LIVING|FASHION|BEAUTY|FOOD|TRAVEL|ENTERTAINMENT|HEALTH
Spring/Summer 2015 Issue 2|Volume 1
The Return of the 70’s chic the best Spring trends to shop now
Spring Cleaning Out with The Old Welcome a New
YOU!
How to get beautiful Summer worthy skin
Brenda Emmanus “Why I’m still loving my career, even after 20 years“
NL Women Meet The 12 Coolest Black Women in Media Right Now
How To Live Your Life & Be Amazing www.naijalivinguk.com
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TABLE OF CONTENT 4 5 6 8 10 12 14
Editor’s Letter Contributors Scene
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Interview with Jason Boateng
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Follow The Fashion Blogger
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Fine Dining
Spotted Art Music Weekending Travel beauty guide Fashion designer
Join The Conversation Online Fashion Week is coming
Dream- Empower- Succeed The 10 Best Apps Every girl should have Fashion: Spring 2015 trends Spring 2015 trends (Saturday night fever)
NL Travel Feature: Active Travel Ideas Water Sport Holidays from around the World
The best summer sandals to shop now Fashion The Spring Dress
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Cover Story
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Beauty: Best products for glowing summer skin
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Beauty Notebook
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Brenda Emmanus 6 products for glowing summer skin
Beauty: Hair column: Spring 2015 hair trends Hair Trends to ensure you are ‘On Fleek’ this season!
10 top Black British women in media NL Women: The Women you may not know, but SHOULD know
Food NL Travel : Amsterdam feature The Canals of Amsterdam Have More To Offer Than You Might Think
Spring cleaning Handbag InterView with Afua Hirsch Chilling with Afua Hirsch: The Coolest Girl In Broadcasting
Food How To Bake….Madeleines
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Editor’s Letter
Just the other day, I was walking down my street, when a complete stranger smiled at me in greeting and said hello. I knew it had to be the spring effect. There’s just something about the fresh, crisp air. The promise of new beginnings and the start of a new season that makes people (in my opinion) happier and more amiable as the temperature start to rise. In the light of said new beginnings, flip over to page 24 for our spring cleaning guide to help you get rid of the crap and reveal a new, organised you. If you’re out shopping for new items to update your wardrobe this season, we’ve put together a smashing spring dress edit with the latest must have dresses. For those of us lucky enough to be going away, there are some hidden treasures in our Amsterdam travel guide. If you’re tired of the usual city break or holiday in the sun, our activity inspired travel guide should get you some unique ideas (if your heart can handle it!). This issue, we’re shinning a much needed spotlight on Black British women in the media. One of whom is our cover girl, Brenda Emanus whose fabulous broadcasting career is an inspiration to us all. Cool as ever, her interview is a revelation and we can’t wait for you to meet her too. Perhaps most interesting of all is the fact that the70’s are making a roaring come back this season and we’re right in the middle of it. Think ‘Saturday night fever’, flared hippies and platform shoes. Ladies, I believe it’s time to bring the big Afro back. Did someone say chic?
Love Azeezat Fadekemi Sulaiman Follow me on @mediamom
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The NL Team
Azeezat Fadekemi Sulaiman Tayyaba Riaz Temitope Beesley Joanna Webley Brown Keren Wilson Deborah Ayoade Dany Rizki Trimulya
Editor in Chief Features Editor Beauty Editor Fashion writer Features Writer Travel Writer Art Director
Naija Living Magazine is published quarterly by Talk Media Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. For all advertising enquiries, please contact sales@naijalivinguk.com Write to us at letters@naijalivinguk.com For more, visit www.naijalivinguk.com Follow us on twitter @ Twitter.com/NaijaLiving_UK Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/NaijaLivingUk
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Scene
Fine Dining, Fun Nights out and Concerts: The best of the world of entertainment and arts.
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Dining Out
Crème Egg Burgers Launched at Studio Kitchen in K West Hotel- K West Hotel & Spa, Richmond Way, London W14 0AX The restaurant, within K West Hotel & Spa in Shepherds Bush, will be serving up sweet crème egg burgers on the dessert menu and on the new Spring Rocks Afternoon Tea from the end of March 2015 and throughout the spring. The mini slider burgers are made from a sweet brioche bun dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with hundreds and thousands. This is topped with the ‘burger’ - a gooey melted crème egg, mascarpone cream, and a good helping of strawberry jelly.
The Terrace Chapters- The Royal Horseguards, 2 Whitehall Court London SW1A 2EJ Chapter One involves the ultimate chocoholic experience. Indulge in a luxury chocolate picnic experience at Chapter The Terrace with magnificent views of the Thames. This is the perfect place for chocoholics to spend the afternoon or evening cuddling up on comfy sofas sampling Hotel Chocolat’s exquisite chocolates. If it’s chilly outside, warm yourself up with hot chocolate or better still, try Hotel Chocolat’s very own cocoa gin cocktail. And then in May, get ready for Chapter 2.
The sliders are priced at £5.50 for a portion of two, and the Spring Rocks Afternoon Tea starts from £22.50 per person.
The Lawn at the Tower Hotel -
Enjoy some fine wine with Searcy’s London’s largest collection of Champagne bars has created its own unique blend of the drink, which will go on sale at its venues across London. Searcys, which was founded in 1847 and has worked alongside the renowned Maison Burtin in Epernay to produce the capital’s newest Champagne, Searcys Selected Cuvée. Pop into their St Pancras Grand and One New Change venues to try the new tipple. Served in an innovative new tower of six glasses, the ‘Coupe Stack’ will see the 75cl bottles of Searcys Selected Cuvée perfectly flow like a waterfall into half a dozen glasses that form a tower. Happy days. www.naijalivinguk.com
St Katharine’s WayLondon E1W 1LD Pretend you’re in Monte Carlo (not London) as you sip ice cold drinks surrounded by the beautiful views of London. Located at the foot of the iconic Tower Bridge, The Lawn is a quirky outdoor pop up bar with informal seating, deck chairs and garden games. Themed on the Great British summer and serving freshly prepared street food featuring dishes such as fish and chips and quality beef burgers, The Lawn really does offer the very best of Britain in a unique outdoor setting. With its brand new bar serving cocktails, icecold beers and the best of British street food, The Lawn is the perfect riverside venue to soak up the sunshine this summer. Prices start from £50 per person. 7 Naija Living Magazine
Spotted P Square in concert in Wembley : The dynamic Nigerian duo headlined the Dance Afrique concert at the Wembley arena on March 25. Joined by Flavour and Congo superstar Awilo Logomba, the concert was nothing short of what we’ve come to expect of the twin brothers. Nollywood actress Funke Akindele also made a cameo, hosting the event with Eddie Kadi and a glowing Tiwa Savage provided a surprise addition to the line-up.
Rihanna, J Lo and Viola Davis at the premiere of ‘Home’ in LA If you follow Riri on Instagram, then you’ll be no stranger to her love for her little cousin Majesty. The singer dolled up the toddler for her limelight on the red carpet of the family friendly movie, which she stars alongside Jennifer Lopez, who also brought along her adorable twins.
London’s Nollywood takeover Nollywood heartthrob Ramsey Noah and actress Mercy Johnson turned the BFI IMAX into a screaming fest when they arrived for the worldwide premiere of ‘Thy Will Be Done’, a film by Obi Emelonye. It was hard to tell women apart from girls as fans strained to get a glimpse of Noah, who is arguably Nollywood’s first crush. New mum Mercy Johnson was also mobbed by fans, but not before we caught a glimpse of her new baby who accompanied her to the premiere.
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Art
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Staying Power: Photographs of Black British Existence 1950s- 1990s 15 January – 30 June 2015 Black Cultural Archives, Brixton Staying Power is an important exhibition featuring photographs drawn from the V&A’s collection. From documentary to portraiture to staged allegorical photographs, Staying Power documents experiences
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from post-World War II through to the 1990s, covering topics from mass migration to hip-hop fashions of south London. The exhibition is part of the Staying Power project to increase the number of Black British photographers and images of Black people in Britain in V&A’s National Collection on the Art of Photography. It aims to raise awareness of the contribution of Black people to British culture and society, as well as the art of photography.
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NS Harsha- Upward Movement 6 March - 25 April 2015 Victoria Miro Mayfair 14 St George Street London W1S 1FE One of the most significant Indian artists of his generation, Harsha draws on a broad spectrum of Indian artistic and figurative painting traditions and popular arts as well as the western art canon. He has worked
across a range of media including painting, sculpture, installation and performance. Featuring a series of paintings that explore notions of ascent. Each canvas features variations on the motif of a particular human, animal or hybrid figure engaged in a singular activity, which may involve physical elevation, technological innovation or spiritual transcendence. These figures are striving to reach something above or beyond, acknowledging and attempting to connect with unknown regions.
Adopting Britain- 70 Years of Migration April 17 – 6 September 2015 Southbank Centre Southbank Centre’s Changing Britain festival interrogates 70 years of British history, focusing on society, culture and politics. The exhibition will explore ways in which, in the midst of Islamophobia and hostility towards immigration, people have reached out to communities that are stitched into the fabric of the country. Highlighting stories from British recruitment campaigns in the Caribbean in the 1950s to Indian sub-continent and Eastern European migration, as well as the contribution made to the British economic and social landscape.
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MUSIC Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2015 29th April- 4th May Spend your May Bank Holiday shaking your tail feathers to the best of Jazz music from around the world. With a line up including Jazz Legend Van Morrison, alongside Kizzy Crawford, Laura Mvula, Tony Allen, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, what more could you ask for?
Mobb Deep Concert
Mobb Deep- London Concert 2nd May O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, Shepherds Bush Green, London, W12 8TT Hardcore rap fans can get their fix as the US Rap duo bring their 20th anniversary tour to the capital.
Glastonbury Festival June 24-28th, 2015 Arguably the UK’s most popular music festival Glastonbury is the world’s biggest green field and performing arts festival in the world. This year’s Glasto will be headlined by none other than Yeezy himself Kanye West. Other acts lined up include The Foo fighters and Lionel Richie. This will be Kanye’s first appearance at the festival.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2015
Africa At Spitafields 10am-5pm Bank Holiday Monday 25 May Spitalfields Market On the last bank holiday Monday in May, the Spitalfields Traders Market will be transformed to bring you Africa at Spitalfields, a new shopping experience celebrating the vibrant African culture and showcasing the talents from Africa and the Diaspora in the UK. The day will to include an array of stalls of African Music, Film, Fashion, Interiors, Street Food,Art, crafts and Literature.
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Sunny Weekend Getaways l e e v a r T Guid ty u a e B
While we’d all love to be able to take two weeks off to jet out to some really exotic location every year, the demands of everyday life often makes this an improbable event. More and more families and Brits generally are opting for short city breaks (let’s face it, they’re much cheaper anyway), or weekends away in the sun. There are many budget airlines that offer last minute holidays to sunny Islands in Spain, Greece and the Algarve- all favourites with cost savvy Brits. So if work is getting in the way of that dream holiday, we say stop waiting for the perfect time to go. Take a weekend off work and just go for it. It’s about time you gave yourself a little treat so take life by the horn and do something different this spring.
Maximise Your Stay For the ultimate weekend getaway, take off on Friday preferably during the day. That way, you’ll have some time to get your groove on on Friday night and wake up to a sunny day on Saturday morning - probably with a hangover, but who cares? You’re finally on holiday! You can then spend the whole of Saturday chilling out by the pool or on the beach eyeing up the eye candy on offer (if you’re single of course).
What to pack The best thing about taking a short trip is that you really don’t have much to pack. A small hold all or if you really are specific about your beauty regime, a small hand luggage would do.
