Shopping tips for fashionable items

Now I must confess, shopping is not one of my strong suits but that doesn’t mean every now and then I don’t indulge in a little splurge. The most popular reasons to shop for fashionable items is the need to feel a sense of pride, dignity and have ‘effizy’ among one’s peers. It’s a symbol of our financial status, to let everyone know “we’ve arrived”. For some people, the desire to overindulge comes from a need to cheer themselves up after having a bad day. For others, it’s simply to give themselves a treat; a little something for ‘me only’. Or it could be to celebrate ourselves as a consolation after a job well done when we’ve achieved a great feat in our careers.

But mainly in Nigeria, it is done to show that one has control of money and not the other way round especially after struggling with being ‘broke’ for so long. Plus, there is a need to feel a little bit irresponsible after being too careful about money.

There are different ways to shop; you can either go on a spree, for a steal, or shop comparatively.

STEAL
By steal I don’t mean going to raid a boutique. I’m simply referring to buying things – clothes, accessories, shoes etc – of high quality at cheaper prices. Getting great items at steal may a bit of hard work because if everyone knew how to, then most of us would be out of luck. So if you decide to go cross-country while looking for that item at a steal, well, good luck to you! It’s always better to be informed before you step out in your quest for a steal, that way you don’t expend too much energy and feel too exhausted to enjoy yourself. So it’s important to plan to:

Pamper your body with a little refreshment after your purchase. Even if you decide to go to a shopping mall, you’d still feel tired after checking out a few stores because the task of wondering from shop to shop can leave you mentally and physically exhausted as it is time consuming.

Make sure when you go shopping you take a friend along. It may seem financially burdensome but it’s necessary. It’s tons of fun to have someone ‘trip’ over your purchase. For you are looking for a great price for that quality stuff you need, go with a friend who can take you to where you can get great quality stuff at very low prices and praise you for your bargaining strength. This street-wise shopper knows when a purchase at a discount is a disadvantage to go for because another brand of that product of equal quality is cheaper... la, la, la. Bottom line, shopping is no fun when you are alone. If you doubt it then ask yourself why you need to run your purchase by the first person you see when you get back from shopping alone.

The Internet is also a good place to shop. You can use comparison search engines to check out prices and brands.

Now this leads me to another form of shopping.

COMPARATIVE SHOPPING
It involves not only comparing prices but also different brands of the same product like a Nike or All Stars sneaker. Here you can sample a variety of products by different manufacturers to determine which best suits your budget. I think the reasons for engaging in comparative shopping are pretty obvious and they act as guidelines for practicing this type of shopping.

Endeavour to get value for your money. This shopping allows you to buy only that which is necessary because the shopper is well within his/her financial capability. This enables the shopper to get value for his/her money’s worth and also to save a few extras for other expenses. Plus, the more the merrier, right? So you can say comparative shopping allows for variety of possessions with the illusion of abundance in the midst of little.

Bargain till the price is right. Sometimes comparative shopping is just as exciting a form of shopping as spree because your bargaining power is what allows you to feel on top of the world when you get stuff cheap or very cheated when you don’t.

SPREE
This is simply a carefree wanton spending or a pleasant outing in pursuit of enviable items. With a lot of cash to throw around, this form of shopping can be exceedingly fun-filled. In a case where cash inflow isn’t a limitation, most people are inclined to spree. So I think it is safe to say that a true shopping spree isn’t about one’s bargain power but about buying that ‘treasure’ for keeps. It’s the fact that you could get that TM Lewin or Thomas Pink shirt that you’ve been eye-ing or that Gucci or Louis Vuitton bag that you saw in Vogue magazine that makes spree very exciting. In which case, it is important that you:

Keep up with the trends. There’s nothing worse than spending a fortune on an outdated fashion item. Trends can be seen in fashion shows, articles/blogs or by following different fashion icons (TV presenters, movie/music stars) or designers’ lines. Even if your item is no longer in vogue, listening to fashion reporters can enable you learn how to combine your expensive piece with other items to enable you stay on trend.

