FAVOURITE MAG ISSUE 10

LIFE

CHANGING

EXPERIENCE| JU NE - AUGUST 20 19

THE

10th EDITION | KSH 300

Etiquette:

Taming Our Conversations

Health: Stress And You

Youth With A Future

Edu

Bringing Rays Of Sunshine On Our Tvs

Spiritual Nourishment: Calm And Fortitude In The Storm

Fashion & Style: Modelling As A Career

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CONTENTS

The Favourite Magazine | Issue 10

Traditional Braised Beef

24

ETIQUETTE

COMEDIAN

25

EDU

6

Feedback

8-12

14-15

Embracing Contentment CALM AND FORTITUDE IN THE STORM

26-27

STRESS AND YOU

4 | The Favourite

18-19

20-24 JOURNEYING THE MODEL INDUSTRY IN MOMBASA

EDITORIAL

Smiling In All Seasons Hello readers, welcome to the 10th edition of Favourite Magazine. The year 2019 is picking up on a fast drive and so far so good. We thank God for the far He has brought us and we cannot complain. Yet, there have been moments of distress and despair in equal measure to the victories and laughter of the first quarter of this year. I am sure you’ve encountered words we often ignore in a write-up about a smile. Virtues of a smile are highlighted. “A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. A smile takes but a moment but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever…” Another wise person stated that “The smile on your face is the light in the window that tells people that you are at home.”

We have had our share of happy moments, some personal and others public. When one of our own in Kenya won the global teachers award, we broke into smiles and jubilation to celebrate Peter Tabichi. When another Kenyan gave birth to five children at a go, we all had our “wow” moments and marvelled at God’s creation. More goodies will come our way and so we shall smile, won't we?

However, in comes the tough times, times of losses, times of pain, times of frustration, times of failure and the smile all but disappears. Are we strong enough, optimistic enough to embrace the difficult times? It has been said that the flower that follows the sun does so even on cloudy days. We have faced a tough dry period and disturbing images of drought- striken Kenyans in Turkana cast gloom in our hearts. Road accidents continue to create havoc and Dusit attack happened shaking us to the core. Before we could take a breather, Ethiopian airlines plane crashed leaving us in pain and confusion. Then the rare birth of 5 children became a tragedy when the mother and one of the children died.

And every day, our corruption in every sphere of Kenyan life. Can we even forget the horror of domestic violence recounted on our screens day in day out? Can we really afford to smile?

Paul in his letter to the Philippians 4:4 urged them “Rejoice in the lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” My take dear reader is that we should all learn to smile in all seasons. As the year continues, I urge you to embrace happiness and positivity amidst all the challenges that come our way.

Enjoy your reading of this current edition and be happy.

Smile.

Suzie Editor in chief The Favourite | 5

FEEDBACK

Disclaimer

The Favourite Magazine is a publication of Favourite Suzie Enterprises.

All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited, while every care is taken in preparation of The Favourite Magazine.

The publisher cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information held herein or any consequences arising from it. All photographs taken are assumed to be publishing in the magazine and the publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Photographers: Urban Studio

Stylists:

Njeri, Jasmine from Ruthex Salon.

Creative design & layout

AMD Creative Ltd

Executive editor Suzie

Susannjau3@gmail.com

Dear Suzie, I look forward to every issue you produce. Thanks for keeping me informed always.

Sarah Mutinda Nairobi

Distribution Manager Wangui Njau

Publishers

Suzie favourite enterprises To advertise with us 0735013552 Share your comments with us, write to "THE FAVOURITE MAGAZINE" Email:susannjau3 @gmail.com.What do you think of this issue of The favourite magazine? Let us know what is on your mind , please include your name as it may appear in print.

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COMEDIAN

EDU

Inspiring Lives

BRINGING RAYS OF SUNSHINE ON OUR TVS.

