There's almost nothing to make you feel old like suddenly realising that your "baby" brother is turning 40, or that the baby nephews that you remember learning to crawl are now both in school.  In a similar vein, you kind of think that you have not been blogging that long – until you realise that you can remember when a blogging friend actually started their blog, and have known them pretty much for their entire blogging career! The lovely Robyn Gartrell of the beautiful blog Chocswirl started her blog in August 2009, and since then it has grown into a gorgeous resource of recipes and photos well worth spending a few moments drooling over.  I asked her a few questions: 

1. Where are you – in South Africa or out in the wide world?  

Cape Town, South Africa. 

2. How long have you been blogging?  

I started my blog in August 2009.  Still fairly new to it but enjoying every moment!

3. What do you enjoy the most about food or wine blogging?   

I love the fact that it brings out the beauty and excitement of food. How gorgeous photos and descriptive words can change your perception of a dish. It's so multifaceted in the way that we're bakers/cooks, writers, and photographers. It also brings people together in a way I didn't think was possible. Getting to meet people from all over the world who have the same love as you do is incredible and extremely satisfying.  

4. Any downsides or frustrations?  

I struggle with finding the time to blog. Organising my photos always takes so long as I take so many and then have to choose, and resize, and cut and crop etc. It's not often that I have a few hours at a time to sit and work on something so it gets difficult. 

5. What or who are your inspirations to cook, drink and write?   

Firstly my dad. His love and exuberence for food instilled in me the passion that I have for it.He makes every meal an experience. Other foodblogs hands down. Not so Humble Pie, Annie's Eats, Brownie Girl, Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef, and Cooksister to name a few. Also the feeling of making others happy with food. Food is joy.

6. Where and when do you like to blog?   

I'm off work on a Monday so I do a lot of my writing then. I also set aside some evenings in the week. Often I'll have to choose between baking or blogging, as I only have time for one. 

7. What's your signature dish or favourite wine?   

I would say my apple brandy creme brulee, It's my absolute favourite dessert. 

8. What other food or wine blogs do you read? 

9. Favourite restaurant?   

The Five Flies in Cape Town. Best food I have ever had at a resturant. Coupled with the incredible service and food knowledge of the waiters, it is definatly something great.