when I was having my miserable work week, boo!) and felt a little break in my temporary black cloud. So I thought I would share it with you beautiful souls, hope you like it.

Six simple rituals:

Drink a glass of water when you wake up. Your body loses water while you sleep, so you’re naturally dehydrated in the morning. A glass of water when you wake helps start your day fresh. Getting those organs moving is a vital part of my day!

Define your top 3. Every morning ask yourself, “What are the top three most important tasks that I will complete today?” Prioritizes your day accordingly and don’t sleep until the Top 3 are complete. They don't have to be huge things! start out with little things and build them up as you go along. The feeling of completion is part of you rounding off your day so don't make "Buy that new BMW" or "drop 20kgs" as your first days task, you'll disappoint yourself and feel crappy.

The 50/10 Rule. Solo-task go faster by working in 50/10 increments. Use a timer to work for 50 minutes on only one important task with 10 minute breaks in between. Spend your 10 minutes getting away from your desk, going outside, calling friends, meditating, or grabbing a glass of water. I find this very constructive!

Move and sweat daily. Regular movement keeps us healthy and alert. It boosts energy and mood, and relieves stress. I found with last weeks horrid work days, going to the gym really helped me both unwind and let off a lot of steam! If you struggle to join a gym or run on the road, just playing with your dog or even doing 50 star jumps can help!

Express gratitude. Gratitude fosters happiness. Each morning, think of at least five things you’re thankful for. In times of stress, pause and reflect on these things. I cannot tell you how this point makes you feel...

Reflect daily. Bring closure to your day through 10 minutes of reflection. Asks yourself, “What went well?” and “What needs improvement?”

- (via yumegrrrrrl on Tumblr) Tweaked by Coco.

Hope you have a bright day tomorrow. I know it is not always possible to have a good day everyday, but we can at least try right?

xoxo

PS. I just want to spend the rest of my life laughing...

When in doubt, just remember it really could be worse,
you are after all really lovely!

Weekend Learning's

2014-05-20T16:10:00.001+01:00

How I feel at the gym, *pounce!

When you get to my age, things start to change a little. Things effect you. No I am not as old as the hills! But I can say that I can see a difference in the little things. The way my body heals, the way my body doesn’t agree with certain things and the way my body thanks me when I am good to it. The first time I started noticing this was when I started drinking smoothies and going for facials a year ago. I am not the pamper type. I like a mani pedi now and then as you know but I’m not into massages and personal overindulgence. Waste of money and time if you ask me. But my face is a little different. I can see my skin thanking me with every visit. Why am I blabbing on about this? I joined the gym. Can you believe!? My dear little sister reminded my that the big three-zero is around the corner and I suddenly thought about my face and then I thought about my ass and I thought it was time to move my running shoes from the streets to the treadmill and get hopping! My body (since last week) has both thanked me, and cursed me. I am writing this post with a little bit of a sore bottom, a few tight muscles and a couple of achey joints. But all in all this body of mine is saying “can we go to gym please mum”!? So from this sore seat, this is what I learned;

