A New Dawn

Friday 14 December 2012
Seasons Greeting's, it is okay to be a little weird!

Good bye to 2012. It was, compared to 2011, an easy year. Yes there were a lot of ups and downs but when I look back the overall feeling is a smiling one. So I thought I would mention 12 things that I was grateful for this year. Here they are, in no particular order;

  1. Jozi Town – The development of Jozi CBD has got to be on the top of my list of "Things I have done a lot of in 2012". The rebirth of Commissioner Street, the birth of Neighbourgoods and the delivery of the hippie chic festival and trendy rooftop party scene *to name a few… has got me buzzing with excitement to see what 2013 holds. I love my city!
  2. Letting Go – Now this might seem like an odd one or more of an intangible one but having the ability to let go of bad juju has got to be one of the feelings in the world. Yes it is difficult and the beginning and you never quite know if you're doing the right thing but looking back today, I wish I had done it the first time I was screwed over, you live and you learn.
  3. Tattoo's – Finally getting inked was epic… although I am so relieved I waited this long. Getting a tattoo when you don't know yourself is a big mistake, god forbid I would have gotten that hip tattoo I wanted in college… this also goes hand in hand which knowing who I am I guess and being comfortable in my own skin and not caring what anyone else thinks.
  4. Death Star Designer – with two Loerie nominations under my belt I can proudly say I'm becoming better known as a niche logo designer and focusing on my skills I am part of a team to be proud of and I am loving the power we posess here at Interbrand Sampson. Watch out folks… Designer bulldozer at your service! I love my job!
  5. Basil and Louis – yes these are my dogs! So sue me! But getting a puppy really makes you appreciate so many things. So sweet and innocent, the love of a dog is like nothing on this earth. I hope there are lots of little pups and kittens going to good homes this Christmas.
  6. Quality Friends – this needs no more elaboration. I love you guys ^_^
  7. Illovo's Expansion – With the array of new spots in my area there is really no need to drive anywhere. Illovo is fast becoming the hub of hipster and cool spots to hang… and I can litterally walk… sigh.
  8. IBSA Creche – this one is one of those points that ground me. Interbrand Sampson now supports a Creche in Alex. There are 6 orphans and up to forty children there to learn and be taken care of. My friend and I go quite regularly. Today for example we donated toys, an oven and a microwave. I cried after we left. It is soul destroying to see these little angels living the way they do. I am so grateful that I can help them.
  9. My Health – last year I had a lot of issues with my heath, a couple of accidents. This year I have managed to figure out what I need without the influence of others and I'm happier and evidently looking and feeling healthier for it. Vegetarian is the way to go!
  10. My Boyfriend – It is a rare and beautiful thing when you meet someone who you share almost every corner of your life with, every snowflake of your personality with, and every flicker of your soul with… and they match. I am a lucky girl.
  11. Family – We lost two members of our family this year and had one wedding. Even though death is a natural part of life I never fully accept it. My older sister getting married was a wonderful and beautiful thing, it was one of the most wonderful moments of the year and I am so ecstatic to have extended our already large family.
  12. Discovery – since I realized it is okay to explore and be different. I have discovered so many new things. New worlds, new pages and chapters. This in my new years resolution for next year, to make more discoveries with the people I have mentioned.

Look back on your year, what have you learned, loved, tested or tried? Hold them all close to your heart for they have made you who you are today and let them go for next year is a new and blossoming chapter. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year twinkles.

Xoxo

PS. Maybe some girls are not meant to be tamed. Maybe they are supposed to run wild until they find someone, just as wild, to run with. x


If anything, keep your head up angel and be brave.

Weekend Learning's

Wednesday 12 December 2012
I cannot wait to start my December adventure...
This weekend was short and sweet and I loved it. It was my last weekend in Joburg… can you believe that! I kept busy with my favourite people and kept in mind how lucky I am to have such wonderful souls in my life. This is what I learned.
  • As long as I wake up in his arms it will be a perfect day.
  • They're called "man hours" because women would finish that shit in 20 minutes. Haha! Love this quote! Making sure my work is finished early on a Friday so I can bugger off is always the better start to the weekend.
  • Georges on 4th on the deck with some wine and beautiful intelligent people talking about travel and family and plans while the sun sets, bliss!
  • Going SUPER platinum blonde for summer, is really the only hair colour to be. Bring on the sunlight sparkle and sea!
  • “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” - Alexander Pope  
  • Couple Friends are a lot of fun, especially when we are all so different; a lawyer, a doctor, a vet, a designer to name a few… diversity makes the cake, lets go!!
  • "The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you." - Bob Harris.
  • Red Rabbit is a lovely French bistro type restaurant. They have a variety of foodie meals including rabbit pie and divine mushroom risotto (I highly recommend it). The menu is diverse and interesting, it was highly enjoyable, the service was great and the food was moreish!
  • "Rudeness is the weak person's imitation of strength." - Eric Hoffer.
  • Cotton On has a great variety of reasonably priced gifts for christmas. For my office Secret Santa (being a measly R50) I managed a 2013 diary {here} in a lovely pale blue and a really gorgeous mug with a pretty illustration {here} with the same blue on the inside (examples are in pink) all adding up to R50! Go on to Cotton On!
  • Is it just me or is it getting very hard to find a good holiday read? What ever happened to the big hype before the big 'holiday novel' came out? Now people wait in queue's for Justin Bieber tickets… I remember when I was young waiting in the queue to get a holiday book before the family and I drove down to the beach… my how sadly times have changed. Any suggestions on a good Holiday Read?
  • Don’t promise when you're happy, don't reply when you're angry and don't decide when you're sad.
Have a lovely week reindeers, follow your red noses!

