tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73352345283414939982011-12-04T01:03:14.430+02:00Musings on stuff, travel, work and life in general<br>Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.comBlogger431100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-44927389881809229182010-09-11T12:58:00.000+02:002010-09-11T12:58:48.682+02:00

Been a very long time since I posted - turns out keeping up with a blog can be hard work! Lots of things have happened - South Africa have hosted an awesome soccer World Cup, followed by a protracted public servant strike - guess we can't have it all. I've also completed another year of MBA studies and the end goal is very much in sight. I've also been fortunate enough to be included from the

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-14978852826600710812009-05-15T16:29:00.002+02:002009-05-15T16:51:03.073+02:00

I've just returned from a trip to the US, spoiling myself with a day in New York City - a place I hadn't been to before but completely fell in love with. Its not just that it really does look like it does on tv, or that there is never a dull moment, the people actually being nice or the shopping being unbelievable. The city is bursting with life - what an amazingly energetic place. I am in love.I

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-33330872234180267822009-04-03T10:24:00.002+02:002009-04-03T10:43:42.234+02:00

Apologies for the filler post - I've not been feeling my chipper self the last little while, but if anything can cheer me up its a great pair of heels. How great you ask? Zombie-great, I say!http://www.toplessrobot.com/2009/04/geek_apparel_of_the_week_zombie_heels.php

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-89877236143205248202009-03-20T19:12:00.003+02:002009-03-20T19:17:38.161+02:00

Thanks a mil to Heart's Desire Jewelery for thinking that I'm fabulous! (which of course I agree with). As with shoes, you can never have a bad bling day, and she makes some pretty interesting ones herself.Apparently its my turn to pass on the torch. Not really a fan of chain anything (unless it comes with handcuffs, but that's for the blogs I don't write...) and would like to hang on to the

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-85081544128805232202009-03-10T12:40:00.003+02:002009-03-10T13:05:32.565+02:00

Less is more? Um...ok, possibly. Can you ever have enough shoes? If you're asking that question and expect a serious answer, you really shouldn't be reading this. You're welcome to continue, but you're wasting your time. Trust me.I currently live about 40 kms from my place of work. That means I spend about an hour (minimum) each way in traffic to get to the place that lets me work there so that I

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-25011442876040919532009-03-03T15:50:00.003+02:002009-03-03T15:54:09.866+02:00

In celebration of reaching 1000 page viewsImage by homelyvillain

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-38188550230426119092009-03-03T09:13:00.003+02:002009-03-10T12:39:56.128+02:00

...at 3000 ft in the air, trapped by the window seat with no means of escape from the world's most annoying passenger. OK, maybe not the WORLD's most, but certainly on the top 10. Most not wanted. Seriously. Suicide bombers should sit next to this guy - the plane won't even leave the tarmac.There I was, minding my own business, terribly pleased with myself for booking the very back seat in the

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-10237721527163576352009-02-27T09:53:00.000+02:002009-02-27T09:53:00.396+02:00

I suppose I should have anticipated that the title of this blog would lend itself to misinterpretation. I should also have realised that it takes all kinds to make this world and that some kinds gravitate towards 'words that rhyme with corn' more than others. While I welcome with open arms those of all creeds, tastes and appetites, I do regret that I continually dissappoint a certain readership

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-68156327000557535702009-02-26T14:25:00.000+02:002009-02-26T14:25:33.556+02:00

The Womens Blogger Directory: Shoe Porn

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-27499533812046493042009-02-26T10:02:00.000+02:002009-02-26T10:02:00.575+02:00

Sitting at Franca's I became very, very glad that I was born female. There were at least 5 private conversations occurring in a multitude of languages (some English) and at least another 4 public conversations (mostly English, at least one more Italian). I had absolutely no doubt whatsoever sitting there, observing this symphony, that any male entering the room and attempting to follow even a few

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-57221007143549751422009-02-23T20:43:00.003+02:002009-02-23T21:18:14.801+02:00

OK, I didn't see the movie about the pants - seriously, who makes a movie about pants - so I take no responsibility for any associations. I do however feel like celebrating the ability of my favourite accessory (ok, besides my boyfriend) to bring us girls together.Case in point - I recently joined the Women's Blogger Directory, one of those collections of blogs that are allover the place.

