London mayoral elections

So this week London decides who will be Mayor for the next 4 years. I lost my voting cherry in the first Mayoral elections and to be honest I have a much keener interest in who wins this
election than the national one (I have issues with the parliamentary system but I'll leave that for another post).
The polls suggest that this election is quite tight with Boris and Ken with a lead (exactly who is leading varies dependent on the papers political leanings) of about 2 points.

I urge anyone who is eligible to vote to do sonmainly because I believe it's your civic duty and unless your planning some other form of legal protest, this is more or less the biggest opportunity you have to influence a change in policy. I'm not naive enough to believe that it will make a significant difference but if you're not trying to get your voice heard you can't complain.

Anyway as part of my journey to find out more about the candidates I recently attended a hustings for the BME community. Now if you are unaware I'm not a fan of events like this. My general view is that black people are a diverse group with different concerns and having a hustings especially focused on 'black issues' suggests that the subjects that will be tabled are not concerns for Londoners as a whole. But trying not to be defeatist after debating the issue for a while I decide to go and dragged a friend along.

I'm not going to comment on the late running of the event. I would just suggest that there are lots of very good event mangers out there and it's always worthwhile to use professionals to do the job they are experienced in but I digress.

I'm sure or I hope, some of you watched the debate on tv and are aware of the policy areas that were discussed. At the time I was dismayed to think that although we have very high unemployment rates in London, the average price for a house is unaffordable for many on the national average wage in this city, schools are oversubscribed, the EMA has been abolished, a two stop return tube journey (without an Oyster) costs £7 (personal gripe) etc all that anyone in the audience wanted to talk about was stop and search. Now I'm not saying that stop and search isn't in important issue, but when we are in economic turmoil and things are becoming ever more expensive and with the likelihood you're more likely to be unemployed if you are black (breathe girl) I was very perplexed by the repetition of questions in this area.

Once I'd returned home I started to talk to friends and family about the event and it all became clear. As people with or starting families we were interested In increasing house prices, a lack of good schools and high unemployment rates. We wanted to know how they planned to prevent another riot as we didn't want to see our home city torched and looted. We wanted to know why we had spent large sums on a bike scheme when the price of public transport rose and why promises of Olympic tickets for children hadn't been kept. We questioned if Boris really thinks anyone would vote for him whilst he thought his place was to stay on holiday when the city he holds political office for was under threat.

And it was then that I remembered why I still believe black people aren't homogenous and why I'll be sticking to reading manifestos and watching/attending more inclusive events in the future.

If you disagree and think we need more BME political events I'd be interested to read your views?

Also to those who organised the event I would like to say I celebrate your endeavours to get all involved in the political process.

Inspired by ...

Michelle

It's got to the point where the last name isn't needed at all. She is an icon, the most televised First Lady (next up is Jackie), highly educated, great career, pretty, well dressed, strong, caring and focused. A loving mother and wife with a great relationship with her mum she is Essence's poster child. Michelle looks like the kind of woman that would be my friend, fun and savvy with a I'm not playing mentality when required.

I recently watched a short video where Barack and Michelle were having a date night with some of the American public, Mr President was open, engaged all the things that make him an accessible politician but it was the First Lady who really stood out to me. Dignified, relaxed and confident she really looked like she was enjoying dinner with this group of people she had never met before.There is a genuine warmth that comes through when you see her in a photo, in the way she engages with people and the hugs, fist touches etc that she dolls out.

As I've written before Michelle is just one example of a Phenomenal Women!

Some of my favourite Michelle moments:

Being black and British

I'm 2nd generation born and raised on this fair isle called Britain and growing up in London, in a leafy villagey type area I have to say I've had it pretty good for most of my life. I can't say I've ever really experienced overt racism - yep certain shopkeepers like to put my change down on the counter, but there have been a few times that the money I've meant to pay them has fallen in  between the sweet supply and I've said sorry with a glint in my eye as I've walked out of the shop. All in all, I can't complain I did well at school, went to uni,  have a career I enjoy etc - things aren't perfect by the least  but things have worked well for me. This doesn't mean that I'm unaware of the racism and discrimination that go on in this country but like I say I've been largely unaffected by these issues.

