2014 - Battle On

Hey everyone,

Can you believe its the end of the year already? It is no longer 2013!

Before I get into the that; I'd just like to say hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, full of family, friends and joy.

I was planning on doing a few Christmas posts, I even typed them out, but I really didn't feel like it. I was trying to feel Christmasy and get into the spirit of things but it just wasn't happening, it just felt like something was missing. Don't get me wrong getting involved with charities and stuff helped but *sigh*. Of course that is not to say I had a bad Christmas; indeed food was cooked, people gathered and a few gifts were exchanged. Yes, I'm thankful and grateful for everything I have but it all just felt hollow. I think that is why I didn't post those Christmas entries, if I'm not feeling it what is the point - got to honest right? That feeling has also carry through to now, the last day of 2013.

Hmm... kind of depressing I know, are any of you guys feeling this way? Or are you completely the opposite, has this Christmas and New Years been amazingly fantastic for you?

OK so what of 2013? Well, it hasn't been my best year in terms of achievement but on reflection I'd say its been a year of strength. Throughout this year there have been knocks, disappointments and tears but despite all those things putting me down, making me feel worthless and like giving up. I'm here! Thanks be to God.

I feel incredibly secure giving the Lord thanks and praise, I know everything will be alright and there is plan in motion. Sometimes things happen and I find myself asking why? I'm trying my best to do the right things so why is this happening? I try help and support everyone why do they choose to hurt me? But I have to have faith that God is good and wouldn't give me anything that I could not handle, and only has the best intentions for me.

So I look to 2014 standing strong motivated that better is yet to come. The trials and tribulations in 2013 and 2012 are just bruises and scars of a battle that God won. I pray for patience a revived attitude, continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

So with that said I wish you all the best for 2014, may it be full success, victory and a breakthrough, in Jesus name. Amen.

See you in the New Year

Christmas Jumper Day

Hi everyone,

Its that time of year, were we all cosy up wearing hats, scarves and of course jumpers!

Today is Christmas Jumper Day (#xmasjumperday).

That's right, those brightly coloured winter beauties need to come out! Whether yours is homemade or shop brought, you can wear them with pride for a good cause. If your in the UK you may have already noticed the sudden array of knitwear.

I decided to change things up a bit and went for the blue, plus this was the only jumper I could find that fit my extra long arms lol. It wasn't from anywhere in particular just a random stall, but the price and quality was good.

All of this is in aid of Save the Children. Your money could pay for nine sachets of oral re-hydration treatment for children suffering from deadly diarrhoea. To find out more about Save the Children be sure to check out the website http://www.savethechildren.org.uk Text WOOLLY to 70050 to donate £1.

Hope your well.

Take care x

I'd Eat You

Hey everyone,

Someone left this random super dark apple on my desk the other day... creepy!


Looks like something out of Death Note - not eating it

Last month went by so fast, its nearly Christmas already. I don't really celebrate Halloween but I do like dressing up and being creative with paints/make up and watching horrors. I'm not really the jumpy-type who cowers beneath the bucket, I'm kind of used to (not sure if that's a good thing), so I sit back and watch the carnage commence. I've been watching been The Walking Dead recently, inspired by this I come across a cool free app which give me this effect.

The app is called Zombie Booth, you can make your face into a 3D animated zombie. I will probably uninstall it after Halloween, because what is the point but its fun none the less. I quite like that even the ugliest picture can look more interesting. I've seen some really cool zombie tutorials too given an even better effect but...'ain't nobody got time for that'.
 

Did you do anything this Halloween?

 

Bye

Put The Phone Down

Hey everyone,

Someone said to me the other day that the average person can't go over a day without interacting with a digital device. From the moment I wake... To the moment I go back to bed... and all the hours, minutes and seconds in between,  I'm always with my phone. I'm sure that's true for most people. Admittedly I'm not that bad, and I often forget or am too busy to reply or check social media straight away.

