Where in the World is Zi Zi Bright?

Joshephine Baker Soap Box

2015-03-22T17:33:00.003-05:00

I have been fascinated by Josephine Baker since Jr. High. I first really started to know about her when I read her obituary when she died. Wow... what a amazing life. I read everything I could find about her. My goal was to get to Paris and walk the same streets she walked. I finally did make it to Paris( many times) I was exhilarated just to be in her city, but also disappointed that there isn't really anything there left of her. She has a street corner(Place Josephine) and a swimming pool named after her. I was looking for more a museum something. Due to my research I was able to walk past her old apartment on the Champs-Elysees, her night club and the Bobino the final venue she preformed at before her death.

I wanted some way to honer her. So with my business Calabar Soap I designed a commemorative soap box feathering Josephine as a Show girl.

Josephine Baker Soap Box

* RASPBERRY LEMON BUBBLE BATH 8oz A refreshing blend of muddled raspberries with lemon, sugar and vanilla.

* VANILLA NOIR LOTION BAR 2oz. A hypnotic blend of dark vanilla bean, black amber and exotic spices

* CHOCOLATE BANANA BODY BAR 4oz Creamy Cocoa and Shea Butters make a yummy banana cocoa soap.

* AVOCADO BASTILLE FACIAL BAR 4oz Olive and Avocado oils a treat for your face.

* MAD MELON LIP BUTTER STICK .15oz Juicy trio of juicy cantaloupe, green honeydew and sweet red watermelon.

* PARIS PERFUME ROLL 15ml Hyacinth, jasmine and iris with a hint of sparkling citrus.

Click here to order..

SHE WASN'T JUST A SHOW GIRL.. 1906- 1975

Josephine Baker-first African-American woman to star in a major motion picture, Zouzou(1934),to integrate an American concert hall & to become a world-famous entertainer. Also noted for her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement(she was offered unofficial leadership of the movement by Coretta Scott King in 1968 after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, but turned it down),for assisting the French Resistance during World War II & for receiving the French military honor, the Croix de guerre. A mother of 12 adopted children from all over the world. A beautiful spirit, she embraced all colors, rejected racial segregation and pushed the limits during a time when black women had few options or no opportunities.

Shox vx Jayhawk

2015-03-22T16:24:00.001-05:00

Watching the the big rivals that never gets to play each other. Thanks to March Madness my two team will final play each other. for the first time in years. I cant decide who I want to win. Today I decided.. that I don't have to decide. It is almost like picking which child you love the best. Yes I might have a favorite..but care about both equally. I will be happy for who wins and sad for who loses.

Long time no post

2015-03-11T17:37:00.000-05:00

Well its been a long time since my last post. I have a lot of new thing s going on. I decided this blog will take a new direction. Nor really because it a lifestyle blog so just adding more to my life style. Namely business Calabar Soaps.

Fly Paper Strips Pinterest Fail

2013-07-29T13:22:00.002-05:00

I was tired of swatting flies...gross. So I found this recipe for fly paper strips on Pinterest. They turned out lovely . When I woke up in they were morning covered in flies... problem they didn't stick. They all flew away when I approached. In the trash..Fail

Tea with Wendy

2013-04-12T12:11:00.001-05:00

Years ago I went on a Disney Cruise with my son (who was 10 years old at the time) and my two sisters. Before leaving Kansas I spent hours looking at the ship brochure highlighting all the activities I wanted to do. Number one on my list was Tea With Wendy. I never was Disney crazy like some kids you see. ....but, when I was little someone had given me a set of Disney records( the 33 1/2 rpms albums) with all the Disney songs....from most of the Disneys shows out so far. Pinocchio, Snow White, Cinderella, and of course Peter Pan. I would play the songs over and over. Wendy Darling was my favorite Disney chick.

To my dismay my sisters were not at all interested in having Tea with Wendy. My son left the cabin early in the morning and we might catch a glimpse of him during the day . He found his own friends..... Disney knows how to entertain children. Ok, so I assumed that this was something my sisters would want to to do. So when I announced it was time to start getting dressed for Tea With Wendy, they looked at me like I had lost my mind. Next instant they must of decided it was a joke because they both laughed so hard I thought they would be sick. Ump.... I decide to just go without them . I knew once I started to get dress they would be right there with me.

Adamma said " really I think this is for little girls only."

Me: " It doesn't state an age limit"

Jane: Still laughing..." are you really going to wear that hat ( and sarcastically )... where's the gloves?"

Me: "Thank you for reminding me" as I slipped on my white gloves.

I went to Tea With Wendy and had a good time it was magical. It is one of my best memories from the cruise. So don't ever let anyone rain on your parade.

PS ... If you were wondering yes...the Mad Hatter and I were the only adults...:-)

Return to Home Page...

Marvelous Monkey Bars with Burnt Sugar Glaze

2013-01-03T20:10:00.001-06:00

Marvelous Monkey Bars with Burnt Sugar Glaze

Want a yummy treat and a way to use your old bananas at he same time? I adapted this recipe from a banana bread recipe I found on line (source recipe). IMO my bars are more tasty with almond extract and cinnamon plus the oats to make them healthier...lol . You can eat as is...... believe me they are amazing at this point.....but add the Burnt Sugar Glaze (not really burnt just devilishly sweetness) to take your inner monkey to heaven :-)

Ingredients:

Monkey Bars:

1 ½ cups sugar

1 cup sour cream
½ cup butter, softened
3 eggs
1 ¾ cups (3 or 4) ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoons vanilla

Before Baking

1 teaspoons almond abstract

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup of Oats

1 teaspoon baking soda

¾ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Burnt Sugar Glaze:

½ cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
about 3 to 6 tablespoons milk or half and half

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Instructions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour(or line with parchment paper) 10×15 jelly roll pan. Cream sugar and butter until creamy, then blend in sour cream and eggs until creamy . Blend in bananas and vanilla for one minute. Mix flour with baking soda. Add dry ingredients and blend for one minute. Stir in nuts and spread in pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly until warm but not hot and frost with Burnt Sugar Glaze (recipe below).

