Goodbye 2011

Image from greetingcarduniverse.com

Well another New Year's Eve is here. Where has the time gone? Really? As I grow older the years seem to grow shorter. Nevertheless we must give thanks for what we have achieved.

I must give the good Lord thanks for allowing me to see another year and keeping my family safe.

Much thanks for the safe arrival of our healthy, precious baby boy.
We are blessed with two beautiful daughters as well as a son, and I give thanks for my loving partner (aka the better half).
We have spent the last year living in a different city. Leeds to be exact. It has been an experience, enjoyable but very tough at times. I'm ready to come home and hopefully 2012 will see us moving back to London.
I have realised strengths I knew I had, but never truly tested until this year. I must give thanks for this realisation.
I am looking forward to 2012 and all it has in store for my family and I. God has a plan for my life, I have goals and God willing all will be well.
Happy New Year!!

Why?

Image from hairspiration.blogspot.com

Can someone, anyone please explain to me why black hair care products are so expensive? Particularly when sold in mainstream high street stores. Take last night for instance, I was shopping and popped into boots to treat myself to the tangle teezer hair brush. I've heard so many good reviews about it so I had to make the purchase (I will update how I get on with it in a future post).

On perusing the shelves my eyes were drawn to a selection of black hair care products. Now this in itself is nothing new as I noticed boots had begun to stock black hair care products a few years ago, I brought the products at the time as they were reasonably priced and I wanted to support the cause. After all black products in high street stores has been a long time coming.

Fast forward to last night and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the shelves were stacked with the exact product range I use. 'Great, I 'll get some of that' I thought. Wrong. I was shocked at the outrageous prices. My beloved shampoo that I would usually pay £2.89 for at my local Indian hair shop cost a ridiculous £3.47 at boots and my much needed conditioner which should have been priced at £2.99 cost a mind boggling £4.39. Why oh Why is this? Do boots need the extra money? Surely not. So why are we being shafted?

Please don't view this musing as an out and out complaint, because it is very clear progress is being made but why at such extortionate prices.........????

School search saga

Who would have thought finding a school for your child would be so stressful. It is a minefield and not to be taken lightly. I must admit it is our own fault. Unlike many more organised parents who know which school their offspring will be going to long before they are born, the better half and I have been completely lax. Due in part, in our defence, to having three children in three and a half years.

Now we are frantically searching for the best schools in our area for our daughter to attend. We have trawled Ofsted a million times, seeking out inspection scores, cross referencing one school against another, organising school visits, analysing school performance tables and on and on and on. For primary school league tables click here.

The deadline is just over two weeks away and we have to list six schools we would like her to go to. Of these there are only three we are remotely interested in, and only one of those is our 'we desperately need her to get into this school', school. Well there was another marginally better one, but we live outside of that school's catchment area. Yes catchment areas. Read up on those, because they add yet another layer of frustration I'm afraid. We are going to have to put in some heavy duty prayer time to ensure the good Lord works this one out for us.

The moral of the story? Ensure you carry out plenty of research in plenty of time when it comes to your child's schooling. Maybe this is a no brainer for many more organised parents, but for us it sort of crept out of nowhere. A sorry excuse but a true one nonetheless.

iPhone widow

Is it just me or has anyone else become an iPhone widow/widower?

I'm serious. My better half, or not so these days, has developed an unhealthy and quite abnormal, in my opinion, attachment to his iPhone. He is on the thing morning, noon and night. Swiping and pinging his finger tips across the smooth rectangular face. He scours site upon site, looking at football scores, watching you tube clips, making eBay purchases and generally bugging the patience out of me.

He is a great dad, but it pains me to confess that he is paying more attention to the phone than his children these days. He takes it to the toilet with him and ends up being in there longer than is necessary. He even takes it with him to the shower, balancing it precariously on the side of the sink. On more than one occasion I have been tempted to carefully nudge it accidentally on purpose under a running tap of very hot water.

Will things ever get back to normal? I have noticed he doesn't seem to know what to do with himself if the battery dies unexpectedly and he doesn't have a charger to hand. Please someone reassure me that the novelty will wear off soon.

Or maybe things will get worse as I'm picking up my own newer and shinier version in a few hours...................

Life's a blog

I've always enjoyed writing, but it's only recently that I'm beginning to appreciate how rewarding writing can be. Since starting this blog a few short weeks ago, the research I've been carrying out to create content has led me to some very interesting places on the Internet.

