I find that my children constantly push my creativity and my curiosity. As adults we tend to get into the process of going with the flow, not questioning status quo in our daily lives and find ourselves saying “that’s just how things are”. Thinking out the box seems to be something that we tend to think about as a selling point when we are job hunting.

The more time I spend around children, both mine and other children I realize that they ask questions both to understand and to challenge what they observe. When children are encouraged to ask questions (note to parents never say “Keep quiet you ask too many questions”) they learn and they tend to get answers they need, use google it, or create their own solution.

It was during one of these curiosity conversations that we started discussing who invented cars? Who invented trains? Suddenly my daughter quite exasperated commented that it seem that it is only men who invent. She asked “what did women invent”? I brought up the first one that popped into my head, I asked “you know spanks right…a woman invented that” I said. They were like, yes that thing that women wear to look smaller right?

Later on I remembered another example and said “oh yes, a woman also invented the hair relaxer”. Here I was thinking I had made a good show of women inventors only for my daughter to say…”of course a woman invented relaxers”. “Do women only invent things that only they can use?” didn’t they also invent other things that all people can use? Like to go to places or something”? Ouch! I felt like that was a personal jab at women and so I promised her to find other things that women invented.

So from my fact finding mission here are some women inventors I found – What did women invent?

• Margaret knight – she invented safety device for textile looms. She also invented a machine that cut, folded and glued paper shopping bags together which eliminated the need for a person to have to do each step by hand.

  Margaret knight

  She also invented other things like shoe making machines and sweat guards to protect clothes from perspiration. She was quite an inventor receiving 27 patents in her lifetime. She also invented a rotary engine and an internal combustion engine. (source biography.com)

• Caresse Crosby (Mary Phelps Jacob)  – she invented what we call bras today (yes this is only for use by women but good to know)
• Katherine Burr Blodgett –  She invented non-reflective glass. She was also the first woman to receive a PHD in physics at Cambridge University. Today non-reflective glass is still relevant and used in eyeglasses, car windscreens and computer screens.
• Stephanie Kwolek – She invented a new synthetic fibre that today is used as fibre optics cable, bulletproof vests, building materials and has many other uses.

  Stephanie Kwolek

• Barbara Askins –she returned to school after having children to receive a bachelors and master degree in chemistry, she went on to invent a way for pictures from space to be clearer. This has gone on to be used in clearer x-ray pictures and to enhance old photographs. Personally her story is an inspiration – who says having children has to stop you from changing the world or learning, she got her degrees after having children.
• Ruth Wakefield –she invented what we today call “chocolate chip cookies”

Source: women-inventors.com

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Diary Of A Lagos Dad – Rainy Season

I got to the office very early. During rainy season I made it a point of duty to leave a bit earlier so that I could get to work on time irrespective of what the roads may be like. It was unfortunate that after several decades, the roads were still in a deplorable state and that we had to maneuver through the slush and pot holes to get to our destinations. I sighed loudly. It was very early and I had got a little rain on my jacket while walking into the building. I talked to myself about using the hand dryer to get rid of the moisture before it sipped in.

As I dropped my brief case on the table a weird feeling came over me. I felt another presence in the room. I had not switched the lights on because I was so accustomed to the room, I could move around in the dark. I stood silent for a moment and listened. There was certainly someone else in the room. I could hear breathing. I switch on the lights, and saw, at the far corner, a young lad dressed for school. He was asleep. A quick glance around the office, none of my colleagues was in yet, whose child was this? Surely, this chap could not have spent the night in the office.

As I made to take a closer look at the lad, he woke up. He seemed to have been sleeping a while. Before I could speak, one of the security personnel came into the room. “Good morning Sir”; he said to me; and then addressed the lad; “Shina, wake up, the rain has stopped; you have to be on your way”.

The lad got up, greeted me in the Yoruba traditional manner and straightened out his uniform. His father apologized for leaving the boy in the office, but explained that they had left home quite early and my office was the only one that had been cleaned at their arrival. His school was a few blocks away from the office and with the rainy season weather it was better for the lad to be early rather than late. I nodded my approval and looked at the young chap. He seemed well mannered. Quite amazed that a security guard could afford to that sort of education, the father informed me that his son had won a scholarship. He was quite a brilliant young man. The lad spoke and carried himself very well. His father smiled with pride.

I was quite impressed. I thought about my children; I wondered if they knew how much their education cost and appreciated it. I wondered if they might work hard enough to earn a scholarship to show their parents that they did take their education seriously. Here was a young lad, who had obviously got it right. From a humble background, he definitely was not going to let that stop him. I walked over to my desk and brought out my check book. I wrote an amount that I thought was sufficient and handed it over to the lad. I encouraged him to continue to work hard and asked that he accept my gift as a contribution to his university education. The boy fell prostrate to the floor and proceeded to thank me in the Yoruba language. He got up and handed the check to his father who also thanked me.

As I settled in, I promptly went on the internet to find out what scholarship programs were out there. It wouldn’t hurt to challenge my kids. Just to see if they would go the extra mile to get an even better education. Who would have thought? Sometimes when rain falls it brings with it a different kind of blessing.

