Monday, November 7, 2011

Everything that makes me happy about Summer

I know we are currently enjoying the Spring month of November here in South Africa, but too be honest, in this year it feels like Summer has arrived early!
So I figured, why not write an early post about my favourite season of the year and bring all the magic, heat and blue-skye beauty of Summer into your homes.



picking flowers. warm rainstorms. dancing in the rainstorms. endless days on crowded beaches. sipping cocktails on the pier. bike rides. wearing shorts and dresses and flip flops. tanning. rainbow coloured icecreams. falling asleep in hammocks. writing songs. poetry. roadtrips to secret places. suprises. picnics. piggyback rides. summer flings. blue skies and warm waters. colourful umbrella's. everything Jesus. camping with old friends. making new friends. laughing. holidays. playing guitar for hours. getting lost in thoughts. new discoveries and adventures. painted toenails. haircuts. femininity. late sunsets on the beach. learning to surf. fruitsalads. durban. sector9-ing on the promenade. waking up early. airconditioning. noah and the whale. playing at gigs. ballito. chrismas and new years. planning. pool parties. pancakes. new beginnings. spending time with God. swimming. appreciating life.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

REDFROGS: What it's all about

For those who are volunteering to be part of it, for those who once were apart of it, and for those matrics who are going to be needing the help of Redfrogs volunteers at rage this year, check ou this rad article from Ballito News!




http://www.ballitonews.co.za/2011/10/13/red-frogs-prepare-for-matric-rage-celebrations/

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Thought of the Week

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

– Think Different, narrated by Steve Jobs.

Monday, October 10, 2011

my heart beats south africa

As always, World Cup fever sets in and patriotism takes on a whole new meaning. Everyone goes out of their way to buy "SA RUGBY" shirts and proudly wears the green and gold every Friday and for every game. The Springboks win the first three games in their (very tough) pool.

Sunday the 9th of October comes around, and thousands of South Africans wake up early to watch the 7am game between SA and Australia, their hearts full of hope for a victory.
Sadly that victory doesn't come. We play a good game of rugby, we hold 76% of the territory and we hardly allow Australia to even play. But unfortunately for us, the ref wears an Australian jersey. So that's it then, the team has to return home with sad hearts, knowing that they could have claimed that World Cup for the third time.

However, when they arrive at O.R Tambo International airport on Monday the 10th of October, they are greeted by over 300 ecstatic fans who are waving flags, wearing Springbok shirts and cheering them on as if they had come home with the gold.

That's the thing about this country, we don't need a title or a trophy to define who we are. We know we are winners, we know that we have battled through the toughest of obstacles, we have pursued our dreams, we have overcome our fears and we have emerged a nation that is full of culture, spirit, heart and colour. Our reaction to our loss of this years World Cup just proves that we care more about our country than any trophy. Sure, it would have been nice to win, I know that I for one was screaming and shouting at the screen all through that final match. Yet, I couldn't be prouder of our boys, because they played with all their hearts. They played like true South Africans.

I am just so in love with this country - for everything it has accomplished and for all the potential it still has. We may not have won the RWC 2011, but we have emerged victorious with our hands firmly placed over our hearts.


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Pretty Flippin Kiff

So I realised today that so many of my friends are ridiculously gifted in terms of music and creativity. Sometimes I see them play at a gig, or on a video clip and I can't believe I actually know them. South Africa truly has so much untapped potential. Here are a few of my mates who I reckon are pretty flippin kiff!


The Kiffness.
My mates Dave and Mike Scott make up The Kiffness. They have an electro/jazz/awesome sound and this is one of my favourite songs and videos of theirs. You can find The Kiffness on Facebook - do yourself a favour.

BERGIES FLY



The Brothers Streep

I have one word for them. AMAZEFRIKKINHILARIOUS. I know right. You can also find them on facebook. This is a song they recently performed at the finale of SA IDOLS. It's brilliance in a band.


WE'RE NEVER GONNA BE (SA IDOLS)





Matthew Mole.
He's from the small, pretty boring town of Fishhoek (ha) but possibly has one of the best voices I have heard this side of the world. I know it's a claim, but just listen to pure talent. please.

