Diva Academy

So Long.....

2009-11-20T10:57:00.007Z

Its been soooooooooooo long since I last blogged. I can't beleive how the time has passed. So much has happened. I have been so busy at college, being a parent, working hard at Church in the music department and being half of a relationship that also takes work (you know how it is ladies) so basically its been work, work, work and no time to blog...

Until now!.... I'm taking 10 mins out of my busy schedule to share, vocalise and to vent to you all, who care to listen.

At the moment i'm fed up of the hype that is Katie Price
Whats with the trout pout those Bert form Sesame street's black eyebrows and that new beau of hers? ITS NOT GOING TO LAST KATIE! Rihanna who I loved so much has pushed me to the absolute limit of tolerance, so i'm just suggesting that if she wants to be satan's personal assistant just quit the music biz and work for him full time cos i'm done with all the subliminal RiRi.

I am loving JLS the boyband from reality show X FACTOR who did not win but have come out guns blazing and scored 2 consecutive no.1's! Boys I am a fan, you put a smile on my face cos your're not trying to be gangstas and you're slighty awkward and off beat at times that adds to your adorability factor. I feel like i'm their aunty rooting for them in the background.
..peeps lets support them they are doing us proud!

Ok 10 mins is up now got a cake to decorate so off I go...I WILL BE BACK!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Diva Academy under construction

2009-05-06T21:08:00.003+01:00

Hey Diva's and Divo's for the next couple of months Diva Academy will be taking a break..to come back bigger and better and with a new format and name. Stay tuned as I will be back with updates for you.

Thanks for the support and love...Back soon to spice up your coffee break...!

Vee x

Founder of Diva Academy

RIP Rev Timothy Wright

2009-04-28T10:09:00.003+01:00

Being from the UK the steady influx of gospel artists is not as readily accessible as it is in the US, However thanks to YOUTUBE and TBN I am able to get my necessary fix. One of the Gospel greats I had the pleasure of discovering on TBN was Rev. Timothy Wright who was the pastor of the Brooklyn-based ministry, Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Church of God in Christ. When he and his Choir ministered with the song 'You must come in at the door' I was ON MY FEET!!!

Not too long after becoming a fan I was shocked to hear that he and his Wife and grandson had been involved in car accident that left His wife Betty and grandson, dead. They had been on their way home after attending a Church meeting, they were hit by a car travelling in the wrong direction. Since then he has been in hospital recovering but unfortunately things did not turn out as hoped, late on Thursday the anointed, talented Timothy Wright passed away almost a year after the accident. In January two of his sons accepted a STELLAR AWARD on his behalf at the same time announcing that their Father had in fact taken a turn for the worse.

He has gone on before but with all those who serve the Lord there is a hope. His legacy will touch lives for generations to come.

RIP x

Michelle Obama by Tolu Adeniyi...(D A' s newest columnist)

2009-04-23T23:36:00.002+01:00

Michelle Obama.

Is it just me or do you guys actually feel that this woman is a breath of fresh air for us? I mean apart from my mother whom I love and respect dearly as well as look up to, I have had no such influence from anywhere else. Then in walks this tall, elegant, confident and powerful woman, and she’s just like me, she's black!!!

Not only is the colour of her skin our major similarity, she also studied law, just like me and she is married with two beautiful girls, just like me!! I know I am maybe stretching the similarity here, but this is amazing, to finally see someone like me in the most powerful position in the World. God has allowed her to handle all the roles she has, wife, mother, worker, role model, 1st Lady. Boy if she can do it, so can I! I mean God made us all in His own image, he didn't give anyone of us more favour than the other, and we all have equal access to His blessings.

I’m not envious of Michelle, no no no, all that public scrutiny and criticism is just not me, I’ll leave that to people who can handle that. I'm just encouraged by her. If She can get to such a position because she imagined it and then worked her socks off to get it (plus let's not forget with God's helping hand), so too can I have that kind of resolve and determination to achieve whatever I dream.

I do feel much bolder and more daring and it's because I see right before my eyes that my skin is NOT a barrier!!

Ever since I was little I was told that this world is unfair and there is so much racism that it’s hard for us to get ahead. Now because I never truly experienced actual ‘in-your-face’ rascism, I dismissed that way of thinking. But as I grew older I noticed that in class teachers were a little warmer to the ‘white’ kids and they were always so keen to drop me down a level in science or maths. Still to me this wasn’t any form of rascism, I just studied hard and kept my grades up and stayed in the higher groups. I finally finished university and now I can get that dream job I have worked all these years for. However I start to notice after a year of interviews, no jobs? That can’t be right!! I’m well qualified to get at least one of those jobs! So now it starts to settle in my head that my colour could be a barrier!!

At this point some of us will start to gi
ve up and just set aside our dreams and just manage the office job we have, at least money is coming in. Now seeing the Obama’s as powerful as they are, I have no more reasons to not try and achieve my dream. I just have a 'yes I am a black woman, I can have or do anything I want' attitude. It’s refreshing and I love it. Yes it’s still hard work to achieve anything in life but if you don’t see your skin as a barrier, it will never be one!!

Teenagers!!!

2009-04-17T13:42:00.004+01:00

Yes I was once a teen, a quietly confident 13 year old, a feisty 'no it all' 15 year old and by 16 I was unstoppable, with my blond curly weave, burgundy lipstick, and white PVC platforms I thought I was the BIZNISS! SHAME ON ME!!! I would strut my stuff as though I was what the world had been waiting for, I was VEYAN and as far as I was concernd my name was in lights (all be it in my head). Saying all that though people I was harmless, In the scheme of things I was not making any waves and I most definitely was not instilling fear into all who crossed me. So what's change with the youth of today????

Today many teens belong to gangs, these gangs do not just hail from down trodden areas in the darkest depths of south London....they are EVERYWHERE and within them has gone all care and regard for others and the World in which they live and instead has been replaced by a selfish, sinister and sordid nature that is causing our community to hold our heads with despair. WHAT HAS HAPPENED?

My daughter is only one year old, so I cannot profess to know the dilemma that is raising a teen in 2009 but surely some of the blame must rest with parents. If I named my child Stephen I don't expect to hear he has renamed himself 'SNIPER'. Is it really Stephen?! There has to be something wrong when parents who do not know who their kids friends are. I'm sorry but just because your child is 'grown' doesn't mean you can leave it all in their hands because when he has a knife sticking out of his chest YOU ARE WHO THE POLICE ARE CALLING, YOU ARE WHO WILL BE CRYING OVER HIS COFFIN. As a teen I still needed my mother's chastising, I lived under her roof anyway so where was my choice? (that's how it should be).

The young girls I see on Facebook and Myspace hurt my heart, you can tell they like most teens have gone to the MTV BASE school of conduct, where 50 Cent is the head master and Chipmunk, Ciara and Lil Wayne make up the school board. We got to take back control and not leave it to the media. I have a 17 year old niece and I can say she makes me proud, (you know I keep it real so if she didn't I would say) her Mum knows her friends AND has contact with the parents and every party she attends she gets picked up by one of her parents. How can you be rolling in at the same time as your kids or comparing how many numbers you got!!!! I am not kidding that is the state of affairs in some households and we are acting like we are shocked at the youth of today???? WAKE UP ALREADY.

Teens are great they are the adults of tomorrow, they are vibrant, creative and fearless...Let's make an effort to get into the business of the teens we love, find out what they like, what they are doing, if they need your help...its the only way we can save them from the bad apples out there.

With Love Vx

Madonna, Mercy and Malawi...

2009-04-14T21:50:00.005+01:00

What do you think about her Madgesty trying to adopt a second baby from Malawi? Personally I do not see what all the hoo haa is...She's just trying to 'give back' by taking home a child that has been left without a mother, from a country that in most parts is impoverished. Is that a bad thing??? I mean it's not like Michael Jackson is the celeb trying to do it...I can't believe he has actually been 'allowed' to father children. If he was not a celeb he would probably have social services on his behind because in the opinion of most of us...He is NOT all there(and that is me being polite!)

Every time Angelina goes and buys a pair of shoes she has to pick up a kid on the wa
y home to match them! What's that about?!? I hear the next kid she wants is from India...Somebody needs to stop her because I'm starting to get annoyed. Is it becoming like a fad to her rather than a truly humanitarian act? Hummmmm...ALSO every time I see Zahara she has a hood on...you mean she can't afford Lakweesha from the Bronx to hook the kiddie up!

I am not by any means a fan of Madonna's but I do sympathise with her at the moment because I don't see why they would let her adopt one child and not another from the same country.

My final opinion is that these celebs should be commended for what they are doing but what about the kids in the UK and USA that are suffering and all the kids of all races that are on fostering and adoption waiting lists that are right here under our noses, they are being forgotten. Of course there is no solution to this worldwide problem...God bless the little children is all I can say. x

Billionaires still have hair drama!

