tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22738688767769339142024-03-13T13:33:51.592+01:00Ummi Throws a Hissy fitUmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-40306188641219805182019-07-27T21:30:00.001+01:002019-07-27T21:30:49.810+01:00Two Years Later...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQoBxGb-dREpTPWBduB7Tbxx5Jr_CIkCDxKtmQqXHLrnzfazAEQTTKU0z08_Irq54QV5Ywm-ADWFuj0BZxdbPZb7tDi7MomAQl3jnyR_WN6_NkraEbQdhw-8SOvhaNbb3IhdmvjNQKHE/s1600/H" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1000" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQoBxGb-dREpTPWBduB7Tbxx5Jr_CIkCDxKtmQqXHLrnzfazAEQTTKU0z08_Irq54QV5Ywm-ADWFuj0BZxdbPZb7tDi7MomAQl3jnyR_WN6_NkraEbQdhw-8SOvhaNbb3IhdmvjNQKHE/s320/H" width="320" /></a></div>
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'Ummi When are you updating your blog?'<div>
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I looked up from my large bowl of homemade Ramen Noodles and for a second I was blank.</div>
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'I have a blog?' I thought out loud. 'Of course, my blog! I get super busy and totally forget to update.'</div>
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'Well, I enjoyed it when you used to post regularly. Nobody blogs anymore.'</div>
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'Well, yeah. Okay. I'll tell you what: For every month I forget to put up a post, you'll get a 5% discount off an Ummi's Gourmet Food Lunch, how does that sound?'</div>
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'Ah-mazing!'</div>
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I watched her celebrate her lunch coupon as my mind wanders to the real issue on ground: Set up a new piggy bank to fund lapses in blogging consistency. I'm one step ahead of her!</div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-68650364962583936312017-03-18T18:15:00.000+01:002017-03-18T18:26:50.849+01:00Sons of the Caliphate || TV Review <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last year, my favourite Nigerian Channel, Ebony Life TV aired a thirteen part drama series called Sons of the Caliphate which according to them;<br />
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<span class="_Tgc" style="font-size: 16px;">'<b>Sons of the Caliphate</b>' is a drama series based on the lives of three rich, entitled, passionate and ambitious young men, Kalifah, Nuhu and Diko, all caught up in the hidden corners of power, the darkness of addiction, the heat of love and desire, the obligations of family loyalty, and the craving for revenge.</span></blockquote>
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The show looked into the lives and relationships of Kalifah, Nuhu and Dikko who are "Abuja Big Boys" originally from a fictional state of Kowa. It covers many challenges faced by privileged Nigerian youth; family pressure, drug addiction, keeping up appearance, political greed and so much more. The show features strong men and even stronger women working their way through various states of emotional instability.<br />
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<b><u>First Impressions</u></b><br />
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Right from the trailer I knew regardless of the storyline, I was going to be following this show. It gave the impression of a well thought out modern look into the lives of Northern Nigerians, who I feel are greatly misrepresented in mainstream Nigerian media.<br />
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<b><u>The Cast</u></b><br />
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<b>Rahma Sadau,</b> who plays the female lead (Binta Kutigi) is a superstar in the Hausa Movie industry with an insanely HUGE international fanbase! Casting her as a lead is a great way to draw in the young arewa audience for sure. She also had a little 'scandal' going on right before the launch of the show, so there was a lot of press about her and many tuned in to watch her new product as a form of solidarity.<br />
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<b>Yakubu Muhammad</b>, another Hausa movie star did a great job playing Dikko Loko! I must confess, whenever I click on a Hausa channel and see Yakubu Muhammad I change the channel sharply! I'm a fan of his singing (romantic songs of the 90s and 2000s) but not his acting! So I wasn't expecting much from him. Surprisingly, he portrayed the part of a cunning, conniving, scheming snake quite well. He should switch to acting in English and not Hausa.<br />
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A post shared by Yakubu Mohammed (@yakubu_mohd) on <time datetime="2017-03-02T13:45:35+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 2, 2017 at 5:45am PST</time></div>
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<b>Rabi'u Rikadawa</b> is another Hausa movie veteran. Me and Mr.H's favourite Hausa actor! He is so versatile and his timing when it comes to comedy and sarcasm is impeccable! He plays a small role of a party chairman in SOTC.<br />
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Mofe Duncan also did a good job playing Nuhu.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLrMV93ng3AKXZapfcixFEHVFqW-35TpSSopT8MTSo_eRG1SqEjbcyYvQIWlEyPwwvfmgL6DCdbzS3WEOgARJLBvsjnY4X3yOLUud3nI82sLWsAOWATdt1VmE4aJtVNkZSz6f7x-YLjQ/s1600/nuhu+bula.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLrMV93ng3AKXZapfcixFEHVFqW-35TpSSopT8MTSo_eRG1SqEjbcyYvQIWlEyPwwvfmgL6DCdbzS3WEOgARJLBvsjnY4X3yOLUud3nI82sLWsAOWATdt1VmE4aJtVNkZSz6f7x-YLjQ/s640/nuhu+bula.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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If I were to be nitpicky, I'd say the one thing that bothered me were the accents! Some of the cast members tried a little too hard to fake Hausa accents *cough Patrick Doyle cough* and it felt quite forced and times, difficult to understand.<br />
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Given the profile of the characters, its unnecessary to force Hausa accents. Abuja big boys that have spent a large chunk of their lives in England do not have strong Hausa accents #fact. They're more likely to have English accents or a normal Nigerian accent.<br />
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<a href="webkit-fake-url://89a891bc-7fc5-4e12-9648-65ead9e349db/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>The casting was quite well done, I must say! Apart from the little thing with the accents, everyone interpreted their roles wonderfully. My other favourites were Lottie (Yvonne Hays), Ziha (Nita Byack George), The Galadima (Ziha's Dad) and Suleiman (Khalifa's annoying brother quite well).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58Eg3E4Q2T6xo4RSnu_asVz7QW_K7t66Xr6uyDTgGfo1z_mNSIpkGLNdPqNDTx1UHiHnsZejxM_kp1QJ9KtNqK-0NujygvjI3qkHVyuh9gC3M_B6uSvTpShNTZ-eM65HxsIce0bpPIVw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.32.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58Eg3E4Q2T6xo4RSnu_asVz7QW_K7t66Xr6uyDTgGfo1z_mNSIpkGLNdPqNDTx1UHiHnsZejxM_kp1QJ9KtNqK-0NujygvjI3qkHVyuh9gC3M_B6uSvTpShNTZ-eM65HxsIce0bpPIVw/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.32.15+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">The Fashion!</span><br />
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The styling was on point. I liked Dikko, Nuhu and Binta's style the most.<br />
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Here are a few of my favourite looks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAXBPMLK6fLs_XSg7W4cM5YpLolbzCA3omCIlK5sJUcSxdEOYhMK_GZdtIaV7OFj3zJ7OetrmntA4vadR1qArDGbm0bjfo_Q4_p2wGxAUsYVGcwXmfzEDzkTKLJb2JfQ8ZXz1zFjiP24/s1600/baloon+pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAXBPMLK6fLs_XSg7W4cM5YpLolbzCA3omCIlK5sJUcSxdEOYhMK_GZdtIaV7OFj3zJ7OetrmntA4vadR1qArDGbm0bjfo_Q4_p2wGxAUsYVGcwXmfzEDzkTKLJb2JfQ8ZXz1zFjiP24/s640/baloon+pants.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4c50s9rkj6yt43-c4xQj4xXhkS7aFOcyi9FE9gflA6zmByO994RJBl07V49taJr66xO9f4GuG8jXg_DQ4HSigCZV3WurFXQmWEEj7HgghquelO4lqKsMGt7o0QM8p13CwLJ50efrrII/s1600/C1WuSMpWQAo5M2s.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4c50s9rkj6yt43-c4xQj4xXhkS7aFOcyi9FE9gflA6zmByO994RJBl07V49taJr66xO9f4GuG8jXg_DQ4HSigCZV3WurFXQmWEEj7HgghquelO4lqKsMGt7o0QM8p13CwLJ50efrrII/s640/C1WuSMpWQAo5M2s.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Quick question: is Binta allergic to sleeves? Hehe. Most of her looks are either sleeveless or sheer. I don't blame her though, I'd never wear sleeves too if my arms were that toned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aWk4hxJi7V0GzEeHuScukAr1yRJQuIHFd0eB_dkLFodACO1ZXzyWcyoxdBzRX_qZc8VuwH1RToNs90ZJryGFhC_PtUYS-d8qSxkDWHMBuo1EX-wY8oMNr4BwVqCkags3EWpLn8awaCs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.36.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aWk4hxJi7V0GzEeHuScukAr1yRJQuIHFd0eB_dkLFodACO1ZXzyWcyoxdBzRX_qZc8VuwH1RToNs90ZJryGFhC_PtUYS-d8qSxkDWHMBuo1EX-wY8oMNr4BwVqCkags3EWpLn8awaCs/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.36.15+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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Loved this two toned blue and black maxi dress!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUO-pkoRDNudG7HKACD6StLE4cRy2VynDJPl-8L-BkCXHF5a2kdbN8k61s4GSZSgKxl_mMCHuQSLfFCM90HrAQ-4wAfq8ooAziP7XAYa7H8AYKFUDISnDVjDKBAY5CngAy55V7hwMFnk/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
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And this burgundy satin and black chiffon dress.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiQdSeUUrltKr2DXIK390agnwarkiwhNcRrVELgtxAvWg_KJbR1md-rPXtKO4H5voguNeaxy1nNgo5PASkzdMKoe6gVmf0u9Ooe5U4oV2o12QyfACCrO1vgFJ13vbADUxlRmArAzX7EU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.35.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiQdSeUUrltKr2DXIK390agnwarkiwhNcRrVELgtxAvWg_KJbR1md-rPXtKO4H5voguNeaxy1nNgo5PASkzdMKoe6gVmf0u9Ooe5U4oV2o12QyfACCrO1vgFJ13vbADUxlRmArAzX7EU/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.35.18+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nuhu's caps are great, I wish he'll bend them in a little bit. In fact, they used some really beautifully women zanna caps on this show! Its these kind of details that makes the fashion authentic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_JcsNbiX0FLko8JQtsZYeq8Rir5piH-8HlfuvgWUM82zNL-zTF7wSwauKDi1Y8ULxFL2W71k77K2ZhvZYK3UYJvKEbUAHuFxL5JPnwzxCUsISyxgowv8m-kCTr4wB6ssmiNMQ_n-spg/s1600/4341421_vlcsnaperror689600x341_jpegdfeb091bae5951dff5045ccad964b149.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_JcsNbiX0FLko8JQtsZYeq8Rir5piH-8HlfuvgWUM82zNL-zTF7wSwauKDi1Y8ULxFL2W71k77K2ZhvZYK3UYJvKEbUAHuFxL5JPnwzxCUsISyxgowv8m-kCTr4wB6ssmiNMQ_n-spg/s640/4341421_vlcsnaperror689600x341_jpegdfeb091bae5951dff5045ccad964b149.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Dikko's short sleeved casual kaftans are so nice, I took screenshots to make some for the husband.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnMV7jPn2eKSm9RG5SW5Uv9ettcJVFuniaFwl8JYvL5C6cHtMBuOef_8HPPpglzGHx2FOxIrZ_ZsN-RUMShxFH0aBP9Tjx4lg-_Jm8TAvCLUJlMQdAWwcz8zaXjjZtWullZpExdhxFTw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.23.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnMV7jPn2eKSm9RG5SW5Uv9ettcJVFuniaFwl8JYvL5C6cHtMBuOef_8HPPpglzGHx2FOxIrZ_ZsN-RUMShxFH0aBP9Tjx4lg-_Jm8TAvCLUJlMQdAWwcz8zaXjjZtWullZpExdhxFTw/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.23.34+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k53FWBoVvr25CbPGV_uyMR0XmUijeoM3aO6waX-pTQwrNgDn4cd5Qoab6dlFUjObCYvAk_crbeAvK6bYvX9ZyCD4KDr-n-CuI56iLkR2qyOG8oaUuB8v498oJLqPoys7Z05REYKAIu8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.35.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k53FWBoVvr25CbPGV_uyMR0XmUijeoM3aO6waX-pTQwrNgDn4cd5Qoab6dlFUjObCYvAk_crbeAvK6bYvX9ZyCD4KDr-n-CuI56iLkR2qyOG8oaUuB8v498oJLqPoys7Z05REYKAIu8/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.35.45+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht49LXtK-JlPkWPRRM_8uAxd2xAjuMYl_8o4NPwWvVdZ812xKPI0UkT2915Ha5NoXTbTVxtM1-CB3ompXIID4dMpwHASXf1mWnQ9XJ87VKjxdyJsa5tkdV2GP8WvQoRf3UqL1LeORe76A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.27.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht49LXtK-JlPkWPRRM_8uAxd2xAjuMYl_8o4NPwWvVdZ812xKPI0UkT2915Ha5NoXTbTVxtM1-CB3ompXIID4dMpwHASXf1mWnQ9XJ87VKjxdyJsa5tkdV2GP8WvQoRf3UqL1LeORe76A/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.27.18+PM.png" width="640" /></a><a href="webkit-fake-url://89a891bc-7fc5-4e12-9648-65ead9e349db/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2273868876776933914" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="webkit-fake-url://b2228d4a-a6d9-44a8-b02b-e2d996f9aa05/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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I did find some costumes to be a little "type casted" (Ziha and her turbans, evil queen and her dreary clothes, Khalifa and his tazarces) but it all adds to the background of the person. i.e. Ziha is the daughter of a Galadima, therefore royalty so that explains her bejeweled kaftans and turbans.<br />
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To make Khalifa even more like a prince, perhaps they should dress him up in some zabuni (hand embroidered clothes worn by royalty) They are widely available in Zaria, Kano Katsina etc.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk3QCysrNFc6xeYDITn5JR5CyvcgHNs6eu70nbbGB5zqaXk2LvPCocr7YFrKsydFNIPauZfJtcjQeq-ivZfD2pUrgUEv293V4vtAAP8l4-UcArZJc_ah4ZovCK_hFpcvT8ZFZPUmtPIM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.13.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk3QCysrNFc6xeYDITn5JR5CyvcgHNs6eu70nbbGB5zqaXk2LvPCocr7YFrKsydFNIPauZfJtcjQeq-ivZfD2pUrgUEv293V4vtAAP8l4-UcArZJc_ah4ZovCK_hFpcvT8ZFZPUmtPIM/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.13.57+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ziha's look: Bejeweled Kaftans and two layered turbans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaCyF8gNW_460qz2rVMMY3nqF7rdcrXJK50JNQYX4grq1g1i61k1o_fMkIQ_FMxynFMa_V4XJ0QakP056dOB-WD_Fa5B206Nx0VVNF4MyTlMe-3F3L7yzTomCdwpn3pekj4HgvM_8d0s/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.19.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlolPahoJrlusJ_lRhuQP7gimPPXWCI1voGxOs-mA8lXMb4b6pw4EFplNFcZbOMzX5jA4p3MoCXP3kiiEpDZthVf-O5a9jg3q-jjoz53PB1sRNqjW34yiePV07hF9-i3yTnLXmrVPgLI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.28.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlolPahoJrlusJ_lRhuQP7gimPPXWCI1voGxOs-mA8lXMb4b6pw4EFplNFcZbOMzX5jA4p3MoCXP3kiiEpDZthVf-O5a9jg3q-jjoz53PB1sRNqjW34yiePV07hF9-i3yTnLXmrVPgLI/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.28.02+PM.png" width="640" /></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitaCyF8gNW_460qz2rVMMY3nqF7rdcrXJK50JNQYX4grq1g1i61k1o_fMkIQ_FMxynFMa_V4XJ0QakP056dOB-WD_Fa5B206Nx0VVNF4MyTlMe-3F3L7yzTomCdwpn3pekj4HgvM_8d0s/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.19.14+PM.png" width="640" /><br />
<a href="webkit-fake-url://b2228d4a-a6d9-44a8-b02b-e2d996f9aa05/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2273868876776933914" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="webkit-fake-url://89a891bc-7fc5-4e12-9648-65ead9e349db/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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Here are a few of my favourite looks.<br />
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<b><u>The Location</u></b><br />
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Okay, someone did their home work!<br />
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How on earth are there so many beautiful locations in Abuja? Lottie's first apartment was to die for. I liked the classic look of Khalifa and Ziha's house too.<br />
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The location scout did an awesome job portraying modern Abuja living spaces.<br />
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<b><u>The Production</u></b><br />
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Now I'm no filmmaker, so I may not be the best person to comment on this, but from a viewers perspective, SOTC was very well made! This is an area where Ebony Life beats all other Nigerian Networks. They don't play with the quality of their productions. SOTC was well in line with other productions from Ebony Life TV. It captures the visual richness of Arewa culture splendidly. It's quite pleasant to watch.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pBSoSaenHLY?list=PLB1Uvqrn0ORFM3Lp4GH7c-rLjWPpznoPj" width="560"></iframe>
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<b><u>The Story Line</u></b><br />
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Despite ending on a cliff hanger that really irked a lot of fans (me, included), the plot and storyline is actually quite rich. The story has several layers and each character is multidimensional making them human and relatable. Besides, the writer went on twitter to reassure us that there'll be a second season, which cooled us down a little bit. Judging by the photos the actors have been posting on instagram, it seems filming has already began, so yay!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS4gamP9Ot70qqgQNDg2g6_S0QwSZC2qGhEcDVpJIx4jeHGp-f5Sh1usauo6sdZLoksy-UyeJsxDQVT703Vx1qYRkgHsfKHMABwqC-WEKpAttLf7_cY8TtU04uLeOxiu0MnlyYsw37Ls/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.33.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSS4gamP9Ot70qqgQNDg2g6_S0QwSZC2qGhEcDVpJIx4jeHGp-f5Sh1usauo6sdZLoksy-UyeJsxDQVT703Vx1qYRkgHsfKHMABwqC-WEKpAttLf7_cY8TtU04uLeOxiu0MnlyYsw37Ls/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.33.44+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
I found the story a little slow in the beginning, especially with all those political meetings. They took up a lot of time! But I understand that the creators may have been targeting both male and female audiences, so they had to man it up a bit. No qualms.<br />
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Then towards the end the story stared moving so fast, and before you know it, two of our favourite characters had bitten the dust.<br />
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<b><u>Cultural Representation</u></b><br />
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While SOTC does a good job portraying Arewa culture to a Nigerian and international audience, there are a few minor details that will make an Arewa insider like me cringe a <strike>teeny</strike> little bit. Of course I understand from a production point of view, some details need to be overlooked. However, just for <strike>nerdy</strike> fun, let me point some cultural discrepancies out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpo_nCqqo_SuxsOBCvp1AIPaTF91S6eV9Ke7PAFpgw4tzKIGHM6BWMzObZmbUhX0oq7F8FLJLJbgAQMoH5t-ZkWFDPmY3brjpe0nkCsPK3jZL_v09-18gGpvjFTrO1tRYPvb7nfGvBt4/s1600/Capture.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpo_nCqqo_SuxsOBCvp1AIPaTF91S6eV9Ke7PAFpgw4tzKIGHM6BWMzObZmbUhX0oq7F8FLJLJbgAQMoH5t-ZkWFDPmY3brjpe0nkCsPK3jZL_v09-18gGpvjFTrO1tRYPvb7nfGvBt4/s640/Capture.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="webkit-fake-url://b2228d4a-a6d9-44a8-b02b-e2d996f9aa05/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2273868876776933914" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="webkit-fake-url://89a891bc-7fc5-4e12-9648-65ead9e349db/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>1. The word caliphate is catchy for a show title, but what we were shown on TV was more of an emirate. Let me explain: In Northern Nigeria, there are several emirates sprawled across the region. Initially, these emirates were run by the Ruling Hausa family, descendants of Bayajidda. But after the Fulani Jihad of the 1800s, many of these Hausa rulers were replaced by Fulani rulers, with a central Emir being the head of this council of emirs (The sultan of Sokoto). So in Nigeria, a caliphate refers to a collection of emirates with a sultan at the head. Because of the size of Maiyaki's caliphate on SOTC, Kowa Caliphate looked more like an Emirate. Nitpicky, I know but hey! Only ITKs like me will know the difference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskFI94f6wGzHC9k8ErGJVQqFQj4uiII_M5DmiEx0n6mSp7kfTPtMJx4tHL-E4qIiF5O6ia-abG5-B8eewCHh6AaUvV-W3Smjuo0x568tV9RNMQ7l4Z4xm8SfjBBDWy60XXyWB7NbZjso/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.32.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskFI94f6wGzHC9k8ErGJVQqFQj4uiII_M5DmiEx0n6mSp7kfTPtMJx4tHL-E4qIiF5O6ia-abG5-B8eewCHh6AaUvV-W3Smjuo0x568tV9RNMQ7l4Z4xm8SfjBBDWy60XXyWB7NbZjso/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.32.38+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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2. The line of succession in does not automatically go to the first son of an emir. In fact, the reason why we have kingmakers on the emirate council is to choose the most suitable heir out of all the eligible men of royal lineage. For example, I'm from Daura which is the origin of all the Hausa Kingdoms and the criteria for selection is to be a son or grandson of a past emir. Meaning when its time to choose a successor, every living son and grandson of an emir both past and present are eligible to be chosen. A list is made and one by one, candidates are eliminated based on an extensive criteria (e.g. level of education, exposure etc). The past emir of Daura (Sarki Bashar) took over from his Granddad and the current one took over from his brother.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwb600bm66vB_seJWwe322VxlEy1MA1y9Vun1shmx5Rbrbn7Vs1OhZJfod4ifqipKoV8IT5l46OnwjukLizN-hnpYUN2fOhhzD86j7UEHr3Z6NB1CjOyhBeClitDPUaar4gObXif1Azc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.32.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwb600bm66vB_seJWwe322VxlEy1MA1y9Vun1shmx5Rbrbn7Vs1OhZJfod4ifqipKoV8IT5l46OnwjukLizN-hnpYUN2fOhhzD86j7UEHr3Z6NB1CjOyhBeClitDPUaar4gObXif1Azc/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.32.00+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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3. You cannot choose a successor while the emir is alive. This is actually an abomination. If an emir were to give up the throne to someone else, he has to be exiled from the emirate (self imposed or forced, he just cannot live there). If the emir is sick and wants a break, the throne can only be held temporarily and the holder has to be the Magajin gari, who sits on the emirate council or someone specially chosen by the kingmakers and if the emir dies while the temp is on the throne, a new selection has to take place from scratch using the criteria I mentioned above.<br />
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4. THE QUEEN!!! Omigosh, she was my least favourite character not just because of the story but her portrayal is so far off from how a queen of an emirate or caliphate is in real life.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Her Fashion! They did not try for the queen at all o! Please come to our fada and see how matar sarki dresses. They tried to give her an alkyabba towards the end, but alkyabbas are usually kept for outdoor ceremonial activities.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYqPQ1nChsMYvA9u0RQvHZqZCB-lMjgWH9WVz5ZTwbRtP2_92JxmnmpCQ-UD03lqjcT8PAcyRC_ujuUpMzx3cG6LJaLDdgtZ3u2i73QbaaCRcDFt8IuHf2MUSgrTfsdq03RlGGCguoxA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.33.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYqPQ1nChsMYvA9u0RQvHZqZCB-lMjgWH9WVz5ZTwbRtP2_92JxmnmpCQ-UD03lqjcT8PAcyRC_ujuUpMzx3cG6LJaLDdgtZ3u2i73QbaaCRcDFt8IuHf2MUSgrTfsdq03RlGGCguoxA/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.33.59+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>There is no way the queen and Waziri can meet secretly outdoors. The way our palaces are planned, it's not possible for a queen to have this kind of privacy without her servants and handmaidens and dogarai around. More realistically, she would summon him to her court and send everyone out. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMvpAgOMQVhEIm-mNjVbDOG7dMVxJNajc14cGzWaw22Gqm569_Ik4eCiZIP7_TsKhgNY-yRmVMVrHNoJ1NsV2v95zZf0HHYIqcKXQCB4fGES2h4M43rNyQW_RXUnflC9n4syI8jpXAAM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.17.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMvpAgOMQVhEIm-mNjVbDOG7dMVxJNajc14cGzWaw22Gqm569_Ik4eCiZIP7_TsKhgNY-yRmVMVrHNoJ1NsV2v95zZf0HHYIqcKXQCB4fGES2h4M43rNyQW_RXUnflC9n4syI8jpXAAM/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-02-06+at+6.17.06+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>She also won't lift heavy items, bring water to the emir with her own hands in public and she definitely won't be there while the palace is being swept, telling the servants to clean properly. Queens are quite regal and over pampered, this one felt a little too Jaguda, which kind of fits her evil role.</li>
</ul>
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<div>
5. There is no way a female servant will clean a prince's bedroom! Especially while he is still in it. A prince will have a host of male cleaners and attendants. Unless he is married, there is a line where females will not cross.</div>
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There really is no secrecy in the Royal court. Even if you bypass the palace guards and attendants, nothing will stay hidden from the servants unless they are specifically asked to give privacy.</div>
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Please don't get me wrong, this cultural analysis doesn't remove anything from the show at all! Just a few observations I've made and how in MY CULTURE, we do it a little differently.</div>
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That's it!</div>
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<b><u>Final Thoughts</u></b></div>
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Personally I would say SOTC is the best regional drama I have seen come out of Nigeria in a really long time! Well done to the Creators, Writers and Producers. It is so obvious that a lot of work went into this show and I am so thankful for that. </div>
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I have the complete season recorded on my DVR and I don't think I'll be deleting it anytime soon! Whenever I have guests looking for something to watch I find my self scrolling down to SOTC even though it ended months ago!</div>
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All in All, I'll give them a resounding </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">8/10</span></div>
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Can't wait for season 2!</div>
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So did you watch the original run of SOTC?</div>
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Who is your favourite? </div>
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Are you looking forward to the next season?</div>
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Let me know in the comments below!</div>
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xo xo </div>
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Ummi<br />
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<b>Disclaimer: The photos used in this blog post are not mine. They are either screen shots from Ebony Life TV's Youtube page or Promo photos from Ebony Life Tv's website.</b><br />
