The Diner

Shoreditch branch!

I've been to a few diners in my lifetime & I always leave with much to be desired for. Tinsletown is yuck, Eds is alright, All Star Lanes' diner is horrid - I'm sure they make the dryest burgers on Earth.

This diner... Let's say they know what they're doing. I ordered the Cajun chicken burger with fries and Crenshaw ordered the Big Man breakfast (I think that's what it was called - eggs, bacon, sausages, beans etc). I wish I took a pic of our food but quite frankly we were both hungry! As soon as the food arrived, we didn't waste any time!

Afterwards, we ordered pancakes with powdered sugar and syrup. YUMMMM!!! I'd go back there in a heartbeat.

Good service, seated quickly, all around nice vibe. I could have fallen asleep in the booth, I was that comfortable.

 

Check them out on http://www.goodlifediner.com/ or go see the Diner for yourself

128-130 Curtain Road

London EC2A 3AQ

Summer Is Here!!!!

FINALLY!!!

I went to the communal garden about 5 mins from my house... My garden wasn't giving me that summer vibe. Will post more pics soon! x

Do Not Buy Leggings From Primark

I had to buy leggings whilst I was in Birmingham. I didn't pack an extra pair of jeans/trousers for my journey back to London so I went to Primark and bought them. -_-

Please note Primark was not my choice, I found a pair in Forever21 and was going to buy them from there but my friends were laughing at me because of the colour I chose. Lol it was quite Nicki Minaj-esque but beggars can't be choosers. I needed bottoms! Due to my own laziness, I opted out of searching for a decent colour in the store and then a friend suggested trying Primark, it was a cheaper option after all.

I don't know why I did it... I mean what did I expect?! I knew that leggings from there were not of a good standard. I brought this on myself. Those leggings were in the bin the same day I wore them. THE SAME DAY. They couldn't withhold the 3 hour journey from Birmingham, the rain and the constant rubbing from my travel bag. I got home and my leggings were in fact see through, it had bobbled all over and I was just over it.

Goodbye to bad rubbish!

MUA = MakeUpAcademy Lipsticks

The use of lipstick has definitely increased amongst younger women (under 30s). I always used to see lipstick on my aunts at parties & it was never a pleasant sight. I can assume the colours & finishes were limited 10-15 years ago so but now times have changed and so has the range of lipsticks. Different finishes, wide range of colours, affordable prices, good quality!

I took a brave step a few years back & purchased a lipstick from MAC & even though I was quite lucky with the colour I chose, it wasn't a colour I would wear often (just on nights out) so imagine my delight when I discovered the MUA range in Superdrug. Every product is £1. Yes £1!!! Great!

Even if I buy a colour that I don't like or doesn't suit me, I really won't shed a tear because the price is music to my ears! I have about 6 colours (not all purchased at once) & I love them all. My fave is Shade 8 - a nude colour that I pair with MAC Ample Pink Plushglass or Rimmel Vinyl Gloss 'Keep A Secret' .

I really like the fact that these lippies have a creamy consistency. Easy to apply. The colour glides on with ease & you can layer it on as thick as you like. Once it's on, they do not actually look like lipstick, they give more of a tinted lipgloss feel without all the excessive shine. Imagine a matte gloss that feels creamy on your lips, goes on as smooth as a lip balm.

You will have to re-apply through the day & make sure your lips are well moisturised before you use it otherwise you will end up with dry lips & bits of coloured flakes hanging around (yes I am speaking from experience & yes it is very embarrassing)

Below are a few looks & swatches:
I haven't been paid to do this review, this is my honest opinion. I think if you like the idea of lipsticks but are not confident about it, pop down to Superdrug and get one. The worst thing that can happen is that you don't like it... Boohoo... It's £1! You'll be fine! :o)

L-R: Shades 11, 8,7,6,2,1

L-R: Shades 11,8,7,6,2,1

Birmingham

When an opportunity arises to get away from London... believe I am there.
My old uni friend moved to Birmingham for a new job and I told her once she had settled in, I would come to visit. Well, I went to see her 2 weeks ago and I swear, it was the best thing I've done in a while. I don't know what it is about travelling but I love it. There are times when I just feel suffocated in London but as soon as I leave, (even if its just for a few days) I feel free... And happy. Another one of our uni friends joined us and it felt like old times...

