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Posted on August 5, 2020

Tandem skydive in aid of SOSAD Ireland

lifestyle

The last few months have been rough for all of us. Between trying to navigate life through a global pandemic, seeing a worldwide outcry for racial equality as well as any other hardships we’ve been forced to endure since, it can be hard at times to know what to do to help each other as well as ourselves. For that reason I’ve decided to do a charity skydive for SOSAD (Save Our Sons And Daughters) Ireland in hopes of raising awareness around the issue of mental health.

SOSAD Ireland is a registered charity based in Drogheda that helps improve the lives of people affected by depression and suicide. It’s a charity very close to my heart so I wanted to give something to a team that works tirelessly to help keep our minds happy and healthy.

I created an everydayhero page last Friday afternoon to raise funds for the tandem skydive and the last couple of days has really opened my eyes to the sort of support network I have built through my blog, writing and connecting with people in the media space in Ireland.

I’m genuinely overwhelmed by all the positivity and support so far and still gobsmacked by the fact that we hit my fundraising goal in just two days! Words cannot describe how grateful I am to everyone who has donated or even spared a thought for this initiative.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all. 

Although I have hit my fundraising target, I will continue to fundraise for SOSAD until the week before my parachute jump on August 23rd so if you can donate or share my everydayhero page, I’d greatly appreciate it. 

In these uncertain times, I think the services provided by SOSAD are more important than ever before and the more awareness that is brought to this cause, the higher chances that the people who require SOSAD services will get the help that they need.

Thanks again to everyone in advance and I hope you’re all staying safe x

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Posted on July 22, 2020

Black Irish Lives: The Irish Times Magazine

lifestyle

black irish lives

The first Sunday of July 2020 will always be one to remember because on that very morning I drove down to my local newsagent to pick up a copy of a special edition of The Irish Times.

Not only was I excited to get my hands on an issue that centres on black writers, black voices and the black community within Irish society. But I also wanted to bear the fruits of labour.

In the weeks prior to the release of the ‘Black Irish Lives’ issue of The Irish Times Magazine, I had spent a good bit of time interviewing talented black people in Ireland for the ‘People to Watch’ segment of the issue.

Working alongside RTÉ presenter Zainab Boladale for the shared byline, I got the opportunity to discover amazing black talent in a variety of industries. From music artists to gastronomy lovers, the black talent in Ireland really has no bounds.

Among many others, I interviewed European junior champion, Gina-Akpe Moses and discovered that she has her eye on winning Olympic medals in the future as well as Drogheda-based drill rapper, Offica, who is not green to creating hit singles.

Working on a project that positively highlights how well the black community has integrated within the Irish society brought me great joy. It was an absolute honour to take part in something so monumental in Irish history and I enjoyed every second of amplifying incredible black talent!

A massive thank you to Rachel Collins and Emma Dabiri for creating the Black Irish Lives issue of The Irish Times and if you didn’t manage to nab yourself a copy, you can have a read of the ‘People to Watch’ segment here.

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Posted on June 17, 2020

Anti-racism: 5 resources that promote healthy conversations about race

lifestyle

george floyd i can't breathe

If you’re wondering why I’ve published this blog post under the category lifestyle rather than race, it is because I believe that people should have continuous conversations about race and racial discrimination. I think it’s a discussion that should be part of people’s everyday life and not just when deeply disturbing circumstances lead to the world opening its eyes to the fact that racism is in fact a global issue. 

I’d imagine that at this stage, anyone who considers themselves to be in true allyship with the Black Lives Matter movement has been putting in the work to educate themselves on black oppression and racial injustice across the world. With that in mind, I’ve tried to avoid compiling a list of endless resources. I would also hate to have crucial information slip ones fingers.

As an alternative, I have decided to put together a variety of resources that I have found to be profoundly moving. I also found each of these resources to be an important catalyst for constructive discussions about racial issues. 

Black Lives Matter

At some stage of the Black Lives Matter movement, I felt that the conversation in Ireland descended into white Irish people saying they were also mistreated under English rule. There was almost a battle with black people to determine who suffered the most. I think conversations based on the premise of who has had it worse don’t help either side. Pain is subjective and people have different thresholds for it. 

Instead, it would serve us better to look at it from the point of view that if two parties share similar sentiments in how they feel or once felt discriminated against, then shouldn’t that birth empathy and compassion? 

Wouldn’t it be more useful to acknowledge one another’s pain and say: “What can we do as a team to prevent the next group of people from enduring a similar struggle?”

The list below will hopefully open your eyes to having constructive conversations about race and racism. It is not exhaustive of course, but I think they each offer a perspective that is imperative for real change.