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<b>Yes, I actually paused and took screenshots from the trailers... I'm that nerdy!</b></div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com8Abuja, Nigeria9.0764785 7.39857400000005338.825586 7.0758505000000529 9.3273710000000012 7.7212975000000537tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-53306317955995064232017-01-19T19:11:00.000+01:002017-01-19T21:07:21.878+01:00The Best Homemade Potato Chips Ever! || No More Soggy Crisps || The Ultimate Chip Guide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMW4ijA2j_mHbiDKvB7xRQD7k6Fwco8FK0Ns2WvmPFsZLwO0fTG4ZozCihE0FDiP4CT2pOpPKuSbTgLtQlQmLDuejxbgy19fdUCseUTp6u9IZPQjTOEDmXK_4VC_BdOgmBXW7J8dn0wc/s1600/SPRINGTIME.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMW4ijA2j_mHbiDKvB7xRQD7k6Fwco8FK0Ns2WvmPFsZLwO0fTG4ZozCihE0FDiP4CT2pOpPKuSbTgLtQlQmLDuejxbgy19fdUCseUTp6u9IZPQjTOEDmXK_4VC_BdOgmBXW7J8dn0wc/s640/SPRINGTIME.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have ever attempted making potato chips youll know that it is one of the easiest fried foods to get wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One mis-step could ruin the entire mission. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The wrong cut?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The wrong process?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The wrong oil?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even the wrong kinda potato!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are many reasons why you should just say screw it and buy a bag of chips, but one reason why you should not:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No store bought chips will taste as good as homemade! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">FACT.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily you have me to help you with this easy to follow pictorial guide showing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">HOW TO GET THE PERFECT POTATO CHIP EVERYTIME!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL07xWL5wTdlB5wYhGefmOZXKCaafvRO_m2o3kpD2fmaEAxIooCePcHmDR2F9ALw6itBCeC7h_SML5yZ-GxjhkP7Tt73V6SooyNi6g3He0XNNFqAd7zEt9DFAIq3WDq7Iu9trdYfrEMZc/s1600/DSC01073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL07xWL5wTdlB5wYhGefmOZXKCaafvRO_m2o3kpD2fmaEAxIooCePcHmDR2F9ALw6itBCeC7h_SML5yZ-GxjhkP7Tt73V6SooyNi6g3He0XNNFqAd7zEt9DFAIq3WDq7Iu9trdYfrEMZc/s640/DSC01073.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I perfected this recipe during my university days and I haven't looked back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made this particular batch on a weekday afternoon for a beloved guest and would you believe me if I tell you it took me only about 20 minutes?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most difficult part is peeling the potatoes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's begin!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's what you need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">About 10 medium sized potatoes (peeled) make sure theyre similar in size. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A kettle of hot boiling water (1.5L)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oil to deep fry</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Any Seasoning of your choice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thats it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyDCPP2ZHLgPB0x2MBNCggHeODX-huW-ae9wHNZ9nLhoqDqd6aPUrlvUQYzgekjtGacsOKaIKQ52q-HK82BmNtwLClVlA__ZTJT4b1bdeHdYGGyJNUU96hxd8JeS7nxV0Wp2GxLpHA-0/s1600/DSC01050.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyDCPP2ZHLgPB0x2MBNCggHeODX-huW-ae9wHNZ9nLhoqDqd6aPUrlvUQYzgekjtGacsOKaIKQ52q-HK82BmNtwLClVlA__ZTJT4b1bdeHdYGGyJNUU96hxd8JeS7nxV0Wp2GxLpHA-0/s640/DSC01050.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">CRUCIAL STEP #1 - Slicing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Slice the potatoes into thin vertical slices.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unless youve got Iron chef level precision, don't use a knife!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Its impossible to get equal thickness with a knife. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Use a madoline slicer (V slicer), like I have up there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Haven't got one? You can use the side of a grater or even a potato peeler, though the chips might be too thin.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7TkqGQjKga6iJpHXhU9AkBGcfkCMwdwn2J1e7r-xylWTtnE2CzvFk-VFmR1Cc4k_cN9Ickfd3stI_MbB7rmoYMYH48GuIG-TQGt8enGuUe14y0mfsu4zs6JGXKWLfkrSWwGX9l1_Zh0/s1600/DSC01051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7TkqGQjKga6iJpHXhU9AkBGcfkCMwdwn2J1e7r-xylWTtnE2CzvFk-VFmR1Cc4k_cN9Ickfd3stI_MbB7rmoYMYH48GuIG-TQGt8enGuUe14y0mfsu4zs6JGXKWLfkrSWwGX9l1_Zh0/s640/DSC01051.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I used the thinnest attachment on my mandoline which gave me chips with 1 - 1.5mm thickness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Transfer the slices into a large bowl.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5alsQ_-nAfWgfDstw8YaiPYyUdxqR6nMRAwrf3A4Crd8DzK_hPSpYr7K8P1rmbhbIOHgnlex2n4o5l0cqSt7NE2ICwtiQ2DcvPDg6UzbTDOgrQz5z2vJ4B31OrNYQR4KdvlS4TgWmug/s1600/DSC01052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5alsQ_-nAfWgfDstw8YaiPYyUdxqR6nMRAwrf3A4Crd8DzK_hPSpYr7K8P1rmbhbIOHgnlex2n4o5l0cqSt7NE2ICwtiQ2DcvPDg6UzbTDOgrQz5z2vJ4B31OrNYQR4KdvlS4TgWmug/s640/DSC01052.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pour the kettle of boiling water over the slices and make sure the chips are completely submerged</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Use all the water!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7UwvfwUTz_9MtjU80KZt3vtWM4Yk6Q8Qk-WQtncc8Iyy2xcUXVNFgICjc6wrOKndOLi5-GU2Dq0SO01l7BvK8qj8DF7ap9AQOePGMpTQ2mvuRUE1dv1bge4_OgznkSeVmJ2BNnBIv7s/s1600/DSC01054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7UwvfwUTz_9MtjU80KZt3vtWM4Yk6Q8Qk-WQtncc8Iyy2xcUXVNFgICjc6wrOKndOLi5-GU2Dq0SO01l7BvK8qj8DF7ap9AQOePGMpTQ2mvuRUE1dv1bge4_OgznkSeVmJ2BNnBIv7s/s640/DSC01054.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Use a slotted spoon to swirl the water carefully, making sure the slices are not clumped together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We want every part of every chip to be exposed to the hot water</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8EL6TWO7elvFpgYDqEo8KA02n6V9OuafaYF1VMC9Jtg9yFXQkKFKMofaFyGkwDLt8Lra4CdfizH8e-PHccqhp4N7v6DHxYjIZJwuicS780gX41DFyO6_OnELwVtjn5qFJkWrRRr6Q8U/s1600/DSC01055.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8EL6TWO7elvFpgYDqEo8KA02n6V9OuafaYF1VMC9Jtg9yFXQkKFKMofaFyGkwDLt8Lra4CdfizH8e-PHccqhp4N7v6DHxYjIZJwuicS780gX41DFyO6_OnELwVtjn5qFJkWrRRr6Q8U/s640/DSC01055.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After abot 10 minutes or when the water gets cool enough for your hands, strain it out with a colander</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You'll notice instantly that the water is a little thick and sticky. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's the potato starch. Removing the starch yields a crispy batch of chips with no sogginess at all!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6HGutSvVrmmRk497J1rhYkni1SUkjUfibiX37lRCJxC28k0xVqICFgYBkae9OsunSf2fquU2Vy3VUEdd87bKKiDA8tjiKnY2-qsdoBcemjPIkLPNgrXucBp0R4RoGYcujM-C8rcfKLk/s1600/DSC01056.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6HGutSvVrmmRk497J1rhYkni1SUkjUfibiX37lRCJxC28k0xVqICFgYBkae9OsunSf2fquU2Vy3VUEdd87bKKiDA8tjiKnY2-qsdoBcemjPIkLPNgrXucBp0R4RoGYcujM-C8rcfKLk/s640/DSC01056.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rinse the chips under a running tap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Go in with your hands to separate the slices and ensure there is absolutely no stickiness left on the chips. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then inspect the slices</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rpAxEQsm3qVu8u8WJtLnvyvav0X36ZEvo543qLG9Xd3XJaRw68ORqgrb7KzFt_mK5zaXSD61V4YqS3qHTsFumiRV5Cqx8OmQuRjW_EvVeSNT3m3XjzdOjxaXo_y4TsjgFgwFskUm1cU/s1600/DSC01053.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rpAxEQsm3qVu8u8WJtLnvyvav0X36ZEvo543qLG9Xd3XJaRw68ORqgrb7KzFt_mK5zaXSD61V4YqS3qHTsFumiRV5Cqx8OmQuRjW_EvVeSNT3m3XjzdOjxaXo_y4TsjgFgwFskUm1cU/s640/DSC01053.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Notice any difference between these chips?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, you do! You're a smart cook!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The chip on the left looks thicker and opaque while the right looks thin and translucent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl19jFsCXiINvI3hZZVaKIWyNo___2V05wt6qKMjiVIp4WDiJiEEf0f6jgRECuLEZyHFeOMwjz4V8S9vnI9pQagKmWCTwB09MkdXL0cG9rXYmP2QWDGaFXiAJznM0yHty0Y_Ma7K34cH8/s1600/Diem.png" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl19jFsCXiINvI3hZZVaKIWyNo___2V05wt6qKMjiVIp4WDiJiEEf0f6jgRECuLEZyHFeOMwjz4V8S9vnI9pQagKmWCTwB09MkdXL0cG9rXYmP2QWDGaFXiAJznM0yHty0Y_Ma7K34cH8/s640/Diem.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The left is fresh cut chips while the right is after the hot water bath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At this point, you want all your chips to look like the right, which they should if you soaked them correctly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you fry your chips fresh cut, the starch will be released and you will have very soggy and oily chips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Starch levels vary between species of potatoes, so some might need less time while other might need more time in the water bath</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Just make sure you don't leave them in hot water for too long or elSe they'll break apart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Leave the chips in a colander for the water to drain before frying.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTambIEs1o_0aIORTeCgRNVAPQBdpCMzfhZlZfbHBb7sIzrg4lUIPWciUXh-pKiduEwNjBgFtaT_o3r5LcO4ReEQ8aDyV1Rv7WBCs0P_ZWVL4y1f1yFEOk7wdw3c6VEyzdz7KW8tvlGmg/s1600/DSC01057.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTambIEs1o_0aIORTeCgRNVAPQBdpCMzfhZlZfbHBb7sIzrg4lUIPWciUXh-pKiduEwNjBgFtaT_o3r5LcO4ReEQ8aDyV1Rv7WBCs0P_ZWVL4y1f1yFEOk7wdw3c6VEyzdz7KW8tvlGmg/s640/DSC01057.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If youre in a hurry (as I was), you can spread out ppaper towels</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4vRItLDG8nvT6oIxPpbyijrnSanSOj3JT2V0sOgMgO-3YW4h2HunFMqF0OR_wZsyLlTh9SpNEC83kz8RXgOz-X_YE6KQVHITjsG6f10vOF8FOX3l77cwDRIMyGP8FtIBgKtLhX50jnY/s1600/DSC01058.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4vRItLDG8nvT6oIxPpbyijrnSanSOj3JT2V0sOgMgO-3YW4h2HunFMqF0OR_wZsyLlTh9SpNEC83kz8RXgOz-X_YE6KQVHITjsG6f10vOF8FOX3l77cwDRIMyGP8FtIBgKtLhX50jnY/s640/DSC01058.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And lay out the chips one by one to absorb all the excess moisture.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkGkYOaLtWSn3LBX_s_34KEhDhSHpqP_9ZQr0lAUOW2WcVCZmpqsgwEUVWa-yyfimGF6irNcTMNijzmYAjWw-erOoDHrFY2cXVxpUqEbmFkFWvlEVGN2wxfniigYlCoSwhKh-fX7qWSs/s1600/DSC01059.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkGkYOaLtWSn3LBX_s_34KEhDhSHpqP_9ZQr0lAUOW2WcVCZmpqsgwEUVWa-yyfimGF6irNcTMNijzmYAjWw-erOoDHrFY2cXVxpUqEbmFkFWvlEVGN2wxfniigYlCoSwhKh-fX7qWSs/s640/DSC01059.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Use another paper towel to dab off the top surfaces and youre ready to fry.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlAMHAbyFudnf8fT12rb5VyqJPVAqycbaP29cOjFKXLIPqSiDQpT_lMBysCGTu_NQUIA-6cOPNB8cDMk59QS_hOAkz1f26HWKBUvSo1QcQ-5puZ9bYrK7omRbnwLr_jJWz_6NNu4X4TM/s1600/DSC01060.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlAMHAbyFudnf8fT12rb5VyqJPVAqycbaP29cOjFKXLIPqSiDQpT_lMBysCGTu_NQUIA-6cOPNB8cDMk59QS_hOAkz1f26HWKBUvSo1QcQ-5puZ9bYrK7omRbnwLr_jJWz_6NNu4X4TM/s640/DSC01060.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat your oil pan on high heat then return to medium for frying</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Use fresh oil or newish oil that has only been used for potatoes. Fresh is better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Test the oil. Its ready when a chip dropped in spreads flat open immediately. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That up there isn't.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVbdA15gFfNcdOYZSes3X-SiaTOlq4zNo2NBVzqf8D1d7y5SfAptFDYhRtIsaKjjX_MwvzStM4SZ4lrflKdVWHW5SnybFsqMIQO9GajdWko2JsODj80ql4MI33fjMi4Df8EBO_lhHPFs/s1600/DSC01061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVbdA15gFfNcdOYZSes3X-SiaTOlq4zNo2NBVzqf8D1d7y5SfAptFDYhRtIsaKjjX_MwvzStM4SZ4lrflKdVWHW5SnybFsqMIQO9GajdWko2JsODj80ql4MI33fjMi4Df8EBO_lhHPFs/s640/DSC01061.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Proceed to place your chips into the oil making sure the pan isnt overcrowded and chips don't overlap </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3757jLoE3G94kE1v8_8crOMsaCNjVsM1kBUd6gz-Ccc4UFBLxggU36F6t-sCoUBXcnKRPTHIoGufJxBvX5Hofo8WYH2sViIdnYgSFcI1bJpPi9iN83DTiKSlXb-_eC5FhdCX5e7q2zvA/s1600/DSC01064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3757jLoE3G94kE1v8_8crOMsaCNjVsM1kBUd6gz-Ccc4UFBLxggU36F6t-sCoUBXcnKRPTHIoGufJxBvX5Hofo8WYH2sViIdnYgSFcI1bJpPi9iN83DTiKSlXb-_eC5FhdCX5e7q2zvA/s640/DSC01064.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Turn constantly, making sure all the faces of the chips spend time in the oil.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMELGStFc3AEgqM9EqrE-K_ALEIQI7EIYFmFeCM3jRaQK-xAwzRLTa6uumTbJH2NXwY4KYbaL4SZf_j-gH-_y73wlylDvLVd-eestnLr51JWLqhV3yvkDhyphenhyphenYC04mFqmKK8L8-AdYoWq8/s1600/DSC01065.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMELGStFc3AEgqM9EqrE-K_ALEIQI7EIYFmFeCM3jRaQK-xAwzRLTa6uumTbJH2NXwY4KYbaL4SZf_j-gH-_y73wlylDvLVd-eestnLr51JWLqhV3yvkDhyphenhyphenYC04mFqmKK8L8-AdYoWq8/s640/DSC01065.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Almost done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You'll notice the chips beginning to curl around the edges when they're almost done.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_ax799VAlt-OYj8XKbmSn6jCDHFjpNqwdKvE7CIdX1M-RzrCn74_rB9tOwETWwqTT9CVfDnL260fRueBIxYTKgMIjfxclVSllQfdggZeEyBKbgfu89npJWSXF2KyVQKgJ5LBXlAeoi0/s1600/DSC01066.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_ax799VAlt-OYj8XKbmSn6jCDHFjpNqwdKvE7CIdX1M-RzrCn74_rB9tOwETWwqTT9CVfDnL260fRueBIxYTKgMIjfxclVSllQfdggZeEyBKbgfu89npJWSXF2KyVQKgJ5LBXlAeoi0/s640/DSC01066.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep checking constantly and returning them if necessary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The chips are done when the oil stops releasing air bubbles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It takes about 3-5 minutes to fry each batch and you have to make sure the oil is hot enough before starting another batch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out this photo below...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHB4MuZZJgjqKJ9df3738fc3Koah2D0P_aFjiM2NTdzH8L0aHRPOH5MCjlCfVXN-OfltIWdFnKqwtlKAB8BuduocSSUbwDu46PzX2UrtbKC64j6yHv5k2SaSBx-Wr0Lqk7GILrXDI2qg/s1600/DSC01068.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHB4MuZZJgjqKJ9df3738fc3Koah2D0P_aFjiM2NTdzH8L0aHRPOH5MCjlCfVXN-OfltIWdFnKqwtlKAB8BuduocSSUbwDu46PzX2UrtbKC64j6yHv5k2SaSBx-Wr0Lqk7GILrXDI2qg/s640/DSC01068.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">See the side of this chip looks curled and crisp , but the middle part? You can see its still translucent and bendy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My hands also look oily, right?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVdv39JaXYSMS0lEHO5lZaQSI5zhyn6XbT2mXtmF_c7vh6ARtdT0v26MPsAMWIxEOrd6hELU15fwx6MSpFW26nRw-2qZ4UmnWxRENnquUCJBJYXAqlVRoT8SQ4QZ15m3JsSapZMthAHE/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVdv39JaXYSMS0lEHO5lZaQSI5zhyn6XbT2mXtmF_c7vh6ARtdT0v26MPsAMWIxEOrd6hELU15fwx6MSpFW26nRw-2qZ4UmnWxRENnquUCJBJYXAqlVRoT8SQ4QZ15m3JsSapZMthAHE/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This chip is not ready. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A cooked chip cannot hold onto oil like this, even when its freshly out of oil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It needs another minute or two in the hot oil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your chip is cooked when it is golden brown and opaque from the edge to the middle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like this!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2aPmu4UCiTRNKYekmHhrMdzBnamVTI82h9AhdeUN8OwzaxN-I9IoyYEruT6mzztfOPKAAjRtwHYqZZlhdacjjRsvdPb2C5UWYqs7W25nkkeH9WUXnyW5Gx6sXrfWMicq1a_OgH-7VJk/s1600/DSC01067+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2aPmu4UCiTRNKYekmHhrMdzBnamVTI82h9AhdeUN8OwzaxN-I9IoyYEruT6mzztfOPKAAjRtwHYqZZlhdacjjRsvdPb2C5UWYqs7W25nkkeH9WUXnyW5Gx6sXrfWMicq1a_OgH-7VJk/s640/DSC01067+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh my goodness! This is what love is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Light</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Crispy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Golden brown.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysZrJxn1T3MUM2EYc0l61xLEiYiHxbcMCCyrN31AOgVBNRXPfv6fOFmjLMQr_EAceyJ4KLq_GFrz2_lGbg2L6za4lYCAnYaMaHpjeoOPTkIMW9GJQLubpw6FLTicZPCC-iR8h0A0Lj1A/s1600/DSC01067.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysZrJxn1T3MUM2EYc0l61xLEiYiHxbcMCCyrN31AOgVBNRXPfv6fOFmjLMQr_EAceyJ4KLq_GFrz2_lGbg2L6za4lYCAnYaMaHpjeoOPTkIMW9GJQLubpw6FLTicZPCC-iR8h0A0Lj1A/s640/DSC01067.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Leave the chips to drain and cool off on a paper lined tray or airy basket.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Airy is the keyword.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the chip cools it gets crispier and crispier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Use this time to make your seasoning.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVb0WhRAcSMXR9m2HxjMTOU9EqjLDaU9zvsZ9N3ILcVNzpY85GFuIKWj2AJcJ97OFVlo8K5ljrdwScIpR1xzHL374fmMb26P60K-Op5R9h1wVx5Ldbia41N9XVZz7aPYqMb3ewNqrzhI/s1600/DSC01063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVb0WhRAcSMXR9m2HxjMTOU9EqjLDaU9zvsZ9N3ILcVNzpY85GFuIKWj2AJcJ97OFVlo8K5ljrdwScIpR1xzHL374fmMb26P60K-Op5R9h1wVx5Ldbia41N9XVZz7aPYqMb3ewNqrzhI/s640/DSC01063.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a small mortar, I combined:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Blackpepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Onion powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Garlic powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paprika</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 a maggi cube</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And pulverized them even more to make a very fine powder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The finer the powder, the more flavour clings on to the chips.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJsmB29O_0RNzqLCDmihuEiII2Eexam9js-_O66oTBiZD3Tr57bj88v8IpV6-zmgx31VrXrAVdgM787jnw4A89GEgd-2i020hJoyDd8i52VA5s2WYx5Sbsk2BbVnGS0MutGdEwGB5-AA/s1600/DSC01062.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJsmB29O_0RNzqLCDmihuEiII2Eexam9js-_O66oTBiZD3Tr57bj88v8IpV6-zmgx31VrXrAVdgM787jnw4A89GEgd-2i020hJoyDd8i52VA5s2WYx5Sbsk2BbVnGS0MutGdEwGB5-AA/s640/DSC01062.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's what I ended up with. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgd6Fx5JJukbtqcGgZygz6jCQzgNIkITScQvfFRHnSBdeepnZ4ptw4NhOXzzqiDNzIC_KMJbJ53mVRbkF4G_qImoUWDBwuVvgzPw7ZPwMNqnBm3rahfqyS7hUhfC_5rSsFK43dYN62_E/s1600/DSC01070+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgd6Fx5JJukbtqcGgZygz6jCQzgNIkITScQvfFRHnSBdeepnZ4ptw4NhOXzzqiDNzIC_KMJbJ53mVRbkF4G_qImoUWDBwuVvgzPw7ZPwMNqnBm3rahfqyS7hUhfC_5rSsFK43dYN62_E/s640/DSC01070+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I sprinkled it onto the chips a little at a time.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSIMWcivxTnDNxYNXYDajXw3NFuB3nLZPx5jdxYISbtwkC6ZZjfa1ULqVSyxx45SSwlDl4qbpFA-_0et1ZHqMoXy_nEfaG-UFQAbNKgw6LsN4nmlO2CWjBFVvw4GjAy0xLqX_7K9ZO2k/s1600/DSC01070.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSIMWcivxTnDNxYNXYDajXw3NFuB3nLZPx5jdxYISbtwkC6ZZjfa1ULqVSyxx45SSwlDl4qbpFA-_0et1ZHqMoXy_nEfaG-UFQAbNKgw6LsN4nmlO2CWjBFVvw4GjAy0xLqX_7K9ZO2k/s640/DSC01070.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A little goes a long way and I ended up using less than half of the spice mix.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR4dEKb7IxpUjjoGFa9PaY4tq9v5Qz27oEhXnvpCtnMbWnxPjbL4323o5ImJSAcjZ9dCDxWYmwhxt1hMhqawlDjhxOYIHnfgSJ0xE0DM68t_y5MRGKb4Dwq25jpFnIGOZgjp-uc-jtPo/s1600/DSC01071.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR4dEKb7IxpUjjoGFa9PaY4tq9v5Qz27oEhXnvpCtnMbWnxPjbL4323o5ImJSAcjZ9dCDxWYmwhxt1hMhqawlDjhxOYIHnfgSJ0xE0DM68t_y5MRGKb4Dwq25jpFnIGOZgjp-uc-jtPo/s640/DSC01071.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it! You're done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I served mine as a side to go with Jamaican jerk kebabs and pickles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My guest loved it very very much and when she asked 'Where did you buy these chips from? They're amazing!'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I couldn't hep but feel proud of my little old self for coming up with this last minute treat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These would go amazing with a nice cream cheese dip, salsa, gucamole or even sweet chilli. The possibilities are endless. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C_qRrtsZdu0K3XxzckiuS4Sm_53jMtEuQF_hx9_hbvqVc0vnsBVYXvzNiFYLcI6YKLg1D7GEXGHsSect2VJYjaxEK7y9RgfvPv_JkO8Hf4sq-woDq2vzWfWpIYS5mojgFelfpXrw9VQ/s1600/DSC01074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1C_qRrtsZdu0K3XxzckiuS4Sm_53jMtEuQF_hx9_hbvqVc0vnsBVYXvzNiFYLcI6YKLg1D7GEXGHsSect2VJYjaxEK7y9RgfvPv_JkO8Hf4sq-woDq2vzWfWpIYS5mojgFelfpXrw9VQ/s640/DSC01074.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I gave half to our guest, ate a handful, gave baby R another handful and kept the rest for the husband. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can you believe this little angel after finishing her portion went and fished out her dad's portion from where I hid it and finished his too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All he got were broken chips and crumbs to taste and when she saw the crumbs she went after them too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even after licking the plate she followed me to the kitchen asking for more!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can't say I blame her, these chips are absolutely delish!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_W83KeIzdHRXC3CMVRJZXipfmS7ro7UYBieUrSq69ntJcgmRGBJ8BG4amGf_wJHcGA2tz0INMlijoQzpptPXSynPcMNpDhbzRqCzXosazpVBygqtzTRIu8KHIXyx9Qnnwz8vNFKyhqts/s1600/DSC01073.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_W83KeIzdHRXC3CMVRJZXipfmS7ro7UYBieUrSq69ntJcgmRGBJ8BG4amGf_wJHcGA2tz0INMlijoQzpptPXSynPcMNpDhbzRqCzXosazpVBygqtzTRIu8KHIXyx9Qnnwz8vNFKyhqts/s640/DSC01073.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Give them a try and let me know how it goes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Trust me, you'll never look at store bought chips the same way again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it guys!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Did you enjoy this recipe?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you also make your own chips?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever had trouble frying your own chips?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me know in the comments below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take care!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lots of crispy love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ummi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">x o x o</span></div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com11Abuja, Nigeria9.0764785 7.39857400000005338.825586 7.0758505000000529 9.3273710000000012 7.7212975000000537tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-50099938452451483292017-01-14T11:00:00.000+01:002017-01-14T11:00:12.245+01:00Why Does My Skin Break Out in Dry Weather || 5 key suspects in my Harmattan Break Outs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEtRotrQ_ydCHk8esw3395QmKbYk_2KMlNWIJPOmJEMzEwA8-WmxKWqTxz596kZLYRBW4eeyRHLbqzfQx3UNLypnksO2gLjkT7KvgWKno7kRqd7VIdXYoEKOXRzdehxkUFHLDuNI367U/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEtRotrQ_ydCHk8esw3395QmKbYk_2KMlNWIJPOmJEMzEwA8-WmxKWqTxz596kZLYRBW4eeyRHLbqzfQx3UNLypnksO2gLjkT7KvgWKno7kRqd7VIdXYoEKOXRzdehxkUFHLDuNI367U/s200/logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
So two weeks ago I'm scrubbing my face with my DIY dilke body scrub (coming soon!) and I feel a little, painful bump.<br />
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What's this? A pimple? No way!<br />
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But I've been good, haven't I?<br />
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I hadn't had a break out in over 10 months!<br />
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So I became more serious and made sure I was sticking to my daily routine while being cautious and less aggressive to my sensitive skin.<br />
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That should help control the pimples right?<br />
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WRONG!<br />
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As we speak my forehead is quite bumpy with at least 3 mini clusters of raised skin. There's also a little cluster on both cheeks and one on my chin.<br />
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*breathing hot air*<br />
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But I was being so good!<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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Wait, hold on, didn't this <a href="http://ummithrowsahissyfit.blogspot.com.ng/2016/02/my-first-oriflame-purchase.html" target="_blank">happen last year</a>? January, to be precise!<br />
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Rewind a little, I think it happened in January 2015 too! 2014 doesn't count because I was heavily preggers and and my face resembled sand paper, but all the Januaries after that have been a little pimply.<br />
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What is it with January (The month I was born!!!) and break outs?</div>
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Well, in Nigeria January is smack in the middle of Harmattan season, which is very dry, windy, dusty and often cooler than other months.</div>
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Could this be the reason my skin is at its worst during Harmattan?</div>
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Lets rule out the constants: PCOS, Hormonal Changes and my oily/combination skin are constant all year round.</div>
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What changes?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEtRotrQ_ydCHk8esw3395QmKbYk_2KMlNWIJPOmJEMzEwA8-WmxKWqTxz596kZLYRBW4eeyRHLbqzfQx3UNLypnksO2gLjkT7KvgWKno7kRqd7VIdXYoEKOXRzdehxkUFHLDuNI367U/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEtRotrQ_ydCHk8esw3395QmKbYk_2KMlNWIJPOmJEMzEwA8-WmxKWqTxz596kZLYRBW4eeyRHLbqzfQx3UNLypnksO2gLjkT7KvgWKno7kRqd7VIdXYoEKOXRzdehxkUFHLDuNI367U/s200/logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Let's discuss 5 reasons why I'm blaming Harmattan for my breakouts!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM0BEEZhRQxl3ufUu-uILET2R2FKYVyvLr5Zlq9yBt1VURIVxBifsg5frKRw8hcknVHDiSU1uLu7qMJKoNt1EVC4udp0c2lII2Qz_vgVJymyacYM8ejp6TNMusGntAkwV2praGyoWN0Y/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM0BEEZhRQxl3ufUu-uILET2R2FKYVyvLr5Zlq9yBt1VURIVxBifsg5frKRw8hcknVHDiSU1uLu7qMJKoNt1EVC4udp0c2lII2Qz_vgVJymyacYM8ejp6TNMusGntAkwV2praGyoWN0Y/s1600/1.png" /></a></div>
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<b>HAIR PRODUCTS:</b></div>
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Dry Season = Dry Hair = More Hair Products. I should've known this al along. My hair gets super dry and coarse when there's no humidity so I usually switch from Coconut oil (which is light) to shea butter and Castor oil (thick oil). </div>
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I also noticed I only have pimples on my forehead and my cheeks. None on my nose, which is an oily area. </div>
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I'm very hairy (Hirsutism <strike>rocks</strike>!) and my hairline touches my brows from the sides and I also have side burns that go down to my jaws. Now that I look at it, most of my pimples are localised within an inch or two of my hairline!</div>
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<b>SOLUTION:</b></div>
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I need to get me one of these ASAP!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOLvdgGkMTt7Sl2xMlUETN9F9qPBn4w50QIcOC6ohRbP0J1RdMWCnzd6egg52XD-oJ9flOA9nUYUq3TVFHoUSx9qHCs_6bTvvLzoXSAvXaKRUOBTPv7EozH9D__UKOdf5USURiXhsL74/s1600/610a2CglQkL._SX522_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOLvdgGkMTt7Sl2xMlUETN9F9qPBn4w50QIcOC6ohRbP0J1RdMWCnzd6egg52XD-oJ9flOA9nUYUq3TVFHoUSx9qHCs_6bTvvLzoXSAvXaKRUOBTPv7EozH9D__UKOdf5USURiXhsL74/s320/610a2CglQkL._SX522_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think I'll wear it at night and around the house all day and hopefully it'll prevent the oil from melting down my face. </div>
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Since it contains oil, I have to also wash it daily! </div>
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Maybe I should get two! Or three!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4m35WswAPjaplndOHvsdsQvZpu-22TQEck7-ETOPNwfJG7RBAJtuC28avgvYZZ-i9_AY6mhN0yj_xCjO_5CKrUAhs2LSOa2LSigjKfSGW2xC5A-KIAlDUNvUQk8orYdSsILfr3KvdK8/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4m35WswAPjaplndOHvsdsQvZpu-22TQEck7-ETOPNwfJG7RBAJtuC28avgvYZZ-i9_AY6mhN0yj_xCjO_5CKrUAhs2LSOa2LSigjKfSGW2xC5A-KIAlDUNvUQk8orYdSsILfr3KvdK8/s1600/2.png" /></a></div>
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<b>PARTY SEASON:</b></div>
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Let's see, how many weddings did I attend in December/January? Well, much more than the total number of weddings I attended all year, that's for sure! Then there's Office parties and special birthdays and your favourite out of towners are visiting, so you're taking them out more often! </div>
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Bottom line is you're getting dressed and glamming up much more than you used to making...</div>
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Party Season = Make Up season! </div>
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I went from only wearing a full face of make up 2 to 3 times a week to glamming up almost daily over a two week period!</div>
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Even though I always remove my make up before going to bed, there are nights when we get home and 1am and all you're thinking about is rushing to bed, so your face won't be as clean as it should be...</div>
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Skin doesn't get time to breath and all that prodding and rubbing causes inflammations causing blocked pores and all that jazz! *sigh*</div>
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<b>SOLUTION: </b></div>
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I'm letting my skin breathe this January! No foundation till my birthday (Jan. 29th!) My studio fix powder should be okay.</div>
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I also clean my makeup brushed much more regularly now. I now wash my beauty blender BEFORE and AFTER each use instead of only AFTER use.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFFSHwunW6sn7koojaD2bSxJYoJxVD6_bC_bGzXZu6yh0r2d7XoclU91qOzMmA387FiTnPSSAj5iWZbyoSezx_K1Hp55Q8nK_xz5smAvhPtq9XFU1omDLnCDPXAXv_P-PcBRMNH65wHE/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFFSHwunW6sn7koojaD2bSxJYoJxVD6_bC_bGzXZu6yh0r2d7XoclU91qOzMmA387FiTnPSSAj5iWZbyoSezx_K1Hp55Q8nK_xz5smAvhPtq9XFU1omDLnCDPXAXv_P-PcBRMNH65wHE/s1600/3.png" /></a></div>
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<b>DRY AIR:</b></div>
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There's pretty much no humidity in the air both indoors and outdoors and this really dries my skin out. Dry skin = Dead skin cells that can clog pores and trap sebum, leading to breakouts! </div>
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<b>SOLUTIONS:</b></div>
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I exfoliated my skin yesterday using a glycolic acid peel and oh, I instantly felt an improvement . Exfoliation really works and that is why I love doing a dilke scrub once in a while. Skin feels soft and refreshed instantly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHPSKygjYY8jrQnlugvocer9P_96mQbvVza8btYM9Eilx_k1x8T6ZL75RpJRBM7BIBSwACKOh04PJ65ArzoQt6o_uD1oLlrRCVVvA-9aZsOKz0TKpvEg2v7AKcKE3llrWQhistfEsl80/s1600/496be3a0-fd18-4d42-a694-ec60a76a58b7_1.64dce286920f2bb70a68645b73bc6324.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHPSKygjYY8jrQnlugvocer9P_96mQbvVza8btYM9Eilx_k1x8T6ZL75RpJRBM7BIBSwACKOh04PJ65ArzoQt6o_uD1oLlrRCVVvA-9aZsOKz0TKpvEg2v7AKcKE3llrWQhistfEsl80/s320/496be3a0-fd18-4d42-a694-ec60a76a58b7_1.64dce286920f2bb70a68645b73bc6324.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm also going to be turning on my humidifier more often! I bought one of these ones when Baby R had tonsillitis. We use it from time to time and now that I know humidity helps my skin, I'm going to be turning it on all night. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpZlryYq9TQGl6Wjgjp51KRqofEQnTpywIxTFEorQiszjYOJQCMAGyrk7_wpbkXhQYslbnuy0rvTayhTexMLLCq0JTu2VHkwJ8yyuwUz7C-4Qaht5ht4yrlNLnpdJQpWmNiyE3lqJO80/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpZlryYq9TQGl6Wjgjp51KRqofEQnTpywIxTFEorQiszjYOJQCMAGyrk7_wpbkXhQYslbnuy0rvTayhTexMLLCq0JTu2VHkwJ8yyuwUz7C-4Qaht5ht4yrlNLnpdJQpWmNiyE3lqJO80/s1600/4.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>INCONSISTENCY:</b></div>