2009-04-14T21:40:00.002+01:00

Whilst rummaging around the web for great pics for my diva's out there, I came across this photo of our lovely Oprah...Now she has the best of the best to care for her tresses.................so how come her weave tract is SCREAMING at me through her strands of hair????? See ladies it don't matter how rich you are, until you just stay natural and let your afro do what it gotta do, you will ALWAYS have hair drama!

Talking of missing person's....

2009-04-08T17:24:00.004+01:00

Where on earth is Charley Uchea??? Whether you want to admit it or what this chick was most definitely annoying. Talking about how much her clothes cost and all her celebrity connections made her totally CHAVTASTIC and to the Black community an embarrassment.
Wikipedia describe her as an unemployed, self-styled 'it girl' from, Southeast London ( Lord may I be remembered for something better than that)! I saw her in Oxford street straight after she left BIG BROTHER, people were following her everywhere... desperate or what? 5 minutes of fame, not quite! RIP CHARLEY'S CELEBRITY CAREER 2007-2007!

Alexandra..WHERE U DEH DEH???

2009-04-08T16:14:00.003+01:00

Like alot of the British public I immensely enjoyed being serenaded by Alexandra Burke every Saturday night...(as did my fella (hummmm) However, now she is off the radar and I can't find her or that 20" inch weave anywhere! It was announced that on 13th February 2009 she had signed a £3 million, five-album US record deal with Epic Records so I guess we just have to wait patiently...Hurry up Alexandra!!!

Her Secret Place...a mama's grief

2009-04-08T15:58:00.004+01:00

While reading todays SUN newspaper it was so sad to see Jakiey Budden (Jade Goody's mother) sitting at her daughter's grave, still laden with beautiful flowers after Saturday's burial...Never does a mother even ponder the thought of seeing their children die before them. One thing about the picture that provided some comfort was that whilst on her own in that secret place she was reading a Bible...I pray that the words she reads will provide some contentment and may even cause her to draw closer to the Lord before her time comes to meet him herself.

Jack Tweed...What's Next?????

2009-04-06T19:47:00.002+01:00

This 21 year old has been thrust into the media spotlight ever since he began his relationship with the late Jade Goody...Many people have questioned his motives and intentions, while others have just fallen in love with the most tragic love story of the year.

Jade apparently insisted that he move on and enjoy his life, after all he is still a baby...and there is no way he could be expected to mourn forever. I have a feeling that the paparazzi are already lying in weight to catch the first glimpse of him with another female...You know how the British press are...Raise you up and the tear you down...

We at Diva Academy have come up with some suggestions for what he can do next!

1) Become a magazine pin up...
2) Start dating a member of The Saturday's...
3) Sell his story to all the tabloids and make loadsa money...
4) Become a spokesperson for UNICEF...
5) Go back to school...
6) Check into rehab...
7) Put some weight on...
8) Emigrate to Australia and open stables for abused horses...
9) Any danger of staying out of trouble Jack?...

MORE MORE MORE KIMORA!

2009-04-02T15:16:00.011+01:00

!If you type DIVA in to any search engine Kimora Lee Simmons chubby little cat face should come up because in my opinion (chubby little cat face and all) she is pure fabulousness!!! In her show Life in the fast lane, my girl shows us viewers what's she's working with and its glamour all the way FRIENDS WITH KIMORA
Could I be friends with Kimora? Hell yeah I could borrow her clothes, go vacationing on her yacht, have 6 outfit changes a day and have the best lace front money could buy! ( Please don't tell me you thought all that was hers) (remember Kimora is half black y'know)

RAISING KIDS THE KIMORA WAY I have a daughter who at times forgets her position in the who's boss food chain but she's no diva...As well as baby Gap, Next and Monsoon my baby chick can rock primark....can I say the same for Aoki Lee and Ming Lee...NO these baby chicks are fully fledged DIVA'S OKAY Louis V all the way baby!

LOVE LIKE KIMORA Now after her break up with Russell, I wondered who's next? I mean Russell is top dawg, millionaire, media mogul, hooked up and not your average baby daddy! Who could possibly fill his shoes?????
Djimon Hounsou...THAT'S WHO! Kimora went back to her roots (bloodline roots that is, not the lacefront roots (she would have ended up with APU FROM DELHI) and wanted to get down with the motherland...YOU GO GIRL! Now she's extending her dynasty with another bubba...We can't wait!
STRUGGLING LIKE KIMORA
Not everyone knows that our girl Kimora was bullied as a kid growing up in St. Louis, there were no other Asian girls and the Black girls were like 'OH NO WE DON'T THINK SO! YOU AINT STEALING OUR MEN WITH YOUR CURLY HAIR AND CUTE CHINKY FACE' So our girl had to hang with the White chicks as they accepted her and gave her a chance.
By the time she was ten years old she was already 5 feet 10" tall and fit in nowhere...All the ingredients for a fabulous future, having hater's in your life always pushes you to succeed...I was bullied (WHERE ARE MY MILLIONS????)

Nevermind, I love her and will continue to.....she's our generation Joan Collins, Diana Ross and Ivana Trump rolled into one! Someone that fab is gonna last and last and last!

BI-O WHY-O?

2009-04-02T14:46:00.003+01:00

Kanye and Omarion have more in common then getting into the Billboard charts, they have now started a new trend that is DATING BI SEXUAL STRIPPERS!

Maybe the fame and fortune has afforded more women than they could handle and they may just be bored with the standard chick these days...? More va va voom... I don't know these celebs!

To Weave or Not To Weave...That is the question!

2009-04-01T17:00:00.005+01:00

Now every now and then I get that feeling..y'know the one. When the hairsyle you've dreamt of for 6 months before you got it now just ain't cutting the mustard anymore.

At the moment I'm rocking a very short crop with a long side swept fringe a la Rihanna..my friends have named me the poor man's Rihanna ( however I still love them!) I'm thinking about maybe putting an all over colour throughout...I'm thinking burgundy as it really warms up my face and summer is on the way Diva's!

Alternatively how about a 16"-18" jet black weave with a centre part??? I love the glamour of that classic style, its just FABULOUS!
Having a short crop goes with the funky, edgy retro side of me I liken my stlye when afforded to a cross between Rihanna and Kate Moss (not first thing in the morning, at those wee hours I liken myself more to Rihanna after she had been buss up by Chris, but I look like I was actually ran over by the Lambourghini as well!)

In the meantime...I'll keep scouring the net and magazines for inspiration before I decide to colour, chop or extend!

Mwah!

Jesus on Demand

2009-03-30T17:29:00.005+01:00

Everyone knows that when I've got something on my chest only the removal of my tonsils could stop me saying it. Right now the niggling annoyance of the day/week/year for me is the constant abuse of the CHURCH.

'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believer in him should not perish but have everlasting life'

Now if you are not signed up with SKY TV don't expect to turn on your television and receive UK Living, SKY One or SKY Sports. You see the deal is - you sign up for a minimum of 12 months, pay a monthly subscription fee and you will receive and have access to an immense array of channels from all over the world on just about every topic there is.

The Gospel (the good news) on the other hand is FREE, no monthly subscription fee needed! It just takes an open heart to be able look at yourself and accept that you are CREATED therefore you must have a CREATOR. We Christians believe in the bible that says we are all born in sin and to be cleansed of this sin you have to accept Christ (accept that he is the Son of God and did in fact die for your sins. Now I was not brain washed into this way of thinking, I had a personal experience that was not induced by drugs or the euphoric high I get every time I pick up a glossy magazine. It was real and 4 years on is still relevant and keeping me.

We humans like to intellectualise EVERYTHING...Hence the reason the 'Darwin theory' sits so neatly with so many. I have a question though...when you fell in love with your partner/husband/wife/fiance...wasn't it just a FEELING, a SURE CONVICTION that at times could not be put into words or intellectualised. EXACTLY! Just what I thought. Its the same with Jesus.

What is puzzling me is the fact that whether people like to admit it or not they KNOW the realness and importance of God in their lives that's why when you get married you book the church, a loved one needs to be buried, you book the church, you want to get your kids into a good school all of a sudden you start attending a church so it looks good on the application, you want to live in the UK, a recommendation from the church always goes down well.

Now don't get me wrong, anytime someone comes to church its a good thing because they wil be exposed to the WORD and that is always positive exposure, my thing is when you get the serial user's that feel no way in taking, taking and taking some more. They take advantage of the 'welcome sign' on the front door and abuse the love. Look at the relationships you have with friends and lovers wouldn't it be destructive if it was all take and no give? Its the same with Jesus.

For the record the church will not and should not turn any one away because deep down there is the hope that the hearts of the lost will be convicted, saved and set free.

Just remember God is real, he's keeping you right now...'borrowing' his favour as and when you require it will catch up with you...pay as you go has one loser...YOU.

The Most Powerful Women in the World?

2009-03-27T17:34:00.004Z

I asked myself this question when I first ever saw them photograped together. I was like whoooah! This union of friendship is deep and whether you like them or not whatever they talk about, wear, opinions they forge and things they give the green light to WILL in some capacity affect each and everyone of us as women. These women have what you call INFLUENCE

Michelle, Ivy league graduate, Mum of two and First Lady said in a recent interview with Oprah that she 'wants to use her role to help women transform their lives' Thats what you want to hear a women with such clout say.