Yet although my head has been largely in the clouds I have begun to notice that there are a number of very concerning figures in the press of late (I think they are even more concerning as they are in the mainstream media):

• Black Britons least satisfied of UK population
• Black people more likely to be unemployed in the UK than US
• Half of the UK's black young males unemployed
• 60% of black undergrads don't expect to be in employment 6 months after graduating

I could go on but its depressing! So what I really want to know is what are we going to do about this situation? We are feeling the pinch of the economic downturn harder than any other ethnic group in this country and as we are all aware that there isn't a great black politician or community leader who is going to fly down from somewhere to resolve these issues?!?!  And it would appear that the powers that be really don't give a toss, so its up to us to do something about this situation!! I also implore people like Lee Jasper to stop tweeting that black people can't be racist and actually knock on the doors of the people who matter, and Diane Abbott to stand up and speak out about the issues that affect the black community.

I'm seriously worried about the generation of black kids coming through who:

•  have university fees of £27k to contend with
• even if highly educated are more likely to be unemployed than their white counterparts.

I'm usually an optimist but from where I'm sitting the future is looking bleak. High unemployment rates leads to many other concerns such as poor mental health and increase in criminal activity. Our young people need to be given a level playing field and to know they can strive for and achieve what they want. I have a teenage son and I talk to him about the need to work hard at school, to ensure that when he goes to uni (I'm of Nigerian descent so any career requires a university degree) he gets experience in his chosen career etc, but I wonder what more can be done to ensure that our children understand the added extra they'll need to compete when their starting blocks are just behind the starting line?

I'm going to think about how I can contribute to improving things.

My fave hair products

I am currently using:

• Luster's Moisture Max Moisture Mist, sprayed on ends am and before bed
• Keracare's Oil Moisturiser after the Moisture Mist
• Happy Hair Shampoo (sulphate, mineral oil and paraben free) and Moisture Conditioner - from Sainsburys.
• Keracare 1st lather shampoo
• Keracare detangling & hydrating (shampoo) I've run out so using Happy Hair as second shampoo
• Keracare reconstructor
• Keracare Humectco

I also have a clarifying shampoo that I use the week before I relax. I've been using the Moisture Mist for 2 weeks and I have only straightened my hair twice since cutting my ends off. I've already seen quite a bit of growth and my hair feels much healthier with v little shedding vs severe breaking I was suffering just over a month ago;think this is mainly due to not heat abusing my hair.

I buy most of my products from lookfantastic or from local hair shop and I only wash my hair once a week.

I'd be interested to knowif anyone has used Lush's conditioner forrelaxed hair.

The politics of black hair - who knew??!!

A few weeks ago I took part in a beauty round table, and during the discussion one of my fellow participants stated that we (black people) needed to think about the way we wear our hair as it is a political statement. Now as anyone who knows me personally will know I am quite an opinionated person and I have quite strong views about everything, but when this comment was aired I chose not to make my thoughts heard. One reason for this is since I've got older I've realised that debating every point is futile, and I knew this was going to be one of those we will agree to disagree conversations and secondly the round table discussion was focused on beauty and not hair and I didn't want to sideline it.

I always find the HAIR issue interesting, my thoughts may be summed up by quite succinctly by India Arie's I am not my hair because quite frankly I honestly believe there is more to life. But even though I say that I am currently following a hair regime as advocated in The Science of Black Hair and by others such as Julie Oli; so my hair and the way it looks is obviously quite important to me. I swear I have bored people to death with talk of sulphate free shampoos, clarifying and protein vs moisturising conditioners. However even though I am becoming a hair care and hair health enthusiast (aka a raving looney) and know that the healthiest state for my hair to be in would be to go natural; I know that I will not be making the transition back to my afro. So after reading a few articles and pondering on the 'political statement' comment I started to really question if there is a deep rooted reason why I prefer to have relaxed hair, or wear a weave rather than rock my natural fro.

I<3 Solange

Said friend getting make up done by me on a shoot.

