TV: Food Knowledge And Investigation

We all love a bit of TV but it can be quite mind numbing at times,  so when I am not watching movies (or HollyOaks #Guiltypleasure) I love to watch documentaries and factual food TV shows.

Recently, with all the health fads and products on the market it is nice to have some science behind the multiple claims for our diet, health and fitness.There are two shows on the BBC & Channel 4 which aim to do so and I think they're great!

Food Unwrapped & Food Detectives

I enjoy both these shows as they dig deep into some of the foods, fads, supplements and diet claims we seem to lap up.

The shows makes you think twice about what you put in your body and how amazing our bodies already are, while testing and researching all things food, drink, vitamins and minerals.

If you get a chance, check them out!

Very Interesting :-)

@MsShayDivine

Events: Brandy Norwood Live @Indigo O2 London, UK

  

From the 1^st time I heard “I wanna be down” back in 1994 (Age 11) I was hooked on the effortless, unmistakable sound and classic style that is Brandy Norwood. #HUGEFAN!

When a good friend invited me to go see her live in concert…I lost my mind and screamed YaaaaSSSSS!!!!, on a packed train to work. Needless to say London commuters were not amused, I didn’t care and did a little happy dance!

 

After what seemed like weeks of anticipation, we finally arrived at the O2 arena and the excitement was contagious!

We queued for a while and this was a rare instance where I really didn’t mind queuing….I was about to see one of my all-time favorite artists (and people) LIVE IN CONCERT!

After a few supporting acts and a R&B throwback session from the Dj’s (#insane), the show started with Brandy in full statuesque performance mode while the musicians started the show!

Brandy looked stunning, sexy yet classy, sporting the classic Brandy braids and that winning smile!

She sang her first word, that was it for me. I got goosebumps and instantly started screaming and dancing…it was officially over, I was stupid gone!

The whole Indigo O2 arena erupted in excitement! Everyone was up out of their seats and fully hyped!

The vibe was electrifying and I was in awe of how humble and beautiful Brandy seems, not only as an artists but as a person.

We were transported through time with classics from all 6 of Brandy’s legendary albums.

      

Brandy was absolutely incredible!!! Poised, funny, personable and vocally ON POINT!

Towards the end of the show Brandy did an amazing Whitney Huston tribute, sporting the classic 80's Whitney Huston bow. 



This was when I got emotional and felt a lump in my throat as I sang along to Whitney's classic hit 'Shoop'
Miss her, rest in perfect peace beautiful :-(

I have so much love & respect for Brandy as a woman, artists and mother, always have!

This performance has to be the best I have seen in a really long time.

I now can’t speak but I really do not care…I will never forget this experience.

Seeing one of my adolescent she-roes in concert has to be one of the best experiences of my life….

Absolutely incredible, so happy!

@MsShayDivine

Fashion: Petite Jumpsuits

***Petite Jumpsuits***

I love me a jumpsuit, they are so comfortable and besides the bathroom difficulty, they are so easy to wear.

Being 5ft tall it's not always easy to find jumpsuits, or anything with trousers for that matter, that don't turn your trouser legs into street sweepers. Add some curves and it's a whole other situation entirely!

I decided to do some online shopping to find a new jumpsuit for an event on the weekend and found a few that could change the game for us funsized fashionistas.

Check these out!

Asos Petite £40

TopShop Petite £39

Dorothy Perkins Petite £40

Wallis Petite £40

Next Petite £35 

@MsShayDivine

Digital: Mindfulness & Meditation Apps

***Mindfulness & Meditation Apps***

Mindfulness is everywhere at the moment and I am absolutely loving it. 

It's a fantastic way to de-stress and BE focused on the present moment. 

As a self-confessed technophobe & superscrimper, I was delighted to find some free mindfulness apps.

Of course, there are plenty of books on the subject and they're really great but I am loving the apps right now.

  

***Books***

Apps really help to make mindfulness a part of your daily spiritual practice, especially when you're on the go and need a time out.

Check out my two favourite mindfulness apps

https://www.headspace.com/

https://www.calm.com/

@MsShayDivine

Fashion: 3 Easy Ways To Look Good, Feel Good!

A key element to style is confidence, 

so when it comes to looking and feeling good it is important to know how you want to FEEL and GOOD! is a great place to start. 

So, how do you ensure you feel good in your chosen style.

Here are my key tips on feeling good in your clothes!

1. BUY YOUR SIZE but don't be afraid to go up or down where necessary.

There is nothing worse than watching someone pull and tug on their clothes. If it doesn't fit or you don't feel comfortable...JUST DON'T! 