Oprah, Media mogul, undisputed queen of daytime television, Academy award nominated actress and the first self made American billionairess who has been described by Vanity Fair as being more influencial than any President, University, Religious leader, perhaps only behind the Pope.

Its great to see such greatness in Women, who are normally seen as the inferior sex and more significant for me Black Women.

WHAT!!!!

2009-03-27T17:28:00.002Z

No, No, No, No! I have just read that John Terry's Mum and Mother in law have been cautioned for shoplifting at Tesco's and M&S in Weybridge. Hang on a minute, what are they playing at???...John Terry their superstar footballer son, earns thousands of pounds a week yet these two middle aged blonde's felt the need to spice up their lives with a little bit of teefing! Well I never....Apparantly the ladies are innocent and its an unfortunate mix up that their lawyers are in the process of sorting out....OKAY THEN....Where i'm from there aint no smoke without fire.

Spring must have's...

2009-03-26T17:05:00.008Z

Woven, leather sandals...gladiator, strappy, tassles...just get them! Featured styles are from Dune, New Look and Faith.

Fringe ankle boots and shoes, these are from New Look, ASOS and Steve Madden.

Anything with ruffles and Zebra print anything! Dresses featured are from Lipsy, Jane Norman and People's market.

Just think Safari meets Native American, gets introduced to Sarah Jessica Parker while blanking Lady GaGa!

Another Senseless Death...

2009-03-24T19:42:00.002Z

On hearing the news of the brutal murder of singer Scoobie Santino in Greenford (a 5 minute drive from my front door)I am shocked, saddened and infuriated that someone in their moment of pure evil savagery thought they had the right to take another life. Scoobie Santino real name Ian Newton had just finished performing locally when he was set upon. What's the death count this year so far? We can total the number of the dead, unfortunately we cannot total the number of tears that shall fall from the loved one's left behind. 'Train up a child in the way he should grow' the Bible says...Do we blame the parent's, society the individual? What makes the babe you carried for nine months grow into a monster that commits murder?

People talk to your Son's and Daughters, vet who they are friends with and don't leave it to the school and society to raise them and teach them values. Most valuable of all precautions pray, pray and pray some more.

RIP SCOOBIE...

Goodbye Jade...x

2009-03-22T16:31:00.007Z

Jade Goody

5th June 1981 - 22nd March 2009

R.I.P

Something in common guys ????

2009-03-20T15:45:00.008Z

Its not the same outfit, its not the same hairstyle, its not the same last name...no these folks are rocking the must have accessory of the decade a partner from another race!!! Ain't it funny though how a lot of black men still have a problem with black women dating a guy from the 'otherside' yet they do it left right and centre.
I have no problem with it either way as my many of my family were conceived in such unions, I just can't tolerate white women suddenly talking as though they grew up in Trench town or the black women who after dating white men start looking down on other black women as though they are beneath them as though their white fella has somehow fast tracked them to the top spot in society! My tip is TO BE YOURSELF So what- you're dating an asian man - you're still white/black do what you do best if he wanted an asian woman he would have paid a hefty dowry and got himself one! OK!

I always thought I would end up with an Italian stallion..why? Well because as a teen walking up and down Oxford street that's who would approach me...Now I realise they were probably sex traffickers trying to abduct me but at the time I really thought I would end up married to the mob and living an all glamorous lifestyle!
Tina (Turner), Iman, Grace Jones and Diana Ross have led the way in dating white guys and to me they have not sold out I dare anyone to challenge Tina on that one!

On the other hand Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush annoy me profusely, as do Kobi and Vanessa Bryant these women lets just say 'GIVE IT' you know what I mean they act the part of the BMW (blackmanswoman) down to a tee. Be yourself girlies! (And Kim we know you have a big butt you can now relax, its been noted).

Am I as okay with this subject as I think I am....? Yes I beleive so, lets just all remember to stay true to our origins if I want a Toyota car that's what I should get right? A Volkswagen is a Volkswagen no matter how big its butt is! (you get what I mean Diva's! - I hope)

V xxx

Memories...

2009-03-19T10:21:00.003Z

Hey Diva's I was trawling through my old emails just now and came across my file entitled friendship...which is a series of emails between myself and Nicole in 2005. Just thought I'd let you guys have a peek...you never know I might let you guys read the whole series.....probably not! I might get sued as there are some names up in there that are better left forgotten!

Hi V, I'm feeling you girl even though i am not there. I'm so sorry you are feeling like this. I know it's probably too much to explain right now cause you're hurting but please note that i will always be here for you girl. There's not a day that goes by that i tell friends about you and the rest of my family in hanwell or how you are coming to B'dos in AUGUST or some joke that we have shared together. I went to the beach with yolanda on Sunday, the beach is on the same property as Sandy lane hotel that is the hotel that Jay-z and Beyonce stayed and where Tiger woods got married and there was this yacht parked up where we bathed. I was like girl if only V was here now, we probably would make our way on that yacht and find a friend. I have so many places and things for us to do when you get here. I can't wait. So no matter what you are going through, in your life, health wise, relationship wise, you have a sister, a family and a beautiful island that's your home here in Barbados with open arms . When you can, explain all to me and if you never find time that's ok cause i just might have a clue as i said i am feeling you. I wish i was there but the fact is i am not. So for now, we'll communicate like this but one day you'll have your own crib here, your happy home, your car, our store NV, you know how we do it, so keep imaginig. I'm trying to make our dreams come true.

Cheer up cause the future is bright.

Love you, your sisNICOLE

Is he GAY...??? (I don't mean happy)

2009-03-18T19:10:00.005Z

You know we've all asked this question before when we've spotted the cute guy across the room, with the oh so trendy jeans and bang on trend plaid shirt, his hair is sort of cut like Ashley Cole's and his physique is magnifico to say the least...wait...hold on...you're kidding me...oh no he didn't just roll his head from side to side as he crossed his legs all while holding a glass of champagne with his pinky finger raised!!!

How sad for us women today who are searching for that knight in shining armour, these days in the current climate of metro sexualism we are more likely to pull a knight in pink batty riders! Oh the horror If they aint gay, then they are in prison and if they are not in prison then they are catholic priest's and if they are not catholic priests they are fine, good looking, hard working, down to earth men that belong to another woman...AAAARRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!

There are some sista's who are so desperate to have a man that they will date him blatantly knowing he is bi sexual, swinging both ways, hand in all the pies, giving and receiving...you get the message diva's!!!lol Why do these women do it to themselves? Desperate housewives comes on and he's running to the sofa with toffee popcorn in tow, sitting beside you cross legged eyes glued to the latest antics on Wisteria Lane (God forbid!) He's telling YOU about the sale at Topshop and he wants to know when your brother is coming to dinner again cos 'he's so easy to get a long with'...!

On the same note am I the only
diva that thinks Jennifer Hudson's fiance looks a bit suspect(are those brows plucked?)??? Just saying!

MWAH X

TOP 5 CELEB COUPLES...

2009-03-18T15:19:00.009Z

1. Sorry but for me these two are THE ultimate UBER COUPLE. Their long lasting business partnership (I mean marriage!) has earned them bucks via Perfume ranges, clothing lines and mega endorsement deals like 'Police' sunglasses. The moniker's they have named their children are bang on trend for the celebs that they are and as for Posh well! Fashionista, businesswoman, designer, singer (NOT), owner of Becks (I mean wife!) Who says a girl can't have it all! We wish you guy's a Happy 10th wedding Anniversary this July 4th!????

2. Will n Jaida...Huh Jaida we aint mad at you! You scooped our Fresh Prince of Bel Air, then you tricked him into getting you pregnant twice and all this while my man becomes a Hollywood favourite and is the A* hunk of the A list! How you do it girl No I'm playing... I love their height difference, his smile, her eyes, their cute kids and their jointly successful acting careers. They set a great standard in the Black community and best of all NOT A GOLD TOOTH OR OVER SIZED DIAMOND ENCRUSTED, PLATINUM CHAIN IN SIGHT...PHEW!

3. Jay-Z n Beyonce. This secretive, super, celebrity couple have us wanting to dress up in all black, fly to New York and stalk them. I wanna climb a tree, peek through a window and see what these two really get up to! On the real we all love to hate this couple, they are both at the top of their respective music genre's, their UBER rich and fabulous...but apart from their music WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW??? How long did it take for B to actually admit that they were in fact actually married? What was that about? WE WANT MORE! WE WANT MORE! WE WANT MORE!(pleeeeeaassse!)

4. Jermaine Dupris n Janet Jackson. When these two hooked up I was slightly suprised, as Janet normally goes for those suspect looking light skinned guys that look like their batting for the otherside ( if you know what I mean!) !!!
He's Hip Hop, he's current and the type of guy I didn't think Miss Jackson would date. We all know JJ has problems with weight gain, apparently the more in love she gets, the more burritos she eats! JD should come with a health warning!!!