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Sometimes, being away from home can really throw me off my normal routine. Like at home my cleanser is always beside my toothbrush so I apply cleanser, brush my teeth and then wash it off; its almost robotic. But since we've been in Kano and Daura for most of the holiday, I wasn't in my zone so I didn't exfoliate at all and well, sometimes, I didn't even use a toner after cleanser! *yikes!*</div>
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Also, all these dilke and kurkum scrubs can be a little tedious when I'm in a hurry so sometimes I give my weekly facials a miss.</div>
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<b>SOLUTION</b></div>
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This year I plan on making a Beauty Calendar that'll include hair, skin and other feminine type things. I work well with calendars and planners, so I'm hoping it'll keep me consistent. *fingers crossed*</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WzWIAgsK5VqEmGbHOuOhHUhVQY4gw6nfzCh3d0plnwDsPHXosPOdIrbI8vXiJGwcaM2z76R1qp8o6mN-f8HWm2EtQSqFPbSghRHfSRPHm-apZxtxwSvHomrw3upXrNCXzyYXcvA5D7k/s1600/Breakouts+in+dry+season.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WzWIAgsK5VqEmGbHOuOhHUhVQY4gw6nfzCh3d0plnwDsPHXosPOdIrbI8vXiJGwcaM2z76R1qp8o6mN-f8HWm2EtQSqFPbSghRHfSRPHm-apZxtxwSvHomrw3upXrNCXzyYXcvA5D7k/s1600/Breakouts+in+dry+season.png" /></a></div>
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<b>HARD WATER</b><br />
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<a href="http://widget5.linkwithin.com/redirect?url=http%3A//ummithrowsahissyfit.blogspot.com/2015/02/10-things-you-need-to-know-before.html&rtype=&vars=%5B%22http%3A//ummithrowsahissyfit.blogspot.com.ng/%22%2C%201761781%2C%201%2C%20%22http%3A//ummithrowsahissyfit.blogspot.com/2017/01/road-trip-photos-daura-kano-dec-2016.html%22%2C%20442563208%2C%202%2C%20398463445%5D&ts=1484352568417" target="_blank">We moved</a> to our current district almost two years ago, and immediately we noticed the water is so different!<br />
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I would spare you a photo of the residue that's left behind when soap mixes with this hard water of ours. The water contains heavy minerals, making if difficult for other substances to dissolve in it. Whats left is a film of sticky residue, so we end up using more soap, more detergent, more cleanser which can seriously irritate skin. Its so obvious on Baby R's feet, cos her toe nails appear brittle and the skin on her feet is often dry and peeling.<br />
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Let's just say the entire family now suffers dry scalps, coarse hair and, as I noticed dry skin.<br />
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From a physiological stand point, dry and irritated skin thats been stripped off all its natural oils will cause a negative feedback system because on noticing excessive dryness, the body overcompensates by producing excess oil leading to more clogged pores.<br />
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Apparently even our clothing and linen washed with hard water can further irritate our skin and even lead to dermatitis, which I've had in the past and it sucks majorly. *sigh*<br />
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<b>SOLUTION</b><br />
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We are currently looking for a lasting solution to the problem. We might have to just install a water softener in the tanks and call it a day. Until then... well, I just have to deal with it. sigh<br />
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That's it guys! These are the five things I'm suspecting are responsible for my current break out and I am currently working on a new routine to help me tackle them swiftly. </div>
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My birthday is on the 29th and I don't want any blemishes on this very special milestone birthday of mine! *sigh*</div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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I hope you find my tips helpful for you too.</div>
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Any questions? leave them in the comments below.</div>
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Lot's of Windy love!</div>
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Ummmi</div>
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x o x o</div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com4Abuja, Nigeria9.0764785 7.39857400000005338.825586 7.0758505000000529 9.3273710000000012 7.7212975000000537tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-90934298484370026702017-01-09T23:44:00.002+01:002017-01-09T23:44:36.100+01:00Malfunction? Its just armpit hair!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So here I am minding my business, procrastinating on writing chapter 26 of Who Is Anisa Haque and instead hopping from site to site to catch up on all the blogs I missed over the weekend when I came across something that really pissed me off.<br />
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So I'm on Miss Ikeji's blog when I see the title...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2YuA2n6yI-gm7qjfpE293S-d-DGOc43XDY5C4CWHDnlX7_j9C7tyC96YmnsxbxUjpPjVJPNuJNIkEt8aVDe9ah9I3eD8lflYvt0Ncb1VhETZx8He3SsYLTqwlE1Txtfk6Za8U4WdP2c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-09+at+7.24.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2YuA2n6yI-gm7qjfpE293S-d-DGOc43XDY5C4CWHDnlX7_j9C7tyC96YmnsxbxUjpPjVJPNuJNIkEt8aVDe9ah9I3eD8lflYvt0Ncb1VhETZx8He3SsYLTqwlE1Txtfk6Za8U4WdP2c/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-01-09+at+7.24.52+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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Malfunction, Really?<br />
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Since when is having axillary hair, a natural, protective phenomenon of the amazing human body a malfunction?<br />
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Miss Ikeji then proceeded to zoom in on Lola Kirke's underarm, presumably to show us the "gross" details of said unshaven under arm. The horror!<br />
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I decided to see what the inter web was saying and can you believe Lola actually received death threats? Over HER CHOICE not to shave her armpits? Is it that serious?<br />
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All I could think of was that Julia Robert's shot at the premier of Notting Hill in 1999. It is now 2017, 18 years! Girls, are we still on this?<br />
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I guess I'm just sick of the double standard. Picture a man (read; hollywood hunk, maybe a Hemsworth brother) striking a sexy, shirtless pose maybe with his hand over his head and smouldering eyes. He's most likely going to be unshaven in the pits and everyone (read; media, crazy internet people, bloggers) would swoon at this rugged stud.<br />
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'He's so real and natural!' they'd fan themselves incessantly.<br />
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No one would call him names or even call him out on having armpit hair.<br />
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Why then are women constantly hounded by the media when they do the same? It's her body and her choice. Must we always conform to your standards? Absolutely not! Do you and let everyone else do as they see fit. Lola having hair doesn't make your hair grow or even stink. It's not your business to send her death threats as you pig out on your couch watching the Golden globes.<br />
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What's my point, I'm sure you're wondering?<br />
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How about we stop body shaming?<br />
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How about we stop forcing women to fit into an unnatural standard?<br />
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How about we start minding our businesses and allow other people to be themselves without castigating them?<br />
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How about allowing women to be their real self?<br />
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How about we let Lola grow her armpit hair?<br />
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It's okay to shave your hair.<br />
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It's okay to NOT shave your hair.<br />
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It's okay to NOT let the world make such decisions for you. Own your body!<br />
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It should not be a big deal that a fellow human being has armpit hair.<br />
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Linda Ikeji loves to parade herself as a role model for women in Nigeria but her blog is so notorious for body shaming, cyber bullying (in the past), perpetuating false stereotypes and setting her minions loose against anyone who responds or reacts to her false reports.<br />
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She posts ads that ridicule women with "flabby stomachs" and men with "performance anxiety."<br />
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If you really want to be a role model, how about you educate yourself and understand issues that relate to the young women that frequent your blog and are responsible for your success as a gossip blogger.<br />
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Sadly, Linda's wasn't the only blog to poke fun at Lola. Several people did and I just don't get it.<br />
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The negatives....<br />
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American actress,Lola kirk hit red carpet with weavon attachment in her armpits <a href="https://t.co/EYNfIkjZPj">https://t.co/EYNfIkjZPj</a> <a href="https://t.co/5jXgTiRVtX">pic.twitter.com/5jXgTiRVtX</a></div>
— joel williams blog (@jwb_official_) <a href="https://twitter.com/jwb_official_/status/818564621766246404">January 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Really? Weavon? Witty :|<br />
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Actress, Lola Kirke Flashes Gross Armpit at Golden Globe Red Carpet (Photos). <a href="https://t.co/2bqannM0do">https://t.co/2bqannM0do</a></div>
— Spilled News (@spillednews) <a href="https://twitter.com/spillednews/status/818541455522156544">January 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Gross, only if it's on a woman. Sexy when its on a man, huh?<br />
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Just clicked on one of those stories from an awards show on snapchat... this chick had armpit hair... I just threw up in my mouth a Lil 😷😷😷</div>
— Bryan (@BartlettBryan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BartlettBryan/status/818530862555860992">January 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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And then you like, swallowed it? Who is gross now?<br />
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Here's my take.<br />
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Armpit hair on women brings out such hyperbolic reactions lol.</div>
— ✨O.T. CHENISIS ✨ (@__cheniseK) <a href="https://twitter.com/__cheniseK/status/818510060485832704">January 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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And it really shouldn't! Women are humans too! Hair grows, get over it.<br />
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So many people say it's gross and other rude stuff. it's not disgusting for a woman to have armpit hair. It's normal. She's human too. <a href="https://t.co/ZlFa4Ph0CK">pic.twitter.com/ZlFa4Ph0CK</a></div>
— ️️️️️️️️️️️️ (@mileyslayaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/mileyslayaf/status/818500688732979200">January 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Thank you! Tell them.</div>
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Can ppl just chill & let Lola Kirke hav normal human functions like, idk, hair on her body(?!) w/o calling it a "wardrobe malfunction"</div>
— charlotte (@CharlotteRajah) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlotteRajah/status/818567055486124033">January 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
I think the word "Malfunction" is actually offensive.<br />
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someone literally took the time to write an article for the daily mail's snap about a woman's armpit hair...as if body hair isn't normal??</div>
— Sammy Herring (@sammyherringg) <a href="https://twitter.com/sammyherringg/status/818574040889696256">January 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-50711710949175214042017-01-03T10:00:00.000+01:002017-01-03T10:00:20.420+01:00Road Trip Photos || Daura + Kano (Dec 2016) Part 1 || Back to Our Roots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZrfFlBKLQG9konIHS0SvhWFowVBG_c7g7Hk1ypQd7_eIbLeIabzZMz-z1SFltTQj2JO_TWRkOqUClm_AE22Izn70czQyYBRifaQaZNSLNUd4E7wI1z5AfvSHTmUdeupm_7WaT9JcCZM/s1600/back+to+our+roots.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZrfFlBKLQG9konIHS0SvhWFowVBG_c7g7Hk1ypQd7_eIbLeIabzZMz-z1SFltTQj2JO_TWRkOqUClm_AE22Izn70czQyYBRifaQaZNSLNUd4E7wI1z5AfvSHTmUdeupm_7WaT9JcCZM/s640/back+to+our+roots.png" width="422" /></a></div>
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Hey there!</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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Hope you had a nice and relaxing holiday season. </div>
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Ours was packed. </div>
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Fun and stressful, but hey, we can't complain.</div>
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Awesome memories were made.</div>
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Since everyone had some time off, we decided to travel to the grandparents and great grandparents.</div>
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Thank you for all the comments on our last road trip post. I tried to get some good shots this time but it was hard to stabilise the cam through the tinted windows of a moving vehicle.</div>
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This time, we went to Daura first for three days and then Kano for four days.</div>
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We went via the Abuja - Jere - Kaduna - Zaria - Hunkuyi - Malumfashi - Kusada - Ingawa - Daura Route which isn't my favourite. I prefer the Kano route but since I was hitching a ride with the parents, I had no choice. </div>
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As Jenifa would say: "A beggar he has choose?"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9rLTLzoGE-JKQ8HnafYUwOcxQg2CQ1ZGimi_YGGj6z1jwlkUciHgZsEKkVLTUEjyA86EJaKJnps4ojUj_rhnLuYymG0JqddZdBVWPh5XZ0xKKQ1MUT7nQgdjCddE8_CDEfJV-qPnufg/s1600/DSC01358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9rLTLzoGE-JKQ8HnafYUwOcxQg2CQ1ZGimi_YGGj6z1jwlkUciHgZsEKkVLTUEjyA86EJaKJnps4ojUj_rhnLuYymG0JqddZdBVWPh5XZ0xKKQ1MUT7nQgdjCddE8_CDEfJV-qPnufg/s640/DSC01358.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can I just say I'm in love with Hunkuyi? It's a small town on the border of Kaduna and Katsina states and oh my, they have some of the freshest, organic veggies in the country.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kbzWynjXPK-rsT9cWmXmjCIqXy61KntzotwPFnPHBG_IlCD2DZryG9CPebUeIhgVJxkUskZkskSNEA9Ci1KqB0a4ueParBO7Z23vagutnIfNNEL19ig-wBnspKTt8baT1t9vNrUxOqI/s1600/DSC01359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kbzWynjXPK-rsT9cWmXmjCIqXy61KntzotwPFnPHBG_IlCD2DZryG9CPebUeIhgVJxkUskZkskSNEA9Ci1KqB0a4ueParBO7Z23vagutnIfNNEL19ig-wBnspKTt8baT1t9vNrUxOqI/s640/DSC01359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are many roadside stalls like this one and the veg are ridiculously cheap! Like, 200 naira for 4 large heads of cabbage! </div>
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200 for 10 medium sized cucumbers! and this was probably the inflated price for travellers! Imagine how cheap they'll be if you went to the actual village markets...</div>
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300 naira for a large tray of carrots! *sigh* we are being robbed in Abuja, daylight robbery!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8EYm-ZtIV6f26BM-vGoHpacH5fvTWdpxnb2xKWBmhL8od_0nV0yGBCoxczr23eHR6Av_06mw9tlleE-SE0OPlf2G0L5mDaWcFlR5qF-kIhisJ0Q0ozWZglZ0EWo2HtObnpTVu_qlcA4/s1600/DSC01361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8EYm-ZtIV6f26BM-vGoHpacH5fvTWdpxnb2xKWBmhL8od_0nV0yGBCoxczr23eHR6Av_06mw9tlleE-SE0OPlf2G0L5mDaWcFlR5qF-kIhisJ0Q0ozWZglZ0EWo2HtObnpTVu_qlcA4/s640/DSC01361.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The veggies are actually being grown by the roadside. Like in this photo you can see the cabbage patches by the roadside.</div>
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The rainy season has recently ended, so 'kayan miya' like tomatoes, red peppers, scotch bonnet peppers are in abundance. They are are preserved by being spread across the horizon to air dry and then packaged in sacks to be sold now, or kept till periods of scarcity.</div>
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The heat and wind by the roadside will dry them in no time.</div>
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A roadside dry tomato/pepper market</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-B5GJf5qqzDivVQaF_gcSFWxXtI2gCrqeS5a0H5_oW6w42qXq-SaQDUIXA4Vp9l0_Iih_fbtnnKNUgEV4TsdPNrxcTO4-olji17OJOI0z1QrXCm49oi0aeXVXi9ZCj8YuZ7p8cxJnDg/s1600/DSC01379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-B5GJf5qqzDivVQaF_gcSFWxXtI2gCrqeS5a0H5_oW6w42qXq-SaQDUIXA4Vp9l0_Iih_fbtnnKNUgEV4TsdPNrxcTO4-olji17OJOI0z1QrXCm49oi0aeXVXi9ZCj8YuZ7p8cxJnDg/s640/DSC01379.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Negotiations</div>
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Packaging</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJsOJUFB_l9Zek5NSAsZhyphenhyphenUECEHWDTzWL2BOHj0knwVBbGwV4n56Mz8OTz5vBub1_ur4G2TU5UxgkLIkPuycl1arkZexcsfRhdCSz1-HVJgpzy4vi6uZgbxIIAlUa4kY9E8lY6diJDwU/s1600/DSC01381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJsOJUFB_l9Zek5NSAsZhyphenhyphenUECEHWDTzWL2BOHj0knwVBbGwV4n56Mz8OTz5vBub1_ur4G2TU5UxgkLIkPuycl1arkZexcsfRhdCSz1-HVJgpzy4vi6uZgbxIIAlUa4kY9E8lY6diJDwU/s640/DSC01381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These baskets are used for fresh tomatoes to be sent to the south of the country. </div>
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We arrived Daura at 7;30 after leaving Abuja at 11 and so many detours. Quite good.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ16RWqru7BPzcLf-qnKI98yJ9DRcOM7eU3KYrhNH3VAeWfir4K6UR2Qtjx-Fn7j8W8b_9BGxRkJx9xiPNKm_VNLDH7qvZL1GuXrVYrIoEX5WSh05JQVwcrTajWVMy3y6VEwJ0o-5nbHs/s1600/DSC01384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ16RWqru7BPzcLf-qnKI98yJ9DRcOM7eU3KYrhNH3VAeWfir4K6UR2Qtjx-Fn7j8W8b_9BGxRkJx9xiPNKm_VNLDH7qvZL1GuXrVYrIoEX5WSh05JQVwcrTajWVMy3y6VEwJ0o-5nbHs/s320/DSC01384.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired, but well behaved toddler! Well done Baby R, you've really grown more mature <3</td></tr>
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'What is this place we've come to Mummy? They keep feeding me weird stuff.'</div>
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Did a lot of visiting and eating in Daura</div>
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But the most fun were the weddings! This one was a relative marrying off his foster daughter. SO much fun! Ali Jita attended, so I was dancing in my seat the whole time. It started getting cold around 11pm though, so dancing increased body temp.</div>
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This was the exact same venue where I had my Kamu nearly five years ago! SO it was rather nostalgic...</div>
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Tested my makeup skills on my aunt. "Make it light," she insisted. I did my best. Subtle enough, huh?</div>
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"But I'm not camera ready, Mummy!"</div>
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A drive through D Town</div>
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This is the main road when you come into the town from Kano.</div>
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Tashar Kwadayi (aka Tashar Kudu)</div>
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This city gate was named after my great grandfather, Sarki Musa the 57th Emir of Daura and the Emir that restored the Daura Emirate back to Hausa rule after 100 years of Hausa exile from the Fulani Jihad. The Fulani and Hausas have peacefully coexisted in Daura since then and they even hold an important seat on the Emirate Council (Sarkin Fulani).</div>
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I spent many hours of my childhood walking this road between my maternal grandfather's home to my paternal grandparent's. It's amazing how much it has evolved over the decades.</div>
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Also, Daura is a very well planned town, so roads are wide and easy to modernise. The old town still exists beside the "modern" layout.</div>
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This city gate was named after Sarki Bashar, the 59th Emir of Daura. He was also a great grand child of Sarki Musa which makes him my cousin (Genetically I think its second cousin, no removes, Hehe). An amazing man and great emir that ruled for 41 years and passed away in 2007.</div>
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The entrance corridor to my grandma's house. Baby R's great grandmother.</div>
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Here you can see the courtyard has a neem tree for shade (dalbejiya) and a clay pot of water (karfi). The shade from the tree keeps the sun away, leaving the water in the pot cool and refreshing. What fridge?</div>
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My grandma is a drama queen. She's so animated when she speaks. Here she's explaining to me why she doesn't need to be on her blood pressure medication anymore. I wasn't having it at all. </div>
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In this shot you can see her Vintage cassette player, a torch light, her cosmetic basket, some oil perfume and food warmers. Feels like home.</div>
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She showed me this really old piece of rock which just looks like an old door stopper, but is actually a magurji, a rock used in the past to grind local kohl which was then stored in those little metal containers with a stick. Isn't that amazing? They DIYed their own make up.</div>
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Back in Kano...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3SyMrTelsHNDcv3_WkDazp5LVMavELYURPzYZZHuAMvseihyphenhyphenC44BheGZhCX6K8a6jMF8SfL1P7nLvtSdlFiNMELdVxv5gQirlWTYN_u-yrjXJ2MjYqC5FChKk-BqcFhxb1ASeWOsAgo/s1600/DSC01476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3SyMrTelsHNDcv3_WkDazp5LVMavELYURPzYZZHuAMvseihyphenhyphenC44BheGZhCX6K8a6jMF8SfL1P7nLvtSdlFiNMELdVxv5gQirlWTYN_u-yrjXJ2MjYqC5FChKk-BqcFhxb1ASeWOsAgo/s640/DSC01476.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Had to make sure I stocked up on some Gurasa.</div>
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Ever had Gurasa? Its a local moon shaped bread that's either salted or sweetened. goes well with stews or steamed which yaji, kuli kuli and fresh veg (bandeshe).</div>
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Gimme More! </div>
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Gurasa keeps well in the freezer for well over a month.</div>
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When you wanna eat, just take it out and steam it on the stove top.</div>
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Guyses.</div>
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Grammar Nazi. This one bothered me.</div>
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The cold had everyone covering up! The number of Niqabis I saw in Kano were way more than I had ever seen previously.</div>
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Back in the day this bakery was quite happening. We always used to stop by to buy some bread for family as we passed kano on our way to Daura. Good to see it still kicking.</div>
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The infamous Hunchback bridge. Hehehe! So much fun. When you reach the peak of the bridge you experience a second or two of free fall. I use that as an indicator to show that we've left kano.</div>
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Harmattan...</div>
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So many flights were cancelled this holiday season.</div>
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Visibility? None. </div>
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So that's it folks! Hope you enjoyed these few moments from our trip</div>
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I have part 2 coming up. with details of my shopping adventures in two of Kano's markets.</div>
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Have an Amazing year 2017!</div>
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Do you have any resolutions? </div>
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Have you been to Kano or Daura?</div>
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Any recommendations for my next trip?</div>
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Let me know in the comments.</div>
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Lot's of nomadic love,</div>
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Ummi</div>
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x o x o</div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com6Daura, Nigeria13.0314945 8.322532499999965713.000555 8.2821919999999665 13.062434000000001 8.3628729999999649tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-18623131812579366392016-12-20T10:00:00.000+01:002016-12-20T10:00:14.110+01:00Still Buzzing! + Sample Menu from Ummi's Gourmet Food.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Heylo!</div>
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Hope You've been well.</div>
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So I've just survived the busiest two months since I unofficially launched Ummi's Gourmet Food in May 2016. </div>
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To be honest, when I first started I wasn't quite sure what direction I was heading towards. </div>
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I was just going with the flow, giving people what they want and that left me tired and exhausted with not much to show for profit.</div>
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Entrepreneurship is hard yo! Don't let anyone tell you "it's great being self employed" because if you're like me and personal discipline is quite, em, flexible then its a struggle!</div>
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I'm passionate about food, but I'm not a businesswoman. </div>
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I'm a scientist that nearly flunked the two MBA units I had to take to graduate Pharmacy school.</div>
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(I got 60% o! before you think I'm an olodo. But I struggled to get this mark)</div>
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Over the last 8 months I have used trial and error to mould my business a little more and even though I'm not yet where I want to be, I'm a lot closer now than I was even 5 months ago.</div>
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The month of December has been super exhausting! </div>
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I have been swamped with orders, had a food stand at two different events, catered to three bridal showers, served scores of office lunches and a LOT more!</div>
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I guess 2016 is ending with a BANG for me. I can't wait for 2017, I have so many ideas to put into place. </div>
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I plan to</div>
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Finally hire a full time kitchen assistant </div>
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(Yes, I've been doing it by myself this whole time with very little help)</div>
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start daily lunches for offices</div>
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Start cooking classes</div>
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Stock my marinades in shops.</div>
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InshaAllah.</div>
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Anyways, onto yummier things: I tend to love putting platters together for parties. Here's a sample menu I made for a bridal shower of 20 people.</div>
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They got 5 platters of bite sized goodies.</div>
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Ummi's Biscuit crunch brownies</div>
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These chewy, chocolatey brownies go amazingly well with ice cream! and maybe crumbled pecans, Oh my!</div>
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Just in case you missed the details</div>
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Churros! </div>
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I still remember my reaction when I tasted churros for the first time in 2006! </div>
