Weekend Learning's

"I’m with you. No matter what else you have in your head I’m with you and I love you."

Ernest Hemingway, The Garden of Eden.

I've had one or two good Valentines Day's. But most of them have been merdé, you can look that up, its romantic and French for 'poo'. Having Valentines at the office is always weird. We have to do strange work posts about stuff we like and we get roses or cupcakes and I have to do some social media stuff which takes away from my real work but forces me to watch all the crappy love flowing on Facebook etc… it puts a weird mood on my Friday, and weekend. I'm not saying its bad, just odd. I think it is more evident when you are out and about on V-day. You're surrounded by couples. Some new, some old. But each one has a mystery I would love to know. Each ones face tells a story that sometimes, the other person at the table can't read, but I can. Sometimes you see two people smiling at each other and when one looks away, the others smile is wiped clean, there isn't even a stain of happiness left there, not even a lingering light in their eyes. Valentines, can't we all just be honest? It's an interesting day. This is what I learned;

• Valentines Day couples are the scariest couples. Brrr! Shivvers! 
• However… The best foreplay starts with "Good morning beautiful." giggle!
• “Our Generation has had no Great war, no Great Depression. Our war is spiritual. Our depression is our lives.” - Chuck Palahniuk 
• I like tempura sushi so much that I actually search for it on the menu first before I look for anything else. If its vegetarian tempura Californian rolls (a rare delicious morsel) I will pay for your dinner. 
• “Continue to love. Continue to forgive. Continue to grow.” - Chelsea Ayers 
• I truly believe I am about to grow the best tomatoes simply because they are so cute and pretty those little tiny sprouts! But because I love them. Yes, I love those plants. 
• "People are prettiest when they talk about something they really love with passion in their eyes." - K.v.h. I am quite enchanted by people with drive, passion and a lust for their career. Yes I guess you could say it turns me on. Prrrr, ambition… wink!
• "A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions." Show me your elastic band you beautiful thing! 

This was a little bit of an odd learning's I know, a little fluffy, a lot of inspiration but there is just so much to do on the horizon, who can't help but feel inspired and lucky to be alive? One of my heroine's Stevie Nicks knows what I am blabbing on about; 

“If you can find a passion at a young age, somewhere between fifteen and thirty, if you can find that passion, I can pretty much guarantee you that you can be sixty-five and still love that passion and still have a reason to dance out of bed and down the hall every morning.” - Stevie Nicks. Hope you dance all week long my little disco queens and kings! 

All my love...

Xoxo

PS. You don't have to give her the whole entire world to make her happy, just make her happy by sincerely giving her "You".

MWAH!

Leave a Comment Chelsea Ayers, Chuck Palahniuk, Ernest Hemingway, foreplay, garden, kiss, quote, sex, Stevie Nicks, Sushi, Tempura, Valentines Day

Weekend Learning's

Even in French, February looks and sounds romantic.

Hello February. The month of love, or so they say. I had a productive weekend. And I am going to admit I have quite the girl crush on Mother Nature and her moody storms. They are so seductive and euphoric, I just can't get enough. This is what I learned; 

• A Friday night in with the boyfriend all to myself is as rare as a unicorn and equally as special and beautiful. 
• “Scare the world: Be exactly who you say you are and tell the truth.” - The Shock of Honesty 
• I am loving the Nike+ run app. It is well designed and user friendly but it also challenges and encourages you to get out there and make footprints and to share your experiences. Try it out, you'll see what I mean. 
• “And every day, the world will drag you by the hand, yelling, “This is important! And this is important! And this is important! You need to worry about this! And this! And this!” And each day, it’s up to you to yank your hand back, put it on your heart and say, “No. This is what’s important.” - Iain S Thomas. I've come to the realization that it is okay to miss some things in life for creating more unique things is way more interesting. Saturday was filled with unique experiences which I will cherish.
• “I’m not asking you to love me perfectly but to love me graciously.” - Ramses Prashad 
• I can't begin to explain how exciting it is to have all (well about half to be precise) my family in one place at one time. Sunday was my lovely Aunt Heathers Birthday. She flew out from New York with new Hubby, Uncle Jon, to celebrate in SA with the Jozi crowd. My heart was filled to the brim with gushy love… and my tum was filled with yummy food! Family, it is the best part of every part. 
• “Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care.” - Unknown
• I am growing my own tomatoes from scratch. Yes I am! I bought a kit the other day, I played in the mud, got really dirty and so begins my new little garden. The best part was milling about the house after my planting then walking past the mirror just to catch a glimpse of myself and discovering I had mud on my cheek and forehead! No wonder the caterer left in a hurry… 
• Did you know the chilling shiver you experience with a strong emotion has a name? It is called "frisson".

Have a lovely first week of February my squishy hearts! Hope you are planning your Valentines cards.

Xoxo

PS. Do not read the next sentence. You little rebel. I like you!

This, this is too true. 

