Quarantine ???

Social Distancing?

What a time!!! Can you even believe the foolishness that is occurring right now? It's the most unsettling space to be in. 

I'm usually not one to be so affected by the news, I tend to stray away from watching it to be honest. Of course I understand the importance of knowing what is happening in our world, however it can be such a constant flow of negativity a lot of the time. But THIS, THIS!! This takes the cake ! The entire world is infested.
The fact that we're being quarantined is beyond me! I really don't like feeling limited.
I'm an ambivert so naturally I am pretty okay with being home alone and often I do tend to isolate myself, however this feels so restricting. Isn't crazy how when you're told you can't do something, you suddenly want to do it?! Or is that just the rebellion my mama tried to beat out of me haha.
Anyways, it's very important that we're responsible regardless of how uncomfortable we may feel. We must think outside of ourselves as well as protecting ourselves. This contagious virus is unfortunately a matter of life or death (in most cases) and our elderly are the most vulnerable. Continue to be careful, wash your hands thoroughly and often and keep ya distance! Stay home.
Hopefully this isn't for a long period of time, although we are being told otherwise.


Social distancing is actually quite the challenge. Not being able to meet up for coffee with ya homegirl or dress up to eat out when you want, is forcing us to do other things with our time.
What have you dived into now that you have the chance? There's plenty of books to be read, knowledge to gain, wisdom to soak in...
There's also the option to look at yourself and make things right internally... is there anyone you could make amends with? (over the phone of course lol)

Since this has all come about, I've found the time to reach out so lightly and slightly to old acquaintances. You know, to see if the spark is still fizzling towards a growing friendship and to my surprise, it's highlighted that these people are as dry as the Sahara desert. If you know me, you know that as much time as we have, I don't have time. Bye babe!

The social media energy is a little heavy too. There are mixed emotions (as there should be). Some are living life like it's golden and trying to stay positive, others are taking hold of their entrepreneurial spirit and then there's the rest of us that are really relaxing, drinking wine, binge watching on Netflix.

I've tried to do all of these things, but I'm very uncomfortable. Maybe because I'm big on physical touch and it's been taken away from me so severely lol. Ya girl needs a hug.
I visited a church last week (that I was incredibly late for *rolls eyes*) and one of the ushers shook my hand to greet me, then snatched herself away mid greeting. I was horrified lol. I knew why of course... she innocently forgot our responsibility to keep our distance, but I couldn't help but feel like an alien. This is 2020!! Good gawd!

With that being said, keep ya chin up kids! We're in this together. Get up early, pray, meditate, listen to lots of music!! It's so so good for the soul, eat well, get dressed as if you're leaving the house... when you look good, you feel goodt! Face-time your buddies often! TIMMMM I love you! Take a billion selfies if you get as bored as I did today lol And just know that nothing is permanent! This too shall pass!

Don't forget the importance of self isolating.
The Coronavirus is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's easily spread through direct contact with a person who is infected. It's as simple as touching surfaces that have been contaminated from a cough or
sneeze. The initial symptoms are a high temperature, fatigue and continuous cough.
Remember to wash your hands often, and just be right on top of your hygiene!

Style Tip- You can look cute at home! Dress up, but stay in doors!

HEART CHECK

HOO MY GARSH

So I don't Know If Some Of You Know, But I'm A Woman Of Faith And I Try To Live By The Good Book (The Bible) But YO I'm Tirrrred! 

Earring- Zara
Top- Zara
Jacket- Charity Shop

Having Jesus as your role model is no joke. To be gracious and kind and patient PATIENT, peaceful, giving, ... its a lot!
I've been working in fields of work where serving has been my main responsibility and since moving to London I've become a Personal Assistant, Stylist Assistant, Carer, the works and all these roles have required me to serve! I believe it's VERY important that we give our time, our warmth, our knowledge... how else would we develop and learn and grow? Our character is truly stretched.

