Well, that's that, then!

What sort of a year has 2011 been? Personally, it's been filled with:
...denial, anger, pain, frustration, bitterness and hurt.
...hiding, isolation, loneliness, solitude and confusion.
...a blur of remorse and tears.
...a fight to keep the threads of my life sewn and to keep on breathing.
...forgetting my passions like writing, cooking, reading and blogging. Thereby forgetting myself too.

And because of all the above, the last two months or so has been filled with:
...rebirth, renewal and revitalisation.
...an re-awakening of all my senses.
...promises to build a better 2012 - and onwards.
...talk of engagements and weddings. (My own! Eek! God, help me!)
...hunting for a place to call home.

So I reckon 2012 has gotta be better - full of those sorta huge life changes. And I hope it is not my misguided optimism at this time of the year. Maybe S.O* and I are on our way to a Happily Ever After.

These two secrets from Postsecret  pulled at my heart:

Finally, a very happy new year to you! May 2012 fulfil every wish and dream, even those in the deep corners of your imagination. Shine and thrive, everyone!

*S.O= Significant Other

Chocolate Monday

This, quite obviously, does not apply to me - I am always eating chocolate. But does this apply to you? Image found here.
Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  

Gotta keep on going

December slow down...what December slow down? My happy fantasies about work getting a bit more quiet are being dashed day by day. My mind and body feels like it needs to shut down and enjoy doing nothing. But alas, the Big Work Monster rears its ugly, slobbering face and demands more time. I guess that is the nature of the media so lemme continue to write and write and write...and get on with it. Whimpering certainly won't help me tick off my to do list!

Chocolate Monday

I think the chocolate cake made into a castle is a divine idea! I would like to dig in! Picture found here.
Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.   
P.S: Is it just me or are Mondays become more cruel and harsh?... Waking up has never been such a horrendously difficult task! My brain still feels fuzzy even though it is already 6:27am. Even though I am already work, I am so tempted to go back into the parking lot and have a nap in my car! Sigh...

And to help make Chocolate Monday become Chocolate Seven-Days-A-Week, my dear friend and Editor, gave me this book. It is her last day at work today and as testament to her kind soul, she is the one giving her work colleagues presents, when she is the one leaving!  A very huge 'Thank You' to her. Lord knows, she will be sorely missed. As for her new path, I hope it is filled with many wanders, words galore, laughs, beach holidays and tales to enthral!
The recipe book is packed with over 300 treats - more than enough to make you want to  live on chocolate alone.

Show us the real Prixie, please!

Recently, I have been finding it very hard to stay up beyond 9pm. I start reading a book and not even 10 minutes later I am struggling to keep my eyes open. I fall asleep minutes after starting to watch a TV program or movie. 

I have noticed that since I stopped freelancing and got a full time job, my time for reading and other leisure activities has been greatly reduced and this is extremely saddening. Tiredness seems to be with me constantly...  maybe it because I wake up so early to be at work at 6am. Crazy, right? 

I actually hardly recognise myself any longer. Who is this person, working full time? Yawning most of the time? Paying off debit orders galore? And having so little me-time? Who are you and what have you done with Prixie? 

Chocolate Monday

Nutella - in art form. Picture found here.

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  

Chocolate Monday

It's been awfully hot recently - summer has definitely arrived. I think these chocolate coated kiwi fruit is a great idea, especially for these sort of hot days. Image found here.

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  

Don't you hate it when...

...you get into the bath and you realise you have left your towel in your bedroom. It happened to me last night, but luckily the Female Parental Unit (FPU) was at home and this is the conversation that ensued:

Me, screaming as if I was at a concert: "Maaaaaa! Maaaaaaaaaa!"
FPU: Yes?
Me: I forgot my towels. Please can you bring them?
FPU: Where is it? In your room?
Me: Yeah, the two pink ones!
I hear her going into my room, and then walking back to the bathroom door. Silence.
Me: Are you there?
FPU: Yes.
Me: Then you can open the door. Nothing you haven't seen before! (After all she is my mother!)
FPU opened the door a small bit, and threw in my fluffy pink towels.
Happiness!

