Vitalwoman ws17(issuu) by Vital Woman Magazine

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COVER STORY

“I am a creative at heart, fun loving with a thirst for life. I am a passionate storyteller, I enjoy sharing stories about lessons I learn from life and I'm married with four lovely sons.” TOKS ARUOTURE

FEATURE 5 VW “Be Inspired” 18 Real Estate 24 Business Profile 36 Leading Lady 44 Parenthood 46 Girls’ Empowerment

LIFESTYLE 22 Motherhood 26 Health and Wellness 30 Home Affairs 34 Devotional 38 Chef’s Corner 51 Vital Health FASHION & BEAUTY 11 48

Fashion Beauty

BUSINESS &PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 16 28 35 42 50

Life Coach Bookshelf Community Project Education The Visionary

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Editor’s Note

“Authenticity” Here's a beautiful and limitless word that we explore throughout this edition and as you read through from column to column. It's just amazing to see how the word “Authenticity” has been described, included, defined and dissected. I simply love how each of our columnists has embraced the theme and captured its meaning in each of their articles.

help awaken and highlight certain thoughts that will help unlock doors that will lead you further into your greatness. Authenticity helps to relieve stress. Why do I say this? Authenticity in this context is about connecting with our true selves. Helping us check our decisions over, to determine whether or not we may be holding back, for instance. When you find yourself holding back, go further and try to find out why that may be the case. The more we connect with our true selves, the better we connect with our purpose and the better influencers we become, I believe.

I would like to warmly welcome you to our brand new column, HOME AFFAIRS. One very close to our heart and one that we have hoped to bring you for a long time, it is exciting to finally watch it unfold! I do hope you enjoy it as much as we have been excited about I would like to point out though seeing it come together. that we do not claim to know it all Through this column, we hope to or bring you all the answers. My bring you information about how hope is that you too will go on a to infuse more beauty into your personal quest to explore what it living space through Interior means to you to be truly Design. “authentic”… be sure to write in In this issue, we look at resharing your thoughts on the decorating on a tight budget, in subject with us. line with our theme “authenticity”. My life's journey in recent years We thought it best to show you has carried with it the word how to stretch your funds whilst “authenticity” right at the core of still achieving your objective. it as I have had to delve deeper into the depths of my “true” self. This edition offers us a variety of My true self before all the various flavours on becoming or being confinements and definitions that truly authentic with the many life and others can bring on us. different areas of our lives, thanks I have uncovered and discovered once again to our columnists for more amazing things about how they have dealt with the myself. Truths that have helped subject. I have been richly blessed me arrive at a better place… a by each article and interview and place of peace and rest. Peace I hope that you will be too! with my destiny and life's assignment, which has impacted Here's to a continued great positively upon my health, summer or pre-fall depending on perspective in life and my work. which part of the world you are based in. My prayer is that as you are also Cheers, on your journey of self-discovery, Lara Mfon as we all are, that this issue will

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Magazine Team Lara Mfon Courtnae Butcher

Founder/Editor PA

COLUMNISTS Patrice Augustus-Brown Fashion Editor Bridget Washington Funke Adeaga Bayo Mfon Bolaji Yemi Patrice Juah Joy Gittens Sophia Van Rooyen Dhlamini 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

Vital Woman Limited owners of Vital Woman Magazine (ISSN 20558104), 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

Welcome to VW "Be Inspired" our main feature story!

TOKS ARUOTURE Toks always has a smile on her face, stay in her company for about 5 minutes and she is sure to make you smile too. That is such an amazing quality! BY LARA MFON

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This is where you'd meet with great personalities whom we believe their success stories would do one of two things; encourage and motivate you to also step out or strike a chord with you as you're also walking and working in what you believe to be your God - ordained destiny/purpose. We take a tour with them and briefly explore how they have accomplished what they have so far. I have known Toks Aruoture for well over 20 years and if I was asked to describe her in one word, I would say â&#x20AC;&#x153;happyâ&#x20AC;?. Toks always has a smile on her face, stay in her company for about 5 minutes and she is sure to make you smile too. That is such an amazing quality! This interview will reveal more about this incredible lady and her achievements till date. I would like to start by saying thank you to Toks for giving time to us out of your busy schedule. It is a great honour that she has agreed to share part of the story of her journey so far with us.

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How would you describe yourself Toks? Thank you for having me! I am a creative at heart, fun loving with a thirst for life. I am a passionate storyteller, I enjoy sharing stories about lessons I learn from life, and I'm married with four lovely sons. Tell us about your childhood and educational background? I grew up in Nigeria and attended a military boarding school in the north of the country. I moved to England when I was 17 and later attended the University of Hertfordshire where I began but didn't complete a degree in Physiology as I increasingly traded my lectures for trips to home decor stores. Why did you decide to go into the world of entrepreneurship and why the furniture and children's decor industry? I sort of fell into what I do today. My return to work following the birth of my son wasn't smooth sailing. At the time, I happened to be

TOKS ARUOTURE reading a book by Elisabeth Elliot. A reader had written in asking how one knew what one's gift was. The author described a gift as that which came easily to you but others wowed at it. For me that was interior design so I enrolled on a couple of design courses and launched a residential interior design firm. It had only been running for a year when we decided to relocate to the United States where I acquired a luxury baby furniture store and I merged my design background with the sale of high-end furniture to create a unique business. The experience of running that business and travelling within the United States and Europe exposed me to the art of traditional craftsmanship, so when I returned to England during the recession, there was only one thing left to do- which was to launch a company that specialised in unique furniture and room accessories for babies and children. Did you come up against any hurdles during the early days of running your business? If you did, how were you able to combat that? Oh wow! 'Hurdles' was my last name! First there was the issue of capital. I had lost everything in the recession and had no funds to invest in the business. I had to structure the new business in a way that reduced the requirement for cash, yet balance it out with aesthetics and creative branding. Bootstrapping was the order of the day along with the confidence that I could learn and therefore do whatever was required for the business to grow. Let me congratulate you once again on the opening of your retail outlet in one of London's prestigious neighbourhoods. Now please share with our readers how you went about realising this dream? Thank you! In 2010 I created a vision board. On that board were pictorial representations of everything I wanted for my life- from my thriving family to becoming published and opening a store in a prestigious London neighbourhood. Interestingly enough, the image I selected to represent the shop was a street sign of Kings Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea- only because that's what I found when searching google images for affluent shopping districts. vital woman

TOKS ARUOTURE In addition, Kings Road is known for its prevalence of luxury furniture and interior design studios so it seemed ideal. Fast forward a couple of years and I met my business mentor, again this was a divine meeting. He guided me towards opening a concession with House of Fraser although my desire for a bricks and mortar store grew as time progressed. At the end of 2014, I received a single word from God as the theme with which I was to live 2015 by. That word was authenticity. I understood that I was to filter everything I did through the lens of authenticity, I was to live as the original version that God created me to be. During this season I discovered much of my conversations with the people that mattered did not accurately reflect the truth in my heart. For example, I wanted to open a shop, but my conversations were crafted to present me in a positive light, I did not want to risk being laughed at as I presented my big plans. In a nutshell, my focus was on the external appearance and not on the dream I carried in my heart. The day I realised this, I threw caution to the wind and began to speak differently. I no longer cared about how I was viewed, instead I cared about the dream coming to pass. A series of events seemingly wove themselves together from that moment on and the shop was born. An increasing number of requests to see the products in person kept coming in. At the same time, my business knowledge grew and I understood that my office space while supporting the business did not actually make any money for the business. So I changed that by looking for a space in London that would serve as an office cum studio, so clients could see the pieces in person and therefore increase the visibility and sales in the business. I found the perfect space in South Kensington. It was a studio and didn't have a storefront or display window but I fell in love with it. However, I didn't have the courage to put in my offer. I was still dilly-dallying when I was told the space was gone. I learned an important lesson; 'when you pray for opportunity, also pray for the boldness to grab it when it shows up.' The disappointment I felt fuelled a zeal in me to find somewhere even better, so I did. What in your opinion would you say are the top 3 considerations when preparing to set up a retail outlet? Location I chose The King's Road in Chelsea because of the nature of the goods I sell and the audience that I sell to. You can't open a high-end shop in a location that lacks the corresponding

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clientele or vice versa. Look at your audience and their lifestyle and take the business to them.