The rise of mobile technology is increasingly turning us into an ‘always on’ and ‘always elsewhere’ culture. And this change has profound consequences for the very thing that motivated the innovation in technology in the first place: Connecting with others.

Seriously, these days the back of my friends phone faces me more then my friend who was actually talking to me. We see elements of this video everyday, quite the eye opener!

Anyhoo just thought I'd share with you, hope your having a good week.

Bye!

Ughh! What's On Your Face?

Hi everyone,

I've been quite fortunate over the past few years to have clear skin, not that I did anything special. I'd often try different products not because I needed too but to see what works for me and how it feels. But it wasn't always this way, my teens was a constant battle with these disgusting spots coming out of my face. Now for some reason there are back! Least to say I ain't having it.

Memories of my youth came flooding back, when just touching my forehead feels like I'm rubbing up a kebab. Yet parts of my face (mainly my cheeks) are crazy dry? Now I certainly do not claim to a beauty guru or any of the jazz, I'm just a normal girl with for now a spotty oily/dry face.

I rarely rave a products but this one is so lovely I'm going to. Biore Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser has been an absolute life saviour, I love this product!

 The formula leverages Skin Purifying Technology that addresses the needs of combination skin, whilst providing an all-over clean without stripping skin's natural moisture. Personally I really like the soft thick texture. After application there is no stickiness or oily residue, my skin feels soft and hydrated.

Also, application is so easy...

On a clean wet face, pump the cleanser into hands and work into a form. Rinse thoroughly.

The result?

Instantly rejuvenated, hydrated skin

Hope you guys find this helpful. Biore Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser can be find at Superdrug and selected departmental stores and major hypermarkets, for about £4 - Bargain! ;)


Take care!

InstaFriday #1

Hi everyone,

So I've decided to join the band wagon and do an 'InstaFriday' thingy, I enjoy looking at other people's collages so I thought why not? Hopefully there will be more :)

1. Wedding 1 of 4 this year!
2. A drink day trip to Pleasure Beach
3. My first attempt at origami, this took ages but I'm really happy we the result
4. My gorgeous free hot chocolate from Abokado - not even Starbucks does it like this :P
5. Dinner with the TM crew, grilled Sea Bass  
6. Learning about Japanese Culture at the Will Adams Festival
7. Wedding 2 - trying my best to bend into the background lol
8. Beautiful sunset view of London
9. Just because... (yes I changed my hair for now)

Hope you liked, take care
x

Jamaican-me Laugh

Hey everyone,

Ha-ha, though I'd  make a little pun for you :)

What makes a Sunday afternoon a better Sunday afternoon? Answer; go to the park. Even better answer was to go to Brixton Splash or Crystal Palace Jamaica Day last Sunday.

Officially it was Jamaica's 51st Independence day on Tuesday 6th August 2013, but celebrations have been in full swing since last week.

Sadly I couldn't get to both in one day, so I choose to go to Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace Park was an old favourite of mine as a child; its changed a little bit, but still a really cool place to chill and enjoy the day. There was a great sense of pride in the air, everyone made an effort dressed in Jamaican colours, it felt so welcoming.

So what was going on?

There was some amazing live dance performances. Some of the dancers looked young, but they were so talented. You could tell the performance meant something to them, they looked so happy. I enjoyed watching these two (can't remember their name), I rarely see young people doing dancing like this - so this was a treat.

I'm not going to lie though, there was some parts I found slightly uncomfortable. Number one being the under 13yrs dance competition, what bothered me about it was the dancing itself. I don't think its right for young innocent children to be doing this 'cock up batty', 'jook gal',  'bruk it down' dance moves to a crowd of adults and big ass men. No, no, no not feeling that at all, what kind of messed up impression are we giving here?