Honey I'm tired! It's very exhausting having be kind to people we deem to be undeserving, it's very taxing having to 'turn the other cheek' when really you want to fly kick someone in their neck! How on earth did Jesus do it???
I must admit, working in these particular fields 100% has forced me to be a better person. I've suffered quite a bit lol but I've been fortunate enough to have friends to talk me round. I will give you an example..
There was a very established stylist I interned for and I'll never forget this particular situation because I felt so disrespected!
FYI, I'm BIG on respect. As soon as I feel disrespected by you, you are erased from my memory.

So I had been assisting this young man for a while and enjoyed working along side him and his first assistant as they were easy going, down to earth and hardworking.

I had noticed that I'd become the only assistant preferred, when he was in prep for a shoot. His PA would regularly reach out to find out if I was available. I was never given specific details, just asked if I could keep certain days/dates free. I made myself available every time with no hesitation because I believed I was gaining the experience and knowledge I needed by serving him.

There were a few times I was told the day of a shoot, that I was no longer needed. I of course found this highly annoying, so going forward I didn't make myself as available.


I had been booked for personal shoot (one particular week) around the time this Stylist wanted my assistance and I had communicated that I would only be available 2 out of the 3 days he needed me.

Homeboy through a hissy fit, probably due to his own stresses in preparing for this project, but he had the nerve to question my commitment and work ethic. I was so ticked off! I had never let him down, and this was actually the only time I was unavailable. Bearing in mind I would at times do 12+ hour days for nothing, nada, zinch! No bueno! Not only was I offended that he had questioned my work ethic, the way in which he had communicated his frustration was very condescending. I let it slide...

The night before the shoot, he reached out to see if I could arrive to his place early rather than meeting at the shoot location. Now instead of just letting me know the call time had changed and he would need my assistance a lot earlier, he asked me if I could be at his for 8am. I responded by answering his question with 'I can arrive at 9.30am'. He again gave a condescending response that made me feel so small, so I decided to bow out! I thought nope, don't need this, not doing it, peace tf out!

I called my mom to vent because I was fuming!!!! I thought, after all I've done for him.. I worked well, I never complained, I did thee most, I showed up early, I left late, I did more than what my job required, for NOTHING!!! Yea, I understand that's partially what I signed up for, but I thought the least I could get in return, is some appreciation! Some respect!
My mom being the wise woman she is, asked me 'why are you putting terms on your service?' She convinced me that regardless of how I've been treated, my service shouldn't change, my attitude shouldn't change and my heart shouldn't change! I thought 'for goodness sake!!' But she was right.
My friend Yaz told me the exact same thing! She said 'you're showing a sense of entitlement'. I was like WHAAAAT?! ME? ENTITLED? NEVER!
Because I kept reiterating the point that 'I never ask for anything but respect' it was pointed out that, that was pride, THAT was the entitlement.
I was told that all that I am to do, should be done WELL regardless. I shouldn't feel like my service deserves recognition. My level of service should remain the same at all costs. THIS was harrrd for me to learn and still is.


Long story short, I checked my heart at the door and decided regardless of how crap he had made me feel, I was going to honor my word and assist him WELL.  I arrived at his place 8am to load all the clothes into the Addison Lee. I unloaded the van once I reached the shoot location, proceeded to un-bag garments, shoes, accessories etc and laid them out ready for him to select and style. There was an overwhelming amount of pieces!
I made notes of everything the models wore, so that his credits only needed to be typed up once the final images were selected. I organised the clothes in order of PR so that returning the garments would be seamless. After a long day of shooting, I stayed to load the clothes back in the van and then traveled to his place, to unload everything in his home. I got back to mine at 2am. This was an unpaid job. I was interning with the agreement that my travel would be reimbursed and my dietry requirements would be seen to.
The stylist was so so appreciative of my service this day, he paid me a silly amount of money. I was shocked!

Trousers- Pull & Bear
Boots- Zara

Acts of service should always be done from the heart. We should want to provide the very best regardless of what we get in return but we naturally and subconsciously are focused on what we will gain. We definitely should be in tune with how we benefit from a situation, however I believe it's important to serve from a place of true generosity.  How??????
I personally have to continuously ask God to give me the tools to give my time, my love, my abilities in the purest way, cause I don't believe I'm capable without him. I've made a conscious decision to do so numerous times, but I  only succeed consistently, WITH God. He is the definition of all things good!
You can see from the experience I've shared, how a change of heart allowed me to gain financially. My focus was no longer on being seen and acknowledged for my abilities. God saw my heart and ensured I benefited from such a long ass day lol.
It's all a choice at the end of the day! Choose to put your heart and soul into people! You're sowing a beautiful seed whether you realise it or not.

