Category: Life

5 Valentine’s Day Ideas for Single Ladies

Valentine’s Day is only two days away and although I of course will be spending it with my boyfriend, I realise that not everyone is in a relationship, nor do they all have a Valentine. So rather than doing a typical ‘Valentine’s Day Ideas’ post, where you can all steal my amazingly romantic ideas (I joke), I have instead put together this short list of ideas of what you could potentially get up to this 14th February, if you happen to in fact be single.

Pamper yourself
Who better to romance you, than yourself? Exactly… Why not wisk yourself off for a massage, or treat yourself to a mani-pedi or facial. On the other hand you could even just pamper yourself at home; A nice relaxing bubble bath, some candles and a face mask. Bliss.

Have a sleepover with the girls
If you’re lucky enough to have a gaggle of single girls, then this could be the perfect Valentine’s night in for you. Why not all get together and enjoy an old school sleepover, I’m taking face masks, nail painting, junk food and sweets. You can have a giggle, pig out on food and talk about which boys (or girls) you fancy, just like you would of in high school. All you’d need next is Dream Phone! (For those of you who remember that).

Go for a Romantic meal… With the BFF
I recently read in the latest Asos mag, an article on what different couples were doing for Valentine’s day. I read about one pair celebrating Gal-entines day (basically Valentine’s day with your best friend). I thought it was a super fun idea. Apparenlty the couple in the article do it each year and this year had thought about going for a ‘romantic meal’, which I thought sounded like a great laugh. Imagine how much fun you’d have with your best mate in a restaurant full of loved up couples, I know it would get me and my bestie giggling. One of the girls in the Asos article actually had a boyfriend and was ditching him to go out with the best mate for the night! Now that’s a true bromance (or should I say galmance) right there!

Throw a party/gathering
There are more singletons than you may think, so why not gather them together and make a night of it. Invite friends, work colleges, the random man walking down the street… Maybe not the random man walking down the street (well maybe if he’s hot and single). Get a bunch of you together and just have your own little anti-Valentine’s Day party. Who needs romance, love and sloppy over the top romantic gestures. Buddies and beers rule, hurrah.

Go on a date
Okay, this might seem like the odd one out on the list but if you’re single, what better excuse to ask that guy/girl you’ve had a crush on, for almost forever, out on a date? It doesn’t have to be cheesy or some over the top deceleration of love (and yes girls you CAN make the first move) but it could be approached in a friendly manner. For example if it were to a work college you could approach the situations like this: ‘So what are your plans for Valentine’s Day?’, if he/she responds that they don’t have any plans then it’s the perfect opportunity to say something like ‘Fancy going for a few drinks in the afternoon’ or ‘Fancy catching a movie’. Play to their interests of course, if you know they are into art, ask them if they want to go and check out that new exhibition that’s on or something like that. It’s just a casual approach that might bag you a date with your crush. Also It’s perfect that Valentine’s Day lands on a Saturday this year, as it means that you can arrange a day date which often isn’t as scary.

If all else fails, stay in and make yourself something delicious to eat (or order takeout). I personally would suggest a large Dominos to ones self whilst watching a movie. Avoid Rom-Coms, Disney movies and Romantic Dramas at all costs. Films such as Sleepless in Seattle, The Notebook (I actually hate that film), WALL-E (even the robot finds love, how depressing) and Dirty Dancing should be strictly prohibited. Films I would advise however include; 500 Days of Summer (If you haven’t seen it, it’s not the typical Rom-Com you’d expect), Blue Valentine, Gone Girl, All Good Things and American Psycho. These are the type of films that will make you see that not all relationships are perfect, romantic, nor do all end well and even if he looks like Prince Charming, he could actually be a serial killer. So there you go.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Samio x

February 12, 2015
Pinch punch first of the month

Happy February everyone! Wow, where did January go. I say this although I need to stop being surprised at how time goes by, that’s exactly what time does and you’d think by now I’d be used to it. But no, I’m still acting surprised as every week, month and year goes by so quick.

