CategoriesFood by

Spicy Lunch: Sweet Spicy Shrimps In Tomato Sauce

Hello, let’s talk some spice!
Hot peppers are a great way of making plain meals alive and flavorful. Do you know that adding spices to meals adds a healthy punch to it? Studies have shown that people who eat pepper have a reduced risk of experiencing several blood clotting diseases. Capsaicin, the main component in chilli peppers (cayenne, habenero, tabasco, jalapenos, paprika etc) has shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that significantly reduces pain (analgesic effects) while also working remarkably against rheumatoid arthritis.
Chilli peppers (dried or fresh) are loaded with vitamins A and C, thus are great immune boosters and effective in fighting colds. Spicy foods are an excellent remedy for relieving sinus congestion; clearing nasal passage to promote easy breathing. While eating spicy food sometimes, you may break out in a sweat. Why? Capsaicin boosts your metabolism by stimulating your body temperature and increasing your heart rate. Thus aiding weight-loss greatly.
Other benefits of eating spicy (fiery) meals include:

Reduced risk of tumor growth and cancerous cells due to the huge amount of antioxidants in capsaicin.
Reduced chances of diabetes.
Improved blood circulation.
Reduced risk of heart attacks.
Strengthened walls of blood vessels and heart muscles thus lowering blood pressure
Increased production of pleasure/happy hormones endorphin and serotonin to combat stress/depression.

Although spicy/peppery foods are beneficial to health, it’s however advised not to abuse its use. Deliberately eat spicy foods at least twice every week, your body will thank you for it! I love cooking with habanero peppers, but I consciously don’t over-indulge in it for fear of bowel irritation (diarrhea). I guess this is same for most people (especially non-yorubas).
Just like the Caribbeans, I love seafood and I love it spicy! Here’s something I enjoy making – savory shrimps in hot spicy and sweet sauce, with a nice tint of lime juice! This tasty recipe can be eaten with almost anything that comes (rice, noodles, pasta, and yam) or even as a dipping sauce for bread.

Ingredients:

1kg large peeled deveined shrimps
3 fresh tomatoes, pureed (can be substituted with 1 Tbsp Tomato paste)
6 habanero (ata rodo), blended
1 Tbsp chilli powder
2 Tbsps Ketchup
1 Tbsp Honey
1 Tbsp Cajun spice
1/2 cup Chicken stock
½ Tsp Garlic powder
2 Tbsps chilli sauce
2 Tbsps Cooking oil
1 Onion, finely diced
3 Garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp Lemon/lime juice

 
Instructions:
Mix shrimp, Cajun spice and garlic powder together in a bowl. Heat pan on medium heat, add a spoon of oil and stir fry seasoned shrimps for about 2minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same pan add the remaining oil then toss in the minced garlic and onions. Fry until transparent. Add all other ingredients except honey, ketchup and lemon. Bring to boil, stir well and then add ketchup and honey. Pour shrimps back and leave to simmer for 2 minutes.
Serve hot.

CategoriesHealth by

What To Do If You Notice A Lump

One significant way of staying alert and on top of your game with your breast health, is to know the normal look and feel of your breast. This way, you will notice any change or know what to look out for.
With regular breast self exams, you get to know your breasts better. How often do you undertake breast self examinations? Taking the time to look at your breasts is a start to it. Place arms on your hips and examine your breasts in the mirror. This will help you notice any unusual shape, distortion, swelling or coloration. You could also lift up your arms to do this check. Easy, right?
While still standing in the shower with your skin wet, lift your arms up and feel your breasts using your fingers in a circular motion, up and down, or vertically (try any motion that works best for you). Ensure to cover your entire breast area, cleavage, and armpit to carefully check for lumps. This procedure can be carried out while lying flat in bed as well.
Although a breast lump might be a symptom of breast cancer, not all breast lumps are cancerous. Discovering a breast lump can be a cause of great anxiety in any woman’s life but there’s really no need to panic. Studies have shown that at least 8 out of every 10 breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous).

