My latest M.A.C buy...

I am overly happy with my latest M.A.C purchase at the moment. I’ve wanted a new blusher since the 80’s as I’ve been using my raizin powder blush since 2002. Really 2002, thank Jesus I haven’t had a break out. If I had my way my entire make up collection would be courtesy of M.A.C, but I simply can’t afford it. So I asked my friend for a M.A.C voucher as a Christmas present and trotted down to my local branch on High St Kensington. After much deliberating I opted for a crème blush (wouldn't recommend for oily skin) instead of the powder form and brought the shade laid back. I’ve been wearing it every day ever since and have found that I only need to apply a little on my brush and the coverage is great, plus it lasts all day. Yes I have rosy cheeks like rusty the clown all day long.

I’ve decided I’m going to make more of an effort with my appearance if it means applying the odd bit of mascara, lippie or just making sure my hairs did for 2010.

Amber Rose Vibe Shoot.

Amber Rose looks hot 90% of the time in my opinion, she can do no wrong. With her blonde buzz cut and confidence that competes with her boo Kanye West she’s unstoppable. I think we can all agree Amber Rose has populated blogs across the globe for both negative and positive reasons for 2009. I'm officially a stan not so much that I'd clean shave off my hair but enough to admire her style. Here are some pics from her latest spread in Vibe.

Love the brown leather trench coat, full length leather gloves and heels.

Chick looks hawt!!

Not too sure about the hair piece but the fur and leotard looks nice

I'm feeling the play on masculinity vs feminity this suits Amber down to a tee.

Loves her!

Week 11 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

I didn’t do any research last week, I' was too busy rushing around trying to get the last few bits and bobs for Christmas. The relaxing period has come to an end, as of next Sunday I’ll only have 6 months to go. Just reading over that last sentence confirms that it's now time to get serious. 2010 is going to fly by and I'm hoping to get my accommodation locked down by the end of January. From here on out it’s all systems go and I need to step it up a gear. I seem to work better under pressure, to know that time is ticking away will give me the incentive that I need. I also need to get serious with my savings. I need to think of the long term goal and STOP impulse buying. Every spare penny needs to go to my New York funds.

Everybody has been so supportive thus far. I’ve received constant words of encouragement and I can’t wait to share my journey with you all whilst I’m out there.

***UPDATE I got my head shots done thanks too Waltzing Matilda so I can now pursue this acting/extra work in 2010.

Kanye West Models For Bape.

Here’s a few of my favourite pictures (spotted on Necole Bitchie website) of Kanye West modelling the latest spring 2010 collection for BAPE. I love his style, he makes a simple hoody, jeans and trainers look effortlessly fly. Go Kanye!

Goodbye To The.....

ballet pump. I know the likes of Kate Moss and Sienna Miller rock these shoes on a regular and make them look good but they’re just not for me. Believe me I've tried to love them and there are some nice styles out there, but out of all the flat typed shoes available I’d rather wear a pair of brogues or loafers.

No matter how hard I try I can’t dress them up and I don't think they're attractive. In addition they don’t really support your feet depending where you buy them from. So on Sunday I threw out 12 pairs of shoes 4 of which consisted of ballet pumps. I don't miss them at all and to be honest I don't think my feet will ever see a ballet pump again.

Week 10 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

I have started to feel the fear and do it anyway (a book by Susan Jeffers that I have yet to read). This week I have been more proactive and started to holler at media companies here in London about job opportunities. I'll give more details when I'm successful otherwise it may seem that I'm talking a lot of hot air. My research cap has come back out and I've started to e-mail and call round to managers, producers, directors about job opportunities and possible meetings. The key to this is for me to follow up what I’ve started and just be confident within myself. It reminds me back to the time when I had to meet the editor of news and convince him I was capable of doing some work within television. He just wanted to know I could do the job and once he saw that I was confident and capable he gave me a chance. The penny is finally beginning to drop…confidence will take you so far! However knowing it and applying it are two different things.

I also e-mailed some companies in New York. A little pre mature maybe but I don't see any harm with letting folk know that I'll be coming out there to work next year. I have been really fortunate to have some wise friends around me who have given me good advice with regards to this trip.