Photo Source: www.genius.com

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The workshop for women in real estate – Demystifying Real Estate Investment for Women is back with its third edition. Now a monthly series brought to you by The Lady Realtors, the workshops are immensely educational and empowers women with the right knowledge to advance in real estate investment.

Guest speakers at series III include Nimi Akinkugbe, Onikepo Animashaun, Erelu Adebayo, Mfon Onyi Akpan and much more. [READ: A-Z of Personal Finance by Nimi Akinkugbe]

Workshops sessions include elightenment on the technicalities and complication of real estate acquisition for women, real estate investment versus real estate as a business, tackling personal finance to fund real estate investments and more.

Series III of Demystifying Real Estate Investment for Women will hold on the 24th of August 2015. Register now as the spots are almost full for this session.

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Metro Eyes is one of the dominant eye care providers in Africa. They are known to provide quality eye care with competent professionals using state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment. Metro Eyes is introducing its annual free eye screening exercise for school aged children tagged “Back To School”. This year’s theme is “Eye See, Eye Learn, Eye Can”.

The programme is geared towards examining, diagnosing and treating ocular and visual disorders in children which may otherwise go undetected or unaddressed. These disorders if not treated can lead to a gross reduction in vision and poor academic performance.

“Back to School programme” entails a free eye test for school aged children between the ages of 0-16 years , free lenses and  free back to school items.  The children also stands a chance to win a tablet computer if they participate in the Right to Sight; Write to win writing competition.

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Diary of A Lagos Dad Socks ‘n’ Me

My daughter always insisted that I put her socks on for her when she got ready for school. No matter how late we were running, if daddy didn’t put her socks on for her she would not let any other person do it. The day I woke up a bit late, she had called out to me to come put her socks on for her, and when I delayed, she marched into my bedroom; determined that my duties would not be delegated to someone else.

Irrespective of this daily, some-what demanding ritual, I was relieved that she had settled in to going to school. She had not been comfortable with leaving the house for school on the first day. Her nanny had to spend the entire day at her school with her because she had been very upset. Little by little, she eased into the daily routine of waking up like the other kids and getting ready for school, till we got to this point where I became a member of her glam squad…hmmm.

She always made sure I got a review of all she did in school once I got home. No matter how tired I was, I had to sit through all the nursery rhymes, new words and pictures. I was grateful each time her mother came and carried her away to prepare for bed. Don’t get me wrong. I love the time I spend with my kids, especially my daughter. She was very interested in my day, and expected me to be in hers. I remember when her brothers were that enthusiastic; these days I was the one who pried information out of them.

I did my best within my schedule to make sure I was a part of their lives. My father had been a civil servant and had been, to a great extent, a part of mine. I was blessed to have a father who believed in communication. Fully aware that a lot of my friends did not have conversations with their parents; theirs was more of a dictatorship. Parenting styles have evolved over the years and I do believe that children should be heard, but parents need to keep an eye on them. In this age of smart phones and the internet, a parent has to be very cautious and find creative ways to instill discipline.

We did our best to keep communication up. We even had a no TV day in the house. My wife had wanted to make it a weekly thing, but the thought of missing all the football matches was too hard for me to bear. Once a month, we picked the last Saturday of the month; the TV would be off the entire day and night. We listened to the radio, and to each other. We played board games, learned how to do one or two things around the house. It was fun showing my sons how to wash the car, check the oil and change the tires. I thought them about electricity and how change a light bulb. Their mum always felt that learning to cook simple recipes was not bad, and I did not object. One never knows, one of the boys could become a chef.

A tug on my trouser brought me back to reality; my daughter was holding up a book, indicating time for her bed time story. I took the book from her, went down on all fours, she climbed on my back and I ‘drove her’ to her bedroom. I was so tired. I hope we both don’t fall asleep while reading the story.

Photo Source: www.mybrownbaby.com

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Shoes for Pre-walkers, Beginning Walkers and Toddlers

It is important that parents understand that a child’s foot is not just a miniature adult foot. Shoe advice for babies and toddlers is necessary to keep in mind because their feet are still developing. Relatively soft cartilage is present and bone is still forming. Especially during the first year of your child’s life, their feet will be incredibly soft and pliable. This means that any abnormal, repetitive pressures (form a poorly fit shoe for example) can easily cause the foot to deform. The rules that you have learned about taking care of their own feet often do not translate to what is best for your children.

What are the Ideal Conditions for Your Kids’ Feet?

Children’s feet develop best when they are barefoot. Many studies show that walking barefoot early in life actually helps feet develop properly and aids in proper growth of the muscles. By giving the toes freedom to move and “grasp”, the feet naturally develop strength and coordination.

It isn’t always practical, however, to go barefoot all of the time. When walking or rough floors or outside you need to protect babies’ feet. Their soft, tender skin needs protection from the dangers of infection through accidental cuts and abrasion. This is when proper footwear becomes very important.