I want to be clear I think natural, healthy well-cared for afro hair is beautiful, as you are all aware I have a major crush on Solange and her hair is just one reason for this. One of my closest friends is a natural hair devotee and I love the styles she rocks; but I know that my thick hair that has been known to break comb teeth isn't going to be easily manipulated on a day to day basis in to the chic hairdos I see her with. I also know I do not want to be wearing my hair in styles that I was wearing when I was in St Mary's Infants, and due to nearly 20 years (with periods of natural hair that is weaved or in extensions) of being a slave to the creamy crack I'm not sure that I would even know what products or hair care regime would be best for my 4/b hair (shameful I know).

What I do know is that I like the wash and go ability of my relaxed hair, yep sometimes I wash it and leave it to air dry; when I have a short style this is particularly useful. I really don't have to do anything to it at all. I also love the versatility of a weave, I've had a short bob, 14 inch long or longer hair with a fringe, brown hair, curly hair and browny blonde highlights all without damaging my hair (all within 6 months). I've been able to change my hair with my mood, with the season or just because I wanted to look different for a special occasion. I also love the fact that when I have a weave I can do my hair in less than 5 mins, I can get ready in 20 mins or so in the winter months when I'm trying to stay in bed for as long as possible; this is ideal.

Me biting my nails aged 4 - the pineapple was my go to hair style, 

if I didn't have plaits!

For me having relaxed hair or wearing a weave is all about convenience and being used to having my hair in a style that I'm so accustomed to that I don't want to change. In those infrequent times when I have had my fro out its taken me ages to get ready with the amount of tools and products I've used to make sure I look on point. Whether or not my hair is natural or relaxed isn't a political statement for me its more about me being quite lazy and not wanting to get up twenty minutes earlier to do my hair (sorry but its true). So here I will make my own political statement, see image below. Please note I love fros!

Fros are very welcome!!!!!!

Personally I hope that the black hair movement like feminism has reached a point where we are able choose how we wear our hair based on our own personal choice. I'm proud that I can choose to be relaxed,natural or weaved or whatever takes my fancy.

I'm off to start a 'Rock your hair however you want' petition xx

Ta mate

I've been rather rubbish at blogging lately but I plan to pull it together this week. To start the week off correctly here are my top 5 things I'm grateful for:

1. I had the opportunity to meet a lovely bunch of women this week at Pride. We will all feature in a piece about beauty; I'll let you know when it's published. Always good to meet new people and quite frankly they were all fab women! Thanks to Gloria for giving us the opportunity.

2. Watching my nephew's first non school acting performance. I am really proud of him and really should have got his autograph as he may be one to watch in the future.

3. The right to vote, being able to be part of the political process is sometimes not valued by many of those eligible to vote in the UK. My view is that if you feel disgruntled with the system spoiling your paper is the best way to show this rather than not casting your vote. This week I went to a hustings of the 4 main candidates for London mayor; being able to ask questions or in my case jeer at Boris is all part of the political process which I'm glad I get to participate in.

4. This week started with a major plumbing disaster in my home. To quantify just how bad it was lets just say I had to wear wellies to walk in the corridor. Just want to say thanks to everyone who helped and God bless you to anyone who was less than helpful.

5. Positive people, a friend had some disappointing news but her response to it made me remember why I love her so dearly as a friend. It's not always easy to see the glass as half full but I truly believe that being able to saves you a lot of heartache and grief in the end. Knowing what you have power of control over and focusing on winning in those areas will ensure you win overall.

Mythic oil - I adore you

I've recently started using L'oreal's Mythic Oil and already I'm seeing great results.

My hair is naturally very porous and is quite damaged due to my love of my GHD's, I also hate wrapping my hair at night; so all in all I needed something that would make an immense difference. I recently trimmed off all the dry and thinning ends and since then have applied Mythic Oil to my hair in the morning and before I go to bed. I've also taken a break from my GHD's and wrap my hair with a silk scarf every night.

Since doing this I have seen a great improvement in the silkiness and manageability of my hair, and I have to say that Mythic Oil has got a lot to do with this. Before using Mythic Oil I was a MoroccanOil devotee (intermittently mind you) but I have to say I actually believe that my new best friend Mythic is actually a better match for my hair. It's cheaper, comes in a much bigger bottle especially if you compare the price of the small MoroccanOil bottle which is at a similar price point as 125ml of Mythic Oil; and so far I'm preferring the results; please note I still use my trusty argan oil  from time to time.