Benign lumps could be:
A fibroadenoma – made up of breast gland tissue and tissue that helps support the breast gland tissue, a fibroadenoma is a firm lump that moves around easily in the breast. It’s quite common in younger women (below 30).
Sometimes, cracks in nipples make way for germs. A bacterial infection occurs and a collection of pus forms under the skin of the breast. Usually painful, this occurrence is known as a breast abscess in form of a lump.
Another common type of lump is a breast cyst. This is a smooth, firm fluid-filled lump quite familiar in women approaching menopause (from the ages of 30 – 60).
An injury or trauma to the fatty tissue in the breast can cause a lump. These lumps are referred to as fat necrosis and often heal on their own accord.
Another benign lump is lipoma. This is a fatty growth that develops within the fatty tissue of the breast.
Notwithstanding, should you feel a lump and you’re worried about it, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. A visit to the doctor will help tell you what type of lump it is and that’ll certainly ease your fears. And if cancerous, treatment can commence immediately.
Breast self-exams should not take the place of regular mammograms/ultrasounds. These professional checks remain the best ways to detect breast cancer early. With early detection, your choices of treatment are wider; it most definitely improves your chances for a successful treatment and survival.
 

CategoriesHealth by

Swimming for Fitness

Can you swim?
I can’t. I wish I could but I can’t and I have always been happy to blame my race.
Have you heard about the stereotype that black people are the worst swimmers? That was the perfect excuse for me not to attempt to swim. However, that stereotype just got shattered at the Rio Olympics so that excuse is gone.
I was still wondering why black people, especially black women, aren’t so keen on swimming then it came to me, same reason we are worried when we are out while it rains, our HAIR!
Also contrary to popular belief here in Nigeria, people from the Niger Delta are not natural born swimmers. I should know, I am most likely to sink than swim.
I know there are many factors that may discourage us from actually swimming or even learning to swim but I hope we can put them aside to reap the benefits.
Health Benefits of Swimming

All round body work out

It is not a decision between strength training and cardio. With swimming you get to do both

Builds Muscle Mass

Have you seen Michael Phelps’ body? I shouldn’t say more. Swimming is great for building muscle mass, definition and tone.

Family Affair

There is no age restriction for swimming. It can even be a fun activity for you to indulge in with the kids

Stress Reliever

Most people feel better after exercise because of the endorphins that are released during a workout. It is even better with swimming; being submerged in water brings a great feeling of calm

Low Impact

This simply means even if you are injured or pregnant, it is a sport you can participate in because there is less strain on the joints

Healthier Lungs

Your body learns to use oxygen more effectively since there is less oxygen in water where swimming takes place

Burns Calories

I bet you were waiting to hear this. You burn between 500 to 600 calories per hour of effective swimming. I would recommend this with any weight loss program
 

CategoriesLifestyle by

Dream Destination: Sydney, Australia

When I think of Australia I think of Chris and Liam Hemsworth, I think of Kangaroos, I think of that gorgeous accent. Maybe Australia is home.
If you are not worried about the 24 hour long flight from Lagos, I think it would be the ultimate adventure to up and travel to Australia. I am thinking specifically of Sydney, the harbour city. You can simply apply online for the Australian visa. I am sure you would be directed on the required documents.
You need to have taken the yellow fever and polio vaccines to enter Australia.
Top Things To Do In Sydney And Why We Love It There

Visit the Sydney Opera house

The place is basically the symbol of Sydney. You may not be one for the opera but you can at least admire its beautiful architecture. It is shaped like an origami sail boat.

Go Sailing

Most of us Nigerians have not really gotten the sailing experience. Take a ferry ride on one of the most dazzling waterways in the world. Not your usual brown water at all
 

Don’t Miss Out On The Food

Dine at Quay, Sepia, Rockpool just to mention some of the world’s best restaurants located in Sydney, Australia. A variety of cuisines are available. You simply must indulge.
 

Be Spiderman

Climb the Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge nicknamed “the Coathanger”. Visitors are free to walk or cycle across this vast structure that spans Sydney Harbour. Better yet, book one of the many expeditions which will take you high into the superstructure. No special climbing skills are required – twilight and dawn climbs are available.
 

Talk to the Animals at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

Visit the animals of Taronga Zoo at their incredible waterside address. The zoo houses 2,900 exotic and native species including gorillas, tigers, leopards, chimpanzees, giraffes, kangaroos and koalas and is a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. For the ultimate sleepover, book the Roar & Snore package, where guests camp overnight at the zoo
 

Explore the Night Life

 
It is always nice to explore the night life across different countries and cultures. You’re bound to have an amazing story to tell.

