Deuces 2014 and HELLO 2015!

Before I get into this post, I want to say a massive THANK YOU to all of you who continued to support me during 2014.  Trust me, your support does NOT go unnoticed!  I pray that you continue to support me with your kind words and prayers and I hope to meet a great deal of you throughout this new year.

I have been inspired to write this post off the back of Rachy's ' 2014 recap' video.  I may make my own recap video because not all of my supporters read my blog…or possibly know about it.

2014 was a tough year in every single way possible.  You know when everything just happens to you?  Well, that was me.  Death, accidents, illness, relationships, pressure on myself in relation to my career, stress, you name it, it happened!  And I put on a brave face but I had days where I was literally coming home and breaking down.  Hence why my Youtube videos have been a bit up and down in terms of posting.  There were times when I thought I had a schedule going and then because I was feeling so bad, I didn't have the strength or the energy to film and edit.  Like Rachy, I also had moments wondering whether anyone was really watching my videos.  About a year and a bit ago, Youtube made some changes to the site, which in turn had an adverse affect on many channels (mine included).  Supporters would email me asking whether I had stopped making videos when in reality, Youtube had unsubscribed them without their knowledge!  Viewing figures in turn, declined.  I realised that it's not about the view counts and subbie numbers, it is about what I make and whether its content serves a purpose to anyone.

As you know, I did something a little different in 2014, where I introduced an advice segment, geared at helping people reach their full potential.  I am no where near perfect, but I have many stories of situations and people who have tried to pull me off my path to success, only for me to be determined to keep going.  Again, I have not reached my full potential yet and I'm still learning everyday, but if I can help others out while I continue on my own path, I 100% would like to do so.  I was blessed enough to be invited by Tunde Okewale to speak at his Urban Lawyers event called 'Commercial Awareness' at BPL Law firm.  This was the first time that I had ever been a guest speaker at an event, so as you can imagine, I was beyond nervous!  However, I felt both humbled to be able to speak about my own experiences and give advice to others on pursuing a career in law.  I am again grateful to Tunde who had seen my advice videos and had faith in me to speak in such a forum.

I hope that these videos have been of help to some of you and I shall continue to make them this year.  I have a passion for helping people reach their full potential, so even if one person watches, I don't care!  I'll carry on…I'm made of strong stuff!  What I am also pleased with, is that I have been asked to speak at the Young Black Graduates event, to be held at the Bank of England at the end of this month.  Again, it is to inspire people to keep pushing and believing in themselves.  I'm so happy I'll be able to be a part of it.  I shall post more info on this event very soon.

So there you go, already a positive start to the new year.  My mindset is currently on making me happy and making sure I enjoy the fruits of my labour as it were.  Along with everything else that happened last year, I worked so hard barely gave myself a decent break!  Alas! Not this year lol.  I also have events which I would love to see you all at.  First will be a meet up.  I don't like to call them meet and great because I'm not a celeb!  I just make videos.  So if you are a supporter, blogger or fellow Youtuber, I would love to see you there.  It will be held in London and I'm aiming for Saturday 7th March.  Plotting and planning has begun but last time I did it (2 years ago), I was amazed at the turn out and at how many of us stayed in contact thereafter.  It was such a lovely time.  Many people even came on their own and left with friends!  So be brave, take a risk and come along.  More info to follow.

I also want to start up power dinners this year, for my ladies who are aiming for success.  But I want to try and incorporate feeling good too.  So for example, there would be people there who can give you a mini massage, etc.  Sometimes we forget to look after ourselves when trying to make dreams a reality.  So watch out for that and again, I would love to see as many of you as possible.

Blogging - Santa blessed me with a tablet,  so there is no excuse for me not to post regular posts.  I aim to write them on my lunch breaks.  So do check back here for my new posts and also, follow me on bloglovin.

2015 is going to be a positive year; the year where everything comes together through hard work and determination.  Again I want to thank you.  Remember to keep up to date by viewing my Youtube channel.

Wishing you a blessed 2015.

Dawn x

Nude Lips For Darker Skin Tones

There is nothing worse than buying a 'nude' lipstick which makes your lips look like you've gone through 3 sets of winters without moisturising.  Unfortunately, I have seen many girls walking around with that 'ashy' lip look, probably thinking they have secured themselves the most amazing nude lip.  I personally sympathise with these girls because there is a great difficulty in finding nude lipstick for darker skin tones and hence why I have kept away from them.

However, I realised that I really needed something neutral for work, especially on those days where I have to be in Court.  For office days, I have been experimenting with either a subtle pink or even Spice It Up by MAC (mixed with the subtle pink, so it's not so 'out there') but lately I have been feeling like I really need to get my hands on something that screams effort, but without the effort.

After some research via Youtube, I compiled a list of colours I thought would suit me.  After a quick consultation with the MUA, I decided on ' Fresh Brew', which has a lustre finish.  I would describe the colour as coffee for the lips.

As you can see, it gives my lips a glazed look, with a little bit of colour. Nothing too extreme or too out there.

I shall be making a video showcasing my favourite MAC lipsticks and it will feature Fresh Brew.  What's your favourite nude lipstick?

Just so you know, I got this item because I backed to MAC some old and empty products.  In the UK, if you return 6, full sized empty or old products to MAC, you will receive a free lipstick - hurrah!

Dawn xx

THE Playsuit for summer.

I'm so excited to be putting together a look book, which will feature the above two items.  I want to give you a sneak peak before you see the lookbook on my channel this week.

1. Deep V playsuit, which can be purchased here.

2. Black lapel split sleeves blazer, which can be purchased here.

These two items will not stick around for long, so here is your heads up!

Dawn xx

Depop…Happy Shopping!

I have recently discovered the Depop app and I am now hooked!

As you know, I am a big fan of places such as Ebay, where not only can you grab a bargain, but you can sell your own stuff off!  Everyone's a winner!  However, I had become bored and I wanted to be able to sell on a much easier platform and in a place where my subscribers and followers would have easier access to.

Depop has the feel like Instagram, where you follow sellers, like items you..well…like and scroll through the uploaded items for sale.  You then have a quick option to buy, which then takes you to your paypal account.  No mess, no fuss.

I have just uploaded some items, so do check them out.  I shall be uploading much more over the upcoming weeks, so make sure you follow me (whatdawndidinheels) on Depop.

Happy shopping!

Dawn x

Maxi Dress Look book

Summer comes and I keep cool in maxi dresses.  I absolutely love them.  

I have just uploaded a maxi dress look book to my youtube channel, which you can check out here.  Enjoy!

Dawn xx