Most children are back in school after the Christmas break hopefully easing back into school schedule and sleeping patterns has not been difficult. Here are some back to school tips for you to keep in mind.

Health

• Vitamins can help to boost your kids immunity to the rigours of back to school and all the germs they will be re-introduced to being back to school with the other kids. Also make sure they take a lot of fruits, which are natural vitamin c.
• Make sure immunisations are up to date for all children.
• Make sure your child’s school has updated list of medications and extra medication in class if need be (for example an inhaler in school). If you had medication in their school bag from last term make sure it is not expired.
• Update all medical records and doctors information

Security

• Go over all school run details with everyone including the gateman, driver and nannies. Be sure to repeat it and don’t assume they remember your rules from last term, especially if you have some new staff.
• Go over rules with your children as well about school pickup security. They should not cross close to cars. The driver should always make sure the children have their seat-belts on before he starts driving.
• Update the school if you have new people authorised to pick your children who need new ID cards as necessary.
• Go over details with your children, such as emergency phone numbers, he/she should know at least one parents phone number memorised. It is also advisable the children know their parents full names and where they work and how they can be reached.

General

• Label all new school items, flasks, clothes, bags and all other items that might need labelling depending on the age of the children.
• Sign up for any extra curricular activities your child might be interested in, make sure to discuss with them and let them have a say in whether they would like to continue those piano classes or not (this will save a lot of frustration)
• Meet the teacher and mention any changes to your child’s life such as family moves and births to help a teacher understand any changes.
• Usually when the school starts there will be a school calendar sent. It is helpful for both parents and other caregivers to update calendars, phones with upcoming events and set reminders. This should help with planning as well for half terms, public holidays and vacations coming up. You could also print out and fill calendars for the term which, you can paste somewhere everyone can see and use as a guide.

Wishing everyone a safe school term!

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There is so much talk about learning to code and how important it is for children and students to learn to code, it is not limited to boys but girls too should be included. So you might be wondering why your child should learn to code? Coding is the art of telling a computer how to perform complex tasks. Once you know how to code, you can create virtual worlds within the computer where the only limit on what is possible is your imagination. 

Learning to code means learning how to think creatively, reason systematically and work collaboratively. And these skills are applicable to any profession — as well as to expressing yourself in your personal life, too. (TED Blog). According to Year of Code, “code is the language we use to instruct computers.”

• By 2020 there will be 1,000,000 more jobs than students in computer science.
• 67% of software jobs are outside the tech industry – in banking, retail, government, entertainment, etc. We need ALL our children prepared for the 21st century.
• Anyone can learn to code. In a few hours you can pick up the basic skills and in a few weeks you will be able to build useful applications and websites.
• We are already living in a world dominated by software and software is the language of our world. In the future, not knowing the language of computers will be as challenging as being illiterate or innumerate are today.
• Computational thinking encourages people to think like a computer scientist and is useful for everyone. Computational thinking teaches you how to tackle large problems by breaking them down into a sequence of smaller, more manageable problems and this is what is necessary in the world. (cmu.edu)

More and more educators and Companies increasingly suggest that computer science and computer programming should be part of the core curriculum in education, alongside other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses.

Code.org® is a non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color. The website at code.org has a list of coding tutorials and games to encourage coding with or without a computer for all ages and as young as 4. Create your own game, coding tutorial for beginners, Learn coding with Frozen and many more.

Watch this video about the importance of the access to computers and learning to code. 

The power of being able to code is the power to turn your ideas into reality…you think something and you can “code it” to happen.

There are several steps and online resources to help you learn how to code at home. We are also hoping that more and more schools would include this into their core curriculum to ensure our children are equipped for the future. 

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Online acronyms for teachers & parents to be aware of continue to evolve. Knowing “LOL” (laugh out loud), “BRB” (be right back) is not enough, the text languages are constantly evolving. See below some more language that is being used in text messages, snapchat and whatsapp by students and others today. This guide will help you decipher some more of these codes you might not otherwise be aware of.

Source: DailyGenius

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Are you prepared for this year’s life events? What are the major life events you anticipate this year? Are you prepared for them financially?

Our lives are shaped by various life events that come with financial consequences. Many people get swept up in such events without being financially prepared. Life events range from the significant milestones of getting married, the birth of a child, buying a home, caring for aging parents, to the loss of a loved one, planning for retirement and your estate. What are the major life events you anticipate this year? Are you prepared for them financially?

Getting married?

Are you planning to get married this year?  What a thrill to plan and prepare for a wedding but far too often an important aspect of the marriage, the merging of financial lives, is ignored. Money is an important aspect of marriage and one of the most difficult topics to deal with. Whilst the time leading up to the wedding is very busy, try to make time to discuss money matters with your fiancé before the register is signed; open communication will help you both to align your goals which ultimately makes for a more successful marriage.