Bananas Bread Option:

Instead of spreading in jelly roll pan you can make two regular loafs of bread or 4 small loafs..Bake at 350, regular loaf for about 45 minutes, small loafs for 25 minutes.

For the Burnt Sugar Glaze:

Note the Brown color which gives it the Burnt Sugar name..

Heat butter in saucepan over medium heat past the melting point until it is boiling and a delicate brown. Remove from the heat and immediately add the remaining ingredients. Start with 3 tablespoons of milk and add as needed.... This should be thicker than a glaze and thinner than frosting. Using a spatula smooth over the top of the Monkey Squares immediately. The frosting will be easier to spread once it’s on the warm bread.

2012-12-04T16:32:00.000-06:00

"Somethings come into your life and you just know you will never be able to replace them if they left."

I had two favorite fabrics that where huge sellers. All the sudden both where discontinued and I had to find replacements. Here are my mini totes made with the replacement fabrics ... I call them Cotton Candy Pink Swirl and Tifanni Blue Swirl. Time will tell how popular they are...

Great Cousin Edith Bag

2012-12-02T13:53:00.002-06:00

Great Cousin Edith Bag

I was at my mother's Shirle house taking out the trash. In the bottom of the basement trashcan I found this scrap of embroidered cotton with Spanish Dancers. It reminded me of the time I went to Mexico with Mari and Juanita to a Girl Scout Camp. We had went to see a show in Mexico City featuring Spanish dancers. Someone worked hard on this little piece of Art. My mother t

old me it came from my Great Cousin Edith Bright's house and was probably sewed by her mother Mabel Bright..who was married to my Great Grandpa's Zed Bright Sr....Brother Virgil. Their picture hangs in the dining room on Pine Street. I went to my fabric stash and found some vintage curtains I had saved from Cousin Edith's house. I didn't know what I was going to do with it but now I have a idea ....

I decide to make a rag bag using the scrap of embroidery as the center piece.

I love this bag... my I remember my Great Cousin Edith as one of the original Strawberry Divas. When she came to town with her red lipstick, powdered face, and fur coat... I was in Awe...!

Cha Cha Boa Fleece Scarf

2012-12-02T13:08:00.003-06:00

Cha Cha Boa Scarf

Tutorial

So Easy So Chic

I had a craft night for my mother Dr. Shirle and sister Adamma. The project was winter fleece scarfs.

What you need:

Four 1/3" strips of fleece 58" to 60" wide.
Pair of Scissors
Sewing Machine
Time 30 minutes

I found the strips of fleece at JoAnns remnant bin. My sister had a wild theme going with black, cream, cheetah and leopard print. My mother chose red, cream, black, and black and red plaid..

Lay the strips out an trim to 1/3" - (don't be picky you can make wider or slimmer I won't go less than 1/4"). Then trim the ends even after trimming I was down to 56 inches.

Sew two lines down the middle about 1/8" apart. Like I said before you don't have to be perfect do not worry if the line is not straight ...this project hides mistakes. Sewing caused the fleece to stretch so I had to trim the ends again. Now am down to 53" no worries.

Cut strips one inch wide down each side .Clipping close to the stitches down the middle....be VERY careful not to clip the stitches. AGAIN try to keep cuts straight do not worry it doesn't have to be perfect.

Now the fun part shake it like a polaroid film....lol
Enjoy!

Please email pictures of your boa I would like to post on the blog.. zizibright@hotmail.com

My Father, Louis Armstrong and Jazz Singer Velma Middleton.

2012-11-15T11:39:00.000-06:00

My Father, Louis Armstrong and Jazz Singer Velma Middleton.
Todayis my Father's Birthday and I am dedicating this song to him. I hope Louis plays the trumpet while Velma sings Happy Birthday. Here is the story that my mother Shirle Ibeawuchi told me tonight about my father and Velma.
Velma Middleton (born ca. 1917, died February 10, 1961) was an American jazz vocalist born in Holdenville, OK, best known for having sung with Louis Armstrong's big bands and small groups. Born in Oklahoma, Velma later moved with her parents to St. Louis, MO. She was with Armstrong from 1942 to 1961, This African tour with Louis Armstrong was sponsored by the US state department and Pepsi Cola. He was criticized by some for going on this tour when he couldn’t even play most venues in his home town of New Orleans.
Before preforming in Nigeria they were in Ghana where Ms. Middleton broke the stage. My father was plant manager at Pepsico Nigeria in the town of Onitshia. He was told to build the stage for the concert and make sure it was strong enough for Velma who was known for her dancing and doing the splits on stage. So after the stage was built he had 10 men jump around on the stage to make sure it was strong enough. In the video you will see her dancing…The concert went off without a hitch. Unfortunately, she had a stroke in Africa on the next tour stop and died one month later in the Hill Station Hospital in Sierra Leone. Rest in Peace Louis, Velma and Daddy.

Why you must hire a Private Tour Guide

2012-01-10T19:52:00.002-06:00

Private Tour Guide

Why you must hire a Private Tour Guide
I am a strong advocate of hiring a local guide when touring. I know some of you are thinking ..."I paid all this money for this Lonely Planet/Frommers guide book, why do I need a human guide?"