If my sister says I can do it, I believe I can!
Sometimes work is not as lovely as I think it always is. Sometimes I have a terrible, revolting week and all I want to do is run and hide under my covers and scream profanities at the people in charge (from under the duvet of course, I’m a lady not a monster!). This is a good thing! Not everything can be perfect you know, I can’t always be the winner, *wink! It makes you appreciate the good times.
“They call it homesick, they say it will fade, they promise and I listen. They call it homesick, but how can I be sick for a home I’ve never known?” - Tyler Knott Gregson. I actually know exactly what he’s talking about. Meep.
I really loved the Neon Run. Did you do it too? I live in the area so my fit (in both the athletic and attractive meanings of the word… tee hee!) boyfriend and I walked to get our tickets, then walked to meet our team, then did the run, then we partied a little, then we went to eat. Two points; by the end of the day we’d done about fourteen kilometres… another reason I’m a little ouch today. Second point, the little sober party we had was pretty awesome in my trainers and my sports bra. Really a lot more comfortable than stilettos and a pushup! Maybe I am actually as old as the hills…
“Awake, my dear. Be kind to your sleeping heart. Take it out into the vast fields of Light, And let it breathe.” - Hafiz
Gym, it makes me sleepy, isn’t it meant to give you energy? Anyway. With my grim spouts of insomnia, this really excites me. Could this be the end of my sleepless nights? A girl can dream right? Get it?
“The soul has been given its own ears to hear things the mind does not understand.” - Rumi
Another thing that has popped up in my (old) age is my desire to be healthy. I find myself lusting for anything that will nourish me. This is another reason for the gym I am sure… so weather it be sleep, spinach, smoothies or sprints I want it in my life!
This also works in the opposite way, if it is bad for me, I feel really terrible putting it into my body. Am I taking one step forward and two steps backward by eating this chocolate? Will I feel terrible tomorrow if I drink that shooter? Is it hurting me if I order chips instead of a salad? That saying “my body is a temple” is really becoming a serious thing for me… and I am a million times happier for it!
Another good thing I am lusting over – dates! Yum! I read somewhere eating one a day was a good idea and they’re in season now in Johannesburg so I bought some. I am now obsessed. I pack them in my smoothies, and eat them instead of chocolate. My new best friends! And the benefits are ridiculous, talk about miracle fruits! Read {here} for some date benefits.
I can truly say that I love and adore my boyfriend from the bottom of my heart to the tips of his toes. I’ve learnt a lot over the years of broken hearts and a multitude of bad choices in both exboyfriends and destructive friendships. It is actually just about respect for one another. We’re building a relationship that is both cherished and supported by love and a common understanding of each others needs and the steps we are both at in our lives. I am both grateful and humbled that he not only understands me (which is a juggling act on its own) but he also supports and fulfils every dream, wish and hope in my wild and bursting heart. Blessed.

Have a sweet and juicy week my little plums!

Xoxo

PS. All of me, loves all of you…

Weekend Learning's

2014-05-12T14:55:00.003+01:00

The sweetness of doing nothing.

First weekend without the prospect of AfrikaBurn looming over my head. It was rather slow and a well needed rest. There was a lot of family time with both my respected families… Gosh I love family time. This is what I learned;

“The mouth should have three gatekeepers. Is it true? Is it kind? And is it necessary?” - Arab Proverb
I am in LOVE with the new nakd bars. No I am not talking about a nudest club! It is a raw food snack! And they're hell of a yum! I've only tried the Cashew Cookie and I need more in my life. What a great concept, and the name!
"To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it." - Osho
I have a love / hate relationship with healthy looking hair. I love the look! But I feel rather sad that whenever I get a haircut I feel like my hair is all gone. Even if it is just a trim, the lack of weight my hair once had, I almost feel robbed. What is it with women and this unreasonable desire to have long lustrous hair? One snip, and all femininity crumbles!
“And tonight, I think of you; as I do every night.” - T.B. LaBerge
I took my dogs to see my Gran on Mothers Day. They can get a little frantic with the excitement sometimes, especially when we go with my mum. I noticed this time, driving myself and just the pups that they were both pretty calm. I came to the realization that they'd either been soothed or knocked out but my singing… either way, I have finally found a way to calm the bests!
“I think a lot of people compare their insides to other people’s outsides.” - Emma Stone
There are some people that come in to your life and are instantly family. Mother's Day dinner was lovely with the addition of our Sarah sister. I know, wherever she is in the world in the next few months, she will will close in our hearts.
“Because if you’re lucky enough to have people in your life that make you happy, that inspire you, that move you, you need to devour each moment you have together because you never know how many of those moments you have left. These people are sacred.” - Katie Kacvinsky, First Comes Love

Have a good full five day week my chunky-knit-scarfs! Its going to be a long one!

xoxo

PS. “Understand, I’ll slip quietly away from the noisy crowd when I see the pale stars rising, blooming, over the oaks. I’ll pursue solitary pathways through the pale twilit meadows, with only this one dream: You come too.” - Ranier Maria Rilke

Do it, you feel nice after.

AfrikaBurn Learning's

2014-05-09T14:09:00.001+01:00

Sunsets, oh the sunsets.

I have a secret. An open secret that I shared for six days in the desert somewhere between sevenish and a lace umbrella. I think I found a place, a floating island in the sky perhaps, where you dressed how you would if the world did not judge. Where under the sun we danced in the dusty sparkles and when the stage turned we tumble into luminous laughter. A place where around every corner there was a story to be taught by a new friend or a whispering sculpture.

