Lil mag april 2018

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Vol 2.03 April 2018

Spring into Inaction

Spot of the Month

SABOR

All you need to know About Man-pering

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SPOT OF THE MONTH SABOR

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CONTENTS

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#GottaHaveIt COOKIES BY THE LITTLE THINGS LAGOS

editor's note 03 feature article 06 spot of the month 08 interview 10 all you need to know about man-pering 12 recipe of the month 13 the top 10 16 lifehacks that will change your life 22 step into lagos’ cool buildings 24 the prettiest edible flowers 25 photo of the month 26 refreshing your exercise routine 27 salsa your cares away 28 6 ways to look more stylish at the office 29 failing forward with african entrepreneur 31 cleansing the aura and renewing your energy 32 top 9 instagram posts 34 the guide 36

FRONT COVER IMAGE Cookies: The Little Things Lagos @thelittlethingslagos

RESTAURANT REVIEW JAMSKI

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lostinlagos.com

These April Showers It is April and the showers have brought with them flooded streets and more traffic. Thankfully this has not slowed us down at all. We are still loving the hustle and bustle in the city of Lagos.

The rains have also brought with them beautiful flowers that have added colour to your garden. Though most of them may not be edible, you may have some gems that will enhance your meals. In this issue you can read about what edible flowers you can use and when. To commemorate the Easter celebrations we have pulled together some yummy recipes, including one for chocolate puff puff. You may have given up on some resolutions you made at the beginning of the year, but do not fret. You can read an article on how to rekindle those health and fitness aspirations. It is that time of year where you start to get discouraged and need a new lease of life and this issue will do exactly that.

Enjoy! #DiscoverLagos #ExperienceLagos #LostinLagos #LostinLagosMagazine Yours, Olamide

Olamide Udoma-Ejorh Editor-in-Chief Lost in Lagos Magazine

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LOST IN LAGOS Vol 2.03 April 2018 FOUNDER Tannaz Bahnam PUBLISHED BY Knock Knock Lifestyle Solutions, Ltd. PRINTER Mapleleaf Press Ltd. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Olamide Udoma-Ejorh EDITOR Mona Zutshi Opubor DESIGN P.INC Graphic Design Haus CONTRIBUTORS Mona Zutshi Opubor, Sanya Hathiramani, Tushar Hathiramani, Meg Thompson, Ukaha Ezinne, Atim Ukoh, Alex Oke, Bolaji Ogunrosoye, Ọlájídé Ayẹni, Roni A-Udoma, Sabrina Mahboobani, Korede Oyerogba, Uzoamaka Ukegbu, Mobolaji Sadare, Feyi Olunuga SALES INQUIRIES info@lostinlagos.com

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lostinlagos.com

HELLO, SPRING

Augustsecrets Meal Plan Book by August Secrets A bit about the Product of the Month:

Every month I source products from local businesses, shops and designers to tell you what’s new and hot in Lagos. These products can be anything from a tasty meal to a scoop of delicious ice cream, from a piece of furniture to a cute designer wallet. Even though we only really have two seasons, harmattan and rainy, we thought we would try some spring-inspired products this month.

Start them young

As a wannabe health freak and a soon-to-be-mummy, I love this healthy eating recipe book for babies using local ingredients. The book contains 50+ nutritionist-approved meal plans for babies from 6 months to 5-years-old. It also includes tips for fussy eaters, what to pack for school lunches and a weekly shopping guide. The brand also sell some easy-to-cook foods and have an online community where advice and recipes are shared.

@augustsecrets.ng

Hand Painted Terracotta Planters by The Kraftii Fox Blooming Planters

The rains started way too early this year but this means our plants and flowers have some extra time to bloom.

The Kraftii Fox is an African Lifestyle Company that produces and sells bespoke hand-painted flower pots, handmade planters and decorative furniture. Their products are pretty unique and even though they are an Abuja-based business with retailers in Lagos, we love them!

@thekraftiifox

Cookies by The Little Things Lagos Food Art

Have you seen anything as pretty as this?! These cookies take the biscuit and guess what? They are as delicious as they look. The Little Things Lagos is a home-based bakery that aims to provide the best quality baked goods. They specialise in decorated sugar cookies that can be customised for any occasion. They really are the perfect wedding or baby shower favour or just a simple gift for a friend or loved one.

@thelittlethingslagos

A bit about me:

I am a young, 30-something lady who loves Lagos and trying new things. From restaurants and exotic food, to experiencing new places and cities, I love new new! Having new businesses and companies pop up in Lagos on a daily basis makes Lagos exciting and a fantastic place to live, work and play.

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HELLO, SPRING featured columnist Mona Zutshi Opubor

Both of my grandfathers believed in the importance of rest. My paternal grandpa spent a disproportionate amount of time in a supine position. Bed was where he took his meals, wrote newspaper articles and even shaved on occasion, lathering his face from a bowl on his bedside table then scraping his cheeks with a straight razor.

My parents tried to instil the value of hard work into me when I was young but I was unconvinced. Hard work seemed exhausting.

Sometimes I was so tired after taking my daily nap that I needed another nap to recover. I attempted to live from my bed but interruptions such as attending school and standing up to walk to the toilet kept thwarting me.

My mum’s father believed that each human was allotted a certain number of breaths per lifetime and it was essential not to squander them. For this reason, he laid down as much as possible and tried not to exert himself, breathing only when absolutely necessary.

One spring morning when I was twelve, my parents reached their breaking point.

My father snapped and told me the free ride was over. He refused to have a lazy daughter. I would now be responsible for the family’s yard work, beginning with the American lawn care phenomenon called ‘spring cleanup.’

These peculiarities tend to skip a generation. My parents are industrious, active people.

My father loves to work. When I was a kid, he played tennis and jogged. Now he is old but still enjoys golf. My mother, though in her mid-seventies, could be called a gym bunny.

She loves the way exercise makes her feel. When I visit their house in the U.S. and am still groping for my morning coffee, she is already back from her exercise class with multiple pots bubbling on the stove, getting a head start on cooking dinner.

My dad sent me outside with a garbage bag, threatened to give me a slap and told me to start weeding. I pulled dandelions and began to sneeze. I kept yanking at tufts of vegetation as my eyes watered. When my father came out to check on me an hour later, he was horrified to find my skin lumpy with hives.

My face had doubled in size.

My nose poured out snot. I peeked at him from one blood-red, half-shut eye. .

“You did dis to me” I said, mumbling through swollen lips.

“It wasn’t me,” he said, looking shocked. “You have seasonal allergies.”

“Nuh,” I said, “I’b allergic tuh hard work.”

After that, I don’t remember being asked to do anything taxing. Or maybe I was asked but decided to safeguard my health and live as my grandfathers did, expending no energy.

Spring has such wonderful, active connotations for many people. In most of the northern hemisphere, it’s a time of reawakening. Buds break through the thawed soil.

Blossoms erupt on trees. The weather grows mild. Even the word ‘spring’ is fun, isn’t it?

The dictionary lists meanings relating to origination and sudden jumps and cold streams of water.

T.S. Eliot was wrong when he wrote, “April is the cruellest month.” For me, April has been a boon.

Anything that grants you a better understanding of your true nature is a gift.

Unfortunately, in Lagos I am not allergic to springtime plants so my husband and children expect me to uphold my daily responsibilities and work. I do still enjoy lying on the sofa when I’m alone at home, listening to the spring rains fall outside and finding stolen moments of relaxation.

Mona Zutshi Opubor is an Indian-American and Nigerian short story author and memoirist. She is studying for her MSt in Literature and Arts at the University of Oxford.

Follow her on Instagram @mopals5

lostinlagosmagazine

lostinlagos.com

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HELLO, SPRING written by Tannaz Bahnam

SABOR When a dish is thought out, it’s evident.

When every ingredient plays an important role in bringing together the flavours that make that dish an absolute pleasure to eat, you know the chef knows what they are doing. It’s all about the flavours, or the SABOR, as they say in Spanish. SABOR is the perfect name for this upscale, casual dining restaurant, and the ambiance certainly does not disappoint, either.

The design is not intrusive. It’s simple with an uncomplicated marriage of wood and copper-style metal and a touch of a single colour in the bench cushions drawing your eye towards the urban art on the wall. The industrial-esque lighting overhead brings the space together, giving it an unpretentious, trendy feel.