Proper Footwear for Pre-walkers, Beginning Walkers and Toddlers

When choosing shoes for babies, beginning walkers and toddlers, studies have clearly demonstrated that shoes should have the following qualities:

General Rules on Choosing Children’s Shoes

• Children’s feet grow in spurts and require new shoes every 3 to 4 months.
• Avoid synthetics as they do not stretch and pressure from the shoe can harm a child’s feet.
• Kids’ feet sweat a lot, so the top of the shoe should be made of a breathable material, like leather or canvas.
• Children should not wear hand me down shoes. As most shoes mold to the foot, wearing hand me downs can apply abnormal force to the feet
• Shoes should be comfortable from the start. If new shoes need to be “broken in,” it means either they were not properly designed or not properly fitted for your child’s foot.

Shoe Recommendations Based on Age:

• Crib Age:  A loose fitting soft bootie 1—2 years:
• Toddlers – a flexible booty or shoe with a flat stable sole 2– 3 years:
• Running age – a firmer yet still flexible bootie or shoe
• 3—4 years:  a firmer shoe, bootie or possibly an athletic type of shoe.
• 4+ years:  walking or athletic shoes are fine for this age group

Tips for Shoe Shopping for your Children

• Foot size increases with standing as well as with the time of day, so shop for shoes later in the day.
• Always have the salesperson measure your child’s feet.
• When being measured, the child should be standing up and putting full weight on his feet. If there is a size difference between the feet take the larger size.
• Once the shoes are on, check them for length and width. While the child is standing, check the toe box.  There should be a thumb’s space between the end of the toes and the tip of the shoe.  For width, check the broadest part of the foot near the ball of the foot.  The shoe should neither be bulging out, nor tight.  You should be able to grab a pinch of leather or canvas.
• While the child is standing, verify that the child has enough room behind their heel for you to slide your little finger.  This will ensure that there is enough room in the toe to allow the foot to grow.  Remember that the foot grows backward as well as forward.
• The child should try on a pair of shoes and walk about the shop for about 5 minutes.  Then quickly remove the shoes and examine your child’s feet for redness.  Check the small toe, the widest part of the foot near the ball and the back of the heels.  Redness indicates pressure.
• Do not accept discomfort as a normal “breaking in” period.  Feet could break in the process! A child may not complain about discomfort even if shoes are too tight. But if they remove shoes frequently, limp or refuse to walk in the shoes, suspect misfit. Keep in mind, too, that children’s feet have a way of growing out of their shoes.

Some great shoe brands for babies and toddlers feet Robeez, Stride Rite, Crocs, Pediped, clarks

Source: footankle.com

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Research shows that some students headaches increase when it is time to transition from summer back to school. While some students are happily anticipating going back to school, some literally have headaches thinking about it.

Perhaps you enrolled your children in a summer camp over the summer? then maybe the end of summer might not be as shocking since there was some daily routine and structure. If the summer involved travel filled with eating fast food and long days exploring, they are either happy to be return to amala and ewedu, or are wishing for yet another McDonalds hamburger. [No matter how they feel, everyone does notice the improvement in PHCN supply].

Whichever way the children spent their summer, they no doubt enjoyed the freedom of summer, waking up later, watching television, napping, playing and having more time for their hobbies. Now it is time to get ready to resume school in the next couple of weeks and transition from 8 weeks of holiday.

Tips to help get ready for going back to school.

Bedtime – Start adjusting bedtime little by little to get used to going to bed earlier. Two weeks prior to resumption start inching bedtime to 30 mins earlier until you are back to regular school time bedtime. You do not want them to be shocked by waking up at 6am on first day of school, they might just be sleepy all day.

Immunity – Start building up their immunity with lots of vegetables, fruits and vitamins. Going back to school also means sharing viruses, think about the runny noses. Use this time to update any vaccinations necessary.

New School Talk – If your child is starting a new school start to talk about the new school and be sure to discuss and address any concerns your child might have. Visit the school and let them walk around the school and view their new class so it is not all brand new on the first day back to school. Discuss any changes expected, a child going from primary to secondary even in the same school will face some changes, talking about some of these upfront helps.

School Needs – Go through the requirements for the new school year and class, some schools send home supply lists. Clean old items and buy new items needed. Have they outgrown their school schools and need new ones? Start preparing now and order or shop ahead of time to reduce feeling rushed. I remember that I used the same Thermos flask for the 6 years in Secondary School but my school shoes could barely make it through one term.

Revision – No matter how light it is a good idea to spend some time revising school work. For older children you can let them review core material from the previous school year. For younger children you can sing nursery rhymes, review colors and shapes. The goal is to get them back into studying mode, there are also many apps that encourage learning based on age/subject.

Memories – Encourage the children to record what they did over the summer. Older children can write stories about their summer experiences and fill out journals. Younger children can draw pictures and talk about what they spent their summer doing. Though this is the age of digital pictures, it is always fun to print out pictures and put in a summer album (they will appreciate it when they get older). [Read: Summer Journal]

Many retailers and online stores are having back to school specials, so be sure to take advantage of these.

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If you live in Nigeria, whether you are a mum or not, I’m sure you have heard of nannies. I’m certain that most of the stories you have heard are not nice ones. In our part of the world, so much has gone on with helps, nannies, houseboys, house girls, in fact, domestic help in general.

I have had some people say because of what they’ve heard; they never want to get nannies. I’ve heard people with bad experiences make up their minds to live without them; after all, those in the western world have survived thus far.

