Weekend Learning's

Fight for love, always and forever.

Weekend Learning's after a… 57 day hiatus, can ya dig it? Yes we can! No we can't I know. Thank you all of those for the pep talks, messages and the er…  "I love you but I'm going to start to hate you" mail (was it really necessary? I guess you got my attention). Especially I must add a little two cents to Atz, girl, if I see you looking at your watch once more to check the delay time on my last post… ill take you to the bar! Thank you.

I think it might have something to do with the fact that my little Cocobutton needs a little makeover, a nip tuck shall we say. I opened her up today (after all this time) and saw the lighter shade of what I used to be. Yes Coco we need some highlights! Watch this space… This is what I've learned;

• Going abroad makes you realize how truly backwards South Africa has become. Yes I know I am sorry to start off with a negative trust me, this will be the last but really, you have no idea how much bullshit we put up with till you go over there and put up with none. Its despicable. Can we all pull together to try make this a better place? And for gods sake VOTE people!!!
• I crave cake when I'm sick. I've come to the realization that this is in fact the "I feel sorry for myself" hunger. No wonder I'm so fit when I'm happy. None of that now happy clown!
• On that note, I am sorry for what I said when I was hungry… hungry = grumpy = no thinking before speaking.
• "I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." - Vincent Van Gogh.
• I think I might have a new favourite blog in my future! My fellow juicer / veggie / townie / indie baby-shoes has FINALLY joined the blogging cult! You should add In My Green Boots to your list of blogs to follow. If you love me you'll love her, welcome Nats to the addiction.
• Smile To Go is probably NYC's best kept secret. A tiny place with the best granola (yes possibly as good as mine OKAY) delicious coffee and scrumptious lunch. The sheer gorgeousness of the interior and the ridiculousness of the girl riding on the chicken… you can trust the food here! Which is more than I can say for most of the streets of New York… scary.
• Sarang.(n.) love; lit. "I wish to be with you until death."
• One cannot enjoy joy, when ones joy is at home.
• Weddings are best left small, with very close and intimate friends and family with the main breath being love (in) and joy (out). This I have learned from the last two weddings I have experienced since my last post (yea, Coco's been busy!). First was my aunt in New York and second, my dear and long time friends Ash and Guy Park. Thank you for letting me share your days with you!
• Smoothies! I am officially green smoothie obsessed. Two a day for everyday in may! Well it was a 30 day challenge and by this Sunday I would have happily done it. And I plan to stick to it forever. Adding it to my normal daily menu rather than replacing meals makes sure I am adding to my lifestyle not subtracting from my routine. And hells spinach are they delicious!
• No matter what the size or severity of someones operation, if they're a member of my family I am scared stiff! It is just one of those things where everything is out of your hands, fate is your biggest enemy and vulnerability becomes the biggest emotion I personally brew. Thank god its over.
• Getting another logo in another design book is like the cherry on my cake. I'm going in the right direction, that is all the proof I needed! Yes! Coco Winning!
• "They told me that to make her fall in love I had to make her laugh. But every time she laughs I'm the one who falls in love." - Tommaso Ferraris.

Have a leaf on the wind type of week my sweethearts, I shall try not to take so long from now on.

xoxo

PS. The streets are paved with gold my dears, and also glass… dance in army boots!

Light my way...

Weekend Learning's

The palette of Autumn I love;
white, cotton, touch, breath, feathers and amber.

The last weekend before I jet off on my London / New York trip. Yay! So glad! It was a lovely weekend though making sure I crammed in all my loved ones who I will miss. This is what I learned.