But you can’t help be drawn to their terrace, with its large sliding doors spanning one side of the restaurant, tempting you to step outside and stay a while on one of their wooden benches or log stools with an ice-cold cocktail. Their cocktails are fun and simple. They hit the spot on a hot Lagos day, which happens to be every day. From the Jungle Bird, with rum, Campari and pineapple juice; or the Rosemary Gin Fizz, with grapefruit juice, gin, prosecco and a sprig of rosemary, any excuse for an after-work drink or a gathering of friends is accepted.

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But at the core of SABOR, it’s the food that really shines. Inspiration comes from flavours from various cultures to create vibrant dishes unique to SABOR. Renowned chef, Nkesi Enyioha, oversees the kitchen at SABOR, honing her skills with each dish, from appetisers to mains.

Get delighted by their Crab Fritters, crispy, deep fried crab cakes that sit delicately on a dollop of chilli mayo. Or surprise your palate with their Surf and Turf Flat Bread, a homemade herbed flatbread topped with generous portions of lavish lobster and juicy beef fillet, topped with Gouda cheese and a sweet chilli jam, which all work perfectly together.

Their main dishes are even more adventurous. The Spanish-inspired Seafood and Chorizo Paella is not only presented beautifully in a rustic black paella pan that makes the colours of each ingredient stand out, but the flavours are just as vibrant. This is a dish for sharing, with a mix of grouper fish, calamari, jumbo prawns and chorizo, over a turmeric-infused spicy paella rice.

The Tagliatelle Pasta with Butternut Squash and Ricotta is rich and flavourful, a true reflection of SABOR’s promise to keep it about the flavour. The buttery squash and ricotta marry well together creating a creamy sauce for the tagliatelle, topped with a crispy bacon and parsley crumb that completes the dish.

No meal is complete without a sensuous treat, and the Almond Nut Brownie at SABOR is simply a rich and decadent piece of heaven. Warm, gooey, nutty and irresistible, this is simply an exquisite dessert. The melt-in-your-mouth chocolate brownie is complemented by the almonds, the salted caramel sauce and the vanilla ice-cream.

At SABOR they are serious about food, flavour and creating a setting to bring all that you love together. Take a break and savour every bite.

14 Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 08188940000 @sabor.lagos

lostinlagos.com

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HELLO, SPRING An Interview with Sanya Hathiramani, Managing Partner, Thai Thai & 16/16

Tushar, Creative Director, 16/16

@thaithai.ng @16by16

Please tell us about who you are and what you do?

Tushar: I graduated with a degree in Political Science and Photography. I spent a couple of years in Boston and New York working with a photography agency. That's how I grew to be interested in the art world. I moved back to Lagos, and had the opportunity to run 16/16 and the rest is really history.

How does one go from the corporate world to the art and entertainment industries?

Tushar: It's a mixture of passion and then educating yourself. It's the same way someone can be an accountant and decide to become a chef and then be great at it.

Why did you open 16/16 and why the name?

Tushar: I really wanted up and coming creatives to feel like they had a space to express themselves. We don't only do exhibitions, we host intimate gatherings like acoustic sessions and poetry readings. 16/16 comes from the fact that we are apartment 16, plot 16.

Does having Ben Enwonwu's 'Tutu' sell for ÂŁ1.2m mean there is a change in the way African art is valued worldwide? And when you heard about the sale how did you feel?

Tushar: Absolutely. Internally, I believe that it will give many artists confidence in the Nigerian art market. Externally, I believe the sale has acted a little bit like a flare. Many people who haven't already woken up to the talent and potential here will do so.

Do Nigerians not appreciate art or is it that we do not have as much disposable income to invest or buy art for pleasure?

Tushar: I disagree with that. Appreciating and buying are completely separate. Nigerians appreciate art as much as any other group of people in the world. I think many consider buying art as something only the wealthy can do, but it can be as simple as buying something from a local artisan in the market.

There is some level of stigma attached to choosing art as a career path. It would make a world of difference if younger people felt more supported and encouraged to chase their passion.

That's enough about art. You and your sister recently opened Thai Thai. How did this come about?

Sanya: My brother and I can't take all the credit. We do everything with the help of our family, our parents and our aunt and uncle. We found a great Thai chef and a beautiful space, so we said why not? lostinlagosmagazine

Why Thai food?

Sanya: There was a gap in the market. There was a Thai restaurant in VI that was an institution that shut down about a year ago. There was a lack of Thai food on the island, so we wanted to bring that back.

It seems you started with just a delivery service and now you have opened a restaurant. Why did you choose this model?

Sanya: We actually opened delivery about 8 months ago, so the most logical progression was a space for our customers to dine-in.

We don't call it a restaurant, not yet at least, because it is a very small space and we only take reservations. It is just a 'dining experience'.

Has Thai Thai grown the way you had expected?

Sanya: Not at all. It's grown much faster than I expected. I didn't anticipate having a physical space until much later.

What have you loved about creating and growing a food brand in Lagos?

Sanya: Lagos is such an exciting place to be working in the food industry. Things are popping up all the time, and the public is always looking for new places to go to. To be a part of such a dynamic scene is always exciting. I'm learning a lot and working with a lot of young, interesting creatives, as well.

What lessons have you learnt from starting various ventures in the art and food industries in Lagos?

Sanya: Patience is important. Some of the hurdles that you have to navigate here are unlike anywhere else in the world. You also need to plan ahead. Like if you're catering somewhere, will there be go-slo to reach? Do they have 24/7 light? All these little things can really mess up an operation.

Tushar: As a consumer, I think a lot of spaces—food, art or otherwise—start off big, but then fail to be consistent. You always have to think about how to maintain the standard of what you are selling.

What is next for you?

Tushar: Big things, I hope. We're working on our new dine-in space, and who knows? Maybe a third space soon?

HELLO, SPRING

lostinlagos.com

An Interview with Victor Okigbo

Bio Victor Okigbo consults for Access Bank PLC where he leads Financial Technology and Innovation and currently heads The Africa Fintech Foundry Initiative – Nigeria’s first fintech-focused start-up accelerator program based in Lagos. He co-founded InfoSoft Nigeria and serves voluntarily on the Nigerian Economic Summit Group's Science and Technology Policy Commission.

Please tell us about who you are and what you do?

My name is Victor Okigbo. I help technology start-ups develop their ideas and products so that they grow at a significantly faster-than-normal pace in commercial terms. At the Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF), my focus is financial technology. I work with the partner bank and the tech majors to surround the founders of start-up companies with mentors, coaches and financial services experts.

What is The Africa Fintech Foundry?

The AFF is a technology start-up accelerator program that began as an initiative of one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks (Access Bank PLC). The idea is to find, curate and accelerate the growth of the most viable fintech start-ups in the local ecosystem for the benefit of the consumer, the start-ups themselves and the bank.

From your experience do 'accelerators' really work? What percentage of success stories do you see in comparison to failures?

In a word, yes, accelerators work but the discussion is more nuanced than a one-word answer would suggest. Accelerator programs that thrive manage to compress an enormous amount of growth into a densely packed time frame of, say, 10 to 20 weeks. A good way to look at it is to assess the valuation of the companies that graduate from the program afterwards compared to what they entered the program with. There is an often-quoted figure of 11x return on investment. The reality for most regional programs is closer to 1.2x to 2x. But this does not include the experiential components of the program.

AFF hosted a 48-hour hackathon for problems in financial services. Can you tell us a bit about that?

We hosted //Re:Code Nigeria // a fintech hackathon, the first of its kind in the region. We collaborated with IBM’s Watson group, Microsoft and Access Bank. We hosted a hundred odd programmers for 48 hours, exposed them to some open banking API’s (Application Programming Interfaces) and one year later, we’re still releasing products from that innovation pipeline. How cool is that?

What lessons have you learnt from starting various ventures in Lagos?

The idea of the lonely genius working away at a project in secret is a cliché that must die.

Collaboration and partnership are so essential to success that matching start-ups with potential partnership targets is a sort of inoculation against failure. And asking for help will often yield results.

If I have a tech start-up to solve an issue in Lagos, what are the questions you would ask me to ensure my business is viable?