If we had all the time, we could go on and on. I’ve met people who have been really nice to their domestic help and were still badly treated badly by them. I’ve seen people become aloof and distant to domestic help because of the various bad experiences they’ve had.

I come from a different point of view. I understand that there are bad domestic help; I also understand there are good ones. Like my husband would say, they are the way they are because of their background. What do you really expect from someone who has lived in abject poverty all her life, who has probably always been talked down at, someone who hasn’t been taught how to do things properly and who has probably never received any real kindness in life? The facts don’t add up right? I’m not justifying their actions; I’m just trying to lower my expectations.

This is my philosophy. Whoever you hire as a helper in your house has direct influence on your children. No matter how hard you try, you can’t be with your children all the time. I have also realized that I need help to be truly efficient. I need help with the little things so I can give my children the care and attention they need. I don’t t want to be so occupied doing the little things that I end up being too tired to love, care, nurture or discipline my children. I’ve seen mothers who are so swamped because they are trying to do everything themselves. I tell them it’s okay to get some help.

I discovered on time that I needed to learn to pray for whoever it was that would enter my home because too much was at stake. I didn’t have time for pettiness. I just wanted someone who would come in to help and do a good job. I also wanted someone that I could help turn her life around. Because I’m of the opinion that if the domestic help you have doesn’t see hope of her life getting better beyond your four walls, she would always look for a means of escape.

So where do we start from? Pray. Ask God to send the right person to your home; someone who is teachable, who has a good heart, fears God and loves children. There’s no use asking someone to help out with your children who is not children friendly, that’s like torture. So pray. Why do we think that we should pray for only the seemingly big things? God is involved in the little areas of our life and believe me, this aspect is not little.

Secondly, purpose in your heart to be a blessing to this person God will provide you with. I always tell my helps that God brought us together to bless each other. They are here to bless me and I to bless them. Be genuinely interested in these helps. Ask them what they want from life; ask them how you can help them achieve these goals. Pray for them; treat them like part of your home. Treat them well. Train them for life. Let them realize that their time in your home is a training ground.

I have found out that if you are genuinely interested in these nannies, they will be interested in your affairs. For instance, we moved into a new neighborhood, and our power rates were a lot higher than our previous neighborhood. When my husband and I went to work, without being told, my children’s nanny would turn off the power from the source to reduce the power being consumed and to save me money. I’ve seen my nannies take my children’s affairs seriously, as if they were their siblings. I’ve seen them defend them and fight for them.

Am I saying that there are no bad instances? No, but that’s what prayer does. It helps you chart a path until you reach the right nanny for your children. Someone I respect so much said; if the wrong person comes into your house, God will help you find out and no harm will come to your children.

As mothers, we need help from time to time. Sometimes, we want to spend time with our husbands alone, sometimes you want “me” time. Nannies are God’s tool for grace through motherhood, if you find the right ones.

When you have a good support system at home, your heart is at rest and you can definitely function better. Sometimes we go out to change people’s lives for the better and forget those under our own roofs. Why don’t you start from your household today?

Contributed by Sola Agudah

Photo Source: www.librarygeekwoes.blogsot.com

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We do not require empirical evidence to substantiate the fact that there is a growing number of mothers of young children (infants & toddlers) in paid employment today. Most of us have either a sister, aunt, friend, colleague, wife, or know someone who is part of this statistics. The mid-sized and large corporates have this category of women, grappling with the dual, often daunting role of (being) a responsible mum and a competent, high-performing professional.

These vibrant, enterprising women should be able to draw support from work (the employer) and life (family & friends) to achieve the much needed balance to go through sane days.
Childcare is the core of employee welfare, for working mothers of young children. A caring and thoughtful organization should be able to provide a well-run crèche facility in a safe, comfortable and stimulating space within the office block for the comfort and convenience of nursing mothers of children.

These are low-hanging fruits, every forward-thinking employer should reach out for. Employee welfare is inextricably tied to work productivity. Women are known to be more conscientious, passionate and loyal employees. And given an incentive such as childcare benefits, this productive group of women, would boost the quality of their output.

What is in it for the employer? Check the bottom-line before and after implementing this initiative.

Contributed by Itoro Ugorji (Early Years Professional)

Itoro Ugorji is an Early Years Professional with core competencies in employer-sponsored crèches. She is credited with the design, set-up and management of work-site crèches for corporates such as Total E & P (Nig.), Access Bank PLC. and MTN Nigeria.