Okay, so we are now fully getting into the swing of 2015. Many of you have just finished dry January and although I have woke up feeling fabulously fresh and alcohol free this morning, I have to say I absolutely did not participate in this event throughout the month (sorry). However I did make a little January sacrifice of my own. I decided to give up meat for one whole month. Yes me, who eats the meat feast pizzas, regularly goes to burger joints to indulge in burgers bigger than I can fit into my mouth and the girl who drools over just the thought of a mound of extra hot, hot wings! (it’s 9am and that still got me salivating)…

But alas, I completed my challenge and didn’t eat meat for a total of 31 days. Hurrah. So today’s the day I can go back to bacon (and a variety of other meat produce) but the strangest thing is that I don’t feel so desperate for it as I thought I would. I actually didn’t find this month as hard as I thought I would and my only real craving was when I smelt muscles and king prawns (hmmm sea food).

So now I’m off for breakfast with the boyfriend and I’m already contemplating what I’m going to order. Will I have a side of bacon and sausage with my eggs? We will see but one thing is for sure, I’ll certainly be cutting down my meat intake in the future. I’ve realised this past month that I don’t need it as much as I previously thought. It’s been good to challenge myself with something different though but now it’s got me thinking, what should be my challenge for this month?

Another thing I’ve been committed to this month is blogging. I’ve been posting more frequently than I have ever previously done and I’ve been rather enjoying the consistency. I love doing it, so why not continue hey.

And finally, I took the plunge and uploaded my first YouTube video this month. Well, technically it’s my second ever YouTube video if I count the one I uploaded of me in 2006 jumping into water but it somehow deleted itself and now it’s forever lost in cyber space. So anyway, my first ‘official’ YouTube video was uploaded this month and it’s simply a video of me doing my hair because I’d had so many people ask about it. However I did not expect so many people to watch it! I can’t believe it’s had 5000 views and that over 300 of you have subscribed in 3 weeks! Thank you so much to all of you who have watched or subscribed! I’ve now been getting requests to upload a video of my skin care routine, which I think will be my next video task for Febuary.

Samio x

P.s earlier this week I was featured on Cosmopolitan online in an interview about natural curly hair. You can check it out here.

February 1, 2015
7 Reasons Not to Spend Money This January

It’s with great hypocrisy that I begin to write this post. Given the fact that today I have spent money in Ikea, Boots and on eating out I probably need to write this post more for self motivation rather than to give advice. However, twelve days into this month and I’m not doing so badly (for me). The thing is with January, most of us start off the month with extra ambition and often motivation to stay in and save only to reach half way and want to start booking holidays, make plans and nosey at what the last of the sales have to offer. However out of all the months to try and not spend money, January is probably the best time to tighten those purse strings and here are 7 reasons why…

1. Most people are watching the pennies
You can’t miss out if there is nothing to miss out on. Most people are trying to hold back on the spending in January. The likelihood is that you’re not missing out on much by staying in and being boring because odds are most other people are too.

2. It’s cold
Now I don’t know what it’s like where you live but it Manchester it’s ‘bloody freezing’, pardon my extremely northern expression. Why go out and do anything when you can stay in. Movies and cosy nights in all the way!

3. It’s not the most exciting month
I don’t know about you but out of all the months I find January the least exciting. For me this ties in with points one and two, most people are skint and it’s cold, which equals not the most exciting prospects for the month. Apologies to anyone with January Birthdays, including my friends Lydia and Jay (sorry guys) but your birthdays are right at the end of January so it doesn’t technically count of course. 🙂

4. The sales are SO last season
Literally. Don’t go mad buying everything in the sales and certainly don’t be fooled with the old ‘last chance to buy’. This just means new stock is coming in soon, which means spring/summer clothes, which will be loads more exciting to spend your hard earned cash on.

5. You overspent at Christmas
Now this won’t apply to everyone but whether you did or didn’t overspend this Christmas the likelihood is you got lots of new things anyway. So just think to yourself when you’re looking at that cute little bag ‘do I really need to buy this?’. I’m guessing not.

