Weekend Learning's

A weekend full of hearts!

Sometimes you have to work on the weekend. Sadly it makes the weekend go a lot faster. Although this Monday I feel relaxed and inspired by the time I spent this weekend.I learned;

• I am officially packing away my clubbing days (for many good reasons).
• I am changing... those who do not understand will sadly be left behind.
• Shoe boxes make for neat and cost effective storage organisers.
• My garden is growing so beautifully, I now have a whole lot of beans and beautiful butter lettuces! Eeeek!
• Hyde Park’s Food, Wine, Design Show was so wonderful, I spent a lot of money with no regrets, on a lot of delicious things.
• Dear Rae is my new favourite South African jewellery designer.
• A much needed full bedroom clean-out is actually a lot of fun and makes you feel lighter.
• Working weekends is not so bad if you’re productive.
• I love it so much when I receive my cappuccino and there is a foam heart in it, win!
• It is less than a month till Christmas, which means it is time to put up the tree.
• Sharing little romantic words and thoughts with your far-away loved one is heart-fluttering stuff.
  

Xoxo

PS. I miss my Friday nights in…

5 comments Christmas, Dear Rae, garden, heart, love, weekend

Dear Rae

I bought one of these! Photo from Dear Rae

My weekend purchase. Packaging- Eeek!

I love jewellery. Ever since I was a little girl anything that shimmers or shines catches my eye. Now that I am just little older (*wink) I like unique pieces. When I found Dear Rae on the net I was horrified that I didn’t know her!  

She’s a Cape Town based jewellery designer established this year and already I love her! She recently had a little feature on Being Brazen and revisited her website and saw she was coming to the Food Wine Design show. I had to go!

“I look to create jewellery that celebrates the preciousness of the everyday.”
- Karin Rae Matthee *taken from her {website}.

Thank you Dear Rae for my first item… you have not see the last of me and my wallet!

Xoxo

PS. A little heart still loves big.

7 comments Cape Town, Dear Rae, Jewellery

Food, Wine, Design.

It was an arty affair... mustache anyone? 

Johannesburg isn’t known for its design events. Her Mother City, Cape Town, normally gets the creative injection more frequently. But this joyous weekend Hyde Park hosted the Food, Wine, Design show.

Food… Wine… and Design… Coco was in heaven! There were so many inspiring and creative stalls. I was smiling from stall to stall. I finally got to meet the designer who is Dear Rae, and made a purchase {here}. I also met the (amazing!) women behind Reel Gardening and thanked them for my prized veggies. I discovered Malée makes the most seductive room spray I have ever smelled… I almost cried when she said they were 100% out of stock! I saw cushion’s which said “I ♥ Jozi” and laughed at the pink, moustache panties! He he! I tasted loads of olives, Chorizo, and bought yummy smoked sausage and creamy Camembert that would make the food gods sing! I had the creamiest cinnamon ice-cream and shared a chocolate and roasted nut pancake with a friend I call Lamb. Delicious.

I cannot wait for next year!

xoxo

PS. I love the creative people in my country. South Africans are truly blessed!
 

Leave a Comment design, food, garden, Hyde Park, Johannesburg, moustache, wine

Fashion Forward Friday

Brown works every time on every canvas.

Milk chocolate eyes. No this is Fashion Forward Friday, not a recipe post. But yes when thinking of light, lustrous… or matt, brown eye shadow I think about chocolate. Milk chocolate eye shadow is everywhere! A more organic shading for day and shimmery iridescent shades for evening. Being a brown eyed (hazel) girl myself, I like using browns and earthy tones to bring out the flickers in my eyes. Woody tones on green and blue eyes are also romantic and almost inspire the colour in your eyes to glow.

A natural organic face is youthful. And that is the beauty of this trend. Brown is organic, thus it goes with every eye colour, skin tone, hair colour and mood. Don’t get me wrong I love bright colours but it is so much easier to pull of a milky chocolate shadow than a lime green one.

Use both cream and powder. Eye shadow comes in both cream and powder form. To help your bright eye shadow colour last all day or night, try matching colours in both cream and powder formulas. Apply the cream in a thin layer (to avoid creases later in the day) over the entire lid. Follow by applying your powder shadow as usual. I like Revlon’s “Beyond Natural” Cream-To-Powder-Eye-Shadow.

Start by applying a concealer to lids to even out skin tone and create a canvas for shadow application. Apply creamy shadows with fingertips. Shadows will blend together seamlessly as you layer colours. Apply darker shades in eye crease and on lid line. Use lighter shades all over or at corners of eyes or directly under brow arch. 