The world of blogging is becoming the silver lining in my once grey cloud of stagnant possibilities and dead end ideas. I am meeting some wonderful people through my blogging journey and I'm sure in 2012 I will come into contact with many more.

Viewpoint - The worklife balance

Every now and then I'll write an opinion/discussion blog to share experiences and current hot topics.

I am currently on maternity leave looking after my three children - 4 years, 2 and a half and 6 months. Yes I have my hands full, but I wouldn't have it any other way, well I guess I would to a certain degree and herein lies my dilemma. I want to stay at home with my children and be their primary carer, yet at the same time I feel the need to earn a wage so as to help provide fully for my growing family. What to do? What to do? On the one hand the whole point of having children is to be around and raise them isn't it? On the other, my career seems to be sailing off into the distance right before my very eyes. I came across this article recently here. It seems to highlight most of my issues, maybe there are other working mum's out there feeling the same. Hope this article helps.

The Visual Merchandiser

Name: Cristina P

Age: 29

Birthplace: Enfield, North London

Where do you live now? East London

Education: 10 GCSE's, 3 A levels (Art, Theatre Design, Media Studies). BTEC foundation art and design (Saint Martins) BA honors Costume design (LCF, first class honours), MA Illustration (Camberwell).

What was your very first job? My first job was in retail as a Christmas temp in Monsoon. I took the job after finishing my degree and feeling like I didn't know what I wanted to do.

What is your current job? I work for Paul Smith as Assistant Area Visual Merchandiser for the UK.

What has been your best job? That's a hard question; I've had a few retail jobs since my first job at Monsoon. I really hated being on the shop floor, it never suited me. But looking back I've taken some really valuable experiences from every retail job I've had, even if I couldn’t see it at the time.

What was your dream job as a child? I have been drawing from a very young age. However I distinctly remember wanting to be a secretary!? When I got older I really wanted to be a fashion design or actress... in the end I merged the latter and went into theatre design.

What is your dream job now? I dream of just being able to draw full time but I think I'll always want more than that.

How will you achieve your dream job? Keep drawing and work on my confidence.What is the best advice you have been given? ‘Mix with people better than yourself and pay the bill' was my grandfather's saying. I've always remembered these words and applied them to every area of my life.

What is the best advice you’d give? Take advice from other people but in the end do what you want and feel is right!

Who is your inspiration/role model? My uncle (a poet)

What is the one thing you would change about yourself or the world? Currently, I wish I was more confident in putting my illustration forward. Confidence is something I have loads of in my day job but is something I need to build on when it comes to my illustration. For the world wish people had better manners and cared more.

What is the key to a successful life/career? Confidence.

Recommend someone you know to take this interview: My friend Stephanie L-C.

The Hair Stylist

Name: Caroline B
Age: 28

Birthplace: East London

Where do you live now? East London

Education: 9 GCSE’s, a BTEC National Diploma in Music technology, VTCT Nail Technician and a diploma in hair dressing.

First job: At the age of 15 I really wanted a job, so I scoured the local newspapers and applied for a telesales role at a window glazing company. I was there for eight months and a lot of my friends ended up working there too, so it became more of a social gathering than a job. I had lots of fun, a great first job if I’m honest.

Current job: Hair stylist.

Best job: I don’t think I’ve had a ‘best job’. All jobs are great at the beginning and then reality kicks in ha!

Dream job as a child? I wanted to be a lawyer and live in America; I’m not quite sure what happened……..

Dream job now? To have my own luxury hair salon that brings European and Afro hairdressing under one roof. At the moment it is far too segregated.

How would you achieve your dream? Win the lotto!!

What is the best advice you have been given? Seize the day.

What is the best advice you'd give? Always look on the bright side

.

Who is your inspiration/role model? My son Riley is my inspiration.

What is the one thing you would change about yourself or the world? I wish I was more decisive.

What is the key to a successful career/life? I’m still trying to figure that out myself, but I think it’s important to always do what you love.

Recommend someone you know to take this interview: My friend Marie L.

The Sales Manager

Name: Simon G
Age: 28
Birthplace: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Where do you live now? East London

Education: 8 GCSE'S and a City and Guilds qualification in plastering and rendering.

First job: When I was about ten I started my own car wash business. I only had about five customers but the experience gave me vital skills. My first proper job was a paper round at 11.