Anyway… There where loads of stalls offering delicious Caribbean food, merchandise and arts and crafts. I love Caribbean art, so colourful and calming - its like it takes you to another world. And to top it off Steel pans, I love Steel Pans! I love the way they sound, the atmosphere they create and when I was younger I really used to enjoy playing them too.


Everybody will be eating all the chicken tonight lol

Naturally there was a hell of a lot of chicken, not 100% sure what the obsession is with it, but it really nice. Not dry and chewy, it was tender and well seasoned. Though, I'm more into fish these days but hey-hoo.

It was a really nice day for the whole family, there was even a funfair to keep the children busy. Various DJs for those who fancy a dance or just sit down at your picnic and nod your head. Whenever was 'your thing', there was plenty of room for you to enjoy. It was a happy atmosphere, no trouble just simple fun.

I might not able to afford a ticket to the Caribbean right now but this is a good start.

Hope your well.

Coming Together

Hey everyone,

So last Sunday was the day of my Race of Life - Cancer Research charity race which also happened to be the hottest day of the year. Woo! it was seriously tough, I was sweating bullets and my legs felt like weights. It is amazing how much of  a difference heat can make, I guess it my thought as I only practised at night before hand. When I got to the park I was so overwhelmed by the amount people participating and supporting. It just kind of hit me that all these people be doing anything with their day right now and yet they choose to support, challenge themselves and come to together.  

So many people involved -  truly amazing

Really proud of my self and all the ladies who completed Race for Life, there was great energy and everyone supporting and encouraging each other. I finished the race in 32 minutes, which is slightly over my target, but the heat played a huge part - I was really dehydrated. But still very proud and happy with what myself and the rest of the ladies achieved.

Sweaty smiles across the finish line :)

 Thank you to all the people who donated to Cancer Research x

How Are You Following?

Hey everyone,

This is just a quick post, I was reading a few of my favourite blogs and its come to my attention that of 1st July Google Reader will not be available. So to make sure we don't fall out of touch you can subscribed to this blog using Bloglovin. Oh and it would really nice of you to join me on Instagram and Twitter - Why not right? :)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Hope your having a good day x

Up Yours Cancer

Hey everyone,

The gloves are off baby

So following from my previous post of cleaning up my health and doing things that make me happy, I have signed up for Cancer Research UK - 'Race for Life'. I think everyone has been affected by cancer in form or another, whether you know someone who have passed away battling it, those going through it now or whatever the case maybe. Its horrible that cancer has become so common and affected so many - from Grandparents to young children. According to Cancer Research in 2010 324,579 people in the UK were diagnosed with cancer.

I get quite upset when I think about it sometimes, but I feel strengthen when I think of all the amazing people supporting, trying to comfort those going through difficult times and knowing that everyone is fighting for a cure.

For these who don't know Race for Life is a women-only fundraising event, its not an intense race, there are no winners and people of all ages can take part. I have done the race before (about two years ago) but I really want to up my game, raise as much as I can and if possible run the whole 5k race. So I've got me pack and I'm ready to go!

Plus Kyz is loving that we're running together more, look how cute and smiley he is :3

Whether your taking part or not it would be fantastic if you could donate, to do so please use the official site >>>> http://www.cancerresearchuk.org  

Are you guys joining the race too?

MCM London Comic Con

Hey everyone,

So last weekend I went to the London Comic Con, I have been wanting to go to this for ages and just never got round to it. Although it was a last minute thing I was determined to go, and I'm really glad I did - I had a great time. For those who don't know basically its a convention that brings together movies/TV, games, anime, comics and loads more. There was screenings and special guests from 'Once Upon a Time' and 'Teen Wolf'. The perfect place to embrace your inner 'geek'.

On the show floor there is a huge variety of merchandise stalls from the UK and around the world, from cute cuddy Totoro toys to those hard to find items.

Here are a few cute bits and pieces I found. The below are quite girlie things but there was more masculine things available too like Samurai/replica swords for example.  

As cute as these things are I think they went a bit crazy on the price!