Another tip is to enhance the natural colours you have. Applying dry eye shadow with a brush will help you to coat your lids with beautiful sheer, all over colour. To intensify the colour of your eye shadow, use a sponge applicator. For a slightly more dramatic effect, apply your shadow wet with a brush; this will deepen and brighten the hues as well as increase shimmer. 

Think warm, tea and coffee shades. Matt’s or shimmer anyone call pull off this trend. And since the browns are still making a comeback, they’re lower priced than the bright. With a pink cheek and a light gloss you will be ready to roll!

Xoxo

PS. Brown smoky eyes are gorgeous and more subtle, sexier and easier to wash off ;) 

Leave a Comment fashion, friday, make-up, trend

A Proud Daughter

And the award goes to... my Dad! *Jump for joy!

I am very proud to announce that my father, Jeremy Sampson won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the FM AdFocus awards on November 24. It was a reward for decades of leadership in South Africa’s branding and design sector, and marked the first time the award has been won by someone outside the advertising mainstream. Very proud, I cannot think of anyone else more deserving! If I do say so myself!

You can follow him on Twitter {here}. Check out the rest of the winners {here} and Interbrand Sampson was runner up in the Branding & Design Agency of the Year. Congratulations to all the winners!

Xoxo

PS. Branding and design for life!

1 comment AdFocus, awards, Branding, design, Interbrand, Jeremy Sampson

Paper Imagination

Pretty!

I love paper art. This is so gorgeous! Hope this inspires you.

xoxo

PS. I'd like to fly a paper plane

1 comment creative, inspiration, paper

Weekend Learnings

It is amazing how Cape Town even looks gorgeous in a collage

I dream of a time when I won't have to say goodbye.

I spent the weekend in Cape Town with my love, celebrating our 4 year anniversary (congrats… thanks!). It was another perfect weekend and even though the weather wasn’t too great (I know right! After my seeking sunshine post… fail) we managed to have the best time. This is what I learned.     

• The more I fly the more I hate it. This is due to the fact that I do not think I have had one flight on time this entire year… and I fly a lot!
• Capetonians seem to be loving the multiple fabric bangle trend… hmmm
• I love virtually unknown discovery and 'Hemelhuis' restaurant is the most surprisingly fantastic little revelation in Waterkant Street. I love their bread served in a wooden bowl.
• Another hole-in-the-wall is the decedent Deluxe Coffee Works. Heavenly, R10, double-shot coffee which is mouth-watering and moreish!
• ‘Despicable Me’ is my animated movie of the year. I laughed through most of it, highly underrated, highly recommended.
• IF watermelon juice is on the menu, it gets a gold star!
• When I am in Jozi, I miss the boyfriend and when I am in Cape Town I miss the puppy… C'est la vie.  
• Even if a place has great reviews, bad service is a big red cross in my book. Sorry.
• I downloaded this awesome app on my BlackBerry called ‘Runtastic’. It uses GPS to track your walk. We walked the Promenade roughly 7km, awesome!
• I still do not understand those little swimmers and dragonfly statues on the Promenade… they’re fun to imitate though.
• Blonde is another fantastic restaurant in Cape Town, their service is great and the menu is out of this world delicious! Warm Chocolate Fondant, mmm!
• When the weather is cold and cloudy the perfect thing to do is wine tastings in Stellenbosch and Waterford Estate is a stunning stop!
• Gino’s (also in Stellenbosch) has the yummiest pizza’s!
• After watching ‘The Social Network’ I now think Mark Zuckerberg is a (insert bad word). I will not tarnish my blog with blasphemy.
• No matter how many times I have them, I still love Café Neo (Greek breakfast) and Arnold's (Brie, Pepperdew and bacon croissant) divine breakfasts!
• 4 years seems like a long time, life flies when you’re having fun, or just in love.
• I’m happier now than I’ve been in a long time.
  

Xoxo

PS.  Life is too short to always be wishing for what you had, rather appreciate what you have because it’s beautiful.

3 comments Cape Town, coffee, Deluxe, Hemelhuis, love, movies, restaurant, The Social Network, Waterford Estate, weekend

Goodbye for now

Can you read it... good!

Yes, I'm leaving again. I'm off to Cape Town for a little R&R with my man. It's our anniversary. Yay. 

And since the weather in Jozi is rainy and cold I'm super excited to get some sun. 

Have a beautiful week, see you on monday with the Cape Town Weekend Learnings!

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”  - Irish Blessing

xoxo

PS. Maybe I will buy a hat...

I cannot wait to be lathered in your warmth!

1 comment Cape Town, goodbye, Johannesburg, quote, Summer

Weekend Learnings

Clearly, Christmas is already inspiring me!

Another weekend lost to time. I do not mind though, this weekend to come ill be in Cape Town, hooray! What I learned this weekend?

