BE THE BEST YOU - PAUL OLASEHINDE (30/03/2015)

So as we delve into the fourth month of the year, it’s a decent time to look back and see how we’ve done since the beginning of 2015. Me personally, it could be better… a lot better but slowly and surely things will pick up they always do. One question I was asking myself is, am I being the best version of me? I mean of course we can all visualize where we ultimately want to be but I’m asking myself and you, are you the best version of yourself day in day out?

I’m sure a lot of us are in a situation or situations we don’t want to be in. Jobs we don’t like, family problems, relationship issues and the list goes on, but unfortunately that’s life. However, its imperative you find yourself smiling and staying as upbeat as  much as possible. Life is filled with opportunities everyday, if we look hard enough and if we’re lucky enough some of them fall at our feet. You would hate to have missed out on one because you weren’t in the mood or just weren’t being the best you. Imagine you had a conversation with a manager at your place of work and because you weren’t bothered and just acted anyhow he told you he decided not to put you forward for a promotion as a result of that. You’d be kinda vex right? Now this is just one of the opportunities you know you had that you missed because you weren’t being the best you. Imagine all the ones you would have missed out on that you didn’t know of.

Now don’t misunderstand me I’m not trying to be unrealistic. Life is a handful and plenty more of them. Days will come, weeks and even years where it will feel like it you will need to draw on every fiber in your body to crack a smile. Sometimes it might not even be possible but that’s exactly it, you do what you’re capable of that day. Sometimes you’ll just manage a smile, some days it will be a smile with a bop in your step making everyone laugh and lighting up the day. In this example the day you only smiled isn’t lesser than the day you were walking with that swagger because on both days you were the best you possible and that’s the best you could do. Everyday is different so we must continue to adapt to what it brings and be realistic with how we feel but always aiming to push past the pain and disappointment some days may bring.

There are some real bad days though right? Nothing you’re attempting is helping you and it feels like the day is dragging you somewhere you don’t want to go. This is when I recommend you reach out to someone. Friends aren’t there to just help you take pictures for Instagram,  I've talked about this in a previous post, if you trust them enough, open up to them they could be of more help than you could imagine. They could say one thing that could change your whole outlook on that day, they could say something you have already told yourself but say it in a way that was different and it just hits you. At the end of the day, commit everyday to God and I’m sure you’ll come out the other end all right.

So I encourage you to take control of how you’re feeling. Circumstances play a huge role no denying that but at the end of the day you decide how you let it affect you even if you think you don’t. Be the best you! You never know who you’re going to meet that day. One conversation is all it takes and it could be life changing in so many ways. First impressions mean a lot and once its gone you cant get it back. So show everyone the ten out of ten version of you, you wouldn’t want them to get the wrong idea right?

AMERIIE - Master Class Media (24/03/2015)

I'm sure many of you are aware of the beautiful and talented Singer/Songwriter Ameriie. Well MCM managed to get an interview with her before she tours the UK this week. Although Ameriie has been quiet on us for a while, as she has ventured into other projects aside from media, she has recently released two singles 'What I want' and 'Mustang'. These will probably be performed amongst her old soulful and rhythmic material that she is known for.

It's been a while since we have heard from you, what is the reason for you taking a break from the public eye

"I’ve just been in Creation Mode, working on my albums BILI and Cymatika, as well as writing fiction. I also started a youtube channel recently, Books Beauty Ameriie, something I began so I could geek out over books and share things that I love, including skincare products and makeup."

Since you've been away has your style in music changed? What inspires you to write? Can we expect to see the old Amerie with the instruments and live band or are you introducing yourself as someone new

"I don’t think it’s changed much but to be honest I haven’t listened to the radio in quite a while. One of my projects, BILI, sounds like an extension of Because I Love It (2007), with it’s driving rhythms and New Wave influences. My other project, Cymatika, is very cinematic and heavy as far as sound goes. Both projects are very “me” but they also reflect the way my sounds evolve even in the course of a single album."

what influenced you to do a UK tour are you trying to widen your audience internationally instead of just focusing on the US?

"Since the beginning of my career, I’ve traveled and made it a point to spend as much time internationally as possible. Music is universal and it’s wonderful to experience it in-person. As for the UK in particular, I love it so that makes traveling there easy!"

