Category: Life

2015 Recap

I was contemplating whether or not to do this post but then if there’s one place that I can share my thoughts, it’s here on my blog…

Over these past couple of weeks, when thinking about this year gone by it’s filled me with happiness and left me feeling so incredibly grateful. Sometimes we can be so busy living life that we forget to stop, look at what we have done, what we have achieved and see the great people around us to realise how lucky we are. Everyone has bad times but when times are good, I really think it’s important to appreciate those moments, those people around you who make you happy and the opportunities that come your way however big or small.

Biggest Achievement

My biggest highlight this year has to be buying my first ever house (soon to be a home), in the place I’ve always wanted to buy a house, with my boyfriend Damien. I sometimes still can’t believe that we actually have our own house and just where we want it. As we renovate it, I am so incredibly grateful to Damien’s dad who is basically amazing and works endlessly helping us to refurbish it and do crazy things like build walls and fit new electrics. It makes me so excited for 2016 to see it all finished and to be living in a space that we gutted and built up again from scratch.

Work

Modelling has brought me some of my best jobs this year and I’m so grateful for that and feel incredibly lucky that I can still call something that I enjoy so much, my job. And as my blog has grown and more opportunities have come my way, it’s been so exciting to see this passion of mine evolve. It makes me want to work even harder on it and I can’t wait to see what else is to come in the New year!

A New Experience

At the start of this year I applied to be part of the project Make Film, Make History. It was a random thing, I’d never thought about doing a project like this before but I’d seen it advertised through The Imperial War Museum’s Twitter and decided to apply. My application got accepted and after a Skype interview, I found out that I was one of the 35 young people from Europe, to be given a place on the project.

In April we got to go to Ypres in Belgium for the first part of the project and then later this year we were lucky enough to be given extra funding and so arranged another trip to meet up in London. I’ve learnt a lot from the project (which is still on going and will probably do a blog post on soon), and also met such an interesting and fun mix of people from across Europe and it’s something I feel lucky to be a part of.

Friendships

I’ve really developed much closer friendships with some of my good friends this year both near and far. It’s got to a point where I can genuinely say I have about ten best friends and that’s because I’ve been so very lucky to have met some of the most interesting, funny and kind hearted people these past couple of years, not forgetting those that have been around since forever.

This past year my closest friendships have really helped me to grow, become more understanding and learn about things that I would never have known about before. Overall 2015 has been filled with the most interesting conversations, hilarious memories and great times with all of my great friends and it makes me so happy to have these people in my life.

Overall, what can I say. 2015 has been a good year. I feel more excited than usual to start this next year and from what I’ve heard, a lot of other people are too. So after a great year I’m ready to close the chapter of 2015 and welcome in 2016 where hopefully lots of more great things are to come.

Samio x

December 31, 2015
Do Men Treat You Differently When You Have Natural Hair?

Recently I watched the YouTube video #MenOnNaturalHair : Do Men Treat You Differently When You Have Natural Hair? by Davina from The London Curls. She answered two questions in her video, ‘Do men treat you differently when you wear your hair natural?’ and ‘Would you ever change your hair for a man?’. I found it really interesting hearing about Davina’s experiences and it got me thinking about my own experiences with men and my natural afro hair. I hadn’t thought about these types of questions in a long time before watching Davina’s video and it made me realise how different each persons experience with their natural hair, relationship and the opposite sex can be. I felt eager to do a response to this and decided to answer Davina’s questions…

So, would I change my hair for a man? Watch my short video to find out.

