AFRO RETRO AUTUMN SALE 20th October to 20th November 2015 Email - enquiries@afro-retro.com Website - www.afro-retro.com
COVER STORY
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Meet Fafa Gilbert, our leading lady for the autumn edition. Owner of Ndudu UK Ltd; which specializes in Catering, Food styling, Food writing, Cookery shows and Cookery lessons. Her Cookery show “Ndudu by Fafa” showcases every Saturday at 11am or Sundays at 18.30pm on Sky 235 or Freeview 252, ABN TV.
LEADING LADY
CO NT EN TS FASHION AND BEAUTY 12 Vital Fashion 27 Style Splash FEATURE 8 VW “Be Inspired 16 Leading Lady
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LIFESTYLE 5 Blogroll 19 Vital Devotional 20 Chef's corner 22 Health & Wellness 26 Vital Youth 28 Single Parents 36 Health
REAL ESTATES REALITIES
REAL HEALTH
12
FASHION
BUSINESS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 6 Life Coach 18 The Ultimate Message 24 Success 30 Vital Woman Awards 32 Real Estate Realities 35 Bookshelf
OCTOBER 2015
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hree years on as Editor, and I think I could confidently say this is my most memorable and impactful edition of the magazine to work on to date! I say this for many reasons; most of all for my personal health journey and the lessons I'm learning. Great personal lessons learnt about the importance of taking regular and consistent time out for relaxation; how relaxation plays a very vital part in our total wellbeing as well as helping to fuel our creativity whilst also playing a great part in helping us fulfil our life's purpose. Now, enough about me J I know you'd love this edition as much as we do! We've put together some information about good food, relaxation, as well as getting you to think about what you eat and the quality of food generally.
We bring you inspiration and motivation to help you also say yes to a better and healthier lifestyle via our VW “Be Inspired” pages. Don't forget to stop over for some great fashion tips on Vital Fashion pages and also on our Style splash column. When in need of some encouragement, flip the pages through to the devotional page and remember to encourage somebody also by passing a copy of the magazine along. Finally, enjoy our tips on how important and beneficial relaxation is for you and how intentional you need to get about taking relaxation seriously. Remember that you need to take care of you… You have nothing to give anyone, when you ignore to invest regularly in your own wellbeing.
Some great recipes from “The Retro Chef ” and because we know you will fall in love with her work like we've Here's to wishing you a beautiful done, our interview with her is also a autumn! must read. Cheers! Lara
Vital Woman Limited owners of Vital Woman Magazine (ISSN 2055-8104), AfroRetro-BCN and Afrocentric websites and related magazines and publications consider its sources reliable and verify as much data as possible. While every effort has been made to ensure that information is correct at the time of going to print, Vital Woman Limited cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any action or decision based on the information contained in its publications or websites. The publishers or authors do not give any warranty for the completeness or accuracy for this publication's content, explanation or opinion. It is advisable that prospective users/investors consult their relevant health or beauty experts, their attorney/s and/or financial investor/s prior to following any advice, business opportunity or entering into any investments mentioned. Nothing in this publication/website should be taken as a recommendation to use, buy, sell, hold or trade in that or any product or asset so mentioned. All images, trademarks, logos and service marks displayed in our magazine, publications or websites are the property of Vital Woman Magazine or the property of other third parties whose permission was first sought and obtained before use. You are not permitted to use these images, trademarks, logos and service marks without our prior written consent or the consent of such third party. © Vital Woman Limited. All rights reserved. No part of any of the publications and/or websites owned by Vital Woman Limited may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing
Magazine Team Lara Mfon Courtnae Butcher
Founder/Editor PA
COLUMNISTS Patrice Augustus-Brown Fashion Editor Bridget Washington Funke Adeaga Bayo Mfon Bolaji Yemi Toks Aruoture Sophia Van Rooyen Dhlamini Mildred Talabi Joshua Mfon Youth Editor Angela Tella Modupe Eyo Nigel Quist Design & Layout
CONTRIBUTORS Real Estate Realities Hebron Mark Consulting A Very Present Help Ministries Running a home based business
Advertising, Editorials & General Enquiries Telephone Email Website
+44 774 599 7624 info@avitalwoman.com www.avitalwoman.com
Readers Connect
A COLLECTION of carefully selected blogs. Each BLOGGER on our list focuses on subject areas which we feel will be BENEFICIAL to you. Enjoy! Running a home business: Careers Advice: Always a mum: Christian fiction and non-fiction stories: Package your passion: Inspire me: Diet and lifestyle-related health issues:
http://runningahomebasedbusiness.wordpress.com/ http://www.mildredtalabi.com/blogs/ http://alwaysamum.com/ http://unomanwankwor.com/ http://www.businessfirststeps.co.uk/ http://inspiremeinc.wordpress.com/ angelatella.com/blog.