As you build financial security together you will need consensus and compromise for some money related issues. It may not sound terribly romantic, but issues such as establishing joint bank accounts are important matters that ought to be discussed. Home ownership, having children and funding their education naturally should be on the agenda for discussion as well. Remember to review your important documents carefully to ensure that they reflect your new marital status.

Are you the parent who is expected to finance your son or daughter’s wedding? Quite often, much of the financial burden of the actual wedding day is likely to fall on the shoulders of parents already in retirement. Where will this money come from? If your child’s wedding is imminent, plan ahead and try to work within a budget appropriate for you so that costs do not spiral completely out of control and jeopardise your finances. Do not be in competition with your in-laws who may have far greater resources than you do.

Are you expecting a new baby?

The birth or adoption of a child is one of life’s most fulfilling events. New parenthood naturally comes with new financial responsibility and raising a family presents new budgeting challenges. Start to review and estimate current and future expenses, from nappies to university fees!

An equity mutual fund would make an ideal savings vehicle for all the early cash gifts that your child might receive as there are strong prospects for long-term capital growth.

Child-care is likely to be a major expense especially as many mothers must return to work. Even if you are able to stay at home with the children, bear in mind that an extended absence from work, skills and training, could limit your future career options, and therefore your lifetime earning potential. If you do wish to pursue a career, consider part-time work or pursuing training and education whilst the children are still young.

Although secondary school and higher education are decades away for your new baby, costs continue to escalate all over the world and the sooner you begin to save for your child’s education, the better. You will have the benefit of luxury of a wider variety of investment and savings options to achieve your goals.

The birth of a child is a good time to make a will if you don’t already have one and review your insurance policies to include the latest beneficiary. The will should make provisions for guardianship if both parents die while the children are still minors.

Owning your own home

Are you planning to buy or build your own home? A home is one of the most significant purchases you will make in your lifetime. If this is on the horizon this year do make sure it is within your budget and lifestyle and will not become a burden. If you know what your budget limitations are you will not be tempted to look at properties or houses outside of your price range. Location is everything, and a wonderful home in an undesirable area may not be worthwhile from the home value perspective.

Be careful with whom you deal as the real estate market can attract some unsavoury characters; be particularly cautious and deliberate in ensuring that all essential documentation is in place.

Is retirement on the horizon?

Retirement should be a fulfilling and exciting time of life. If you plan to retire this year or fairly soon, I hope you have been preparing long before now. We should all begin to save for our retirement years as early as possible in our working life. Time, consistency and discipline are key to accumulating enough wealth to sustain you during your retirement years; this could end up being two decades or more!

How would you like to live in retirement and how much is it likely to cost? Assess your sources of retirement income, which should ideally include a pension, rental and dividend income. Then calculate how much you must save to supplement it to be able to afford the lifestyle you envisage. There are numerous on-line retirement planning calculators that should help you in making these estimates. Your Pension Fund Administrator (“PFA”) will also be able to assist in this regard.

Whilst many financial advisors recommend shifting more of your assets from growth-oriented stocks into more stable, income producing investments, such as money market deposits and bonds, it is advisable to retain some portion of your assets in stocks to increase your prospects for long-term growth.

Your investing style will of course depend on your risk appetite as well as your age and circumstance and may shift towards less risk; remember that to achieve growth of any significance, you cannot afford to be completely risk averse. Don’t forget to build in issues of aging, such as provision for medical health care and estate planning should be on the front burner, as you age.

As life goes naturally through its various stages, so too should your financial planning. Review your financial objectives regularly to keep them in synch with events that shape your life. Even if you have been fairly consistent with your planning since your twenties or thirties, by the time you are in your 50s or 60s you will need to adjust, revise or completely change the way you manage your money.

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According to Information Nigeria, Lagos takes education to social media. The Lagos State government and the Lagos State University has partnered to launch an electronic-learning and social media project in Lagos State, as part of efforts to aid secondary school students’ performance in school leaving examinations.

The project called “LASG-LASU E-learning and Social Media Project,” is expected to leverage on the wide adoption of the internet, mobile phones as well as social media among students, to take education closer to them.

Speaking at the project launch, held in the Faculty of Education, Lagos State University (LASU), the Project Manager, Professor Peter Okebukola, said the project was aimed at presenting difficult topics in the secondary school curriculum in a learner friendly manner, using e-learning and social media protocols.

According to him, the project would “significantly boost the performance of Lagos State secondary school students in school and public examinations, especially the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) and the United Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB.”

