UK carnival season

I have missed a few carnivals this year. I used to make it to at least 5 across the UK each year. However priorities change. If I am able I will take the kids to Notting Hill, London Carnival’s children’s day. The only carnival in the UK that gets major coverage like mud fest music festivals is Notting Hill. There are many many Caribbean cultures spread throughout the UK. Many of those communities have their own carnivals. Including the small cities. Though if London is out of reach Leeds carnival is spread across the same days.

Today I went to Derby Carnival procession day. It was okay. It was something to do and helped to wear out the kids. Certain stewards (e.g. number 27), just need to work on their people skills. The police need people skills too. You do not start off rude and expect because you are wearing a yellow vest or badge you will be respected. A simple please or just general manners goes a long way. The costumes that me and my friends saw, were lovely. I pray I can go to Trinidad & Tobago for their carnival and have a week long party. That is something I would love indeed.If I had the time I would set up my own carnival troupe playing the best steel pan and soca vibes around. I would do my research.

I've Been Tagged - Honest Scrap Tag

I was tagged by Patience (Miss Virtue) to do this tag, so here goes...

Tell your readers ten things about you that they may or may not know, but are true.

Tag ten people with the award, and be sure to let them know they've been tagged (a quick comment on their blog will do). Don't forget to link back to the blogger who tagged you.

1. I spent my primary/elementary years  living breathing growing in South Central , Los Angeles. I embraced the Black is beautiful ethos (and all the positive stuff) which some see me in the UK as an extremist. I am not, I just love my people and learning more about us makes me smile.

2. I used to compete with my older brother over which Jackson was the best. I was a Michael fan, but a Janet stan.

3. I have a joint BA in Media and American studies. Which makes me a proud DMU alumni. I so need to get back to studying or do something. I wish I did a web design course.

4. I hate nosey  friends. They drain me so much so I have to distant myself from them slowly but surely till they are on the brink of non existence.

5. It took me 4 goes to pass my driving test. Money well spent.

6. Hate people who try to force their way of thinking on you. There is just no need.

7. Love makeup

8. I really want to lose weight but I am suffering with lack of will power. I am trying and believe I will get there. sooner rather than later.

9. I love reality TV – Candy girls, x factor, American idol, ANTM College Hill, Baldwin Hills, etc etc

10. I am a natural hair sister, but I just cannot be asked with my hair sometimes so wear pieces as and when, and feel no shame.

I tag:

Wealthy n Healthy Wealthy and Healthy

Amy Lola AmyLolasLowdown

Bella Afrobella

Roshini Glamazini

Figa DJ FigaDJ

Ms Quiche Cocoa Diaries

Alexander Jackman I Am

I know it says tag 10 but cha this all I can think of right now. Will add some more later.

Jonathan E. McCoy'S Speech: A New Petition

My friend posted this clip on Facebook. I was so moved by what he had to say. I so agree that we should choose our words carefully. The N-word needs to be laid to rest like yesterday. Watch the clip and let me know what you think.

Acrylic nails and designs

I love acrylic nails. I tried gel and it just didn't work. They popped off like popcorn. Maybe it was the length I choose. I just don’t know. The first set you see I did for my holiday. I was going for the American Independence Day theme, red, white and blue. If only I knew that you did not get many Americans in Ibiza.

Last year I was stuck on the black tips trend. I Think I will definitely do coloured tips as the basic me look. As the nail shops charge too much I will endeavour to bring my own nail colour unless I can find a shop that has one price and no charges for extras.

PS - The length of these current set in the first picture is making it hard for me to type. I will get them shortened asap.

Ibiza was amazing!!!

I am so happy that my friend invited me to come to Ibiza for her birthday. It turned out to be 3 peoples birthday celebrations. I had to wonder if I was over dressed as I had on my Roca Wear tracksuit that my husband bought me a few years ago that I do not really wear. Everyone else was in shorts and mini skirts.

Baggage collected and already feeling the heat, I was sweating buckets. Lets hope it has sweated some of this excess fat away. The sun’s hotness was so intense and fierce. Compared to JA that has a breeze (which I think is warm anyway) it was just hot hot hot. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. The vibes were nice on the island. Everyone was just so chilled out and just focused on having a good time.

Our first day was Saturday and we spent the day catching the sun at Kanya which is a bar and restaurant with a swimming pool and sun loungers. The food was nice there too. At Cafe Mambo we watched the sun set. Its one of the things I do not get to appreciate in the UK. Maybe I need to move to the coast. Bora Bora beach was so chilled out. I have seen many many women with their chest on display and no one blinking an eye lid. I was tempted but backside not quite brave enough for that.

The workers as I will call them really try to cater to your needs. Everyone wants you as a customer and always seemed to offer you free shots or champagne with your drinks and also many 2for1 offers. Drinks were still expensive. In club Eden a bottle of alco-pop WKD was 12 Euros!!! Yikes.

