Mar 3 2013

A CONVERSATION ON THE WAY HOME – FRIDAY 1ST MARCH

I watched her walk by, she didn’t look uneasy. She looked rather tired. She opened the door and flung herself into the seat. The door slammed wildly shut. I looked at her through the side mirror then looked out for the driver.

Slowly, very slowly, the taxi was packed full. At this time, I was relocated to the back seat with two friends occupying the front seat. (they were later to find out that they had to pay full price for 2 even though they occupied just one seat)

The driver’s face was as blank as the long, windy, dusty road. We spoke no words; both passengers and driver – perfect strangers, all six of us. Halfway through the journey, she yells at the driver to speed-up. I thought with her head thrown back on the seat, she was asleep. We both got off at the same point and much to my indifference, we walked the same path home. Then she felt it necessary to break the ice.

“I always thought I was tall until I saw you. You see, that’s why the Bible says that if you think your situation is bad, someone else has it worse”

What? When did being tall become something unpleasant? I thought, as we walked on silently; conscious of my ill 6’0 height towering over her not-so-ill 5’10.

Jan 19 2013

STYLE: Feeling Inadequate? Ridiculous ways to BOOST that self-esteem

You’re at an event with all the fabulous clothes and glamour; yet you feel you don’t look good enough. What do you do when insecurity sets in and your self-esteem comes crumbling down? Consider these ridiculous suggestions

1. Admit it. Allow it.
Admit that you’re feeling insecure and let the feeling sink in. (That’s the easiest way to let it go because the more you fight against that feeling, the more pronounced it becomes) Remember all the wonderful quotes on self-loving? This is when to pull them out.

2. Find something to laugh about.
It’s cruel but it works.Look at the crowd, try to spot any wardrobe malfunctions and laugh it off. It might be difficult at first, considering the fact that you’re having trouble appreciating your own outfit. Just keep laughing (it will feel forced initially) but do it till you end up laughing at yourself for trying to laugh at something that’s not funny. Let your mind travel, don’t be scared to go Fashion Police on them.

3. Dash to the ladies room.
Only do this when you feel an ounce better about yourself. Put on some mascara, redo your lipstick and tell yourself you look good.

4. Distraction: Chat your insecurity away.
Distract yourself from getting over-whelmed by what you’re feeling. Shove it aside and chat with your friends. Another way is to really focus on the reason for the event. If it’s a fashion show, get your mind on the runway and criticize the designs. If it’s a family gathering or an all-girls night out, get yourself into the conversation and bring out old files of good times and difficult moments.

5. Take a deep breath and a shot!
Throw your emotions off with a deep breath. Repeat it till you feel relaxed and if you still can’t get your mind off, take a shot! (of course it should be tequila!)

Jul 9 2012

Cheers to you! – with love from Ghana

oftentimes in our solitude,
When our minds wander off in endless possibilities,

Even when sleep sneaks in on our frail bodies,

It’s okay to wake up and smile…

…to get lost in the wind

…to battle it out with life

…in THE END,
it’s the journey that makes us smile

Take a moment to appreciate yourself today!
Cheers to you!

images: Bob Pixel Photography
These amazing images by (Ghanaian Pro Photographer and FRIEND) Emmanuel Bobbie lit up my day and evoked the last bit of poetry left within It didn’t make my CONSTANTLY BEEPING boss go away, or my flat ass any rounder but I had that refreshing feeling of self-love Hope it does magic for you too!! xoXO

Jul 6 2012

HOW TO DRESS LIKE AN AFRICAN?

“Ghanaians are trying to dress like people in the western world. Be true to yourself and dress like Ghanaians”

I came across this random comment online today and it struck me! For long, I’ve tried to understand the real issue behind the ‘IF YOU’RE AFRICAN, DRESS LIKE ONE!!’ perception. It’s really super complicated. How do Africans dress like? 0_o?? Hair, clothes, makeup, what symbolizes Africa and what doesn’t? I’m I less African because I permed my hair and have hair extensions in it?? Does it matter that my wardrobe has been deprived of African Prints?

sometimes, it’s simply different shades of ‘black’ – Lira (South African singer) & Brandy (African American)

There are so many sides to the ‘being more African debate’ but when it’s narrowed to fashion, I like to call it ‘sense of style or the lack of it’! Whether its going along with popular trends ( color block, animal print, neon brights), creating your own, ‘I-wear-whatever-I-feel-comfortable-in-trend or simply going all out with African print fabrics. The liberty to express yourself with fashion shouldn’t come with shackles. Now, if you’re in hot steamy Africa (especially Ghana) and you decide to wear leather jacket or pants, that is definitely a non-African element. Unless of course the leather is perforated (LOL)

Let’s engage ourselves, what makes one more or less African? Share your thoughts. Are you a ‘natural hair’ advocate? Is this even a valid debate? Would you ever question someone’s commitment to their culture based on their outfit?

NB: Black is beautiful, really…and the many variations of it! Stay fabulous!! xoXO

….more photos (eye candy purposes only )