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I blogged about it in my old blog back then. </div>
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These fried Mexican/Spanish donuts cannot be described correctly. </div>
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Crunchy shell on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside and dusted with cinnamon sugar! </div>
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Sold!</div>
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Choux make me happy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxHbDpUpEIc43JzJ3-HNiujOitONSaocyoEMmpfEPW5zfjuAybZrfDFhXZFQC5cvvXRWdM7uMHCUe2t7UmNKYfmNPi5kL_umfEBm647JzjUChab1O0djAuRCiZoGdpvN6HadBcJh3jvo/s1600/DSC01262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxHbDpUpEIc43JzJ3-HNiujOitONSaocyoEMmpfEPW5zfjuAybZrfDFhXZFQC5cvvXRWdM7uMHCUe2t7UmNKYfmNPi5kL_umfEBm647JzjUChab1O0djAuRCiZoGdpvN6HadBcJh3jvo/s640/DSC01262.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Mini Burgers!</div>
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Beef patties sandwiched with fresh veg and Ummi's signature smoky mayo! </div>
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I didn't like the look of this burger cos my regular burger bun supplier had run out of fresh buns! I had to use soft bread rolls, sigh.</div>
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Didn't take away from the taste though!</div>
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The secret to a good home made burger is to minimise the seasoning in the patty itself. </div>
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Keep the patty light on seasoning and make a kick ass sauce to compensate for taste! </div>
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The contrast in flavour will tickle your taste buds and keep your foodies guessing!</div>
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Burger off! No beef for you here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sLEhNT56gVT9YAw9eNa0K0f64N2MRNM2DCGiF3qZoMb6QA5eGBQ0bRybEeTOSZTKC1R9Olhwk5RWfdqr9q15lVyuozo9WHboIvmAvQ28sCt4jzP_CWwGmTE_NhgeaU03wGuyKMeZtHA/s1600/DSC01252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sLEhNT56gVT9YAw9eNa0K0f64N2MRNM2DCGiF3qZoMb6QA5eGBQ0bRybEeTOSZTKC1R9Olhwk5RWfdqr9q15lVyuozo9WHboIvmAvQ28sCt4jzP_CWwGmTE_NhgeaU03wGuyKMeZtHA/s640/DSC01252.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Chicken Kebab skewers with Ummi's Gourmet Food signature marinade (Naija Spice Marinade)</div>
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Meat. </div>
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Enough Said.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSkl6sSoXO5e9Bmoio-2Z5QmnfWDXEYkEGWHh-ItouPFpZjg9sh64NXwuasDP2bpk2_OJMqc55Qt6tjLzbjuAbc5jDIT4qhFXj4ZBgOwK_mT_XinTcm5XggWa9VFqW9VmlrCGiGUYmEM/s1600/DSC01259.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSkl6sSoXO5e9Bmoio-2Z5QmnfWDXEYkEGWHh-ItouPFpZjg9sh64NXwuasDP2bpk2_OJMqc55Qt6tjLzbjuAbc5jDIT4qhFXj4ZBgOwK_mT_XinTcm5XggWa9VFqW9VmlrCGiGUYmEM/s640/DSC01259.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Meat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHDY32EgE-0NYcDsuljqqGkyWvBGE4-ncSeIe6HFKcpkQnEh6JldA2K_caW8Wjh4h-IdCcUm8iHMcHefMprWVOTl9cQ3V6op8zvpTT1TVNEhcS0cJL2qoSBPxb5j_WJUn9KhA3svgIN4/s1600/DSC01258.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHDY32EgE-0NYcDsuljqqGkyWvBGE4-ncSeIe6HFKcpkQnEh6JldA2K_caW8Wjh4h-IdCcUm8iHMcHefMprWVOTl9cQ3V6op8zvpTT1TVNEhcS0cJL2qoSBPxb5j_WJUn9KhA3svgIN4/s640/DSC01258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Corn Dogs!</div>
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Puffy skewers of a smooth lightly spiced bun filled with chicken franks.</div>
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It's like a hotdog. But less messy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievy56BkwaouurwErMLEPerQkDIIezJ_c9za7RkMgtf2IEj2s8hRxbS4xROqU3YSsmHHq4gYXT0Cwvom96P4e6_ftlIphfRPOeixcWaMZcjD4qcBf7g1_6c8vDCpiJR57PNtvzUBdtSbY/s1600/DSC01251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievy56BkwaouurwErMLEPerQkDIIezJ_c9za7RkMgtf2IEj2s8hRxbS4xROqU3YSsmHHq4gYXT0Cwvom96P4e6_ftlIphfRPOeixcWaMZcjD4qcBf7g1_6c8vDCpiJR57PNtvzUBdtSbY/s640/DSC01251.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievy56BkwaouurwErMLEPerQkDIIezJ_c9za7RkMgtf2IEj2s8hRxbS4xROqU3YSsmHHq4gYXT0Cwvom96P4e6_ftlIphfRPOeixcWaMZcjD4qcBf7g1_6c8vDCpiJR57PNtvzUBdtSbY/s1600/DSC01251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>The Corn dogs come with Ummi's Mustard mayo dip.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJemfW-XBdJ1j86oxhFNB4sMhrC4-HyDJRJsUkgseetFbB4uB10fttS6w2_MClXw_i9MKFmW_uLQKazQiVRChOfVVDQeno3r1gImsG8x5tR8xzS_LNge219UzMsKsURhjWG8jyJAKzXSM/s1600/DSC01255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJemfW-XBdJ1j86oxhFNB4sMhrC4-HyDJRJsUkgseetFbB4uB10fttS6w2_MClXw_i9MKFmW_uLQKazQiVRChOfVVDQeno3r1gImsG8x5tR8xzS_LNge219UzMsKsURhjWG8jyJAKzXSM/s640/DSC01255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember that brownie? Of course you do. You can order it when you're ready from Ummi's gourmet food @UmmisGourmetFood on Instagram.</div>
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We are currently closed for the year as I get some much needed rest and maybe go visit the family in KN and DR.</div>
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Have a great week ahead! I hope the holiday season is nice and stress free for everyone!</div>
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P.S. In case you try reaching me on insta, all my personal devices decided to get spoilt last week! My phone is not responding to treatment while my iPad is half paralysed but is recuperating somewhere in GSM village.</div>
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My only access to the inter web is my desktop and I feel like I'm living in 2003!</div>
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Hopefully I get my devices back soon but if you need to reach me urgently just call or SMS the number on the logo and I'll get back as soon as possible.</div>
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Take Care</div>
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Lot's of Yummy Love, </div>
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Ummi</div>
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x o x o</div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com2Abuja, Nigeria9.0764785 7.39857400000005338.825586 7.0758505000000529 9.3273710000000012 7.7212975000000537tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-27898559131793899992016-11-06T21:31:00.000+01:002016-11-06T21:31:22.121+01:00Road Trip Photos || Kano, Katsina, Daura and back<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So back in July our little family unit went to visit the grandparents in Kano and Daura with a little detour to Katsina to see the elder sister. </div>
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We were already in Kano for sallah, so we took a day out for <i>zumunci</i> (kinship)</div>
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<i>Zumunci</i> is always lauded in my culture, especially us from Daura. Keeping the ties of kinship alive is a very vital part of our identity.</div>
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Apparently a person from Daura never forgets their roots. It's in your blood. At any moment, Daura will call you and you must heed the call. Hehe. </div>
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Read more about the ancient Daura Emirate. We are pretty cool people *wink wink*</div>
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So yeah, I'm just sharing photos from July *covers face*</div>
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Hope you enjoy my amateur photography skills.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbK32oLsyFPvq5MSl2jCqnFUu_0NnhHMx0WqWKTj_G_X6jDtNnYxDWLE5lSNdpSW4TDcqNEb7fS0JPPycBIIS5BTnaY4QoyLc29rj6wCKzjK6zBgLnAVJK-yw8qIefqFge0J9i3-ZwEc/s1600/DSC00669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbK32oLsyFPvq5MSl2jCqnFUu_0NnhHMx0WqWKTj_G_X6jDtNnYxDWLE5lSNdpSW4TDcqNEb7fS0JPPycBIIS5BTnaY4QoyLc29rj6wCKzjK6zBgLnAVJK-yw8qIefqFge0J9i3-ZwEc/s640/DSC00669.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Traveling by road with a toddler isn't easy, but Baby R seems to be getting used to it. </div>
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The OMG-I'm-locked-in-a-small-box tantrums have greatly diminished over time. </div>
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As long as there's milo, bobo and crackers then we are good. </div>
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On this trip she seemed more interested in the quick succession of trees and people. </div>
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She just soaked in the landscape like a good little girl.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrj-nLEtsD_ZiW7l0YmsnImZ798gWGfzn3JLP-m3X4T9J9gEaDEaHvs1HMOPU2EIUquddPcinZUfVlYGbjjGz_inofqNSRSsk0HyqRQQfajzdH4tXOeExzM7eqZkegf5b_iliMXseSbq8/s1600/DSC00670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrj-nLEtsD_ZiW7l0YmsnImZ798gWGfzn3JLP-m3X4T9J9gEaDEaHvs1HMOPU2EIUquddPcinZUfVlYGbjjGz_inofqNSRSsk0HyqRQQfajzdH4tXOeExzM7eqZkegf5b_iliMXseSbq8/s640/DSC00670.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramin Doya</td></tr>
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Another vital part of zumunci is to bring gifts for the people you're visiting, so we stopped at the outskirts of Kano in a small village called <i>Ramin Doya</i> (The valley of Yams, Hehe!) to get some Yam for the oldies.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Negotiations</td></tr>
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I guess the Yams didn't look as great as Gwari and Taraba Yams we get in Abuja, but this is as good as it gets in this part of the country. </div>
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It was pretty cheap too. I think we got a full boot for about 4500.</div>
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And then we hit the open road...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8OYtTy1I5dSj61nrVUfaGw1jXAP1FIZLQD7uluk6EYqx-J0zsz-_2KM9UpEg2BmmpnSw47cro1wGkd9L1WgI7l5IClfGGyRN4KtGJnfQ7m0l818vi-mYsLbqlTROvmHAnVP0ONDU1ig/s1600/POSTAGE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8OYtTy1I5dSj61nrVUfaGw1jXAP1FIZLQD7uluk6EYqx-J0zsz-_2KM9UpEg2BmmpnSw47cro1wGkd9L1WgI7l5IClfGGyRN4KtGJnfQ7m0l818vi-mYsLbqlTROvmHAnVP0ONDU1ig/s1600/POSTAGE.png" /></a></div>
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First we went from Kano to Katsina (173.km) which took about 2 and a half hours.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc-dr1EGRo9z29wYWvyrSqu_c6n_atWez2B6s-KovQIXsJ_8kzOQvkB7G3ZwQQyc0GR9NXM2ojXDyDH9IaC6seavxsBgx7oxBhmG-fIJRbSlmfE3POCpHj38CpagNHteVYFDJVhgm_Xg/s1600/POSTAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc-dr1EGRo9z29wYWvyrSqu_c6n_atWez2B6s-KovQIXsJ_8kzOQvkB7G3ZwQQyc0GR9NXM2ojXDyDH9IaC6seavxsBgx7oxBhmG-fIJRbSlmfE3POCpHj38CpagNHteVYFDJVhgm_Xg/s1600/POSTAGE.jpg" /></a></div>
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Spent half the day in Katsina before heading to Daura (125km) and it took an hour and 15 minutes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_qym9j5WTxClAGZa9iCiLau5aqEOxO04tgQWxxDm4fEi5531XRGgHPj_nq9KftKJ-9iazHd-5z_rDlZWxpH1m7oxFSdqwolIFqN437ICl7zGUL_h4za1jK2UxyrJW1c1h4pctOKU504/s1600/DSC00673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_qym9j5WTxClAGZa9iCiLau5aqEOxO04tgQWxxDm4fEi5531XRGgHPj_nq9KftKJ-9iazHd-5z_rDlZWxpH1m7oxFSdqwolIFqN437ICl7zGUL_h4za1jK2UxyrJW1c1h4pctOKU504/s400/DSC00673.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are we there yet?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw61_fMSqRiVml-qv2YShKXhKHISPh2HN2vc2eqRCSv7X0IY7D-qaemaMzR1TSz-czo6WoTfcZQlbXRKnPRXu-TxDzVer7d5i63O65S3iEXgwwpGSrUwZLz8sRrBBBJU2Ju-fVHniZDI/s1600/DSC00678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw61_fMSqRiVml-qv2YShKXhKHISPh2HN2vc2eqRCSv7X0IY7D-qaemaMzR1TSz-czo6WoTfcZQlbXRKnPRXu-TxDzVer7d5i63O65S3iEXgwwpGSrUwZLz8sRrBBBJU2Ju-fVHniZDI/s640/DSC00678.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Katsina state is very green in the rainy season. I got these shots right after some rain had fallen and on our way to Daura, there was actually a thunderstorm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5l4sJm4L1-1MTcPn_6IhY4yb2j17140EA7JNa-dMHrvuM8Vstlh8VY-rAp5rGTcika0xtsHxGo2XTqfKVxCRZlZZheicgayI_UlSKXDG3crT2ByYSHubjAh4khqy4twaUpqbt8uLT7-g/s1600/DSC00679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5l4sJm4L1-1MTcPn_6IhY4yb2j17140EA7JNa-dMHrvuM8Vstlh8VY-rAp5rGTcika0xtsHxGo2XTqfKVxCRZlZZheicgayI_UlSKXDG3crT2ByYSHubjAh4khqy4twaUpqbt8uLT7-g/s400/DSC00679.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Katsina is a lot more green than many people think. </div>
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Some people may think the vegetation of northern Nigeria is arid with no greenery. But we are farmers in KT, so while its drier than some parts of the country, it's green enough in the rainy season to produce your tomatoes and peppers and rice and corn and many more staples.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s-NNgowKKt1UPUpIv2E8t3Zy8pFNZW8xZufH-WcjPHkXflzB4kGnw8bSwJXbDRyk3gy4Wn_8-VVmLgxILD6WdtW5QuE2aToX5H42GihhN48C78DCWI2AEVUJgEGCDPczrayhIIeRznM/s1600/DSC00681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s-NNgowKKt1UPUpIv2E8t3Zy8pFNZW8xZufH-WcjPHkXflzB4kGnw8bSwJXbDRyk3gy4Wn_8-VVmLgxILD6WdtW5QuE2aToX5H42GihhN48C78DCWI2AEVUJgEGCDPczrayhIIeRznM/s640/DSC00681.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We stopped to buy some kilishi and I couldn't resist this view.</div>
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Love the juxtaposition of natural, modern and traditional structures.</div>
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Awesome wallpaper, no?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu94L6dhmihLosNVWUPNTyOYMXtk0HJPV0r4GAQMjNeuC80IU5jXfqcWLlf79bNMpl4eAR5DZfqHSaEKVKTOqi7BV7XzPksW-6Ea31LefLpz_OKrpeYx1vQJcVJGk2dwpQ8je63d-VAo/s1600/DSC00682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu94L6dhmihLosNVWUPNTyOYMXtk0HJPV0r4GAQMjNeuC80IU5jXfqcWLlf79bNMpl4eAR5DZfqHSaEKVKTOqi7BV7XzPksW-6Ea31LefLpz_OKrpeYx1vQJcVJGk2dwpQ8je63d-VAo/s640/DSC00682.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wider shot. I love the clouds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2KDAT4yRT5MFeaQwt4Ely5Di4P9Cq4k5_nfTdY_V7MJhzvNj3uAloSgs64SBIBhK8r-AYki8YXRM2AggJKVtrr538t5QR2V5MTip8ZkyoAuTXDUzlYL94VbL-vTcjq0HlL9ImI-Zbxo/s1600/DSC00683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2KDAT4yRT5MFeaQwt4Ely5Di4P9Cq4k5_nfTdY_V7MJhzvNj3uAloSgs64SBIBhK8r-AYki8YXRM2AggJKVtrr538t5QR2V5MTip8ZkyoAuTXDUzlYL94VbL-vTcjq0HlL9ImI-Zbxo/s640/DSC00683.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4qg4t5tar1jjAxPrBrVc4zlic2kLp0gVAA7kNkHqJhUPuoWMVXxhEOrJ28nkTClROswdlt0va1Cx9HJdK8cTZQByffDxHhZA1d0L8IZJDPVM-ftQ3gkM_FfK1-Hb7Ic1R2__LZfyojQ/s1600/DSC00684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4qg4t5tar1jjAxPrBrVc4zlic2kLp0gVAA7kNkHqJhUPuoWMVXxhEOrJ28nkTClROswdlt0va1Cx9HJdK8cTZQByffDxHhZA1d0L8IZJDPVM-ftQ3gkM_FfK1-Hb7Ic1R2__LZfyojQ/s640/DSC00684.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Roadside commerce</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIa9Wcjc2if_c6X1uUHkKhRVfGEYV3u8xlTYTl6FWSVkU4FXO1FWDAupYRI2BVhVFhtTaD86qy7TvobAwnY0BTG9YZww9KVIeiXI1VJJWATNsQ81ypEq2ysMaY9XOOHrqaMIQoVhEyGs/s1600/DSC00685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIa9Wcjc2if_c6X1uUHkKhRVfGEYV3u8xlTYTl6FWSVkU4FXO1FWDAupYRI2BVhVFhtTaD86qy7TvobAwnY0BTG9YZww9KVIeiXI1VJJWATNsQ81ypEq2ysMaY9XOOHrqaMIQoVhEyGs/s640/DSC00685.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasting Platter (Katsina Kilishi)</td></tr>
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You can't leave Katsina without having some kilishi (spicy beef jerky). </div>
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Our kilishi is LEGENDARY. </div>
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The only kilishi that may try to rival ours is Sokoto kilishi but it doesn't even come close! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlBOL4ws0nBWz1DcAGlZuQSestD2kfZk5qJWawHXzBQ4QvAC88ZwGy2F-am7lLfOInBxw8Zas6jitKd0Vao9X9CjFNcY-TuoY8p96ofmyDKDp8a5IRrsA4ZSGe5r05hBOOgq8LvDgBJc/s1600/DSC00686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlBOL4ws0nBWz1DcAGlZuQSestD2kfZk5qJWawHXzBQ4QvAC88ZwGy2F-am7lLfOInBxw8Zas6jitKd0Vao9X9CjFNcY-TuoY8p96ofmyDKDp8a5IRrsA4ZSGe5r05hBOOgq8LvDgBJc/s400/DSC00686.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuli kuli, Dabino and Aya kilishi</td></tr>
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Katsina Kilishi is known to have an understated sweetness, thanks to the addition of dates and tiger nuts.</div>
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We bought a wrap of everything and headed off.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ATM4SgajJMLQ72NkVdlN4vgrgK13j2-ATA-q28SrU2Xj_OPFJMSGctJMStTQ8d1kzahxo4117HaM9OM6x_yH-KLpRhYOyici2azX2ljbNqjSIcP39WLJDviVWNXYgEs9bWO0wGWRRZM/s1600/DSC00687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ATM4SgajJMLQ72NkVdlN4vgrgK13j2-ATA-q28SrU2Xj_OPFJMSGctJMStTQ8d1kzahxo4117HaM9OM6x_yH-KLpRhYOyici2azX2ljbNqjSIcP39WLJDviVWNXYgEs9bWO0wGWRRZM/s640/DSC00687.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter is coming.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizEuQUxrbiIkRgPPUx_GhplrbVrK2zDGAZEm10msmZfbkkqqbGKLkCAs7WkJ7ehAS6o8rUVi2nLk_9U033gsWpqSTomTaoVIXSpcl5szahrNZ8GyFx9dy_ScGQqa1q2UahRxy7zEDN8I/s1600/DSC00692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizEuQUxrbiIkRgPPUx_GhplrbVrK2zDGAZEm10msmZfbkkqqbGKLkCAs7WkJ7ehAS6o8rUVi2nLk_9U033gsWpqSTomTaoVIXSpcl5szahrNZ8GyFx9dy_ScGQqa1q2UahRxy7zEDN8I/s640/DSC00692.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love this shot!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTDhrOApHvj2fvfN8PSz8iF2KzVjVi2cdzql2yPmputd1wi3jlr3x8yRUwGm_2NcNHsgPv9sr6fDqtzt739L5ARLHl1KBE75pWLzKcNveqT9QMTMdRZQRpJg23cKEmHQ0HcfnY8C8BxI/s1600/DSC00693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTDhrOApHvj2fvfN8PSz8iF2KzVjVi2cdzql2yPmputd1wi3jlr3x8yRUwGm_2NcNHsgPv9sr6fDqtzt739L5ARLHl1KBE75pWLzKcNveqT9QMTMdRZQRpJg23cKEmHQ0HcfnY8C8BxI/s640/DSC00693.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm before the storm</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE93nKwrYYZld3AYeA3ZIBrCFPuJ9BKO2z5pTpW8YnhzeSvTu1DKvwsZVXmT2TAoQoVlwys5C4LBCM1zar8cTVj0D2_moq8aWbHmSHJN-YZZ5VWK8pO08QN_WeQMmP06ShY6OO5KIig-s/s1600/DSC00695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE93nKwrYYZld3AYeA3ZIBrCFPuJ9BKO2z5pTpW8YnhzeSvTu1DKvwsZVXmT2TAoQoVlwys5C4LBCM1zar8cTVj0D2_moq8aWbHmSHJN-YZZ5VWK8pO08QN_WeQMmP06ShY6OO5KIig-s/s640/DSC00695.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8xRz-PyQmUz5ZcipMvB89h0yU_Yw_bHdirzm6xfzV2s10GOqDMKEH__Aj4s0EJRGjuvb4kJa5_NWAFxpO8BtKi6nkx4Qg0thhrR3Gcswh77x5Mo983eiG7gCpnz5RXlLbOSqy6AIMkk/s1600/DSC00696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8xRz-PyQmUz5ZcipMvB89h0yU_Yw_bHdirzm6xfzV2s10GOqDMKEH__Aj4s0EJRGjuvb4kJa5_NWAFxpO8BtKi6nkx4Qg0thhrR3Gcswh77x5Mo983eiG7gCpnz5RXlLbOSqy6AIMkk/s640/DSC00696.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4JgBjCpi6cjxlO7ARSdfhUe57SI9OJ5Xw_XHTFVi91hAbAsATxo0k-uG79FrwQozOk8N1mjRlrTDHrTfgHyniJttF13_qj8sgLDs8fkKjG8K2k-mBjOwC-DjduP9i7sMvrcN64uL_nU/s1600/DSC00698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4JgBjCpi6cjxlO7ARSdfhUe57SI9OJ5Xw_XHTFVi91hAbAsATxo0k-uG79FrwQozOk8N1mjRlrTDHrTfgHyniJttF13_qj8sgLDs8fkKjG8K2k-mBjOwC-DjduP9i7sMvrcN64uL_nU/s640/DSC00698.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windbreakers</td></tr>
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Its not uncommon to see trees planted in a grid pattern by the road sides. </div>
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They are called windbreakers and they help prevent dessert encroachment from the Sahara to northern Nigeria.</div>
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They are usually <i>turare</i> trees (literally; perfume trees) and their barks are often used for making traditional incense.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5L29dWGrDIJFCO7B1BQfKfKZkZBeenkdT1qn4RwtrbVBLh7q9E7ux2Nrd7wosAID9ZpnuIA_MT9vzwg-UGP432QXyHITmmbX5U4TTf-jWnE75HvhZio9p9pm3LSbJWHVe90A_DsQ5O3k/s1600/DSC00701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5L29dWGrDIJFCO7B1BQfKfKZkZBeenkdT1qn4RwtrbVBLh7q9E7ux2Nrd7wosAID9ZpnuIA_MT9vzwg-UGP432QXyHITmmbX5U4TTf-jWnE75HvhZio9p9pm3LSbJWHVe90A_DsQ5O3k/s400/DSC00701.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelter</td></tr>
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Some flooding after a heavy downpour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Ott3p3VbrqaUOWyOXjViLpVDRNa0AEahdNhzCfw4ORKMttYbEDIkYV6-UhrtE0TJe5M6D53jH0w5aBenJr5qD-voK3VQSPQ6PsTSPKZ1cdX5txhubH298iW9DhmunSfXIF1ihNiO_U/s1600/DSC00709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Ott3p3VbrqaUOWyOXjViLpVDRNa0AEahdNhzCfw4ORKMttYbEDIkYV6-UhrtE0TJe5M6D53jH0w5aBenJr5qD-voK3VQSPQ6PsTSPKZ1cdX5txhubH298iW9DhmunSfXIF1ihNiO_U/s400/DSC00709.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzUMJ8ehf5a5RSPOfAU1pXaKrTJB3tHmp0bysu-j2vgpOKUmr4FdgnKOi_DE_g8M_Mz-g50wHbK3Nn4Hu9OSAURr_9KOq2t0s0M6VL6khyphenhyphenmLWDhgAsKuZVMpCD-lhwNwf7p0m3EO5Qnk/s1600/DSC00714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzUMJ8ehf5a5RSPOfAU1pXaKrTJB3tHmp0bysu-j2vgpOKUmr4FdgnKOi_DE_g8M_Mz-g50wHbK3Nn4Hu9OSAURr_9KOq2t0s0M6VL6khyphenhyphenmLWDhgAsKuZVMpCD-lhwNwf7p0m3EO5Qnk/s640/DSC00714.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Daura</td></tr>
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Welcome to Daura. </div>
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Kofar Sarki Abdurrahman literally means King Abdurrahman's Entrance and was named after my Great uncle Sarki Abdurrahman who was the 2nd to last past Emir of Daura and ruled for 55 years.</div>
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There are three other city gates all named after kings and heroes of the Daura Emirate. </div>
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I guess at this point I was so excited to be in the motherland and seeing so many cousins and aunties and uncles that I didn't get many photos of the town.</div>
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Sheep at my aunt's house. </div>
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More sheep!</div>
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By the time we finished our zumunci it was 7:30pm! and thats when started our trip back to Kano. </div>
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All in all it was a tiring day, but we had a lot of fun.</div>
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When I'm in Daura with my parents we usually visit family in neighbouring villages like Mai Adua, Zango and Karkarku. </div>
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I'll be sure to have my Camera with me next time. Perhaps I can give you a glimpse of our Emir's palace in Daura or show you how daddawa is made in Mai Adua or even how the Fulanis extract and process fresh cow's milk in Karkarku.</div>
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Until then, manage this road trip.</div>
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Hope you enjoyed the photos.</div>
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Which was your favourite?</div>
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Lots of Nomadic Love,</div>
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Ummi</div>
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X O X O</div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-20898813675553509042016-10-10T21:52:00.002+01:002016-10-11T00:26:56.529+01:00355 Steakhouse & Lounge || Restaurant Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZAPSdJR7M_hDgSYzZ0LRiCwFezRJ1epGOPWxQ0A09crNU_AuE2RTu0kF796IqnfLyJ46cx6Ynuf24tGd4y9iQr9hSEBas1vUDXnJLVG5IFk7YtSX-cApEOI1dyWVN9uNgU7BBPsFC_I/s1600/Ummi%2527s-2.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZAPSdJR7M_hDgSYzZ0LRiCwFezRJ1epGOPWxQ0A09crNU_AuE2RTu0kF796IqnfLyJ46cx6Ynuf24tGd4y9iQr9hSEBas1vUDXnJLVG5IFk7YtSX-cApEOI1dyWVN9uNgU7BBPsFC_I/s640/Ummi%2527s-2.png" width="640" /></a>.
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's my job in the relationship to pick the restaurants. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If I leave it all to him I just end up getting ticked off because even though I'd have given him 2 weeks notice, <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://1">at 7pm</a> on the D day, he'll ask 'where do you want to go?'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Err, it was your job to pick the restaurant!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah but you know these places better than I do. You choose. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He thinks it's chivalry. I think it's not taking an important date seriously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just end up sulking in the car on the way to any restaurant of my choice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So in order not to sweat the small stuff, I pick the restaurants. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even after picking 355 Restaurant for our wedding Anniversary date night, thanks to work, business and out of town guests, we couldn't go out until 9:45pm!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had actually given up, wiping my lipstick off angrily but a quick phone call to the restaurant saved the night... They're open until 12am!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So off we went on our anniversary date with me sulking in the car, desperately hoping that 355 Steakhouse can put a smile on my face. </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Ambience</strong></span>
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When you walk in there's the restaurant on your left and the lounge to the right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Hb2A6O1WSnIgU2BbPJbE0ZkCb2jI9dYY4doRZ4QI47EhvtAhMLHXJgY0OWa3l6T_SRqafQ41NXaQzG_7yZZQRYmw451AixXfn6VJATOTAtq6P5McC0LuCkZGeke-3A2rSJohWXJwQAc/s1600/DSC00527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Hb2A6O1WSnIgU2BbPJbE0ZkCb2jI9dYY4doRZ4QI47EhvtAhMLHXJgY0OWa3l6T_SRqafQ41NXaQzG_7yZZQRYmw451AixXfn6VJATOTAtq6P5McC0LuCkZGeke-3A2rSJohWXJwQAc/s400/DSC00527.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The restaurant had a warm, romantic feel to it, making it a good choice for a couple on a date. The tables were set beautifully and they had nice and heavy crockery. You know how I feel about fine dining and cutlery. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoNdEQ_9wYcFsLS52OAyw7eUZPhJLQWwSQsXFso6xEdqHUeuM3ozG9xhXBEYKUUg85DSa8E0MLPxXk88VrOlsIc15ztsF-JRg-1_6BBCBZ9N-FwqSv0uAUkweqbLrZm1nImo3LsBOQ-I/s1600/DSC00526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoNdEQ_9wYcFsLS52OAyw7eUZPhJLQWwSQsXFso6xEdqHUeuM3ozG9xhXBEYKUUg85DSa8E0MLPxXk88VrOlsIc15ztsF-JRg-1_6BBCBZ9N-FwqSv0uAUkweqbLrZm1nImo3LsBOQ-I/s400/DSC00526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The restaurant is small though you don't feel it because of the tables were arranged efficiently to optimize the spice. We sat at a solo table for two, but they also had tables for larger groups with soft cushions along the wall.
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Our table was close to the door that linked the restaurant to the lounge, which turned out pretty noisy as the night progressed and people got more turnt up.<br />
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The waiter pulled up a third chair and I told him "we are only two!" He says "no ma, this one is for your bag." I'm like "awwww," and I turn to, Mr. H "see, he knows the way to a woman's heart! You've never pulled up a chair for my bag! All It ever gets is "move it out of the way, it's obstructing my driving.'</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Drinks</strong></span><br />
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I can't remember what drink he got, but knowing him it was something freshly squeezed with orange or ginger.<br />
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I'm guessing here.
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I, on the other hand got this showstopper! The strawberry daiquiri! One look at the mocktail menu and I knew I had to have it.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw03YeYWPKyhFepSK6x77UZ03fyEKvntNMp3NqAXHz88XzukQ1NFq1M2xQnOMBqR0KVBLuKusqq2ccGDu7WPi1STuq_P3GcyXYoeZF3z0sH-oJfWuNqgnUWtqsBJsS5NIsutqkPp3hr8/s1600/DSC00503.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUw03YeYWPKyhFepSK6x77UZ03fyEKvntNMp3NqAXHz88XzukQ1NFq1M2xQnOMBqR0KVBLuKusqq2ccGDu7WPi1STuq_P3GcyXYoeZF3z0sH-oJfWuNqgnUWtqsBJsS5NIsutqkPp3hr8/s320/DSC00503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It didn't disappoint! The ice was so finely crushed, the Result was a smooth blend of velvety ice and premium sweet, tangy strawberry juice served in a tall martini glass. I had to get in with a spoon<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong></strong></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><br /></strong></span>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Food</strong></span><br />
<br />
We came here for something different so we went straight for the Mexican menu. That was why I actually picked this restaurant. I hadn't had Mexican in a few years, it was time for a refill.<br />
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The food took a little too long to come out though.<br />
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but when it did, it was worth the wait.<br />
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We did get some carrot and cucumber sticks to munch while we waited...<br />
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We started with the DD nachos, which according to them:<br />
<blockquote>
DD Nachos
"Deep fried flour tortillas served with refried beans, ranchero sauce and cheese "
</blockquote>
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It was so good! It didn't look like a traditional nachos dish; the tortilla breads were served whole and stacked me on top the other, like a sliced double decker pizza sandwiched with a rich, beefy chili con carne.<br />
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They were very generous with the minced beef! The ratio of meat to tortilla was definitely greater than one!
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Let's not even talk about the cheese! It was just the right amount of sharp queso melted into the chili. Oh my, that first bite was memorable.