By Suzie

8 | The Favourite

Inspiring Lives The Rift Valley is a spectacular spot in Kenya and one area that has become the talk of town these days is Naivasha as everyone gets out of Nairobi for weekend get-aways.

However, before the city swans came calling and prospectors came looking, it was an area providing its residents with a home and source of livelihood in fishing at Lake Naivasha and flower farming. Many are from other counties.

It is in a rural serene atmosphere that Edwin Ndiritu Mwangi was born in 1993 in Nyeri as a first born in a family of three boys. He then grew up in Naivasha in a more cosmopolitan mix. He attended Oserian Primay School and joined Naivasha mixed secondary school now known as Naivasha High. Armed with academic credentials and a youthful zeal to conquer the world, he left for the big city in the sun. In Nairobi, he was determined to find his break but was realistic enough to start climbing the tree from the bottom. Hence, he settled in Githurai employed as a shoe seller.

The fact that his family did not have the cash to enroll him in college never put him down. He settled in his work and interracted with his customers. Deep in his heart, the words of his high school principal kept challenging him. As they cleared school, his principal had challenged him to take the opportunities that were out there in the world.

Something else from his school days had left a mark. As they analysed Kiswahili and literature set books, they had watched a theatre group perform on stage and he was very impressed. At his shoe base, he held on to a dream of being an actor come what may. He was a man of action but with limited connections in the vast city. He did what was easier for him. He saved a few shillings from his meagre pay and visited a cyberreligiously after work. He searched for Starlit Productions but nothing came up about them and thus was in the dark of how to link with a theatre group.

One day, lady luck came visiting in the form of customer at the shoe base. This girl knew one of his colleagues and as normal conversation went on, something caught Edu’s ear. She had just come

from an acting job. Not one to waste an opportunity, he engaged her and made his interest in acting clear.

This customer promised to give his number to a producer and this inspiring actor waited with baited breath for the all-important call. One week later, no call had come through.

His contact kept assuring him the call would come. Eventually, the same actress connected him to another group that had scheduled shows and was hunting for actors. Within two weeks, his life was to take another dimension.

He was busy minding his shoe sales when that life- changing call came. A man introduced himself as a director from Jericho, Makadara.

If he was Edwin and able to act, could he report at Jericho social hall within an hour? He never hesitated with his yes. He left a colleague in the next stall to watch over his business. He sought directions to the Jericho he had never been to in his life. At Muthurwa he boarded a bus and eventually he was at the venue rearing to go. He had never acted before but he confidently stated that he was willing and committed to acting as a full time engagement.

After auditioning, he was given a chance solely for his passion. What made it more attractive was being informed that the producer was involved with Ngumbaru School, a production on TV. He was ecstatic and called his mother that evening and informed her he would be acting with re-known people.

The following day, rehearsals began with the group Milestone Theatre.

On meeting the producer, he told him that he would work hard and even be more famous than him. This was a real tall order for a rookie actor whose English and Kiswahili was poor, he had the “Mshamba” accent to boot! They soon were a cast and hit the road for shows in western.

Often times, students would laugh at him for “shrubbing” on stage but he never let this weakness put him down. He was learning the art steadfastly.

In 2014, new set books were launched and due to his passion, commitment and good audible voice, he landed the role of narrator in Kidagaa Kimemwozea a Kiswahili set book.

His language was now fluent. A gala

The Favourite | 9

Inspiring Lives for performing artistes was held in Nairobi and he was voted the best narrator in Makadara and eventually Nairobi region. He was over the moon. His hard work was finally paying dividends. With this nomination, he could now join the big boys. This is when transited to Fanaka Arts group and in conjunction Jicho 4 Productions.

These were the established groups in the city together with Mbalamwezi Players.

He was now living his dream and he was in full time theatre. He ate, breathed and slept theatre. Nothing could tear him away. It was the love of his life. Even though the monetary side was not rosy, he never complained. His mother often wondered how his son would end up. She challenged him to find a better well-paying job but he assured her he was in the right place. Many shows later, he was now known as Bazenga. He had come to roost as a much sought narrator having proved his worth in Kidagaa Kimemwozea and The River and The Source. In fact after one whole year, he got a promotion with a steady better pay. He even doubled for the two theatre outfits.