• The sun is up the sky is blue it's beautiful and so are you!
• You know how much Coco loves feathers? Well Feather Head People is my new favourite, blog you could call them. They create headpieces, dream catches, earrings even pieces for your favourite four legged friend! Too cute.
• Of course I talk to myself, sometimes I need expert advice.
• That awkward moment when someone is wearing more makeup than clothes… oops.
• You just can't go wrong with red nails. Sexy.
• Life is too short to spend another day at war with yourself, or anyone else for that matter.
• “Sometimes I miss you, the way someone drowning, remembers the air.” - Tim Seibles. I feel this is going to ring quite strongly during my trip... sad face.
• I am loving the Autumn colours (as above). The oranges, yellows and browns. The leaves falling and the nip in the air, it's fantastic!
• Woolworth's Porcini mushroom pasta is one of my favourite quick meals at the moment. It is just so delicious. Woody mushrooms, fresh filled pasta and it cooks so quickly, instant delicious on demand! See {here} for instant yum!
• "She’s a rare breed, matter fact, she’s an endangered species. Her heart’s been broken and just like mine it remains in pieces. But everytime we’re near each other; smile is all we can do, our shattered souls intertwine. I know I’ve felt the same kind of agonizing pain she’s been through and I find comfort in her grasp so I reach out with both arms"

Have a fantastic week my little filet mignons! You won't hear from me for a while as I globe trot in the snow and shop and explore and eat and and and… Don't forget me! Ill be back before you know it.

xoxo

PS. Move me.

It has to be said, Happy Anniversary Baby,
you are in my nature now, forever. x

 

Weekend Learning's

Winter is coming, lets stay wild my little feathers.

This weekend wasn't ideal. A thorn in the paw, a splinter in you hand. I am glad it is over. Although it was trying, much was achieved, this is what I learned;

• "Thoughts could leave deeper scarring that almost anything else." - J.K Rowling. I am a 'number 5'. This means I am very much 'in my head'. It is probably the cause of a lot of my migraines too (so they say). My mind is always busy… buzzing… bustling… this quote... I guess my mind is my own worst enemy.
• "Twinkle lights are oddly soothing maybe we should keep the Christmas tree up all year" - Private Practice. I agree. There is something mesmerizing about them that I love. Maybe it's because it's my favourite time of year or the fact that I love shiny twinkly things but I too want fairy lights 12 months a year too sooth my heavy eyes.
• Do small things with great love. I think I've lived by this my whole life, I just never put it into words. Everything I do with love.
• Vida's Chai Latte's are the best. They're like a milky cinnamon bun in a cup… without the calories. Delish!
• "And that’s the thing about people who mean everything they say. They thing everyone else does too." - K. Hosseini
• I like drinking coffee in the park… the caffeine kick is great for if you need to run away from scary beast chemical dogs! AAHH!
• I love the word 'savant'.
• Buddah Ta's candyfloss mojito is still such fun and totally yummy! No matter how old I get I love candy. Wink.
• "All I need" by Radiohead, I forgot how much I love this song. It is from the album "In Rainbows" - so fitting because it is so colourful here in my life now with you.
• I have an old friend in a scary place at the moment. Physically this time not mentally. Visiting him was trying… it was great to have my two pillars of strength there with me, with out them I think I would have stopped breathing, or worse. Thank you.
• "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20

I hope you have a week full of green tea and sweet grapes my little gerbils!

Xoxo

PS. "And at once I knew, I was not magnificent." - Bon Iver.

Who doesn't love a skeleton... you? Get off my blog ^_^ joke!

Weekend Learning's

Dancing, with love under the trees, forever.

Moving weekend! And hell was it stressful. It is actually one of the top 5 most stressful things. And yes I know I'm not moving countries or anything. But living in the same room for 16 years… you collect a lot of stuff and become quite comfortable. And I'm still not one hundred percent into Coco's Cottage yet. But I'm getting there with a little help from my fantastic sister. I think the tear show on Sunday and the idea of double-breasted cupboard space pushed her into full gear. Thanks Pickle. Anyway, this is what I learned;

