Jubilee Issue
AIM MAGAZINE
April Issue
Contents Editors Notes • Feature : Yohannes Sisiter's Good Eats • Fashion • Chew on this Book Review • Health • G-Spot Political Animal • Subscription
AIM MAGAZINE
Jubilee Issue
Editor : W
angechi R
uguaru Editor : E
va Githina Co-Editor : Wambui Wamuto
goria
Contribu Gerald M tor : ontgome
ry
Contribut
or : Susa
n Kabura Designer
- Sam Ga
thenji
AIM MAGAZINE
Editor’s Note
A Change Is Gonna Come! 2015 is upon us. And AIM Magazine wants to wish you all love, health and joy! I decided to play A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke as I typed this. This song gets to your bone and every living human can relate to this song in their own way. I bring up this song because so much happened in 2014 that has taken us back to checking our humility. Ebola, Michael Brown etc too many and sad to name, but it all comes down to you, what have you done different to bring change into your life and this world? A change comes from within, a desire to get to a different happier place, and it starts with you and me. This magazine has a lot of stories of people making changes, leaving their comfort zone and taking risks. The Yohannes sisters Lilly and Zeze’s rise into success is for me like watching a finished movie after reading the script. I heard stories of how they will start this empire, I saw their passion, I saw their struggles, a loss in the family that changed their priorities and to see them were there are, I have the biggest smile. Their designs are changing the fashion industry in Africa. On the other hand Dama, a passionate blogger who pens about fashion, what’s happening in society, is a force to reckon with. She will make you laugh at one point and then really make you think about issues that are so real. As she was submitting info to AIM Magazine she mentioned to me that she was robbed that day yet again, and she was struggling with her decision to move back home, she has written about this on her blog. These are real issues and someone needs to highlight them….enter DAMA…she is brilliant and I honestly love the change she is making with her blog. I really enjoyed putting this issue together, and I am praying for a transforming change, not only for this magazine but for you our readers. In 2015 make a change in your life that is geared towards your happiness or to make this world a little better, every change counts, and please walk away from anything that doesn’t add value to your happiness. Be humble, pray, laugh, travel and focus on your goals… a change is gonna come!
ru a u g u R i Wangech
Peace on Earth!
This issue is dedicated to Mr. Yohannes Debas!
AIM MAGAZINE
Jubilee Issue
Yohannes Sister’s Couture
COLLECTIONS AIM MAGAZINE
Hair and makeup by Yohannes Couture photos by St. Michael photo studio "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind". "Be the change you want to see in others" By Wangechi Ruguaru
AIM MAGAZINE
Feature
YOHANNES SISTER'S COUTURE Yohannes Sister’s Couture is a love child for the beautiful sister Lilly and Zeze. The business is named after their loving father Yohannes who brought them up with love and nothing less. You see this love in their family, it is a strong bond and I know their dad is watching them from above with great pride. The first thing you notice about their designs is the elegance and the details put into every outfit. AIM Magazine asked the sisters a few questions about themselves below: What is your full name and where are you from? Lilly and Zeze Yohannes – from Ethiopia What inspired you to start your business? We had the passion for fashion since we were kids and when we were in our teens, we always had a problem getting the right fit because we have curvaceous African bodies. So we thought custom making each dress to fit different body types would be a solution to many women around the world who have the same problem. And that was one huge inspiration to start our label. What considerations is top-of-mind for you as you run your business? Consistency of quality of our product, punctuality of delivery and of course one very important factor that is responsible for our success is our red carpet or 5star service and follow up we give our clients. What do you see as your business’ contribution to society? All our collections are created with a message to create awareness to women especially African women, who are subjects to many adversities. For instance, ''LIONESS ARISING'' collection represents the bold, confident and driven African women who broke social, cultural and male chauvinistic ideology to be who she truly is created to be. As from the business aspect, we are proud to say that we are playing an important role in the growth of Ethiopia's economy and the African continent in the long run. What are the foremost challenges you have encountered in starting and growing your business Starting any business in Africa has it's challenges and to name a few; shortage of