They would plan their shows on his availability. In the morning, he would be at Pangani with Fanaka and in the afternoon with Jicho 4 at Sarakasi Dome. He was home earning his daily bread legitimately and even his boss at Fanaka, Erick Ndung'u believed in him.

Not a person to sit on his laurels and knowing his potential was great, he kept his ear on the ground for more opportunities.

It is around this period that Njata TV came to Fanaka’s base at Liberty Theatre Pangani to shoot some productions. A producer at the TV station noted him during the Fanaka rehearsals and congratulated him. One year down the line, he received a call from Njata TV and was put in a production with Warigia and other notable vernacular actors.

Opportunities will always come knocking and those who are versatile and prepared will always grab them. Anais Nin stated that, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”

10 | The Favourite

Inspiring Lives In 2015 an opportunity in Inooro TV came by. In a movie that was being shot, the main character happened to be engaged somewhere else in another production. The producer urgently needed a standin for this main character. His network of fellow actors came through for him. Someone gave his name and he was given that role where he put in his best. He was then taken in as an extra in that set.

Eventually most actors in that production moved on to other things until only him and another actor remained. The producer decided to close shop.

However, something in Edu pushed him to talk to the producer to give the show another chance. They shopped around for new members to join the cast.

Thus the Edu we know today is a child of resilience and optimism. The program was rebranded with baba Edu and mama Edu and on the steering wheel of the family show that airs regularly Edwin believes the favour of God was on them as they bonded and became compatible as a group.

Quick ones for Edu

What inspires ideas for your shows?

• • • •

Day to day interactions in the real world.

Watching countless movies Personal ingenuity and aspirations Networking with fellow artistes in the theatre world

Take on acting industry

•

•

•

Awesome, fulfilling, thespians have a potential and the theatre space is being embraces by the Kenyan audience.

However there is lack of government support and investment. Whereas there are many international brands doing business in Kenya, the playing field has seen them shooting their commercials in other countries especially South Africa meaning that local talent doesn’t get the chance to grow.

Acting is just like any other job. It is tiring, timeconsuming but often times the financial rewards are not at par with what the artiste puts in and the public image.

Society’s perspective of profession?

•

•

The society has put the artistes on a very high pedestal just because they see them on TV. They view them as extraordinary people yet they are ordinary human beings doing an everyday normal job like all others.

The public views you as a multi- millionaire yet they are yet to hit the glass ceiling. In actual fact it is the producers who benefit not actors,

Theatre engagements?

• • •

Launched career in secondary schools set book productions. A good launching pad.

Have been involved in various TV productions at Njaata TV, Inooro TV and mount Kenya TV. The show for Mount Kenya TV had been planned for another media station years ago

The Favourite | 11

Inspiring Lives

•

but the deal did not go through. When Mount Kenya TV was recently launched, Michael B was looking for contacts for movies. They sought audience and got the deal within one day. Thus Ndumo ya Tene production currently on show.

Real House Helps of Kawangware 2017-2018 Kigoco

• • •

Internalizes text/ content and understands the character Natural spontaneity in adapting to various character roles Creating diversity as situation demands

•

Life is comedy. Enjoys comedy. It is inborn.

•

A movie acting as a mad person. It was a crazy movie and a crazy situation but it left a mark on him.

Preparations for acting?

Take on comedy?

Best moment in theatre?

Challenges?

• • • • •

Societal perception, often misunderstood.

Face risks especially handling fans or security wise when others think they carry loads of cash Pressures to meet personal, work- related and societal demands Losing opportunities for side hassles like mceeing gigs when they’re overlooked when people assume they are too expensive An actor is at bottom of the ladder and thus monetary benefits are too limited. It is the producers who have a field day despite the long hours and tough work.

