tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81801629585279668402024-02-27T07:09:43.995+00:00The Accidental MogulSharing the journey to greatness!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-68203166837503273342014-07-27T23:33:00.001+01:002014-07-27T23:33:55.138+01:00A place of peace <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkp6olp7OOG8mGbHNdYW0ja0bZbr9vKbmWCfHC_rqI4St4MKtEnuSjKiwle93xnbFITbwuPtIX9RRh-AJTiaMZIr8z-nnd59zkhb4tvRmz_VEosmJZK1G9iVnZIN6BWn2Q6dz0SyD3VfN/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Wow! It's been a LONG time! To be honest I've needed the time away to lick my wounds and get back to a place of strength and contentment. I believe I am almost there. Praise GOD!!<br><br>A lot has been going on in my life, lots of fantastic and not so fantastic things. I have come to realise that it is how you react to situations, that dictate how well you overcome them. If I didn't have Jesus in my life, I know my old way of dealing with difficult and devastating circumstances would have come to the fore. Drinking, smoking, partying, moving onto new relationship..they would have been the crutches used to blot out the pain, hurt and disappointment, but thank God for a better way! It is not and has not been easy, let me tell you, but by leaning on my Heavenly Father, He has been able to go into the root of my pain and begin the healing from the deepest depths of my soul. It is by no means a quick fix, but it is eternal and the fruits are glorious!! My goodness.<br><br>Despite my ex, going off and starting a new family with someone he barely knew, The Lord has been able to take my heartbreak and turn it into something beautiful. I am choosing to take my eyes off of my circumstances and focus on The King of kings and the fruits of my obedience have seen the blessings of Heaven shower down on me in abundance.<br><br>I have a new job in a Christian organisation! Can you believe it? I am spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, doing what I love AND getting paid. I really have to fill you guys in fully another time. I went to Malta at the beginning of the year, then to Paris with my sister and children a few weeks later. I'm not playing, The Lord has made sure I want for nothing and no, following Christ is not a walk in the park and it's not full of you getting what you want, I can testify. But when you live life Christ's way He can do nothing but pour out His favour over your life. He can not lie. I'm excited for the future!<br><br>'Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.' Matthew 5:6</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-67774839392495438752014-02-05T20:30:00.001+00:002014-02-05T20:30:49.300+00:00So Faithful <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBufhtVn43dyC7PsNV4QF_r8QGQeTqYKQ3VK-_RnaM1tCOEYR8AHc-BVvS_raWIIgiYVqORCaf3kSq-27v4sDzMgOOJGa-FkmE5ZO_34UpKqihI6I5pHhyzEJ-zBm22kWvq_zzsNOo26o/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>My God is faithful! He makes a way where there seems to be no way and His timing is IMPECCABLE!<br><br>I start a new job on Monday and it's a dream come true. The Lord answers prayers and He works ALL things out for good for those who love Him.<br><br>My mind is blown, my God is a miracle worker! Praise Him!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-243559578181951182014-01-17T17:07:00.001+00:002014-01-17T17:50:17.714+00:00Amazed!<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z-Gt5bgCfYX74DjTfyTiYvojFSws0xJk-kyxB-UAtTwPXZruwG0-G4g5O90dSU8pFO2KpGttWW0aYCD33yHg_1itZ22i4FRL0zyOISAsTsyuH0ExqTLtF2aXQNeRVeuLPe3K1y5drl2N/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
As you are all very much aware, 2013 was not one of my greatest years. I lost a lot of what I love and the pain at times threatened to take me out. I mean my heart physically ached, but THANK GOD for new beginnings!!<br />
<br />
We are only 17 days into 2014 and already The Lord is confounding me by what He is doing.<br />
<br />
Towards the end of last year the children, my sister and I started attending a new church pastored by my uncle, and let me tell you, that place is ON FIRE! Jesus is amongst us when we are in His House, it is amazing. Four souls got saved at last Sunday's service...woohoo my God is a miracle worker. Plus my sister and I are on the worship team and I'm involved in the women's ministry and moderating services....we fellowship and encourage one another in the Lord.......Wow! Wow! Wow! God is truly showing up and showing out!!!<br />
<br />
I'm so excited by what He is doing in my children's lives, my families life and mine. Give Him the praise!! He is doing a NEW THING!<br />
<br />
<br />
'Remember ye not the former things,<br />
neither consider the things of old.<br />
Behold, I will do a new thing;<br />
now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?<br />
I will even make a way in the wilderness,<br />
and rivers in the desert.'<br />
<b>Isaiah 43:18-19</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-90592612500772039182013-12-30T10:40:00.001+00:002013-12-30T10:42:57.292+00:002014 here we come! <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7hB35mBa7lQLvMZ2j4dn6lm6HNfthh6E4ksKgqvhMKrl8PgNF27rUvR1IniYqEKfflIXIIe0ccwji9u7X0I8aiqVnuylZdiACWHqBtgzXjUdyKG-hX92DAJdFObKhXIVcJhY2l9pQ74a/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>I can not lie. 2013 has been a tough, tough, TOUGH year. But you know what? I'm still here, I'm still standing and I have learnt so much about myself. It's been incredibly painful at times, but it is in this place of complete brokenness, before the Lord that true healing and growth takes place. <br><br>I know 2014 is about to blow my socks off. My God is AWESOME like that. I give thanks for everything He has allowed 2013 to teach me and I press forward to an incredible 2014 filled with His redemption, restoration and wholeness. Thank you Jesus!<br><br>To all my wonderful readers, I know my blogging has been woefully lacking lately and I'm unsure as to what 2014 will hold with regards to my posts, but please know that I appreciate you sticking with me and I pray you all have a wonderfully blessed New Year! 2014 here we come!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-53381384203981495342013-11-19T22:01:00.001+00:002013-11-19T22:01:14.520+00:00Six! <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9oDE9QqvEeivfNep6Uc3RwF4chaNgj7PQCF0HnSsy2q1cDEbjoLIqKpSDmEmIso07Lw-c3vfDo9nORTQGujouIoKrl_BomMdhdpB7G_ccHHZKAFU1Yidfl6SSfMWr3_sUu9_0WCOxRb6/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>My little girl was six today!!! Yes. SIX!!<br><br>I can not explain where the years have gone, but I know how supremely blessed I am to have her in my life. Such a wonderful big sister, giggly, gorgeous, clever and a joy to behold. Thank you Jesus.<br><br>Happy Birthday to my beautiful Lexi. Mummy and Daddy love you to infinity and beyond. Xxxxx</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-86314678451389014132013-10-09T13:58:00.001+01:002013-10-09T14:29:05.104+01:00Me plus three. <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacc9gYsZvQsmHznyDgP4_1Sf5YKzvuDHgdoDrZR4OEW1a2Jm2iPOLYmcu-cr9ZIUfUgfX_QfZCk5cYdU7vRc3fGLwBZiNtsrWdYV09sgPsZko2YEN-YtCv6hlMygopfBc50hmm5CgHv9S/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Right then. It's been long enough. I can't stop blogging because I've hit on hard times, that would be plain silly (although I realise that's precisely what I've been doing....*sigh*).<br><br>Well the fact of the matter, is I'm now very much a single Mum. Sometimes the person you thought you knew, you really didn't know at all and you just have to let go in order to experience God's best for your life. It's beyond sad I can tell you and it wasn't what I'd planned for my life, but I must say that since the decision was finalised, I feel like a new person. Obviously I feel a lot of guilt where my children are concerned, especially as I wasn't raised in a single parent family, but even through the brokenness of the situation, God is showing himself to be more present than ever before. <br><br>My children and I will be just fine. Staying prayed up, putting all my trust in my God and looking forward to what lies ahead. Everyday is getting easier and I know amazing times are in store....watch this space.<br><br>'God is our refuge and strength,<br>a very present help in trouble.' <br>Psalm 46:1<br></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-89863927193898017312013-08-17T23:00:00.000+01:002013-08-19T17:27:36.998+01:00Origins of the Afro comb exhibition<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOKS_CTOsIiLDolXZCxaXlzXAfi1-hlewuYeJPZ9-FYFCumTUW-fsl9jrXuDbunB53CG7E2AAV9q1uhairNJ_KZzPUya4GUQt1jlENbbBwx72ekDr1kZ10k-t2-rTd2UlY4Fd7T5imIld/" style="cursor: move; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="239" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
Last Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the origins of the Afro comb in Cambridge with the lovely Crystal Afro of the <span style="color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://unitedkinkdom.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">United Kinkdom blog</span></a> </span>and a selection of other fabulous bloggers and vloggers. <br />
<br />
It was a fantastic day full of laughs and learning and I discovered so much about the history of African Caribbean hair and heritage. I'd urge anyone who is even vaguely interested to go and check it out. You will not be disappointed, and if there is enough demand the exhibition may well be brought to a London Museum. This of course would be fantastic. <br />
<br />
It is so important that African Caribbean history is made readily available in the mainstream. Not only for our generation. But the generations to come. The exhibition is on display at the Fitzwilliam museum Cambridge until 3 November 2013. <br />
