World Film: PlanEat

PLANEAT.co.uk Trailer from planeat.co.uk on Vimeo.

Shown in this week's London International Documentary Festival!

Smile!

More UK poetry that will make you...

SMILE!

UK Artist: Pepperstorm Arts

This art bite features a UK based artist that I have been a HUGE fan of for a while! When I see her work, it always reminds me of having a really "cooling spiritual water-energy" feeling... there is a flow about it. Does that make sense lol?!? I have also seen her work on numerous flyers around culture shops in London, promoting events (talks, open mic etc) and other artists.

About the artist:
"I am a painter, jewellery designer and sculptor living in London. I began my career as an artist in the mid-eighties designing backdrops and promotional material for warehouse parties and clubs. During this time my work took me to Japan, Australia, North America and Europe where my interest in the arts grew and I began to express myself through painting and sculpture.

The biggest impact on my working technique came through the first visit to my homeland of St Vincent. I was completely overwhelmed by the vibrancy of colour and richness of the culture, something that I had expressed previously in my painting without understanding where the inspiration had come from. This visit inspired me to paint more frequently. I later traveled to Senegal and The Gambia which gave greater meaning and understanding to my work. I spent six months working with artists and sculptors and have made many return visits

I have a BA in Jewellery Design from Central St Martins. During the time studying my paintings took on a sculptural quality with many of the pieces showing the delicacy of fine jewellery and a sculptural quality in the form of collage, print and surface decoration.

I have enjoyed working as a freelance designer and maker producing processional sculpture and costumes with EEA and educational work with KORI. I also work with the Indigo Collective and I am a member of the art group Colour and Movement. My main project at the moment is the commission of two outdoor sculptures for the Altnegelvin Hospital in Derry Ireland.

I work from my studio in South London. Although I love the time I spend locked away in my studio, I also enjoy working on collaborative projects with other artists and in community settings."

Visit Her Website

Inspiring!

Uk Spoken Word: Raymond Antrobus

Hey guys, you know I love poetry! I've been enjoying the variety of great UK poetry over the years... this is another poet that I love and he also offers some great free downloads to digest and reflect on. Check out his blog on  his work, with inner-views!

Uk Spoken Word: Dzifa Benson "Bottom Power"

More poetic inspiration that touched me. This talented woman is fantastic to watch as many of her poems express spirituality, African culture and food for thought!

In this poem she talks about Saartjie Baartman, who was finally laid to rest in her home, South Africa.

Warning: Swear words.

UK Music: Kerry Leatham 'A Different Light'

I saw this lady at StreetFest and it took me a while to figure out who she was and where I could find her tunes - great performance!

This is such a gorgeous tune by the talented Kerry Leatham... please check her website and youtube for more clips.

UK Hair Inspiration: Angela Griffin

I ((heart)) Angela Griffin!

A fantastic actress and has a regular daytime show called Angela And Friends which makes for a fun afternoon in catching up on gossip, beauty, fashion, etc...

Read her napptural interview

And check out these lovely pics...

1st Black Miss England

Read: First Black Miss England

British Black Music Month! Tuning Into Adisa "The Verbalizer"

Celebrating British Black Music Month!
There is such a wonderful raw creative energy in the UK, especially at this time... I will be posting up more artists from the UK this month... stay tuned!


Here is a spoken word artist I came across a few years ago while tuning into Colourful Radio online station when I heard "Poetry Revolution". I feel a lot of what he says reflects positivity and reality...


Visit Adisa's MySpace Page for more inspirational words!

London Events: Iyanla Vanzant And Bonnie Greer

As June moves forward, London seems to start buzzing even more with festivals and events... I LOVE this time of year! Here are some upcoming events that promise fun and inspiration!

(Click images to enlarge flyers)

For more events, tune into this website.

Celebrate Indie Fashion: NEET Online Magazine

I love this UK online mag! If you love shopping on indie-creative websites like Etsy, this is a great mag that brings together many indie shops and products to try! And if you love sewing up your own designs, these creative treats offer some inspiration to get you going on new projects...

