Race and friendships

So today I read a Guardian comment posted in August that discussed race and friendships; and although it was an interesting piece that talked to the fact that the onus is on ethnic minorities to integrate and that even in London things are pretty segregated I think it missed some fundamental points.

Most of my friends are black, I grew up in a mixed area of London i.e. it wouldn't be described as a black area, went to schools where black people were very much the minority and went to a university where there was a couple of black people in my whole year reading the two subjects my degree is in.  But once I turned 14 or so I would say most of my friends have been black, it wasn't a conscious decision but it just seems to have happened that way. That isn't to say I don't have friends from other backgrounds, as I still have childhood friends, and old work colleagues as well as current ones from other backgrounds but my closest friends or even the people you may see me out with on a Saturday night are all black. And this is why I have a problem with the Guardian's piece the reason for this is, my interests are things I like:

Music - mainly RnB, hip hop, neo soul, funk, afro-beats, funk, rare grooves etc not the pop stuff, and although this is more mainstream now it wasn't when I was younger nights where I can hear this are usually organised by black promoters

Politics - I'm centre left more lib dem than new labour, racial politics and womens issues are my bag

Fashion/beauty - focused on what I like and what works for my skin, hair i.e. black skin, Afro hair

Sport

Travel, eating out, films, theatre  etc

Most of these are pretty generic but there are times when I want to go a film with a majority black cast or have a POV that is specific to my experience growing up as black child in London or something similar and I don't want to explain it or would prefer to share certain experiences with others who will enjoy this (it does beg the question why aren't white people watching shows/films with majority black casts, but will watch 'black' plays?). There is something heart warming about having friends who may not have had the same experience but understand certain things without explanation, what it was like when you washed your hair growing up or the drama of having to explain your hair every time you change a style - this is a weave, no my hair is xxx length kmt or the frustration you have at not being able to go into any shop to buy a foundation! And when shit really hits the fan, i.e. when you need to discuss certain things without being seen as a crazy person who always sees racism as an issue, its much easier to do that in a group who may have a more knowing experience. 

Obviously I'm using extremes to make a point, but as people get older you'll notice that the saying 'birds of a feather flock together' is true and even within black friendship groups you may notice that members have a shared experience based on country of origin, language, religion, or relationship type. And I do think its hilarious when I see groups in my office who hang together, we have little Nigeria, an Indian enclave and a French speaking group but I also understand that there is something unifying about a shared experience and the feeling of excitement I had when I found out my colleagues' parents were also Nigerian and Jamaican - it has given us loads more to talk about.

I would say that are far more integrated than we have ever been before and although we need to consider why we may choose the friends we do, for me at least it isn't a question of race it's more to do with similar interests and shared experiences.

Who wants to eat burnt rice....

So was having a conversation with a guy who is in his late 30s and he was telling me that he prefers to date women in their late 20s. When I asked why he used this analogy 'no one likes burnt rice'; now even though it was kind of cheeky I had to admit that I understood what he meant. For clarity he was referring to women who have been 'burnt' in former relationships and like rice, even though it may only be the bottom of the pot that has been burnt, it affects every other relationship they have.

Now I've had this conversation with a few men over the last couple of months and there seems to be a recurring theme from their POV, women in their 30s are either eager to get married or have been scorned and are slightly hardened and maybe even bitter. Each time I've had this conversation I've stuck up for my gender, and countered the generalist comments. But when having this debate with a married couple, singletons and others in long term relationships either living together or apart most of the women had to admit that they had a 'burnt rice' friend. So this got me thinking why is that, how come some people can't seem to let their past relationships go? Is it because it was that one great love, and if so wouldn't it have worked out?!!