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-30828157142181085842009-02-17T17:49:00.005+02:002009-02-17T18:26:30.838+02:00

We're still in the throes of summer here in South Africa and going to work every day while the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming is just.not.right. So, I console myself with breaks gone by and wade through photos of happier, work free, times. (Yes, I am once again craving a holiday)Whilst reminiscing on sun-filled breaks, I came across pictures of a cruise I went on with some friends a

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-8804311155782629162009-02-03T18:54:00.003+02:002009-02-03T19:09:32.105+02:00

Ladies who lunch are increasingly becoming ladies who have tea in the afternoon (although I suspect this has been happening for years and that tea is just a convenient colour to disguise any manner of er, performance enhancing, beverages). Finally, someone with a little more flair and decidedly good taste has managed to combine this lovely leisurely activity (post-shopping of course) with some of

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-253034489033405512009-01-14T21:06:00.002+02:002009-01-14T21:23:13.759+02:00

This year, we're going to come into our own, me and my objects of desire. The past few seasons they have been inspiring all manner of trends, from spray paint colour techniques to architectural wonders in heel construction. They may have gone a little overboard there, but no pain has ever been to great if its inflicted in the name of beauty (and yes, sometimes this is just plain daft).This year,

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-9383419069633827572008-12-25T12:46:00.000+02:002008-12-25T12:46:00.278+02:00

LOL!

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-85489600471297029632008-12-23T12:21:00.000+02:002008-12-23T12:21:00.179+02:00

Kudos

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-90822659211461438942008-12-22T11:41:00.003+02:002008-12-22T12:26:57.681+02:00

In the spirit of the Omnivore's Hundred, the Very Good Taste bloggers bring us the Christmas Fifty and in the spirit of all that is right and good in this world, I'm in! Some research is involved in figuring out what many of the items are, so its quite a lot of fun - if you're a foodie like me (yes, I love my shoes, but I make up for it in being a pretty damn good cook, so there!).Here’s what to

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-91129495023699276152008-12-17T09:23:00.003+02:002008-12-22T12:24:22.182+02:00

I've recently begun to keep track of the ability of various shoes to sustain extended shopping in comfort. Having a severe allergy for malls during the festive season, I try to get as much gift shopping done as is possible prior to the frenzied crowds descending in their masses.So, I've had about three days' worth of shopping and only two people left to buy gifts for, all else has been complete.

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-67964073760499817152008-12-12T12:14:00.000+02:002008-12-11T12:25:25.459+02:00

I recently received a message from Lisa who works at ZooCaro.com. In her words:Zoocaro.com provides a simple and safe way to shop, promote products, services and items for free. Take advantage of this service today and find what you are looking for or drive more business your way http://www.zoocaro.com/I had a look 'round and they certainly do have some interesting stuff - browse around and have

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-71932807929384221782008-12-11T12:04:00.002+02:002008-12-11T12:10:28.177+02:00

World AIDS day was on 1st of December. This is my contribution, in memory of everyone lost, struggling, ignorant, uninformed or just scared.Also to Olga, who I think of every day.

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-31106995152128579492008-12-08T00:01:00.000+02:002008-12-08T00:01:03.584+02:00

Brilliant parody of an already brilliant parody.

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-31705302284435045082008-12-05T23:09:00.004+02:002008-12-08T18:40:57.453+02:00

Getting toward the end of the year, I am craving a beach holiday. This time last year I was lucky enough to wet my feet in the ocean off the coast of Zanzibar and I would just love to be in the same place right now, but alas, planning left to late and no budget to speak of, I can only dream.So dream I shall and in the true spirit of the obsessed (shoes, chocolates, anything really), I will

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-56221509277997041102008-11-18T17:32:00.003+02:002008-11-18T17:39:43.158+02:00

Ever wondered where all that spare disposable cash goes when you turn your back? What do you mean, 'what spare disposable cash'?? Well, ok, probably spare disposable credit.Anyway, someone didn't get it quite right - this should really show credit cards, but hey, its cute and its probably true in some universe...