materials, consistency of high end finishing products, availability of skilled professionals in our field and copy right laws/regulations which are not reinforced strictly as yet. What 5 goals do you want to achieve in the next ten or so years? Expansion of our work force to cater to bigger markets Broadening the skills of our employees Opening more outlets in the capital Penetrating to different media's point of sale Expanding to international markets What is your favorite thing about your business? The bond we build with our clients, since each gown is made from scratch. We go down to the detail of consulting what accessories, hairstyles and make-up go best with our gown. Actually, we recently started styling big Ethiopian artists and we plan to take it to another level soon. But making a women feel good about herself is by far the best part of our business. Who is your hero and why? Our late father, mentor and teacher Yohannes Debas for sure. That's why we called our label Yohannes Sister's Couture. It was to honor him and also symbolizes the love, dedication and commitment he put to raise us to be strong, independent African women with a goal. What advice would you give young upcoming entrepreneurs? Never ever give up on your dream. Challenges and set backs are there for a reason, it's for us to learn from them. Nothing comes easy so hard work; determination and perseverance are key characters to success. And last but not least if you don't have passion for what you do, it's not worth wasting your time for it. What is your guiding philosophy in life? Love, love, love....if you don't make love as your guiding philosophy in life, you are as good as dead. Love is the foundation of our business What causes or issues are you passionate about? Violence against women. This issue needs a lot of awareness and attention especially in Africa. There are heart breaking AIM MAGAZINE
Feature incidents from all around Ethiopia/Africa but a lot of the victims don't even know their rights and due to our strict culture, they don't speak out. So with God on our side, we have a few projects in mind about educating the public and creating awareness. How do you balance your career with your family and social obligations? Obviously we are sisters, so you get to spend a lot of time together during work time and leisure so you can say it’s more like a family business with other members of our family also working for us in different departments, so that makes it easy. As for our social obligations, we do charity work. Once a month we make sure we feed less fortunate people, we also give free consultations for young and upcoming designers. We are also members in a couple of associations that are responsible in empowering women. Our driving force is to grow as a business while making a difference. What do you do on your down-time? We both love dancing salsa, it's our other passion. The best way to stay fit while enjoying yourself, Lilly also enjoys reading the Bible on her down-time; it charges her up for the week ahead. Zeze loves cooking and she is amazing at it. What is your favorite dish? Lilly’s favorite dish is a traditional Ethiopian dish called Doro Wat, which is a spicy chicken stew that you eat with special Ethiopian bread called Enjera. Zeze's favorite dish is also an Ethiopian vegetarian dish called shero also served with Enjera. Qualifications: - Next Design Institute Skills: - Sketching, pattern making, sewing, new color creations and marketing our products. Showcased:January 2013 – African Mosaique Annual Benefit Gala at Sheraton Addis. August 2013 – AGOA FORUM Origin Africa Designer Showcase at Sheraton Addis. Jan. 2014– African Mosaique Annual Benefit Gala at Sheraton Addis. March 2014 US-Africa Energy Summit Sheraton Addis. October 2014 Hub of Africa Fashion Week-Editors Edition. International Recognition: - 1. BBC – Africa in pictures: 10 – 16 January 2014 2. Style Cartel New York (Hub of Africa) 2014 Objectives: - Specialize in red carpet gowns inspired by African culture, our goal is to introduce, promote and sell African patterns, textiles and designs internationally. Email: yohannessisterscouture@gmail.com Website www. yohannessisters.com Address: +251 911 41 06 83/+251 923 00 20 56 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia AIM MAGAZINE
Feature
AIM MAGAZINE
AIM MAGAZINE
Good Eats
Squash Butternut Soup You will need: 1 medium sized butternut squash, peeled and seeded (save the seeds for garnish) 1 onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, chopped 1 ginger root, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp Salt 4 tbsp. cooking oil 1 liter water Preparation: Cut butternut into small chunks. To cooking pot, add cooking oil, onion, garlic and ginger and cook until translucent. Add squash, turmeric, black pepper and salt and cook for about 10 minutes. Add water and simmer until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. If you want a smooth soup, remove squash chunks with slotted spoon and place in a blender and puree. Return blended squash to pot and simmer for another 3 minutes. Roast the butternut seeds on a dry pan until golden brown and then pour into a mortar and grind with pestle. Sprinkle generously on each bowl of soup and then serve. Cooked food is not sold for goats. ~Kikuyu Proverb
AIM MAGAZINE