1. Why I, as a Black Man, Attend KKK Rallies, TEDxNaperville by Daryl Davis

This TEDx by Daryl Davis speaks to my fundamental belief that people are not inherently racist. There is no such thing as a racist gene because racism is a taught behaviour. It can be unlearned. Daryl offers a solution to dismantling racial discourse which involves boldly confronting the enemy in order to determine the source of hate, find common grounds and ultimately, prove that we are all human. Davis shows us the true power of leading by example. After watching this TEDx for the first time, I thought to myself, “if he can convert a member of the Klu Klux Klan through open and honest conversation, imagine what we can do?”

2. When They See Us (Netflix)

when they see us netflix

Every second of Netflix’s When They See Us left me with a gut-wrenching feeling in the pit of my stomach. Creator, co-writer and director Ava DuVernay, tells the gripping stories of five teenage boys, labeled the exonerated Central Park Five, who were convicted after being falsely accused of rape. For non-black viewers, it is a window into the systemic racism in the U.S police force and for black viewers, it is another painful reminder of the damaging consequences of existing within a society that is deeply rooted in racism. 

3. Dublin InQuirer: As the Black Lives Matter Protests Continue, It’s Important for Black People to Look After Our Mental Health

black lives matter protests

If you follow me on social media, then you would know that I had to take a step back from the digital when the story of George Floyd first came to light. It conjured up all sorts of feelings for me which I go into greater details of in the article I wrote for Dublin Inquirer. In this piece I address the importance of protecting mental health, being mindful of people’s grieving process as well as the hope I have for the future of Ireland. 

4. Political Horror Film: Get Out

This Jordan Peele film exemplifies the sort of racism that is cloaked under overcompensation and the eagerness to prove that one is not racist. It also highlights negrophilia, a phenomenon prevalent during 1920-1930s Paris when the collection of African art and listening to black music were all signs of being fashionable. Jordan Peele is notorious for leaving easter eggs in his films and every single time I watch the film Get Out, I discover something new. Get Out is one of my all-time favourite social thrillers and a brilliant catalyst for discussions on covert racism and white fascination with black culture.

5. Instagram’s #ShareTheMicNow Campaign

Started in the U.S by authors Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Glennon Doyle, business woman Bozoma Saint john and fashion designer Stacey Bendet, #ShareTheMicNow is a campaign born from the suppression of black voices. The initiative aims to magnify black female voices and stories by having black women take over the IG accounts of white women with a big following in order to help foster conversations about race. 

I find this campaign particularly heartwarming to see because I think there is only so much studying a person can do. In order to really face the problem of racial injustice, you have to speak to those who have actually experienced it. It isn’t enough to read about black people, you have to engage with us and listen. 

I will be taking over Fionnuala Moran‘s IGTV tomorrow evening at 8.30PM so be sure to tune in.

As a final note, I would like to add that much like any situation that lends itself to exploitation, there are going to be people out there who are looking for clout and equally, there will be brands out there who are seeing the global outcry for justice as a PR opportunity. They are capitalising on black people’s pain. 

Be wary of performative online activism and know that there will always be a small minority of people who are self-serving during a time of worldwide pain. However, that is not to take away from the bigger picture. What’s important is that the right message is being delivered and what’s even more important is that it is being put into practice.

Well done to everyone who is using their platform and their voice. Keep fighting the good fight in whatever way you know how and I look forward to chatting to you on Fionnuala’s Instagram tomorrow at 8.30PM 🙂

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Posted on December 16, 2019

12 Dates of Crimbo makes Jenny Greene’s Best of The Week!!!

lifestyle

12 dates on jenny greene's best of the week

I have good news and bad news. The bad news is, my 12 Dates of Crimbo series has come to an end. The good news however is that shortly after it ended, I was lucky enough to be invited to Jenny Greene’s weekday evening show on RTÉ 2FM to discuss all things festive dating – I know, who would have thought that consistently posting a new date idea for 12 days straight would pay off like this? I certainly didn’t! 🙂

I called into the RTÉ radio studio last Thursday 12th December for my first live radio appearance in the longest of times and to say I was nervous is a bit of an understatement! Thankfully Jenny Greene’s team quickly put any concerns I had to rest. They are the loveliest group of people and it wasn’t long until I started discussing my 12 dates and sharing some of my own funny dating stories on the national airwaves!

jenny greene 12 dates

The following day (Friday 13th), I found out that my little segment made Jenny Greene’s best bits of the week. It was amongst some fab contributions by comedians Alison Spittle and Joanne McNally to make The Best of The Week.