BLIND



To Our Divine.
Okay so Matthew Mole and Ash  Stephenson form this duo of electro/indie music. Such a jam and a talented pairing! Once again, if you wanna hear more, you can find them on Facebook. This is an accoustic version of one of their songs.


INDIE THREE

Monday, October 3, 2011

Thoughts on leaving the 031.

3months and a week or so until I have to say goodbye to the province that has been my home for the last 20 years, and say hello to "the windy city" better known as Cape Town. Sheesh, life just got real up in here.

I must admit I am not the most experienced mover, seeing as I have pretty much been living in the same complex for most of my life, so this was a pretty darn scary decision for me. It still is.
I made the decision to study my honours degree at UCT about a year ago, at a time when Durban just seemed very boring and I felt like I was stuck in a rut here. I think I visited Cape Town about five times last year, which made my friends here in Durbs really feel like they weren't that important to me. I am sorry about that guys, truly.

 It's funny how things can change though.
 This year I have discovered all the potential and awesomness ( can I say awesomness?) that this province has to offer, and in the process I have formed much closer relationships with my friends here as well as making a bunch of new friends whom I treasure a lot. In fact I even started thinking that maybe Cape Town wasn't such a good idea. Reality kicks in though and you realise you need to start making decisions not based solely on the moment but rather on what is best for your future, and, no matter what angle I looked at it in, Cape Town was the best place for me to get my honours degree and a job in the journalism field.

So here I find myself, not yet having received an acceptance letter from UCT, scouring for a digs to stay in, planning how I am going to transport everything I own without paying a gazillion rand for a moving van, and wondering how many visits to Durbs I can actually afford next year. Basically my mind is feeling very stressed at the moment, but through it all, God has given me such peace about this decision and I am confident that it's the right one.

As hard as it is, I think what I have realised is that you can't stay in the same place and have everything be exactly how it is now, for the rest of your life.Things change and people change. As cliched as that is, it's true. I have learnt to enjoy the moments I have going to Unit 11 gigs, hanging out with my friends here, feeling safe and comfortable and all the rest of it, but I know that everything has a season. So next year I will be building relationships with people in Cape Town, getting a job and working towards having a career ( I believe its called growing up). The great thing is that, thanks to our generations obsession with taking photos and videos, I will always have the memories of my life in Durbs - and who knows, maybe I'll be back here one day- and thanks to the advent of Social Media, the friendships I have formed will last a lifetime no matter where I am in the world.

I'm so excited for this new journey. Frikkin scared, but excited.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Thought of the Week

This is a little something my friend Pasqua wrote a while ago. It really moved me and I thought every girl and guy out there should have the opportunity to read it. We all really need to learn to see each other through God's eyes.



EVERY GIRL - Pasqua Heard

She is not a"slut"
or any other derogatory name you think defines her.
She is not an object symbolising sex...
Neither is she a "random hookup" or "vibe".
She means something.
She is created in His image: Pure, Blameless, Beautiful.
He knit her together in her mother's womb.
She is forgiven.
He died for her.
He died for her sins. (Which include: comparing herself to others; drunkeness; envy; promiscuity...)
He knows her from the inside out. It is her heart - rather than her outside beauty - He is more concerned about. He sees through the designer clothes and immaculate make-up.
She is his daughter. And he has perfect plans for her life.
But when you entice her with deceptive charm and flattery, tempt her with alcohol, superficial acceptance, admiration and momentary satifisfactions, you rob her of noticing His plans.
But the truth remains the same, whether you or she chooses to accept it:
She is dearly loved by a Father who wishes to gather her in His arms and protect her from evil - a Father who will one day wipe away every tear from her eyes if she simply turns to Him.
I challenge you to see her as He sees her.
She is His beloved.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Braaiday - Rebecca Black Parody

So we all know how much we love to hate, Rebecca Blacks infamous song, " Friday". If you haven't heard it, please, do yourself a favour and don't Youtube it. Rather, take a look at possibly the most epic parody of all time. Classic South Africa.


Monday, September 5, 2011

Photo of the week - Angel Eyes


















Everyone, meet Angel.
I took this photo at my church's annual Holiday Club at Addington Primary earlier this year. This little girl absolutely captured my heart with her big eyes and colourful hairbands. She was incredibly photogenic and somehow I think she knew it because she wouldn't stop posing for photo's. Bless her little heart.