I'm started to get excited now as New York will be here before I know it. I really want to start travelling a lot more in 2010 and the list of destinations are endless. I have no doubt in my mind that I will get to New York.....I miss the big apple soooooo much!

Diddy's London UK Assistant

The things we do eh?!?! Here I am auditioning to be Puff Daddy's Personal Assistant. This video was filmed two years ago and is quite low budget. I'm not ashamed to share my work with ya'll as it helps me improve for next time. Look at my hair sniff, the extensions did wonders back then I was so attached to them. I forget how strong my Midlands accent is you can hear it from the get go. I literally ramble on for over two minutes......oh how I've changed.

If I could shoot this video again I would be so much more creative. I'd film scenes over different locations in and around London. I'd make it fun and really show my personality more. I’d incorporate a costume change and some music in the back ground. I’d include a scene which involved me re-enacting the role of a Personal Assistant. Could I really have worked for Diddy I’m not so sure but I was willing to give it a shot. Needless to say I did not get a call back lol!

Friday Throwback!

This scene has to go down as an all time classic. I needed a pick me up and opted for this video. I love it, it's too funny!  SEXUAL CHOCOLATE....stomp, stomp.....SEXUAL CHOCLATE....*DROPS MIC* This is Eddie Murphy at his best!

If Rumours Are True.....

Mr Simon Cowell will be recruiting a new judge for next years X Factor. Danni Cowell will get the boot/leave for the umpteenth time and could be replaced by either Mel B or Kelly Rowland. I personally want Kelly to receive the role as a judge but I won’t hold my breath. How refreshing would it be to have a black woman on the panel? Kelly has had years of success with Destiny’s Child and would be able to offer constructive advice. She’ll be able to sympathise/relate to the contestants after encountering similar situations before Destiny’s Child got their big break. She’s pretty and would fit in nicely amongst Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh. Although I think some people might say she’s too nice and not feisty enough but give her time and she would be. Look how Danni really came into her own this year!

More than anything she needs this. This opportunity would propel her back into the lime light as apart from appearing in 50 Cent’s video, a few red carpet appearances and singing alongside David Guetto our Kelly hasn’t done much. Beyonce is still taking over the world and Michelle is currently starring in Chicago. I’d like to think her PR team are pushing for this hard. Look what Simons support has done for Cheryl Cole. Yes we all know Kelly was one third of the world’s biggest girl groups but unfortunately I don’t associate her with Destiny’s Child anymore. I just see her as that pretty girl with a nice voice.

Week 9 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

This week I put some more money aside whoo hoo. Don't get it twisted I'm not dealing with hundreds here, but as Tesco's advertising campaign states 'every little counts'. To see my funds slowly....slowly rising gives me more of an incentive to save, save, save. Although I do love to shop, shop, shop (side-eye).

I’m still in the process of job hunting but wasn’t as pro-active this week as I intended. My sistrin reminded me how I used to avidly talk about getting into extra work. So this week I pulled my finger out and researched some extra agencies. The one thing that stopped me pursuing extra work was getting my pictures done. I thought I could get a friend to take them on a digital camera……NO! Thankfully my home girl who is a proffessional photographer has come to my aid once again and we’re going to take my pictures this week. Extra work consists of a lot of sitting around but its quick well paid money and you never know I may become the new Chelsea in Eastenders (joke). Plus it adds another string to my bow

I think as well as saving money, finding a new job and hollering at companies in New York, I still need to build up my experience here. There are still so many different things I could be doing and I'm looking forward to what 2010 will bring. 

Will Smith Shares His Wisdom!

I do admire Will Smith as he has done remarkably well with his career. I found this video inspiring as it confirmed his success is a result of hard work and dedication, I need more of his work ethic! The video proves that WE can do anything that we set our mind too. However success does not come over night and we must continue to better our crafts. As Will said we all have talents but talent alone is not enough! If you want something go get it- REAL TALK!