The project, which is expected to start fully on January 19, is targeted at six key subjects – English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Commerce.

Source: Information Nigeria

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From The Diary Adventures of LagosMums | DALM

When men feel lied to as it comes to dating they are less likely to be truthful themselves in the relationship. Somewhere in their subconscious they think that the woman is trying so hard to be someone that she is not and not being her true self. Some men I spoke with said they felt that they were in a relationship where the other shoe could drop any second and the facade would come off – literally.

In this particular setting the men complained and called the renowned makeup artist in our midst unfair because as they termed it she is using “jazz”on them. They complained that by the time she had finished “pancaking” the woman’s face, she would look nothing like their real self. As a result when they finally do see the woman without all the makeup and other “packaging”, they feel deceived and cheated. On their part the men wonder what they are doing wrong if they should like about how much they earn? Or whether they own the car they are driving or not. Afterall it is all packaging! I heard a story sometime ago about a man who called off a wedding after he walked in on his fiance re-fixing her weave-on and was shocked to see she had no hairline of her own (perhaps there were other issues?)

Jide* said when he meets a woman now he wants to take her swimming as quickly as possible so that the makeup can wash off and he can see the real person underneath. He went on to comment that everything he and many of his friends see, as relates to the woman’s appearance is most likely a lie. He went on to break down what he meas:

Long Hair – The woman has a weave-on fixed in to give the appearance of long flowing tresses. A lie as it is not real hair

Long lashes – Many times this is not natural…she has fixed on fake eyelashes. A lie not her real lashes.

Nails - Gel, acrylic or wrap…it is usually fixed on and not the actual nails.

Chest - They can be disappointed to find out that it is the  magic of the wonderbra or help from a padded bra. A lie as it is not natural.

Derrier – Padded butt pants are on the rise they claim. Ditto.

Face - Looks flawless but it is thanks to layers of foundation and powder. That glow? its actually shimmer!

Eyes – Thanks to colored contact lenses cannot be sure of the natural color of her eyes.

So in their point of view majority of women are lying, and this is how they see all the “packaging” women go through to make themselves look good.They went on to say they do not know who the authentic woman is and are concerned about her true character if she is so actively presenting herself as someone she is not. The men I spoke with wondered why these same women would then require the man they are dating to be truthful when the men feel lied to themselves.

So ladies, have women taken the dressing with enhancements overboard? Do we realize that some men see all the packaging as “lying”. Who are we dressing up for and does it matter what some men think?

I do know for a long time my DH actually thought all the long curly hair he saw on we ladies was our natural hair!

photo source: kharacampbell.blogspot

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LagosMums Fashion Looks

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Living on a budget is the key to financial freedom, but getting started can be frustrating. Learning to save on expenses is an important step to better financial health. When we look at our expenses and see all of those bills we’re paying every month, it’s easy to throw our hands up in frustration on how much is being spent (many times outstripping earnings). As a result savings seems hard to do. Keeping track of all those little expenses we incur might just make you surprised to find out just how much they amount to.

It’s easy to dismiss cutting back on little things. You might think a few naira a month won’t make a significant difference in the big picture but in reality this adds up to be significant over time. When you cut back in a lot of small ways, you could end up with a lot more money at the end of the month.

Waste Not

One thing we can do that is good for the budget is stop wasting so much. This can apply to many areas in our lives. Many times this wastage comes from not keeping track and not planning adequately.

One of the biggest areas a family spends is on feeding. Cooking for the family instead of eating takeout or buying fast-food is a great way to save money. When you do cook do not waste food by throwing it out rather freeze your leftover foods such that this can be eaten again later. Are your children spending everyday in school buying food from the cafeteria when they can take food from home, this is another area to save. Also a way to reduce costs is to buy in bulk, for example you can decide to share market runs with a friend and this reduces the cost of frequently going to the market, plus you save when you buy in bulk rather than per piece.

Most households waste an unbelievable amount of electricity. This can be prevented in part by using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs such as energy saving bulbs. Turn lights, televisions, computers and other devices off when you’re not using them, and open blinds to take advantage of the sun’s light during the day.

Make Changes Yourself

Any time you pay someone else to do something that you could do yourself, you’re spending money unnecessarily. This applies to little things like buying coffee instead of making your own, as well as to larger expenses such as home repairs.

Many of us buy coffee or a soft drink from a store or coffee shop and this can really add up over time. Instead, make your own coffee, or buy 2-liter bottles and pour some into a smaller bottle or cup to take with you.

There are other ways to make savings, for example buying airtime post paid can enable you get better call rates. Paying upfront for toll can save on your toll payment (saving N50 every time you pass the toll can add up). Is there a magazine that you read regularly? You can save some money by subscribing in advance.