The Essentials: Moisturiser : To keep your skin glowing in all its glory. Dry skin is the bane of all swimwear.
Dead Sea Spa Magic miracle moisturiser John Lewis
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Cream Concentrated £1.99 Boots
Red Sangria Bikini £40 Bahimi.com
Flash some skin: Whether you’re taking your weekend getaway on your own or with your partner or girlfriends, your swimwear game has got to be impeccable. Take a pick of our selection of bikini and swimsuits for that body beachside body confidence people will find irresistible. And for all your beachside essentials: Blue and white Torqouise mohito bikini £40 bahimi.com
Alex Foster Bag £20 www.doodle-bag.com
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Mona Salamander print one piece £130 monaswims.com
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Sunscreen: Don’t believe the myth that black women don’t burn because we have a high melanin content. It’s not true! We spoke to beauty brand Skeyndor’s CEO Jordi Morcillo regarding just what us women of colour need when it comes to caring for our skin in the sun. “Everyone, no matter what skin colour you are is in danger of sun damage when exposed to UVA, UVB and infrared rays,” says Jody. “Although the amount of melanin does increase with the darkness of the skin, it is only a small increase. This small increase of melanin means it takes slightly longer for the rays to be absorbed by the skin but does not mean the skin is anymore protected from sun damage compared to someone with light skin and lower melanin”. There you have it ladies, make sure you don’t go on holiday without sunscreen.
Skeyndor Invisible Sun Spray SPF50 £39.95 www. skeyndor.co.uk
Up Your Nail Game You’re going to be showing off your talons for the next couple of days, so give them a bit of TLC BEFORE you leave as you won’t have time while you’re away. Besides, you’ll need to maximise all the time you have on your holiday, so why waste it painting your nails when you could be sipping a lovely cocktail at the pool side bar? Nail Berry Pop my Berry and Coquine nail polishes £14.50 each nailberry.co.ukbahimi.com
Tip: Get the nails done a couple of days before your departure. If you haven’t got time to visit the nail bar, fish out your nude coloured polishes and nail file and give your nails some love before going to bed.
Sun Tan lotion:
Karamel & Brown Express Glow legs: £19.99 Superdrug
Yes, you heard right. Brown skinned women can now have their own skin smothered in chocolatey goodness thanks to Sunless tanning beauty boutique Karamel & Brown. Designed exclusively for ladies with brown and darker complexions, the ‘Classic Glow’ range disguises scars, smoothes stretch marks, levels uneven skin tones and of course, emits a radiant post-holiday glow.
Bling it on… When you’re wearing little more than a few strings of clothing strung together all day (yes, bikini, we’re talking about you), it’s easy to feel as though there’s no way to jazz things up unless you have a body to die for. We’ve got the ultimate bling accessory solution. Pack along a pair of Bassbuds earphones. These tiny beauties come engraved in Swarovski elements crystals so you can plug in fashionably on your iPod during your flight, on the beach or by the pool. Happy days! BassBuds earphones £39.95 bassbuds.co.uk www.naijalivinguk.com
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Fashion feature
Interview with JASON BOATENG At only 26, British Ghanaian designer Jason Boateng is fast distinguishing himself as a rising talent in the UK fashion sector. We sat down for quick chat with the luxury womenswear designer to find out more about his inspiration and how he got into fashion. NL: Tell us about yourself and how it all started?
The brand is luxurious, high-end and fashion forward womenswear.
My name is Jason Boateng. I’m a British designer born and raised in London. I am organically from Ghana. After studying a degree in Marketing and Accounting from Middlesex University, I started my own styling consulting business in 2010 called JB Styling. I have currently been working as a fashion stylist and personal shopper for almost 5 years now.
NL: Who do you design for, what stories do you aim to tell with your label?
NL: Did you ever dream of becoming a fashion designer?
The most important thing I always bear in mind is the woman’s body. I always aim to design and make clothes that complement a woman’s curves and show off her frame in a classy and elegant way.
I would say yes. For as long as I can remember; way back to when I was a little toddler, I was having dreams of dresses, fabrics and design ideas for garments! Having a huge appreciation for styling and the fashion industry, I knew I wanted to be involved in the fashion world in one way or another. NL: How would you describe the Jason Boateng Brand?
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I design for the confident woman that is comfortable in her own skin, appreciates style and timeless clothing. NL: What inspires you when creating your pieces?
NL: Tell us about your latest collection This Resort 2015 collection is my heart, my first born, my God given talent. I feel it shows off my skills and my extensive experience in the industry. It’s my debut collection and it’s inspired by red carpet looks throughout the ages. The resort ‘15 collection emphasises and pays homage
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to beauty and the power of sex yet simplicity. It is a reflection of the way these qualities can often seem abstract. The collection of dresses and dinner jackets feature black, white, champagne, rich gold, shades of blue, subtle flower prints in sheer lace, elegantly placed on softly textured fabric. The pieces are fundamentally feminine and are guaranteed to give a woman the power and sensuality that comes with being glamorously dressed. NL: What aspect of design are you most interested in? The actual making of the garments I would say. It’s just the best feeling to see an amazing dress you are proud of at the end of the day after all the hours and workmanship you put in.
NL: What are the challenges of being a young designer in the UK? I’m a new designer so I haven’t had that many “lows” should I say. It’s definitely been difficult putting everything together in terms of the lookbook shoot, campaign shoot and all the organising that comes with it. Getting in touch with press and putting together media packages and so much more. I have definitely had more highs. It’s an amazing feeling to know that even though I’m only 26, I am fortunate to be able to use my God given talent
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to do what I love as a career.
NL: Who is your design icon? I’m a lover of personal style and fashion in general. My design icons list is endless! Everyone from Cristóbal Balenciaga to some of the more current designers like Victoria Beckham. I have studied the history, trademark, fashion icons and quotes for designers all over the world. I would say I’m most influenced by Oscar de la Renta, Emanuel Ungaro, the Versace house and Hubert de Givenchy to name a few. NL: What is your take on the fashion industry in general? The fashion industry is no joke. Not many people get accepted by the “big dogs” and there’s nothing like second chances. You either get it right the first time or forget it. Anna Wintour will not come to your second show hoping it might be better than the first, so it was very important for me to take the time to perfect my craft before launching my first collection. I respect myself and the industry too much to mess it up. NL: African fashion is at a very delicate place at the moment, how important do you think it is for African designers to take charge and tell their stories themselves?
African fashion is definitely getting the attention of the Western world. African based designers are trying and doing well in my opinion. I feel most of them just need a bit of guidance and business experience within the industry. I always say “not every nice garment is actually wearable and sellable”, so getting the balance right when designing a collection as well as being very original is key.
NL: What has been your best moment so far? The continuous good press, media support and all the new people that suddenly want to be friends now.
NL: Which three people you would love to see in your clothes? Our modern day style icons like Rihanna, Rita Ora, Michelle Obama or Beyoncé
NL: What does the future hold for Jason Boateng? I’m half way through the design process of my next collection. I am confident it will do well and my aim is to be stocked in some of the biggest fashion department stores and boutiques.
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Follow The Fashion Bloggers
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Inside Fashion Week; there’s a new breed of decision makers and they don’t sit behind the desks at Fashion magazines nor do they write for them. Yet, they’re dominating the fashion landscape with their individual sense of style and massive followership. Step into Somerset House during the Fashion season and there, you’ll find the people who are actually championing the trends- Fashion Bloggers. Fashion week is renowned for being the first stop for all the latest season’s trends and fabulous shows, but in recent years, it’s also been all about the bloggers. If you still think fashion blogging is just a hobby, think again. There are fashion bloggers with nothing more than an Instagram page with 1 Million followers designing capsule collections for top fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, while many more are paid just to tweet about a brand to tens of thousands of Twitter followers. Bloggers like Aimee Song, Chiara Ferragni and Nicole Warne have made a career out of fashion blogging. Of these, perhaps the most famous black fashion blogger is Claire Sulmers of popular fashion blog Fashion Bomb Daily. These bloggers can usually be found hobnobbing with the biggest names in fashion, taking their place on the front row along with the likes of Vogue Editor Anna Wintour. Make no mistake, fashion bloggers are a big deal and the
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fashion world is beginning to recognise the power they wield, hence why many brands are looking to align themselves with some of the top names in the business. From the gates of Somerset House to show spaces and on the streets, Fashion Bloggers have long eclipsed Fashion Editors and Journalists as the centre of attraction during Fashion Week. They attract throngs of street style photographers and adoring fans with their outfit choices and for many bloggers, this is their time to shine. This year, we noticed a rise in the number of Black fashion bloggers defining the style game during London Fashion Week. These bloggers don’t follow the trend; they create their own, bringing an eclectic mix of African inspired fashion combined with contemporary pieces. It’s not hard to see why some of them are hotly sought after by designers who are keen to have their designs photographed on these fashionistas or at least sat at their front row. In the UK, bloggers including menstyle blogger Prince Cassius, Lifestyle blogger Shirley B Eniang, Marsha Campbell and Charley Van Purpz are currently some of the most sought after Black British fashion bloggers. Forget the status quo, these are the new faces driving fashion and we’re glad to see that black fashion bloggers are not taking a back seat.
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Photo credit: Michael Tubes
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Join The Conversation Online Fashion Week is coming‌Follow Naija Living on Instagram for the best coverage during London Fashion Week. See all the latest catwalk trends and events first. Share, pin, and like to your heart’s content.
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Photo credit: Michael Tubes
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Apparel Polo AW 15 available now on www.shop365.com 24 Naija Living Magazine
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Living
Dream- Empower- Succeed
Why You Should Cut The Crap and Start Feeling Amazing www.naijalivinguk.com
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There are moments in life when you feel the walls are literally crashing upon you. Your career is going nowhere, you’re still single and searching and you can feel your childhood dreams slipping away. No matter how bad you think the situation is, you can still take control and charge and get your life back on track. “People struggle to move on from past events or disappointments as they are seeing the event as either black or white and not the grey area of possibilities in between,” says author and hypnotherapist Ailsa Frank. Ailsa says instead of focusing on the negatives, the key to moving on and taking life by the bull is to turn the experience on its head and start feeling positive. “To get your life on track you first have to release the negative thoughts. Imagine throwing pebbles into a pond as you throw away the negative thoughts from your mind. “People say things like this has happened so it is rubbish now,” instead of “This has happened, it doesn’t seem great at this point, but I will find a way to make it work out well. In her book ‘Cut The Crap And FEEL AMAZING,’ Alisa provides exercises to unlock
ceeding. Do what feels right for you at each stage as one work experience will lead to the next stage. If you hate what you are doing from the outset then the chances are you will build a career you hate. Imagine it is this time next year and you made all the right choices for you to have had a good year. This will positively coach your mid into the positive belief. If you plan to have children you may want to factor this into your career choice, for instance choose something you can become a consultant in later so you can earn highly but be more in control of your working hours if you want to flexible when combining work with kids.” The ability to react to situations is also key. You’ve got to be flexible. US Broadcaster Robin Roberts learnt to see the bigger picture after abandoning her initial dream of being a tennis player for a career in TV. “I used to dream about one day being at Wimbledon. I could taste the strawberries and cream. I could see myself curtseying there at centre court. And I didn’t make it there, obviously, as a tennis player, but let me tell you even though I had a mic in my hand instead of a tennis racket for ESPN, when I went to cover it for the first time; to me it was like ‘check! Wimbledon.’ You have to be creative in reaching your goals and I think that’s what really helped me so much in my life both professionally and personally. Just not being too rigid. Having goals and setting goals, but being flexible with them and knowing that it might not quite look like how I think it’s going to look and that’s okay.
the mind from limiting negative beliefs which stop people seeing the whole picture. “I advise when something ‘bad’ happens to set a goal of turning it into something good. Do something that you wouldn’t have done before because the difficult events have happened e.g. take up art classes, learn something in an evening class, go on a Ferrari race track day. This way, every time you think about the difficult event, you will automatically feel the good feeling of the new things you have done as a result of it. Presume somehow it will work out amazingly well.
