If you're not much of a reader and prefer looking at pictures, this post is not for you. I'm about to talk like there's no tomorrow so for those of you who are up for some reading, I'd suggest grabbing a cup of coffee or hot chocolate before we settle down. Ready? Sure? Leggo.
Well first thing's first - HAPPY FIRST DAY OF OCTOBER!!! I hope that this month brings you joy and opportunities and laughter and new friendships and all that other nice stuff! I hope it does the same for me too.
Lately I've been battling with a few decision that I have to make soon. I keep wondering whether my life is headed in the right direction and whether it's best to play it safe or take a risk. These days it seems like 'follow your heart' and 'you only live once' has become the new motto and I completely understand why but boy oh boy are the risks involved high. What do you think about this philosophy? Follow your heart or get your head out of the clouds? A friend of mine made it so clear for me when she pointed out that at this point in my life I don't have many others to think about and no mouths to feed - if ever there was a time to take risks, I'm pretty damn sure it's now.
Anyway, guess who's in the middle of re-designing her blog??? I finally got down to getting professional help and will not be changing my current blog settings every 2 minutes. If there are any of you out there who get irritated by the little adjustments I make every now and then, apologies. Can't wait to show you the new look though!! It may take a few weeks to put together.
I'm sitting on my bed as I write this with the bar of soap that I talked about in my last post lying on my headboard. It's still unopened by the way. I kid you not, this has to be one of the best smelling soaps in Nairobi! It's just sitting on my headboard looking all pretty in that wrapper and occasionally releasing the pleasant waft of its scent. Love it.
I got it from Palacina Interiors at Junction Mall for KES280 (about $3). It definitely is worth the money in my opinion.
Every time someone new comes into my room I'll quickly grab the bar and make them smell it. Mmmm. I'm like a proud mum over here. Are you going to go get some?
Are you by any chance going to the Swahili Fashion Week this Saturday? I'M PRETTY EXCITED ABOUT THAT!!
Can you tell?
Bought my ticket already and waiting on Saturday
with bated breath. I must admit though, it’s a little daunting planning my
outfit for the event. What does one wear to a fashion crazy event?
WHAT? Tell me.
No seriously, tell me.
If you've got any suggestions I'd like to hear. I've got an idea or two.
Hahaha.. So over the weekend several bumps were put up on the street right outside our apartment and it's so funny cos most drivers aren't prepared for them at all! Trust the City Council to not put a sign up warning drivers of the new bumps. So every now and then this happens:
*screeeaaach*
*BAAMM!!*
*car slows down almost to a halt*
It actually wouldn't be funny if I was the one driving but.. well.. I'm not.
ha!
I don't think I mentioned that I went back to Big Square for the burgers, did I? The burgers are sinful. My mum was so cute because when we got to the counter to place our orders she was all like:
You know, my daughter is the one who got me to come here! She took some great pictures when she was here last. Have you heard of her? Heard of her blog, This Is Ess? You should check it out, she really did you guys justice... Do you have a pen with you? I can write down her...
Number one supporter or what? Hah.
Anyway, back to the burgers.
*SLURP*
I had a cheese burger, fries and soda combo and I think that came to about KES480. My brother had the bacon and avocado burger with fries KES 450 and a salad on the side for KES150.
The Big Square is at Karen Crossroads, you can't miss it.
Have you been there yet? I'm not sure why you're still reading this and not heading out to grab yourself some juicy burgers.
Speaking of new places to go to, any of you visited Kazuri Beads Factory in Karen? To be honest, if I were you I wouldn't really bother.. The items cost the exact same as the ones in the store in the malls which I found rather bizarre. Why wouldn't you make it cheaper if I'm coming straight to you and cutting out all the middle men/ cost of rent?! My friend Marion warned me that there wouldn't much of a difference but I thought I'd still take a looky looky for myself.
Take my word and Marion's, you're not missing out on much by sticking to the Kazuri stores in the malls.
I went to this cool event on Saturday by the way - Africa Rise Up - which was at the Michael Joseph Centre. There was some jazz, indie music and other sorts of live performances involved. And then there was Harry Kimani.
He was all like: "Haiya haiya haiya haiyaaaa"
And I was like: "Yes I promise to have and to hold from this day forward.."
Natalie's foot, My foot and Tifa's foot.
It was a small foot-only party.
Tifa has a blog btw, it's called Tifa's Little Diary which you should check out here!
Outfit time!!
At first there was no one around and Latifa was kind enough to take these pictures of me! And then these girls came out of nowhere and this photo session became awkward.. Fast.
I think the animal print top is the only one you haven't seen before and I borrowed it from my mother's wardrobe. I'm slowly starting to love animal print! But all in moderation, wouldn't you agree?
I really enjoy listening to live performance and this event didn't disappoint. Tickets were KES500 and we had the likes of Kevin Samuel and Alisha Popat performing. It was fun!