5. Nick n Mariah. WOOP, WOOP! Congratulations to you both for lasting longer than 6 months!!! I admit I was (kinda still am) a sceptic of this partnership. On hearing the news my mouth hung open for about 10 days. What about Christina Milian and Selita Banks? I'm sure Nick was engaged to both of them...OOOH WEEE they must be mad!
I'm keeping an open mind, the 11 year age gap, the fact that Mariah is mentally delicate at times does not mean they will not last but I'm keeping hands, fingers, legs and toes crossed for this union.

I love this couple...Their style that is!!!!

2009-03-18T13:26:00.004Z

I dont know what it is about Kanye and Amber Rose but i'm loving them! Their style is cutting edge to say the least. I love the retro shades, lycra leggins, afro mohican and the total pre meditated mismatch of colour and style they so skillfully execute time after time after time....Enjoy the pics....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDEN-ROSE XXX

2009-03-12T13:12:00.007Z

And the saga continues...

2009-03-12T12:56:00.002Z

Is it just me or is it in bad taste to speak of someone terminally ill in a bad light. Some of the comments I've heard regarding the now infamous Jade Goody have left me feeling less than comfortable.

First there was the neighbour who on hearing the news that she was going to a hospice for a few days had the nerve to reply 'Good at least I can finally get some peace and quiet'! I'm very sorry but there is nothing 'good' about anyone going to a hospice. Ok so the paparazzi have been camped outside your property for days and cars are always coming and going...BUT SHE IS DYING the noise will soon be over sir.

In a recent documentary some were slating her for 'dying on camera' they felt she had taken her reality TV role way too far and was almost milking the situation. Snobs say she should donate some of the money to a cancer charity...I say her children are her priority and let her die with the peace of mind that they will be looked after.

Dying and death will befall us all at some point, let us not judge those that have it staring them dangerously close in the face.

Jade has shown bravey and courage way beyond her years and we should all pray that she will not just focus on the life she is leaving behind but the life beyond she is soon to enter. As a Christian my sincere hope is that she know Jesus before time for her stands still.

Addicted to Surrogacy

2009-03-09T21:52:00.008Z

I have just finished watching Channel 4's documentary on SURROGACY. My goodness it is such a strange situation that women actually put themselves into. Now that I am a mother, I wonder whether I could give up a child I carried for 9 months to a couple I barely know. The bond that you forge with your unborn baby is real, its strong and a miracle...is it worth £10,000 to £20,000 in expenses?

Many women on the programme said it gave them a fulfilled feeling, they felt as though they had accomplished something and it was that 'buzz' that kept them doing it over and over again. 7, 8, 12 babies carried, born and given away in the name of surrogacy...Would you do it?

I do believe that some women do it purely to help another woman going through the trauma, that is infertility but some I think have mad issues. One of the ladies said that they always knew that they did not want any children at all but yet has been a surrogate mother for 18 years and has given away 8 babies, each of the children are half hers as she only uses her own eggs. Some would say she is contradicting herself...If you want my opinion I believe she wants to be a mother but is afraid of taking it on in all its glory. If you feel the only way to be fulfilled is to have babies for someone else, there must be an enormous void in your life.

I think of the children born to IVF, SURROGACY and SPERM DONATION and I wonder what it will be like for them knowing that their 'biological' parent is out there somewhere and they are totally anonymous, in recent years a register has been put together for children looking for their parents who donated eggs/sperm for their conception but registering is optional I think.

I know what it feels like to want a child I was told more than once by consultants that I would not conceive naturally. That hurt that tears into your heart is not a feeling I would wish on any woman. My head spun as those words were told to me. I couldn't bare to hear that anyone was pregnant, I was obsessed with documentaries on birth and babies and I was probably a nightmare to be married to at times because my emotional state was so fragile. Obviously things have changed dramatically in my life my starting position is not my finishing position. I have a new name and that is MUMMY. Its better than Veyan and even better than DIVA!

I do not judge those that embark on this life choice, however I can certainly say that it is not for me. Those that do choose it should really be honest with what they are actually doing it and not use it as a void filler that lasts only 9 months.

Vee xxx

Sista's and Surgery

2009-03-05T16:51:00.010Z

Nowadays it is becoming increasingly common for women of colour to go out and have cosmetic procedures. The most recent recipient was Tameka Raymond, Usher's 38 year old wife. Following the birth of her second son, Tameka travelled to Brazil for post-baby liposuction on her stomach. It was reported that after she went under general anaesthetic, she suffered a heart attack. Was it worth it?

On hearing this news my mind ran over previous cases of sista's and surgery. Kanye West's mother who sadly lost her life as a result of cosmetic surgery and also the late great James Brown's wife Adrienne Lois Brown also suffered the same fate.

You may remember my pictures of Lil Kim, she is a prime example of surgery gone too wrong and too far. What would make a beautiful and successful woman go and disfigure herself permanently. In our community it is very much acceptable to weave our hair and wear acrylic nails but what about bleaching and cosmetic surgery?

I have a friend who when she came to this country was as fair as Michael Jackson, I never knew she was a bleacher until she returned home the same complexion as Grace Jones!!! I lie not Diva's, Once the effects of the bleach had worn off she said she felt black and ugly, her light complexion made her feel pretty...My question is and always will be what about the hands and feet???? Is it only the Jackson's that remember those parts of the body! Its like a Polar bear having the feet of a Gorilla!!! (somebody stop me!) Anyway back to my point...Our community accepts beautification as long as we don't cross the line, the line that is trying to look white. I believe the further away from your natural self you try to be, the uglier you become. Take a look at these pics of both black and white stars who have mash up themselves! Jackie Stallone and Latoya Jackson and Donatella Versace.

These pictures are both scary, funny and sad all at the same time. For me a weave, acrylics and makeup are as far as I will take beautification. At 18 I bought a tub of Palmer's skin success fade cream to get rid of my black knees (didn't work) and I've sat in the sun after having rubbed lemon juice into my elbows(didn't work)...I can laugh now because the things that used to bother me as teenager don't even cross my mind anymore. Its a shame that some of us just don't grow up and grow to love ourselves.

Peace and Love V xxx

Saturday's Sunshine Diva's...

2009-03-04T16:45:00.007Z

Your fello diva's here on the other side of the world want to show you what we were up to this past Saturday. We got up in the morning, it's mad hot outside, we are hungry. No one wants to prepare breakfast so we decided to go out and buy. Taking our little diva in training baby Nialah. So we go to the South coast of Barbados, Hastings. We sit there eating breakfast and taking in the beauty of Barbados and giving God thanks. When you look at the sea there's this thing that happens that you know, you are not alone, you appreciate life and you have to give God thanks for everything. There's too much beauty!

Your Diva Nicole xxx

Deserter.Abandoner.Depriver..

2009-03-03T13:01:00.007Z

Being called a daddy's girl or a little princess were not names I grew up hearing, you see like millions of other girls around the world I was raised without a D.A.D. I have found that many people like to act as though the lack of a father in the home did not and currently does not affect them but I always like to keep it very real and honest and admit that for me it did and still does affect me.

Yes of course I have got on with my life and yes I had a good childhood with an amazing Mum...but a DAD is a DAD and nothing or no one can replace that part of who you are.

I had to be told I laughed like my DAD or was feisty and sharp witted like he was, I didn't have him around to see it for myself.

I called his mobile this morning....'calls are currently not being connected to this number'....was all I got. I smiled because at least after 16 years I actually had a number to call him on. I remember at 13 years old sitting at the kitchen table with Mum, my younger sister and a man who I knew was my DAD but you see the last time I had seen him I was about 7 years old the word DAD could not come out of my mouth to address him it felt like a dirty word. MUM, MUM, MUM was all I knew, she helped me with my homework, she paid for school trips, she prayed over me when I woke up from a bad dream and later she would wipe my tears after my marriage broke down and she would be there to cradle my firstborn.

I think...No I believe things would have been different for me and my relationships with men had he been around. After all your DAD is the first man we women fall in love with...right? No one was there to scare the losers away, sit potential suitors down and talk to them man to man and basically set a standard. Mum being the generous and most welcoming woman you could ever meet would offer them bakes (fried dumplings)and fried chicken!

Anyway the fairytale ends with a random meeting with my father in West London last year, I spotted him and stood shocked for a moment but eventually approached him. I had been dreaming of this day for 16 years and now he was right in front of me. I was grown now and a mother what would I say to him, my DESERTER, ABANDONER AND DEPRIVER. 'Excuse me...are you ********' I asked. 'Yes', he replied. 'I'm Vee your daughter'..........!

One day I'll write what happened next, probably in my book as it is quite deep and there is always more to every story. I look at Eden-Rose now with her father and breathe a sigh of relief because I know whether me and her father are together or not she will never write this same story.

Dangerous Love

2009-03-03T12:51:00.004Z

Hi diva's!