<br />
Thanks again to Crystal Afro who organised the blogger trip and was an awesome host and guide.</div>
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbTJZJAJaUbrqM2Gjv-b3lo9PoS699Kt_8fFnAjSQbZS4A-X7KY1zKHK6LtsUDQWNgErN0BGxfs8mJBqlHQiNV30yQ89L_oEl64MpnZmvfz-JXbsNVh8Oh3ATdYYeGjrc37uh5bJ-8omu/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Natural hair daily ladies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMVrIlQ0Q09sERbMqVG_1_vuvqEavFecrX9L9b-AFeW1j8zBR8dez9migEC1eVZqCLDgDvFBloTp-a_VZyo00zYaqAkRpmnkdhrt5Wa2k4JTfEGkjyR8qRZWErq6oJcVuwIB3E5XSWx4D/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the dryer......Memories.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGLXG4r7O3rf4QbQN19pw88F7GSYao8z6U5rGeM-40GVYMXjTcaiWXvV0D9nWryN6m0KENp87vMSrkRNiNSBWevKRkdALTTUov_AYvYGZ2W75fxNAuax-0G_q3SvtQxVi_ctswA6njqNo/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">History.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOfk1d4sZW9vj6UWONIAPtnYxj1pzjv9xNcQLnN0gBnCnmWvad_CYzjbxBklQcg4Gu-TfyaFc2okHrUPDb-DDBlC-0QbIzp222xpM64vGgVo8ULRRb9S3il_rozYX8eqM4OdkG0V84q1M/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laughs aplenty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U9prT6Wh5sgPF4_Xe3oMqxP5zqJoIM4nTRr5vZdsSI5461176tOcBwZBLEfxQax6aZJOVOiY32HYlX3uUoROunXEr2gNqFBbugyGB7xNU5Fu0shcvDYDUH4O8zDbJCe-Fv34PxpxPn3N/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiiile - the fabulous Akua Wood founder of Sheabutter Cottage.<br />
<br />
<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfzujcz7eKKjuLjImhKpvGUkFO62wKwVXX6eLvIfmdZ_w1OsarSZ6U2lQZ9d8wWMQxO4ofzqvNrn4iozXLGZYtK6itDTDTGr7nIrSYAbfeKYDiMyjNGSgKkP8-YMNNqWcrCfbqI1H3NIG/" width="240" /><br />
Stacey aka theNaprika being FIERCE.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhib4mwzY9NeO3plPO2oVc4ReT-EHuH02mXQV0oBlaiVclG-GzvXZQrnZIFO77rauNEOvwyPEJRXoUr8GFS6b43Gb6yoBTItTd3sHFzXcljz36_X4voDS3svT4HPFXV9gmxTAykw7c_uGdB/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ACE blogger crew.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM67Io-B5w9uRyQUQIfA7yxtqPdNxopMIDZsKtuW6VHeXz11TY-8B4QD0f6_9DBeWl6B4khvYPut-FkY3QTmOw0nJC8JLYhCH_GsQgwgLLZL3fsNwbKNXQ55OQmrwDyqz9Z-bqtY5DNFzq/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afro combs around the world.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBOXlHEvSjelMu0lMU7Uc897PkfcCCfUb6peLwdEFeEon9Q04uwr0SzoiXboSfUIZq2stJcqLjw2DpHK0Y9A9vMlSD1W5Xx3swtgUQ4w9AftOeaJRHpnCJoj81CKOlz-riI-Ir7ht76A-/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved the story behind these Afro combs. They were my favourite.<br />
Jamaica's Accompong Maroons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCR9bV_FJ5sY_6T8AiJn1p_ky-2u8gU6_5wK-NTZxPtEy36fN6dXKm7FPgapKmiPGs9w5QgK_ocGrCvn3WilDhnKfvYsIBHgruoYl05iDgttmk5Wzcmx2FILpJ1Glf3aWb6A_6gLz_Iiz/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African Caribbean history is so rich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtx9XIKeP0G1RSmF7CUi3YAIDYLf4Fr6rR_qFYWOb5bdj-rkz7IGWFjmCwpubv3F6aH0cHZSbXwOpAYfjW-JoYFORkqXJmoOaWQ1yYZai2g7zhFjk_Bbxk7yQaKJyR5ihtOxmIPrnZiwQj/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous ladies. Crystal Afro and Elle and Neecie from Natural hair Daily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTWDDgfenHzEgpGj7TLrOdYqR9AA0zoi6I69O8LVE53axSljmaPHV32sOyEvk6fmwrbxmiJh0RTxVTEhuFBYNbaBheguENNMritH_lS1X2Hk2J06bJSkxzyOvjGMEKO46pBokCz59Q3f7/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="262" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's me in Cambridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-5037116588119019332013-07-29T10:46:00.001+01:002013-07-30T18:27:20.765+01:00Baby boy's big chop<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-yo9By_9X7BmbIE-eOjDCt1VPY4az6hlwG8_KWz8pNnvjzqqk_XKaPKwvZN1vAUD1vYPYGYzY1-qSPvXxI48JV8cr20F9P17aztPytwP-23HanxFHo2AIyQL0TWSZbCbfo6w-p2I5R7d/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bubba's - so precious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
So whilst Mummy was away on Saturday, Daddy went and big chopped our little man's hair...<br /><br />We had briefly discussed this a few times, because like his two older sisters; he screams the place down as soon as you put your hand in his hair, it was all different lengths due to him losing a lot of it at the front a year ago due to the reemergence of cradle cap, plus he was often being mistaken for a girl, so I knew it was going to happen soon, especially with the current heat wave, so now was as good a time as any.<br /><br />I did expect to be there though, so when the pictures got sent to me out of the blue whilst I was at Old Spitalfields Market I didn't know whether to laugh, scream or cry. For a split second I didn't even recognise the little boy with the shorn hair looking back at me. It definitely was a shock.<br /><br />Daddy did a good job though, because man, Elijah can scream when his hair is getting brushed let alone barbered (don't know if that's a word lol). The shape up is woefully lacking, but when a two year old isn't co-operating this is as good as it going to get.</div>
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGrgM5ySDQ6zCBhuWeauwc2plP-Pk0dLVU5ZkCep-Cqud5KaPvvN0tZtW6hmSTPaEN3PUOPmzT_08uxKxPhrTTSF_agEC8jtV-_Skr1bBX8K7L2RB83vykTgBZ8Thj23j5cumGG9X9_ZM/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's a big boy now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
Mummy's baby is definitely not a baby anymore *sad face*.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-84125202693010051982013-07-29T10:07:00.000+01:002013-08-01T21:43:11.584+01:00Old Spitalfields Market<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_dtezHWOc2qmpUzXTwaV4rRWqMy9aA483lixI5CeaDMLWfL3SqMhiJyNDy7k7kddN-qL19u1pAnWBvpjuFa5kkgKdSFNJ4H9lzutfj_0L1Eqfvj-8rjnzY4Ixm-bRCdSLquqal3xf1rO/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for business...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
On Saturday my online store <a href="http://www.naturallynourishing.co.uk/default.asp" target="_blank">Naturally Nourishing</a> had a stall at Old Spitalfields Market as part of The African Market, hosted by cultural arts company Open The Gate. <br />
<br />
My lovely sister Charlene accompanied me for the day and<br />
I was truly excited about the prospect of selling gorgeous natural goodies there. Spitalfields is such a well known gem of a market and the location is fantastic. It didn't disappoint.<br />
<br />
I loved the vibe and the amazing selection of artsy, quirky and eclectic stall holders, not to mention ALL THE FOOD....we ate like queens ALL DAY..(not quite sure that was a good thing lol).</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
The market was great because not only was I able to connect with and have meaningful conversations with my customer base, but the other stall holders were so lovely and I made some great contacts, who I will most certainly be keeping in touch with. The sense of community after only a few short hours of knowing one another was really special.</div>
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkmaqJBpPtpdmOSBPh0EPYtUSpNbgENvwRPEXBb1zvxEhsG7Bojq4jnpu0U_V9_D9lceZzZrSkrrWWgbPPuwgov4xOmEI3Z0zOqqtUTv9edgTrEv7T-pBglkwDHrZiKHx1NF7LE6hRO6k/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of our lovely customers. Such stylish sisters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
So will I be doing Spitalfields again? Yes I believe so, business was a little slow, but this was only my first time and the second time the African Market had been there, so it's definitely a case of building a presence and getting established. The African Market will take place at Old Spitalfields on the fourth Saturday of every month, so do come on down. I'm excited about the future, watch this space!! </div>
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUuvcQ88UuOpWHL-t-aGJerq1ljz9w1h-qYo7tKqLYeYXGvkIqBW864J2QLelte7egigm34k-e1SD56-FTtGbNtXEGeoIHaGlm2S-B2ygq4-ocjtOpd5N9ggBrhusvXWCnER_LI28-Qeh/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The African Market at Old Spitalfields - <br />
every fourth Saturday of the month</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-43185358597978828652013-07-24T17:43:00.000+01:002013-07-24T17:47:10.291+01:00School's out<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgD6nHzeBnlw2Ge7O_e5xzsu0xIODU0g-xo2HAUW3N689vO5RT_MdUVfggu0U32FI3LK7xyolkOmg9Wft2o2yLeaAZGDkY_ApmrzpvhoN2VbuENzE1Phl_ZjZP9WSZhbiBY_kU3iGn5y5/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My youngest daughter at her end of year nursery concert.<br />
She's the little one in the red sun hat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
I can't believe it, my daughters have completed a school year! Praise God! You can read all about their first days<span style="color: #93c47d;"> <a href="http://www.accidentalmogul.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/first-day.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></a> </span>and <a href="http://www.accidentalmogul.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/pre-school-girl.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></a>.<br />
<br />
It is such a cliche but time has truly, TRULY flown. My children are growing so very quickly and in September 2014 (only 12 months you know) my little boy will be starting pre-school *breaks out in cold sweat*. All of these events which seemed to be a lifetime away are coming to pass.....and it's crazy, inevitable obviously but still CRAZY all the same.<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to taking it easy, and not having to worry about early morning starts....my kids for some strange reason struggle to get up, despite going to bed at a decent hour (I know many Mum's would give their right arms for this 'problem' lol). I'm hoping this habit remains in the 6 weeks. <br />
<br />