Graffiti

So curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to see what Chris Brown's latest offering had to say (don't lynch me).....and it's actually very good. I wouldn't consider myself a Chris Brown stan but this album is consistent track after track after track. It's a nice mix of up tempo tracks and ballads and the production is on point. I was surprised at how I listened to the whole album without skipping a track, that's always a good sign. Chris knows what formula works for him and he's stuck to it and I’m sure his loyal fans will be happy with their purchase. I'm not sure how well this album will sell....time will tell.

Stand out tracks are Transform Ya, Crawl, So Cold, What I Do (should be the next single), Famous Girl, Wait and Fallin Down.

Death At A Funeral Remake.

I love anything that’s got silly related to it and this looks quite funny from the trailer. I do love slapstick humour….I’m a sucker for it. This film is a re-make of the British Comedy Death At A Funeral. I’ve read the plot and I will definitely be going to watch this. It’s been injected with an all star black cast including Danny Glover, Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence to name a few. It’s not due for release until June 2010 mind you so you‘ll have to make do with the trailer until then.

Week 8 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

This week I have focused my attention to job hunting. I have hollered at a few media companies in relation to doing some online news, researching, TV bits and bobs. Unfortunately they don’t have anything going at the moment or they have shut up shop. I even hollered at some folks in my home town of Birmingham but to no avail. I’m trying to find ways of making some serious money. Whilst I don’t mind working in retail, I know there are other jobs I could do that would bring in a larger amount of money in the same amount of time. I’m a bit stuck at the moment; I’m going to have to pray for some guidance and inspiration. There are always ways to make money you just have to be creative and think outside the box. I don’t mind working hard but I just need to do something new hmmm.

I’ve been doing some thinking and have decided to cut down my trip from 3 months to 6 weeks. Why?!?!? Well to find a job that pays me in NYC is going to be a challenge but not impossible, this way I can afford to do some work for free. I can easily make contacts and sell myself in 6 weeks I don’t need 3 months to do that. 6 weeks will give me more of an incentive to live each day to the maximum and not procrastinate. I know how I function the longer I have to do things the more I dilly dally. I think I only wanted to stay for 3 months so that I could be there as long as possible as I dread the coming home feeling (I remember how I felt last year). Plus I really don’t want to rent out my flat for 3 months it’s too much hassle (interview process/vetting some one) and most tenants rent for a minimum of 6 months. This way I can afford to pay 6 weeks rent without breaking the bank and I won’t mind my flat being empty for that space of time. This also means I have less money to save and overall it should work out better. I did 5 weeks last year and I didn’t take advantage of the time so anything over 6 weeks will be fine but nothing less.

Bargain

Bandeau Dress £5 (Warehouse)

Here's another bargain dress courtesy of Warehouse. I'm not sure of the original selling price but who cares it costs £5. I've always wanted a bandeau style dress and a black one would have gone down a storm, but I love a colour and was surprised at how nice the pink looked against my skin tone. I teamed this dress with my all time favourite shoobs courtesy of Primark £17 (so comfortable) and my gold chain again Primark £2. See ladies you don't have to spend vasts amount of money to look nice. I didn’t post a picture of me in my blue animal print dress. So I thought I’d give you a treat lol as pictures of me on my blog are a rarity.

 

Push

Push the novel by Sapphire has been made into a film and re-titled ‘Precious’. It’s the movie on everyone’s lips and will probably receive a few Oscars next year. I couldn't wait until February (UK opening) so opted to read the book instead. This novel is not for the faint hearted and a little disturbing in parts. Some scenes left my mouth hanging wide open and I had to shake my head on too many occasions. I definitely need to go and watch this film when it comes out.

The book tells the tale of a young girl who has two children by the age of sixteen and suffers sexual, mental and physical abuse. It’s such a harrowing tale and I really felt for Precious (the main character) you can’t help but feel empathy. It seems the world is against her and this is the time when she needed her family and friends the most but unfortunately her family wasn’t there. My faith would really begin to waver if God forbid I was to encounter a similar situation.

It just goes to show, you don't know what people are going through! Especially young kids out there who feel they don't have a voice. Seriously all we can do is pray as the world we live in is not good! Unfortunately we don't get to choose the cards that life deals. We just have to preserve and keep the faith. This story has made me think twice before I start moaning and complaining when things don't go my way.

