7 Things I’m Loving Right Now

Life, PHOTO DIARY
June 9 2016

image1. Waking up at 5 am. I’ve become such an early bird (in every sense of the phrase, and by that I mean I’m dozing off by 9pm…NO MATTER where I am! In the car, on the couch, in the Club! Lol! My friends have dubbed me Sleepy, as in the Dwarf from Snow White, and to be honest with you, I don’t mind!). I get to bed early and I’m up early! And just like the French say… “La vie appartient à ceux qui se lèvent tôt.” which in English means “Life belongs to those who rise early!” So ha, that’s my defence! I also get to do a lot of my errands in the morning and it makes room for other things that I like to get up to.

2. Reading Biographies. I wasn’t the type to pick up a book about another persons life, I don’t know why, I guess I just always darted for the fiction or self help section, to get lost in a story from a completely different time or get my mind and ish together if need be. But lately I’ve been inspired to read about people, especially women who have made a mark in their areas of expertise, be it in talent, knowledge or just life in general. I’m currently reading Shirley Bassey’s by John L. Williams, and not only is she my name sake, she’s of a similar background as I am, and I wanted to get to know what her triumphs and challenges coming up in her industry were. I’m excited to read more. Maybe I’ll write a review when I’m done on here!

3. Chicken Biryani! Omg this heavenly food! I had some while on a shopping break in Selfridges on my last trip. There’s a little food stand in the food hall called Masala Zone, and that’s where I tasted this goodness! I’m now on the hunt for a cool recipe to follow and make some at home! Let me know if you know of any!

4. Bare faced-ness. Yes I love makeup, but lately I’ve been loving going makeup free more, and only ever wear it when I’m filming, shooting or going out to a special event. My skin has been doing a lot of breathing, and it feels great!

5. Grace In Christ on Tumblr. I looooove her Tumblr page! So full of inspiration and words of wisdom (not just for Christians), and every now and again I take a peek and I leave her page learning something new and feeling good! Check it out here: www.graceinchrist.tumblr.com

6. Wearing colour! I’ve been so inspired to step out of my neutral comfort zone and try out new colours and silhouettes (as you’ve probably seen in my recent posts!) and I’m loving it! With that being said I do still love my neutrals and I believe a Lookbook dedicated to them is way overdue! Pending. 🙂

7. Zoe London. She is a fellow YouTuber and Blogger, who is extremely lovely, online and in person too, and I love to watch her videos. Her voice is soothing and her humour is right up my street! Her makeup tutorials are of great quality and even though we have very different styles, I still appreciate what she does. Maybe one day I may take the plunge and dye my hair (*cough* my weave) blue! lol! Check out her channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/thelondonlipgloss

What and who are you loving right now? I’d love to know, so comment down below!