What is special about this album in comparison to your previous ones, are there any songs we should look out for or collaborations to be excited for?

"I’m keeping mum on these projects so far, especially because they are still taking shape!"

         What is your plans for your career after the tour?

"I’m continuing to record for my projects and I’ll still be writing the stories I’m working on at the moment."

         Describe your style and this album in one word

                              "Ameriie."

 BEAUTY AND MELODY - BOOHEMA BOOHENE (18/03/2015)

Universal Contour Wrap (inch loss wrap)
A scientifically proven inch loss treatment, the universal contour wrap is a safe and effective way to lose inches in two hours. Bandages are dipped in a natural sea clay solution and wrapped around the body gently to remove toxins and compact fatty tissue. Additional techniques will help lift the buttocks, flatten thighs and tighten the skin, leaving you with soft supple skin and a smoother firmer body shape.

I had always heard that you could use wraps to loose weight. But I never believed the extent of it. It seems surreal that wrapping a bunch of bandages around yourself could aid in weight loss but IT ACTUALLY WORKS!

As someone who has struggled with weight all my life when Beauty and Melody offered me the opportunity to try out this treatment i was delighted. Beauty and Melody is situated on Cumberland Place which is a back road off the busy, vibrant Marble Arch, it is about a 4 minute walk from the station. The accessibility is very convenient for it's customers. Upon arrival the staff had already prepared me tea, and catered to me to make me feel relaxed, which made me feel immediately welcomed. Time was not wasted and my beauty consultant escorted me into a room. Taking your clothes off in front of a stranger is not something everyone is comfortable with, however the consultant was very patient, understanding and helpful towards making me feel comfortable.

The process is fairly simple. You are measured all around your body, and then wrapped tightly in hot/warm sea clay bandages. Once this is done you are then given what I like to call a shiny space suit to sweat in. This suit is to increase the amount of heat in your body which helps you sweat more to get out bad toxins. The treatment lasts for two hours, however it goes extremely quick, and during the process I was allowed to drink tea, which made me feel very at ease. After the treatment my feet were soaking, it felt as if all the water had been sucked out of my body, and after the bandages were removed I had a very light bouncy feeling.

Now for the results.. had I lost any weight? Well.. yes I did. I honestly couldn't believe it myself but the evidence was right in front of me. As I was measured for the second time I lost 14 INCHES all around my body. The most being lost on my thighs and arms. I was fairly disappointed that no pounds had dropped off my waist but something is better than nothing therefore I can't complain. I was told you need about 6 sessions to see the full effects however I definitely saw some after just one After a successful treatment I was treated to a wonderful gel manicure, again with more FREE tea!

I honestly have no complaints or issues with Beauty and Melody. They deliver what they promise which is excellent customer service, Powerful treatments and a relaxed environment for their clients.

Female or Male I would definitely advise paying a visit and finding out about this particular body treatment or others. They also offer waxing, hair treatments, skin-care, makeup, body massages and many more. The price range isn't too bad and to be fair I feel it is quite reasonable for the treatment you get.

The Universal Contour wrap for two hours is only £75 definitely a bargain.

Visit www.beautyandmelody.co.uk
Or follow them on Twitter: @melodyandbeauty

 WILFRIED ZAHA THE FORGOTTEN MAN - OLA ADEOTOYE (05/03/2015)

When Wilfried Zaha was bought to Manchester United from Crystal Palace in the January of the 2012/2013 season, I wouldn't say it set United fans' tongues wagging but there was some interest and partial excitement on my behalf to see how this fledgling Ivorian would develop under the tutelage of the great Sir Alex. Born in Ivory Coast's capital Abidjan the winger is blessed with pace along the deck and a skill set that can baffle defending opposition at times.

However his star has faded somewhat in the recent years, with David Moyes at the helm and his knack of playing young English players, that Zaha might have gone up a level, sadly that didn't prove to be the case. Whether the player wasn't working hard enough in training to warrant more playing time from Moyes, his attitude wasn't right or Moyes just didn't fancy involving Zaha much still remains a mystery. After a 62 minute debut in the community shield vs. Wigan and a start against Norwich in the League Cup, he was shipped off to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Cardiff City. 

His loan didn't do much to inspire an already floundering team in the shape of Cardiff City and inevitably they were relegated.