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Next up we had the chicken fajitas. <br />
<blockquote>
"Grilled steak or chicken served with guacamole, salsa and cheese add prawns for an extra"
</blockquote>
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The chicken came sizzling in a skillet, obviously freshly grilled with some sweet peppers and onions.<br />
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It was tender and moist but still cooked all the way through.<br />
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It came with four medium sized tortilla breads....</div>
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And Four different condiments:</div>
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A tomato Salsa, Guacamole, Shredded cheese and "Sour Cream" that didn't really taste or look like sour cream though. But I understand, its nearly impossible to find real sour cream in Abuja. No harm, no foul: it was close enough.</div>
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Of course, I was in charge of wrapping the fajitas for both of us because apparently I'm "Great with wraps and sandwiches, nothing falls out!" </div>
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*side eye* Sounds like I was being buttered up to work for my anniversary dinner! </div>
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Luckily I was already in a good mood thanks to the delicious food, so I happily layered chicken and condiments for an amazing wrap that I could seriously eat three times a day, everyday. </div>
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That guac was so out of this world! I smeared it on everything I ate there...EVERYTHING!</div>
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For the third we ordered a burrito, which we thought we needed but oh boy, we over estimated our hunger!</div>
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The serving was so much bigger than we anticipated!</div>
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"</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Soft flour tortilla filled with beans, cheese, lettuce with your choice of chicken, beef, or grilled veggies"</blockquote>
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The burrito came with a side of refried beans (I'm not even a beans person! Yet I enjoyed it.) and mexican rice, garnished with green and black olives.<br />
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*sigh*</div>
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Again, the chef didn't skimp on the filling! It was the same delicious chili that topped our nachos...<br />
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Unfortunately we were all but passed out thanks to the food we had consumed! We had quite a bit left over and we didn't even bother with take aways.</div>
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We enjoyed the food tremendously and it was so refreshing to try something new in Abuja that didn't disappoint. The evening ended on a high!</div>
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<b><u>The Service </u></b><br />
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The waiters were super attentive without being too in your face, which is always pleasant.<br />
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The only <strike>teeny tiny</strike> issue was upon arrival, we weren't handed steamed towels or at least anti septic wipes to clean our hands and when we tried to wash our hands, the bathroom was out of order. We had to manage with my hand sanitiser.<br />
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This might not have been a big deal in other restaurants, but this is a fine dining restaurant that serves Mexican food and an extensive tapas menu; people are bound to eat with their hands!<br />
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This was back in April though, so the problem may have been rectified.<br />
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<b><u> The Price.</u></b><br />
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The damage done was about 15,000 Naira including service charge and VAT and a small tip for the waiter.<br />
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Bear in mind that this was back in April, before everything got more expensive so I'm not sure what it is now.<br />
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I will definitely recommend 355 to anyone needing a modern restaurant for a romantic date or a night out on a special occasion. Just make sure you come with a loaded wallet!<br />
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Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments down below.<br />
<br />
<br />
Lots of nacho cheesy love,<br />
<br />
Ummi.<br />
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com7355 Steakhouse & Lounge, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria9.1004407868404016 7.49311085358124279.0999507868404024 7.492480353581243 9.1009307868404 7.4937413535812425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-18081510282898637542016-09-10T17:00:00.000+01:002016-10-11T00:20:06.998+01:00BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO NAMAN SALLAH || HOW I HANDLE A WHOLE RAM FOR EID<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">
One of the things I dreaded the most
about being a married woman in my culture was how on earth I was
going to handle the stress of 'sallah meat' alone.</span>
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'Don't be ridiculous, of course I'll
help you,' says the then fiancé. But like the wise woman I pretend
to be, I knew all promises made before 'I do' should be taken with a
grain of salt.</div>
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See I come from a relatively populous
family, so <em>aikin naman sallah</em> was quite the task! When we
return from eid prayer, everyone changes into their 'work clothes'
(old t shirts, torn pyjama pants etc. anything you wont mind getting
bloodied).</div>
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Then the work begins! Axe wielding,
meat slicing, manning the fire etc. And before you know it, everyone
is in a shitty mood because isn't this supposed to be a day of
celebration?</div>
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If this <em>aikin nama</em><span style="font-style: normal;">
was so difficult when we were plenty, imagine how hard it'll be when
its just me in my home!</span></div>
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For the first few years I got a cheat
pass; we'd slaughter our Ram in Kano and take it to the professionals
who in turn will do all the dirty work for us and deliver our Dambu.
Fried meat and <em>kayan ciki</em> (offals).</div>
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While that is the most convenient
option, we often felt like we were missing out on all the Sallah
memories; the smell of fried meat filling the house etc.</div>
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So like the idiot that I am, I decided
in 2014, just 5 months after giving birth to Baby R that this year,
I'll do it myself.</div>
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'Are you sure?' he asks, partly worried
about my stress levels and partly about the quality of his sallah
meat.</div>
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'I can.'</div>
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And so I did. With no nanny. Just a
local butcher and my cousin (the husband was glued on discovery
channel).</div>
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<strong>BEFORE YOU BEGIN</strong>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Why are you doing this? Have you
gone nuts! Abeg just pay someone and chill on Sallah day......... ......... .........(I'm
kidding! I'm just trying to chase away the faint hearted ones. If
you've survived my lame scare tactic then carry on, you trooper!)</li>
<li>Clear out your freezer. You need space. Lots of it.</li>
<li>Prepare your mind that this is
going to be a <strong>Physically</strong> and <strong>Mentally</strong> tasking activity
that may leave you tired and exhausted halfway through. If this is
the case, you can always split your work into two and continue the
day after.</li>
</ol>
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<strong>NOW THE FUN BEGINS</strong></div>
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Say hello to your Ram</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhd3iKmeY-kAgwphR6S42qCBzM1KgdsSRCThx0iGozEBSjLEOM2DHSV7L7Wp9Xi3zgFXGusnx3pPkRX2mdUC0lA6MBb-GpA_RpKg-xpHCJ4lLpSUKgp6Qo1k5j4tZSp2osjP1UrDjYmY/s1600/Eran-Kere-Small-Fat-Sallah-Ram.-Get-up-to-20000naira-in-discounts-400x400.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhd3iKmeY-kAgwphR6S42qCBzM1KgdsSRCThx0iGozEBSjLEOM2DHSV7L7Wp9Xi3zgFXGusnx3pPkRX2mdUC0lA6MBb-GpA_RpKg-xpHCJ4lLpSUKgp6Qo1k5j4tZSp2osjP1UrDjYmY/s320/Eran-Kere-Small-Fat-Sallah-Ram.-Get-up-to-20000naira-in-discounts-400x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi8ocnbyfvOAhWFiywKHfohAlMQjhwIBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fagbererefarms.com%2Fproduct%2Fbronze-ram%2F&psig=AFQjCNE52j9ireDi9ApS2gL7SSCTtHEBXQ&ust=1473279845112479" target="_blank"><em>photo credit</em></a></div>
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We start by mapping out what I'm going to do with the lamb.
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Original photo from Mortons. I annotated it to show you what I do with what.
The basic portions I want are for
Frying
Peppersoup
Rack of Ribs
Roast
Steak
Dambi
BBQ.
Only Frying and Dambu happen on sallah day. The rest of the meat is saved got later in the freezer
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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!</span></strong></div>
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I usually have 4 stations</div>
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THE BUTCHERY STATION: Outside</div>
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THE PREP STATION: Sink</div>
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THE COOKING STATION: Stove</div>
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THE STORAGE STATION: Counter Tops and Freezer</div>
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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">THE MESSY BUSINESS (OUTDOORS)</span></strong></div>
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The husband slaughters the Ram as per tradition.</div>
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The Ram is allowed to bleed out for a while as the butcher and his assistant (usually my gateman) sharpen their knives and prepare the area for butchering.</div>
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We have a drain in the back yard so we spread some zinc roofing sheets on the floor and cover them with empty rice sacks. That's the "chopping board."</div>
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The water hose from the garden is moved to the back. I make sure the tanks are full because we need lots and lots of water.</div>
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Most of the cutting takes place downstairs in the backyard.</div>
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As soon as meat is ready, its brought upstairs in batches to the Prep station.</div>
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<strong>BATCH A. The Offals. (<em>Kayan ciki, soye</em>)</strong></div>
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This is usually the first body part to be cleaned and washed (minus intestines). </div>
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We wash them again thoroughly with salt and water.</div>
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I separate my offals into three. I give away anything icky (heart, genitalia, intestines etc), I keep these:</div>
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Liver</div>
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Kidneys</div>
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Tripe</div>
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Lungs</div>
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I split them into two. We fry one batch and freeze the other half in serving sized bags for making pepper soup or assorted meat stew later.</div>
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Then transfer into a <em>kasko</em> (local frying pan thats like a giant wok)</div>
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I add chopped garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers and sliced onions.
To cook them tender, I add some fat from the ram (visceral fat from the abdomen). It will also help the meat to fry with little or no oil.
I'm very generous with the spices I add to my kayan ciki.
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Meat Tenderizer speeds up the cooking time. Alternatively you can use <em>kanwa</em> (potash)
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Maggi stock cubes. Because, Nigerian.</div>
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Herbage is important. Hello Rosemary (optional)</div>
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Thyme, compulsory! Removes the gamey odour from offals </div>
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Add a cup of water to start up the cooking process. The offals themselves will start to release water from within.</div>
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I also add curry powder
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Here the offals are releasing their own liquid. Make sure you keep an eye on the wok.
We want to make sure the water doesn't dry out until the offals are cooked and tender.
If your heat is too high, the water will start to dry out. Here you can add a cupful at a time if necessary.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning as cooking progresses. You can see I added more peppers here.
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The tripe (<em>shaki, tumbi)</em> is usually the toughest to cook, so if you notice that the tripe is stringy and tender, it means your offals are cooked. This will take up to 2 hours
Allow the water to start drying off.
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When the water is dry, the offals will start releasing their own oils. This, together with the fat you added earlier will fry the offals. </div>
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If your offals are sticking to your pan, add some vegetable oil (a ladle at a time)</div>
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You have to stir fry at this point until the oil is fully released and you can let it fry.</div>
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Be careful because offals burn easily.</div>
After you've strained the offals from the oil, place the offals on a paper towel or newspaper to absorb all the excess fat.
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Thats it! The Offals are the first meat served on Sallah day.
<strong>BATCH B: FRIED MEAT</strong>
Things get easier from here.
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I wash the meat thoroughly as it it arrives in the prep area.
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I separate it into fleshy flesh and boney meat.
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The boney meat gets divided into two. Half will be fried on sallah day
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The other half will be put in serving sized portion freezer bags and stored in the freezer for pepper soup, and other soups.
<strong>LET THE FRYING BEGIN!</strong>
The oil remains in the pan.
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Then your meat on the bone goes into the oil, along with the other spices (thyme, rosemary, maggi, cloves, curry powder etc).</div>
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The meat will cook and then fry and get strained first with a colander, then paper towels and newspapers. It'll absorb all the fat out leaving you with delicious sallah meat.</div>
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<strong>PRO TIP.</strong> You can always boil your meat with all its spices in a separate stockpot before proceeding to fry it in the kasko. This will make the meat fry quicker, but requires more work. That's the method I'm using this year. So you'll fry the meat with all the spices first then transfer to your frying oil. This gives a crispier meat that doesn't need to be stored in the fridge. </div>
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Repeat with as many batches of meat you want to fry. The oil will be reused over and over again until you're done.
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At the end of the day you'll be left with fat in the pan which solidifies at room temperature. This is referred to as <em>kakidi. </em>Traditionally used as butter on bread and thanks to all the chilli and spices you added, its quite tasty too. I give it away to my helpers to use, because merely looking at it makes me a little queasy. Hello cholesterol.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SwLY9hwhwgxyK6ci31utJp69YJ7sqLbw6SAimZNgfjrkF_kyNI-VrAKxipyTAcYngmIUjjDmMry7nvs6yT-WKfWkUG4GIHnVKLLp763UJMbXnp5wyMNobrDtkfv0vXVC_61BnnwiSwE/s1600/DSC00140+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SwLY9hwhwgxyK6ci31utJp69YJ7sqLbw6SAimZNgfjrkF_kyNI-VrAKxipyTAcYngmIUjjDmMry7nvs6yT-WKfWkUG4GIHnVKLLp763UJMbXnp5wyMNobrDtkfv0vXVC_61BnnwiSwE/s320/DSC00140+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
To clean pout your pan heat it a little then transfer to another container.
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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">SIDE DISHES</span></strong>
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I usually make an easy rice dish to go with all the meatiness.
Last year it was a large pot of Jollof Rice.
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I make enough rice because after spending at least 8 hours in the kitchen on the first day, I'm in no mood to cook.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO1OPPDG5LIuCf74z0HU76jLKajcB67bUnJc6YqeXNuTYYhje0As6UfTCy6WJnl2eSmF_mgZSBrgiuhz82OFY2R2_97UG7fURZNHO7rwIIKpgcnrBXLZNCzgkAHAIdyIr6w3NU7kRMbc/s1600/jollof+rice+upclose.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO1OPPDG5LIuCf74z0HU76jLKajcB67bUnJc6YqeXNuTYYhje0As6UfTCy6WJnl2eSmF_mgZSBrgiuhz82OFY2R2_97UG7fURZNHO7rwIIKpgcnrBXLZNCzgkAHAIdyIr6w3NU7kRMbc/s400/jollof+rice+upclose.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also make a salad and I package food for my family and neighbours in baskets for delivery. </div>
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I also make dessert on day two. Maybe Apple pie or a nice tart.</div>
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WATCH OUT FOR </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
PART II: DAMBUN NAMA </div>
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PART III: LAMB CHOPS</div>
This post is way too long and I still haven't spoken about dambu
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Useful Tips</div>
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Book your helpers in advance. If you have a suya man in your neighbourhood ask him to send you one of his boys. Labour is quite cheap with them. 2k to 5k naira for a days work plus any extras (head, legs, intestines etc).</div>
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Have lots of basins and plastic tubs on hand for washing and transporting from station to station. </div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com15Abuja, Nigeria9.0764785 7.39857400000005338.825586 7.0758505000000529 9.3273710000000012 7.7212975000000537tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-15912534800951917642016-05-28T10:00:00.000+01:002016-05-28T10:00:32.797+01:00Catching Up || Features, Blog Shop, 5k views on Anisa Haque || Personal Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Lovelies!<br />
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Why does it feel like a decade since I've posted?<br />
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Ever had those days where it seems there aren't enough hours in one day? Thats me in the month of May! It has been a super productive yet, busy month and as it comes to an end, I'm so happy with all I have achieved or planned to achieve this month. Here's the Down low....<br />
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<b><u>Blog Update</u></b><br />
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Ramadan is upon us (YAY!!!). The Ultimate month for Foodies is here! I should have a few <b>Ramadan</b> friendly posts coming up, so stay tuned!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfK2X08ha-B_5Z2h0auILpA3HibnU5TD3Uqq_quq1-osxx9ac-SB6wIyKGpI7A-ihB7csOSoh0OkH8l3G-stVGRUIhgu60DKnq0Cd7xVUBCx8IP2r2BIWtWDCR5vlJIUmUua8R1qnOKg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.13.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfK2X08ha-B_5Z2h0auILpA3HibnU5TD3Uqq_quq1-osxx9ac-SB6wIyKGpI7A-ihB7csOSoh0OkH8l3G-stVGRUIhgu60DKnq0Cd7xVUBCx8IP2r2BIWtWDCR5vlJIUmUua8R1qnOKg/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.13.59+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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I am working on a <b>Blog Shop</b> where you lovely readers who are interested in purchasing selected items or services can browse through and do so. This has been inspired by the most popular post on this blog <a href="http://ummithrowsahissyfit.blogspot.com.ng/2013/01/beauty-get-perfect-skin-with-turmeric.html" target="_blank">(<span style="font-family: "coming soon";">Get perfect skin with turmeric!)</span></a><br />
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I haven't finalised all the details yet, but I know for starters, its going to be some traditional beauty supplies in bulk. So keep in touch if you're interested in DIY beauty products.<br />
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<b><u>BIG Project!</u></b><br />
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I am launching a line of food products!<br />
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Now in the past, I have sold my food at fairs and while I always have fun cooking for people, I find it extremely stressful in the week leading up to it. I cook by myself with very little assistance, so you can imagine how cooking 150 plates of food for a fair is. I also had a very unpleasant experience during one of the fairs so I'm phasing them out.<br />
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But food is my passion, right? And I would never have made it as far as I have in the food business if it weren't for the encouragement of my viewers on Instagram and this blog. So I'm reaching out to you all by starting a line of food products that can be purchased fresh or frozen or cooked and I'm calling it....*drum roll please*<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyCkPgM3cFnortkC5gX3M4mDXXJFVCp_x0sUU-bmoPLXVp8VxN-9jAvsF-UuuKio-UT6_7i2zlGvNRN5UjX69IMa5a4Rduto4mWZBLsZXhQpI4BMlzEOVlGnoMWuHpZ7n9eFuJp98UKg/s1600/latest+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyCkPgM3cFnortkC5gX3M4mDXXJFVCp_x0sUU-bmoPLXVp8VxN-9jAvsF-UuuKio-UT6_7i2zlGvNRN5UjX69IMa5a4Rduto4mWZBLsZXhQpI4BMlzEOVlGnoMWuHpZ7n9eFuJp98UKg/s640/latest+logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like the Logo? I made it myself... *pats back* I've made a few logos in my day, but this is by far my favourite.<br />
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So give yourself a few days off and let Ummi do the cooking for you. This line will include meal prep items as well as ready meals.... stay tuned!<br />
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I'll be posting details in a few days regarding the dishes and how to order so stay tuned!<br />
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<b><u>BIGGER Project</u></b><br />
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This one I CANNOT talk about! Not until it is set in stone. It is a dream I have had for a really long time and to see it coming to fruition would mean I have fulfilled one of my major life goals. Please keep me in your prayers. Your girl needs it. I'll gush all about it when the time is right.<br />
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<b><u>Features!</u></b><br />
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So I'm going to be featured on a few websites and I is fery happy abourrit!<br />
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The first is Northern Life, which is launching next week or so (Yay!)<br />
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The second is <a href="http://hijabiglobetrotter.com/" target="_blank">HijabiGlobeTrotter</a> which is an awesome blog you all should follow.<br />
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I'll let you know when I'm up.<br />
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<b><u>Driving School</u></b><br />
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I don't know to drive.<br />
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I don't have a licence.<br />
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I am scared of the road and all the chaos that comes with it *covers face*<br />
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Would you blame me though? Nigerian roads are crazy!<br />
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I miss living in a country with awesome public transport system. Where I can catch a train and a bus and get to where I'm going without needing a tetanus shot!<br />
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So after 4 years of hitching rides, begging my brothers, inconveniencing the husband (it's not an inconvenience if he loves you, right?) and non stop ridicule from my family....I have finally joined a driving school!<br />
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No one seems to have the patience to teach me, I may as well go to a professional who has probably seen students way worse than I am.<br />
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its been 8 days already and according to my instructor, I'm doing quite well! So in your face, mean family! *sticks out tongue*<br />
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I just didn't expect driving school to have homework... I mean I've been out of uni for ages! *sigh* I actually have to go and buy cardboard paper, paint and a metre rule. Oy Vey!<br />
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<b><u>Who is Anisa Haque</u></b><br />
<br />
You guys! I have hit 5,000 viewers, 500 likes and nearly 300 comments on my debut ChickLit/Adventure/Mystery book;<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2273868876776933914#editor/target=post;postID=5411702933781150719;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=15;src=postname" target="_blank">WHO IS ANISA HAQUE</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHFwEOaUDeVZsjt6erQHlZGq0Z9NpXThvegL1QMq8CkLuIkWVhhXtn8TRrlkS15beUOFl0RVWzk19gCd_6emZd5pp-vK9hlJpdtBequvNLWsyrsdKzhRPjZrvpJsW8vTdh7kBY9saSFA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.56.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHFwEOaUDeVZsjt6erQHlZGq0Z9NpXThvegL1QMq8CkLuIkWVhhXtn8TRrlkS15beUOFl0RVWzk19gCd_6emZd5pp-vK9hlJpdtBequvNLWsyrsdKzhRPjZrvpJsW8vTdh7kBY9saSFA/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.56.43+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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*spraying glitter and confetti*<br />
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It is also ranked at number 842 Worldwide out of over 100,000 chick lit books on <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/UmmiBeee" target="_blank">Wattpad</a>.<br />
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*buying everyone a drink<br />
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I have been receiving a lot of love and support over at <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/UmmiBeee" target="_blank">Wattpad</a> and I have met several young Nigerian writers with passion and creativity, we've sort of formed a little community.<br />
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See how kind they've been to me;<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOhYWx-8-dTSNDC94k63Mxe3w3_oV2s1sDKzYL2MzbXrraj55byMneWeC8UQxA3DswVElvQh1Qxi2MJr98oB4B_UZiJqQFtlVR2sB4mn4KZrAktqVl4Egt7RmWnKfOghpsTxLuShVZiM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.55.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOhYWx-8-dTSNDC94k63Mxe3w3_oV2s1sDKzYL2MzbXrraj55byMneWeC8UQxA3DswVElvQh1Qxi2MJr98oB4B_UZiJqQFtlVR2sB4mn4KZrAktqVl4Egt7RmWnKfOghpsTxLuShVZiM/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.55.29+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOhYWx-8-dTSNDC94k63Mxe3w3_oV2s1sDKzYL2MzbXrraj55byMneWeC8UQxA3DswVElvQh1Qxi2MJr98oB4B_UZiJqQFtlVR2sB4mn4KZrAktqVl4Egt7RmWnKfOghpsTxLuShVZiM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.55.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQthePwlMcaYF61VWcLTGKFao9n2ltFru5THbyZ84B0eKWfwUdg2yoCXzjbtknlTIBbvaci2PCXBXofP6RzHq0Diy97XZwlA1d2XW5L5yk8qH_qlo-FwalZiNvx1ga6g3hN5K8Hzs4oJA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.58.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQthePwlMcaYF61VWcLTGKFao9n2ltFru5THbyZ84B0eKWfwUdg2yoCXzjbtknlTIBbvaci2PCXBXofP6RzHq0Diy97XZwlA1d2XW5L5yk8qH_qlo-FwalZiNvx1ga6g3hN5K8Hzs4oJA/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.58.26+PM.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4Ci7bWp-YWivqJ9L2ijffVLj53qrrbguX-cD7qJpDSDCsxZ_ikaUEAGigs_UJ5QNN1dC2oJormcDGmQsolUUu3oci5Tmf-VPmddF5JbtLhhqXWf-IS20ad-JHNIDIEbblbytur6mP7M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.58.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4Ci7bWp-YWivqJ9L2ijffVLj53qrrbguX-cD7qJpDSDCsxZ_ikaUEAGigs_UJ5QNN1dC2oJormcDGmQsolUUu3oci5Tmf-VPmddF5JbtLhhqXWf-IS20ad-JHNIDIEbblbytur6mP7M/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.58.39+PM.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YgRgxhrRriLJ4ol6cojcrUVQJlWXjicW3yiQ1rO4IhTGV-4bXsYw71IojGkieMlOSVMZfInS1I4dUAZcuwi4DgEjLeD8V7Zi-Yfli2xeEQpcFQgfSmtFll80c-hWwRi8f_dJPcac2EI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.59.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YgRgxhrRriLJ4ol6cojcrUVQJlWXjicW3yiQ1rO4IhTGV-4bXsYw71IojGkieMlOSVMZfInS1I4dUAZcuwi4DgEjLeD8V7Zi-Yfli2xeEQpcFQgfSmtFll80c-hWwRi8f_dJPcac2EI/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-05-27+at+10.59.19+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2273868876776933914" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2273868876776933914" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>If you haven't read it yet (why are you carrying last?) <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/173639079-who-is-anisa-haque-chapter-1" target="_blank">Click Here to start from the Beginning!</a><br />
<br />
If you're a reader that hasn't caught up in a while, <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/51441133-who-is-anisa-haque" target="_blank">Click here<span id="goog_102235100"></span><span id="goog_102235101"></span> to continue reading!</a> The story is getting Juicier, I promise you.<br />
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If you're on Wattpad and aren't following me, <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/UmmiBeee" target="_blank">Click here to fix that problem</a>.<br />
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<b><u>MotherHood & Mrs.Hood</u></b><br />
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We put Baby R in school! In third term, no less. She's been so bored at home lately, surrounded by adults that I feel she doesn't socialise well with kids. So I thought I'd put her in daycare, but they insisted she start school proper, so here's my little reception princess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_g1FKRgDlBEIg0vsgMBKPyZTv7AIrnAkWSqD0y4ybquNfCZSkQ2Mp7Fp-aOw_SEk_SrZA91RpEISxlpW6efCwxFvt7FNx-lvmp8JY4tOWnBu62zXVPgzoE3HMCSMPw9Vx-AgBil6z32Q/s1600/IMG_2807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_g1FKRgDlBEIg0vsgMBKPyZTv7AIrnAkWSqD0y4ybquNfCZSkQ2Mp7Fp-aOw_SEk_SrZA91RpEISxlpW6efCwxFvt7FNx-lvmp8JY4tOWnBu62zXVPgzoE3HMCSMPw9Vx-AgBil6z32Q/s320/IMG_2807.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Drop waist, on trend!</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2273868876776933914" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Sports wear chic?</div>
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Mr.H and I had our Fourth Wedding Anniversary last month. Yay! To celebrate, we went to 355 for a romantic dinner and we had a great time. It's a bit of a splurge, I know but hey, we deserve it for not tearing each other apart after being together for over 11 years! Here's to 50 more Habibi!<br />
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So that's it my darlings! You're now all caught up with what I've been up to.<br />
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I hope you're convinced that I haven't abandoned this space.<br />
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Things should ease out in the next few weeks, so I should be blogging more often.<br />
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Hope you've all been great and things are flowing smoothly for you all.<br />
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Do you have any gist for me?<br />
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Have you forgiven my long absence?<br />
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Am I to a query from you?<br />
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Leave a comment below and let me know.<br />
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Thanks for reading this far! You deserve a medal<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlGr0pkUUEbrV45838D8mStHZIWQMH668rEccO9s2bT7XoSW-_TjuLbbx0bG-r_Ii7iZHF3Whelw0EzIc-vt-Vuc8UW5iAammFdVlxxYmFTiCCkfdDoYWLFxByv4lSX1Zvf2u0kBRI_I/s1600/medal.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlGr0pkUUEbrV45838D8mStHZIWQMH668rEccO9s2bT7XoSW-_TjuLbbx0bG-r_Ii7iZHF3Whelw0EzIc-vt-Vuc8UW5iAammFdVlxxYmFTiCCkfdDoYWLFxByv4lSX1Zvf2u0kBRI_I/s320/medal.png" width="320" /></a><br />
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Lot's of Awesome Love,<br />
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<br />
Ummi<br />
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<br /></div>
UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com12Abuja, Nigeria9.0764785 7.39857400000005338.825586 7.0758505000000529 9.3273710000000012 7.7212975000000537tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-4525815863850707052016-05-01T21:29:00.000+01:002016-05-14T17:17:44.483+01:00Taking Care of My Toddler's Kinky Afro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
'I've always wanted a girl as a first child,' I said to myself severally.<br />
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'I'll have all the time in the world to dress her up and play with her hair.'
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'She'll be like a mini me!'
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And she kind of is.
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The flaw in my wish was that I forgot how much of a tyrant I was to my mum when it came to making my hair!
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJO-WUiXSKmwExaAeyInxuufJXjBgMo4Z5My3eClDmKGWhRVoTPTVPwSowjPzBBD72oaorhrLrmose5OkvE5RKgeP1yt6y0xjTFCq-UmZjUdZroM5FtbpwUz-3NoX5du2kCxNyIQVBVw/" title="Current" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current hairstyle. 26 months</td>
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I can even remember some of my antics!
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Avoiding her every Saturday and Sunday so I don't have to do my hair</div>
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Faking the flu so my hair won't get shampooed</div>
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Hiding the combs to delay plaiting my hair</div>
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Crying so much that the neighbors have to check in</div>
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Wearing caps and scarves so she won't see the messy hair</div>
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This was when I was in primary school.<br />
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Don't blame me! My hair in its natural state is tougher than an iron sponge! Even when wet! She threatened to cut it off so many times, but I'm glad she didn't because after the pain and tears and threats, I brandish my new hair do like a proud peacock, whipping my hair back and forth like nothing happened.<br />
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1cEM6j9YSJyzgWeofTrhpYhg9dmDmhBIcMRmi_h3RW-Aj_LFuCjm8Ek7zJlUacW3kVaZ0qN3_gr-XOxdAlWbN4k73pwevNymPuBd5OJqClUmYp3zdb-iS2xVbr3aEc_pq4xk631_pcs/" title="First Hair do ever!" width="284" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Hair do ever!
5 months </td>
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My daughter is the same... I keep her hair tools in a basket so whenever she sees me approaching with that basket, I'm in for a tough time!<br />
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She starts rolling on the floor and wriggling out of my grip. If I tug too hard, she'd turn around and seize the comb. Sometimes she'll even hide the comb where I can't find it.<br />
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By the time we're done I feel like I've just run a marathon!<br />
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So I came up with some products and techniques that makes the process tolerable for both of us.<br />
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Here, I share how I detangle, wash and style her curly hair. These tips can also apply to adults, so feel free to try them out yourself.
