By: Sandy Nene
- What inspired the name of your blog?
I initially called my blog “A Contradictory Life” but that is now the tagline. The concept exactly encapsulates what I am and as a result what I blog about. Being a hippy at heart and corporate by qualification I write opinion pieces and share my thoughts on articles I read and topics which I find interesting. I also document our travels on mountain bikes across SA and hopefully beyond. Topics I write about in ‘holistic health’ cover, specifically, interesting allergy-friendly places to eat, making beauty products at home, exercise and having a healthy mind as well as body. I have recently started an online virtual book club and an educational series focusing on the relatively new field of Behavioural Finance too which I hope to specialise in one day in terms of my career. I changed the name of my blog to “femmegypsy | A Contradictory Life” when I went to set up a Twitter handle and realised I had already chosen the perfect handle (@femmegypsy) during matric a few years earlier which I had long forgotten about but what is essentially perfect. I have always been called a “gypsy” by friends and family because of my casual dress code, outlook on life, and possibly my hair which dreads naturally, as well as my tendency to travel spontaneously with anyone and everyone that invites me along for an adventure!
- How long have you been blogging for?
My very first post was published on the 9th of January 2012 so just over two years 
- What difficulties did you come across when you first started blogging?
Frustration with wanting to code awesome features and design related aspects, I still definitely want to do a course on this in the future. I still struggle with getting friends who do not blog to understand what a huge positive impact a comment, share or like has 
The other obvious difficulty is that with a full-time job and studying towards a qualification which should actually be done full-time I do struggle to make the time to sit down and write.
- What do you think new bloggers need to know about blogging that most people don’t?
I try and convince everyone to start a blog! Just do it; write about what interests you and don’t view your social media stats as what makes you successful. If you enjoy writing and curating your blog, it is already successful. Most people don’t realise how much time it does take to create an aesthetically pleasing as well as interesting post! If you are writing about what you are passionate about though, this will come more naturally. For example, I will look pathetic trying to post hair and make-up tutorials. Unless people don’t know how to do a simple 5 minute blow dry and how to put on mascara?
- What would you say has been a highlight of your blogging career thus far?
This is easy! Most definitely all the interesting people I have “met” and all the fascinating lives and adventures I have followed across the globe. The inspiration I receive on a daily basis from blogs of all different genres is honestly the highlight.
- Who are your favourite bloggers?
I follow and enjoy quite a few but here are the ones that I do not miss a post and may have stalked all the way back to their very first posts:
www.heynataliejean.com by Natalie Holbrook
www.inkedincolour.com by Sash Milne
www.kristenhedges.com by Kristen Hedges
www.kellehampton.com (Enjoying the Small Things) by Kelle Hampton
www.anysroad.blogspot.com by Annika Ziehen
http://moz.com/rand/ by Rand Fishkin
www.indieberries.blogspot.com by Che Dyer
www.seamsandsilhouettes.blogspot.com by Ali Graaff
www.iamdanielleiam.wordpress.com (effigies of me) by Danielle Kylie
www.midlandsmusings.com by Keri Bainborough
www.littleandbunny.blogspot.com (Raising Men) by Natasha Clark
- Which is the most read blog post on your blog and why do you think people like it?
The most read blog post on my blog is my “Lifelist” page. I think people are possibly inspired by it?
- What else do you do besides blogging?
I work as a share analyst and a discretionary portfolio manager for high net worth individuals and unit trusts at an asset management firm (basically, I invest money in the stock market). I love to read, travel, mountain bike, cycle, eat out and spend time with friends and family!
- Where do you see your blog in the next two years?
I hope my blog will contain many more posts that people may or may not find interesting or inspiring. As long as I am still enjoying the writing and researching part of it, it will be where it should be.
- Do you look at your blog as a business, hobby or as a portfolio?
I definitely view it as a hobby.
When fellow Blogger Sandy Nene emailed me to tell me I was going on a Safari tour with 1st Zulu Safaris, around Durban with Durban bloggers, I was so EXCITED. I have never been on anything like this ever and I have always wanted to go see the amazing creations we have in this beautiful world we live in.
On one of Cape Town’s most spectacular day’s, over 6000 people made their way to Kirstenbosch Gardens for what was promising to be one of the best shows of the season. Armed with picnic blankets, booze, snacks and a serious vibe, hordes of Loops’ fans arrived to take full advantage of one of Cape Town’s, surely, most spectacular event venues. The gardens were a vibrant green and looked as inviting as ever, almost in anticipation of what was to come. From as early as 2pm, the crowds had started to gather; people arriving early to ensure the best possible seating spot. Finally, at 4pm, the guards opened the gates and a mad rush of fans exploded into the arena. Once the audience had settled, and the drinks were flowing, Jeremy Loops made the stage.