Monday, August 22, 2011

How to make Masterchef Brownies

The title pretty much speaks for itself I guess. I am an avid watcher of the series, Masterchef Australia, and also a pretty keen brownie baker. I had a brownie recipe I generally used but something was missing from it and I couldn't figure out what, so I spent hours scouring the vast amounts of information supplied to me by the internet, but none of the recipes struck my bakers eye. Then one day, I happened to turn on the television while a Masterclass ( a cooking class if yo are unfamiliar with the show) was being taught - and yes, they were baking brownies. Mmmm mmmm, finally a recipe I could trust! So I grabbed my phone ( because paper and a pen were in a faraway location) and hurriedly typed the recipe in, knowing that these were the brownies I had been looking for. Today, I am going to share that recipe with you so that you can bake confidently knowing your brownies are the best. No exaggerating there.

RECIPE FOR GREATEST BROWNIES IN THE WORLD.

What you need : 250g Butter
                        : 90g Cocoa Powder
                        : 2 and 1/3 cups Castor Sugar
                        : 1 cup flour, sifted
                        : 1/2 tsp baking powder, sifted
                        : 5 eggs
                        : Dark chocolate and nuts, chopped ( However much you want)

* Can also add cherries or pieces of fudge for an extra flare

Method: Preheat oven to 160"C
            : Melt the butter and mix it with the castor sugar and cocoa powder.
            : Add eggs one at a time while mixing
            : Add the flour and baking powder and mix well
            : Lastly, add the nuts and chocolate
            : Line a baking tray with baking paper and pour batter in.
            : Place in oven for approx, 35 min
            : Remove from oven, leave to cool, tip over gently onto a plate and cut as desired.

* Brownies should be firm on the outside and soft in the middle.


Hope you enjoy making these delicious treats because baking is always an adventure!



(Image from We heart it)

Monday, August 15, 2011

Corner Cafe - My pick of the month!

So, on occasion, I find myself stuck at home on one of those days when it seems like nothing fun or vibey is happening and I envision my day looking dreary, bland and full of slothing in front of the TV.
Then.
I get an SMS on my phone saying " Dan, pull in to Corner Cafe for lunch at 12! ". Thank-frikkin-goodness, my day has been saved.

You're probably wondering what on earth I am talking about and thinking that after three weeks of no blogging ( I apologise) I have run out of awesome things to say, but let me tell you, when you look up the word "awesome" in the dictionary, you will find a picture of Corner Cafe next to it.


This delightful little restaurant has been the location of many a breakfast,lunch, coffee and dinner gathering. It's run by Judd , who is possibly the friendliest and weirdest man in the world, as well as his lovely wife. Together, they have created a space that is unique, arty, homely, and delicious. Yes, the whole space is delicious. You can follow the Corner Cafe blog at http://cornercafelovesyou.wordpress.com/  or follow Judd on Twitter @juddcoffee. You'll really start to feel like you're a part of the Corner Cafe family.


It's situated in the Glenwood area of Durban on the corner of Brand road and Cromwell road and is pretty much open every day to serve amazing meals into your belly.



But wait, that's not all. Some days, you can enjoy some sweet tunes in the form of live music while you feast on some of the cafes baked goods. Guys can pop next door to Nev the Barber for a haircut while the girls have a look at the incredibly trendy and quirky store, Bonnie and Clyde. If you're into art, there are often pieces on display and for sale in the cafe. There is something for everyone at this place.

                                                                                        



What I love the most is how it completely captures the vibe of Durbs - it's really chilled while also offering that artistic and creative flare, attracting customers that range from indie kids with tattoos and torn jeans, to business men and woman on their lunch breaks, to entire families.
Most importantly though, the food is really good quality, and in my opinion, it's worth more than what you pay for it. As a student, I find myself constantly short on cash, yet I never turn down an opportunity to eat at Corner Cafe - and that's saying something.
So please, do yourself and your tummy a favour, and stop off at my favourite cafe in Durban. You can thank me later.



