I keep on getting emails asking whether I am the Naijamum / 9jamom who said this or the other - so I wish to make things simpler by using the acronym N.I.L (Naijamum in London)
Hope this clarifies things
Back soon
xoxoxoxo
Showing posts with label About Me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Me. Show all posts
Saturday, 4 June 2011
General Housekeeping
I keep on getting emails asking whether I am the Naijamum / 9jamom who said this or the other - so I wish to make things simpler by using the acronym N.I.L (Naijamum in London)
Hope this clarifies things
Back soon
xoxoxoxo
Saturday, 28 May 2011
In My Bag
Sis Yemmie tagged me in a bag meme. This involves taking a picture of my bag and all its contents.
This woman sef. I just thank my lucky stars that I have a designer bag or I would have died from shame. LOL
Anyway, here is a picture of my bag and all its valuable contents:
As you can see, this designer bag is a 'Buzz Lightyear' bag from the film 'Toy Story 3'
The contents:
(1) Disposable Spoon and Fork
(2) Drinking Straw
(3) Bottle Opener
(4) Serviette
(5) Toothpick
These items are in my bag because I like food and I aim to be always prepared - just in case I 'jam' free food.
LOL....Just kidding guys, That's my son's school lunch bag !
Here is a pic of my real bag:
The contents:
(Left to Right)
- Large Notebook: I use this for work-related stuff i.e. jotting down tasks, key info at work. I know a lot of people like using Windows Outlook to record tasks but I'm not a fan - because I like writing a daily list of work tasks and then smugly striking off whatever I've done. I also dont like the constant reminders you get from Outlook. It can be distracting when you are in the middle of something else.
- Smaller Notebook: I use this for personal notes i.e. ideas for research, this blog or poetry drafts
- Sunglasses: As soon as I see a single ray of sunshine I put them on. LOL. Na one life oh....you have to rock that swagga.....any way, any day !
- Wallet: Loads of stuff in here...Old reciepts, Bank cards, Store cards ....little cash
- Novel: Adam Hochschild's 'King Leopold's Ghost' is about the exploitation of the Congo Free State between 1885 - 1908. It explores the atrocities committed by European colonial rulers in Africa. It is not an easy read at all. However, I am a firm believer in knowing more about the past because it often affects the present. As Bob Marley sang in Buffalo Soldier:
''If you know your history,
Then you would know where you coming from,
Then you wouldn't have to ask me,
Who the 'eck do I think I am''
Then you would know where you coming from,
Then you wouldn't have to ask me,
Who the 'eck do I think I am''
- Hand Cream
- Hand Sanitizer: This is an atiseptic alcohol rub - that I use when I am out and about in town. Particularly if I've been on public transport/ have used public bathrooms
- Red USB: For work stuff
- Black USB: For Personal Stuff
- Pens
- Pocket Tissues
- Packs of Dried Mango and Plaintain Chips: I always have some nibbles in my bag because I often dont have time for breakfast and I want to avoid buying junk
- Bottle of Water: I try to have some water on me because you can never tell when you will be stuck on a train mid-journey
- Phone
- Keys
- Comb
- Oyster Card: For travelling around London
- Trident Chewing Gum: For freshening my breath
- Make up Bag
- Umbrella: In the UK, rain is never far away
Well, I dont know what my bag says about me. What do you think??
I'm now tagging the following people:
If I failed to tag you please forgive me......However, do let me know what you think my bag says about me !
Have a fab weekend
xoxoxooxoxox
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Celebrating Food
When I was growing up, I hated cooking because it was sooo tedious.
Every time I was told the cook, I knew that the whole process would be bogged down by unnecessary stress. Either one had to contend with erratic power supply (meaning blending cooking ingredients by hand) OR one had to deal with scarcity of cooking gas (meaning one had to use the kerosene stove) OR one had to go through the laborious process of boiling meat, chopping vegetables, washing beans, peeling yam, chopping vicious onions, chopping hot pepper (ata rodo) while trying to avoid the Major General (my mum) who was quick to point out any culinary mistakes.