6. You’re watching the waistline
A lot of us are trying to get back on track in the new year after overindulging over Christmas and so my advice to you is: Don’t eat out, don’t order take out, stay in, eat salad and hibernate. Just kidding but seriously do not order take out, especially not Dominos… hmmm, Dominos.

7. The best things in life are free
Except those designer shoes you want, they definitely aren’t free which is a shame, however lots of other good stuff is. Art galleries, museums, brisk winter walks in the park. Or you if in doubt, stay in and hibernate until it’s safe to come out again.

Samio x

January 12, 2015
Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award

Thanks to It’s My Kind of Thing for nominating to do this award.
This award is to share thoughts and ideas as well as get insight of the views different bloggers have on questions!
Here are the rules of the tag:
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site
2. Put the award logo on your blog
3. Answer the ten questions that have been set you
4. Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer
5. Nominate ten people!

1. Who is your style icon?
Gwen Stefani. I love how her style has evolved and she does both grungy and classy so well. Plus I love the fact that she’s not afraid to experiment.

2. What made you start a blog?
I can’t actually remember but probably my love for clothes, makeup, travelling and fact that I like to talk a lot.

3. What is the best thing about having a blog?
You can never get bored. I find I fill a lot of my spare time up with blogging and I enjoy writting and sharing my experiences so it’s really enjoyable for me.

4. If you could have 1 fashion item (clothes, accessories, shoes) no price limit – what would it be?
A Burberry trench coat. I’ve never been one to splash out on designer pieces, however I think that would be a piece that I’d be able to pull out of my wardrobe each year.

5. Give one idea for a new blog post…
How to get a designer look on a budget.

6. Where is you favourite place to shop?
Probably Zara, I often find lots of good pieces in there. However I love Asos for online shopping. It’s so convienient and they also sell a lot of the highstreet brands as well.

7. What band/artist is your current favourite?
Lana Del Rey has been a favourite for a while now, there is literally only one song of hers that I don’t like. It’s hard to pick one favourite though as I enjoy a wide verity of music and what I listen to usually depends on what I’m doing or what mood I’m in at the time.

8. What is your wardrobe staple?
A biker jacket. Well I have a few, as they seem to go with everything and come rain or shine I can often find a way to style them with almost any outfit. My current favourite is a black leather look one I got from Zara mid last year, during the winter I attach fur to the collar to make it more weather appropriate.

9. Skirt vs Jeans?
I went through several years of not wearing jeans and only started wearing them again over the past couple of years. I love them now, however I think I’d find it easier to give up jeans rather than skirts so I have to go with skirts.

10. Tights vs. no tights?
Tights. It’s far too cold here for bare legs. Having said that, when I’m on a night out I often brave bare legs and I cannot wait for summer when I can get the pins out during the day again.

Questions for you:
1. What one beauty product could you not go without?
2. If you could pick one dish to eat unlimited (calories aside) what would it be?
3. If you could only own 5 items of clothing, what would they be and why?
4. Do you have a particular blog/blog’s that you most like to read?
5. What would be your dream holiday?
6. What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
7. Who or what first inpired you to start writting your blog?
8. Aside from the essentials, what do you most enjoy spending your money on?
9. Beach holiday, adventure holiday or city break?
10. Do you have any blogging goals for 2015?

I nominate:
Laura Loves
FroGirl Ginny
The London Curls
Joli House
Heliemac1
Little Miss Fii
Fashionicide
Zoe’s Secret Style
And anyone else who would like to do the Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award.

Samio x

January 10, 2015
New Year’s Eve 2014

Well first of all, Happy New Year! I hope you had a good one. It looks like this is my first blog post of 2015, however the fact that I’m evening managing to type today is an achievement in itself after last night’s partying. But like they say, start as you mean to go on and I intend to be a lot more consistent with my blogging this year.