I'm also looking forward to lazy days and weekends at the coast, the beach, park, visits with family and friends, just spending time with my precious bundles and relishing their company. I know it all sounds a bit rose tinted, but I really want to embrace every moment, because once the moment has gone you don't get it back. Plus I only have a few more years of them actually wanting to be with me all of the time, so I'm going to bask in their dependence on me whilst I can.</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCBK2oeHnJ1zSLgVqeHiQhNOQKiok1xmRBqyPqaQP0wDwN7PBf4QL4sJnmpE-4GAJtJ6BgF86FkZSnJLHPn-HAf-wr9JE_lx9b3LeKAfBMqR2B2o6IRzx4iiSoVHGziZygo_-1jgzupCW/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girls and my nephew taking a rest at Hainult country park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4GZpYaOOvU6uX0YvXQhzHKfFmyDrFnY56A6mKEzepSWQ3foGN4aJiRuBQE3jTX6JjlXd8ozXcmd7sQzxpRchiEyFNJyFkE75TIJfQRkGYWnpFkH2bOR78t5eztqlleE4l57PIeQm9LPR/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little man - not so little anymore...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsn47TdXYxvFWryTTAcvkL-YpppTAU6FrGcgXQssWq19HJEY4xFFQn7jZtIwcJnAslLUW3TyKBX570hX1x3OOKpucvKJwygV4OdWoyZ2sW0279NcYxXggTmdZ10S3_kPYtuNZPxZjcLDFU/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of family time in store. <br />
Shame little man wouldn't co-operate for this pic - ahh well lol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-9480521732314982822013-07-11T17:21:00.000+01:002013-07-15T10:24:21.464+01:00School sports day<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoL-iPikzTfHYN-P3ccmMH-VDedZWdrxYhrGEK9DKU-qkohol49kIXHnqP5VuIGjWptefPN_R177fAWOh_j11cQ8J8SAaVCWWuEqwxXlrtYJKp-6e_K9PGBGXFp1wbkD1JXSQLkVOiAnhd/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bean bag race...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
My eldest daughter had her school sports day on Tuesday. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was the little girl going to school and having sports days and school trips. So mind blowing to think this is the first of many school sports days I'll now be attending as a Mum ....<br /><br />Anyway....nostalgia aside, the weather was glorious and as the event was held at the local park it was the perfect setting for my youngest two children to play with their friends whilst I caught up with the other Mum's. The afternoon was pleasant and full of lighthearted fun as we watched our kids partake in old classics such as the egg and spoon race, sack race and the bean bag on the head race....memories.<br /><br />At the end of the childrens races, the parents had a chance to compete in an 80m race. First Dad's then Mum's. I didn't really want to race and would have been happy to take a back seat. Alex was doing stretches and psyching himself up as soon as he got a sniff of the fact that the parents would be racing LOL.....He is sooo competitive. Needless to say he won his race with ease. Then came my turn, about 15 mums huddled together at the starting line. I had to run barefoot as I only had my flip flops and they are most DEFINITELY NOT suitable for any type of running, let alone an 80m sprint. Anyway the deputy head started the race with the usual on your marks, get set.....and I was transported back to my school days when I used to run for my school at district level.......as soon as the deputy head boomed GO!! off I darted. Alex said I left everyone way behind, funny thing is, I didn't even feel like I was trying, I guess some traits/abilities never really leave you. LOL.....<br /><br />Everyone commented on our childrens 'speedy parents', and this morning one of the teachers mentioned she'll be training for next years sports day, as the competition seemed pretty stiff..... You've got to laugh....</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9sJjC8gjI0E4XwrO0c1fuNfnO-iU-MmfvjNvUfqqPxQiuwBsPafqEBYz5RYWbM1NLfx0AertVQs-g-7AGAqTVL42IcfrTcdPxlBxLtjkX2YI8M_wzPZhSTFpDcfEBEx6qlMjoTGRX1ir/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sack race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KfW-ACclBroQgaiX4oHM-NWiZWzHeI8vnF0gT1gbtqMUJ_xgxBxxswN1YTLp7chIpUGgm33COEXzKdm99r494OHFEE-zgy0MTRadRoTU200KeOrC2kBGw_qZ_Oa0ByFOtZSPrGMXSgGz/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little sis clowning around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpMb_Xl-XPfVP1l-KV4kgNcN8wZv3VxFxOYnc4UXry6YTsTYcgMuoaU9uy8hlKBJIPTE0RLkpTAnSnFL6v9ExnSsvR-kW_wyLqi7WWXVkhuiReIoIQQo83S2C44VoQAh_VpMiMJyDtG74/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy is a true sportsman!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-70913527957427117742013-07-10T18:13:00.001+01:002013-07-10T18:16:57.821+01:00A lovely afternoon...<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcWTFKZVWtdTqweEKUQ_-i4hqAI9E7P1qCfPhUptuC5LwO1BsYps3A8MR8vsPsH-C6-qzMdZ06YV3I4Og34-ELvB8f2P2Xr9IVqePPKdP6rUelt9lTuYLABKfgbGWIr4ELAHFGFnGpnzG/" /></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
I started writing this post on Sunday, with every intention of posting it ON Sunday, but life is hectic, so here it is on Wednesday................enjoy!</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
Today was one of those lovely kind of days where everything was just, well lovely.<br />
<br />
The sun was beaming, the world was bright and shiny and everything was good. Praise God!<br />
<br />
I attended an event in Islington with my sister and it was really enjoyable. Titled 'Calm down it will grow naturally' it was an event aimed at celebrating natural hair. Being a Christian, I loved the fact that the organisers Ranette and Cresha and the event host Annell Smith did not shy away from their faith and they boldly proclaimed their love of God by sharing scriptures and giving a prayer of thanksgiving before we ate. <br />
<br />
There were a selection of speakers who shared information on everything from the science of hair courtesy of Michelle Grande from Afrotherapy to a mini demonstration on how to style your own hair from the lovely and super talented natural hair stylist Tieska McDowell; that was A LOT of fun and I've started practicing an inverted French plait from the nape of my neck upwards thanks to her. High five Tieska. <br />
<br />
As I've been natural for two and a half years, some of the information I was already quite familiar with. However I loved the intimate setting of the meet; a Greek/Lebanese type restaurant, where we ate and drank whilst listening to the speakers. The lovely Erica, co-founder of Love Harlem spoke about caring for natural hair and gave five alliterative principles. Her product range is gorgeous, and I managed to nab a sample of the Love Harlem Avocado Butter, courtesy of my sister who won a goodie bag and was generous enough to let me have the butter. Thanks sis.<br />
<br />
Another speaker was Gillian who talked about her journey to sisterlocs. This was very interesting as I don't know much about locs, but learnt that in order for your locs to be called sisterlocs they must be installed by a qualified sisterloc technician or trainee, who has to be certified by the home office. Think I remembered that correctly. If not please forgive me. All sounded pretty hardcore and serious to me. Also, contrary to popular belief you can return to natural loose hair, if you no longer want your sisterlocs. Gillian knows a few people who have done just that. Only snag is it took THREE AND A HALF MONTHS to take them all out....Wowzers!!! <br />
<br />
Last up was Nwadi, who spoke on the politics of natural hair. Really thought provoking and got me thinking about a few things. It was also nice to meet her, as we follow each other on twitter. She is a bubbly, beautiful person.<br />
<br />
After the speakers there was an opportunity to network and I made some great connections....AND bought a gorgeous canvas bag courtesy of The River Hut Company. Looking forward to what lies ahead......a great Sunday!</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_text_section" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIA1XaHkfwH_D7efAW2GWwwXDjUQ710F6wZnkOrtMHTkGY2b_tIr99eUTFpUchNh_CXFRV801QQ-oldP1cMKh0icisG8k-JVRhJSBKfal_yA6K6jvu1r2nnQhppjN8tGsroaW7zilm5Tg/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Tieska demonstrating her awesome talent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB7GFElCtVjLlt6ymPXkr6bcaiQo4x4D80pFPnU5yWrSJRbcNFelM3GYsKSUb7Yh8n2l_lr0emy-nJvQd6KPBF3dLTRlDtEx0P2cFpAoeMMiF3gImLHdZX6DPbQMeKeHEdbtYqpxCjMeA/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Love Harlem goodies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyezIQYI3caf4-8Cup0xsLIY51cjXHKjEj0764pRWytAtaUn-WiKd4zwKS4pJ4qOY2LvEV2n2RVuYe6DpaxNfyEoDVhNxCUqE3-OkIsIYyw-MJ1nVWFYcL8xDaxWwq8pd-ZoktTtLsqVfN/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8x81sSeQtlNryaK8_kTnDm056HMDtpxWqddFdP8p46-xOYIfPzz43MEmNATmwryUfukVRPejERBLIK-gCmRJMxtYLfJ_Vscf2ggJP3JNIlqqX61nxzecWxoMXQFW8WUbhaNdT7zW_GWi/s1600/photo+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8x81sSeQtlNryaK8_kTnDm056HMDtpxWqddFdP8p46-xOYIfPzz43MEmNATmwryUfukVRPejERBLIK-gCmRJMxtYLfJ_Vscf2ggJP3JNIlqqX61nxzecWxoMXQFW8WUbhaNdT7zW_GWi/s320/photo+(16).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My River Hut Company canvas bag. I LOVE it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="bloggerplus_image_section">
</div>