CategoriesLifestyle by

Lavish Kitchen Decor

I am not really a fan of the kitchen. There, I said it.
It is definitely not an issue of feminism. I enjoy cooking on rare occasions, and there are times when I wish I was more confident in the kitchen and had a variety of recipes up my sleeve. My mother traced my disinterest in domestic affairs to when she had a very tiny kitchen and would always chase me out. She believes I got used to not being in the kitchen and did not learn the vital things at a formidable age.
What I learnt from this is to make your personal space as comfortable as possible so that you and your kids can enjoy being there.
When looking for kitchen decorating ideas, take into consideration what inspires you. Given the fact that this room is the heart of your home, walking into it should evoke joy and energy.
There are so many styles you can use when decorating:
Kitchen Decor
Colours
Black and white colour patterns are simple yet elegant, whereas usage of colours like yellow and turquoise make for a bright and cheery atmosphere.
Signs
Novelty signs and marquee letters liven up any room. You can create a theme with these signs on placemats and tabletop decorations for subtle variety and personality.
Pictures
The living room is not the only area allowed to have pictures. Decorate your kitchen with family pictures and even include quirky paintings.
Stationery
Consider adding a chalkboard to jot down notes, events, grocery lists or recipes, as well as a big calendar that the family can all contribute towards.
Plants
Adding a lush arrangement or herb garden to the windowsill livens up the space (literally) and can balance out designs that may feel too heavy in one element or another.
Picking interesting materials is key for helping your design stand out. When it comes to counters, granite and marble countertops are elegant options, while concrete, limestone and stainless steel counters are a little more in vogue. For a bit of colour, add a bright mosaic tile backsplash or pick out a vibrant floor finish. Frosted cabinets are great for a more modern element, while painted cabinets make for a nice but inexpensive touch.
These kitchens would definitely inspire you:

Kourtney Kardashian’s kitchen, my personal favourite.
It is hard to miss that I am a big fan of Chevron patterns.

This kitchen stool is the cutest. You can get your local carpenter or artist to sculpt something for you different from the norm.

High cabinets are especially useful when you have little space.

 

Scout unique pieces from your local market. Don’t pick out regular cutlery, trays and all that.
This wine rack is so cute.

 

You should definitely check out Iponri market for home decor steals.

CategoriesLifestyle by

Time Management 101 – Maximising Your Time

Does it sometime seem like the hours of the day are not enough to do all you need to do? Do you have a lot of things to achieve and so little time? If yes, then keep reading we are here to help. We have compiled a few tips that will help you maximise your time and make the most of your day.
Make A List Of The Tasks You Need To Accomplish

Write down your plan; it could be for the day, the week or the month. Assign priorities and realistic timelines to your tasks. Divide your list into three parts – those that should be attended to urgently, those that could be done anytime during the week and those that are long term projects. This way, you don’t waste your time on a project that could be done later.
Focus On Your Most Productive Time of The Day
Keep note of your most productive time be first thing in the morning or late at night and try to get more things done at this time.
Keep Track of Your Progress And Rewrite Your List Regularly
Once you finish a task, cross it off the list and move on to other tasks. Rewrite your lists and re assign priorities regularly.
Block Out Distractions Such As Facebook And Other Social Media Unless You Use The Social Media To Generate Business
Remove all forms of distraction in the form of social media especially during your most productive time of the day. Social media could be a distraction to work if you are not using it for business purposes, in fact, some organizations block internet access to social media during corporate hours because it has proven to be a distraction in the work place.
Plan Ahead
Try as much as possible to plan ahead. Prepare for the next morning as much as you can the day before. You could set aside your clothes for the next day, arrange your work bag etc. Also cook in large quantities and store in the freezer.
Put Everything In Its Place
Ever been in a rush and couldn’t find something, maybe your house or car keys? This was me a lot of times until I started making conscious efforts to put things in their proper places. Make efforts to be organized, it will pay off in the long run in managing your time.
Delegate Tasks To Others
You don’t have to do it all by yourself, you will be more effective if you delegate tasks when necessary.
Sleep For 7-8 Hours Every Night
Easier said than done, right? You need to get the proper amount of sleep because it will help keep you alert and energetic and better able to handle anything a new day brings.