Woe betide you if my mum was cooking and you were somewhere else ..mmm...Who born monkey ! She was constantly reminding me that I had to learn how to cook OR ELSE...........LOL
Needless to say, I avoided cooking whenever I could. I was relieved when I left for university as this meant that chore was now done with. However, after graduating from uni, moving to Lagos and living alone in my own little flat; I began to appreciate cooking as a skill. Maybe this was because it was done on my own terms and at my own pace. I could cook whatever I liked, whenever I felt like and however I felt like doing so. I then began to realise that being able to cook not only saved you money, it also meant you were in control of the quality of what went into your mouth - and body. It also meant that you could bring people together.
Food has a special significance for me. If a friend is celebrating, mourning, happy, sad, excited, overwhelmed......my first instinct is to make something nice and take it round to them. Food brings people together. Indeed, a clear sign that a stranger has been accepted is when his/her neighbours invite him/her round for a meal. Again, a giving person is more likely to share a meal with you or even share a recipe with you.
I now love cooking and despite our differences, I always give kudos to my mum for teaching us how to cook. Not only cook ...but cook well. Since I started blogging, I have come across several fantastic food bloggers - all on my blogroll.
However, one in particular has impressed me - with her attention to detail, consistency, presentation skills and passion for food. Indeed, she has motivated me to start trying new recipes. For example, her Puff Puff recipe was given to me upon request and I have to say it was so easy to follow. Same with her Moi Moi recipe.
This post is dedicated to 9ja Foodie - a blogger who consistently delivers. What is even more amazing about her is that she has proper recipes - as in measurements and stuff. Haba! I HAIL YOU OH!!!!
Here are a couple of meals I've prepared over the past few months...Enjoy...........:
PS- I meant to take more pictures but sometimes I was too hungry to get the camera LOL
Every time I was told the cook, I knew that the whole process would be bogged down by unnecessary stress. Either one had to contend with erratic power supply (meaning blending cooking ingredients by hand) OR one had to deal with scarcity of cooking gas (meaning one had to use the kerosene stove) OR one had to go through the laborious process of boiling meat, chopping vegetables, washing beans, peeling yam, chopping vicious onions, chopping hot pepper (ata rodo) while trying to avoid the Major General (my mum) who was quick to point out any culinary mistakes.
Woe betide you if my mum was cooking and you were somewhere else ..mmm...Who born monkey ! She was constantly reminding me that I had to learn how to cook OR ELSE...........LOL
Needless to say, I avoided cooking whenever I could. I was relieved when I left for university as this meant that chore was now done with. However, after graduating from uni, moving to Lagos and living alone in my own little flat; I began to appreciate cooking as a skill. Maybe this was because it was done on my own terms and at my own pace. I could cook whatever I liked, whenever I felt like and however I felt like doing so. I then began to realise that being able to cook not only saved you money, it also meant you were in control of the quality of what went into your mouth - and body. It also meant that you could bring people together.
Food has a special significance for me. If a friend is celebrating, mourning, happy, sad, excited, overwhelmed......my first instinct is to make something nice and take it round to them. Food brings people together. Indeed, a clear sign that a stranger has been accepted is when his/her neighbours invite him/her round for a meal. Again, a giving person is more likely to share a meal with you or even share a recipe with you.
I now love cooking and despite our differences, I always give kudos to my mum for teaching us how to cook. Not only cook ...but cook well. Since I started blogging, I have come across several fantastic food bloggers - all on my blogroll.
However, one in particular has impressed me - with her attention to detail, consistency, presentation skills and passion for food. Indeed, she has motivated me to start trying new recipes. For example, her Puff Puff recipe was given to me upon request and I have to say it was so easy to follow. Same with her Moi Moi recipe.
This post is dedicated to 9ja Foodie - a blogger who consistently delivers. What is even more amazing about her is that she has proper recipes - as in measurements and stuff. Haba! I HAIL YOU OH!!!!
