A New Dawn

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.

Leave a Comment 2011, 2012, Life Quote, quote

Weekend Learning's

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.

Leave a Comment Bob Harris, Christmas, Cotton On, Eric Hoffer, fox, Georges on 4th, Justin Bieber, Red Rabbit, Secret Santa, weekend

Weekend Learning's

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.

Leave a Comment Anne Frank, boyfriend, Christmas, Coco's Cottage, Dalai Lama, I Heart Organizing, Johannesburg, Life Quote, love, Magical Recipes, Mickey and Minnie, Orlando Disney, Type A Personality, weekend