Anyway today’s blog post is just a quick look at what I got up to last night in celebration of new year’s eve. I was so happy that this year I actually made it out, as last year I wasn’t feeling very well and so my boyfriend and I had to cancel our plans last minute. This time however, despite having a cold I wasn’t going to let it stop a good night out and so my boyfriend and I headed out for food as planned.

We had a table booked at Avalanche, an Italian restaurant in Manchester, where we enjoyed a gorgeous six course meal along with cocktails and bubbly. After filling up on our meal we went to my friend’s apartment in town to party the rest of the night away. It turned out to be a really fun new year and although I’m feeling slightly worse for ware today, it was totally worth it.

I bought my dress from Asos and actually got it several months back, as soon as I saw it I knew I had to purchase it. I just loved how retro it looked and although green is not usually what I go for I absolutely loved the colour. The shoes I bought around a month ago from Primark. Beforehand I’d found a very similar pair in Office which I was planning to go back for after having shopped around. Later in the day I walked into Primark and found these ones for a fraction of the price. I always seem to wreck my party shoes anyway so it doesn’t feel as heartbreaking when they don’t cost so much. Funny thing is, since buying this pair they have kept in quite a good condition, just my luck.

Apologies for the creases, this is what happens when you get your boyfriend to iron your dress.

Here’s to a fabulous 2015! <3 Samio x

January 1, 2015
“London Town”

On Friday I headed down to London to be reunited with Natalia and Tara or the Cheeky Chicas as we like to call ourselves. It was nice to be in London with time off for a change, rather than going down for castings or work and as Natalia had flown over from Slovakia and Tara had made the long haul flight over from L.A, I was super excited to see them both. The three of us (along with another girl Maria, who unfortunately couldn’t make our London reunion) had first met this summer in Spain, during my time modelling out there in Barcelona. We were all with the same agency and so lived together whilst staying there. We had so much fun in Barcelona together and constantly kept in touch after we had all left, so a reunion was greatly anticipated.

I arrived in London just after 11am and then I headed to Paddington train station to meet Tara who was due to be travelling in from Heathrow airport. She had spotted my afro before I got chance to even look for her and so I first heard an excitable American accent shout my name. I turned to see her, coffee in one hand, wheely case in the other, looking boho chic and surprisingly fresh after an eleven hour flight. We were soon squealing in excitement and embracing in a hug. Together we then headed to where we were staying to check in and it wasn’t long until Natalia arrived. I spotted her walking in from outside and in the excitement I ran out of the lobby leaving my iPad and phone unattended on the table, as she giddily came bounding over in her cool white Docs and skinny jeans. After hugs and excitable hellos, we headed up to surprise Tara in the room and then we were soon gathering our things ready to head out and explore London together.

We were all rather tired on the Friday evening, not to mention Tara’s jet lag, so we took it easy and wondered along the River Thames, getting a close up view of the London eye. We walked around the Christmas markets as well as riding on the carousel and sampling some delicious food from The Real Food Festival at Southbank Centre Square. I of course had to go for an organic Sussex beef burger with rocket and blue cheese, which tasted incredible I have to say.

The next morning we were up reasonable early and after a hearty breakfast we headed to Oxford Street to shop. Probably not the most sensible choice for a Saturday during the first December weekend in London but as our days were limited and it was Tara’s first time in London, we decided to do it anyway. I for once am proud to say that I barely spent any money whilst wondering around the shops and in London of all places. All I purchased was a skirt, top and scarf from H&M. I had the most enjoyment helping my girls shop and showing them round the English shops that they had never been to before.

After a long and busy day shopping we were desperate for food and so after wondering down a few side streets we stumbled upon an ambient little Italian named Olivelli. We went in and enjoyed some scrumptious dishes and sat and chatted for hours. Afterwards we went to London Bridge for a few touristy snaps and then headed back.

On Sunday we went to Somerset House. As Natalia is a big fan of fashion photographer Guy Bourdin’s work, we went to see his exhibition there and I’m very pleased we did. We even took it upon ourself to recreate one of his iconic photographs whilst still in the gallery. The funny part is nobody seemed to bat an eyelid. We’re constantly clowning about when we’re together so it was inevitable really.