Today is my first day back in reality after my wide-eyed awakening in that devilish dream land, AfrikaBurn. Why was it such a big secret you ask? Because words, stories, not even photos and videos can explain the root of the glow in my heart and the sparkle in my eyes from those few days. It is an experience I shared with a few thousand beautiful souls and a handful of special friends and it will be our secret till you come and learn it yourself. This is a little of what I learned;

Forget everything and anything you once knew about yourself, you will come back changed.
Remember the 11 guiding principles and you'll be fine. This includes both internal and external reflection.
You might 'Leave no trace' but you take back so much, and I do not mean stuff I mean intangible blessings.
With those 11 guiding principles there are so many points I wish some people would take into their own lives. Basic teachings and leanings which we should all practice in everyday life, not just for 6 days. Just a thought.
Disregard monopoly, that part of your life is over, till you return to reality that is. Bother.
With 9000 people and 95 registered art works this year, you are not going to meet them all. I am just grateful for the ones I did get to meet, and yes I am also referring to the art… You will meet them when you get there, they have feelings too… or at least I had feelings for them.
Being a creative, I really felt for the artists during the burns. (they literally burn the works to the ground… leave no trace…remember.) There is beauty in the primal nature of the fires and the freedom. But my goodness… the idea of burning my work, I have so much admiration for them.
Embrace every person you meet and disregard your pre-perceptions of them, they are most likely about to teach you something. They might be Einstein or the March Hare, but that is the beauty of the Playa, you never really know.
The African terrain will teach you and test you. Personally I found skipping and stumbling through the karoo brambles rather fun, and I like my new sun kissed skin.
Speaking of teachings, Tankwa also tests your relationships. If there is one thing I learnt on this journey it is how well my love and I excel when our worlds are turned upside-down and how much I appreciate this quality in our relationship. There is a lot of love at Afrikaburn, but after all this time, ours still burns the brightest.
Last but not least, when I arrived at TankwaTown there was a lot of hugging going on. Being a person with a big personal bubble which I like to keep closed, I found this rather odd. But by the end of it, I was swooning with all the hugs I received and gave out. There is this unspoken connection. My boyfriend came back last year with this (the secret, you see!) and I couldn't put my finger on it till my AfrikaBurn bubble was popped. Hugs, they're fuzzy and I like it.

So after months of preparation and weeks of excitement it is all over. Poof! Just like that. It is gone. It was my first adventure to a land far far awayish but it was most definitely not my last…

xoxo

PS. And even under the kiwi triangles of that funny (not so shady) Now-Now tree, I dream to go home.

Mutant vehicles - Rhino DJ

The Kissing Tree, one of my favourites.

My bunnies - love!

Reflection

Sunsets and beauty

Mutant bus, the Ledhedz DJ's

Hugs on the Playa

Love and light

Weekend Learning's

2014-04-16T16:11:00.001+01:00

Coco, on top of the world.

Gosh! But it is cold outside! Autumn is being pretty mean. Or perhaps we skipped Autumn and jumped straight into bed with Winter? I believe this is true! So this is what cold Coco learned this weekend;

After a whole week of no parents at home, I welcome them back with open arms. Actually I always welcome them back even after one day, I love my family and hate us being apart for too long.
On that note the one okay thing about a house of no parents is I get to have little sister all to myself… and I kind of love that, like a lot.
A real woman can do it by herself, but a real man wont let her.
What is one of the nicest things about living in Johannesburg? No matter what the season you can always sit on the grass in the middle of the day in the sun and enjoy the weather, even in Autumn and Winter… unless it is hailing, then you should go inside.
“Givers have to set limits because takers rarely do.” – Irma Kurtz
I really love going to events where I am a little younger than the rest of the crowd (this is quite rare I will have you know!) It is also nice when I don’t know that many people. It makes for an interesting affair.
“Trendy is the last stage before tacky.” – Karl Lagerfeld.
Sitting in James and Ethel Grey park on a Sunday – it is lovely. You know how Coco loooooves dogs? (If you don’t then this must be your first post, hello, welcome!) well the park is full to the brim with funny wet nosey four legged , sniffing, curious, cute and ridiculous pups! It is bliss! You should come… sit in the sun.
“Not what we have but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” – Epicurus. This I can believe. As I grow I find a lot more joy in moments and humans than I do in things.
I took a little visit to my dear old Gran on Sunday too. My Granny is one of the rare and glowing people in my life. I hate that nature is taking her body. But her mind, she is a million times smarter than me, I only hope one day I will grow up to be as wise as her.
All relationships have one law, never make the one you love feel alone, especially when you’re there.
I did not sleep at all on Sunday night. No matter how much design work I put out into the universe, each beautiful piece, to me, is like a child. Letting them out into the world is not only frightening, but with the additional brutal front of Social Media one has to face… it is mortifying. Having to monitor peoples responses, not only makes you and your design child feel naked, raw and awkward, but truly at the end of Monday I was so overwhelmed I was in tears, sick to my stomach and felt like I’d been mentally stoned all day. Even though there was a lot more positive than negative, the one-year build up and tension threw me. Don’t ever say being a Designer is easy! Anyway, so my logo is up on the walls for all to see, and I think I am pretty proud of me and the JSE.
Humble enough to know I’m not better than anybody and wise enough to know that I’m different from the rest.
So my lovely readers… I am considering making a smoothie section on my blog, I’d like to know your views, would you be interested in this or not? Let me know {here}.