Who were those you had in mind when you set up The Baby Cot Shop?

Ambience As an interior designer the ambiance is important. Your space has to be welcoming and reflective of the goods that you sell. I used to worry about people who came into the shop just to admire the products but not buy, until I understood that they simply couldn't resist not coming in. Many of them walk in and the first thing they say is I don't have any kids, but I had to come in because it is just so beautiful. Now I see such people as my walking advertisers.

House-proud parents and parents to be who want only the best for their children. Parents who recognise and appreciate craftsmanship whilst desiring nursery or children's furniture that reflect their own personal tastes.

Be Sensitive to the needs of your clients The Baby Cot Shop specialises in bespoke furniture for babies and children, along with decor and room accessories. Because of our proximity to The Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, we have people coming in looking for baby gifts so we have increased our offering in this category to meet the needs.

Share with us some highlights of your journey as an entrepreneur? Interestingly one of my highlights is the lowest point in my journey, the point at which I lost everything and had to start over. I had no one but God, and had nothing but what He had deposited inside me. I learned to dig deep and unearth the abilities and gifts inside me. I also learned to trust that God placed good quality, flawless traits in me and I could rely on them. In 2015 I was invited to a reception by the Prime vital woman

Minister Dave Cameron for Black History Month. That was another memorable event. It was surreal not just for the fact that I was in His home, but the calibre of people I was surrounded by and that instilled a new confidence in me. Where do you see The Baby Cot shop in the next 10 years? Franchised with 5 locations in the U.K., possibly beyond. How have you been able to use your experience and influence to help others who desire to do what you have achieved today? While I do have years of experience in business, I don't consider myself an expert by any stretch. Each day brings with it a new challenge and a lesson buried within it. What this means is that a view I hold today will likely change in the near future. Consequently, I feel a deep sense of responsibility about the information I share so as I climb, I lift. I try to be authentic in what I share about my journey by mentoring young men and ladies as much as time allows. I host an inspirational brunch event called 'Let's Brunch' once or twice a year where we get inspired by whatever lessons I feel inclined to share. If you could have done something slightly differently when you were preparing to start your business, what would that be? I would have been true to my own voice. My focus in the beginning was on the appearance of the business as I erroneously thought that was all that mattered. As time went on I rebranded the business and that was a remarkable experience for me. I understood that a brand was not what a company looked like, rather it was what was done on the inside that simply bubbled out and was reflected on the outside. Being true to your own ideas means that your unique stamp is applied to the business and that is what sets it apart. We are individuals and can have businesses as unique as our fingerprints. This eliminates the need to waste time and energy trying to outdo your competitors. Learning to trust your gut requires a daily practice and belief that your ideas are valid. The vision of Vital Woman is to encourage, empower and enlighten others, as they embrace their calling and step into their God-ordained destiny whether in

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business/ministry. What advice would you give to women who are looking to step into their life's assignment? Listen to your life. Your purpose existed long before you were created, so when God created you He made you perfect for that purpose. This means that your gifts, desires, and proclivities are all clues as to what your purpose is; but because it comes so easy to us, there is a tendency to ignore our gifts and instead desire what others have been given. Listening to your life means taking cues from the natural flow of your own life and trusting it. You were not hastily put together, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are curious to know if you have time for any hobbies outside of your work. Writing! I love to write and I see it evolving from a hobby into a career. I have other hobbies which sadly I haven't been able to engage in due to my time management issues but I'm working on it :) Connect with Toks via her websites at: www.letsbrunch.co.uk www.thebabycotshop.com Thank you once again Toks for a truly engaging and inspirational interview! Thank you for being open and transparent as you shared from both some of the high and low points of your business journey with us. Wishing you all the very best in the future. God bless you.

Adjanie a fashion brand established in 2011 by Adjanie Muller.

We love Ms Muller's designs; they are easy to mix and match and very stylish! It's no wonder we're excited to introduce the talented lady behind these lovely designs to you. When we asked Ms Muller during the interview what was the inspiration behind her brand, this is what she had to say; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I've always dreamed of becoming a designer since I was a little girl. I would always get in trouble because I would take scraps of fabric to make clothes for my dolls.â&#x20AC;? now enjoy the rest of the interview...

ow would you describe your brand? Adjanie is a resort wear, the brand is very energetic, classy, sexy, and vibrant. It's a reflection of my Afro Caribbean background. Who are your target audience? My target audience is your modern day women who are edgy, and fierce. In what ways does your brand stand apart from your competitors? My brand stands apart when it comes to quality, and my play on textures. I'm not afraid of mixing bold prints together.

What do you hope to achieve through the success of your brand? I hope to become a major household brand in Europe, the Caribbean and the US, along with being a part of major fashion runway shows. How many collections do you produce each year? I produce one spring/summer collection each year, and produce new pieces related to the collection throughout the year. Give us some insight into how the Pantone colours of the year affect your seasonal collections? Truthfully I don't base my collections solely on Pantone colours of the year. I would get inspired by a print and use the colours from the print throughout the collection. vital woman

Model: Shania Fair Photographer: Richard Lecoin Stylist: Anjela Marie Make-up Artist: Phoedra Bouchereau

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Model: Tamara Photographer: Richard Lecoin Stylist: Anjela Marie Make-up: Phoedra Bouchereau

Adjanie Muller vital woman

What is your favourite colour this season? I don't have a preference. Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 5 years? In the next five years, I see myself in a major retail store, such as Saks fifth avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Or even owning my own concept store. How can your designs be purchased? As of right now, my designs can be purchased at pop-up events

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along with private showings. I'm currently working on my website, the goal is to launch it later this year. CONTACT Adjanie Muller via social media on; IG @adjaniemĂźller, Twitter: @adjaniemuller, Facebook: @adjaniemuller

Model: Alana Smith Photographer: Richard Lecoin Stylist: Anjela Marie Make-up Artist: Phoedra Bouchereau

VITAL HEALTH

#Be You #Be Authentic

he more we settle into who we are, who God made us, the better we are able to connect with our true selves. Being or becoming authentic can only bring us into a place where we experience greater peace, rest and influence. Making the decision to be more authentic has many benefits. It impacts positively on our health When we make the decision to stand our ground and be who we are rather than who others think we should be, it is then that we come into a greater place of peace and rest with who God designed us to be. It is then that we arrive in a place of calm and we become better able to receive inspiration and ideas for growth and expansion in all we do. Also, we will not have to bother ourselves with trying to please everyone (which is basically impossible). As a result, stress is completely eradicated or at least our stress levels are reduced. Our Faith grows stronger Being more authentic helps us in our relationship with God, in that we go to Him as we are and He is able to get information and instruction across to us. Part of being authentic is being real with the things we are having to deal with. David ran around and lived like a fugitive during the days when King Saul sought to kill him. Others who found themselves in similar predicament also gathered around David and decided to stay with David and soon enough the group grew and became strong. God seeks to use us during every season of our lives.