Beyond the availability of cash, it’s a wonder what makes people choose one form of shopping over the other. Whatever form of shopping you decide to indulge in a spree, steal or comparative shopping, remember the main aim is to look good, so be satisfied with your purchase. This is coming from a convenience shopper. Over and out!

SLEEPING GIANTS

hi peeps,
i've missed you. sorry for my silence, my cutie pie just turned three months old and i'm still trying to find my rhythm so i can give you something fresh.

i wrote this piece years ago for my facebook notes but since the passion behind my plea still rings true, i decided to share it with all of you.


SLEEPING GIANTS

The average Nigerian is not blind to the happenings in its politics. It may seem that from his care-free approach to enjoy life considering the poverty of his surroundings that he is; but I bet even the bike man on the street can say he is aware of the empty promises made by ‘Government’ to ‘the People’ under the guise of economic development.

Take for instance, the deals the Federal Government keeps making with neighbouring African States (e.g. Senegal in 2009) which seem more to their economic benefit than ours while it endangers our growth. They use words like ‘it is necessary for bi-lateral relations’ but how do such friendly terms at the expense of the suffering Nigerian masses make any sense? Too many people live ‘the good life’ and forget that there are some who are not so fortunate. Some state governors like Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state have shown that each state can function independently under the federation of Nigeria but how many others are taking a cue?

We talk too much in this country, but very few people saying the truth are heard. Action speaks louder than words, back your promises with corresponding actions not cause and effect scenarios. A classic example was the reduction in the taxation rates and the cause effect of Governors asking for a reduction in oil subsidy so they can keep up with the financial budget cut. If you want to improve the country then start by honestly evaluating the motives behind the policies being implemented.

The Nigerian people are tired of hearsays, we want action. That’s why we elected politicians we believed in into power. Our politicians should focus on alleviating our plight and forget about enriching themselves and helping other neighbouring countries while our manufacturing sector remains dead. You can’t give what you don’t have. Establish non-interest banking, not Islamic banking whose terms and conditions for investing are religious. Solve our electricity and security crisis rather than worrying about how much oil we need to import and where. If the people are empowered, we will sustain the nation. I sincerely hope we are preparing for what is to come because the entertainment industry will not feed us, so let’s more invest in agriculture.

I appreciate the efforts of the current dispensation under Goodluck Ebele Jonathan but this is a word of caution to ALL politicians both the elected and the party rulers. This is my grudge, this is my solution... what’s yours?

Rising star (I)

In Nigeria, it’s becoming clear that the Government cannot provide enough jobs for the teaming population of its citizens. Hence, a call to entrepreneurship has been made. It has been discovered that small and medium scale business are just as important in building the nation’s economy as is the rehabilitation of large scale manufacturing industries.

In the Spirit of productivity, a few Nigerians have taken it upon themselves to not only talk about the change they expect to see in different spheres of endeavours but are also doing something about it. By being actively involved, these set of people do not only start businesses that create employment opportunity for others but they inspire and empower like-minded people to do the same as it is also their passion to see the dreams of others come to life.
I introduce to you one of such persons. His name is Kingsley Okotie and the name of his business is Design 360. Here is a clip of an interview I did with him for R.E.D. Magazine in 2011 which is yet to be released.


Every designer starts off by catching the eye of potential buyers by advertising unique self-made designs on themselves. This is no exception for Kingsley Okotie, the mogul behind the brand known as Design 360. His brand speaks loudly of his creativity in creation of suits and jackets, native attires, corporate design and much more. Putting his degree in Business Administration from Ogun State University to use, he established a brand that goes beyond dressmaking. Seven years ago, in his quest for a better life, his first taste of fashion began with the humble beginning of merchandizing second hand foreign suits popularly known as okirika. The dissatisfaction of his clients - who were capable of purchasing high quality brand new suits – coupled with unrest for him to sell better products, drove him to observe the fashion industry. He teamed up with the likes of his mentor (Mudi) and learnt the tricks of the trade. Eager to impact the knowledge gained, he sought a platform to be heard. Hence he went into Fashion consultancy while he worked, quietly in the shadows, on his brand using any good fabric. Drawing inspiration from not only within himself but other designs and things around, he was able to create masterpieces that gained him a well deserved clientele. One of which was the present Honorable Commissioner of the Ministry of Commerce and industry, Barr Osikhena Boih Donald. He presented a business proposal to brand the Edo State Traffic Agents (EDSTA) which was approved by the governor and implemented in 2011. Also in 2011 on the 28th of November precisely, he organized the program, Fashionista, maximising fashion opportunities in Edo state. It drew in a crowd of over a 100 fashion designers and tailors within Benin City who had the pleasure of meeting with the Managing Director of Trustfund Micro Finance Bank, Mr Sunny Idehen and a few walking away with brand new sewing machines.