I’d probably ask you to walk me through the unit economics of your product or service. I’d ask what your main constraints or bottlenecks are what you’re doing to resolve them. I’ll ask the usual questions about market size, market growth, revenue growth, traction and other such, but my focus at the start is to get a measure of the founder/CEO and quickly learn how connected to the fundamentals of his/her business the person is as well as how well they understand their customer. It’s also important early on to get a sense of how the equity is split. The technology questions and fund-raising questions, tend to come a lot later in the discussion than most founders expect.

If I have an idea and I want to take it from an idea to a business what are things I should make sure I do?

Do some research on the concept and on the market. You’ll have to differentiate on the concept before you begin to build the product or service. The third step would be to build it. I mean, make a rough and dirty prototype. Get the minimum viable product (the MVP) out of the lab and into the hands of a few users. After getting feedback from users and making refinements, it’s time to call the lawyers and marketing experts.

Figure out how to protect it and how to sell it.

Rest is as important as work, what do you do for rest and relaxation in Lagos?

Lately, I’ve been engrossed with finishing my volume of relatively serious poetry. The book comes out in June. In my downtime, I consume a lot of literature.

Lastly, What is next for Victor Okigbo and AFF? The AFF’s current cohort graduates in July and the second cohort joins in September. In the meantime, we’re working on the next edition of //Re:Code Nigeria// and the next edition of The AFF-Disrupt Conference to follow the events we did last year. Personally, I’ll be in and around the tech start-up ecosystem for a while and I’ll be looking for the next Nigerian Unicorn.

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HELLO, SPRING

written by Meg Thompson Creative Director, Ecopantry www.ecopantryskincare.com @ecopantryskincare

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAN-PERING

It’s stressful being a guy these days. The modern day man deserves to spoil himself, given the hassles he goes through day in and out. Enter manpering.

Manpering is an urban term which represents a complete (male+pampering) experience. “If a guy looks good, he feels good,” is the premise of the manpering grooming. Whether you’re a dad who saves every extra penny towards your kid’s college fund or you’re forever short on time to take a breather, it’s time to step up your game because you deserve to be pampered. Many salons now provide specialised services for men, catering from head to toe, and some even serve beer!

If you’re just a frugal guy who feels a trip to the salon for a man-pedi doesn’t quite fit your definition of a man’s man, then these 5 tips will help you effortlessly nail your manpering grooming habit without breaking the bank.

DON’T SKIMP ON YOUR HAIR

Unless you’re pretty good with clippers then this should be reserved for the hands of your favourite barber to style. For a full head of hair, keep a small comb handy for regular brushing.

Dampen your hair with a little water to make combing easy and smooth. You’ll look and feel fresh.

YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

For a cleaner shave, shave immediately after showering while your pores are still open. For chapped lips, dampen your toothbrush and gently exfoliate your lips. Follow with a lip balm to keep your lips soft. To banish eye bags and dark circles, chill two stainless steel spoons in the freezer and place on your eyes for a few minutes. Exfoliate twice a week with a simple sugar and coconut oil mix to lift dead skin from your face and keep it smooth. This also helps to prevent pimples, blackheads and ingrown hairs. For a bright smile, brush your teeth with baking soda few times a week to remove stains.

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NAIL IT!

You would think more men would get regular manicures because the word has ‘man’ in it. A sharp nail trimmer, a nail file and ten minutes is all you need to have your hands looking good in no time if you can’t visit a salon. A little moisturiser application completes the clean look and feel of your nails and hands.

GROOM YOUR FEET

Scaly heels are not only unsightly, they can also be painful to walk on.

Treat your feet to regular grooming by using a pumice stone in the shower to scrub those heels in seconds. You can also invest in an electric callus remover file. The grinding head quickly and painlessly removes dead skin and calluses, leaving your feet soft and smooth in minutes. You can also pour a cup of Epsom salt and Listerine into a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes. This softens your calluses and heels, while the Epsom salt provides soothing muscle relief. For optimal results, follow that up with a thick moisturiser like Vaseline before slipping on your socks.

MASSAGE

(head, shoulders, knees & toes) Massage plays a vital role in achieving optimal health through balancing the muscular system. Take 10 minutes and gently massage your neck and shoulders as far as your hands will reach, for instant stress and muscle relief. For a full manpering experience, get a therapeutic massage from a licensed spa or trainer. Massage types include deep tissue, Swedish, myofascial release and hot stone. You can also enjoy this service from the comfort of your home or office.

HELLO, SPRING written by

lostinlagos.com

Chef Alex Oke

Bio Chef Alex Oke is a pastry chef based in Lagos, Nigeria. Alex is the chef/owner at XO Boutique Bakery located at 48 Balarabe Musa, Victoria Island. @alexcooksfood and @xobakery

BUTTERMILK PANCAKES & GLUTEN-FREE BANANA FRITTERS

BUTTERMILK PANCAKES INGREDIENTS 2 cups flour Pinch of salt 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 cup buttermilk/yoghurt 1 egg 2 tablespoons melted butter/ghee 2 tablespoons sugar Sift the flour, salt and baking soda into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk, egg, melted butter and sugar. Mix until combined and any lumps are worked out.

DIRECTIONS Using a paper towel, wipe a nonstick pan with melted butter.

Place on medium/low heat and ladle in the batter, flipping when one side is brown.

Stack pancakes, moistening with butter between layers. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve with banana fritters.

GLUTEN-FREE BANANA FRITTERS INGREDIENTS 5 ripe bananas 3 tablespoons brown sugar Pinch of nutmeg Pinch of salt 1 cup of rice flour 1/2 cup of potato/cassava flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup milk almond/tigernut milk 1/4 cup panko-style breadcrumbs (optional) Canola/vegetable oil for frying DIRECTIONS Use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until chunky.

Add the brown sugar, nutmeg, vanilla and salt and then sift in the flours, then mix.

Use the nut milk a bit at a time to moisten the batter until thick enough to hold its shape when a spoon is used to draw a line in it.

Chill the batter, then scoop tablespoonfuls onto a tray with coarse panko-style breadcrumbs (optional), rolling around to coat the fritters.

Fry in hot canola or vegetable oil until golden brown.

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HELLO, SPRING written by

Atim Ukoh

Bio Atim Ukoh is the Creative Director of Afrolems, an African Food Blog.

Afrolems’ main focus is to stylise African food so it can be internationalised. They aim to educate their followers with kitchen tips, cooking know-how, modifications of recipes from other cultures and interesting recipes from all over Africa. They like to play with foreign recipes, as well.

DEVILED EGGS INGREDIENTS 4 medium-sized eggs 2 tablespoons of salad cream 1/4 teaspoon of chicken seasoning 1/4 teaspoon of chilli powder DIRECTIONS Place your eggs in a pot of boiling water and bring to boil for about 15-20 minutes so they are hard boiled.

Peel the eggs and cut into halves. With a teaspoon, take out the yolks of the eggs and place in a separate bowl.

Add the salad cream, seasoning and chili powder to the bowl with the egg yolks and mix properly until the mixture is creamy.

If you have a pastry bag, pour your mix into the bag and squeeze out a bit of the content into the egg whites. If you do not have a pastry bag, a regular plastic bag will do. Pour the contents in and cut a small hole with a pair of scissors and squeeze the contents into the egg whites.

You can add extra things like cooked shrimp, shredded chicken or anything else you like.

Add them at this stage and serve.

. lostinlagosmagazine

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HELLO, SPRING written by

Ukaha Ezinne Community Manager, Supermart Nigeria

CHOCOLATE PUFF PUFF Bio Bio Ukaha Ezinne is the community manager for Supermart Nigeria.

Ukaha enjoys surfing the internet, swimming and fashion designing.

Serves: 6 people Preparation Time: 60 Minutes Cooking Time: 20 Minutes

INGREDIENTS 100g unsalted butter 8 tablespoons brown sugar 4 tablespoons granulated sugar 3 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla essence 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 pinch salt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 cups milk 2 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 litre oil, for frying Melted chocolate, for drizzling Icing sugar, for dusting DIRECTIONS

Making the Dough

Using a mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar on high speed until well mixed.

Add in the eggs and vanilla and beat until it’s smooth.

On low speed gradually add 1 cup of the flour and salt. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.

Refrigerate until firm, at least one hour.