I have to admit I totally don't understand the bitterness and I truly believe that the reason people feel that way is because they haven't truly given themselves the chance to get over their relationship. I ultimately believe that it takes a good 9 months minimum to get over a lost love, and think its weird when someone goes straight back and starts dating after a break up. On the other end of the scale I'm always astonished when friends talk about their ex as if they were meant to be or get jealous about their new relationship. I'm always happy for anyone I've ever dated when they marry, have children, get engaged etc; it's a wonderful thing for their lives to progress with the right woman for them, and I'm happy in the knowledge that they weren't the right person for me! At the time I may not have felt that way but now I'm 100% sure that's the case!

Guys please understand that most 30+ women are amazing, in a good place career wise, confident and cultured. Think about it this way Beyonce is in her 30s and Rihanna is in her mid 20s, one understands her status and lives up to it, the other is wearing swimming costumes to go shopping. Just remember one burnt pot of rice, shouldn't end your love of jollof, rice n peas, special fried rice or whatever takes your fancy.

Must watch new show alert

So as you all know I am a major tv addict and this week is a good week for the following reasons:

Luther is back yes IDRIS is back on our screens. Luther is synonymous with so many good things, music, tv, a sexy brother! Anyway what makes Luther so good is the actual show my pulse was racing; I screamed twice I was thrilled. Cannot wait until next week and have downloaded this week's episode to watch on my mid week work trip.

The other show that I'm reeling on is Being Mary Jane which stars Gabrielle Union. It's a great show and the 1 hour  pilot promises so much, can't wait for the series to start in autumn. Being Mary Jane features Gabrielle as a successful black 30 something who has it all except someone to share it with and a family who leans on her for support. The show has humour, sex, female friendships and family dynamics. Definitely do check it out I watched it over on Mr World Premiere. 

Is 'light skin the right skin' Dark Girls - thoughts on the documentary

So I'm watching Dark Girls a documentary that looks at colourism within the African-American community. Watching the doc I am surprised by some of the comments;  I wasn't aware that some black women hated themselves because they are dark or believed no one would love them. I'm a dark girl NW45 if that means something to you and I have never had that problem. Growing up people have said to me your pretty for a dark girl and my friend's step dad loved to call me black, but it never affected me in that way. I've never felt that I'm unattractive because of my complexion; I've never wanted to be lighter - my sister is fair and both my parents are lighter than me. I did think why am I darker but not because I disliked being dark it just seemed weird;  especially when you're only 5 years old and DNA or regressive genes are outside of your thought process.

As I said I was shocked and surprised by some of the content of the doc, although I know some people dislike their skin tone and others try to change it by bleaching I didn't realise that it had such a profound affect on some people. All I can say is wow! Let me share some of the comments/scenes that stood out to me from the film :

'I felt like someone took a dagger to my heart when my friend said 'I'm glad the baby didnt come out dark''

'It's taboo for a dark skin man and woman to be together' - really!!

'Dark women are meaner because they've had to deal with more than white/lighter skin women.'

A woman saying they hated their father because their skin tone was inherited from him.

A young child picked the good looking and smart child because she is white and said the dark child is ugly and unintelligent.

I found this particularly sad;  we need to ensure we are promoting self-love within our children.

Even Viola Davies shared that she has used therapy to deal with childhood taunts about her tone.

Do watch the show you can catch it on Mr World Premiere. I would really love to hear your thoughts and what stood out for you. If you haven't got a spare hour you can watch the trailer to find out more about the documentary. 

Until next time
Nadie x

Summer time shoes

So summer is here which means a few key things for me:

Regular pedicures -as the toes are exposed

New sandals - which I've been delaying buying because it's not hot enough

Strappy heels - to offset the shorts.

For some people summer shoes equal blisters but I'm lucky enough that I hardly ever have that problem but when I have I've found blister plasters a godsend. I recently got sent a box of Compeed's Blister plasters which included some that are specifically for high heels and sit right on the heel - which is such a painful place to get a blister and a normal blister plaster Compeed Blister Medium.

Although I haven't had an opportunity to use them I really like the packaging of the heel plasters - it's something you can keep in your female essentials bag (I have a make up bag with a comb, brush, hairbands etc in) and use when necessary, hobbling down the street due to blister pain is never a good look. What I like most about these plasters are that they are transparent and cushioned so they are far less obvious than a traditional plaster.  I always look at people who have skin tone plasters on their feet and think who does that lol; it's like socks and sandals if you ask me!