Monday, July 18, 2011

Music makes my little heart happy

Don't get me wrong, I have always loved music. In fact, I don't think I can remember a time when music wasn't a part of my life.
From the days of my mom spinning around, with me on her hip, to the tune: " when the moon hits your eye...", to the days of miming the Spice Girl's song ' Spice Up Your Life' at my eighth birthday party, to the days of crying over some boy while Taylor Swift seemed to sing the perfect words in the background.

Music has always been there in one form or another.

Lately, however, it has taken on new meaning in my life. I have begun to overlook whether or not the song has a good dance beat, or whether the words seem to reflect my present thoughts and feelings. Instead, I just enjoy the pure joy of the music - : the way a simple kick drum and a tambourine can make a song come to life; the way a piano and a two-part harmony brings tears to my eyes; the way a voice can be sweet and raspy at the same time; the way an electro-tune can be altered into an acoustic version which tears at the soul; the way I can get lost in the beauty of an accapella vocal.

Not only that, but I find myself drawn (irregardless of my mood) to lyrics that are poignant and poetic and are written with wisdom and soul.

Yes, I am a self-proclaimed Indie kid and although I indulge in a few mainstream tunes now and again, it is the music of City and Colour, Brooke Fraser, Darwin Deez, The Civil Wars William Fitzsimmons, Hall and Oates, Sufjan Stevens, Cinematic Orchestra, Angus and Julia Stone, Newton Faulkner and so many more that really makes my little heart as happy as can be.

Its the kind of music I can listen to while lying on my bed contemplating life, while cleaning my room, while chilling at a braai with mates, while feeling sad and while feeling happy. It never gets old. So thank you to all those artists who avoided mainstream and went on their own mission.

My soul is grateful.

Here are some beautiful lyrics to one of my favourite songs by Brooke Frasier and William Fitzsimmons.

I DON'T FEEL IT ANYMORE

Hold on this will hurt more than anything has before
What it was, what it was, what it was
I've brought this on us more than anyone could ignore
What I've done, what I've done, what I've done

I've worked for so long just to see you mess around
What you've done, what you've done, what you've done
I want back the years that you took when I was young
I was young, I was young but it's done

Oh, take it all away
I don't feel it anymore
Oh, take it all away

Oh, take it all away
I don't feel it anymore
Oh, take it all away

We'll fall just like stars being hung by only string
Everything, everything, here is gone
No map can direct how to ever make it home
We're alone, we're alone, we're alone

Oh, take it all away
I don't feel it anymore
Oh, take it all away

Oh, take it all away
I don't feel it anymore
Oh, take it all away

                   

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Winter Warmth on the Streets

In the past month I have come to truly appreciate the value of money after quitting my job as a waitress and having to battle out the months expenses without a constant income. There's only one word for it - humbling. I have been avoiding clothing shops like the plague because I know I don't have the money to splurge on unnecessary luxuries like warm winter jerseys.

However, amidst the " financial crisis" of my life, my eyes were really opened to the fact that, although I may not be the richest kid on the block, I am extremely blessed to have warm clothes, warm food and a heater in my house this winter. I say this because I recently heard an excerpt on the radio about giving old jerseys and warm clothes to people we see on the street who have nothing to keep warm. This really got me thinking about how many people I drive past every day, sometimes at 10pm at night, who are wearing mere scraps as clothing, are usually barefoot, and are sometimes even walking in icy winds and rain just so they can get some money from passing drivers. It breaks my heart to even think that I could drive past those people with the heater in my car on full blast and a hoodie to keep my body warm, and yet still complain that I don't have enough money to buy myself more jerseys.

After I heard that piece on the radio, I went home straight away, put about seven of my old and new jerseys and hoodies onto the passenger seat of my car, and handed them out to anyone I saw that looked cold or in need of something other than a piece of sackcloth to wear. I wish I could warm up every person on the street.

People often say to me " what's the point of giving them clothes or food when they don't even appreciate it. All they really want is money for glue and alcohol ".

Well this is what I say in response to that.
Did anyone ever stop a street kid and ask him why he sniffs glue? I bet you his answer won't be that it tastes better than a home cooked meal. No, his answer will probably go something like this :
" Glue makes me warm inside so that I cannot feel the cold. It also takes away the feelings of hunger, and makes me forget about the pain and the sadness of my life on the street because it puts me on a euphoric high ".