You may feel like you're going through some tough times and therefore may not be of much use to others. The story of David's life proves to us that nothing can be further from the truth. God seeks those who know what it is to endure suffering and wait for the Lord's help, because this is when he is able to use them to encourage others effectively. Be yourself, be real, be authentic and watch how God uses you even more. Our influence is greater As much as we evolve through the process of growth and maturity, it is important that through each season of life, we remain true to who we are and what we experience. It is then that we are truly able to connect with those that God brings our way. God desires that our lives are a blessing to everyone he sends to us in each season of our lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we walk in authenticity, we invariably walk in transparency.â&#x20AC;? The more open and transparent we become, the more people are able to connect with us and the more they can draw from our lives. How many times have we drawn encouragement from people who share their struggles with us when all the while we assumed all was perfect in their lives? How many times have we encountered people who pretend everything in their life is perfect, when really that was not the case? Of the two, who did we appreciate more and who are we likely to seek encouragement from in the future? vital woman

Life Coach Bridget Washington Meet Bridget Washington – The Passion Inspirator™. Global Passion Strategist. Speaker. Author. She is the person you contact when you are ready to take vision from a black and white existence to a living colorized masterpiece! Bridget is the founder of BríMarí Global, a personal and professional development company whose mission is to empower and equip the trailblazer in becoming a champion of their passion and purpose. She is also the author of "Fanatical: Living A God Inspired Life You Are Crazy About", and the visionary behind the book compilation, " Live Fanatical: 13 stories of Trailblazers Who Are Living Bold, Inspired Lives." Bridget currently serves as the USA Chairperson for Personal Development of the ALL Ladies League, a global women's movement. Bridget currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit www.bridgetwashington.com

n a world where women have accepted the responsibility of being multi-faceted – wife, mother, business woman, ministry leader, corporate leader, etc., One common denominator is the key to living an optimal life in being a success in each of these areas – being authentic. It appears these days, authenticity is a word that is loosely used, almost as a cliché. Or it is used as in some random statement you hear in conversation or being utilized in social media (“be authentic, be true, keep it real, be original, etc.). But – when we truly look at the world as we know it- full of some who are meandering around trying to cement their voice and who they are in this world. But often it is not with simple effort. We often time tend to falter to how society may see us, or in fact, judge us. We are afraid to show our true thoughts and feelings, so we put up a façade of who we truly are, in hopes that it may prove our authentic worth. Unfortunately, this type of masking not

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only diminishes your value, but it prevents you from pleasing the one who created you to be authentic in His awesome and unique image – God. So, just how do you live a life being your amazing authentic self? The following steps are a guide to assist you in shedding “the you behind door number 2”: 1.

Who Does God say you are? Psalm 139:14 (NIV) says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Let's break that down a bit. “In the original Hebrew text of the Bible, the word fearfully means: “with great reverence, heart-felt interest and with respect”. The word wonderfully means: “unique, set apart, marvelous”. Think on this. You are UNIQUE. You are SET APART. You are MARVELOUS.

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Made with GREAT REVERENCE, HEART-FELT INTEREST, and WITH RESPECT. God deems your worth as priceless. Esteem yourself in knowing how the creator of the world thinks the world of you. 2.

Walk in true inner and outer confidence. Yes, you are smart, beautiful, successful, talented, and charming. Don't forget who you are within and what is the driving force of who you are, which is based on God's love for you and His power to work through you. Never pretend to be someone you're not, thinking you will feel more confident; that is temporary and eventually will only lead to deeper insecurity and low self worth. Walk in truth confidence always. You don't have to feel overwhelmed or under pressure by the world's standards to accomplish something, because you have

been graced and empowered to do all things God has bestowed you to do. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Not some things, but ALL things. You are more than capable and uniquely qualified to write that book, start that business, excel in that career, etc., on your terms and with Gods approval! It is in being truly authentic to ourselves, the world, and to God we will find the best version of ourselves and will be able to maximize all that God has in store for us to do and receive. Start walking in authenticity today, and the fact that you are amazingly made….to be the authentic you.

Bridget Washington, Life Coach Columnist

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Real Estate

Abiodun Alabi is an HR consultant by profession. She is also a Realtor and a serial entrepreneur. Her Real Estate business started in 2015, she has been involved in the sales of more than 20 Acres (120 plots) of landed property within 2 states in Nigeria.

We asked Mrs Alabi to shed more light on the benefits of investing in the Nigerian Real Estate market, find her response below. We hope this interview gives you more insight into the rapidly growing property industry in Nigeria. Benefits of starting and investing in Real estate Success in the real estate business begins with product knowledge and constant access to relevant information. Hence, it has helped me create time to read and seek for knowledge. There is tremendous financial income in the real estate business. I re-invest some of my proceeds from the sale of land back into real estate, through the purchase of acres and plots of land. Real estate is a gold mine. The beauty of this business is that you can start this business without an initial starting capital and that's how I got started.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;This business has given me the privilege to organize series of training sessions for potential realtors. It has also helped me build more than 50 realtors as team force in this business. Real estate gives me the opportunity to be associated with a vast network of companies and people.â&#x20AC;? In Nigeria, this sector is booming and people are making sizeable profits in spite of the economic down turn. Real estate is a real money spinner with diverse investment opportunities for both small and big investors.

Real Estate

Photo Credit, Macira Real

How to benefit from the Nigerian real estate industry As an investor Investors can generate passive income: investors with huge capital can buy land in a strategic location, and build residential or commercial structure on it and rent it out. This will bring passive income to the investors. Land appreciation: Investment in real estate in a good location increases the value of such landed property in a short period of time. For instance, a plot of land purchased in April 2016 at #1.5 Million is currently selling at #5 Million in July 2017 and that's 233% increase in 14 months! As a realtor You can start your own real estate business as a realtor or as an agent. You can decide to run the

business full time as a realtor or run it on a parttime basis as an agent. As an agent you earn from 5-10% commission of sales referred. The income generated through this medium can be used to invest in real estate thereby buying land without delving into your savings. Our watchword in business is integrity and transparency. The investments of our potential customers are well secure with us. Contact details Call/ Whatsapp: 07059742023, 08067618867 featproperties@gmail.com Facebook : featproperties Twitter : featproperties Instagram : featproperties www.featproperties.com

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MOTHERHOOD

Trying to Strike the Balance: Returning to Work

By Olivia Akinyemi

ork is a necessity for many women in a modern society, but what happens when you are faced with the challenge of having to return to work when you have the responsibility of looking after a family? Is it possible to balance these competing demands? As a wife and a mother of three, taking the whole year maternity leave available to me was vital, I required the time to spend with the baby as well as spending time reestablishing myself as a full-time mother having been back to work for three years. My maternity leave year off had been filled with character: embarking on projects previously left untouched, taking an active role in the PTA committee, a social calendar filled with play dates, mother and baby groups galore, catching up with friends and all-in-all

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achieving a sense of self-worth, not to mention managing three children under the age of five. My extremes could change from one day to the nextfilled with energy, to feeling totally drained. Days filled with school-runs, play-dough, sticking pasta onto paper, trips to the park, ballet dancing, football club, swimming to tantrums in the supermarket, you name it- as mums we do it all! As a Christian, the bible verse that kept me in check was, and still is: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens meâ&#x20AC;?- Philippians 4: 13. I found that managing the challenges and the joys of raising a family takes strategy, it takes pace, and it takes patience and the willingness to learn. I am still learning. In between school-runs, nursery runs, feeding baby, after-school activities, and running a home, I learned to

