My First Blog Feature

Hey everyone! Hope you are all good?

I just want to share my first blog feature. I was really happy when fola sent me an email. You can check it out here - http://www.folasoasis.com/2015/06/hair-crush-feature-bunmi.html

Thanks again Fola for the opportunity! xxx

I'M BACK OR NAHH?

Hey folks!

Apologies for the unplanned hiatus, life happened I guess....

Hope you are all good and thanks to those that cared about what was going on with this blog :). I am not going to say I am back to blogging so I will not be held accountable.

Life update- I started a new job at a bank and you know what that means? Early mornings and Longer days!!! It has been a MAJOR adjustment for me as I am the GROUCHIEST morning person. But have to make a living you know. Still very undecided about this path but I have an open mind. Enough of that boring talk...

Going through my drafts folder so expect more posts soon. Also, I would really like to be involved with charity projects ( health related ones to be precise). If you are aware of any organizations looking for weekend volunteers, please let me know.

Till next time xxx

MIA

Hey folks! Miss me? I have definitely missed blogging. However, I want to revamp my blog- looks and all! Guess I have to manage this for now....

How have you all been? Great I hope! I have been swamped with work, work and more WORK. I have had no life :(. Now I have a backlog of blogposts and I am so overwhelmed. I am trying to get more organized with a routine which I plan to enforce next week. With this routine, I hope to have more posts up regularly. Wish me luck and keep checking my blog :) xxx

Afropolitan vibes

Hey folks! Happy new month!

This post has been long overdue. Afropolitan Vibes is a monthly live show in Lagos that goes beyond convention. Co-Producers Ade Bantu & Abby Ogunsanya. It is a relaxed evening with good music, cool breeze and unlimited palm wine at the Freedom Park. Their second year anniversary is next month and it is amazing to see how far they have come. Hard work and determination pays off. 


Sometimes I give advice about the magazine covers. On a particular day, my aunty was on the look out for a model she was going to use for a giff....she decided I should model. I was quite reluctant as I would have to strike a pose (we all know how much I dislike posing for people)and stay still for at least 20 seconds in the same pose as the photograph for the giff. I was not sure how this was going to work and kept looking for another model. Day of the shoot came, no luck with the other models. I was at VI when she called and told me that I had to model immediately.

I thought oh dear are my clothes appropriate? Do I have enough make up on? My hair was having a mind of its own that day. I was wearing a silk long sleeve shirt and a midi skirt. Had to style myself with clothes from her closet. I found this beautiful Ituen basi jacket in her closet and it just worked! I had to be sewn in but we were good to go.

This was my favourite shot. Someone interpreted this picture as "A struggling musician and his beautiful wife" Apparently most musicians have beautiful girlfriends/wives.

Blog would not allow me to post the giff. In the giff, my hair, my 'husband's eyes and chest are moving. I was very happy with this cover, definitely an experience.

Next afropolitan is coming up in March! I believe it is going to be a BIG one xxx

Hair Journey

Heyy

I mentioned here that I would share a progress picture at the end of the year. However I could not share it at the end of the year as I had braids in. Took my braids out and I am happy to share that my hair is at bra strap length now :D :D *dancing*  (wish I could use emojis on here)

I must confess that I got lazy with my hair regime over Christmas which was the worst time to because of harmattan. But it is a new year, year of change! Waist length is still the end goal xxx

Survey

Hey folks! Hope you are great.

Please do this survey here xxx

Field Trips

Heyy Heyy! How are you all?

Been feeling kind of nostalgic so decided to write this post. I remember when I was trying to decide what I wanted to study at uni. I narrowed my choices down to chemical engineering and geology. However when I saw the trips involved with geology, decision was made swiftly.. I was thinking ohh yeahhh going to travel and explore Wales, Scotland, Spain and France. But I definitely did not know what I signed up for. Sometimes you have to experience some things even though you might have been forewarned.

I wish I had this blog then so I could share my experiences. Now I can only share what I remember. I shall be talking about memorable events that occurred in different places.