I have not written for a few day's but I'm back! FYI...Following the infamous bust-up between Rihanna and Chris Brown everyone's talking about domestic violence.

The BBC have produced a TV documentary that will be aired this evening called 'DANGEROUS LOVE' BBC3 @ 9PM...Be sure to catch it!

STOP KIM!

2009-02-27T17:29:00.001Z

Why has
she done this to herself?

These picture's were taken just over a decade apart...
This is extremly sad. I could make so many jokes about this instead look out for my article SISTA'S AND SURGERY coming soon.

JADE

2009-02-26T17:49:00.004Z

I wrote the blog below earlier today, but thought I would add some visuals to highlight just how brave Jade really is.

Jade Goody...A Tragedy.

2009-02-26T11:40:00.008Z

None of us who can hear or read could have possibly missed the headline grabbing story that is... JADE GOODY HAS CANCER . On the day it was announced that the cancer become terminal and that she would be dead in a matter of weeks I didn't sleep a wink. I stared at the ceiling, tears rolling down my cheeks, shocked to my very core that this 27 year old mum of two was going to die. I am a very rational person but this story caused me to become fearful and irrational, it caused me to ask the question 'what would I do if it was me?'

I remember when I was a teenager, ordering my friends that if I died I wanted them to scatter my ashes all over the floor at Colosseum (our favourite club!) or else I would come back to haunt them for clubbing without me! I objected to being left in a cold cemetary while they partied the night away...probably wearing my things!!! Maturity is a fantastic gift diva's...! Now my concern would be my daughter, my family and friends who's life I would no longer be a part of.

Like most women I hate having to make the appointment to go for a smear test, I mean who genuinely is excited about having their legs held open by force (don't answer that!) with your odd socks and poor attempt at a Brazilian exposed, then that medieval metal instrument shoved in your Miss Virginia and then having Cyril the cervix swabbed and scraped to within an inch of his life! NOT ME PEOPLE! Anyway saying that I am very on the ball with my smears after having an unsatisfactory result back in my early twenties. The letter came back to me stating that pre-cancerous cells had been found on my cervix and that I would have to have a colposcopy to remove them...The only word that stood out was 'cancerous' I was slightly shaken and proceeded to call my G.p and an appointment was made to have the cells lasered off.

I remember lying once again on my back, legs in stirrups but his time having the privilege of seeing my cervix in all its glory on screen! As the Doctor began the treatment I began to smell burning, I thought the hospital was on fire and began to panic as to how I was going to get to the safety meeting spot in the car park with my bum hanging out of the gown! But obviously the hospital was not on fire it was the abnormal cells being burnt off making me pre-cancerous cell free and able to move on happily and healthily. After that procedure I had to have my smears annually as opposed to every 3 years...but now after 4 years in the clear I can revert back normal...YAY ME!!!

Please ladies don't mess around with your health.

Do you know that a broken tooth, can cause an infection that can enter your brain.
A simple eye test can detect a brain tumour.
A smear test can prevent cervical cancer leading to an hysterectomy and/or death.
If you are bleeding very heavily during your periods you could have fibroids or endometriosis (I have been operated on for both-its no joke).

The list is endless, we take our kids and cars to get checked at the slightest sign of any problems. What about us? We run the show in our households so we need to be well and what's more our Health system is free so there is no excuse.

I have always liked Jade Goody even her racist episode with Shilpa didn't bother me that much , she is just stupid at times. I do rate the fact that for someone who speaks like they finished their education at 10 years old has done remarkably well for herself, I applaud her hard working nature and her carefree attitude to life and though I don't personally know her I will miss her on TV, I have enjoyed her.

Take care Jade, I salute you Diva x

Oscarlicious...!

2009-02-24T14:49:00.020Z

I was not at the Oscar's, yeah I know your shocked at that! However I have like a lot of you trawled my way through all the Oscar pics that I could get my hands on. I would have loved to see what Rihanna would have worn had Chris Brown Poo not mashed up her face! (And to think I wanted his song 'with you' played at my wedding).

I noticed that a lot of the Oscar Diva's were wearing dresses that were more suited to wedding day fabulousness. What was that about??? SJP, Penelope Cruz, Ann Hathaway, Marissa Tomei, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Anniston and Nicole Kidman all donned wedding dresses.

All I have to say about Whoopi Golberg's outfit is WOOPS! Beyonce came dressed as B&Q's latest wallpaper range. Latifah was less Queen and more Quality street and Sophia Lauren looked like an organza nightmare on the red carpet. They should just have a trap door that let's all the worst dressed offenders just drop through to spare us the assault year after year.

For me it was all about the Jewel toned, gold belted Jessica Biel, it was her second dress of the evening, absolutely divine and truly made her stand out form the crowd. It takes confidence to be different you know and finally Halle was perfectly poised as she swooned around in her black and gold semi mermaid gown.

I love awards ceremonies and if I could I would have every dress ever worn adorned on my bedroom wall for inspiration. Its all the glamour, the fuss, the transformation...We ladies love getting ready for a big night out, its in our DNA. So when your getting ready for your next night out, it may be the Old Kent Road and not the Oscar's but its still your time to shine and show the world what your made of. Puff, spray, spritz, tong, tan, stuff, gloss and grease yourself to perfection!

V xxx

Shanice, Sharice and Me...

2009-02-22T15:22:00.010Z

Well as I mentioned last week I would be documenting what I had got up to on Saturday. You were also meant to to do it so I hope that my inbox will be full tomorrow!I spent my weekend with two lovely little girls my partner has named 'The Ragga Twins' so called because of their hysterical split personality! One minute they would be speaking the Queen's English albeit with northweezy twang, then all of a sudden it was as though they had been possessed by Shaka Demus and Pliers!! G and his son were happily chilling in my living room on the Friday night watching Sky sport's news while the twins were playing on the floor...Out of nowhere they just turned to the boy's and said "Who You A Look Pon! I was in the kitchen trying to hold back my laughter because even though it was rude, it was hysterical!

On Saturday night my Mum had a dinner party for about 20 odd guests, I didn't plan to stay but how could I resist the menu of Roast Lamb, Fried chicken, Lamb Curry, Coleslaw, Roast potatoes, Rice 'n' peas, apple crumble, cake and the rest! I ate and ate and the twins performed! "Can you dance girls"? they were asked "Yes", they replied "What can you do then"? "DUTTY WINE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG I was in shock but once again couldn't help but laugh, they are so small to look at, then they just shock you with their patois. Like when Sharice (the bossier yet smaller of the two) was chasing Shanice (the bigger and more innocent of the two) It went a little something like this! "Cum ere gal...me a go murder you"!!! Yes I was and still am laughing!

Please note the 4 year old twins were born in the U.K and have spent only a fortnight in Jamaica on holiday last summer. They came back changed women!!!!! Be careful where you send your pickni...I mean children! x

Alfie...

2009-02-18T16:25:00.003Z

We are all shocked, saddened and slightly amused by the events that we shall call AlfieGate... how did this baby-faced teenager become a father?...How did he survive the attack from that 15 yr old marshmallow?... How can he and the baby have the same sized head?...Questions, Questions, Questions...

I was reading the Sun newspaper the other day and they reported that if the marshmallow gets her own flat when she turns 16, Alfie could move in with her as her child because he is too young by law to be recognised as her partner, she could then end up claiming child benefit for her man! Well at least he'll be bringing some money in!

If Alfie and marshmallow were my kids I would not have them splashed all over the newspaper's, their parent's have really exploited their kid's for cash and now for that greedy choice are currently being investigated by the council for receiving payments from different media sources....woops! If that had been an Asian, African or Caribbean family that marshmallow would be on the first flight 'BACK HOME' after sustaining some licks! Even if they had to tie her to the wing she would be going back!

The current standing on the case is that a paternity test will be done to confirm whether Alfie is in fact really little Maisie's dad. To date up to 6 other baby's, I mean boy's have come forward including Richard Goodsell, 16 He said: "I know I could be the father. Everyone thinks I am. My friends all tell me that the baby has my eyes– even my mum thinks so."...Okay Richard!!! And Tyler Barker aged 14who claims just like half of the boys in town to have had a sexual relationship with marshy... To be honest I hope Alfie isn't the daddy, he deserves a second chance and I hope he'll think twice about where he sticks his little matchstick in future!

Bless him.............

Saturday Special's!

2009-02-18T12:59:00.003Z

Hi Reader's...

I have had a great idea to introduce you to eachother! What I would like you to do is document what you have done on Saturday by writing a few paragraphs accompanied by 2-3 pictures, you could be in your house all day or shopping, cinema whatever...I just wanna know! Email it all to divaacademy@ymail.com and I will publish them. I think it will be a laugh! We shall start from SAT 21st and run it till we get bored...if your in HOLLA...Can't wait to see ya! xxx

This Sat I'm looking after twin girls Shanice and Sharice who are 4 years old...Log in monday to see what we got up to!

Workin' it at Work...

