Summer time, Hot sunshine

Well the last week has been so nice. The sun has been shining bright and hot. Driving in the sun is rather new to me. I now understand why people complain about the rays of the sun on your arms when driving.

I bought some tanning oil. I know you are probably thinking what is a sister buying tanning oil for. Well I have varying shades as you do and I figured that I can use it to even out my skin colour especially the under neath's of my arms that seldom get exposed.

I bought Calypso carrot oil which gives a brilliant deep tan and Calypso Aloe Vera after sun gel. My friend came back from holiday and her skin looked healthy and well tanned. I might go on holiday this year but in the meantime it is rather hot in the UK so I might as well make do.

Now I am not sure if I can use sun cream with the carrot oil. The carrot oil has no SPF. My favourite sun cream is Nivea and I buy SPF 50+ for the children and for myself I usually buy SPF 30 or higher. I know I can probably get away with a lower SPF however few years ago I was in Miami and I suffered a mild sunburn on my chest. I didn't burn or peel. It just let me know that I need to be protected.

Hope you are enjoying the summer sun.

Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight

Oh my days. Can someone say about time. J-Hud is finally after all these years bringing out a full studio album. I might just become a paying member to I-Tunes for the pleasure or just pop down to my local HMV on release day. I was looking on the website for BET's 106 & Park for some up to date ish music that I could groove to in my car. And there it was Jennifer Hudson Spotlight which was written by Ne-Yo.

I knew she had a single on the soundtrack for Sex and the City. Not quite sure if I have heard that song. What is good about Spotlight for me is that I am so sure I have heard it before. It is such a catchy song. I absolutely love what the song is saying. Its a mid-tempo track and just groovy. I just hope and pray that when the album drops there will be a few ballads that showcase that beautiful powerhouse voice that garnered her fame on American Idol.

Jennifer Hudson self titled debut album is set to be released 30 September 2008. I know I am late with this but hey I can't wait. Especially since Diane Warren is meant to be one of the song writers and she is the ultimate ballad writer.

Listen to the her debut single on the official Jennifer Hudson website. You will be able to view the video aswell.

PS. Her website needs major updating because she has been doing more than just that one single. Just my opinion.

Top Model of Colour

I did not know about this competition until I found out that a friend of mine had been making progress in this annual competition. It is organised by Mahogany Models and you can follow the competition and read about past winners here.

The final heats are taking place now. So you should go and see one if you can. The prizes include , a modelling contract, the Face of Mahogony 2009, cover shoots, clothes, money and more.

In effect Mahogany Models is

Europe's largest modelling agency for models of colour. By models of colour we mean models that are of African, Caribbean, Asian, Hispanic, Oriental, bi & multi racial ethnicity.(source)

Youtube channel Naija sounds TV has video links for past competitions.

I cannot really say how it compares to other modelling competitions except it does address a need and a want. I hope this company and competition grows yearly.

Jamelia investigates the hair industry

I have just watched a documentary about human hair extensions. It is called "Jamelia : Whose hair is it anyway". If you was not able to watch it tonight do look for repeats or try the the BBC I-player online.

Jamelia is a UK R&B/pop singer who wears weaves for her performances. As part of the BBC's season on beauty Jamelia set out to investigate the human hair industry as well as the origins of the human hair extensions she wears. The documentary began at an elite hairdressers in London whose clients pay thousands of pounds for full head of hair extensions.

About her own hair she says this;

Although for a black woman I would be described as having 'good' hair - because it is long and straight - naturally, it is not luxurious, thick or sleek enough to meet the demands of the endless photo shoots and concerts I am involved in for my career. (source)

Black women have worn hair extensions going as far back as the ancient Egyptians and further. If you were to look at some tribes of modern day they are extending the hair. Both girls and boys grow up getting the hair done. Of course boys once they reach a certain age shave their hair off and some go through cycles of having hair and no hair. Girls often wear braided extensions, wefts of hair, pony tails etc with or without extensions. Both human and synthetic hair is used. I liked the fact that Jamelia mentioned the Jamaican belief that cutting hair before a certain age can cause speech problems.

Anyway, the documentary lead Jamelia to Russia where traditional folklore saw that women had long flowing hair down their back. A girl of about 13 yrs old sold her hair, which the hair stylist Jamelia travelled with simply cut the loc's of hair off with a scissors. Leaving the girls hair in a bob. She got paid what was equivalent to a months wage.

Jamelia also had her own human hair extensions analysed by a hair expert. Which brought her journey to India. In India it showed that hair was collected from hair brushes and from people of various ages. Temple hair being hair that was given up as a way to sacrifice ones beauty and to thank God. This hair is sold by the temple and money is used into the community.

I really found this documentary intriguing. When I was younger I thought human hair extensions was creepy but my friends wooed me over. So whenever I could afford it I would wear it. However these days if I wish to extend my hair it is strictly synthetic hair. Synthetic hair these days looks just as good in my opinion.