Current job: Sales manager

Best job: My current role as it was my first job outside of the building industry. It has given me the belief that I can achieve great things in life.

How did you get this job? I decided to pursue a career in sales due to the economic crisis, I also wanted to better myself. It was the first sales job I got interviewed for and 14 months later I'm still loving it.

Dream job as a child? To play for England and Newcastle united as a pro footballer.

Dream job now? To open a football academy for disadvantaged kids across the UK and produce the next England team.

How would you achieve your dream? By working hard in my current role and building a proven business background, then maybe get investment.

What is the best advice you have been given? Not to sit around and wait for things to come to you, but to go out and get them.

What is the best advice you'd give? Treat everyone as you'd like to be treated.

Who is your inspiration/role model? I have many role models in life, but the one's I admire the most are the one's that fight for what they believe in.

What is the one thing you would change about yourself or the world? About the world, I would like to see the end of child poverty and free education for all. If I could change one thing about myself I would have carried on with my education, rather than leaving school at 16 and following most of my friends into the building industry.

What is the key to a successful career/life? I think to have a successful career you need to have good team ethics and believe in what you are trying to achieve.

Recommend someone you know to take this interview: My granddad Brian G

The Creative Soul

Name: Charlene B
Age: 31
Birthplace: East London
Where do you live now? East London

Education: 10 GCSE's, 2 A'Levels; Art and Textiles, BTEC National Diploma design crafts and BTEC Foundation in Art and Design. Studied BA fashion at Kingston university, BA in jewellery at Middlessex University (2:1).

What was your very first job:? At 14 I had a paper round. At 16 I worked for a car insurance company in the renewal department.

What is your current job? Sales consultant in the luxury retail sector.

What hasd been your best job? As part of my degree course it was required that I worked in the jewellery industry for a year. I worked at Erickson Beamon, a costume jewellery company. I was a production assistant responsible for making high-end jewellery pieces for catwalk collections. I learnt so much.

What was your dream job as a child? Fashion designer.

What is your dream job now? Backing singer for a successful band.

How will you achieve your dream job? I sing with my church choir which has helped me gain a lot of confidence when singing to an audience. I also take vocal lessons, which is improving my voice and singing technique. Through networking and attending concerts I hope to meet influential people I can connect with to make my dream happen.

What is the best advice you have been given? Don't give up.

What is the best advice you'd give? Trust in God, have confidence in yourself. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Who is your inspiration/role model? I can't say that one person or thing inspires me as I find myself inspired by many things in my environment from day to day. If I were to draw on one thing it would be The Bible as God's word truly gives me hope and pushes me forward.

What is the one thing you would change about yourself or the world? About the world I'd hope for more compassion and tolerance, for myself I'd like to possess more self belief.

What is the key to a successful life/career? Faith, hope and perseverance.

Recommend someone you know to take this interview: My friends Cristina P and Marion A-B.

The Football Analyst

Name: Jonathan B
Age: 29
Birthplace: East London

Education: 8 GCSE's, 3 A'Levels (2 C's & a D ), Joint Honors degree Business studies with Marketing and Human Resource Management (2:1)

First Job: At 13 I had a paper round earning £11 a week. At 16, lived the teenage dream flipping burgers at McDonald's. To be fair it was a laugh, despite the £3.50 an hour wage.

Current job: Football Analyst.

Best Job: To be honest all my jobs have been fantastic, the people have always made the working environment a pleasure to be in. I worked in a cinema whilst doing my A'levels which was great because of the free films and single ladies. I worked at Coral head office for 4 years as a Production Assistant and Advertising Exec, I loved this job because it was closely connected to the sporting industry which I defy any man not to get passionate about. I literally got to watch various live sports all day. Despite all these great roles, my current role as a Football Analyst is by far my best job. I basically get paid to watch and analyse football matches, yes you heard correctly, and no I never thought a job like this existed, but thankfully for me it does.

How did you get this dream job? It was a massive stroke of luck. My sister Charlene sent me a random email that she had received from an organisation looking to recruit football analysts. I thought it was too good to be true, but applied on the off chance as I was due some luck, and I got the job. The rest they say is history.

Dream job as a child? A billionaire, footballer, fire fighter.

Dream job now? An MP, I've got strong opinions and would like to better the society I am living in. A district attorney - clearly I've been watching too much 'Law and Order' (seriously my favourite programme of all time. Lots of stick off the big sis for it).