Make The Most Of Your Career To make the right career choices you need to keep focussed on the long term plan of what you want to achieve. Developing a career takes time so don’t be put off by training or how long it will take, says Ailsa. “Think of the time spent as an investment as your career will probably be your biggest source of income over your life. Think of the benefits to sticking with your plan of suc-
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Want to be the boss lady? Break The Mould One of the reasons the hit TV series ‘Scandal’ is hugely popular is thanks to the lead character Olivia Pope’s unshakeable confidence. Her ability to command respect and put the shiver into the spine of even the most important men in the world is a quality many women crave to exude. Particularly for women who work in male dominated careers, it can be challenging to face a boardroom full of men, with your company’s future riding on your performance. The solution involves looking inward. “For women to break into male orientated work places it is important to stop seeing those areas as male dominated, instead focus on the fact that you can do the work and will find a way through to being at the top of the field,” says Ailsa. “My advice would be to work on your confidence so you fully believe in yourself. Think of other women who have broken the mould and pushed through to success in traditionally male roles. Actress Mindy Kaling says to never be apologetic; say it and own it. “I love women who are bosses and who don’t constantly worry about what their employees think of them. I love women who don’t ask, “Is that OK?” after everything
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they say,” says Kaling. If men are dominating in a work setting, visualise them as a cartoon and shrink them down in your mind so they seem more manageable. Remember their behaviour is based on what is in their subconscious mind, so don’t take things personally. Just know it is their belief that is out of date. Let their bad behaviour empower you. Take a leaf from Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg. “I’m a pragmatist. I think, as a woman, you have to be more careful. You have to be more communal, you have to say yes to more things than men, you have to worry about things that men don’t have to worry about. But once we get enough women into leadership, we can break stereotypes down. If you lead, you get to decide.
Recommended Reading ‘Cut the crap and FEEL AMAZING’ Ailsa Frank £14.99- Amazon ‘Women, Work and the Will To Lead- Sheryl Sandberg £11.89 Amazon ‘The Desire Map’- Danielle Laporte £18.99 Amazon
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The 10 Best Apps Every girl should have Words by Tayyaba Riaz
These apps cover everything from planning a night out to tracking your sleep. You can learn new skills, capture photos at their best, and track workouts. Say hello to the best apps you should be downloading right now…
Awesome Note: Unlike other organiser apps, which can be pretty inconvenient to use, Awesome Note is simple and straightforward. With no over-cluttered features and poorly designed tools, Awesome Note gets straight to business. With a built-in calendar, to-do list, party-planning section, and photo journal, this app is the next best thing to having a PA. Additionally, tabs for anniversary reminders and travel diaries, never forget another birthday.
Nike Training Club:
RunKeeper: Personally, we couple this with the Nike Training Club. It goes hand in hand with the ‘gym is boring’ sentiment, run outside absorbing nature. Whilst the Nike Training Club works on tone and definition, with strength or building lean muscle, RunKeeper ensures you get the sweaty cardio, which comes with a side of satisfaction. The app is equipped with GPS which tracks your routes, mileage, and even inclination you have run to help you measure your progress over time. Set weekly or monthly goals and storm past them on your way to a healthy and fitter self.
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Gyms are boring. Running facing a wall, towards nothing, is mundane. But we need the abs and we need the glutes for that perfect bikini you have been meaning to rock. Summer won’t be too long now, a matter of 8-12 weeks and you will need that chiselled, toned look. Look no further; packed with intense workouts, this app is the personal trainer you need to target specific areas on your body. With no gym fees or heavy equipment required, let Nike Training Club get you the voluptuous butt or the perfect flat tummy you have been working on since New Years!
Buzzfeed: You know when you have those evenings where you want to cocoon in a blanket, have the TV play in the background and have nothing to read? This website brings everything right to your mobile device: from dos and don’ts in a fight with your significant other to the newest movie trailer releases.
Sleep Cycle: Never be groggy again! We all hate mornings, especially the extremely early one. But also the late ones where we end up hitting the snooze button one time too many. This app is smart, and we meant very smart. Integrated with an intelligent snooze option, which almost slowly wakes you up, this app is far from the loud alarms you hear snapping you out of La La Land. The app monitors your sleep patterns and wakes you up in the lightest of your sleep, so goodbye groggy mornings. You can also measure the impact of daily activities like working out, coffee or tea intake etc. on your sleep patterns. www.naijalivinguk.com
VSCO:
Make up genius:
Lets leave the Instagram filters to teenagers and amateurs. This app brings a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your pictures, with sophisticated filters. It is particularly helpful for the indecisive part of us, as it does not spoil you with a large quantity of filters, but the filters available are no short of the term professional. With subdued blue tones to darkening silhouette shots, this app will get you a little closer to professional looking photos. When it comes to VSCO, it truly is quality over quantity.
This recent L’Oreal release lets you see what you will look like wearing different eyeliners, blushes, and lipsticks without having to apply the products. The app shows selected products on your face, accurately portraying what you would look like in different cosmetics from different angles and with different facial expressions, in real time. The app contains every L’Oreal cosmetic product available, excluding foundations, bronzers and mascaras. Never again will you buy a shade that is too light or too dark, nor will you struggle with the ‘right’ look for a specific occasion.
Citymapper: Stuck in the city? Baffled by the intricate tube maps? This app simplifies it all, suggesting connections that are most efficient in reaching your destination at a specified time. So, don’t be late for another interview. What’s even better is that you can take this
app with you on your travels. With every update a new city is added to the already existing arsenal with San Francisco London, New York, Paris, Chicago amongst others. They app is also available in languages like Spanish, French etc. Getting around a metropolis has never been easier.
Clue: Keep a track of your menstrual cycle by keeping a track of your mood, sexual activity, pain or other personal notes. The more you use the app, the more accurate it becomes. With the app you will know when the next period or PMS is on the way. It also helps with understanding fluid or other discharge, so you know when something is out of the ordinary. The app is also efficient for those of us who are looking to get pregnant, track your fertility and plan ahead. This app really brings us one step closer to being Wonder Woman; you can plan your missions ahead when you know yourself inside out, literally.
Depop: Spring-cleaning? De-cluttering? Moving houses and want to trim down the amount of personal things you own? Don’t hand them out for free, sell them! This app is a garage sale brought to your phone. Snap pictures and upload them straight on to the app, add a description and a price and you are good to go. It works both ways; you can snatch a great bargain on your personal favourites too, from make up to designer brands. So, this app is a thrift/vintage shop and a car boot sale, all in one.
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Fashion
Spring 2015 Trends Bring that ‘La Chic’ vibe back and get ready to hit the town like a true 70’s disco diva! Take a cue from image consultant Anna Mewes from Colour me Beautiful on how best to incorporate the seasons top trends into your existing wardrobe.
Saturday Night Fever Anna says: In keeping with the 70s vibe, the denim shape of the season is most definitely the flared jean. These are available everywhere and you can invest as much or as little as you want in finding the right fit. Top tip - if you’re petite be careful with the amount of ‘kick’ your flare has - go for a softer boot cut to maintain balance with your proportions. If you’re tall and long-legged then go for it! Lucky you!
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1. Dorothy Perkins £28 2. New Look £24.99 3. River Island £42 4. New Look White Top £24.99 5. Topshop £29 6. Topshop shirt £34 7. Next jeans £28 8. Just Fab VIP Bag £38 9. River Island Platform shoes £58 10. Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens £155 www.naijalivinguk.com
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11. Mango fringed brown bag £79.99 12. Next floral trousers £36 13. Next shoes £28 14. Boho Necklace Stradivarius £12.99 15. Forever 21 Flared trousers £18 16. Newlook skirt £19.99 17. Suede Fringed Jacket Forever 21 £40 18. Purse L. K Bennet £275 19. Floral heels: Just Fab
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Boho Chic Anna Says: A fringed accessory will instantly give you a boho feel - so if you’re going to invest in one boho-inspired piece this season, make it something with fringing! There are some great, statement bags (go for a neutral shade like brown and a suede finish for a true 70s feel) in stores now as well as some fabulous fringed boots which will see you through Spring and into early Autumn too. If you want to be really subtle opt for a necklace or earrings with some fringed or tassel details.
For more style tips, visit colourmebeautiful.co.uk
Top tip - if you really want to embrace fringing this season go for a suede fringed jacket, worn with denim, for a real 70s rock look! 2. Take it to the max Many of us will have a maxi dress or skirt from last season hiding away in our wardrobe somewhere. A billowing dress gives a distinctly 70s feel whilst still looking current. Anna says - pair with wedges or a wide belt to finish off the look. Also, find your florals. Clashing patterns will seem a little counter-intuitive for some but take a look at any existing prints that are in your wardrobe and experiment with wearing different pieces together.
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Top tip- when ‘clashing’ prints keep the colour ways the same to give your look a cohesive feel - don’t take the ‘clashing’ to extremes!! www.naijalivinguk.com
NL Travel Feature:
Water Sport Holidays from around the World --------------------------
Looking to spice up your summer holiday with a wet and wild adventure this year? We’ve put together our top five water sport escapades from across the globe to get your wanderlust all fired up!
Good to know: The trip involves the ability to paddle a 45 kilometre stretch of river. While the river’s currents are not usually strong and frequent stops are made along the way, it’s advisable to have a good level of fitness before you embark on this unique and exceptional safari adventure. Have a windsurfing adventure in Turkey Turkey’s Aegean coast, with its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and steady yet reliable winds, offer unbeatable conditions for you to put your windsurfing skills to the test, or even try your hand at this exhilarating sport for the first time.
Go on a canoeing safari in Botswana For over 30 years the Selinda Spillway in northern Botswana was bone dry but due to exceptional rains and high flooding since 2009 you can now enjoy a once in a lifetime safari experience by exploring its game-rich floodplains by canoe. What’s involved? A five day self contained expedition involves camping under the stars and carrying all your equipment with you in an open Canadian canoe. With the help of an experienced guide you’ll paddle deep into remote parts of the African wilderness and even get a chance to explore some of the surrounding territory by foot. www.naijalivinguk.com
What’s involved? Whether you are a complete beginner or windsurfing fanatic, a tailor-made windsurfing holiday at a Royal Yachting Association Training Centre in Turkey allows you to benefit from expert tuition whenever you like. Holiday providers like Neilson can include all aspects of tuition, courses and RYA qualifications in their packages. Good to know: For experienced wind surfing enthusiasts who want to take their own equipment away with them, check out this useful guide offing information on airline fees and baggage allowances.
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Discover scuba diving in the Florida Keys Running five miles off shore along the length of the Florida Keys is the continental United States’ only living-coral barrier reef. With over 500 species of fish, fascinating marine life and ship wrecks of Spanish explorers dating back to the 1700’s, there’s no better place for a scuba diving vacay of a lifetime.
Good to Know: Kite surfing can look physically demanding which often puts people off giving it a go. In actual fact strength is not needed. You only use your hands for steering while the kite pulls you along, once you’ve figured out the technique it is not exhausting at all!