CONNECT WITH US: Photo Credits: www.ie.com.sv worldswithwords.wordpress.com
Website: www.avitalwoman.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VitalWomanMagazine Twitter: https://twitter.com/VitalWoman Instagram: http://instagram.com/vitalwomanmagazine SMS: +44 774 599 7624
Life Coach
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t's summertime! Get out and enjoy life! Recharge, rejuvenate yourself, and refresh your purpose within from taking a moment (or two) to step away and enjoy what life has to offer! Taking time out of your hectic schedule just for yourself helps you live a healthier, happier, life. You can embrace this season and make it your best ever! How? Follow these tips below! Breathe deeply and appreciate the moment – think about where you are, right now, in this moment. Do you feel rushed, preoccupied, stressed, and worried? RELAX. Think of the good and simple things in life right now. The beauty of the season. Your family. The gift of friendship. Whatever makes your heart melt and plasters a Kool-Aid smile on you, think it, appreciate it, and embrace it.
Do one thing every day that scares you – Be bold. Be fierce. Do it in fear. Faith and action will carry you into the corridor of success. Don't be afraid to take the leap and dive deep!
Be grateful every day. Even for the small things. You are blessed in EVERY single intricate area of your life. Grasp hold of that mentality and embrace it.
Let go of a need to control – Let it all go. Give it to God, and don't be an Indian giver – don't take it back. He has your best interest at heart and will take care of every situation in your life that needs a turnaround!
Summertime is one of the best seasons to explore, enjoy the beauty of the summer warmth, let your hair down, mentally let go, interject balance in your life and have a blast doing it. Why not enjoy it?
Practice acceptance – Acknowledge the things that YOU can't change, and work on the things that God and you can change. Remember He holds the control of things in His Hands
My Profile
Celebrate daily – Live life out loud. Be fanatical about life! Allow that inner joy to burst forth and shine! Do something fun and outrageous. You deserve it! See the beauty in your family – Love on your family (and close friends) more. Appreciate them, spend time with them, and pray for them. Don't take them for granted, as they are who God has linked you up with, and they won't be around forever! Expand your perspective by expanding your mind – Begin to think outside of the box. As matter of fact, destroy the box. Put on a limitless mindset. Walk in an attitude of expectancy, joy, and positivity!
Bridget Washington is a Global Passion Strategist, Speaker, and Author. She is the owner of BríMarí Global, a strategic brand whose mission is to equip the trailblazer in becoming a champion of their purpose and passion. Bridget resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Please visit www.bridgetwashington.com for more information.
Photo credit www.familysolutionsoh.org www.coachgreggs.com incurablehope.com www.afraidtoask.com
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thers would describe the way I met Tracie as pure coincidence, but I describe it as a divinely orchestrated meeting. I knew that God had brought our paths together after our introduction and a few initial exchanges. I have for many years now become very passionate about the subject of health and wellness and I continue to carry out some research around the subject. Now working together with Tracie on promoting Thrive by Le-vel in the UK and having the opportunity to pray together‌ this isn't something I encounter every day and I do not take it lightly also. I've also met some other amazing ladies through Tracie who are also doing great with their Thrive businesses, together they all are such a massive blessing! Enjoy our interview with the lovely Tracie and be encouraged to connect with her, if not for yourself then, maybe for the benefit of your loved ones who may need what Tracie has to offer. - Lara Mfon.
Tracie L. Chovan
Vital Beats
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or this edition, our music selection will definitely have to come from the worship shelf. When you have no strength to carry on, why not take your eyes off everything and look upon the one who loved you even before you came to the knowledge of yourself.
Album: Track : Artist :
This is a good place to be‌ that place of total surrender. It's when we are in this place that peace returns to us, all is calm and we allow God crown our hearts again. That place where our Abba Father is exalted above all else and we might perhaps catch a glimpse of His glory! Awesome place to be!
God of Love Casting crowns Nathaniel Bassey & Lovesong
VITAL FASHION “fashion is about something that comes from WITHIN you.� Ralph Lauren
Hasn't it been sizzling hot so far this summer? Well the hot weather breeds hot fashion! Turn the heat all the way up in a mixture of bright and neutral colours. However, funnily enough the neutral colours and khakis are winners this summer. Fashion this season isn't anything 'new' as it is all beginning to repeat itself over and over. High waisted shorts, midi-length skirts and tropical patterned play suits are also a must. Suede skirts, shirts and dresses are also popular as well as a range of tassle (or fringed) items which all seem to be winners. Everything seems to be fringed nicely from shoes to bags, skirts and dresses; I've seen it all this season. Lace is also a must have. Strut around in a lace top, skirt or shorts teamed with a range of denim items. Now what to wear on your feet... Try chunky heels or if you're a flats lady there are a wide range of gladiator style sandals everywhere! This edition we let the fashion do the talking so get shopping and have a fantastic funky fashionable summer!