Making the Dough Dip

In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Add the milk and vegetable oil, and whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Frying the Dipped Dough

In a deep pan, heat oil until it reaches 360°F. Take a chilled ball of cookie dough and dip it in the batter, turning it over with your hand until it’s completely covered. Allow excess batter drip back into the bowl, and then gently drop it into the oil. Fry until they are puffed and a dark golden brown on all sides.

Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the rest of the cookie dough balls and batter.

Drizzle puff puff with melted chocolate and dust some icing sugar before serving.

Enjoy every last bite.

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HELLO, SPRING

Top 10 Places to get Dessert Sweet tooth anyone? Save room for some of the best desserts

Talindo Steakhouse Brownie

The infamous Talindo brownie is worth all the hype. This deliciously chocolate brownie comes to you in sizzling chocolate sauce with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top, dripping down the sides. It’s a must!

7b Karimu Kotun, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 08023655880 @talindosteakhouse

RSVP Bread & butter pudding

Craft Gourmet Cheesecake So simple but so effective! This cheesecake hits the right spot in every way it should. From the delicate biscuit base to the smooth cream cheese layer, they get every portion of ingredient just right to make this delightful dessert.

Try this twist on the classic bread and butter pudding. This dessert takes comfort food to a different level! With the warm, moist pudding served with an accompanying vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, you’ll feel right at home.

Mega Plaza, 3rd Floor, 14 Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 07032652069 @craftgourmet

9 Eletu Ogabi, off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 08186166666 @rsvplagos

La Brioche Apple Crumble

Who said dessert can’t be healthy?

Kinda! The gooey apple centre between the tart crust base and the crispy crumble topping will have you eating your 5 a day! It’s a little bit naughty and nice.

Custard or ice cream anyone? They’ve got both.

22b Musa Yar’adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 012951299 t: 012951543

Salmas Lebanese Cuisine Halawa Tart

What could only be described as a little taste of heaven, this dessert is just enchanting. This traditional Lebanese dessert comes with a tart crust base with sweet sesame paste filling, crowned with cotton candy and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. This is a big kid’s dessert dream!

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20-24 Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 07066662555 @salmaslagos

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in Lagos at these restaurants that truly understand indulgence!

Nok Pof pof with baobab and chocolate sauce

They have turned this local delicacy into yummy dessert goodness. Nok serves these large delectable puff puff balls the way they’re meant to be served, hot and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The puff puff is drizzled with a tart baobab sauce that complements the sweet chocolate sauce, not to mention the surprise chocolaty centre to give you an extra treat!

12a Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 09085614815 @nokbyalara

Pizzeria Tiramisu

South Chocolate Beignets

13 Musa Yar’adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 08106800744

92b Younis Bashorun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 09093333385 @south.eatery.socialhouse

South takes us down to the south with these New Orleans-style beignets! These doughy chocolate pockets lavishly sitting in chocolate sauce finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar will leave you wanting more. This is deep fried indulgence at its best.

From the creaminess of the mascarpone to the juicy ladyfingers dipped in coffee and the sweet chocolate dusted over the top, this is what you call a true tiramisu! They do not cut any corners when it comes to delivering you this scrumptious dessert.

Vellvett Chocolate Fondant

Chocolate lovers everywhere, beware!

Vellvett knows how to serve this dessert the right way. There is a warm and gooey molten chocolate centre that oozes when you cut into it. Served with vanilla ice cream to top it off, you’ll have to resist licking the plate when it's all gone.

19b Idejo Street, off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 07066333333 t: 08020588658 @vellvettgrillandlounge

Lecker Café Black Forest Gateau

Enjoy an authentic German black forest gateau at Lecker Café with multiple layers of beautifully moist chocolate sponge, delicious whipped cream and juicy cherries, finished off lightly with chocolate flakes just because! You won’t be able to resist.

Pink 5a, Tokunbo Omisore, off Wole Olateju, opposite Diamond Bank, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos t: 08023695628 t: 07081064564 @lecker_cafe

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written by Bolaji Ogunrosoye

Jamski Jamski is located in the hub of Victoria Island, Lagos, off Adeola Odeku, which is a hot spot for Lagosians seeking good food, so essentially, it is a prime location for any restaurant. On getting there, I was met by a single waiter, Emmanuel, who attended to us and a number of other guests. A special shout out to Emmanuel. He was very attentive and really knowledgeable about the food. He was quick to suggest the Rum Punch Cocktail to me, a Jamski signature, which I have no regrets getting. Think zobo with lots and lots of rum. We were also offered free shots midway into our meal and I was over the moon about this.

And now, let’s focus on the food. The Jamski menu is sectioned into Soups, Seafoods, Meats, Jamski Specials and Sides. I ordered the Rasta Pasta from the side menu because the name caught my attention, and the Jerk Wrap from the Jamski signature section as I had never had Jerk chicken in a wrap and wanted to try something new. I should point out that Emmanuel, our waiter, mentioned to me the portion size would be more than enough and he was right. I’ll elaborate on this later. My food took about 15 – 20 minutes to get to me. I tried the Rasta Pasta first and it really was nothing like I’ve tasted before. It was a small portion, sort of like a starter, with a special Jamaican seasoning. It was really sweet. I tried to get my hands on the recipe but Emmanuel wouldn’t budge. Points here for authenticity and loyalty.

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Back to the Jerk wrap. It is basically two portions in one meal so this would be good for a couple or a group. The wrap also had a special Jamski recipe and was extra spicy. You can ask for the spice level to be toned down if you like it otherwise. I made a point to go around the table and try some of my friend’s meals as the portions were a good size. I sampled the Jerk Chicken served with Rice and Peas and the Brown Stew Fish. There are major similarities between Jamaican cuisine and Nigerian cuisine, so there’s something for adventure seekers, and those who like to stay on the safe side.

All in all, the food here is really good and if I had known about it before my visit, I probably would have made it a Friday after work spot as I think it would be great for drinks with friends.

The vibe is also really great. There is Jamaican music constantly playing and the décor is largely reminiscent of Jamaica—from what I’ve seen in movies. A true hidden gem in Lagos.

Jamski 8a, Ologun Agbaje Street, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 08094580930

Bolaji is a Creative Designer. She is as enthusiastic about the arts as she is about food. She also loves TV (with the occasional foray in reality TV) and has never missed an episode of Insecure.

Average Price Typical price of a three-course meal ₦ - less than 10,000 ₦ ₦ - 10,000 - 20,000 ₦ ₦ ₦ - More than 20,000 Value for Money 5/5 –Awesome value for your money Comfort 4/5 – The space is super authentic with rustic décor. An outdoor bar area will also get your buzz going.

Service 5/5 - Speedy, authentic service as I suspect the staff were entirely Jamaican.

Nothing says Jamaican like Jamaican staff in Lagos.

Overall Rating

SUMMARY Good for • Large groups • After work drinks • Carnivores • Lunch time orders • Drinks • Quick, small meals • Low key dates

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Lifehacks That Will Change Your Life According to the Oxford Dictionary, a lifehack is a strategy or technique adopted in order to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way. I would also add that these strategies or techniques are usually simple, clever and witty. You can find millions online but we have picked some of our favourites to share with you.

If your new shoes feel too tight, you can stretch them out by stuffing each shoe with wet newspaper as tightly as you can.

Then let the shoes dry and remove the newspaper.

Fill water balloons and freeze them as pretty and practical coolers.

When you get bitten by a mosquito, press a hot spoon onto the spot. The heat will destroy the reaction and the itching will stop.

When your kids are born, reserve them a good email address. Send them photos and notes and give them the password when they are ready for it.

When starting a game of ‘rock paper scissors’ always start with paper. Most people start with rock as it’s the shape the hand most easily forms.

With smelly shoes, place a few dry tea bags inside each shoe to absorb the smell. If your shoes are not just smelly but also wet, fill them with a mixture of rice and baking soda and leave for a few days.

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Use a drink koozie to cover your gear stick on hot days.

If you are having difficulty starting a fire or BBQ, chips are the perfect fire starter. The fat, oil and chemicals do just the trick.

To remove toilet bowl stains pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight.

Then wash it with soapy water and flush clean.

To keep buttons from falling off, paint a bit of clear nail polish over the threads.

Add a tablespoon of baking soda when boiling an egg to make peeling the shell effortless.