The goal is to see areas where you can save a little here and there. When you add up the savings, little things can make a big difference to the budget. So take a close look at your budget and actual spending and see what small expenses are lurking there. If you can eliminate or reduce them, you could end up saving quite a lot.

photo source: searchweb101

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Education cannot solve all of society’s problems but without education no solution is possible. This is a stark truth that we must all remember as we consider the state of education in the Country and what it means for the future of Nigeria. The budget has been released for 2015 and the Nigerian budget for education is inadequate. As reported by The Guardian, the former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Peter Okebukola gives us an insight to his view on the 2015 budget for education in the Country. See excerpts below 

Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, presented the 2015 budget estimates of about N4.358trillion to the National Assembly out of which N492, 034billion was proposed for education. Is this amount sufficient for the flailing educational system in the Country? This allocation is only on the federal level which represent only a portion of the total number. 

Okebukola stated in his view that this allocation for education is insufficient, the allocation needs to be at least tripled for a minimum of 20 years to shake off the ignoble state of the educational system.

Funds need to be applied to significantly improve facilities for teaching and learning, teacher quality and welfare and curriculum delivery. Funds are needed to break down obstacles to access of over 10 million out-of-school children and to improve school safety. Funds are also needed to improve reading culture among our youths and for overall improvement in the quality of delivery of education.

While other sectors of the economy are also in dire need of funding, such as health, education and security our leaders need to realise and appreciate that education is the antidote to challenges in all other sectors. 

In addition to allocation of funds, there is also the simultaneous need to plug leakages to ensure that the funds allocated are actually injected into the sector and not misused. 

Some research completed as part of an African Union-European Union project, shows that Nigerian universities are poor in infrastructure, poor reading culture among students and the research culture among staff is weak.  

In addition the performance of candidates in the November/December senior school certificate examination was woeful with more than 50 per cent failing to earn five credits in English, Mathematics and three other subjects. Nigeria also has a current illiterate population of about 30 per cent. 

If education in general in Nigeria were better funded, we will have a country that will parade the best statistics in the world in health, education, security, economy, environment, agriculture, science and technology and in other sectors. He further said. 

We desperately need leaders who appreciate the problem of a lack of a progressive education sector in this country. The gap continues to widen against quality of education in the rest of the world. Our children need to be able to compete on a global landscape as the world is increasingly connected.

Source: The Guardian

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A young lady escapes facebook danger after befriending someone on facebook and arranged to meet him offline. It was almost too late when she realized her facebook friend was not as much of a friend as she thought. People please realise that facebook (or any other social media platfrom) is not the best place to meet people and definitely do not arrange to meet them on your own. Read below for more on this story from DailyPost

A 17-year old Ada Nba Agbazue who fell from an 18 storey building in Abule-Ajanloco in Lagos state is currently undergoing treatment for multiple fractures and other injuries at the Ilemba Ajangbadi hospital in Lagos, National Mirror had reported.

Miss Agbazue was lured into an abandoned building on December 26 by an unknown facebook friend turned rapist.

She said her being alive was a miracle as her story was aimed at warning others of the danger of making friends on the social media and also to be careful of the kind of friends they keep.

According to the victim, she lost all efforts to resist the young man after he touched her. “He touched me and immediately, I lost my senses. I started following him”.

It was just him; no other person was with him. He is a young man around 24 or 25 years old. He told me that he was staying with his mum and brothers in the uncompleted building and they have neighbours. After some time of following him up the stairs,  She said “I moved away and he told me to start pulling off my clothes. I told him you are not my husband so I cannot pull off my clothes for you; he told me that I was proving stubborn but I continued to beg him, but the more I begged him, the more he used the knife to threaten me. “He said if he calls his friends, it will be too much for me.

According to her, she was warned not to try anything stupid. Out of varied options, Miss Agbazue made her way to the window in order to escape from her abductor. She said she climbed down by holding on to a poll.

She said “While trying to prevent me from escaping, I used my other hand to push him and that was how I fell to the ground,”

She was rescued by residents of the area who saw her falling from the building.
However, the police force speaking on the matter says Miss Agbazue was a victim of a bad facebook relationship.

Remember the story of the young lady who unfortunately died at the hands of people she met on facebook.

Young people need to be aware of the dangers of meeting people on the internet and agreeing to meet them on their own in person. Anyone can hide behind a facade online and might just be dangerous. Parents and caregivers need to raise the awareness of the potential dangers of meeting someone online.

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I am Bimbo, a food enthusiast and will be sharing different recipes with you, here I will share the recipe of how to make yamarita and pepper sauce.