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>1. Detangling</strong></span>
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The first thing I do is to detangle the hair in preparation for washing. </div>
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I start by</div>
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Loosening the current style</div>
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Using my finger to undo any knots</div>
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Lightly combing with a loose tooth comb.</div>
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Before I start detangling, I generously spray the hair with my DIY detangling spray shown in the photo below</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrTZtVMBKCbHi37eplbIWT0N9IQozFzzghqv9DsjawQccUyQdJOtRYc1Zy5wSiC1kYSck1z_jkzSatvZ8HnBjQ_1LwcSJZKI0p2zcoucLMbOxRGgfJCK_GEtaIlKc1nKVv_fII90BWg8/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrTZtVMBKCbHi37eplbIWT0N9IQozFzzghqv9DsjawQccUyQdJOtRYc1Zy5wSiC1kYSck1z_jkzSatvZ8HnBjQ_1LwcSJZKI0p2zcoucLMbOxRGgfJCK_GEtaIlKc1nKVv_fII90BWg8/" title="Detangle" width="515" /></a></div>
Yes, my secret ingredient is lotta body! The same lotta body that we used in the past to roller set hair but sometimes, makes you end up with crispy hair! Turns out it's an excellent detangler. I dilute it 1:3 with water and add a tablespoon of glycerin. I put it in a spray bottle for ease and voila!<br />
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A few generous sprays and her hair gets good slip and most knots can be undone with just fingers. Yay! It saves time too
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJrvvHhao6_eT7OSZ8TRYzanGJ8tgL21gjQCHejTeZ1-VZz8wetdWM3Fm0Z1Qa-eOgraXMJXeRq8Q5DiXChcckSRg28-z9pjf4O8Y_id_Hv2-AMdctEw9M8kFxstiyNHfx6znM1zBe6M/" title="Afro" width="295" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her hair is a 3c/4a type.
23 months</td>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">2. Washing</span></strong><br />
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Fact: I do NOT shampoo her hair! I tried it once and ended up with a dry, tangled mess! The poor thing cried so much in the process that I figured it simply isn't worth it. </div>
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I wash her hair every week (10 days in cold weather or allergy season) and I simply use a conditioner to wash her hair. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioTuVVpkznaTMjHhbUYabj7p0878eMD8R1IOW6sBApJuyRWmhiPraNT0nFrtGzLQCtCGnuOrjT7PlMkWLlR5CMOnKkRf48UGS3WNDESFRy53TWTH5Msnm9wMywq6lAUQQghaknM3PGio/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="{\"requiresResize\":true}" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioTuVVpkznaTMjHhbUYabj7p0878eMD8R1IOW6sBApJuyRWmhiPraNT0nFrtGzLQCtCGnuOrjT7PlMkWLlR5CMOnKkRf48UGS3WNDESFRy53TWTH5Msnm9wMywq6lAUQQghaknM3PGio/" title="Washing" width="500" /></a></div>
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Conditioner washing or co-washing is all I need to get her hair clean. It is a proven mild cleanser, so there is no product build up and hence no need for harsh shampoo (even baby shampoo is harsh on her hair!). </div>
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Though every 1-2 months, I use her body wash (Aveeno baby) to gently massage her scalp. I find it much milder than shampoo.</div>
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I apply conditioner from roots to the tips</div>
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Then massage the scalp gently from her forehead to her neck. </div>
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I wash it off then apply a second time. </div>
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If the hair still feels dirty, I wash it off and apply a third time. </div>
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If the hair is clean, I run a wide tooth comb through it, </div>
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Wash it off then blot with a hooded towel.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52eDPjJFgcwSJW7HwVM6XNRnGTFa_H71-xcgKxc0hyJHpuQtza4Q94MnlD0Rkgw8ev8l06CxWOZwrqKOT52Yy7Sa73BCRn4KymgAW7PSbcvz5y9zvpwnyMEShwhFos9TQqmbzd_y18Uc/" title="Party hair. 20 months" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party hair.
20 months</td>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">3. Styling</span></strong><br />
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No matter how I style her hair, it'll get messy in three days! So I've decided to stop stressing myself!
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I always style the hair when wet. It is impossible to comb her hair when it's dry. Simply impossible <br />
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I divide the hair into four, six or eight <br />
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Spray each section with an argan oil spray (Hawaiian silky is my fave)<br />
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I comb through the section with the help of that DIY detangler up there.<br />
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Use an elastic hair band to secure the root firmly <br />
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Braid or twist each lock and secure with a hair band
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgup-lldSl2dnWJXoa8XoDB2XcYm0bP9OYo7MeyshxXLrZtqT-CCZPjy8uZZaYzrQqS3H9zxaw2_rZlH1YO7VLhDm68Srp2822zhZzXSKJQwFt4UfpafGdLomkceODNZfafEZKZ9xkGYjQ/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgup-lldSl2dnWJXoa8XoDB2XcYm0bP9OYo7MeyshxXLrZtqT-CCZPjy8uZZaYzrQqS3H9zxaw2_rZlH1YO7VLhDm68Srp2822zhZzXSKJQwFt4UfpafGdLomkceODNZfafEZKZ9xkGYjQ/" title="Styling" width="500" /></a></div>
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There was a time my mum insisted on plaiting her hair 'because it is long enough."<br />
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I agreed at first because, you know, Grandma knows best! <br />
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SO when she went to her grandparents for a sleepover, she was returned to me with beautifully plaited hair that made her look so cute and grown up. it also meant that I had two weeks before the next wash day. Yay!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGhpUiiZyokTPAV9Lb-qzZDDksbY1C4HNcJhRoqtOtnu9VbmimtZqahoBAndAfAjjlTn9G9jtFjtxuHMqPK2qXqt3YW_0AA1HJMh-KHRoByBjU8Vp0rNvkEqxFJfCf735d-5tYxSx2No/" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGhpUiiZyokTPAV9Lb-qzZDDksbY1C4HNcJhRoqtOtnu9VbmimtZqahoBAndAfAjjlTn9G9jtFjtxuHMqPK2qXqt3YW_0AA1HJMh-KHRoByBjU8Vp0rNvkEqxFJfCf735d-5tYxSx2No/" title="First" width="402" /></a></div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P3TBb5W-6WQxvIZ9e8dq1x5trlh-82RaHrI-G6V2-LqM1Zl8l-XAOQHkmC4622eGcVHMf-alUSnu9hepoShDx6D75NfTuJR5JDv2e3gmct9sBu2HiTqqF-g9y6MQXOUv8ZPs3FN86tw/" title="Hut" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First corn row ever.
11 months</td>
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But when it was time to loosen it! Oh em gee! It was horrible! Her hair was unbelievably tangled! She cried, I cried! she had a headache, i had a headache.
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3dcnpFtFUH0JrsecpCSv-cqF88JkXLoEBnX-nF8KSuERkCJGT-A5xCQ8AcZOhM3Tf50G0ZwM2KJsHiMprvAfX4l74Pw99WCrX7jTOZb2KAHJbiHXpBxDwpsg5s3I5uyAsYCQt2i2khc/" title="Both" width="480" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Big Girl" Hair. 18 months</td>
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Then I made a mistake of being there when her hair was being plaited and when I saw how much she cried, I figured nothing was worth putting my child through this pain!
She's happier when I do it my way.
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToLZqKg8gekYCCFjl9sB5YgzgoUm6zzr_FkHwy4IZMu_lAOXSnSP4GBU1t2K4-QoiegWyUjKRK_r2Cgqgk1oiECXjSEgPD9WnsJnUnP3lDzOgdkDCzmg8xx92Fml2nJm_AbE4SK7HYAs/" title="9 mo" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used to style her hair in the tub. The water distracts her. 9 months.</td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrBWI3wg03qAb_DsE484y93cE5UvmV1RUNP41pDWxqxzHDAyCSeGY52IYPKRZ_wSZpQx9iTf7QD9W_UMXdpR7DU9Iju2Tp3XKA_6gebhFm7sfX6v2yfd4_J4bbqKLlNQHWrTHGWMdTqE/" title="Hair" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current go to style. This style lasts a little over a week, so I do it whenever we need to travel.
23 months
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsWXw5_fWaTBGjDc7pGzwVB7oSODbQgjFAPVKr4EcxTJtp8XyanRygxoW4p_Qq23cXHZ2ynM052xb1-2Png9wV-7UeAzR-kZLrmRLG8Xl2FxnfheVV-ILuFJ9O_o_gaUnIV80nUzxk8s/" title="Brighter" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brighter</td>
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So that's all folks!<br />
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Hope this has helped at least one or two people out there with baby girls. Dealing with girls and their hair is the ultimate test of patience. <br />
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Do you have natural hair?<br />
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Do you have any tips for me and Baby R?
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Are there any styles that are easier than the ones above?<br />
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Let me know in the comments below!
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Lots of Tangled love,<br />
<br />
Ummi.
</div>
UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-21862058407425282752016-04-16T14:21:00.000+01:002016-04-16T14:21:34.194+01:00Have You Read My Book? (Excerpt!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey there!<br />
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Remember when I told you that I had started <a href="http://ummithrowsahissyfit.blogspot.com.ng/2015/10/does-that-also-make-me-author.html" target="_blank">writing a book</a>? Well, I've been a good girl with updating and I have just uploaded the 20th Chapter!<br />
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I'm also celebrating 2000 views, 300 likes and 236 comments!!!<br />
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*standing ovation*<br />
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Thank you, Thank you!<br />
<br />
I really didn't think it would get such a response and I'm so grateful for all the love and support over at <a href="http://www.wattpad.com/" target="_blank">WattPad</a>, where I'm sharing it at the moment. Click here to Start Reading it on WattPad.<br />
<br />
To celebrate all this, Here's an excerpt from Chapter 15, one of the most popular chapters.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who is Anisa Haque</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2mCmQTsiuWmKNi4ojHpqFRLInc7eZemfHxnGUwfj7_FrrIrKy8J1aPitcljzm3v8NhZN1GEleh8Psypnvvd_exDwq8D2Oty5518mC8U5U55u_JOmM3K6coFeF66rugrsbC7Y0SIzU_o/s1600/51441133-176-k791358.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2mCmQTsiuWmKNi4ojHpqFRLInc7eZemfHxnGUwfj7_FrrIrKy8J1aPitcljzm3v8NhZN1GEleh8Psypnvvd_exDwq8D2Oty5518mC8U5U55u_JOmM3K6coFeF66rugrsbC7Y0SIzU_o/s400/51441133-176-k791358.jpg" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Anisa is young woman in her 20s with an insatiable love for cheesy popcorn, George Clooney and solving mysteries. When her best friend Maryam gets engaged to be married, Anisa finds her perfect world falling apart. Before she can fix it, she has to help a dysfunctional family survive through an earth shattering crisis. But how can she cover up their dirty secrets without hers coming to light?</span></blockquote>
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__________________________</div>
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<br /></div>
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⭕️</div>
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Two things woke me up.</div>
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Hunger and noise! </div>
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Very loud noise! </div>
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Like the sound of witches cackling and hands clapping and voices! </div>
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Oh, the voices!</div>
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'<i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Subhanallah</i>!' I exclaimed when I saw the time on my phone. 'It was already morning!' </div>
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I had fallen asleep while scrolling through Instagram and now it was already almost 10am! I must've been exhausted.</div>
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I whacked a pillow over my head and tried to drown out the noises. Maybe I could get another hour or two of sleep, but no, They were just too loud. </div>
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When I realised I hadn't prayed <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">subhi! Astagfirullah! </i>I sprang out of bed to pray and get ready for the day, which judging by my rude awakening was already off to a rocky start. </div>
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By the time I went downstairs the noise had abated greatly, though they were still chatting loudly and high-fiving themselves regularly. I didn't even hear who it was and what they were talking about but I knew I didn't want to be a part of it. I caught a glimpse of their backs as I snuck into the kitchen to get some breakfast. </div>
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Leftover lentil soup. </div>
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I placed it in the microwave and opened the fridge to look for some garlic bread. </div>
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'Anisa?' I heard Mama's voice. 'Anisa is that you?' I guess the smell of the soup must've alerted them. Or the hum of the microwave. </div>
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'Come and greet our guests.'</div>
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I dragged my feet to the living room and inadvertently rolled my eyes when I saw who they were from the back. </div>
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Aunty Lami: Mama's nosy friend and Lord Commander of the superwax crowd. And her three daughters.</div>
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Have I told you about the Super Wax Crowd? It's not actually a real group of people since the members aren't even aware that they're members. It's a term Maryam and I use to refer to people, mostly Abuja women who are so shallow and materialistic, the first thing they do whenever they see you is read the selvage end at the bottom of your wax print (<i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ankara, atamfa</i>). What are they looking for? Well, printed words like Vlisco, Hollandaise, England, Classic and Super wax show that your wax was made in Europe; England or the Netherlands and not China, meaning you spent between 16,000 to 27,000 naira to purchase the fabric, not including sewing. This makes you desirable to them. You're only worthy of their friendship and admiration of you appear rich, affluent or exposed.</div>
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'<i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ina</i> <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">kwananku</i>,' I greeted, descending to my knees. </div>
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Aunty Lami and Mama were sitting together on the three seater couch while the three daughters sat cross legged diagonally on the two seater couch. I stood up and sat on Baba's throne, which was unoccupied. I could feel them looking at me from head to toe and saw one of them smile. Or was it a smirk? </div>
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I dunno. </div>
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I don't care, </div>
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I'm hungry!</div>
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Mama had served them some drinks and two plates of samosas. The mum had eaten half of one plate but none of the girls touched any of it. Their glasses were dry, the bottles unopened and the untouched plate of samosas was calling me, making my stomach growl loudly.</div>
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'Anisa <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">manya</i>,' said Aunty Lami, her lips outlined with the darkest black liner known to man and then filled in with red lipstick. Her brows seemed to have been shaved off and then drawn on with a black liner as well. 'It's like you're getting taller everyday!'</div>
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'Thank you,' I smiled, even though I have been a steady 5 ft 9.5 for the past 8 years. </div>
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'When was the last time you saw each other?' Mama asked.</div>
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'I think I-'</div>
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'Oh she's never at home when I come around,' Aunty Lami interrupted me. 'And you never bring her along when you come to my house.'</div>
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'Don't worry she'll be coming around often. Especially now that your beautiful daughters are around.'</div>
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No I wouldn't! I screamed in my head. Mama and Aunty Lami have been trying to make me friends with her daughters for nearly six years now but it just won't work out! We are totally different, there's no chemistry there! One day, Mama tricked me into staying at their house for nearly six hours and I tell you, I nearly gouged my brain out. I don't even want to think about it.</div>
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'Thank you,' all three girls chorused together like primary school kids.</div>
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'We are on our way to see your daughter Maryam's <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Kayan lefe</i>,' said Aunty Lami.</div>
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'That's nice,' said Mama. 'Get ready to feast your eyes, the gifts are beautiful.'</div>
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'So I heard,' Aunty Lami nodded. 'So I heard. Aisha is friends with one of Maryam's friends, how many boxes did they say they brought, Aisha?</div>
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'Nearly 20!' Aisha exaggerated. She's the middle girl who is around my age. She was really skinny and she wore an outfit that was so tight, I could almost see the grooves of her rib cage. 'And none of them empty.'</div>
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'How can any of them be empty,' said their Mum. 'Do you know what family the groom is from?' She asked rhetorically. </div>
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'Garba Hadejia' said Mama. 'So they're well known?'</div>
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'Very well known,' said Aisha. 'Who doesn't know the family of the Wazirin Hadejia? It's a very big family, they own nearly half of Hadejia. He was once a Perm. Sec at your ministry, right Hauwa?'</div>
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'Yes,' said the eldest, haughtily. 'He was the permanent secretary before this new government. I worked in his office for a few months. Very strict man.'</div>
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'Forget the man,' their mum waved. 'Have you met his wife? Hmmm.'</div>
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'No,' Mama seemed lost. 'What about her??'</div>
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'You know she was my neighbor when we lived in Maiduguri in the 90s.' Aunty Lami announced, proudly shaking her head and pursing her lips like it was a huge accomplishment. </div>
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'She's known as Hajiya Yabalu,' Aisha narrated. 'She's mixed, Kanuri and Shuwa.'</div>
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'That woman is so neat,' said Aunty Lami. 'Her home always looks like a palace. And her beauty, Ya Allah! When she walks by everybody stops and stares. You'll never catch her wearing any <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">atamfa </i>cheaper than a Hollandaise. Or a <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lafayya</i> that's not from Austria. When she's getting ready in the morning it takes her three hours before she comes out. She starts with a scrub all over her body, then she bathes in very hot water. Then she does another bath with incense and she smokes her whole body with turaren wuta and then applies all sorts of oils and oil perfumes, you can smell her from a mile away. Her skin is very soft and supple, it's amazing! People in our estate used to line up to peep into her house just to get a glimpse of her fabulous lifestyle. Her nickname back then was *mai wankan zinari* because she was so pretty and put together, she must bathe in gold.'</div>
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'Wow,' Mama listened, glass eyed. These were the kind of stories she liked. Stories of kept women that lived a life of luxury. 'Maryam is lucky then.'</div>
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'Very lucky, that poor orphan girl is,' said Aunty Lami. 'From having no mother to having a beautiful, talented mother in law. I hope she can cook well.'</div>
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They all looked at me and I felt offended for Maryam. There's more to love and life than being able to cook! Are we still in the stone ages that a girl must be able cook before she is considered wife material? What of the other great qualities Maryam brings to the table? And the joy she's going to add to their lives because she is a bundle of happy,cheerful, glittery energy? What about that?</div>
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'She's asking you, Anisa,' Mum said, a little annoyed. 'Can Maryam cook?'</div>
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'Yes, she can,' I replied plainly. Which was true. Maryam had to step up and take care of her younger ones after her mum passed away. She was forced to grow up and so learnt a lot of domestic stuff. </div>
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'Are you sure? Because Hajiya Yabalu is an amazing cook. From our house you could smell all sorts of Arabian food. They say she's used her food, beauty and bedroom skills to make her husband so obsessed with her that he can't even look at another woman. When he looks at other women they appear ugly and bald because he's blinded by his Yabalu.'</div>
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I was mortified. Why would I want to know that Maryam's mother in law has good bedroom skills? That's just too much information! And none of our business! This is exactly the reason why I dislike Aunty Lami's visits. She is too nosy!</div>
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'Yabalu is the best kawai. And her husband showers her with money. Think Naira, Dollar, Dirham, Euro, Pounds, she swims in all if them. You people have to make sure we don't get embarrassed at this wedding, because trust me the groom's side? They are gong to bring on the best of the best.</div>
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'Subhanallah,' I heard panic in Mama's voice. 'We have to buckle up and start preparing. There's so much to consider now.'</div>
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'Yes,'Aunty Lami sounded satisfied. 'No time to lose, start now. We will not be embarrassed o.' That was her mission all along. To come here and spread this information that'll scare us, the bride's family into thinking we aren't good enough for the groom's family. That's her personal opinion, and instead of owning up to it and saying it out loud, she's projecting it unto us and playing on our insecurities. I could see right through her, I wonder why Mama couldn't. </div>
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The last thing we need right now is Mama putting pressure on Uncle Abbati, Maryam's dad. He is a very simple man, a humble civil servant who works as an administrative staff and deputy director at the Ministry of Environment. He also has a very demanding wife (Maryam's step mum), 7 children to cater to and a 26 year old daughter to marry off. He's going to feed hundreds of people and also prepare her <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Gara</i> and <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Kayan Daki</i>. The last thing he needs to do right now is to compete with the family of a retired perm. sec. and well known member of a large family of royals, politicians and businessmen. Let's stay in our lane. He had already promised Maryam 4 million Naira for her <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Wuni</i> and <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Kamu</i> needs. That's more than enough. Let's be thankful and move on.</div>
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'You see me,' she patted her chest and spoke proudly. 'I've been saving money and training my girls for years. These three are absolutely ready for marriage even this minute.'</div>
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'Thank you,' they chorused again like robots, flashing their Teeth.</div>
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'I've been training them since they were twelve. You see Hauwa?' The eldest one turned. 'she cooks breakfast for the whole family every morning at 7 before she leaves for work and she's never late. Then Aisha,' the middle one turned. 'She makes lunch, which is always very delicious. Then my baby Tima,' the youngest girl gave a shy smile. 'Tima cooks dinner and she's even started her a cupcake business now. Women keep booking them for their boys. Every woman wants her son to marry one of them because they have skills and poise.'</div>
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Then why were they still single, I wondered. The eldest looked like she was already over thirty, but what's my business? </div>
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'Wow, I can see that' Mum said. 'MashaAllah, what lovely girls you've got.' I could tell she was a little jealous. These girls were everything Mum wanted in a daughter. Yet here she is, stuck with Anisa.</div>
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'By 8am everyone is bathed and dressed, the house is spotless and there's incense wafting through the entire building. That's what they'd be doing in their husbands' houses: wake up at least two hours before him, beautify themselves and then make him breakfast. You would never see them with their hair unplaited and they would never come downstairs at 10am in a bath robe.'</div>
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I felt my brows furrow. That's exactly what I was wearing and my hair has been unplaited since February, three months ago. </div>
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I could feel Mama shoot me a dirty look. I was embarrassing her in front of her friend, something I'm quite adept to. </div>
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Aunty Lami gave an evil smile, she was winning! In her eyes, her daughters were better than me and everyone in this room knew it. Well, nearly everyone. I couldn't care less about being "marriage material."</div>
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'Ah, look at me, I'm getting old!' Said Aunty Lami. 'I almost forgot what I came here for!'</div>
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Really? That's hard to believe. Rolled my eyes.</div>
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'*Albishirinki*, my dear sister,' she said to Mama. 'Guess who I saw on my trip last month?'</div>
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'You mean when you went to Dubai? Who?'</div>
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'Yes, this last trip to Dubayy,' she spoke with emphasis as though we that referred to it as Dubai and not Dubayy were uncivilised barbarians. 'I was shopping at the gold souk in Deira when I saw your in law to be.'</div>
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'You mean Maryam's in law? Hajiya Yabalu?' Asked Mama. She wasn't going to be forgetting that name anytime soon I guess.</div>
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'No, Anisa's in law, Hajiya Sarriya.'</div>
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My stomach did a giant flip. What the hell? Ibrahim's mum? She's not my in law and would never be in a thousand years. Over my dead body.</div>
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'But she's not-'</div>
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'Anisa go and get dressed,' Mama shot me an icy look, warning me not to mention that Ibrahim and I had broken up. I stared back at her stubbornly. I hate being treated like a child, I'm nearly 28! I stood up reluctantly and went to the kitchen, all eyes on me. </div>
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I'm still so hungry! </div>
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I left the door open to hear the rest of that conversation. </div>
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'I saw Hajiya Sarriya and Ibrahim shopping. You know we went to Hajj together in 2010 so I know her quite well. They were buying lots of things, it looks like they are planning a <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Kayan Lefe</i>. Just thought you should know, you might be getting good news soon.' </div>
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'Ya Allah, Amin to that prayer!' Mama raised her hands dramatically. 'We've been waiting so long for this good news!'</div>
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'InshaAllah. They were in Dubayy for two weeks, shopping nearly everyday. I'm sure they'll bring an amazing set. Just don't forget to invite me the day they bring it o!</div>
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'Haba, how can I forget,' her mood was brightened. 'You're pretty much the brides mum. You're the one that'll do all the talking. I'll be hiding in the room, no need for me to come out, I'm also an <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Amarya</i>.'</div>
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'<i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ayiriyiri</i>,' Aunty Lami yodelled and they high fived each other. 'May we all live to see the day. Ibrahim looks responsible kam, I only have one issue.</div>
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'What?'</div>
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'Anisa's height. Hope she's not taller than him. We don't want her to marry a dwarf so people won't think she's older than him.</div>
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'Ah, that's not a problem,' Mama laughed. 'He's slightly taller than Anisa by 2 inches.'</div>
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'What about high heels?' She asked</div>
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And I'd just about had enough. I had to get on with my day. </div>
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I wolfed down my soup and garlic bread, which by the way tasted amazing, hats off to Daddy the chef, then went upstairs and got dressed in my usual work ensemble. A long black abaya with its matching shayla, nothing fancy. I lined my upper and lower eyelids with kohl and liquid liner (I think it makes me look very in charge) then used red matte lipstick on my lips and my trusty studio fix powder on my face. A few spritz of my favourite eau de toilette and That's it! Simple, comfortable and still a little chic, I'm ready to face the day!</div>
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They'd all stopped when I got downstairs. I could tell they'd been talking about me, but I really didn't care, I had a business to run! They could all sit there looking pretty, waiting for a man to validate their existence and give them money, but me? I choose to validate myself and make my own! </div>
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'I'm heading out,' I announced as I swung my satchel and walked past the living room without stopping. I didn't even wait for answer before stepping out of the door. </div>
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I was angry with all of them, especially Mama. Why would she speak to me this way? Especially in front of guests, it was hurtful.</div>
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Nothing good ever comes out of a visit from the super wax crowd, nothing! I'm always left feeling angry at their shallowness and mad at Mama for constantly throwing me under the bus while trying to please them. </div>
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I hated Ibrahim and his Mum, they'd caused me so much pain! The idea of marrying him repulses me more than any horrible thing you could ever think of.</div>
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Hearing about him buying Kayan lefe is actually good news. I know his mum would never buy even a toothpick for me. It means he has finally moved on and found another girl whose life to make miserable. Or, if there's any justice in this world, karma would have caught up with him and the girl would make his life miserable. </div>
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Either way, I'm glad to be left out of it. </div>
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Hearing about marriage from these people has been quite the eye opener. Are we falling in love or training for a military assignment!</div>
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Must get up two hours early; don't I need sleep too?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Must clean the house before he gets up; really?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Must cook great food; what if I'm not into it? <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Must get dressed early; what happened to lazy mornings cuddling in bed?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Must look good at all times; fake!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Must have great 'bedroom skills'; aren't we supposed to develop that after marriage?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Must have hair plaited at all times; what if that's not my style?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Must put on incense.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Must<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Must<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Must</div>
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What happened to adventure and spontaneity? Falling in love with the person's character and putting up with their flaws because you know they're human too. Women aren't robots, we have feelings. We want to be loved and respected, not as domestic staff but as human beings too! </div>
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If all you want is great food and a clean home, hire yourself a house boy and a cook!</div>
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Because really, if this is all there is to look forward to in the fabulous married life, then I couldn't be more convinced that it isn't for me.</div>
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⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️</div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com5Abuja, Nigeria9.0764785 7.39857400000005338.825586 7.0758505000000529 9.3273710000000012 7.7212975000000537tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-44223285848586920812016-04-03T19:39:00.000+01:002016-04-08T04:46:01.675+01:00Arabian-Spiced Middle Eastern Casserole <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Stuck on what to cook for dinner? Here's a simple casserole that'll get you licking out the dishes because it's just so damn delish!
You get juicy and tender pieces of chicken floating in a thin flavorful vegetable broth.
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This dish and well, Middle eastern food in general is great for picky eaters because the spices are subtle yet packed with the chili and oumame flavor that Nigerians love.
This would be a great dish for having guests over! Just marinate the chicken overnight and bake an hour before serving.
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This recipe will serve 3-4 adults.
Here's what you need
Ingredients
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<ul>
<li>6 pieces of Chicken, thawed (I used two laps of a 1.4kg chicken, so approximately 750g)</li>
<li>3 cloves Garlic, minced</li>
<li>1 inch cube of ginger</li>
<li>3-4 scotch bonnet pepper, crushed</li>
<li>1/3 cup yoghurt </li>
<li>3 seasoning cubes (maggi)</li>
<li>1 tsp coriander powder</li>
<li>1 tsp cumin powder or seeds</li>
<li>1/2 tsp cinnamon powder</li>
<li>1 tsp Lemon juice or white vinegar </li>
<li>4 cloves (optional)</li>
<li>2 green cardamom pods (optional)</li>
<li>1 small onion</li>
<li>4 potatoes</li>
<li>2 carrots</li>
<li>2 tbsps oil</li>
<li>Salt to taste</li>
</ul>
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Here's what you do</div>
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<ol>
<li>Place the chicken in a large bowl and add garlic, ginger, chili paste and yoghurt and mix well.
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiffp9lyHSsu2SkMxY0pvEOfmvz3FPK4CjQdc_pRuSVWazg3xuKR-U0TnFguZ2swjpgPYAD8bDTsKvpftV07oePQ5Li4cJr2AMU7ooHKRRBxw8W4qjI9UGohFXW5hae8T3Ga5JrI8t5aY/" title="Yoghurt" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoghurt</td>
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</li>
<li>Season with maggi cubes, coriander, cumin, cinnamon and salt to combine.
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</li>
<li>Let it sit for at least 1-2 hours or overnight in the fridge</li>
<li>Cut the carrots and potatoes into chunky pieces and slice the onions</li>
<li>Preheat oven to the 220 degrees</li>
<li>Heat oil in a frying pan and place the chicken skin side up to brown and seal the marinade
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-json="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgbZ-ZpRlgbClt99s0vNRcnc7BBSou_GnzYtglzEFNn76qokYVBobUbnJ-UrzJUsAdBIUqigYEVUjvEZGXrvd6LZc0qHHk-xagCNpSF7lnrNA-cgH_yV3JB16GcPLVTOUzSTMw1Igs-g/" title="Sealing" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sealing...</td>
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</li>
<li>When chicken is browned, remove from heat and set aside
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<li>Add carrots, potatoes and onions (cloves and cardamom too, but they're optional) to the same frying pan and let them wear in the juices from the chicken
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<li>Pour any excess or leftover marinade over them and let them cook for 5 minutes
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<li>Transfer the veggies into a casserole dish and pour beef stock (alternative: seasoning cube + salt in 1 cup of water)
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</li>
<li>Place the browned chicken pieces over the veggies.
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</li>
<li>Cover the casserole dish with the lid or aluminum foil.