He intends to impress his presence on the Nigerian Fashion Industry by becoming the conduit between various designers, creating synergy and making resource materials available to all designers both established and up coming in Nigeria. His 2012 collection was youthful and stylish. Currently he is working on a book that embodies his passion which is Fashion Education and Enlightenment, here’s a sneak preview of his thoughts on what he hopes to share in his upcoming book.

“The current fashion trend is impressive because it shows creativity at its fullest/best. The world is becoming a global village and this has positively influenced the African fashion industry. Before now the African outfit has been strictly regalia but with westernization, African fabrics are now used to create smart outfits with great silhouettes. This makes it possible for African designers to export their products to a wide available market. The fashion industry goes beyond just making the fabric, to selling it, designing with it, selling the finished goods, accessories and accompaniments. Fashion merchandizing is an aspect of fashion that isn’t taught in most of our fashion schools; abroad it’s a course on its own. The Nigerian designer needs to know that fashion goes beyond dressmaking, it includes selection and management of tailors or seamstress, how you treat your clients, how you sell your products etc. When you sell a product, you are actually selling yourself - charisma, character, carriage. I’m working on a book at the moment, it will contain the total package of what makes up the fashion industry and it will be available for everyone who is interested.”


Hope you enjoy it? Now go out there and get inspired to affect your world!

How to love your children

The mind of a child is like a blank slate; one that gets filled with recurrent observations and influences. As grownups, we tend to study each other’s love language and then choose different expressions of love that we know is valued by the people we surround ourselves with. For children, their initial form of communication is crying and throwing feats. Giving them comfort and being able to understand or interpret what they cannot express in words becomes proof of our love for them.

As the child grows older, their communication skills improve and they begin to interpret what we adults do as signs that we love them. For toddlers, giving them attention and spending time with them become the definition of love for them. In a busy world like ours where ‘time is money’, how can we show children just how loved they are? Below are a few of the ways:

1. Listen to them – While inquisitive children like to ask questions, others just enjoy the sound of their own voice and want to do what they see parents doing everyday i.e. talking. When your children come to you, listen to what they are saying and talk back to them about what you heard. It’ll make them feel important and build their confidence; it also increases their ability to trust you with information about anything.

2. Make out time to play with them and always be available everyday - you’ll notice how often they want you to be involved in anything they do. Even when they are playing, if they love you, they’ll try to include you in it. Even when they grow older, create family activities that allow you to interact with them physically. Knowing parents are available and reachable also makes it easier for them to spend quality time with you thereby getting to know you as a person and enabling them to learn from you.

3. Talk to them, ask questions – taking time out to ask questions about their day and their life, lets them know you are interested in their affairs. If their answers are vague, dig deeper until they are willing to confide in you about struggles and challenges they face. If they choose to stonewall, let them know you are there for them and ever willing to listen and give wise counsel.

4. Don’t give into their every demand – most times children don’t know what is best for them. Protect them even from themselves. If they give in to bouts of crying because they want sweets, give them only one and tell them that’s all they are getting, no matter how hard they scream and cry. Distract them with anything else and when that desire of sweet is replaced by another like playing with a relative, a toy or watching their favourite program on TV, they’ll soon forget why they were crying. Once they’ve stopped crying, explain to them why you didn’t give them what they asked for. By doing so, you’ll end up teaching them an important lesson which is, not everything want in life is in our best interest.