I am married to a wonderful husband and we have two lovely children, my passion is food and love to see people eat not just food but healthy food.

My knack for food and healthy living made me explore and learn all about food. Eating food, yummy food can really play some tricks on you if you are not eating well and in the right proportion as you add some extra calories you do not want.

I look forward to taking you on an exciting adventure as I write articles about food recipes. I promise our readers exciting recipes that are easy to make and will tantalize their taste buds.

Our first recipe is  Yamarita and Pepper Sauce and I will be giving you my personal twist on making the otherwise basic yam and pepper sauce. It has become a menu item in my house that my husband and children always request.

It is so easy to prepare, just follow the simple steps and you are on your way to enjoying the tantalizing dish of Yamarita and Pepper Sauce.

Ingredients

• Yam
• 2-3 Eggs
• Half cup of flour
• Dried pepper (optional)
• Salt
• Seasoning cube
• Red bell pepper (Tatashe)
• Scotch Bonnet (Ata Rodo)
• Onions
• Thyme
• Ginger
• Crayfish (optional)

Method – Yamarita 

• Cut the yam in rectangular shapes, wash and boil with salt and water. The water should not be too much so that the yam wouldn’t be too soft and break to pieces.
• Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, add salt and seasoning to your desired taste and set aside.
• Mix the flour with dried pepper,  I like to add some seasoning spices as well and set aside.
• Check you yam by putting your fork in the yam, if it goes through then it’s soft enough, remove from the fire, drain the water and keep.
• Heat up some oil in a frying pan (enough oil that can deep fry the yam), when the oil is hot, take the yam and soak it in the beaten eggs and make sure it soaks in. Once soaked remove from the egg and roll it in the flour and dried pepper mixture (making sure the flour covers all the sides of the yam) then put inside the hot oil.
• Do this same process to all the pieces of the yam and after frying, arrange them on a paper towel to remove excess oil

Method – Pepper Sauce

• Blend the pepper and onions (I usually do not allow it to blend smoothly) then boil the blended pepper so that the water can dry out.
• Heat up a little oil and fry the spices (crushed ginger, thyme, diced onions) then add the blended pepper. Season to your desired taste.

Yamarita and Pepper Sauce is ready!!!  You can decide to serve with Grilled Fish or Chicken or enjoy it with the Pepper alone.

Try it and share how it comes out!

Bimbo, Food enthusiast!

Photo Source: Dooneyrooney

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Harmattan is in Nigeria now with the tell-tale signs of dust, cracked skin and allergies. There are some general things to know when it comes to harmattan and children. Harmattan brings with it catarrh (so much dust moves around); sore throats (from the cold). The weather is very deceptive, this minute, it is very hot, the next minute, it is cold; or the sun is shining, yet there is a chill in the air. Parents need a lot of wisdom when it comes to taking care of their children during harmattan.

So the question is; how do we protect our children during the harmattan season? Here are some tips that should help.

Care of the body

• Bathe them with warm water. This protects against direct cold, and many children seem to love it! You can also decide to put some Mentholatum on their chests and the soles of their feet at night to stay warm.
• With every diaper change, you may want to moisturize their buttocks. Some mothers do this with shea butter. After a warm bath, apply Rub on the sides, chest and feet. This keeps them warm.
• Always moisturize their bodies – Shea Butter is a great product to stay moisturized. Some mothers also mix whatever cream they use with olive oil.
• You may also apply a little Vaseline on the lips. You want to avoid the lips getting cracked and bleeding.
• Give them lots of water to drink and fruits to eat as this helps to build their immunity.
• Find ways to make warm interesting for them; warm food, warm tea, this is a season to stay away from ice cream and chilled water.

Dressing

This is a season to have an extra layer on, usually in the mornings when it is very cold you might want to wear a singlet or undershirt under their clothes. Also let them have a sweater handy at all times and they can cress up or down as the weather gets hotter during the day.

For the girls, please ensure that their hair is made and to keep it moisturized. You might want to let them spend more time in the house at this time to protect them from the dry, dusty air during Harmattan.

Deal with Cracked Skin 

• Dip black teabags into lukewarm water, when it is warm, place it over the lips.
• Honey is very useful when it comes to broken lips. Apply it to the broken lips and leave it there. Good it is sweet, trust the children will come for more.
• You can also use shea butter. Avoid using lip balms meant for adults as much as you can as children can lick these.