South of France: This was the worst trip of my life! My uni's choice of accommodation was a 40 minutes walk uphill. Unfortunately the bus could not go uphill so I had to do this walk everyday for a week. Imagine walking uphill after a long day of climbing mountains and what not. Downhill is no problem but uphill! urghh! One day a lecturer asked me- don't you climb mountains for fun? I was just thinking do I look like a mountain climber??? But I replied- No we do not climb mountains in Nigeria. She asked this after I had a full on panic attack on a mountain. I would not say I am scared of heights but we were so high up, felt like I could not breathe and mountain had no railings so one misstep and you are gone. I was thinking I do not want to die, are the rocks that spectacular?? Obviously could not voice my thoughts sadly. Throughout this trip I used to climb on all fours, my friends used to laugh at me but I used to think better safe than sorry yo! I must leave this place in one piece.

I remember one day,after conquering a particular mountain ( forgotten all their names lol) lecturer said we should go further because he wanted to get a picture by a view of everyone. This was after my panic attack so I was thinking are you being serious right now? Told him he had to count me out unless I was going to be carried, I was immobile. In my head I was thinking -how am I going to make it down this mountain not interested in going up another one. Still had to walk uphill to the accommodation after all this....Now you understand why this was the worst trip of my life.


Spain: This was the best trip ever! Not so much climbing required as the bus could go everywhere. I was all smiles on this trip. I went on the trip in my 3rd year and only just discovered on this final and last trip that if you are not comfortable climbing, you can sit it out. I was thinking WHATT??? When did they make that rule?? You must be joking right? So I just stressed myself on past trips. This is what happens when you do not read everything you are supposed to read. But best believe I took advantage of my new discovery during this trip.

That is me ( far right) sitting comfortably. They were going to look at rocks near an ocean. I am not a great swimmer so I could not go further. My lecturers knew not to ask me questions when a large body of water was involved.

Look at how close we are to the ocean! I sure do look like a mountain climber.

There were other trips but these are the ones I remember clearly. They were definitely experiences that had highs and lows but I do not wish to experience them again :). Anyone else been on a field trip? xxx

BLEH

Hey folks! Hope you are all good
Been feeling kind of blehh and when I think of blogging I'm like mehh soo yahh cba to edit my drafts folder.

I feel like so much is going on in the world ( air Asia, baja etc), to be alive is something I'm thankful for every minute of everyday so trying to get past my feelings....

I pray that the lost souls will find solace in the bosom of The Lord, God will grant their families strength & no more calamities shall occur. AMEN xxx

Restaurant Review: RSVP

Hey folks! Another review coming up!

I went for a late catch up lunch/dinner at RSVP yesterday with my girls. RSVP is at 9 Eletu Ogabi Street, Off Adeola Odeku, VI. Lost in lagos says-The sleek design, fused with American nouveau cuisine, makes RSVP one of the trendiest spots in Lagos.

I was very impressed when I walked in, loved the decor and ambience. Before I was informed, I knew it was owned by Lebanese people.

My tummy came prepared so I was quite hungry. I thought there was a good variety for drinks but not so much for food.  I ordered the Chicken logs (3,200) and a Daiquiri (1,200). Funny how I was the first to order my food and it came last. I should have known this was a sign....

 My drink. It was not bad. It was not as sweet as I wanted it to be ( I did ask). 355 makes the best cocktails I have concluded

 My food sigh. I was not happy with the logs at all. It was chicken mixed with cheese on the inside. I lovee chicken and this did not taste like chicken. I was very disappointed tbh as I was hungry.
Fries were great. Tasted like real potatoes

 Ore, Mipo and Mosope ordered Lamb meatballs with spaghetti (4,800). Now this, I loved. They had no complaints about this.

Tomi had the creamy linguini with chicken (5,400) This is what she had to say about it- It was decent, not the best she has had but not the worst either. Just decent. It had sundried tomatoes in it which she liked. She had the daiquiri as well and she really liked it.

Buki had a burger (5200) and chapman (1200). It looks really good right? but was not that great. Bun was not so fresh. Chapman was good 

Tuke was here but I shall let her post do the talking. Overall it was a good experience. I would go back but on a date (it was packed with couples). Definitely no more logs.

Have a great week xxx

2015

Happy New year!!! I pray that as God has brought us all this far, He shall continue to guide us & our families into glory and things we never imagined. More smiles and success. It will be OUR year by God's grace, AMEN!

I am so excited for this year. I have so much planned for M&F and this blog. However I feel like as I have only just started both it's okay to take it slow. So one project at a time.