Sarah Mirie Collection was founded 2008 in Sweden by a human rights graduate/ designer who has a passion for fashion and wanted to created work of art of with east African touch. Her love for Art and Fashion and being inspired by African patterns and materials, started Sarah Mirie Collection and East Afro Jewelry collection was formed as her first line. Sarah Mirie Collection ideas have no limitation, the creativity speaks for itself. The collection has introduced salon instruments such as combs as jewelry. East Afro Jewelry Design is not a work of one person, but a passionate team is behind this project that is dedicated to create and inspire; The Designs are made by Sarah where she works alongside a production team. Sarah Mirie Collection understands that fashion describes a person as an expression tool but also fashion being lifestyle. The key mission is constant creativity and thinking outside the box. The main inspiration was East African fashion but with time Sarah Mirie Collection has grown from only designing jewelry to creating garments inspired by different cultures but also nature and unique patterns. Sarah Mirie Collection has been fortunate to showcase alongside talented designers in Kenya. Sarah Mirie Collection believes that creativity is infinite. Sarah Mire is a Kenyan that has spent most of her life in Sweden. As an artist, I trust creativity is an important element for growth within the Fashion industry. Sarah holds two degrees from Malmรถ University, where she majored in Human Rights, but her passion for fashion has inspired her to move back to Africa to pursue a career in the vibrant African fashion industry. Sarah has showcased her work in different fashion events in Kenya where she believes that the fashion industry is promising. She has also graced the cover of AIM magazine and also featured The people magazine /women essence to name but a few. To view more collection and to purchase: Sarah Mirie Collection FB: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=194783127200449 Sarah Mirie Collection / Perfection Edition Photo: Sarah Mirie Photography Make up: Sarah Mirie Model: Mary Kuol Director: Katherine Damaris
Good Read
GETTING TO KNOW DAMA AIM MAGAZINE
Good Read
If you read her blogs, you will find yourself in tears from laughter, Dama is a writer who pulls you in and you can immediately relate to what she’s talking about, unless of course it’s you she is writing about. She has guts to say what most of us are scared to say, her blog will leave you rethinking some of your fashion decisions, it will lead you to a good read, and also keep you in touch with events of the world. It’s a one stop blog full of life. AIM is a huge supporter of Dama and we wanted to introduce her to AIM readers....get to know Dama! Please tell us your full name and where you come from? Damaris Muga Can you tell us a little about yourself? I never really like this question. I do not really know how best to go about it. I was born and raised in Kenya. Shore of Lake Victoria to be specific. I hated the village because I grew up in it, but now I like it a lot! I went to Europe at age 21 stayed there for about 12 years or so. Moved about a bit, lived in Antwerp, Nurnberg, Paris, and visited just about every big city and smaller towns I could reach. Then got tired, bored and came back home (Kenya) for good. I am glad to be back but there are so many things that make that being back not fun at all. Am Atheist, I don’t know why I feel the need to say that, but my mother was extremely religious, and my father is a recently retired reverend of the Anglican Church of Kenya. So I grew up in church, the full shebang, then I grew up, I think my parents kind of paved the way to that. Mom was a teacher and pops a theologist, the real deal, universities, degrees and stuff, so we grew up with books all round. I love life and all nice things. How did you first get involved in blogging? Easy, kind of, I lived with my girlfriend in South B, (Nairobi) I had just come back from my long stint in Europe. And was just so bored of the fashion scene in Nairobi. By the way, Nairobi between then and now, that is a span of just 4 years has grown by leaps and bounds fashion-wise. We take more risks, we are bolder in color and the number of fashion bloggers has risen tremendously, but I digress. We watched the wedding show a lot, it is the cheesiest show on Kenyan TV if you ask me, though I don’t even watch TV that much, and we criticized a lot of stuff on that show and of news presenters and just basically people we saw on TV and on the streets. Then my friend one day says, you know you can blog this stuff. People just need to be taught that it does not have to cost you an arm and a leg to look good, et voilà! Toi Market the blog was born! What do you find most challenging about blogging about your topic? About the topic in itself, nothing really. When I start writing I usually can’t stop, ToiMarket is not just about fashion we talk about random stuff and throw in fashion. Time is a challenge, getting time to write about something is hard as blogging is hobby for me. I do not make money out of it. Also since I just do not blog for the sake of blogging, the
topic in itself must excite me, it must have something, and it could even be funny. It’s not a job so I do not feel pressed to give. Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working on your blog? Toi Market has been on TV 2 times and there is probably a TV show coming up that I may work on that in a way is connected to how TOI started. It is not work. I love to write and I love words and word play, it’s almost like reading, so I will see something and I will want to talk about it, so I write about it. I am constantly meeting people that inspire me and the blog. I like unknown people. People who just do things because they feel like it. Famous people don’t impress me much, let’s say, I was once in a yacht next to Oprah’s in Porto Ronto Italy, she was basking with Tyler Perry and I think in Europe people really do not care and we were in Porto Ronto, nobody cares about names/the fact that you are there means something. Anyhuu I got kicked out of that yacht at some point. (Young money) men who just cannot