<div align="left" class="bloggerplus_image_section" style="clear: both;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOwMpfoNf0a4ZxEAaMYhs3yFSjTXt93_69tLPF_y7_HBjjK0MtLSy1GOeXGNt17jXQ5m1dExrru5aNWjjL4dKZevYgrzgXFTIq2FHZdkQUlsQsaYmNo_7LqO8IXeugVkQ28m6SbcO4TRV/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful sister with beautiful Gillian who talked about her Sister locs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-91869742621976020772013-06-25T03:10:00.001+01:002013-06-25T03:10:57.152+01:00Making time <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Hello lovely readers, I'm writing this post at four minutes to three in the morning. It seems the dead of night is the only time I get to think straight and get my thoughts down in a coherent manner.<br><br>I don't know exactly what it is lately, but my mind feels a bit all over the place, you know, trying to do a million things at once and then feeling like you're not doing any one thing particularly well.<br><br>I'm sad that my blogging seems to have slowed down as much as it has. There has been so much going on and I have lots to share with you all, (the picture shows me and my store <a href='www.naturallynourishing.co.uk' target='_blank'>Naturally Nourishing</a> at the Hilly Fields Fayre last Saturday) but time seems to get the better of me. I need to refocus and get better organised. Or maybe this is just a season I'm passing through, where I need to sit back and take stock of everything that's going on.....<br><br>Either way I will not fret or worry The good Lord has it all worked out. He is in control. Hopefully I'll be back on the blogging treadmill very soon too.<br></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsuZTnaAlfuWGjGnBKZ98alobopTEmNRY1Fch28dzZ9pJ1as1Mc1SU_WBAiNwco7oMBkK5zdn9CqvOzlbCM8nL47-VNCct37JWoMRfp1s6D1PjZw-DH0aDyVKZR8maHKxR1tsYL0c22nz/'></div></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-37575559970403905852013-06-05T14:16:00.004+01:002013-06-05T16:00:22.197+01:00The perils of over-moisturising your hairI never realised my hair could be OVER moisturised...but yes, that's what I've been doing it seems. I'm the kind of girl who doesn't like her hair to feel or look 'dry', so I overcompensate by adding a little too much of everything.<br />
<br />
Often we forget that our scalps naturally produce oils to keep our roots healthy, hence why when applying products, a little really does go a long way and we should concentrate on the mid and end section of hair as this has been around the longest and requires the most care.<br />
<br />
Recently I was left horrified after I got my scalp analysed by the Curls unleashed team at Curlvolution. They used a probe, similar to one that would be used to check your ears, (if my memory serves me correctly). Once the probe had been safely nested in my hair an image of my scalp popped up on the monitor in front of me. I was astonished to see my scalp gleaming before me looking VERY greasy and oil logged LOL......right around my follicles there were puddles of oil. IT DID NOT look good, and I was quite embarrassed. To be honest the night before I'd probably been super heavy handed, spritzing each section of hair with water before adding hair butter and castor oil then twisting. I loved the twist out the next day, but to be honest it did feel a little bit greasy.<br />
<br />
The lady carrying out the analysis said despite the oil slick my scalp looked healthy, and there was no evidence of dead skin. I asked what the negatives were of having an overly oily scalp and she said that when the follicles are pooled with oil as mine were it blocks the area, which in turn does not allow your hair to breath or grow and can cause infections. To counteract we must use clarifying shampoos to thoroughly cleanse and wash the scalp and hair of dirt, grease and impurities, and only apply oils and butters to the ends and mid sections of the hair as these are the oldest and driest points. Our follicles create their own special oils which take care of the root, hence why we do not have to apply products directly to our scalp very often.<br />
<br />
Needless to say I have heeded this advice and I have been careful to only apply product to the end and mid section of my hair and I must say I am thoroughly pleased with the results. My hair has felt and looked a lot better since.....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PPiU_ftRg-X6uUjJNQo8HUmhcZZHngazo98Bx9bsyZJSE0FhdLrwmjyato8GryRGQrWXa1fm-WE9jnLrVhAlnpiq6KacOPx3WjDxwOCktbMeSMnoFX_T_6FoewkAc4JJYeB5Bhj11R6F/s1600/photo+(57).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PPiU_ftRg-X6uUjJNQo8HUmhcZZHngazo98Bx9bsyZJSE0FhdLrwmjyato8GryRGQrWXa1fm-WE9jnLrVhAlnpiq6KacOPx3WjDxwOCktbMeSMnoFX_T_6FoewkAc4JJYeB5Bhj11R6F/s320/photo+(57).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still loving my easy, breezy Mum bun - Lol. Learning to keep<br />
my ends and mid sections nourished.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFSYX8oYdP-ht0h-59aoua9mDYavJck82ebFGo2XRd2_i_C6AosBwBSpmvklvtRCZAFzOlfCbpSAh-VaUPW5mji8bO1xmlxv22xqMCAgtpfKf-MiVq2gthrkquJAg7bjF10ujC6Rn4j1B/s1600/photo+(56).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFSYX8oYdP-ht0h-59aoua9mDYavJck82ebFGo2XRd2_i_C6AosBwBSpmvklvtRCZAFzOlfCbpSAh-VaUPW5mji8bO1xmlxv22xqMCAgtpfKf-MiVq2gthrkquJAg7bjF10ujC6Rn4j1B/s320/photo+(56).JPG" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HAIR CRUSH!! - This is my goal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Don't forget to visit my online store <a href="http://www.naturallynourishing.co.uk/"><span style="color: #93c47d;">www.NaturallyNourishing.co.uk</span></a> to get your hands on gorgeous natural, hair, skin and body products that my family, friends and I have grown to personally know and LOVE. I'm so excited to announce they'll be new lines added soon so watch this space. You can also keep up to date by following on <a href="https://twitter.com/NaturallyNou" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Twitter</span></a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Instagram</span></a> (@NaturallyNou) and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naturally-Nourishing/370152843102311" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Facebook</span></a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-90032059502893266092013-05-27T09:56:00.001+01:002013-05-28T20:21:10.865+01:00Curlvolution 2013 baby! <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtq4GDJJzBjqTNNMKkbkE94vpKlYoomddkD_k7SfkywQHCL5cdnJshpUXPPMmvWcJ14wegnyoJAdhkzw4cVRIjeAgGd5DKRA9Rwe1OcKJ7d9pjCZz2JDct3wpiTYTjIT_rRYYY_NC7038/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Well where do I begin? Curlvolution happened on Saturday and let me tell you it was a blast!! <br><br>Last year I was an attendee in the audience, this year I exhibited as a vendor...my, my, my God is so INCREDIBLY good!! From the venue, to the location, to the content of the show, to the mix of people....Curlvolution has it going on and then some. It's unlike any event of its kind in my humble opinion. The vibe is one of inspiration, encouragement and love. Seriously, to see black women and men come together as one and celebrate who we are, what we are doing and what we are about to do is awe inspiring and I thank God that the black community is coming together in such a positive and progressive way.<br><br>As I was a vendor with my store <a href='http://www.naturallynourishing.co.uk/' target='_blank'>NaturallyNourishing.co.uk</a> this year I didn't get the opportunity to watch the show in its entirety, like I did last year, but I could hear a lot of what was going down. Action Jackson was again hosting with his unique mix of straight talking motivation, encouragement and laugh a minute jokes. The man is truly one of a kind and he does a great job at hosting the event and getting everyone fired up. <br><br>There was an interview with the actor Jimmy Akingbola aka Dr Antoine Malick from Holby City and American blogger Afrobella, for more details about the show you'll have to pop over to other blogs because I'm sure to miss out the juicy bits. It was so good to catch up with all the fabulous bloggers out there; the gorgeous Nicola of <a href='http://www.bellenoirbride.com/' target='_blank'>BelleNoirBride</a> and her beautiful bump, Leilu from online hair and beauty product store and blog <a href='http://store.afrodeity.co.uk/blogs/afrodeityblog' target='_blank'>Afro Deity</a>, Michelle from <a href='http://cherishedcrowns.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1' target='_blank'>Cherished Crowns blog</a>, Neffy Fro Fro aka Laila-Jean of <a href='http://m.youtube.com/#/user/FusionofCultures?&desktop_uri=%2Fuser%2FFusionofCultures' target='_blank'>Fusion of Cultures</a> vlog, Crystal Afro aka <a href='http://unitedkinkdom.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1' target='_blank'>United Kinkdom blog</a>, Stacey of <a href='http://m.youtube.com/#/user/TheNaprika?&desktop_uri=%2Fuser%2FTheNaprika' target='_blank'>The Naprika</a> vlog, Ketishia from <a href='http://sugarkinesis.com/' target='_blank'>Sugar Kinesis</a>, and Elle and Neecie from the mighty <a href='http://m.facebook.com/NaturalHairDaily?id=295359940533572&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fnaturalhairdaily.com%2F&_rdr' target='_blank'>Natural Hair Daily</a>, every single one of them completely gorgeous and lovely (I'm quite clearly in gush mode, but it's all truth).<br><br>A special shout out goes to Curlvolution extraordinaire Bukky and her husband Tola...you guys tore it up!!! Thanks too to my little sis Charlie B who swopped her days so she could get time off of work to help me out, thanks sis and thank God for little sisters, without whom I'd be totally and utterly lost.