Because of them, we can!

Like the British have a celebration of Black History dedicated to the month of October, the US celebrate theirs in February. The last 28 days have been a reflection on where they have come from to continue to get where they are going.

Americans seem to celebrate this more than us, I assume because so much of their history is in one place, where as a lot of black british people are of 1st and 2nd generation, myself included. Whilst trailing the internet I came across this poignant post that included images of children imitating black figures who have made a difference. Most I know from researching black history in my spare time, others I have since looked further in to. Below are some of the images taken from becauseofthemwecan.com.

I will definitely show these to my nephew as he gets older as a reminder that he can do anything he puts his mind to.

The Martin Luther and Harriet Tubman ones (there are more on their site) are my favourite, it may be bias as I have studied them the most. I did happen to read a negative comment online about the Kerry Washington image though, it stated that she hasn't done enough to earn her stripes so to speak. Being the star of Scandal makes her the first black female lead in a US primetime show in 38 years. Yes you read right YEARS, so I personally think she deserves to be in there too. The little things make these big changes.

Moving aren't they?

X

And now the BBC have noticed...

Some may be doing it for fashion but my hairline didn't really give me a choice, nine months on and I'm still willing it to grow back whilst learning to love and manage my hair in its natural state. Even the BBC are on this natural hair flex now... check out this short video about the natural hair revival for black women. 

x

Let's play a game...

My friends and I usually play this game... If you were on deathrow, what would your last meal/s be? I get this sounds sinister but remember it is just a game and just an excuse to shout about our favourite meals. This works on the premise that on deathrow you can order whatever you want. Here's my list...

Starters

Ackee & saltfish, festivals, plantain

Mushrooms, goats cheese, balsamic vinegar, rocket 

Hot pepper prawns

Nachos

Bacon and egg sandwich

Mains

Curry goat, fried chicken, fried snapper, salad, roast potatoes, veg, rice & peas  (yes all together, hold, yard style)

Fajitas (steak, chicken, prawn, I love me some fajitas)

Lasagne, salad and garlic bread (my moms is the best)

Spare ribs in BBQ sauce with fried rice and banana fritters

Omelette (cheese, sweetcorn, chicken, mushrooms, onions and peppers)

Dessert

Sticky toffee pudding and ice cream

Jamaican spiced bun and cheese 

Apple crumble/pie/strudel 

Vanilla Cheesecake

Melt in the middle chocolate pudding

Fun isn't it? I've whittled my list to five in each category and to wash it down Guinness punch, ginger beer, grape or pineapple KA or apple juice.

What would be on your list?   

x

My First Time... At Blackpool Pleasure Beach

I have been to the capital of hen and stag dos many times. University friends live there so I have made numerous visits, but of all the trips I have taken up north I have never had the chance to go to the pleasure beach. So this was my first time. Excitement. Nerves. Excitement.

I dislike rides. I really do. The stomach in your mouth feeling you get when you drop at what feels like the speed of light is nearly enough to make me sick. The moment I get of though. I get an amazing buzz, plus there were small children who barely hit the height line and were going for it. When in Rome.

After going on most of the rides, The Big One aka Pepsi Max being the worst stomach churner, I stuffed my face with an unnecessary amount of food and rock before heading to what can only described as one of the most heart racing moments of my life. Pasaje Del Terror. I hate the dark. So being in the dark, being chased by all the scary characters from movies I have avoided because they are scary had me so close to peeing my pants as I didn't know what was coming next. I may have taken the when in Rome saying a bit too far.

Then onto the arcade, where my friends and I spent quite a bit of money winning tickets to exchange for Spongebob mugs. 

That was my weekend. My aim of being dead skinny is getting further away as I have yet to weigh myself in 5 days which is breaking the norm for me. I will do tomorrow though. Two months and counting until the wedding and I want to look amazing in my bridesmaid dress, I am refusing to eat out at work and I am also giving up fizzy drinks for lent.

How was your weekend? Have you had any firsts lately? What have you given up anything for lent?

x

Spotlight... Solange Knowles

Often in her sister's shadow, it is now time for Solo to finally have her day in the spotlight. I just love everything about her. Her quirky style, her laid back attitude and the fact she has been reppin' natural hair before I started embracing it also has me rooting for her. Even her protective weave/lace front styles have volume. She really has come into her own. 

Image courtesy http://styleblazer.com

 

Pins to die for as she wears this white shirt, trouserless. Werk!

If I were to imagine this combo in my head, green sequinned dress with a split, paired with orange heels, it would not look like this. Flawless!

These shots are just from the past two weeks, as it is award season Solo is getting column inches. Hasn't she blossomed?

x

Spotlight... Blake Lively

This beauty is my not so new girl crush Blake Lively. Looking oh so chic in this cream and chocolate get up, it is so nice to see a celebrity dressed weather appropriate for a change. 

If this outfit is not enough, she also made a funny comment after seeing the magnificent Beyoncé perform at the Superbowl. To quote 'I just want Beyoncé to be the mother of my children. She was amazing! I can't, I can't even. I don't even have words for her.' It is comments like this that have me in awe, the fame and lifestyle she has and she still gets on a hype over a celebrity, I too make flippant comments like this and also love Bey that much, so I'm with you on that one Blake.

How cute is this outfit?

x

Another week, another pound...

Happy Monday, just a short post to keep you in the loop. I have decided I will try and post at the beginning of every week to inform you of my dietary efforts. By the title you can see it hasn't gone too well.

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend, mine has been ridiculously busy but delightful. Cocktails, food and laughter. I went to Blackpool to celebrate a year since the birth of our little mascot, the first child from my uni group of friends. Xavier. I cannot believe he is one and I cannot wait to witness many more of his special days.

 

With a birthday there comes cake and when the weekend arrives I lose willpower, add a weekend away and I figuratively see my Monday to Friday diet fly out the window. It is now Monday, the scales are no longer my friend and I feel dirty. The kind of dirt you feel after eating a McDonald's. It may taste good at the time, but you can't shake that feeling for at least 24 hours later. This week I intend to cleanse. 

Good news though, the size ten bridesmaid dress fits, not quite like a glove, but I'm in there at least and so the diet continues...

x