handle criticism because they have landed into money, really, people I eat matumbo with in the ghetto here next to Langata have more class! Between getting kicked out of that boat made me meet some amazing people I am friends with to date. You can meet amazing people anywhere and everywhere. How would (someone) describe your blogging style? I really do not know how people describe it or would describe it. But I would say it is the real deal, I say it how I see it and I love sarcasm and dry humor. But that is also me in real life. I write the way I talk. What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog? I am web/graphic designer; this is what puts beer on the table. And I am pretty good at it; I am so good at it I have been asked to be a board member of Art Directors and Copywriters Club (ADCC Kenya.) We want to take this art to another level in Kenya. I am excited about getting on board, especially mentoring the young and creative. I run social media pages. I am also a mini Art Curator, so I have worked with some artists to put exhibitions, installations and performances up, that kind of thing. I love art and everything artsy and creative. I read, I read a lot a lot, I think I spend more money on books than clothes. What networking do you do that you feel helps your blogging business? I do not really go out of my way to network; it kind of comes with the territory. But when I am in the scene I work it. Meet greet, smile, talk, change ideas, you know the usual. I feel networking is something everyone needs. I go to parties that I can go to, but of late I am more into the art scene; I might just start blogging about art. How do you keep coming up with material/content for your blog? Many people struggle with coming up with different articles/posts and they only have one blog. Since it is not work for me, as I said earlier there is no pressure, I use social media differently, if I cannot come AIM MAGAZINE
Good Read
AIM MAGAZINE
Good Read up with enough material for my blog, I Facebook or tweet (though I do not like twitter, I hate when my words are limited) I am a creative, so I get inspiration everywhere and anywhere. If I go to a city, I like to find a café where I can sit outside with a paper and have my coffee and watch people. I like people watching. What’s your strategy with your blog in general? I teach, and if the students have some fun learning, I am happy. I am going in to inform, create awareness, enlighten and I want my readers to have fun while at it. What’s the best thing a blogger can give to readers? I always thought it was information, but what I see is people cooking up stories, being too hasty in their postings, people want hits, hits means money, and I think that changes everything. A lot of people are interested in blogging for the money earning potential. What are some tips for people interesting in making money from blogging? I think what I would say now is just do your thing; blogging is such a personal journey. I don’t make money out of it, so I do not even know if I am the best person to answer that, it is not easy. What are some realistic expectations in regards to what can be made? Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why? Toi Market started off with Sai Sanko’s blog BecauseIamFabulous. She inspired it. By the way, the whole Toi Market idea was to be a one month experiment. I knew Sai from kitambo (a long time ago), when she was not so huge, but she was very diligent and consistent, that is another thing that one has to do to make money in blogging be consistent, something I cannot say of myself. I get bored very easily. I Iike nice things, I like nice clothes, I modeled a bit in Europe and back then and some here at home so it kind of comes with the territory. I like what fashion bloggers were doing, but I never thought ‘ohh I want to do that’. So the idea was, pick a blogger whose style I like. Every single day for a month pick an outfit from this blogger, go to Gikomba/Toi Market and shop this outfit and wear it. I just wanted to show people that you can be stylish on the cheap and affordable. So at first my blog was called “in the footsteps of Sai Sanko” (what a long name) but I wasn’t even thinking that much and further. I just picked one outfit from her, got a look a like from my wardrobe or shopped for it from out “vintage” markets, wore it and posted it along side other stories that were going on in town. I then got to get to know more fashion bloggers, like Nancie Mwai( http://www.nanciemwai.com/), she is like the mother of Kenyan fashion bloggers, she has won awards to it. I picked some stuff from her, just like from so many other bloggers I mentioned on my blog, but I never had one I looked up to. When I blogged about curvy/big/fat girls I just looked up whoever was blogging better in that direction and then I directed my readers to that blog, I did that with men’s