Patterns and fringes!
A few fashion quotes I came across to make you smile
All things bright!
VITAL FASHION
VITAL FASHION
Blue and coral airbrushed shirt dress £26 , www.glamorous.com Burgundy wrap shirt dress £35, www.glamorous.com Black fringe heels £29.99, www.publicdesire.co.uk Coral fringe dress £14.99, New look Suede fringe skirt, $79, getthelooks.com Cobalt chiffon jumpsuit, www.rosaclandestinoshop.com Iger print jumpsuit, £65 www.tallandall.com Yellow shift dress, £66.23, www.dressesstar.co.uk Mirror print pencil skirt £61.86, www.dressesstar.co.uk Lace top £15, www.hm.com Patterned shorts/ brown shorts with belt £9, www.hm.com Beige zip back vest top, £4.95, www.chiarafashion.com Tan gladiator sandals £60, riverisland.com Coral top £22 riverisland.com
Pamper Me Jewels
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pamper-Me-Jewels/427544687336657
Leading Lady
Fafa Gilbert
Leading Lady
Vital VitalDevotional Devotional
HOPE At The 99th HOUR And BEYOND
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hat do you do when you have been believing God to come through for you over a particular situation and you have a deadline? What do you do at the 99th hour? How about when you go beyond the 99th hour and the deadline is long overdue? No matter what stage we are at, we are encouraged to wait upon the Lord, even as the word of God exhorts us to do in Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord's help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord's help”. Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the Lord to help me, and I trust his word. What an awesome God we serve (Deut 7:21). His name is Jehovah Shammah, our God who is ever present. He is ever present to help us, ever present to heal us, ever present to deliver us, ever present to bless us; for He loves us more than our minds can comprehend. “Hope in God never disappoints” (Romans 5:5) - My pastor used to say this to me, when we were waiting on the Lord for what seemed like forever and in the face of many natural impossibilities but, God proved to us that all things are indeed possible to him who believeth (believing in God to come through, regardless of what our situation may be dictating to us.) God is well able to fulfil his promises to us, He is not slack concerning His promises. In Isaiah 55:11, God says “the words I speak to you will not return to me empty. They make the things happen that I want to happen and they succeed in doing what I send them to do”. The word of God has been sent by God into your life and it does not have the ability to fail, it always does what God Almighty sends it to do. We can think of it like sending a messenger on an errand and equipping the messenger with all that is necessary, not only
to carry out the task but, to complete it and come back with a full report on the assignment, the only crucial element or quality in God's equation which is unfathomable in the natural realm is the ABSOLUTE ABSENCE OF FAILURE (a total impossibility in God's realm). Therefore, I encourage you today, to hold on fast to that word of God (the word of promise to you from God regarding that situation) because it will accomplish and cause you to possess your possession (Obadiah verse 17) and I am fully persuaded that He who has promised is able also to perform. As Jesus Christ said, in Luke 18:1, let us not lose hope, but let us continue to pray for He will surely come who has promised to come. We do not know the hour of our visitation, so let us remain faithful to our God, who has called us out of the pits of darkness, into His marvellous light (1Peter2:9). God is our very present Help. May God bless you abundantly as you move into the season of possessing your possession. I pray that the God who gives hope may fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in Him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.(Romans 15:13) Taken from TIMES OF REFRESHING - A 31 DAY DEVOTIONAL. Email info@avitalwoman.com to order your copy.
Chef’s Corner
Chef’s Corner
Pistachio & Rose petal scones
Chef’s Corner
Slow roasted Pork belly in Asaana
Health And Wellness
WHAT'S REALLY IN THE FOOD WE BUY FROM THE SUPERMARKETS… WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. Did you know that more than 6,000 additives and chemicals are used by food manufacturers to process and produce our food? Today's conventional food system is heavily dependent on toxic chemicals and synthetic inputs that pose threats to our health – especially children's. (source http://www.healthychild. org/) What we can do to improve the quality of our food? Just a few tips to help… 1. Cook with herbs and
quality oils. Don't want to eat broccoli because it's tasteless and boring, so you load your plate with mashed potatoes instead? Try this: Steam your broccoli until it's bright green and tender but still chewy, then sprinkle it lightly with high quality olive oil, thyme, oregano and a little sea salt. The robust combination of the vegetable flavor, olive oil, and spices with flood your senses with a riot of flavor and wonderful smells. And the added bonus is that herbs and spices spike the nutrient content of foods. They are typically chock full of antioxidants that fight damage caused by free
radicals. They also contain protective phytochemicals that are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. 2. Buy organic to reduce your pesticide load. The research clearly shows that organic foods are better on this measure than conventionallygrown foods. And organic meats and dairy come from animals that are raised humanely, as opposed to the horrors of factory-farming. Keep in mind that an animal deprived of nutritious food, sunshine, and enough room to move around with others of their kind is an animal that is full of stress hormones and whose
Here is a quick chart to help you decide which fruits and vegetables are highly recommended from the organic section of the supermarket.