As you can imagine, I was over the moon to discover this especially after being forced to sit down and listen back to the sound of my own voice – something I seldom do. All in all, not the worst Friday the 13th!

If you want to listen to my chat with the stunning goddess that is Jenny Greene, have a listen here

My segment starts from 1:21 🙂

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5 reasons I received a Google alert for my name in 2018

lifestyle

I never in a million years would have thought that my blogging achievements in twenty eighteen could ever amount to half of the accomplishments I had with Enhance What’s Yours in 2017. In fact, I spent the early days of twenty eighteen (excuse the overuse of this millenial slang), crippled with the anxiety that I may had set the bar too high for myself in the previous year.

I mean, when an open letter that took less than fifteen minutes to write makes international headlines, how could I possibly envision myself topping that? Hell if I know how, but I did! And when I reflect upon the year I had with my blog and the opportunities that I’ve been afforded through a brand for which I have taken many sacrifices, I can’t help but look back with a greater sense of gratitude.

The gratitude I feel towards the brand I’ve created far exceed any sentiments I felt towards my blog accomplishments in previous times. That’s not to disqualify any of my past achievements or to say that they are less significant. But it is mainly because I feel that the knowledge that I accrued in my second year of freelancing has helped me recognise that luck can only get you so far.

You also have to be willing to do what others won’t.

So without further ado, here are some of the main reasons why I received Google alerts for my name in 2018 🙂

1. My TV debut for ground-breaking Channel 4 series

As many of you know from the series of blogs I’ve published around this topic, I was part of the diverse cast for a two-part Channel 4 documentary called Genderquake. Filming for this ground-breaking series took in the beautiful city of Brighton in October 2017 and the show finally aired in May of 2018.

Genderquake explored gender and sexuality in today’s world by having ten strangers from all parts of the gender spectrum cohabitate for a full week and have spirited discussions about sexual identity, gender and everything in  between!

Shortly after hitting the screens, Genderquake was nominated in the MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards for Representation of LGBTQ, Non-Scripted which is more than any of us could have asked for or anticipated!

Knowing that my voice was part of a show that incited so much public interest both online and in real life is a great source of pride for me, particularly because I was so apprehensive about taking part in the first place.

Looking back now, I am so proud of my contribution on the show – taking the edits out of the equation of course! I met some truly wonderful souls and beautiful people who challenged my ideologies in ways that continue to intrigue me till today.

Twitter was also pretty gentle with me which was more reassuring than I care to admit. I had people from all backgrounds jump to my defense and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive 🙂

If you haven’t seen Genderquake yet, be sure to catch up on Channel 4 here.

2. Live TV appearance on Genderquake: The Debate

Following the release of the two-part documentary, Channel 4 aired a live debate in which myself and a few of the other cast members were invited to attend. The debate was hosted by news presenter Cathy Newman and saw a number of famous faces on the panel such as Caitlyn Jenner, Munroe Bergdorf, Germaine Greer, Ayo Caeser and Sarah Ditum.

While I had already been on television at this point, it was all still very new to me. To say I was hyperventilating at the thought of being on live TV would be be a complete understatement. Thankfully, I managed to answer Cathy Newman’s questions about my experience of being on the show with as much grace and elegance as the merlot I consumed allowed for.

Once again, a very proud moment for my inner nerdy introvert. You can see my response in this Twitter thread here.

3. Brand Ambassador role for Huawei Mobile Ireland

Huawei P20 Lite Review

While I did not receive a Google alert for this, I do think it is worth mentioning. I was given a brand ambassador role for Huawei Mobile Ireland which resulted in me creating exciting content and taking part in a sponsored campaign – not to mention getting a deadly new phone! 🙂

While I have done content placement and other sponsored content in the past, I had never been asked to work on a continuous campaign such as the one I did with Huawei Ireland. To put the cherry on top, the tweet I shared about the Story Sign app created by Huawei, performed incredibly well with an engagement rate of 3.9% and a reach of nearly 10k.

The media views I received in that one tweet even outperformed some of the ads shared by other influencers with twice or trice my Twitter following. I think all too often brands get fooled by influencers who appear to have a large following so knowing this gave me a completely new perspective on how to negotiate future collaborations with brands and it helped me see the value of my brand and what I have to offer.

4. Publication of first byline for thejournal.ie

This might not seem like such a big deal to some people. But for me it is everything.

Throughout my many years of navigating my way within the Irish blogging scene, I have always identified more as a writer than blogger: it’s the one thing I was always sure of. In my eyes, writing for an Irish news site is about more than just massaging my ego. In a weird sense, it validated my work as a writer.

