Of all the chocolately goodness in the world, Nutella stands out in my mind as one of the greatest – so why not take this opportunity to celebtrate it, eat it, bathe in it and play with it with the rest of the world.

World Nutella Day started in 2007 when Sara Rosso, an american blogging in Italy [Ms Adventures in Italy] felt a love for Nutella that warranted an official day in which to celebrate it. Now co-hosting the day with Michelle Fabio, editor of Bleeding Espresso, the Nutella enthusiasts have brought us an official World Nutella Day website offering us Nutella Recipes;  guides on how to celebrate World Nutella Day as well as how to say “Happy Nutella Day” in almost every language!

Nutella, created in 1940 in Italy by mr Pietro Ferrero, was initially a product of cocoa shortages during the war. To extend the chocolate supply Mr Ferrero began experimenting  with hazelnuts, which were plentiful in the northwest of Italy, and as a result Nutella was born.

Check out the hashtag #worldnutelladay or @nutelladay on twitter for current recipe and celebratory updates – or a way to show the world how you enjoy your nutella – with words and twitpics and videos should you be so passionate.

Nutella, blueberry and strawberry "delicious" in London.

Nutella, cream and banana - my Dubai comfort food.

How do you enjoy your nutella? Do you eat it off a spoon? Dip your finger in? Cook with it? Do you see how much you can pile onto toast? Do you spread it on someone else’s anatomy? Do you slather your crepes with it?

Tell me in the comment section below.

I’m off to continue with my nutella sugar rush…

until I pass out like this:

* warning: excessive nutella consumption will make you fat *

Watch the wonderment and delight light up the faces of the wounded. Buy these for only $3-99 here <- *click* and mail delighted faces to sam@samanthalaurakaye.com

Quinoa is a grain like crop with edible seeds. It has a texture that is somewhere between rice and cous cous, yet is a pseudocereal as it is not a member of the grass family. Quinoa is classified as something called a chenopod which means it is closely related to spinach and beets.

A “grain” native to South America, Quinoa was once called “the gold of the Incas” who recognized its value in the stamina of their warriors. Nutritionally Quinoa is high in fiber and has more protein than any other grain (12-18%). What’s more is that Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential acids. Not only is Quinoa a good well balanced source of all the amino acids, making it perfect for vegetarian and vegan diets, but it is also rich in  lysine which is essential for tissue growth and repair. Quinoa is also rich in Riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and a host of other vitamins and minerals.

Fluffy, creams, slightly crunchy and slightly nutty, quinoa is cooked by submerging in at least twice the amount of water of the quinoa you are trying to cook, and then adding whatever spiced, herbs or flavours you wish to infuse it with.

I generally add vegetables to my Quinoa while I am cooking it, and once it is cooked (after about 15-20 min of simmering) I like to toss it through fresh baby spinach leaves – however there are a myriad of ways to prepare this super-food and literally thousands of sweet and savory recipes for quinoa in my favorite recipe book – google.

Recipe for the Tricolor Quinoa featured above available here <- *click*

I knew nothing about Quinoa until I met my nutrition adviser and personal trainer Noeleen.

Noeleen has been studying health, wellness and nutrition all of her life and is giving a talk tomorrow inside the Lifestyle/Wellness center in Kloof Street.

Her talk starts at 10:30am, runs for 2 hours and costs only R100.

I strongly recommend anyone interested in their personal health, wellbeing and interested in lowering their body fat attends – she has opened my eyes to a whole new way of eating.

You can read more about Noeleen’s seminar here <- *click*

January, despite the many exciting events and opportunities it held, had a lot of tears and disappointment – I like to think I got all the bad for 2012 over with in one concentrated emotion packed month.

February however has been amazing so far. The sun is shining, my face is smiling, and I’m grateful to be falling in love with my universe all over again.

Happy Thursday – today’s themesong is from Sublime:

27 days left to plan your leap year festivities – who already has something planned? Tell me/inspire me by commenting below.

Valentines day is upon us and whether you are in a relationship – or whether you just want to let a special friend know they are loved – you are probably going to look for a gesture or a token to make them feel special and thought of.

With two weeks to go, there is just enough time to ship or shop for the following gifts should you find yourself low on inspiration and panicked by the thought of grossly overpriced sickly red roses.