British Men vs American Men

There's a major difference between American and British men. Anyone who has spent some time in the States will agree with me on this. US men come across so much more confident, fearless, charming and overall groomed. Whilst some if not most UK men are slightly insecure, more reserved and have a fear of rejection. I'm not trying to generalise I'm just going on my own experiences. I've found that men here may want to get to know you a bit better but fear holds them back! Come on brothers life is too short for that ish and you never know the outcome may just be yes!

I read an interesting piece by June Sarpong a few months ago and I agreed on everything she said. Everytime I go to the States I feel so loved, men holler at me to say have a good day, they be calling me chocolate lol, open doors for me, the attention is over whelming but nice (I'm just keeping it real).This did wonders for my confidence and my self esteeem went through the roof. I'm not saying that I need constant attention to feel happy, but everyone wants to feel wanted every now and then. Here in the UK I could go a whole month without a good day from a brother. British men don't generally holler as I think they worry too much about rejection, not all of them but I know a lot of guys who share this way of thinking. It's got me wondering if my future husband will be from this country? I want to have choice's and not settle for the first man that gives me a little bit of attention. Come on ladies you know you've all been guilty of this too.

I don't understand what it is?!?! I think people underestimate the power of confidence. It seems Americans have had this way of thinking instilled since birth. I've known men that have been interested in me but have been too scared to say anything....sigh!!!! I know it can't be easy, as belive me I'm not in a rush to tell a brother I think he's nice. I don't care what year it is, I still believe in the old fashioned values that men should step to a lady first (although I know us women can be hard work). It's so annoying and it's just dry so, so dry! I joke with my friends that you could live in the states for a year and you'd probably be engaged by the end of the 12 months. American men seem to know what they want and just go for it, rejection or not and I'm sure I'm not the only woman who likes this quality in a man. Yes there are British men who share this quality but unfortuantely there is a higher percentage Stateside than here. A penny for your thoughts!

Week 7 Of My Journey getting To New York.

This week I have returned to being disciplined with my money and put some funds aside for NYC. I currently have two accounts one for getting me to New York and the other is for when I get back as who knows what my financial situation will be on my return. I confess I don’t have half as much money as I would have liked at this stage so it’s imperative that I get another job. It will probably be on a weekend and some form of retail but I don't mind sacrificing my Saturday’s for a few months. The graveyard shifts that I currently do on the weekend are coming to an end and whilst I complained about them at first they have been a blessing financially.

On another note I’ve offered my services to go and talk to the youth dem at Universities. I've been wanting to give back to others for a while now and if my experiences can help others then so be it as we all know this media game is not easy! I bumped into a lecturer at work last weekend and we got talking and I explained my desire to do more public speaking. As it’s been pushed aside since my Vocal and Drama training course. So I’m set to do a talk at Kingston University before the year is out and another talk in January. I truly believe this will come in handy for when I go the States, not only does it build up my experience it will give me more confidence. If I can talk in front of a class of  adults/teenagers I don't know then surely I  can talk to the boss at Hot 97 (you'd like to think so huh).

Bargain Of The Week

Animal Print Dress £40 £10 (Warehouse)

I love a bargain, but then again don't we all?!?!? I purchased this dress yesterday as I knew it would come in handy for a family gathering/party tonight. I wanted something nice but not too dressy and this fits the bill perfectly. I'm a fan of animal print and would have loved this dress in red but cobalt blue suits me fine. It's not too short and fits just right. It has a shoe string tie at the neck and exposes the back but in a nice subtle way.

I'm going to team this up with bright orange nail varnish to inject a bit more colour. My black suede ankle peep toe cuff boots, military jacket and the faithful clutch bag. I'm going to take some snaps tonight and may add the finished look sometime next week.

Wish List

Red Power Sleeve Tube Dress £22 (Dorothy Perkins)

 Be Beau Be Beau Black Platform Shoe Boot £18 (Matalan)

Leather Duffle Cross Body Bag £55 (Topshop)

 

Orange Lipstick £12 (M.A.C)

Passenger Biker Boot £70 £30 (Office)

Adidas Original Watch £50

Oversized Beanie £6 £3 (New Look)

A Scrub Is A Guy.......