Read this and love it. Happy New Year again! xxxx

New Year's Eve

Hey folks! Trust you are all great

Been quite occupied with events, visits etc. I went for a christmas party a few days ago and guess who the surprise performer was??? BURNAA BOYYY!! When he was about to come on stage, he started talking through the microphone but we could not see him and he just appeared from nowhere. I thought I was going to pass out from extreme happiness. He was amazing and I loved his performance. I think he is such a great artist but not so sure about his personality. But hey you can not have it all! Shout out to Ore for this <3.

But that's not what this post is about. Today is reflection day. Going to go through some of my not-so-personal 2014 resolutions

1) Eat & drink right: This just had to be here, sweet tooth and all that jazz. I had to change up my  lifestyle. Happy to say I drink 4-5 cups of water a day now. I know it should be 8 ideally but hey rome was not built in a day! Also reduced my rice intake and this was not easy as I am in the land of rice, carbs in general.

2) Be fit: Funny how this became a major goal after I left uni. As I studied geology, I had a lot of field trips and they were tough. I can not remember how many mountains I climbed, did not sign up for that tbh but it had to be done. I discovered how unfit I was during these trips. Almost passed out on a mountain in France but that's a story for another day. Finally got my act together a few months ago. Not a gym addict yet but getting there.

3) Up to date with current affairs: I went for a interview a while back and I was asked some questions which I am too embarrassed to share and I was completely clueless. Had to make stuff up on the spot. Is it just me that gets a headache from reading nigerian newspapers especially thisday? There is just too much going on on all the pages. I'd rather read news online. Stories are mind blowing sometimes but have to be aware.

4) Lady like dressing: When I turned 21   22 this summer ( I am always stuck on past ages), I had to chuck out a few clothes. Tbh been chucking out before I moved back. I said goodbye to my plunge clothes. About the conservative look now but still wear my backless.

5) Self love: I decided that if there was something I did not like and it could be changed, it was time to work on it. No more wallowing in self pity.

That's all I will share right now.

I am thankful for life and good health
I am thankful for the lives of my family, friends and their families
I am thankful for the lost loved ones as I know they are resting, stress free and pain free
I am thankful for rejections and disappointments of this year as I know something bigger and better is coming
I am hopeful for what is coming as God said " For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end' (Jeremiah 29:11)

HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE, BRING ON 2015 XXX

Boxing day + Restaurant Review: The Foundry

Hey folks! Boxing day celebrations anyone? Still had the annoying flu so not in a social mood. My friend Ore wanted to have a nice meal so I tagged along. The first time we went to the Foundry was her birthday in June and we were all impressed.

The foundry is at 288B Ajose Adeogun Street, VI. This is old rehab for those who are familiar with the clubbing scene.

First time we went, this is what we had:

 I had the italian cluck and something ( I can't remember). Which is pasta in a creamy sauce with seafood

 Tuke of tukesquest had this prawns meal. I can not remember what it was called

Ore (the birthday girl) had rice with chicken thai curry

What we had yesterday:

                                                        Ore's meal

 I was not so hungry. So I had the grilled prawns and fries

Buki had the Italian Cluck and something ( I don't remember).

Prices are quite decent here and their cocktails are great. Has anyone been here? xxx

For the love of food

Hey folks! This is quite late but Merry Christmas! I pray that as God has brought us all this far, He will see us through to the end of the year and to the new year, BIG AMEN to that! I am sure you have all been getting stuffed.

P:S: Stop reading now if you are hungry

Christmas day
I woke up with a bad flu so appetite was not so great but I was not going to deterred from eating. My aunty is a Christmas day baby so we always start the day at her house. This was our first Christmas without my grandma as she died in January and she was definitely missed. We all missed some of her famous comments such as- ' Why is your dress so short' " How many bottles of alcohol are you drinking' But we know she is resting now so even though we miss her, we are happy.

   Starter: Goat meat or seafood ( crab, prawns, fish and squid) pepper soup. As a seafood lover, this was a no brainer

Snack: Basmati rice, seafood Thai curry, smoked salmon and vegetables. You will understand why this was a snack soon

 Main course: Potatoes, Turkey, basmati rice, peppered snails, Seafood Thai curry, Chicken Thai curry, bacon sausage wraps, gravy and stuffing. Look at the size of that bird! I was defeated after my snack, flu took my appetite away sadly. But I was not going to let it destroy my dessert plans. Downed some medicine and I was good to go.

Dessert: Cupcakes from Hans and Rene and thesweetspotng. I had thesweetspots apple crumble cupcakes followed by apple crumble+ custard.