I had never pitched an article before. But after my success, I hope to share more of my thoughts on dating, relationships and female sexuality to a wider audience in the future. Seeing my byline on thejournal.ie really gave me a high. Almost like runners high, but for writers – yes, I’m making it a thing!

If you have yet to read my article about making consent sexy – for the sake of both men and women, be sure to read it here. 

5. Featured in iNews for viral open letter

iNews feature about viral story

Last but not least, I was recently featured in inews.co.uk where I was given the opportunity to share an honest account of how online trolling can affect a person’s well being. While I did write a blog post on how to deal with bad publicity, I had never really delved into the darker side of how I felt after the events that transpired online.

I finally mustered the courage to do exactly that in an interview with former HuffPost UK Editor, Poorna Bell for a feature in iNews. Much like many of my other endeavours and interviews, I was on the fence about this.But the award-winning journalist dealt with my story with great delicacy and care. Poorna was aware of the sensitivity of the topic during the whole interview process – even when she was trying to get to the core of what really happened.

I have so much respect for authentic journalists who strive to uncover accurate accounts of real life stories and I genuinely cannot thank Poorna enough for sharing mine in such a raw way.

To read my feature about the very real impact online trolling can have on a person’s well-being, click here.

A massive thank you to everyone who has been supporting me from day one! I wish each and every single one of you a sparkling New Year! I look forward to re-shaping my brand and blog for 2019 🙂

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    I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my blog, Enhance What’s Yours has been Shortlisted in the Blog Awards Ireland 2015, for Best Health & Wellbeing and Best Blog Post. I have no words to explain how grateful I am to even be nominated, let alone shortlisted! I honestly can’t…
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Posted on December 29, 2017

5 biggest blog achievements of 2017

lifestyle

Anyone who knows me personally would know that I am not one to brag about my achievements. If anything, I tend to downplay them and not give myself enough credit for my successes. Among many reasons, I simply don’t see the point in broadcasting every single one of my accomplishments to the whole world – and yes, I do realise the irony of me saying this as a blogger.

It would seem that that is the very essence of what being a successful blogger is all about. These announcements and life documents are what the blogging industry thrives on. More irony? Perhaps! For someone who started blogging four years ago, you would think that I would have gotten over the many aversions I have to the industry – I haven’t. If anything I am learning to get better at masking them, which sometimes, I think can be worse.

But much like any industry, there are positives and negatives. What it really comes down to is finding a healthy balance between the two. This however, can be a struggle and a half when you’re on the road not taken. The road that I took at the start of 2017 towards being a full time blogger, completely blind to what the universe had in store for me.

So without further ado, here are five of my biggest blog achievements of 2017 🙂

1. The launch of my YouTube channel

Launching a YouTube channel might not seem like a big achievement to some of you, especially since a lot of bloggers are leaning towards video blogs nowadays. However, starting my own channel is something that my inner critic always prevented me from doing. If it wasn’t about me feeling that I didn’t look the part, it was about me thinking I didn’t have anything important to say – my negative self-talk told me everything under the sun to discourage me from doing something that I now, derive a lot of fulfilment from. So biting the bullet with YouTube was always going to be a big achievement for me and when I finally did the “unimaginable,” it trickled a butterfly effect like no other.

2. Radio contributions with 2FM’s iconic duo

Following the release of my second YouTube video (5 things Irish guys should never say to a black girl on Tinder) I was contacted by one half of RTE 2FM’S iconic duo, Chris & Ciara to appear on their late night show as a guest. Like anyone who suffers from any sort of anxiety disorder, I was beyond nervous to be making my radio debut at a national level. Thankfully, any concerns I had were quickly silenced the second I got chatting to the two loveliest faces (or voices) of Irish radio! I will forever be grateful for the opportunities they gave me to speak about both light-hearted issues and also some serious ones, such as the core message surrounding my viral open letter.

3. International press coverage of my open letter

Back in May, I poured my heart out in an open letter to the Irish men who have hypersexualised my race. When I first read the letter on air on the Chris & Ciara show, it received a lot of positive feedback. It was only when the tabloids caught wind of it and misconstrued my words that the immense media attention followed and had it spread like wild fire. The letter quickly circulated national papers in Ireland and the UK and it even made American headlines.  I was flooded with request to appear on live radio and undertake an overwhelming amount of interviews that week – it was both a blessing a curse at the same time.

Read more about the magnitude of this ordeal and how I coped with the publicity here.