xxx

~~~

Always so grateful for the opportunity to meet and collaborate with awesome people. These photos were shot by @JayStewartPhoto as part of his “Crazy Sexy Cool” series. It was such a fun shoot!

60 Comments

  • Reply Nedoux June 9 2016 at 4:32 pm

    Hi Shirley,

    LBD magic! 😀

    I am loving Sidney Sheldon novels all over again, he is a master story teller and also loving Deola Sagoe, her designs are beyond sublime.

    @ “Life belongs to those who rise early!” If only I had a sensible habit of sleeping earlier, I might have read that quote with more enthusiasm, alas I am not a morning person.

    • Reply Muna June 9 2016 at 4:56 pm

      Spot on at Sidney Sheldon, his books are absolutely amazing. I’ve read nothing lasts forever 3 times now! And Yes, Life belongs to those who rise early, sadly that’s something i’m still working on lol. But anyway it’s almost summer so don’t be scared to colour up your life, a lil colour won’t hurt nobody hehe. xx
      It’s Munastic

    • Reply DEE belcher June 10 2016 at 5:39 am

      I am in love with Cruise Trips cause I have taken many types such as… friendship, rest and relax, romantic, and history Cruises.
      2. Season Symphony 3. Spiritual Trips with a Travel Group. 4. Celebrate Life:)!!!

    • Reply SOILA July 8 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Things I am loving right now, your you tube videos i loooove your style, my new car, relaxing as I sip my green tea, trips to new places, reading my bible and spending time with my friends.

  • Reply Viv June 9 2016 at 4:37 pm

    Hello Shirley,
    I’m currently loving – cake icing videos (for some reason, they sooth me), makeup videos, having my man take care of me (been ill), Banana Oatmeal Bread, the rain in Lagos!!!

    http://www.thealaroro.com

  • Reply Majean June 9 2016 at 4:47 pm

    Great list especially the biographies. I always find reading about other people’s lives fascinating…guess that’s why I’m doing a women in business interview series. I’m loving glow powder and raspberries, blueberries with yoghurt!

  • Reply Kay June 9 2016 at 5:04 pm

    Hey Shirley, I’ve been loving wearing less makeup lately too. I think that’s where the trend is going. Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply coco bassey June 9 2016 at 5:10 pm

    love these pictures!! and YES to reading Shirley Bassey’s biography… i find myself googling her every now and then, to see if somehow, someway we’re related hahaha #wishfulthinking
    xo, coco | millennielle.com

  • Reply Miriam Maulana June 9 2016 at 5:16 pm

    My boyfriend dubbed me Sleepy Smurf and also genuinely don’t mind it. I sleep when I am stressed, happy, sad, tired and I cam sleep anywhere. Sleep is very peaceful so I am with you on that.

    I’ve been binge watching MakeupDoll’s makeup tutorials, I’ve watched yours so many times my boyfriend now knows who you are, lol.

    I’ve been enjoying ad loving my apple flavored green tea, its favorite morning drink

    I hope you are doing great Shirley.

  • Reply Oluseyi June 9 2016 at 5:45 pm

    Hi Shirley, I’m a new reader of your blog (from IG) and I’m instantly in love with it. I love your write up and recommendations. I will definitely check again. Keep up the good work. Cheers

  • Reply laura June 9 2016 at 6:23 pm

    SUCH a lovely blog post and those photos are so beautiful, love the whole thing!

    http://www.tinytwisst.com

  • Reply Stephanie Hartley June 9 2016 at 7:59 pm

    I am SO not an early riser – I used to be during my teenage years (ironically) but after I hit 20 mornings started getting later. I want to start wearing colour more as Summer finally hits!

    Steph – http://www.nourishmeblog.co.uk

  • Reply Olivia June 9 2016 at 9:06 pm

    Hey Shirley !
    I have been embracing the no make-up movement too ! It feels indeed very good to let your skin breath from time to time 🙂
    And the funny thing is Alicia Keys recently made a very interest editorial on why she decided to go make-up free for her new album. Very inspiring. If you have not read it, I recommend you to do it. 🙂
    You look amazing on those pics !
    Love from France.
    http://thatewegal.blogspot.fr/

  • Reply Natoya June 9 2016 at 9:27 pm

    I’m loving Miki Agrawal the author of (Do Cool Sh*t), Miki and the book are very inspirational. A great book for entrepreneurs
    : )

    http://www.juanitalikes.com

  • Reply Berry Dakara June 9 2016 at 10:54 pm

    The photos are so lovely!!! I remember seeing the shoot on Snapchat.

    On your list, I also like biographies – I used to be almost obsessed with the Kennedy’s and would read almost anything about them. And YES to biryani all day!!!!