After this, it was a wrap for bumz! I could not eat at the other places we went to, just wanted to go home to my bed xxx

Dubai

Hey folks! Apologies for the silence. I went on a last minute trip which I shall be blogging about today.

Sadly I forgot my camera so we have to manage the iphone pictures. I travelled to dubai for a few days and it was the best way to end the year 2014 which I have had a love/ hate relationship with. First time I went to dubai was about 5 years ago and I definitely did not appreciate it as I do now. As I have said to a few friends 'what is london?'

*Pictures overload alert*

 On my first night, headed down to the Al Ghurair mall for dinner. We decided to have thai food at the Lemongrass restaurant. After Italian, Thai is a close second for me. Ordered the Pad Thai rice and a lemon drink. I know you are thinking I am coming from Nigeria -the land of rice but still decide to eat rice on holiday. I just could not resist but definitely no more rice after this. The food was great (no surprise here) and I loved my lemon drink.

Sign at the mall

Buki got this beautiful shot of their national flag. Yes those are inverted umbrellas, how cool is that?

                                                       What to have? What to have?

The story of Cinnabon! We discovered cinnabon on the mall guide and had to find it. Going to sidetrack abit- I thought nigerians were the worst at giving directions but was I wrong! Finally found cinnabon after various attempts. 

 Took these shots in the cab. Some cab drivers out there believe they are formula 1 racers. I am convinced! So many beautiful buildings but could not get good pictures unfortunately.

Next stop was the Dubai mall. When they say this is the world's largest shopping mall, best believe they are not lying. This mall is a nice mix of great restaurants and shops in London and America. Also had a massive aquarium, zoo and an ice skating rink. It was really beautiful.

 The aquarium. You need a ticket to get close to the aquarium. We found out how much tickets go for but as we do not love fish THAT much, moved on to the restaurants and shops.

With the mall guide in hand, set out to find my favourite shops. For those who know me well enough, of course Zara was my first stop. I could not stop smiling. The joy!

Outdoor and indoor fountains

                                                   My travelling companions <3

Fresh faced and worry free. The life!

Lunch at shake shack! We had the full works, burger+ fries+ milkshake. Unfortunately no oreo milkshakes but the vanilla was good enough. It was a wrap after this.

Daddy getting into his Ferrari so we can leave, hahaa.

Back to lagos struggle now. I had such an amazing trip and looking forward to the next one. Christmas day tomorrow! So excited and so many things to be thankful for. Merry christmas in advance!

Stole this from my aunty- I say a prayer for all those for whom earth has become a blanket. And for those of us for whom earth remains carpet, I pray that long may we roam a top it with peace, love and laughter xxxx

Lagos woes

This is a sad post. On my way to muson centre for Band Aid 2, a hit and run happened near me on the Lekki-Epe expressway.

As soon as it happened, passers-by moved the victim's body off the road. I got a glimpse of the body and it was so bad.

His body was moved to the side of the road. I can understand why some people would not want to help. Nigeria being Nigeria, a good deed can turn into a jail sentence. I have heard so many stories where people try to help people but hospital staff immediately assume it was the good doer that hit the victim. Also, who will pay for the medical bills? people are not that nice out here.

Ideally there should be free hospitals for accident victims etc/ clinics that offer free treatment. The Nigeria of my dreams will have that.

To the guy that was hit, I hope you made it. But if you did not, may your soul rest in peace. To the perpetrator, God help you.

Band Aid II

Hey folks! Hope you have all been good

Had a very busy week but I have great posts to share. My friend Tukesax of tukesquest acted in a play called Band Aid yesterday evening. The first showing was last christmas and I loved it when I went. This was my first play and I thought there are actually different things to do in lagos, just have to be aware.

I went to the showing yesterday as I did not go to the day detuke acted last year. I am soo proud of her. You could see how happy she was on stage with her sax. As I said in a previous post, if you have a profitable hobby, get serious with it asap! Managed to get some pics but they are not so clear sadly.

xxxxxxxx

Lasagne

Hey folks! Back with another recipe

I shall be sharing my lasagne recipe today. It is so easy to make. Sidetrack: I find it funny how some nigerians pronounce Lasagne (pronounced as LAH- ZAHN-YUH). I have heard LA-SAG and LA-SA-GENE lol.