Health 

• It is common place to experience excessive sneezing, cough, catarrh and even nasal bleeding. Any pre existing chronic chest infection like asthma should be dealt with special precaution by reducing exposure to the dusty atmosphere, in addition they should have their inhaler with them all the times. (All Africa)
• The harmattan also triggers sickle cell crisis in those with sickle cell anaemia. Oxygen in blood is usually reduced in extremes of temperatures, like cold. Thus, patients with Sickle cell anaemia should be take precaution and keep warm as much as possible to prevent a crisis.
• Prompt treatment of respiratory symptoms like cough, catarrh, and others is important so it does not lead to a secondary infection.

Do you have any more tips for dealing with this weather? Do share!

photo source: wordsofcolour

Related articles across the web

• Harmattan: Sale of Shea Butter Booms In Northern Ghana

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It takes a team to get most things done and it is no different when it comes to the management and running of your home. There is a right way to hire domestic staff. We are going to spell out the right way to hire staff and share some resources that exist to help with this. There is a high price to pay for hiring the wrong staff. A Company would not hire staff without carefully interviewing and checking their background. In the same way when you are hiring staff for your home you need to be thorough.

• Reputable Source – The right way to hire domestic staff includes using a reputable source of referral. There are many ways to get domestic staff such as word of mouth referral from your friends nanny or your cousins driver. While this is not a bad way to get staff the source needs to be reputable and trustworthy. An alternative way to find candidates is to go through a reputable nanny agency, take the time to understand how they find their candidates.

• Background Check – Background checks are important and it is advisable that this is carried out by someone who has experience. This should include address verification, guarantor check and past employment verification. Most good agencies will provide this service and be able to confirm that a background check has been completed for the candidate.
  • Icarella Childcare Services offers the service of assessment and background check whether or not Icarella provided your nanny. I have personally used this service and they carry out very professional assessments of the potential hire, including background check (with address verification) and medical.

• Medical Check – Health Screening should be considered a necessary step prior to hiring a new domestic staff. No this is not discrimination, odds are when you are starting a new office job you are required to undergo a physical examination. There are several labs and clinics that would carry out a basic health check in Lagos. Carrying out this check verifies the state of health of the staff.

• Interview Process – Interview your potential nanny or other staff. Be clear what the job description entails and discuss this in the interview process. Are you looking for someone to entertain older children and she has experience with babies? Everyone has different skills and experience. Take the time to interview when you are not stressed and therefore can properly assess her suitability (do not hire out of desperation). It might also be useful to have someone else interview for you to get a different opinion, but remember people want different things.

These are some of our tips on the right way to hire domestic staff and to avoid making a wrong choice.

Some credible sources are -

• Parklands Agency for Professional Domestic Workers - Contact  (07035 922 335) or email (abiola@me.com) for more details. They also offer medical screening, workers training and temporary staff. 
• Icarella Childcare Services - Visit their website for more details. Services include health status verification, background checks, purpose and personality assessment, training and provision of uniforms.
• Lifeline Clinic Lekki - Offers domestic staff health screening package. Visit their website for more details
• VerifyMeNigeria - Collects biodata information to verify identities. Read more here about the service they provide and visit their website for more information.
• Domestic Uniforms – Prestige Hospitality offers a variety of ready made uniforms

photo source: Nannyagencies.net

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Have you set your financial plans for the New Year? It is clear that we face economic challenges with the decline in global oil prices, the devaluation of the naira, a volatile stockmarket, increased interest rates, serious security issues and a general air of uncertainty in the land. This will inevitably have an impact on the individual financial lives of all Nigerians.

As Nigeria is largely an import-dependent economy, the devaluation of the naira will lead to an increase in the cost of imports; this will be inflationary as the price effects will largely be passed on to the consumer. The insecurity in some parts of Northern Nigeria have significantly affected food production so this was already a major issue that we were facing even before this latest crisis in our foreign exchange market.

As banks face higher operating costs, they will be forced to pass this on to the borrowing public. This will directly affect all business owners but particularly the small businesses who already struggle under the punitive lending rate regime as they have little in the way of reserves to fall back on.

As the cost of living rises with its attendant effect on disposable income and purchasing power, the standard of living of the average Nigerian is likely to fall. It is thus imperative that we all begin to brace ourselves for some challenging times and immediately start to adjust our individual lifestyles accordingly.

An even more worrying issue is that at times like this, companies are often forced to scale back their operations as their import and borrowing costs go up, and sales slow down; employees unfortunately tend to be the first to be affected and there is the very real possibility of salary cuts and significant job losses.

A new year brings with it a sense of renewal and the age-old tradition of new-year resolutions helps you to focus on making positive changes in various aspects of your life. Financial resolutions are often ignored; here are a few to set you on the right footing for what is likely to be a challenging year. Do not try to initiate them all at once; just elect say three or four that you can begin to address.