It's Your Call - Least Commonly Contaminated ·Onions ·Sweet Corn ·Pineapples ·Avocado ·Asparagus ·Sweet Peas ·Mangoes ·Eggplant ·Cantaloupe ·Kiwi ·Cabbage ·Watermelon ·Sweet Potato ·Grapefruit Mushrooms
Health And Wellness
If Budget Allows, Buy Organic ·Green Beans ·Summer Squash ·Peppers ·Cucumbers ·Raspberries ·Grapes - Domestic ·Plums ·Oranges ·Cauliflower ·Tangerines ·Bananas ·Winter Squash Cranberries
Preferably Organic - Most Commonly Contaminated* ·Apples ·Celery ·Strawberries ·Peaches ·Spinach ·Nectarines ·Grapes ·Sweet Bell Peppers ·Potatoes ·Blueberries ·Lettuce Kale/Collard Greens
immune systems are so overburdened that they require antibiotics just to stay well. Reference - Dr. Cummins, author of Good Thinking (Cambridge University Press, 2012) More Tips... * Look for a Farmers' market nearest to you and shop for your produce there. * Consider growing your own vegetables. There are many options these days to help us grow our veg at home. * Consider introducing supplements and vitamins as a part of your family's regime.
Some facts about organic foods… There are at least two good arguments for eating organic: fewer pesticides and more nutrients. In 2007 a study out of Newcastle University, reported that organic produce boasted up to 40 percent higher levels of some nutrients (including vitamin C, zinc and iron) than its conventional counterparts. Additionally, a 2003 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that organically grown berries and corn contained 58 percent more polyphenols—antioxidan
ts that help prevent cardiovascular disease—and up to 52 percent higher levels of vitamin C than those conventionally grown. ** If buying all organic isn't a priority—or a financial reality for you—you might opt to buy organic specifically when you're selecting foods that are most heavily contaminated with pesticide and insecticide residues. (Source http://www.eatingwell.c om/) Photo Credit blog.goodguide.com www.survivaloftherealist.com www.statisticsviews.com abccoolimages.com pngimg.com
God's Grace
&Success In Finance
SUCCESS
SUCCESS
Photo credits: Finance image ( zb-lzonline.com ) Success image 2 ( www.lifehack.org )
Femi is a Banker by profession, whose passion includes Image Consulting and Training. He finds great fulfilment in helping others achieve their goals. He is the managing consultant at Hebron Mark Consulting, where they run periodic seminars and conferences on Business Growth, Business Startup and Goal Setting.
STYLE SPLASH
Single Parents
EVERYTHING HAS ITS TIME “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3: 1 photo credits: www.shortday.in
Single Parents
SOPHIA VAN ROOYEN DHLAMINI Sophia is Vital Woman Magazine's single parent's columnist, she is the blessed mother of teenage daughters Hannah-Joy and Faith Esther. She embarked on the single parent journey 10 years ago. After school Sophia, studied to be an Air Hostess. She worked for a national airline for 9 years. She was chosen as the first Air Hostess of colour in South Africa to work for South African Airways. This offer was declined because she said “yes� to the call of God upon her life. Sophia graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Bible and Theology from Cape Theological Seminary and is also; 1. CEO/Founder of Palace Style Coaching and Mentoring (Non-Profit Organisation) 2. Assemblies of God Association Western Cape Regional Women's Ministry Director 3. International Conference Speaker and Transformational Coach
VITAL WOMAN
AWARDS
The Vital Woman Awards is our way of celebrating those who epitomize what Vital Woman strives to achieve in the community. Recipients of the Vital Woman Awards would have demonstrated, over a significant period of time, dedication to what we stand for, which goes beyond their personal achievement. SMS:+44 774 599 7624
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Real Estates Realities
SUMMER HOME AWAY FROM
– WHY NOT?
Real Estates Realities
In order to save yourself some hard earned money you may have to do some legwork to find yourself the best deal.
Vital Health
RELAXATION AT HOME IN YOUR
COMFY SPOT By Lara Mfon
Consider dedicating a day or half a day to your own personal relaxation. You are well worth it!
Vital Health