Side hassles?

• • •

This is a necessity in life.

A nail artist expert (beauty) MC

• • •

Looks up to people who add positive value in life.

Strives to be unique rather than copy others Most remarkable is his high school principal who challenged him to take on the opportunities out there in the world.

Role model?

Fashion?

•

A suit for it has a sense of respectability and dignity

•

To see a youth failing. It is sad to see a young person giving up too soon yet opportunities are many out there.

What breaks your heart?

Parting shot?

•

The youth should believe in themselves, work hard and take up every positive opportunity that come their way.

Worst moment in life?

•

A break-up in a relationship I had invested in but we learn from our experiences and God always does well in our lives.

Thumbs-up!

Acknowledge all those who believed in me in this journey. My dream was realized through colleagues in the theatre world and Milestone Arts theatre in Makadara my first outfit. Director Tony Tot and producer James Webbo gave me a chance. Webbo is now head producer Arts Masters International. Brian Mwanzo currently producer and director Art Flame Productions. Fanaka Art Family and producer Erick Ndungu currently MCA of Uthiru ward and directors Joabez Lumara Kunaka and Jacob Otieno.

Thanks guys together with all my fans!

When the interview was finally over at Homeland inn, Thika Road, l was also greatly inspired by the focus, determination, resilience, creativity and passion in Edu. We wish him well in his endeavors and believe he will grow to greater heights.

By Suzie 12 | The Favourite

Inspiring Lives

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Call 0718 958 381 / 0735 013 552 The Favourite | 13

Youth and Life

YOUTH WITH A FUTURE:

Embracing Contentment

By Menta T. The Agikuyu have a saying, “Giithi na ngoga iteeaga gara.” Which translated states, “indolence and preoccupation with what is pleasing banish prosperity.” As life changes dear youth, there is need to embrace the state of contentment and let it be your foundation, your solid launching pad to prosperity. Life today is so fast- paced and all of us have been caught in a whirlwind of busy times and social demands.

stretch, a discontentment quietly but surely takes over our lives. We may then gradually lose our identity, our sense of purpose and our joy in life.

It once happened that a young man embarked on a quest to find true happiness. After a long journey, he came to a junction and under a tree sat an old man. They sat together a while and this made the young man to wonder about this happy old man.

He sought directions from the man to the city of happiness. The old man quietly and simply told him that both When was the last time you played roads led to the city of happiness. with your shadow or saw the He explained that the two roads shooting star from your window? led to two cities and in each there These are simple delights to children was happiness. What was important that leave them happy and free. Yet, was that he would find what he was as we grow older and enter that seeking to find. The young man was phase of adolescence crisis and sceptical for he had sought far and young adulthood, we no longer thrive wide and no city had passed the test in the delights within our spheres. of happiness. The old man advised We start grasping for things that are the young man to visit each city and often beyond our reach and in that if he looked for happiness, he would 14 | The Favourite

find it. After his visit, he finally went back to the old man. He reported that happiness was not in a far away place; happiness had been with him all along. Happiness was in every place he went. He had concluded that happiness was a state of mind.

The way you viewed things. The state of contentment that had given the old man serenity in the midst of nowhere.

What about you dear youth? Is your heart, mind, and body at peace? Are you contented with who you are and the circumstances you are in? Do you value this golden phase you are in and getting the best out of it? Are you at peace with the hard lessons that life has thrown your way?