Need somewhere to go, in need of something to do

I'm always looking for new and different things to do so when details of the We love the 90s film fest were shared with me I was excited as I love the 90s and I love films.

The festival runs over four days and gives movie-goers the opportunity to watch some of the 90s cult classic at the Portabello pop up cinema. Organised by Tees and Cees, each film is introduced by a creative.  The film fest runs from the 25-28 July, with a movie being shown each night and  films include Poetic Justice, Clueless, White Men Can't Jump and House Party.  You can find out more at http://www.teesandcees.org/welovethe90sfilmfest/.

Tickets are only £5 which is a bargain. Ive got mine although I still need to decide if I'm turning up in full 90s gear.

New music from Daley

Yes new music from Daley, who I'm a fan of. If like me you were late to the party then please do check out his previous work, my personal favourite song is Game Over although I also love his duet with Marsha Ambrosious. Do check out his latest single on his website where you can also sign up to receive his new EP for free.

Another artist that I'm feeling at the moment is part of Neyo's Compound camp Ravaughn and since hearing her song Best Friend being played on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta I'm totally in love. Love her voice and the song, it's been on serious replay for the last two weeks, at home work and on my travels #obsessed, will be checking out the album when it drops.

Moving towards your target customer

So I'm not sure if I've ever shared this on the blog but I work in marketing and have done so since I left uni, many moons ago. Working in the industry I look at advertising differently then most other consumers; so when I watch an advert on tv I don't just think about is it entertaining or would I buy that product, I actually look at what is the underlying message they were trying to convey or who is the advert targeted at (yes, watching tv with me can be rather boring).

This morning I woke up to read two moans from two different sources about two completely different ways that a company/brand  (different organisations) had chosen to proceed and it riled me up enough to write a post. The first of these was on The Daily Mail online (which I'm addicted to reading even though I'm bound to find at least one article that makes my blood boil); a response to Marks & Sparks new lingerie line.  Now we all know that M&S is a British institution but if I'm honest I haven't bought anything in there for the last 5 years that wasn't food or a card.So this morning when I saw the new lingerie range I was kind of excited, excited enough to contemplate actually venturing to M&S on my lunch break (not today but in the near future) to check it out. The clothes side of the business is declining so I'm sure they would love to get me (and others like me) in their doors, for a number of reasons:

I'm totally addicted to shopping and shop regularly. I buy on sight - if I want it I'm buying it, life is too short to be weighing up if I need it.

I have money to spend. 

So when I see articles complaining that most M&S shoppers in their 60s want comfy knickers and not the uncomfortable new collection it gets my goat because what the author fails to realise is that the range isn't aimed at the traditional customer but at me who may just purchase on a whim and isn't wearing those undies for comfort!! What really annoys me is that I have little faith that M&S will wholeheartedly follow through with this strategy -one season I'll see some really cool stuff and the next it's back to good old M&S basics. But consistency is key if they are really focused on getting Nadie and her fellow shopaholics through the door and if they want to see long term growth rather than short term profit.

The second example is a response to Nike's We Own the Night women's only race and womens races in general. Although I didn't attend or race,  I have been to a few Nike Training Club events which I've really enjoyed. The general feedback on the event was that it was a great but slightly tacky and too focused on an image of women that could be seen as frivalous (post race manicures etc). Again when I read the post on Spikes and Heels I thought yes it does sound a bit OTT and slighly passe but I'm sure the event wasn't aimed at running enthusiasts but at those women who want to get fitter, have never ever entered a race or signed up because a friend was doing it ie me if I ever signed up to a race. Would I want to get a manicure post race probably not but pre race when I'm thinking why the hell have I signed up to do this especially as I haven't done a lot of training; yes please as a distraction from the regret I would be feeling. The motivation signs during the course sound like real motivators to run even faster to pass them as quickly as possible

So you are probably wondering what is the point of this post as I dont actually disagree with some of the viewpoints and I guess its to say although the customer is always right, the truth of the matter is that you may not actually be the customer that the product is aimed at and just like a tv show we don't like (switch it off) we have the choice to shop somewhere else or not 'buy' the product. But I also wanted to send a big blog hug to my fellow marketers everyone thinks we have amazing jobs (and personally I think we do) but sometimes feedback can be hard to take - I feel their pain.