Here are a couple of meals I've prepared over the past few months...Enjoy...........:
 |
| FRIED RICE AND ASSORTED MEAT STEW |
 |
| MEATPIE - NAIJA STYLE |
 |
| DODO (FRIED PLANTAIN), BLACK EYE BEANS AND FLAKED FISH SALSA |
 |
| DODO, ROAST PARSNIPS, ROAST CHICKEN, JOLLOF RICE, ROAST DUCK, MEATPIE, AND ASSORTED MEAT STEW |
 |
| SEAFOOD STIRFRY, SALMON WITH SOY SAUCE, RICE AND DODO |
 |
| MOI MOI IN PLANTAIN LEAF - 9JA FOODIE RECIPE |
 |
| LEMON DRIZZLE CAKE |
 |
| MOIST CHOCOLATE SPONGE CAKE |
 |
| SLICES OF CHOCOLATE AND LEMON DRIZZLE CAKE WITH CUSTARD |
 |
| HOT PEPPER SAUCE WITH GOAT MEAT AND DODO |
 |
| TILAPIA FISH WITH EFO RIRO AND STEWED BEEF |
 |
| JOLLOF RICE, BAKED CHICKEN AND MIXED SALAD |
 |
| POUNDED YAM AND BANGA SOUP |
 |
| HOME MADE BEEF BURGER, OVEN BAKED CHIPS AND KETCHUP |
 |
| RICE WITH HOT PEPPER STEW, ASSORTED MEAT AND DODO |
 |
| PUFF PUFF - 9JA FOODIE RECIPE |
 |
| MIXED SEAFOOD, NOODLES AND OYSTER SAUCE STIRFRY |
 |
| RICE WRAPPED IN PLANTAIN LEAF WITH OXTAIL STEW AND DODO |
 |
| SPINACH STEW WITH PRAWNS, COLEY FISH AND POMO |
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Sneaking in.......and saying thanks..
If you've ever tried sneaking in into a classroom, wedding or office late; you'll know how I feel right now.
I feel like I've been playing truant. Calling myself a blogger when I haven't even posted anything new in 24 days! Yes 24 days!!!
Oh...the shame!!!
And to make matters worse, I have been unashamedly visiting my fave blogs. Yup, if you are on my blog roll, I've been there ........reading, commenting and generally sighing at my laziness! To make myself feel better, I usually console myself by saying I have 'writer's block'! Hmph..that's a lie. I've been lazy - pure and simple *sneaky laugh*
Oh well, this is just to say: I have finally gathered enough energy to update my blog. I've even given it a facelift because spring is finally here!!!
So, my thanks to Pretty Lashes ; Adellemaria and Omobaadeteju for giving me the ONE LOVELY BLOG award. Thanks so much. I am especially honored because these lovely ladies are definietly women with good taste.....Yup, I can tell by the way they write!
Well, the award requires me to
- Tell you seven facts about me you aren’t aware of
- Pass the award to fifteen recently discovered blogs that I “really” like
- Notify the lucky chums of their awards
......7 facts about me that you arent aware of:
(1) I find it hard to judge people because I have recieved unbelievable acts of kindness from people you would usually avoid. On the other hand, I have witnessed disgustingly hypocritical acts of wickedness from seemingly 'pious' people.
(2) I don't care whether any of my boys marry a non-Nigerian. I just pray that God blesses each of them with a woman whom they love (and who loves them back) - and a home that will be an oasis from the wicked world we live in.
(3) I think religion is over-complicated by human beings. A christain who does not respect his neighbours is not superior to an atheist who is committed to helping others.
(4) If I won the lottery today, I would keep it quiet. However, I would sponsor indigent kids through school - quietly. I am a great believer in Education - as a great tool for self-empowerment and social mobility
(5) I would rather eat cream cakes than eat brocolli or spinach. However, I eat my greens because I want to look good! *sigh*
(6) I love to sleep.....I could sleep all day if I had the chance. My husband is still amazed by this! *smile*
(7) In my head, I still think I am 17. Whenever I look in the mirror, I wonder who that 'woman' is. In fact, I cringe when people call me 'madam'!! *sigh*
Well, as its taken me so long to reply......and most bloggers have been tagged, I wont bore you all by passing on the award........