Put pancake mix in a squeeze ketchup bottle to ensure no mess.

If you left home and forgot to brush your teeth or you ran out of toothpaste, chewing an apple can help with bad breath.

Put a small amount of water in a glass when you microwave pizza to keep the crust from getting chewy.

To keep your pot from boiling over, put a wooden spoon over the top of it. When it starts to boil up too high, the spoon will pop the bubbles and keep it from overflowing quickly.

If you have tried any of these or want to share any others let us know via social media @lostinlagos12 #lagoslifehacks Freeze grapes to chill white wine without watering it down.

Sources: Princesspinkygirl.com Brightside.me lifehack.org

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Written by Ayẹni Ọlájídé Architect and Architectural Photographer @jide_yeni

STEP INTO LAGOS’ COOL BUILDINGS Lagos has a variety of unique, thoughtful and contrasting buildings. We speed past a number of them everyday, but we only ever enter a few. This is a shame because there are so many architectural gems within our city. Here is a list of some of the buildings I think we should all try to visit because of their fascinating and intriguing interior and/or exterior.

The buildings on this list capture the nostalgia of traditional architecture, reflect our awareness of sustainable buildings and question our comprehension of African modernity, from Bogobiri to Heritage Place to Alára. High rise buildings like the Nestoil Tower prove that massive mixed-use developments in Lagos can be alluring.

SHERATON LAGOS HOTEL

30, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland Away from the central business district, but central to the state’s administrative district, this Sheraton hotel might not be what you would call architecturally awe-inspiring.

It’s a simple, efficient building with return in service(s) and real estate, but it shows its hand in its use of décor, with some strong interior features and colours. It’s advised to take a walk round the building, enjoy the ambience of the lobby and go up if possible.

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How to Visit: Of course you could book a night or two at the hotel but if not, visit their restaurant on Sunday for their all-you-can-eat buffet and enjoy the decor in the restaurant and lounge.

HERITAGE PLACE

21, Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos More known as one of Nigeria’s two LEED certified buildings, its facade features a stripe of cladded and glass strips that silhouette beautifully when illuminated at night. Its lettable spaces are raised above multiple floors of car parking.

I’d advise the best experience would be at night if you take a slow walk appreciating the lit up exterior.

How to Visit: This is an office building so you can’t just walk in. I would suggest waiting for the Open House Lagos Festival and getting yourself on one of the tours. Open House Lagos only happens once a year so sign up early.

BOGOBIRI HOUSE

7, Maitama Sule Street, Ikoyi, Lagos This is a space that seeks to please its viewer, with its choice of locally sourced materials, sense of home, and allure of good live music. It attempts to communicate the concept of what home might mean to visitors of various cultural backgrounds through signage in indigenous languages, built materials, nature, culture, art, and an ambient reading space.

Head straight in to experience the textured tones of the building, the lobby and the souvenir shop.

How to Visit: Bogobiri has a variety of events and an eclectically designed restaurant with some great staple dishes.

No need to book, just walk in whenever you are free and enjoy the space.

ALÁRA Concept Store

12a, Akin Olugbade, Victoria Island, Lagos Even though ALÁRA is famed for what is embedded within, it should also be famed for what embeds without. The space is designed by Adjaye Associates.

It appears to intend to fully 'jig-jag' a person's perception of movement within a space, such that you experience the artistic objects of African origin in a gradually elevated format. A roundabout walk outside the terracotta-like concrete building draws you into its pint-sized triangle windows, and you can walk to the top and get a view from the balcony if possible.

How to Visit: Head to the store or its famed restaurant, NOK whenever you feel like experiencing something a little different from the norm.

LAGOS CONTINENTAL 52, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

Proclaimed the tallest hotel in Lagos, the 23-floor luxury hotel suggests a curved strip placed on a box elevated by huge columns.

That ‘box’ is an expansive lobby that makes for an interesting play of marble on its columns.

Take the crescent-like walk across its façade and experience the lobby.

How to Visit: Like all hotels, if you have not booked to stay in the hotel, you will not get the full experience. But just to get a glimpse of how cool this building is, take a walk around the lobby, get a coffee or book yourself into their spa.

NESTOIL TOWERS

40, Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos This is one of ‘dem’ crème de la crème contemporary Lagos buildings. The mixed use development balances a fairly appealing exterior of a sweeping double-paned glass facade with pleasing interior spaces and a host of features from passive fire systems to a ton weight of chandelier fitted in its atrium.

You may not be able to get interior access but do take in all the external views, particularly its approach and the façade. I would advise taking the walk at twilight; the building lights up even more beautifully at that time.

How to Visit: This is a commercial building with security, so you definitely can’t just stumble in uninvited. If you do have a meeting in this building and you like architecture, ask for a tour. If not, I hope it is one of the Open House Lagos buildings for 2018 and that way you might get to see more than just the exterior.

HELLO, SPRING

With more than 130,000 pictures of food shared on Instagram daily it is no surprise that food seems to be getting prettier.

When scrolling down your timeline at whatever time of the day you find yourself drooling on to your phone screen. Flowers can add that extra colour and flavour to food and drinks but you need to be careful what flowers you add to what.

In China, eating flowers began more than 3,000 years ago and has continued to flourish with Chinese herbalists all over the world. In Britain, Victorian gentleman wooed their lovers with boxes of crystallised violets, encased in egg white and caster sugar, making a sweet treat.

Nowadays you can find edible flowers sprinkled on green salads, small flowers frozen in ice cubes, and flowers in flavoured oils, jellies, vinaigrettes and marinades. Though not so popular in everyday cooking in Nigeria, there are some restaurants experimenting with edible flowers.

Nasturtium: They’re shaped like old-fashioned gramophone horns, with the nectar hidden inside. Suck the sweet liquid out of them then use the colourful, peppery-flavoured flowers in salads.

Even though your garden may be blossoming this rainy season, you can’t just head out, pick some pretty flowers and place them in your dishes. You need to be careful and make sure what you are adding to your food is not poisonous.

If in doubt of what to use here is a list of the prettiest edible flowers put together by the Daily Mail U.K.

Rose: Petals are much-favoured to decorate cakes, particularly for weddings and christenings. The perfume can be captured by adding petals to a sugar syrup, boiling, steeping overnight and then draining this flavour-full nectar for use in cake fillings, ice cream and toppings.

Viola: Easy to grow, these smaller versions of pansies are equally colourful and tasty.

Primrose: You can crystallise them using this recipe: Whisk the white of one egg until frothy and use to brush the flowers before covering them with caster sugar.

Leave to dry overnight.

Pansy: Their smiley, cat-like faces are ideal for edible floral displays.

Marigold: Also known as Calendula, these yellow and orange petals can be slightly bitter, and are often made into teas. They’ve been used herbally for centuries to comfort ‘the heart and the spirits’. Commonly used by homeopaths in tinctures, creams and salves for wounds as the marigold promotes rapid healing and prevents infection.

Tulip: Large, robust petals can be used as containers to hold sauces, dips and ice cream.

Cornflower: These delicate pale blue wild-flowers are becoming rare, but different coloured cultivated versions look great, even though they are fairly flavourless.

Snapdragon: Loved by some but hated by others because of their distinctive bitter flavour. lostinlagosmagazine

Dianthus: Dianthus are used as cake decorations and last well in liquid, so add for a splash of colour to a summer cocktail.

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Compelling images highlighting Lagos

About the photographer Logo “Logor� Oluwamuyiwa is a Lagos-based photographer whose approach revolves around conceptual and documentary style photography. Logor aims to be a shrewd observer of the human carnival by capturing and retelling stories from perspectives that are often overlooked, ignored and taken for granted. He is an advocate for positive and rich storytelling via the digital media as a tool for reorientation and pathway to new dialogue and knowledge acquisition. @logorofafrica @monochrome_lagos

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lostinlagos.com

written Written by by Roni A-Udoma Sanmi Social Mediaand Manager, DrinksInLagos Wellbeing Lifestyle Consultant @drinksinlagos adeoudoma@yahoo.co.uk

Refreshing your Exercise Routine Wow, how the months go by. It’s already April!

What did we do with all those New Year’s resolutions to be healthy and keep fit? I know, it has never been easy but it’s not too late to get back on board.