4. Studio interview with Matt Cooper

After what felt like a lifetime of avoiding emails and turning down interview requests, I finally mustered up the strength to accept and follow through with a studio interview for The Last Word on Today FM. I will never forget the feeling I had in my stomach when my taxi driver told me that Matt Cooper was a tough interviewer. I went from experiencing emotions of excitement to feeling pure dread. Granted, he did dampen the atmosphere by telling me on the way in. But I have to say I am truly thankful for his honestly and advice as it gave me the preparation I didn’t know I needed for the iterview.

5. Filming for my television debut

Although I am limited as to what I can say about this, what I will say is that the combination of my achievements in 2017 had a butterfly effect for not only 2018, but quite possibly the rest of my blogging career.

I spent a good chunk of the last few weeks filming for a very exciting upcoming tv project airing next year and while I have no power over how I will come across or how it will affect me and my blog, the last twelve months has taught me that I can control how I react to it.  Whether it works for me or against me, I know who my true friends are and who will  stick with me through thick and thin! 🙂

It goes without saying that my decision to follow my dream has paid off in more ways than one and the laws of attraction really did work in my favour this year with each milestone resulting from the previous and creating a foundation for the next.

I will forever be grateful for the life lessons I discovered through my blog in 2017. In such a short space of time, I learned a huge deal about the media industry, friendships and of course myself.

I genuinely have no words to express my gratitude towards those who not only supported me during difficulties. But also helped celebrate the times that needed to be celebrated: those individuals will always have a special place in my heart (you know who you are).

I wish each and every single one of you all a sparkling New Year and I hope you’re excited to see what I have in store for you guys in 2018! 🙂

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Posted on November 13, 2017

5 things I loved about Limerick City

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Limerick Carriage Tours private hens party

A few weeks ago, myself and my blogger gals made our way to Limerick City. While two of the girls had already been, I was only visiting for the first time so I couldn’t wait to explore a part of Ireland I had never seen before.

There are so many places in the ever so green Emerald Isle that I have yet to explore and while I have the best intentions to visit these places, I seldom make the time to actually pencil them into my schedule. After our night in Limerick, I’m thrilled to say I have ticked a Southern city off my bucket list!

Although we did only spend one evening in the utmost accommodating of hotels that is the Clayton, I do feel that I personally saw enough of the city to have developed a soft spot for it, along with the memories made.

So without further ado, here are the five things I loved about Limerick 🙂

1. The Clayton Hotel 

The Clayton Hotel Limerick welcome

Photo Credit

 

My first experience of a Clayton Hotel would have been two years ago when myself and my gal Lorna went to  Galway for the races. The staff members were incredibly kind and the food was exquisite. So it didn’t surprise me in the slightest when we received the same level of customer service (if not more) at the Clayton Hotel in Limerick. We were welcomed almost immediately upon arrival and the woman at the desk kindly talked us through the different amenities at the hotel before bringing us to our rooms.

We stayed in two contemporary style bedrooms with free WiFi, flat screens, and ironing boards – an absolute must for my inner wifey!  The hotel also had a fitness centre with an indoor pool, hot tub and steam room – you can only imagine my devastation when heard this as I didn’t bring any gym gear. Nonetheless, we were lucky we got to luxuriate ourselves in other parts of the hotel. Mouth watering dinner and a selectional breakfast at a four star hotel – what more could you want on a Friday evening in Luimneach?

2. The River Shannon

Clayton Hotel Limerick bedroom view at night

Clayton Hotel Limerick bedroom view at night

The Clayton is located on the Steamboat Quay, overlooking the infamous River Shannon. This might not mean anything to some of you, but the hopeless romantic in me felt a sense of awe after staying so close to a tourist attraction I read so much about in Geography class back in secondary school – it almost brought me back to the time I first started learning about it!

We were very lucky to have a room directly facing Ireland’s longest river Shannon and the view was just magical –especially at the night time.

3. Limerick Carriage Tours  

Limerick Carriage Tours hens party

Photo Credit

To make things even more magical – myself and the girls were treated to a tour of the city with Limerick Carriage Tours, a private sightseeing tour of the historical Luimneach. We were brought around the city by a beautiful Irish gypsy horse, a chauffeur and tour guide.

They provided us with a bottle of Prosecco and blankets so we were kept nice and warm while sipping  on our bubbly and learning about a city so full of culture and heritage. The tour lasted for a full hour, but the time actually flew by and a fraction of me wished it went on for a little longer. To find out more about Limerick Carriage Tours, check out their website as they have a 10% discount on carriage tours for hen parties.

4. History & Culture

Travel Ireland Magazine Limerick

A guide for tourists

As I briefly mentioned, Limerick is full of history and being someone from quite a historical town myself, I always appreciate a place that has a good story to tell. From what I saw in such a short space of time, it is undeniable that Limerick city tells quite a fascinating story.