These iPhone covers are so cute - I don't have an iPhone though

What I really like about being there was that there was such a huge variety of people, long gone is that annoying stereotype that people who enjoyed anime and games are 'friendless, weirdoes that barely see the light of day'. You had older people, younger people, white, black, Asian people - everyone was there and it was such a friendly atmosphere. You could literally go up to anyone and ask for a picture with them or just start a conversation.

Me and hot Dante - hehe :)

Here are a few other cosplay guys I came across. I would to give it a go myself one day, but If I did, I would want to be amazing or there is just no point. But I really admire the effort these guys put in, they look great.

Ahh Sailormoon! How I used to love Sailormoon :)

So I hope you've enjoyed this post and maybe next year I'll see you there. I'll finish this post with a nice chill out picture of the Marvel and DC crew lol. 

Thanks for reading x



You Do What You Are

Hi everyone, 

I know it’s a funny title but there is reason. Basically there other day I was lazing around watching the film ‘Along Came a Spider’ on the television. And Morgan Freeman’s character comes on and says ‘you are what you do’. This got me thinking... that is kind of true. If you are lazy and disorganized; you choose to do that and that in turn is what you are. If you are hard working, honest and reliable although you may not be able to show this in title no one can take that away from you, because that is what you are.

Yeah, it was a scarf turban day - its a good way to hide messy hair

So we're in the spring months now and occasionally we get that glimpse of sunshine, which is brilliant as its been a long winter. So to prepare for the summer and to refresh, I've decided its time to clean up. But I'm talking your bedroom/home (although mine could really do with a tidy up), I'm talking about life.

A few pictures from the park and the first flower in  my garden :)

Targets:

1. Body: I'm not particularly unhealthy or overweight but I could certainly tone and sort out my diet.

2. Mind: This past few months has been intensely stressful for me a lot has been going on in a short space of time. I learned to accept things that I have no control over and think its time focus on what right for me and the things that make me happy.

3. Friends and Family: I take full responsibility for the piss poor effort I have put in. These guys are so amazing and even though I don't see them often they still understand and love me.

To make sure I stay on track I am going to post a check in exactly one month from now. As usual tips, tracks and cool bits will be shared.
 
Body is up first, so pouch be gone!

Bring Back the Mixtape

Hey everyone,

The other day I was happily minded my own business on the 'good old' London transport and I got to thinking why don't we share anymore. I remember back in the days copying songs off the radio by pressing REC and PLAY together and doing the half pressed button thingy so the singer sounded like a Chipmunk. I also remember on those sunny days that stripe of brown tape would be blowing in the breeze and getting tingled in the trees or the quick repairs with clear sticky tape when the cassette tape broke lol. Ahh! Good times.
 

Remember these?

As cool as that was, I'm quite glad things have moved on, having some annoying DJ chatting over my tune gets on my nerves. However with everyone having their own MP3 player or Phone to play they music on sharing playlists and keeping that one sentimental physical thing 'from that special someone' or buddy doesn't really happen.

*Image from Sharetapes.com

But look! With this beauty you can upload Spotify or YouTube  playlists on to blank 'Sharetapes', then hand them out to your mates, who scan the tape with a phone to listen. I like that its something you can keep, write a little title on it and make it personal to whoever or yourself. I'm loving the retro design and at the super cool price of £5 for five - this is so cool I had to write about. You can buy them here >>>http://www.sharetapes.com/

Please Note: I'm not getting paid for talking about this I'm purely doing because I think it cool.

What are your memories with the classic cassette? 

Fools Easter

Hey everyone,

How is it April already? Hope your well and hope your having a cracking Easter haha see the joke there lol. But seriously I just wanted to say have a blessed Easter.

... Out of His sorrow came our joy.

This year I've been spending loads of time with the family, which has been great. Plus on top of that I had my cousins baby shower. Spending this quality time has really made me appreciate having each and every one of them in my life. and I'm really looking forward to the new additions. 