2009-02-16T19:48:00.012Z

One of my Diva's asked me today...How do I maintain my Diva at work?

Easy I thought, I don't know about you but if I'm going to have to sit in an office all day and be worked to the bone I better look good while it's happening!

Now I used to hate getting up in the morning for work and not know what to put on and end up getting it all wrong and not feeling my best all day.
My Tip: Prepare what you are going to wear the night before, including shoes, bag and accessories. That way you can already see if its a good look or not and make last minute changes. Now you can stop staring at all the ladies on the tube with you that have it going on....cos now you do too! Preparation is the key.

I used to hate looking in the mirror after lunch because I never looked as good as I did in the morning. Face was all shiny, hair a little flat, perfume faded. The day had worn on and so had I.
My Tip: After lunch see it as the beginning of a totally new shift, go to the bathroom and touch up your make up you'll be suprised at what you can do in 5 minutes. Powder your face, go over your eyeliner, reapply lippy (although I know you've been doing that all day Diva!) If your me you will also reapply blusher and make sure my eyebrows have not rubbed off! Finally spray your perfume and float back to your desk looking HOT!

Talking of desks make it your home from home.
My Tip: Have a photo of your Kid, honey, or fave girls night out. At my old desk I used to write a note to inspire me and stick it up and refer to it all day...Something like 'when I'm rich I'm going blow this place up'. It helped me you may choose something else!

Remember some colleagues and bosses have only been created to STEP ON YOUR DIVA....Don't let it happen, they have no power over you, its a job... I don't want to hear any of you down or depressed because of their antics. Make your paper's and just think of all the Divalicious way's you can spend it!

NOW GET BACK TO WORK!

Help with Comments

2009-02-13T09:58:00.007Z

Some of you have let me know that you are having trouble leaving comments...We can't have that because trust me I love to hear your take on the subjects. Here's a quick guide...

Click on "comment"
Write comment
Scroll down until you see Name/Url
In the name slot write your name
A word verification prompt may pop up now

6. Finally click Publish comment

Hope this helps!

V xxx

White Men CAN Jump!

2009-02-13T01:58:00.012Z

I bet if you asked any Black woman who her top 5 celebrity White men were they would all mention the same 5! What is it with us, where is the variety in our choice's have these particular 5 been born with some Black girl attracting gene?

You see our men think they know who we like, I bet you can be sure when your other half see's LL Cool J grace the TV screen, he gives you a side glance...just to check, when Terrence Howard comes peering through the TV screen at you with those gorgeous green eyes of his your man starts fidgeting knowing the temperature in the room suddenly went up!.....And as for Tyrese lets jut say all of a sudden there's game to watch on Sky Sports!!! Boy's you are not fooling us!!!

The great thing about liking a CWM is that no one suspects it, you can happily drool over Beckham right in the presence of your man because you know that he love's him too (ok he love's his footie skills) but were all on the same loving page at least!

I have never dated a white man, it just hasn't happened in my life but I have never been anti the idea. I mean it would be great in so many way's, he would be so easy to please as you know he would be sooooo happy to have you on his arm. You could pass corned beef and rice off as some gourmet meal, how would he know it's the equivalent of fish and chips! Also he would show you off like something he won at a Black History month Fair and you know you would be the centre of attention with all his friends saying you look like Naomi Campbell or Beyonce Knowles. You know i'm truth talking now Diva's!

Anyway hope you enjoy the gallery of the top 5 CWM we'd love to LURRRRVVVE! xxx

ps....If your top 5 line up would be different...Holla at a Diva!

Rashid ask's Where Are The Single Ladies?

2009-02-13T01:42:00.011Z

A single guy’s perspective on being single....

Why is it that I am still single? That is a question I keep asking myself.
My last long term relationship ended about 2 years ago. After cracks began to show we couldn’t work things out so we separated. Ever since then whenever Valentine’s Day comes racing around, I can’t help but think of what I had once with her had and more importantly... why I am still single after so long?

Nowadays it seems to me that girls are only interested and attracted to guys that are BAD or give the impression that they are BAD. You know what I mean when I say bad the one’s that have the tough exterior, the bravado and give off that overly confident demeanor. Now I know what I’m talking about because once upon a time I was one of those guy’s.

You ladies like to put on the romantic speech that your looking for a good guy who treats you right and buy’s you flowers just because, and leave notes around the house, but when we do that you ladies TAKE US FOR GRANTED and if you really don’t mind me getting down to the nitty gritty please admit that you start telling your girlfriends that “He loves me up too much, its getting annoying” ...WE MEN CAN’T WIN! When Veyan asked me to contribute from a man’s perspective on being single, I was hesitant but I must say I’m getting into this now!

As a single guy especially around this period, I just want to know one thing WHERE ARE ALL THE SINGLE WOMEN? The good ones that is! Where does a guy have to go to find a good woman that’s relationship material?

I find in my own personal experience that it’s hard to find an attractive woman who is single, I’d like think I have all the smooth words, humour and looks J. I don’t want to be desperate and start calling up these single ads and registering for online dating services, but why can’t a lady give me a sign, like wink at me or give me a smile, I mean If I received a signal like that I’d be in there, but... nothing. Do single women exist anymore? Where do I go? How do I know you are single? What do you want me to do???????

If I had a girl right now I’d make sure everyday was Valentine’s day...The search continues....!

Valentine Blog special!

2009-02-12T14:14:00.002Z

Be sure to log onto Diva Academy on VALENTINE'S DAY for a blog by guest writer Rashid...He's asking where are all the single ladies???

You don't want to miss it! xxx

Just For Laugh's!

2009-02-11T17:23:00.007Z

Don't ask me why but i've had this picture in my file eversince I came across it in on http://www.theybf.com/

QUESTIONS?

What is this?

If this was your child's father would you be seeking damages?

If you are thinking he/she looks good please log out of my blog. Immediately.
STATEMENT...

A Divo nontheless!

Rihanna

2009-02-11T16:18:00.006Z

Celebrities love to have their faces splashed on every paper, magazine and TV show, its the nature of the business and proves whether you are hot property or not, if your not making the paper's your not making paper...SIMPLE! Unfortunately, the story being positive or negative is neither here or there, if it's going to sell its going to print.

The recent altercation between Chris Brown and Rihanna has sent the media into a frenzy as no one can believe 'CHRIHANNA' has come to this. The couple of the moment, the one's were all watching, the two who's songs we can't help singing have got themselves into some dark territory with this one. For me if any story was going to come out about them I would have though it would have been a cheating scandal, pregnancy scare etc etc but physical violence was not picked up on my radar.

I love me some Rihanna, her style, her songs, HER HAIR and the fact that she's from the Caribbean and not Hollywood. I even liked the fact she was with CB, they are both so young and both at the top of their game, I know like me you all enjoyed being on celeb watch, looking out for the two of them at all the star studded events....IS IT OVER???? We hope not.

I put this question out to you reader's....Is there ever a time when you can justify a man beating a woman? Please comment I'd love to get different opinions on this one and see what we come up with. My answer is NO, but then if the woman was mistreating and abusing their child or she gave him HIV then maybe she would deserve a BEATDOWN! I don't know, violence has never solved anything yet and normally only adds to the problem...SADTIMES...Get well soon RiRi.

Let's see what you think....

Coleen's Real Women

2009-02-10T21:59:00.004Z

Be sure to check out the new series of Coleen's Real Women ITV2 Tuesday's at 9pm. I really enjoyed the last one, so I'm looking forward to the next few weeks of fashion, beauty and photoshoots from a real woman's perspective. Great viewing!

L.I.F.E

2009-02-10T14:29:00.008Z

My darling Diva Nicole will alway's end a dramatic story with the phrase L.I.F.E. because I guess it sums everything up. You lose your job...L.I.F.E, you crash your car...L.I.F.E, you turn up at a party and someone is wearing the same dress...L.I.F.E and we could go on and on.

We were all just born, we didn't know what family we would be born into whether it be a rich family that has never known poverty in all its 12 generations and every little girl gets a horse for their 11th birthday or whether you would be born into a family of crackheads that don't even remember your name let alone your birthday!!! How unfair. I bet we all have friends who spend their whole lives saying if only I had money, if only I had a car, if only I had a man, if only I had a daddy at home....I say if only you would stop allowing yourself to be your biggest obstacle, if only you could get yourself out of the way and survey the big wide world that is around you!

Diva's look at life in all its glory and shout 'I CAN BE WHO I WANT TO BE'!!!

Check list:

You are alive...no dead Diva can fulfill any dream.

You have your health, physical and mental.

You have the world at your finger tips via the web.

Leave fear behind.

Don't care about people seeing you fail..(at least your trying)

Be your own marker...COMPARE YOURSELF TO NOONE.

Be realistic and prepared to work hard.

I write this not only to inspire you, but also myself. How many things have you started and then shelved out of fear, frustration and lack of belief.

Let's make a pact:

To Go for it.
Support our fellow Diva's.