You wont feel good and you end up looking quite silly!

The amount of times I have seen people in items too small or big is laughable. I mean damn....what is the big deal with going one size up or down to feel better. 

EGO! 

Your ego tells you "you're fat, you need to go on a diet" simply because an item of clothing doesn't fit you at that time! 

COME ON people!

You can easily ruin your whole outfit simply by wearing the wrong size.

This will leave you feeling horrible, you wont be relaxed and it can ruin your day. 

It's really not a good look and is quite unattractive.

In the UK most fashion stores size their garments by European size standards so you could very well be trying on a size 12 item measured on a tall thin person in Switzerland!

It's easy to get frustrated when you buy one item in one store as a size 12 and another store as a size 16. Not only is this infuriating but it can be upsetting while you're struggling in a changing room with no air conditioning and the clothes want to become part of your skin! 

Feeling good is more important than what size you buy.

2. Define how you want to FEEL!

How do you want to feel in your style? Is it sexy, powerful, confident, relaxed?

Only you will be able to answer this, as no one can tell you how you wish to feel.

Make a decision and use that as the basis of your daily outfit choices. Obviously you can switch things up from occasion to occasion but defining what feels right for you is paramount. 

3.Know you body type/shape

It's really important you know and understand your body type. Unless you're one of the lucky ones where all styles, shapes and colours suit, you must know understand your body to know what styles and items suit you and what styles don't.

Of course you can play with other styles but you will have a better chance of getting your outfit right for you if you know your body type and shape.

For example; I am petite hourglass, so I know that round neck dresses make my bust and bum look bigger than I would like and how I feel comfortable.

Buy your size, define how you want to feel and know your body shape/type.

3 simple ways to help you look and feel great!

@MsShayDivine

Travel: Marrakesh 2016

#INCREDIBLE

So I am not the best airline passenger. I'm impatient and miserable due to lack of space and consideration from other passengers.

#Knowthyself #Lovethyself

-Note to self...upgrade flights!

Anyway the flight was uncomfortable and as soon as we arrive at Marrakesh airport we're greeted by queue after queue and this does absolutely nothing for my already sour mood...

#LONG!

After what seems like hours and many temper tantrums we finally get to collect our luggage and go to look for our transfer company.

As soon as I felt the Moroccan sun my mood is instantly lifted and I became my bubbly self again...YAY!

We hopped in out transfer car and made our way to our hotel.

We arrived at Kenzi Club Agdal Medina

The hotel was absolutely beautiful and I was very happy to be in Marrakesh!

I had always wanted to go and it finally happened!

*Me with the hotel band*

Every day the hotel provided treats at reception. 

I felt like a big kid, excited as to what I'd find.

Our 1st night we decided to enjoy the hotel entertainment and get a few drinks by the pool.

My girl Micky had drawn up an itinerary for us as we only had 5days to squeeze in all we wanted to experience.

Day 1- We booked a tour guide to take us to the souks and show us some of the culture in Marrakesh.

It was brilliant, we learnt about the skills and trade of the locals and even picked up some shopping hints and tips!

#TIP Do not shop if you have no backbone, some of these sellers are relentless!

We learnt how leather merchandise are made, locksmithing and argan oil production.

Very interesting!

Day 2- We decided to visit the YSL memorial gardens and the observatory gardens.

Both were so beautiful, I felt very peaceful in the YSLgardens.

After the gardens we went on a horse and carriage ride around the town, which was also really nice!

http://jardinmajorelle.com/ang/visiting-the-garden/

Day 3- We booked a dinner in the desert experience which was one of the most incredible experiences ever.

We were dressed in traditional Moroccan attire, adorned in henna and treated to a belly dancing show, of which I decided to join in lool 

After the show we had dinner and shisha and as the sun went down the whole thing had me in awe of the stars as they covered the desert like a blanket.

So beautiful!

Day 4- We decided to get some spa treatments before we headed home.

I went for a traditional hammam.

So relaxing, absolute bliss!

 

On our last day we decided to soak up some serious vitamin D and sit by the pool/bar. This also happened to be the one day I didn't wear sun screen (forgot). I got so burnt I almost didn't recognise myself in the mirror but I love my dark chocolate tan. I now need to re-assess my summer lipsticks as some look quite strange on me now lol

The food was perfect for my diet (pescatarian)

There was always a nice mix of fresh fruit and veg and as you would expect the humble tagine!

I became obsessed with Moroccan tea and really miss out tea man!

All in all I loved Marrakesh and would definitely go back!

@MsShayDivine