Ok. So if you're going to come and plant yourself in the middle of me and my friend, don't expect a cute face from me. Unless of course you're Mr. Christian Grey or David Beckham in which case plant yourself away.
Hope I haven't bored you with a word heavy post but sometimes, like today, I just really want to talk.
Hope you've had a wonderful start to your month!
Christmas is just round the corner.

What to wear to Swahili Fashion Week: This is the one time you can go crazy without being judged, lol. But most importantly be yourself :) and have tons of fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's so natural for me to play it safe and that's exactly what I was going to do this time as well. Must. Move. Out of. My. Comfort Zone.
DeleteThanks Neema
xx
Have fun at Swahili Fashion Week! xx
ReplyDeleteI most definitely will!
DeleteI like words and I like animal print.
ReplyDeleteJust so you know :-)
Like: Animal print and words
ReplyDeleteLove: red.
Love that I learnt something new about you Ash!
Can't wait to see what you decide to wear!!! :)
ReplyDeletexx
Oh the pressure Mondy..
DeleteI'll snap a few pictures and send them to you as soon as I get my outfit together!
So I live in Ngong n I haven't tried out Big Square. That's nw on my to-do list. I also think your mum is SUPER ADORABLE. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh! And like I always tell you, you have a way with words. Witty and well put. The post was fun to read.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, she's really cute! Thanks for reading!
DeleteLet me know if you try out Big Square and how you like it..
xx
I was mentioned in your blog!!!! SCREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!
ReplyDeleteHaha, Marion you're too cute :)
DeleteYou've made it seam like such a big deal!
*seem
DeleteWow.
All i can say is 14 comments on this post! They are reading and waiting for your blog updates.
ReplyDeleteFollow your heart but wisely, ok.
I cant wait to see what you adorn to swahili fashion week, and take pictures!(we want to feel like we went)
What you said was so sweet Cecilia! Thank you.
DeleteTrust me, I'll take LOADS. I'm even planning on going earlier to snap a couple pics!
Ess, that was a long but completely loved it.
ReplyDeleteNow got a (who never misses your blog for anything)and I have a company that deals exclusively with African fabric.
From West Africa and Central Africa.....
Feel free to go all Africa and you can throw in some designer cologne at very good rates.
Contact us on ivykaburu@gmail.com or jenndereba@gmail.com
Ess, that was a long but completely loved it.
ReplyDeleteMy friend(who never misses your blog for anything)and I have a company that deals exclusively with African fabric.
From West Africa and Central Africa.....
Feel free to go all Africa and you can throw in some designer cologne at very good rates.
Contact us on ivykaburu@gmail.com or jenndereba@gmail.com
Sent you an email!
DeleteThat's so sweet of your friend by why oh why do YOU miss some of my blog posts?! WHYYYYY??
Looking forward to hearing back from ya!
You are young..go for it! Then, I haven't noticed the difference yet..in the blog...Been reading for a month now. Enjoy the Swahili fashion week. Thanks for informing us about it. :) random plan for Saturday night
ReplyDeleteYou think so Jen?? I think I actually might.. But need to think more about things first.
DeleteYou haven't?? I feel like I keep changing things slightly every two weeks! Yaay for sticking around for a month though - glad I haven't scared you off.
So will you be there????????? WILL YOUUU????
Hehehehe... If I make it, will take a pic with you..then will become famous as well!!! :)
DeletePs.Am gona stick around so long as you keep posting/writing.
SWAAHIIIILIIII FASHION WEEEEEEKKK!! Super excited! (Even though I still don't have an outfit, should I start to panic now? not yet? still time?)Btw, I feel famous now. AAAHH! I was mentioned in Thisisess!! Plus got my picture there too! lol DON MESS!!
ReplyDeleteP.S: That that risk missy, better now than later. Besides, no risk no gain!
*take
DeleteSWAHILI FASHION WEEK BABAAYY!! Don mess yooohh.
DeleteWe're going to be famous sistah
If I were you I'd be panicking a little.. But you've got an idea of what you want! You're going to kill it.
HA! No risk, no gain?? Really Tifa? You can't make stuff up just like that.. WAIT, let's take the risk TOGETHER!! It's going to be fun. Yes?
LET'S DO THIS!!
DeleteHi Madam Ess
ReplyDeleteThis is when i hate the fact that i live so far from home.
Ess, you have to promise that you give a well detailed doc, those fantastic pics you will make of Swahili fashion week. Do it justice girl coz i'll be waiting.
I see your doing alot of Karen stuff, does it mean you live there? Coz I do and since my good old days Karen was boring. It seems to be picking up. Need to pick your brain before i come in Dec.