Ingredients
Garlic, Onions, Oil, Mince meat, Barilla Lasagne, salt, black pepper, white pepper, white cheddar cheese, Gino tinned tomato paste, flour, powdered milk, nutmeg, butter and maggi.

 What your lasagne should look like (without the burnt bits of course)

METHOD
1) Put a large pot of salted water (1 small Tbsp salt + oil) on the stovetop on high heat. It can take a while for a large pot of water to come to a boil (this will be your sheets water), so prepare the sauce in the next steps while the water is heating.
2) Chop the onions and garlic. In a large skillet, heat a half/ 1 tablespoon of oil under medium heat. Add the mince meat and stir until it is brown on all sides.
3) Add the tomato paste and a small amount of water then stir. Add salt, pepper and seasoning (adjust amounts to taste).
You can decide to go crazy on this step by adding vegetables- carrots, sweet corn etc.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and lower the heat to maintain a low simmer.  Cook for 15-45 minutes, stirring often. Scrape the bottom of the pot every so often so nothing sticks to the bottom and scorches.
Remove from heat.

4)By now the salted water you started heating in step one should be boiling. Add the dry lasagna sheets and cook them per package directions (al dente). (Note sheets may be cooked in advance) Stir often to prevent from sticking. Make sure that water is still boiling during the entire cooking to prevent sheets from sticking.

5) Grate the cheese and leave in a bowl

6) Final method. This is the hardest part and I would advice that you always do this LAST. 

Add 2 tbsp of flour+ 3tbsp of milk + a bit of water and heat. Mix then add salt, nutmeg, white pepper and butter. Mix, Mix, Mix for 5 mins. This is the white sauce. Try to avoid lumps.

In your baking dish, arrange the lasagne sheets on the bottom of the dish and cover with some of the sauce. Repeat this until all the sheets have been used and mince sauce is finished. BUT make sure you finish with the lasagne sheets. Spread the white sauce on the final layer of the sheets then sprinkle the grated cheese.

Bake at medium heat for 30-45 mins. Thank me later xxx

Hair Talk

Hi! I just realized I have never done a hair post. This is about to be corrected

When I was younger, I had really long luscious hair, mid-back length. However when I traveled to the UK for educational reasons, it all went downhill.When I moved back home (still not final), my hair was struggling to stay at arm pit length. I was introduced to nigerian hair bloggers that had waist length and my healthy hair journey began! It was a no brainer tbh. Also I like to know that if weaves, braids and wigs do not exist/ magically disappear, I can confidently leave my house with my natural hair. This is actually very serious. When I see some women at the salon without their wigs *shudder*

I was considering a 'big chop' to go natural but due to my texture problems, lack of guts & patience, the plan could not happen. I started following hair bloggers especially Lade of rehairducation because she has relaxed hair and I have noticed A LOT of improvement- growth and volume wise. I started my hair journey properly on the 1st of september 2014.

                BSBL stands for Below shoulder blade length

My hair is currently between arm pit length and bra strap length and is growing everyday. My goal for 2014 is bra strap length and I definitely see this happening ( will share pictures at the end of the year).

Summary of the changes to my hair regime:
1) On a particular wash day, I used both sulfate and sulfate free shampoos and I discovered the sulfate shampoo made my hair hard and dry. So I chucked out my sulfate shampoos.I also co wash weekly now.

2) Deep condition with protein and moisture conditioners every 2 weeks. This gives my hair a nice balance. But I deep condition with protein only a week before relaxer day.

3) Stretching out my relaxer. My last stretch was 15 weeks (I was so proud).I have decided to relax my hair 3 times a year now. This was one of my drastic changes. Before I knew better, I relaxed my hair every 2 months. I know, so tragic. I blame the british weather.

4) Less heat. On wash and co washing days, I air dry my hair. Hair feels so soft and full afterwards, love it! I use hair dryers with a low heat setting once a month.

5) No more weaves. I found that with weaves I constantly straightened my leave out which was destroying my front hair and hair line. Hair under the weave was not getting the TLC it required.

Now I love braids. With my braids I can wash, co wash and moisturize easily. My hair growth is great when I have braids in.

6) Moisturize and seal daily & nightly. I use both moisture and protein leave-ins & oils mixture- olive oil, castor, tea tree, rosemary & coconut oil. Shea butter and aloe vera gel from the actual plant are great as well.

With all these changes, I expect to have waist length hair soon. If you have not started the hair journey, what are you waiting for? xx