When I first started traveling I felt the same way. Why spend the money when I am an educated woman who can figure things out on my own.. It's crazy that money I save ,I can now spend the gift shops. Who wants to follow some silly know-it-all guide waving a a umbrella around?

Private Tour Guide

When touring a site there is much more to see and experience then what it in the guide books. I found myself ease dropping in on other guided tours. I was dismayed to hear tidbits not found it my books. The last time I visited Versailles I hired a private guide. It was money well spent,even though I had been before,at which time I paid for one of those audioguided tours. An audio tour or audio guide provides a recorded spoken commentary, normally through a handheld device. I remember being very stressed out during my self guided tour because of the crowds and fiddling with the headset.

Private Tour Guide

Having my own private guide was like night and day. My guide Antonio not only knew how to navigate the crowds (it was even more crowded that day) he also was able to answer any questions I had at the moment. What a relief not having to try and find the answer in a guide book. He was also able to make the tour more interesting because of his endless knowledge on the history of Versailles. He could gage my reactions and go in depth on the the things that I was interested in and skim over what was boring to me. I was so happy with Antonio I also hired him to show me the Louvre.

As far as the cost , yes it was more than an audio tour but there was a group of us that chipped in so it helped with the cost. Remember, you get what you pay for.There was other ways he saved us money. We where going to take a private car to the Louvre not being comfortable with the train system. He told us to meet him at certain metro stop he would show us the way. It was so easy we felt silly afterwards thinking about the money we would of wasted on a car.

Still not convinced...here are my reasons for hiring a private guide.

Their Brains..what they know

Private Tour Guide

You see a building and want to know more about it. A guide book will give the facts in black and white. A good guide will tell you anecdotes about the building and its history in color. You see the building in a new light, your guide has given it a soul. They will tell you facts that you will find interesting that you would not of even known to ask. I find that every place has its tantalizing secrets ... the local tourism board doesn't like to advertise but your guide will tell you.

Saves you time

You will not waste your time reading plaques or trying to decider maps . Your guide will know where he/she is going and will guide you around in a efficient manor. While doing this they make sure that you don't miss out on anything of importance. You should never feel rushed because the guide knows how to get you the information you need in a timely manner.

Helps with other aspects of your journey

Private Tour Guide

A good guide will question you on your trip. They will want to know where you have seen and what you plan on seeing. Partly yes, to see if they can maybe pick up more business guiding you again. You know that as much enthusiasm as they have for guiding it is not a hobby. For many guides this is the way they support their family. Even if you don't hire them again they are usually more than willing to give you free advice on your itinerary. Most guides will tell you about the best ways to exchange money. Where it's not safe to venture on your own. They will give suggestions for dining, shopping and entertainment. Remember that sometimes the guides do make commission these tips. I found though that they usually don't steer you wrong because their reputation is also on the line. They also realize that word of month is how they get a huge share of clients.

You spent a lot of money and time to get to your destination. While you do not need a private guide 24/7, but just for a couple of hours a day. You will find that hiring a private guide will greatly increase the value of your trip. Finding a good guide can be tricky. I think the best way is word of mouth. Ask around, do your research, get referrals. After all that has been said... some of the best guides I had... I just picked up along the way.

Senegal Food

2012-01-04T17:07:00.002-06:00

Senegal Food

Senegal Food and Dining

The cuisine of Senegal has been influenced by nations like France, Portugal, and those of North Africa, and also by many ethnic groups, the largest being the Wolof;

Cuisine from all over the world can be found in Senegal, including Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and other international tastes. Fast food chains are rising in popularity due to convenience and their family oriented style.

Because Senegal borders the Atlantic Ocean, fish is an important staple. Chicken, lamb, pea, eggs, and beef are also used in Senegalese cooking, but not pork, due to the nation’s largely Muslim population. Peanuts, the primary crop, as well as couscous, white rice, sweet potatoes, lentils, black-eyed peas and various vegetables, are also found into many recipes. Meats and vegetables are typically stewed or marinated in herbs and spices, and then poured over rice or couscous or simply eaten with bread.

Drinks

Senegal Food

Toufam (a kind of yogurt thinned with sugared water).
Mint tea, the first cup drunk slightly bitter, the second with more sugar and the third very sweet.
Palm wine, which is drunk either fresh or fermented.
Home-roasted coffee with pimento.
Popular fresh juices are made from bissap, ginger, Buy (pronounced bouy) which is the fruit of the baobab tree and mango.

National specialties

Thiéboudienne or Ceebu jën, flavorsome marinated fish cooked with tomato paste and a variety of vegetables, the national dish of Senegal.
Yassa, chicken or fish simmered in onion with a garlic, mustard, and lemon sauce.
Tiebou dienne (herb-stuffed fishcakes with rice).
Maafe, seasoned fish, chicken, lamb, or beef cooked with vegetables in a peanut sauce.
Dem à la St Louis (stuffed mullet).
Avocat au Crevettes (avocado stuffed with shrimp).
Bassi-salté, seasoned meat cooked with tomato paste and vegetables over a local couscous called "cere".
Sombi, sweet milk-rice soup.
Capitaine à la Saint-Louisienne, perch stuffed with spices.
Poisson à la braise, grilled fish flavored with lemon, garlic, and black pepper.
Dibi, simmered, grilled lamb.
Thiou, a bouillabaisse with vegetables.
Fondé, rolled millet-balls in sour cream.