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It is time for back to school shopping as the summer vacation is rapidly coming to an end (or already over for some students). LagosMums has compiled a shopping list to serve as a guide as you prepare the children to go back to school. The list is broken down across what is absolutely needed and the other little things that pop up and sometimes leaves you scrambling (e.g. Book character costumes)

School Supplies

• Backpack
• USB (for older children)
• Dictionary
• Notebooks
• Glue stick
• Pencils – for younger children jumbo sized/triangular shaped are recommended as they learn to hold and write.
• Colored pencils
• Crayons – for younger children jumbo sized/triangular shaped are recommended as they learn to hold and write.
• Pencil sharpener (and jumbo sized pencil sharpener if you get these)
• Erasers
• Plastic folders or binder
• Scissors (make it blunt tipped for younger children)
• Pencil case
• Ruler
• Pens (for older children)
• Highlighters
• Calculator
• Math set

Clothing

• School Uniform or School clothes
• Sweater
• Socks
• Sun hats
• School shoes
• Tennis shoes
• PE outfit

Swimming

• Swimsuits /swimming trunks
• Swim goggles
• flip flops
• swim towel
• swimming cap
• swimming bag
• small size lotion for after swimming (or a tub Mentholatum for children who get cold quickly)
• Floaters/noodles

Feeding

• Lunchbag
• Lunch box
• Flask/Water bottle
• Cutlery
• Napkin
• Bibs (for younger children)

Health

• Special medication if needed for School Nurse
• Sanitisers and wipes
• Tissue

Other

• Personalised labels for clothes and other items (so many items get lost during the school year)
• Painting Apron
• Costumes (plan now because you know the costume day or career day will come up)
• Laptop or computer
• Specialist items – confirm what extracurricular activities students will be participating in e.g. ballet outfit etc
• Tights – black, white and pink (there is usually a need for this at least once in the school year)
• Plain white and black tee shirts (always needed)
• Red attire for Valentines (or Love Day) in School
• Empty cartons, shoe boxes and cereal boxes – they usually ask for these for artwork so keep your empty boxes

Some retailers that stock back to school items are Ebeano, Game and for online stores try sites such as Konga and Jumia.

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This photo of a candid mother and her baby who was born by caesarean section has caused quite an uproar on the internet. Recently, photographer Helen Aller, from Guernsey, UK, took this intimate photo of a mother and her three-day-old baby boy next to her caesarean incision.

Pregnancy and birth happen as they do, yet many women are openly judged if a “not natural” option is chosen.

This anonymous mother had decided on a vaginal birth, but was forced to have an emergency caesarean due to complications. The mother asked Helen Aller to capture the days after she underwent a c-section procedure, she wanted a picture taken of the operation that ended up saving her and her baby’s life.

After Helen shared the image on Facebook, it instantly struck a chord around the world and has been seen 11.5 million times and liked by nearly 200,000 and shared over 56,000 times.

Since the post went up, many mothers who have undergone c-sections have reached out to Helen and said how inspiring the photo is to them. According to Helen, “I have received so many stories from c-section moms saying how it has changed the way they look at their scars, I can’t believe the amount of women that are ashamed of their scars and made to feel like they haven’t done the job properly because they didn’t give birth naturally”.

While Helen received lots of positive feedback for the picture, she says some have reported it to Facebook and borders on being pornography.

“It’s wonderful to read all the amazing stories people have posted because of it,” Helen writes. “But it has left me wondering how on earth Renaissance painters got away with painting nudes all those centuries ago when this image is causing so much controversy in this day and age!”

Some commenters questioned why the photographer didn’t cover up the mom’s vagina and believes the image is a bit too revealing.

One even went so far as to say that Helen’s photo is “practically soft porn,” and that a photo of a naked woman and her baby “is not art.”

Yet despite the backlash, Helen says she is proud of her work and knows that the image has helped provoke thoughtful discussions about how every mom should be proud of their labor battle scars, no matter how they fought for them—and that’s a message we can all get behind.

“To me, it’s a beautiful image that shows both a struggle and something beautiful,” Helen says. “I feel proud that an image I created has allowed so many people to open up about their experiences and change the way they feel about something they should only feel pride for.”

As an African, what do you think about this image, is it too revealing and should be condemned or should it be celebrated as success of going through caesarean operations as a way of birth? Should we appreciate the art by the photograpgher? We would love to hear your thoughts, share them with us in the comment boxes below.

Source: DailyMail, IrishMirror

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Diary Adventures of LagosMums: DALM | Toys and Money

Whenever we do travel over the summer I am surprised by the variety of toys that the children are exposed to which results in them feeling they just have to have the newest toy or games. There is always a new invention, instead of a regular helicopter now there is the roller copter (a helicopter that rolls along the wall).

They turn towards you, change the pitch of their voice and ever so sweetly say “Mummy, daddy please can you buy me this new toy?” The requests only get more intense as they grow older. While watching television there is always an advertisement and by the time the advert is over, they are asking if they can have the toy.

I decided to try the method of avoiding the toy stores in the malls and Toys ‘R’ Us till closer to the end of the summer in an attempt to reduce the number of times I say No. I have said “No” to their toy buying requests so many times that they gave me the label “The No Mummy”

All the attempts to teach financial skills by telling them we cannot buy everything they want because money doesn’t grow on trees, or that they already have many toys didn’t seem to always work. By the way who can say no all the time?

So you might wonder how by the end of the summer we have converted our children to being financially savvy? They now check the price of products before anyone buys and have started asking us how they can make more money?

Handling Money

It started with having their own money – the truth is you learn best through experience. Just like when learning how to drive you can only become a good driver when you get behind the wheel.

The children got some holiday money from their aunties and we told them that they would use their money to pay for somethings and use it to buy the toys that they want. We told them when it is finished that’s it.