Fulfil our God given potential.

CAN WE DO IT?...............YES WE CAN!........................

Its a WEAVE!

2009-02-07T15:52:00.013Z

When I have a weave I am always comfortable in admiting that yes my hairstlyle has been purchased by me but does not infact genetically belong to me!...In India for every 10 bald chicks there are at least 4 black chicks somewhere in the world WORKING IT!!! (on their behalf)

Some folks, however are on a mission to conceal the truth by any means necessary, they will tell you their grand father was white or their Mum is half Indian...Why lie girlfriend????

I absolutely love me some weave...the instant glamour, it gives you is second to none...you can go from NAPPY to HAPPY in just a few hours without the need for any surgery or medication, its a winner everytime!

What I dont like is the storm before the calm, the period when your hoping that everyone in the salon goes blind so they don't see your crusty, nappy, flaking, scratching, shedding, knotting, splitting, peeling HEAD!!! You all know what i'm talking about...you've been itching that head for two weeks and now you think you can pull that hat off in the salon and expect people not to flare their nostrils in horror!!??!!

Top Tips...

Choose an experienced/qualified weave technician...If you both cannot speak english at the same level I say ABORT MISSION!

Remember choose the CORRECT colour, take along a friend/sister you can trust...Just because it suits Beyonce and Tyra does not mean it will suit you...OKAY! We have gone through this already guys...(read previous D.A blogs)

Don't keep a weave longer than 3 months! If your weave is moving when your not...you may have an infestation problem...Take off and wash your hair immediately!

Well enough already! Do your thing...just do it well...or your pic may just end up as a warning pic on this blog...YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

(better hide some of my pics then!!!)

With Luv xxxxxxxxxxxxxx V

BET Celebration of Gospel Premiere

2009-02-05T18:54:00.005Z

Hey Diva's..

Yours truly had the privilege of being invited to attend the premiere screening of BET'S a Celebration of Gospel at the Odeon Leicester Square today with G. All the movers and shakers of the British gospel scene were there, including JAHAZIEL, ROGER SAMUELS and the main man of the moment MUYIWA who put on a fantastic live set to end the afternoon' s festivities...what a treat! Talking of treats we were served up a delicious buffet of carribbean cuisine by top London caterers 'CUMMIN' UP'... trust me peeps I got my eat on!

Steve Harvey was the host of the show filmed late January in HOLLYWOOD and he was hilarious! His jokes about OBAMA had us in the ODEON rolling in our seats...! I recommend watching out for the following performances...Mary Mary with their new single 'GET UP' and later on in the show when they duet with the Lip Licking king himself LL Cool J who throws money into the crowd..check out the scramble for the cash, we will excuse the classlessness after all we are experiencing a global recession! Kirk Franklin rocked the show with his track 'LITTLE BOY' and Vickie Winans had us all remembering what a faithful God we serve.

As we all know BET International launched about a year ago in the UK and it has been a triumphant success reaching 1.5 million individuals and is ranked as the leading television brand among black households aged 16-44. (source: BARB 2008). We need to promote and advertise the brand as it is THE station that represents US and OUR issues with US at heart, Glenn Yearwood and his team are doing a great job.

And why is MUYIWA and RIVERSONGZ the group of the moment?...well they made history by being the first BRITISH act to ever appear on 'Celebration of Gospel' After many hopefuls they were personally handpicked to represent the UK...we at D.A salute you Muyiwa! And a shout out to my girl ESTHER who is one of his backing singers check her out at www.myspace.com/estheradeyemi she said LA was an amazing experience and is looking forward to releasing her first single next month...YOU GO GIRL!!!

ALSO! Look out for 106 & Park presents: GOSPEL GENERATION (which launched last month) with hosts Angel Taylor from TRIN-I-TEE 5:7 and Jorel Quinn from 21:03, the show is a weekly spin off of the well known 106 & Park but instead will feature, the hottest music videos and celebrity guests making waves on the Gospel circuit, look out for Choir battles, TYE'S (tribbet's) TIDBITS and much, much more!

Well Diva's I must now put my feet up, walking around Leicester Square in 4" heels will mash a girl up! Until the next exclusive... Ciao! x

Under The Diva Spotlight...

2009-02-04T11:09:00.005Z

IMAN Mohamed Abdulmajid

Philanthropist, Mother, Wife, Businesswoman, Model, Actress.

Born July 25th 1955 in Moghadishu, Somalia. Iman went from University graduate to Supermodel after being approached in 1975 by an American agent, the following year she had her first shoot in Vogue magazine and our Diva has not looked back since.

It is often said that you can't have it all but Iman is a woman who can kinda say she does actually. Mother of Zuleka Haywood aged 30 and Alexandria Zahra Jones aged 9, CEO of Iman Cosmetics, Wife of Superstar Divo David Bowie for the past 17 years and Ambassador for Keep A Child Alive (an organisation that provides drugs to families affected by HIV/AIDS in the third world) Iman is certainly not resting on her laurels.

"My dream woman is IMAN" yves saint- laurent

Iman's advice to up and coming Diva's "To get anywhere in life you have to pay your dues...Success does not happen overnight...Every successful person has worked hard in their chosen field to get where they are..."

We love her, you love her...long live IMAN!

He's just not that into you.....

2009-02-03T19:05:00.016Z

To coincide with the release of the movie He's just not that into you starring Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson and Drew Barrymore, Diva Academy has listed a few clues of our own to help you keep track of your man in question!

He's just not that into you if after 6 months you have not met any of his friends or family? What does he mean he was raised by tigers?!?

He's just not that into you because you do not know his surname, i'm sorry to have to break it to you but calling him by his profile name on myspace does not cut the mustard.

He's just not that into you because you only go for date's outside your local area. (No he's not being adventurous!) Try taking control of your next date and book a table for two at your local Italian after you tell him please email me what colour he turned!

He's just not that into you if all of your dates seem to begin at around 12pm. (Is he a vampire or something?) NO he's just not that into you!

He's just not that into you because its been 5 years, 3 months and 9 days and you still don't have his home telephone number. X directory, I don't think so, more like he is still living with his Ex!

Let's have Church!

2009-02-03T13:57:00.005Z

Is it me or is going to Church at times like the latest trend to hit the stands...I mean like 'Are you on facebook'?..or..'Do you have a myspace'? You know that some people are only at R*** ,V***or K*** because they are name brand church's. You know when the camera hits them they're trying to pretend that they are really feeling the message all while trying to be filmed on their good side! I've visited such church's and trust me your hair, fingernails and toes better be did or you will feel just slightly out of place. The Pastor rocks a Rolex and drives a Range Rover and is followed by aproximatley six assistants wherever he goes! DIVA! These Church's are slick and present the gospel to the people like they're hosting the Academy awards. Trust me between your hair appointments, the building fund and Pastor's insurance things get expensive up in here make sure you got a good job!
NAME BRAND CHURCH essentials: Good hairdresser, 5" heels, good job, Armani wrap around shades, range rover.

I must admit my Church is old school and by no means name brand I would say we are like more like the black plimsolls your mum brought for you at primary school, comfortable, reliable and humble. My mum began attending in the early 80's and I have been there eversince give or take the odd years when I was either not interested (during my blonde ambition days), or attending Church's in South London. At my Church if your skirt is hovering above the knee you are a potential backsliding suspect, If you are wearing sleevless anything you are a marriage wrecker and if you wear lipstick and or TROUSERS and try to say anything they just turn your sound off, you become invisible and suddenly the call to salvation gets brought forward JUST FOR YOU....because you CANNOT be saved! Ok so i'm exaggerating slightly and thank God due to our current Pastor things are changing for the better but anyone of you reading this that has visited an 'old time religion church' will know what i'm talking about!
OL' TIME RELIGION CHURCH essentials: Hairnet, Hat, Stockings, Tambourine, Paper fan, Frilly Hankie.

Now some of my girls attend church's that are the complete opposite of mine. There the Pastor is simply called Joe and his wife simply Katie, The congregation can heckle during sermon's and there is not a hat in site...In fact the congregation look more like they belong at the Glastonbury festival! The music takes on more of a Rock vibe and dont be suprised if a barefoot aussie bloke strolls past you! Now there is something freeing about this type of service...no one judges you, you receive the most welcoming smiles ever and your appearance is of no importance...its all about JESUS. Now as much as I love all that free hippie love that goes around here we all need a bit of structure...don't we?
GLASTONBURY CHURCH essentials: Flip Flops, T-Shirt, A Smile.

God bless...x

WHY?

2009-01-29T22:09:00.008Z

...Would you wear your wedding dress to your 50th birthday party?....And by the way the last we heard you were in court, saying he stomped and kicked you down in a parking lot... I don't know ask juanita!

Attention Women!

2009-01-29T00:12:00.001Z

Friends That Hurt...'FTH'...

