Books: 2018 Reading List

****Mind, Body, Spirit***

Iyanla Vanzant has been one of my favourite authors since I was around 15yrs old. Her new book (Jan 2018) is just what I need at this point in my life. 

As we get older life gets more serious and sometimes difficult with 'the hard stuff'. I feel this will be another great read from "My spiritual guru/godmother" to guide, encourage, strengthen and comfort.

Looking forward to it!

http://iyanla.co/

During my spiritual journey this book has come up so many times, I've no idea why I've never read it but it's been on my reading list for a while and I feel it's the perfect time to dive into "The Four Agreements"

Four Agreements Summary Animated Review

***Biography***

Two of my favourite actresses and women I respect and admire,

Taraji P Henson & Gabrielle Union both released biographies this year!

Super talented, beautiful, intelligent, strong and inspiring, I love these women and I can't wait to read their books.

***Diet & Nutrition***

I've been on a healthier lifestyle journey for a while now but one thing that keeps rearing its ugly head is Sugar!

I'd like to read "I Quit Sugar" by Sarah Wilson this coming year for two main reasons.

One, to see how my body responds to less sugar and two, to challenge myself to find healthier sweet treats.

Wish me luck!

http://www.sarahwilson.com/

***Business & Entrepreneurship***

I recently watched "Millennials in the workplace" By Simon Sinek and was intrigued by the characteristics of "Millennials" -Parenting, Impatience, Technology, and Environment.

I want to find out more about this and how it impacts my life, society, and future generations.

Millennials in the workplace

https://startwithwhy.com/

@MsShayDivine

Fashion: #DitchTheDress Party Season looks

#Ditchthedress

If your December social calendar is anything like mine you have parties, dinners and lunches booked up till around the 2nd Jan2018.

Between office festive parties, dinners and lunch dates, it's easy to get bored of your party dresses.

Why not ditch the dress for something different?

Check out these cool dress free party looks...bang on trend with #Velvet, #FauxFur & #Sequins

 

Burgundy velvet trousers

Sequins Jeans

Leather pleated skirt & faux fur

Sequin Jumper

Enjoy the parties x

@MsShayDivine

Fashion: Petite...Really?

I am 5ft tall..yes! tall, and curvy...I have lost count the amount of times I have tried on "Petite" range items which make me look like I am wearing my 12 year old nephews clothes...and not in a good way!

For the life of me I cannot understand why the fashion industry haven't caught on to the fact that not all petite women are thin or slim.

I don't fit into plus size and "Average" ranges are either too long or  knees and elbows are in the wrong place and look ridiculous.

I am sure I am not the only one who comes into this category...

Having curves makes a huge difference to the make, cut and fabric of "petite" items.

My butt can makes trousers shorter and my waist is always left out in the cold by the huge waist gap I have when going up a size in jeans...just so they can go over my bum!

Sleeves are always wet as "Average" range items are too long and "petite" ranges do not go over my bust...

Come on...where are the curvy petite brands/designers/manufacturers?

If you know any...please let me know.

In the meantime I'll live in hope that some day...somewhere, someone will make clothes for the curvy petite woman!

@MsShayDivine

Style: Autumn/Winter Style Essentials

I love this time of year!

It's perfect for layering up and hiding all the yummy deliciousness we get to enjoy.

Cosy knits and chunky hats, toasty socks and thick coats...it's glorious.

 

While the weather in London transitions from cold to...well colder, here are some style essentials for the autumn/winter seasons.

Jumpers

Blanket scarves

Boots

Cardigans

Hats

Gloves

Let's get cosy!

@MsShayDivine

Hair: Avocado Hair Mask

About 8years ago a friend came over to my house with a green gooey substance on her forehead.

It seemed to be dripping from under her super sized headscarf, so I told her something was trying to escape from her scarf.

She laughed and pulled it off to reveal a bright green conditioner of some sort...intrigued I asked her what she had in her hair.

She told me it was an avocado hair mask, she was doing a deep conditioning treatment.

I already knew avocado oil is great for my hair so I looked into fresh avocado.

*Said* Benefits of avocado

A few days later I met up with the same friend and she told me to feel her hair. It felt like velvet, it was super shiny and it smelled great too.

