Weekend Learning's

explore

Nothing ventured nothing gained. This weekend I ventured all over, this is what I learned;

• The day Teddy Roosevelts wife died he wrote only these words in his diary; “The light has gone out of my life.” Sadly I relate at the moment. :(
• I love going to warehouses for clients to see how the production factories work, I’m such a dork right? I could sit there all day with my hardhat on. Oooh what does this button do?
• The best thing in life is finding someone who knows all of your flaws, mistakes, and weaknesses and still thinks you're completely amazing.
• You can really see the true hostess in people, delicious surprise apples in butternut soup and perfectly gorgeously set tables, not even the rain could ruin a beautiful Birthday.
• Spending the whole of Sunday being obsessed with crosswords with a special friend was glorious. I’m still thinking in blocks, tiles, squares... Wait how many letters?
• On that note... Sometimes I surprise myself with the extent of my English vocabulary, I actually knew off the top of my head the sound of ringing bells, 4 letters beginning with a p... Do you?
• Arian Behzadi, good God man, your stuff is amazing. Medical meets design? think I’m in love, can we meet and debate?
• You know you’re a real designer when a fellow creative asks you what flavour chips you want and you say “yellow.” PS, thank you for the tissues xx
• Sometimes all you really need is to have someone who cares hold your face and say “You’re going to be fine, not today but until you are, I am here.”
• Quote of the day; "Let me know when your whole life goes up in smoke. Means it's time for a promotion." Too True. The Devil Wears Prada.
• Its really awesome to drive down a road and see a taxi with my logo on it, a bus with a design I did and a billboard with my branding on it, at least on the job front...  Its all gold.
• When you’re emotionally dead your body is always drained, falling asleep and sleeping 13 hours cant be normal can it?
• Life is to short to have a mediocre relationship, and if you’re willing to let the fireworks go... You don’t deserve them.

xoxo

PS. Being in a dark place only means I’m waiting for someone to bring me a box of matches. 

Adran Behzadi, amazing.

 

Broken wings

I love this...

{found here}

 xoxo

PS. Hold my hand and run fast...

Weekend Learning's

Art, coffee, sisters, friends, happiness.

This weekend really did not turn out the way I planned. But as usual, I learned. Here it is;

• When I worked as hard as I did last week, the weekends seem to be even more precious, every moment counts.
• I actually like power cuts. Candles add to any moment, even if its just drinking with friends, people look really beautiful in the candlelight.
• Rosebank has become a really seedy area, hold onto your handbags and have your wits about you if you get left there.
• Im addicted to tweed, I just want more of it, I love my new tweed pumps.
• Sitting with my girls on the grass talking about issues and eating prawns and sipping vino, Saturday was amazing, my girls, YOU are amazing, thank you.
• 4th Avenue Coffee Roastery is delicious and super fresh... My coffee addiction is growing... Crap!
• Talking, dancing, just sitting with my sisters fixes everything, we draw strength from each other, nothing can beat the love of a real sisterly bond and I’m so blessed I have two!
• There comes a time in life when you have to let go of all the pointless drama and the people who create it and surround yourself with people who make you LAUGH so hard that you forget the bad and focus solely on the good. After all, life is too short to be anything but happy.
• My tweet about the Woolworths Taste Magazine made it into this months copy. I’m such a foodie dork! It really made my week!
• I’m becoming obsessed with Silvia Pelissero and her watercolour’s. They are both haunting and seductive, got to get me one.
• My doctor gives great advice; “you’re doing this for a guy? Jax stop doing so much for others and start doing stuff for yourself!” Done.

xoxo


PS. You are a perishable item, live accordingly.  

Point one...

Point two... the end.

Valentines Want's

...so it is Valentines Day today. (vomit). Yes well I have had many a Valentine, few good, many bad. I can only actually remember one which I didn’t have to do everything myself and which was truly special. Pass the bitter Lindt. So if I ever have a Valentine who gives a rats ass (or has the balls to try) here would be some extravagant wants. Now I know a lot of girls want undies, roses and chocolates. Personally real gifts of thought are so rare they become more disappointing than joyful. So rather spend the money than write me a poem, few can really move me with words... 

Every girl loves Champagne. This is the one I names my pup after, Louis Roederer.
Goes for about 3k... I like it chilled.