The documentary does make you think though. Hair is being sourced from anywhere possible so people can eat their daily bread. On the one hand it would seem maybe buying human hair is morally wrong if it has not been sourced ethically. On the other hand if demand drops and no one is buying, some people will not eat.

It was definitely thought provoking.

Reggae Reggae sauce oh yeah

I often watch reality TV and Dragon's Den is no exception. Of course not all reality TV programming is worth viewing. Anyway so I was watching Dragon's Den and up the stairs comes Levi Roots dressed in a suit playing a guitar and singing the theme tune to his sauce. I was in awe. A black business man staying true to his self. Of course there are many Jerk sauces on the market from Grace, Enco, Walkers Wood etc but Reggae Reggae sauce is different.

Levi presented the Den with samplings of his sauce and how it can be eaten which they all enjoyed. He was looking for £50,000 in exchange for 20% of his business. Bwoy did he sweat some when the Dragons dismantled his figures with question after question. He held his own and in the end he got what he want however gave away 40% of the business to two Dragons.

Sainsbury's had the initial exclusive rights to the sauce and began selling in March 2007. Sales were predicted to be around 50,000 for the 1st year. Triple that amount was sold in the first day alone. I am on my 3rd bottle. The sauce has a kick that settles itself after the second or third bite. My husband has called me many times to but the sauce for his friends. He remixed it with a bit of honey to make chicken wings. Yummy!

There is now a recipe cook book and 3 different sauces available to buy in most of the major supermarket chains in the UK. The original Reggae Reggae sauce, Love Apple Ketchup and Fiery Guava Dipping sauce. I have yet to try the new sauces as yet so cannot compare. If you have tried them I would love to know what they are like.

Subway currently are doing a limited edition Reggae Reggae sauce subway. If I am out and about tomorrow, I will see if any of the many subways near me are selling it. I wonder what it will taste like alongside south west sauce...mmm maybe not a good idea to mix. I guess they are doing it as its Carnival Season and London's Notting Hill Carnival is not far away.

Read more about Levi Roots' music and sauces on the Reggae Reggae website. Have you tried some, how was it for you. If not the price will not hurt your pockets as it sells in most supermarkets for about £1.50 to £1.99.

London is what it is

Oh my I am feeling so refreshed and rejuvenated right now. I just spent under a week in London with my close friends who I met at University. I have known them for almost ten years and they go back even longer.

My journey on the train was okay. I grudgingly handed over £50.70 to the cashier for a walk on ticket. Luckily I managed to get on a Meridian train which although takes 2 hrs instead of the hour and forty minutes of the faster train, it is a comfortable ride. Taking the bus to my friends area was alright too. London has the edge on public transport as you can just push your pushchair on the bus. No hassle with folding whilst holding the baby etc etc. Of course the public transport fares in London are expensive but you do get more out of your money than you would elsewhere. The underground is okay. But I have never been a major fan. Its hot and stuffy down there, however it gets you there quickly. My aunty prefers the bus as she says the Tube can often take the long way around. I suppose you have to just see what it is like for you.

Friday night was spent with the girls. We just chilled out and relaxed ate food and fruit juice. I wish we were sipping bottles of Rose' that would have completed the night nicely. I always get cussed when it comes to cooking. But I only cook because I have to. Curry goat/mutton is not something I cook all the time because I do not have a pressure cooker and it takes a while. I ended up cooking this dish for Sunday dinner served up with boiled dumplings and rice.

London does have some major issues regarding the youth, though this is a UK wide problem. I witnessed a group of teenage boys aged about 17 ish and two were fighting in broad daylight grabbing at each others throats. The positives of London is that its a cultural melting pot with loads of things to do from Museums and events in the park night life you name it London probably has it.

London is a hair haven for me. I splurged on hair products which I will mention in my hair journal real soon. I also bought hair to put my hair in single braid extensions as I so need a new hairstyle right now.

London brings out the best in me. I always leave feeling inspired to do better than what I am doing now.

Lushes Lashes

I have tried wearing false lashes however the whole process does not agree with me. The individual lashes look gorgeous but the glue makes my eyes weep. Its the solvent in the air. They say that pain is beauty, I say that is just silly. Though they do look good. My lashes looked naked after I pulled those false things out. I was meant use an oil based moisturiser or lotion or remover.

Luckily I was able to read about Dior's Diorshow Backstage Makeup. The Mascara is absolutely wonderful and cost me £18. I went to Debenhams and the lady applied the mascara for me so I can see the effect and I was impressed. My lashes just look fuller thicker and lush. She also gave me some application tips. She said for easier application look down for bottom lashes and look up for top lashes.

Another mascara worth the money is Maybelline's Great Lash mascara. Various makeup tutorials on YouTube sing praises about it as do many magazines. I paid £4.99 in Boots for it. I love it. These two will be my staples from now on. Replacing Lancome and Rimmel.

Now if only I could master the liquid eye liner. Tips welcomed!

Venus reigns supreme

I was so happy for Venus when she won. I was a little distracted as I had been cooking some seasoned rice. However I enjoyed the match. Serena expressions were telling. She doesn't take well to losing however is humble in her own way.