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</li>
<li>Bake until potatoes are tender, then remove the lid to dry out the chicken. </li>
<li>Cool for 15 minutes, then serve with rice, Lebanese bread, fries, steamed veggies or couscous.</li>
</ol>
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That's it guys!</div>
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I do hope you try it out! It's easy and so yummy!</div>
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Do you like chicken?</div>
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Do you have a recipe you want me try out?</div>
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Let me know in the comments below!</div>
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Lots of spicy love,</div>
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Ummi!</div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-3502890156096309662016-03-19T17:54:00.001+01:002016-03-19T18:08:52.693+01:00How to Make Awara (Tofu) || Hausa Food || UmmiBee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey Guys!<br />
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Have you heard of Awara?<br />
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Awara is the Hausa version of Tofu, A meal made of Soybean curds. Its a great source of protein for all the fitfams out there.<br />
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It is a much loved delicacy in northern Nigeria. People usually buy it in the mornings to late afternoons so its great for the munchies and would leave you full for very long.<br />
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People usually dismiss making Awara at home because they find it tedious, tiresome and very difficult.<br />
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In this recipe, I demystify and simplify the almighty awara! Its actually not that difficult at all! and if you follow the pictorial above, you'll find out for yourself too.<br />
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Sure it may have a lot of steps, but at the end of the day, the yummy treat you get is so worth it!<br />
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Have you ever tried Awara?<br />
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Are you a fan of Awara?<br />
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Do you like Tofu?<br />
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Do you have any recipe suggestions for Awara?<br />
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Let us know in the comments below!<br />
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Lots of Curdy Love,<br />
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Ummi<br />
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xoxo</div>
UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-78573414573913309912016-03-17T10:00:00.000+01:002016-03-16T23:27:45.106+01:00My Mother's Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey my lovelies!<br />
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So the other day I went to pick up Baby R from my parents' house. Yes, I'm one of those <strike>very</strike> lucky people that have parents that live in town. </div>
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Its great because they help us baby sit the baby whenever we want! I used to feel guilty whenever i dropped her off in the mornings but there was no need to! The grandparents LOVE having the grand kid around and you've just bought yourself a few baby free hours so its a win-win situation!</div>
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In fact, when i don't take Baby R there in over 3 days, I get a random phone call from Mummy dearest saying (In the most Hausa film attitude)</div>
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<i>"Kin hana ta zuwa gidan mu, yanzu ta manta da mu."</i></div>
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Meaning</div>
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<i>"You've stopped bringing her to our house and she's forgotten us now!"</i></div>
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And when i do finally take her (4 days later) I get attitude for the first five minutes...</div>
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"So we now have to beg to see her?"</div>
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...until I cave and apologise. </div>
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Anyway, So on this very day i met my mum and her gardener working on the garden and i got super jealous.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupGF2VwDwhknPIbiszCoE9Nld1eFTEaVDVS97Rg2WXNu9a457fa3oEnfIn6l7VZ6XAPDN17llrvK2O9pzAwvXq_I40HhzRnYwfllA2jFBNxMudxJD6PflMbNZ9lFXYCqLjQgFclPeA70/s1600/FullSizeRender_3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupGF2VwDwhknPIbiszCoE9Nld1eFTEaVDVS97Rg2WXNu9a457fa3oEnfIn6l7VZ6XAPDN17llrvK2O9pzAwvXq_I40HhzRnYwfllA2jFBNxMudxJD6PflMbNZ9lFXYCqLjQgFclPeA70/s320/FullSizeRender_3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Some of the parent plants for these flowers are nearly as old as I am! Mum had them moved whenever we moved! Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna & Abuja! They bring back so many memories.</div>
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The rainy season is just beginning so most of the flowers haven't bloomed yet, but we were able to get some gorgeous blooms and Mum made a sweet bouquet because Dad was returning from his trip. In her words:</div>
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<i>"Hmmm, mu fa yan gayu ne, ba kaman wasu ba."</i></div>
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Meaning:</div>
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<i>"We are fancy people, unlike some others."</i></div>
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Roll my eyes.</div>
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Did I mention my Mama is a drama Queen?</div>
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Hello!</div>
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This reminds me of those tornado potato chips on a stick you get at fairs</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuBkLpcwOEsqr8RgdKW_VGBXxVL8NhGM7cpsvN1bCVW0kkko_PZPOi2mhDrqkfEiLTcIRSiA4eU6heWBJ0faWDIQzcBwmXIpmviT7Gq47qyHe9rl89R5wtxKx2iqPdQipavtkKP816xo/s1600/FullSizeRender_4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuBkLpcwOEsqr8RgdKW_VGBXxVL8NhGM7cpsvN1bCVW0kkko_PZPOi2mhDrqkfEiLTcIRSiA4eU6heWBJ0faWDIQzcBwmXIpmviT7Gq47qyHe9rl89R5wtxKx2iqPdQipavtkKP816xo/s320/FullSizeRender_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This gazebo has hosted many a family BBQ.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdFLSCMRMg8Sf7CA9BmIXpBTq4ILIQqoqJS2wTu0_B_uxpfM6FEfnW6WAvr_JcanO_0CAqaEUAQMKKlIqbB_pXLDhwYAjngTmGudbDUDfbJgtfe7mZ4puC2MWfJVWTqp_8eGK4mlv6kQ/s1600/FullSizeRender_5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdFLSCMRMg8Sf7CA9BmIXpBTq4ILIQqoqJS2wTu0_B_uxpfM6FEfnW6WAvr_JcanO_0CAqaEUAQMKKlIqbB_pXLDhwYAjngTmGudbDUDfbJgtfe7mZ4puC2MWfJVWTqp_8eGK4mlv6kQ/s320/FullSizeRender_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One Dies as one blossoms: Thus goes the circle of life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ikOzsAnWZ1LX_kF5ssB8FWrWJRaORYezJk4XCd2aao04dn_pZ_1vGpR5FTPKdoSVvSBcmhsImPe6h8QMdK2g9kVsy7Hq6GUfUDhrGbQzTQxtwo4whGy7EzkDMX_a3BinXN4KlOrwyqw/s1600/FullSizeRender_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ikOzsAnWZ1LX_kF5ssB8FWrWJRaORYezJk4XCd2aao04dn_pZ_1vGpR5FTPKdoSVvSBcmhsImPe6h8QMdK2g9kVsy7Hq6GUfUDhrGbQzTQxtwo4whGy7EzkDMX_a3BinXN4KlOrwyqw/s320/FullSizeRender_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hold this for me! That was my job.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyd-o-tiI1ZO5thCQVgxDn2i6i4oxBgiHfqQQMq-5FhUi8CqB0Y9p3sPCbI7QJZ_2sQ1rPMkD7kAztYI1Khm_JA8KnG2tkO1T1IDkZT4hRD4NrXMHVm1SSh07xS-2NIfA3_40JUn_Cn7Q/s1600/FullSizeRender_8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyd-o-tiI1ZO5thCQVgxDn2i6i4oxBgiHfqQQMq-5FhUi8CqB0Y9p3sPCbI7QJZ_2sQ1rPMkD7kAztYI1Khm_JA8KnG2tkO1T1IDkZT4hRD4NrXMHVm1SSh07xS-2NIfA3_40JUn_Cn7Q/s320/FullSizeRender_8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Beautiful potted succulent.</div>
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So in love with this!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_WnLtILzRdDaNxNIp5lgRR7B7LmNdcjXozkaKYgSESfe3tIBLzJ_9y8kWdusxMDw1J-UWMglwPdl7s8qXEx_NjBd2aTb0XfavuJLlBfo8joaLtCKV_LQN41J_i_RfzFKSKG4KWUSDE8/s1600/FullSizeRender_9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_WnLtILzRdDaNxNIp5lgRR7B7LmNdcjXozkaKYgSESfe3tIBLzJ_9y8kWdusxMDw1J-UWMglwPdl7s8qXEx_NjBd2aTb0XfavuJLlBfo8joaLtCKV_LQN41J_i_RfzFKSKG4KWUSDE8/s320/FullSizeRender_9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Bulked them up with long slender leaves.</div>
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Filled the vase with water and Orbeez (water absorbing polymer beads) </div>
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See them starting to bulk up at the bottom?</div>
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My stupid trays had to ruin this shot. grrr.</div>
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See how green the grass is?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo7WNKPsH2QHxQt0LNi8bv__Tbp4xAGGM42_JJpRjNhjTkhtywCKkLxF7Gr7xdX6nuJtMcjy3z2DcgrVbDyqW4RPM34fFQh0v5YmXokcmOI0plGcHhgJ-QmKlCVhdu0XhgPCGsme7wQw/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo7WNKPsH2QHxQt0LNi8bv__Tbp4xAGGM42_JJpRjNhjTkhtywCKkLxF7Gr7xdX6nuJtMcjy3z2DcgrVbDyqW4RPM34fFQh0v5YmXokcmOI0plGcHhgJ-QmKlCVhdu0XhgPCGsme7wQw/s320/IMG_1751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cant get enough of this bulb!</div>
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This is just a glimpse of Mum's plants.</div>
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She's got Mint, curry leaves, pumpkin leaves, grapes, turmeric, lemon grass, guava, and many other plants.</div>
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Cool, huh?</div>
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So, Do you like them?</div>
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Do you know the names of these plants? </div>
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Let us know in the comments below!</div>
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The roses are beginning to bud, I'll bring photos when they bloom...</div>
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Lots of blossomed Love,</div>
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Ummi</div>
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xoxo</div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com6Abuja, Nigeria9.0764785 7.39857400000005338.825586 7.0758505000000529 9.3273710000000012 7.7212975000000537tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-31133824354694072302016-03-04T10:30:00.000+01:002016-03-19T18:07:45.600+01:00Nkoyo || Restaurant Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Nkoyo to me has always been one of those "feel good" places I can go and eat in Abuja without fear or trepidation that my night would be ruined by shitty service or crappy food. </div>
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I have been there a few times before this, though Mr. H practically lives there! So He gets me take out every now and then. </div>
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We had friends visiting Abuja from Warri with their kids so we decided to take them out to dinner. </div>
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<strong>The Ambience</strong> </div>
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Nkoyo has a calm, relaxed, warm feel as you walk in. The wicker, cane and wooden furniture with tie and dye table runners remind me of the patio or veranda areas of Nigerian houses in the 90s; when houses had no fences and you sit on cane chairs on the front porch to have a late afternoon snack as you watch people pass by on their way home from work. </div>
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Totally relaxing. </div>
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<a href="https://eattechtravel.wordpress.com/2015/03/09/nkoyo-masala-wahala/" target="_blank" title="">Photo Credit</a></div>
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I love that they have an in house pianist to serenade you as you enjoy your meal. And guess what? You can actually walk up to the pianist and request any song you want, he's that talented! It totally adds to the experience</div>
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<strong>The Food</strong></div>
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Nkoyos menu is divided into two; a continental menu and "Masala Wahala" which is their South Indian menu. We usually mix and match. </div>
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For starters, we ordered a plate of crispy king prawns to share.</div>
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The Prawns were coated in bread crumbs then deep fried and oh my, it was soooo good! I could seriously have eaten it all by myself. It came with a light salad and some garlic mayo which was also really good as a dipping sauce! I forgot to tell the waiter to leave some for me to eat my main with. Sigh.</div>
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For the main I ordered the Spicy Grilled Fish which was Giwa Ruwa (a local freshwater fish) steak marinated in 'Nigerian Chili' and grilled with brown butter. It came with a light salad and for the side I chose Seasoned Fries, instead of steamed veg or jollof rice *covers face*</div>
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The fish was beautifully cooked. The edges were irresistibly crisp, sealing all the juices inside! I was so consumed, I didn't even realise when Mr. H helped himself to one of my fillets *shakes fist*</div>
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He had ordered his usual, Curry Gassi with steamed rice, which I tasted and loved! It looked like chicken afghani but nut as nutty. </div>
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Our guests were a little non adventurous so they all went with chicken and chips. </div>
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<strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Drinks</strong></div>
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They have a decent selection of reasonably priced mocktails. I had the Pink Lady which was a gradient drink with grenadine syrup, pineapple juice and lime juice. 'Twas nice. </div>
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Mr. H had a Deep Blue Sky, which he really liked. </div>
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<strong>The Service</strong></div>
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We had the best waiter, very friendly and attentive without being overbearing. I wish I could remember his name. </div>
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<strong>The Price</strong></div>
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The damage done was N23,500 for six people which I thought was great considering we had two courses and mocktails all round. </div>
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<strong>Address</strong></div>
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First floor, Ceddit Plaza Central Area.</div>
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Abuja</div>
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<strong>Opening Hours</strong></div>
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Monday to Sunday: 11am - 11pm</div>
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Have you ever eaten at Nkoyo?</div>
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What did you have?</div>
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Did you enjoy it?</div>
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Let us know in the comments below</div>
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Lots of yummy love!</div>
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Ummi</div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-43796166488424689202016-02-24T19:11:00.001+01:002016-02-27T16:26:15.136+01:00My First Oriflame Purchase<div>For the past four-five months my PCOS has been acting up big time and my entire hormone regulation has been erratic, to say the least. </div><div> </div><div>Now this isn't the first time I've had crazy symptoms because of this condition, I've been dealing with it since I was 18!</div><div> </div><div>However, this is the first time that I've had acne as a symptom! Like terrible acne! All over my face! Along with this comes discolouration, lots of it! I never even had acne as a teenager during puberty, so to be getting acne as an adult in my late twenties, it's very disconcerting to be honest. </div><div> </div><div>That's a post for another day though. </div><div> </div><div>In my panic, I decided to do something about it before it takes over my entire face! It's already halfway there.</div><div> </div><div>I was changing up my facial routine and then I remembered. Oriflame! I can't even remember when I joined Oriflame. I just know a colleague at work had been pressuring me to join and the membership was really cheap (<strike>N</strike>1700). </div><div> </div><div>Even though I've been a member of Avon in the past, I actually really hate network marketing with a passion. My mum (like many Nigerians) used to be obsessed and she's done it all! In Nigeria she did GNLD and Forever Living and When we moved overseas she did Amway, Nutrimetics and Avon. </div><div> </div><div>I personally find it annoying when these sales people try to stuff their products down your throat. <em><strong>Some</strong></em> can be fussy and pushy and I avoid them a lot. </div><div> </div><div>But I joined Avon because the makeup and fragrances were great (as a teen and college student) but I only ever purchased for personal use. </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFYQX7N_j5g/Vs3rKduK6NI/AAAAAAAAArA/-HvNqlRwicQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160224184035064.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFYQX7N_j5g/Vs3rKduK6NI/AAAAAAAAArA/-HvNqlRwicQ/s500/Photo%25252020160224184035064.jpg" id="blogsy-1456586723599.4978" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="262" alt=""></a></div><div>So I joined Oriflame cos their products seemed cool and reasonably priced. Until I got the catalogue and saw the sizes! Like 50ml for body creams? Too small.</div><div> </div><div>However, in my acne hysteria I decided to try a few of their products so I shopped online at their website. Here's what I got:</div><div> </div><div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f0g2FjduGIY/Vs3xzJl-NUI/AAAAAAAAArU/kBA0rwAOlKk/s1462/Photo%25252020160224190859279.jpg" target="_blank" style=" " title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f0g2FjduGIY/Vs3xzJl-NUI/AAAAAAAAArU/kBA0rwAOlKk/s500/Photo%25252020160224190859279.jpg" id="blogsy-1456586723615.7544" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Nature Face Toner and Blemish Solver</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This Range contains tea tree oil and I know tea tree is great for acne: in fact, my current cleanser contains tea tree and I like it. So I needed a good toner to close my pores and complement the cleanser. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YlCvDU6loDg/Vs3x8OxFECI/AAAAAAAAArY/JGqq3ByYCrA/s2048/Photo%25252020160224190859526.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YlCvDU6loDg/Vs3x8OxFECI/AAAAAAAAArY/JGqq3ByYCrA/s500/Photo%25252020160224190859526.jpg" id="blogsy-1456586723570.29" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><div><span style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The blemish solver claims to target spots and reduce scarification. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure Skin Blackhead Control Toner</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yRl1YoX8WWI/Vs3yBsW0vFI/AAAAAAAAArc/SO0ohP0QMqw/s1868/Photo%25252020160224190859719.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yRl1YoX8WWI/Vs3yBsW0vFI/AAAAAAAAArc/SO0ohP0QMqw/s500/Photo%25252020160224190859719.jpg" id="blogsy-1456586723542.069" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="666" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure Skin Blackhead Control Toner</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> Hopefully this would help with black heads. </div><div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EWKgApcOaoc/Vs3yGQzhZbI/AAAAAAAAArg/oSDqnt1WWuI/s1383/Photo%25252020160224190859880.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EWKgApcOaoc/Vs3yGQzhZbI/AAAAAAAAArg/oSDqnt1WWuI/s500/Photo%25252020160224190859880.jpg" id="blogsy-1456586723540.3953" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essentials skin care range</td></tr></tbody></table><div> Now I was sceptical about getting this set of products because it mentioned 'lightening'. I'm not a fan of skin lightening products but I checked the ingredients and it had no chemicals that could lighten the skin! A friend that's also been using this products said she hadn't seen a change in her skin colour. Just soft skin. </div><div> </div><div> Which leads me to believe that it's all a marketing ploy! The whole world knows that Nigerian women are obsessed with becoming fairer and they'd use any means to make money off gullible Naija girls. </div><div> </div><div>The only difference between the ingredients in these products and another non 'skin Lightning range is the SPF so I think they're banking on SPF= lighter skin which is a big lie under the Nigerian sun! I used to use SPF 20 quite religiously when I first came back and my skin stayed the same. No difference. </div><div> </div><div>I was attracted to this range cos of the pH balancing cleanser. It's really mild and skin feels refreshed after use. </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eKOe9xHrmgg/Vs3yJ8LYlqI/AAAAAAAAArk/xM_3GZTAD5U/s1399/Photo%25252020160224190859998.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eKOe9xHrmgg/Vs3yJ8LYlqI/AAAAAAAAArk/xM_3GZTAD5U/s500/Photo%25252020160224190859998.jpg" id="blogsy-1456586723526.5476" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="333" alt=""></a></div><div> I also got a kajal which I really didn't need. But yay! Love it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QodEOrN8VjA/Vs3yNQyUQpI/AAAAAAAAAro/X9lnVwP02Nw/s1477/Photo%25252020160224190900172.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QodEOrN8VjA/Vs3yNQyUQpI/AAAAAAAAAro/X9lnVwP02Nw/s500/Photo%25252020160224190900172.jpg" id="blogsy-1456586723588.1587" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="404" alt=""></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Quite pigmented but can get runny when under the hot sun or sweaty. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tb6H5Bwe_HI/Vs3yQ_G1d3I/AAAAAAAAArs/SbkAFiif79o/s1331/Photo%25252020160224190900319.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tb6H5Bwe_HI/Vs3yQ_G1d3I/AAAAAAAAArs/SbkAFiif79o/s500/Photo%25252020160224190900319.jpg" id="blogsy-1456586723552.2715" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><div> I also got this for the husband. I wanted to get him the entire north for men range but only the aftershave was in stock. :(</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>He really likes it though so yay. I will be purchasing the entire range later. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> So I'll be giving these products a go to see which one my skin responds to best so I can stick with it. I'm really hoping I find a solution to this problem because the hyper pigmentation going on on my face is really getting out of hand. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong>Would I recommend Oriflame? </strong></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Yeah, sure! Especially for personal use. If you're already in the cosmetic retail business then adding these products to your stock is great however, you're like me and not into network marketing then join to get a 20% discount on cosmetics. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>If you're in it for the money you could make let me warn you now, it's quite difficult to get to that point. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>You need to get about 100 points consistently every month which comes to around 9000naira/ month or 11 if you add shipping. if you lose your streak, you've got to start all over again. And if you don't get up to,100points, you lose those points and start over again the next month, they don't cumulate </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>You also need to get people to register under you and they have to get others to register under them and so on so you can move up the ladder. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> I find that quite stressful and of all the peopl I know into this, I'm yet to find anyone that has actually made hard cash. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>For personal use, I was able to get 8 products for 9,900naira which became 11,200 after shipping. Not bad at all. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Have you ever used Oriflame? </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>What was your experience like?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Would you recommend it?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Have you used it to make money?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Let us know in the comments below.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Until then, have a blemish free rest of the week!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Lots of fresh skin love,</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"> </div><div> </div><div>Ummi </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-83274749515359679682016-01-11T17:43:00.001+01:002016-03-19T18:06:08.915+01:00Homemade Iced Mocha || UmmiBee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-680999285069824502016-01-09T17:30:00.000+01:002016-04-25T14:16:41.769+01:009 Things to do Before Getting Pregnant<div style="text-align: left;" dir="ltr">
<div>For many women, the path to getting pregnant is as smooth as silk. For some others, it can be a little more bumpy. Whatever group you belong to, here are 9 things to do that'll prepare you; body, mind and soul for the magical journey.
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Learn your basic anatomy</span></strong></span>
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That's a great place to start, especially for those who are not really familiar with the inner workings of the female anatomy. You can just skip this step if you are. You'll be surprised how little many Nigerian women know of the female reproductive system. Once, I was blog hopping along the Nigerian blog streets and I came across comments where women (many!) thought sex and urine take place in the same orifice! Someone even commented that peeing after inter course prevents pregnancy because you're rinsing it out...*blink blink*. It's the internet age ladies! Don't hide behind <em>kunya</em> and wallow in ignorance. Familiarise yourself with the workings of your uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes (oviduct), cervix, vaginal cavity and vulvas. Here's a diagram to get you started.
<a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="" href="http://https//lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gdkDqrkO_5w/Vo1nRNwF4vI/AAAAAAAAAnU/iJdBQ6C9cqM/s514/Photo%25252020160106201300644.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="blogsy-1452530791976.9958" class="aligncenter" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gdkDqrkO_5w/Vo1nRNwF4vI/AAAAAAAAAnU/iJdBQ6C9cqM/s500/Photo%25252020160106201300644.jpg" alt="" width="364" height="250" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a title="" href="http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/Biobk/BioBookREPROD.html" target="_blank">Photo Credi</a>t</div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stop contraception</span></strong></span>
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</span></strong></span> This may seem like a no brainer, but hear me out. If you've got a tentative timeline for when you want to conceive and you're currently on a contraceptive (especially hormonal!) you might want to give some time for the hormones to washout of your system and your cycle to stabilise. For example, women that choose to use depot injections might have to wait long periods before their fertility returns to normal. That's because the progestogen injected is deposited into their muscles and gradually released in micrograms over time. So even though it is said to last 3 months, that just means that the manufacturers (and pharmacists) can only guarantee you 99% pregnancy prevention for 3 months. After that, the pregnancy prevention (99%) won't go away immediately but will diminish over time. I've created a table below that tells you approximately how soon fertility returns after stopping the use of a contraceptive.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kEuREjnkSSE/Vo1nYKP-FVI/AAAAAAAAAnc/5xjJycfoU8k/s2048/Photo%25252020160106201300937.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="blogsy-1452530791967.8105" class="aligncenter" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kEuREjnkSSE/Vo1nYKP-FVI/AAAAAAAAAnc/5xjJycfoU8k/s500/Photo%25252020160106201300937.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="364" /></a></div>
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<div>Women need to know these numbers <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">BEFORE</span></strong> picking a birth control method so they can plan accordingly. Notice how I have a "What to do" section? That because my cousin just told me a <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">horror</span> story of how her friend removed her IUD by herself at home watching YouTube videos! WHY, WHY, WHY? Please don't attempt to do so. There's a reason why only trained medical personnel perform certain procedures and it's not to make your life more difficult. Quite the opposite, actually. There's nothing convenient or easy about pelvic inflammatory disease.</div>
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<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Know your cycle</span></strong></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monitor your monthly cycle over a few months so you'll have a clear picture of your most fertile days. I.e. Your ovulation period. Ovulation happens halfway into your cycle when your brain signals the release of the lutenising hormone (LH) which causes one (if you're lucky, both!) of your ovaries to release an egg, which travels down the Fallopian tube to get fertilised. Based on the fact that sperm cells can last up to 5 days in the female body, your most fertile days start 5 days before ovulation and shortly after. Download a reliable period app or draw up a calendar and set up reminders for your ovulation period. I've drawn up an example calendar below that can serve as a guide for drawing up yours too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dlz3APZokwo/Vo1ndsqEiPI/AAAAAAAAAnk/J380WNqDdlQ/s2048/Photo%25252020160106201301315.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="blogsy-1452530792014.3171" class="aligncenter" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dlz3APZokwo/Vo1ndsqEiPI/AAAAAAAAAnk/J380WNqDdlQ/s500/Photo%25252020160106201301315.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="400" /></a></div>
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<td style="text-align: center;">Don't forget to get your partner involved but also, don't turn it into mundane task. "I'm ovulating, pants off." This can cause performance anxiety in many men. Instead, have fun with it and plan romantic dates that will take the pressure off. Whatever the outcome, you'll still have fun!
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This calendar is based on a 28 day cycle. Most cycles vary from 21 to 35 days, so please adjust yours accordingly.
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<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Get checked out</span></strong></span></div>
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<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">You're about to embark on a physically draining journey of 9 months, so it's important to see your doctor before hand to make sure you're well equipped for the ride. This is also a great opportunity for you to run questions by your doctor and separate all the junk you've been reading online from scientific fact. Some very important parameters to check include Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar Level, weight, BMI, HIV and Hepatitis statuses. If you haven't done so within the last two years, you might want to get a Pap smear test too. Also, a vaginal swab for bacterial vaginosis because many people have BV without any symptoms and untreated BV increases the chances of miscarriage, preterm birth and post delivery infections. </span></div>
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</span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Take folic acid</span></strong></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yWCOgc_H9XQ/Vo1newTg26I/AAAAAAAAAno/HwXoGp9kbfc/s300/Photo%25252020160106201301352.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="blogsy-1452530791964.6023" class="aligncenter" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yWCOgc_H9XQ/Vo1newTg26I/AAAAAAAAAno/HwXoGp9kbfc/s300/Photo%25252020160106201301352.jpg" alt="" width="213" height="213" /></a></div>
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<div>Folic acid is certainly the most important supplement a pregnant woman takes as it ensures adequate development of the neural tube of the embryo and therefore prevents birth defects like spina bifida and cleft lip. However, before pregnancy, folic acid helps boost fertility and should be taken by both males and females when they are ready to conceive. </div>
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<div>In the female, Folic acid helps with oocyte maturation (development of the egg in the ovary before ovulation), implantation of the fertilised egg into the uterine walls and the development of a healthy placenta, all of which are incredibly essential for developing a healthy baby. It also boosts fertility in the female, especially if they've been diagnosed with idiosyncratic (unexplainable) infertility. In the male, Folic acid aids spermatogenesis, which is the production and maturation of sperm cells.</div>
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<div>We've established that folic acid is such an important, essential vitamin and because the human body cannot make its own folic acid and folate rich foods do not produce enough for you and your baby, you will need to take folic acid tablets to ensure you and your partner have sufficient folate intake. In Nigeria it's sold as 5mg tablets and comes in packs of 100 tabs, so stock up and get popping!</div>
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<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Avoid Using Lubricants & Enhancers (Kayan Mata)</span></strong></span></div>
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<div>There is a longstanding debate over the effect of lubricants on sperm motility. While lubricants contribute immensely to a couples pleasure during intercourse, many studies suggest that the use of lubricants, especially water based, silicone based and oil based reduce the ability of the sperm to move forward, hereby preventing fertilisation. Others argue that the effects are only seen under the microscope but yet, see no difference in fertility between couples that use lubricants and those that don't in real life. I personally feel that it's best to avoid them temporarily when you're trying to conceive to increase your chances. The human body was designed to procreate and with the appropriate amount of foreplay, intercourse can be enjoyed without enhancers.</div>
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<div>For my <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Arewa Babes</span></strong>, this also means you should avoid the use Kayan Mata (local aphrodisiac herbs and concoctions) when you're trying to conceive since most of them work by changing (thickening, scenting) the composition of the vaginal discharge. Especially the ones that require inserting.</div>
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</span><span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Get Munching!</span></strong></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kaeTwvxLuqY/Vo1nfkm2GfI/AAAAAAAAAn0/eW15gfTvzyg/s201/Photo%25252020160106201301382.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="blogsy-1452530792017.8296" class="aligncenter" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kaeTwvxLuqY/Vo1nfkm2GfI/AAAAAAAAAn0/eW15gfTvzyg/s201/Photo%25252020160106201301382.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="89" /></a></div>
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<div>It is important to maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables while trying to conceive. Not only are these foods rich in a wide range of vitamins and minerals which are necessary for good health but some of them contribute to fertility like leafy greens, which are high in folic acid and other B vitamins to boost fertility in the female and generate healthy sperm in the male. You'll also benefit from a diet rich in plant proteins (Beans, soya beans, lentils) and dairy products (full cream milk, cheese) which help boost ovulation. Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids like oily, low Mercury fish (Salmon) stimulate blood flow and help regulate hormones and ovulation.</div>
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<div><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 18px;"><strong>Buy test strips... But don't use 'em just yet</strong></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiFW6CxaoZw/Vo1ng33YEJI/AAAAAAAAAn8/hQLlYaoO3Cw/s800/Photo%25252020160106201301438.jpg" target="_blank"><img id="blogsy-1452530791977.6887" class="aligncenter" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiFW6CxaoZw/Vo1ng33YEJI/AAAAAAAAAn8/hQLlYaoO3Cw/s500/Photo%25252020160106201301438.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></div>
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<div>Buy 2 to 3 pregnancy tests and keep on hand. Try not to be obsessed with taking pregnancy tests though. I know chick flicks have us all taking tests with different brands of pregnancy tests to "confirm," but guess what? From my experience, they're all the same. </div>
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<div>Pregnancy tests work by detecting levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in the urine. HCG is detectable in both urine and blood once implantation has taken place so try not to take tests too early or else you'll get a false negative. Even though some brands claim to detect pregnancy from as early as two weeks, I feel getting a negative will stress you out and make you addicted to taking pregnancy tests so you end up spending heaps of money and gaining lots of stress from being anxious over negative results. Stress decreases your chances of conceiving so you see the vicious cycle?</div>
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<div>I say buy 2 test strips (they cost 200 naira!) get a disposable cup and keep them in your bathroom. Monitor your cycle every month and see what's normal. Wait till one or two weeks AFTER your missed period then take the test. I guarantee you'll be saving yourself from so much stress.