fashion wear too. There are a gazillion fashion bloggers on the net. But I cannot say with honesty that I have one that I look up to. Most fashion bloggers do just that, fashion and beauty I don’t do fashion alone. What I want to do is to INSPIRE. So really with mine, there was nothing more to it, just wear something similar to the blogger and post it and say where I got it. Easy breezy. But then people started wanting more. People always want more, and it was also moving so fast people were talking about us, TV appearances, Pinky Ghelani called!! It just got crazy. So guys said start a facebook page so we get notifications when you post things like that. Then after a month they were saying you know you need to change the name now that the experiment is over, so I just kinda moved on. Today we are at 15,000+ likes and I can’t get over it. Then when you have that kind of following you start feeling an obligation and for a while that made me do things I really did not want to do, coz I thought I owed them. But then I realized I do not. So I just got to my own pace, if I get something I post, if not well and good.I think I am loosing it though, and I think it is okay, I am not a stickler for things, Ido so many other things just because I like doing it. I can tell you with utmost confidence that I do not find any pleasure whatsoever in work that must be done. I have pride in achievements of things I just did because I felt like it, not because I had to make money. Things I do to make money are always influenced a lot by the person holding the cheque book, I want it like this, I like it like that, and ohhh can I have that in yellow? I will give you the yellow but that yellow was not in my head and it annoys me giving the yellow and I feel it kills my art/work/ but bills have to be paid. The blog I feel, is pure it is me, it is void of ads, the people you see advertising there, I chose them, and they are not paying a cent. I just do it to promote them, actually I have given very many Kenyan bloggers and fashion oriented women in business mileage that is something I am very proud of. So I still have control, of what I want to say and I get to say it how I want to say it, and when I want to. Something you just can’t do if a brand has poured money into your blog. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest? Just start, open wordpress or BlogSpot and start writing. It will get better or worse, you have nothing to loose other than your time. And if you have written something and posted it, you cannot really call it wasting time.And there you have it… the brutal truth…isn’t she refreshing….for more info on Dama and her work, see the info below. Portfolio www.theimagepro.biz/damaris ImagePro is a Print creative agency my brother and I started together, I create the prints. We work in our own spaces. The blog toi-market.blogspot.com Email:post@theimagepro.biz or damaris@adcc.co.ke AIM MAGAZINE
Chew on This
5 Reasons You Should Eat Fermented Foods AIM MAGAZINE
Chew on This Fermentation is the beginning of digestion. It is the same process that your body uses to digest the food you eat. Your saliva, teeth and the invisible enzymes and bacteria in your digestive system breakdown food so that it is easier for your body to absorb the nutrients within.Fermented foods come in various forms and are not always labeled as such. For example, you may see the term cultured, pickled or sourdough instead of fermented. These terms refer to foods that have similar health benefits. If you are not already eating fermented, sourdough or pickled foods, here are 5 reasons why you should. 1. Eating fermented food helps us to absorb the nutrients we’re consuming. Fermented foods contain enzymes and bacteria that help you absorb the nutrients of the foods you eat. Microorganisms like bacteria, molds and yeasts work to pickle, "sour-dize" or ferment foods and when they are eaten, the continue their work in your digestive system. The more these organisms work on your food, the easier it is for you to absorb the nutrients. 2. Fermented foods restore the proper balance of bacteria in the gut. If you suffer from lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, constipation, Irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections etc... all of these conditions have been linked to a lack of good bacteria in the gut and their symptoms can be eased by adding fermented foods to your diet. 3. Raw, fermented foods are rich in enzymes. Your body needs [enzymes] to adequately digest, absorb, and utilise the nutrients in your food. As you age, your body’s supply of enzymes goes down. Digestive organs such as the pancreas and liver produce most of the body’s digestive enzymes, while the remainder should come from uncooked foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, raw sprouted grains, seeds and nuts, unpasteurized dairy products, and from enzyme supplements. 4. Fermenting food actually increases the vitamin content. Fermented dairy products show an increased level of folic acid which is critical to producing healthy babies as well as pyroxidine, B vitamins, riboflavin and biotin depending on the strains of bacteria present. Fermentation increases the vitamins naturally present in the food you eat. That bread leavened through sourdough fermentation is richer in folate than regular whole wheat bread. Many fermented foods are rich in vitamin K2 – a known cancer fighter. Fermented foods are essential to health because the simple act of fermentation increases the vitamins and food enzymes found in dairy products, grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits increasing both nourishment and flavor. 5. Fermented foods improve digestion. Fermenting foods before we eat them is like partially digesting them before we consume them. According to Joanne Slavin, a professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota, “…sometimes people who cannot tolerate milk can eat yogurt. That’s because the lactose (which is usually the part people can’t tolerate) in milk is broken down as the milk is fermented and turns into yogurt.”