• I’m a little embarrassed to say I’m loving the new Katy Perry… that fireworks song could be an inspirational anthem! Love it.
• Snails can come in tins… eew!
• BOS teas are YUM and their website is gorgeous!  See here.
• I generally prefer if the temperature is above 30°C. I’m definitely a South African girl, Saturday was a glorious 33°C and I was in heaven.
• I have too many shoes… I bought one of those shoe hanger things for my pumps… 3 in each section is what I had to resort to.
• Sometimes you have to accept that people will never change.
• Planning my girls Christmas party is one of those things ill never get sick of.
• Booking for New Years holiday is done and paid for… happiness is!
• I'm still in love with Mother Natures jewelled pomegranates, yumm! Eat with vanilla yogurt HEAVEN and very cost effective.
• Louis (my pup) looks more like a lion as he gets older… I think a little more like an Ewok but I like Ewoks so that’s okay.

Xoxo

PS. Hope you’ve booked and paid for you your little December getaway!

1 comment Christmas, Happy Holidays, Katy Perry, Louis, puppy, shoes, weekend

Fashion Forward Friday

I want it all!

I like fashion that is ready to wear. Runway shows which are ridiculous and unwearable (yes I invented this word) annoy me. If there is a chance you might look like a wild animals’ pet squirrel then what is the point?

Stella McCartney’s new summer 2011 is just that, from the runway to the street or the office its wearable and oh so stunning! There is a laid-back 1970's feel to Yves Saint Laurent inspired suits in creamy hues, denim blues and pastel pink, yellows and greens. She has a selection of items in the most fabulous citrus inspired fabric. These garments were my favourites as they are rich and summery with buttery lime and orange flashes. The collection is delicious and warm yet still summery cool. The items are perfect for any working woman. The trend is minimalism and grace. If you’re a chic modern woman I think you’d definitely approve.

The bags, shoes and sunnies were also remarkable, very simple nude and brown tones. Nude nails and basic make-up took the ramp. 

The best part about this collection was the fact that I discovered that Sunglasses Hut stocks the Stella McCartney 1970 inspired cat-eyes. I think Christmas might come early to Cocobutton.

Xoxo

PS. Buttery lime and orange flashes… yum!

Mmmm I love!

Leave a Comment fashion, friday, Stella McCartney

Coco is a feature Blog

Thank you, Coco loves you!

Thank you to Bury and Discover for featuring Cocobutton, my first feature! Yay!

Check out the post here.

xoxo

PS. Bury and Discover, visit it, you'll love it! 

Leave a Comment Blog, Bury and Discover, Coco a Feature

Weekend Learning's

Footsteps to a brighter future.

This weekend was all about personal relaxation. Making sure that I had a full and stress-free weekend. I caught up on reading and spent time with family and friends. Things I learned this weekend?

• Black Swan is a new American psychological thriller film directed by Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler) and I cannot wait to see it! Check out the trailer {here}
• If I’m listening to Kings of Leon I am a happy girl. I love Pyro and Pony Up off the new Come Around Sundown. Fantastic.
• If I’m not 100% sold on buying a pair of shoes (doesn’t happen very often). If the sole of the shoe is interesting or creative I'll buy them. Check out these Mr Price sandals with a bird and heart detail. SOLD. I cannot wait to treck hearts down the beach in December.
• The new organic Pick ‘n Pay has a gorgeous little restaurant called Thyme on Nicol. When you order a wrap you make it yourself! They also serve my favourite Vida coffee and have a rotating Sushi table. A Glass of wine is a price busting R14 and the tea section on the menu is called “I’m a little Tea Pot”. If I’m missing on a Saturday… you now know where ill be.
• Early morning Yoga on a Saturday is great. However it is packed and for some reason I am insanely stiff… I like it.
• My new little red Moleskine is so gorgeous. I especially love the little quality control sticker in the back. The design is interesting. I plan to collect them.
• I love drawings in the sand. Especially when my boyfriend draws hearts and sends them to me so that I know he’s thinking of me… ❥
  

Xoxo

PS. Have a short and fun week (a girl can dream…)

1 comment fashion, Kings of Leon, Moleskine, movies, Pick 'n Pay, restaurant, Vida, weekend, Yoga

Fashion Forward Friday

Come rain or shine, I love Fridays!

The fact is that living in Johannesburg pre summer without an umbrella is about as good an idea as standing on the roof with a hairdryer on in an electric storm.

So I am searching for the perfect umbrella.

The question I want to ask is, what of the see-through umbrella? Kitch or classic? I am still trying to decide. I like the idea of having something neutral to go with any outfit. I do have a problematic obsession with red umbrella’s. I think its because of that episode of Heroes when they kiss in the rain under the red umbrella and the artist draws it... Mmm. But the fact is that they just do not go with everything.