 I love to cook, the hot crème brûlée Kitchen Craft Heart
Shape Ramekin and Blowtorch Set, divine.

I have always wanted this Kissy Dunny, she’s The Baroness Greed Dunny.
I’ve never seen an original!

A Thoughtful gift for a designer, Silestone Slab Vases by Form Us With Love for Cosentino,
make your own vase for her. Always an excuse to buy her lots of flowers.

 For the booklover, Little Romance bookmark by Lee Washington,
I would be super happy with this.

 My ALL time favourite; Love Bunnies Ring Holder.
Just, the perfect gift, PICK ME!

 Lust after Le Creuset Heart Shaped Stoneware Casserole,
who doesn’t want Le Creuset and in a heart! Divine.

 

All the above have links to where you can get them for your Valentines. Hope you have a beautiful Valentines and if you don’t, chin up, tomorrow is Wednesday. I plan to spend the evening holding some ones hand who understands that everyday should be Valentines day, not just the 14th of February...

Xoxo

PS. ... and then I met you.

Weekend Learning's

Take the time to smell more flowers, take more pictures, listen to your friends, kiss slow.

Second week of Feb down. I cannot believe how fast this year is flying. Before you know it, it’ll be Easter... 2012 really is galloping by. I have to be honest, I am a little jumpy for Autumn, yellow, orange and red leaves, vintage and pastel dress colours and warm cosy nights in... I might not miss summer too much. This is what I learned this still summer weekend;

• When its going to rain in jozi, its going to pour. There is no middle ground! I kind of love it, as long as I am eating sushi and drinking vino at Ruby in Parkhurst with my oldest friendies. Please take note of the chopsticks, no pair at the table will match, gorgeous.
• Sometimes I feel like I am a walking drink knocker overer (yes that spelling is correct). Hold on to your glasses darlings, I might knock over your tequila, clumsy much?
• I still think its funny when I whip out my Lomo camera and people think its some ancient vintage treasure... I wish.
• CCHQ (Classic Corner Head Quarters) is the most bizarre club I have ever been to. Revisiting it after 6 years has not made it any less weird. The walls, ceilings and floors are absolutely thronging with an immense collection of antique memorabilia, furniture, couture, art deco lamps, paintings, mirrors, instruments and statuettes ect. Try it out!
• I love it when I meet people who like my blog. And I love my new fan, AND she tweets about sex ed, follow her {here} for great tips, prr, Hi Kiki!
• Even though we change and we’re all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we’ll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we’re not still friends.
• Peonies, when I see them I want to buy them all. They are the flower with the most generous amount of petals, that’s why they are my favourites.
• Sushi Sunday has moved to Nicci Beach and it actually rocks. So long Turtle Creek, you were close to home but have nothing on Nicci. Make sure you book a table and watch out the Monday hangover, its worth it though! Happy disco feet this morning.

Have a lovely week darlings. Don’t feel sad that its Monday, go outside and smell something nice.

Xoxo

PS. Yes I am nice, no that doesn’t mean you can walk all over me. 

Thanks for reading guys xoxo

Weekend Learning's

Amazing... something to live by.

A very late weekend learnings coming up. Sorry loves it has been one of the toughest weeks ever and it kind of only a sliver of whats to come.

• Nonna Mia is a delicious little Italian spot in Blue Bird. I especially love the bold and modern decorations. And they have a TV, winning.
• A cluttered desk makes for a tidy mind... I’ve heard, or I’m trying to justify.
• I’m in love with Awolnation especially 'Sail'. “Blame it on me being a different breed baby...” something I can live up to.
• Local is definitely lekker, aKING, Zebra and Giraffe, 340ml, Lark, my list can go on and on. Jozifest was a ripper, I loved it.
• Being with no one is better than being with the wrong one because those who fly solo often have the strongest wings.
• You know you’re stressed you when you can sleep straight through one of Jozi’s famous thunder storms and not hear a peep.
• Wolves Cheesecake has healing properties. When you’re feeling down, trust me, it’ll make you feel better... I’m going there after this post.

Have a lovely week angels.