This post literally was a rant, however I do hope this challenges you to regularly check your heart. Like the good book says 'Out of the heart flows living water' - John 7.38



Style Tip- Check your heart at the door the same way you check to look presentable! 

Who Needs Therapy

Do you find it difficult to open up?

I've come to the conclusion that I'm an overly emotional, unemotional, clingy but distant private person who likes to overshare at any moment and I'm still trying to figure out, how that works.
The more I have in depth conversations with my mama and friends, I'm finding that we all need special attention and space to release our feels.

Just wanted to encourage you to explore spaces that allow you to do that.
I was shaken by the recent passing of Caroline Flack and naturally began to ask the questions 'why wasn't there anyone close enough to her, how did she get to that place, why did it get to that point...'
We must check in with ourselves and our loved ones! Lets make an effort to do the work. It may start with therapy, it may not, but lets start nurturing our mental health.




Life can be pretty tough. Situations can feel beyond overwhelming. Seeking the guidance of a wise professional will help us understand ourselves. Therapy can be expensive, so perhaps a support group amongst friends or having A friend to hold you accountable. It's something I'm definitely going to explore.

Style Tip- Be kind, to yourself and others

SHALLOW AS A KITTY POOL!

Is Love Really Blind?

I've recently tuned into a Netflix series called 'Love Is Blind'. It's a social experiment where a group of men and women are given the opportunity to get to know one another without the comfort of seeing each others appearance.

Now you can call me shallow all you want honey, but I literally ain't about to date someone I'm not physically attracted to.
Disclaimer: I CAN NOT date anyone who lacks substance either, or someone who doesn't understand/possess good values. 
I won't say I'm totally against trying, however I have been in a few awkward situations where I've been approached by individuals (I haven't been outwardly attracted to) and got the 'ick!!'.
Whatever floats your boat right?

It's quite amazing that in such a short amount of time, the people involved in this social experiment have developed real feelings for each other. It's the purest setting! They are falling in love with people they're ACTUALLY and INTIMATELY getting to know, irrespective of what race, height, size or age is on the other side of the wall. I think it's genius! The physical stuff can be so distracting and lust is so real in these streets.
The big test is when they are revealed to each other! Is that connection still there, are they actually deep in love?! There is a plot twist though. Before they meet,  they are to be engaged to then get married within 4 WEEKS.
So these people have literally fallen in love (some after 3days) gotten engaged, finally met in person, to be introduced to each others families (who have no idea any of this is happening!) and then take vows to commit for life! WILD!

I'm a hopeless romantic and I love love, but this... I dunno! I guess because the physical attraction side of things for me (personally) is apart of my deal breakers, it's foreign to me that this can happen. Realistically though, I don't think any of the couples that are on this journey, don't find each other physically attractive.
 I low-key wish I could've been apart of the experiment, to find out if the physical stuff is that important to me.
I guess because I've always liked shiny things, I'd have to rewire myself to see the beauty in things that aren't so shiny or may be shiny in a different area. That's not to say I can't appreciate what isn't aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Preference.

There is a particular couple who are struggling in this area. The lady (Jessica 34) has fallen in love to be married to a younger man (Mark 24). He is besotted by her and she too is smitten by him, but he ain't physically doing it for her! Damn. She's been staying the course and giving it time to ensure the physical attraction can grow, but because the emotional connect is there and strong, homegirl is reluctant to part ways so soon.
What would you do?! It must be such a difficult place to be in.