Xoxo

PS. The most memorable days usually end with the dirtiest clothes ^_^



Happy Holiday's, love the Fox.

Weekend Learning's

Wednesday 5 December 2012
Dancing, more sparkles and lanterns of light. Heavenly moments for Coco.
First weekend of December and Joburg doesn't seem to be able to get a good weather break. All week long we have perfect impeccable weather and then the weekend comes and she is grey and pillow pushing. This is not helping in my party favours. I am hoping it will be a little better this weekend. This is what I learned;
  • "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank.
  • My boyfriend is very 'gift intuitive'. He sees what I need and then goes out and gets it for me, a very rare and special quality in an individual, less so in a man and a boyfriend. These are a few of my favourite things…
  • I went to Orlando Disney a long time ago. One of the things I remember was the out of this world food. The mouse shaped deserts for Mickey and Minnie. The weird drinks for the different movies etc. Well I found a website where you can copy and duplicate these recipes! Try Magical Recipes for some normal and some crazy fun stuff.
  • It is so heart wrenching when you find out that old 'friends' are making fun of your past sufferings on a regular basis… On that note I found a quote; "Do not let the behaviors of others destroy your inner peace." Dalai Lama.
  • Having my Christmas party with the best quality people including my sister could not have been better. Christmas is a time for giving and family, these people might not share my blood but I consider them part of my family tree. Best Christmas ever!
  • I am slowly but surly becoming a bit of an organizational freak with moving into my cottage. Especially when I find fantastic sites like I Heart Organizing. There are lots of great downloads and cool tips and ways to help you keep your space clean and Type A Personality… that would be Coco!
  • And then there will come a time, you'll see with no more tears. And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
I am so happy and so content with my life that this quote sums up my weekend; I now live for the moments I can't put into words… this is going to be a teeny bit of a problem being a blogger and all… but my what a life… hope you have moments like these star lights!

Xoxo

PS. My fingers catch sparkles at the thought of them touching you…


The vow, because it is love.

Weekend Learning's

Wednesday 28 November 2012
Sea, sparkles and sculls. Sexy season!

The last weekend of November has come and gone and we're on the last stretch of 2012. Thank goodness. I do not know how much longer I can take. Exhaustion has set in. I cannot remember the last time a day went by when I did not feel tired. Sleep is all I want to do, preferably happily on my boyfriends chest my heavy eyelids could stay closed forever. This is what I learned;
  • Working with a camera crew in the office on a Friday is torturous, been there done that, I hate lights, cameras, no action please.
  • Kids these days, goodness, I really do feel old amongst the younger generation.
  • Rain. I can honestly say it is my sedative! The sound, smell, mood even temperature puts me straight to sleep. I know this because I literally kept falling asleep on Saturday.
  • Also when it rains I wish I could speak french… actually I always wish I could speak French. Merde!
  • Like petals we must eventually fall.
  • Mishmash serves beetroot and goats cheese spring rolls, SO yum! But why do people always think that beetroot needs a sweet accompaniment? I prefer salty.
  • Yes, there are plenty more fish in the sea, but you're my only Nemo. How long do clown fish live for? Forever I hope ^_^
  • Essie's red nail varnish in Too Too Hot has got to be the perfect summer red, in total lust over it.
  • The biggest mistake I have made in my life is letting people stay in my life far longer than they deserve. 
  • My obsession with Jalapeño's has grown to the point where I was craving a jelepino-popper for breakfast on Saturday morning… odd ball, YUM!
  • It is nice to braid my hair, just one, for fun or two for you. Dependent on the weather I might even add a feather.
  • I really don't understand what this 80's come back of zippers in the front of your top is… ouch ladies really? No. and the crop top too, its called a bralette right? Ribs showing!? Why!? Cringe.
  • “If in dreams alone, I wrap my arms around you, lay me down to sleep.” Daily Haiku on love by Tyler knott Gregson.
  • I am the lucky one because you are the best thing that’s ever been mine.