However, I would like YOU to tell me just one thing your parents /spouse/ friends dont know about you
xoxoxoxoxoxox
I feel like I've been playing truant. Calling myself a blogger when I haven't even posted anything new in 24 days! Yes 24 days!!!
Oh...the shame!!!
And to make matters worse, I have been unashamedly visiting my fave blogs. Yup, if you are on my blog roll, I've been there ........reading, commenting and generally sighing at my laziness! To make myself feel better, I usually console myself by saying I have 'writer's block'! Hmph..that's a lie. I've been lazy - pure and simple *sneaky laugh*Oh well, this is just to say: I have finally gathered enough energy to update my blog. I've even given it a facelift because spring is finally here!!!
So, my thanks to Pretty Lashes ; Adellemaria and Omobaadeteju for giving me the ONE LOVELY BLOG award. Thanks so much. I am especially honored because these lovely ladies are definietly women with good taste.....Yup, I can tell by the way they write!
Well, the award requires me to
- Tell you seven facts about me you aren’t aware of
- Pass the award to fifteen recently discovered blogs that I “really” like
- Notify the lucky chums of their awards
......7 facts about me that you arent aware of:
(1) I find it hard to judge people because I have recieved unbelievable acts of kindness from people you would usually avoid. On the other hand, I have witnessed disgustingly hypocritical acts of wickedness from seemingly 'pious' people.
(2) I don't care whether any of my boys marry a non-Nigerian. I just pray that God blesses each of them with a woman whom they love (and who loves them back) - and a home that will be an oasis from the wicked world we live in.
(3) I think religion is over-complicated by human beings. A christain who does not respect his neighbours is not superior to an atheist who is committed to helping others.
(4) If I won the lottery today, I would keep it quiet. However, I would sponsor indigent kids through school - quietly. I am a great believer in Education - as a great tool for self-empowerment and social mobility
(5) I would rather eat cream cakes than eat brocolli or spinach. However, I eat my greens because I want to look good! *sigh*
(6) I love to sleep.....I could sleep all day if I had the chance. My husband is still amazed by this! *smile*
(7) In my head, I still think I am 17. Whenever I look in the mirror, I wonder who that 'woman' is. In fact, I cringe when people call me 'madam'!! *sigh*
Well, as its taken me so long to reply......and most bloggers have been tagged, I wont bore you all by passing on the award........
However, I would like YOU to tell me just one thing your parents /spouse/ friends dont know about you
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Stylish and Versatile Award
I have been awarded the THE STYLISH & VERSATILE AWARDS by Ibhade (Housewife Tales) and Atilola
Thanks for this honour. I feel really special - especially as I have only been blogging for two months.
Oh dear, I feel really emotional *sniff sniff*....and I really want to make an Oscar-type acceptance speech........Just Kidding!
According to the rules, I should say 7 things about myself. So here goes:
1) My faith in God is my strength. However, I believe in simplicity of worship so I hate Bible-bashers (people who constantly go around forcing the word of the Bible on everyone else - and claiming that everything BUT the Bible is evil). Being religous should not be a substitute for common sense.
2) I love Pidgin English! While my job is very academic (Research/ Education) and requires good English (spoken and written); I revert to Pidgin English whenever I talk with old Naija friends. If you see me dey nak pidgin, u go tink say I dey sell akara *smile*
3) I adore fashion - but I don't like spending too much money on it so I am not one to buy gold or expensive lace. So, it helps that I can sew and make costume jewellry!
4) I love learning new things - so I get excited whenever I meet fascinating people. This might explain why I enjoy having conversations with really old people and really young ones - because they say it as it is!