Samio x

More on afro hair: How to Embrace Your Natural Hair

September 8, 2015
5 Small Yet Important Goals For August

I’ve said it several times already but this year feels like it’s flying by. There are so many big things I’ve done and others I’m still wanting to do this year but often I find myself forgetting to do the little things. So as a little reminder to myself and maybe a little nudge for some of you too, here’s a list of things I’d like to do/get done during this month – and hopefully create good habits to continue throughout the rest of the year, because it’s never too late to set new goals…

1. Drink at least 2 litres (around 3.5 pints) of water per day.

A few months ago I did a 5 day detox with the Engine Plan, with which it was advised to drink 2-3 litres of water per day. I managed to get used to drinking around four pints of water per day and continued to do it for some time after I’d completed my detox. I saw a massive improvement in my concentration and energy levels, plus it kept my skin looking good but after a while I slipped back into my old ways. One of the reasons I stopped drinking so much water was because (and without sounding crude) it meant that I needed to keep going to the toilet, which when you’re out can be quite inconvenient. Also, when I am out and about, I often don’t find the time (or I forget) to stop and grab water. It’s something that I definitely need to work on as the health benefits really outweigh the negatives, so going back to starting each day with a pint of water is a good start.

2. Limit takeout to once a week and eat out less

If you follow me on either Twitter or Instagram , you may have noticed that I do really like my food and I do like to indulge in take aways and meals out quite often.

Since my boyfriend and I bought our house not long ago, my fast food habit has been made worse. We aren’t living in our house yet as a lot of work needs to be done and it often means that we are at the house until late many evenings getting jobs done. Usually the most convenient option is to grab take out food afterwards, which means I’ve been eating a lot of junk food recently (more so than usual)… We’ve finally put a microwave in the house (for the time being) so that we can make food to take with us and heat up for when we get hungry. I’m hoping this will help us cut down on the junk somewhat and stop me from constantly pigging out.

3. Stop using a hairdryer (or minimize use at least)

I go through stages of being extra good with my hair and unfortunately this has not been one of them. Although I do regularly do braid outs, I find myself using my hair dryer to blow my hair out slightly from the roots in order to add volume. This (in my opinion) makes my hair look great but it is super damaging for it. I definitely need to cool off with trying to combat shrinkage with heat and instead just get over having a smaller fro for a while until it grows naturally and healthily to my desired length/size. I must remember that it will be worth it in the long run -stay away from the heat!

4. Make a Schedule and plan blog posts

My posting used to be so sporadic, however over these past seven or eight months, since really getting into blogging I have become a lot better at keeping my blog posts regular. I still have a bad habit of leaving all my blogging to last minute though, which means when I get too busy I’m simply left with no time to write up the posts I’d planned and I get so frustrated with myself. I know it’s not super important, but for me it’s something I want to do so that I can maintain a level of routine with my blog.

5. Have a major clear out and keep everything tidy

This is probably the biggest thing on my list of ‘small’ things but I seriously need a major clear out… I can keep tidy when I have a space for everything but at the moment as I’m in a sort of transition process ready to begin moving into our new house, things have become somewhat cluttered and chaotic. There’s definitely a large chunk of stuff that needs clearing out and moving into a new home that we’ve worked so hard on will definitely help me determine what stuff I really want to keep and what needs to go in the bin. It’s a task that needs doing sooner rather than later, as moving is imminent, so it’s something I plan on tackling in stages throughout this month. – Wish me luck with that one.

Do you ever set yourself small goals? What do you want to get done in August?

Samio x

August 3, 2015
Life Update – Birthday Celebrations, Travel, D.I.Y & Getting Back Into Fitness

I thought today’s post would be a little more lifestyle than my usual posts as I feel like giving a little life update and letting you know what has been going on in the world of Samio.

Yesterday I turned a year older and celebrated my Birthday. Another year has flown by and now I’m starting to sound like a old timer when I speak, as you’ll often hear me saying things like ‘when I was younger’ or ‘time goes by so quickly’. I’m still in my twenties and not one of these people who dramatises my age by saying ‘I’m getting old’, each year that passes but I’ve just noticed that I’m more aware of time these days. How I spend my time and who I spend it with, is something I consider a lot more now than I did when I was much younger. I’ve realised how precious time is and how quickly it really does go by, so I try to embrace my experiences much more, appreciate the positive people in my life and make the most of everything the best I can.