Get organised

An annual review of your personal finances is necessary as finances are dynamic; needs, goals, jobs, and family situations change. Do you have a clear picture of where you stand financially? Start by gathering and organizing your paperwork: bank statements, investment certificates, insurance policies, title deeds, your will, and other financial documents.

Determine your networth, by listing and adding up all your assets, including cash, mutual funds, savings and investment accounts, valuable personal possessions and real property. Subtract your liabilities, such as your mortgage loan, and any other debt. Reviewing your net worth periodically is a good indicator of how effectively you are managing your finances over time.

Set financial goals

What are your short, medium and long-term financial goals? Are they still appropriate for your current situation? Your short-term financial goals will consist of what you seek to accomplish in the coming year. This could include reducing your debt, or paying for a vacation. Longer-term goals include putting a down payment on a new home in three years, or planning for your retirement in ten. Prioritise your goals and assign them a value and a target date. Setting clear goals brings you closer to achieving them.

Create a budget

Budgeting is one of the most important tools for financial security and to plan ahead could mean the difference between achieving financial freedom and experiencing financial failure.A good budget will help you to plan and monitor your expenses so you can identify where your money goes and where to cut back if necessary. If you do not already have a budget, try to make one, and stick to it.

Educate yourself

Improve your knowledge of money matters through books, magazines, newspapers, seminars, the internet and by seeking professional advice. Whether your interest is in learning how to manage your money, how to get out of debt or how to plan for your children’s education, there is a plethora of information that will guide you and put you in control of your finances, bringing you closer to achieving your goals.

Be in control of your debt

Getting out of debt or at least being in control of it is another key step to taking charge of your finances. List all your debt, and prioritize; it is important to tackle the most expensive debt with the highest interest rates first. Having your debt under control gives you greater freedom to seize new opportunities.

Build savings

Saving is key to financial success. Try to build up at least six to twelve months’ worth of your expenses in a safe, accessible, interest bearing money market account. If you are suddenly faced with unexpected job loss, or other unforeseen expenses, you will be better prepared with a financial cushion to fall back on.

This year, try to develop a strict habit of setting aside a minimum of ten percent of your income each month for savings or investment purposes.Automate your savings by putting a direct debit in place so that you won’t be tempted to spend every thing you earn.

Invest for the future

Make it a priority in 2015 to put some long term investments in place. Inspite of market volatility, continue to invest in the stockmarket to meet long term goals, such as for your children’s education or for your retirement. However, do pay attention to your asset allocation and ensure that you are well diversified across the primary asset classes including cash, bonds, stocks and real estate.

Do you have an estate plan in place?

It might sound like a morbid way to start the New Year, but do you have a will or a living trust? Putting your last wishes down in writing should be a top priority, particularly if you have dependants. If you already have a will, it is a good time to review and update it to make sure you have included any recently acquired assets or new beneficiaries.

Remember…it’s not all about money

Just one last bit of advice: In all these money matters, do remember that the best and most fulfilling things in life have nothing to do with money.  Remember to count your blessings, not just your money!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Nimi Akinkugbe, Money Matters with Nimi , is a Money Management and Financial Specialist.Website: www.moneymatterswithnimi.com | Email: info@moneymatterswithnimi |Twitter: @MMWITHNIMI | Instagram: MMWITHNIMI | Facebook: MoneyMatterswithNimi

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LagosMums Fashion Looks

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A new baby brings a lot of joy and hope to a family. A baby is expensive too because you may be concerned that your home is too small, or that you need a larger car, among others. Whether you are expecting your first or your fifth child, chances are that you need some new baby gear. There are hundreds of different items that you need when the baby arrives, and it is important to remember that stocking up does not mean you have to clean out the bank account. If you do a little bit of research beforehand, you can get everything that you need at a fraction of the retail price.

The first question that a new parent-to-be asks is “what gear do I need?” There are many things that are convenient to have, and many things that are a “must have.” Once you distinguish between the two, you can start stocking up on the “must haves”. I recommend that you start shopping for bargains early on in your pregnancy. You will save more money, and eliminate the last minute rush that many parents undergo. Most baby sites will provide you with a checklist of the baby “must haves.” Print this list out, and then begin to compare prices and makes and models. (check out the LagosMums Baby Shopping List)

Every parent-to-be is on a budget. The trick is to make the most out of that budget. First consider looking at local yard sales for various baby gear. You can often get some cheap deals, on things that are in good shape. If you are looking for some really good deals, go online. There are hundreds of different baby sites, which offer discounts. You may also try an auction site like EBay (locally try OLX.com.ng).

Shopping for baby on a budget can be a lot of fun, if you approach it correctly. Create a list of the items that you want to shop for, and stick to it. Look for discounts and deals both locally and online. In no time, you will have a nursery full of baby gear ready and waiting for your new little bundle of joy! Congratulations and happy shopping!”