Keep warm my tiny stalagmites!

Xoxo

PS. You grabbed me in your sleep one morning and whispered ‘mine’ in my ear. And I kept that memory on my windowsill, and feed it music, water and light.

I love her when she drinks her morning coffee,
and drinks me. And I love her more when she assures me
that she’ll take over the world, and take over me. - Nizar-qabbani

Weekend Learning's

2014-04-07T16:08:00.002+01:00

"I know nothing with any certainty but the
sight of stars makes me dream." - Vincent van Gogh

Hello you. I could not make it to my blog last week with all the mountains I was trying to travel though. When I got to the other side the only thing I regretted was that I didn't record some of the thoughts I had while I was plotting those many hills. I do like a tough work week though. Why? You ask. Because it makes rewards that much sweeter. Even something as simple as a moment looking to the skies and noticing how luminescent the stars looked on Friday night. They were so much sparklier than any other night, through that crevice in the clouds. For at that moment I stopped, for the first time all week, I paused with my two pups to notice the beauty in the sky and it was blissful. This is what I learned;

It is already April, this scares me, was it not Christmas yesterday?
Life is full of give and take. Give thanks and take nothing for granted.
Le Soufflé is a rather interesting little French Brasserie in Pineslopes. They concentrate on the delicious French bistro food and great service. So do not be alarmed when you feel like you jumped into a casual restaurant in the seventies in France! In my opinion if the food and the service is good I will return. Yum, soufflés!
The only people I owe my loyalty are those who never made me question theirs.
"A writer is someone who spends years patiently trying to discover the second being inside him..." - Orhan Pamuk
Do you even know how expensive petrol is? Well it is very expensive to fill my vroom-vroom. So on Saturday I decided to walk if I needed to go somewhere. I had a package to collect from the post office and I also needed milk. As one does when one drinks copious amounts of tea and coffee like I do living on my lonesome. So I walked. I walked to the post office. Then I started walking home and realized I should get milk and turned and went back. Free exercise and fresh air and a hello from the funny toothless local hobo versus the latter; moth wallet and bad car radio experience and wasting gold petrol… Coco likes it.
"When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears." - Anthony Robbins
It doesn't matter how old I get, when my parents go away and I am home alone and there is a creep at the gate… I get scared. It's my past of break-ins and attacks and horror stories on loved ones. This country has scarred me to the point that I can't feel safe in my own home and I hate that.
"Perhaps strength doesn't reside in never having been broken but in the courage to grow strong in the broken places"
Do not get me wrong I love Autumn. I am a designer and I am obsessed with nature and plants and colour changing leaves… it is like Mother Nature is giving me a kaleidoscope show. But my love affair with Summer this year was too short. I have been smitten with the few lengthy sunny days that I received that I want to be selfish and demand more! I Feel robbed for some reason… Am I the only one who would like to exchange just one Autumn weekend for just one more Summers night? Sob.
“The true mark of maturity is when somebody hurts you and you try to understand their situation instead of trying to hurt them back.” - Anon

Happy week my sparrows. Fly high and brave!

Xoxo

PS. "Attract what you expect, reflect what you desire, become what you respect, mirror what you admire."

I am just loving spending time with my pups.
"Until one has loved an animal a part of one's
soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

cocobutton

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I love her when she drinks her morning coffee, and drinks me. And I love her more when she assures me that she’ll take over the world, and take over me. - Nizar-qabbani

Weekend Learning's

I love her when she drinks her morning coffee,
and drinks me. And I love her more when she assures me
that she’ll take over the world, and take over me. - Nizar-qabbani