NAFSI WRITER, Author at Nafsi

Drink & Food June 11, 2020

Eric, 12: “I Bake Every Day”

When his mother informed us about Eric’s love for baking, we immediately wanted him to share his story with us. Mrs Wanjiku Wambugu told us that we could speak to the young boy directly. He handles his own business, she said. Talk about this kind of independence at a tender age of 12! How impressive!

We got in touch with Eric. We agreed for an interview that was to take place few days later. He set up a video meeting but we had to change to a different model.

Eric is a budding pastry chef from Mombasa. When you follow him on social media, you will see the many cakes among other pastries which his clients shared. He is so passionate about it that he bakes every day.

NAFSI How did you start learning how to bake?

ERIC I got the interested in it when I was five years old watching my mother bake cake. I would go on to learn on YouTube. That was quite hard for me. I went to do three courses at Valentine Cake House in 2018. I wanted to learn new things. Here I am now. Over the years I have been able to make cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, doughnuts, mahamri, layered cakes, pizza, and carrot, marble and vanilla cakes.

NAFSI Do you have any special ingredient that you use in your craft?

ERIC I do not have a special ingredient. I use the traditional creaming method. All I need is to make the base of the cake connsisting of margarine, flour and sugar. Once I make that I can choose any flavour whether it is orange, vanilla, and so on. When it comes for decoration, I use thick whipping cream. I avoid butter cream completely.

NAFSI It is interesting that this is your passion and business. How is the business at this time?

ERIC I have been selling cakes since 2018 when I was doing my course. I did not sell as many as I had hoped to since school was taking most of my time. But now that I am at home, I have been able to bake and convince people to buy. I bake every day. There are customers who are afraid of giving me big orders since I am young. Some would order from me and from someone else so that in case I do not deliver, they have a back-up plan. I always deliver.

I have had so much time on my hands now that I learned how to bake blackforest and whiteforest cakes, and brownies. I go through websites. I read cookbooks. I bake.

NAFSI Do you follow a health conscious baking or you are all about sweet treats?

ERIC I reduce the amount of sugar I put in my cakes. There is already sugar from the cream. Since I am in an Indian school and the community do not eat eggs, it was a challenge learning to bake without eggs. I have experimented a lot of times trying to find a perfect recipe for an eggless cake.

NAFSI How have your parents supported you through this journey?

ERIC My mother started all of this. She is the one who encouraged me to begin baking. My father is not a fan of cake but he has been able to support me financially. Both my parents support me financially and emotionally. There have been days when I have faced disappointment and they have been there motivating me to grow through it. My food critics are my brothers.

NAFSI What is the biggest lesson baking has taught you?

ERIC It is a skill that I have. When I follow a recipe and it does not turn out good, there are many more different recipes to follow. I can look at the internet right at this moment and see the many other recipes to explore. When a cake does not come out as good as I hoped it to, I can still make a great cake next time.

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Exhibitions June 1, 2020

Virtual Art And Photo Exhibition To Explore Today

If you have ever wanted to experience an art exhibition but for one reason or another that is yet to happen, then that has been made possible from wherever you are. You can now get lost in exhibitions from around the world.

And the first art and photo virtual exhibition to be witnessed in Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic is taking place now. Visual artists and photographers are documenting the current times surrounding Covid-19 for the digital exhibition. Picha Images are the organizers of the exhibition.

Since most art galleries are closed from the public at these times, the creative industry is sharing more of their work online. More people are now able to interact with art, whether that is in live concerts, song releases, and now an art exhibition.

We share some of the images that are compiled by Picha Images for Africa Covid Exhibition. You could check the many others using the hashtag #africacovidexhibition and on their website africacovidexhibition.com

Visual artists and photographers can continue to submit their works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram before June 6 using the hashtag.

Image courtesy: Samod Wilson @paintingonpurpose

The piece above by Samod Wilson from the US explores the desire of children to go and play outside as they would normally do before the pandemic hit.

It is a reality for many parents now who are trying to explain to their children why they should stay inside the house. Children may also not be fully aware of the situation. And they seek answers from parents who are not certain when it is safe for them to go outside.

Image courtesy: Michael Soi @michaelsoistudio

If you have ever stepped outside your home even once or watched the news, you have certainly see some people wearing their masks wrong.