CategoriesLifestyle by

Simple Car Care Tips for Newbies

We all want our cars to run smoothly without any issue, but at times cars develop one fault or the other sometimes due to our own negligence. Here are tips for maintaining your car to help prevent unnecessary hassles.
Car Care Tips
Read the Owner’s Manual
You need to learn the details about your car; the maintenance schedule, fluid requirements, indicator lights etc. and all this information is contained in your manual, so please take time out to read it if you haven’t done so already.
Check Your Oil Level Regularly And Change When Needed
The engine oil is the lifeblood of your car. You need to change it at about 3000-5000 miles or more depending on the car manufacturer’s recommended schedule indicated in your manual.
Check Your Tire Pressure And Learn How To Change Your Tire
You need to make sure your car tires are inflated to the correct pressure, each car has its recommended tire pressure. You can check the correct tire pressure for your car in your owner’s manual or you can check the door jamb at the driver’s side.  You also need to know how to change tires so you don’t get stranded if you have a flat tire.

Check Your Car’s Vital Fluids Regularly 
This includes the brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid and radiator coolant. You can ask a friend to teach you how to check them properly.
Check Your Brakes
Check your brakes regularly for safety purposes.
Be Aware
Always be on the lookout for strange sounds or anything different in your car. Also pay attention to your car’s warning lights so you can carry out repairs when needed.
Keep Your Car Clean
Clean your car regularly making sure your headlights and windscreen are clean. Dirt eats away the paint of your car over time so wash your car as often as you can.
Find a Trustworthy Mechanic
I know it can be hard to find a trustworthy and skilled mechanic but it’s not impossible. Ask your friends or family to suggest good mechanics.

CategoriesHealth by

Fit For Every Occasion

Drink milk! It would give you strong bones and protect them against diseases. Drink milk, It would keep your teeth healthy and strong. These were basically the benefits of milk we were taught as kids, which without any doubt is true. However, have you ever thought about the benefits to your body beyond these?
THREE CROWNS MILK: OCCASSIONS TVC
 
For Three Crowns Milk, it’s not just about drinking milk, it’s about enjoying the numerous healthy benefits from every sip of milk. That means at whatever occasion or whatever moment you drink milk, be rest assured it provides you a dosage of healthy, nutritional value. Because, believe it or not, there’s so much you can get from milk than you know.
So why shouldn’t you keep drinking milk?

A good majority of us are aware of the recent fit-fam buzz and as such have taken on exercises and healthy diets in order to ensure weight loss, fitness and a general healthy lifestyle, which is absolutely the way to go. The amazing thing is apart from being an effective post-exercise rehydration drink, thanks to its calcium content, milk is also effective in weight loss as studies have proven that women who drink milk daily are more likely to lose weight than women who do not drink milk at all.
Milk also does wonders to your skin and this is no exaggeration. So make it part of your healthy lifestyle routine by taking two cups of the healthy Three Crowns Milk every day. This will keep your skin soft, glowing and popping! This is because milk contain the vitamins and nutrients that are essential to skin health. You really don’t have to have a milk bath before you get your skin to glow.
Just as you can’t take play away from a child, you also cannot take food away from a Nigerian. Unfortunately, many foods contain acids that cause people to experience heartburn. The good news is there’s a simple and totally yummy way to get rid of the pain; drink a cup of Milk. The cooling sensation and the thick consistency of milk helps to coat the esophagus and stomach lining to reduce heartburn.

Milk works as an effective stress reliever. The many vitamins and minerals contained in our milk helps to relieve muscle tension and calm your nerves. So, what better way to relieve that stress after a long and stressful day at work than a cup of the healthy Three Crowns Milk? And even when you need something to boost your energy during the day, reach for an ice cold glass of milk. You will feel alive and refreshed in no time.
Remember that every moment matters and being healthy is about getting the best out of every moment of our lives. So, pour yourself a glass of Three Crowns Milk today and stay healthy in every moment!
 