One thing I did decide to do for my Birthday this year is actually celebrate it. Last year I did not and although I wasn’t bothered as I was busy with work, this year I decided to make some plans… On Saturday my boyfriend Damien, took me for Champagne afternoon tea at Opus One at the Radisson hotel in Manchester and that evening we met up with friends for drinks and had a great day/night. This coming Saturday I plan on being slightly less civilised, as I’m heading out for a meal with some of my girlfriends and then we are going out after to party, which should be great fun.

I’m also super excited as next weekend I’m flying to Hamburg to visit my dear friend Tara who’s over there from L.A. We met whilst living in our model flat together in Barcelona last year and since then we’ve constantly kept in touch and even met up in London (along with our other friend Natalia) last December. This time I’m going to her, as she’s over in Germany for the month modelling, so I knew I had to arrange the trip to see her before she jets back to L.A. I cannot wait to explore the city with her, as although I’ve been to Germany before, it will be my first time in Hamburg.

Aside from that and the odd trips down to London for castings and what not, my life is currently being taken up with D.I.Y. For those of you who regularly read my blog, you may know that my boyfriend and I recently bought a house together. We’ve taken on quite a bit of a project, as we are doing it up from scratch. So far I’m actually enjoying getting stuck in (although some tasks can be tedious). I can’t wait to see the progression and see what we make out of our new home. It’s hard work yet exciting all at the same time.

Due to our constant late evenings of partaking in home improvements, our diet has become exceptionally shocking. We keep biscuits and chocolate at the house to keep up moral whilst working, which I have to say does help but for someone who does not usually eat that much chocolate, I have been consuming a lot! The bad thing is, I’m noticing it in my skin and after having a break out, I’ve decided it’s time for a bodily system reboot (after this weekend’s celebrations of course). I managed to get back to the gym for the first time in a around two months yesterday and I instantly felt better for it. Now I’m ready to get back to eating well again and now that the weather is nice, walking more too.

And ahhh, the weather. The sun is making me super happy right now, even if I am about to spend my afternoon indoors steaming wallpaper, the sun shining through the window always makes me feel happier.

Samio x

June 10, 2015
Tattu Restaurant Manchester

It’s not often I dedicate an entire blog post to one restaurant but for a place as pretty as this, I had to make an exception…

Last Wednesday I finally got to go to Tattu Chinese Restaurant and Bar, situated in Spinningfields, Manchester. The place has only been open for a short period of time and I couldn’t wait to try it out. I finally took the trip with a few of my girlfriends and my friend Rae was also up from London, which was an added bonus.

First off, the place is visually stunning. The décor is slightly ‘oriental’ (without sounding too vague) and the bar area, as you first walk in, has a slight rustic nautical twist with the theme of tattoo art running throughout.

The bar area is situated downstairs and the faint scent of incense makes it the perfect place to sit and relax with a pre drink before heading upstairs to dine.

When you do make your way upstairs, you’re in for a real treat, as you enter a fabulously decorated indoor Chinese garden.

In terms of the décor, I think the images speak for themselves and show you how beautiful the place is but let that not distract from the food, which I have to say was as equally as impressive!

The waiters were really friendly and attentive and as we were spoilt for choice, they helped us with our final decisions on what to order.

To start, my friend Rae and I went for Dim Sum to share and opted for the Chicken Truffle Shumai and the Chilean Sea Bass Spinach Parcels.

Between our whole table we ordered so much that we began to pick and share each others starters. My favourites were the Chicken Truffle Shumai, which we ordered and the Mushroom Spring Rolls which Jazmine and Chloe went for.

For the main dishes, again Rae and I shared and we went for the Black Angus Fillet and the Chilli Salt Squid with a side of Steamed Mixed Vegetables.

