Today I'm loving

Pantone inspired stuff!

A designer loves Pantones. Creatives love Pantones and these mugs, watches and cake boxes are so awesome, I want them all. I really like the "Panettone Pantone Cake Box".

And this, any Designers dream come true, a Pantone Rubix Cube or Rubitone. Magic!

xoxo

PS. I 186c it.

Leave a Comment colour, design, Pantone

The End of August

Cocobutton loooves original Winnie the Pooh, especially Piglet digging his garden. *think think think

Ow. I do love August. It is the month of birthdays (pick me!), the last weeks of winter, and the beginning of Spring. Spring, yes the blossoms are already out, blooming and bee calling and scent giving. 

Another thing about spring, is it is time to start thinking about those herb/ veggie/ salad gardens. well, if I am correct it is the beginning of August that you are meant to begin but I, as usual, am a little behind...

xoxo

PS. watch this space... or cabbage patch

Leave a Comment garden, spring, Winnie the Pooh

Spring Zucchini & Chicken Salad

 

I recently made this lovely little recipe for lunch and have been craving it ever since.
I found it on Martha Stewart and the second I saw “zucchini” and “salad” I was off to the kitchen! Now it doesn’t specify cooking the Zucchini but since I like mine cooked... I cooked it. You just need to slice it length ways and steam it with a little olive oil and seasoning for about 8 minutes. Do not over cook them, its nice if they keep firm to hold their shape.

With Spring in the city and sunshine on my back I am clearing the fridge of soups and replacing them with salads! Yes girls, it is summer!


Ingredients
(Serves 4)

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
 Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 1/4 pounds zucchini, thinly sliced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bunch (about 8 ounces) spinach, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Directions
 
In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Add zucchini; toss to coat, and let marinate while cooking chicken. 
In a large nonstick skillet, heat remaining tablespoon oil over medium. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until golden brown and opaque throughout, about 7 minutes per side. 
Toss chicken with zucchini mixture, spinach, onion, pecans, Parmesan, and mint. Serve. NOM!


PS. I yet again forgot to take my own picture, I ate it too quick! Thank you Martha for the piccie!

xoxo

Leave a Comment food, recipe

Bella Life

I often wonder if I have a serious problem. I am mildly obsessed with food. This is not a common trait for a young woman who watches her figure. But I just find the joy in pasta so much more gratifying that looking for the size 0 labels.

So when I heard about La Bella Figura, I booked that day. And have since been there a total of four times and every time I have been pleasantly pleased, actually hugely satisfied.

Their website reads: “In Italy, the philosophy of La Bella Figura rules the land. La Bella Figura translates to “the beautiful figure” but is actually a way of life emphasizing beauty, good image, aesthetics and correct behaviour.” I’m convinced that every time I eat there the happiness exudes from me. 
The ambiance is undemanding, homely and relaxed. When you walk into Bella it’s like walking into a pillow of Roman clouded heaven. Warm smells of Italian roma tomatoes, oregano and fresh floury pasta and basil are pungent and welcoming.

The wine list is detailed with special pieces. The pastas are all made fresh daily on site and can be seen hanging heavy above the kitchen with hope of the perfect sauce. The walls are scattered with Italian memorabilia and images of Roman beauties and regal profiles. One of my favourite things is the ease of the placement of the music area. The bread is cut right there on the bar next to the CD’s. And to the right the Campari’s and Italian liqueur’s sit proudly next to the glass goblet of Ferrero Rocher, which can be ordered with their delectable Italian perfect coffees.

All this perfection and I haven’t even gotten to the food! The Suppli, a desirable little plate of two crumbed risotto balls with peas and Prosciutto is the tastiest little morsel ever. I highly recommend the mozzarella, Prosciutto and rocket plated salad. The mozzarella is ribbony and creamy, like nothing I have ever had!

Although I have in fact tasted many meals on the proudly Roman menu, the one that is out of this world delicious is the Oxtail dish (Its a long Italian name that I do not remember but it is the last dish at the end of the mains meals). It is, without a doubt, the most soul comforting meal I have ever had. I highly recommend this plate of joy!

Dessert in also beyond divine. Hot Chocolate pudding with a white chocolate molten centre served with cream that bubbles and splatters when added to the decadent lava. And Tiramisu paradise served with a fresh strawberry custard is fit for the Gods.

Go there hungry and experience life the way the Romans did, delicious and drizzled with olive oil!

Xoxo

PS. I’m madly in love with their red checker tablecloths!
 

1 comment food, Johannesburg, La Bella Figura, restaurant

Fashion Forward Friday

This week I have seen blossoms, sprigs of green and have felt very dry (I do live in Johannesburg and this is the dry before the rain).

But being a true Jozi Baby, I welcome the heat and the dry as it only means one... or two important things. One: Spring is coming! And Two: Summer fashion is on its way!

Something important about being a girl who believes in Rapunzel and her golden locks, er... kinda, not really that extreme... is that long hair and spring/summer do not really go hand in hand.