What I believe is that if those street kids were being provided with love, food, clothing and warmth, the need for glue would disappear and it would be easier to stop the addiction.  An amazing quote I once heard ( can't remember who it was by) was : When people are on the street holding up signs asking for change, maybe they are not referring to money".

What have we got to lose by gathering some jerseys, blankets, warm pyjamas, or cans of food that we have lying around most probably in excess, and distributing them to the people we drive past on a daily basis. You'll be amazed at how such a small, random act of kindness can affect a person's life in the long run. If you have spare time on your hands, go a step further - get a group of friends together, cook a big pot of stew, take it to a place where you know there are people in need, and sit down and have a meal with them. We are all humans trying to find our way in an infinite universe and at the end of the day, regardless of what Maslows Hierarchy of Needs says, our greatest need is to be loved. So go and love all those people who so desperately need it.

I don't have a job, I live in a small house, I don't have my own car and I can't afford expensive clothes...but to that lady on the street with a baby, I am a millionaire - and "millionaires" need to be parting with their riches so that the poor can survive.

I know I wrote a post recently on a similar topic, but that's because it's something I am immensely passionate about, so I will keep talking and writing about it until I can no longer and I hope that you don't just read this and "like" it, but rather read it and then go straight to your cupboards and grab those jerseys and blankets.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

FUNSUNZI - everything great about Durban.

Being able to wear dresses and shorts in winter. Long walks along the beach. A coastline that never seems to end. Bean Green - the best coffee around. Gigs at Unit 11. Chip and Cheese Roti's. Indie kids. Friendly people. Monthly Night Markets. Falaffels. Dancing for hours to cheesy old school music. Iheart market. So much trendiness. Southcoast camping trips. The Midlands Meander. Long drives. Trips to the beach at night time. Wet 'n Wild waterworld. Strikes at varsity which allow you to have a mini holiday. Everyone gets along with everyone. The best people. Walking around barefoot without caring. Florida Road. Kif slang. The way we say the word "vibe". Surfers. Shopping for bargains in the CBD. The People-Mover. All the street-merchants. Never having to drive too far. Warm oceans. Shark nets. The Playhouse. Wakkaberry frozen yoghurt. Essenwood fleemarket.Playing in parks. Eating the best crumpets ever made at Botanical Gardens. Westville Baptist. The kids at Addington Primary School. Learning isiZulu. A province of all cultures. Braai's with mates. DVD nights. The laid back attitude of durbanites. East Coast Radio. Good-looking people. Mitchells Park Zoo. Blogging. The Sharks. Home-cooked meals. The best soccer stadium. Cycling 7km from Ushaka to Suncoast. Pavilion. wearing flip flops. Flat-peak caps. Moyo face paints. Making friends. Decent waves. Daytrips to Ballito. A holiday destination and a home.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Guys - the dating tips you need ( trust me)

For this post I decided to do a little fieldwork and hit the streets, to ask the ladies for a few dos and don'ts that they would like the guys to be aware of when it comes to them pursuing a relationship or being in one.

 I find males constantly moaning to me that girls are so complicated and that they can't figure us out and blah blah blah...well guys, here is a list of exactly what we want and don't want. This should make your lives a little easier. Oh, and if you think its unfair that you don't get to compose a list for us to follow, then just remember that you're supposedly the uncomplicated gender and therefore you shouldn't need a list. Bam.


DO...

* Always open the car door for her or hold out her seat for her in a restaurant (proving that chivalry has not completely died in our generation)

* Make effort with the small things - little memories and personal jokes etc. Generally girls are sentimental creatures

* Offer her your hoodie when she is cold, "nothing better than drowning in an oversized mens hoodie"  - quote from Jessica Swart

*Make an effort to find out about her likes and dislikes, that's where the little things count. For example, if she likes music make her a mixed tape of her favourite songs ( side note: it would be even better if the songs held meaning for your relationship)

*If she's had a bad day or is feeling sick, make an effort to make her feel better.. Phone her or go over to her house with popcorn and chocolate and a comedy to make her laugh (this is all depending on how far you are in the relationship of course), but the important thing is that you show you care

*Pick up on social cues - a girl will tell you if she's interested or uninterested just by the way she acts, or by her body language. If she's uninterested stop flirting, please save yourself and STOP . Otherwise you will force her to ignore the heck out of you and that just makes things awkward.
*Learn the love languages ( just google "love languages" ). Find out how she shows love and make effort in those areas - eg. if she likes giving surprise gifts to people, she'll like surprise gifts from you.