Have a lovely week wind in the willows!

xoxo

PS. She acts like summer and walks like rain.



Ignite my bones love.

Weekend Learning's

Thursday 22 November 2012
Wishes, I need no more.
When you are a designer, there is this thing we call "silly season". It is when all the clients go MAD. It is when everyone suddenly realizes their year end is coming, being their financial year end, and they all suddenly say,

"Hey team, we haven't spent a lot of budget on marketing, lets do it!!"

And so they do. Not thinking that they all think the same thing, there is a flood of briefs. And with that flood of briefs comes a flood of stress and over worked designers and packed up productions and, lets not forget, printers go on leave the same time as builders so… the first of December is cut off for them so they tell everyone to 'go F a donkey' when we ask for quick jobs. This is just on my daily eleven hour work job.

On the home front we've had two deaths in the family, a car rear-ended me giving me and two of my fellow stressed designers whiplash (yay, more admin) AND my parents went away leaving me to man the house which, I must add, is NOT easy. And with all the stress my body is literally catching every possible thing it can to try and make me slow down, and a dear friend has found himself in a rather terrible situation which has left me feeling withered and bewildered… alas I still mentally believe strongly in the philosophy of "I'll sleep when I'm dead" so strongly that sleeping has also taken a back foot or rather, standing foot…

It is not all doom and gloom in Coco's life though. In fact… with all the rushing and tumbling I am still happier than I have ever been. We recently acquired the newest member of the family and second furry Pekingese, tiny pup Basil. (green eyes hence the name, I like Baz…) also the weather in this divine city (JOZI!!) I live in could not be more perfect. My mother is selling art like hot cakes see {here}, I have the best quality friends I could ever dream of. My family is stronger than ever and my heart if fuller than ever with all the love. And while I experience it all through thick and thin my hand is always held tight with caring by a love so perfect… words cannot suffice.

So that my loyal followers is why I *almost missed two Weekend Learning's. Forgive me please?

This is what I learned;

  • I am blessed.
  • "I'd rather regret the things that I have done than the things that I have not done." - Lucille Ball
  • Linkin Park were one of the most epic concerts I have ever been to. It is amazing the emotion attached to music. I think they helped me through a lot of silly teenage problems while I was young and did not have the support system I have today, thanks guys.
  • Bumble bees do a warm-up exercise before they take off… THIS is too cute… the mental image! Meeeep!
  • Sometimes I would honestly rather watch someone else watch TV than watch the show… yes he is that gorgeous, *wink!
  • Your skin is not paper, don't cut it. Your face is not a mask, don't cover it. Your size is not a book, don't judge it.
  • "Psithurism" (n.) the sound of the wind through the trees. I could lie on your chest and listen to this forever.
  • The other day I found a dandelion and wanted to make a wish… I realized everything I normally wished for I already had so I made a wish for someone else. I think I will be doing this a lot from now on.
  • There is nothing more precious than the love of a puppy and the simple joy of caring for the sweet little angel. Precious!
  • Wakaberry is mmmm yum yum yummmmmm deliciously icey and tasty mmmm. More please!
  • "Surround yourself ONLY with people who are going to lift you higher." - Oprah Winfrey
  • I've fallen hard, for a woman. Well for a woman's music. Lana Del Rey and her damn sultry lyrics about James Dean and hot sad summers… sigh how I love her, la-la la la laa laaa-la laaa la! Make me some Cherry Pie baby...
  • I've seen a lot of lovely things, but you are about the loveliest thing I have ever seen.
Ill try my best not to leave you all for too long again my Panamanian lilies, blossom brightly, speak soon.

Xoxo

PS.  Its you its you its all for you everything I do… Lana.


...finally.
 