<br><br>As a vendor the experience was equally as inspiring as it was when I was an attendee last year. All the other vendors were absolutely lovely too; <a href='https://m.facebook.com/Superfunkyme?id=551228084890273&_rdr' target='_blank'>superfunkyme</a> selling customised jewellery, my girls <a href='http://www.manedivas.co.uk/' target='_blank'>Mane Diva's</a> with their own line of hair products, as well as weaves and tropic isle lines, lovely <a href='http://www.etsy.com/shop/Imanmade' target='_blank'>Imanmade</a> and her wonderful homemade skin sensitive body butters, <a href='http://www.root2tip.com/' target='_blank'>root2tip</a> and <a href='http://www.iloveafro.co.uk/' target='_blank'>iloveafro</a> with their amazing natural hair product ranges, <a href='http://akuawood.co.uk/' target='_blank'>Sheabutter Cottage</a>, <a href='http://www.beuniquehaircare.co.uk/' target='_blank'>Beunique Hair Care</a>, <a href='http://www.facebook.com/ayamourhairstyling' target='_blank'>Ayamour</a>, it was so great to see so many budding and established black businesses pulling together and supporting one another through networking, planned future collaborations, awesome conversations, so inspiring. I was there selling the products I love by Anita Grant and Fountain oils, they were so well received and I did really well. I also got an opportunity to get up and speak and plug my new venture; www.NaturallyNourishing.co.uk I can't quite believe that the seed that was sewn a few years ago is finally coming to fruition. In a few short weeks things have just come together so smoothly and my table looked so professional I felt shocked and proud that the good Lord has enabled little old me to step out and do what for many years I couldn't see how I would be able to do. I'm telling you guys, through Jesus Christ anything is possible. Praise be to God and God willing Curlvolution 2014 here we come !!</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-jrlJ2rgJihgCa3w9JvzG5eTOTGkvDn3xn19zTEuKWythMSu6S47QBkQAnuG3RMA35EVIhE0M_m6O8f0rvXWyAPC3o5_fYao7bdtZBjAuCBAAGcIuVPPP0arurOEFVnCTOSfEKPS9zxR/'></div></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-711221542020320022013-05-14T15:57:00.000+01:002013-05-14T16:11:36.902+01:00My birthday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI7JOIf7oxJ13G4bwHAi1bczBD-nQ4CU2w-4dScSB7z8XIhLPrjsOdJjW3Fymy4rdgcUQMwTJr4QRmuoso9Yi1b87TefaR7nojJ7WUSQizqQNCkGM29M02zc7gm8bieC4klhcFzATmxsN/s1600/BurgerOrLobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI7JOIf7oxJ13G4bwHAi1bczBD-nQ4CU2w-4dScSB7z8XIhLPrjsOdJjW3Fymy4rdgcUQMwTJr4QRmuoso9Yi1b87TefaR7nojJ7WUSQizqQNCkGM29M02zc7gm8bieC4klhcFzATmxsN/s320/BurgerOrLobster.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My birthday meal was SENSATIONAL. I want to eat it again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It was my birthday yesterday and I had the BEST time. Despite some issues I am going through, the good Lord blessed me with a birthday I will remember for quite a long time, it was FABULOUS.<br />
<br />
It started off with lovely cards from my mum and nephew which brought tears to my eyes, then both my little sisters had the day off, so they came over with lunch and flowers - I felt so pampered.<br />
<br />
I launched my online store<a href="http://www.naturallynourishing.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;"> www.NaturallyNourishing.co.uk</span></a> on my birthday too, which felt like such an achievement, plus I made my first 'official' sale; granted it was to my sister, but hey, a sale is a sale right?<br />
<br />
In the evening we had dinner at the fabulous 'Burger or Lobster' in Soho. My sister did all the organising as she had been there previously with work friends and oh my it was bliss. My cousin and one of my good friends were also in attendance which was a wonderful surprise, the day just seemed to keep on giving, I was in my element. So back to the food and the menu was really simple, yet so astonishingly delicious. There were three options; burger, chips and salad or lobster, chips and salad or lobster roll, chips and salad. Super simple.<br />
<br />
After dinner we pootled onto Haagen daz for more delicious treats and laughs aplenty - Such an extraordinary day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEini3c_12RD5smf8nAjdJ-el1luPxC8aVQzzYC_KdoRgVdzPkYoRPlYJBY_OWfMkSqVbIdW369q8n1r_vc9yPVprV8kXY1zFqdWVLNsUFn_djfxwAFp4pt-3iNHZs7wpC6WoWgVF44P1Qas/s1600/birthday+dessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEini3c_12RD5smf8nAjdJ-el1luPxC8aVQzzYC_KdoRgVdzPkYoRPlYJBY_OWfMkSqVbIdW369q8n1r_vc9yPVprV8kXY1zFqdWVLNsUFn_djfxwAFp4pt-3iNHZs7wpC6WoWgVF44P1Qas/s320/birthday+dessert.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulp...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
On a separate note I'll be attending this years<span style="color: #93c47d;"> <span style="color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://www.curlvolution.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Curlvolution</span></a> </span></span>'Curlfriend's day out' event. It takes place on Saturday 25 May at the Crowne Plaza Docklands and it is certain to be awesome. Last years event was a blast, so I'm expecting bigger and better this year and if the line up is anything to go by, I know there will be no disappointments. It's hard to believe that last year I went as an attendee and this year I'll be there as a vendor. I'm telling you God is so good, and SO ABLE!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhohYHNorh12C4DHs1d20OIFsLO6BVgXjj27YIPr_OyqdIQlITo9Yhzy5efDtMiVMhyphenhyphenRXe-nLOcXt5PmgN6O6IQO0zHKx0phk6VJUuo1KYxc_CdwdL_yPaR0sutbvRmFGKG4_ugM4pH8E/s1600/Curlvolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhohYHNorh12C4DHs1d20OIFsLO6BVgXjj27YIPr_OyqdIQlITo9Yhzy5efDtMiVMhyphenhyphenRXe-nLOcXt5PmgN6O6IQO0zHKx0phk6VJUuo1KYxc_CdwdL_yPaR0sutbvRmFGKG4_ugM4pH8E/s320/Curlvolution.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you haven't already got your tickets then what are you waiting for? This is an event not to be missed. They'll be giveaways aplenty. Plus the lovely <a href="http://www.afrodeity.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">AfroDeity</span></a> are providing some excellent Castor oil and Pimento oil samples courtesy of Fountain oils, so I'll have some goodie bags and giveaways up my sleeve.<br />
<br />
See you there.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-63134758450192600282013-05-02T10:17:00.000+01:002013-05-02T10:18:03.197+01:00Four! <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbfKixFuT_jd8Qk5sYZIrEz-GEMfJmvlSXm46fo-79kbDrY90_WXMseKPe-qO-ioxh5JFW9NAUWYJMXl4DbxGN9OHuG5R0sat9eGEcfw3dah-aGinvKj6GWCIjWmXKD2A-fdNrT8Rkf8v/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>This cheeky little girl is four today. Oh my how the years have flown. She was the biggest of my three precious children and she made me work for her arrival into the world.<br><br>I am so blessed to have my precious little Amber. Such a loving, tender and kind child with a healthy dose of cheeky defiance for good measure.<br><br>I thank God for her life and pray that she will always be as happy, healthy and carefree as she is now.<br><br>Happy Birthday gorgeous girl. Mummy and Daddy love you to infinity and beyond xxxx</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-26894028034919548942013-04-19T15:52:00.000+01:002013-04-19T15:52:02.875+01:00Stepping out in faith....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBYThaGMcvwU4Xpw1W_10MnMK8QTPNIJ8HifHL-HMIKx_6S8a2_kYBMluU89YWreIzfIcQnIsTGxI0rOKTSrtU_UxyI_ma_2PJuqpRf2fzF9LrNS9a2FE1ePVi4UvfsmHNXsj3XFvKypr/s1600/naturallynourishinglogowebready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBYThaGMcvwU4Xpw1W_10MnMK8QTPNIJ8HifHL-HMIKx_6S8a2_kYBMluU89YWreIzfIcQnIsTGxI0rOKTSrtU_UxyI_ma_2PJuqpRf2fzF9LrNS9a2FE1ePVi4UvfsmHNXsj3XFvKypr/s320/naturallynourishinglogowebready.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Thank you to the wonderful Amy at<span style="color: #93c47d;"> <a href="http://dottypink.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dotty pink Designs</a></span><br />for designing my fabulous logo.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
So for a while I've been contemplating whether I could actually do what I'm about to do.....we can spend so much time pondering and analysing whether we are capable enough, whether we have enough of this, or too little of that. Well ENOUGH. The good Lord has provided us with everything we need and with Him in control, I've decided to step out and take the plunge....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.naturallynourishing.co.uk/"><span style="color: #93c47d;">www.NaturallyNourishing.co.uk</span></a><br />
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NaturallyNou" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">@NaturallyNou</span></a><br />
<br />
I'll be exhibiting at The Nubian Spring Event on Saturday 27th April in Hackney, East London, selling gorgeous Anita Grant goodies. Come and say 'Hi'. Details are <a href="http://www.naturallynourishing.co.uk/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1838" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></a>.<br />
<br />