By the time you find out you’re pregnant (pregnancy test $15) to the time junior blows out the candles on his first birthday cake (cake $20), parents can expect to spend upwards of $18,000. And that’s on baby’s first year alone. By the time junior reaches 18, the average middle-income family will spend $160,140, according to recent government calculations. That doesn’t even touch college tuition. Ouch! (US)

Children are priceless, but raising them is probably the most expensive thing a parent will ever do. It is a good idea to find ways to save on the things baby needs and spend on things that really matter.

photo source: homesessive

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First Grader Shaves Head for Friend with Cancer

This young first grader shows what friendship is!

We pray his friend is healed. Amen

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Are you Set to Flourish? What does it mean to flourish? Flourishing means peace, or shalom, in every direction. shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight (blog.tifwe)

Biblical flourishing encompasses all of our being, including our material, psychological, spiritual and emotional aspects. Cultural flourishing on the other hand tends to be somewhat incomplete by focusing primarily on our material prosperity with its false hope of happiness.

Further, true flourishing as God intends is distinct from mans views because it is available to all people: men and women, children and adults, educated and illiterate, rich and poor. So are you set to flourish? There is no limitation.

We should understand that to flourish means to blossom, thrive, to have ultimate peace and to know that God has promised that we will flourish as we serve him. Armed with this understanding you have a knowing that there is no limitation. Flourishing is not just for some areas in your life but for all areas.

When we are flourishing the dry places will flourish. Every dry place in our lives should flourish! (Isaiah 35:7)

We need to understand the promises

The godly will flourish like palm trees (be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful) and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon (majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible). We will flourish in the courts of our God. We shall still bear fruit in old age we shall be fresh and flourishing. (Psalm 92:12-14)

We need to understand the warning 

When we do flourish and are brought into a place of plenty, God warns us not to forget the Lord our God who gives the ability to be wealthy (Deuteronomy 8:10-12,18)

We need to claim it for our family

Lord God of Abraham indeed bless me, bless my descendants (Genesis 26:24)

God says that young men will thrive on abundant grain (plenty), young women will flourish on new wine (prosperity) (Zechariah 9:17)

Our sons will flourish in their youth like well nurtured plants and our daughters like graceful pillars carved to beautify a place (plants and pillars are images of strength and beauty) (Psalm 144:12)

To flourish we must trust in God and we will flourish like leaves in spring (Proverbs 11:28)

God promises that those who follow the Lord will enjoy the fruit of their labour and will be prosperous. Our spouses will be like a fruitful grapevine flourishing within our home. Our children will be like rigorous young olive tress and will sit around our table. We will live to enjoy our grandchildren. This is the Lords blessing for those who fear him. (Psalm 128:3 -6)

The tent of the godly will flourish (Proverbs 14:11)

When we flourish we give God the glory 

We will flourish….everyone will see the Lords hand of blessing on us (Isaiah 66:14)

We must stand firm on the truth 

We are reminded that though wicked people appear to flourish, it is fleeting and will disappear, however when you look at those who are honest and good, a wonderful future awaits them. The flourishing of the godly is not temporary rather the future is bright (Psalm 37:35)

We flourish regardless of the circumstances 

Particularly relevant at this time of elections and uncertainty of new leaders, we should know that we will flourish during the reign of the king (any physical ruler) our prosperity is forever (not dependent on who wins or who is the physical leader of the Nation). (Psalm 72:7)

Have a fresh and flourishing Year and Life ahead of you! Amen

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In this season of love we bring you some famous Love Quotes

Immature love says: ‘I love you because I need you.’ Mature love says ‘I need you because I love you.’- Erich Fromm

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Where there is love there is life. - Mahatma Gandhi

There is no remedy for love but to love more. - Henry David Thoreau

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world. - Lucille Ball

We can only learn to love by loving. - Iris Murdoch

Love is an emotion experienced by the many and enjoyed by the few. - George Jean Nathan

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. - Jesus Christ

You learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working; in just the same way, you learn to love by loving. - Anatole France

The more one judges, the less one loves. - Honore de Balzac

Faith makes all things possible… love makes all things easy. - Dwight L. Moody

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. - Jesus Christ

‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. - Alfred Lord Tennyson

If you want to be loved, be lovable. - Ovid

The one thing we can never get enough of is love. And the one thing we never give enough is love. - Henry Miller

There is no person that love cannot heal; there is no soul that love cannot save. - Carlos Santana

In a full heart there is room for everything, and in an empty heart there is room for nothing. - Antonio Porchia

Love conquers all. - Virgil

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