Weekend Learning's

Wednesday 7 November 2012
Refection when you're alone only makes you love harder x
When the person you want to spend the whole weekend with goes away the weekend becomes a little off colour. Yes it is still nice but… that’s exactly it, I used the word "nice" to describe my weekend. Sacrilege! But it just cannot be helped when I spent the majority of the weekend looking over my shoulder wondering where my missing boyfriend was. He went on a little holiday for you cynical folk who like to think there is something a miss. But I still experienced things and they were a little different to what I would have learned if he had been here I guess. Here are some of those learnings;
  • "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." - Winnie the Pooh.
  • Getting a facial on a Thursday is actually a great idea, having a perfect complexion and newly shaped brows for the weekend was a lovely feeling.
  • Having dinner with my wonderful old friend at the Eatery JHB (FAVOURITE!) Friday night was super delicious. Their minimal seasonal menu is to die for! Only 3 things for starters, main and pud means 9 perfectly constructed meals you just can't go wrong with. And the juiciest catch up ever… the food darling! Seconds please!
  • I haven't baked in so long I thought the Martha Stewart in me might be slowly dying. I'm proud to report she's alive and cooking! Well she baked vanilla and bitter chocolate chip cookies with toasted almonds and they were ravaged in 24 hours. I didn't even get to take a picture for Coco! They must have been good!
  • "Women don't like questions." Angelina Jolie - The Tourist. This is so true, do not ask me a question, tell me.
  • Pedi's with my bestie is the perfect way to keep busy on a Saturday. Especially when the pedicurist says every song is 'her song' and indulges in anointing us not only with her gracious opinion but angelic, rather soprano voice renditions of Usher and Lil Wayne to name a few. Entertaining.
  • I am totally loving the aztec pattern trend. Structured and mathematical it comes in many shapes and creative colours, heavenly!
  • Zoo Lake Bowls Club still has the cheapest drinks in Joburg. It shocks me when you hand over a hundred and get back over sixty rand for a multiple drinks order… "Are you sure you ask?"
  • Sunday with the family in the sun, perfect weather, lunch and day. The perfect end to the weekend. Family is so important. I feel great sorrow for those who think otherwise.
Have an amazing week my mermaids, and yes you probably are one, here are some signs you might actually be a mermaid… you drink like a fish, you play in the storm, you swim with the sharks, you live so deep life takes your breath away… told you you were.

xoxo

PS. A tiger doesn't lose sleep over the opinion of sheep.


Two hearts, back together, happiness, happiest!

Weekend Learning's

Tuesday 30 October 2012
Real Dreams do come true to those who wait. Karma... she is good and true.
A whirlwind of a weekend. It spun me around with such haste I almost lost my balance. I loved it. This is what I learned;
  • The only people who truly know your story are the ones that helped you write it… my friends and I prefer brushes and balloons of powder paint.
  • Friday lunch with my favourite office friends is a great start to the weekend. It is a break in the day where I can chat with like-minded people about branding and design and feel both inspired and stimulated by my career and the strong and successful creatives I work with. I am luck in this respect.
  • Interbrand Sampson has gone live on Facebook, YoutubeLinkedIn and Twitter. Follow us for great branding, marketing and design posts. Watch this space, our blog goes live on the 1st of November.
  • I do not know at what point I let go of you and us but when I saw you I felt nothing and I realized you are just a ghost in my memory.
  • Female DJ's are as rare and unique as female designers, our little Ash aka DJ Audacity blows my mind with her awesome every time.
  • Having a Partner in Crime is a rare commodity. When that special partner is your boyfriend he is a Dime a Dozen, Coco is a lucky girl ^_^
  • If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not you'll find an excuse.
  • 'Sapiosexual' (n.) A person who is sexually attracted to intelligence in others. Tick.
  • The best feeling comes when you realize that you're perfectly happy without the people you thought you needed the most.
  • When you realize you just drove an hour only to be met by a locked gate (I know...) and no way in and begin your journey home, in the direction of the rising sun and realize you are most grateful for this opportunity to have your Favourite to yourself and a whole hour to talk rubbish… you know that the memory will way over exceed the bump in the plan and you are most grateful… this is love.
  • "Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts." Charles Dickens.
  • I like the dark meddling feeling Halloween brings at this time of year. It is meant to be the one time of year when the world of the dead opens to the world of the living. I am sure this scares a lot of people. Personally, I wish it were true. What I wouldn't give for one day a year to speak to the loved ones I've lost...
Have a spooky week, where a black dress and Happy Halloween, be sexy scary.

PS. I want to be everything you always needed. Because you are everything I ever wanted.


Kisses... thank you TKG, again and again.

Weekend Learning's

Wednesday 24 October 2012
Wear feathers and flowers in your hair, kiss often, don't be afraid to be brutal for those you love.