Whatever you do, be careful around children because they watch everything you say and do and that becomes the basis of their understanding of life. Even if you show them love, if you don’t show love to everyone else around you, soon enough the depth of your love for them will be questioned as they grow older and before you know it, the rebellion and withdrawal stages will become manifested. The golden rule of life still applies to children, ‘love your neighbours as yourself’.

EASTER CELEBRATION

What comes to mind when you hear the word “EASTER”?
For some people it’s about Celebrating Jesus’ death & Resurrection, Salvation, God’s Love, Sacrifice, Victory, Life, Restoration, Reconciliation, etc while for others it’s all about the Public holidays, Partying, Easter Bonnets, Exchanging gifts like Easter bunnies, Chocolates, Easter Eggs, etc. Generally, when people speak of Easter, they are most likely referring to the events surrounding Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. So why is it though, that the thought of Easter eggs, chocolate, Easter bunnies, partying hard and pastel colours also run through our minds when we hear the term Easter? Where does the misconception come from?



Origin of Easter
The term "Easter" is not truly found in the Bible except for KJV’s mistranslation of the Greek word "pascha" found in Acts 12:4 which actually referred to "Passover".

As with almost all "Christian" holidays, Easter has a secular side such that the dichotomous nature of Easter and its symbols, however, is not necessarily a modern fabrication. When the second-century Christian missionaries encountered the ancient Saxons (who celebrated the return of spring with an uproarious festival commemorating their goddess, Ēostre) they attempted to convert them to Christianity; however, in a clandestine manner by allowing them to continue to celebrate pagan feasts, but to do so in a Christian manner.

As it happened, the pagan festival of Eostre or Eastre occurred at the same time of year as the Christian observance of the Resurrection of Christ. It made sense, therefore, to alter the festival itself, to make it a Christian observance as pagans were slowly indoctrinated. The early name, Eastre, was eventually changed to its modern spelling, Easter.

“According to the eighth-century theologian the Venerable Bede(who came up with the dating system of AD and BC), the Anglo-Saxon goddess , Eostre is associated with the egg and with the hare, both symbols of procreation that have been enduring-ly incorporated by the church in the form of Easter eggs and the Easter bunny who brings them.”



Easter Traditions & Celebrations
As time passed, Easter practices evolved into the celebrations we recognize today, even though its still celebrated differently by different cultures. Here are a few examples of how its celebrated around the world:


• Australia celebrates Easter with great fanfare and traditional fervour. Festivals held over the Easter holiday in Australia such as National Folk Festival, the East Coast International Blues & Roots Festival and the Australian Gospel Music Festival. The streets of Sidney, are filled with colourful gift galleries with the latest stock of presents. On Easter Sunday, churches are bedecked with flowers, to commemorate the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.


• Easter celebration in Brazil begins with the Holy Week rituals, which involve the blessing of the palm branches, woven in intricate patterns representing crosses, banners, letters and other related objects. Brazilian Christians take out procession walks, carrying statues of Mary and the body of Lord Jesus Christ. 'Pacoca', a special Easter delicacy prepared and given to visitors. Worshiping the popular symbols of Easter is a popular custom in Brazil.


• In the Philippines, with one of the biggest Catholic populations in the world, Easter is certainly one of the main events. Religious ceremonies are associated to the dramatisation of events; as the crucifixion and flagellations are literally re-enacted. Good Friday is when Penitents are actually nailed to a Cross and these people would also put barbed wires as their crowns, walks down the streets carrying that cross that weights a ton while fasting to somehow suffer for what He did for us. And on Easter Sunday, Filipinos go to church together, and celebrate as Christ has risen from death. To celebrate the birth of NEW LIFE, Fillipinos adopted westernized culture, of Easter EGG hunting in that Day.