Some of the earliest Viking settlements were in Limerick and it has since then developed into a rather cosmopolitan city. The renowned city of Limerick was Ireland’s national city of culture in 2014 and is a shortlisted candidate for European capital of culture. As much as I love Galway, I sense a bit of competition here, don’t you? 🙂

5. Food & Beverages

Prawn starter at the Clayton Hotel Limerick

Photo Credit

Last and certainly not least, is the food and drinks! During our tour with Limerick Carriage Tours, I spotted both modern pubs and a variety of old styled ones. I also noticed a cafe culture present in the city (which is always refreshing to see as a freelancer).

Myself and the girls confined ourselves to hotel food  for the evening – with good reason! But I certainly would love to explore more of the foodie aspect of Limerick next time around, I mean it is the third most populous city in Ireland, I doubt the old styled pubs are the only reason for that! #GiveMeAllTheFood

Have you ever been to Luimneach? If so, I would love to know your thoughts! 🙂

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12 things I learned from being on POF

lifestyle

Screenshot_20160628-085113

I know, I know – believe you me, I know. I have reached a new low *straight face emoji*

And the reason why I call it a low is because I’ve never been one to use online dating. If anything, I’ve always been the type to secretly judge those who did – let’s be honest now, how could you not be slightly suspicious of someone who is just a little bit too familiar with the workings of Tinder?

Whether it’s done consciously or not, there is an element of judgment when it comes to dating apps such as Tinder or PlentyOfFish. If it’s not ‘she obviously sleeps around,’ it’s ‘she clearly can’t get a man in real life,’ whatever the assumption, it exists.

Now before I dive into this, I think it is important to note that I am neither the former or the latter. My reasons for joining PlentyOfFish stem from pure boredom. That, as well as being a curious cat who is very adamant about not jumping on the Tinder bandwagon.

So one Saturday night (yes, I am quite the hermit ), I decided to put my curiosity to rest and go fishing for what I thought would only be a week, but ended up turning into three…..

Without further ado, here are 12 very important and in some cases, life changing things that I learned from being on PlentyOfFish –  because traditional education doesn’t always quite cut it!

1. I miss good old fashion chat up lines

Point Blur_Jun282016_185353

2. If all else fails, I could always be an escort

20160628_113939

(A very cheap one, at that)

3. No profile picture gets you no messages

20160628_091833

And here I thought POF users actually had a genuine interest in getting to know each other *sigh*

4. Then you upload three and this happens…

20160628_114232

It’s like magic!

5. Black girl fetish is a thing

 Point Blur_Jun282016_191942

I kid you not…

6. Unless of course, you’re a casual racist

Point Blur_Jun282016_082711

 I didn’t think it could get worse either

7. Chancers, chancers, everywhere!

20160628_150242

Can’t fault him for not trying…

8. There aren’t enough grammar nazis to save the younger generation

tumblr_n930r4Ed9n1t3xmw3o1_500

 Hy luv wat ye doin? X

9. When a man describes his hair as being ‘mixed colour,’ it usually just means grey….and he’s a fossil

pof grey

10. Persistence isn’t always key

Point Blur_Jun282016_084117

11. About 90% of POF users are obsessed with coffee and travelling

pof coffee

… I fall into the 10% that isn’t  

12. If he can recognise a strong brow game, then he’s a keeper

20160628_150220

Or maybe he just has some really good chat up lines? Either way, it’s a shame I can’t say the same for the rest of them….

20160628_150551

You say PlentyOfFish, I say Plenty of Fetishes….

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DISCLAIMER: I have blurred out the images and usernames in the screenshots to protect user privacy. They are unidentifiable (unless you received the exact same message as me, which in that case, I would have to wish you the best of luck!)

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Posted on February 19, 2016

10 powerful quotes from The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

lifestyle

the devil wears prada cover

With London Fashion Week starting today, I thought it would be an appropriate time to write about something fashion related. Now I’m no fashion blogger. So fashion-obsessed readers, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. But The Devil Wears Prada is quite possibly one of the best fashion films of all time – well for me anyways!

It is my go-to film for when I’m feeling down, tired, happy or when I just need something to watch! I honestly can’t think of a time when watching this film wouldn’t be suitable – okay, maybe not the best pick for when you’re horny. But putting crazy teenage hormones aside, The Devil Wears Prada is always a good idea!

Although it was released nearly a decade ago –  I know, such a long time ago! I’ve always felt that this film teaches some very important life lessons – ones that go beyond fashion. It is a film that uses the fashion industry to depict powerful messages about appearances, social status and success. As well as portraying the fashion world in a not-so glamorous way and showing us how ruthless and ugly it can really be, it gives us an insight into what can happen when we let our jobs define us.