MOTHERHOOD devise a schedule that was befitting to me, well- most of the train after dropping my kids off in the morning! On the other hand, so many of us women are faced with the time! guilt and burn-out when we return to work, the question Say yes to what is possible and no, to what is not and is how do we manage these feelings? ultimately not to feel guilty. By no- means am I suggesting that I was the perfect As a Christian, the power of prayer is phenomenal. parent, let's face it there were times when locking myself I have found peace by factoring God into my daily in the bathroom (with sweets) and having a good cry was routines: praying during my walk to the station, praying the only method that would suffice! However, through it during the school-run, reading my bible daily and asking all, the kids were happy and most of all - I was available. God to guide me. His word gives me peace and strength. Alas, after one year off, the time had come for me to The truth is balancing some schedules may not be return to work. I became overwhelmed with the fear of possible due to the hours we are required to worknot being available to my family, and possibly being seen distance and routines etc- but the key is to feel as a bad mother for returning to work. The decision to comfortable with whatever decisions you have to make. I return to work was excruciatingly hard, but as needs have learnt that my family are much more at ease when must, I had to return. To describe my feelings as nervous they know that I am at ease. This is a list (by no means would be an understatement. I had just gotten into the exhaustive) of what may help to manage the competing swing of being mummy at home again, and more-so, I needs of work and family: had just established a pattern of 6 hours continuous Learn not to feel so guilty when an event or activity falls sleep – which I'm sure any new mother will agree is a during your working day/ hours- look for an alternative, luxury! And now it was time for a new pattern and new there are hundreds of ballet and football clubs and surely routines all round, not to mention not they do not all take place during being available to do the school run on weekdays. Set boundaries: Set boundaries: Don't allow work time to three days per week. Not only had I gone back to embark on my Don't allow work over-spill into family time. Finish work on career in a busy and demanding job in the time. Time with the family is always well time to over-spill spent. Criminal Justice field, but I had also taken on a new job role. into family time. Make family time meaningful: - a trip to Taken on too much, I hear you say. Well the park with the kids allows you to make Finish work on memories yes, but in accordance to the scripture- I and they will appreciate the fun can do all things through Christ Jesus who time. time spent with mummy too. strengthens me right? Well I did need As a wife, factoring in time with your some convincing in this case! Suddenly I did not feel like I spouse is equally as important as spending time with the was enough anymore - I felt I could no longer be a good kids. Date nights are necessary- whether it is once a week mother as I had to work. or once a month- this time with your spouse allows you Suddenly those feelings of confidence in “I can do all to unwind and appreciate each other. things...” started to become cries for the Lord's help and Most importantly- time for you! A few minutes a day to tender mercies, begging God To bring me through one reflect is vital. I have found this often takes place when day to the next. the children have gone to bed. Whether your time is I was in the office again - trying to work to high used for reflection, prayer or even crashing out in-front standards in a highly competitive environment, working of the television- this time is definitely precious. If you long hours on very little sleep. are like me and you are or have experienced the case of Trying to meet deadlines, when my mind was constantly the non-sleeping/ intermittent sleeping baby or toddler, wandering about dinner and how my babies were doing still try to factor in time for you. This may be a few hours throughout the day - Could I really do “all things”? I truly away during the day- even if it is just a trip to the felt that I was out of my comfort zone. At the same time supermarket alone. I was working an exciting and new role within my career, All in all, as mothers we are required to do so much, and one that I had always wanted to do, I was faced with the there is no perfect solution to balance everything. The decision to continue to work in order to build a better key is to have peace of mind in what you are doing and to future for myself and my family or to stay home. look after you. God strengthens you through what you 5 months into my return to work and I can truly say, are ordained to do- He brought you to the gift of being a things have gotten easier routine wise - I no longer cry on mother and he surely shall bring you through it. vital woman

(LEM) Life Events Management

ife events management, also known as LEM, is an events management and wedding planning company run by Christian co-founders Courtnae and Michal. The company started as the two found themselves frequently planning and coordinating events as well as dressing venues. They came together and united their creativity to start their business organizing all types of events. The company can work with you from beginning to the end and as their slogan says they will bring life to every event. Events include weddings, birthday parties, christenings, baby showers, business workshops, seminars, church events, festivals, fun days, launch events and the list goes on. They also have a large variety of products that they hire out at competitive prices allowing you to have your dream event within your budget. They work with vendors from across the board, from bakeries and photographers to events lighting and flooring professionals, they intend to help meet the needs of their client as well as support other businesses where they can. LEM believes in excellence and elegance and therefore pay special attention to details as they believe that the little things are just as important as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;bigger thingsâ&#x20AC;?. They see each client as an individual and work closely with them to understand their needs and dreams, and whilst they also bring in their expertise opinion, they always go above and beyond to turn the dream into a reality! Connect with LEM on: Twitter - @lem_events Instagram - @lem_events Tel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07716548750 or 07734082268 Email - Lifeeventsmanagement@outlook.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Angela Tella is a Lifestyle Expert, a Dietician and a Coach whose passion is inspiring positive impact in you and your world. She works with individuals, helping them live more fulfilling and productive lives. Find her on her Facebook page (Angela Tella), follow her on Twitter (AngelaTella1) and visit her website www.angelatella.com

Healthy Eating PRINCIPLES That Actually Work

ave you ever wondered what healthy eating is really all about? With all the conflicting dietary information available (especially on the internet), do you bury your head in the sand when it comes to what you eat and simply hope for the best? In this article, I hope to de-mystify healthy eating by sharing tried and trusted principles that will benefit you and your family's health. Here are five of them to get you started:

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Get into the habit of regular meals based on carbs such as rice, bread, breakfast cereals, pasta, cous cous, potatoes, yam and plantain. Carbs are a modest source of calories and your body's main source of energy. They also provide essential vitamins and good sources of fibre, especially high fibre varieties/choices. Contrary to popular belief they are not fattening â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unless you eat very large quantities of them or 'drown' them in fat. Super-size on fruit and vegetables. Rich in fibre

HEALTH & WELLNESS

and bursting with, antioxidant vitamins and minerals, these are relatively low in calories and make great snacks. Aim for at least five portions daily and keep things interesting by trying a new fruit or vegetable once a week. One portion is equivalent to what can fit into a cupped palm, except for salad a portion of which is the equivalent of a dessert bowl. Only one mediumsized glass (150ml) of unsweetened fruit juice or smoothie counts towards your 5-a-day portions, no matter how much you have in a day. Be aware that the natural sugar in fruit juice and smoothies can wreak havoc on your teeth so aim to have these with meals. Additionally, consuming large quantities can lead to weight gain. Eat lean protein (in modest amounts). Buy lean meats as they provide better value for money and actively ensure your protein is lean by removing skin from poultry, excess fat from meat and avoiding frying. Eat more fish including oily fish like mackerel, salmon, fresh tuna, and sardines, but no more than one portion of oily fish (140g) per week if you are of child-bearing age or pregnant. Pulses like kidney beans, black-eyed beans and lentils are also excellent sources of protein and much cheaper compared to animal protein.

Downsize your fatty, salty and sugary food intake. Believe it or not fatty and sugary foods aka 'treats' do have a place in a healthy eating plan. Just limit how much and how often you have them. Choose reduced or low fat/salt/sugar versions instead and use less salt and salt-based seasoning in cooking. Avoid adding salt at the table and consider using artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. Watch out also for sugary drinks which provide empty calories and little or no nutrition. Keep dehydration at bay by drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid daily. Mix things up and include water, tea, coffee, milk and no added sugar squashes and soft drinks. Get into the habit of sipping throughout the day and not waiting till you are thirsty to drink (note to self!). Also remember that fruit juice is not a suitable thirst quencher. Putting these evidence-based principles into practice will make a noticeable difference to your health and wellbeing. As with making lasting change in any area, remember that consistency is what results in transformation, not chasing after every dietary fad that presents itself. Stay focused! Disclaimer: The information in this article general and does not constitute or replace personalized, individual advice from a Registered Dietitian. vital woman

BookShelf In this edition we have chosen 2 reviews to share with you. Imagine Big starts out with the author's introductory page and a quote from Albert Einstein. She encourages the reader to see a future beyond the visible, to open up minds to the endless possibilities God intends to make manifest. The book has 224 pages, comes in hardcover and paperback formats. Within the pages of this book, every reader will be inspired and encouraged to: Imagine an extraordinary future Make a dream book – list all of your plans for a brighter tomorrow Assign time daily to review your dreams Get your goals in place Initiate action now Nullify negativity Express gratitude