On Sunday evening after going to look around outside The Tower of London, we went to the famous Winter Wonderland, where we enjoyed some sweet treats and coffee as we wondered through the hustle and bustle of the Christmas markets to look around the novelty stalls. Later we wondered back through Hyde Park and went to Buckingham Palace to take snaps, then we went for Greek food to end the evening.

Before we knew it Monday had arrived, our last full day together. I was feeling pretty exhausted by this point as I’d been powering through a cold whilst constantly on the go and not having much sleep. But it was all totally worth it as I was having so much fun and we were constantly getting into the most deep and interesting conversations about life and our plans for the future. I truly cherished our time together and feel incredibly blessed to have such lovely inspiring friends from such different backgrounds to my own.

After another jam packed day we resided back at our favourite restaurant of the trip, Olivelli and again enjoyed some delicious food, including my seafood pasta dish which was gorgeous.

On the Tuesday morning we just had time for a quick coffee and a bite to eat before we said our goodbyes and each headed our separate ways home. I enjoyed a truly magical weekend with my Cheeky Chicas and cannot wait for our next reunion which we are already hoping to plan for early next year. Now I’m back home and fully into the Christmas spirit after such a wonderfully festive time in London. I’m actually back down in London tomorrow but I have to say it won’t be the same without my Cheeky Chicas. <3

Samio x

December 10, 2014
Manchester Christmas Markets, Comfy Clothes & Timberland Boots

I cannot believe it’s that time of year once again. Winter is here and that means so is Christmas… Almost. The run up to Christmas however, has certainly began. Those infamous Christmas ads are back on our screens, the stores are busy with shoppers looking for those all important gifts and the Christmas Markets are back!

In my hometown of Manchester, each year around this time, the centre homes hundreds of German style Christmas Market stalls selling a host of gifts, food and drink. It’s the best place in town to go and get into the Christmas spirit as well as being perfect for getting your hands on some mulled wine and a yummy Frankfurt (my personal favourites).

On Friday, my boyfriend and I had the day off together and so our obvious plan was to head to this years newly opened Christmas Markets. I’d previously walked through a couple of times at night, when I must say it’s ultra Christmassy. However it was nice to stop for a couple of mulled wines and a bite to eat during the day when the crowds were less busy.

we also did a spot of shopping and I got a pair of practical leather boots from Topshop, in anticipation for those icy days that I feel are coming.

Friday wasn’t quite ready to freeze but it was cold and so I wrapped up in cosy knits and my Timberland wedge boots. I bought these Timberlands about a month ago and I love them. These were my original attempt at buying practical boots (I hardly ever find flat ones I like). As they are a wedge boots my attempts at being practical failed slightly (I tried) but I have to say, they are super comfy. I also find that as they are a contrast in colour to my black boots, that they look better with jeans and lighter denims.

What I Wore:
Shirt – Bershka
Cardigan – Gap
Shawl/Scarf – H&M
Jeans – Zara
Belt – H&M
Necklace – Wonderland Boutique (old)
Bag – River Island
Wedge Boots – Timberland

Samio x

November 24, 2014
London, Liverpool and The Cricket Fashion Show

On Wednesday I headed to London with fellow model and friend, Nicole. It was nice to have someone to go down to London with as usually for castings and work I’m travelling down alone. As I was with a friend, I’d originally planned on getting a few outfit snaps whilst I was down there but as our busy schedule took over, there was time for iPhone snaps only and so I’ve decided to do this post as more of a photo diary.

After a busy day of castings with only a brief Pret stop for lunch, by dinner time we were seriously ready to pig out with a glass of wine… Or many.

With just enough time for a quick shower and an outfit change we were off to a local restaurant for some yummy Italian food. We decided on a local restaurant in Palmers Green called Sole D’oro and Nicole and I both went for the same dishes, opting for the calamari to start followed by a pepperoni pizza each for our mains. The food was gorgeous, especially our starters of calamari. The place had a good atmosphere and great service which meant we stayed a while after our meal enjoying our drinks over a good chat.

