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So one post just was not enough.

Last night Taraji looked absolutely amazing on the red carpet; before later taking to the stage with her cast mates, winning (in every aspect) and giving a memorable, emotional and inspiring acceptance speech! Wearing a powder pink Reem Acra, New York original, Taraji looked stunning as she had a strong and sassy ora about her, a radiant glow and showed off her new hair cut at the SAG Awards. Complete with minimal jewellery and what looks like, no accessories; Ms Henson rocked the see-through, hand embellished gown with more than just a touch of class.

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The touching and empowering movie; Hidden Figures, proved to be more than successful as joy spread across the stage and filled the auditorium, at last night’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.

Based on a true story about 3 African- American women who aided NASA in their space race in the 60s, the brilliant minds of Katherine G Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson; played by Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe; used science and maths to provide invaluable contributions- that almost went unnoticed. But thanks to the above actresses, these inspirational women’s story has been told and it is hidden no more! Triumphing, the Hidden Figures’ cast won SAG Award for outstanding performance/ ensemble in a motion picture! If you’ve seen the uplifting movie, you will understand why and if not (yet), I highly recommend watching it as soon as possible! It will make you feel slightly uncomfortable at times (as you watched what generations before us went through), but it will also make you laugh, cry, high-five the air and appalled with sheer happiness.

With melanin popping and everything on fleek, Henson, Spencer and Monáe were certainly slaying- before, during and after yesterday’s awards ceremony; and quite frankly, I cannot get enough! Can you?

 

dsc_0200-2So I might not be an American nor do I get a public holiday, but I can still appreciate, remember, celebrate and acknowledge; the man, the Christian, the leader, the nonviolent civil rights activist and the great; that was Martin Luther King. As a child I was told about Martin Luther King Jr and his movement from a young age (at home); I was told about his honour, his persona, his heart, his fight (non physical of course) and most of all; I was told about his DREAM.

Ironically with this week’s agenda; Friday 20th Jan 2017 in particular (Trump’s inauguration *shakes head*); my next point is somewhat invalid. However, lets not forget that for the last 8 year – Yes, 2 Terms- we’ve had a black man in the White House. The leader of the Free World was an African-American. The President of the United States (again, for eight years) was a man of colour. For that we owe more than just thanks or a single day to remember Martin Luther King. Without great leaders like MLK we would not be as we are today.

In 2011 the MLK memorial was built and opened to the public. Lucky for me I was not only in the U.S at the time but I also happened to go to Washington D.C. Thus, I had the pleasure of visiting such amazing and deeply touching memorial- so today I dug this [pictured] out to share!

Although celebrated on the third Monday of Jan (to accommodate your typical public holiday), King’s birthday is actually on the 15th (yesterday) – Happy belated birthday Martin Luther King Jr!

1957-1968, and today in 2017 his spirit lives on. Happy MLK Day!

screen-shot-2017-01-09-at-22-46-49 …Ms Tracee Ellis Ross. She did it!

The first black woman in 33 years, to win Best Actress in a TV series Comedy!
(And she was wearing Zuhair Murad- my favourite!)

From the days of Girlfriends, I have enjoyed watching this woman and over the last year I have also become a Black-ish fan. I have followed it through each season, episode after episode; so to find out Ross had not only been nominated but won a Golden Globe is great – and to be the first black woman in over 30 years to win such an award is phenomenal! Congratulations Tracee (Joan/Bow)!

Beautiful, full of character and forever wearing a killer grin, Ms Ross is quite literally WINNING!

If you haven’t already tuned in, do catch up! #Blackish

Ok, so not quite golden, but yellow is close enough right?! Although, its never my first port of call in a gown, these ladies made it work (yellow that is) and equally looked stunning at last night’s 74th Golden Globe awards; as they graciously strutted down the red carpet, before stopping to smile and pose!

From the top left, clockwise; Natalie Portman wears a deep pastel yellow, almost-mustard floor length (three-quarter) sleeved gown, by Prada. Her look was very simple, elegant and I want to say; quite medieval!