Leave a Comment Iain S Thomas, Nike+, quote, Ramses Prashad, The Shock of Honesty, Valentines Day, weekend

Weekend Learning's

Touch, feel, fall, gift, love.

 Unfortunately when you have a job like mine (Designer n. workaholic dog) sometimes I have to skip a week of Weekend Learning's simply because I do not have a minute to myself. And the few minutes I do have I plan to nap. So this is going to be a double Weekend Leaning's with flickers of Valentines weekend and this previous weekend to catch up on it should be a goodie. This is what I leaned;

• It is easy to love Valentines Day day when the one you love, loves you back.
• "There was something breathtaking about the way you said my name."
• Morning's With You. "I slowly wake as day is dawning to fingertips and lips imploring, The sheets against my skin he says- like wrapping paper on Christmas morning." -Lang Leav. How gorgeous! Lips imploring, prr!           
• Someone again told me that I rock myself when I stand and talk. Why do people keep telling me this?
• Did you know Mountain Dew was originally made to be mixed with Whiskey. This ill try this…
• "My favourite place is inside your hugs."
• The fruit of the Spirit is; love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Yes Coco need a lot more coconut in her fruit salad.
• I love puppy training. And I have to say that Pekingese have the cutest little figures. Their cute little legs and gorgeous little faces, just love them! Sweethearts!
• Woody from Toy Story has a last name and it is 'Pride'… Woody Pride… giggle.
• I'm not totally convinced I know what I'm doing anymore. I feel like I am at a crossroads and it's either left, right or into the dark scary forest and I kind of want to go into the dark scary forest... This is scarier than going into the scariest forest.
• "Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder." - Rumi
• Watching Rugby is one of the South African traditions I love to do. The whole experience from the drive, the war cries, the chips. It is just too fun.
• When you plan to spend a day doing something you looked forward to for a long time and it is ruined by a tradition you have grown to hate, it is crazy how my mood literally goes from gold to black.  
• On that note - It is amazing how quickly your mood can change, how deep your heart can sink and how much one person can affect you.
• "Open your heart. Love is on the way." - Jude 1. 
• "It was rather beautiful; the way he put her insecurities to sleep. The way he dove inside her eyes and starved all the fear and tasted all the dreams she kept coiled beneath her bones." - Christopher Poindexter.

Have an amazing week lovelies, take it by the horns!

PS. "I think I'll miss you forever, like the stars miss the sun in the morning skies." - Lana. 

We are all already broken... let your jaw meet the floor in perfect awe. Oh Tyler.

2 comments broken, Christoper Poindexter, Jude, Lana Del Rey, Lang Leav, love, Mountain Dew, Pekingese, quote, Rumi, Toy Story, Tyler Knott Gregson, Valentines Day, weekend, Whiskey, Woody

Valentine's Wants Part 2

Make her yours by giving unique gifts, thoughtful love.

Gone are the days of heart candies, lacy lingerie and bouquet of red roses delivered by a suitor in a bow tie. No. In Twenty-thirteen woman want real, useful, luxurious… well I do.

A lot has changed since last year. Wow was Coco pettish! For the first time ever I am looking forward to the eluded Valentines Day. For no reason other than I have a fantastic boyfriend and I know what ever we do we will die laughing and it will be like any other night in our relationship, full of love.

For the rest who have no idea what to do, perhaps we should start with gifts. Coco is here to help.

Hanging Orchid, stunning.

• Boskke hanging planters. So you want to get her flowers. Can we not be a little more creative? How about an upside down hanging orchid? I myself have one. Not an orchid I have a different plant but that’s because I neded something a little shorter. And I love her! Why is this a great gift? It is unique, she'll talk about it to her friends (major friend points here!) and every time she looks at it, it'll remind her of you. Top of mind guy! The orchid is also a symbol of luxury, with a sense of magnificence and artful splendor, with orchids representing rare and delicate beauty. Yes ladies like to feel magnificent!

Cappuccino cup and saucer in wood.

• Love Milo. Nature inspired homeward and décor. So I love a little cup of tea or coffee. And most if not all women love house gifts. These cups, mugs tea pots and more are just organically stunning and sophisticated. You could even be SUPER cute and get the message mug and write her a little "I heart you" message on her cuppa. There are also pillows, candle holders (romantic!) and glass tumblers all bird, branch or bug inspired with wooden touches. Confident and elegant!

White Tea, smells of wood fires, flowers, tea and fruitcake, yum.

• True Grace Candles. Now on the romantic candle note from the last note, a little romance never killed anyone on Valentines but lets try not do the generic red candies and heart chocolates. True Grace is an England based company who supply luxury candles scents and sniffs. You can select by product, collection, season or fragrance which range from Bonfire to Iris to Seashore to Velvet! These are great if you know your lady loves a certain scent. I love the Parlour ( wood fires, flowers, tea and fruitcake, yum) and White tea (soft warm rose and vanilla). Hyde Park Corner stocks them smelly delights. Mmm.