AIM MAGAZINE
Book Review
AIM MAGAZINE
Book Review
Book Review
NADIA'S SONG “ You will have great sorrow in your life, and loss,” the old woman foretold. “ But you will also have great triumph and joy. And only Allah knows in what measure.” Karima Ismail is the daughter to Mustafa and Shams. Servants to the Pasha: Master Henry Austen and Catherine Austen and their son Charles Austen. Mustafa was their driver and Shams did the laundry. Henry Austen is a second son, his older brother inherited money and the title from his father’s cotton fortune while Henry inherited the cotton fields in the middle of a worldwide crash in cotton prices. He came out to Egypt and worked on the business and never looked back. Henry Austen or as his servants called Pasha was a good man to work for, unlike his wife who did not seem to have a liking to how he was with the servants. The relationship between Charles and the driver’s daughter Karima was discouraged but there was no stopping it. Karima had the gift of song that named her the Nightingale. Karima became pregnant before being married and was forced into an arrangement that would hide her shame. Karima’s shame was her beautiful daughter Nadia. It was on a night after her performance at a famous hotel, that a rebellion got out of hand and the hotel they were in was set on fire and as a result she experiences more loss.
addition to telling fortunes. How true it rings even set apart from the book. Thisis how life is, we each get our share of sorrow and loss. Triumph and joy. It is all in how we cope and balance it all out, as it has been said, it is in our attitude and perspective. It is a refreshing novel to read, there is no promise of ever after. It is simply stated that through it all anything is possible, the cards that you are dealt do not have to break you. You can rise above it all and be better and even find some happiness in it all. It also touches on how you will for sure reap what it is that you sow in this thing called life. Nadia’s Song had me wondering if l could sing a song as a result of my life, what would be the words to my song and what would the title of my song? The author of this lovely novel is Soheir Khashoggi. She was born in Alexandria, Egypt. Throughout the book she shares about her city’s history entwining it all in the fibre of the novel. Even during the war, Alexandria still sounds beautiful and amazing. In the novel she highlights the difficulty that women face in the Arab world. Considering that she comes from one of Saudi Arabia prominent families she has done well in this book. And Yes, this is one of the best books l have read this year.