In Psalm 9 2:4-6, we read, “For you, lord, have made me glad through your work; I will triumph in the works of your hands. O lord, how great are your works! Your thoughts

Youth and Life

are very deep. A senseless man does measures themselves against the not know, nor does a fool understand Jonases next door. The youth of our this.” time have been cornered by the societal pressure of materialism This should remind us that we are being the yardstick of success. You magical. We are great works, the must be flashing the notes, the products of God’s hands. He cares vehicles, the clothes, the looks, for us deeply! Yet, we are busy the phones, all the while dropping undoing this good work by seeking names of big shots and lounging elusive happiness in things that are in posh hotels. But in the end, you not worthy. We have seen countless run on empty as you try to measure people hating their bodies and looks up in a fake existence. Yes, money for they have a flawed idea drawn makes things comfortable, but is it from the media and fashion around all there is to life? As you struggle to them. At this time, social media get the latest, it soon fades to shady updates really glossy pictures of “the and you have to start all over again beautiful ones” yet, we forget the in a vicious cycle that drains. The manipulations these images undergo discontentment creates a deep crater digitally covering all traces of what in your heart and soon enough, you is realistic. Looks can be deceiving are a bitter frustrated youth. What a and especially those presented in the waste! public space. No wonder it has been said that all that glitters is not gold.

Therefore dear youth, value the little things in life for they are what makes Then comes in the success scorecard your life so precious. Enjoy this according to the world. Everyone period of your life for it is the most

resourceful and adventurous with infinite opportunities. Be yourself and accept who you are for this is what makes you unique. Make the best of your real world rather than imitating others and living other people’s lives and finally being a fake.

Value true friendships rather than following the crowd who gamble with your psyche and leave you turned inside out and squeezed dry of your humanity. Cherish what God has given you for He is the giver of life and has the best intentions for you.

Learn to be contented. Learn the art of contentment. Learn the patience that results in contentment. Learn to count the stars in the vast sky of every night of life.

Adieu

The Favourite | 15

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Faith and Healing

D N E A UD M T I L T A E R C O TH M F N OR I T S

– T M N E RI M LG SH PI RI D U N O N OU AL B U EN T V I IR EA SP Y H B

There is an old Christian song with the following lyrics:

If the storms of life are before you, Fix your eyes upon the lord, Never think that you’ll be tempted, You’ll be traveling on the right road.

Are you traveling on the right road?...

18 | The Favourite

Faith and Healing And in the bible, we read of an encounter in the storm. Mathew 8: 23- 27 (NIV)

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.

But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him saying, “Lord save us. We’re going to drown!”

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Often times when we face tribulations in our lives, we tend to lose ourselves and drown in the swirling waters. It is difficult to remain calm when everything around you is in shambles yet this is what God and life expects of us.

The disciples could not understand how Jesus would be asleep in such troubled times yet He knew the secret of who was in control and one word from Him calmed the storm.

What storms are creating havoc in your life today? Each one of us can come up with a mega list of what is wrong in their lives. And just when

one issue is sorted, another crisis arises. There is no break to take a breath. You run around meeting the demands of work or school, targets have to be met left, right and center. On the roads, everyone is in a rush speeding and overlapping creating enormous traffic snarls.

Economically, everything is so tight that the shilling you break your sweat to make is soon swallowed by ever present needs of food, shelter and clothing. Our bodies and minds are so overstretched that we end up in hospital queues with aches that are unending incurring medical bills that are astronomical. If it is not the threat of terrorists or armed thugs, then it is the wanton embezzlement of public funds leaving our country’s resources bankrupt. The list is endless.

The word of God encourages us to be strong in all times. It gives us the assurance that God is in control of everything that happens around us. It reminds us again and again that anxiety has no place in facing our storms. The disciples knew that their human power had a limit.

Most were seasoned boatmen but things were proving too dangerous.

They thus all went to the one source of help. They told Jesus their fears.

They committed their lives to Him. He challenged their little faith and rebuked the waves. All was still.

So when you are overwhelmed by everything that is happening around you, it is important to seek God and tell Him your fears. It is not a weakness; rather it is a step of faith.

For sure He will calm the storms in His own time and His own way.

Problems will always come our way but we have an ever present help.