Looking at pictures I decided although they are a little on the kitch side (Anything plastic and see-through is always a little cheesy) I kinda like it.

And when I saw this picture of Blair and Serena (Gossip Girl) both under the perfect plastic perfections of kitch... I made my decision... I have to have one!

So now when it rains I will look forward to pulling out my plastic umbrella in pride knowing that Gossip Girl supports my fasion faux pas!

xoxo

PS. “Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.” - Rabindranath Tagore

Blair and Serena do it... I'll do it too!

  

1 comment fashion, friday, Gossip Girl, quote, Umbrella

Past October

Times are tough, i have to draw my own bikini's.

October, normally you think falling leaves and pumpkins but in sunny spring Johannesburg its still blossoms. I had my first swim with my love and the average day peaks at 30°C degree. *sigh.

So what did Cocobutton do in October?

• Fashion made a big show this month actually. Not only did we do four Fashion Forward Fridays which included shorts, manic 80’s, lace, the LBD and then Maxi dresses made a show and some Tec Fashion too.
• A couple of Weekend Learnings here and there. A lot was learned!
• Hula Hooping became my new exercise routine... Don’t laugh!
• I found another foxy pic. He he, funny!
• I wished for an office of clean and white.
• I travelled through Italy, India and Bali... Well in Eat, Pray, Love. Both the book and the movie were reviewed.

It was a full and fun month. I cannot believe that its already November. Hope you’re getting your early Christmas shopping done and a little holiday planning.

Xoxo

PS. “Life is too short not to make the best and the most of everything that comes your way everyday.” - Sasha Azevedo

Leave a Comment fashion, Johannesburg, month review, quote

A Tally of Two Cities

I'll take both!

Views from the top.

 I love New York. And I love Paris. Even though I've only visited New York, Paris is one of my Bucket list cities. Thus I was highly interested when I was pointed to a comparison of both.

Wonderful Mr Berncreative pointed me in the direction of this modernist design juxtapose between two of the worlds most loved cities. Being a designer who takes to simplicity, these effortless almost cut-out graphics are more than just attractive, they are inspirational!

Two cites which are so different and so complex have been summarized into basic shapes and vectors which dual against each other with charm and swarve. Their almost refined art deco gets the point right across with delicate joy and smiles. 

The artist Vahram says;

"A friendly visual match between those two cities, as seen by a Parisian-based-and-lover on New York: details, clichés and contradictions. This way, please."

Cocobutton loves it.

Check out more here.

xoxo

PS. Mmmm, delicious cities!

Paris and NY, looove coffee!

Simple yet powerful design.

1 comment architecture, cake, coffee, design, New York, Paris

Weekend Learnings

It really was a beautiful weekend. 

A weekend away is precisely what I needed to get super excited for the holiday season. I cannot believe that four days actually feel shorter than the usual two but I can feel inside that this weekend filled my heart with love. So what did I learn this weekend?

• I love little suede grey pumps from Woolies.
• The only time I ever wonder why I live in Johannesburg is when I go to Knysna.
• Ile de Pain is the most wonderful little haven. If I did live in Knysna I would spend my days there. Eating. In love with life. Their fruit plate is... the best! I think Ile de Pain is the only place I will always go to and always love.
• My China has gorgeous stuff. So gorgeous that it makes the perfect wedding gifts.
• I like little plain paper books covered in fabric. Om in Knysna has cute ones covered in fabric.
• Eating fish and chips next to the sea in the sun with a glass of wine, my favourite company and a view of the water, must be the best thing in the world.
• Rain during a wedding in South Africa is a blessing. Rain cannot stop a wedding full of love. It only brings lovers closer together.
• Peonies are FINALLY making a comeback. They are my favourite flowers and the wedding I attended had thousands of them, petal bliss.
• Another flower of the weekend – the majestic Protea. South Africa’s national blossom is so powerful all you need is a glass full of water to show one off. 
• When naming a beach house, names should consist of sea or beach jargon. The stranger the better. It’s highly entertaining for the city folk.
  Fujifilm has stepped in with its line of Mini instant-film cameras and they are a super awesome way to take pictures of people at your wedding :)
  I want what I want more than ever before. I think the go-getter in me has finally been awakened. Trust a weekend in a sleepy city to rev your engines!

PS. The bride-to-be wore shoes by Vivienne Westwood. Magnificent! Congratulations W and D Klopper xoxo

Leave a Comment flowers, Fujifilm, Ile de Pain, Knysna, love, My China, Vivienne Westwood, Wedding, weekend