Products I love - foundation

I haven't found a product I love for a while but the other day I decided to try a new foundation, mainly because I haven't renewed my MAC card and refuse to pay full price for any MAC products. Anyway I've been hearing great things about the Revlon foundations so decided to check it out for myself and I love it. Let me tell you why:

1. Even with primer foundation seems to melt off my skin - it doesn't with this foundation.
2. My make up still looks good, contouring, blusher etc are still there at the end of the day on top of this foundation - I actually have to reduce the amount of blusher I apply to prevent myself from looking like a clown.
3. Skin isn't breaking out, clogged or looking luck lustre.
4. Base doesn't feel heavy, actually I look flawless without actually feeling like I have anything.
5. I've been able to start using my other primers which I always felt were a let down, especially as I need to restock my much loved Smashbox one.

I'm currently using the Revlon PhotoReady in Cappucino as I'm still sun kissed from my holiday. I can only say that I ADORE this product, based on the price, I think it was £8.99 and its performance. I use a foundation brush to apply my foundation, so the coverage is slightly heavier than if you use a sponge or your finger, but personally I don't feel that it looks caked on. In the after photo I have on primer - Smashbox, concealer - Sleek and foundation - Revlon, concealer applied using finger and foundation with a MAC brush.

Sorry about the quality of the photos - I blame the iPad.

A subject that's never discussed

Saw this article (link below) and had to share, its definitely a subject that isn't discussed - when the female partner has a higher sex drive than her male counterpart. There is a belief that women don't really like sex, and to be fair I have a few friends who state that they have sex with their husbands once a month like its their duty?! Anyway each to their own, do take a read and let me know what you think. Have you ever been in a relationship where you felt you weren't being intimate regularly enough to meet your needs?  Have you ever had to cajole your partner to have sex with you?

Sex Confessions: 13 Women Who Want Sex More Than Their Male Partners Share Their Stories - The Huffington Post.

I've previously been in a relationship where we had very different needs, it's a very difficult thing to deal with. In the end it was another indicator of how different we were.

Personally I found it interesting to read these womens stories. Let me know what you think.

Yeah I'm feeling myself right now

So I'm super happy right now - since I last weighed myself about 2 months ago I've lost over a stone. This is great especially as I haven't been working out as much as I was before, but have reduced the amount of sugar I consume by only drinking one sugary drink (juice, tea with sugar, squash) a day except when going out for drinks. I stick to warm water with or without lemon most days.

I decide to start exercising regularly for two reasons, my health and because I like to wear fitted clothes and my spanx no longer made my stomach look flat. The benefits are I can run 5k non stop, my knees no longer ache when it's cold or bent for too long and I can go without my spanx if needs be.

I still have areas I would like to tone up but so far so good and I also hope to run a 10k this year. This is one resolution I was able to stick to, although I have been getting to work earlier lately, so maybe I can nail that one too.

Back on it

So April has been a slack month for me in terms of fitness, since the new year I try to workout 3/4 times a week (mix of gym, yoga and Pilates) but have only consciously worked out 8 times this whole month. Although I have played tennis and been on a few walks, that should really be referred to as hikes (which I haven't included). I decided that it was time to get back on it in May. I always think its best to break yourself in so reduced the amount of carbs I eat last week (the headache only lasted one day) and I dragged myself to the gym this morning. The class I wanted to go to was cancelled, so I reacquainted myself with the free weights and spent an hour dead lifting, squatting and shoulder pressing. It all sounds more intense than it is.