It will not do good to run around frantic and confused. Build your character resources. Teach yourself to be calm for this is what will give you a sober mind to approach difficult situations and get solid answers. Teach yourself the value of fortitude. It will give you a solid foundation to weather the storms that come your way without being blown away. Just like Jesus, be the calming effect, the anchor that holds everything together in your family, school, workplaces, nation or wherever else you are in times of crisis.

The Favourite | 19

Fashion & Style

JOURNEYING THE MODEL INDUSTRY IN MOMBASA As the world becomes a digital village and technological advancement opens the world to more market space, modeling has found its niche in Kenya.

Fashion is a main-stay of human existence and models will always be in demand.

Many young people ask, how can one be a model in Kenya?

Do you have a passion?

Modeling as a career is demanding and has challenges just like any other job. You need the drive that will help you hang on when job demands overstretch you.

Do you have credentials?

Modeling is not just about looks.

Whereas looks factor in, there are many other dynamics related to jobs.

Your education exposure gives you a competitive edge and opens your mind and world to become a better model.

Do you meet the requirements?

Basically, modeling agencies have requirements and you must find out whether you meet them or not even the basic ones of height, weight, size and shape.

glamour? Also can you be relied upon to do your job with integrity and professionalism?

In Mombasa, the city is a bit quiet, a lot of aspiring models don’t know where to start.

I interviewed some em model trainees and their main challenge is finding opportunities. The culture also as opposed to Nairobi might view modeling as something out of the norm.

The talented models don’t have a platform but they are polishing their skills in hopes of getting the proper Avenues.

Jedida from Mombasa kept wishing to participate in different Pageantries in Kenya like Miss World and she felt like she had the right training. She has gained a lot of confidence. Just like her a lot of models are looking to get into pageantry.

What are your options?

Miriam, a fierce high fashion model has always wanted to be on the runway. She didn’t know where to begin but catwalk training helped to mould her to become a model.

Where are you based?

Models like Ashley have learnt that confidence in finding yourself and knowing your worth is very important.

Are you planning to do modeling part-time or full-time? Know what you really need and make the right decisions.

Modeling opportunities will present themselves based on where you are based. For example, Nairobi will have more openings than Mombasa. The place you are in also determines the type of modeling gigs.

What is your personality type?

Modeling jobs are high pressured.

Are you capable of working under stress, meeting deadlines and retaining your stability in an industry where there is a lot of public glitter which may not measure with the reality away from the public

20 | The Favourite

Zaina emphasizes that the society thinks modeling is not a decent career. She would like to encourage models to go for it anyway and do it with determination.

Lincy and Sophia would like to be designers, catalogue models , brand ambassadors and promotional models in the future.

By Ericah Christensen Models from EM MODELS AFRICA

Fashion & Style

The Favourite | 21

Fashion & Style

22 | The Favourite

Fashion & Style

The Favourite | 23

Real Life

ETIQUETTE TAMING OUR CONVERRSATIONS

By correspondent Conversations are the centre-piece of human communication and we should all aspire to carry out conversations that are positive. Etiquette or politeness or courtesy is an important ingredient that will result in succesful interractions in our day to day lives. It is important to observe the following:

A good conversationalist must respect other people. People have diversity and every individual must be humble and wise enough to accommodate other people’s opinions, feelings, way of life, age and status. Any conversation is based on mutual respect.

Every conversation involves different people and different situations. It is important to understand the dynamics involved in each and converse accordingly. What is acceptable in an informal situation will for example be unacceptable in a formal situation.

Every language has polite forms or expressions and an individual must learn to use them appropriately and honestly. A careless word or gesture can do great harm in any conversation. Always be polite no matter the situation.

A conversation will always be carried out as the individuals involved take turns to contribute. It is important to allow for this turn-taking to progress seamlessly. Do not dominate a conversation or interrupt others rudely. Always observe the rules of turntaking.

24 | The Favourite

Social media is with us and online chats are taking a new life of their own. Always know that even in virtual space and with limitless exposure, etiquette is crucial. Do not air your dirty linen or bully others in cyberspace. Always remember that thousands are linked to you at every second worldwide and one wrong move can create havoc. Just be responsible with your posts.