I remember the days of video and television exercise programmes; Mr Motivator in the U.K., Richard Simmons and Jane Fonda in the U.S., boy, were they good and useful! They helped teach us how important it is to be healthy, drop bad habits, do more exercise, lose weight, tone the body and dump unhealthy food. The stressful Lagos life, hustle and bustle, does not do our bodies any good. We end up with a body full of toxins, produced from what we eat and drink, the pollution around us, the chemicals we use and the stressful life we end up living.

Exercise of some sort is essential. We need to do more of it. We need to be physically active and break our bad habits. How do we motivate ourselves throughout the year?

I suggest you start easy. It is easier to sustain exercise when there are no outrageous targets to meet. Wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual, start with a 5-minute warm-up of stretches for the different parts of the body, go for a 15-minute brisk walk or jog, then do 15 minutes of floor exercises and finish off with some stretches. If you have not had a medical check-up in a while, feel ill or develop a persistent headache, chest pain or even are slightly of sorts, please consult your physician immediately.

Stretching is very important, especially if you have not been working out.

Stretching prepares the body for your exercise routine or workout reduces muscle tension and relaxes the body, especially if you have not been doing much before increases the range of motion in your joints prevents muscle and joint strains and injury reduces muscular soreness, aches and pains promotes blood circulation through the body To ensure you do not lose momentum, you can make exercise easy and entertaining. No matter what, even if it’s just an early morning or evening walk, keep moving for at least 30 minutes. Three to five times a week can suffice and maybe you can throw in a swim or two if there is a pool nearby.

Cycling for about 20 minutes on alternate days and 10 minutes of floor exercise might be another favourable option. Floor exercises that you can start with include Hip Bridge, Plank, Overhead Stretches, Crossovers and Hamstring Curl.

Be realistic. Do something you know you will like and do it moderately. During your lunch break, take a 10-minute walk. If you go shopping, park a distance away from the entrance; try as much as possible to take advantage of being able to stretch your legs and your back. We were not made to sit for so long.

For those who need others to be motivated, you can join an exercise group or gym. Try aerobics, yoga, or Pilates. Even dancing at home to music you like can be beneficial. Being physically active on a regular basis improves not just your mood but also your physical and emotional well being. Sleeping patterns improve. It boosts energy levels. It is known to lift depression, reduce heart disease and help people with stroke and dementia. Exercise is also beneficial to people with certain cancers and Type 2 diabetes. At work and while working, dump the lifts and use the stairs instead.

Move around as much as possible when you are in the office. When you start feeling better and more confident, increase the intensity and challenge yourself.

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HELLO, SPRING Written by Akorede Oyerogba, Co-founder, KORAY & NNEKA, Instructor, Val’s the Dance Studio & Co-founder Apex Dance Company @korayandnneka

SALSA CARES AWAY

YOUR

The hustling in Lagos is enough to throw you off. After a long day at work, you need to take a break and relax with good music and a companion to ease the stress.

Salsa is the answer to your prayers. You will have fun, cool off and shape up. It is said to be a spicy activity for both single and married folks. It can be danced by couples or groups. Many people are excited to dance after a tiring day at work or school, so they take a treat for a job well done, and when they leave, happiness is written on their faces.

As love beings, we crave to be with someone who understands, cares, listens, etc. When dancing, we speak with our bodies through a series of movements. These moments teach us to communicate, endure, listen, care, initiate and follow or lead.

“I love Salsa. I just keep moving. I can't stop even when am lost. My partner is always there to lead me through. Above all, I am super fit physically and mentally.”

This statement was made by a student in Koray and Nneka's class at the Dance Deal Training Foundation. In another Salsa class at Val's the Dance Studio, a student commented, "My experience during salsa is spectacular. I don't know if I can do without Salsa.”

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This unique dance that has its origin in Africa appeals to a good number of people due to its strong rhythm, beat, and movement. Salsa music differs from other music. It allows the dancer or dancers to connect with others. It also relaxes the brain and massages the body through soft and sensual movement.

After a long day, it's time to have fun with friends and loved ones. There are different venues to salsa, both on the island and the mainland.

Here are some you can try out:

Monday - Alba Lounge, Plot 1 Anifowoshe Street, off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island

Tuesday - Othello's, 32b Musa Yar’Adua, off Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos Wednesday - Ntyce, 1310 Karimu Kotun, Victoria Island

Thursday - Bottles Mexican Restaurant, 8 Imam Agusto Close, Victoria Island (7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.)

Thursday - Lounge 38, 67 Bode Thomas Road, Surulere The fun is ever fresh. The groove is unending when we Salsa!

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written written by by Uzoamaka Ukegbu, Meg Thompson FashionCreative Consultant and Founder, ANKA Director, Ecopantry @uzoukegbu @theankaoffcial www.ecopantryskincare.com @ecopantryskincare

WAYS TO LOOK MORE STYLISH AT THE OFFICE

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In the fashion world, the seasons are the determining factor for all trends, like colours, textures, patterns and styles. This time of year we are right in the prime of spring, and although the Nigerian weather hardly respects the seasons of fashion, they can still be a guide we use when expressing our style.

For many women, mastering work wear seems impossible. I recently shared a YouTube video about work wear, where I categorised each industry into one of three. The first is the corporate industry (bankers, lawyers, architects, engineers, doctors). The second is the creative industry (artists, fashion, photography, graphic design, journalists) and the last are the inbetweeners (advertising, tech, PR, consultants, and most freelance entrepreneurs).

Any job will fit into these three categories, so I’ll share my advice for looking great in any industry.

Are you ready to be the best dressed in your office?

Tip 1: Inject colour into your look in any way possible Wear a bright red lipstick or bright purple heels. Wear a green blazer and skirt instead of a black one. Don’t go overboard and make yourself look like a neon sign, but definitely make yourself bright and colourful.

When people hear your heels clicking on the ground, they should get whiplash turning their heads because they’re so excited to see what awesome colour combination you’ll be slaying!

Tip 5: Wear blue stripes and pair it with any pastel shirt or blouse Blue stripes are the most stylish stripes known to fashion, plus they serve as a plain canvas to layer pieces on. They could be on a shirt, trousers or a skirt. Make sure to pair them with fresh colours like white, oyster, lavender, pale pink, sky blue, etc.

Tip 2: Challenge yourself not to wear black If you remove the black in an outfit, you’ll instantly be ready for spring. It’s really simple. Don’t wear black, at all! Don’t wear grey either. Blue is allowed. I know, wear a pastel blazer!

Tip 3: Take advantage of dress-down Fridays Ah, this is the day when—if you’re not working in a strict corporate environment—you can wear whatever you want. I’m more of a neutral girl so you’ll most likely catch me in a pair of jeans, white tee-shirt and blazer.

In spring, however, I’ll swap my tee-shirt for a floral vest and you can do the same too.

Tip 6: Swap your black and dark brown bag for a nude, beige or soft pink This one is really 1+1 equals 2.

Tip 4: Decide every day who you are and pick an outfit that shows you off to the world! Just bear in mind that it’s spring and wear softer hues and shades.

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As a Nigerian, the thought of yoghurt is that of sourness so real that merely reading this makes you want to touch your cheek in assurance that the kick you feel is just a figment of your imagination. Though our Garri drinking brothers and sisters from Ijebu land are up to the challenge as the local yoghurt pales in comparison to the ëpic slap” the Ijebu Garri gives; the rest of us are wandering, why so much grief over a relatively healthier treat?

Just as one is about to throw in the towel and give up on this range of dessert; a little birdie whispered to hold on for just a little longer as great tasting yoghurt comes to those who wait. The original yogurt brand that reinvented the frozen yogurt category, Pinkberry waltzed into the Nigerian dessert market comfortably filling the gap between indulgent brands and the overtly healthy brands creating a better for you option; a refreshing treat with less guilt.

The taste of this yogurt is different from any yoghurt you’ve had. The tart flavours have little or no sourness and the non-tart flavours can easily be mistaken for gelato as it is sweetness all the way.

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Original, pincolada, cookies and cream, wild berry, Chocolate Hazel, passion fruit, the choice is yours. These flavours are paired with the largest collection of toppings to be ever displayed by any yoghurt brand.