Although I hate to admit it I do like working out its a great stress reliever, and it makes me feel more confident in how I look. Over the next couple of months I'm going to focus on toning my stomach and my back and improving my fitness so that I can run a 10k - I'm also considering getting a bike, inspired by my friend who is always harping on about how much she loves riding. I'll keep you up to date on how it's going.

My Gymbox membership starts this week which should help to spur me on, looking forward to Ghetto Zumba on Wednesday.

I love ratchet tv and I can not lie

So I recently came back from a very chilled out break in the sun where I spent most of my time drinking cocktails on a lounger on the beach whilst watching ratchet tv shows on my iPad. it was sun, sea and shameless tv viewing, I totally over indulged in black women sitting on couches commenting on their behaviour over the last season of their 'reality' shows and it made me realise:

1. Scandal needs to stop it with the ridiculous mid season breaks - so annoying
2. Games of Thrones books although at times slightly overindulgent, how many books does it take to travel around Westoros, are preferred to the tv series. Controversial I know. You miss so much about the characters with all that is cut from the plot or totally changed.
3. The Following is still must watch tv - still not sure what will happen in series 2 and still saying 'I'm scared' when watching each episode.
4. My love of Love and Hip Hop ATL is slightly concerning I'm not sure it's healthy to be so excited by a trailer - although Kirk is so rude.
5. Deception is rubbish.
6. The Carrie Diaries is entertaining as long as you are not expecting it to be anything like Sex and the City.

You'll be pleased to know I haven't spent all of my time watching tv, I've also recently went to see the musical The Bodyguard - I didn't think it was that great, but if you're a Whitney fan worth seeing for the use of her additional backlist (not just the soundtrack) in the show. I also had a short break in Brighton and caught up with loads of my friends who all seem to be pregnant.

Do you have a baby 12 months and under?

Are you the parent of a baby who is 12 months or younger, or know someone who is? Would you be willing to answer questions relating to weaning if so please email me ncleighton@gmail.com.

Women we can celebrate

Love this piece highlighting some of Africa's female achievers and highlighting that there is much more to Africa and the role of women than what is projected in the media.

Africa's top women achievers - nominated by you | World news | guardian.co.uk

Duro Oluwo for JC Penney available in the UK

So I'm guessing you know that Duro Oluwo is the London based Nigerian designer who Michelle rocks. And you may know that Duro has recently paired up with JC Penney to design a collection. Well what I didn't know is for the flat fee of £15 or free if you spend a £100 JC Penney ships to the UK. Which means I can purchase this carry on suitcase, I'm slightly annoyed that I can get the umbrella but thinking I may have to ask for it to be shipped to friend living in the states.

Visit the Duro Oluwo website www.duroolowu.com and view the collection http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/jsp/browse/category.jsp?id=cat1002410004.

Are you the majority breadwinner in your household

I have just read the first chapter in 'Rocking your role'- the how to guide to success for female breadwinners by Jenny Garrett. Garrett uses her leadership and coaching expertise to provide guidance for women on accepting and being successful in their role as the main earner in their households. I've only read the first chapter so can't really comment on the book, but I have to say it's an interesting topic and one that's probably not discussed openly. Garrett mentions that some women feel angry as they have had to take on this responsibility or others relish being a success and bringing home the bacon.

When discussing this topic within my own circle of friends the majority have stated that they would prefer their significant other to be the main breadwinner. But stats from a survey conducted in 2010 indicate that 20% of the women in the UK are the chief breadwinner in their household. I'm sure as we are now in a triple dip recession  these numbers continue to grow. In my own personal fairy tale, I'd marry someone who was wealthy have babies and stay at home. I would like to work because it gave me something to do rather then having to pay the bills.