As a result he returned to United and was loaned back to Crystal Palace, where he first started turning heads. In terms of appearances its been a much more successful loan than the Ivorian's spell in the Welsh capital. Currently he has fifteen appearances for the South London side and netted the a stoppage time equaliser on his debut against Newcastle.

Fair enough he hasn't exactly been in sizzling form for Palace but I for one am hoping that an extended run of BPL games back at a place where he is loved by the fans, will see him get back to the sort of form he producing on a fairly regular basis before his Manchester move.

It remains to be seen whether he remains in Louis Van Gaal's plans for the future, especially with the influx of signings at Old Trafford and future acquisitions that could be paraded in the summer.

In an ideal world he comes back from his Palace loan at the end of the season and does enough to convince LVG to give him one last chance to prove his worth, and that he takes that chance with both hands. Consequently realising the potential he has and establishes himself as a good Premier League player and member of the national setup. Still if it turns out to be the case that his future doesn't lie at the twenty times champions I hope he doesn't just fade into mediocrity.

"I feel lonely, it’s like the world is falling down”

V.Simmons releases the visuals to his latest release, Lonely World

Three weeks ago V.Simmons released Lonely World onto his SoundCloud. It’s a track about his honest thoughts and feelings about what is happening across the world right now. There is no pretence and no bravado, just an honest account of the thoughts of a young London rapper. 

His honesty paid off, the track has had over 1,000 plays on SoundCloud, receiving blog posts from established urban magazine, Urban Revolution.

The video is made up of a montage of video clips from news broadcasts around the world. Each clip showing that this isn’t ‘just another rapper, rapping about the streets’ nor is it ‘just another rap song about money, cars and girls’. This is real life, V.Simmons is rapping about real life events that are affecting the world that he lives in.

It’s just as hard hitting and gritty as everything we’ve ever had from V. Simmons before; straight from his heart. V says, “sometimes its really sad to see the state of the planet we live in…” and he chose not to sit silently any longer.

The video was shot and directed by Ash Riley, who did an excellent job relaying the message of the track visually. It powerfully complements the audio and together they form a very moving piece of work.

The video premiered on Complex Mag on 5th Feb, please feel free to share the video on your site.

Lonely World- http://youtu.be/hy1wv6Wzpvc

Twitter: ‪http://www.twitter.com/_vsimmons

Facebook: ‪https://www.facebook.com/pages/VSimmo...

Soundcloud: ‪http://www.soundcloud.com/vsimmonsmusic

Instagram: ‪http://instagram.com/_vsimmons

HOW STRONG IS YOUR TEAM - PAUL OLASEHINDE (23/02/2015)

In recent times I have been seeing a lot more emphasis on friendship denoted by the word ‘squad’ or ‘team’. To me this is quite heart warming that as young people, we see the need to have a strong group of people around us whom you can consider a part of your circle. However, I've been led to wonder if this is just 

for show. 

Are people more interested in the look rather than the substance of 

having a squad? Are we caught up in the attention we gain for the picture captioned ‘squaaaaa’? I certainly hope not because while you and your friends are racking up the likes others are mocking your so-called friendship group. 

First and foremost I mean no disrespect. It’s perfectly fine to have a picture of you and your friends which crossed the 100 likes barrier in 30 minutes, I’m only here to make sure we’re thinking about the substance behind that. I understand this may not apply to all as most things never do, but hopefully it provokes thought as to how close your team is. Too many friendships are based on popularity and its easy to see this by the way their ‘team’ dismantles and then engages in who can expose the most about the other; things which were most likely said in confidence might I add.

You and your friends might take a decent photo, but can you confide in them or ask for advice on serious issues? This doesn’t determine whether your friendships are real or not because it’s not everything you need to tell those around you, but that’s for another day. You should be able to rely on your circle in different ways to how you would with other people and not only when its picture time.

I would assume there are a lot of people with issues in their squad or that there are sub teams within friends, which is never healthy. All this creates is backbiting and disputes, people then take sides and then there is division. In spite of this, some people won’t speak up because they believe those people to be their ‘day 1’s’. It’s important to understand like any sports team or team of any sort, that Sometimes things need to be shaken up. 

The way you start will not always be the way you finish. Those who you thought would always be around end up out of the picture leaving yourself thinking, ‘how did I ever have them around for that long in the first place?’ I’ve seen scenarios when a group of people come together out of convenience and believe to be friends with each other because they’re always around rather than them actually adding something to your life. 