Desserts

Thiakry, a couscous pudding.
Cinq Centimes, the Five-Cent Cookie, a peanut cookie popular in marketplaces.
Banana Glace, a sophisticated banana dessert . Mamadou is the young owner of Les Cannibales Deux Restaurant in Dakar who went to Paris to learn French cooking techniques. The Banana Glace is his own creation and his most popular dessert. Click here for recipe

How a Dinner is Served out in Senegal

When dining in one of the excellent Senegalese restaurants, you will select an appetizer from a list of twenty or twenty-five, all prepared with great care. The soups will be rich and full-bodied. There will be entrees in abundance; Yassa, Mate, and beautiful Couscous among them. Then a long list of fancy desserts, all served with great flair.

Or you might be served at one of the open-air restaurants where food is cooked on small tournieres, or broilers, which look like hibachis. They average about 15 inches in diameter and are sometimes round and sometimes square. The fourniere has a grate at the bottom and heat is regulated by adding or removing hot charcoal with tongs as required.

Senegal Market

Tipping: A service charge of 10 to 15% is included in all hotel and restaurant bills.

At Home

Senegalese table manners can be somewhat formal. Wait to be shown to your seat. Seating is often a matter of hierarchy. A washing basin will be brought out before the meal is served for people to wash their hands. Woman and men may eat at separate tables in the same room or they may eat in separate rooms. If the meal is served on the floor or a low table, sit cross-legged. Try not let your feet touch the food mat. Do not begin eating until the eldest male does. Food is often served from a communal bowl. Eat from the section of the bowl in front of you. Never reach across the bowl to get something from the other side. Eat only with the right hand.Expect to be urged to take second helpings. Sample each dish.Leaving a little bit of food on your plate or your section of the communal bowl indicates that you have been looked after.

It is customary to give a small gift when invited to someone’s home for a meal.If invited to someone’s home, take a box of chocolates, French pastries or a nicely packaged fresh fruit.Gifts should be given with both hands. Never use the left hand.

How to Make Strawberry Champagne Sparkler Cupcakes -New Years Eve Treat

2011-12-30T21:24:00.000-06:00

Oprah's Cupcake Sparklers

Oh what a fun and yummy way to ring in the New Year. Impress your guest set them all on a tray and then light the sparkling candles at the same time for a great entrance!

Georgetown Cupcake owners Katherine Kallinis and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne, show Oprah how to make their festive Strawberry Champagne Sparkler Cupcakes.

The Recipe
Servings: Serves 12
Ingredients
1/2 cup fresh strawberries , diced
1/2 cup good Champagne (sweet rose Champagne suggested)
2 1/2 cups flour , sifted
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder , sifted
1/4 tsp. salt
4 Tbsp. (4 ounces) unsalted butter
4 Tbsp. unsweetened applesauce
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 cup zero-calorie sweetener (e.g., Splenda)
2 large eggs , at room temperature
2 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract plus seeds from 1 vanilla bean
1 1/4 cups skim milk , at room temperature
16 Tbsp. (8 ounces) unsalted butter
4 cups confectioner's sugar , sifted
1 tsp. skim milk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup good Champagne (sweet rose Champagne suggested)
24 fresh strawberries
1 cup good Champagne (sweet rose Champagne suggested)
2 cups high-quality dark chocolate
Directions
For Serving:

12 glass Champagne flutes

12 long spoons

12 indoor-safe sparkler candles
Click Here to Order the Heart shaped Sparklers

Step 1: Baking the Mini Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350°. Line 2 mini cupcake pans with 36 mini baking cups or grease pans with butter if not using baking cups.
Dice up 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries and soak in 1/2 cup of Champagne. Set aside.
Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
Place the unsalted butter in the bowl of a stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer. Add the sugar; beat on medium speed until well incorporated.
Mix in applesauce slowly.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition.
Combine the vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds and milk in a large liquid measuring cup.
Reduce the speed to low. Add one-third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, then gradually add one-third of the milk mixture, beating until well incorporated. Add another one-third of the flour mixture, followed by one-third of the milk mixture. Stop to scrape down the bowl as needed. Add the remaining flour mixture, followed by the remaining milk mixture, and beat just until combined.
Gently fold in the diced Champagne-soaked strawberries, just until incorporated.
Scoop batter into baking cups and bake for 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. If using paper baking cups, peel off all the paper baking cups from the cupcakes at this time.

Step 2: Making the Champagne Buttercream Frosting

Place the unsalted butter in the bowl of a stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer. Add the confectioner's sugar; beat on medium speed until well incorporated.
Add the vanilla extract, milk, salt and Champagne, and beat on high speed until light and fluffy. Place frosting in a disposable piping bag with a large round tip.

Step 3: Preparing the Strawberries

Slice 24 strawberries lengthwise and soak in 1 cup of Champagne for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4: Melting the Chocolate Ganache

12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, cut into small pieces
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup granulated white sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Bring all the ingredients except the chocolate to a boil then remove from the heat and add the chocolate...you can make it thicker or thinner with water or more cream.
Remove the bowl of melted chocolate from the saucepan. Pour the melted chocolate into a plastic squeeze bottle. (If a squeeze bottle is not available, you can drizzle with a spoon.)

Step 5: Assembling Layers in Champagne Flutes

Line up 12 glass Champagne flutes. Insert 1 mini strawberry Champagne cupcake in the bottom of each glass. Next, pipe a swirl of Champagne buttercream frosting on top of each cupcake. Add several slices of Champagne-soaked strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate. Repeat layers. Finally, place a third mini strawberry Champagne cupcake at the top of each glass, pipe with a final "Georgetown Cupcake signature swirl" of Champagne buttercream frosting, and top with a final drizzle of melted chocolate.