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<div><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Relax! And have FUN</span>.</span> </strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>
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<div style="text-align: left;">As I've mentioned earlier, stress decreases the likelihood of conceiving, so the best thing you can do for yourself is relax. The best way to not stress is to be informed. Don't go crying to your GP every month over negative tests. Avoid reading too many pregnancy forums, only go there when you have genuine questions. Just prepare yourself and wait, it'll happen in its own time. Indulge yourself with work, pick up a hobby, take long, warm baths, travel. Do things that make you happy and things you may find difficult when pregnant.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">That's it guys! If you walk into a pharmacy when I'm on duty, these are tips that I'll offer you. They're derived from my personal experience and knowledge of physiology and pharmacy practice.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">I hope you find my tips helpful. Which ones worked for you? </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Have I missed any useful tips? </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Let me know I'm the comments below!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Thanks!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Lots of "Bumpy" Love,</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">Ummi.</div>
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</div>UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-11427822940992198382016-01-07T19:31:00.001+01:002016-01-12T14:18:37.628+01:00SF Chinese Restaurant || Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So we were running last minute errands on Christmas Eve and we happened to be driving through Gana street in Maitama when we came across this flashing sign. </div>
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Right beside the popular fast food restaurant, Southern Fried Chicken (SFC), was a bright sign reading SF Chinese. It is situated in the same complex and shares parking with SFC, so we presumed it belonged to the same owner.</div>
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Apparently they'd been open for about 5 months. I had no idea!</div>
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The table setting was nice, but kinda weird for a Chinese restaurant. The plate was ceramic with a chilli motif that looked very Mexican. There was a melamine soup spoon that didn't match the plate, a very fancy napkin and a beautiful table cloth. But the cutlery was wrapped in serviettes and the menu was on a flyer! It was like they couldn't decide between a fancy and a casual restaurant. Although, if they were going for a quirky feel then it's not so bad. </div>
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This totally made my day! The drinking glass was in the shape of a conical measure! Every pharmacist will appreciate this! I'll certainly return to this restaurant if only to drink from this cup!</div>
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<a href="http://https//lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DmAeKiQscnM/Vo6uujnpxRI/AAAAAAAAAow/illMzScy8UQ/s1280/Photo%25252020160107192918116.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1452191489284.1719" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DmAeKiQscnM/Vo6uujnpxRI/AAAAAAAAAow/illMzScy8UQ/s500/Photo%25252020160107192918116.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<strong><u>The ambience</u></strong> is very modern and kinda minimalist. There is a takeout waiting area with lounge furniture to your right and a dining area to the left. </div>
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My only critique is that the dining area, which is on the other side of this photo, is very 'open', there's no real privacy for diners and the cold chill breeze sweeps in under the table everytime the door is open. It might help if they put in a room divider to separate diners from the takeout crowd. Even if it's not a full divider, something like a half wall or some plants will help. </div>
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There's also an alfresco area at the entrance. </div>
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<strong><u style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Food</u></strong></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;">The food was good and we were pleasantly surprised. When I looked at the menu I wasn't expecting much. It read like a watered down version of Woks & Koi's menu. But guess what? The food also tasted incredibly similar to Woks & Koi. </span><span style="text-align: start;">when I tasted the food, suddenly everything about SF Chinese reminded me of Woks and Koi express in Wuse II. In a good way! </span><span style="text-align: start;">Maybe they have the same owner or the chefs trained in the same school. </span></span></div>
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As usual we ordered rice, noodles and a sauce. This time we had the SF special fried rice, Singapore noodles and Chicken in Cashew nut sauce. They also gave us a delicious chilli oil but the food itself was sooo spicy, we didn't even touch it! Service was quick and adequate. </div>
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Singapore noodles: my favourite item on their menu! Generous chunks of beef and chicken, springy rice noodles and sufficient greens. I wish it was less spicy though. But nothing spoil, eh?</div>
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The chicken in cashew sauce was good too. It really went well with the rice. </div>
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That's the SF special fried rice. It was a great side dish for the chicken in cashew nut sauce. </div>
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It's about to go down!</div>
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We consumed it all in 30 minutes! Nothing was left over. Hehe!</div>
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The prices were cheaper than most local Chinese restaurants, but the portions were also smaller. That also means no wastage, and we didn't have to have the awkward conversation of packing leftovers to carry home, so Yay!</div>
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The Cost: <strike>N</strike>6700 for two people including drinks. Quite reasonable for the quality of food delivered. </div>
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<strong><u>Verdict: </u></strong>If you love Chinese food and hate spending a fortune on mediocre food from overrated outlets *<strike>side eyes Chopsticks</strike>* Then get yourself down to SF Chinese! The menu might not be as diverse as other Chinese restaurants in Maitama, but the food is great, the price is very reasonable and service is very fast. It's a great choice for mid week meals and no fuss weekend dinners. I definitely recommend it. Oh, did I mention they also deliver? <br />
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<strong>Ambience</strong>: 3.5/5</div>
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<strong>Service</strong>: 3.5/5</div>
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<strong>Food</strong>: 4/5</div>
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<strong>Cost</strong>: 4/5</div>
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<span>3.75/5</span></div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-47690365818043334522015-12-23T21:39:00.001+01:002016-01-12T14:18:44.725+01:00Weekend Diary || A swing and a Fair (long post + photos!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My childhood left me with lots and lots of scars and stories to tell my kids and grandkids and great grandkids. Tales of me and my brothers gallivanting around Ogunu and Rumukoroshe on bikes, sometimes roller blades and many times on foot, searching for the perfect place to unleash our after school sugar high. Our favourite spot was the Lagos close park because it had a playground. Swings, see saws, monkey bars, a merry go round and an epic slide that got really hot when the sun was out, it burnt our butts and thighs. Yet, we were addicted and whenever the Ustaz or Lesson teacher left, we would sneakily follow them out and quickly switch our route to the playground. Of course back then the world was a much kinder place and our parents would let us out by ourselves at such a young age without worrying. It also helped that the camp we lived in was probably the safest place to be in Warri. </div>
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We would play games such as "first to jump down" (only Warri kids would understand!), "upside down see-saw"(yes!) and exhaust ourselves and only when we see the infamous bats in Ogunu making their daily migrations out of snake alley do we start heading home. Any later and mum would be waiting at the door with a freshly plucked branch of hibiscus. </div>
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It makes me a little sad knowing my daughter would never have the same memories as I did. That carefree life we lived back then? Gone! Parents nowadays are so coddling and protective of their children. With good reason, of course! The world has become such a scary place it's only natural for us to want to protect our offspring. I'm sure she'll have her own memories but it'll be confined to the four walls of the house, or school or carefully monitored playgrounds and entertainment centres. </div>
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Anyhow, Mr. H and I wanted to a little more outdoorsy fun to Baby Rs routine so we got her a swing set!</div>
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Now not to brag or anything, but I am the QUEEN of FLATPACKs. I love love LOVE having to put together my own stuff. It gives me more satisfaction than having someone else do it for me or buying it already assembled (Yelp!) </div>
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I get a dopamine high when I put together something that was just a slim box or a pile of meaningless junk 30 minutes ago. It's one of the reasons why IKEA is one of my favourite places to be. It has become something we do together as a couple. He says I'm great with the instructions and figuring out what goes where and he lends a hand with the burly, muscly stuff. Lifting, screwing, tightening. We've gotten so good we sometimes assemble furniture without looking at the instructions. Hehe. Bragging over. Here's what we did. </div>
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We staked out an area beside the fence. Its cool and has some shade from the fence and the from the building. </div>
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We've always wanted to clear this area to plant a veg garden on one half and put some Astro turf to make a play area on the other half. </div>
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We've started with the planting but have been procrastinating since we moved. </div>
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Here are the pieces</div>
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Steps done</div>
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That's the floor area.</div>
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My happy helper</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zy94-fMlmas/VnsB5xPB6yI/AAAAAAAAAj8/lxeTrUtnhEI/s640/Photo%25252020151223211611958.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1450903154250.6724" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zy94-fMlmas/VnsB5xPB6yI/AAAAAAAAAj8/lxeTrUtnhEI/s500/Photo%25252020151223211611958.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Fastening the swing </div>
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Almost done!</div>
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Oh, I forgot the basketball hoop. </div>
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Strung the net on and Ta da!</div>
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<a href="http://https//lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F36595bu94I/VnsCUYuBYVI/AAAAAAAAAkc/bmINFdj-7gg/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title=""><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1450903154215.8418" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F36595bu94I/VnsCUYuBYVI/AAAAAAAAAkc/bmINFdj-7gg/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612145.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Testing it out on the <strike>victim</strike> baby. It was her first time on a swing. She kept looking down at her feet, watching them appear and disappear. Fascinated. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Jctf6Dtn1s/VnsCdb5j2tI/AAAAAAAAAkk/uXBI2iAikIM/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1450903154226.2024" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Jctf6Dtn1s/VnsCdb5j2tI/AAAAAAAAAkk/uXBI2iAikIM/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612223.jpg" width="359" /></a></div>
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Then suddenly it was funny. She kept laughing. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d5a843aCwaw/VnsCmoo9-cI/AAAAAAAAAks/MePYJBQxYPU/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1450903154179.5054" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d5a843aCwaw/VnsCmoo9-cI/AAAAAAAAAks/MePYJBQxYPU/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612294.jpg" width="359" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EjamOZO08U8/VnsCtP1sCKI/AAAAAAAAAk0/WJ12zJNJk0k/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612361.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1450903154223.2056" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EjamOZO08U8/VnsCtP1sCKI/AAAAAAAAAk0/WJ12zJNJk0k/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612361.jpg" width="359" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PwfFmXxNmPc/VnsC49UoogI/AAAAAAAAAk8/z-I8ZNHVW_E/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1450903154180.7449" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PwfFmXxNmPc/VnsC49UoogI/AAAAAAAAAk8/z-I8ZNHVW_E/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612430.jpg" width="359" /></a></div>
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Then she burst into song. See her lips! Hehehe!</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aXOy4jDNMDU/VnsDASsROVI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Bf-zK_UCpdc/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1450903154189.553" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aXOy4jDNMDU/VnsDASsROVI/AAAAAAAAAlE/Bf-zK_UCpdc/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612475.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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By the time she got off she wasn't quite sure how to walk. Lol. And her pants were sagging. Dunno how that happened.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ILc4k2IynMw/VnsDF1byu9I/AAAAAAAAAlM/wov1TgYWH9E/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1450903154216.0725" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ILc4k2IynMw/VnsDF1byu9I/AAAAAAAAAlM/wov1TgYWH9E/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612519.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Spent the rest of the day prepping for the Family fun fest at Green grass resort Asokoro. </div>
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I had a food stand there </div>
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Up there is the pie filling for Steak and Cheese pie</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tgXmqM2zZlE/VnsDO6TJebI/AAAAAAAAAlU/BCq61lTTPw4/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612563.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="640" id="blogsy-1450903154223.3477" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tgXmqM2zZlE/VnsDO6TJebI/AAAAAAAAAlU/BCq61lTTPw4/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612563.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Filling for Chicken, Potato and Leek pie </div>
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I also made 6 other dishes (phew*)</div>
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By nightfall I was exhausted. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ojrLznycp3w/VnsDaI2fKCI/AAAAAAAAAlc/UajOkJwK0J4/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1450903154214.8118" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ojrLznycp3w/VnsDaI2fKCI/AAAAAAAAAlc/UajOkJwK0J4/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612610.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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But poor Mr. H hadn't had dinner *sigh* </div>
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So back in the kitchen to make this simple yet delicious Grilled cheese sandwich at 11pm!</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1F66KWx8bIo/VnsDpfdOwzI/AAAAAAAAAlk/mUV7K9PZ16w/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612664.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="366" id="blogsy-1450903154215.6104" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1F66KWx8bIo/VnsDpfdOwzI/AAAAAAAAAlk/mUV7K9PZ16w/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612664.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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He loved them! As did Baby R. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kp7VS9ZeEt0/VnsDyXBBXNI/AAAAAAAAAls/X1xRTIgRSYI/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1450903154256.3848" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kp7VS9ZeEt0/VnsDyXBBXNI/AAAAAAAAAls/X1xRTIgRSYI/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612708.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Oozing stringy smoked Gouda! </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PEtTvrtW4eo/VnsD4NaNDXI/AAAAAAAAAl0/zZ46TiaKMOU/s480/Photo%25252020151223211612747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="480" id="blogsy-1450903154246.4329" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PEtTvrtW4eo/VnsD4NaNDXI/AAAAAAAAAl0/zZ46TiaKMOU/s480/Photo%25252020151223211612747.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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Sunday! </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KaxoqPWkPrU/VnsEAVu0pfI/AAAAAAAAAl8/RL-OAIvw9s4/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612792.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1450903154272.1667" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KaxoqPWkPrU/VnsEAVu0pfI/AAAAAAAAAl8/RL-OAIvw9s4/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612792.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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That's,like the only photo I had form my food stand because I had the worst head ache!</div>
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Like, It was so bad, I had mind blanks during the fair cos I just had to take a break and put my head down. </div>
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Then a customer would come and I'd whip up a <strike> fake </strike> smile and then recoil. Thankfully the lovely Jaleela was with me the whole time. I really don't know what I would've done without her. </div>
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The turn out was okay I guess. Mainly children and accompanying adults. </div>
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You see these two dishes? They help nasi goreng, chicken strips, fries and Jamaican jerk chicken. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NlGonjaH7JY/VnsEQ2SG7TI/AAAAAAAAAmE/tkV8fj2BVyc/s640/Photo%25252020151223211612848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1450903154222.2085" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NlGonjaH7JY/VnsEQ2SG7TI/AAAAAAAAAmE/tkV8fj2BVyc/s500/Photo%25252020151223211612848.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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That was the view from my stand. </div>
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By the time I got home I was so exhausted and Grumpy. </div>
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And just when i was feeling down, I got this...</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R3HcuAu4I0E/VnsE62J_x_I/AAAAAAAAAmM/raR6CzNAW0k/s2048/Photo%25252020151223211613021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="667" id="blogsy-1450903154211.853" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R3HcuAu4I0E/VnsE62J_x_I/AAAAAAAAAmM/raR6CzNAW0k/s500/Photo%25252020151223211613021.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And this....</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bfAsvbV67uA/VnsFWxELFcI/AAAAAAAAAmU/Al-ISGbCsPE/s1536/Photo%25252020151223211613182.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="477" id="blogsy-1450903154256.8862" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bfAsvbV67uA/VnsFWxELFcI/AAAAAAAAAmU/Al-ISGbCsPE/s500/Photo%25252020151223211613182.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And it makes it all worth it!</div>
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Finally I'm so proud of my littlest bro (19). He loves chicken Kiev and he's been bugging me to teach him, but he's all the way in Swansea and I only get to see him a few months in a year. He was able to figure it out himself and he did an amazing job!</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xgX0pxR6tAQ/VnsFuyOrG0I/AAAAAAAAAmc/0LBD9LVNYoc/s1344/Photo%25252020151223211613271.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="884" id="blogsy-1450903154191.7368" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xgX0pxR6tAQ/VnsFuyOrG0I/AAAAAAAAAmc/0LBD9LVNYoc/s500/Photo%25252020151223211613271.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ar2y4DJpd8/VnsGbEEPQAI/AAAAAAAAAmk/YC_sOu4UAds/s1600/Photo%25252020151223211613392.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="823" id="blogsy-1450903154272.7893" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ar2y4DJpd8/VnsGbEEPQAI/AAAAAAAAAmk/YC_sOu4UAds/s500/Photo%25252020151223211613392.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Just look at that crunchy crust! Not bad for a first timer. He has the makings of a cook. :)</div>
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That's it for last weekend, what are you up to this week? Let me know!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Ummi. </div>
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UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-65850342309303657662015-12-15T21:54:00.001+01:002015-12-17T20:52:08.752+01:00Lumo Naturals Jungo<div> Hey guys! It's been a while! Thought I'd do an update post and halfway through I decided to leave it in my diary. I've been great and just keeping busy with many little projects that have left me no time to myself. </div><div> </div><div> So this past weekend I attended the Lumo Naturals' Lumo Hair Club Jungo; a DIY class. <a href="http://www.lumonaturals.com/blog/" target="_self" title="">Lumo Naturals</a> is a Natural Hair salon in Gwarinpa run by the lovely Farida, who also happens to be a long time blog friend of mine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JZMASZkETNA/VnFNxtOMTmI/AAAAAAAAAig/gOSw5Qc5TaA/s640/Photo%25252020151216123924384.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JZMASZkETNA/VnFNxtOMTmI/AAAAAAAAAig/gOSw5Qc5TaA/s500/Photo%25252020151216123924384.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920417.3835" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;">Now I'm a relaxed/texlaxed hair girl but I love attending Lumos events cos I get to socialise and meet cool local hair vendors. Being a Lumo member I got in for free! Yay!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I got there a little late, thanks to the Gwarinpa traffic (Yes, even on Saturday!) I live just 10 minutes away but it took so long to get there! Grr. Luckily I was just in time for the first speaker, Hadassah of <a href="http://www.nappilynigeriangirl.com" target="_self" title="">Nappily Nigerian Girl.</a></p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kudW2z5xR-E/VnB80WvEenI/AAAAAAAAAgg/roiVufDNwVc/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214851147.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kudW2z5xR-E/VnB80WvEenI/AAAAAAAAAgg/roiVufDNwVc/s500/Photo%25252020151215214851147.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920432.1167" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="753"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">@NappilyNigerianGirl demonstrating a protective hair style for all hair types</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I loved her talk so much! I have never heard a more thorough Healthy hair lecture ever. I mean we've all been on the internet so we've known all these tit bits of hair info for years, but she was able to consolidate everything into a "Here's what to do for Harmattan" talk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did you know that In extremely Dry weather (Harmattan, winter, zero Humidity) it's best to keep your hair stretched out either through a blow dry, flat iron, braid out, twist out cos it reduces the chances of tangling and therefore, breakage!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She also taught us about styling, an area I'm really interested in cos I'm tired of my everyday frumpy Mummy low bun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H7RiAXUghmM/VnB8_anfYzI/AAAAAAAAAgw/qOZM-d0yf5Q/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214851525.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H7RiAXUghmM/VnB8_anfYzI/AAAAAAAAAgw/qOZM-d0yf5Q/s500/Photo%25252020151215214851525.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920479.1392" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="753"></a></div><div> Then we had the lovely <a href="http://www.instagram.com/cocoterranaturals" target="_blank" title="">@cocoterranaturals</a> talk to us about natural DIY skin care, focusing on essential oils. It was very hands on and interactive. We were given handouts about essential oils and we got to make two products. A clay face mask and a bath bomb. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cyw1osgyYx8/VnB9FjrGyCI/AAAAAAAAAg4/B4ikL3JVrmg/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214851718.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cyw1osgyYx8/VnB9FjrGyCI/AAAAAAAAAg4/B4ikL3JVrmg/s500/Photo%25252020151215214851718.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920400.685" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d4dV70vhAiQ/VnB9JOU7scI/AAAAAAAAAhA/nuDynQ7qDJ0/s1405/Photo%25252020151215214851824.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d4dV70vhAiQ/VnB9JOU7scI/AAAAAAAAAhA/nuDynQ7qDJ0/s500/Photo%25252020151215214851824.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920408.4702" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="289" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> There was a lovely cake by <a href="http://www.instagram.com/slimtoothabuja" target="_blank" title="">@slimtoothabuja</a>. I believe it was a Dark Chocolate Torte and 100% sugar free. It must've been so nice cos it was gone before I got to it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dFQrAmOcYos/VnB9QzyDmQI/AAAAAAAAAhI/I-8YYU0_O8s/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214852035.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dFQrAmOcYos/VnB9QzyDmQI/AAAAAAAAAhI/I-8YYU0_O8s/s500/Photo%25252020151215214852035.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920396.6672" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="327" alt=""></a></div><div> Lumo launched their natural hair products this year and they have a wide range for hair and skin care including oils of all kinds and lotion bars!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7MrfDGm3-r0/VnB9aQNUkSI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/AL-VrpFtwrI/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214852230.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7MrfDGm3-r0/VnB9aQNUkSI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/AL-VrpFtwrI/s500/Photo%25252020151215214852230.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920431.0266" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div> Goodies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vq02ke27IJg/VnB9f1uXHlI/AAAAAAAAAhY/h7eT4bc0wsI/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214852431.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vq02ke27IJg/VnB9f1uXHlI/AAAAAAAAAhY/h7eT4bc0wsI/s500/Photo%25252020151215214852431.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920410.8494" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l48XOqNRQKg/VnB9kw6UB5I/AAAAAAAAAhg/jVL50rE6OTg/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214852639.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l48XOqNRQKg/VnB9kw6UB5I/AAAAAAAAAhg/jVL50rE6OTg/s500/Photo%25252020151215214852639.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920459.4539" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MtzIlSb-drM/VnB9pqER0nI/AAAAAAAAAho/kShwHGJtKQY/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214852839.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MtzIlSb-drM/VnB9pqER0nI/AAAAAAAAAho/kShwHGJtKQY/s500/Photo%25252020151215214852839.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920433.8816" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div> We all got a glass jar and we labelled them with our names. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EbkL5N2zFPI/VnB9uP4a9BI/AAAAAAAAAhw/E_tjuZ9mApM/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214853030.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EbkL5N2zFPI/VnB9uP4a9BI/AAAAAAAAAhw/E_tjuZ9mApM/s500/Photo%25252020151215214853030.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920465.491" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div> I chose ingredients that I believed would be kind to my oily/combination skin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qhsEGTHybPA/VnB9zIx7maI/AAAAAAAAAh4/C1qXz_nns0A/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214853254.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qhsEGTHybPA/VnB9zIx7maI/AAAAAAAAAh4/C1qXz_nns0A/s500/Photo%25252020151215214853254.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920449.2622" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZ6k_WtyJa4/VnB94VqgbdI/AAAAAAAAAiA/TLSw1XB7orc/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214853473.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZ6k_WtyJa4/VnB94VqgbdI/AAAAAAAAAiA/TLSw1XB7orc/s500/Photo%25252020151215214853473.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920488.2646" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also got a mixing bowl to make our bath bombs. I was the measurement chick so I don't have photos from that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qzJNioGayNM/VnFRUJeBw8I/AAAAAAAAAis/buuITsZja-0/s2048/Photo%25252020151216124353954.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qzJNioGayNM/VnFRUJeBw8I/AAAAAAAAAis/buuITsZja-0/s500/Photo%25252020151216124353954.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920406.173" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately my bath bomb got set off by an overzealous spray of water. It still worked though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rglDR446d-Y/VnB9-tAPCkI/AAAAAAAAAiI/npFaIReSypU/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214853674.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rglDR446d-Y/VnB9-tAPCkI/AAAAAAAAAiI/npFaIReSypU/s500/Photo%25252020151215214853674.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920425.8623" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div> I ended up going home with my clay mask, bath bomb, bentonite clay (N2000), jojoba oil (N4000), Al-Jadayl oil (N2800). Sigh. And I told myself I would only buy bentonite clay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vj8aBUHhjnE/VnB-D5eMpmI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/31ebHLblvFI/s2048/Photo%25252020151215214853891.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vj8aBUHhjnE/VnB-D5eMpmI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/31ebHLblvFI/s500/Photo%25252020151215214853891.jpg" id="blogsy-1450381920456.6655" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div> This was the venue, Maramma beauty store. We had an intimate space above the store. </div><div> </div><div>All in all it was a lovely evening. Met lots of fabulous ladies and learnt a thing or two about harmattan hair care. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>How did you spend your last weekend?</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-54117029337811507192015-10-14T19:54:00.001+01:002015-10-14T19:54:59.457+01:00Does that also make me an author?<div> Hey guys!</div><div> </div><div>So I've just uploaded a few chapters off a new story I've been working on to my Wattpad page. </div><div> </div><div>My little cousin Aisha has been bugging me to do this for months but I've always been a little shy letting other people read my stories. </div><div> </div><div>I mean, they're my stories! Written by me for my eyes only! Publishing them online is making me a little self conscious. *sigh*</div><div> </div><div>I have contributed articles to magazines a few times in the past but this is the first time I'm actually letting the public in on my books. </div><div> </div><div>They usually end up on my laptop for my eyes only until I get tired of them, hehe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-czkYE8jjioI/Vh6k-V0KWJI/AAAAAAAAAgI/lLkwQMTSnrk/s878/Photo%25252020151014195436181.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-czkYE8jjioI/Vh6k-V0KWJI/AAAAAAAAAgI/lLkwQMTSnrk/s500/Photo%25252020151014195436181.jpg" id="blogsy-1444848890318.167" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="738" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div>Anyways, my latest work is called "<a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/51441133-who-is-anisa-haque" target="_blank" title="">Who is Anisa Haque</a>" and here comes the blurb...</div><div> </div><blockquote><div><pre class="description" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 21px; word-wrap: break-word; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); white-space: pre-wrap; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; color: rgb(85, 85, 85);"><p>Anisa is young woman in her 20s with an insatiable love for cheesy popcorn, George Clooney and solving mysteries. When her best friend Maryam gets engaged to be married, Anisa finds her perfect world falling apart. Before she can fix it, she has to help a dysfunctional family survive through an earth shattering crisis. But how can she cover up their dirty secrets without hers coming to light?</p></pre></div></blockquote><div>It's intended to be a light easy read Chick lit book in an Abuja setting.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think about it in the comments below. Don't forget to share it to your friends too!</div><div> </div><div>Lotsa 'literary' love,</div><div> </div><div>Ummi.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="7"><a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/51441133-who-is-anisa-haque" target="_blank" title=""> Start reading</a></font></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2273868876776933914.post-45396197075060124182015-10-11T17:37:00.001+01:002015-10-11T17:45:38.300+01:00Kofta Stuffed flat bread || Kitchen Quickie<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U9nx77LqrTI/VhqPjzlPAcI/AAAAAAAAAfI/mHhFXjwuZco/s2048/Photo%25252020151011173319978.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U9nx77LqrTI/VhqPjzlPAcI/AAAAAAAAAfI/mHhFXjwuZco/s500/Photo%25252020151011173319978.jpg" id="blogsy-1444581870520.3848" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div>So here's a quick brunch recipe idea I came up with on a hungry Sunday morning. We woke up starving and needed something quick and easy but also filling. </div><div> </div><div>This recipe reminds me of the Sfiha, a Lebanese flatbread I used to buy on Fridays at the Perth central mosque. </div><div> </div><div>But unlike the Sfiha, this recipe uses ready made Lebanese bread and leftover frozen kofta, making it faster and easier but very identical in taste. </div><div> </div><div>For the filling, I used some left over kofta mince (raw) which i stir fried over medium heat and added some chopped celery, extra parsley, chilli paste, and teensy bit of tomato paste, giving it a sauce like consistency. </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l1gT7m9CMF8/VhqPvzeF8_I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/TedCu3G3dUo/s2048/Photo%25252020151011173320186.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l1gT7m9CMF8/VhqPvzeF8_I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/TedCu3G3dUo/s500/Photo%25252020151011173320186.jpg" id="blogsy-1444581870522.1611" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div>I took 4 pita bread out of the freezer and defrosted them on a hot pan then scooped spoonfuls on one side of the bread and flipped it over it with the kofta filling </div><div> </div><div>The meal was served with some olives and garnished with parsley leaves.</div><div> </div><div>I Stacked up the folded breads and cut them in half. Ended up with 8 quarters, more than enough for 2 - 3 people. </div><div> </div><div>That's it! Breakfast was served in about 15 minutes!</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_vq2a5r_PFc/VhqP_OXGGGI/AAAAAAAAAfY/dx-ZE-rf3Os/s2048/Photo%25252020151011173320388.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_vq2a5r_PFc/VhqP_OXGGGI/AAAAAAAAAfY/dx-ZE-rf3Os/s500/Photo%25252020151011173320388.jpg" id="blogsy-1444581870585.2188" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><div>If you don't have kofta mince, you can substitute with frozen meat balls (which you'll smash as you stir fry) or even use raw beef/lamb/chicken mince which you'll have to season to bring out the flavour. If you're using raw mince I recommend seasoning with black pepper, salt, coriander, oregano or parsley and lime juice. </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cQerIvF9gOA/VhqQPXFA43I/AAAAAAAAAfg/Ceb800kB20M/s1774/Photo%25252020151011173320630.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cQerIvF9gOA/VhqQPXFA43I/AAAAAAAAAfg/Ceb800kB20M/s500/Photo%25252020151011173320630.jpg" id="blogsy-1444581870573.1477" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a></div><div>Enjoy!</div><div> </div><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>UmmiBeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17639247209089022308noreply@blogger.com2