Next, is the stunning Scandal star, Ms Kerry Washington. Personally, I do not favour this dress. However, Washington (who just had her second baby a few months ago) looked absolutely radiant down the red carpet in a Dolce & Gabbana dress. The see-through pale-golden yellow midi floral dress, was finished with angel wing-like shoulder cuffs and what looks like a broach embellished side belt (thing).Granted, its different and not really my cup of tea per se, but Kerry never fails to impress and (as I said) made it work!

In the bottom right hand corner; Hollywood walk of fame’s latest star; Viola Davis, wore the brightest yellow of them all and blissfully smiled for the camera (and later glided to the stage) in Michael Kors. The classic Greek style, floor length, one-shoulder gown, was a tasteful and subtle approach to “glitz & glam”.

Last but not least, my favourite (dress not person); Reese Witherspoon; in a pastel yellow Atelier Versace gown! Although its quite Prom-come-bridesmaid, I really like this dress. The classy length together with the saucy side slit, and the modern take to the classic sweetheart neckline; gives off a sexy sophisticated look; and completed with some simple jewellery, its picture perfect!

It turns out yellow isn’t so bad after all and hey, for the Golden Globes, its pretty appropriate wouldn’t you say?!

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As an art buff, I appreciate most artistic efforts. However, I will forever be obsessed with abstract art in particular. The vibrant colours, outrageous shapes, exaggerated lines, original themes and insane ideas are far more interesting then those of perfectly normal, classic and traditional influences from fine art. Don’t get me wrong; as I said; I appreciate and have been inspired by the classics, but abstract art is definitely more me.

Following the F word you will also know….Continue Reading! 

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…Whilst these snaps were taken on a trip to Berlin earlier in the year (last year rather); I figured now is an appropriate time to share them! As fun as it was capturing the above, it took a one too many takes, a bellyache of laughter and it was actually quite difficult! But hey, the results are pretty cool- so heres to a year of PEACE, LOVE and amazing memories!

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We’ve all been waiting for it and its finally here; 2017!!!

After a roller-coaster ride of 2016, heres to a new year; new goals, new dreams and new experiences! I for one am excited about the future and whats lies ahead. Once again, I plan on travelling to new destinations, ticking more off my bucket list and working on myself for the better! All the while, living life to the fullest -well within my means!

Heres a happy, healthy and fabulous year!

Wishing you all the best for the next 365 days; HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I tasted the best kebab of my life on a recent (and first) trip to Berlin. In fact it was my very first time in Germany and I can happily say ‘I’d go back’! After being told that apart from the obvious; German sausage; a kebab was strangely enough the”thing” to eat in Berlin, I was up for the challenge. The food challenge that is! I was told that a ‘Vegetable kebab (chicken optional)” is the so called delicacy- as someone who only eats chicken and fish, I couldn’t be more delighted. #NoRedMeatHere

Anyway, to cut to the chase; we took a train, a bus and then walked for 20 minutes from one side of Berlin to the other; before standing in the rain for half an hour, queueing for this amazing vegetable (and chicken) kebab! Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap to be precise – and it was all worth it. With a slim choice of wrap or sandwich; of course I opted for the bigger option and went all the way; adding the chicken for the complete experience. “Party in my mouth” experience- and I can 100%, hand on heart, say this is one of the best dishes I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting! (Added to the list) Berlin I love you!

As you can see, the warm fresh bread was pasted (yes with a brush) with about 3 different homemade sauces (some sort of yoghurt, garlic and herb sauces from what I could tell- and taste!), then went in the seasoned grilled veg, classic thinly sliced rotisserie style chicken, followed by some crispy salad and finally topped with what I can only assume was feta cheese (or feta cheese family) and fresh herbs; ooh and how can I forget the wedge-like delicious potatoes – yum! Absolutely mouthwatering! It was the right amount of everything and all so perfectly balanced. The flavours complemented each other and the taste was unbelievable! #GiveMeAnotherBite

VFTT 345 German Kebab - Yum

VFTT 345 German Kebab – Yum

Click Here for more VFTT snaps!

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**When they ask if you do DIY around the house!**

When it comes to high fashion, as much as it can be very classic and couture, it can also be very alternative to say the least. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t walk down the street with a toolbox, but a Chanel toolbox inspired bag; why not! Its different thats for sure and being rather simple yet bold, it certainly is a statement piece, I’d like to rock!

#DIY Fashion at its Finest!