The Black Angus Fillet had been highly recommend and I have to agree that it was extremely good. It was served rare (just how I like it), on a bed of asparagus and the caramel soy it was served with had the most incredible flavour (I’m salivating just thinking about it).

The Chilli Salt Squid was also a tasty treat but the Black Angus Fillet was definitely my favourite.

The food looks deceptive and by this point we were actually quite full but not too full for dessert, which we were all excited to get stuck into.

Again Rae and I shared and for dessert we ordered The Silk Road, consisting of Strawberry, lychee and rose and the Cherry Blossom with Chocolate, miso and cherry.

Both desserts were presented fabulously and tasted really good too. My favourite was probably Cherry Blossom but both desserts combined made the perfect end to a delicious meal.

I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience at Tattu. It’s certainly not your typical Chinese restaurant and I would certainly recommend it to those looking for more of a fine dining experience. This is the perfect place to go for a special occasion or when you fancy something different and I would definitely go again.

Samio x

June 3, 2015
Morning Motivation – Embracing Your Uniqueness

So last nigh I was doing some late night internet browsing (like you do), when I came across one article that I was particularly drawn to. I opened up the link to find it was actually a video. Still intrigued by the title, I decided to watch it. Here’s where I should point out that the video in question was Meet Casey Legler – the world’s first female male model. Intriguing no? I urge you to watch the short video. So anyway, after watching it, I wasn’t just amazed but also inspired.

I often speak of accepting what you have and embracing who you are and this woman seems to epitomise that. It’s not just about what she does or how she is but about how she has accepted her differences and utilised her strengths (those of which I think are pretty awesome by the way). Anyway the point I am getting at is that we are all different, we are all unique and we should embrace that. We should embrace what makes us different, dare to stand out and learn to love our unique features and qualities. I shan’t waffle on too much, in fear of sounding all preachy preachy but I think it’s important to remember that what makes us different is also what can make us great. So go out there, be fabulous and do your thing!

Samio x

March 12, 2015
Pizza, Hot Chocolate & A Girlie Catch Up

Yesterday I caught up with one of my best friends, Lydia, over a hot chocolate. After trying the delicious Nutella hot chocolates together at Frurt On Sunday, I told her that we’d have to go to Bon Bon in The Northern Quarter, so she could try their amazing hot chocolates too. We both went for a salted caramel hot chocolate each (my personal favourite) and enjoyed a good natter as we sipped away.

A little later we went to meet our jet setter friend Abi (quite literally, she’s an air hostess) and got the rare occasion to catch up as she was back for her holidays.

It wasn’t long before food was on our minds and so after saying goodbye to Abi, Lydia and I headed to our favourite pizza place (Croma), for some tasty dinner.

What I wore:
Cropped Biker Jacket – River Island (last season)
Faux Fur Collar – Asos (Old)
Skirt – Monki
Shoes – F&F

Samio x

March 6, 2015
Manchester Blog Meetup

On Saturday, my boyfriend Damien and I were heading into town to the Northern Quarter for a spot of lunch and a few drinks. It was on our way into the centre that I decided to have a quick scroll through my Twitter feed and as I did I spotted that there was a Manchester blog meetup taking place in the Northern Quarter that afternoon. I instantly wanted to get involved and so I sent a tweet to Jasmin, who had organised the meet up and asked where it would be as I was keen to pop along. It was perfect timing too and after quickly nipping to the shops, Damien and I headed to kosmonaut, where the meetup was taking place.

Luckily for Damien, Jasmin, who had travelled up from London, had brought her boyfriend, Paul along too and so it wasn’t long before the pair of them were enjoying a pint each and chatting about ‘guys stuff’.

It was my first bloggers meet up and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was so nice to chat to many other like minded bloggers and of course exchange blogs with one another (I always love finding new ones to read). The turn out was really good which was of course great but it was a shame that I didn’t get chance to chat to everyone there, as there were so many of us. It was a great afternoon though and I got to meet a lovely mixed bunch of beauty, fashion and lifestyle bloggers.