What’s involved? For those new to scuba diving and looking to gain entry-level or ‘open water’ certification, allow three to five days for your training. The course requires some classroom work and you’ll be taught how to use the equipment in a swimming pool before experiencing open-water dives to explore the reef. Good to Know: Almost anyone can learn to scuba dive, however to get the most out of your experience it’s advisable to ensure you can swim at least 200 metres without stopping and can tread water for around 10 minutes.
Try surf school in Portugal With its beautiful unspoilt white sandy beaches, the best waves Europe has to offer and its laid back surf culture, it’s easy to see why the coast of Portugal is fast becoming a Mecca for surf lovers. What’s involved? Surf school holidays offer a great way to learn to surf or, if you’re already an enthusiast, develop your technique under the expert eye of a pro. Many courses include optional early morning yoga sessions, followed by daily 2-3 hour surf lessons tailor made to improve your skills. Afternoons are usually left free for you to practice your new found expertise or explore the local area.
Learn to kite surf in Morocco Combine the rich and mystical culture of Morocco with the thrill of learning one of the world’s fastest growing water sports. But beware, from the minute you feel the power of the wind and the thrill of being on the sea, you’ll be hooked!
Good to know: Portugal’s surfing hotspots such as Ericeira, Cascais and the Algarve have great surf schools all offering packages designed to suit a range of abilities, accommodation desires and budgets!
What’s involved? Week long kite surfing courses take place on Essaouira beach where the conditions are perfect for beginners. You’ll be fully kitted out with everything you need and lessons take place daily. Accommodation consists of a boutique style Riad and when you’re not learning the art of kite surfing a visit to the Souks or the experience of a relaxing hamman is a must.
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The best summer sandals to shop now Spring has sprung and you know what that means- It’s time to get your pedi’s in order. So pack up your boots, splash on some nail polish and let your feet loose in these gorgeous beauties.
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1. Red Sandal £25 fashionworld.co.uk 2. Black beaded sandals £27.99 New Look 3. White caged sandals £24.99 New Look 4. Steve Madden espadrille wedges £29.99 TK Maxx 5. Leopard Print wedges £75 Dune 6. London Rebel Tan sandals £19.99 TK Maxx 7. Yellow sandal £20 Debenhams 8. Suede Sandal Marks & Spencer £45 9. Suede Lace Up Marks & Spencer £49.50 10. Brown sandal £35 JustFab 11. Pink footbed sandals £20 Next 12. Hawaiian Print sandals £20 La Redoute 13. Pink Slip On Sandals £39 La Redoute 14. Red Leather sandals £60 Etsy 15. Crocs £40 Schuh 16. White slingbacks £25 Boohoo.com 17. Black strappy peep toes £50 Office www.naijalivinguk.com
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The Spring Dress E Words by Joanna Webley-Brown
Spring has sprung; so now is the time to update your wardrobes with the splashes of 70’s silhouettes, bold floral print and off the shoulder dresses that dominated last September’s Fashion week. Head-to-Toe White The white-on-white look is set to be a key trend throughout 2015. Be experimental with shades, shapes and cuts to make the most of this classic fashion trend.
Next White Embellished Layer Dress: £45 Elise Ryan Cross Back Flower Dress: £58.00 H&M One-shoulder dress: £49.99 New Look White Wrap Front Mini Dress: £27.99 New Look Closet Cream Racer Back Skater Dress: £48.00
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Edit
The 70’s Throwback Think suede, retro prints, denim fabric and flared and maxi silhouettes. Dig out your groovy fashion pieces because this spring is all out about the 1970s.
Urban Outfitters Cooperative Denim Dungaree Dress in Blue: £55 Urban Outfitters Staring at Stars Andree Parachute Peasant Dress in White: £85 New Look Brown Patchwork Tile Print Strappy Midi Dress: £19.99 Zara jacquard dress: £35.99 Topshop Floral Print Overlay Dress: £48
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Flower Power Floral for spring is not exactly groundbreaking, but this is a trend that never gets old! This season the floral prints are loud, bold and beautiful.
Warehouse Statement Floral Midi Dress: £85.00 River Island Yellow Crepe flower dress: £35 Zara floral printed tunic: 39.99 GBP Ted baker CADIE Cascading floral layered tunic: £149 Warehouse Floral Jacquard Dress: £80.00
Off the Shoulder This spring it’s all about the subtle flash of skin. From modest, to the daring, the cold shoulder look will be sweeping all the high street stores this season.
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Motel rocks off the shoulder dress in geo maze print: £35 Topshop Cold Shoulder Broiderie Dress: £60.00 Fashion Union Off Shoulder Crop Dress In Floral Lace: £28.00 Glamorous Petite Floral Print Cold Shoulder Swing Dress: £36.00 Carven Cobalt Satin Off The Shoulder Dress: £480
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Cover Story : Brenda Emmanus Words by Azeezat Fadekemi Sulaiman
Photography: Rohan Ineh Styling: Azeezat Sulaiman Make Up and hair: Temitope Beesley Jacket: Jason Boateng Dress: Ted Baker Accessories: Brenda’s own
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With a career spanning over 20 years in the media, BBC London News’ Art, Culture and Entertainment Correspondent Brenda Emmanus needs no introduction. I’m preparing for my chat with her at a restaurant in west London and I find myself poring through my notes, nervous about making a complete idiot of myself. You may not understand the reason for my fidgeting, but when I came to the UK years ago, Brenda was one of the first black women I saw on mainstream TV and I’ve since looked up to her as an inspiration. Her spot is usually one of the last during the news hour, but it’s by no means the least as she always has something hot and engaging to serve in arts and entertainment, so well worth staying up for. Brenda is a permanent fixture on London’s red carpets often reporting live as some of the biggest names strut their stuff around Leicester Square. I tell her I think she’s arguably the only black woman constantly on the red carpet to which she replies that it’s not such a big deal now as she’s done it for so many years and now, all the PR’s and organisers know her. It probably doesn’t hurt that you’ve got the BBC on your name badge too I suppose. Seeing how confident she is on screen and the longevity she’s enjoyed in her career, you’d think she was one of those who always knew they were made to be in front of the camera, but pursuing a career in journalism wasn’t actually her first choice. After a brief stab at a career in the arts which that didn’t fly, she turned her attention to broadcasting to see if she could make a go of it.
I could write and it didn’t take long for me to know that TV broadcasting was the direction I wanted to go. Her first foray into Journalism came when she landed a job at The Voice while studying at the University of Westminster. A job she continued even after her graduation working on the fashion magazine arm of the Newspaper. Her big break came, however after she tentatively applied for a job with the BBC Clothes show. She never expected to actually get the role. “I’ve always liked fashion, so when I heard the BBC clothes show were looking for somebody and that they were trying to make it more ethnically diverse, I thought, ‘hang on’, this could be my chance. Like a lot of people, I had this assumption that the BBC was more like white Oxbridge and for years, I didn’t apply because I felt I couldn’t possibly fit in. I applied discreetly for the job without telling anybody and I was surprised when I actually got it.”
“I’m quite shy by nature and I felt that I was too sensitive to be a great actress. It was fun and everything but it wasn’t like I was that motivated about it, so I explored a few options. You know, pilot, teaching, the army etc. It just so happened that at the time, media studies were in vogue and this allowed me to explore which part I wanted to be in. I went on and registered for a course, found out that I had a voice;
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Photography: Rohan Ineh Styling: Azeezat Sulaiman Make Up and Hair: Temitope Beesley Outfit: All from Stradivarus
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It was in this role where the 25 year old Brenda cut her teeth in the media as part of the Clothes Show family. You can tell she’s still passionate about the show even decades on as she chats animatedly about her fascination for the fashion industry and muses about ‘the good old days’ being gone.
McDonald that made me realise that there was a possibility for me to do the job I do now.” There has been a lot of talk about the lack of diversity in the media, in broadcasting and the arts with the likes of Lenny Henry leading the call for equal opportunities for black and ethnic minority talents to be represented in mainstream media. As someone on the inside of the system, I was intrigued to find out what her take was on the issue and if she had experienced any form of racism or sexism in her long career.
But her career has evolved since then, presenting shows for the BBC covering travel, entertainment and more recently the arts. So how did a self-professed fashion lover like her end up trawling through countless art galleries in London and interview“There’s sexism and there’s racism and the reality is ing Hollywood royalty? She tells me having such a that we need to be realistic about things and those rich and varied career is actually what makes her a of us who are in there need to make sure our voices well-rounded broadcaster. “I started in news and are heard and put pressure and influence the outcurrent affairs, lifestyle and magazine programmes come. I think the trouble is when there are people so I’ve had a real wonderful range of experience recruiting only people they can relate to, so diversity within the industry, but now I think I’ve found my is a big issue despite all the chat and the talk about niche. I love arts and culture, entertainment, music being positive and making an effort to have a fairer and theatre, so it’s working out really well for me in representation of minorities in the media. The BBC that I get to fill my passion. I love creative minds and in particular should be pressured to be representnothing gets me riled up more than people who are ative of the audience it reflects. clever and bright and artistic and We have a right to demand fairer to spend my whole life meeting “I constantly put extra representation and I think we and talking to them can only be a pressure on myself to be underestimate our power, unlike blessing.” better and it is a bit dauntin America where African Ameriing being the only black cans have a stronger base, finanIn the ever evolving media landperson in the room with cial strength and are very united. scape, it’s a tough gig for women We moan a lot, we talk a lot, but as we have a shorter shelf span such huge personalities we don’t really take constructive than men. Add to that being an sometimes, but I do feel action. I’m the deputy chairperson ethnic minority and the challenge incredibly blessed to have of the black and Asian forum and becomes even greater. She tells had the opportunities I’ve internally we’re pushing for them me the reason she and a handhad.” to become fairer, because everyful of other black women in the one needs to be represented.” industry have managed what seemed impossible years ago is Thanks to all the campaigning by people like Brenbecause they’re willing to adapt to the industry as it da, Shami Chakrabarti, Dany Lee Wynter and Lenny evolves. “I and the other girls Lukwesa, Gillian and Henry, broadcasters are finally beginning to listen Ronke get on very well and go for drinks. Charlene and take action to ensure a fairer representation of and I have mutual friends and I think the reason is ethnic minority talents in the media. because we’ve all been through the same struggles and value and respect each other. I feel very fortuFor someone who constantly talks about ‘being nate to have been one of the few black women to shy’, Brenda is actually one of the most self-assured have remained consistent in this field, despite the women I’ve ever met. She exudes the confidence and tough times, this is something I’m really proud of.” knowledge that comes with years and years of experience and you just want to listen to her when she Breaking the glass ceiling is all well and good, but speaks. However, she strikes me as someone who that comes with responbilities as people start to see doesn’t like being fussed over and protests when I you as a ‘role model’. I ask if she feels any pressure call her a ‘celebrity’. “I’m not glamourous or anything to maintain the status quo and she says, “Of course like that”, she says. “I’m just like everyone else. I you do. I feel the pressure of responsibility, because throw on clothes when I’m in a rush, have chipped there’s so few of us, I feel like people will judge by nails and don’t always look perfect, but being on TV me and I have to set an example. You know, I mentor means people expect a lot from you.” Today, she’s a lot and I’m really fortunate to always have positive wearing a pair of slacks and a lovely top. She does feedback from my community and that’s what fuels look like she’s just thrown the outfit together, but me. To know the difference it makes to see a black when you spend your day running around London’s person on television. I remember the effect it had art galleries trying to uncover new stories; it’d hardon me. It was because of Moira Stuart and Sir Trevor 44 Naija Living Magazine
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ly be practical to be expected to trot about in 6 inch heels. She laughs, saying she’s learnt to accept that she’s never going to be able to please everyone and has in fact made her peace with that. “One thing you learn as a presenter is that you can’t please everyone and the only way you can survive is to be authentic. I don’t like being referred to as a celebrity. I’m quite a shy person and as long as people respect me for my work, I’m good. I love clothes, but I’m not high glamour, I’m just like every other woman out there.”