I didn't take many pics (sorry), but my friend lives in this cool apartment along the river so I took a few pics there and I saw a cool art statue in a nearby centre (see pics below). If you've been to Birmingham before you'll know they have a really big shopping centre 'Birmingham Bullring' kinda like Bluewater and Lakeside joined together. There are so many stores, I wonder if anyone has ever succeeded in going into all the of them in one day. I think we only went into 3 or 4 whilst we were there, pathetic I know but it was just too crowded for me and I was way more excited about catching up with my friends.

Even though it was crowded I did purchase some pretty earrings and a skirt. I had my eyes on a pair of shoes for the LONGEST time, THE LONGEST! I even tried them on but they were the last pair and had all this muck on them... I took it as a sign that it wasn't meant to be and retreated! *sighs*

the view from my friend's apartment

Couldn't resist buying these... so cute!

Different sculptures scattered around the centre, I only found these two... Hopefully I'll be back soon to find more! :)

If you want a break from London, or wherever you're based I would recommend Birmingham for a few days. It's always nice to see how life is for others in different parts of the country and world.

30 Day Challenge - Day 11

What is your favourite quote?

That's a difficult one. I like a lot of quotes because they provide encouragement, inspiration, reality etc - all in a few words.

One quote I do like 'what defines us is how well we rise after falling' - reminds me of the song that Donnie McClurkin sang...

'we fall down but we get up, we fall down but we get up. For a saint is just a sinner who fell down."

Who Should Pick Up the Bill on A Date?

Should the man pay? Should the lady pay? What do you think?

My opinion
I'd prefer to go halves or even alternate who pays. Some ladies refuse to pay for dinner, others don't mind. Some men are adamant that they should pick up the bill and others don't mind halving the cost. It all depends really...

How do you feel about it? Should a guy always pay for dinner?

Pictures I Love

I'm big on pictures, I just love looking at them whether it be via Facebook, Twitter, blogs, a book. I always save pics I like on my computer. I think I'll start doing regular posts of pics I've seen that I like. See a small selection below! :o)

Eva is smoking HOT!!

I've already told you she is one of my girl crushes *sighs* - I can't even choose which look I like the most! I love them all!

Safe to say, no clothes necessary with these shoes on

I love ankara

This has to be the BEST I've EVERRRR seen Drake look - impressed!

I would never wear what she has on, but she does make it look good! In a weird quirky way!

Love Kourtney

Its Me! :)

*don't stare at my crotch, I don't have an answer for that either*

I found my old memory card and there's a lot of pics on there that I forgot about, including this one! Everytime I see this picture I smile. I was on my way to my friends' baby shower and afterwards went on to La Roux's concert in Brixton academy.

It was SOOOOOOOO GOOD! OMG!!! I went with my friend Precious and I'm so happy she convinced me to go, because let's be honest I love La Roux but who would go to their (yes 'their' La Roux is a band and not actually the singer) concert. It was so good. Even after when Precious got into an argument with a girl by the toilets.... hahahahahahaha...

That is a day I will never forget. I've heard this quote that you may not remember what you were wearing or where you were (something like that anyway) but you always remember how you felt. I really like pictures because they remind you of exactly what you were wearing which helps to bring back those memories of how you felt that day. Everytime I look at this picture I remember how good my day was...

"I live for the nights that I can't remember with the people I won't forget" Drake comes to mind!

Amz & Crenshaw :)

"I gave society back their warped view of beauty, and told them to keep the change"
                                                                                                              - Unknown

Nail Colour of the Month

When the weather gets warmer, I tend to go brighter. Neon colours aren't for everybody and sometimes I hear negative comments about my choices but *meh*... I've never really listened to other people when it comes to my clothes, hair etc.

So, without further ado - this is Go Go. I purchased this with 2 other colours from Boots. Its from their 17 range 'Fast Finish'

"Single coat high shine colour in 60 seconds" - well... thats a lie. It takes more than one coat to get the solid colour but it does dry quickly.

I like it. Yes it is bright. Bothered? Not really. *smiles*

This Made Me Smile

I was the biggest Aaliyah fan. Well, the biggest fan of that era - it was Brandy, Monica, Aaliyah, 702 - do you remember? These artists have produced tracks that I still play today.

So, anyway, I was just on Youtube browsing as you do and clicked on this video.

You cannot deny that Aaliyah was THE HOTTEST DANCER... She made the choreography in her videos seem so easy - until you tried it for yourself. She moved so effortlessly but added so much character. Tiffany Evans tackled the same choreography from Aaliyah's 'Hot Like Fire' vid and I was a bit sceptical... She's good though, it put a smile on my face and took me back to the days of baggy jeans, vest tops and boxers! Lol!