Don't get me wrong I enjoy my work but I also love my own free time and would prefer to work to pursue my own passions whilst being on hand to look after my children. I've been the person running around to pick up someone from nursery or after school club and hoping they don't get sick because I have a meeting or project I need to finish and if I'm honest it's not something I really want to do again. But if my husband wanted to stay at home and I went to work then so be it especially if that was the financially savvy thing to do. A colleague at work recently took 6 months paternity leave to look after his baby whilst his wife went back to work, making use of the ability to share maternity leave between the father and mother. Which I personally feel is wonderful.

Society needs to move with the times and if Rocking your role helps more women embrace their breadwinner status then I'm all for it. Some of the most revered women in the world were or are currently the chief breadwinners in their households, Michelle Obama before she became FOTUS was earning more than Barack and had been from the time they started dating and Oprah has been keeping Stedman for years.

If you like to find out more about Jenny Garrett and her book visit rockingyourrole.com

Things I like

The Following - are you watching this show (it airs on Sky Atlantic)? If not I strongly advise that you get with the programme (lol- I'm loving that)! No but honestly it's my favourite programme currently available to watch on British tv. Every week I think it can't get any better, that any new twists would be farcical; but no each week I'm drawn back in. My only fear is that it could go the way of Prison Break post series 1 - where you start to think 'come on now' and stop watching - well I did. The Following definitely has the Nadie says rubber stamp of approval.

Scandal - I haven't shared my Olivia Pope love with you all. But if I'm in on a Friday I make sure to catch up with the antics of Olivia Pope and Associates. I have been known to have panic attacks if I can't find a working stream! I'm rooting for Fitz and Olivia and the boiler cupboard moment was fire. More 4 I totally couldn't wait for the show to air here, so currently watching online and trying to figure out what I'll do when the series ends.

Daley - so not sure how I totally missed all of the Daley buzz. It's a year late but I'm seriously in love with everything but the song he did with Jessie J. To be honest I refuse to listen to it as I feel the same way about Jessie J as I do marmite.

Bruno Mars - Treasure. There is definitely more to Bruno than the songs he released from his first album. Treasure one of the songs from the second album will be added to my summer chilling in the park mix - when I get my new iPod or fix the old one.

The gym - so I needed to tone up. I'm not as young as I used to be which means that a week or two of salads isn't enough to resolve my crisp addiction and the resulting flab that they turn into. So just after Christmas I joined a new gym and have been going on average 2 or 3 times a week as well as going to yoga and Pilates classes at the yoga studio during my lunch break and to my surprise I actually like going. I feel much better when I've been; I'm looking more toned -if I do say so myself and I'm fitter RESULT.

Other things I like:

Valentino Exhibition at Somerset House think it's closing soon but if you like fashion then worth seeing.

Harrison's in Balham had a lovely dinner there last week with some girl pals. Everyone loved what they ate and it was reasonably priced.

Parmesan potatoes - tried these with a duck recipe I found on Tesco's website - yummy.

My new red boots.

Busuba Ethai - they need to introduce a loyalty scheme. I'm sure I'm due a free meal by now.

Living positively

At the moment I'm annoyingly positive if you tell me something negative I'll send you a positive email or text. I see other people's points of view in lots of situations and generally I look at my life through rose tinted glasses.

I haven't always been this way actually last year I had a pretty rough time, shit seemed to happen all at the same time and I generally wasn't a happy bunny. And then I had a session with my department that looked at how you could work at your optimum; and honestly it was like I turned a corner. Things looked much brightest I understood why I hadn't been at my best in my personal life and at work and I decided that I was leaving that all behind.

Are things tonnes better not really (they are not bad) but my perspective on them is as if I'm looking down on my life rather than being weighed down by things. I have to remember that I've had adversities and I've lived through them and if I can do that once then I'm sure I can do that again. I honestly believe that you are only given crosses that you can bear.

A new found respect for Bey

So I've watched the Beyonce interview and the doc; I've always been a fan of the music but I didn't connect with her as an artist. In the last year with her tumblr and instagram account we've all got to see another side to Beyonce perhaps a different version than the Papa Knowles managed one - a woman in love, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a bff and a mother. Not the brand or the persona but the woman she has become.