This was the magic trick! Having money in their possession changed the whole game and gone were the arguments “that is too expensive for a toy.”

We got them involved in paying for things and during a drive from state to state they were both in charge of paying for toll. By the time we asked for the fourth payment, they exclaimed exasperated “Ah ah do they want to finish our money?” we used this as a teachable moment and talked about how the toll is used by the Government to maintain the roads.

When it came to shopping, they would read out the price of the item before deciding whether they were interested in buying it or not. We suddenly started hearing them say things like, “that toy looks boring and I am sure it is not even fun.” They took their time to find the one item they each really wanted and then decided to spend on it.

When I knew we were definitely on the right track was when they started having conversations wondering how they were going to make more money. The older one started suggesting that they make things and sell to their classmates!

As their dad told them, that is the big question – how to make more money. Children truly learn best through experience. So now we have young entrepreneurs in the house looking for ways to earn (we did have to let our younger one understand he can’t just take money from our wallet to get more money).

Learning to use your talents to earn can never start too early.

Learning to use your talents to earn can never start too early.
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Have you always wanted to start your own business? A business that allows you to set your own hours? A business that gives you a foot in the door with the big-time players in your industry? A business that gives you peace of mind? And finally, a business you can be proud of?

If YES is your answer, then you need to be at the “Generate Your Business Idea Workshop“- a one day event that teaches the practical strategies to generate new business ideas on-the-go.

According to Sayo Odunsi, CEO of 360 Degrees Concepts, “the SME Marketing Firm.” My business idea was to launch a business that would translate entrepreneurial dreams into realities and develop at least ten SMEs into WORLD-CLASS BRANDS in the next ten years. Fast forward seven years into when I first had that idea and we have already realized 40% of our goals. I say “our” because the business idea as grown bigger than “just me” and I have had to bring in team members to make this dream come true. That is the incredible power of Generating the Right Business Idea.”

Why should you be at this workshop?

Participants at the workshop stand to gain immense value, according to a testimonial from Yetunde Bush-Alebiosu, CEO, Manners Matter, UK certified Etiquette Consultant “It opened my eyes to possible business ideas and it was very practical and actually helped me to launch my business. The handouts were good and the facilitator (Mrs Bimpe Opegbemi) was excellent.”

Participants would gain practical knowledge in

• How to assess your personality, abilities and experience to identify the right ‘business fit’
• How to create an ‘ideas list’
• How to investigate your environment and apply ‘structured brainstorming’
• How to bring out the inner CEO in you
• How to screen your ideas to identify the best ones

In addition, you will get these bonuses worth 5 times the cost of this program

BONUS 1: Complimentary Marketing Strategy Session
BONUS 2: Free feature in Marketing Publication once business is launched

Now the best part of the program is the cost, which is almost FREE! Yea ALMOST! The cost of “Generate your business idea” is only N20,000. And that includes:

• Special Q & A session with business experts
• Generate Your Business Idea Workbook with Activity Sheets
• Lunch & Refreshments
• Coming out of the WORKSHOP knowing exactly which business idea to launch

Considering the wealth of experience of its facilitators, who are also seasoned entrepreneurs and the bonus offerings cost N100, 000 – it would still be considered a steal.

This is an absolute no-brainer decision to be a part of this workshop.

The Workshop will be held on

Saturday, 12th of September 2015
Time: 8Am – 5PM
Venue: Philly & Mools Training Centre, 45 Talabi Cresent, off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos.

Please note that there a limited spaces available (Maximum class size is 20 participants for effective engagement). Registration closes 5th of September, 2015.

Click 360 Degrees Concept for more details

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Welcome to September with some style inspiration

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We all know the popular saying that says put your best foot forward, I choose to rephrase it a bit and say put a foot forward.

Why do I say this? Do you perhaps have a vision or a plan that you might wonder where it came from? It comes from your unique DNA that makes you who you are, it comes from the experiences both good and bad that you have gone through and it comes from the gifts and talents that God has equipped you with.

We can all have ideas, the question is how many of these ideas can become reality. So many times when we come across a new product or we have a new experiences we might say “wow how did he or she think of that”? some of us might even say “I thought of that before” or even “I wish I could come up with such ideas” .

We all can, we all have thoughts and therefore can think of solutions. Every time you have an experience or use a product and spend sometime wondering what you could do different, there in might lie the very solution that you and the world needs. Don’t limit yourself by thinking that you are the only one and no one else needs it. The chances are that the solution you create will possibly affect a host of people who see value in it.

If God is the true author of your life there is nothing you will do that will not be according to his will for your life. So you have an idea, you have prayed about it and have received confirmation that this is the direction God wants you to go in. It feels right and you have even spoken to a few friends and family about it, but you are still hesitating to act and waiting to put your best foot forward! If not careful you can stay at this stage for a very long time.

Remember the question of the best foot forward is relative to the person who is viewing it and everyone has different expectations. Faith and obedience go hand in hand, there is a place for faith and this is the root of all things really, but then very importantly also there is the place for obedience. Obedience by taking action and following what you have been mandated to do is as important, I say mandated because if God gave you a vision, gift, talent or idea then he expects you to act on it. So you must make a move and step out.