I am always apprehensive on going on holiday surrounded by British folk as you tend to get everything catered to British tastes and that bad behaviour is all over the place. But no Brits seem to behave themselves well on this beautiful Island. My only complaint is the currency. I hate Euros. The prices of everyday goods are so inflated and cost more than they do back home. Even duty free was slightly off limits. Besides a handbag and some sweets for workmates I had to say forget that.

I so want to go back and bring my boys. As I am told there are other parts of the island that cater to families. When I do I will do all inclusive. Though still explore the island.

This is a video I took on my camera of Brazilian dancers in Ibiza Town.

MJ memorial service

I just got back off my long weekend break to see this. My aunty was impressed and so was I. Its what a funeral / memorial should be about celebrating life of the one who has passed away. The song at the beginning of the service by the choir was just right. Soon and very soon we are going to see the king indeed. It brought it back to God for me.

I loved the way the family hugged the performers and thanked them. Did you see the brother all wearing sparkly white gloves. MJ’s trade mark or rather a signature look. 

Many media are complaining that the kids are being paraded. I do not agree. I know what it is like to lose the parent who has raised you from day dot. When Paris took the mic, she addressed her “daddy” . She did not address anyone else. She expressed her love for the best dad she has ever known. I pray for you Paris and your siblings may the Lord keep you guys together. Race is being brought up too. No matter what he did and did not do. He was an African American and even he never denied that.

AEG and the Jackson family have done a good job. It was sensible too because after all Michael Jackson has some serious hardcore fans.

R.I.P. MJ …….. your musical legacy will live on forever.

I'm off for some weekend sun

Since MJ passed I have been in somewhat of a daze. I still pray to God and seek guidance from Jesus but you know what? His passing is just so shocking especially now that AEG have released some video clips of his rehearsals. He looked amazing for his age. I just wish people would do as he asked back in 1989 to Leave him alone. The music charts have a got a new lease of life as his fans bought out his back catalogue of music and now you have delays in getting some albums. True talent forever missed!!

Anyway I am off to Ibiza in the next few hours. Just for a long weekend break with the ladies to celebrate my long time friends 30th birthday. We are proper grown folk now ya know.

I hope take many pictures and will upload once I get back. I might as well make use of my Flickr and Fotki accounts.

Enjoy your weekend and remember to stay blessed and let God do all the rest.

R.I.P. Michael Joseph Jackson 1958 - 2009

I am still in shock about the passing of Michael Joseph Jackson. I was getting ready for my bed when I heard the news on Twitter, Sky and Fox news. He passed away on 25th June 2009 with his brother Jermaine by his side. He is said to have suffered a cardiac arrest and currently an autopsy is being carried out on his body to identify the true cause of death.

He was such a talented soul. The media fell in and out of love with him through various stages of his career. Though one thing is for sure he has the most loyal fans ever in the whole world. His passing and sent shockwaves around the globe. Especially since he was due to start a 50 date tour starting at the O2 arena in London next month.

He is survived by 3 children, his mum, his dad and 8 siblings.

Rest In Peace ……may God bless your soul.

There is loads of information on the web about his passing. It is well worth the search to update yourself on the late MJ.

DS Personal Yoga training

I must confess I do like to shop and buy on impulse. Though I research like crazy. However I was thinking to myself yesterday I need to relax in the evening when the boys are sleeping. So I thought why not get a Yoga game for my DS.

The prices I saw for this ranged from £20 to £11. So off I go today to have a look after work. I ended up in HMV expecting to pay the least amount and surprisingly bought the last copy in the shop for £8. They had quite a few games going cheap, but I had to restrain myself as I am going on holiday in just over a week.

Personal Yoga training promise to teach you the skills in 15 minutes per day. You learn and progress at your own pace. There are over 180 poses to chose from. Yoga is meant to be could for relaxation. I will master this. I put on a stone though no one seems to have noticed. So my weight loss goals have just gotten harder. Lets hope my DS can help me out plus all the other stuff that I have at my disposal

Wimbledon is back 2009

I am so happy to be able to come home and watch a sport on TV that I actually enjoy. I ought to watch more tennis year round but Wimbledon is the business. You get the best players in the world come to battle it out on that beautiful lawn. The William’s sisters are still going strong.

Earlier this year Serena opened a school in Kenya. Which seems to be the celebrity in thing. Though you can never look down on education. Serena has made it through to the 2nd round at the all England club. Cannot wait to see her play more. Of course I want to see Venus play as well.

As for the British number 1 Andy Murray if he won this tournament the press say he will be Scottish not British not English. Which may be why he does not get the crowds going the way Tim Henman did. The British public may warm to him as they see more wins come his way. You just cannot be British one day and diss the rest of the union the next.

Anyway not really a fan of Murray. Though finally this morning I learn that Anne Keothavong is the British number 1 female tennis player. She is now ranked amongst the top 50 players in the world. So besides the Williams’ sisters and Federer I will be keeping my eye out on her. Its a pity Rafael Nadal is injured. Last years men’s final was amazing to watch.

I wonder who will life the trophies this year? Who do you think will win