CategoriesFood by

Kiddies Lunch: Chicken Tikka And Pineapple Kabobs

The word tikka in India simply means chunks or pieces. Chicken tikka is a classic speciality from the famous Indian cuisines and rustling it up is as easy as A, B, C. Similar to kebobs/kebabs, tikka are super-yummy, versatile, good to the eyes (colourful) and certainly, easy to make. All of these make them kid-friendly too!
Kiddies love finger foods, they love chicken and they love colours. Preparing meals similar to finger-foods in presentation makes it almost impossible to resist. Today’s recipe is focused on one more way to get your little one enjoying his/her meal with no fuss. It’s also a fantastic way to get them eating healthily too – the addition of fruits to these kabobs ensures that!
Marinated in yoghurt and spices, then grilled on skewers till brown, these chicken tikka are bursting with colours and flavours; so tender they’ll almost melt in the mouth.
Mothers, here’s one for your kid…Chicken Tikka and Pineapple Kebobs!
 Chicken Tikka and Pineapple Kabobs

Ingredients:

1 kg chicken (breast or thigh) skin removed and cut into chunks
1 cup fresh low-fat/unsweetened Yoghurt
1 Tbsps Ginger paste
2 Tbsps Garlic paste
3 – 4 Tbsps Garam Masala Spice mix (can be substituted with a blend of cumin, coriander and black pepper)
½ Tbsp Red chilli Powder (Paprika is milder so it’s best option when considering kids)
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
Fresh Pineapple slices, cut into chunks
2 Tbsp Lime/ lemon juice
2 Tbsp cooking oil/melted butter
Salt
Seasoning cubes
Wooden skewers

 
Method:
Combine lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a bowl and let stand for about 30 minutes.
In another bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, seasoning cubes and chilli pepper. Blend thoroughly and then stir in the lemon and salt mix. Pour in chicken chunks and stir until chicken is well coated with the spicy yoghurt mixture. Refrigerate marinated chicken for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight.
Turn on barbecue grill or oven on medium-high heat (180-200C). Thread Chicken and pineapple chunks alternatively onto skewers. Brush with melted butter and place into oven. Turn intermittently and grill until cooked through.
Alternatively, grill chicken chunks first, then arrange onto skewers with fresh pineapples and serve. Chicken tikka can be served with rice, pasta or noodles. For variety, other fruits like apples, kiwis and cherries can be used.
Your kids will definitely love to have this tasty meal again and again!
***Recipe can be enjoyed by adults too.
 
 
 
 

CategoriesLifestyle by

Me-Time Ideas For Busy Moms

At one point or the other in our daily busy lives, we all need a break.
Mothers are no exception; though considered unneccessary by many and often shrugged off with a laugh, taking some time away from the busy world of parenting and home keeping to relax and recharge is a worthy investment.
With a busy work schedule, never ending to do lists, kids that keep you on your toes and sometimes (if not most times) meeting the needs of your husband, fitting in time for yourself can be quite tricky. But as infeasible as this self-indulgence may be, pampering yourself to some down-time is needful if you must stay on top of your game.
I’m sure you’ll agree that there’s nothing much a physically, emotionally drained wife/mother can do. But there’s a lot you can achieve by staying refreshed, happy, alert and healthy – all these you enjoy by having periods of me time.
A working mom? The demands of a full-time job may make it seem undoable but with adequate planning, creativity and time management skills, a me-time is possible.
Me times don’t have to compulsorily be away from home or lengthy. A short period of time (even as little as a mere 5 minute break) taken out for yourself to relax and do something you enjoy will do a lot of good. Consciously creating that time is a right step in the journey of self-preservation. Here are some fun helpful ways.
Going out with friends at least once a month can help you connect while also giving you a balance. Plan a lunch date or some girls’ night out. You’ll be amazed at how much refreshment this experience brings. And if your friend(s) have kids, a playdate can be scheduled so you can have time for some socializing while the kids have their time of fun too.
Treat yourself to some time at the salon. Get a new hairstyle and some predicure/manicure. If you can afford the Spa, throw a good session of spa treatment in as well. Relaxed, reloaded and gorgeous, that’s how such treats make you.
When last did you have a date with your spouse? Sneak in some special times with him and have fun cozy moments together (indoors or out). It’ll undoubtedly keep the spark going for your relationship while also giving you some personal bounce.
Hobbies are great for breaking up the daily grind. They help in taking your mind off stress. Got any? Indulge in it, and if not, find one that brings you joy.
Leave everything behind and take a walk, try out some yoga moves, or hit the gym. Exercises do have a way of clearing your mind, thus keeping you calm and energized.
Me-Time Ideas
Hit the mall

Trust me, shopping gives an indubitable thrill but while you’re at it, be careful not to overshoot your budget.
Can’t go out? Take a bubble bath, read a book, watch a movie or try out a recipe you’ve always wanted to but never got around to doing.