So without further ado, here are some of the most powerful messages and quotes that I get from watching The Devil Wears Prada, every, single, time:

Quotes on physical appearance and perceived beauty

 the devil wears prada who is that

Reference #1

  • Andy: “That’s very nice of you, I don’t think I need these. I mean Miranda hired me, she  knows what I look like.”
  • Nigel: “Do you?”

Reference #2

  • Andy: “Do girls not eat around here?”
  • Nigel: “Not since 2 became the new 4 and 0 became the new 2”
  • Andy: “I’m a 6”
  • Nigel: “Which is the new 14”

Reference #3

  • Andy: “I’m not going to be in fashion forever. I don’t really see the point in changing everything about myself because I have this job.”
  • Nigel: “Yes, that’s really what this multi-billion dollar industry is about anyways – inner beauty”

Reference #4

  • Miranda: “I thought you would be different I said to myself. Go ahead. Take a chance. Hire the smart fat girl. I had hope. My God I live for it. Anyways you ended up disappointing me more than any of the other silly girls”

I think these quotes promote the idea that beauty isn’t skin deep in the world of fashion and that physical attractiveness is essential to be respected in this industry. The notion that women of average weight are sadly regarded as ‘fat’ and that if you want to make it in the fashion world, you cannot be a ‘size 14’

Quotes on career and success

the devil wears prada i refuse

Reference #5

  • Andy: “My personal life is hanging by a thread.”
  • Nigel: “Join the club. That’s what happens when you start doing well in work darling. Let me know when your whole life goes out in smoke. It means it’s time for a promotion.”

 Reference #6

  • Nigel: “When the time is right she will pay me back.”
  • Andy: “You sure about that?”
  • Nigel: “No, but I hope for the best. I have to.”

 Reference #7

  • Miranda: “Oh you chose. You chose to get ahead. Want this life? Those choices are necessary.”

These references shows the ruthlessness of the fashion world and how working hard can’t always guarantee you a promotion because there is always someone out there who wants to take your place.

Quotes on reputation and social status

the devil wears prada social status

Reference #8

Nigel: “You have no idea how many legends have walked these halls and what’s worse is you don’t even care. Because this place where so many people would die to work, you only deign to work and you want to know why she doesn’t give you a gold star on your homework at the end of the day. Wake up sweet heart.”

Reference #9

Miranda: “Everybody wants this. Everybody wants to be us”

Reference #10

Miranda: “Another divorce splashed across Page Six. I can just imagine what they’re gonna write about me. The Dragon Lady. Career-obsessed. Snow Queen drives away another Mr. Priestly…..Anyways I don’t really care what anybody write about me. But my girls. It’s just…another disappointment, another let down, another father figure gone.”

I find the last quote particularly powerful because it raises a topic I often discuss with my close group of friends – can women really have it all; a successful career, a loving marriage and a happy family? Or will we always have to compromise one of the three? A question nobody can truly answer.

All in all, I think this film raises a lot of relevant topics outside of fashion. Can I just call it the greatest movie of all time or would I be pushing it – I have a tendency to do that alright!

I hope you a fabulous Friday and a fantastic weekend! For those of you who will be working, remember “I love my job, I love my job, I love my job” 🙂

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the devil wears prada thats all

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8 types of people you’ll meet at the gym

fitness/ lifestyle

gym goers

Being a regular gym goer means I come across a wide range of people who share the same passion for health & fitness as I do.  I bump into a few once every blue moon.  While others have me questioning whether or not they live there.

Since I go at least four times a week, I think it’s safe to say that I’ve gotten to learn the habits of avid gym nuts and have witnessed some of the most unfathomable behaviour from my fellow gym lovers. So here’s a list of eight ‘types’ of people you’re bound to meet at the gym:

gym goers judging

1. The selfie king

Sometimes you get the impression that the selfie king goes to the gym just to take selfies. It almost seems like they document every workout from start to finish – and with little to no shame! One or two selfies? Absolutely fine! Check in on Facebook? Again, totally normal. But is a two hundred second Snapchat story really necessary? I dunno…..

2. The makeup addict

You’ll never see the makeup addict without makeup. Before her workout, she is caked in it and after her workout, she is just as caked (what setting spray does she use and where can I find it, right?). The makeup addict won’t dare to break a sweat because she fears she’ll rub off her perfectly drawn brows. If it weren’t for the yoga pants, the sports top and kicks, you’d never guess that the makeup addict is going to the gym.