See you in 8 days!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-16592834425442875372013-04-07T08:32:00.000+01:002013-04-07T08:33:04.128+01:00Beautiful Bournemouth <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh61OR4Ujalq3DGoKJGQiaPvN8auelggfweuz8_L8unGqGMNip-zMEfoAfnCX9RkJAau0FAEHYOV2hUpisH-bm2nGNlrx1o3wGcI4xznDNVdQs_mDvvm26U5egXE4lpYj3FyhEdIO-fGV3/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>We ventured down to the South Coast last Tuesday. For ages Alex had spoken about wanting to take the kids to Peppa Pig world and since he had a few days off of work we seized the opportunity.<br><br>We reached Hampshire about 3.30pm ish, too late to make the most of the theme park, so the Mr made the fantastic decision to pop down to Bournemouth. I was not convinced at first, it's been cold and dreary, so why go to the seaside? Well I was left eating my words.<br><br>Tuesday was an exceptionally sunny day and the 30 minute drive from our hotel in Hampshire to Bournemouth passed quickly. When we got there to my surprise it wasn't ridiculously cold, but sunny and bright. The sound of the sea, coupled with the beautiful sandy beach and clear blue skies completed lifted my spirits, it took me completely by surprise and was so unexpected. I don't think I realised how much the insanely cold, dank weather had been affecting me.<br><br>So we meandered along the seafront, the girls went on a trampoline which they loved whilst I helped the little man walk along a wall. Then we had a Harry Ramsden fish and chip supper on the beach whilst the kids dipped their toes in the icy water and played in the cold sand. They had a complete blast.<br><br>After, we walked along the beautiful Bournemouth pier and took in the breathtaking views of the horizon. My phone battery died some moments prior so I was unable to capture the moment, but it will forever stay in my heart.<br><br>Our impromptu trip to Bournemouth made me realise exactly how tough the past few months have been. Just being able to enjoy the simply beauty of nature and bask in God's creation blessed me in abundance. The Lord always shows me His unending love, grace and mercy when I need it most. Thank you Father.<br><br>On a separate note the weather went Baltic the next day, so Peppa Pig world, although excellent was freezing. We will most certainly go again in the summer (watch out for the post), where hopefully we will be able to experience it's fun fabulousness in the warmth and brightness of the summer sun.</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWYCHBLKBa157rjuWyfLyZGodJinPrJKx6htv1VuMjboctICRzaM-DFuiShu36jiEEfvZXlYUAwEXPDSs2LHEjhbUPyVfU-4pKzCsndMFT3TyxVS9y0CdznD_EP-aCalpEsPfV-Yfjx4k/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid04ZbL52XAiSDrPIz_UeW-oaoky2p-VKmY2kTJGaw2NaxwHhqidgY3gP9og7WssGlRkbekRK0aWYkvdlbyclXxgdYPeNrtdGZEiTYxXv1nYz9HLH1EXFEwCKcJHNwseX3frt2Uj-Tu0MH/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoHh37ERI7FF35aKCDeUMOD18regvBAGi_XPCI-xVcJIb1_r4NLsjyNThGY8vaK-i1PqjfHDnmY5TjhtxYDYjgZ8JIj2HlIMuUy-abGb5-7hurXvhjj7X6J_S1mGAVbUoYkUo18JyGln9/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirU1p6KgyeYZs4pbHl3Pn-SeToQH_5ZS-QT9NJcwDGJG7KG_h_3d63MPeVV1UfUYQyQayBP-D8QYCFK_ETwxpSs20Vrs5AiUMSHTuYO3gh_WN9AFqkromTFpSOEGq5V94awxPQyohAU4Xn/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu6ld77TqTcGzrQYyKxo7H-8-Iv2Rpi6gj6euVPMLcH7EwWBAT7GUkRACpCknwuMGwAt88XawjzPBtHRiJVRDg0pdGAD3ndYDjtY2ty0bh58k0P-yX8wT8qT-8dYdlyO9LdWpDqTE1SNH/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYS1zTHMzzI-c0TFmOj9yz99FV2C9463vPBKQ85qo4z__elE4GaE7B-QQqJYK4kv-NMCQN1DWKadwtWOplhB95__dbry7jAnG1ru2xfFJPjxlwCY2IBLBs0Qc4tH0FxHXsBlk8YiqQr4w/'></div></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-49771798986191714182013-03-25T20:56:00.000+00:002013-03-25T21:09:55.872+00:00Growing <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGT42W1DTCKWtlodEB4Vqk0r1faqYXXQfuvWIwSAuuVy4bMOXhp5LYI3kRYmZsIGBP4N0LzQ2Ye9VQJ3ieolhdXr9pn8bi7_t6V1uIhMP16ZQ_enS-ghlVSxCGt7-zXoly3IDsHD7fKsP/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>It's been a while. There is a ton of stuff going on in my life right now. I've been really busy but feel I don't have much to show for all the busyness LOL. All in good time. God knows best.<br><br>It's been a while since I talked about my wonderful children so I thought I'd dedicate this post to them. They are growing so quickly and they are such a joy and a blessing; my three little companions.<br><br>My girls are coming on leaps and bounds at school. They love it. My 5 year old has started reading and writing, it's the basics at the moment but it is so mesmerising to witness my child doing all these things. I thought we'd have to do much more than we have to get her to the point she is at, but she is flying way ahead with little help from us at all much to my embarrassment. Her teachers are really pleased with her and her Dad and I are so proud.<br><br>Our three and a half year old is following swiftly in her big sister's footsteps and she can write her name and most of the letters of the alphabet. Like her big sis she is an amazing artist (they definitely get this from their Dad) and they both love to sing and dance and giggle all day long.<br><br>My little man has come on leaps and bounds too. I can not believe he is two in two and a half months times. It is IN.SANE. He is talking so much and I can hold a pretty meaningful conversation with him. He helps me to hang out the washing and do the hoovering, such a lovely little helper. He adores singing and dancing and it is such a pleasure to watch him in full swing. To top it all off he started telling me he wanted to do a 'wee wee' at the weekend, so I promptly sat him on the toilet and he went. Twice. On two separate occasions. Who said potty training boys was hard? LOL.... I know there's still a way to go yet, but I'll keep following his lead.<br><br>Oh children they are such a precious gift from God. Yes it gets hard and yes there are sacrifices that have to be made but I wouldn't trade being a mum for anything. I love my children with all that I am. Thank you Lord for blessing me with these little lives. I am teaching them about You and they love You, I pray they will continue to grow to know and love You more, in the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.<br><br>Until next time lovely readers stay blessed. Xx</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeGoFtsTUv2pJNnXwtCmkIGJVRuZ776a07QrhJwLSoLlIsug3RZ6IRHbwKyGkWy8YZprMUsVEsxSQukxzC9cyJqke7OgmriUfnUlyGY2Hvbm2ZpjNur8g9z5Dc8eNoFJPGsGxfJVw2yjx/'></div></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-88318994698413715942013-03-21T13:51:00.001+00:002013-03-21T14:52:47.712+00:00Testimony Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtcRQr82w5gXsCWdiUTthqiAX77TYbkVG8P3kG0J2cFYW3VlQArbKIQNF6DPNxG2ES0DLNVbBzjuMm_qvWxesBCZdZmZkG-IcRKN7wR8v2htIO9ZOFSy2O26U5LQX2BW4j8AaJrt3ViiH/s1600/Anne-Marie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtcRQr82w5gXsCWdiUTthqiAX77TYbkVG8P3kG0J2cFYW3VlQArbKIQNF6DPNxG2ES0DLNVbBzjuMm_qvWxesBCZdZmZkG-IcRKN7wR8v2htIO9ZOFSy2O26U5LQX2BW4j8AaJrt3ViiH/s320/Anne-Marie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">It's TESTIMONY TIME. Today's testimony comes courtesy of the lovely Anne-Marie Clarke. Anne-Marie and I have been following eachother on Twitter for months and when I first started blogging I was going to feature her in an inspirational interview feature I was running at the time. For one reason or another the interview never materialised. However, fast forward several months and now she's on the blog to testify to God's amazing love, grace and mercy. I'm telling you when you make everything about Jesus, things that you never thought would/could happen or simply gave up on start coming into fruition. IT IS AWESOME!! Thank you Jesus!!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="color: #444444;">So without further ado here is Anne-Marie's powerful testimony taken straight from her </span><span style="color: #93c47d;"><a href="http://pinkylove129.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">blog</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">"Well It's been a while,I don't know why I've been procrastinating</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2;">, but I'm finally here! So the Holy Spirit showed up and stirred up the hearts of the young people in our regional praise and worship service last </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Sunday</span><span style="line-height: 1.2;"> night. WOW WOW WOW! How Great is our God? It was truly a blessing. I was filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time, and I felt strongholds being lifted off. WoW! I was truly in awe of God's presence, and since last </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">Sunday</span><span style="line-height: 1.2;"> I have been in the spirit of worship. I can't </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="line-height: 1.2;">find words to </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">describe</span><span style="line-height: 1.2;"> how much I love God. On </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">Tuesday</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2;"> night, I was talking to my amazing sister in Christ Kelsey and we were talking about the amazing things God has done in our lives and where He has taken us from. I felt in my spirit God saying 'It's time to '</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px;">Align</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2;"> myself with His word' I was like; '...errmmm, what does that mean God?' It simply meant for me that I had to get to know God truly for myself and what HE thinks of me! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; text-decoration: inherit;">I was like 'woah'... that was truth right there. The enemy has a way of creeping in and feeding my mind with his lies, and for years I have believed him and carried on living my everyday life. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.2; text-decoration: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Since being sexual abused by my cousin at the age of eight years old the devil automatically allowed me to believe that it was my fault, that I was in the wrong somehow, and not knowing any better I believed him! My innocence was taken. I felt awful. I grew up thinking something was wrong with me, that no one would ever love me! I didn't know what love felt like from a male figure. My Dad left when I was seven years old and he was the only male role model in my life. So I walked around with this secret for years. Even at the age of nine, when I went to a child doctor for weeks of counselling to find out why I was different, disturbed and with drawn I still couldn't open up! I didn't speak up until I was 21 and I told a counsellor. But by then years and years and years of guilt, hurt and damage had built up! I believed there was no one out there who could help me! I felt useless, ashamed and betrayed. I remember being homeless and living on the streets. I would go to work with my bags and wash in the disabled toilets. An amazing family (the Beaumont family) took me in. I will never forget their grace and kindness, I will forever be grateful to them. After years of depression and self harm and 3 failed suicide attempts I am still here! Why?? Because GOD had a divine plan for my life!!! </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I did not see what God was doing in my life at the time, but He saw the best in me when the world could only see the worst. The pain had a purpose. He kept me even when I didn't want to be kept! He loved me when I was in my sin and shame. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">But what blows my mind is how he delivered me!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He delivered me from self harm. I was self harming two to three times a day. The fire, the iron, the blade, scissors. What ever I could get my hands on, where ever I was! I wanted to feel something, be something. But all I saw was blood, lots of it, It didn't heal my broken heart. But God!</span></span><br style="background-color: #fff1e4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suicide. I was in the hospital many times, I went to the mental hospital for many different appointments. I was on all kinds of anti-depressant medicines. But in my head all I wanted to be was dead. I never thought there was a way out, a light at the end of a tunnel. My aim was to end my life. But God! </span></span><br style="background-color: #fff1e4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Depression. It took over my life for many years. I was forever low, unhappy, unpopular. I felt like I had no purpose, no goal, no ambition. I felt I was merely living to exist. I was bullied, pushed down stairs, bitten and blamed. I had no confidence no self esteem, no self worth. I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror, I cursed my life and asked God to not wake me up in the morning. I have no use or purpose in this life. </span></span><br style="background-color: #fff1e4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br style="background-color: #fff1e4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">But God was there every step of the way. It's hard to believe that when I gave up on him, he NEVER gave up on me. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">When I began to seek God for myself and got to have a one to one relationship with Him I got to find him for myself. It was an awesome finding too. I began to see that I wasn't a disaster, I wasn't a mistake, I shouldn't have been aborted, I was here for a divine purpose and for a time like this. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I had to really cry before God, and search deep into my heart and ask God for healing and forgiveness. I think that was the hardest part. But when I focused on God and His word, I began to feel and treat myself differently. I began to see myself like God see's me. I Am who I Am because I am His! </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Once you align yourself with God and his word you are going in the right direction! </span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #fff1e4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">"From my heart to the heavens, Jesus be the center and its all about you"</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fff1e4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fff1e4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deuteronomy 28:13 <span class="text Deut-28-13" id="en-KJV-5625"><sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;"> '</sup>And the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.' </span></span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'</span></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalms 139:14<sup class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;"> '</sup>I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.' </span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fff1e4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such an Awesome testimony. Thank you so much for sharing Anne-Marie, I know God will reach out and minister to a lost soul through your testament to what God can and will do in the lives of those who really believe and trust in Him. Hallelujah Jesus!!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a testimony of how God has transformed your life then please do get in touch by emailing me at: theaccidentalmogul@hotmail.co.uk</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fff1e4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-27111441898475129322013-03-08T21:36:00.000+00:002013-03-08T21:43:36.472+00:00Friday reflection <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRR_mdoC5jbo64Zu2IubVjvIM0MqbpiidLlGdlWsvUonJppv5CKc5yGZr3ZRP111mN6ikK0KgnHaBucqhyphenhyphenKHwXp43f2O0T3-CEIDXHKT7raAWQMeVCSWf0mD8Fb6wxkYdfT65vXdb4N68/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>I went to my first ever pinky promise meeting last night and it was incredible. The pinky promise movement is a ministry that was set up by <a href='http://heatherllindsey.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1' target='_blank'>Heather Lindsey</a>, for women who want to honour God with their lives and their bodies. So we're talking about no sex before marriage, women knowing their worth in christ and all that good stuff.<br><br>Six ladies which included my sister and I met up in a coffee shop in central London and the Holy Spirit moved mightily in that place. We shared our testimonies and gave eachother godly words of encouragement. These ladies were spirit filled and on fire for Jesus. It felt so good to fellowship with ladies who have so much passion for Christ. The way He transforms lives will never cease to amaze me. It was AWESOME and powerful and I can't wait until the next meeting. I could go on for ages about how positive the whole experience was but I'll keep this post short and sweet. What I will say is that God really does move in mysterious ways, there is only ONE God, ONE Jesus and ONE Spirit and after yesterday's meeting that became so very clear to me. I received confirmation on a lot of things. Who but God could move in this way? Thank you Jesus.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-36654787467261339922013-03-06T20:43:00.000+00:002013-03-06T20:44:12.045+00:00Hanging in there.... <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bnx1rflgdWqlhvyfGPbx3FJdES0DI2eHbbkUNF-hXio-DiG4dnGk9cRHB-qanJfrvpbtMC9apkOqLAUz4nT-WGNApnxyseMeAGHClb5DuvEMo5nVqJFY_yIluX-7d8hvbgJXqw-MYKya/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>First we were supposed to be getting married on May 11 2013, then March 23 2013, then April 12 2013 (this date is no longer happening either *sigh* *scream* - long story)....now it's quite clear to me that I don't know precisely WHEN I will be getting married. All I do know is that IT WILL happen THIS YEAR!! (I've bought virtually everything I need, so there most definitely has to be a purpose, I have faith that God wouldn't have me doing all this work for nothing). The past few weeks have been tough. Feelings of doubt, discouragement and weariness have plagued me, but I am NOT GIVING UP. God gave me a promise and He keeps His word. Delay doesn't mean denial, so I'm pressing on and refusing to be moved by what I see. Hallelujah Jesus!!<br><br>My next step now is to be patient and rest. I've done all I can do, so I must trust in God's timing as He works everything out for my good. Romans 8:28. Not easy, but very necessary.<br><br>So guys there will be no talk of marriage around these parts until the venue is booked and the invites have gone out. I think I'll drive myself and all of you stir crazy otherwise. I'm hanging on and keeping the faith, already I can feel God working things out in the situation, so it's onwards and upwards as I keep rejoicing His holy name. Thank you Jesus!!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-31355499809104775222013-02-26T13:42:00.000+00:002013-02-26T14:27:57.923+00:00Testimony time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSXFFaPkQRT79Zihyphenhyphenz6X8LD0-b9zvVOxLwZVeZtfJznQI7UhABe8JkbAjAsqFZF5OGvbqAqYAF6LSzyHC9pIhsRjLXHVsJcJfYPiqsSroAAz27w8TxqV56x_fzHPMcWOzt3hyphenhyphenE5YMO9Q5/s1600/twitter_pic_oct2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSXFFaPkQRT79Zihyphenhyphenz6X8LD0-b9zvVOxLwZVeZtfJznQI7UhABe8JkbAjAsqFZF5OGvbqAqYAF6LSzyHC9pIhsRjLXHVsJcJfYPiqsSroAAz27w8TxqV56x_fzHPMcWOzt3hyphenhyphenE5YMO9Q5/s320/twitter_pic_oct2012.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's testimony time on the blog again. Testimonies are awesome and I absolutely love hearing about how God powerfully moves and transforms lives. It is wonderful to hear about God's enduring mercy and love. Today's testimony comes courtesy of the lovely Jules. I stumbled across her on twitter after someone retweeted one of her blog posts which immediately caught my eye. I began following her on twitter and after reading her <a href="http://theyearblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">fantastic blog</span></a> I swiftly began following her there too. (Click <a href="http://theyearblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #93c47d;">here</span></a> for Jules' blog). I found I had a lot in common with Jules, especially in terms of how we viewed God as we were growing up. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though we have never met, Jules' relationship with Christ is a real inspiration to me and I truly look forward to her blog posts where I can read about all the amazing things God is doing in her and her family's life. I could keep talking about how great Jules is, but I'll hand over to her and her awesome testimony.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">My Story</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s an honour to be asked to share my testimony with you.