The end of the year is drawing to a close and I just cannot wait. I haven't taken one holiday this year. Yip I went to Cape Town once, took half a day of leave and went straight back to work the day after I got back. that’s not a holiday. My bones are aching, begging to just be bored and get brittle in the sun doing nothing while forgetting I am a hard working designer who is blatantly in love with her job and sometimes doesn't take holidays because she couldn't imagine leaving her job for longer than… well I just wouldn't do that. Now I can feel my body, mind and soul saying, "baby please, lets go away together." exhaustion is kicking in and the weekends are getting shorter because I need more rest! This is what I learned;
  • "Today is never too late to be brand new" - Taylor Swift
  • Two things determine the success of a relationship. How much each of you give and how little each of you take for granted.
  • "Whatever" has been voted the most annoying word in the world for 3 years in a row.
  • Friday night in doing a French mani and pedi on myself with my pup was well needed! Especially the 'attack slash dance slash tissue demon fight' the pup had with a tissue. It was a treat of plenty!
  • I'm also loving nail art, I had a great idea to do white on french so i did! White 'lace' flower stickers on a French manicure is actually really stunning and pretty. Lets stick to one or two fingers ladies subtle is better.
  • "We didn't realize we were making memories we just knew we were having fun…" and wow am I having fun with you.
  • Voodoo Lily is such a great breakfast spot! And the fact that they are pup friendly is too divine. They also serve their takeaway coffee in Eco cups, they get extra points for this if you ask me.
  • The average bra is designed to last for 180 days... Really? I did not know this! Is this 180 wearing days? I'm going to ask La Senza!!
  • Shakespeare invented the word "swagger." Love that guy.
  • Little Sisters 'kiddies birthday party' really bought out the inner child in some. Luckily I had some mature mates sticking by me to keep me sane!
  • "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." Abraham Lincoln
Have a good rest of your week silver linings.

xoxo

PS. "When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew." - Shakespeare.




Real friendship, this depicts it. I am so grateful four you.
No that is not a spelling mistake. Happiness is now and the future! 





Weekend Learning's

Thursday 18 October 2012
White, on white, on white, on white.

When was the last time you woke up in the morning in your head, (without opening your eyes) and quietly surveyed the scene around you with your other senses. You do not open your eyes because you are too afraid that if you actually peep through the warm cracks of your sleepy eyelids the day will begin and the perfect dozy morning you're experiencing will rapidly be sucked away like a vacuum into the light that blinds you through the daybreak sunshine window. Well, I did that. Twice. This is when I know I'm happy. It is that perfect awakening that reminds me that I have everything I want and would not, and could not, ask for one more droplet more. Meep! Who's a smiley Coco!? *Said in a deep and mocking tone! This is what I learned;
  • Pretty Please nail colours in the USA is a site where you can personalize nail varnish labels and pick the nail varnish colour for friends. Too cute! Such a great gift idea… I guess my girls know what they are getting for Christmas!
  • "love" is derived from a Sanskrit word "lubh", which means desire. 'I lubh you…' ya its not quite the same.
  • Your life if your message to the world, make sure its inspiring. There are so many negative and horrible people out there at the moment, this is a good quote to live by and to only surround yourself with people who have the same thought in mind.
  • Sometimes the best conversations happen first thing in the morning, sleepy and soft, not quite pillow talk but… 3 hours later!
  • "I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone." - Lord of the Rings.
  • If you have nothing to be grateful for, check your pulse.
  • I an totally enthralled by this Sleep Cycle app. I've only used it once but I'm going to give it a good go and see what my nap stats are… I like that nap stats… you heard it first here!
  • On a more serious note; think before you type on social media people! This Amanda Todd story is soul destroying. And I know a lot of people who blurt horrible things about people before they think about the consequences. That twitter soapbox you're using, might be someones step up before they kick it over with the noose round their necks! Sticks and stones may break my bones, but social media can kill!
Xoxo

PS. "To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest." Mahatma Gandhi


For the people who constantly think I have nothing better
to do than talk about their lives on Coco… if only you were as classy as this logo.
Get your own life and stop talking about MINE.
 

Weekend Learning's

Monday 8 October 2012
Love, locket and light...
Oh my goodness. 'happy' is an empty waif of a word in comparison to the feeling I have in my heart. Summer is also here and she is hot and bright. Coco's Learning's are not about deep and meaningful lessons, but have now become fluttering reminders not to forget how I got here and why. This is what I learned;
  • If you love something set it free if they come back it was meant to be. And if you're really lucky they'll come back with a purple rose. I'm so glad!
  • Sometimes (often) I am so busy looking after everyone else that I forget to look after myself! Leaving my tickets at home after printing out everyone else's is one of these scenarios. Whoops.
  • My friends and I guzzle tequila like its going out of fashion, 3 bottles down… glug… glug… *hic… glug…
  • Bloc Party. Good God guys… you were amazing! V.A.L.I.S rocked my tiny shoes! And I have to say Die Antword blew me away! But I guess haters gona hate. Why don't you get up there and perform, you're a professional performer right? Oh no you're just an accountant/marketer/student? Oh then how can you judge? Idjot.
  • Life is short there is no time to leave important words unsaid. Thank you for saying them.
  • What do you think would happen if you made a wish on an eyebrow hair?
  • Espresso's actually makes damn delicious croissants. Buttery and flakey they can be eaten just as is. No condiments needed, that is how you know if it is a goodie or not.
  • I am very much, totally and utterly a dog person. Sometimes I wish I could live on a farm with 40 dogs and just love them all and their silly and quirky personalities and watch them sleep and chew my slippers. Dogs… must love dogs! Woof!
  • The simple past tense version of the word "dare" is "durst". I durst use this…? How odd I say!
  • I am totally loving how our little group has become a little club of couples. One of our friends actually dubbed us 'couple island'… Island life is sweeet.
  • It is a funny thing when you are talking about Chuck Bass and one of the guys at the table asks you how you can be attracted to Chuck Norris, BASS not NORRIS… then he says… "oh are we talking about fish?" hysteries!
  • Never blame anyone in your Life. Good people give you Happiness. Bad people give you Experience. Worst people give you a Lesson and Best people give you memories.
  • I want an antique locket. I had one on my charm bracelet. I think it was stolen… but I think they are lovely and I have so many pretty people in my life, id love to wear them round my neck, close to my heart, where they belong.
  • I read this somewhere… *ahem "Going back to your ex after you've dated someone else is like digging last seasons shoes out of the trash, control your whoremones." Whakiki! Too funny!
Have a warm and love filled week my pretty petunias!