Atrophaneura semperi albofasciata real butterfly wing cluster pendant

• Papillon Belle Jewellry. Butterflies and Jewellry? Gosh what woman wouldn't want some of this beauty adorning her? I first saw once of these pieces on a friend of mine. She has the Skeleton Butterfly Wing Charm Pendant. Handmade locally they are delicate, elegant and feminine. I really cannot stop staring at it whenever I see her. Looking at their website they also have REAL wings in glass. Okay now I really want one! They are gorgeous!!! This is Coco's choice!

Puuring cute design and hell of a useful.

• Tall Tail Silver-plated Ring Holder. Now this might seem like an odd one. But this weekend I went to a dear friends Kitchen Tea and one of the gifts she received was this. What a lovely gift! I thought. It is a silver-plated cat with a really long tail. You can keep it in the kitchen or the bathroom or next to your bed to keep your rings. I need this. I really do. Most of my rings, except for one, I take off while cooking. And I have a lot of rings and I often myspace them. Especially if you're getting a Valentines for your wife this would make an ideal gift. 

An instant camera in Red, done!

• Polaroid Compact Instant Analog Camera PIC300R, in sexy Red. For our Lady nerds out there… yes I'm one shut up. What better way to record your romantic memories than with an instant camera. These new little Polaroids are super cute and party ready. Also they've also got mad friend clout and there is nothing better than a party with a Polaroid! Winning! Say cheese!

So gents here you go. Something for every woman. And no, we're not just worth it (worst payoff line ever!) we deserve it.

Xoxo

PS. Do what you love and do it often, especially if she gives as good as she gets… yea Coco is cheeky, and proud to be.

Don't forget it guy... or she might forget you!

Leave a Comment Boskke, cat, love, Love Milo, Papillon Belle, Polaroid, Tall Tail Ring Holder, True Grace, Valentines Day

Weekend Learning's

La Joie De Vivre, The joy of living. Love has everything to do with this.

I can truly say this weekend started with a bang. One of the biggest storms Jozi has every had. Coco was scared. Good thing I had two strong arms securely around me just in case. I hope you did too! This is what I learned;

• When it's raining in the afternoon and you see the sun peaking through and you run from window to window looking for a rainbow... Yip I'm that girl, and trust me, I always find that rainbow.
• We accept the love we think we deserve. Some people think they deserve trash clearly.
• My hair is finally 'long'. It is no longer short, a little longer than mid length, long enough to do all those styles with bobby pins and the likes… yay me.
• Gelish. It is gel nail varnish. I just had french done on my fingers and toes. The verdict is still out. But apart from the fact that it takes a hell of a long time it looks pretty and last a lot longer… Coco verdict to follow.
• My boyfriend and a lot of my friends boyfriends are Warriors! I am so proud. A 6km obstacle course, including lots of mud, teamwork, roasties, torn clothing, sun burns, sore muscles and an ecstatic team of 8 "Mid Mid-life Crisis" men with dog tags, dirty faces, proud girlfriends and huge white shiny teeth smiles… it was an awesome experience, good on you boys! Muddy kisses are totally worth it ^_^
• "You must love in such a way that the person you love feels free." -Thich Nhat Hahn
• The Tashas le parc Macaroons are to die for. Unfortunately I base this on two quickly eaten strawberry and pistachio samples of heaven. But it was not only the taste. It was also the packaging. Being a designer I am very critical when it comes to the delivery of goods and this was a delight! 10 points Tashas! Find them at Hyde Park Corner, Shop U29.
• Kitchen Tea's. Some love them some hate them. I admire the ones like the one I attended for my dear old Friend Ash and her fantastic fiancé Guy where both wife and husband to be are involved. I am too excited to see how your beautiful life blossoms together sweet friends.
• Do what is right not what is easy. It'll work itself out it the end, I am thankful that I can have faith in these things. They work because it is meant to be.
• My new favourite flavor of Wakaberry is… drum roll please… COCONUT! Oh it is yum. Cold, subtle and of course snow white and delicious. Creamy heaven. Bring it to meeee.
• Find someone who'll never get tired of kissing you everyday, who'll hug you when you're jealous, who'; keep silent when you're mad who'll hold your hand when you're scared and who'll plan and imagine their future with you in it. And when you find that someone, just never let them go!

Do what you love this week, after all it is Valentines week, *wink wink!

xoxo

PS. Between the sheets...

Gorgeous! Desire.

 

1 comment boyfriend, Desire, Gelish, Hyde Park, Kitchen Tea, love, Macaroons, Tashas le parc, Thich Nhat Hahn, Valentines Day, Wakaberry, Warrior, weekend

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.

Leave a Comment Bunnies, Cosentino, Dunny, Form Us With Love, gifts, heart, Le Creuset, Lee Washington, Little Romance, Louis, Louis Roederer, love, romance, Silestone Slab Vases, Valentines Day