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-7440318206971529862008-10-22T17:32:00.002+02:002008-10-22T17:53:22.597+02:00

I just returned from a trip to Atlanta, Georgia (USA) - still suffering from jet lag, which really feels like a hangover without the party before. Atlanta, in my humble opinion, is not a great tourist city although it has some very interesting spots:- The Coca Cola Museum (or World of Coca Cola) is quite a bit of fun, walking through the marketing machine's history, one cannot help but to

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-75403311937358510402008-09-29T11:48:00.004+02:002008-09-29T12:01:11.167+02:00

Its not all poverty and squallor here in deepest, darkest Africa you know! For the record, I do not ride a Zebra to work and have never, not once, found a lion in my garden - as fierce as she is, the neighbour's Siamese doesn't count! What we do have, is a very sharp sense of humour and an ability to rip ourselves off better than anyone else can hope to. As proof, I sumbit these pics of

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-79503275965566844812008-09-26T20:39:00.002+02:002008-09-26T20:53:38.719+02:00

I don't really know what this site is meant to do, but it is loads of fun!My first attempt at playing dress up: Try it at Polyvore

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-51666574185163100212008-09-25T16:50:00.002+02:002008-09-25T17:19:34.759+02:00

When you travel as regularly as I have been for the past few months, giving in to that 'from me to me' present gets a lot easier. You know, you're spending time away from home (feeling sorry for yourself), missing sleep and missing friends and possibly missing the train at times, with browsing through unfamiliar shops often the only form of entertainment available. No prizes for guess what's on

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-59970518451181675302008-09-21T21:50:00.001+02:002008-09-21T21:52:28.879+02:00

Couldn't resist...

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-66311617553777068692008-09-14T10:24:00.002+02:002008-09-14T10:40:46.119+02:00

Leaving for the UK again tonight, already cringing at the guaranteed water rentension from long haul flying and the extra kilos I always seem to come back with after a few days of travel. I have tried (and continue to) many different options to mitigate that - sofar, drinking lots of water and eating fresh fruit as often as possible but at least twice a day are winners. Staying away from the

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-26324691782746033132008-09-02T17:55:00.002+02:002008-09-02T18:16:53.239+02:00

I am not the tallest person. At 1.65 m (or thereabouts) some would consider me to be of less than average height. I usually counter this by 'being tall on the inside' as I like to think of it and basically living in heels. Luckily, this often results in me being considered to be quite a bit taller than I actually am, and my er, curvaceous body type can be pulled off. Years of ballet (in my youth)

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-28872605172559809412008-08-26T16:20:00.003+02:002008-08-26T17:01:01.798+02:00

OK, so this is not a food blog, but after shoes and travelling, food and cooking is probably my next biggest 'thing' and can definately be described as a foodie, no doubt! Found this list on a cool foodie blog called Very Good Taste. The list was compiled by the blog's author as his idea of good (and bad) food everyone should try at least once. Thought it worth spreading the idea since its quite

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-76934174544242296792008-08-25T13:48:00.005+02:002008-08-26T08:57:17.038+02:00

Highly highly highly recommended. Do at least one weekend away every two months (or every month if you can swing it). Take a drive, an hour, two or three away from where you live into open country and allow your mind to take in and adjust to the shift that occurs when suddenly your eyes can see further than just your PC screen. It really is worth it.I have been pretty good at the regular weekend

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-91821438299012814982008-08-21T11:37:00.008+02:002008-08-26T08:58:07.325+02:00

I have been bad. Radio silence for too long, but I have been revelling in shoe zen. Having found myself stressed and burnt out after too much hassle and too little me-time, I rediscovered the beauty that can be found in the switching-off-of-mind fashion magazines that abound. What wonderful mental popcorn, these colourful images containing trappings of luxury that I could never hope to afford (on

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-56229500539047688272008-07-07T11:00:00.002+02:002008-07-07T11:16:25.527+02:00

Back in the UK I am - having watched the weather, came not too unprepared (15 degrees and raining). Am very proud of myself with having made do with only hand luggage for a two day trip (including my laptop, other electronic paraphenalia, all toiletries and an extra pair of shoes!). Settled on nice soft suede boots and light flat pumps for the travel bag in case the heels become a bit much to