Oh i love Kazuri beads. When i got married i wanted to make something special for my guests as a thank you gift to everyone but i didn't want to spend more money. So my cousin tells me about Kazuri beads which is right around the corner from me. We decide to buy a bunch of the beads that they sell in packets and made little pouches filled with these beads and put them for each guest on their tables. It looked fantastic. To top it off my cousin makes jewellery. She decides to use one of the beads she got from the tables and made me a necklace.
That was so sweet of her. You should check out her blogspot http://www.vinkart.blogspot.co.at/
Have a nice day dear :-)
P.S: am really enjoying your blog. Keep doing what your doing. When something makes you happy and you find yourself having so much fun working, then your doing the right thing. Enjoy discovering you :-)
God bless
I'd started writing my reply last night but my computer froze on my ass so here's the second go:
Delete'Madam Ess' <--- makes me feel like I should have a butler at my beck and call!
Unknown, what's your name? Or would you rather I just call you unknown?? whichever is fine with me actually.
I PROMISE TO TAKE 1001 PICTURES. I'm making sure my memory card has lots of space and I'll carry my battery in case my camera has enough and dies on me halfway through! I'm ready to rock and roll!!!
I don't live in Karen but I work close there and my cousins recently moved there so I find myself in the neighbourhood quite a bit these days.
You sound like you had a gorgeous wedding!! Kazuri beads as favours = very lucky guests :)
Glad you enjoy my blog - people like you are what make it truly exciting for me. The interaction I have with my readers is definitely one of the biggest perks! Thanks unknown :)
xx
Madam Ess (i think is a term of respect for what you do. Just saying hey Ess doesn't give justice to what you do ;-) lol too many compliments in one day lol)
DeleteAnyway my name is Ceri.
looking forward to seeing the pics :-)
kisses
Wow what a refreshing blog i am always on the lookout for new fashion bloggers since i am doing a research on that for an upcoming project at the moment and African bloggers are top of my list. I love the way you write and how you put yourself together and your photos are amazing too. You come across as a very fashion savvy and versatile person i like that. Looking forward to seeing photos of the fashion event. What to wear? do they have a dress code? If not you never go wrong with a dress depending on what time of day it is i.e day or night event prints are good for day and plain colors for night or two tone colors any length or skinny denims a vest and a blazer you can rock an African inspired blazer would totally rock with this ensemble. I am sure whatever you put together will be just as fabolous as you are!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chichi :)
DeleteDo you mind me asking what project?
They don't have a dress code.. was thinking of throwing on a shirt with some cool prints but I'm struggling to find something. I'm hoping that by the time Saturday gets here I'll have put together a decent outfit.
Fingers crossed!
It's for fashion school coursework
DeleteAwww mums are simply the best i am sure she tells everyone she knows to check out your blog. Follow your heart take risks,be adventurous go all out but take your head with you...as for what to wear anything goes but remember less is more have fun and take plenty photos since you are gonna be our eyes there:)
ReplyDeleteSound advice. Merci Lydz!
DeleteI'll definitely take more than enough pictures :) You guys are going to regret emphasising on taking all these pictures I tell you...
xx
I love the animal print top. Its back design is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI love the simple, laid back look too :)
Yeah the cut out is what I love about it too!
DeleteI don't normally read long blogposts but when I do, it's thisisess!Whoa I should have made a meme then :)
ReplyDelete1. Your mum is just the cutest!
2.Love your casual but still very chic look, simplicity at it's best!
3.There's a burgerhouse in Nairobi that serves up a bacon and avo burger!?I can now die happy!
4.You are so gorgeous you'd make a bin bag look like couture!So wear something daring to SFW
5.On matters concerning Harry Kimani,I concur,and fistbump to that!I love your humour and wit in writing
6.Finally before I turn this into an essay, dive into every risk and every opportunity that gives way now, it's better to have a future of 'I remember when' than one of 'I wish I had' adios:)
:)
Delete3. It's not just any burger house, it's an AFFORDABLE bugger house. Double win.
4. I'm scared my outfit isn't daring enough.. I think I play it a little too safe but I know why.
5. Fist bump sistah!
6. I ended up taking the risk and going with my heart :)
Ok this post is old, but I'l comment anyways. Life is about finding a balance between Living like tomorrow was your last day and living like you'll live to be 2000. Whichever way it goes, whether you die tomorrow or at 2000; you shouldn't regret the actions and the consequences.
ReplyDeleteMums can be so sweet.
You're right, the post is pretty old and I decided to go with my heart!
DeleteThanks for the thoughtful comment though, life is about that balance and praying you got it right.
Mum's are the bombdiggity :)
am going through all your old posts and i find myself smiling to myself because of how awesome they are..my friend from work keeps looking @ me like am bonkers and once i showed her some of your interesting posts(ADORABLE NINA) She joined in..your are very interesting and just know you have found a fan a in me..
ReplyDeleteawww Stella!! Thank you for sharing :)
Deletexx