How the other half live

I am so emotional right now. I have just finished watching the Channel4 show 'How the other half live'. It is a new documentary series that focuses on charity at home. Many charities focus on helping families abroad so this time its bringing charity home. The show is basically about  wealthy families who choose to help a poor family in the UK.

Today's episode was about  the Brotherston,who are wealthy and live in a big house with all the trimmings. Her family choose to help  Gumpo family. Now because its a rich white family helping a poor black family please do not make assumptions. Just go and watch the show on 4player.

The show begins by each family showing where they live. Ken earns a 6 figure salary. He comes from a poorer background.  The stark contrast is immediate. An estate where murders happen locally and many fights happen. Sharon and her husband came from Zimbabwe with her husband as refugees. She is now a single mum on benefits. Her debts are high  which leaves them with no money for basic stuff like a new bed. One her daughters just has a mattress to sleep on.

The Brotherston’s watch a video which introduces the Gumpo’s to them. The whole family watch and begin exchanging letters. The 1st gift is financial, this allows the Gumpos to clear some debts and buy new school uniforms. The show gets the views on rich and poor from both sides. Yolande Gumpo says she thinks private schools are about having fun and not education, yet she interacts with different cultures and loves learning. Grace Brotherston on the other hand describes many many different things her school, one of the best in the UK , does. She assumes that a poorer school does not do much sport.

Throughout the show the families keep in touch and visit each others homes.   Thus allowing each to see how the other half live. I was quite saddened to hear Yolande say that she thought most white people were rich. I would have so loved it if she was introduced or shown rich black people and not just the ones on telly with American accents.  When Grace and her family visited the Gumpo’s, I so loved her honesty. High rise council estate that is barely maintained, the entry stunk (the families reaction was classic but if you been to one you know). The table gift was perfect.

Throughout the show it showed small bits of kindness and charity. Though I think what was good was the fact that it made charity really real and personal. It is the kind of direct charity that you would love to see. Money you have given away helping someone else live or fulfil a better life.

Sharon Gumpo is now enrolled in a course and making steps to move up in life. With childcare sorted for a year courtesy of the Brotherston’s. Politicians just do not realise how much the extortionate cost of child care can hold someone back. Though thankfully people find ways and do what the got to do.

I cannot explain the emotions I felt throughout this show. The wealthy family were really nice, Nicer than I has expected. The poorer family were in spite of their circumstances were happy but looking for a way out and not just and hand out.  It also should remove the assumptions people of a  poor background just languish in benefit luxury.

Each family I believe got the right benefits and interaction. Now I must stop procrastinating and aim higher than where I am. If you have not seen this show you need to watch it. I have left out much of what happens because you just need to watch it to understand. Look forward to meeting the next 2 families next week

Calypso Carrot Oil

I used this on my weekend sun break in Ibiza. I was determined to get a lasting tan for a sista. It truly worked. I still get people commenting on how dark I have gone or simply say that I am glowing. Some of the ladies in the group tried it out and they loved it too until they started burning. They were fairer (European) complexion and literally bathed in the sun. I used a bit of shade and bit of direct sun.

Trust me, do not for one minute think because you are Black you cannot tan. You can just get the right product and still use some SPF. My knees and elbows suffer from hyper –pigmentation. For those spots I used SPF 15 and 30 but was a but late. If you have any tips on reducing dark knees please let me know. I just want them to be the same complexion and not 10 shades darker.

Miss England 2009 Rachel Christie

Introducing the 1st ever Black Miss England 2009. Her name is Rachel Christie and just happens to be the niece of Linford Christie.  Just like her uncle,  she is an athlete and aims to compete at the 2012 Olympics.

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.com
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.