Un-Flexisexual

In an ever-liberalised society, it seems traditionalists like myself are coming under fire far more than our apparent 'minority' counterparts. Flexisexuality is a modernised bi-sexuality; i.e. the belief that love is not gender-specific. Heaven forbid an individual jump on their platform to think or say otherwise.

Beyonce Voters

During the last US general elections, Fox News' Jesse Walters coined the term 'Beyonce Voters' to describe/ refer to single ladies who voted. Walters stated that these Beyonce Voters weren't independent, as the affiliation with the megastar would otherwise have you believe. In fact, he argued that they were arguably the most dependent percentile, depending on the government for their basic needs as they cannot otherwise afford without husbands in the mix. These same single ladies make up 1/4 of the American electorate i.e. they are a powerful quota not to engage with. In the end, Obama won the single ladies by 76% in the last election. Why? Arguably it could be because his platform promised the provision of the things Walter argues these Beyonce Voters needed from the government in the first place i.e. contraception; free healthcare; and equal pay (heaven forbid we earn what we rightfully deserve considering we undertake the same workload as our male counterparts, but I digress).

Eventbrite 'Free Events' Exhibition at the OXO Tower

"Fantastically Corrupt"

My timeline came alive last night. If you are an African in diaspora, living in the UK, chances are you were also locked to Channel 4's documentary aptly titled 'Lagos to London'. A documentary focusing on the fabulous lives of Nigeria's rich and famous as they shuttle between their extravagant homes in the two cities. This was a striking contrast to terrestrial TV's last attempt to showcase life in Nigeria in 2010's BBC documentary, 'Welcome to Lagos'. Gone were the thatched huts and flies resting upon the noses of kwasiorkor ridden kids in the village. This was quite the opposite. Decadence was an understatement for these rich kids' gadgets, cars, accessories, clothes etc they possessed. As my father grunted in distaste, I watched, stunned at how the better half live in a nation where some cannot afford to make ends meet.

Shirt : TM Lewin | Skirt : DIY Ankara | Bag : DKNY

Produced By Faith

"time to have a dramatic impact on the world on God's behalf" (4)

I am finding it incredibly difficult to write a compelling enough review of DeVon Franklin's 'Produced by Faith' that does it justice. Quite honestly, it is one of the best books I have ever read. Now I understand why it was so highly acclaimed on bestseller lists, and caught the attention of Oprah, to be included in her book club in 2013. DeVon Franklin eloquently articulates how difficult it is for young Christians to maintain a prospering work|life balance in the 21st century, and doesn't shy away from doling out harsh truths about the media industry (especially Hollywood) in the process. That being said, this isn't a whine while you grind memoir, but rather a meticulous recount of his meteoric (yet steady) rise in Hollywood, while remaining in fine balance with God's goal for his life, and never compromising his faith in the process. Franklin uses and applies industry terminology such as production, development hell, casting, and the green-lighting system, to draw a direct comparison between faith, career, and purpose. In essence, Produced by Faith is a manual on how to navigate any profession while still holding yourself out as a Christian in the process.

"Yesterday is a canceled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is ready cash, use it wisely" (7)

Broke Girl's Guide To: Ballin' on a Budget

You may not know this, but I was out of employment for over a year and a half. Yes, no source of income to depend on; I was dead broke for over a year. TRUTH! Yet, friends and onlookers envied my life due to what they observed via social media, claiming I was always having fun and balling. LIES! As a result, I believe that makes me adequately qualified to impart some wisdom on how to live life to the fullest on little or no money. Now I've got a bit of cashflow, I thought it best to share how I survived in a series aptly titled 'Broke Girl's Guide To:...', each month sharing how to save or spend money efficiently, yet still live life to the fullest. This introductory post will provide a broad overview of what topics I will cover over the course of the year, and what bargains you can indulge in the meantime, before the next instalment come March. 

Stylist Live

I was fortunate to attend 3 of the 4 days of Stylist Live last October, and my life truly changed for the better. It truly was a  cultural festival featuring everything a modern woman could possibly want from cocktails to beauty makeovers to fashion shows to award winning literature to live comedy and musical performances, to name but a few. I left in awe of the entire experience, and eager to absorb more knowledge, touch further bases, and network with even more amazing people the following day.

Lost Ones

Obviously being of the generation (and ethnic descent) where 'David Bowie' is nothing more than a public figure to me, it struck me as odd to see hours on end devoted to celebrity obituaries in the news last week. Mad Men (bear with me as I binge watched the entire 7 seasons in a short period of time, and will be frequently referencing it in posts) depicts an entirely different grieving culture to nowadays. It struck me as odd that employees were so personally attached to public figures, and would be huddled around the radio to hear updates and later cry at their loss. Nowadays, all we do is publicly acclaim some detached attachment to the figure e.g. early career inspiration, and keep it moving.