Imagine Big by Terri Savelle Foy

Be led by your God-given desires Invest in your dreams Get your expectancy high.

he book reassures those who struggle with where they fit, those on a hunt to find purpose and be established in purpose. See God as limitless, imagine how he has mapped out plans to walk you through to a place of purpose. The author states how at a point in her life, she had no dreams to pursue, each day was a repeat of the previous till she actively began seeking God's face for purpose and direction. As time went by, the author started to recognize her own dreams and goals, she simply wrote them down and reviewed them consistently. This written vision became a road map to drive her life. As a result, those dreams are now a reality in the books she writes, her dvds and her ministry. Overcoming Fear is mostly what I personally got out of the book, having the confidence to step out in complete faith and do that which you are called to do. The book reminds everyone to get back to dreaming and planning for the future. I particularly appreciate her logical, detailed steps for making your dreams powerful enough to manifest in real life. Imagine Big highlights great stepby-step points to help readers determine dreams and goals getting everyone to take specific actions to realize those dreams/goals all the while relying on God's eagerness to help. She uses great examples in the book

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to support each of the steps previously listed. It is an amazing book, I encourage everyone to buy a copy and get in on what God expects of you to accomplish that dream of yours “IMAGINE BIG will inspire you to stop procrastinating and to act now. I believe we tend to get a “tomorrow” mentality about the things we feel God has placed in our dream vision. Many people get stuck thinking the future is far off. We make ourselves feel better when we say, “Someday, I'm going to do that.” “Someday, I'm going to get my act together and live for God.” “Someday, when I make enough money, I'll spend more time with my kids.” “Someday, when my schedule slows down, I'm going to get involved at church.” “Someday, when I have more time, I'll focus on getting in better shape.” Here's a sobering wakeup call—someday won't ever happen unless you act today. Let me show you how someday can turn into today. I wrote IMAGINE BIG so that you can.” (Foy, 2014) Personally, I have read many activate-your-dream and visionary, goal setting books and what I have learned from this one is powerful, life changing and I have been blessed in listening to her messages on YouTube. Reviewed by Bola Adeleye

BookShelf In the Dark

by Unoma Nwankwor

You will also find a lot of practical help with how to walk the walk of faith, in this hope that God has made available to us… learning that it's a process, Unoma calls it “in the meantime places”. My heart really resonates with that because what we do “in the meantime places” can have a huge impact on the outcome. You will arrive at a place of peace, as you journey through this book, learning to trust God more by embracing the fact that it is peaceful to relinquish all control over to Him and finally rest in His abundant love for you. Frankly, I don't think this book could have come at a better time really… with so much going on around the world which is giving rise to fear and uncertainty about the future. What better way to minister to the world around us but, to encourage that our hope is securely anchored in Christ and with the right perspective and clear knowledge of how to truly reach out, embrace and stand in this hope that God offers.

n this book, Unoma addresses what we go through and how we feel when we find ourselves in the dark… during a “wilderness” period and shows us how to proceed with the hope that God has made available to us through His word. Even though a very serious topic, I am intrigued at how Unoma has been able to whip in some humour! Through her unique writing style and approach to this sometimes daunting topic of “going through dark times”, she has been able to bring such ease to the reader. I found myself smiling and chuckling several times as I read. As you read IN THE DARK, you will undoubtedly be better able to confront the darkness or re-evaluate some of the dark times you've been through, giving clarity and sometimes meaning to what you may be going through or have been through. Beyond that, there is a tremendous sense of warmth that one feels knowing that you are not alone and Unoma gives you that through the personal experiences she shares.

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary.” - Hebrews 6:19 There is a confident expectation that runs through the pages of this book - it is that God loves us, He has a purpose and an end in mind even through the dark times. He will bring us through into “His” plan and above that we will come out at the other end better and stronger in faith as we anchor our hope in Christ. This book comes highly recommended, if you find yourself at a crossroads in your life or perhaps you are at a place where you are so desperately trying to make sense of all that's happening in your life or around you. I encourage you to not just get a copy for yourself but, get one for every one in your life who is facing a dark time – I pray the clouds begin to lift as you prayerfully read this beautifully inspired book. Reviewed by Lara Mfon vital woman

HOME AFFAIRS by Emily Foresythe Interiors.

How To

RE-DECORATE On A

BUDGET

have always been intrigued and fascinated about beauty in a variety of forms and so whether it is beauty expressed in nature, in living space, in styling clothes, styling food, styling hair or in creative designing then I am naturally drawn towards it. It is no wonder therefore, that one of my hobbies is photography. I love to capture beauty through the lens of my camera (or my smart phone, as is the case these days) :-) I strongly believe that God created beauty, surrounds

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The bible puts it this way... "We are God's Masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." It's amazing that each one of us was created a Masterpiece... I can only imagine God marvelling over each one of us after He created us. Now let's dive straight into our topic today, Many of us would like to transform our living space from time to time, so as to bring about some freshness to our home. However, we sometimes find that we may not quite have the budget for a complete home makeover. These tips can be revisited each season such that you have a new look for Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The great thing about it is that it shouldn't cost you the earth.

Budget Start with working out what your budget is. How much can you really commit to this home re-decorating project? Your budget will determine what you can afford to focus on. If you can afford to hire an Interior Designer, go for it. It will be worth every penny spent, I promise you. An Interior Designer would help you with a lot of valued information that would help you save money in the long term. They would help you save more money by sourcing for the right items for your space rather than a trial and error approach plus they are well versed on current home styling trends. If you are not able to afford to hire one yet then these tips would come in handy. After you have determined what your budget is and if you will be taking on the decorating task yourself, it is now time to get on to the next stage.

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HOME AFFAIRS by Emily Foresythe Interiors.

Go on a tour Take a walk around your house with pen and paper in hand. Go through each room and write down what you consider to be the problem in each room. Now sit down and have a good think about each room. List out the rooms in your home in order of priority. Which room is most important to you? Your personality and priorities will have a grear impact on this stage.

What is your motive for re-decoration? Remember that the theme of this edition is "Authenticity", so be true to yourself as you make your selection. Are you more interested in entertaining guests in your home? Or are you more focused on creating more functional and living space around your home? There are no right or wrong answers. Take a holistic approach to this and do what is best for you. After you have prioritised your needs as far as your purpose for redecorating is concerned, let's go on to the next step.

Make a priority list Make a list in order of priority of which rooms will be the first to be redecorated. Now, looking at each room again from the list you made, write out specific items you would like replaced or introduced. A visit to your local home decĂ˛r stores or online will help you do some price analysis. It is worth considering whether you should redecorate one room each month. This way you might be able to focus on a monthly budget and slowly achieve your objective over a longer period of time.

Decisions. Decisions Now that you have item prices, you are in a better position to determine what items you would be able to purchase based on your budget and of course the priority list you have made.

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Which room gets to be redecorated first, will sometimes be determined by how much cash is available for the project. You certainly don't want to start up in one room and get to a point where you're unable to finish. This has a tendency to leave us feeling unaccomplished. Look at your list against your budget in making that decision. The success of completing one room will no doubt encourage you to go for the next room and this certainly leaves one with a sense of success.

Common items to help freshen the home Your home may not necessarily need these items but, this is only a list of home decĂ˛r items that are commonly introduced or replaced to help spruce up the home. - Cushions - Pillows - Throws - Lamps - Rugs - Coffee tables - Curtains - Wall art - Framed Pictures/ Portraits - Fresh flowers - Indoor plants - Bookcase - DecĂ˛r items

PHOTO CREDITS www.happymodern.ru www.decor2urdoor.net www.collections.yandex.ru Studio Roeper Tesfer Duran Gajah Home Barbadors Katarina Olsson

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VITAL DEVOTIONAL

ugust was my month of refreshing, as I withdrew from most of my usual activities to seek God in a place of quiet. My main focus was on thanksgiving and a desire to hear what God desired to say to me and show me. As the days went by, the Lord spoke about being “in transit”. About a week later, I was speaking to a friend and she also talked about being in “transition”. A few days later another person shares about transition being something that the Holy Spirit spoke to her about and she went further to pray that we transition well. By this time of course, I started to dwell on the word “transition” a bit more, asking the Spirit of God to give me more insight.