• Easter in Israel is celebrated with great pomp and show. Pilgrims congregate for an Easter sunrise service at the Garden tomb in Jerusalem. Easter mass is celebrated at the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem's walled Old City. Priests and monks in white robes chant the liturgy, as fragrant incense rise above the tomb Christians believe to be the place where Jesus rose from the dead. Many processions are held in Israel which travel the route of Jesus Christ's journey to Golgotha. The route is referred to as the ‘Twelve Stations’ of the Cross. At one o'clock in the afternoon on Easter day, the church leader goes into Jesus’ tomb and the doors are closed after him. The lights of the entire city are lit off and later the church bells rings and the church leader comes out with a burning torch. The torch is said to have been lit inside the tomb on its own without any external source. So everyone present in the procession at that time, lights their candles from the holy fire, enlightening the entire church premises. Easter celebrations assume more religious significance in Israel than feasting and celebrations.



How should we celebrate Easter?
With so much fanfare surrounding Easter, the tendency to not celebrate it are pretty high. If Easter is truly one of the holiest festivals in the Christian calendar, then it is meant to be celebrated nonetheless. Rather than get carried away with festivities and consumed with needless symbolisms, Christians should take out time to reflect on all Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross and rejoice because in Him we have new and everlasting Life. This is the one holiday that is truly about Christ and his Victory over Sin & Death.

JESUS IS ALIVE
that’s why we can say
HAPPY EASTER.

2013 Movie Talk

Hey guys, missed me? Even though I’ve been a wee bit busy with my cutie pie who turned one month old on the 12th of March, 2013, I can’t help but share a little something with you guys.

If you remembered my 2012 December post, I did mention a few films I would love to watch. As life would have it, I’ve been fortunate to watch them between January and now. I won’t be doing my usually analysis of them because time is of the essence and I do need to rest a lot to regain my body and my strength. I hope you still find it interesting.

1. Flight - Denzel Washington’s performance was stellar. His character brought to light the fact that no matter the good deed done by anyone in public service, there is a moral obligation to the people being served that must be upheld while on the job.

2. Brave - a cool Disney-Pixar collaboration with a moral story. Not many of these kinds of stories around these days. And no, it has nothing to do with women empowerment.

3. Les Miserables – this Broadway story brought to the big screen was set in ol’ France around the time of the French revolution. If you loved Sound of Music, you would love this film. The story is enchanting; Huge Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crow and the entire cast gave excellent renditions and performances.

4. Perks of being a WallFlower – adapted from a book by Stephen Chbosky who was also the director, this movie held one statement that would be ingrained in my mind for years to come because of the deep truth in it; “...we accept the love we think we deserve.” An emotional drama hidden behind a coming of age story.

5. The Possession – so I’m writing on this movie because of its genre (horror) and the fact that I didn’t expect Jeffrey Dean Morgan to be soo perfect for it. Even though it’s said to be based on a true story, I did hate the ending which like I tweeted gives the impression that evil cannot be contained. Such movies like this, the Grudge, The Woman in Black, etc not only talk of evil spirits possessing people but also seemingly winning/having their own way in the earth as though there is no greater power. As a Christian, I know from experience that all spirits are subject to power in the name of Jesus and are under our authority since we are seated in Christ in heavenly places.

6. Hobbits: the unexpected Journey – unexpected indeed. Everyone I k now who watched this movie was pissed that it was just a part of a trilogy. Since when did Hollywood become like Nollywood where almost all the movies are in parts to be continued? I enjoyed the movie nonetheless and would watch any Peter Jackson remake of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work.

7. Lincoln - after watching this movie which was partially adapted from the book, “Team of Rivals: A Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” by Doris Goodwin, I had a profound admiration for Abraham Lincoln. His resolve to free the black slaves during the American Civil War by passing the 13th Amendment into the United States Constitution was amazing. Daniel Day-Lewis pulled off a flawless impression of the real dude. Worthy of all the buzz, nominations and awards.

8. Oz: the Great and Powerful – once again this film by Disney is another movie adapted from a book. The CGI effects were so cool, even the actors were thrilled to watch their own performance in the movie when it premiered. Nothing like the origin of a classic tale to bring light to lingering questions in the minds of those who never read the book.

9. Django Unchained - can my review be complete without this remarkable movie. I’ve always loved Quentin Tarantino’s work but this western movie was off the chain with humorous lines, unforgettable characters and excellent portrayal of roles. Christopher Waltz was indeed worthy of the Oscar, Golden globe & BAFTA awards he won. P.S. this was the first movie in which I absolutely hated Samuel L. Jackson’s Character which reminded me of Uncle Ruckus from Boondocks.