• I love my new space. I especially love living alone but if I need someone or some pup they're just a phone call away.
• There is no easy way from the earth to the stars but every time I look into your eyes baby, I feel a little closer to them. Yes I made this up myself.
• Nice is Parkhurst still, in Coco's opinion, has the best breakfasts. The queue is evidence of this. I love the Scrummy Crumpets and if you are still scared of the sweet strawberries and syrup and salty bacon combo (you nut) there is always the heavenly Egg Baskets which are always a huge hit! Scrumptious!
• Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."
• There is nothing more wonderful than a fantastic summer's day on the grass with both old and new friends enjoying a spot of tennis, a dip in the pool all dressed in white while the braai sizzles and the sun beams, what bliss you were Saturday.
• Hello Miss Apple! Have you heard!? Well she's just the best thing since apple sauce! And her shipping is free over 50 Dollar, yay! Loving the chicken wishbone and anchor collection. Cute.
• I loath, and it must be said, I LOATH people who cut down old trees. At our old house there is… was… (sob) an old 90 year old oak who stood tall and proud. Bastards cut her down and a couple of exquisite old jacaranda's too. Surely there are laws against this? Luckily we managed to steal a slice (cringe) of her to keep. Oh the remains… the horror… just because it can't talk and can't fight and can't bleed or speak it doesn't mean it isn't alive!! Haven't you people seen The Happening?! Sigh.
• "She walks in beauty, like the night. Of cloudless climbs the starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright. Meet in her aspect and her eyes." - Lord Byron

Have a smashing week buttercups, in two weeks Coco is going to be jetting off to her two favourite cities, (apart from her precious Jozi) New York and London! Yay! Dream dream dream… see ya!

Xoxo

PS. "I've known others and I've loved others too, but I loved then 'cause they were stepping stones on a staircase to you."

Empty bed syndrome... always ^_^

Weekend Learning's

Bye summer loving, Hi autumn snuggles.
Yay... at the end of the day, there are always kisses.

First weekend of March. Sad to see the month of love go. It ended off with a bang at the Design Indaba, making me feel both very strongly about things and totally aggressive about others. A mixed bag. Then again March also means travel for Coco. NEW YORK NEW YORK and LONDON TOWN! Prrr woof! So much to look forward to. The mediocre day to day acts of living will just have to be surpassed by tightening my blinkers and keeping view of the future. And my is it bright! This is what I learned;

• I live in my own little world, but it's okay, they know me here.
• I like a cool, calm and collected home environment on the weekends. A chilled Saturday morning ticking off my To Do list and then relaxing with my pups is a perfect way to unwind. The calmer the weather the better. I have enough stress in the week, lets keep it to those 5 days and those 5 days only.
• Appetence. (n.) an eager desire, an instinctive inclination, and attraction or a natural bond. Finally, a word to describe what we have.
• I like seeing people singing in their cars and on the streets with their headphones on. Eyes closed mouths wide open with only their own sweet voice ringing true, I smile.
• Im a technological whore. Some might call this a geek, whatever. If Design Indaba has taught me one thing, I'm proud to be a smart, intelligent woman in a technological age and I can do more with a computer than most females. And Female Designers are such a rare and dying breed, all these female designers getting married and popping out spawn to give up their career… Good God… priorities!?
• "Be Brave enough to start a conversation that matters." - Maragret Wheatley
• I secretly cannot wait for winter. I know… I just want to wear my boots and cuddle and hibernate, so what?!
• They make you fear your imperfections, but in fact they are the diamonds of your being.
• "If people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane." - John Green.
• This is going to be a real kicker- I really like it when people are genuinely excited to meet me after hearing a lot about me from family or friends. I know. Lame. But it's a nice feeling, thanks for liking little Coco me.
• "People protect what they love." - Jacques Cousteau. So what will you protect?

Have a fantastic first week of March bonbon's.

xoxo

PS. We have red boomerang love

Totally... get the hint? MINE!

 

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.

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!

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.

 

Weekend Learning's

Lovers gona love, yes I will.