3. The show off

I can already sense you rolling your eyes as you think of someone who fits the bill. No matter what fitness club you’re in, you’ll surely come across that one person who makes a point of letting everyone and anyone know that their dead lifting game is unbelievably strong. They also walk around half naked so that they can strut their stuff. #Gainz #FitFam #Lean. We get it, you’re not new to this at all.

gym goers gym rats

4. The serious one

This person takes gym time a tad bit too seriously. You always see them carrying around a post-workout shake alongside an unusually large collection of workout gadgets that only a true die-hard fitness fanatic could own. The serious one drinks at least three litres of water a day, works out every single day and even weighs their food! There’s no stopping this guy!

5. The chilled one

The chilled one takes even the most intense workouts in stride. They calmly float about in the weights room as if they haven’t a bother in the world. These are the types of people you need to have around when you pull a leg muscle and have a near-death moment because you can always rely on the aura of the chilled one to calm you down.

6. The newbie

You can spot a newbie from a mile away. He or she jumps from one machine to the other in hopes that they will eventually figure out how one works because they are too shy to ask anyone around them. When the newbie finally discovers how to use a machine, they do more sets that required and then call it a day – bless them!

gym goers newbies

7. The two bestos

When you see one, you see the other. They are never apart. They attend every single class together and only use the treadmills when they can find ones next to each other. In the world of the two bestos, the gym isn’t a place to sweat. It’s a place to socialise and have a bit of a laugh.

8. The nudist

The nudist tends to prance around in, well, the nude (in case the name didn’t give it away). The second they get into the changing room, they strip down bare and walk around with pride. They’ll try to make small talk with you so you don’t feel uncomfortable although you never know where to look. Sharing the changing room with a nudist is one thing, but when it comes to sharing the sauna, then all bets are off!

What kind of people do you encounter at the gym? If you’re an active gym goer like myself, then which ‘type’ are you!? I’ll let you decide which one you think  I am! 🙂

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Posted on November 17, 2015

5 ways to make your workouts fun

fitness/ Health/ lifestyle

workouts fun

I often get asked how I find the motivation to get up at 6 o’clock in the morning, get into my workout gear, drive all the way to the gym for a morning session, and then carry on with the rest of my working day. Now putting aside the fact that I am a bit of a crazy person (aren’t we all), I think one of the main reasons I am able to find such motivation is because I know how to make my workouts a bit more enjoyable.

Naturally, I’m the type of person who easily gets bored. Be it a job, a hobby, people – yes, people. I just get sick of things very easily. That’s why switching things up in the gym is a must for me. Now by no means do you have to be a gym member to make exercise more fun, all it comes down to is being creative with your workouts!

So now that you have the back story, here are my top tips for making exercise feel less like a chore:

1. A killer playlist

Music, music, music. MUSIC. I really can’t stress it enough! A kickass playlist – excuse my French – will keep you going throughout your workout. A good techno remix does the job for me, but some people might like to listen to their favourite artist – whatever works for you! Just try not to get too carried away because you might just find yourself doing the Single Ladies dance in the middle of your workout!

2. Join a class

Some people hate dancing, but absolutely love swimming. Others can’t stand both but enjoy boxing. The point is, there is something out there for everyone. Once you find a class that doesn’t seem like a drag to go to, then you’re half way to becoming a #FitnessFanatic!  My advice is to try everything at least once, because you never know what might work for you. I tried a Boxfit class recently and loved it!

boxing fitness

3. Have a plus one

By nature, we are social creatures. So partnering up with a friend is always a good way of making exercise more pleasant. Not only does it make you look forward to your (super fun) workout, but the chances of you sticking to your exercise plan are much higher when you have someone to exercise with. Also, there’s always a bit of comfort in seeing your bestie struggle with burpees as badly as you – very fun indeed!

4. Set a target

Setting a target before your workouts can add a game element to them. If you set a goal, you will have something to strive for and as you will soon come to learn, there is nothing more rewarding than being able to push past your limits (or what you thought were your limits). What makes setting targets fun is the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel afterwards. Not sold? Try it! 

5. YouTube

And for the times I don’t wake up at crazy hours to go to the gym……YouTube of course! I genuinely don’t think being a gym member is a must if you want to keep fit. Obviously if you have other fitness goals, then you’d need to lift a bit more than the 2kg dumbbells you have at home! But if exercise is just a means of staying healthy, then YouTube is the name of the game! Because there are so many fitness channels, it is near impossible to get bored! Some of my favourite channels are Blogilates, Tone It Up and Fitness Blender!

If you want more tips or tricks for making workouts more bearable, feel free to add me on Snapchat @FilomenaKaguako 🙂

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