The quote at the beginning of this review is what Karima was told by Um-Ali. An old woman who delivered babies in
Kabura
AIM MAGAZINE
Health& Fitness
AIM MAGAZINE
Health& Fitness
7 Habits That Will Keep You Lean and Fit Don't Diet Obsessing over every calorie is no way to live instead, start focusing on what matters; how you feel, and how you feel about yourself. Find A Way To Enjoy Exercise The fittest people understand that and dedicate the time to finding an exercise routine they actually enjoy. Take the time to find exercise that you enjoy. Don't Compare Your Body To Other People's Bodies Each person’s body is unique. It is a fine balance getting fit to a point where you retain the features that you love about your body. Get Enough Sleep Getting fit requires that you have a strong immune system, metabolism, anti aging etc and all these require that you get enough sleep. Even just an extra hour of sleep can boost your athletic performance. Find Wiggle Room Even the most fit know that a healthy-eating plan needs a little wiggle room. So go ahead allow yourself to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation. Make Fitness A Priority We're all busy, but if you want to be fit you have to make time to work for it. The most fit people strike a balance between work and family obligations, social lives and exercise. Eat Breakfast Breakfast eaters have more energy, lower cholesterol and are leaner and all-around healthier than people who skip a morning meal. AIM MAGAZINE
Political Animal
AIM MAGAZINE
G-Spot
Apologies Work Best When… …they don’t include the words “if” or the dreaded “if” and “then” combination; as in, “I’m sorry IF I offended you,” or “IF what I said/did offended you, THEN I apologize.” …they don’t place responsibility on the person receiving the apology: as in, “Sorry if YOU were offended,” “I apologize if YOUR feelings were hurt,” or “Sorry, I didn’t realize YOU were so sensitive,” or “Sorry YOU feel that way.” …they have flat behinds, i.e. when they are “but-less.” In other words, when you don’t continue to justify your actions afterwards; as in, “Sorry, BUT you did do (or say) that first…” or “Sorry I did that, BUT you upset me when you say…” or “Sorry, BUT you did the same thing to me last week.” Keep your apology but-less. …they don’t come with a condition of surrender. In other words you don’t request or demand instant forgiveness; as in “…do you accept my apology?” (It’s even worse if you add an “or not” at the end.) …they don’t have hooks in them; the old, “bait and switch.” In
other words apologies are best when your intent isn’t to get an apology in return; a quid pro quo. …they are absent of condescension; as in, “Gees, sorry I ruined your little juvenile football game!” …they don’t precede the offensive; as in, “Sorry if what I’m about to do offend you, but...” (There’s that but again.) …accompanied with compensation; when you bring a peace offering, or replacement for what was lost. …they are not given under duress. No one wants an apology that seems forces or coerced. …you don’t dismiss or minimize your offense. Accept full responsibility. Iron sharpens iron; so let’s be better because of it!
Gerald Montgomery AIM MAGAZINE
TOTE BAGS
AIM MAGAZINE
Political Animal
Political Animal: Political Events That Rocked Africa In 2014 by Wambui African Unions New political leverage:
Ebola and Its Political Repercussions:
African Union Turned 50 in 2013 and it shows. One of its first roles was the election of Robert Mugabe as Vice Chairman of African Union bureau; this makes Robert Mugabe eligible to be the Chairman of the African Union in 2015. Controversial as Robert Mugabe is in the International media, he is also known for his strong stance on African interest in International matters. The European Union was planning on blocking Robert Mugabe from attending the Africa-Europe summit in April, but in light of his new position had a change of heart. The African Union also stood with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and urged the International Criminal Court to defer Uhuru Kenyattas’ case, stating no sitting African head of state should appeal before an International court. In 2014 the African Union is showing the kind of political pull that we expect from a body representing 53 African nations.
So far this is the breakdown of Ebola’s death Toll Ebola deaths in West Africa Up to 11 November 5,177 Deaths - probable, confirmed and suspected (Includes one death in US and three in Mali) 2,812 Liberia 1,187 Sierra Leone 1,166 Guinea 8 Nigeria Source: WHO via bbc.co.uk Ebola has also exposed vulnerabilities in health care of some African Nations, hopefully this can be used to improve healthcare in urban and rural areas by education and retaining more health care professionals and using available natural remedies to keep infections at bay.
2014 US-Africa Leaders’ Summit:
Boko Haram Nightmare
President Obama welcomed African leaders on a 3 day summit to strengthen ties between the US and African leadership. The Summit was also attended by business leaders from across the African continent, US political leaders, International media and other factions with interests on the African continent. Though the impact of the summit has not been felt on the ground in Africa, the theme of the summit was “Investing in the next generation” so we look forward to seeing African businesses and nations benefit from trade agreements and access of US market to African businesses.
Boko Haram is an Ongoing tragedy in Nigeria that saw over 200 girls kidnapped from their school by Islamic militia. The details of how they were taken or where they are now are unclear, with reports that a large number of girls escaped while others were killed or married off. The biggest political revelation that came from this tragedy is the inability of the Nigerian Military and government to protect its citizens. This came as a surprise to many as Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest military.