I didn't ask for her recipe as we're all different and I know what ingredients my hair likes.

A few days later I bought some avocado and got to work on an avocado hair mask/deep conditioner perfect for my hair.

I haven't looked back since...I do this hair treatment weekly in the winter and bi-weekly in the summer.

My hair is loved it!

***Ingredients***

1/2 Ripe avocado

2tbsp organic olive oil

4 drops rosemary oil

4 drops vitamin E oil

4 drops lavender

Water

*Other ingredients added when required- Tea tree oil, ylang ylang oil, Jojoba oil, Honey, Banana*

*Method*

1) Chop the avocado into chunks and add all oils to a blender, gradually add water till you get a smooth yogurt consistency

2) Add to clean de-tangled hair in sections.

3) Cover with a plastic cap or steam cap for a min of 30mins

4) rinse thoroughly.

Give it a go and let me know your thoughts x

@MsShayDivine

Life: Dating in 2017

Dating in this day and age is a nightmare...I mean I almost asked my father to arrange a date and that would not have been a good thing!

Love my daddy but NO!

*Not my actual daddy, keep your knickers on*

With all the apps, social media and media nonsense, traditional dating is almost null and void.

I have been on 8dates in the last 6months and I am sooooo ready to throw in the towel.

I've dated guys with mummy issues, daddy issues, mother of the children issues, financial issues, confidence issues, self-esteem issues, anger issues, mental health issues, hygiene issues (Wasn't really a date, he arrived smelling like a toilet and I left)... I cannot take much more of this.

What is wrong with people?

I've been told I am fussing, frigid (for not going into the restaurant toilets to give him a blowjob), unrealistic and destined to be alone but why is it a bad thing to be fussy, know what you want or what you're worth and ONLY go for that?

Someone who treats you like a queen and with respect. Who is loyal, honest and trustworthy...are these qualities no longer the "Norm"?

Today you can go online to any social media platform and find sex at every swipe but ask someone to open a door or refrain from asking for naked selfies and you're wrong?

What happened to courtship?

One guy asked me to pay his phone bill so he can call me after our date, said he'd pay me back?

One guy got a little too excited on a date and ran off trying to hide his very small erection?

One guy pretended to be in jail as he'd got back together with his ex?

Do people even have long-term HAPPY & HEALTHY relationships anymore?

We all know that not everything is as it's "Post to be" There are so many people in dysfunctional, unhealthy and miserable relationships and I for one refuse to join them just to change my relationship status.

I won't lie I was starting to worry! 

Will I ever find my husband and father of my children?

What about me attracts the creepy and the cooky? 

I wondered if it was something I was doing...was I putting out that kind of energy?

Not at all!!!

I love that!

Not sure what the answer to today's dating dilemmas is but what I do know is that I am not settling!

Nope, never!

God has the perfect man for me and when it's my time...it's my time.

In the meantime....

....I am happy, healthy and grateful for life x

@MsShayDivine

Food: Spicy Veggie Sketti & Vegan Parmesan

I love pasta and this super easy, tasty and quick vegan pasta dish definitely hits the spot...

Give it a go and thank me later hehe x

Ingredients

Spelt spaghetti

Plum tomatoes

Black olives

Asparagus

1 Red onion

2 cloves garlic

Fresh basil (2leaves)

Kalo garlic and herb stock cube (1)

Fresh thyme (1stem)

Fresh rosemary (1stem)

Red & yellow peppers (1/2 each)

Leeks (1/2)

Cheatin chorizo style pieces (1/2 a pack)

Paprika (1tsp)

Cayenne pepper (1tsp)

Sesame oil

What to do....

First boil 4cubs of water with the kalo stock cubes and add spaghetti till cooked.

Wash and chop up the onions, garlic, peppers, leaks, tomatoes, asparagus, olives and garlic.

 Heat 1tbsp of the sesame oil and add the onions and garlic.

Once soft and fragrant add the peppers and leaks. When softened add the rest of the vegetables cook on a low heat.

Add 2tbsp of water, all herbs and spices and cook till you have a thick sauce.

Once all cooked drain the spaghetti and fold in the veggies.

Serve with vegan parmesan and ENJOY!

@MsShayDivine