I’m not one to chat my friends business but I got her permission to share this story. Basically said friend met a young man a few weeks ago and has been conversing with him ever since. Homie is in his early 30s and is here from the States for a couple of years. I’m not going to go into the how, where and when they met. I’m just going to get down to the nitty gritty.

They went out for something to eat over the weekend and I just have to shake my head at what happened. They went for a drink and said friend said when she ordered homie just stood there didn’t flinch and left her to pay. Hmmmm she said she didn’t think too much of it as he’d probably buy the next round. Although I thought considering my man initiated the meeting he would at least have offered to pay for the drinks. This story unfortunately gets worse.

Said friend felt hungry and suggest they go for something to eat. So they find somewhere inexpensive and they BOTH eat and have yet another drink. The bill comes and homie says “how much is it?” Said friend responds “I don’t know as your paying!” Homie laughs it off and when the bill comes pushes the receipt to said friend. Said friend pushes the bill back and said “I thought you were paying”. (I know my friend and it’s not that she wouldn’t have paid for herself she just wanted to see what this guy was about). Homie responds with the finisher off all conversations, the scene killer, wait for it…….. “I haven’t got any money!!!!!!!” What?!?!?!? Said friend was in a state of shock and thought he was joking unfortunately he wasn’t and said friend ended up paying for the bill and deleting homies number lol.

I really can’t believe that in 2009 a man of any age would leave his house without any money. That is so lame and doesn’t leave a good impression on a first meeting. Did he not feel no shame in professing he ain’t got no dough. I know people are in different places financially but surely you’d explain that before you meet with someone. I would feel so stink to eat a meal and when the bill comes tell a man that I haven’t got any money. Who does that though really?!? I guess the kind of man who doesn’t really respect himself or others. I was so shocked when said friend told me as I have never heard anything like it before. Most men would have pretended they weren’t hungry or borrowed £20 from a friend, gave your last £5 damn anything. Maybe he was looking for a free meal, maybe he did have money and didn’t want to pay or maybe he’s just a scrub.

Week 6 Of My Journey Geting To New York

Yet another quiet week on the NYC front, but I don’t feel bad. It’s not every week that I’ll have something to report. That’s just how the game goes sometimes. I have however had a lot of food for thought and been giving the joy of crossing paths with quite a few people (praise God). I spoke to a friend from church that gave me some advice indirectly and opted to keep an ear out whilst in New York. He also informed that he knows a few people in the media circle God do your thang lol.

Each week my concerns change like the weather and whilst sometimes I feel lazy all it takes is a look at my  vision board and my spirits are lifted and the excitement returns. Last week I met a guy from the Bronx and I had to commend him on his confidence and friendliness (that’s most New Yorkers for you) and his response really stuck with me. He said I have to be as New York is full of hungry and confident people. Now I know this is the case but is just re-affirmed that working out there is not a joke. It made me question whether I am ready for this, will I work to my full potential and will I act confidently when needed? I can’t afford to be shy, it’s not an option. I have to be bold!!!! But my how it can be so intimidating to just walk into certain companies and be like hey here I am. I know I can do it but the idea does scare me a lot! This is why I’ll continue to pray that God gets me to a certain level by next August.

This journey is fun and I can’t wait to say yes I finally made it!

Friday Throwback!

Mary, Mary, Mary my how you’ve matured as we all do! I’ll continue to fly the flag for the 90’s until I run out of videos to post and that won’t be anytime soon. I was out recently and I heard ‘What’s the 411’ album playing (that reminds me I’m going to listen to it when I get home). So I decided to post a video for it. I think Mary looks great in this video, then again when doesn’t she?!?!?!


This was probably one of the first videos that inspired me to wear a cap backwards although my hair didn’t give me the desired effect. My naivety led me to believe that all these singers had full long luscious hair…. no!!! I so wanted a long baseball shirt, the knee pads, boots the full works. I had to make do with a lumber checked jacket and canvas boots. At least we didn’t have the pressures to have sexy provocative clothing as it was all about the baggy jeans, chunky boots and loose fitted tops.