Where is this belle of the ball from? The brand originated from Los Angeles, California in 2005 and has since then spread to over 20 countries with Nigeria being their most recent addition. One can feel a wisp of an Asian culture with the way cups a passed with both hands to guests, this is a sign of respect and gratitude.

With celebrities like Oprah, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift and David Beckham being globally caught “Pink-handed” with this light, refreshing and craveable treat, one can only expect that the brand would catch on to being a great companion for young Nigerian celebrities who love food and a great picture(the yoghurt sits really pretty in pictures).

Taste, ambiance, service, whatever draws you into these stores; one thing is for sure yoghurt culture in Nigeria will never be the same. Oh by the way, I didn’t have to touch my cheek this time in reaction to the anticipated kick that comes with the taste of an average yoghurt.

HELLO, SPRING written by Feyi Olunuga, Founder African Entrepreneur & Managing Partner Lunuga Limited @AfricanEntrepreneur @Lunuga

Lagos is bustling with enterprise and everyone wants a piece of the pie. If you are on social media, you will observe that there is a business for just about everything under the sun–or it sure feels that way. That being said, not every business you see online that looks successful is actually doing well.

Entrepreneurs encounter different challenges doing business in Lagos and one that I have seen many struggle with is understanding how to tackle failure in business.

You have to get to know failure. Don't avoid it. Don't be afraid of it. Face it head on. Know that failure has something to offer and be determined to get it and grow. Failure can be external, internal and very subjective.

Parameters for success, on the other hand, are mostly predetermined by external influences. For instance : How many hits did your website get this week?

What was your turnover last year?

How many followers do you have?

How many outlets do you have?

You are responsible for setting your business objectives and goals, therefore you are responsible for defining what success or failure means for your business. Failure is a reality in business.

It may not be publicised or celebrated but out of failure has come some of the best innovations. Apple’s computer, Lisa, was launched in 1983 and was a huge failure by most accounts but that did not stop or kill Apple. You keep going, and that has to be your spirit when doing business in Lagos. To get the best out of failure, you have to confront it head on and take control of what comes next–you either stay down or fail forward.

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Failing Forward with African Entrepreneur Now consider these: Was your expectation realistic?

Why wasn’t your expectation met?

What must be changed to meet this expectation?

These steps bring to focus your next course of action. Business decisions are often driven by assumptions that are sometimes not backed by research data. In answering these questions you might discover that your assumptions were wrong; if your assumptions are wrong, your decisions will be flawed.

For example, you launch a gift-wrapping store in a shopping mall and assume that 10% of the 2000 people that daily visit the mall will be your daily customers. There is a risk of failure if you don’t confirm this with research before basing your financial projections on it. One way you can do this is to set up a stand in the mall for one week and see what the consumer response is. This can be a great way to get feedback for your product or service before investing in a store in the mall. Fail forward by investigating, understanding and making better decisions.

Failure to plan is planning to fail. This is a common saying and it is true. Your plan after failure is even more crucial.

Now that you know what went wrong, establish what you need to deliver an updated product then plan. In other words, review your previous assumptions – both wrong and right – and update them. Then move on to setting new parameters for evaluating your product or service before you launch. This will also guide ongoing review of product performance post-launch.

Leave no stone unturned. Consider every aspect of your product delivery: manufacturing, marketing, finance, customer service, distribution and everything else that is applicable to your business. Before you launch your product, send a sample to your biggest critics to test and review. This is a bold move – but so are all comebacks. Learn to take criticism well and act on it.

Are you ready to get back up? Yes! There is one more thing to do.

In business, a consequence of failure that is often neglected is the impact it has on the team. As an entrepreneur, you business is your ‘baby’ and when things go wrong, there is a tendency to internalise the disappointment. When you have a team around you, it is important to keep them motivated.

Failure can destabilise, demotivate and disorganise a good team. However, your reaction to it and what comes next can bring your team together and set them on a unifying course to come back stronger. How do you do this? Keep the communication lines open and let them feel free to express their opinions on what went wrong. Lead, define the next step for the business and let them be part of building the new plan. The fact is, failure occurs multiple times in business and becoming mastered at handling failure is an indispensable skill for successful entrepreneurs.

In all this, remain vision focused but market intelligent. Consistently strive for perfection but be prepared for evolution.

HELLO, SPRING written by Sabrina Mahboobani Pranic Healer GMCKS Pranic Healing Centre, Lagos

Cleansing the Aura and Renewing your Energy

Spring is such a beautiful time — the air is fresh, flowers bloom, leaves grow back, skies are clear and our homes, well, that is where we begin our Spring Cleaning! It is the time we put away our heavy winter clothing, reducing the load in our wardrobes; we declutter our drawers and cabinets, ridding ourselves of all that is unnecessary.

While getting rid of all this physical clutter is easy, some types of clutter are carried along with us everywhere we go. Issues such as stress, emotional disturbances, negative thoughts, anger, grudges and other intangible “clutter” are sneakily causing us harm and more often than not, they remain unnoticed. So how can we rid ourselves of all this mental and emotional baggage? One word can give you the answer: Meditation!

What is meditation? Many think of it as being in some kind of non-responsive trance. While that may be true for some, it definitely is not for most people and certainly not for those who are just beginning their journey of meditation.

Meditation is actually a way of cleansing and renewing or recharging oneself. When we meditate, we are subconsciously removing the negativity that lurks within us. In fact, meditation involves the cleansing and strengthening of the aura. What is the aura? The aura is an energy-field that penetrates into and surrounds the contour of the physical body, keeping it in good health, as much as possible. Any imbalances within this energy-field, if left untreated, will at some point bring about a health condition, for example, high blood pressure. Having a strong aura not only keeps us healthy but also keeps our emotions balanced and allows us to maintain a positive frame of mind.

A strong and clean aura leads to clarity of mind, which, in turn, enables us to have better control over our thoughts and emotions. Our stress levels will decrease and attitudes towards various circumstances and situations will change. Eventually, we will notice that the issues which initially seemed bothersome or frustrating, will no longer affect us as much or even at all. Through this cleanse, our energies are renewed and recharged, ready to be channeled towards a more productive goal.

With regular meditation, we develop an understanding that certain matters are frivolous and spending any amount of energy on them is an actual waste of time and effort.

When we have clarity of mind, we have clearer focus. With a clear focus, we become more effective in prioritising and determining where to place our efforts.

We need the drive to push us to achieve our goals. That drive comes from this renewed energy. We all have a variety of ideas and goals but many of us lack the drive to achieve them, possibly because we ponder on the “what-ifs” or lack the confidence to take the next step.

Bear in mind, the key is, “regular meditation,” so this is not something that can be achieved overnight. It requires dedication, commitment and discipline. Just as Rome was not built in a day, similarly our aura cannot be perfected in one meditation. The good thing is, it is never too late to start. In fact, we have a place we can go to, to learn more about meditation and how it can help. The GMCKS Pranic Healing Centre is open throughout the week and runs weekly meditation sessions. It also holds regular full-moon meditations, which are open to all persons over 18 years of age.

The GMCKS Pranic Healing Centre - Lagos Flat 1, Ground Floor, Ayinde House, Akanbi Court 2 Oju Olobun Close, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 08050299834, 08050299830 (Whatsapp available) gmcks.phclagos@gmail.com Facebook: GMCKS Pranic Healing Centre - Lagos @lagos_wellness

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HELLO, SPRING

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Looking back at our top images of February 2018 Follow us on Instagram @lostinlagos12

Doesn’t this French Burger from @south.eatery.socialhouse make your mouth water?

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Don’t you just LOVE the new salad bar @noirlagos?

A little Southern revival @south.eatery.socialhouse never hurt anyone!

Who else gets way too much happiness from food? @lecker_cafe

@thebackyard.lagos makes sunshine look so beautiful!

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Have a fun night out @rsvplagos and visit their poolside bar.

Swipe to sneak peek!

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A spanking new FPSO that cost billions is sitting pretty on the shores of Lagos!

We are excited to announce the Top Performing Restaurants for Visa Restaurant Week 2017 (better late than never) 1st Place @shirolagos 2nd Place @talindosteakhouse 3rd Place @samanthasbistro Congratulations to you all!