Girl Crush - Meagan Good

Do you remember seeing her in the film Friday? Or in Nickelodeon's show Cousin Skeeter? She's always been pretty and gets a lot of backlash from blogs about what she wears and her career. None of these opinions have ever swayed the fact that I think she's beautiful and I like that she does what she wants regardless of what critics say.

Nobody can say she is not good at her craft, her recent appearance in the film 'Jumping the Broom' proves that she is a good actress.

I think I prefer her with short hair. What do you think?

30 Day Challenge - Days 8,9,10

Day 8

Three things you want to say to different people

I love you.

Sometimes I think of you and just smile. What are you doing now? How tall are you? Will you remember me? Do you still have the watch I gave you? You were so pretty when I stayed with you, I can only imagine you have blossomed, still cheeky as ever and maybe still a tomboy. Maybe one day we will reunite. Hopefully.

Some friendships are for a lifetime, others for a season. I guess ours was for a season. It was nice seeing you and reminiscing but in all honesty I don't know what kind of friendship we would have now. All the best in your future. And I am being sincere.


Day 9

Pet peeves

I have a few lol. E.g. when you're washing the dishes and you have like 1 cup or a spoon left then someone comes and drops their plate/cup... it's annoying because you're nearly done and deep down you know you have to wash that extra plate/cup.

When I clean up the house and the very next day its messy o_o

The 5 second rule is a pet peeve. I just can't!



Day 10

If you could only live off one food and beverage for the rest of your days, what would they be?

Probably jollof rice and some type of fruit juice. Apple, orange, tropical.


As you can tell I'm not consistent with my '30 day challenge' but I am trying to get back on it. Lol

The Hangover 2

It was okay! I knew before I went to see it that it wouldn't be as good as the 1st Hangover. There really aren't that many films that have sequels that are great apart from Sister Act 2 and Fast & Furious 5. I can't think of anymore right now but I could list a few films with terrible sequels *rolls eyes*

It has the same concept as the first one. Two years after the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug jet to Thailand for Stu's wedding. I don't want to spoil the rest of the storyline for those who haven't seen it.

Best part of the film for me... when Alan (Zack Galifianakis) pronounces Thailand as 'Thigh-land' - I actually couldn't stop laughing.

Princes', No Paupers!

"Too many paupers pretending to be princes' - Pursuing princesses! STOP"

The situation - The pauper puts on an act and soon becomes tired and he forgets himself and reveals his true state of mind. E.g a guy pretends to have all the things a girl may be looking for in a partner, after a while he slips and cannot keep up the act.

In a recent interview with LisaRaye McCoy, she was asked what she is looking for in a man & she said he needs to be wealthy, she's tired of messing with men with nothing to offer. I didn't get it, I thought 'wow this woman is shallow', I get it now.

In a metaphorical sense, your other half needs to be 'wealthy' meaning he needs to be steadfast in the Lord, he should have set goals for his future & most of all, he should know that if he is to pursue a princess he cannot falter and has to give 100%.

Direct message to paupers: If you know the bar is too high, leave royalty alone. It's obviously too much for you... Don't taint these princesses with your selfishness. For goodness sake, stop being a beg!

Rant over!

Tattoos

What do you guys think about tattoos?

Do you like them? Do you hate them? Do you think they are more of a fashion statement than an artistic one? Share your opinions, I'm genuinely interested.

When I was younger, I used to feel that tattoos were a dark representation of all things evil and from the underworld. I believe I felt this way because people that sported tattoos were 'goths' and used to wear dark clothing etc. If you used to watch WWF, think back to the Undertaker. He was too scary when I was younger and I just thought 'never in my life... I don't want to be like him' lol. Also, in the Bible, it says your body is a temple and you should not mark it - my interpretation was that tattoos were absolutely a no-go. I ruled out the prospect of getting a tattoo from early on in my life.

As time has passed, tattoos have become more fashionable. People are getting tattoos and they aren't big and ugly, some tattoos are really pretty, dainty etc. I'm seeing people in church with tattoos and I really like them. I don't think I can get one for myself because I'm the most indecisive person I know. I'd probably decide on something and after getting it done, absolutely hate it.

In regards to the passage in the Bible that says you shouldn't mark your body, I understood it in a literal sense and believed it referred solely to tattoos but now I have been informed that it relates to piercings too! I love piercings, I've had 9 piercings and have removed 1 - I want more :)

So... these piercings, do they equate to me defacing my body?