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-63929599002395415152008-06-30T18:25:00.002+02:002008-06-30T18:53:29.830+02:00

I'm off to the UK again in a few days' time. I've noticed that even though I don't have a packing list written down yet (I always write them down, too many trips with no underwear packed and you learn...), I have been sub-consciously musing over what I may need to pack.This is my dilemma - it is winter in South Africa at the moment (which means that in the early mornings it is rather cold (around

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-39714373662317089222008-06-20T13:13:00.003+02:002008-08-26T09:13:41.122+02:00

Watched Sex and the City yesterday - bet you thought I'd have made reference to it earlier, given the shoe thing, hey? Not bad, true to form, mostly. Not in the mood to review the whole thing. Anyway, the Mexico scenes brought back some memories from a recent trip (Charlotte accidentaly drinks the water there and tummy consequences follow...).It really is true, DON'T drink the water. NO ONE is

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-67668542500489350902008-06-18T16:59:00.002+02:002008-06-18T17:20:53.211+02:00

On the subject of things that are healthy - or at least good for you...I've been doing a little research and think the following is of great importance in motivating for that all out shopping experience. Take heed...I thought it may be worthwhile to have a look at the amount of calories one burns for various standard efforts involved in any self-respecting shopping (shoe or otherwise) trip. The

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-87297663398007592452008-06-11T14:11:00.002+02:002008-06-11T14:30:48.739+02:00

In this world of poor body image and obese Americans (sorry, but they really are), why are we still using something as commercially blatant and unhealthy as the Big Mac index?Admittedly, I don't know much about it, except that you can compare the economies of nations by how much it costs to buy a Big Mac in their country - I think it also has something to do with how much bang you get for your

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-19859363790125132662008-06-02T23:42:00.003+02:002008-12-22T12:29:16.952+02:00

I travelled to Stonehenge yesterday. I drove myself from Milton Keynes (proud to be UKs most modern city/area/shire? who knows what these things are called?!) which was quite an accomplishment given that on this, my, I don't know, 8th(?) visit to the UK, it was my first time driving.It was quite a pleasant experience actually...no horrible traffic on the famed M25 or any incidents on the infamous

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-52320948885269509282008-06-01T19:39:00.002+02:002008-06-01T19:49:48.989+02:00

Never pack a hairdryer when you travel - there's really little point, it is guaranteed to blow on your first night and you probably forgot to pack the right plug adapter. On the other hand, be sure to call ahead to confirm that wherever your staying has a hairdryer available for you - and check if you need to pay a deposit to get it so that you have the correct change ready. Oh...and don't forget

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-36240224309425175872008-05-29T18:03:00.004+02:002008-05-29T18:47:02.355+02:00

Sooo, I'm sitting here, all the way in the UK (freezing even though its meant to be spring - why am I surprised?) supposed to be working on a major cross country project, as well as finishing my first MBA assignment and what am I doing? Browsing shoe websites (Beauty and the Dirt ; New Look ; Net-a-Porter). Yes, so predictable, so what?Well, I am telling myself that I am browing websites instead

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-79729223465545744352008-05-28T22:07:00.000+02:002008-05-28T22:22:22.139+02:00

OK, I don't really know the answer to this - I just know a lot of people don't get, "the shoe thing". So why shoes? Do shoes make a woman feel better about herself - well, yes, actually. Speaking (under correction) on behalf of my tribe, it is very possible for a sexy pair of shoes to transform and entire look and add that extra I-don't-know-what-but-it-works that just amps up everything else. It

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335234528341493998.post-29770355769500942702008-05-28T18:04:00.000+02:002008-05-28T18:22:13.183+02:00

No, this is not a foot fetish blog, please move right along...ok well, maybe it has a slight fetish-like quality to it, but definitely not in a weird I-want-to-lick-your-smelly-shoes kind of way.More in a I-just-saw-a-real-live-physical-perfection-pair-of-Louis-Vuitton-shoes, um, kind of way. And it was amazing. I immediately called my boyfriend (on another continent and half a world away) to

Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14832937435449969069noreply@blogger.com0