Xoxo

PS. I do not know if I am good enough but if I make him happy then I am everything I want to be. 


You go Glen Coco! Found {here}
 

Weekend Learning's

Tuesday 2 October 2012
Summer street living.
After last weekends long weekend this one went particularly quickly. A Friday night in, a sun drenched Saturday and a lovely lazy Sunday. It was holistically perfect. It was hot most of the weekend during the day, and with a full moon weekend, this sun baby just wanted to have a love affair with the sun and a romance with the moon… seductive times. This is what I learned;
  • Life has a funny way of giving you what you want when you least expect to get it. As usual I am always grateful as you never know when someone might pull the rug from under you… please God leave the rug for a little longer this time!
  • Looking for tiles is an interesting experience especially when your taste is as expensive as mine. And when you find tiles which look like and feel like white wood… oh bother… I wish Coco had less expensive taste.
  • No matter how serious life gets, you have to have that one person you can be completely silly with… how about you have a gang to be silly with? Fun and Love!
  • One forgets how white ones teeth looks when one gets a spray tan… goodness! Big smiles look even huger now.
  • Sometimes I wish I could illegally download clothes…
  • H2o, ya it is ridiculous but it is also ridiculously fun with the correct people for the first time I think I got it right… as for some others ^_^ people watching could be an Olympic sport there!
  • To truly love something, you must first let it fail. If it survives, it is going to be stronger than ever.
  • Yes opposites do attracts but birds of a feather flock together and in my opinion this is the better glue.
  • Don't ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance and my kindness for weakness.
  • Sundays spent with my new/old favourite person eating and drinking and talking and watching movies and holding hands and doing nothing really that requires any real brain function is the best way to spend a lazy Sunday. Perfection.
  • The lion suit used in the original "The Wizard of Oz" was made from real Lion fur… ew! Call the SPCA!
  • I am not bound to win but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have.
Have a warm and gorgeous week moon shines, I cannot wait for the next weekend, they just get better and better.

Xoxo

PS. I'll clap when I'm impressed. 


Too pretty...

Weekend Learning's

Wednesday 26 September 2012
Hugs, touch, cloud watching, it was a good weekend.
A long weekend well needed and deserved. No matter what I decide to write here, three days are always better than two, no matter what one decides to do... *poet. The fact that I also did totally the opposite of what I wanted to do, made it even more satisfying and created so much more room to grow. This is what I learned;
  • Sometimes its nice to just come home to my sister on a Friday night, sip on Champagne, watch her do her pretty make up and tell her about the butterflies I had the night before. 
  • Two tattoo's in one month? Yes Coco might be obsessed but I needed this one. Infragilis et Tenera...
  • On that note, I feel sorry for people who don't have sisters, I am so blessed I have three!
  • The new Red Bull flavours in blueberry and lime are rather curious. The lime (silver can) is better than the blueberry (blue can) but the packaging is just super stunning! 
  • A mani and a pedi always puts me in the best mood. A little pamper session at the beginning of the weekend always brightens up my mood!
  • "You have exactly one life in which to do everything you'll ever do. Act accordingly." Colin Wright.
  • I haven't winged a weekend in so long. When one 'wings a weekend' they don't make any plans. These often end up being the best, and it was.
  • Earth Dance, where total strangers come together to leave as best friends.
  • I like wearing bindi's on my face, flowers in my hair and feathers in my earrings.
  • "But I love your feet only because they walked upon the earth and upon the wind and upon the waters, until they found me." - Pablo Neruda
  • I finally got the chance to wear my Hunter Boots. They're great for festivals! Stomping around in the dust and the mud. They were the perfect pair of wellies for a night running around the bush.
  • I could lie on your lap and watch the clouds in the warm dapple shade forever.
  • Its funny how putting your tired feet in a pool can make you feel like a new person. It also makes two silly girls giggle… summer smiles, and so they begin!
  • Life is too short to dwell on the negative and mean people. I wash you out of my life oh dark and sinister clouds.
  • "You can plant the flag and assign the name, for you have discovered me." Tyler Knott Gregson
Xoxo