Xoxo

PS. 'Dancing under a highway'

High Five

Found {here}

Today I need a high five. For those of you who do not know... The high five is a celebratory hand gesture that occurs when two people simultaneously raise one hand, about head high, and push or slap the flat of their hand against the palm and flat hand of their partner. The gesture is often preceded verbally by the phrase "Give me five" or "High five". Thank you Wiki. 
Shew wee it's been a long tough month. Good riddance January. 

So maybe you need a high five. I discovered this poster, isn’t it lovely? So I am giving you a high five, just for being you, my lovely reader. *now give me one... :D

Xoxo

PS. High fiving yourself is not quite the same thing... *clap

Weekend Learning's

Swans, Lauren Withrow and making changes, or just painting yourself another colour.

When you spend the weekend being sober and squeezing every waking hour of the weekend doing something constructive you really get one hell of a lengthy weekend. Don’t get me wrong I would love a twelve day weekend but two days might actually be enough.

• The more I detox the more I hate alcohol. Drunk people, I only want to be around my own drunk people, stranger drunks are just annoying. My drunk people are gorgeous! Giggle!
• If only closed minds came with closed mouths.
• I am leaning more and more towards vegetarian, I don’t know what is happening to me either.
• Dancing my sober ass off at Movida for my favourite January babies birthdays is one hell of a workout and a lot of fun.
• I’ve realised that sleeping soundly is often all in the mattress. If I do not like the mattress I probably wont catch a wink... All I want to do is sleeeep.
• Doubleshot Coffee in town on Juta Street has amazing coffee, its a really great location and has an amazing taste. Sippy sippy.
• Running in the morning is one thing. Running in the morning with sore feet from dancing the night before is another. Running with both these thing and anger AND uphill is an entire form or self punishment... I’m feeling it today... Ouch!
• It surprises me when I see people I used to know a long time ago and how they have grown and changed and how beautiful they have become. I am surrounded by swans.
• I’m loving the dark romantic photography of Lauren Withrow. Portfolio two is definitely my favourite. Check it out.
• There are often days when I wish I could wear a “do not disturb” round my neck. Specifically Sundays.
• I found myself doodling on this specific Sunday... Art is the solution to chaos.
• If you’re feeling blue try painting yourself a different colour.
• “She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.” Elizabeth Edwards. I am in love with this... I am adjusting my sails.

A good week to all and to all a er... A good night! Ha ha! And Happy Birthday Mummy :) xx

xoxo

PS. You loved me at my best. You left me at my worst. 

I'm thankful...

Weekend Learning's

A weekend full of gifts of plenty. Smiles, hearts and happiness.

I only look forward to a Monday when I know that I can write my Weekend Learning’s Yay! And this was a huge weekend for me. Well it was just very very busy. After an incredibly tough week at work it was nice to keep busy and spend the weekend with all my favourite people. Here are some of the things I learnt.

• InToto is a gorgeous new gallery in Birdhaven. Checkout the exhibition She@InToto, of women by women, stunning. Also the wonderful Sharon Sampson has a work there. Go, now.
• When I eventually have my own place, I want a wooden swing over my swimming pool. Just ‘cause.
• The Nail and Body Lab in Blubird shopping center in Illovo is still the best in Jozi. Perfect French voetjies makes for a happy Coco!
• Another fascinating Art exhibition on at the moment is the ground breaking Diane Victor at the UJ Art Gallery. She creates works by manipulating the smoke from burning candles. Moving!
• A Quote from Diane Victor which inspired me; “Draw the image out for yourself, smoke it out!” the exhibition closes this Wednesday where you can meet and debate with the wonderful Diane Victor, see you there. (yes I might go again so what? *sigh)
• Passionately kissing burns 6 calories a minute, A Hershey’s Kiss (One of my favourite chocolates!) has 26 calories. It takes 4 minutes of kissing to burn off a Hershey’s Kiss. Don't mind if I do MWAH!
• It is fun to bump into old friends at lunch. Especially when they surprise you by buying you gifts fit for a designer. Thank you Josh for my Pantone Postcard Box I am in love!
• I love a good double Espresso... I just do.
• Sunday at the Cricket is divine. It is still my favourite sport and spent with my favourite people at my favourite stadium Wanderers rounded off an almost perfect weekend.

Have a great week, jump the picket fence people, you only live once!

PS. “I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then.” - Lewis Carroll

The Quote I plan to live by for the rest of my life... life quote 1

Weekend Learning's

Birds of a feather...