Venus is very laid back and so humbly sweet. After defeating her little sister to become 5 times Women's Wimbledon Champion 7-5 6-4 she vowed to win the doubles match for her. How sweet. Venus and Serena went onto win the Women's doubles final, retaining their 100% record.

Over the years the sisters have gotten a lot of flack just because they are sisters. Accusations of match fixing and other stuff like that. That is just pure jealousy. There are few sisters in the WTA which if I recall correctly did not progress in the tournament. Those jealous players , tennis old schoolers and the media should just applaud the girls for what they are brilliant tennis players.

If it was not for them the women's game would have not progressed the way it has. Now you need to be more than just good at the game. You have to be highly skilled and athletic. Just think of Zheng Jie the wild card Chinese player that not only knocked out the number 1 seed but went onto demolishing another seeded player. Will Buckley gives a decent commentary in this article.

I have not been keeping up with the men's game for awhile since the hey days of Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras etc. So here I am at home watching the match to be wowed and awed. I have respect for both Nadal and Federer. The men's final lasted over 4 hours. Two tie breaks which saw Federer fight his way back and the final set ended with a score of 9-7. I have never seen that before . My best bit of the match was when Nadal hit the ball without facing the net and then spun round. classic. He deserved to win. I like it when men cry sometimes. I was sooo happy for him but equally disappointed for Federer.

Wimbledon brings out the best in players. Pictures from the tournament can be viewed here.

Venus and Serena are Fierce!

You would think that I would dedicate a bit more time to Wimbledon now that this is one of the few summers I can enjoy properly. However I have been fortunate enough to catch those matches that count.

I used to have so many favourite tennis players such as Monica Seles and Andre Agassi. Now it has been all about the Williams' sisters. I admire their diversity and determination in all that they do. These are two sisters who if I had daughters I would use as examples of achieving greatness and remaining humble in the face of disgruntled media etc.

Do you remember when the Venus and Serena were just getting tongues wagging in the women's tour. Their hair was styled in braids and coloured beads. For me it was like they just came from no where but they didn't. They had made a name for themselves on the junior circuit.

What was different about them was the direction their parents ( in particular their dad) wanted them to go. Richard Williams ensured that tennis was not their only passion in life. As a result both Venus and Serena have blossoming careers outside of the WTA.

Venus graduated in 2007 with an an associate Fashion Design Degree with honors from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. That same year she teamed up with Steve and Barry to produce her own sports fashion line called EleVen, which she has been sporting throughout Wimbledon. Venus also has her own interior design company called V Starr Interiors based in Florida.

Serena has her own fashion line , which she started in 2004 called Aneres which is her own name spelt backwards. It is said to be a au couture range. She has designed sports wear for both Puma and Nike. Serena has a degree in Fashion Design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

Quite impressive indeed. Be sure to catch the third Williams sister Wimbledon final this weekend.

Read more about the blessed sisters on their website's Serena's website and Venus' website

Italian Vogue's Black Edition

For as long as Italian Vogue made it known they would change up the skin hues on their fashion pages for one month, the world has been talking. Is this significant or a good marketing ploy. All editions of Vogue magazine tell you exactly who they feel is beautiful. Even their readership harbours the same views. How often do you hear the sentence 'black models do not sell when on the front page'. Is it that they do not sell or that particular month never sells good at all. There could be endless answers to that. Of course there is an answer which I believe is more true.

Now I am not going to lie, I have joined the Facebook groups, received numerous text messages telling me to go and buy this edition of the magazine. A magazine I never buy. Well I believe they have a clever double edged sword in the marketing. This may not all be by choice. Various sources have said that its not the magazine that fears it wont sell, its the publishers and distributors predicting poor sales. That in itself speaks volumes. These whispers have led to many urging all to buy to prove them wrong if only for one month.

I do believe that the magazine will sell well. We like seeing ourselves presented. I might buy a copy if I am able to get hold of a copy just so I can see what Vogue's definition of Black beauty is or just to look at fashion photography with black women as the main focus so to speak.

In conversation with a friend I mentioned that I did not feel this one off magazine edition was a cause for celebration. The models will probably be super slim, little or no curves, straight hair/weaves, medium to light in complexion. If they manage to capture the full spectrum of black beauty than well done for one month. If not, then its nothing new.

I will leave you with this quote from an email that was sent to me by a good friend of mine, whereby (its appears to be by ) Dr Lez Henry critiques Vogue and the Black community reaction to this novelty issue ;

In a time when Afrikan-centred organisations and individuals are struggling to publish magazines, books, films etc. etc. to unshackle our minds, you can bet your bottom dollar that many who are circulating these stupid emails and texts have never circulated one that supports these endeavours, much less purchased any of their products or attended any of their events, which is why I suggest that when it comes to many blacks it seems that LUNACY IS TRULY IN VOGUE!!

Knowledge gives us the power to liberate or enslave!

What do you think? Celebration, contemplation or nothing at all.