Park Life

I got up early the other morning to play in the park with Nads! 

Snapped these of her pics for a giveaway she is running. You can win the dress, not erm, Nads.

Today's the last day to enter. x

Q&A (Your questions!)

This week's Q&A is based on real questions from blog readers! A few of you have emailed / tweeted / asked me about this stuff so I thought I'd reply here. x

Why don't you ever blog the 'real' Durban - with its dirty streets, crime etc

Um, because Gloss is my happy little corner on the web. People can read the paper if they want to see the 'real' Durban. 

I'm coming to Durbs, can you suggest stuff for me to do?

I get asked this a lot on Twitter and its very sweet that people think I have cool ideas up my sleeve. I will write a post on this soon so I have something to refer people to. I'm not really a mall or clubbing girl so it'll probably include weird, old thrift stores and pretty nature trails!

Why don't you participate in Twitter / blogging communities as much anymore?

I no longer have access to lightening fast, uncapped ADSL. Also, I just don't have the time anymore. A part of me wishes I had more time to but another part of me is glad that I was forced to unplug a bit. I got addicted to blogs at one point! These days I spend more of my spare time doing things I loved growing up like playing guitar, drawing in my sketchpad and reading books.

Why don't you do outfit posts anymore?
A lever thing broke on my tripod during a move last year. Also, Craig used to kindly take pics for me when we lived together. I also stopped doing 'em because I used to cringe out at the whole thing! I like having fun with clothes, I think they're a cool way to express yourself but I'm definitely not a fashiony person. Nads is trying to twist my arm to get back into it though.We'll see!

You come across as pretty upbeat on your blog. Do you ever have bad days?

Of course I do. The thing is, I like to think of Gloss as my happy escape so I don't indulge in the sad stuff here. That stuff goes into journals and the occasional emo song! Also, I have the most wonderful group of friends and family who are there for me when I need a bit of TLC. 

Will you share more personal stuff on your blog?

I've often wrestled with this one. There have been times when I've wanted to share more of what's on my heart. My sweet, close friends have even suggested I submit personal scribblings to magazines but I don't think I'll ever be comfortable sharing personal stuff publicly. I'm also conscious that anyone from my gran to a client could be reading Gloss! I personally prefer to keep certain aspects of my life private.

What do you do? Do you work full-time/freelance/take pics and blog for a living?

I wish I made a living from taking and blogging pics! I work full-time in advertising and I freelance in the evenings/weekends depending on if I need the extra loot or if a cool project presents itself. Ultimately, I'd love to become a full-time photographer but I need to save for a new camera, lens and photography course. I do have a couple of other business dreams and goals that I'm working on with a friend...I will share more in time...things are already coming along quite nicely which is great.

What camera do you use / how do you edit your pics?

I want to write an updated post but I have scribbled about this here :)

Who designed your blog layout?

I did it! I'm semi-self-taught in Freehand, Fireworks and Photoshop. I also customized the heck out of my original Blogger Minima template! I googled tutorials and followed those to get Gloss to look how I wanted it to.

Will you photograph my wedding in KZN?

It is beyond sweet and flattering when people ask me this! The thing is, I don't have wedding-worthy photography gear and I've never trained to shoot a wedding. But thank you for asking. There are a couple of local photographers that I refer people to.

What sites do you read daily?
I love starting the day with a good lol! Rage Comics are my fave and then I check into 9Gag. I'm also a bit of a Facebook local, and after resisting, I've become quite keen on Pinterest. I've read Niotillfem daily for about three years. I used to post regularly on a local music forum before I started blogging.

If there's anything else ya wanna know, please feel free to fire away:)

Accessorizing like a sir

Taryn gave me this brilliant brooch the other day.

 I also got chocolates and a magazine so I can catch up on Kristengate - ha.

Thanks T! I shall wear it with my finest attire.

Sunny South Coast

Cands invited me to join her down the South Coast this weekend. It was just what I felt like. Being in a pretty place, with a good friend. We lay in the sun, read magazines, took pictures, ate good food and played with little Hamish. Today, we woke up to the sound of a thousand happy birds chirruping. There were even butterflies to say good morning to. Thanks for having me Cands. 

Since Disqus updated their software, my Comments function hasn't been working properly :(

I'm receiving them but they're not publishing. Tryna get it sorted. Thanks for writing me anyway. x

Art Class

Claire and I go way back. Our moms are best friends. We used to sing into banana microphones and visit the Croc Park on our birthdays! We also love art and studied advertising together. Claire recently left the ad biz to start her own Art Therapy business. A class or session involves painting and drawing, and writing and talking about what you see and feel. Claire invited me to join a sesh a while back but I was kinda hesitant! I love art but I can be shy in groups, especially if it involves sharing personal stuff. Fortunately, my sweet friend said I could come along on my own and it was awesome. She said she'd never seen anyone be so "explosive on paper" before - ha! I've always loved going wild with colours and textures. Just looking at pallets of paint makes me happy!

To begin with I had to draw a person. I drew an eleven year old girl with her hands behind her back. Apparently that can be quite significant but I just didn't know how to draw hands! Then I drew a seventeen year old boy wearing ripped jeans and a flannel shirt. Grungy - quelle surprise!

After that we did paintings using string dipped in black paint. Claire asked me to find a picture within the black and fill the gaps with colour. At first I thought, flip, I've drawn the fiery peaks of Mordor! So I looked again and decided, "snow-capped mountains" they will be!

It really looked more like a crazy, green fire. Not really one for the mantle!

Claire did this amazing dragon/wolf and wrote an epic poem about him.

I also did a "Waterfall" piece.

Claire did this pretty, striking piece.

It was such a special night. Thank you Claire.
_____________________________________________________________

You can find Claire's biz, "Mending Arts" on Facebook and she has a website.
You can do these sessions in groups encompassing 2-6 people.
Claire also works with schools and rehab centres. She is amazingly kind and passionate.
There are so many benefits to doing an Art Therapy session.
I had a wonderful time and I'm inspired to paint again. x

One sleepy Saturday morning...

I woke up to flowers from Nikki. Thank you my friend.

Screen grab from Said the Whale, Loveless. x

50 Shades of Gloss

Tracy turned 30! We decided to celebrate with chili vodka, cake and bubbles.

Jess, Tracy and me. Hey hey!

The birthday girl got sweet cards.

I got a hug hello.

The birthday girl had a serious drink.

We failed at serious faces.

Foxy was the VIP guest.

Yum yum!

I made friends with Bokkie!

Gordon brought out his hubbly.

Faulty. Lols.

The birthday girl got a movie kiss from her husband!

And a shoulder ride from Nick!


My yummy plate.

Cake!

We were happy that the Bokke and the Sharks won their games!

Then it was time for bubbles!
Wayne had an excellent bubble hat.

The hubbly came in with us!

Bubble beards!

I took a turn sitting in the middle. And we decided that this post would be called 50 Shade of Gloss after toying with Tarts in a Tub and Tub Tarts. Ha.

All in all, a very good night! Thanks for having a birthday Trace. xxx