Out Now

UK Holistic Health News: A Step Forward!

I have always said that the UK is an open minded portal for bringing holistic health forward in progress... After years of negativity towards holistic health , I am feeling so happy to see this! As a therapist, I know how hard it can be! It is always one step in progress to accepting that complementary/holistic health should be an integrated way forward... A choice for everyone to make for their health.

The discussion moves on...

Happy MaY! Slow Down London!

HAPPY MAY!
Is it really May ALREADY?!?

Each year is getting faster and faster! Even though I LOVE how technology makes our lives so much more faster and easier, I do also blame it for speeding up time and keeping life a little too hectic at times! City life.

If you haven't already heard, there is a great campaign going on right now in London to get Londoners to SLOW down and enjoy life - with some interesting events and shows to keep you motivated and enjoyable!

Visit the website at: www.slowdownlondon.co.uk
24th Apr - 4th May 2009

So inspired by this, I felt one of my first monthly challenges would be too slow down in my own life! I KNOW I need to take things easy and stop worrying about everything... So, this is my monthly challenge!

The Grump.

"You Brits just love being miserable!"
Oh YES lol!

The first time I heard about this book title (read about it), I rolled over laughing and got it straight away. I'm not British - but I have lived here for 10+ years and even though I can say many positive things about living in the UK, I can also relate to this in everyday life. Classic.

Take the example of the hit show "Grumpy old women" - I don't get it! And the latest is from this survey. Apparently, Londoners are the most grumpiest in the UK - and the most stressed people in all of Europe. Londoners are also the most lonliest in the UK.

From the article: He says that the character traits of Londoners are now
so amplified and different from those of other regions that it has become almost
like "another country". Mr Rentfrow said: "London is becoming psychologically
separate from the rest of the nation.

I felt it was a good time to bring this up as many nappturals around the world have asked me what it is like to live in London. So, here is my take on *my* experiences here...

If I played "The Grump":

Since everyone seems to be going on about London being grumpy and stressful, I'll join in and share the bad things that I hate about this city first, before ending on a positive note lol!

If I had to look at London through a negative point of view, I would definitely say that there is a lack of balance in daily life. As a natural health activist and empath, it does get difficult to make life focus on something other than the wallet. Everything is so expensive and the quality of life does not give you your money's worth either, compared to other parts of Europe that I have lived in. What I would spend on one night out here would be worth maybe 4 nights out doing the exact same thing in Madrid for example. So everything tends to revolve around money, material and "getting ahead" in that front. There is so much to see creativity-wise but you need to have some steady good income to really go out there and explore/pay for it all.

Travel on the tube is by far one of the worst pars of London for me. Now I'm not saying we all need to be jumping with joy and laughing on the tube, but it can be a pretty miserably cramped and stuffy place to get caught up in, especially in rush hour where we are like canned sardines. With our personal space constantly invaded by others, it's no wonder people put up barrier energy. The London free papers serve as a perfect weapon to shield your Self lol! Think I'm joking?!? ... observe it when you have the chance or travel to this side of the pond. People and the energy does feel miserable sometimes. I don't look forward to using it. In general, I feel London is crammed up and with no breathing space, the tube is just an example.

The subtle divides: Unless you were born and raised in London, I do feel that there will always be a divide in the way people feel about this city Vs people who have come to live in London for whatever reason. As a person who moved to London in '98, I have observed that there are many hidden divides in the way people interact on a daily life. "Outsiders" are more likely to connect and group as friends than with those who lived here all their life who form their own groups. And as for multi-cultural-ism, I feel there is a lot that London has to offer on different cultures but they all pretty much remain completely divided from one another. With that said, I still feel I need to point out that there is certainly more tolerance and diversity than other places I have visited in Europe. The class system and North/South UK divide is also a very dominant factor in society.