Chocolate Monday

Picture found here. 

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  

Sharing the sunrise

Now that it is summer in South Africa, the sun is rising as I leave the house in the morning for work. Sometimes the sunrise is bleh, meh or simply stunning. Here is a picture of one with lovely colours that looks like it was soaked with the strokes of a happy artist.

Chocolate Monday

I am back at work after a four day weekend and feeling sorry for myself. This milk and biscuits picture is comfort food at it's best, which is really what I need at the moment. Picture found here.

Oh and as an additional note, Happy Halloween to everyone! And a very Happy-Would-Have-Been-Birthday to me. The Female-Parental-Unit's doctor estimated my date of birth as 31 October but I decided to pop out prematurely on 21 August. I think a Halloween birthday would have suited my personality much better though.

Will you watch "Once Upon a Time"?

This new TV series, Once Upon a Time, premièred in the USA over the weekend. As readers of this blog will know, I simply adore fairy tales. And this is a creation from the makers of Lost so I expect it to be all sorts of intriguing and awesome. Now if only I can wish upon a star, or my Fairy Godmother, for this to get to South African television screens as fast as possible!

Chocolate Monday

I love the look of this pretty dessert. Considering that we are experiencing heat wave conditions now in Johannesburg, I would love to eat this right now. Picture sourced from Imgfave.
Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  

When I hit the road

I live quite far from work so I spend a lot of time on one of South Africa's major highways. Here are a few thoughts, pet peeves, observations and what not:

• I hate it when trucks, vans, buses, lorries and any other big, heavy vehicle moves into the fast or second fast lane. They will inevitably slow down on an up hill. 
• If a car passes me really fast, my 'Lil One feels like it is going to veer off my driving lane. The same happens the minute the wind picks up.Yes I drive a very little car and it is very light, in comparison to other vehicles.
• People stare at the (fake) sun flower I attached to my aerial. It makes kids smile and wave at me, sometimes adults too!
• Said sun flower sometimes acts like a beacon for some drivers - I assume they get scared of a "girl" driver and stay far behind me. That actually suits me just fine. 
• Those who drive smart, expensive and fast cars (yes, you who drive BMWs, Mercs, Volvos, Lexus and 4x4s) tend to be very impatient and aggressive on the road. 
• Mini bus taxis really do stop anywhere on the road and at any time. And they make their own rules on the road and do not follow existing rules! They really do make me so damn mad. 
• That said, I think I suffer from, ahem, road rage - after all when you are driving, it is everyone else who is in the wrong. 
• Over taking metro cops makes me feel so guilty, even though I am within the speed limit. I irrationally feel they will want to pull me over and fine me on the spot!
• People rarely stick to the speed limit in the fast lane. 
• In cases of grid locked traffic, which happens very often in Johannesburg, I loath those who make the emergency lane an additional driving lane, then gap in at a later stage. Those assholes tend to make traffic only worse!
• In conclusion, I generally do not like driving. If Johannesburg had a wide network of safe and reliable public transport, I would be the first to use it. 

Chocolate Monday

If you're a Harry Potter fan, this will make you laugh...and eat loads of chocolate. Image found here.

If you need an explanation, here is how Remus Lupin explains it to Harry:

"Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them... Get too near a Dementor and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you. If it can, the Dementor will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself...soulless and evil. You will be left with nothing but the worst experiences of your life." - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

If a person has a brief encounter with such a creature, chocolate proves to be a good antidote.
Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  

Chocolate Monday

This weekend we held a surprise birthday party for S.O's* mum. S.O decided to order this heavenly Ferrero Rocher cake - and he specifically asked for it to be eggless so I could eat it too! I cannot count the amount of times I fell in love with it.

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  
*S.O - Significant Other

A tale of two bags

This beautiful, old Kodak bag was brought to work by a friend of mine. It was her grandfather's camera bag and even though the camera now makes for a lovely antique ornament, she uses the bag for her hard drive! I was instantly taken by it. Inside the flap, there is a cursive, calligraphy handwritten date and initials: "M.D.H.B.M 1914". These sort of old items carry such stories in them, even if we are unclear of what exactly they are. It's as if older items develop a more interesting personality as time marches on. And that makes it's beauty multi layered, mysterious, rugged and alluring.