*I do not have a negative opinion about tattoos, I'm just trying to understand how I should feel about them as a Christian :)

African Accents

Maybe I'm biased because I'm African *shrugs* - African accents are THE BEST, THE FUNNIEST.. they give me life!

Her swearing is... Hmm.. WOW! The content is hilaire... Watch her other vids too!

God's Love Is Everything

I expected love to be this feeling, an exaggerated moment where the world paused and fireworks flew across the sky and a shooting star was seen! I thought that when you realised you loved someone it would be re-enacted just like the movies, like that scene in 'Brown Sugar' where Trey rushes to the radio station to tell Sidney that he loves her and to hear her say it back, or in 'Good Luck Chuck' when Charlie pays an enormous amount to board a plane to tell Cam he loves her even though he knows he might get rejected - but the reality is that love is not as glamorous as movies make out and even though love is powerful - it is not boastful.

Love does not need to be loud & overtly present to know that it's there. In fact, you must have noticed that the couples that don't brag about their love are the ones that have lasted the longest eg. my fave couples David & Victoria Beckham and Jay & Bey! They don't need to shout it from the rooftops that they love each other - you look at them and just see it.

With Gods love, it's different. He's not a physical being that can embrace you & pat your head, you can't go to his office, knock on his door & have a word (I'm being literal here) but His love... God's love is everything. It is the TRUE definition of love. It's peaceful, it's comforting, it's nurturing, it's so many things & I realised just today that He doesn't need to blast off fireworks to let you know He loves you - He shows you everyday.

His love cannot compare to anybody else's and if anybody ever put me in a position where I had to choose I wouldn't even have to think about it... God wins!

Eight Hour

A quick beauty review....

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Treatment.

From Vaseline, to Carmex, to Benefit, to 8 Hour Cream Lip Protectant... That is my lip balm journey. I still use all these products but I'm always finding new things to try and after extensive pushing from my Eritrean sisters... I bought this!

In the words of Maxine Powerz -  'ah-mazing'...

The benefit of 8 Hour products is that it can be used for all parts of your body not just the lips. It can be used for anything - dryness, abrasions, minor burns... everything! I burnt myself with my straighteners a few weeks back and couldn't find Vaseline anywhere so I put 8 hour treatment on it and now... well there is no scar, nothing! I scar easily so please don't think my skin is smooth like that and I'm exaggerating because I'm not. I really wish I started using it before but oh well, better late than never ay?!

I bought this set whilst I was in NYC for like $15 which is crazzyyyyy since they sell the 8 Hour Treatment cream (alone) in London for like £20 or so. I wish I bought more sets but its fine, the treatment has a thick consistency so can last quite a while. You don't need to put a lot on your lips/skin -as it tends to melt even more once its on your skin.

What can I say? I really like this product and having done some research I found out that this product was created by Elizabeth Arden in 1910 to soothe her famous thoroughbred horses' legs. The product came by its name because a client used it for her childs skinned knee and eight hours later, the skin was all better.

I don't know if that story is even true but what I do know is this product has been around a while and people are still buying it, so Ms Arden must have done something right with this product.

Big Thumbs Up!!!

Vroom Vroom

Wow what a hiatus huh?! I'm sorry, I was just trying to live my life. Due to this long break I am going to bombard you with posts... One after the other until I'm too tired to type. Cool?! Great...
So.... Let's get stuck in!

I watched the first one and maybe the 2nd... then it started getting ridiculous and before I knew it they were in Tokyo with Bow Wow -_- . I don't know what changed with this one and I'm being lazy right now so I'm not going to research why it came out better than the previous sequels, all I know is that you HAVE TO WATCH IT!

I like action films. This film gives you a bit of everything, a little romance, loads of action, some eye candy, (I've always thought Paul Walker was a 'looker' but they added Tyrese and Ludacris to the 'hot men' list... there's something about Vin Diesel too) this eye candy applies to the females too, hot bodies and all! It reminded me of Bad Boyz 2 a little, maybe because parts of the film were set in Brazil. I would like to assume that anybody who watches this film will enjoy it, if you don't *blinks* - and that is all.

I love films that give you a sense of taking over the world... Passion, Excitement, Encouragement... The film influenced me to searching for self defence classes and looking at guides on how to handle a gun... don't worry, I believe it was temporary insanity... won't happen again!