PS. "Why don't you tell me that "if the girl had been worth having, she'd have waited for you"? No, sir, the girl really worth having won't wait for anybody."  F. Scott Fitzgerald.


... in a tent...

Weekend Learning's

Monday 17 September 2012
Hey, your skin, little bird... our nest.

A bit of a mixed bag of a weekend. A blast from the past, a thread Coco isn't willing to sew and weather that honestly will force me to stay in the house like a hibernating little bird in a nest of pillows! What is happening to Spring Mother Nature? Coco needs a tan, her bikinis are begging to come out. Anyway, this is what i learned;
  • Getting two bouquets of flowers in one week at the office was humbling. I've realized that romance is not dead out there, I've just been looking for it in the wrong places. Thank you for showing me. And yes, a bunch of flowers is still a simple but wonderful way to show the girl you care! A million points and big smiles from Coco. xoxo
  • Everyone named Leroy is unique. I know this from experience! Even our taxi driver on Friday night, he likes to sing Justin Bieber while he drives and called me 'Darling Miss Jacqui' before he had even met me. Fabulous.
  • Coco loves to dance.
  • Why is it that when we make big decisions and we build huge walls and have armies of a million burly one eyed men and we lock our glass houses… does it all melt away like butter on toast with that one hot and heart thumping look. And the music stops. And the world stops turning. And you forget what it was you were fighting for… "Merde!"… (When Coco feels passion she thinks in French in default… "merde" is French for "shit!")
  • What is the worlds obsession with truffle oil? Its permeation is disgusting! It physically makes me sick. I do not care how expensive and rare it is, it tastes like dirty socks which have been sitting in the soil and then kept in a moldy dead animal box for ten years and then sprinkled on my poor, unsuspecting food. Keep it away from me! Vom!
  • "Maybe there's something you're afraid to say, or someone you're afraid to love, or somewhere you're afraid to go. Its gonna hurt. Its gonna hurt because it matters." John Green.
  • People come in and out of your life. People leave your life because that chapter is done. People come back into your life because their chapter in your life isn't over…
  • Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.
  • The XX's new album is so emotive that it pulls at every heart string. It almost feels like they've been sitting on my shoulder for the last few months writing about my life… damn you XX you got me AGAIN… sigh.
  • They have officially started building my cottage! It is too exciting the thought of my own space… one small brick for Coco one giant leap for Coco's independence. My Pinterest "House" section is growing in leaps… creams and lights are the colour of the future.
  • On that note I think I'm going to become a tiler…
  • I am loving Coco's new Tumblr blog. Its a picture extension of Cocobutton. I am obsessed! Check it out {here}.
Have a fantastic week furry friends!

xoxo

PS. “Broken without you, and you’re broken without me. I love your pieces.” -Tyler Knott Gregson


... and it began to rain again.

Weekend Learning's

Tuesday 11 September 2012


Lets see what we have today Coco...
Another gorgeous weekend in Jozi. It was a little chilly which was annoying but never the less we made it our own. This is what I learned;
  • Toytoy is still so much fun. I don't care what anyone says I love it! Dance, dance, dance!
  • Late night chats after big nights and silliness on the phone like when you were 16 never loose their whimsy…
  • Having your hair washed with cold water (because there is no hot water) is one of those stupid first world problems which make you realize how lucky we are… its the little things, but we should be grateful everyday! It was horrid.
  • I'm loving the gypsy fashion trend, more rings, more bracelets, more more more.
  • Each day I am thankful for nights that turned into mornings, friends that turned into family, dreams that turned into reality and likes that turned into love.
  • Not even bronchitis can stop me… although i should have maybe not gone flipping full speed ahead like I always do. There is no middle ground with me!
  • Some people just know how to touch… its a rare thing.
  • Sometimes you just need to remember, not everyone is worth relying on, it is a shame, but it is the truth.
  • "Life becomes easier when you accept an apology you never got" - Robert Brault
  • The future is exciting, because Im going to share it with the most wonderful friends in the world.
  • "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind." - C.S. Lewis
  • Sometimes I get scared and I worry and I wonder where all these millions of little crazy roads are taking me… then I close my eyes tight and remember that I've made it this far by myself… what am I worried about? Silly Coco.
I know it is short and sweet, but I spent Sunday coughing in bed praying for a cure, and I got it, till we meet again mon petite cherie.