So whats the good news - if any lol?!?

London still remains to me one of the most vibrant places I've visited in creative freedom. At its best, it can provide a lot of inspiration if you are looking in the right place. There are numerous events and cultural and creative awareness/activist movements to keep you connected to the creative flow. People come here for so many reasons and one of them is to have the complete freedom to re-invent and explore Self - in their jobs, studies, creating a new business etc. There are so many choices so it can be good if you keep super focused on what it is you truly came to London for. I feel this city is where I found my Self and what it is I wanted in life - and to be honest, I don't think any other city would have taught me all the lessons that London has shown me... so I feel grateful for this city's energy.

London is a very napptural loving city! Over the last few years, I have seen more and more natural hair loving people and businesses popping up. It's great! I hope Adornment comes back soon as this show was one of the best in bringing together all things natural. There are also many hair salons that specialise in natural hair, like Locs 4 Life and Purely Natural. Visit Tyte Curl for UK natural info. There are many other links out there - these are just a few that came to mind now.

So, I guess every city has its good and bad points. As a person who loves to travel, I feel London is a great temporary spot to be in for now- who knows where the next city/town will be!

As Dreamers Do ~ Alison David Speaks On Her Journey

Alison David

I have been a fan of her music for some time and especially loved her song "One Last Look" that was inspiring to me at a transitional time. Her voice is power-full, soul-full and full of life!

It's always inspiring (to me) to hear a person's story about their journey through their creativity... So I was glad to see this video posted up! Enjoy ;o)

Dance Afreaka! ~ African Dance & Fitness

We first came across this DVD as a friend passed on some info on keeping fit with African dancing...

I have been a little slow in catching up and have yet to attend a class... but no doubt, I'm sure it'll be a fun regular session to keep in my diary. I've heard great things about it!

UK Love: Spread The Word, You Beautiful... NERD!

@ Black Nerds Network HQ

Super cute, fun and with a GREAT message behind it!

I especially love their blog.

Look out for sales!

WE

UK Shopping: Some Yummy Body/Hair Treats!

Here are a few products that are bound to fight off the last of the Winter blues... getting you ready for Spring!

1. Raw Shea Butter Styling Souffle £6.99
"Our Raw Shea Butter Styling Soufflé is a carefully crafted blend of hair conditioners and strengtheners that delivers maximum control for exquisite styling and hold. This nourishing and restorative styling product contains African Shea Butter, Soy Milk, Vitamin E, Hemp Oil, and extracts from Frankincense and Myrrh, Blended with Aloe Gel and Jojoba Oil to condition and protect hair from styling damage."

2. Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles £10.95

"A rich and moisturizing styling cream for kinky curls and dreads, or highly textured hair. Style and define your curls or twist locs, while naturally hydrating. Perfect for finger twisting curls! Create defined curls, with maximum moisture and softness. Dries touchably soft and satiny, not sticky or greasy."

3. Sankofa Face Cream £12.00

"A rich face cream with pure unrefined Shea Butter, Carrot oil and Marula enhanced with the rejuvenating essential oil blend of Frankincense, Rose and Neroli."

4. Handmade Naturals African Black Soap Shampoo £ 6.65

"Our liquid black soap, which looks like melted chocolate, is made from African Black Soap produced in Togo (West Africa) in small batches by hand, using age-old traditional techniques, from pure virgin oils following fair trade and organic guidelines. The high percentage of shea butter (48%) is one of the unique features of this black soap. Additionally, African black soap has a very high natural glycerin content (usually removed from commercially produced soaps), which gives the soap its exceptional moisturising qualities.

UK Love: Zayunu by Design

@ ZayunubyDesign.com

This continues to be a firm favourite... GORGEOUS items from third-eye jewels to bangles and loc accessories!

Her work is truly inspiring and is guaranteed to add sunshine to any outfit or crowning glory head!

Links:

@ myspace

@ etsy

@ Flickr Gallery

@ Her blog

Check it out!