Step 6: Serving

Insert 1 indoor-safe sparkler candle in the top of each glass. Light the candles at midnight, serve with spoons, and enjoy!

Courtesy of Everything Fabulous

Click Here for the Video of Oprah making this Sparkling Dessert!

Other Fun Ideas:

Courtesy of Everything Fabulous

The African Americans Guide to Orlando Florida

2011-12-30T04:39:00.000-06:00

Tyra Banks with Disney s newest Princesses

I have many fond memories of visiting Orlando. There was the trip to Universal Studios with my young son and his cousin. Another quick trip to Universal Studios with my sisters before departing on a wonderful Disney Cruise. Disney World with my nieces.. Yes we all know about the big theme parks, but Orlando is also a town with a rich African American history. Why not check it out on your next visit?

Visit Orlando publishes a free 32 page guide which you can click to to view: The African Americans Guide to Orlando Florida .

Places of interest are the Wells'Built Museum of African-American History (in downtown Orlando), a former hotel where guests included Duke Ellington and Ray Charles.In a town just north of Orlando called Eatonville you will find the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts.

The guide include a short history of African-Americans in Orlando's past. Best of all a calendar of African History events through out the year. Here is a sample of the 17 events listed.

Zora Neale Horston Festival of the Arts and Humanities
Blues B-B-Q
Juneteenth
Eatonvilles Founders Day Festival
The Tom Joyner Reunion
Florida Classic
Chocolate Nutcracker

You can also get a copy of the guide by phoning the Orlando CVB at 800-352-6244. In Orlando or pick up a copy at the Visitor Center, 8723 International Drive, open 8 to 7 daily except December 25

Igboland- Nigerian Traditional Wedding

2011-12-28T03:16:00.001-06:00

The Beautiful Bride Ashley and her Ladies

I wanted to write about my Igbo heritage and culture. I was born in Nigeria , but my family moved to the States when I was 4 years old. It seems like almost everything you hear about Nigeria is bad. Personally I feel like it is a very unfair reputation that doesn't really reflex the great people of Nigeria . I decided to start with a wedding when my friend Teyron showed me the beautiful pictures of his sister Ashley's wedding, at the family compound in Imo State. I wasn't at the wedding but will describe below a Igbo wedding in general. Ashley's white or Church wedding will be in February (isn't that great you get two wedding's).

The traditional ceremony is called Igbankwu, or wine carrying, because it involves the bride carrying a cup of palm wine to her groom

The Bride with her Parents

Marriage in Igboland is not just an affair between the future husband and wife but also involves the parents, the extended family and villages. First the groom asks his potential partner to marry him. Assuming that this is affirmative, the groom will visit the bride’s residence accompanied by his father. The groom’s father will introduce himself and his son and explain the purpose of his visit. ( Notice the ceremonial red coral beads that Ashley is wearing)

The bride’s father welcomes the guests, invites his daughter to come and asks her if she knows the groom. Her confirmation shows that she agrees with the proposal. Then the bride’s price settlement (Ika-Akalika) starts with the groom accompanied by his father and elders visiting the bride’s compound on another evening.

The Bride Ashley and the Groom Favour

They bring wine and kola nuts with them, which are presented to the bride’s father. After they have been served with a meal, the bride’s price is being negotiated between the fathers. In most cases there is only a symbolic price to be paid for the bride but in addition other prerequisites (kola nuts, goats, chicken, wine, etc.) are listed as well. Usually it takes more than one evening before the final bride’s price is settled, offering guests from both sides a glamorous feast.

Teryon (2nd Right) Brides brother

Another evening is spent for the payment of the bride’s price at the bride’s compound when the groom’s family hands over the money and other agreed prerequisites. The money and goods are counted, while relatives and friends are served drinks and food in the bride’s compound. After all is settled, the traditional wedding day is planned. The wedding day is again at the bride’s compound, where the guests welcome the couple and invite them in front of the families. First the bride goes around selling boil eggs to the guests, showing to both families that she has the capability to open a shop and make money. Then, the bride’s father fills a wooden cup (Iko) with palm wine and passes it on to the girl while the groom finds a place between the guests. It is the custom for her to look for her husband while being distracted by the invitees. Only after she has found the groom, she offered the cup to him and he sipped the wine, the couple is married traditionally. During this ceremony, there is also the nuptial dance where the couple dances, while guests wish the newly weds prosperity by throwing money around them or putting bills on their forehead.

Ashley & Favour

Dress and Grooming
At traditional marriage wedding ceremonies, many have adopted the Igbo equivalent for ‘Aso Ebi’ referred to as ‘Akwa Nde Mbiriechi’. Before deciding on your ‘Akwa Nde Mbiriechi’, consideration should be giving to the type of fabric that would be most suitable for the occasion and will harmonize with the overall theme of your ‘Igba Nkwu’ (traditional marriage).

Bride:
You can either choose the olden attire Igbo maidens adorn at special occasions. You will be beautified in ‘Nzu’ (white clay) painted on your body, while covering your upper body and waist areas with pieces of ‘Akwete’ cloth (African print).You can equally attend your own ceremony dressed in a contemporary ‘Akwete’. This is a traditional wrapper that some refer to as ‘Abada’ which usually is made up of 5 yards of either a Nigerian Wax fabric (Ankara), Holladis (Holland WAX), or the popularly used George (Mirror George) material and a puffed sleeve blouse sewn with 1½ yards of any laced/hand-cut fabric. You can even choose to wear both options on your special day.

I don't have a video of Ashley's wedding but the three video's below will give a live glimpse into a Igbo wedding. The first is a slide show with narrative that explains what is happening. The last two are traditional wedding ceremonies.