While I envy her enviable roll call, working in broadcasting means many long hours and she admits to not getting home most days until 10pm. Her daily routine involves getting up at 6.30 and going to bed at 1am and she admits she doesn’t get enough sleep, something many who work in media can resonate with. How does she juggle family with her work commitments, especially as she has a 10 year old daughter Marley, to look after? “You have to make time,” she says. “I invest a lot of time in my relationships, be it with friends or family and when I do get the time off work, there’s nothing I enjoy more than just relaxing with my loved ones. I make time to go away every August with my daughter and my sister. It’s a tradition we’ve kept up for years and all three of us have come to look forward to it.
The second of four children born in London to Saint Lucian parents, her strict upbringing meant she’d inculcated the values of working hard, and making the most of opportunities from a very young age. This she says is what gives her the ability to go on in a highly pressurised industry. That being so, it’s Her close knit relationship with her daughter is not a job without many perks. For instance, she’s something she’s very proud of. As any mum to a prebeen flown to Vegas to interview Clint Eastwood teen would tell you, they’re not exactly the easiest to who she says was ‘sweet’. The roll call of big names live with. But by drawing inspiand celebrities she’s met and ration from her own upbringing, interviewed will simply make you “My community is she’s hoping to get the balance swoon. important to me and I’m right between being a disciplined very proud of what we’ve mum and allowing Marley have a You can tick off everyone from achieved together. As a wholesome childhood. ” I’m a very Mohammed Ali, Oprah Winfrey, mother, my heart bleeds loving mother but I’m also a very Desmond Tutu, Forest Whitaker, strict mum,” she says. “I make her Jennifer Lopez to Spike Lee in that to see some of the pray every morning and night and list. She’s interviewed so many challenges within the while I allow her to have her own celebs that she has a hard time community and we have voice, I want to know where she remembering some of them. Has to take responsibility as a is, what she’s doing and I want she any favourites? “I did David community to rectify the to know how she’s feeling. She’s Hockney the artist once. He was situation.” only 10, but she’s a bit of an old amazing! Will Smith is also one of soul and very emotionally intelmy favourites to interview and I ligent. One time I hung up the enjoyed interviewing Paul Smith. phone on her while I was angry and she called me His creativity is mind blowing and he’s such an back and told me off! We have that kind of relationamazing and inspiring designer.” ship and it’s taken a while to get there, but I’m very proud of that.” The week before, she’d interviewed Angelina Jolie for the second time and was scheduled to meet with Being a mother means she sees her community as the cast of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ the week after our her extended family and even though she’s relatively interview. Does it get any easier with time? “No, it comfortable, she’s not a stranger to the many chaldoesn’t”, she laughs. “I constantly put extra preslenges faced by black youths and is very passionate sure on myself to be better and it is a bit daunting about giving back. “My community is important being the only black person in the room with such to me and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved huge personalities sometimes, but I do feel increditogether. As a mother, my heart bleeds to see some bly blessed to have had the opportunities I’ve had.” of the challenges within the community and we have It feels like she’s met everyone there is to possito take responsibility as a community to rectify the bly meet on every journalist’s list, but there is one situation.” person who’s remained elusive so far. “My inspiration is Michelle Obama. I love everything about her, as a mother and as a woman. She is authentic and glamourous in her own way and not trying to be everything to everyone. That’s the kind of person I want to be and it would be an honour to be able to interview her.” www.naijalivinguk.com
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Photography: Rohan Ineh Styling: Azeezat Sulaiman Make Up and hair: Temitope Beesley Dress: Forever 21
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What advice would she give to new talents coming to the industry, especially women who are in such short supply? “You’ve got to set your goals and try to create your own opportunities. Whereas I’ve got a staff job, those are very hard to come by nowadays. You have to cease the moment and jump on any opportunity that comes on. I also think young people have to be more fearless. When I started my career, I was too careful and played things safe. If I had my time again, I think I’d be far more ballsy as a woman, I really do. We’re thought to be polite and well-mannered and to wait, but in this industry, you’ve got to be on top of things. I don’t mean for you to become ruthless or insensitive but you have to work hard, develop a strong skills set and make sure you know your stuff. As women, our shelves lives come a bit quicker than men and people are harder on us, especially if you’re an expert in a certain field. That’s why it’s great to see an expert like Maggie AderinPocock. I get such as buzz when I see her, and when I see women in sports and presenting football, it’s really amazing to see what we can achieve when we’re allowed to do things other than the obvious. The reality is when we’re given an opportunity; we prove that we can do it. The sad fact is that we’re not given enough opportunities, but the BBC is making a conscious effort to employ more ethnic minority talent so we’ll see.” Ever before I met her, there was something else I found fascinating about Brenda other than her talent obviously. Her signature bob. The moment that bob comes on telly, you don’t need an introduction to know who’s in front of the camera. Us black women aren’t exactly known for sticking to one hairstyle for so long, so I had to ask, what’s with the bob? She gives me a hearty laugh as she explains that her beloved hairstyle which has apparently been seen to by the same hairdresser for almost a decade is both for aesthetic as well as practical reasons. “When I was at the clothes show, I used to have all kinds of styles, and then I was into hats for a while. I’ve tried having longer weaves and it just doesn’t suit me. I’ve had variations of the bob, shorter, lighter, and shoulder length, but I always retreat back to it because long hair just doesn’t suit me. Also, it’s more practi-
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cal because I don’t have time to faff around when I’m on set. Today, the bob is just above her cheek and it’s got tiny blonde highlights in. Knowing her attachment to her hair, I was surprised she allowed us play with her for her photoshoot. As you can see in her spread, she’s got wavy shoulder length hair. She shows me a photo of another shoot she did previously, where she spots a huge Afro and I tell her she looks amazing and different. “I can’t go on screen like that. You and I both know that,” she laughs. Now that she’s climbed up the ladder, what’s next for Brenda I wonder? “Oh, I’ve still got a lot to do. I’d like to make some longer form programmes, travel and make documentaries. I’d also like my own kind of magazine programme that covers arts, lifestyle and fashion.” Now, that’s something we look forward to watching.
Brenda’s Beauty secrets - I’m big on skincare. Cleanse, tone, moisturise! - I love food and I try to eat healthy. My last meal will probably be rice and peas. - I used to do Taekwondo and I do a lot of working out at home now - I’m very into Anthonia Burrell’s beauty products, I love her stuff!
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Beauty :
Six Products For Glowing Summer Skin Words by Temitope Beesley There’s nothing like getting up on a beautiful summer morning and looking in the mirror and feeling so happy and confident in your own skin that you decide that you really do not need to wear makeup because in the words of Bey, you’re flawless. But to get to that point, you need to start weeks or months in advance. Getting gorgeous looking skin doesn’t happen overnight. It’s all about finding the right products that work for your skin and sticking to a routine that works for you. We would recommend gentle but effective products and diet as these are quite literarily the Holy Grail for achieving flawless skin that requires little to no makeup. Here, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you spring clean your beauty routine and get into some habits that will produce results. You’ll need to evaluate the products in your stash then decide if they are working for you. If not, get rid of them and start trying other more suitable ones.
1. First step is a cleanser: I recommend the SK:N VITAMIN RICH CLEANSER -for OILY SKIN £16.75. It’s actually suitable for all skin types but always follow directions. This particular one has a small percentage of glycolic acid in it, which will deeply cleanse your skin and gently exfoliate. It’s like a liquid exfoliator you can use daily plus it gives such an amazing glow.
2. Next step is to use a mask (only 3 times a week). I recommend Hydra Intense by Lancôme £33. It’s hydrating and soothing for those with sensitive skin, plus its oil free.
3. Lancôme Génifique Crème Youth Activating Day Cream £59. It’s lightweight, but packs a punch. Super Hydrating and gives you a radiant glow.
4. For ladies who prefer minimal makeup in the summer, I’d suggest the Ben Nye translucent powder £30. They come in different shades and are very light weight, give a bit of coverage and keep the shine at bay. Perfect!
5. Nivea fruit shine £2.50 for soft, supple, pouty lips. This is a chap stick with a kick.it smells great, tastes nice and will keep your lips from splitting all day long.
6. For that super glow from within. I’d recommend a glycolic peel from skinclinics.com £70 ; It’s a deep exfoliation that gets rid of the first layer or dry dull skin. This treatment will make you look like you’ve never had a day of stress in your life and if you can afford it, then you should have one every month.
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Beauty Notebook ----------------------------
Our top picks of the latest beauty innovations destined for a beauty store near you soon.
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Renowned anti ageing beauty brand Zelens has designed two new serumsThe Intense Defence 1. Antioxidant Serum £125: This lightweight and hydrating formulation supports natural collagen production and combats the effects of glycation to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, providing a tightening effect, and the Z Luminous, 2. Brightening Serum £135 created to even skin tone, brighten and enhance the skin’s luminosity, while tackling dark spots and discolourations. Both products are oil free and suitable for all skin types. www.zelens.com
New Haircare brand Roots & Rituals is introducing a new product range for dry, damaged hair. Each product is formulated using coconut, olive and avocado oils infused with pure ingredients including amla, argan, almond, abyssinian, sesame, hibiscus and basil oil to provide 5 6 deep hydration and nourishment to both hair and scalp. 5. Deep conditioning oil £6.49 6. Hair oil: £15.99 And to keep your nails in great shape during summer, one of our favourite nail brands O.P.I has introduced yet another collection that apparently gives you longer lasting finish for up to 10 days without the need to use LED light or a soak off after your mani. The Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer 7 System is available in 30 shades including summer favs pink, purple, nude, red, blue, green and. 7. £13.95 nailpolishdirect.com
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Japanese skin care brand RMK has relaunched its Skin tuner and exfoliating mix with a brand new improved formula. Said to exfoliate and evens skin tone while diminishing pores and providing the right amount of moisture. We like the sound of that! 3. £32 Selfridges
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Melvita’s L’or Rose firming oil is apparently the answer to banishing all signs of cellulite. This blend of oils is a naturally effective slimming body oil that tackles the appearance of cellulite. With regular use, skin is supposedly toned, smoother and firmer. It apparently smells good too. 4. £30 lookfantastic.com
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Say hello to defined cheekbones with Illamasqua’s latest offering. The Gel Sculpt is a light, water resistant contouring stick which subtly creates natural contours; and Gel Colour, an innovative, water resistant and highly pigmented tint that provides an instant flush of colour. 8. £22 illamasqua.com
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Hair column: Spring 2015 hair trends
Hair Trends to ensure you’re ‘On Fleek’ this season! By : Chanel Brookelyn Radiant Salon
This spring, it’s all about colours. Every girl knows the easiest way to give yourself a lift is with a fabulous colour. A new hair colour can instantly change your mood and even stop traffic (literally)! Some of us may choose to go for a bold statement colour, whereas others prefer subtle colours that are still bang on trend.
As the CEO of a leading hair salon, I see trends come and go and this year, we’re weighing in on the must have looks this Spring. Go daring in different shades of Grey:
Grey will still be very popular this Spring/Summer. From dark greys to silvery greys, the mind-set towards this colour has changed dramatically and has become a fashion statement for both younger and older women. Various celebrities have been spotted sporting the trend, from the likes of Kylie Jenner to Rihanna to Toya Wright! Tip for this trend - Adding hues of bold or pastel colours can instantly update your look - The tone of grey you choose should complement your skin
Tie-Dye hair is back! Whether it is
hues of blondes, pastels or bolds, having a standard ombre is no longer an option! Update your look by adding hints of complementing colours to the tips.