There have been concerns that wearing masks for a prolonged period of time can have other effects especially for children and anyone who has breathing problems. That aside, celebrated painter Kenyan painter Michael Soi expresses his worry for those who can wear masks but choose to do so wrongly to be cool.

By now you must have known that masks prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Kenyan illustrator known by the single name Machira explores parts of the fashion, identity and culture of the African people. The lady is seen wearing an African print mask and African jewelry.

Many people in Kenya are going for masks that are in full African colours and fabrics.

Image courtesy: Tito Onodera, Teddy Shakes, Moha Freeman, Mchula Art, Nuru, Shee, Dankiz.

This is a mural art by artists from Mombasa. Tito Onodera, Teddy Shakes, Moha Freeman, Mchula Art, Nuru, Shee and Dankiz took to a wall in Mombasa to celebrate the healthcare workers.

They have been at the forefront in fighting the pandemic. They risk their lives while saving those of others. They continue to spend days and nights taking care of patients.

Image courtesy: Peter Mwangangi @pitah_m

The world has seen a new normal. There has been lockdowns, companies adopting work-from-home lifestyle, increased online shopping, and so on. In one way or another we have all had to adjust.

Peter’s artwork smartly expresses that the best thing we can do for those we love is by following the directives put in place by the government. Wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, sanitizing and washing hands show that we care for ourselves and for others.

Image courtesy: Kesh Nthamba @kenyan_francophone

“Awareness in most informal settlement areas is still a great challenge. But two Kenyan organizations (Art 360 degrees and Foundation of hope) came together to craft public awareness on the Covid-19 pandemic with murals,” explained Africa Covid Exhibition on their page.

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Self-Care April 3, 2020

9 Ways Extroverts Can Recharge While Social Distancing

The main distinctive quality between ambiversion, introversion and extroversion is how people who fall into these personality types recharge.

Introverts gain energy by spending time alone for a good amount of time. They can be in social situations but they easily get overwhelmed and their energy gets drained. And they will need to retreat to solitude to their restore energy.

Ambiverts can be both, depending on their mood and the amount of time they have lived either of the two unique experiences. While it is a good balance, sometimes it is difficult for an ambivert to know what their soul needs. And paying attention to one of these needs while foregoing another could lead them feeling overwhelmed or underwhelmed.

And extroverts, the social butterflies as they are called, get energy when they are around people for a long period of time. They become livelier and inspired while their energy levels deflate when they are alone.

As we practice social distancing, say, you are an extrovert, how can you gain energy during this time?

Walk around your neighbourhood

While practicing physical distancing, go on a walk, a jog or a stroll in your neighbourhood. Sitting outside to feel the sun as you hear people going on about their businesses could also uplift your spirit.

Host a virtual get-together with friends

Plan a virtual contest where you can engage in an activity you enjoy. A movie marathon. A dance party. A baking contest. A cooking party. Record videos of what you are doing and send to one another. Anything that you and your friends can participate in from different locations.

Call your family, friends and colleagues. Also, catching up on what others have been up to has a chance of keeping you recharged. Long phone calls with each one of them can uplift your spirit.

Pursue a solo hobby

Photo by Francis Odhiambo who pursues mobile photography while social distancing/ courtesy

Contrary to popular belief, extroverts can spend time alone. It is only that they enjoy the presence of other people more than being alone. There is plenty of time now to learn a new skill and pursue your favourite hobbies. Some of the activities include baking, cooking, home decor, knitting, learning a new language. Or pursue an online course which are mostly free now.

Reconnect with yourself during this time. As one of my good friends said, this can be the time for all of us to rest, reflect and reset.

Open the windows

Ventilating our homes is crucial for our health. Also, letting in fresh air and light into your space could make you feel more alive. You could also hear the outside world, look outside the window, and possibly remind that we are all in this together.

Watch YouTube videos

Well, we definitely know that YouTube has a variety of content. From music videos, travel vlogs, comedy shows, talk shows, lifestyle shows, and so on, there is something for everyone.You can now actually ‘attend’ a concert you have dreamed of through your phone.

Bring the outdoors inside your home

Make your home as outdoor-inspiring as you possibly can by bring some aspects of the outdoors inside your home. Have outdoor cues within your reach to display in your home like gallery wall of photos and postcards, getting a plant, use outdoor scents or play outdoor sounds.