My Top Ten Travel Movies

2011-12-26T22:01:00.001-06:00

Below is a list of my TOP TEN TRAVEL movies in my humble opinion. What movies would be on your list? Am counting down 631 days until my 50th Birthday.

Google Map of Mali -Planning route to Timbuktu for my Birthday

2011-12-25T02:23:00.002-06:00

View Mali 2013 in a larger map

Here is map of Mali showing my Birthday trip to Timbuktu. Down to the right is Onitsha where I was born 48 1/2 years ago, right before the Biafria war. Hit the blue markers to find out more about each stop.

- My New Years Resolution ...learn French

2011-12-24T16:55:00.000-06:00

Learn a Language in 3 months...

For years I have been trying
to learn french. It just doesn't stick in my head. I have tried Rosetta Stone, Primsler, in class at a local college. NOTHING works. Reading another travel blogger who has used a program called Fluent in Three months. I am skeptical but considering the cost ($67.... I hate to tell you what I spent on Rosetta Stone) I will try this. This course address some of the critical things that my other language books/course neglected.

Birthday Cake

How to maintain the right attitude while learning, how to deal with frustration, and how to establish and immersion environment without actually leaving the country. So I am taking the plung for 2012 and will learn French. Remember by 2013 I want to be fluent my 50th birthday Party starts in Paris and then I travel to Timbuktu in Mali another French speaking country.

Christmas Treats

2011-12-24T14:57:00.000-06:00

I posted these strawberry Santa hats on Face book, and my cuz Yvonne Harris-Taylor came up with her own twist..love them. It looks like she made strawberry cupcakes instead of brownies.

Below is the original post. CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE

The Art of Solo Travel

2011-12-23T20:04:00.000-06:00

Have you ever wanted to take off on a trip, but hesitate to travel alone ?

From the author, Stephanie Lee

Turning 30 was an enigma for me. After achieving expected milestones – the steady partner, the career ladder, the coveted house behind the picket fence – I found myself in limbo.

All of a sudden I experienced a scattered sense of identity and started to rethink life. Unable to tolerate the rat-race and conform to society any longer, I quit my job as an architect, left the partner I was about to marry, sold the house I was working to pay for, and said goodbye to my friends and all that was familiar to embark on open-ended extended solo travel.

I left my entire life in Sydney in the hope that travel would reveal marvellous and meaningful experiences, and that I might be able to answer unanswerable questions for myself. The path was vague but like a rolling stone I wandered along and soon discovered that I was good at travelling on my own. I documented my adventures through three continents, 20 countries, and over 50 cities.

My journey tested me physically and mentally, but the experiences I gained – couchsurfing with 30 strangers all over Europe, crab-hunting in the Arabian Gulf, attending secret siestas with the Spanish, climbing an active South-East Asian volcano at dawn – will stay with me forever.

CLICK HERE TO READ FIRST 12 PAGES AND/OR ORDER THE BOOK

Josephine Baker the Spy

2011-12-22T10:54:00.000-06:00

Josephine Baker in WW2 French Uniform

Josephine Baker the American who spied against the Germans in France in World War II. Born in St. Louis, she was one of the most famous black stars of the Broadway stage in the 1920s. After a sensational debut in Paris in 1925, she remained in France, becoming a French citizen in 1937.
When France declared war on Germany in Sept. 1939, Jacques Abtey, chief of counterintelligence in Paris for the French military intelligence agency, the Deuxiéme Bureau, recruited her as a secret informer. (Like the Germans, the French referred to such an unpaid informer as an Honorary Agent.) Abtey had to be persuaded to recruit Baker, for he felt that she might turn out to be a double agent like Mata Hari. But Baker convinced him that if necessary she would give her life for France.

She had supported Italian dictator Mussolini's invasion of Abyssinia (Ethiopia), and so she had many contacts in the Italian Embassy in Paris. From them, and from friends in the Japanese Embassy, she obtained information about German troop movements. After Germany conquered France in 1940, as a black French citizen she could have been sent to a concentration camp. She left Paris, vowing never to perform there while the Germans occupied the city.
Under the 1940 armistice between Germany and France, much of the south and the French colonies in North Africa and elsewhere came under the administration of a collaborationist government with its capital in Vichy. In Nov. 1940 Baker made her way out of Vichy France into Spain and then to Lisbon, Portugal. She was accompanied by Abtey, who was using a fake passport identifying him as her ballet master. With them went important Deuxiéme Bureau intelligence information, written in invisible ink on Baker's sheet music; photographs were hidden in her clothing. The information was passed to British intelligence officers in neutral Portugal.
Later in the war, she carried information from Morocco to Lisbon, often working directly for Col. Paul Paillole, a legendary French intelligence officer. For her work in the war she was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Medal of Resistance. Her wartime activities were reported in Abtey’s book The Secret War of Josephine Baker (1949).

The Guide to Sleeping in Airports

2011-12-21T19:28:00.002-06:00

Have you ever had to sleep in airport.. This website falls under there is a guide for everything.. visit

The Guide to Sleeping in Airports.

This website lets you know the top ten best and worst airport to sleep in. Tips for sleeping in an airport, airport review..etc.

Have you ever slept in an airport ??? Please leave a comment and share your adventure!

Paris at the Louvre ..... lunch with Nelli.