Tip for this trend - Choose tones that complement your skin tone - Avoid too many colours unless you really want to go full force for this punk-inspired look. - Have a conservative job? – You can easily mask your inner punk by pulling your hair back into a neat bun www.naijalivinguk.com
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Twighlight Hair Colour on @chanelbrookelyn Credits: Install, Colour and Styling by @radiant_salon | Hair Colour Cambodian Straight Hair extensions provided by @ marrikashair www.marrikashairextensions.com | Make-up by @rayjeweledbeauty | Jewellery by @glamifi / @fi_racksey | Photography by @ ao_photography
Tips for making colours last longer on weaves: - Use minimal heat on your extensions - Co-wash Hair rather than shampoo: Have you ever coloured your hair and noticed the colour running? Well I can guess that. 1. You were using a shampoo and 2. You were using hot water. Am I right? Well these two factors actually contribute to the colour strip ping. What I would recommend to minimise colour fading is rinsing hair with lukewarm water (cold if it is off the head) and conditioner. It closes the hair cuticles (locks in moisture) and seals in maximum colour. - Avoid Direct Sunlight: Too much direct sunlight can actually strip your hair colour, so bear in mind that if you are going for a pastel colour whilst away on holiday, your hair will get lighter from the sun. - Avoid Swimming: Chlorine will strip the life and colour from your lovely hair so please AVOID!
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10 top Black British women in media
NL Women : The Women you may not know, but SHOULD know Here Are The Black British Women Making Waves In The Media. They’re in your newspapers, on your TV screens and you listen to them on Radio. You may not always see them or even hear of them, but Black British women are making huge contributions to the British media landscape than you may think. From Broadcasting to print and digital media, you’ll find black British women holding the forte.
After moving from the BBC in 2005, Gillian has made Sky’s morning news team a comfortable home as part of the team the nation wakes up to every morning. Her Broadcasting career spans over 25 years having worked in radio and TV, fronting shows for the likes of Radio 5 Live, BBC Breakfast and Newsnight.
In celebration of their contributions, in this special Black British women in media issue, we’ve featured 10 amazing women of colour who are making it big in their fields in the media.
Lukwesa Borak Role: Sky News Correspondent The Zambian born beauty joined Sky News in 2006, left and came back again in 2013 after taking up various other broadcasting roles with eNCA and East Midland Today. Lukwesa handles the channel’s news reports from 12am to 6am.
Gillian Joseph Role: Sky News Correspondent www.naijalivinguk.com
Sarah Jane Crawford Role: Radio/Television presenter The BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ whose career began on Channel 4’s Shipwrecked 8 years ago is easily one of the most recognisable faces on British TV nowadays. After hosting a host of TV Chart Shows, Sarah Jane became a regular fixture on our TV screens last year when she landed the gig to present ITV’s Xtra Factor. Vanessa Kingori Role: British GQ Publisher/ Associate Publisher GQ Style Don’t be fooled by her baby face. Sitting very comfortably at the head of one the UK’s biggest style title, Vanessa Kingori’s story is one that proves that with hardwork, anything is possible. Brought up by a single mum in a working class family, she worked her way from retail assistant to become the youngest ever publisher of GQ and the only black person to have ever held the title.
Clara Amfo Role: BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge host Amfo has been the girl of the moment for the last few months after being announced as the voice for the Radio 1 Chart show in 2014. The 30 year old DJ began her media career as a marketing intern at Kiss FM and worked her up in the Industry to become a presenter on BBC Radio 1 Xtra, where 53 Naija Living Magazine
she made a name for herself. She has now been confirmed to take over the Live Lounge from Fearne Cotton who will be leaving the radio station in May, so more of Clara for us!
Charlene White Role: ITV News Correspondent Charlene began her broadcasting career learning the trade in Radio. Having worked with the BBC in various capacities, she joined ITV in 2002 and can be seen often presenting some of the channel’s bulletins. In 2014, the 45 year old media veteran became the first Black woman to present ITV News at 10.
Bim Adewunmi Role: Buzzfeed UK Culture Editor There is a new breed of Black British writers taking the media world by storm and Bim Adewunmi is right at the centre of it. Arguably one of the coolest and funniest media personalities on Twitter, Bim started her journalism career as a freelance writer through her blog Yoruba Girl Dancing. She’s written for the likes of The Guardian, New Statesman and The Independent. Prior to taking up her role at Buzzfeed, Bim was also acting Editor at The Guardian.
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Busola Evans Role: Editor Mother and Baby Magazine Prior to joining the parenting title, Busola was previously a freelance writer and acting Health Editor at OK! Magazine. Her work has also appeared in The Guardian, The Telegraph and Fabulous Magazine.
Des Lewis Role: Senior Style Editor Marie Claire One of the UK’s leading names in Fashion, Des leads the fashion team at Marie Claire UK, bringing you the latest trends in the world of fashion. An amazing stylist who’s worked with some of the biggest celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Des has also previously worked with Conde Nast before she left in 2010 to join the Marie Claire team.
Abisoye Odugbesan Role: Senior Style Assistant Marie Claire In addition to being an integral part of the Marie Claire UK fashion team, Abisoye also acts as Editor for beauty website for women of colour Beauty and Style Edit (B.A.S.E). This is your go to girl for all the latest fashion trends and inspiration.
Reni Eddo-Lodge Remember those new crops of writers we talked about earlier? Well Reni sits comfortably at the top of that list. At only 25, Reni is already an award winning Journalist for her work campaigning in feminism and racial equality. She received a high commendation from Channel 4’s Best Young Blogger Competition in 2010 and is a regular contributor for The Telegraph and The Guardian. Reni has also written for The Voice and New York Times amongst others. www.naijalivinguk.com
FOOD
With Spring here, no doubt your attention will soon turn to baking some delicious homemade recipes. This simple, everyday bread roll recipe is great for breakfast, or even to go as a side during dinner.
INGREDIENTS:
mixture to stand for 10 minutes. At the end of 10 min-
(1) 520 Grams All Purpose Flour (4 Cups) (See Note 1)
utes, the yeast would have activated and the mixture
(2) 2 Teaspoons Salt
would have increased in volume and be foamy on top.
(3) 3 Tablespoons Granulated White Sugar
(2) Melt the butter and set it aside. Beat the egg and set
(4) 1/4 Teaspoon Grated Nutmeg
is aside too.
(5) 3/4 Cup Milk (See Note 2)
(3) In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar,
(6) 1/2 Cup Warm Water (See Note 3)
salt and grated nutmeg. Mix them together and create a
(7) 1 Large Egg
well in the middle of the mixture.
(8) 56 Grams Melted Butter (1/4 Cup)
(4) After the yeast has activated, pour the yeast mixture,
(9) 1 Tablespoon Active Dry Yeast
melted butter, milk and egg in the middle of the dry in-
(10) 1 Egg (For wash)
gredients and mix everything with a wooden spoon until
(11) 2 Tablespoons Melted Butter (For Brushing)
you get a shaggy dough.
NOTES:
(5) Turn the dough unto a lightly floured surface and
(1) Bread flour can be used in place of all purpose flour.
knead for about 5 minutes, just until the dough comes
(2) You can replace the milk with more warm water.
together. Form the dough into a ball and cover it with
In this recipe demonstration I have used coconut milk
the mixing bowl for 10 minutes. This resting period
because I wanted a nutty coconut flavour.
will allow the flour soak up all the liquid and relax the
(3) This cannot be over emphasized. The water must be
dough, thus making it easier for you to knead.
warm, not cold, not hot, but warm.
6) After 10 minutes, knead the dough until smooth. This
PROCEDURE:
will take about 5 to 8 minutes, depending on your skill
(1) Put the yeast in the warm water along with 1 table-
level.
spoon of sugar. Mix all of them together and allow the www.naijalivinguk.com
55 Naija Living Magazine
NOTE: The above process can also be executed with
(11) Place the rolls in the lined baking dish and cover
a stand mixer. Place all the dry ingredients in a stand
them lightly with cling film. Leave the dough to double
mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Pour in the wet
again. This takes about an hour.
ingredients and mix at medium speed until a shaggy
(12) Close to the end of the second rise, preheat the
dough forms. Switch to the dough hook and knead at
oven to 375 degrees.
medium speed until the dough is smooth. This should
(13) Brush the rolls with a lightly beaten egg and bake in
take about 8 minutes.
the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the rolls are
(7) Oil the mixing bowl, form the dough into a ball and
golden brown.
roll it in the oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with cling film
(14) As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush
and leave it in a warm place to double. This would take
them with melted butter.
about 1.5 hours.
(15) Now, here lies the trick to getting very soft and fluffy
TIP: Keep the dough in your oven with the light on.
rolls. Cover the pan containing the hot rolls with cling
Bread rises faster in a warm environment.
film for about 10 minutes. The generated steam will
(8) After the dough has doubled in size, deflate the
soften the crust of the rolls.
dough and divide it into 12 equal parts. TIP: I weigh my dough using a kitchen scale (It weighed
Serve warm.
1 kg, 4 grams) and divided it into 12 equal parts by
Recipe taken from gratednutmeg.com.
weighing each part (each part weighed about 83 grams). (9) Shape each part into a ball making sure you tuck the
Courtesy of Terry Adido. A self confessed foodie, Terry
seam underneath the ball.
is passionate about showing people how easy it is to
(10) Line a 9 x 13 baking dish/pan with parchment
recreate restaurant quality meals in the comfort of their
paper. Try not to use a tray for these rolls or they would
kitchens. With a style of cooking he refers to as Af-
spread out horizontally which is not what you want.
ro-European Fusion, his meals are influenced greatly by French and Italian Cuisine with a West African twist.
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NL Travel
The Canals of Amsterdam Have More To Offer Than You Might Think Words by Deborah Ayoade
For more information on what to do when in Amsterdam log on to www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/what-to-do www.naijalivinguk.com
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Amsterdam is the city better known for its cannabis selling coffee shops and red lights, but the city is more than just haze and sex for sale. The Dutch capital has a wealth of recreational and cultural sites that are a must see! And all will have you falling in love with this old city. Although there is no worst time to go to Amsterdam, the summer months give you the chance to get a real feel for the Dutch lifestyle because the weather is awesome for biking around the city, canal rides and picnics in one or more of the number of parks. Amsterdam is a cosmopolitan city filled with diversity and almost everyone speaks English, so unlike other European countries, you won’t have to struggle for help with directions and getting further information to help you get to the sights listed.
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Attractions Dam Square Although arguably not the most breath taking sight in Amsterdam, The Dam is the heart of the city and the centre of Amsterdam attractions, so it’s worth taking time out to appreciate it. Take a moment to rest your feet from all the walking around the nearby attractions and appreciate the scenery and architecture.
Canal tours and cruises Not too far away, you’ll spot Amsterdam’s canals and your trip would not be complete without a canal tour or cruise. Tours commence from morning to late in the evening and many recommend evening tours and I agree. There’s
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something enchanting and romantic when sailing through the canal at night- you’ll find the view illuminating. There are a number of different tour packages you can pick from. You can enjoy an evening along the canal with a delicious full course candle light dinner while soaking up the magnificent views. With such ambience, who can dispute that Amsterdam isn’t a city for romance? So long Pari! Most tour boats leave from the docks in front of central station and tickets can be bought at the docks. Some hotels also offer discount vouchers for the canal & cruise tours so be sure to
before going to either attraction to guarantee yourself entry, otherwise you will have to spend all day waiting in line. As you can imagine, the queues are very long so you might not even have a chance to get in if you don’t.