In Living a dream Beyonce showed that by taking a risk and showing some of her most intimate and private moments that she like many of us are; is a mixture of strength and vulnerability, independent but in need of a shoulder to lean on. This was a woman I identified with. She no longer needs her alter ego because as she has grown the aspects of Sasha that she needed whilst in the limelight have become embedded in the woman she now is.

Things that happen in our lives change us profoundly and Beyonce shared some of these moments with her audience. I'm in awe not of her work ethic or her success but by the way she seems to juggle her life and her career. Beyonce seems to be blessed with career success, the support of a loving husband and living her dream; the things that many women strive for in their day to day lives - I know that's what I want. Like Oprah said 'just with more sq footage and better shoes'.

Baddiebey thanks for sharing with us all.

Nadie

PS Oprah stop hogging the interviews we want to hear what your guests have to say - not as bad as The Kardashian interviews but still not great.

Harvey Nicks - black girls wear red lippy too

So today I received this email from Harvey Nicks. I fell in love with Harvey Nicks aged 18 when I went shopping with my mum and she convinced me to buy a Christian Lacroix jacket.

I like Selfridges, but there is something about Harvey Nicks that I love, I've actually had dreams about the shop. So I was kind of disappointed when I received today's email (probably yesterday's actually - as just going through my emails after midnight) which suggests red lipsticks for women and only provides suggestions for pale i.e. blondes and olive i.e. brunette complexions.

Now I've got to be honest it would have been nice to include options for darker complexions, maybe not my skin tone (I can tell they are taking baby steps) but a caramel or cafe au lait would have been a great start. You can't go wrong with a great lipstick - and there's a red that suits every one of us, even if you are green.

So Harvey Nicks get with the program, you have some of the best disruptor marketing out there - so I expect more!! Let us all know what amazing treasures you have in one of the best beauty departments I've ever had the good fortune to spend money in.

Note to self reduce the use of so in one post.

Have you heard the new JT song, yes JT is back

So I just heard the new JT song and realised that I was seriously missing Justin musically. His acting is ok at best and music is his true calling so glad to see he is back in the studio. His new song Suit & Tie is produced by Timbaland and features Jay-Z, once you get passed the intro it's classic JT and I like it! Can't wait for more from him.

Destiny's Child the same cannot be said of Nuclear, if contracts stipulate a release please try and make it a decent song!

You can check out the new Justin track here http://globalgrind.com/music/justin-timberlake-jay-z-suit-and-tie-new-music.

Let me know what you think.

How are you doing with your 2013 resolutions?

So today was my first day back to work and so far i'm not doing too badly with my 2013 resolutions:

I didn't make it to the gym today as I left my padlock at home - fail; but have already been 3 times in 2013.

I didn't get to work before 9.30am - fail.

But I did drink lots of water - result.

I did take off my make up before I went to bed and have done so every night since the new year begun - result.

I've only missed taking my vitamins once.

Although it hasn't been a resounding success I'm going to keep on at trying to make these habitual actions that become a part of my day to day. I'm off now to pack my padlock in my gym bag and get an early night.

Just say NO to sugary cereals

I'm not a fan of the nanny state and so reports that Labour MP Andy Burnham is suggesting that supermarkets shouldn't sell sugary cereals to help prevent childhood obesity just seem stupid to me. I'm a parent and throughout my son's childhood he ate one of the following for breaking before going to school, Weetabix with hot milk and a teaspoon of sugar (blame my mum for the introduction of sugar), ReadyBrek, Rice Krispies sans milk with a pot of yoghurt or toast - no surgery breakfast cereals there. Yes he did ask for them and occasionally I would buy Cocoa Pops or chocolate spread but that would happen maybe once every year - I'm a believer in everything in moderation. But the key factor in all of this is as the parent I said no - if he decided not to eat it, I used to take fruit with me on the way to school or bread and jam, and low and behold hunger pangs overwhelmed him and he ate them.

