Curlvolution 2013 baby!

Well where do I begin? Curlvolution happened on Saturday and let me tell you it was a blast!!

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.

As I was a vendor with my store NaturallyNourishing.co.uk 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.

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 BelleNoirBride and her beautiful bump, Leilu from online hair and beauty product store and blog Afro Deity, Michelle from Cherished Crowns blog, Neffy Fro Fro aka Laila-Jean of Fusion of Cultures vlog, Crystal Afro aka United Kinkdom blog, Stacey of The Naprika vlog, Ketishia from Sugar Kinesis, and Elle and Neecie from the mighty Natural Hair Daily, every single one of them completely gorgeous and lovely (I'm quite clearly in gush mode, but it's all truth).

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.

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; superfunkyme selling customised jewellery, my girls Mane Diva's with their own line of hair products, as well as weaves and tropic isle lines, lovely Imanmade and her wonderful homemade skin sensitive body butters, root2tip and iloveafro with their amazing natural hair product ranges, Sheabutter Cottage, Beunique Hair Care, Ayamour, 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 !!

My birthday

My birthday meal was SENSATIONAL. I want to eat it again.

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.

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.

I launched my online store www.NaturallyNourishing.co.uk 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?

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.

After dinner we pootled onto Haagen daz for more delicious treats and laughs aplenty - Such an extraordinary day.

Gulp...

On a separate note I'll be attending this years Curlvolution '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!!!

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 AfroDeity 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.

See you there.

Four!

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.

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.

I thank God for her life and pray that she will always be as happy, healthy and carefree as she is now.

Happy Birthday gorgeous girl. Mummy and Daddy love you to infinity and beyond xxxx

Stepping out in faith....

Thank you to the wonderful  Amy at Dotty pink Designs
for designing my fabulous logo.

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....

www.NaturallyNourishing.co.uk
Twitter: @NaturallyNou

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 here.

See you in 8 days!

Beautiful Bournemouth

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Growing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Until next time lovely readers stay blessed. Xx

Testimony Time

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!!

So without further ado here is Anne-Marie's powerful testimony taken straight from her blog.

"Well It's been a while,I don't know why I've been procrastinating, 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 Sunday 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 Sunday I have been in the spirit of worship. I can't find words to describe how much I love God. On Tuesday 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 'Align 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! 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. 

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!!! 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. But what blows my mind is how he delivered me!

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!


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! 


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. 


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. 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. 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! Once you align yourself with God and his word you are going in the right direction! 

"From my heart to the heavens, Jesus be the center and its all about you"

Deuteronomy 28:13  ^'And the Lord 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 Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.' 


Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'


Psalms 139:14 ^'I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.' 

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!!

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