Xoxo

P.S. Who would have thought, a panda, a hare and a fox?



Thank God...

Weekend Learning's

Tuesday 4 September 2012
Lights, feathers, frolic... loving life!
Right. I've turned over yet another new leaf. I know I know. I think this year I have literally grown a new forest of multicoloured dreams, desires and wishes. I often go back and reread old Weekend Learning's for shits and giggles. Who is that sad lonely Coco I was once? Shame! Poor girl let so many people walk all over her. Poor weak creamy doormat. Lets be strong trees of hope together? This is what I learned;
  • Best friends are those you don't have to see everyday. Bumping into them and picking up where you left off like you see them before lunch, that’s rare and special, Ninglee we got it yo, big smiles!
  • "The worst mistake you can make is walking away from the person who actually stood there and waited for you." - Drake.
  • SPRING DAY IS TATTOO DAY! Yes Coco finally got inked. Addiction is inevitable.
  • On that note, "if you wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down." Toni Morrison. Light as a feather people, light as a feather.
  • Birthday weekends for the bestie are beautiful. Happiness is knowing that you've found that perfect friend and you'll always walk in the sunshine.
  • Little Dragon has, and will probably always be my favourite band. I can play them on repeat and never get sick of them. Also only Yukimi Nagano (the lead singer) can perform in a sunhat, dark round glasses and a poncho and dance like a mad possessed willow and totally make the crowd go nuts. Also I would never climb a wall and jump on the railing of a window like a monkey and almost break my arm to get a better view for ANY other band. Yes I did that for you Little Dragon, BEST concert! Wow!
  • Sometimes quiet people really do have a lot to say, they're just being careful about who they open up to.
  • A smart guy and I came to the realization this week that "you grow everyday and those who love you will grow with you and those who don't will lag behind." I'm okay with leaving people behind if they're too primitive to grow with me.
  • Throbbing Strawberry still has the most accommodating staff! Thanks guys for adding on not one, not two, but FIVE tables for our growing party. Such great service as well! Amazing!
  • "What I hate is ignorance, smallness of imagination, the eye that sees no farther than its own lashes. All things are possible. Who you are is limited only by who you think you are." Egyptian Book of the Dead.
  • I can't dance alone without you.
Have a carefree and special week little seeds, grow into something strong and proud for the weekend.

Xoxo

PS. He offered me the world… no thanks I have my own, and it is fucking wonderful. 


So sad I'm not privy to your constant bitch sessions… not!
Relief! Eat a cupcake for crying in a bucket and SMILE!

Weekend Learning's

Tuesday 28 August 2012
Good bye my Leo and August month, you were amazing!
Spring has definitely spring and I no longer have to wrap myself up and bundle out of the door from venue to venue. Sporting tiny pumps and lady dresses is one way to describe this weekends attire. It was divine to see my beautiful friends looking spritely in their frocks. This is what I learned;
  • Friends are kisses blown to us by angels… then who are all these angels I am surrounded by? Blessed. Traded in those kisses for the real deals.
  • The human brain can only maintain 150 stable social relationships… interesting fact.
  • Thank you Heidi Brauer for my magic wand it is on my desk now prompting me on daily to do magical things! A Fairy God Mother's daily push ^_^
  • Magic wands also actually make amazing swizzle sticks!
  • There is nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shore line no matter how many times it is sent away.
  • “Do I haunt you there, there in the space I don’t fill, the hollow in you?” Daily Haiku on love by Tyler Knott Gregson. Yes, I know he is becoming a regular but honestly if you are this good to move me with your words weekly, you will make the Learning's every week.
  • Pinkie Fest is a party full of the colour I'm not fond of but I will wear anything for a good cause and great company. If you're not having fun you're doing it wrong!
  • Those who hate me motivate me, those who I love inspire me, PLEASE I beg you, hate me more dear. Smirk.
  • I am so happy with the path my life is on right now… I don't think I'd change a thing, freedom is blissful. And if I did change it, it would have to be a force of nature to tame Coco.
  • Becoming a vegetarian has been a lifestyle that’s been a long time coming for me and its finally turned that corner when I feel physically ill when I eat meat. Who knows if it will last forever but for now, no bacon for Coco and I'm totally okay with that.
  • Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.
Have an amazing sweet weekend my pink dusted angels, for spring is upon us. And remember, be soft, do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the  pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place, and it is because you are a part of it.

xoxo

PS. In a sea of people, my eyes will always search for you.


mmm hmm...


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