It is a refreshing watch, especially to see if their genuine connect from clear, consistent communication and authentic compatibility can lead to a long lasting marriage.
I mean they are all realistically in the 'honeymoon' period and I do think getting married after a month is a hasty move...
It takes tiiiime to really KNOW someone. I had my first argument with a friend of mine the other day after almost 10 years of never even bickering and that showed me a side of her I'd never seen. We as people are forever changing (well should be). These people are out here risking it all! What a mess lol

Anything worth having requires some level of risk and sacrifice. It all boils down to how bad you want it. Whether that be a loving relationship, a career or possession. Ask yourself some important questions..
Is this worth it?
Am I willing to give my all?
Can I commit?
How does this make me feel?
Will this be an addition to my life?

Sometimes it takes a different approach to gain a desired outcome and that initial feeling of discomfort is to change you for the better.
These people are evidently searching for MORE! They weren't okay with an 'okay companionship'. They needed more! They've put themselves out there in doing this social experiment to find something amazing, passionate, different/real.

I may do a follow up post if I'm still tuned into this series! Let me know if y'all are watching!

Style Tip- Okay is not the reason you risk absolutely everything you've got for the smallest chance that something amazing could happen. Love (your dream, spouse, career) passionately! 

MISSION: GET SNATCHED!

THIS BAWDY!!

So I've been wanting to get in shape for the longest! I've always been an active person who loves sports.
Growing up with 2 older brothers, I became naturally super competitive and a bit of a tomboy. Now that I'm 31 my metabolism is trying me! My body is acting like I'm not AS capable at being strong and sexy. I'm about to prove her wrong!
I will say, I like and enjoy my body AS IS! My shape is curvy, thick, playful and I believe it's important to love our bodies at every stage! However, I want tone and muscle definition, so lets get it!



I've decided to commit wholeheartedly to working out consistently and eating better. This MUST be a lifestyle change for me personally in order for things to stick, which is why I'm being realistic about my process.
I loooooove cake, I have the biggest sweet tooth and anything carby gets me excited. It's best that I go cold turkey and cut out COMPLETELY some foods that will work against this journey. Sugar NO, juice NO, bread NO, cheese NO, and rice HELL NO (I have no self control with these foods).

I've been consistently eating the same dry food for a while. I'd like to switch it up and get more creative in the kitchen, but to be honest, I don't know if I have that kind of energy. I do realise the importance of meal prep though. It definitely prevents me from grabbing rubbish (Doritos, M&Ms)  when I'm hungry. For that reason and that reason only, I've stuck to the following meals daily.

• Breakfast- Oats porridge with honey and a banana or 2 boiled eggs and a cup of green/peppermint tea
• Lunch- A bowl of fruit or a tuna/chicken salad (homemade). I make a mean salad!!!! Sometimes I'll just have a smoothie/protein shake.
• Dinner- FishChicken with vegetables or sweet potato. 
• Snacks- Cashew nuts or fruit.

I recently watched a short doc on Netflix called 'The Game Changers' and it really opened up my eyes to how plant based foods have been a complete game changer in the health and fitness world. I tend to eat a lot of meat and prefer red meat to white meat, however watching The Game Changers has given me a complete new outlook on what I should put into my body.

I'm holding myself accountable by blogging my process!  Join me!

My session
I tend not to do too much cardio, as I drop weight very quickly. I'll be focusing on workouts to help burn fat and gain muscle. I'd like to share what I'll be eating too, as I know that abs (in specific) are made in the kitchen. This is my process to achieving an improved version of myself, I'm not a guru so feel free to give me tips and tricks! I need all the help I can get.

Take a look at how my leg/bootay session went down.



Weighted Squats- 20 reps x3 rounds
Weighted Lunges- 10-15 reps x3 rounds
Kettle Bell Swings (Squats)- 15 reps x3 rounds
Squat Jumps- 20 reps x3 rounds
Donkey Kicks- 20 reps x2 rounds
Rainbow Kicks- 15 reps x2 rounds
Calf Press- 30 + reps
Hip Abduction- 30+ reps
Hamstring curls- 20+ reps

Weighted crunches- 20 reps x3 rounds
Reverse crunches- 20 reps x3 rounds
Bum lifts to plank- 15 reps x3 rounds


Subscribe to my YouTube channel if you want to see more content from me! I'll be posting weekly thangs there too!

Fit Tip- Keep pushing until the mission is complete!