Rated R

This album is actually not too bad! I wouldn't consider myself a Rihanna stan of her music but her fashion game and hair yes!!! After watching Rhi Rhi at the Brixton Academy on Monday evening I decided to see what her latest album had to offer. Miss Robyn Fenty has definitely grown up and taken more of a rebellion, I don't give a bleep approach. This is evident in her song lyrics and choice of promotional pictures.

I'd say her material is a lot more edgy and darker than her previous outing. I can't call if this is a repercussion from the incident earlier this year or if she just wanted to take a different angle. The Rihanna who sang Take A Bow is now shouting expletives left right and centre and opting to do duets with guitarist Slash. Nevertheless true Rihanna stans will be very happy and I personally think this is better than Good Girl Gone Bad. Stand out tracks for me are Hard (needs to the next single), Russian Roulette, Stupid In Love, Fire Bomb, Rude Boy and Cold Case Love.

Michelle Williams Alter Ego

Not a typical post from me but I do love this picture. It was shot by photographer Derek Blanks and represents Michelle's alter ego within a church setting. I love the different characters that Michelle represents. I've always found that Michelle comes across a little serious in interviews/photo shoots, so it's nice to see a light hearted side to her. I would love to do a photo shoot like this, I'd have so much fun with it.

PS Is that chick trying to look like Amber Rose?

Week 5 Of My Journey Getting To New York.

Not much to report this week. It seems things have slowed down a little but I'm not too concerned. Maybe because I've still got a few months on my hands before the pressure really begins. I've started cold calling companies about internships/work and the main response is that you have to be a student. This is what happened last year so I know I'm going to be pushed way out of my comfort zone and will have to knock on doors whilst out there. The thought alone scares me but I can't let history repeat itself. Plus I think companies are impressed when you just turn up and sell yourself. I may have to change up my A game when conversing with people stateside. It's all about the gift of the gab, something I need to work on. Otherwise I'll get swallowed up amongst the uber confident Americans.

I haven't saved as much money as I would have liked either. Funny enough although I hate getting out of my bed so early these extra shifts have been a blessing. I am a little anxious with regards to how things are going to pan out, will I get the placements I want. Where will I stay this time round? Can I afford to do three months only God knows? I can't pre-empt what will happen and I can only take one day at a time.

Should I buy these Reebok High Tops?!?!

This is how I know Amber Rose is influencing me way too much (side-eye). First it was Dr Martens and whilst I do love them, I know I wouldn't wear them. Plus I don’t think I can carry them off. So now I’ve settled for a pair of Reebok High Tops. I’ve been toying with the idea for a while now and I found this bargain pair in Office for £20 down from £54.99. For that price I can’t really leave them can I?!?!? There colourful and quirky and I could team them up with leggings or a pair of skinny jeans a basic top and a fitted jacket. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't wear trainers and when I do it's only for gym purposes. The only other form of sneaker you'll see me in is my Converse. Decisions, decisions…..I think I’m gonna get them.

My One Year Anniversary

Whoody whoo it's my one year anniversary.....of blogging. My page has gone through a few layout changes and the posts have varied from time to time, but I wouldn't change any of it. I can honestly say I love to blog, it's therapeutic, I'm free to put what ever I like out there and it's improved my writing to a degree. I've attracted a small flock of followers who like to read the ins and out's of my life. So thanks for all your support and comments. Hopefully I will still be around this time next year with even more posts to upload, more followers and more of a journey to give to ya'll.

K- Hart I raise my glass to a year of blogging and here’s too many more years to come! (That sounded like an acceptance speech lol)

My Matalan Shoe Wish List

As I am on a severe shoe ban, I can only ogle at these shoes. I thought a specific pair went down in the sale and went as far as to try them on and envisioned what I would wear them with this weekend. Although the shoes still had the full price tag on, I convinced myself that they probably hadn't been marked down yet and proceeded to the till. I was devestated when the sales lady told me they were still full price. She gave me the blank-stare when I tried to explain they had been marked down on the website. I loved the shoes but had to leave them on the shelf....I felt crushed, never mind. Here are some of the other shoes that caught my eye.