Still one of the coolest outdoor spaces in Lagos @nokbyalara

Free Entry 25

MEDITATION for the

Body, Mind & Soul

Cleanse your Aura | Renew your Energy

Every Saturday 3:00pm

The GMCKS Pranic Healing Centre - Lagos Flat 1, Ground Floor, Ayinde House, Akanbi Court 2 Oju Olobun Close, Victoria Island, Lagos Tel: 830 0299 0805 (Whatsapp Available) Email: gmcks.phclagos@gmail.com

Order wines at deliveries@arrawines.com or call/text +234 0706 55588.

Mention ArraLIL2018 when you place your next order and receive 10% discount

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HELLO, SPRING

RESTAURANTS

The Lighthouse Bar and Grill Brought to you by the owners of Pizzeriah, the Lighthouse Bar and Grill is the new waterfront destination, open air restaurant located on Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1.

They serve fresh and affordable dishes, mostly off the grill but also feature authentic Italian pasta and mouth watering paninis. Try the jumbo prawns or pork ribs for lunch or dinner.

Block 12e Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos t: 07034004672 jennymicheletti@gmail.com thelighthouse_lekki

Ile Milele With Ile Milele, experience fancy meals right from your kitchen. We offer recipe boxes that include fresh pre-portioned ingredients along with chef-designed step-by-step recipes.

With us, cooking is fun and convenient. t: 08105648535 contact@ilemilele.com www.ilemilele.com @ilemilele

Empire Jane

HOME & GIFTS

Lecker Cafe and Restaurant is the ideal foodie haven. With fresh bagels, an array of artisanal baked breads and pastries, desserts and an ambiance that says "This is where I want to be," our restaurant menu offers contemporary European cuisine with a special German menu. Come try our Schweine Braten mit Spätzle.

Grace's Cake was established in September 2009. Grace's Cake is a company that has come to make a statement that cake is not only for the middle or upper class in society but for everyone who loves 'good taste'. We create simple, elegant and affordable cake across every social class. Apart from the beauty and creativity that come with cake making and design, the consciousness of health issues amongst people shouldn't be underestimated. We make sure we use less calories in the cakes, and we have cake recipes for the sweet tooths, too.

XOVAR is a one-stop entertainment centre in Lekki Lagos, with indoor and outdoor lounges that serves a wide variety of exotic cocktails and drinks. XOVAR’s restaurant offers tasty grills and continental meals.

XOVAR is ideal for group outings, birthday parties, bridal showers and other private and corporate events. And the venue is free with relaxation, entertainment and ambience at its finest! Come and experience XOVAR’s Xotc Xperience today!

5a Tokunbo Omisore (off Clean Ace Dry Cleaners on Avalon Road), Lekki Phase 1, Lagos t: 08023695628, 07081064564 cater2bebesservices@gmail.com @lecker_cafe

The Burgundy Stove The Burgundy Stove specialises in rustic, homemade comfort food from all over the world. For any event and any budget, we can whip something up for you. We cater for private events, office luncheons, meetings, major corporate events, retreats, conferences and exhibitions. We know how to throw down! t: 09092220167 theburgundystove@gmail.com @theburgundystove

The Home Shop

5 Olosa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 09033239950, 014545194 thehomeshopnigeria@gmail.com www.thehomeshop-ng.com

Rumen Bags Rumen bags is a Nigerian luxury leather handbag brand. We source our leather here in Nigeria. A passion for bags is our secret — we treat every bag like it’s for our personal use and we never settle for anything less than perfection. We are constantly improving our skills and range of services. t:08060138960, 07087174995 Rumenbags@gmail.com www.rumenbags.net

SERVICES

Xovar

Available at Terra Kulture, The Homestores and Quintessence t: 08138508681 info@empirejane.com empirejane.com @TheEmpireJane

14b Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 08123456799, 09090390909 info@anewaerthstore.com www.anewearthstore.com/contact www.facebook.com/Anewearth @anewearthlagos

PLAY

Grace’s Cake

The Home Shop offers a quality one- stop service to individuals and property developers.

Our products and services include a huge range of home accessories, interior design solutions, window dressing and bespoke furniture.

This is the first certified organic health food store in Lagos offering a full range of foods, from grains, special diets, gluten-free or vegan, baby foods, drinks, superfoods, personal care and more.

SHOP

Lecker Cafe

Empire Jane has set itself apart with gorgeous gifts made locally in its Lagos workroom. From cult-favorite "No Wahala" pillows to silk scarves, there's something for everyone. Prices start at N2000.

A New Earth Organic & Eco-Living Store

MIND & BODY

Jacaranda Craft Jacaranda Craft has created a unique range of leather jewellery and gift items including engraved breadboards, spoons and coasters.

Inspired by Nigeria’s vibrant fabrics and colourful phrases, all items are made in Lagos. t: 08092836015 jacarandacraft@icloud.com Etsy.com/uk/shop/JacarandaCraft @jacarandacraft @CraftJacaranda

Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute is the hair destination for women that need hair and scalp solutions like dandruff, hair breakage, dry hair, virgin hair problems, alopecia, etc.

Natures Gentle Touch hair products are specifically formulated for the hair texture of Nigerian women, due to our diet and weather.

305a Jide Oki Street, off Ligali Ayorinde, Victoria Island, Lagos t: 07038321653, 09083411912 @naturesgentletouch

Graceland Plot 9, Agidingbi Road, Omole Axis, Ikeja, Lagos t: 08036836200, 08179346344 gracescakeng@gmail.com www.gracescakeng.com @gracescakeng

Just Jules Just Jules makes luxury homemade scented candles, tea lights, wax melts and room sprays. Our products are hand-poured from fine fragrances and soy wax in Lagos, Nigeria.

16 Karimu Kotun Street Victoria Island, Lagos t: 08083356849, 09052002199 info@justjulesstore.com sales@justjulesstore.com www.justjulesstore.com @justjulesstore

Cellar Central Cellar Central is an online retailer of premium alcoholic beverages. We stock an extensive product range which includes wines, whiskies, cognac, champagne and many others. To learn more about our product range visit www.cellarcentral.ng and to place orders call 07000CELLAR. t: 07000235527 info@cellarcentral.ng www.cellarcentral.ng

Monograms and More Monograms and More is your one-stop shop for all your customisation needs. We make custom items such as tee-shirts, towels, mugs, pens, keyrings and flash drives.

Customers can upload their own art or use our design tools to create a design and order the customised products online.

D253 Ikota Complex, Lekki 24 Fola Osibo, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos t: 08092296611, 08182435000, 08037077502 monogramse7@gmail.com www.monogramsng.com @monogramsng

Play Place NG Play Place Nigeria is an indoor and outdoor play centre for children. The two-story fun house is equipped with obstacle courses, rock climbing, bungee jumping, a ball pit, a pretend kitchen and supermarket and so much more!

19b Sabitex Hotel Drive, beside Germaine Auto, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos t: 08073355555, 09030001793 olumide@bespokeeventsng.com www.xovar.ng @xovarng

Brittany’s Place Brittany’s Place Limited is an established breakfast house whose primary purpose is providing healthy and balanced breakfast meal packs to busy individuals in metropolitan cities. It also offers other services such as private breakfast catering, desserts catering, event catering for weddings, birthdays, office meetings, private dining, school and church events, etc.. t: 09098597015 brittanysplace16@gmail.com

Stranger A boutique, a work space, a community hub and a constantly recurring event venue on the Lagos cultural scene, Stranger Lagos has been a mindfully designed, evolving, multifunctional space for the use of Lagos metropolitans since its inception in 2012.

Stranger features a boutique, a brew bar that specialises in artisanal teas and coffees, fine wines and rare whiskies, complemented by a carefully designed menu and a revolving list of community events that are popular with our regulars.

3 Hakeem Dickson Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos t: 08037262645 info@strangerlagos.com www.strangerlagos.com @strangerlagos

Lagos Garden Centre(LGC) The Lagos Garden Centre (LGC) is an online platform dedicated to promoting the art of gardening and sparking a passion for growing beautiful things. Visit our website to read up on our garden stories and shop for all your urban gardening needs in our online store. t: 07046266834 hello@lgc.ng www.lgc.ng @lgc.ng

To list your businesses email: info@lostinlagos.com

5 Eddy Okeke Street, Ogudu, Orioke, Ogudu, Lagos t: 08101920386 ayoyinka@playplaceng.com www.playplaceng.com @playplaceng

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