The first Weekend Learning’s for 2012. When I look back at the first Weekend Learning’s of 2011 I cannot believe how much has changed. I cannot believe that January 2011 was when the clumsy started. 2011 was definitely the broken year. The more people I talk to the more I hear how tough it really was. It was by far the most testing and toughest year of my life. But I grew so much and learnt so many things. I am happier than I have ever been and its all because of you. This is what I learned this weekend;

• Detoxing is fun... If you’re a rabbit. No really it is and it saves a lot on the wallet.
• The Baron actually serves fresh Orange juice so its not so bad to go out and not drink at this particular bar.
• Friday night in with the pup is still one of my favourite things to do.
• I am going to do more of what makes me happy this year and if you don’t like it you can stay right where you are.
• Neighbourgoods Market in Juta Street Jozi is wonderful! I think it might be better than the Biscuit Mill one... But to be fair I will have to go at least 10 times. (yes I have been to the Biscuit Mill at least 10 times so what!?)
• Jozi has its own gorgeous Lomography store, I almost lit my eyes on fire in excitement. YAY for meeee! No more fretting about getting film in Cape Town.
• Dancing up a storm on a double shot (of espresso) is too much fun! Especially waking up early the next morning, feeling wonderful and banging out a 6km run. Feeling fab.
• Sometimes I wonder if there are such trivial things as Facebook in heaven. I wonder if my friends are up there reading their Facebook walls while all the poor souls still stuck on earth are writing on their angels walls... Its strange to me.
• I’m completely obsessing over the Drive soundtrack especially Under You’re Spell by Desire... Electro lurve. Ryan Gosling is so yummmy! eeek!
• The Counter’s brownie’s are the stuff dreams are made of... I want to name my first child 'Brownie' after these delectable slices of love. Prr!
• Wolves is still the best place to buy unique gifts and sip on amazing coffee, scrumptious I say.
• No matter how serious life gets, you still have that one person you can be completely stupid with.
• I will happily spend every Sunday night with my family at one of our braai's laughing hysterically about ridiculous matters and strange bread bought at Market on Main and then watch DVD’s in bed with my sister. I Appreciate the love of my family.

Have a beautiful week flowers!

Xoxo

PS. Not All who wander are lost. 

Something to live by in 2012.

Swing, man. Sinatra.

Blue eyed letter...

 I love letters from the past. I discovered this little gem on the net today and had to share. Frank (yes we are on first name basis) is one of my all time favourites and the fact that he wrote a letter about the amazing George Michael almost made me screech with delight.

Still feeling the strain following his hugely successful solo album debut three years previous, George Michael told the LA Times ' Calendar Magazine in September of 1990 that he would be shunning the limelight prior to, and during, the decidedly low-key release of his new album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1; specifically there were to be very few interviews, no promotional music videos, and no tour. Many fans were understandably displeased with his approach, but the reaction of one person in particular will forever stand out.

The text of the following letter - written by Mr. Frank Sinatra - appeared in the same magazine the next week. Have a little read. I love the slag he uses, so informal yet firm with the young George... Sigh, how I love you old blue eyes.

Xoxo

PS. "Fill my heart with song and let me sing forever more" - Fly Me To The Moon.

Paradise - Inhaca - Mozambique

Inhaca, I make you mine.

Excuse me while I pack my bags and go to Mozambique's Inhaca island. Paradise. Just thought id share with you. This is what I plan to do on my holiday;

• Enjoy the lack of Cell phone reception.
• Read my book.
• Eat a lot of prawns.
• Tan a lot.
• Frolic in the sea.
• Explore.
• Love the 40 degree weather a LOT (this is the best part).
• Eat more prawns.
• Take a lot of photos.
• Hug it out (because sun and sea makes me touchy-touchy).
• Appreciate beauty.
• Smash more prawns in my face.
• Look for fishes around my feet in the water.
• Miss the friends and family I wish were there.
• Reflect on the tough year I’ve had and say good bye to it.

And most importantly, not have a care in the world.

I hope you’re going to paradise too.

Xoxo

PS. Your heart is free, have to courage to follow it... To an island paradise preferably.

para...

para...

para..dise

I've been to Mozam before and I am finally going back like I always wanted.