We stayed until the restaurant’s close and then went into the bar next door where we enjoyed more drinks and made friends with some of the locals.

The next day we were up and out early for more castings followed by a test shoot in the afternoon. Before we knew it, it was late and so we decided to catch a train and head back home to Manchester.

On the Friday I had another busy day ahead as I was off to Liverpool to model for The Cricket Fashion Show as part of the Celebration Of Style event.

I was working with some girls and guys from my agency, which meant we had fun backstage, whilst getting ready. Hair prep was the biggest task on me as the hair stylists straightened and curled my hair into a funky side style. Nails Inc Trafford Centre team were on nails and The Cassie Lomas team were on makeup.

I got to model some cute outfits on the night, including this funky Kenzo dress and bag combo and this black strapless Balenciaga dress, which I loved. Heels were Chloe Jade Green (the tiny bit you can see of them – left) and Christian Louboutin (right).

The show went really well and although the after party was beckoning, I did the sensible thing for once and decided to head home. Although once home I did spent the remainder of the night drinking and chatting into the early hours with my boyfriend (it was a Friday after all) but at least I didn’t have far to travel to get into my bed as after a long day and night I was certainly ready for sleep.

Samio x

November 16, 2014
Motivation Monday – You Can Only Be You

One of the most pointless things you can do with your time is sit and compare yourself to someone else. Most of us have done it and most of us have felt like crap after it, so why do we do it and what’s the point? At the end of the day you’re never going to be whoever you’re comparing yourself to (I’m afraid those life transplant machines haven’t been invented yet), so you may as well get over it and get on with being you!

The day I decided to stop trying to compare myself to other people was the day I had one less thing to put myself under pressure with and worry about. I was also able to notice and really appreciate all the good things I had going for myself and work on what I wanted to achieve instead of worrying about what anyone else was doing…

The reason I wanted to write a few words of motivation on this topic was because I often still hear so many people putting themselves down whilst comparing themselves to someone else that they are putting on a pedestal. More often than not the people they are comparing themselves to are those they know rather little or nothing about in reality and are going off what they read and see on social media or on TV (if it’s someone famous), which most often only shows a part of a full picture. It’s that case of ‘the grass is always greener’ well let me tell you, whilst you’re busy looking at someone else’s green grass yours is drying out and dying… Hmm, not the best metaphor but you get my gist.

The best thing you can do for yourself if focus on yourself. Don’t get me wrong, it can often help to look to certain people or public figures (whoever floats your boat) for inspiration and motivation but don’t let what someone else has done set a precedent for everything you will do. There are a whole lot of humans on this planet (7.125 billion to be more accurate – yes I just googled that), we’re each on our own path doing our own thing. Many paths are similar but no two paths are exactly the same and so it’s important to focus on your own goals and reward yourself for your own achievements. You don’t need to be anyone else, you just need to be you because let’s face it, you’re unique, you’re one in over 7 billion and you can only be you, so be the best you that you can be!

Happy Monday!

Samio x

November 10, 2014
The Break-Up Recipe

Munir Bello is a Nigerian born author based in London, he independently released his first book The Break-Up Recipe, which centres around the love life of main character Mark Mutton as he takes us on a journey through his past. As the book is written from a man’s point of view, it’s not your typical romantic comedy that’s for sure. You’re bound to find yourself giggling along at this one and I must say it’s a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading myself. With great success achieved from the release of The Break-Up Recipe, Munir is now working on a second book alongside other exciting projects.

I got to ask Munir a few questions to find out more about his ideas behind The Break-Up Recipe and also his plans for the future…

Firstly, I have to say your book The Break-Up Recipe had me laughing out loud in parts (which got me a few stares whilst sat reading it in the coffee shop), was it a conscious effort to make the book so funny or is it something that just happened?
Man, thank you very much for the compliment and thank you for hosting me!! Yes I was hoping to get that sort of a reaction from people. It was important for me to make people laugh. I wrote the book after going through a horrible break up and I felt that it was important to put out a piece of relationship focussed literature that would brighten up anyone’s day who’d had a shitty break up. I also wanted it to appeal to people in happy relationships who’d be able to read certain things and think, “Fuck, that’s happened to me!”