* Take initiative and make the first move - girls like guys who take the lead and make decisions. This also includes being man enough to tell her that you like her/love her/ want to pursue a relationship ( all depending if her social cues indicate that she feels the same ).

* Be open and honest. Don't leave the small issues in the dark because they will eventually become big issues. Talk to her about them,she will appreciate the honesty in the long run regardless of how much it may hurt to hear in the present.


*Go the extra mile. Most girls love the occasional big gesture because it makes them feel like they are appreciated and special to you. For example, drive a long distance just to see her or take her out to a place you can't really afford.

*Make sure that you notice and acknowledge if she got a new haircut, because it was probably to impress you. If she's dressed up for a night out, tell her that she looks beautiful . If she's just in her pyjamas, still tell her that she looks beautiful. Remember, girls have insecurities and its up to you to get rid of them.( side note: most girls would rather be called beautiful than hot)

*Tell her things. Everything.Communication is key.Girls want to get inside your head. They want to know how your mind works. They want to know everything from the big stuff, to the little details about your day that another 'normal' person wouldn't care about. On the flip side of that, listen to her - this is a great way to get to know how she thinks and what she values.

* Pay the bill, or at least always offer to pay for it. This makes girls feel like they are with a man who can take care of them.

* Have fun with her.Girls aren't only about deep meaningful conversations and emotions, they also love to have fun. Take her on adventures. Teach her a skill that she can boast to her friends about. Take her on dates in unusual beautiful places. Go the extra mile. Not just once in a blue moon, but every day.

*In public make sure she's accounted for.. Stand next to her in a social gathering, rub her back while you're talking to others. This is a great way to let a girl know that you're thinking about her even though your full attention is not on her.

* Connect with her family. It's important to most girls that their boyfriends like their families and that their families like their boyfriends. So make the effort no matter how scary it may be. Man up.

* Get involved in some form of ministry together, share thoughts about God and your faith, pray together. This is the most binding part of a relationship

* Last but not least, pursue her .This is probably the most important point and links up to the one about taking initiative. If you like her, you need to do what it takes to win her over, and then even when you are dating, you need to continue to win her over. It's just how it works.


 DON'T...




* Give mixed signals, if you're undecided on your feelings don't make any moves until you've decided whether you like the girl or not because remember, girls always overthink things and try to read between the lines.

* Play games. This links to the above point. Real relationships aren't about playing hard to get, being manipulative,  or flirting with other girls to get her attention, leave that nonsense up to the cast of The Bold and the Beautiful.

* Be immmature. Nobody likes a guy who is clingy, whiney and sulks a lot. This will just drive a girl away, and besides, you are not five years old.

*Talk about how hot other girls are.. even actresses. That may have been okay when you were single, but not when you are pursuing or in a relationship. A girl wants to feel beautiful around you... not second best, and you don't want to be causing any more insecurities for her.

 * Control her. Nothing is worse than a boyfriend taking on the role of 'Dictator husband,' telling her who she can and can't be friends with and what she can and can't wear. Don't confuse being possessive with being protective - there is a huge difference.

Use cheesy pick up lines or cliches. It's not ideal and it won't work out in your favour. Trust me. Girl's like romance, but not mushy cliches.

* Get too intense too soon.Taking it slow never killed anybody. It will also show the girl that you are respectful of her and the relationship and will prevent premature emotional attachment which could end up in hurt.

* Be afraid to make a fool out of yourself. Girls like a guy who is confident within himself without being arrogant. Laughter is the quickest way to someones heart.

* Use disrespectful language around her, even if all your friends are. Toilet humour is not okay. Remember, girls always like a gentleman.

* Pursue a relationship with several girls at once. Take the time to figure out who you want to be with ( one person) and then pursue that girl only. side note. If you have a flirtatious nature, be very careful, because it may seem serious to the girl you are pursuing and can also be very hurtful, even if it is unintentional.