2011-12-19T22:46:00.003-06:00

The Louvre

When you think museums in Paris or (musee' as the french say) The first place that comes to mind is the Louvre home of Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo among many other famous works of art. You need days to really see everything. On my first visit I was exhausted my senses overloaded. I was trying to see every thing not knowing if I would ever be back. Disappointed- I had just fought the crowds to get a glimpse of the Mona Lisa.... the painting was so small and you couldn't even get very close for the people and ropes,plus it was behind bullet proof glass. I wandered away up some stairs totally lost ..turned a corner and there she was my black Mona Lisa. The portrait d'une negresse she seem to be looking straight at me just hanging there on the wall unprotected...I could of reach out and touched her( don't worry they have guards posted every few yards ..so no sane person would dare)

I am having a hard time trying to write why I really liked this painting. I guess with art you just know what you like. The expression on her face ..I really can't make up my mind..Is she bored, sad, happy, mad, content. It seems to change.. maybe with my mood. I went to the Louvre bookstore and bought a print. Across for the bookstore is a post office right in the museum. I bought a mailing tube and had the print shipped home. Nelli as I call her is now framed and hangs in my living room. I did research but except for the fact that some think she might have been a slave from the island of Martinique ..no one really know anything about her life.

I have been back many times.... to have .....as I call it lunch with Nelli . The Louver has a wonderful mall with a food court. I go get something to eat ..visit shop called Fragonard Parfumeur (a French perfume company) I buy a candle and some soap. Then I go visit Nelli .... it has been a while since my last visit. Nelli I hope I will be able to drop by and visit on my way to Timbuktu for my 50th birthday.

If you plan on going to the Louvre here are some tips.

1.Don't try to see everything at once. Get a guide book decide what you really must see. Stop and enjoy each piece of art on your list.

Crowds @ Mona Lisa

2 . Do eat at the food court. Food can be very expensive in Paris , but you will find the food there reasonably priced.

3. Wear a comfortable pair of shoes. Even though you can wear sweats and tennis shoes..why not dress it up a little..try and look chic. After all you are in Paris. Remember you are seeing history and making memory's..don't you want to look good in your pictures. You don't want to look like the frumpy American tourist :-)

Venus de Milo

3. Spend the money and hire a personal guide. The museum or hotel concierge can recommend one. You can let the guide know what art you must see. They will work with you to make sure you see it and show you things that you didn't know you wanted to see. A good guide will actually save you time because don't waste time wandering around looking for an exhibit. Yes the museum will have group tours,but I would personally splurge on a private guide. They really are not that much more especially if you split the cost with friends.

Portrait d'une négresse (1800)

Hanging on one wall of the Musée du Louvre, in the company of the gargantuan machines by Jacques-Louis David, Eugène Delacroix, Théodore Géricault, and others, is an exquisitely crafted and modestly sized painting of a black woman. She is shown seated, half-draped, with her right breast bared to the viewer. She sports an intricately wrapped and crisply laundered headdress that appears similar in fabric to the garment she gathers closely against her body just below her breasts. She stares out at the viewer with an enigmatic expression. Although there are no background details that indicate precisely where the sitter is placed, certain details of her physical surroundings—namely, the ancien régime chair and luxurious cloth that drapes both it and her—suggest that she is in a well-to-do domestic space.

Portrait d'une négresse was painted in 1800 by Marie-Guilhelmine Benoist (born Marie-Guillemine Leroulx-Delaville) (1768-1826), a woman of aristocratic lineage who belonged to a small elite circle of professional women painters that included, among others, Anne Vallayer-Coster (1744-1818), Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun (1755-1842), Marguerite Gérard (1771-1837), Angélique Mongez (1775-1855), and Adélaide Labille-Guiard (1749-1803).1 As had been the case with most women artists working at the time, Benoist fit the middle and upper class ideal of "womanhood" in her conforming to the social expectations of women to marry, raise children, and forego a career.

Although we do not know whether or to what extent Benoist partook in the volatile debates on slavery and gender current during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries in France, her painting may be seen as a voice of protest, however small, in the discourse over human bondage.-James Smalls

Here are some of the most famous paintings that are in the Louvre:
Leonardo da Vinci, The Mona Lisa (as noted above)
David, The Oath of the Horatii between the Hands of their Father
Delacroix, Dante and Virgil; Death of Sardanapalus
Gericault, Raft of the Medusa
Greuze, Betrothal in the Village
Gros, Bonaparte Visiting the Victims of the Plague
Ingres, Oedipus and the Sphinx; Valpincon Bather
Prud'hon, Empress Josephine
Quarton, Pieta de Villeneuve d'Avignon
Ribera, The Club-Footed Boy
Rigaud, Portrait of Louix XIV
Rubens, The Disembarkation of Maria de' Medici at the Port of Marseilles
School of Fountainebleau, Diana the Huntress
Titian, Pastoral Concert
Watteau, Embarkation for Cythera

Vlisco the Color of West Africa

2011-12-18T16:37:00.002-06:00

Vlisco, the True Original

Since 1846 Vlisco has been designing and producing colourful fashion fabrics that form an essential part of the lively West and Central African culture. Vlisco has an innate sense of the expressive and creative strength of African consumers and, for generations, has succeeded in surprising and inspiring her passionate clientele with unique designs. As the sole authentic designer and manufacturer of such fabrics as ‘Wax Hollandais’, Vlisco is unparalleled when it comes to quality, professional skill and innovation.

The Vlisco strategy is aimed at enabling well-to-do African women to experience the brand in all her facets and to maintain the leading position, not only in the area of design, but also in terms of total brand orientation. Developments take place at neck-breaking speed in Africa and Vlisco aspires to inspire and gain the loyalty of younger generations as well. Innovation is therefore an essential element within the company. In keeping with this, a new collection is launched every quarter, featuring a specific theme in which international trends in a variety of areas are translated into distinctive Vlisco designs.