    I dunno that I’m particularly loving anything right now. Everything seems lackluster.

    Berry Dakara Blog

  • Reply kate wilson June 10 2016 at 3:47 am

    Great post, but I can’t believe you get up at 5am! I think I’d seriously struggle with that one, haha x
    http://my–socalledlife.blogspot.com.au/

  • Reply Kudzai June 10 2016 at 8:27 am

    Hey Shirley , i really love your style and those shots you look amazing .Its very cold these days in Zimbabwe so im loving my sleep and blankets so much.I love make up but i have been having quite a number of makeup free days and oh makeup online shopping i been loving that too.

  • Reply Sylvia June 10 2016 at 10:03 am

    Hi Shirley,
    I am one of those fans who read & get inspired silently but the 5.00am club thing is something I’ve been trying for ages & simply admire anyone who is able to pull it. I am a business woman & think its essential if one wants to stand apart from the rest. Bravo beautiful! I’ll keep trying.

    lots of love from Kenya.

  • Reply stephanie June 11 2016 at 3:24 am

    Hey Shirley ( my mom’s name is Shirley also) I am loving me! I am not perfect, but boy do I love good hair and good shoes! lol. I’m currently addicted to Pinterest and looking up little girls tea party décor for my little Minnie Me. I will always love old antique thingys and lots of patterns as well.

  • Reply Tolaraye June 11 2016 at 12:40 pm

    Great post as always Shirley!
    Thanks for sharing 🙂 x
    http://tolaraye.blogspot.co.uk/

  • Reply Amani June 11 2016 at 1:50 pm

    Hello Shirley! love this blog post. I’ve also been loving waking up early in the morning! usually stay in bed telling myself i have nothing planned anyway but waking early just feels so good. I’m slowly getting there with going out with no make-up! i still can’t go out COMPLETELY bare faced (concealer here and there aha). Such a lovely blog post, your pictures are always amazing !

  • Reply Aïchatou Bella June 11 2016 at 4:12 pm

    This was such a fun post! I am inspired to do something similar. Also, I just took a look at Grace’s tumblr and just WOW. Thanks for sharing!

    xo,

    Aïchatou Bella
    http://www.stilettosandstandards.com

  • Reply Kelly June 11 2016 at 6:24 pm

    My excuse is always, “the early bird catches the worm!” haha, lovely post as alwayssss.

    http://www.klosetkel.com

  • Reply stephylately June 11 2016 at 11:30 pm

    Currently loving Alicia keys song “In common” , the beat is different from her usual songs and I instantly feel like dance when I listen to it. Lovely post. Thanks for sharing.x
    http://www.stephylately.com

  • Reply Eyek June 12 2016 at 8:11 pm

    One thing I respect so much about you is your authenticity. You keep it real and it’s clear that you are also trying hard to help those around you. I’m definitely going to look into the blogs and you tubers you recommended and take some of your advice. Great post as usual!

    http://www.afrikanrising.com

  • Reply Ashley June 13 2016 at 9:28 pm

    Kudos to waking up at 5am Shirley! I’m crying if I wake up 10 minutes before my 6:30am alarm clock goes off, so hats off to you! Love the collage!

  • Reply Iyeeka June 14 2016 at 5:26 am

    Love this! Actually had some Chicken Biryani yesterday and it was heavenly 0:)

  • Reply Igee Okafor June 14 2016 at 7:26 pm

    What i’m loving right now, getting back into reading blogs!

    Who I am loving right now? Everyone who is able to rise to the occasion no matter the endeavor.

    Igee Okafor
    Style Enthusiast/Blogger
    http://www.igeeokafor.com

  • Reply Marie June 15 2016 at 5:21 pm

    Love this post! So interesting to get to know bloggers on a personal level 🙂

    http://makemeupmarie.com/

    xoxo

  • Reply Jennifer June 16 2016 at 7:18 pm

    I wake up at 7:45 each day and I thought that was early. Anyway, I absolutely love this post and you always look amazing. I might take this idea for my sunday meditation this week.

    Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply RoseThorne June 16 2016 at 8:44 pm

    Shirley, first can we talk about how you are able to fold your arms in such a way to get the fingers make the fold around your eyes?? Seriously! I have been trying it since I saw the pic on IG. Even got my lil adorable nieces to try it too and you should have seen us, lol, it was the funniest thing ever. They asked if you were coming over, (HOW I WISH)!!! And they of course went on to say how pretty my friend is. Hehe. I agree with them.