Well, I hope these tips proved to be helpful for all the men out there....I'm sure you all are or are going to be wonderful boyfriends/husbands, but a little advice from the inside never hurt anybody right?

Many thanks to the amazing input from Megan Carrie, Jessica Swart, Caitlin Johnston, Megan Pilditch, Julie Patrick, Pasqua Heard, Tam Ballard and Lucy Hobbs. You are all fantastic woman and you basically wrote half this post, so thank you!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Capturing adventures one polaDROID at a time..

Thanks to a friend of mine, I recently discovered an amazing application for your computer called POLADROID , which allows you to convert your normal, run of the mill photo's into authentic, vintage-type Polaroids. Brilliant.

I find it intriguing that although we have progressed so much with regards to photographic technology, somehow photo's taken with Polaroids and old film camera's seem to capture the hearts of many. Maybe it's because it has nostalgic connotations to the past, or maybe it's because some of us don't have the desire to confirm to the "newest, latest technology", but all I know is that there's something about a Polaroid that makes a picture beautiful and timeless.

So now back to my discovery. Go onto Google and type in 'Poladroid' ,then follow the download and installation instructions and bam, you have the ability to create some beautiful photographs.
Here are a few of my adventures that have been captured with my Poladroid application.






Monday, May 30, 2011

Get a lil' piece of TAMALOOLA

My friend Tam Ballard has recently started up her own little store ( well technically it's not a store yet, but you can purchase things by contacting her and placing orders). She sells a range of amazing bits and pieces which we all love to have in our lives. I think its a commendable thing for our generation to take initiatives like this and have fun with it. Her items range from notebooks to hair clips, all of which are handmade and have original and quirky designs. Please support young entrepreneurs and have a look at her website TAMALOOLA - and by all means, place an order!


My winter favourites

HOT WATER BOTTLES

Ah the perfect remedy for those wintry nights when your body just refuses to get warm. Fun facts - 1.Hot water bottles are also really good for stomach pains and back pains ( just place them on the sore area for a few minutes and presto!) 2. If you have been attacked with flu and your nose is blocked, just mix some Eucalyptus oil with the hot water inside your bottle, stick your face over the opening and gently squeeze the bottle while inhaling the fumes. It's a homemade hot toddy!



TRENCHCOATS

So the reason this is my favourite winter fashion item, is because it's a must for both guys and girls, and it looks equally good on both ( if you purchase the right type). In my opinion, dark grey, navy blue , and black trench coats are the way forward but it's always a good idea to have one that's bright and vibrant in your closet for those times you're feeling fashionably adventurous.





HOT CHOCOLATE ( CAN BE SUBSTITUTED WITH MILO AND HORLICKS)

So this is the one time of the year when we ( girls especially) have an excuse to have these delicious drinks without feeling bad that we're just consuming liquid chocolate. What I love the most is that you can have them in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening...they're just timeless drinks. They're also the perfect excuse to invite people over for " DVDs and hot chocolate". So at the end of the day you land up with a warm belly and friends. You can't get a better coupling than that!




THE CIVIL WARS

That's the name of a band by the way, I'm not implying that I enjoy civil wars between countries. Just to clear that up. Now, in my opinion, Winter is the perfect season for that calm, beautiful, haunting music to be playing in the background of your life ( wow that was pretty deep). At the moment The Civil Wars are my number one choice for that position and if you don't know who they are than you better be researching them on YouTube right now! Other current artists that make me feel all warm on the inside are Brooke Fraser, Will Fitzsimmons, Sufjan Stevens, and Priscilla Ahnn to name a few. Music is definitely a blanket for the soul though, and gosh I am really whipping out some good lines here..maybe they'll become famous quotes one day. #wishfulthinking


lyrics from a song by The Civil Wars

KNITTING

It's not an activity just for grannies you know. It's an awesome and creative way to spend your time on those days when it's too cold to go outside and you just feel like having some alone time. The bonus is that, old school knitted jersey's are all the winter rage at the moment, so not only will you be filling up your time, but you'll be making your own fashionable clothes. That gives serious street cred.