Furthermore, every quarter a new Vlisco fashion and accessories collection is launched in the four Vlisco Boutiques in Africa. The clothing lines serve largely as a source of inspiration for consumers, who often have their clothing made by a personal tailor. With a complete line of bags, shoes and jewellery, women can clothe themselves in Vlisco from head to toe.

The core element in Wax Print is of course the wax. Using two deep engraved copper rollers, with the mirror image of the design, the two sides of the cotton fabric are printed with a pattern of melted wax, hence the name Wax Print. The fact that the cloth is printed on both sides enables you to wear the product either side. This is the true sign of a quality wax print. Following this, the cloth is immersed in a bath of dye, often Indigo, that penetrates into the areas that are not covered with wax. After the wax as been washed off in varying stages, a negative image of the printed pattern remains on the cloth. This intricate wax printing process results in unique effects that makes the product so outstanding. In fact, not one single centimetre of fabric is identical to the other!

Vlisco. The true original. Click here to visit website.

LINK TO NANA KOFI ACQUAH FASHION SHOW PICTURES

Please Leave Comments on What you think about West Africa Fashion..

My Birthday .. Timbuktu or Bust

2011-12-17T19:37:00.002-06:00

Well as you might know I plan on going to Timbuktu for my 50th Birthday. The reason that most things don't happen is because we don't plan. I have a year and half to go. It seems so far but really it's not. My orginal plan was to fly to Dakar Senegal and drive to Timbuktu. After studying a map I decide I would spend to much time on the road. Since I probably will only have at the most 12 days I must make the most of my time. So leaving JFK for Paris overnight in Paris with a diner cruise down the Seine River......Birthday cake and Bon Voyage Party time (Hosted by my friend Simone)...next day the fun begins for me.... Paris to Bamako Mali . My sister Jane hopes to be able to escort me to Mali. I hope you can join me to Timbuktu if not at least come to Paris and a enjoy the party and stay for the sights for few days before going home. I have not set the dates yet... just Sept. 2013 so hold the date or at least keep it in mind.

ITINERARY
Day 1
Sunday Arrival in Bamako, MALI
International flight arrives in Bamako in the evening; overnight

Monday Bamako – Mopti (640 km; ~8hrs)
After breakfast, begin my African journey with a scenic drive through the heartland of Mali, to the port city of Mopti; sightseeing en route

Day 3
Tuesday Mopti / Niger River
City tour of Mopti, sometimes called the Venice of Mali because it is surrounded by the waters of the Niger and the Bani rivers: see the beautiful Sudanese-style mosque, the fishing port, and the bustling local market; your boat crew will purchase supplies, and at mid-morning embark on your river boat and begin sailing the Niger River to Timbuktu; overnight camping on the river bank

Day 4
Wednesday Niger River
Full day of sailing; visit Bozo fishermen's villages and nomadic Fulani camps along the way; you will also see Mali's varied bird life along the shore, and very likely see hippos in the river; meals and overnight camping on the riverbank

Day 5
Thursday Niger River – Timbuktu
Final day of sailing to take in the tranquil sights and sounds of the Niger River, and arrive in Timbuktu by day's end; transfer from the port to your hotel in town; overnight in Timbuktu

Day 6
Friday Timbuktu – Sahara Desert
Visit the legendary city of Timbuktu, gateway to the Sahara Desert: see the ancient mosques and former universities, the museum and the Ahmed Baba Institute's archives of ancient Islamic manuscripts, the explorers' houses, and the market which receives the azalaïs, the salt caravans from the desert — here, salt from the north was traded for gold and slaves from the south; in the afternoon, begin your own desert excursion by 4-wheel drive vehicle, and experience the vast majesty of the great Sahara Desert; visit a Tuareg camp; enjoy dinner and tea on the dunes, and overnight camping with our Tuareg hosts, the Princes of the Desert

Day 7
Saturday Sahara Desert – Timbuktu
Goodbye to your Tuareg hosts and return to Timbuktu; rest of the day at leisure to further explore this ancient city; optional Takamba (Tuareg dance) in the evening; overnight in Timbuktu

Day 8
Sunday Timbuktu – Djenne (510 km; ~7hrs)
Depart Timbuktu; interesting drive across the Sahel ecosystem, and onward to Timbuktu's historic sister-city Djenne, one of Unesco's World Heritage sites; overnight

Day 9
Monday Djenne – Segou (335 km; ~4½hrs)
Visit Djenne on its colorful weekly market day, when Djenne is at its colorful best; see the magnificent Great Mosque, the largest mud brick architecture in the world, originally constructed in the XIIIth century; stroll through the narrow streets and alleys, and visit the tomb of the young girl sacrificed to appease the spirits; in the afternoon, onward drive to Segou; overnight

Day 10
Tuesday Segou – Bamako (235 km; ~3hrs)
Visit Segou, Mali's second largest city and former colonial administrative center; admire the beautiful Sudanese-style colonial architecture, visit the port and the pottery market; and onward to Bamako! en route, visit Sekoro village, former capital of the Bambara kingdom; see the tomb of King Biton Coulibaly; arrive and overnight in Bamako

Day 11
Wednesday Bamako / final departure
Bamako city tour: get an overview of this sprawling city from Point G; visit the National Museum, the city market, the artisans' village, and the fetish market for traditional medicine; in the evening, transfer to the
airport to Paris..connecting home to JFK

I will be working with Saga Tours of Mali for the land arrangements in Mali and Virgin Atlantic Vacations for Paris and Flights. This is just a tentative plan as a I do more research I will tweak it . I hope you can all join me if not for Timbuktu but at least for a long week-end in Paris for my Birthday Party and Bon Voyage Party!!!