They then came up against the 1st challenge, the Red Sea and at that point, the life they lived back in Egypt seemed like a blessing in comparison.

Scripture For Meditation

This devotional came about on the first day of October, when the Holy Spirit spoke to me through the incident in Exodus 14.

Stop being so fearful! Remain steady, and you will see how Adonai is going to save you. He will do it today today you have seen the Egyptians, but you will never see them again! Adonai will do battle for you. Just calm yourselves down!

How many times have we also felt like this? God moves us forward into "the new" into what we've been praying about and we soon long to return to "the old". Why is that? Mainly because "the old" is familiar waters, familiar territory, familiar enemies and familiar struggles. The new takes a shifting of our mind-set and it is a massive process. How many times did the children of Israel become so discontented with their journey into the "promised land"?

HOW WE TRANSITION The same is true for us. We need God delivered the children of more grace as we journey on. Exodus 14:13-14 Israel from Pharaoh's hands, this was following many struggles of CJB We pray for the leading of the course but, they eventually gained Holy Spirit. their freedom. Lead us, guide us and take us by the hand dear precious That was really just the beginning of their journey. Holy Spirit, as we make this transition. May we transition well, in Jesus name!

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MENTOR a GIRL In Africa

A VITAL WOMAN COMMUNITY PROJECT

n 2016, Vital Woman collaborated with The Martha Juah Educational Foundation for young girls in Liberia. The institute which is headed by Patrice Juah, the former Miss Liberia, exists to help encourage education amongst young girls. Mentors from Vital Woman donate books to the Foundation and will be assigned mentees from amongst the young girls. If you would like to join us donate more books, please contact us by sending an email to info@avitalwoman.com alternatively, fill out a contact form on our website at www.avitalwoman.com and more details will be sent to you. Thanks to our mentors who made the decision to help shape minds, one book at a time.

Photo courtesy efficientorganizationnw.com

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Leading Lady Interview

We are delighted to present this edition's Leading Lady,

Adetola Monininuola Adeoba

She is a London-based Solicitor and a very pleasant company to have around. Be sure to connect with her but, first enjoy the interview.

Education and Qualifications LL.B (Hons) B.L (Hons) MBA Int.Mgt Profession Solicitor in England and Wales Achievements/Awards I am most proud of my 3 kids Present occupation Consultant/Solicitor 36

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ho inspired you to pursue your present career and businesses? My dad the late Justice Ademola Adeoba. He was a man I greatly admired and I remember as a young child during the school holidays we will visit him in his chambers at the Ikeja High Court in Lagos, Nigeria. My siblings and I would be reading and playing in his chambers while he was sitting. I was allowed to sit at the back of the court a couple of times and I was entranced by the proceedings and the wigs and robes even though I did not have a clue what was going on. What were the main challenges you faced during the early stages of pursuing your dream? My parents were very supportive of my dream to be a Lawyer and my dad particularly who wanted me to follow in his footsteps. I studied at the Lagos

Leading Lady Interview State University. The expectations were very high, likewise the pressures.

There is a time for everything, believe in yourself and your dream and have a close circle of supportive people that can motivate you and you can bounce ideas off and seek advise from. It is never too late to follow your dream.

The internet was not available and we had to run around looking for cases and other reference materials after lectures most of which are a click away now. The Nigerian Law School was also relentless. After my call to bar in 1991 the main challenge was practising as a young barrister and solicitor in Lagos Nigeria, in a system that was slow with some corrupt officials. My experience has been much better since I qualified and started practising in England.

What are the top 3 time management tips you've adopted and imbibe into your daily routine? The first is an open and easy line of communication with your team. They shouldn't have to make an appointment to see you to run ideas or bring their concerns to you. Be quick to pass on information that will be of benefit to other people. Knowledge is power and being knowledgeable and up to date in your area of expertise is important. Maintaining good relationships across the board is important to the success of any business or organisation be it with colleagues, clients and other stakeholders/

use my skills to help the charities I am involved with continue to make a difference in their communities as they impact lives positively

What would you say to other women who aspire to follow their dreams? Why not? You have nothing to lose by trying and you're the only thing that will stop you from achieving those dreams. There is a time for everything, believe in yourself and your dream and have a close circle of supportive people that can motivate you and you can bounce ideas off and seek advise from. It is never too late to follow your dream.

What are your hobbies? I love to read, swim and going out with friends whether for a meal or the theatre. I also enjoy travelling and try to get away as often as I can. But my real passion is the work I do with various charities impacting lives positively. How have you successfully introduced relaxation into your busy routine? My pace can be at times manic but I also consciously shut down from the busyness if I think things are getting manic. I take time out by pausing between tasks to have a quick chat with God in prayer (I find that it grounds me), listen to music while consciously relaxing my muscles or watch funny videos on the internet.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Hopefully still in practice and doing bigger and better things. I want to be more involved in charity work and vital woman

Meet

Chef Jess She offers a personal chef service with a specialisation in Nigerian food.

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Location: Paris, France. Popular dishes ordered by our clients; Starter - Hot chicken wings Main course - Jollof rice Dessert - Puff puff Connect with Chef Jess on Instagram @chef__jess

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Meet

Kess Eshun of Kess Kravings Inc. Kess Kravings Inc. is a food and beverage company whose mission is to provide a unique dining experience with dishes celebrating a culinary bridge between Western and African cuisines. Offerings include a specialty spice brand, pop-up restaurant events, catering services and a bakery.

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Location: Plano TX. Popular dishes ordered by our clients; Starter : Jollof Arancini Main course: Yuca crusted Waakye ( Rice and Beans infused with Millet leaves) over spaghetti, tomatoes stew and seafood chilli sauce atop egg and caviar. Dessert: Coconut Cake, Macaron and our House made Ice cream with seasonal fruits. Connect with Kess on Social Media IG:@kesskravings @savorkraving @jenesiscafe @ kravingsspice Facebook/twitter: kesskravings @jeneisicafe vital woman

Education Column

Authenticity in Education by Modupe A. Eyo Modupe A. Eyo is based in Maryland, USA, a Lawyer turned Educator. She has spent the last 12 years in the field of education; teaching, tutoring, organizing enrichment activities (SOLE group) etc., providing reading intervention (Spell Read), coaching (Movement Matters), and advocating for children where necessary.

he term “authentic” is making a comeback somewhat like the remix of an old familiar song. Its ubiquitous use to describe how we should act, be, and think in the real world and on social media reinforce its meaning. Nowadays, people everywhere are able to market their originality as trade and sell personal attributes - TED Talks, documentaries, and even reality television shows are perceived to bring authenticity to a person or idea. I suspect that inside of most people there is a head nod of acknowledgment when you come face-to-face with that which is genuine. The field of education has widely explored authenticity as something teachers should aspire to whilst preparing

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children for life. Going back as far as the Pedagogic Creed (1897), John Dewey states,“I believe that the school must represent present life - life as real and vital to the child as that which he carries on in the home, in the neighborhood, or on the playground. I believe that education which does not occur through forms of life, or that are worth living for their own sake, is always a poor substitute for the genuine reality and tends to cramp and to deaden.” Authenticity in education is defined as the perception that the teacher is being open and honest in her attempts to help students learn (Brookfield 2006). I remember when I first became a substitute teacher and encountered students who were not enamored with my well spoken “Queens