First weekend of February, the month of love, and a good first weekend it was. Kicked off Thursday with my favourite girls and so the weekend eased in with Friday dinner with my love and then just a little concert by this band of four guys… you may know them… the F*CKING RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS! Eeek! Amazing! This is what I learned;

• Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering. - I melt!
• Sometimes you get so used to a certain kind of sushi, or you just know what you like, that all others are… not so great anymore. I love Rainbow in Norwood, their veg fashion sandwiches are the best! Go now or forever eat mediocre sushi. They're also the same chain as Ruby in Parkhurst, yes you understand now.
• "We have been friends together in sunshine and in shade." - Caroline Sheridan Norton. A quote which so well describes the women I hold dear to my heart these days. They'll stick with me even if (God forbid) I'm ever in the shade again.
• Sometimes I just want to go for breakfast and look closely at the menu and have someone tell me that I should eat something sweet or savory. Just to have someone think for me and make a decision for me so it cuts out a whole lot of decision making. It is nice. Simple. That is all.
• Coco's concert shoes of choice? Superga's. They're sturdy, gorgeous, a good brand, well designed and the hard bit in the front protects your french pedi and toes while you are jumping, or getting jumped on in Golden Circle. Victory? Yes.
• I waited over 10 years to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers and was the wait worth it? Totally!
• "Athazagoraphobia" (n.) the fear of forgetting being forgotten or ignored, or being replaced.
• Panties with satin bows, pretty.
• “Will you be my breeze, if I’m your open window? Make my curtains dance.” - Tyler Knott. In fact he has been so epic this week he's getting two today on this weeks Leaning's. Ka-ching! “The craving for you, never seems to slow itself, never seems to stop.” This I can comprehend.
• I have very smart friends, yes I do! And two of them just created Foxy Box! What is this you ask? Foxy Box is a monthly subscription where you receive a sexy goodie filled treasure chest of adult products for you to enjoy with, or without a partner. For the first time ever Coco WANTS to open Pandora's Box! Sign Coco up luscious ladies! Prrr!

Have a lovely week little button noses.

xoxo
      
PS. "I hadn't told them about you, But they saw you bathing in my eyes. I hadn't told them about you, But they saw you in my written words. The perfume of love cannot be concealed." - Nizar Qabbani. Your words Nizar, perfection. 

Love means... loving imperfections.

Weekend Learning's

Leslie Ann O'Dell, epic art... divine and disturbing.

Hello peaches. Last weekend of the first month of 2013, can you believe it! Utterly unbelievable. Life is flying by and I can hardly keep up. It is true what they say; the older you get the quicker it goes? I better keep living it to the fullest or I might miss a moment. This is what I learned.

• This first point needs a little more than to just be a point. Friday was my Interbrand Day. What is this you ask? It is the anniversary of the day I started at this wonderful company… my second home. Five years! Yes that is right, I have been here at Interbrand Sampson for five long, hard and magical years. It was an emotional day and I am glad to say that I have no regrets for the people and things I have given up for my career. I love my job, my work place and the people. Proudly Interbrand Sampson!
• Getting a new pair of glasses is too much fun! I'm loving my new rims. And having your eyes tested is an important thing. You really should start looking after yourself, we're not getting any younger kids!
• "As you dissolve into love, your ego fades. You’re not thinking about loving; you’re just being love, radiating like the sun." - Ram Dass
• I love Leslie Ann O'Dell. Some of her art is above. You know Coco loves macabre. She's not totally sick but a little dark and disturbing… quite moving, lovely.
• I am obsessed with Peppermint tea. I thought I hated it. I tasted it once two years ago and cringed and now I cannot get enough… pass me another tea bag you tea pot!
• Extend the life of your mani by waiting two full minutes between applying your base coat, polish and top coat. I like mine to last 7 days… that’s the test, and when I do it myself it does.
• If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
• I forgot how much I like Summer days in Greenside in the sun with my friends listening to music. Blissful.
• "You don't love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear." - Oscar Wilde. I love this... lala laaaa.

Have a divine week darlings, or whats left of it!

Xoxo

PS. All you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be.

How much do I love this? A LOT!

 

Apple Spice Granola

Everytime I look at this picture I took my mouth waters... dammit.