5) I absolutely love, love food and entertaining. That's why I'm in my element when cooking, baking and organising events that involve good food, wine, dancing, friendly people and lots of laughter! Basically, I love a good party!
6) I love daydreaming so I love reading, writing and watching movies. Escapism - and prayer - are my solutions to stress!
7) I am fascinated by Politics - and all the shenanigans that go with it. You can learn a lot about human psychology when you watch people with power (as well as those trying to get power)
I am now expected to give this award to 15 other bloggers....so here goes (in random order):
1) PRISM
2) P.E.T
3) BLESSING
4) STING
5) NOTMAD
6) CHI-CHI
7) 2CUTE4U
8) COY-INTROVERT
9) CHIZZYD
10) JUST DOYIN
11) HONEYDAME
12) KIARA
13) MIMI B
14) DOMINIQUE
15) GBENGA
Many thanks to you all .....here's what you have to do as an awardee:
1) Thank the blogger that gave you the award.
2) Then list 7 things about yourself.
3) Give out the same awards to 15 other bloggers.
4) Then contact them.
*Phew* This has been fun...I'm now off to contact the awardees.
P.S:.........I beg your forgiveness IF:
I have failed to nominate you OR
I have given you extra work! *smile*
Thanks for this honour. I feel really special - especially as I have only been blogging for two months.
Oh dear, I feel really emotional *sniff sniff*....and I really want to make an Oscar-type acceptance speech........Just Kidding!
1) My faith in God is my strength. However, I believe in simplicity of worship so I hate Bible-bashers (people who constantly go around forcing the word of the Bible on everyone else - and claiming that everything BUT the Bible is evil). Being religous should not be a substitute for common sense.
2) I love Pidgin English! While my job is very academic (Research/ Education) and requires good English (spoken and written); I revert to Pidgin English whenever I talk with old Naija friends. If you see me dey nak pidgin, u go tink say I dey sell akara *smile*
3) I adore fashion - but I don't like spending too much money on it so I am not one to buy gold or expensive lace. So, it helps that I can sew and make costume jewellry!
4) I love learning new things - so I get excited whenever I meet fascinating people. This might explain why I enjoy having conversations with really old people and really young ones - because they say it as it is!
5) I absolutely love, love food and entertaining. That's why I'm in my element when cooking, baking and organising events that involve good food, wine, dancing, friendly people and lots of laughter! Basically, I love a good party!
6) I love daydreaming so I love reading, writing and watching movies. Escapism - and prayer - are my solutions to stress!
7) I am fascinated by Politics - and all the shenanigans that go with it. You can learn a lot about human psychology when you watch people with power (as well as those trying to get power)
I am now expected to give this award to 15 other bloggers....so here goes (in random order):
1) PRISM
2) P.E.T
3) BLESSING
4) STING
5) NOTMAD
6) CHI-CHI
7) 2CUTE4U
8) COY-INTROVERT
9) CHIZZYD
10) JUST DOYIN
11) HONEYDAME
12) KIARA
13) MIMI B
14) DOMINIQUE
15) GBENGA
Many thanks to you all .....here's what you have to do as an awardee:
1) Thank the blogger that gave you the award.
2) Then list 7 things about yourself.
3) Give out the same awards to 15 other bloggers.
4) Then contact them.
*Phew* This has been fun...I'm now off to contact the awardees.
P.S:.........I beg your forgiveness IF:
I have failed to nominate you OR
I have given you extra work! *smile*
Friday, 3 December 2010
About me
I read a post on Myne Whitman's blog today and it was quite interesting.
It was all about answering a few questions to give an insight into one’s likes and dislikes. Myne also asked some other bloggers to to do same (answer the questions and then tag other bloggers)
I thought this exercise is a great way to know more about other bloggers while letting others know a little bit more about me at the same time.
So this post will be all about answering those questions. At the end of the post, I have tagged a couple of bloggers I would like to know more about.
If I haven’t tagged you, I would still like to know more about you.