This is the satchel I won from the lovely Being Brazen and AlexandraKate. This gorgeous bag made my knees weak and captivated me the minute I saw it. I also couldn't help but notice the striking similarities between the two bags, though the latter is new and it's history - only just beginning.

Chocolate Monday

I love the background of this picture. The cursive writing, the thicker pen used, and the older looking paper gives it a vintage feel I simply adore. And as for those truffles - oh yum!

Hope this week is kind to each of you...
Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  
 Image sourced from here: Imgfave

Happy Birthday Google

So this is the Google Doodle today. Happy 13th birthday! If it weren't for this search engine, we'd all be straggling the Internet - lost, alone, and very confused. Now that it is 13, I hope it doesn't get that "I know it all" teenage attitude.

Chocolate Monday plus a bit of a rant

These chocolate hearts look simple, happy and appetising - exactly what I need today. Picture found here: Imgfave.

In addition to Chocolate Monday - I will indulge myself in a bit of a rant. I hate over drinking, always did and always will. The last time drank bit too much was 2009. So, anyway, back to this incident. It was a public holiday in South Africa on Saturday - Heritage Day, and also National Braai* Day. S.O** decided to have a little braai. Much to my delight, he bought chocolate vodka. Needless to say I am in love with that drink and will voluntarily have more and more, simply because it tastes like chocolate cake in a shooter glass. But it done me in on Saturday. All my emotional baggage suddenly became hoards of luggage, and dare I say, it was not pretty. That is why I do not like to drink - you loose control and every fear, resentment, threads of hopelessness, dashed dreams and every other negative emotion bubbles to the surface and makes it's ugly self known. I hope to never get into that state again. And I do apologise to S.O for saying things that only stem from my deepest, darkest self. And no more to copious amounts of chocolate vodka!

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  
**S.O - Significant Other 
*Braai - South African term for barbecue

World Addiction Day 2011

Today is World Addiction Day. I have had experiences with addicts and continue to try and support someone close to me with an addiction, so this is a very important topic to me. I live the struggle everyday and it is not easy. And that is what people need to realise - addiction takes over your life. When you decide to stop whatever you're addicted to (be it gambling, drugs, alcohol), that is when the work begins. That is when you live with the consequences of your choices and cope with this mental illness. It becomes your life partner, in a way.

So to all those who have a problem, to those who have loved ones with an addiction, to all those who are clawing their way out of the addiction pit to live some semblance of a normal life, today is your day. Be proud, brave and wise. Let the cycle of lies, stigma, mistrust and dependence end. Start fresh, embrace honesty and be good to yourself. 

More info can be found here: World Addiction Day

Chocolate Monday

Is there a better way to eat banana? I think not. Pic found here: Imgfave. 

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  

A quote that grabbed me

I got this emailed to me today. It sorta sums up a lot about life, don't ya think?

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you CHOOSE."

- Dr Seuss -  

Chocolate Mondays

If I can be anyone today, I would be this dog. This is exactly how I feel when I see a chocolate fountain. Pic found here: Imgfave.

On a different note, the Neighbourgoods Market opened up in Johannesburg this past weekend. I convinced the S.O* we should go and off we went. And I am so glad we did. After driving around and around to find the place (Braamfontein has too many confusing one ways) we finally found it. I gotta say - I loved it. Even though it was packed and there is not a lot I can eat being a strict vegetarian, the vibe was easy going, friendly, fashionable and fun! It reminded me of when South Africa hosted the Soccer World Cup in 2010, combined with the Greenwich Market in London. What I did get to eat was divine. With Johannesburg having such an entrenched mall culture, it was beyond amazing to walk outside a bit. Stalls actually ran out of food, and some out of business cards because they did not expect such a great turn out. Return trips are a must!


Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.
*S.O - Significant Other 

Chocolate Monday

I would like to jump into this picture and gobble this ice cream up. Maybe it is because weather wise, Johannesburg has jumped straight from winter into summer. Spring, what happened to you? Picture found here: Imgfave.

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.