Unisex

• For the Zombie Fanatic

Chocolate cherry bon bons in the shape of zombie heads with bursting brains.

Something gooey and chocolatey to delight and amuse your zombie obsessed love.

Order yours here -> *click*

• An 8-bit bouquet

Standing 13″ tall, the 8-bit flower bouquet never wilts or fades and comes with a hook for the wall or a stand for your desk.

Buy yours here: -> *click*

• The Instax camera – a gift even the hipsters will love

The noughties answer to the polaroid, this instax camera will allow you and your loved one to take hip trendy portraits of your shoes and tall buildings and yourselves holding hands.

Choose your size and buy yours here: -> *click*

An alternate spin on this would be to take a lomo/diana/holga camera and paint it in your own style with some of your own words.

Nothing is as romantic as something that has been customised.

• The Mix Tape USB

The tried and tested mix tape is one of the cutest and most romantic gifts in modern day history. But who has a tape player these days? Hold on to the sentiment and delight your love with an assortment of songs dedicated to them on a convenient USB wrapped in an adorable cassette tape holder.

Buy it here: -> *click*

• The Guitar Pick Punch.

The guitar pick punch recycles a wide variety of personal items into guitar picks. Beyond cool. Order it here -> *click*

• Stache straws:

To delight the hipster who is besotted with the mustache he or she may or may not be able to grow.

Order yours here: -> *click*

• “I love you Sith much” for the star-wars obsessed friend.

“I love you Sith much” bobble head. Order it here: -> *click*

• Camera Lens Mug:

Buy it here for $14.95 -> *click*

• The iPhone4 Alarm Dock

This docking station turns your piece of modern technology into a retro alarm clock that is pretty rad to look at.

Buy it for $39.50 here: -> *click*

• Ipad and Kindle Origin of the Species Case

Buy it for $50-70 here: -> *click*

For Gents:

• Drum Machine Shirt

This shirt features:

• Real Working Wearable Drum Machine & Looper
• 9 Different Drum Kits with 7 professional grade drum sounds each
• Create a loop, then build and layer beats on top with unlimited tracks

Buy it for $29.95 here: -> *click*

• Dead Languages Tie

“Based on the steps leading up to the Los Angeles Library, this tie is a torso-length take on Jud Fine’s sculpture, “Spine,” which displays ancient languages, hieroglyphics, math, music, braille and all symbols of beauty and historical significance.”

Buy it here for $49.95 : -> *click*

• Table Saw

For the boy who loves cake, but who still wants to appear manly.

The table saw is the manly answer to the traditional silver cake server. He can have his cake, eat it, and still have Ken doll accessories. Available here -> *click*

*Partner with other power tools or outdoor accessories for maximum input. Gift with red velvet cake.

• Scotch Whisky Aroma Nosing Kit

Most men (and a growing number of women) appreciate fine whisky.  This set will help them: “develop a nose that knows each of the 24 inherent aromas from ethereal to earthy. Includes 24 aroma vials (.33 oz. ea.); 30 aroma strips; nosing and tasting sheets; and a detailed 40-page instruction booklet all in a solid maple gift box”

Despite being a slightly more expensive gift, you’re going to want to pair it with a bottle of Whisky for maximum effect. Buy it here for  $199.95 -> *click*

• Boldlove “Catch My Love” coffee cup set

$27 – buy it here: -> *click*

• An awesome pair of sneakers.

You know your man’s shoe style better than I do, so once you’ve figured out whether custom sneakers or brown leather boat shoes are more his thing do some internet shopping of your own.

Never underestimate the secret love men harbor for shoes.

• The recycled wine bottle platter.

Perhaps your man prefers cheese and wine to cake and tea?

These boards are an exciting change from the traditional oak barrel boards saturating the platter world at the moment.

Knife included. Get yours here: -> *click*

Gifts for Girls

• Salt and Pepper Wands.

There are some people who would not be able to use these without a silly grin on their face. Get that grin here: -> *click*

• Caffeine necklace

Does your beloved drink more coffee than water? This sterling silver necklace allows them to wear their favorite molecule around their neck.