Education Column English,” rather my accent earned me sniggers, giggles, and hands that shot up with the question I had come to expect “ I don't understand you,”and of course the one directed at a classmate - “what did she say?” This issue always had the potential to distract from whatever lesson I was teaching. Upon reflection and after several similar incidents, I chose to introduce myself differently to the students one morning. That fateful day, I introduced myself as Mrs Eyo from Nigeria, a country in Africa, and together we looked for Nigeria on the map hanging in the classroom. This action elicited several questions and a good discussion about home, family, and other topics of interest to my newly fascinated students. Then I confirmed their perception that I in fact speak English just like them, but simply with an accent different from theirs. The goal and subsequent result was helping my students understand that since we all spoke English, a little careful listening will eliminate their fascination with the “foreign” way I pronounced certain words and focus their attention on the content being conveyed. Frankly, I could hardly believe how well class went that day. So, from then on that became my opening speech to every class and it never failed to set the pace for a more relatable experience. Thinking about it now I realize that was me bringing my authentic self to the classroom. Now, you may ask what does authentic student achievement look like? A group of educators at the University of Wisconsin developed a framework that would help teachers answer this question. The main point of these standards was to see the extent to which any specific activity in or out of school would engage students to use their minds well (Fred Newmann and Gary Wehlage)

The five standards of authentic instruction are: Higher Order Thinking Depth of Knowledge Connectedness to the Real World Substantive Conversation Social Support for Student Achievement When we allow ourselves to become more familiar with our inner self the more confident our teaching becomes. Palmer posits that if the educational system allows educators to teach from a place of identity and integrity rather than solely from the method of technique then good teaching happens and learning is the end result of this. Parker Palmer (1998) However, as educators we must also come with credibility, it is not enough to be merely authentic. We have to strive to be both authentic and credible. Credibility as defined by Brookfield is “the perception that the teacher has something important to offer (skills, knowledge, insight, wisdom, information). In his final statement he leaves us with a note of caution, the realization that we can never be a perfect embodiment of these characteristics to all students. (Brookfield 2006) References Dewey, John. The Pedagogic Creed John Dewey's famous declaration concerning education. The School Journal, Volume LIV, Number 3 (January 16, 1897), pages 77-80. Bass, Jossey. The Skillful Teacher: On Trust, Technique and Responsiveness in the Classroom. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2006. Newmann, Fred. Wehlage, Gary http://www.ascd.org/publications/educationalleadership/apr93/vol50/num07/Five-Standards-of-AuthenticInstruction.aspx#fn1 Accessed 07/28/2017

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Parenthood Authenticity.... from the Core

– Freedom! Sophia Roman Sophia serves as the Regional Director of the Women's Ministries in the Assemblies of God Western Cape in South Africa. She is a registered Life Coach and uses her gifts amongst women and the next generation of girls. She is a published author and writes as a freelance writer.

he hunger is endless.... In an era of ever increasing change where social media is the order of the day. Facebook filled with selfies nearly every other day if not every day. Stories about people all the time and different stories. We live our lives in stories. “Who we are and what we do are influenced by the many stories we tell about ourselves.” In all the stories, our story or their story there is a deep longing for reality... what really is the truth. How do our stories affect us and how do we deal with the reality of our lives. The quest for

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authenticity... The cry for the genuine, the desire to see that quality in our lives and that of others of being authentic. We desire authenticity because it is the real stuff that has effect on us and on our relationships. Sometimes we tend to cover our real selves with all sorts of masks. We do not want to be known for who we really are. I often wondered why I did that especially when I was younger. To be real and true to me I had to face that question myself, facing myself and looking in the mirror and demanded the truth from self. My finding was

Parenthood there is the fear of rejection, the fear of not being accepted if we life authentically. It was only later in my life that authenticity became a value in my life. Authentic living brings about great liberation; it sets one free from deep within, from one's core. It is one of the best gifts one can give oneself. It is to live authentically. It brings out such purity of heart and uniqueness as it is one's own, it cannot be copied it's so you. So too in our relationships the best gift one must offer to each other is your authentic self. Our genuine story is the sum of who we are. Fear has crippled our relationships for too long. What it really is was defined as “False Evidence Appearing Real” unkwown. We must allow ourselves to be. Break through the barrier of fear and see what will happen. The opposite became true for me. The more I lived my life openly and authentically people were drawn to me. Because that is the deep longing, the quest, the desire to meet and be in relationship with genuine people. People who know that there is no such thing as being perfect. We all have flaws but that is actually what brings out the reality of this quality of being authentic. There is somehow preciousness about people who are real. They continue to be who they are in spite of their shortcomings that are grace. There is beauty about being real. There is great acceptance and people are drawn to us because it gives them hope because we all can identify of wanting to be all that we are born to be but we have our struggles. Nothing wrong with that because the best of us have our struggles and

issues. We are all together in the making of who we are becoming. I remember the day my eldest daughter HannahJoy one day with great surprise said: “Wow, mummy, you are not perfect”. These shocked me more than I think she was shocked with this great discovery. Did I make my children feel that I am perfect and that they are not good enough? I felt bad in a very deep way! What did my daughters see in me? It must have been such pressure to live with me with that in their minds. This perfect mother. From that day on purpose so that they know that we are in this together. We live authentically to best we know how and God will take care of the rest if we allow Him. What are the masks that need to be removed so that we could walk in that amazing freedom of a genuine and authentic life? Let us give ourselves that gift to be liberated from the perfect self and the willingness to make the transition to wholeness. Wholeness does not mean perfection but a life free from fear of the opinions of others and the rest of the world. It releases every heavy yoke of pretense and burden of self. Let us live our lives in that quality and make it a value to be true to ourselves, to God and to others. To live a day at a time knowing that we are still in the making. We are still becoming. We are forever evolving into our better selves as God has planned it. Let us be committed to living in our freedom authentically and genuinely from the core.

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GIRLS' EMPOWERMENT

Beyond The Masks by Patrice Juah

n today's fast paced and interconnected world, girls are bombarded with so many images of perfection, unrealistic standards and labels.

Everything around them shapes their decisions and outlook on life; from the fashion trends they see on TV and in magazines, the friends they make, the shows they watch on television, the music they listen to, what they see on social media; and even the values they hold dear.

they engage the world : the fit-in-mask, the-overly-givingand-never-receiving-mask, the-smile-because-you're-agirl-mask, the-look-happy-even-though- you're-hurtingmask, the girl-next-door-mask, the-world's-sweetheartmask, the-super-girl-but-I'm-actually-crying-out-for-helpmask and the-happy-go-lucky-mask, etc.

These masks paint a perfect picture - the ones they want the world to see, and give quick fixes to problems, temporarily concealing their insecurities and pain, and shielding them from reality. They're pushed into choosing certain career paths; Their world seems manufactured, packaged and presented to them on a trendy superficial platter, forcing sometimes pressured, and even alienated, for not completing that course, or getting on that perceived them to conform to societal norms, all in the name of dream sports team, at a certain age. fitting in. It seems as if they're thrust into a sea of opinions, struggling to stay afloat, but drowning every time they With these images constantly thrown at them, they're left with little or no time for introspection and intentional attempt to get out. So, at the end of the day, many girls live their lives through the lenses of others, instead of living. Thus, life becomes a trend, leaving them empty, and with those of their own. no choice, but to wear different masks, through which

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GIRLS' GIRLS' EMPOWERMENT EMPOWERMENT Putting on, and discarding these masks can be a lot of work, and often leaves them drained and confused. But the journey to true authenticity begins when a girl stops, surrenders her mask to God, examines who she truly is at her core and ask herself some tough questions. Romans 12:2 (KJV) admonishes us: “And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Are you willing to remove those heavy masks for good, in order to finally be free to be the powerful girl God has destined you to be? Are you willing to discard the image you've so perfectly crafted for the world, so that beneath it all, you can find the real YOU? The YOU that is more than a conqueror. The YOU who can do all things though Christ who strengthens you. The one whose weaknesses are turned into strengths through Christ. Are you willing to trade those masks for your power, freedom, and glorious life through Christ?