Do it, for your heart

I happily discovered this tweet by Essentials Magazine! 

essentialsmagSA essentials magazine 

Tip of the Day: Latest research says that chocolate can reduce heart disease by up to 37%! Best news ever!

So, have as much chocolate as possible, guilt free! For the sake of your heart... 

Chocolate Monday

I think this chocolate made cup is a brilliant idea. Fifty points to the one who thought of this idea. And it makes the presentation all the more special. Don't you just want to get into the picture and dig in? Image found here: Imgfave.

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.

Birthday Loot

This wonderful e-card from S.O.*

The flowers, junk food stash, mini skirt and iPANEMA slops from the S.O* And just in time for the upcoming summer!

This lovely chocolate spa set from S.O's sister and brother-in-law. It's got lip gloss, fizz ball, a candle, lotion and a bar of soap - all chocolate flavoured. And a great little book on chocolate too. 

A photo frame from a friend at work 

And as a surprising bonus, I won the AlexandraKate bag from a give-away that ran on Being Brazen's blog. She's got a new give-away already - so enter! 

And I baked these mini savoury muffins, egg free! :)

More than the gifts though, I appreciate every warm wish I received, every call, every message. It really made my day. A huge THANK YOU to everyone! 

*S.O - Significant Other 

Into the land of fantasy

I've always been a great fan of stories with fantasy and magical elements such as Chronicles of Narnia, Peter Pan, The Lord of the Rings and so many more.  I have dozens of my own ideas dancing around in my head,  I am only too scared to type them out. The fear of mediocre work overwhelms me and it paralyses me into immobility. Regardless, there are others who think like me and this image proves that. It gives me a little courage to bring my magical creatures alive on paper and into the hearts and minds of readers.

Chocolate Monday

If some kind soul makes me a cake like this one fine day, they will have my eternal gratitude. Image taken from Imgfave.

P.S: To those who crave Chocolate Mondays, apologies for last Monday. My holiday took precedence over blogging. 
P.P.S: Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week. 

Loving the African bush.

A few pics from my recent holiday. I am still basking in the after glow. 

Chocolate Monday

OMG - words cannot express my excitement that there is a Lindt Chocolate Studio at Design Quarter in Johannesburg. And the cherry on the top is that we have just moved our work offices into Design Quarter! I am sure I will be very broke henceforth.

Stuck between two crazy choices

Sometimes I wonder what is the lesser of two evils:

• Waking up at 4:45am so I can get to work by 6:00am - only done to beat traffic. This way it takes me just under an hour to get to work - and that is with little or no traffic. 
• Or leaving home at 6:00am to sit for 2 hours in traffic, and that is just a one way trip.

At the moment I am doing the first option. Let's just say that waking up early is killing me. Then again, so would sitting in traffic. Sigh, I wish Johannesburg had a wide reach, safe and reliable public  transport system. I cannot wait for the day that S.O* and I get a place together - something more central. Until then, I will stick to craziness.

*S.O = Significant Other 

Crafty stuff

I really do love winter for so many reasons. One of them is that it is easier to do craft work like knitting and crocheting. So this is my latest mitten like garment. I am making the same thing for a work colleague. And I am currently busy knitting a scarf.

Note to self: Do not ever become a hand model. 

Chocolate Monday

What happens when a chocolatier and a musical band come together? The release of a limited edition chocolate record. For the full story from Oddity Central, which you will want to read: click here. Thanks Tara for sending this to me.

We're dropping like flies

The Johannesburg office of the company in which I work has been hard hit by the cold and flu. Yesterday two colleagues stayed at home, one left early, another one came late but slogged through the day, despite feeling under the weather. In addition the S.O* had the beginnings of the cold, and the Female Parental Unit is sick. So if I am bed ridden this weekend from illness, I shall not be surprised.

S.O - Significant Other 

Chocolate Monday

See - there is always reason for chocolate and chocolate flavoured products. Dig in. Images found here: Imgfave. 

And on a total different note, a special mention to my S.O*. Today marks a decade we have shared a joint life path. Thank you! As the catchphrase from 'The Painted Veil' goes: "Sometimes the greatest journey is the distance between two people." May we continue to live with hope, learn together and love each other always.