    Now to what made me comment, chicken biryani. It is food from the gods, I tell you. All that flavour in one meal is almost too much to handle!!
    I’m from Mombasa, Kenya in East Africa. The dish is a Swahili delicacy that is commonly had at special events such as weddings or birthdays at the Kenyan Coast. I swear the love and appreciation for my mom went up whenever she makes it for us back home.
    I suggest you check out a page on facebook, Mapishi mix……they give great recipes. All the best.

  • Reply Comfycozyup June 16 2016 at 11:08 pm

    The many face of Shirley that cool London girl. Love this post! Unfortunately, I also often go for the fiction. But that book sounds interesting…
    http://www.comfycozyup.com

  • Reply Kemunto June 17 2016 at 10:50 pm

    hi Shirley my fav youtuber is ofcourse you,Patriciah Bright,JamieandNikki and all time fav AprilJustinTv you all inspire me in different ways ..I am a lover of books and enjoy reading so much I am currently reading JANE by Charlotte…..
    I am from Kenya and decided to start vlogging and since i love cooking and love my sisters and family much i vlog our day to day life and upload videos on my channel here is a link https://youtu.be/fEL4748BbNk

  • Reply Mrs_RG June 18 2016 at 11:58 am

    Hey Shirley!!!
    this lately im loving going out without make up and it feels so great… and am also a neutral color when it comes with clothes so i try to wear some color too 😉

  • Reply Tina June 21 2016 at 8:48 am

    Straight up one of the most in depth bloggers out here . Love your tips, been a big inspiration to my blog! Love you
    http://tinacolette.ca/

  • Reply Pinky June 22 2016 at 9:30 am

    Hi Shirley…i just love your blog posts.Keep being amazing..xx

  • Reply Demee June 23 2016 at 5:00 am

    Great post Shirley, inspiring as ever.
    At the moment I try to wake up @ 4:30 so that I can get to gym, get my work-out on, in order for me to be back home and ready to leave for work @ 7:30. I have always loved Sidney Sheldon, his crime thriller novels are one of the bests out there and were the plenty books that inspired me to be become a writer when I was much younger. I love barefacedness, that’s my everyday face and also like you I put make up on only when I’m shooting or going out fancy. xxx

  • Reply Yeside June 24 2016 at 4:08 am

    Currently love to watch Gary Vaynerchuk’s videos on Youtube. I probably have been living under a rock since I just found out about them recently. I love his approach to motivational speaking.

  • Reply Kate June 24 2016 at 9:18 pm

    Mmm, Chicken Biryani! So impressed with people who can get up so early. Wish I could do it but I’m so lazy in the mornings! x

    Kate Louise Blogs

  • Reply Keshia White June 26 2016 at 2:24 am

    I’ve been loving pampering myself more with face masks, exfoliating, and scented candles! I definitely underestimated the power that a little TLC can have for your mood in the past! I’m going to make these things a new habit for sure!

    Keshia
    http://www.queenlifeblog.com

  • Reply Roqeebah June 27 2016 at 7:40 pm

    Jay Stewart’s images are always so great! You look amazing in these.
    I’ve definitely been loving the downpours here in Lagos.
    I’ve also been enjoying the 3rd Season of Ndani’s Skinny Girl in Transit (I think you’d like this too).
    I’ve been telling myself for months now that it’ll do me a lot of good to get up earlier but I can’t ever seem to do it consistently. Should try more I guess.
    This was nice Shirley. Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply Metiya June 28 2016 at 8:45 pm

    Ohmygosh I love these photos! So cool and fun!
    You are goals for waking up at 5am….still working on that one *AHEMMMMM!
    But yea I feel you on biographies, I love Maya Angelou for this and also looking to read Muhammad Ali’s biography next.
    Yes please do a review would love to hear about your journey through those. Looking lovely as always x Metiya

  • Reply Crystal June 30 2016 at 2:29 pm

    Hey Lady!
    Lovely photos!
    I was just bragging about your blog to a co-worker!
    Keep Inspiring !
    xoxo Crys
    PS. finalize that loobook PLEASE ! 😉

  • Reply Rossana July 4 2016 at 4:03 pm

    I love watching your videos, but the fact that you also voice your thoughts through the art of writing, is both unique and refreshing! (Mind you, I haven’t come through to the blog in awhile, and I’m glad I decided to pop in!)

    I’m also an early bird so I can totally relate.

    Chicken Bryani, I also love it and find myself craving it sometimes. First time I tasted it was during the time I worked in India for six months, and needless to say I fell in love with it.

