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.