WINTER WONDERLAND

I'm talking about that crisp fresh air you breathe in every morning, and how the air forms little puffs of cloud every time you breathe out; the early morning frost that collects on the grass; the snow that covers the mountains ( if you're fortunate enough to live near mountains); waking up to the sound of rain outside your window, especially if its a weekend and you can sleep in; curling up on a couch with a duvet and a book while it thunders outside; those perfect unpolluted days where you can spend hours in the sun without getting burnt. That's my winter wonderland.


{Images from We heart it}

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

My night on the catwalk - The 031 Collection

Okay so before you get all excited, I wasn't actually one of the models, but I did have to literally walk on the runway in order to get my seat, which by the way, was right next to the runway (maybe a metre away from the models). So the point is, I was on the catwalk in my LBD ( that's fashion lingo for ' Little Black Dress') and brown leather boots , and for about ten seconds I was living out my childhood dream of being a model. It was a very nice ten seconds.

For those of you wondering what the 031 Collection is, allow me to enlighten you.

It's basically Durbans Premier Fashion Show which was presented by Mr Price with International model Agyness Deyn flown in to be a judge. It featured the likes of well-known designers such as Terrence Bray, Ruff Tung, Nguni Shades, The Holmes Bros, Francois Vedemme, Amanda Laird Cherry, Sibu Msimang and Leigh Schub along with some new and upcoming designers.
Here are some of my favourite looks of the evening...

{Images from  031 Collection}


                                                               Francois Vedemme


                                                               
                                                                       Hanrie Lues


                                                                   
                                                             Amanda Laird Cherry

                  
                                                                 
                                                             Ludwig Bezuidenhout


                                                               
                                            Jaqui Munsami
                                                     
                                Mr Price styled by Agyness Deyn


 Gregory Dlala


The winner of the show , Cindy Armstorng had an amazing range ( my personal favourite of the night) which was filled with soft, flowing and neutral coloured materials, turbans, head scarves, harem pants, and brown leather sandals. It was beautiful, classy and casual all at the same time, and I've already decided to run to the stores ( as soon as I get money) to purchase a headscarf!

All in all, it was a fantastic night that was not to be forgotten, my eyes were really opened to the world of fashion design ( and let me tell you, Durbs has a lot to offer), and I got to experience it all for free thanks to my wonderful friend Gareth Mcdade! Thanks Gaz!

I am so very proud of this city and what it brought to the table at that fashion show, and seeing the beautiful creations that were produced had got me seriously considering a career change but, unfortunately I am not skilled in the art of drawing or modelling for that matter, and I love writing far too much, so I guess I'll have to settle for just being a famous journalist.


Monday, May 23, 2011

Dedicated to Jord-in-a-blog

It's always a sad time when a friend you have known for years has to move, across the ocean, to a distant land. I didn't get you a farewell gift Jords, so, because you are such an inspiring and eager blogger, I figured a blogpost dedicated to you would suffice.

Thank you for all the amazing times we have had together in the past nine years ( yes it has been that long), from the stage production of Sound of Music, to leading four consecutive Holiday clubs together, to my team dominating your team at those holiday clubs, to doing modelling shoots and being a fake couple, to going to matric dances together ( but not with eachother), to getting "tattoos" of frogs and dancing to The Arrows on the beach of Ballito,  to saying goodbye to you when you changed churches, and now finally to saying goodbye to you as you change continents.

You are an absolute joy to those around you, you really care for and love your friends with such an amazing realness, and you let the Lord emanate from you constantly. You are inspiring, mature, wise and kind. You can always make me laugh, you are such an encouragement in my life and over the years I have really watched you grow into someone that is such a blessing to those around him. Your wife (one day) is going to be stoked!

I know in the past few years we haven't had much time together, but that's fine because no matter the distance or time apart I will always be able to have deep chats with you and lots of laughs as if no time has passed - the joys of nine-year long friendships!

I pray that America is everything you want it to be, and I look forward to seeing you on television as a famous musician one day ;)  Just know that there are tons of people in South Africa who are praying and rooting for you and who will possibly hug you to death when you come back for visits.

I love you so much my friend and am going to miss you hugely, but I am so happy that you are living your life! May God always be your strength, your joy and your passion.

                                              The matric dance that I was too old for





                                                      Redfrogging it in ballito


                                        Leading Holiday club together ( WHAT am I wearing?? )





                                               Its always nice being a fake couple with you..