Buy it here: -> *click*

• Candy Unicorn Horn

Sweet, crunchy, glittery and delicious, this unicorn horn is the perfect gift for the unicorn besotted, or for the gift-giving person who wants to liken their love to an impossibly rare and difficult to catch mystical creature.

"tastes like strawberries and giggles"

Order yours here: -> *click*

or get these totally  rad unicorn chopsticks here: -> *click*

• Geeky Panties – for your blogging girlfriend.

Good for a laugh, but not quite sexy enough to be gifted alone. Pair with two other small things for maximum results.

Buy yours here: -> *click*

• The little red dress.

This one is a BB Dakota bustier dress. I think its adorable.

You can get it for her from Urban Outfitters online here: -> *click* Guys please remember that those sizes are american, so if she’s a size 8-10 she’ll be a size 4-6.

• Lingerie – the gift that keeps on giving to all involved parties

Personally I am a fan of Agent P – they have a wide selection of styles so you are bound to find something similar to the things you have seen her wear.

Use her wardrobe as a guideline – anything you buy from Agent P will feel and look amazing. Browse Agent P and shop online for it via their official website: -> *click*

Finally a gift for the bitter and angry…

• The Ex -

A stainless steel knife block in the shape of a person. Includes knives. Knives are stored by stabbing them through the body. “Release your stress and store your knives safely”. Buy it here -> *click*

Come back next week for “The broke guide to Valentines Day” and some nifty ways to involve your pet in this hallmark holiday.

Rick Nunn (of the internet) shot these photos for me in Lincoln Forest. I got bitten a countless number of times by midges or mozzies or whatever lives out there, but the images were worth it.

My favorite from the shoot, my agency have used this image in my modeling portfolio. Love the mood. Good work Rick.

My Agency also really like this headshot Rick took of me. Its a strange angle, but its nice and fresh.

• You can see this photo (and some of the others) much much bigger on Rick’s Flickr.
• You can also check out Rick’s website here and you can like his facebook page here.
• I have a facebook page too… these images were up there months ago. Like it here.

Photographer: Rick Nunn

Model, hair, makeup and wardrobe: Samantha Laura Kaye

Dress by Bershka.

Shot on location in the Lincoln Woods in 2011.

I discovered K’s choice on MTV in 1998 and fell in love with them via this song:

Waking up at 4:30 this morning has left me feeling a little dreamy.

This last weekend still has me confused.

Virgin state of mind?

Can I burn the mazes I grow?

If you want to know more about this Belgian band you can read about them here on wiki, or visit their official website.

Noeleen has inspired me to change my whole attitude to food and nutrition, and she is without a doubt the best thing I found on my adventures in 2011.

This February she is hosting a talk about nutrition… if you want a better body or more energy or to look half as fabulous as she does at 50 I suggest you go.

Noeleen trains men and women of all shapes and sizes, she charges monthly and no gym membership is required to train with her.

When I heard about Jónsi performing solo instead of with Sigur Rós I was concerned and apprehensive – much like I was when I heard Imogen Heap was performing solo instead of fronting Frou Frou as I was accustomed.

Jónsi proved to be a pleasent surprise, and has given us this lovely little upbeat song to start our day with and wake up dancing, a beautiful contrast to the slow and sleepy effects Sigur Rós have often had on me.

Another fun musical composition from Iceland. I’d love to know what they put in the water.

Check the rad video by clicking this link.

Enjoy, share and smile. xx Samcat

Beautiful as underwater and artistically driven images are, and as much as lingerie shows off the female form, my agency felt clients would feel more comfortable with the sexy and creative being diluted a little with some “digestible” and “normal” lifestyle images.

“Girl in jeans in street, girl hailing cab, lady being domestic with cookies or something” were the words my booker left me with to guide the direction of the test shoots I was likely to encounter whilst abroad.

These shots Rick took of me in the street, with unbrushed hair, minimal makeup and the very simple wardrobe of jeans and a vest turned out exceptionally well and my agency love them. *insert happy face*

Delicious coffee featured above is from Coffee Aroma.

Rad huh?

If you’re still hungry for more images you should go take a look at Rick’s Flickr. otherwise stop in here again over the next few days as I post the rest of the images that we shot together.

Photographer: Rick Nunn

Model, Hair, Makeup and Wardrobe: Samantha Laura Kaye