Testimonies are such a great way of sharing the love of God. After all anyone can
argue about the truth of the Bible, or whether God exists and all, but it’s
much harder to argue with someone's personal experience. And it’s all the
disciples and early believers had to share with others - their own personal
experience.</span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">So, I was brought up in a Christian family. From a young
age we went to church and Sunday School. I was baptised and later confirmed.
When I was about 16 I started going to a youth group with a friend at another
church and I think this was the beginning of my true journey with God, I mean I
certainly had questions and I wanted to know more about God (although the
boys at the youth group had a certain pull too and in fact one of them is now
my husband…!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">So this was great for a while until I did the typical teenage
thing of ‘going off the rails’ and got into all sorts of things that I am not
particularly proud of. Although that said, We are all the sum of our lives so
far and I know the things I went though in those years have made me the person
I am today. And you know, if I hadn’t been there maybe I wouldn’t now be truly
following God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">So, anyway, I was pretty desperate to get away from home
and so I went travelling. Although God was often in the back of my mind I
pretty much ignored him during this time. I did lots of very stupid things
(drink, drugs, sleeping with people, generally being very careless and foolish)
and looking back it makes me shudder to think of the path I was on. I don’t
want to make it seem worse than it was, I wasn’t an addict and certainly wasn’t
at deaths door but I was on a destructive path, I didn’t really care about
myself. I was very insecure and had issues with not eating too, which didn’t
help. So to cut this long part of the story short, I ended up pregnant, a long
way from home with a man that was certainly not father material. Despite my
situation I knew I could not have an abortion, I just wouldn’t even consider it
– from the very second I found out I was pregnant I knew I would have the
child. Looking back I think that it was meant to be, and considering the many
factors surrounding both our relationship and how we lived, it is literally a
miracle I even got pregnant and a miracle the baby was born healthy and happy.
(not that I’m suggesting there was any divine conception, that was simply my
own mistake...!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I actually ended up coming back to the UK and settling near my
family, who despite initial reservations (that’s a bit of an understatement…)
were very supportive. I started to go back to church and actually got involved
a bit with it, everyone there was very helpful and lovely. But still, I think I
went more out of habit than because of a true relationship with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">A few years later I got together with an old friend (from that
youth group), we fell in love, subsequently got married and had more kids. We
continued at the same church and even got involved helping out some more, but
my heart wasn’t in it and we rarely, if ever, talked about our faith. As I look
back I’m not sure why or what I even believed over this time – I think I had
some small measure of faith then but I was and continued to be plagued by
doubts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">So finally, about 5 years ago I made the decision to stop going
to church. I just couldn’t do it anymore. I had been confused for so long and
the final straw was the thought that my children would go through the same as
me – constantly wondering whether God was real or what to believe. That had
plagued my life and I didn’t want them to go through that too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">On top of that we were actually going through a really tough
time in our relationship too. That year was not a good year for us! I felt we
were drifting apart, I couldn’t see us apart but we certainly weren’t together.
Neither of us could see any way out of the situation unless something changed,
and yet nothing could change. I had also been going to yoga for about 10 years
and after effectively ‘giving up’ on a Christian God I started to ask my yoga
teacher about going on Buddhist retreats, doing meditations etc, generally I
guess I was looking for answers elsewhere. I began to embrace this and having
always thought of myself as a ‘bit bohemian’ and being rather arty I felt
comfortable that it fitted with me and my lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">…and that is when God showed up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">At this time we were planning an extension on our house and we
became friendly with most of the builders, one in particular. I remember one
day him saying he would tell me his story when we had time. A few days later
(and the timing was totally lousy – the house was really at its worst point
with stuff everywhere, my son was ill, I was due to leave imminently to drop
him at my mums etc) he started sharing his testimony with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s fair to say, this changed my life. It was totally full on,
right from the word go. I had never heard this kind of Christian testimony
before, a real warts and all approach with such amazing experiences. I was
completely blown away. Over the next few days and weeks he spoke to me more
about his faith and what he had experienced. Some of it was really hard to
believe, real ‘supernatural’ stuff and talk of Satan, the force of evil, demons
and so on. In all the years I had been to church I had never heard anything
vaguely approaching this. I wasn’t even sure I believed in hell. But I needed
to hear this – My approach to anything in life is not to do anything by halves,
I want to know everything about a subject and I do things with my all. Now, I
was totally overwhelmed but couldn’t get enough at the same time. Prior to this
I was one of those who thought that if I lived a good life and did the ‘right’
thing I would be going to heaven. How wrong I was! I didn’t even really know
that the only way to God was through Jesus. I had always been confused about
God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit and all I needed was someone to explain it to me
really!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Anyway I can’t remember how long this went on for (but a few
weeks I guess) and I gradually started asking more questions – things I had
always had difficulty with or things I wanted to ask more about. I know at
times I must have been a right pain in the butt, just asking all these
questions, often not accepting his answers and disputing things, but
during this time a few things started to happen to make me think more about it
all and there were way too many ‘coincidences’ for me not to believe.
Eventually he just said to me ‘I think we should pray together’ and that’s when
I said the Sinners Prayer (a dedicating of ones life to God) on 16th December
and gave my life to Jesus, surrounded by building chaos, screaming kids and the
clutter of life – but it was perfect – that is what my life is like anyway and
God knows that! Then the very next day I led my husband in the sinners prayer
too, and shortly after that we started attending a local church – but this time
one that is perfect for us. At the time I wrote this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #363535; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">‘I know that I am saved. That I am starting a relationship with
God, that I have a new life, I am reborn. I don’t recognise myself most of the
time but it is the most awesome feeling! I know that my life has purpose, in
fact I almost feel a bit smug some days that I know this great secret that
others don’t know. I wish everyone could know it, if only it were so simple…’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="FreeForm" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the thing is, it IS simple! And amazing and wonderful and
transforming and overwhelming, and sometimes hard, but I hope I will never look
back, never walk any other path than this one because it is absolutely the
best!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8180162958527966840.post-7034812464570357032013-02-24T02:14:00.001+00:002013-02-24T02:45:53.558+00:00The 'MGW' assignment - week 9 - Isaiah 53:5 <p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdTFuSYXysjLWnkhxkqF0Cm7UMVSqDtegER1CtT6F1ZbPiuPoHrB3FENyg_ggGzYEnwuZZ6lwqtpJvIp3xzv9STjaOAUCz30UZWJ4huvQwxxqi7FtXmXhyhuDVachBwW_D0nV59S7OMZF/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Happy Sunday everyone, hope you are all well. As you may have noticed I haven't been posting the memory verses on the blog each week as intended. Too much going on and too little time. To be honest it's not only that, I'm finding that social media, if you are not careful, can very quickly eat into a lot of your time, and before you know it your blogging, tweeting and pinning more than you're reading your Bible, praying or helping those in need right in front of you and that ain't good!! I'm trying to get the balance right by seeking God FIRST before and above everything. Pray for me. If you follow me on Instagram I have been posting the verses every week there so if you want to catch up on previous scriptures just pop over to my IG page. You can click on any of the IG pictures in the side bar on the right, and it will take you to the page. <br><br>So let's get to it. This week's memory verse as with all of God's word is powerful. The Holy Spirit laid this verse heavily on my heart in the early hours of this morning, so here it is. Isaiah 53:5 is a scripture which reveals what Jesus Christ overcame when He sacrificed Himself for us.<br><br>Jesus Christ is our Way Maker, He is our Intercessor, our Redeemer, our Healer. Without Him making the sacrifice of shedding His innocent, precious blood on the cross there was no way of us sinners being reconciled with God, our Heavenly Father. He who bore no sin was beaten, spat upon, humiliated and murdered in the worst way possible so that we could be cleansed of our sin and have eternal life with Him in Heaven, if we accept Him as our personal Lord and saviour, which is precisely what He is. <br><br>He died on Calvary's cross for our transgressions, for our iniquities, for our inability to right the wrongs, which began in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. He bore the brunt of all of it for all our sakes. He was whipped with a lead tipped rope. His flesh was torn apart and by His very wounds, His very suffering WE ARE HEALED!! There is POWER IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS to break every chain of bondage, oppression, sickness, weakness, depression, addiction, anger, frustration, manipulation, self pity. Whatever stronghold is destroying your life, Jesus Christ can deliver you. Let Him into your life, into your heart and see how He transforms you.<br><br>Phew....I need to get my praise on!! Hallelujah Jesus!!! Holy Ghost power people. It is REAL. As always meditate on this verse in the morning and before bed and throughout the day if you can. I would also encourage you to read the whole of Isaiah chapter 53. It is mind blowing. This is in addition to your daily prayer time and communion with The Lord. Please feel free to comment so we can fellowship. Have a blessed week.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00450555480439826278noreply@blogger.com0