If God gave you a vision, gift, talent or idea then he expects you to act on it.
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Just the same way a car will not automatically get to a destination without you first putting the key in the ignition, starting the car and driving. It is the same way you cannot arrive at a destination if you do not take action and move.

While driving your car you might use a GPS system or google maps or simply ask people for directions. This is the same way that in your life and in your plans you will need people around you to help you realize your vision, give you direction and encourage you along the way. First you will need to take a step.

Lastly as you start your journey just as you would while driving a car either turn left or right or make a u-turn is the same way you should see your life and change direction as needed. Afterall you would not park the car on the road and refuse to move one way or the other.

So as Mo will say “If you CAN think it …you CAN do it! …it is the truth. So put a foot forward and do not worry if it is the best or not. Commit to doing the best you can and strive for excellence but do not limit yourself by being “fearful” of taking any step at all.

photo source: stonecirclecoaching.com

Original post appeared on 26 Nov 2014

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I love plantain and always on the lookout for ways to spice it up and make it more fun, I have tried it boiled, grilled, fried and mashed. Recently I stumbled on something called “GizDodo” and found an easy to follow recipe. What I also love is that this variation is a healthier option so enjoy this recipe on how to make gizdodo culled from 9jafoodie.

Ingredients

• 1.5 large ripe plantains
•  Gizzard – about 15 pieces  – Cleaned (could be chicken or beef)
• 1 cup prepared pepper mix (blender pulsed (Bell pepper (tatashe)  both red and green, tomatoes, onions and scotch bonnet peppers (rodo)).
• 2 maggi cubes
• Salt – To taste
• ½ teaspoon each- Thyme & curry
• 5 Table spoons Oil
• 1 tablespoon ground crayfish
  Giz

Method

• Place a pot on medium heat; add in the gizzard, 1 cube maggi, thyme, ½ cup water and some salt.  Cook until the gizzard is soft. Drain and set aside to cool.
• Cut the plantains into cubed chunks
• Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Toss the gizzard and plantains with two table spoons of cooking oil. Pour the mix on the lined oven tray. Cook for 30 minutes flipping at the halfway point (or use the broil setting of your oven to bake the top)
• Heat up the left over oil in a pan; add in the prepared pepper mix. Leave to cook for 5 minutes. Add in some salt, maggi, crayfish and the curry. Combine. Taste and adjust for seasoning
• Add in the prepared gizzard and plantain. Combine. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Your gizdodo is ready to serve, serve in lettuce as a wrap. Enjoy

Source: 9jafoodie

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Do you know you are born for greatness? There is no reason to settle for average or for anything less than excellent.

 “.. your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great” (Psalm 18:35). Greatness in not maybe or perhaps, there is an assurance that you are great because God has planned it to be so.  

” we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10). You are created as a masterpiece, God makes no mistakes and he is expecting you to live according to the good things he has planned for you.

There are a set of things you must do when you come to earth for whatever number of years you have. These include to have dominion, to multiply, to fill the earth and to prosper.

It is imperative to know the activities you are meant to be doing, when you should be doing them and how to do them, this clarity comes by connecting with God’s plans for your life. Remember you are a masterpiece programmed with a specific plan for your life. Our greatness is tied to God’s vision, God will spear nothing for you to be great.

God will spear nothing for you to be great.
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If the God we serve is an excellent God why are we not being excellent? We should make it a habit to constantly ask God the why, when and how of our being great. Understand why you have been born at this time, why you have been given the talents and gifts you were born with. Seek to understand when you are meant to do the things you need to achieve your purpose.

Greatness is a gift but we must still earn it, you are not going to be great just because God said so and then think you are not meant to take any action. There are certain things you are required to do for your greatness to manifest into reality.

4 Things Required for Greatness

• Perseverance
• Accuracy
• Focus
• Timing

Greatness is a gift but we must earn it. You must persevere on the journey to greatness and overcome obstacles. You should strive to continue to do the things that you do with accuracy and focus. Be mindful of the right time to take advantage of opportunities and take certain actions necessary to remove any obstacles in your path. Sometimes obstacles can be as simple as the need to forgive, which can be a bottle neck to achieving greatness. Other times you need to take a step by asking for help. [READ: We have the Power]

Timing is very important in life and one of the most critical factors in ensuring your greatness is not limited. There is a time and season for everything, time to take action, to wait, to take advantage of opportunities, to pray, to forgive, to believe and many other moments. What is clear is that there are seasons for everything and no time is wasted.

1 For everything there is a season,
    a time for every activity under heaven.
² A time to be born and a time to die.
    A time to plant and a time to harvest.
³ A time to kill and a time to heal.
    A time to tear down and a time to build up.
⁴ A time to cry and a time to laugh.
    A time to grieve and a time to dance.
⁵ A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
    A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
⁶ A time to search and a time to quit searching.
    A time to keep and a time to throw away.
⁷ A time to tear and a time to mend.
    A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
⁸ A time to love and a time to hate.
    A time for war and a time for peace.

(Ecc 3:1)

As you are born for greatness, remember that there is a time for everything and you cannot reverse time, it is better to take a step and have to retrace your steps than to sit doing nothing.