So then, who are you when the spotlights are off and the cheering crowds are gone? Who are you beyond the makeup, face-beats and glitz and glamor? Who are you beyond the filters, photo-shopped images and edits? Who are you when the doors are shut and we're confronted by our fears, strengths, weaknesses and doubts?

A true understanding of who you truly are in God equips and empowers you to handle life's many challenges. With this newfound understanding, you'll walk into your divine purpose and leave a stamp of excellence on everything you touch, because you'll begin living in accordance with God's perfect plan for you, instead of your plans for yourself.

The result of digging deep beyond these layers produces true AUTHENTICITY; the one I call the “behind the scenes”; that place where your passions and challenges stare you deep in the eye.

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) says: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath ordained that we should walk in them.”

That dark place beneath the glitz and glamor; far away from the spotlight. That place that's littered with failures, tears, sleepless nights, confusion and heartbreaks. That place no amount of makeup, smiles or filter can conceal. That place where you sit alone, scattered, shattered and broken. That place where reality stares boldly at you. That place only you can confront. That place no one sees, but you. That place that compels you to bow down in humility and complete surrender to God. That person, in that moment, is the real YOU; the authentic and vulnerable YOU, laden with beauty, strength and hope. That YOU, that's only visible beyond the masks and layers.

Authenticity, deeply rooted in God's word, is the birth right and legacy of every child of God. So, burn those masks, walk upright, you daughter of grace. Embrace your kingdom identity and lose sight of all the labels, definitions, and who you're expected to be. Walk with authentic confidence, claiming your victorious destiny through Jesus Christ. Patrice Juah is a Mandela Washington Fellow for president Obama's young African Leaders initiative, a Creative Entrepreneur, Writer, Poet, Girls' Education Advocate, Communications professional and former Miss Liberia. She's the Founder of Martha Juah Educational Foundation, an organisation that provides scholarships, mentorship and educational opportunities to girls in rural Liberia.

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Vital Beauty

Women are in pursuit of

RADIANCE Joy Gittens

Joy Gittens is Business Manager at YvesSaintLaurent Beauté. She is a Beauty & Skincare Expert, trained in colour coding, traditional and airbrushed makeup. She is also a Business Owner and Coach. “Beauty is my passion, every woman should look and feel fabulous at any age, I bring the best to everyone I touch.”

fresh healthy glow that looks effortless and flawless, no matter which skin type. Natural products are more in demand now than ever. My advice, glowing skin is more than just applying a radiant foundation and highlighter. To achieve that fresh radiance on a long term basis there are a few key factors to take into consideration, your lifestyle, nutrition and your beauty regime to get that as the saying goes "I woke up like this" look With that said let me share with you some authentic remedies that I have used over the years and still use today to benefit my skin's health, keep a youthful appearance and get my glow on. You will also be pleased to learn that this can be done at home cost effectively. -Honey is full of antioxidants, naturally antibacterial, and a humectant, it is great for slowing down aging. It is a complexion boost, extremely moisturizing and soothing so it helps create a glow. It's great for cleansing the skin including acne treatment and prevention. Where it's organic, raw and unfiltered honey is best. I use manuka honey to thoroughly cleanse my skin daily as it has the most anti-bacterial properties. First dampen skin as this allows the honey to spread smoothly. Apply ½ teaspoon of honey and smooth gently all over your face. Rinse with tepid water. Pat dry or leave your face to air dry. - Remember to thoroughly remove makeup at night before going to bed.

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- Use a lotion/toner such as witch hazel, rose water or tea tree oil depending on skin type and preference, a few drops on a dampened cotton wool pad with water. This removes any excess oil and dirt from your skin that your cleanser missed, in addition to closing your pores, restores your PH balance and assists your products to work more effectively.

- Moisturizing This is recommended even for those who have oily skin. Use coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, castor oil, avocado oil, argan oil, almond oil, jojoba oil or aloe vera all staves off signs of aging. Bottom line, it's one of the best things you can do for a glowing skin long term. Do not forget your neck and décolletage. Moisturize both day and night.

- Balanced Nutrition The foods in your kitchen are just as important for keeping skin soft, smooth and glowing as the creams in your bathroom. For example; eat foods with antioxidants, have a rainbow-coloured plate of food, e.g romaine lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, apples, grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, and other citrus fruits & almonds, Preferably eat organic foods. - Ensure you are getting enough sleep, relaxation and exercise this will all help with obtaining and maintaining healthy glowing skin. - Drink up: Drink plenty of water. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses per day. I cannot emphasise enough how important this is as it will clear your skin and make it glow because it makes it easier for your body to flush out toxins quickly. Carry a water bottle with you all day to make sure you always have water to hand. FACT: Our skin regenerates itself approximately every 27days. Proper skincare is essential to maintaining the health and vitality of your skin. Lets get started; Skin Glow Turmeric powder + lemon juice ½ teaspoon of turmeric 1 tablespoon of lemon juice Take the turmeric powder, mix with the lemon juice, make a paste and apply to your face avoiding eye area . Let the mask dry for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash off thoroughly with cold water and pat dry with a face towel.

Feeling flawless Honey + cinnamon + lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey 1 tablespoon of cinnamon 1 tablespoon of lemon juice Mix the three ingredients together, apply the mask to skin and leave it on the skin for the mask to dry. Remove with cool water and pat dry or leave to air dry. Use once a week. For oily /acne prone skin Try using honey + sugar + lemon juice to exfoliate your skin once a week. Mix all the ingredients together to a paste. Apply all over your face using small gentle circular motions avoiding the eye area. Then rinse off with cool water. The oatmeal honey scrub Oatmeal + honey + coconut oil 2 tablespoons of oatmeal ½ cup of water 1 tablespoon of honey 2 tablespoons of coconut oil Boil the oatmeal in ½ cup of water Let it cool. Add the honey and the coconut oil Mix. Massage the mixture on your face Leave it for 30 minutes Rinse with lukewarm water Use once a week This is best for hyperpigmentation and redness. I hope this has been helpful I have many more beauty tips & remedies to share. Connect with me on social media: Facebook - @Joy Caring Instagram - @JoyCaring vital woman

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Provision for the Vision

he first step for every Visionary is the knowledge and acceptance of their vision. Following on from this, the next phase is the quest to see the vision established. God is the one who gives us both the vision and the provision for our vision. Many a time Visionaries are expectant for a lump sum injection towards stepping out with their vision. However, in some cases God will require some Visionaries to gradually build up the capital they require. You might receive direction to start working with something within your reach and that way gradually invest some of the proceeds towards your vision. Lara is a Visionary Coach, a Business Stylist and an Author. A serial entrepreneur with a professional background in Accounting, she works with professional ladies on their brand & style. Having run businesses in 3 countries, she now offers coaching and branding services to clients internationally. Lara is passionate about helping her clients build a stronger brand. Connect with her on Instagram @Business_Stylist_Lara

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I remember making this same assumption after the Lord gave me the vision to start out and shortly afterwards he gave me instructions to fund the vision from part of the proceeds from one of my businesses. We need to remind ourselves that God who gave us the vision also has the blueprint for the establishment of our vision. Let us remember to ask him to lead and direct the vision that He gave to us. No matter what stage we may be at in the fulfilment of our vision, let us continue to draw encouragement from this scripture.

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. - Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT) -

Photography - @juanjies Models - @pusetayaida | @shamiradrss | @moregeral | @belen.m.vizcayaDesigned by - @Afroretrobcn Stylist - @EmilyForesythe MUA - @Shamiradrss vital woman