*S.O: Significant Other

It is that time of the year

Gosh, this winter in Johannesburg is really freezing! Not that I am complaining, I love the cold but I notice the following:

• It is taking me much longer to dress up in the morning. If you're not from Johannesburg, you have to understand that homes do not come with in-built heaters. And since we have a generally warm climate, there are no such things as double glazed windows etc. You have to dress in multiple layers to keep warm, even indoors! 
• I am eating much more hearty foods like soups, toast and stews. And just eating much more in general. It's like I am always chewing. Hahahah.... If I am not chewing, I am drinking copious amounts of green tea.
• I am not a person that snoozes my alarm, yet in this cold weather it is very tempting. Then again, I do wake up at 4:45am. 
• I get into my bed much much earlier....to cosy up with my fluffy, soft blankets. 

Chocolate Monday

I found this image immensely hilarious! I cannot take credit for any of the creativity though. I found and took the pic from Imgfave.

Trying to take the Blue out of Mondays

Monday's bad rep is fully deserved for it is a day that forces us to face the end of the weekend, makes us wake up early for work and makes us take that all too depressing trek to the office. So to cheer myself (and hopefully others), I will be posting up pics of chocolates. Let's call it Chocolate Mondays. Dig in...

Image taken from here

Should I be worried?

I'm so OCD that having my play list on shuffle makes me anxious. I've tried but it's better if you know what song will be playing next...better for me anyway.

Ah the satisfaction of a trip to the shops!

Anyone who has shopped for a good pair of jeans knows all too well you may find a perfect fit - once every decade or so! Yes, really.

I popped into Woolies* yesterday after work. Much to my surprised pleasure, "Up to 60% off" signs in bold red and white, egged me on from every angle...how could I ignore it? I had to succumb! Into the paltry looking sale racks (only two!) I dived and emerged, victoriously with a few items, one of them being jeans.

Delight melted my knees into jelly in the changing room when I tried them on. No gaping waist? Check. Not overly tight at the hips? Check. A comfortable fit that is not too lose nor tight? Check. Perfect length? Check! Perfect length?! Anyone who knows me in person, knows that I am so vertically challenged, I consider it a valid disability. And the major reason the jeans was not too long for me? Kids clothing, people! I will be gracious enough to allow you a very small chuckle at my expense. But the biggest cherry on the cake? I bagged them for a mere R56!**

*Colloquial (and loving) term for Woolworths, a South African store selling food, clothes and other house hold items, much like the Marks and Spencer shops in the UK. 


**That would be roughly 5 Euro, or US$8, or 4.9 Pounds! Price converted at XE.com

Let's...

I found this tweet on the Postsecret  and thought it was really touching and sweet! 

If only...

...I could get my hands on something like this!

A chocolate to start the day

The company has recently moved offices. We are now near a Vida e Caffè and they hand out these small Lindt chocolates (as seen above) when you buy a coffee. Scott, a great work colleague, went there this morning to get his caffeine ration for the day. Lo and behold, he walks into the office, straight to where I sat and hands me this little treasure!

I shrieked in happiness, something along the lines: "Oh wow, really? This is for me?! Thanks! You've made my day!" My eyes shone bright with the thoughtfulness behind the gesture.

I love it when people support my choco-holism.

**content sigh**

The year of life paths

Happy MMXI bloggerville! I hope this year is full of blessings for each and every one of you!

I guess it is expected to be pretty introspective at this time of the year, eh? Naturally it got me thinking what sort of a year this could be and I shall dub it the Year of Choosing Life Paths.

My reasoning is quite simple: most of the very important people in my life are making decisions that will impact pretty much the rest of their lives, things like leaving the country permanently and getting fabulous jobs in different countries. Hell, my choices are also going to be long,long, looooonnnnnggggg term too.

Needless to say everyone who are leaving be dearly missed. Many voids will be left which I wonder could ever be filled again. But my friends inspire me with their bravery and courage. Keep soaring dear ones!

Here's to 2011 - the mistakes, joys, laughs, tears, frustrations and everything else!