6 Dutch delicacies to try during your trip
enquire at your hotel front desk.
Museums and exhibitions You will find a broad spectrum of museums to visit while on your trip. From sex museums to those that celebrate historical and great artists. If you’re not in Amsterdam long enough to explore the offerings then you might want to check out the two most visited museums/exhibitions ; which are Van Gogh and the Anne Frank House. Use your morning to visit the house where the diarist Anne Frank’s family took to hiding during World War II has been restored. Have a wonder around this interactive exhibition and have a read of Anne’s original diaries. Later in the afternoon, you can head off to the Van Gogh Museum and view the collection of art from the torched artists and learn a little colourful history about his family and background. Be sure to pre-book your tickets online a couple of days
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At every corner, you will find a pancake and waffles house, yes but don’t forget to try the other delicacies the Dutch are known for:
1.Poffertjes 2.Bitterballen 3.Stroopwafels 4.Oliebollen 5.Stamppot 6.Patat
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Spring Cleaning Spring Is Here! Time To Declutter, Get Rid of Old Garbage and Unleash A New You Words by Tayyaba Riaz Out with the old, in with the new! Spring is a time for new beginnings and letting go of the previous year, time for a fresh start and what better reason to freshen up the house and your wardrobe! Here are a few tips, which will help you spring clean, without spending too much and leave you feeling new.
Declutter: If you haven’t used it in the past six months, take my word for it, you won’t need it anytime soon. Get rid of it. Memorabilia is all good but nobody wants to get rid of it. Keep small objects with sentiments; these are understandable, but get rid of larger objects. Categorise according
Organise:
to years and make your life simpler.
I mean ORGANISE! Be it in an alphabetical order or a yearly order; put some method to the madness. A budgeted Ikea trip may come in handy, get yourself some cabinets and organise
Vacuum Bags:
your space.
Extra jumpers or thick, woolly clothes you won’t need in our new British summers, keep them away in vacuum bags, suck the air out and easily slide them in the slightest of slots available. Same applies to extra duvets or throws you may not need over the summer. Vacuum bags are a lifesaver, especially if you are short on space. Vacuum Bag Lakeland £13.99 60 Naija Living Magazine
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Freshen your carpets: We have all seen the vacuuming powders (Shake n Vac) but make your own organic ones at home, chemical free. Infuse baking soda
Use your walls:
with lavender oil (or any other essential oil of preference) and leave
We tend to stack everything on the floor or
the mixture overnight. Spray before
on other surfaces, most of the time, we fail
your vacuuming round the following
to realise walls are surfaces too! Hang your
day and smell the spring in the air.
pots and pans; give your kitchen a country look. Nail some book racks to the wall and clear space off the floor. USE THE WALLS! Carved Kitchen wall shelf ÂŁ189, notonthehighstreet.com
DIY home incense: Boil a small saucepan of water and add the following combinations: orange and cinnamon, lemon and star anise, or lemon and orange together if you are going for the extra citrus-y feel. Feel the aromas fill your house and eliminate any odours from the previous seasons. There is no need for aerosols or chemical-infected air fresheners, open up your windows, vent and infuse natural fragrances into your home.
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Is Your Bag Full of Crap?
We know you been meaning to declutter, you’ve just been really busy, plus you know it’s the day you declutter your bag you finally find you need that item you just chucked away today (even though it’s been in your bag for 3 months and you never once needed it? Yes, we’ve been there too). We totally hear you, but it’s about time you got rid of the crap, (you know in the spirit of spring and everything), so we’ve put together a simple and painless process to help you along the way.
Image credit as ariannabelle.com
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You’ve been rummaging through your bag for the
what I need to grab,” she says.
last 2 minutes in a futile attempt to find a pen that
4. Group all similar content together and put
actually works. You know you’ve got one in there
them into smaller pouches
somewhere, but you just can’t seem to find it right at
“For the essentials like money, driver’s license, keys,
this moment- when you’ve only got a few more sec-
and cell phones, use a wristlet that easily fits in your
onds before the gorgeous guy you’ve just met swiftly
bag so you can pull it out when making a quick trip
moves along. You’re about to miss what could be the
and don’t really need much else,” says designer and
opportunity of a lifetime because your bag is a mess,
lifestyle expert Arianna Belle. “The general idea is to
and now, your love life may be following suit.
group like items together and put them into smaller
Haven’t we all been here before? When we upgraded
bags, pouches or cases that will keep the contents
in the noughties from the humble clutch to the ‘big’
organized.”
bag, women around the world hailed the trend the
5. Now that everything is all nicely divided into
best thing in women’s liberation for decades. Finally,
separate smaller bags and compartments, take
here was a bag we could live in. A bag we could throw
a few moments to clean your bag inside out. De-
every piece of amenity in and it would never, ever be
pending on what kind of bag you’ve got and the care
too full to shut. It was a great thing, and now we’re
instructions, you may only need a damp cloth to do
facing the consequences.
this.
Overly cluttered pieces of art hang over many a
6. Now that your bag is clean, you’re ready to put
shoulder, bursting with everything from a half fin-
the items you really need back into your bag. This
ished chocolate bar, to brushes of every size and
way, even when you change bags, all you have to
kind (since we now live in our bags). Owning a big
do is remove each purse and place in the new bag.
bag can prove very tempting as it’s easy to just shove
Simples.
everything in there without worrying about space, but
If you’re not sure what you should keep and what
this also means that things can simply just disappear
you should chuck, here are some ideas of a few must
in what is now really just a sad maze of clutter. Face
have items in your bag:
it; it’s time to sort out your bag.
- A pair of sunglasses (particularly in summer): Keep
Here are 6 quick steps to sort out that beautiful bag
them in the same place every time in its own casing,
of yours so the next time you need something from it
so you’ll always know where they are.
urgently, you’ll be able to retrieve it with ease.
- A pen: Keep these in the bag pockets always, and
1. Face your fears
make sure to always put the lid on.
First thing you need to do is consciously make an
- A lightweight makeup bag with just the essentials:
effort to find at least 30 minutes (that’s all you need),
So you can top up your make up when needed. A bit
to go through the contents of your bag and declutter.
of gloss, small hand mirror, a handy lippy, face pow-
2. Empty all the contents of your bag on a large
der and tissues should do the trick.
table or cloth and evaluate what you’ve got in there.
- Light spray or small sized perfume: To freshen up
Do you really need 3 pens? Ask yourself if you abso-
on a long day or night out
lutely need every item in your bag right now. Is it time
- Fresh mint sweets or Tic Tac: For a breath of fresh
to throw away that chewing gum? Have you got piles
air always (you never know!)
of receipts in every nook and cranny of your bag? Do
- A small notepad or diary: To record any titbits or
you need all three wristwatches in there everyday?
reminders
3. Divide and Conquer
- A purse that doubles as an organiser: Keep your
Divide everything into items you use on a daily basis
loose change, notes and cards all in one place and
and those you haven’t used in ages. British lifestyle
remember to put them back every time, so you’re not
blogger AthriftyMrs swears by the technique. Catego-
rummaging through your bag the next time you need
rise everything and separate it out.” I use this organ-
to pay for something.
iser from eBay to give each item a home but I also
- Small tub of moisturiser or hand cream
make sure my makeup is in another bag so I know www.naijalivinguk.com
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Chilling with Afua Hirsch: The Coolest Girl In Broadcasting Words by Azeezat Fadekemi Sulaiman
It’s a Bank Holiday and I’m making my way down a leafy street in Wimbledon en route to do a shoot with Sky News Social Affairs and Education Editor Afua Hirsch. We’ve had to move the shoot a number of times because of Afua’s hectic schedule amongst other things, so when the opportunity to finally do it came, the fact that it was on a Bank holiday didn’t mean much. Needs must. I’m welcomed in to the hallway to the sound of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ blasting off on her Mac and I smile to myself. A few weeks back, while interviewing her at the Sky offices in Westminster, she’d told me she was very into hip hop and was a huge fan of Nas and Mos Def. At the time, I’d found it hard to believe, I mean, this is Afua Hirsch! But here in her home was living proof.
Like starting a WhatsApp natural hair group with her friends, where they share tips on caring for natural hair. Like many naturalistas, she’s very much into the natural hair movement. She’s so passionate about it in fact that she uses her hair to make a political statement on screen. “That’s actually why I wear my hair like this,” she says referring to her curly afro.” I used to wear my hair straight on air and I think it’s hard. One, black women are less visible because those of us who are out there try to look as white as possible. Two, white people don’t even know what our hair is like naturally. I know it’s quite superficial but it feels like we protect them from knowing what our hair really looks like because we don’t want to answer the questions.”
“I wore braids from the age of 13 and I constantly had to She smiled as I commented about the track and teased answer numerous questions. How do you do it? How do her about her musical taste, which she describes as ‘Neo you wash it? How long does it last? soul’. For someone who counts Hugh And I kind of feel like; I want it to get to Masakela, Erica Badu and D’Angelo as “If many more women a stage where black hair is just not such her all time favs, her taste is somewhat in parliament and in a novelty anymore and in a way this is eclectic. ‘I’m not really into Afrobeats’, my small way of contributing to that. she tells me, looking a bit sheepish as the boardroom wore People say to me, seeing you on screen she admits to at least liking Fuse ODG’s their hair natural, then with your hair like that makes me feel ‘Azonto’. It’s cool, but it’s just not what other young women like I can wear mine that way too. I I’d listen to at home. If I’m out and would know that it wouldn’t even have considered it years about, I’d get down don’t get me wrong. isn’t just something ago because I felt it was unprofessional, I just don’t really like fun music. I’m you do when you’re off but it’s a critical mass thing. If many more into like moody atmospheric work.” more women in parliament and in the music. “ boardroom wore their hair natural, then other young women would know Hirsch’s musical taste isn’t the only that it isn’t just something you do when you’re off work.” thing I found fascinating about this 33 year old Barrister turned Journalist. She runs unfailingly every morning; When she’s not reporting on breaking news and sweating something she says gives her the mental strength to help it off in the editing suite, Afua spends most of her time with her demanding job. She’s a very healthy eater, like working on projecting a more positive image of Africa. As used to be Vegan and only eats organic food with no sugar kind of healthy. My jaws almost hit the floor when she told someone who’s lived on the continent for over a decade, working as a barrister in human rights and more recently me she goes to Church and even makes sure her daughter as a journalist for the Guardian. She certainly knows a attends Sunday school, giving the fact that her parents are thing or two about what the reality is on ground, and has atheist. since made it a focus of hers to change the narrative. Contrary to her simple on screen appearance, she’s quite “I think a lot of it is about what’s being projected out the fashionista and very much into loud accessories as evthere”, she says in reference to the media portrayal of Afriident in the stash of accessories I uncovered at her home. ca as a land full of wild animals and impoverished chilWhat makes her so refreshing is the fact that she’s not dren. “A lot of films are usually based on some story about only intelligent and incredibly talented, she’s also kinda people in a desperate refugee camp before some white perreally ‘cool.’ www.naijalivinguk.com
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son comes in to save them. It’s based on this premise that African people are backward and white people will come in and rescue them from their barbarity. It really bothers me that this is still the kind of subliminal message out there.” Having had to explain to former work colleagues how Lagos wasn’t full of elephants and Lions, when I first arrived in the UK, I totally see her point. I always made it a point to set the records straight everytime people asked me such questions. I ask if she ever felt a similar duty to educate people with such archaic views of Africa and its people. “Actually, no I didn’t. And I still avoid the conversations that involve me having to explain. It may be different for you because you come from there, so it’s like anybody who comes from a different place trying to explain to new people where they come from. But because I don’t come from there anymore than I come from here, I guess it’s more of an emotive thing for me and I resent the fact that I’m expected to even explain.”