This is some of us not long before we left (many had already just gone) but here are some of the lovely ladies I got to chat to.

Damien and Paul sat enjoying their pints.

Lots of chatting and several glasses of wine later, we wrapped things up at the bloggers meet up and after everyone headed their separate ways, Damien and I went to Hold Fast Bar for another drink. As impromptu as it was, we both really enjoyed the meet up and had a really good afternoon. I always enjoy meeting new people and sharing interests, I think I’ll have to make it to another meet up again soon.

What I wore:
Cardigan – Forever 21
Vest – Primark
Denim shorts – Primark
Necklace – H&M
Belt – Asos
Bag – Aldo
Boots – H&M (Similar here)

Samio x

March 2, 2015
How to Embrace Your Natural Hair

I thought I’d do a video for those of you with naturally curly hair, who are maybe thinking about wearing your natural hair out for the first time but are unsure. Or for those of you who may currently have your hair natural but struggle to embrace it. This is for you guys! These are just a few of my personal tips which I hope can help.

http://youtu.be/plbndb1Ha0Q

If you enjoy this video, then please do like and subscribe for more.

Samio x

February 25, 2015
My Week In Pictures – Pandora Fashion Show, Harley Davidson Photoshoot & Chinese New Year

It’s been ages since I documented a week in pictures here on my blog, so at the start of last week I decided to make a concious effort to do so…

On Monday I was off to Birmingham to prep for the Pandora fashion show. I was booked on the job with a couple of girls from my agency who I’m also friends with (I love it when that happens) so Nicole and I headed down together and met Kattreya there for rehearsals before we checked into our hotel. We utilised Monday night at the hotel well, by ordering take out, doing face masks and having a long over due girlie catch up.

On the Tuesday our call time wasn’t until 2pm, so we had just enough time to nip into the centre, do a quick spot of shopping and grab some lunch. We opted for Five Guys for lunch as we thought it would be the quickest option but it turned out to be the busiest place we could have picked. It was my first time trying the famous burger bar and I actually opted for a hot dog. It was enjoyable and filling but I think it’s rather over rated to be honest with you (says the burger critic over here). Anyway it did the job of filling us up before heading to the location for hair and makeup prep.

Here’s me mid prep for the Pandora show. I loved my eye makeup.

Just some of the many beautiful flower decorations prepped for the evening.

Nicole and I, pre show.

I always love it when I get fed well on jobs. I had beef pie with mash and broccoli. It was delicious.

Kattreya and I grabbing a few pre show selfies, ready to go in our Pandora jewellery.

Pre show with the rest of the models.

On Tuesday evening after the show, Nicole and I headed home. After the long journey back I got in at 1:30am and my bed never felt so good.

On Wednesday’s job I was back working in Manchester doing some swimwear shots. Oh how I cannot wait for summer.

On Thursday I was working for Harley Davidson, channelling my inner rock chick whilst modelling their clothing line. I got to work with a really fun team, plus some models from my agency, so it was a fun shoot.

Lunch – Cajun chicken and bacon on sour dough bread.

Our ‘biker gang’ aka the models.

Not only was the shoot lots of fun but we had an early finish (which is always excellent), so I nipped into town to buy a few essentials before meeting my friends for pizza and wine in Dry bar.

Manchester looking wet and grey, with a pop of colour for Chinese New Year.

In Dry bar I went for my usual pizza of choice – The Veggie Hot.

Enjoying drinks with friends in Dry bar that evening.

On the weekend I didn’t see any of the Chinese New Year celebrations (although I had intended to), bad weather caused my boyfriend and I to hibernate. We did venture out on Saturday however and went to my favourite pizza place, Croma. I made a half hearted attempt at joining in on the Chinese New Year festivities by getting one half of my pizza (Chinese style) duck and plumb sauce with spring onions. Okay, so a feeble attempt but at least I tried, sort of.

Samio x

February 23, 2015