My new obsession is spring hair braiding. Not just one of those Uno Braids you used to wear in P.E. (*gym not Port Elizabeth). I am talking about beautiful romantic braiding. Me like. Soft and romantic, cool and chic, its the perfect sexy spring do.

Xoxo

PS. It’s art!

Leave a Comment fashion, hair, spring

19th

xoxo

PS. 10v3

Leave a Comment inspiration, love

Pup Love

I introduce to you the newest addition to the Cocobutton family, my little Louis (show name: King Louis XIX).

Named after the champagne Louis Roederer and being the king of my heart, only a name fit for a king would suffice. Since there were 18 Louis's of France, being the 19th was an easy conclusion.

He’s a tricolor Pekingese and truly is the cutest love.

Xoxo

PS. Happy pup = happy mum

Leave a Comment cute, Louis, love, puppy

Coco & Coffee

I try not to drink coffee. Its bad for you, and it gives me migraines. But like red wine, cheese and chocolate, you cannot honestly expect me to decaffeinate my life of all the good stuff?

The bigger problem is when I discover adorable little perfectly designed guides like this one. *shew.

A Ciitizen’s Guide to the Perfect Pour can only mean one thing, Cocobutton is going to try, rate and find every cup on this list... Cocobutton’s might be schizophrenic and the other blogger in her might infact be Coffeebutton.

I am even considering printing it out, making a little book and and taking it around with me. It will be my guide to discovering the best of each classic little diagram... Hmmm I am brewing over a new project... Watch this pot!

Xoxo

PS. Bringing out the little Barista in me!

2 comments coffee, design, Drink

Printing Fashion

Sometimes I look at photo shoots of fashion and models and I just have to put it away and prepare for a nap out of pure boredom. I completely understand that in this modern day in age where everything has been done and the difference between this and that really is only by the skin of its teeth... or lack of.

So you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon this Gucci shoot by Mitchell Feinberg pictured on vi.sualize.us. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it was done in 2008! Shock horror, its old news! But it is just so beautiful I had to share. Whoever thought that a photo without the product would make me want the product even more.

I then did a little more research into the man himself and was pleasantly surprised by his simple yet punch-packing website. I highly recommend the cars section. God bless you Mr. Feinberg.

Xoxo

PS. Powder perfect pictures!

Leave a Comment fashion, photography

Help a little blogger out!

I recently discovered this is the last time Cocobutton can enter the Best New Blog category in the 2010 South African Blog Awards. I would really appreciate it if you would nominate Cocobutton!

Just click on the link below or on the left and nominate Cocobutton in the category Best New Blog.
Only the blogs with the most nominations go through to be finalists, so every nomination is imperative. When you click the link below, Cocobutton has already been selected as nominee in the abovementioned category.

So, all you have to do is enter the security code displayed and a VALID e-mail address, then click on the link in the confirmation e-mail they send you. NB - you have to click the link in the e-mail that you will be sent, otherwise your nomination will not count! Many many thanks to you!

xoxo

PS. I cant do this without YOU!

Leave a Comment 2010 South African Blog Awards, awards

Gifts of Gold

It was recently my birthday. On this glorious day I thank the world (*and my parents) that I have been given a chance to make the world a better place.

When it comes to gifts, the meaning behind the gift is more desirable than the object itself. A gift with a little more meaning is an offering to cherish.

This year I got a small, unique and gorgeous little trinket. It is the gift of giving, giving to charity that is. My fabulous Cape Town cousin, Laura, bought me ‘My Gold Heart’.

My Gold Heart is a delicate gold heart charm dangling with love from fine blue twine. The money for the gift goes to charity. Their aim is to reach individuals who actively choose to shift their awareness away from fear towards love. Their beneficiaries include CWD- Catholic Welfare and Development and Bulelani Creche, Delft, Cape Town.

A gift like this I will wear with pride knowing that it did in fact help someone. I Hope secretly that someone will compliment me on my necklace so that I can share the story behind it with them.

Next time you want to get someone a gift, give the gift of gold, saving the world one heart at a time.

Xoxo

PS. All that glitters is not gold... But we can try change that!

Leave a Comment charity, inspiration

Happy Birthday to Moi

Today is my birthday... Happy Birthday to me!

xoxo

PS. eat that cupcake!

Leave a Comment birthday, cupcake

Fox #4

A heart, a fox and the words 'be mine'. She's fabulous!

xoxo

PS. Etched Greeting Card

Leave a Comment fox

The Designer in Me

Only a designer... or Mac freak would put this on their blog.

I saw this, fell in love with it, dragged and dropped and I am now reposting it on my blog.
I must be mad for the obvious reason that most of my readers (probably including *you) will not understand this designer lingo. In fact I am secretly alienating anyone with a PC or general cluelessness with computers.

These little pictures not only mean something but this designer jargon is beautiful, beautiful in my pixel eyes.

xoxo

PS. *you are fabulous with or without a 

Leave a Comment design, inspiration