Wimbledon and all through my childhood, I was always one of the few if not only black child in the neighbourhood and I always had to answer the question about where I’m from. For mixed race children, there’s this dilemma like where do you belong? Everywhere you go, you have to explain yourself.
Listening to her, I realise that as immigrants and minorities, we often forget the experience of people of mixed heritage. They probably have a tougher gig than the rest of us because not only are they a minority whichever way you look at it, they also don’t have the luxury of certainty like many of us who aren’t of mixed heritage. Wherever I go, I’m Nigerian, more so when I’m in Nigeria than anywhere else and there’s no question about that. For mixed race kids however, even if they go back ‘home’ (wherever that is), they’re still seen as ‘one of them’ because of their skin colour. But Hirsch has a different theory for why this is so. “I don’t really think it’s about being mixed race, “she says. “I think if you’re born in a place where you’re a minority, you already have a different sense of identity. I Aren’t we perpetuating the stereotype then I ask, if we rehave a theory that identity is a very important part of the fuse to enlighten people? She grudgingly admits yes, “but human experience. People who have a secure identity like that’s why I’ve channelled my energy to getting us closer to a place where you don’t have to explain anymore. I try as you’re Nigerian, so there’s no existential dilemma about whom you are and where you belong. much as possible to write positive stoEveryone around you is black, nobody ries about Africa. When I was West Af“I no longer eat sugar, is going to question you about where rica correspondent for The Guardian, I you’re from and my mother is like would challenge those perceptions. On wheat or alcohol and that. She grew up in a very white part another level, I really expect educated it sounds extreme but of London, but she’s very secure about people to not be so ignorant.” I ask how I feel a million dollars who she is. She’d rock her Kente at any they are expected to believe anything since I stopped those dinner party with pride. other than what they’ve been fed in things. I don’t feel the media and I can tell this is somesluggish anymore.” “For example, if you go to Ghana and thing she won’t budge on. Her views start talking about being black, everyare absolute and she’s totally unapoloone’s going to start looking at you like getic about it. “We live in an era where what are you talking about? Everyone’s black so it’s not everything is online”, she says. “If you’re really interested, an issue. If you’re born in a place where you’re a minority, you can google Lagos and use Google earth to see exactly you’ll feel under threat because you are a minority and it’s how it looks on ground and then count how many giraffes you’ll find on the street view. Unlike decades ago, you don’t a kind of power dynamic. When you then add on top of that being mixed race, you’re even more insecure. I grew have to go to a specialist library to get that kind of inforup in the UK since the age of 4 and till this age, people mation anymore, you could just look on your phone. I just still ask me where I’m from. They’re not being hostile; have an expectation that people should be a bit wiser.” what they mean is why is your skin that colour? You can’t just be here without anyone ever asking you about where I’ve got to hand it to her. She’s probably more die hard, your home is even though there’s nowhere else you can go hard core African than some of us who were born on the that feels like home more than here. So for people like me, continent. To understand why she’s so passionate about there’s that constant ache that you’re searching for that the continent, one must put things into context. Afua is place where you fit in and for some people, the way that what you’d call a child of the world. Born in Norway to a manifests is that they’re looking for a place where they feel Ghanaian mum and a dad whose parents were immigrants from Nazi Germany, the family moved to the UK when she they fit in. For me, I latched on very strongly to my Ghanaian heritage, the culture, the literature and politics was all I was four and she’s since lived in Ghana and Dakar as well thought of for a while.” as travelling to various countries in West Africa. She tells me growing up as a mixed race kid in west London meant Thankfully, Britain’s baby boom has meant there are now she had identity issues, and the best way to address those more mixed race babies particularly in London than ever, issues was to look into her Ghanaian heritage. so Afua’s three year old daughter, Naya shouldn’t have as much trouble fitting in as her mum. Talking about her Despite her western upbringing, she says she always felt daughter, she lights up and chats animatedly about how connected to Africa right from a young age. “I grew up in 66 Naija Living Magazine
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Naya can point out Ghana from the map in the family’s hallway. Apparently, the toddler is still very much attached to the country even after they moved back to the UK last year. “She’d rather have her ‘Banku’ and ‘Kente’ over mash and peas,” says the proud mum and I’m even more impressed when I’m told that she’s already mastered her culinary skills as Hirsch points to a box of cupcakes in the kitchen apparently baked by her and I have to admit they’re far better than anything I have ever managed in my limited baking experience. As families go, Hirsch seems to have it all. She lives with her partner of 10 years in a beautiful home with their daughter with mum, dad and her sister only a whistle stop away should she need them. As we prepare for the shoot, Naya is currently at her parent’s a few houses down the road. Like most working mums, she relies heavily on her family for childcare especially as her job involves working unsocial hours, so this arrangement is no coincidence. A typical working day in the Sky newsroom means she may be assigned to a breaking story at the last minute, going out to speak to people and putting all the elements together into a 2 and a half minute clip that actually makes sense to viewers. It’s an exhausting and demanding routine made all the more complicated by juggling it with the demands of maintaining a home, but she seems to have it all handled, thanks to a partner who understands her job and supports her.
So, how does she maintain her stamina with such a demanding job? The secret lies in running every morning and maintaining a healthy diet apparently. “I’m a really healthy eater,” she says. “I used to be vegan, then a raw food vegan and although I’m neither of those things anymore, it made me really conscious about what I put in my body. Since I started this job, I’ve given up a lot of things. I no longer eat sugar, wheat or alcohol and it sounds extreme but I feel a million dollars since I stopped those things. I don’t feel sluggish anymore. The thing about me is I don’t get enough sleep so I know all my problems will be solved if I got more sleep, but I don’t have that option because I work long hours and when I get home, my daughter is waiting for me. If I don’t get up early enough to train, then I won’t have the necessary stamina for the day.” As if her heavily packed diary isn’t enough, she’s also currently working on a book, which means she’s not in bed most nights until about 1am. She admits she’s got a lot on, but says she’s taking it all in her stride. “There are not enough hours in the day, but still I love every single thing that I’m doing. There’s not one single thing in the day that I wish that I didn’t have to do. Even housework, I’ll just put on a bit of music while I’m doing it or call a friend. Not one single minute of my day is unaccounted for and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’m very lucky”, she tells me in reference to Tommy, her partner who’s also a lawyer. As Afua gets home late most days, this means that Tommy is the parent at home by six o clock most days, so someone’s at home with their daughter in the evening. I ask where she found him from considering he’s also apparently Ghanaian, although he was born here and grew up in Tottenham. Where we come from, the woman is the de facto parent to be home to look after the kids and cook dinner before the head of the house returns. She laughs, quoting a part in Chimamanda Adichie’s Americanah, where the aunty and husband both go out to work at the same time in the morning and when they get back, the uncle sits down and expects the aunt to get into the kitchen and start cooking. “It is a cultural thing. My partner was born here but he definitely still has an African world view in the terms of gender roles. I have friends in the industry whose husbands have stopped working because obviously it makes sense as they earn more in some cases, but (laughs) I can never see that happening in our case. I don’t know if I know any Africans who would come to that arrangement, but we make it work for us and we’re happy.” I tell her the fact that her partner cooks for himself and their daughter alone makes him a hero in my books. Men who support their wives and play their own part as a team in the relationship aren’t exactly easy to find these days.
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4 Afua’s beauty secrets - A deep steam treatment every week for my hair - I have a Dermabrasion mask every week. A natural one called ‘Natural Friction,’ not a chemical peel. - I exfoliate every week - Use a deep face toner to cleanse everyday - I don’t really like bold coloured lipsticks but like drama on the eyes. - I started using a night time rejuvenating serum a few years ago after my mum told me I’d started getting wrinkes!
Can’t live without… My under eye concealer. Bobbi Brown have a really god range for black skin. If I don’t want a full face of makeup, I just have the under eye concealer so that sort of boosts me.
5 things we loved in Afua’s home 1. This lovely painting hanging on the wall of her dining room 2. You know you’re in a home with kids when you see Tinker Bell! 3. These pair of Yves Saint Laurent earrings 4. A very colourful stack of Prada bangles 5. This cute photo of baby Afua and mama Hirsch 6. This African Sculpture 7. Sipping tea from a Sky News mug (as you do) www.naijalivinguk.com
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(6) 130 Grams All Purpose Flour (1 Cup) (7) 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
. ‌ e k a B o T w Ho s e n i e l e d Ma
(8) 1/4 Teaspoon Salt (Omit salt if using salted butter) NOTES: (1) Traditionally, madeleines are baked in a special mould which gives it its shell shape. In the absence of this type of moulds, you can bake them in cupcake pans or small cake pans. They will still taste as great. PROCEDURE: (1) Melt the butter and keep it warm. (2) In a large bowl, whisk the flour, salt and baking powder together. Set it aside. (3) In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the whisk
INGREDIENTS:
attachment, whisk the eggs and sugar at high speed
For Vanilla Lemon Flavored Madeleines:
until a thick and pale batter forms. This takes about 5
Makes 24 petite cakes.
to 8 minutes.
(1) 113 Grams Unsalted Butter (1/2 Cup) (Melted)
Note: Egg whites are very fussy. They won’t whisk well
(2) 125 Grams Granulated White Sugar (1/2 Cup + 2
if the mixing bowl is greasy or dirty. Ensure that your
Tablespoons)
mixing bowl is clean, dry and free from grease.
(3) 3 Large Eggs
(4) Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest to the batter
(4) 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
and whisk to incorporate.
(5) The Zest of 1 Lemon
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(10) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. (11) Scoop heap tablespoons of batter into the centre of each mould. You can use an ice cream scoop for more precision. (12) Bake the madeleines in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and they spring back when lightly touched. Do not over bake them. (13) Tap the pan immediately over some paper towel to release the madeleines. They are best served warm with a cup of your favour rite hot beverage. BONUS RECIPES: (1) Chocolate Madeleines Use the recipe above omitting the lemon zest. Add 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of cocoa powder to the flour when whisking it with the salt and baking powder. You can add a couple tablespoons of chocolate chips to the batter. (2) Red Velvet Madeleines 5) Take the mixing bowl off the mixer and fold in the
Use the recipe above omitting the lemon zest. Add 2
flour mixture in 2 additions using a rubber spatula. Be
tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour. Add 2 table-
careful not to over mix the batter or it will deflate
spoons of red food colour to the batter along with the
(6) Take a couple tablespoons of the batter and add to
vanilla extract.
the melted butter. Mix the two together. This will make
(3) Raspberry Madeleines
the butter lighter and prevent it from sinking to the
Use the recipe above. Add some raspberry flavour to
bottom of the batter when added.
the batter along with the vanilla extract. The concen-
(7) Pour the butter mixture into the main batter and fold
trated oils work better than the extracts. You can add a
until incorporated.
dash of pink food colour to make them pink. The same
(8) Pour the batter into a bowl, cover with cling film and
recipe can be used to make madeleines of various berry
refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This will help wit the
flavours. Simply use the flavour you want to reproduce.
structure of the cakes during baking. The hallmark of a perfect madeleine is the hump which it has on top. Chill-
Recipe courtesy Terry Adido. www.gratednutmeg.com
ing the batter before baking will help you achieve this hump. This batter can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the fridge. (9) Prepare the pan. To prevent the madeleines from sticking to the pan, grease the pan with some melted butter. Coat the greased pan with flour. Tap out the excess flour from the pans and refrigerate it for 10 minutes before using. If your pan is non-stick, you might not need to go through this process.
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