    From the way you carry yourself, your thoughts and your social media I feel like I would love to meet you one day. (Since I’m a fellow African specifically from Angola, and was raised until the age of 10 in the UK only to return for university years a few years back. Though now I live in Spain.)

    I can almost, pratically, relate to everything you say! I like to think of you as my long lost sister from another mother. Hehe!

    Keep up with the lovely, inspiring posts!

  • Reply Esther July 7 2016 at 3:26 pm

    Love you shirls xxx

  • Reply Claire-Marie George July 9 2016 at 11:38 am

    I’ve loved being bare faced too! It’s weird because I used to be so self conscious without my make up but now I just embrace it. It’s really helped my skin to clear up and saved me a lot of time in the mornings!

  • Reply hanan July 9 2016 at 4:11 pm

    hey boo, loving the outfit pic and those curves your slaying xx

    http://girlsjournal95.blogspot.co.uk/

  • Reply Siobhan Martin July 12 2016 at 3:30 am

    Chicken Biryani is an obsession of mine!! I think I spent a whole semester of college eating it every weekend. If you find a great recipe please share it. I’m suck a lover of books in the fiction genre. Romance in particular lol. It really is suck an escape for my normal life!

  • Reply Maame Joses July 13 2016 at 12:55 pm

    Hi Shirley! I’m probably your biggest fan from The Netherlands – also a fellow Ghanaian & Nigerian. I think you’re doing an amazing job on your channel, thanks for all the inspiration! Just got back from North Sea Jazz in Rotterdam to celebrate my 35th birthday. I saw Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott and Gregory Porter all in one day. BEST DAY EVER! Feeling inspired to make a lot of music this summer! X Maame Joses – Singer Songwriter

  • Reply Kieana July 18 2016 at 10:01 pm

    I absolutely love this! I am trying ti wake up at 5 am but it hasn’t happened for me yet lol. Im really into the barefaced look too!

  • Reply Justine July 20 2016 at 9:11 pm

    Loving you…very inspiring. Lovely blog and youtube channel, keep doing your thing

  • Reply Desirée Iyama July 25 2016 at 10:25 am

    Numbers 1, 2, and 6 Yassss !

    https://desireeiyama.blogspot.com.ng/

  • Reply Linda chimese July 25 2016 at 10:29 am

    Am waiting for more of your posts Shirley. am so wishing i could be an early bird like u… never been a morning person lol.
    love . https://mylittleprettywardrobe.wordpress.com

  • Reply Alice Kamthunzi October 6 2016 at 1:29 pm

    Hey, I wanted to recommend you a book, if you haven’t already read it, it’s called Ugly by Constance Briscoe. You may enjoy this autobiography!

  • Reply kwambiprincess November 8 2016 at 9:16 am

    I have never ever really been a morning person ,but reading this makes me think thrice about my bad habits that I have been trying to break away from .I am trying to do so and your post just encouraged me to be an early bird (in bed by sunset and out before sunrise ) .This is list of 7 things of yours is an amazing list and I sure will follow all the links of the book,vloggers and blogger you mentioned .
    Over the few years that I have been following your blog and now your YouTube channel, you ve really become an inspiration to me and I always look forward onto seeing your blog posts , vlogs and posts on most social media you have pages on . You keep me up to date with the latest fashion and beauty .Keep those posts coming ….

  • Reply Sudee Saidu December 1 2016 at 11:25 am

    I am loving watching you and Patricia Bright Faithfully. Your spirits are so motivational and inspiring. No matter what I am going through I can always find the best videos for you both to keep me lifted up and to not give up on myself.

  • Reply Michelle Wangui January 7 2017 at 11:00 pm

    This is great
    Please check out my website and let me know what I need to do more or less
    Thank you

  • Reply Tonya April 17 2017 at 4:18 pm

    Hey Shirley I was wondering did you ever find a recipe for that chicken? I found this http://allrecipes.com/recipe/16102/chicken-biryani/

  • Reply Zeshi February 1 2018 at 5:15 pm

    Hey Shirley! You also like Chicken Biryani like me. I tried to make it at my place by watching Chicken Biryani recipe video by this website https://www.sooperchef.pk/bombay-biryani-recipe-urdu/

  • Reply Aissatou Diallo April 7 2018 at 5:26 pm

    Such a lovely blogs… so inspiring to all woman around the world. I LOVE THE FACT THAT YOU ALWAYS STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF

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