View Instagram Live videos

You can now actually ‘attend’ a concert you have dreamed of through your phone.

Instagram Live is a good source of entertainment. It allows a magnitude of people to connect and have fun. So far, DJ D-Nice, Sauti Sol, and DJ Stylez among others have entertained people live.

Many other personalities in Kenya and in other parts of the world are doing live workout videos, dance videos, cooking videos, and singing challenges which you can jump on.

Dress up as if you are outside

Staying indoors does not mean any of us has to look drab. If you are into make-up, get into it. Make your own hair, do your own manicure, wear what that makes you feel rejuvenated.

Relieve your exciting past

Look at old pictures in your photo album or phone gallery. Re-watch videos you took when you were out and about. Relieving the memories may help you recharge.

We would love to know, how do you stay social while social distancing?

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Drink & Food April 2, 2020

7 Teas To Treat Cold And Flu

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

It has become relatively cold in the evening in the past few days. Itchy throat, flu and blocked nose are common symptoms for those with allergies and colds. If you are experiencing this, there are types of tea you can make on your home to cure it. Nonetheless, we encourage you to consult with a medical professional if it persists.

The tea recipes are nearly all the same; washing the spices, grounding them and putting them into a saucepan of boiling water, lowering the heat and sieve when you serve. It is important to note that the smell of these teas have healing effects. Also, it is preferable to use ingredients in their natural forms instead of powdered spices to get the most of their nutritional value. Avoid peeling their skins too.

Before we forget, you can drink these teas in advance to prevent a cold or flu. Now here are some of the teas you can make at home to treat common cold and flu.

Turmeric Ginger Tea

Turmeric, ginger and lemon are all superfoods. Turmeric and ginger contain a high amount of antioxidants and antibacterial properties which relieve sore throat and cure the flu or cold. Lemons are full of Vitamin C which boosts immunity and thus helps the body fight the cold or flu. Inhaling its smell is a form of treatment.

Ginger Cinnamon Tea

Indeed there are many variations to explore when it comes to preparing tea. If you want to add a different flavor to your tea, you can opt for cinnamon. It is not only has aromatic benefits, but cinnamon also has many antioxidants which protects one from diseases and it is known to reduce inflammation.

Lemon Tea

Lemon is definitely a go-to fruit when it comes to curing flu and cold. Add honey and ginger for their natural favor and nutrients. Honey can help suppress coughs and heals sore throat. Inhale its smell when its hot to get these benefits too. You can serve hot and still drink when it cools.

Cayenne Pepper Tea

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which relieves cough and flu symptoms, soothes sore throat, and protects the nervous system. You can add vinegar, ginger or honey in your tea for sweeter taste and more nutrients. You will start feeling better almost immediately.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea can cure flu and fever. It smell relieves stress, relaxes the mind and it can sooth you to sleep, a thing which proves to be very difficult for a person battling flu.

Green Tea

It is packaged as tiny green tea leaves in tea bags. Its benefits are, however, huge. This tea boosts immunity, has antioxidants too which protects one from diseases, and it may alleviate flu symptoms.

You can add ginger and lemon too. The good thing about green tea or any of these teas really is that you can serve this while hot and still go on drinking it when it cools.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint has a strong smell which can help clear the nostrils. It reduces fever, coughs and throat infections. It also boosts the immune system and thus it is one of the best teas for fighting the cold or flu. Ingredients which go well with this tea are lemon and honey.

While we have confidence with all of these teas, we still encourage you to seek medical assistance if flu becomes persistent.

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Minding the Child February 10, 2020

Skills Children Can Learn From Keeping Piggy Bank Or Savings Jar

Photo courtesy: @joshappel on Unsplash

“Teaching kids about money is never just about money.” – Author Dave Ramsey.

CJ Ogolla, e-Resource Africa Network (e-RAN) director, explains as a reward, children are mostly given money which they spend on confectioneries immediately. This is one of the most common interaction children have had with money and then they are likely to keep asking for money to buy sweets. While he supports the idea of treating children, he is concerned that this experience teaches children that money is to be spent on as soon as they receive them, and money should be handed to them as soon as they ask. The idea of working for, saving or budgeting for money is yet to be experienced. And unfortunately, the saving culture has been reported to be low. How then can we also educate children about money?