 In time, it will always show that maybe you were rather associates than friends. We throw ‘friend’ around too easily and attach it to people we really shouldn’t. If I introduce a friend to someone else you would tend to say ‘Hey, this is my friend Jonathan’ however, Jonathan may only really be a colleague, but maybe to 

not sound so harsh we use the term friend. But before you know it, you’re surrounded with a bunch of Jonathan's whom deep down aren’t really your friend, but you stay around because they’re a familiar face. You stay around because when its time to hit that 4-5-1 formation in a photo, nobody knows it better than Jonathan. 

I guess I may have come across quite harsh and critical, but I feel it is needed because I see a lot of us short changing ourselves out of convenience or because of how long they’ve known someone. If you’re using those as a parameter to measure friendship please stop! Having the right people around you, people you can trust, who aren’t just interested in you because you make up the numbers is key to your happiness. Each day can be made or broken by a friend, and when you can look around and say ‘squaaaaa’ even if its just you and two others, its substantially better then looking around and thinking ‘but who can I really talk to about this?’ 

I speak not to you, but to myself also. It’s something that needs checking every now and then because people change more than our beloved English weather. At the end of the day, those 100+ Instagram likes or Twitter retweets won't be there to ask you how your day was or help you do your make up. So have a look around and ask yourself how strong your team is. Your friends should 

compliment you and add something to your life, while generally being on the same wavelength. In saying that though, I guess if you’re happy pretending to be friends with some and all the members of the group have the same intentions, then I guess it could work, right?

Top Six Valentine’s Day looks By Ray Styles

Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to celebrate those you hold close to your heart; not just your lovers but your friends and family and just like any type of celebration you’ve got to look your best.  So whether you’re out for dinner, painting, wine tasting or even dancing with your lover or the girls, my top six Valentine’s Day looks are suitable for whichever setting you find yourself in.

1)    The traditional red number – the colour red is highly associated with valentine’s day, it’s rare to find someone not wearing red on this day. However people tend to go overboard with the “red”; with red dress, red heels, and red purse even red faces. Here is my how to red without looking like a cherry tomato. Mix the colour, team your red with black, gold and white. Keep the red subtle and sultry, challenge the norm, team your red dress with knee length gladiator boots, this is guaranteed to have your lover drooling or even secure some numbers on your night out with the girls.

2)    Keep it silky smooth – Whoever told you lingerie is only for the bedroom clearly isn’t adventurous. Make jaws drop in lingerie inspired outfits; including silky dresses, tops and shorts. However it’s so easy to get it wrong, keep it simple and chic by opting for pastel coloured outfits; stray far from the bright pinks and trashy red and lace. Team your pastels with black; you can never go wrong with black.  Add a long coat for a classy and relaxed look.

3)    Wintery floral – It might be winter but who said you can’t wear floral? Dazzle your date in a chic floral number. Be subtle with it and teamed with neutral colours such as white, nude, cream and soft pastels. Go easy on the accessories as your outfit is already a big deal; try simple earrings or rings to complete it.

4)    Smartly sexy – smart can be sexy. You don’t have to bare all to wow your lover; as a matter of fact leaving more to the imagination is must, it builds the anticipation for your lover. Turn heads with a tailored trouser teamed with a bandeau, not only does the tailored trousers turn heads it also gives off the illusion of longer legs or stand out in a long coat and sexy pumps. Accessories as much as you want and play with colours.

5)    Denim – I know denim seems like an everyday look and you might want to switch things up for this special day but trust me, you can never go wrong with denim! There’s a variety you can choose from; ranging from boyfriend jeans to lightly ripped jeans or high waist jeans.   Combine your denim with shirts, jumpers or crops; dress up your denim with a range of footwear such as ankle boots, pumps, and flatform or platform heels. Add a leather coat for the ultimate chic look.

6)    Leather/ wet look trousers – The leather or wet look trousers is dressy enough for all types of outing. Wow the crowd in your daring leather trousers combined with a pastel or dark coloured shirt, team your look with gold accessories and pumps. Complete your outfit with a fur coat or gillet.

I hope my top six looks has inspired/ given you an idea for the 14^th of February. 

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