How will you achieve your dream job? I'd achieve my dream of being an MP by researching how to become an active member of the labour party. My main agenda would be to address youth unemployment and put in place the tools to enhance youth employment prospects. Becoming a District Attorney is virtually impossible, that's why it's a dream.

What is the best advice you have been given? Don't get married.

What is the best advice you'd give? Even if you fail at first, if you have the right mentality, attitude and desire you will succeed no matter what.

Who is your inspiration/role model? My dad. He came to this country as a young man with very little. He faced more obstacles than I have and has overcome them all.

What is the one thing you would change about yourself or the world? If I could change the world there would be no hate. If I'd could change myself I'd be 4 inches taller.

What is the key to a successful career/life? Being happy with what you can achieve.

Recommend someone you know to take this interview: My sister Charlene B

The Business Owner

Name: Alex A

Age: 29

Place of birth: Kent

Education: 9 GCSE's, 3 A'Levels, read law at Kingston University.

First Job? At 16 - shelf stacker at a hardware store.

Current job? Director of my own company Enviro Inks Ltd which specialises in environmentally friendly office stationary.

Best job? Potentially this one. To mould a company and align it with my own moral and ecological ethos is ultra liberating. Plus I've got great staff with me.

How did you achieve this? By putting my faith in God.

Dream job as a child? Professional footballer or priest.

Dream job now? Any role that enables me to make a positive change on a global scale. Enviro Inks Ltd is my first step.

What is it like? Hard work, but I'm not afraid of hard work. I work long hours and have virtually no holidays, with a young family that's tough. Nothing worth achieving comes without sacrifice.

What is the best advice you have been given? Many people like to offer advice, but no one's vision will stretch as far as yours, so will be out of line with your long term missions and goals. Keep to your principles 100 per cent and trust in yourself.

What is the best advice you'd give? Do not be afraid of failure. That will only stop you from achieving your goals.

Who is your inspiration/role model? God.

What is the one thing you would change about yourself or the world? End world poverty.

What is the key to a successful career/life? To have faith in God.

Recommend someone you know to take this interview: My soon to be brother in law Jonathan B.

The Working Mum

I'm a working mum like million's of women out there. It's not easy balancing the demands of family life with a career, but then nothing ever is.

The aim of the blog is to share knowledge, advice and experiences. I'll commence with the sharing which will set the scene for how this blog will work. I hope you find the information useful as well as inspirational.

Name: Natalie B
Age: 32
Birthplace: East London

Education: 9 GCSE's, 3 A'Levels (2 A's & a B - very proud), Joint Honors degree Sociology and Communications from Goldsmiths College (2:1)

First Job: At 16 - Shoe shop assistant, on the princely sum of £2.01 an hour.

Current job: Marketing Exec for an IT recruitment consultancy - nearly 7 years.

Best Job: My current role as it gives me the scope to play to my strengths, planning events, networking, building the company profile within the IT recruitment market.

Dream job as a child? TV Presenter, writer, teacher, journalist, dancer, actress.

Dream job now? A business owner of a media or production company.

How will you achieve your dream job? Hmmm I'm still trying to figure that out, I will let you know when my eureka moment arrives.

What is the best advice you have been given? Everything is temporary. That has really helped me out whenever I've been in stressful situations as it makes you realise that nothing is forever.

What is the best advice you'd give? Always believe in yourself , know your strengths and play to them.

Who is your inspiration/role model? My parents and my grandmother. My grandmother raised five girls on her own, they are all an amazing credit to her and she is an amazing woman.

What is the one thing you would change about yourself or the world? I wish I didn't worry and stress about things so much. I am learning to be more patient and let things run their intended course. Very hard. I wish the world was a kinder a place, especially as I'm a mum.

What is the key to a successful career/life? Successful career? I'm unsure I'll ever be able to answer that. A successful life? Put your faith in God and he will fix the rest.

Recommend someone you know to take this interview: My better half Alex A.

Hello

Hi, I'm Natalie, creator of the Accidental Mogul, a blog designed to share stories of career achievement and life experiences.

If you're anything like me you would have spent years beating yourself up over missed career opportunities, wrong paths taken and dissatisfaction over where you are now in your career and your life.

This blog sets out to achieve inspiration from frustration. Sharing experiences is the elixir of life, so let's share.