Conversation is a skill and art.

Strive to become better everyday and correct your weaknesses

Traditional Braised Beef

• Serving : 4 people • Quick Meal: 55 Minutes • A good Lunch option with flattering results

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 top stewing beef cube 1 kg short beef ribs 2 tablespoonfuls of vegetable oil 1 large onion 1 spring onion 3 medium size tomatoes 2 potatoes quartered 1 rosemary leaf 2 carrots cut into 1 inch chunks Some coriander leaves 1 cup of beef stock 1 garlic (grated/minced) 1 tablespoonful of salt 1 ml of white vinegar

METHOD

1. SEASON BEEF RIBS IN WHITE VINEGAR AND SALT FOR 5 MINUTES 2. In a regular cooking pot add vegetable oil and heat briefly.

Sear the ribs in the oil for about 1 minute per side then set them a side to cool.

3. In the heated oil, put the chopped onions and heat until they turn golden brown. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

4. Add tomatoes and allow them to cook. Pour the beef stock into the tomato sauce and add the top stewing beef cube. Leave them to simmer for 3 minutes.

5. Add the beef ribs in the sauce placing fresh rosemany leaves on top of the beef and cover the pot.

Allow it to cook for 45 minutes.

6. Fry the potatoes and spring onion for 5 minutes as the beef cooks.

7. 5 minutes before the beef is done, add the pan-fried veges and cover the pot to cook together. Add the inely chopped coriander leaves to enable coriander aroma release in the beef broth.

NB : braised beef ribs are often served with mashed potatoes.

By chef Ken Sunside Guest house

The Favourite | 25

Health & Nutrition

H STRESS

AND YOU By correspondent Napoleon Hill stated that “Just as the great fundamental laws of life are embodied in the most common everyday experiences, so are the real opportunities often hidden in the seemingly unimportant transactions of life.”

Each one of us aspires for the best and we go to great lengths to ensure we are healthy. Yet this health can be greatly compromised when stress destabilizes all our system resulting in a medical crisis. It is important for every individual to understand what stress really is and how one can deal with it.

Stress has been classified into two types, external and internal. The examples of external triggers include alcohol, drugs, pollution, heavy workloads, loss and divorce while internal triggers include hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, high cholesterol and auto- immune diseases.

As you go about daily tasks, could you have noted any of the following symptoms?

• Insomnia • Loss of appetite • Food/sugar cravings • Constant fatigue • Mood swings • Anxiety • Depression • Weight loss Perhaps, you need to re-assess your physical and emotional health for these are clear signs of a stressed individual.

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So, how best can you utilize opportunities to manage stress in the basic aspects of life?

• Understand and appreciate your personality and body type. You hold the key to making your own life the best.

• Respect your body based on the knowledge that if it breaks down, your life crumbles. Treat it tenderly by eating healthy, doing exercises, seeking fresh air and sleeping well.

• Develop a positive mindset and say no to pumping negative baggage into your emotional space.

• Plan and be organized. It simplifies the tasks you have to do every day.

• Knowledge is power. Seek it to understand situations that come your way.

• Smile and be happy. It is a priceless art. Master it.

• Grass is always greener on the other side. That’s a mirage. Take the patch on your own beautiful lawn.

• The best things in life are free.

Enjoy the blue sky and the splashing waves. Admire the beauty of flowers by the roadside and butterflies on bushes. Marvel at the sincerity of a toothless grin in a gurgling baby and a shrunken old person.

• Let go. Keep down the baggage wearing you out.

• Lean on God and appreciate His power in your life.

Health & Nutrition

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CAWA HEALTH

We treat and cure Piles/Hemorrhoids

Ovarian cysts and PCOS

We are located at Kasarani along Mwiki road Kasarani Biashara Center .

Ground floor room A21 next to Powerstar Supermarket Contact: 0726331747