How cute are these cupcakes? They were really yummy too first cupcake I've had that hasn't been dry.

This was made by a family friend, out of baby clothes, nappies and accessories, she is so talented and creative.

Did you have a good Easter?

Take Care x

Round up the Troops!

Hey everyone,

So it’s coming up to that time of the year were I get a little older, wiser blah blah...it’s also the time were I’m bombarded with questions of what are you doing? Which is really frustrating as these are same people who claim not to have any money to do anything anyway. So what exactly can I do, be on my jack-jones? Don’t get me wrong if you haven’t got it, you haven’t got it – end of. But really, don’t you just hate that, especially when everyone knows when your birthday is. Anyway let me stop ranting like a spoilt child, my birthday hasn't even come yet. Plus it’s not the actual day that’s important it’s the time you spend with the people you care about.

Still that doesn't stop a girl from dreaming right?

 

So me and the old TM Crew decided to have a catch up over dinner, the other day. It was so good catching up with them, we've have gone our separate ways, but the team remains as strong as before. I'm so lucky to have worked with such amazing and supportive people, its fantastic that were still in touch.

 We went to Cote a really yummy French restaurant, I love their fish dishes. I went for the Roast Seabass - Roast seabass fillet, braised fennel and a champagne beurre blanc with chives and tomato concasse with a side of creamy mash. I also had the Prawn Gratinée for starters and the Praline Crepe for dessert - Wow! so nice, would definitely recommend it. Sorry I didn't take a picture of the other dishes they looked too good, couldn't help myself lol. 

Maybe I'm just easily pleased lol, I've also been spending a lot of time with my family too which has been really cool but I don't have any pictures as I'm still camera-less :'( - apart from my phone. But I will leave you with a picture me wearing Kasia's glasses, I really want some frames like these their so cute and comfy.

 

Hope your having good day, take care x 

New Endz

Hi everyone,

Ages ago I promised to share we you guys anything that I come across that’s cool or interesting, so time to deliver. So I’d like to share this really website and magazine called Endz2Endz, its is the place to be for young people. With regular updates on Music, Entertainment, lifestyle and Culture your always in the lop as to what’s going on. If you look closely you’ll even see a post or two posted by your truly *plug, plug* lol

The website has recently had a makeover so now really is the time to check it out.

 Also the March issue is now available so for interviews and more check the website and check it out, this month is the entrepreneur editor definitely worth a read.

Hope you guys like the site.

Flipping Fun

Hey everyone,

Its Shrove Tuesday aka Pancake day, the day we all start beating with a fork because we can't find the whisk, have flipping competitions and even the odd race in the street!

Shrove Tuesday marks the last day before Lent, traditionally a period of abstinence, associated with clearing your cupboards of goods such as sugar, fats and eggs. It's commonly known as Pancake Day because it represents a good opportunity to use such ingredients ahead of the fasting period. 

As fun and easy as pancakes are to make I don't really make them throughout the year which is silly because they are so quick, fun and can go with anything!

Behold! My very first attempt of American style pancakes, I'm quite happy at how they have turned out. I wanted to try making American style pancakes just for a change, though i did make English ones too. But I won't show you pictures of that because its a bit boring. The recipe was easy to follow too, here's the link >>> Fluffy Pancakes

Berries, honey and lemon are probably my favorite toppings what's yours?

Water Snake Dumplings

Hey everyone,

You've probably noticed the increase of red lanterns throughout the streets, which can only mean its that time of year again Chinese New Year. 

This year is the Year of the Snake or more specify the Year of the Water Snake. Apparently *Water Snakes are influential and insightful. They manage others well and tend to be good for organizations to utilize as staff. They are quite motivated and intellectual, very determined and resolute about success. (*sourced: http://www.usbridalguide.com)

I love CNY, I like that I can see, learn and interact with different cultures and things that i wouldn't necessary through my normal everyday activities. For a run down what was going on London please see a post I did on Endz2Endz.