£18 Snakeskin Ruffle Detail Peep Toe Shoe (Also available in Black, Green and Red)

£18 Red Purple Caged Platform (Also available in Grey)

£18 Black Detail Stud Shoe Boot

£20 Chain Detail Platform Shoe

£16 Black Peep Toe Platform Buckle Detail Shoe (Also available in Snakeskin)

£18 Pink Platform Shoe

£20 Studded Platform Shoe Boot

Week 4 Of My Journey Getting To New York

I'm not going to lie, I haven’t done nardah this week in relation to my trip too New York. It’s been a bit of a busy week so NYC cold calling has been put to the side. However I did say that I would explain how I got to New York last year, so here goes.

First off I secured a couple of work placements (they weren’t paid mind you) via e-mails and cold calling. This seemed to be the easiest part of setting up my trip. Going to work in New York is something that I’ve wanted to do since my teenage years; you could call it a dream of mine. So when I finally achieved it I was on cloud nine.

Then there was the challenge of trying to find accommodation. Somewhere that wasn’t in the sticks and not too expensive. I considered renting an apartment but was dubious as I couldn’t go and view the places and a lot of them where out of my price range. I didn’t really want to go down the hostel route as I love my own space too much but lo and behold I ended up spending the whole 5 weeks in one. Fortunately the location was central (Manhattan) and provided breakfast and dinner so I really couldn’t complain. I was able to walk to both of my work placements (praise God) so that saved a lot of money. Sometimes you have to come out of your comfort zone a little and this proved good for me. It was an all female hostel I had my own room (a must) and just had to share the bathroom. All the girls were nice and I made some good friends!

Getting my Visa again was quite simple as my friend advised me which type to get and once work and accommodation was sorted they couldn't technically say no. I got an I-Visa which allowed me to work for any non american media company i.e BBC and a few others and lasts for 5 years. Of course I could have done a few internships out there as well but fear took over.

After that the only challenge left was raising enough money to survive off for 5 weeks. Surviving meant basic food and travel, no make-up, gadget, pefume or shoe shopping for me I was surprised at how good I was with my finances before, during and after I returned from New York. Isn't it funny how disciplined you can be when you really want something hmmmm. Of course there were challenges along the way whilst there but I’ll have to save that for another post. I should have a bit more progression for ya'll next Sunday.

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The Effect Of Words!

I'm trying to get too a place where negative words/actions don’t affect me too much I can be a tad sensitive (bring out the violins) so it's easier said than done. I’ve heard the saying too many times that you need to have a thick skin, particularly whilst working in the media. I just can’t stand it when people are rude it's so unnecessary but I’m learning that it’s just a part of life and I’m going to have to deal with it.

I’m all too aware that everyone has insecurities and that people are at different places in their life. Some people are going through things that we wouldn’t dare think about and choose to express their frustrations in the wrong way and some people are just straight up rude lol. I have to tell my self it’s their problem not mine (as my friend keeps reminding me) and to continue with the P.M.A (positive mental attitude). All that aside I’m only human and I do have feelings. I think people underestimate the effect of words, look what Michael Jackson's father's words did too him.

I confess in the past I've been a little hasty in the way I speak to people without considering how it might affect their feelings. I’m not too proud to say sorry though and try to think more before I speak. It’s not always what you say but how you say it! Maybe I dwell on how it makes me feel too much. I’m not at the place yet where words bounce off me like a bullet proof vest but I will get there!

Alexandra Burke Does Wonderland

Alexandra Burke has done a photo shoot for Wonderland magazine. I have to give props where props are due and the chick looks hawt! She has really blossomed and come into her own since winning the X Factor last year. I met her a few years ago whilst she was supporting a friend during radio interviews and she's exactly how she comes across on television, sweet bubbly and very friendly. I would definitely go and see her in concert as I know she would be entertaining and good value for money.

Check out the pictures below....