Now I think rather than blaming supermarkets, tv advertising and food manufacturers for obesity, childhood or adult; we should be real. We (society) are overweight because we mainly lead a sedentary life, eat and drink too much and don't engage in enough exercise to ensure we maintain a weight that is ideal. So rather than suggest we shouldn't eat sugary cereals or ban them lets get our children to do more exercise. The Government could better help to reduce obesity by:

1. Subsiding sport for children, swimming lessons, football coaching and clubs, and tennis lessons - all of which I've coughed up for are expensive. I had to say no to cricket not because of cost but with the schedule above it was impossible to fit it in, and even at 4 my son just wasn't interested in gymnastics which he said was for girls.

2. Looking at food costs (supermarkets control of this) the poor weather and general economic situation means food continues to get more and more expensive, and reports are that it's going to get much worse. Reports are that apples alone may go up by 25%, when you can feed a family on a £10 bucket of chicken with fries, fizzy drink and sides and you don't have to cook - some parents will choose this option. I'm not sure how you will change this.

3. Improved food education, the British diet is generally unhealthy lots of carbs - bread, potatoes, fried foods etc. Years ago people wouldn't have been able to eat the abundance of food we have now, they may have had one good meal and snacking was a myth; they also worked hard. Basically we need to eat less - if you child ate a sugary cereal once a week as a treat say Saturday I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem. We also need to consider that it's not just portion sizes that need to be reviewed but some people may actually need cooking classes. And what is the British fascination with chips with everything, chips and lasagne, curry with rice and chips, pizza and chips - carb overloading.

A simplistic look at cereals as the cause of the problem is ridiculous, it's vital that a healthy lifestyle that incorporates exercise and a varied diet is offered to children at school and at home; but if the parents do not have a proper understanding of what this should include then banning cereals won't make a difference.

Products I love - Jan 2013

I decided to start 2013 sans weave, making this decision at 2pm on New Years Eve wasn't my most sensible idea especially as I had to remove, detangle, wash, treat and then condition my hair before wishing in the New Year. Even though I've had my hair in a weave for 12 weeks it was in good condition and felt moisturised, I still wanted to make sure and decided to try out the Cantu leave in moisturising Shea butter http://www.cantubeauty.com/mobile/ for the first time and boy am I glad I did - I love it!

After a 16 week break from the creamy crack - I have quite a bit of regrowth,  the Cantu butter really helped me to be able to slick my hair into a top knot. My hair feels so lush! I asked a few others (fellow hair groupers) for their thoughts and their response has been really positive, with only one person saying they didn't like it as they felt it coated their hair. I agree it does have that feeling but in my opinion that isn't a bad thing,  it does contain mineral oil but it's quite far down the ingredient list, but the feeling is of moisture rather than an oily residue.  I would definitely recommend this product whole heartedly and at £3.49 it's well worth-it. If you use this product do let me know what you think of it.

My second product that I love is Smashbox's primer. I had previously been using MAC's Prep and Prime or Make Up Forever's HD Primer. Unfortunately I had run out of the HD Primer so was solely using MAC. Now that Smashbox is stocked in (larger) Boots it's so much easier to buy and as a product I've always wanted to try I decided to purchase. Now I've tried it I can honestly say I won't be using anything else. I absolutely adore the finish it gives me; before even putting on my base I already feel that my skin is half way to flawless. My foundation stays on longer, it's easier to apply and has an improved finish. I also feel like I use less and I've started using my Sleek BB creme again - which I fell out with in the autumn.

The biggest wake up call for me on how good the Smashbox primer is, is when I inadvertently misplaced it - I was running late and it wasn't in my make up bag so I used the MAC primer. Lets just say there is no contest - I need to buy another bottle just in case this happens again.

I'm a product junkie so if you have any products that you would like to recommend let me know. If you've used any of the products featured in 'Products I love' then feel free to share your feedback.

Nadie xxx

PS Happy New Year - I hope 2013 is filled with joy, love and laughter in abundance.