Sadly I didn't get to spend as much browsing and watching the performances as I normally do ... so no dragon *so sad*

I love the fun of it all, plus it also gives my friends the chance to tease me with their red pockets - honestly how cool is this tradition (their like debt collectors lol).

But I did however get to have one favorite dishes steamed dumplings! Mmmm...

Wishing you all 'Kung Hei Fat Choi' (or Happy New Year) :D

Did any of you guys go to CNY London or anywhere else in the world?

What I Learnt

Hey everyone,

I know I’m a bit late but as it’s a new year I feel I should talk about New Year’s resolutions and also reflect on what I learnt in the previous year. I feel it is important to reflect and learn or how can you really expect to make any progression.

So last year (click here for last year's post) I kept my resolutions quite simple, in fact I wouldn't even say they were resolutions but more goals. One of which was to Pray. Throughout 2012 this was key; without God I would be truly nowhere and I am so thankful and blessed. Last year was a difficult year for me, sometimes it felt like ‘what is the point?’ or ‘there is no hope’ but my faith kept me going. I still have a lot to learn and I’m not always going to get it right but I believe there is treasure in every trial. Through every dilemma, there is a lesson and a chance to become stronger.

I wanted to share this video with guys because it touched me and I don’t know what your circumstance might be but maybe it can help you too.

Praying is again a resolution for this year (and most likely every year) because I want to get into the habit of praying more throughout the day and when making decisions whether it be big or small.

Patience was on my list last year and was a big one for me and sadly it is still one that I need to work on. I have to accept that I can’t do everything myself, things take time and I have to trust others.

Although the above are ultimate goals for the year and for my personal growth, I also have a few achievements that I’d like to tick off along the way which are;

• Spend more time with Friends and Family
• Learn – always strive to learn more, only you can make this happen
• Work progression – if you learnt the skills move on up
• TRAVEL!

I feel quite positive about this year and so far I have quite a lot going on, so its just a case of getting organised. As usual I will keep you guys up to date where I can, but for the times I can't do check out my Twitter (follow button to the side *hint, hint*) oh and my new instagram. 

So what did you learn from last year and what are your goals for this year? 


Take Care x


*Quick update: From the last post I now have a phone which can use apps, I am no longer trapped in the world of the 3210 phone LOL

Disconneted

Hi everyone,

Guess what’s in the box?

*Sigh* Well that would be my computer... yeah ... sad times, sad times. It’s not broken or anything I’m just selling it, the sad thing is I have not got a replacement yet. So my online life has come to a brief halt. I know I’m sounding slightly dramatic here but seriously I have no phone until further notice (well I do, but all it can do is literately call and text). Someone ‘borrowed’ my camera which is code for ‘you ain’t getting it back fool mwhahaha’ – hmmm yeah thanks for that S*****a - Sister. And this computer thing is just icing on the cake, kmt sods law this would happen after I was on such a high of being active (including Twitter-wise) and blogging more :(

It’s not all bad though, I actually find I’m more ‘social’ now then I was before; I’m actually talking to people - like to their faces *imagine that lol!*.That’s not completely true though, everybody else’s faces are in their phones/computers, so I just feel more out of place. When did this become acceptable? Before mobile phones become a big thing you would not get people taking out their post in the middle of a conversation! Can you imagine - 'Sorry give me two secs just have to check my bills'. LOL *Not that I’m bitter of course *Grrrrr* :P

Seriously though, I think all the technology available has made us undervalue the basics. Its direct, personal and truly the best and most honest way to display your personality, whether it be with friends and networking at work. Don't get me wrong, the second up and running again I'll be back to my digital self but I will definitely be utilizing my rediscovered knowledge more.

 Hopefully this set back should last too long but I’ll try to update when I can. Hope all is well.

Bye x