I felt myself really warming to the narrator and main character Mark Mutton, which I’m sure most people will as they read the book. Was his character based on anyone specific or are there even parts of Mark that are based on yourself?
Mark is a mixture of the real me and my imagination. The sense of humour he has is mine but his addiction to masturbation is not haha. I’m glad you like him, some people don’t at first and they then warm to him as they read on because they realise that beneath the bravado he is a good guy underneath.

Other than being inspired to write the Break-Up Recipe after going through a break up of your own, was there anything else that prompted you to put pen to paper and is writing a book something you’ve always wanted to do?
I was inspired because I needed to make money quickly as a previous break up left me in a very tight financial situation and so I decided that this was a better way to make money than selling drugs. I’d also always wanted to write a book as I’d been told I should for as long as I can remember and so I finally did. It’s been a brilliant experience and no matter how many times I hear it I never get tired of getting positive feedback about the book.

How did you feel when you finally completed writing The Break-Up Recipe? As it’s your first book were you nervous to show it to the world or more excited to finally get it out there?
I have never been asked that before, good question! It was one of the most amazing few days of my life. I was so happy to have completed it and I couldn’t wait to share it with everyone because I genuinely like the book and think it is funny. I completed it a few days before release and I was running around like mad and cracking the whip, trying to get two editors in two different continents to get their shit together, putting together the final touches to the naked pic and book cover to my satisfaction and living on no sleep for 72 hours! The best moment was at 3 in the morning on release day when Charlie (my photographer) and I spoke. He called and said, “Dude I just googled it, it’s available for purchase”, I looked on Amazon and saw it for sale and I smiled on the inside. I was too excited to sleep, so I just took a long, slow stroll around Maida Vale and then called my mum to tell her that her son had officially released his first book.

That must have been an amazing feeling. How does it feel getting feedback from people who’ve read your book? As an author who has released their book independently and put so much energy into it as you have, it must be heartwarming to hear from readers who have enjoyed reading what you’ve wrote.
I react the same way 119 reviews on as I did to the first review. Every time I see a new review I’m like an over excitable baby. It is amazing that so many people like it, It’s very surreal even now when someone says it’s funny/amazing or any of the other adjectives of preference people use to describe it. I’m happy but I also know that I better not fuck up the second book!

So I know that you have started work on a new book but what can we expect from you in the future? Will we hear more of Mark Mutton or will your second book be taking a new root?
Mark has two more books in him. The second instalment of The Break Up Recipe trilogy is nearly ready for release and the third one won’t be too far behind before I lay Mark Mutton to rest and focus on new areas to write about.

As well as working on your second book I hear that you’re working on a dating show. What’s that like?
Oh my God, It’s so much fun!! Hooking people up and putting them on camera is full of exciting happenings. It’s bloody hard work but it is so rewarding. The show will be out next year and I’m incredibly excited to share the encounters with everyone.

I shall look forward to seeing that! One last question before you go. What advise would you give to anyone who is maybe thinking about writing a book but doesn’t know where to start or how to go about it?
Go with your gut at first but do make sure that as you get into it you do plenty of research as you don’t want to present an inferior product. You also have to have thick skin because it’s inevitable at some stage you will get criticism which you must learn to take without overreacting. I had a girl who slated me badly online and went as far as calling me unpleasant and calling the book sexist. I didn’t have to bite my tongue as I realised that she’s entitled to an opinion. Anybody writing must remember that you won’t be able to please everybody.

You can order Muni Bello’s book The Break-Up Recipe at Barnes and Noble here or at Amazon here.

Also for updates on Munir’s next book release you can follow him on Twitter: @munirbello1983 and don’t forget to hit like on The Break-Up Recipe Facebook page.

Samio x

November 5, 2014