L'oreal have recently added two new products to the range, one for coloured hair 'Mythic Oil  Colour Glow' and 'Mythic Oil Milk'.

Oops forgot to give thanks

Only just remembered that I had forgotten to update this week, here goes:

1. Good times - last week I shared some good times with friends and colleagues. Dinner at Dishoom was lush, and I would go back there again. The drinks were also lovely - I love cocktails. Also had a great time with one of my girls on Thursday night.

2. Cinnamon & sugar pretzels from Mr Pretzel. They are to die for I actually need these regularly in my life. Does anyone know if there is a Mr Pretzel closer to my house, Westfield Stratford is a little too far for a snack.

3. Saturday was my uncle's birthday; so a massive Happy Birthday shout out to my uncle who is really like my big bro. He taught me how to mix and scratch, introduced me to Prince, hip-hop and breakdance the movie and most importantly the Burger Man game.

4. Beating Man City, thank you Arteta. Yes Arsenal winning does have a profound affect on my life, it ensures the boy, the man and I are all in good moods. Keep it up boys!!

5. Easter, I am a non practicing Christian i.e. I was christened as a child but haven't really been to church regularly as an adult. However I relish the chance to spend time with my family and think about all the important things in life. Whatever you believe Easter offers lots of metaphors for life: rebirth/ new starts, the truth cannot be buried, love, forgiveness, faith.

Back to enjoying the last few hours before work tomorrow.

Peace

Growing my hair

So I've decided after trimming my hair this weekend that I am going to consciously grow my hair to my shoulders and beyond. Rather than starting the process and then getting dismayed and then ending up with a very short hairstyle, I will actually have an objective and grow my hair back to the length it was last summer.

As part of this mission I have started reading blogs and websites that provide lots of insight on the "regime" required to grow black hair. After reading a number of articles I have now come to a few assumptions:

1. The regimes take a lot of effort, I've actually read blogs where the women say they wash their hair 3 times a week! I had no idea black women did this?! Previously when I've told friends I wash my hair weekly they have given me strange looks, I really don't have the inclination to wash, wrap and set thrice a week but looks like I'm going to have to.

2. The advice states that I should use heat on my hair sparingly i.e. once every 3 months or just on special occasions. Honestly I'm not sure how feasible that is, I tong or use straighteners nearly every day; mainly because head ties aren't sexy lol #psyche. But seriously other than sleeping in curlers I'm wondering how I can ensure my hair looks styled?! If anyone has any advice please let me know.

3. There is a whole new language for black hair growth disciples and gurus, bagging and co-washing are just a few I've had to decipher. I've also checked all of my shampoos to check they are sulphate free. They are; I've also realised I need less protein and more moisture treatments so will be alternating.

This is just a small section of what I've learnt so far and after all this I'm seriously considering getting a weave because life is too short! Although since I have a clear objective I'm going to try this for a minimum of 3 months to see if it works.

Anyway I refuse to make this blog about my hair journey because there are far more important things in life; but if it works I'll let you know and if doesn't then I'll share this with you too.

Signing off
Nadine

Gratitude

This week's things to appreciate include:

1. The warm weather - I prefer sunshine and warmth. As it was sunny I was able to wear my new shoes see the photo. I also enjoyed a work meeting on the rooftop of one of our offices, life is so much better when the sun is out.

2. My son's football team won the league. I'm very happy for him; the victory was made even sweeter as they beat the team they lost the cup final to the week before.

3. I sent someone a recipe and they surprised me by making it for me the very next day. Now that's what I call service. Thank you 😃

4. Mint green or pistachio - I become obsessed by a colour every season and I will end up with tonnes of it in my wardrobe. I am loving pistachio at the moment, see photo of my shoes again, and got a great peplum dress that I can't wait to wear when it warms up a bit more. Also can't wait to get more lemon and pink in.

5. Game of Throne series 2 starts tomorrow, and after trying to read book 2 dismally on more than one occasion I'm glad to say that the new season has really spurred me on and I've read half of the book in a week (my tube journey is only 15 mins) so that's good work.

6. That I don't have herd mentality. The rush to the pumps was crazy and now all those who queued are saying I told you so. Please note there would have been enough petrol to go round if you had just filled up as normal.