“Saving is simple but the problem is that we wait for a large amount of money so that we can start saving. As we wait, we spend. Spending is infinity. We can never run out of ways to spend money. We can therefore regulate that by teaching children about the need to save,” he says. e-RAN sells children’s piggy banks as part of their mission of instilling financial literacy. CJ explains the values children can learn from keeping savings jar or piggy bank.

Self-discipline

Habitual saving of money instead of getting instant fulfillment out of spending it makes them more financially discplined. You can give them the freedom to take some amount of money from their savings when they need to buy things they want, invest or give out to charity. Also, encourage continous saving even as they use money from their piggy bank or savings jar.

Financial literacy

Equipping children early on with money management skills has a great potential of allowing them to make effective financial decisions later in their adulthood.

Since money management was neither taught at home nor in school, CJ states that there are many people from diverse professions struggling to manage personal finances in adulthood. As adults, a lot of unlearning and relearning has to take place to get better at handling money. If you are a parent and this has crossed your attention now, it is fine. It is never too late nor too early to teach children or oneself about money.

Planning and patience

Children learn to be patient as they watch their money grow. They also learn how to plan for the money they have keep in their piggy banks. CJ suggests that giving children the option to save some of the things they want for themselves, teaches them to avoid impulse buying. We then have children prioritizing their needs and wants.

Collaboration

Parents work with children to be financially literate. Some of the activities to do together are involving them in planning the household budget, allowing children to decide how they are going to use their own money, encouraging them when they make poor money choices, and sending them to the shop to buy items.

Sense of responsibility

Maintaining a habit to save builds conscious thoughts and actions around money. It teaches children on the value of money. For instance, if you have chidren earn by doing extra tasks around the house, you instill the essence of working hard for money and helps them to be more responsible with their money.

What is that one money lesson you hope children can learn?

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Reviews February 7, 2020

Art Of The Week | Sauti Sol Gives Us Retro Vibes With “Suzanna”

Photo courtesy: Sauti Sol

By now you have probably watched Sauti Sol’s new song, “Suzanna”, released earlier today. It is a fresh single off the band’s upcoming album “Midnight Train”. This album is to be released after signing a new recording deal with Universal Music Africa.

“Suzanna” is a love ballad to a young lady who has enhanced body features and changed her skin complexion. The song pleads with her to leave the fast life and come back home, uniquely sharing the message of self-acceptance that has been voiced through music in recent times.

The video opens with revellers outside a club. Some of them walk inside. We then meet the band on stage performing this song and then leads us to scenes in an old street and finally to a photo session. The piece takes us back to the 70s and 80s disco fashion of colourful clothes, long plaid pants, and afro and perm hair for men.

“Suzanna” is a catchy feel-good song with witty, memorable lyrics. Also, it displays the band’s distinctive style of traditional melodies and visual concept, complementing that with contemporary lifestyle, while addressing present societal issues.

The song is currently trending on YouTube and has leading at Apple’s playlist, “AfricaNow”. These are some of the responses you shared on social media platforms:

@Charles Wahinya #SautiSolSuzanna track will be the anthem of every media station, every matatu and every playlist. Talented people those ones.

@Sememshairi254 Something great. Something hit. They never disappoint. #SautiSolSuzanna.

@ItsOrapak This group is loved by many due to the quality of the songs they release.

Dianna Achando Sauti Sol is black excellence personified. AMAZING looks.

Here is a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFBJtuQ1Llc

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Mindfulness December 5, 2019

Getting The Most Out Of Journaling

photo courtesy: Ana Juma on Unsplash.

Say, journaling has crossed your mind as 2019 sets into the horizon. You get a journal at a bookstore. You look at it every day, thinking about what it is you are going to record as your first entry. Days fly by, you nearly forget about it. There are days when you open it, hardly jot down anything, close it and look at the page days later. Where do you start? How do you make it a practice?

This is the story of many journaling beginners.

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Books December 4, 2019

8 Exciting Places To Read A Book

Photo courtesy: David Njaaga

How do you spend your time reading?

Reception rooms, traffic jams, queue areas, restaurants before a date arrives are some of the popular places to crack a book. While it is commendable to always carry a book to devour in your spare time, it can be ideal too to schedule in a good amount of your time just to read. If you view getting lost in a book as an elemental part of our self-care regimen, what is better than to jazz up your reading experience?

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