However, these names came up first and I’ve also included what I would like to ask them:
- Nelson Mandela: Which person do you admire?
- Oprah: How does it feels to be so powerful?
- Tidjane Thiam: How do you feel to be the the first black person to become CEO of a major British company?
- Chinua Achebe: Who is your favourite author?
- Obama: What is your greatest worry?
5 Books that affected me:
Very difficult as I am a bit of a nerd, but apart from the BIBLE, these five are unforgettable:
- Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: The language was so vivid
- Jagua Nana by Cyprain Ekwensi: Everything about Jagua Nana was so new to me
- To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee: Gave me an insight into racism
- Roots by Alex Haley: Made me realise what slavery was all about
- Rosa Lee by Leon Dash: It made me understand where guests on Jerry Springer came from
5 favourite movies:
Again, this is really difficult but these 5 come to mind as unbeatable:
- The Godfather 1 & 2
- Schindler’s List
- Fargo
- Scarface
- The Usual Suspects
............From these choices, you can tell I am a bit of a tomboy....*smile*
5 things I can't do without:
My top five after my family:
- Good food
- Love
- Movies
- Internet
- Books
5 turn ons
- Confidence
- Thoughtfulness/ Kindness to other people
- Intelligence/ Common sense
- A willingness to learn new things
- Honesty
5 turn offs
- Body odour
- Narrow mindedness
- Holier than though attitude/ Being judgmental
- Being fake (fake accents etc) and ‘effizy behaviour’ (showing off wealth/ pretending to be wealthy)
- Ignorance/ Follow follow
...........So now I tag the following people:
Nitty
Temiville
Dominique
Blessing
JustDoyin
If I haven’t tagged you, I would still like to know more about you. Thank you!
Have a fab weekend.
It was all about answering a few questions to give an insight into one’s likes and dislikes. Myne also asked some other bloggers to to do same (answer the questions and then tag other bloggers)
I thought this exercise is a great way to know more about other bloggers while letting others know a little bit more about me at the same time.
So this post will be all about answering those questions. At the end of the post, I have tagged a couple of bloggers I would like to know more about.
If I haven’t tagged you, I would still like to know more about you.
About Naijamum:
5 Famous people I would like to meet:
I got confused as there are quite a few people I admire. However, these names came up first and I’ve also included what I would like to ask them:
- Nelson Mandela: Which person do you admire?
- Oprah: How does it feels to be so powerful?
- Tidjane Thiam: How do you feel to be the the first black person to become CEO of a major British company?
- Chinua Achebe: Who is your favourite author?
- Obama: What is your greatest worry?
5 Books that affected me:
Very difficult as I am a bit of a nerd, but apart from the BIBLE, these five are unforgettable:
- Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: The language was so vivid
- Jagua Nana by Cyprain Ekwensi: Everything about Jagua Nana was so new to me
- To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee: Gave me an insight into racism
- Roots by Alex Haley: Made me realise what slavery was all about
- Rosa Lee by Leon Dash: It made me understand where guests on Jerry Springer came from
5 favourite movies:
Again, this is really difficult but these 5 come to mind as unbeatable:
- The Godfather 1 & 2
- Schindler’s List
- Fargo
- Scarface
- The Usual Suspects
............From these choices, you can tell I am a bit of a tomboy....*smile*
5 things I can't do without:
My top five after my family:
- Good food
- Love
- Movies
- Internet
- Books
5 turn ons
- Confidence
- Thoughtfulness/ Kindness to other people
- Intelligence/ Common sense
- A willingness to learn new things
- Honesty
5 turn offs
- Body odour
- Narrow mindedness
- Holier than though attitude/ Being judgmental
- Being fake (fake accents etc) and ‘effizy behaviour’ (showing off wealth/ pretending to be wealthy)
- Ignorance/ Follow follow
...........So now I tag the following people:
Nitty
Temiville
Dominique
Blessing
JustDoyin
If I haven’t tagged you, I would still like to know more about you. Thank you!
Have a fab weekend.
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