2009-01-27T18:57:00.008Z

Through my MANY experiences in life I have come to realise that just like a Tsunami friends that hurt can come and get you out of nowhere...but are they really coming out of nowhere? Now if your like me you can work people out pretty quickly so why when we sense something negative in a friend or lover do we brush it aside and hope for the best, with the naive mantra repeating over and over in our head's that it won't happen to me...People we need to stop being so gullible and desperate.

This week one of my Divas told me that her BEST FRIEND is now DATING her recently made EX! Now this all transpired in secret but the diva told me that in hindsight if she was asked to choose one of her friends that would be likely to do such a thing it would have been that friend and now she wont even leave a bar of chocolate around her! Listen people when FTH want what you have it does not matter how insignificant it is to you...they will take it so i'm keeping a close eye on my cadbury's cream eggs!

Another observation I made was that I have had people that have loved me when I have had 6 months of regrowth, a man cheating on me and eyebrows that could stuff a cushion but once I got myself hooked up at Asaba, a good man at my side and seen Dipti to get my unibrow seperated suddenly you hear comments like 'she thinks she's too nice' CORRECTION the post for today is you think i'm too nice and thats why we have the problem!

I'm not swayed by how many friends I have on facebook or how full my contacts list is on my samsung... I just want a few that are good to the bone.

Some people like to keep you where they can keep a close eye on you so whenever they think they have it bad they can look back at where they left you and breathe a sigh of relief that someone is worse off than them. When they are ready they may look back at you...BUT here's the thing make sure you have moved! Show them your address is no longer Heartbreak Hotel and your car is no longer Chitty Chitty bang bang and your man brings you home flowers with a box of chocolates and not an STD anymore.

If you have a friend that you purposely avoid showing your new stuff to...they are a FTH

If you have a friend that takes any opportunity to put you down and remind you of all your mistakes...they are a FTH

If you have a friend that likes to bring you out infront of a new partner...they are a FTH

If you have a friend that has to buy a new sofa, laptop, get a new hairdo or go on holiday just because you did...they are a FTH

If you have a friend that runs off with your hubby, turns your kids against you and steals your identity...........THEY ARE MOST DEFINATELY A FTH!....love y'all!

Just spreading the Diva!

2009-01-27T17:35:00.010Z

A true Diva does not like to diva all by herself, I personally have the desire for all women to locate the Diva within them, pull her out and rock it! On many nights out I have seen so many women not working their full potential . That hurts me real bad as many of you are probably looking at other women and saying 'I wish I could dress like her, apply my make up like her, style my hair like her' etc...etc...LADIES! There is no wishing to becoming a DIVA if you want it, see it and grab it with both hands...style is free you know!

Here are a few tips we at the Academy have come up with to help you along...

1. Get a bra that fits correctly...there isn't a
human female that should have more than 2 breasts, if your bra is making you look like you have 4...BIN IT!

2. Please, please, please stop rocking a blonde weave if your complexion does not permit it! You know who you are, its time to get over the ' I wanna be a barbie when I grow up' fantasy. We're all grown now and colour 1B (off black)is your friend, please get to know her....FAST!

3. The hem of your skirt should not be longer at the front than at the back...Sure be proud of your curves, just get a well fitted skirt and you will look more together and like you actually looked in the mirror before you left the house!

4. It is better to remove your acrylic tips rather than have a gap that looks as though its about ready to celebrate its 1st birthday!

5. If we can see your areola you are showing too much breast...enough said!

6. Lacefronts: They are great but I am starting a campaign to bring the forehead back, too many are going missing due to incorrect positioning. Please find a reputable technician.

Now ladies I talk from experience, during my blonde ambition days (yes I had some) I was rocking 4 bags of colour 27 (honey blonde) wet 'n' wavy on my 18 year old head. To top it all off I wore a faux fur white knee length coat bought second hand from my grandfather's residential home and had the nerve to wait for the 207 bus on the Uxbridge Road! I thought I looked like Faith Evans in the 'Soon as I get home ' video, I did I think...however it was the glue sniffing version!

So there we have it. I hope this helps some of you...so until next time keep spreading the DIVA!

Our Top 5 DIVAS & DIVOS for January!

2009-01-23T12:57:00.005Z

1.BARACK OBAMA
The first African- American to become president, the cutest little girls ever and a strong woman of colour by his side... you just gotta love him!

2.ARETHA FRANKLIN
She surely showed us why she is the ultimate DIVA as she sang during the inauguration ceremony, although she looked as though she had eaten all former 43 Presidents!...WE LOVE HER!

3.LATOYA JACKSON
Now folks once you get passed the bleach, the surgery and the mane she is the sweetest little person, do you even hear what she is saying half the time on CBB...NO...but as long as she dont get too close to those studio lights she makes our January's top 10.

4.MR. MOTIVATOR
I know what your thinking, how is HE a DIVO? But seriously the man is in his late fifties and he is still working it! Have you seen the outfits he gets specially made for him and his grandson? Finally check out those specs, he obviously has never heard of specsavers! However he has made the list!

5.AKON
Not much to say about him other than the fact anyone who has forged a multi million dollar career singing like he doesn't even have a nose must be honoured! Locked up...at times we wish you still were Akon.

OBAMA....OH YES!

2009-01-21T12:21:00.004Z

I am not an American, I therefore did not vote, I have then done nothing physically to have brought about what happened yesterday...but if prayers, hope and faith count for anything I can say I did my bit to get him there! Once he was elected last year my thoughts instantly went to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King and how finally his DREAM had been realised, to Rosa Parks who would not GET OFF THE BUS and to O.J Simpon who...lets not even go there people!

Barack Obama is young, black and fabulous and now because of him my daughter may not even see it as a big deal that there is or has been a black president because she will know nothing else. It will only be when she reads the numerous newspapers I have kept as a souvernir that she will know how significant an occasion in history it was and will ever be. I remember phoning friends back in the day if a black person (normally an American) was on the T.V because you just never knew when that was about to happen again. How times have changed. At least advertisers now realise that we people of colour do in fact EAT, DRIVE, WASH and indeed NEED HOME INSURANCE!

Now that we've covered the seriousness of the occasion its now time for Diva Academy to take it there...!

We can now be sure that in the White House the first lady's dresser will no longer be laden with lavender scented dusting powder, Elnett hairspray and a sprinkling of L'oreal cosmetics but instead now its all about the Luster's pink oil moisturiser, a Dax pomade for the roots and a big can of oil sheen... and ladies lets not forget the obligatory headscarf, hanging form the side of the bed crying out for its long overdue wash! (I likes to keeps it reel)

I like Michelle O, she's subtly attractive, she's fierce and quite an imposing figure standing by her man, as mouthy as I am I would not mess with Barack's girl. I cocked my head to the side and exhaled as I watched her watch her man, did you see that loving gaze? God only knows what was going through her mind and heart but by the way it made me and my girls feel I know it was all good. I also along with many of you was waiting with baited breath for what she would be wearing on THAT day and thank God home girl did not disappoint, I personally would not have chosen that colour for this time of year but the style and cut of the dress and jacket did get my vote and pairing it with those moss green leather shoes and gloves got an A+ from us at the Diva Academy! Her Inauguration ball gown was an impeccable choice also and with her height and grace gave her an ethereal presence as she danced with her President. YOU GO GIRL...We salute you.

So the event is now behind us but the journey is still absolutely ongoing, we pray and believe that Barack Obama will be a great President and continue to make history...A Black Prime Minister in the next twenty years?....a Diva can dream can't she!

Is Thirty really the new Twenty?

2009-01-19T16:54:00.001Z

Now when I was twenty no one could have ever told me that when I got to thirty I would feel more fabulous, more confident and more sassy. 'Thirty is old' I would have said smirkingly as I plucked my brows to within an inch of their lives while teetering on platforms listening to Blackstreet (it was the 90's!). I would not have been able to imagine that the boldness I possessed then could ever be surpassed as I approached the big 3-0 but now I have to say I'm with Jay-Z...Thirty IS the new Twenty.

Gone are the days when your mascara and hourly rate come in at the same nifty price of £5.50 and now when a 45 yr old male chats you up he is now considered a mature older man and not a dirty old perve! Yes me and my girlfriends are relishing in this new course of study at the Diva Academy 'Fly and Thirty' it has a nice ring to it. Some of us are married, there are those that are single, there are the yummy mummy's and the childless chicks all saluting and cheering Thirty with a vigour that compares only to when we were teens and New Kids On The Block would be performing on Top of The Pops. Funtimes.

When your twenty you THINK you know yourself your likes and dislikes, your style and preferences, your tastes and persuasions but when your thirty the truth is you REALLY do know yourself and for the record that is not always a good thing as the truth does not always smell of Givenchy's latest scent. I mean who likes to admit they are wearing a bad attitude like a Tiffany choker, with procrastination and laziness hanging on like the matching pair of studs BUT ladies at least now we have the maturity to deal with it and hey at least we can afford therapy now! I'd say that's a fair trade off.

So ladies (you shout YEAH!) are you with me?... is Thirty the new Twenty? let's join hands with Jigga Man and say HELL YEAH!