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Making your daughters hair does not have to be boring and painful, with ideas of some fun hairstyles and use of the right products the hair making process can actually be enjoyable and your daughter will look forward to getting her hair done.

It is advisable to keep your daughters hair natural for as long as you can. The benefits are tremendous such as health and strength of the hair. The key to managing natural hair is to use the right products to ensure the hair stays moisturized and soft enough to maintain and manage. Many parents we speak to say that their top reason for relaxing or texturing their daughters hair is to make it easier to manage.

Some Cute Girl Hairstyles

Some of our best products for your daughters natural hair

• Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Butter Moisture shampoo and Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Butter restorative conditioner
• Olori Damage Be Gone Deep Conditioning – does wonders for natural hair
• Shea butter (unrefined local shea butter) – for moisturizing [READ: Natural is best]
• Water spritzer – this keeps the hair wet and easy to comb during styling
• Wide tooth comb
• Hair cutting comb

I personally prefer making children’s hair at home because in the salon, the stylist are not always the most careful. I have seen many stylists tug on natural hair in a way that even an adult might cry (many times parents don’t know because they drop their daughters at the salon with the nanny).

Many of the products recommended can be found on olori, konga.com and jumia.com 

photo source: naturalhairuganda, breakcurved,

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Recently, a 10-year-old boy Peyton McCaughey and his family fell ill shortly after a Pest Control, sprayed their home in Florida, USA for termites on August 14. The family was told it was safe to return to their home two days later on August 16. The family immediately began feeling ill.

According to CNN, the boy’s uncle, Ed Gribben, said that everyone was vomiting, and Peyton’s condition was even worse. Gribben said Peyton had trouble standing and speaking, so the family took him to a local clinic where a doctor suspected poisoning from fumigation. It was later confirmed young Peyton is suffering from brain damage……

The chemicals used in fumigation process are of grave concerns and should not be taken lightly. Chemicals such as chlorpyrifos (causes neurological damage), sulfuryl fluoride, phosphine (extreme toxicity via inhalation) and methyl bromide (depletes the ozone layer) are widely used in fumigant.

From the studies that produced these findings, it would involve far higher concentrations than what you would be subjected to after having your house fumigated. But we need to take into account the fact that when fumigating, several chemicals are typically used at one time–and their interactions have never been fully measured, especially when it comes to kids.

In Nigeria many so-called fumigation experts do not warn their clients enough about the imminent danger the fumigation chemicals have on their health, even when they do, Nigerians are fond of taking precautionary measures lightly.

Take time to learn about the dangers of fumigating your home. Below, you’ll find 3 basic fumigation safety tips, along with detailed steps you should take in preparing for fumigation.

Ask

Ask the fumigator or his company for a written description of the chemicals that are used in their fumigation process and do your own research on what’s involved. If the company won’t provide the list, find another company that will

Preparing

The most important factors in guarding against potential health hazards related to exposure of fumigation chemicals and gases. Here are some precautions for those planning to fumigate their homes:

• Remove all people from the area to be fumigated
• Remove all potted or hanging plants
• Remove all pets from the house and even from the areas close enough to the fumigated area that chemical fumes could be present
• All foods, including candy and chewing gum, foods in refrigerators and freezers must be removed, or sealed with tape in Nylofume bags
• Remove, or seal in plastic bags, any food and medications that might be exposed to fumigation gases. Even your pet food
• Remove vehicles from garages that may be attached to a house that is to be fumigated
• Remove mattresses inside plastic covers, including baby mattresses.
• Remove, or seal in plastic bags, any food and medications that might be exposed to fumigation gases.
• All medicine not sealed in glass or metal containers must be removed
• Dry dirt 12″ or more from the house foundation should be watered.
• Turn off air conditioning units
• Open drawers, cupboards, and closet doors prior to fumigation
• Remove all jewelry, furs, swim suits
• Remove or bag open soda bottles
• Remove or bag alcoholic beverages with seals broken
• Safes, vaults, lockers, cabinets must be unlocked and opened

It will not be necessary to wash dishes or bedding exposed to fumigation gases. Nor will it be necessary to remove makeup, soaps, detergents, etc. These items, even when used after exposure to fumigation gasses, are not likely to cause you harm.

 Re-Use of The Fumigated Area

When the fumigation period has passed, usually 15 to 30 hours, you should air out your house. This means all windows and doors should be opened. Fans should be used to exhaust chemical fumes that remain after initial fumigation. You may want to add a few more open-window days to the company’s safety timeline before moving your family back home. You should also take steps to ensure that a qualified person measures the levels of chemical fumes that may remain inside the house.

Fumigation Chemical Exposure Symptoms

Watch for symptoms of over-exposure to fumigation gases during and after fumigation, such as nausea, headaches, coughing, breathing difficulties, double vision, dizziness, and fatigue. People who have been exposed to these gases and who experience any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

If you intend to fumigate your home soon, take all the precautions mentioned above to protect your family, pets, and plants that might otherwise be harmed from fumigation gases.

Have you had issues with fumigation? Do you have other precautionary measures against fumigation hazards? Kindly share with us in the comment boxes below.

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