April Issue
AIM MAGAZINE
Jubilee Issue
AIM AIM MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
April Issue
AIM MAGAZINE
Jubilee Issue
Marketing/Advertising Opportunities On Aim Magazine
Opening Page $50: This is a full page picture ad on the opening page of AIM magazine. It will contain unlimited images of your product, event or service. It will also have the name of your business, address, phone number. Multiple clickable links to your website, email address, Facebook page, twitter account and you tube channel will also be provided. You will also receive mentions on @aimmagazine time line and our AIM magazine Facebook page on the months after this issue is out. Editor’s Note Ad Space $50: This is the page next to the editor’s note. This is a full Page picture ad containing unlimited images of your products, events or services. The page will also contain contact information for your business like your business name, phone number, physical and mailing address. Multiple clickable links to your website, email address, Facebook page, twitter account and YouTube channel will also be provided. You will also receive mentions on @aimmagazine time line and our AIM magazine Facebook page on the months after this issue is out. Fashion spread $35: This is full page ad that will appear before the Fashion column. Any products that fall under fashion can advertise here e.g. apparel, shoes, accessories, t-shirts, swim wear etc. Unlimited images of your products can be featured on this page. Name of business, address and phone number, Facebook page, twitter account, YouTube page will also be included in ad. One clickable link to either your website or email address will also be included. You will also receive mentions on @aimmagazine time line and our AIM magazine Facebook page on the months after this issue is out Fashion mention $10: This is a brief page write up with the item that you want AIM readers to be familiar with. This page will feature 4 products each with 1 image, website and brief description of product, service or event and 1 clickable link You will also receive mentions on @aimmagazine time line and our AIM magazine Facebook page on the months after this issue is out. Music Spread Ad $35: This will appear before the music spread, it will include unlimited images including album art and images of album release. It will also include a brief write up describing the sound in the album, single or EP. Artist facebook page, twitter account and youtube page will be included 2 Clickable links directing readers to site where album can be purchased as well as artist promotional page (YouTube etc) You will also receive mentions on @aimmagazine time line and our Facebook page on the months after this issue is out. Music Mentions $10: This is a page feature of 4 artists; it can be used to promote singles, albums or artists that are in a collaborative album. This will include brief write up with artist name, feel of album or music promoted and one promotional image. Facebook page, twitter account, YouTube page will also be included. One clickable link to page where music can be purchased or promotional page will be listed. You will also receive mentions on @ aimmagazine time line and our Facebook page on the months after this issue comes out. Chew On This Ad $35: Chew on this is our food column, the chew on this ad is a full page ad of caters, restaurants, deserts or anything food related. You will have a full page to put up as many pictures of your restaurant, establishment or recipes. You can also have a brief write up about your establishment. Mentions of your business will be on @aimmagazine time line and our Facebook page on the months after this issue is out. Chew On This Mention $10: This page ad will include 4 food related businesses with a brief write up showing name of business, location, product or service provided, one Image of restaurant, product, service or event and One clickable link to your website or email address. You will also receive mentions on @aimmagazine time line and our Facebook page on the months after this issue is out. Bloggables Mentions $10: This page ad will have 4 blogs, each blog will get an image, a brief write up with name of blog, content on blog and clickable link to blog. You will also receive mentions on @aimmagazine time line and our Facebook page on the months after this issue is out. Hair Column Ad $35: This is for hair companies, hair product companies, hair salons, hair stylists, hair accessories or any hair related product or service. It will be a full page ad with unlimited images of your business, products, and services. It will list the name of your business, physical address, mailing address and business phone number. Face book page, twitter account, YouTube page will be listed Clickable links to your website, YouTube page or email address will be provided. You will also receive mentions on @aimmagazine time line and our Facebook page on the months after this issue is out. Hair Business Mention $10: This page will contain 4 hair product, hair services, hair salons businesses containing one image, name of business, product or service provided, contact information and 1 clickable link to website/Facebook/twitter or email. You will also receive mentions on @aimmagazine time line and our Facebook page on the months after this issue is out. Back Page $50: This is a full page picture ad that will be on the back page of the magazine. It will contain unlimited pictures of your business, product, service or event. Contact information including business address, phone number, Facebook, twitter, YouTube. Multiple clickable links to your website, Facebook, twitter, YouTube page and email address will be included in this ad. You will also receive mentions on @aimmagazine time line and our Facebook page on the months after this issue is out.
AIM MAGAZINE
April Issue
AIM MAGAZINE