I could go on and on but I have to stop. Baby duty calls and my body demands rest. Till I can blog again, have a fab time in the month of March. Shout out to my Mom and Brother who are born in March same with my Dad-inlaw, Sister and Brother-inlaw. Love you guys.

Life lessons reinforced by pregnancy

Sorry for the long silence. I became a mother this month and readjusting isn't easy. One thing that gets me through though is my little prince. The way he smiles in his sleep, the facial expressions, how he lets me know he's hungry... all worth it. Permit me to share some of his pictures with you, his name is Nathan Vwede Esievoadje.

When I got pregnant, I was told of all the pregnancy symptoms I would be experiencing and all rules I was expected to follow if I wanted a healthy baby. Somewhere along that journey, I found that this phase helped reinforce certain principles I’ve known to be ideal for having the best out of life. I call them Life Lessons. Below are a few:

1. Take a Break from Pills – Being pregnant has a way of reminding one of how effective the body’s immune system is especially if we take good care of our bodies and stay alert to its warning signs. Don’t get this wrong, no one said taking pills are bad but depending on them too much may not allow you understand what your body is saying because certain symptoms are signals to another illness/distress. Once your body adapts to having drugs for relief and you’ll need stronger medications which may have harmful side effects to your body. For instance, having a headache may be a pointer to the fact that you need to rest, eat or reduce the amount of stress you expose yourself to.

2. Eat Healthy – Maintaining a healthy diet may seem expensive and too much effort but that’s not exactly true. If you truly believe health is wealth, then you’ll take time out to figure out what nutritional value most of the foods we eat have and what portions are appropriate. If you compare the amount of money you’ll spend on drugs and hospital bills when you fall sick to the amount you’ll spend on eating right, you’ll see that the latter is less expensive. Incorporating fruits, veggies and fibre rich ingredients to your meals is a whole lot cheaper than even buying supplements and it will save you a lot of time spent waiting to see the doctor in any hospital.

3. Plan Ahead – Pregnancy gives only 9months to mentally, physically and financially prepare for a baby but planning in advance saves you a lot of headaches when the baby arrives. So it is with life. Whatever projects you embark on, it will do you a world of good to have a list containing all the things you require and strategies on how to acquire them in other to accomplish your life’s goals. That way you don’t make decisions under duress or forget anything that is vital to you. You may not be able to cover everything in your contingency plan but your worries of not being up to the challenge will be significantly reduced.

4. Get Knowledge – acquiring knowledge is not only for academia just as knowledge about fabrics is not restricted to people in the fashion industry. It would serve you well to know what fabrics work best in different seasons. For instance, most baby clothes are not only machine washable but also 100% cotton, why? Because cotton breathes. So when power outage becomes unpredictable and the heat feels unbearable, wearing clothes made out of cotton is your best bet and when the weather is cold, clothes made from wool are preferable. In every sphere of life you find yourself in, make a habit of doing research and studying to gain knowledge on it.

5. Dress Well – the principle of wearing clothes that flatter your figure is not for trendy singles only. No matter the circumstance you go through or the changes your body undergoes, there is no reason to dress shabby or sloppy. Learn to look good even when you don’t feel it. Looking bright and cheerful has a way of attracting pleasant things your way and it can help boost the pride of your significant other. When we make the effort to look good, it’s not only for ourselves but also a point of encouragement to the people around us who look up to us.

6. Get Expert Opinions – whenever you feel sick, don’t self medicate, seek professional counsel. What you think may be the problem may just be a pointer to something else, the root cause that needs to be dealt with ASAP. This principle also holds true for other areas of life like starting a business, raising a children; in general, dealing with situations that are unfamiliar to you. Experience is not always the best teacher, there are hard core truths you can learn if you decide to seek the opinions of those who have excelled in the area of your challenge.

There are lessons to be learned from every phase of life, you just have to be open to see them. These are just a few of the many great truths I’ve gleaned from being pregnant.