Honestly. If you buy and eat store bought Granola and like it, it is only because you know no better. I do not eat Granola unless I make it myself. Apart from all the (excuse my French) shit they add to it, making it totally unhealthy! The amount of times I've imagined rather eating the box for enjoyment or almost breaking a tooth on a rock hard nut or raisin (no I do not know how they get them that hard either)… It is all rather annoying and exhausting for something which is meant to be delicious, moreish and enjoyable. So I make my own. And it is goood, and healthy. You can eat it plain as a snack, or with yoghurt or milk or even on ice-cream! It is so yum that I double this recipe because it is not enough for a week of eating… I need more. Hope you like it! Let me know what you think!

Ingredients: 
(all organic, raw and unsweetened if you can)

• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 8 dates, chopped
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut
• 2/3 cups of raw oats
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ground ginger
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce (Woolworth Grannysmith is the best)
• 1/3 cup macadamia nut oil
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup (preferably the Lyle's Golden Lion Syrup in a can, it is just better)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 180C and line a baking sheet with wax paper.
Add nuts, dates, coconut and oats to a food processor and pulse to slightly chop nuts. Add spices and salt and pulse again to evenly distribute.
In a small bowl whisk together apple sauce, oil, syrup, and vanilla. Place wet ingredient into the food processor with dry ingredients and pulse to combine.
Now take off your rings ladies! Evenly distribute granola (using fingers) on prepared baking sheet. Try not to get it too thin at the ends because this can burn very quickly and will ruin the whole taste… smoked granola is really not great.
Place in oven for 30 to 35 minutes until golden.  Stop to stir / check ingredients halfway through the baking so the edges do not get over brown.  It will allow things to cook evenly.  The granola will harden up once cooled completely.
I recommend keeping your Granola in a Tupperware in the freezer.  It keeps the granola crunchy! On nom!

Happy munching little squirrels!

Xoxo

PS. You don't HAVE to share... ^_^

Yes, Julia, yes!

Weekend Learning's

Pretty, flowers, sculls, white, wood, tusks and pillows... lets stay in.

Third detox weekend has come and gone and it was spent relaxing to the max. Literally, we were bed ridden. This is what I learned;

• The weather is definitely a determining factor on my mood and social skills. Water falls from the skies, I retire, call it the cat in my star sign, but I do not like to get wet and especially not cold, EVER.
• "I can't get out of bed. These blankets have accepted me as one of their own and If I leave now I might lose their trust." - Alan, The Hangover.
• Breakfast in bed is such a rare commodity when you get it there is nothing better and it was very well received. I am a spoilt Coco, best boyfriend!
• Love is not about finding the right person, but creating the right relationship. It is not about how much love you have in the beginning but how much love you build till the end.
• I love noodles!
• Soho beauty salon gives epic mani and pedi's in Sandton City. And let me just tell you… the Reflexology! Good grief! Ask for Elizabeth and be prepared to be educated through your feet, heavenly!
• Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith.
• I am totally addicted to The Walking Dead. Oh my gosh, I forgot how much I love to be scared! Little Sister was right! Best. Show. EVER! Addict here!
• January Curse, as I know it, is when my mind is constantly ticking. It is literally  planning the next 12 months, sorting, filing, diarising 2013 into categories so that by February my mind, body and soul will naturally take the steps in order to perform smoothly. For example: Point 125b: "Take winter jackets to dry-cleaner in mid March before Autumn chill sets in…" Type A my darlings, Type A. Does anyone else out there do this?
• Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.
• I forgot how delicious homemade Granola is. I made one of my favorite recipes this past Sunday, Apple Spice Granola. Healthy and totally moreish it is amazingly easy and inexpensive. Coco's recipe to follow this week!
• I can't wait to move into my little house. I really do not care how tiny it is or how small the garden is or how empty it may be at the beginning. All I know is it is mine and the memories I create in it will be the best yet. Maybe I will never leave… except to go to work to pay for that little roof over my head… YAY tiny tin roof YAY! *Coco jumps for joy!

Have a special and star-bursting week my shining lights.

Xoxo

PS. Petrichor (n.) the smell outside after the rain.

...pretending to be your friends... A lesson from Walking Dead!