Category Archives: Inspiration

Learning to live with me

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I came to Kenya with close to no expectations.  I really didn’t know what to expect in terms of environment, culture, living-situation, climate, people or really anything.  As my time here winds down, I am leaving with a different view about myself.  This experience has been life changing for me, but I think, not in the way you would expect.  I’m not leaving with a new view of the world.  I haven’t decided to give up all consumerism things at the realization that very few people in this world are able to even consider buying something just because they feel like it.  And I haven’t been humbled.  Growing up in America, everywhere you look there is some sort of foundation for those in need.  There is no shortage of awareness of how lucky you are to be born into a rich country.  For me, I haven’t been shocked at what I’ve seen here.  Maybe it’s me being selfish, I don’t know, but what has been most life changing for me is learning to live with myself.

I came to this country without so much as a familiar face to rely on.  At home, I am constantly surrounded by familiar friends and family and after recently moving from a house with six people, living alone felt…well lonely.  I admit, the first month here for me was really hard.  I found myself wallowing in my loneliness, but I got past it.  I started to meet people, get out and even make some friends.  More than anything, I feel confidence.  Confidence in my independence, personality and self.  Coming somewhere I knew no one was the best thing I could have done for myself.  It has helped me grow and learn to live with who I am.

xo

-s

From Safari Dancers to REAL Safari Animals

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Two weekends ago I went to an amazing show called Safari Cat Dancers and Acrobats and it was fantastic, but this last weekend I opted for a real safari through Lake Nukuru National Park.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from the trip…

Vifaru (Rhino) and Nyati (Buffalo)

Flamingos

pundamilia (zebra, but directly translates to “donkey with stripes”)

View from Baboon Lookout

Nyani (Baboon)

View from Out of Africa Lookout

xo

-s

Luxury Bazaar

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Last weekend Dormans was one of the vendors at a Luxury Bazaar that featured catering, fine wine, gourmet food, high fashion, designer cosmetics, eco furniture and live music.  I was pleasantly surprised that this Kenya Concierge guided event was handing out free Rift Valley Leather bracelets and champagne at the door.  While perusing around, champagne in hand, I tried pie from KOS Delights, got a foot massage from Nothing Like It, tried Browns Cheese and jellies, drank Sierra beer and Kenyan made wine, had sushi from Talisman restaurant and checked out MIA designs.  I, of course, also enjoyed Dormans, who was handing out coffee samples and selling a special blend of espresso.  They were also selling coffee accessories, spices, salts and chocolate.  Every time I passed by, I was happy to see that there was a line of people waiting for coffee samples.

I heard people saying that the bazaar wasn’t very big, but I liked the intimate setting under a tent as the Nairobi rain misted the outside.

The entrance to the Luxury Bazaar

Talisman sushi making

Inside the Luxury Bazaar

Browns Cheese

Dormans Coffee – Happy workers!

xo

-s

Two Birds Events offering free planning to their first R74 couple

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Check it out!

Two Birds Events is thrilled that Washington State voters passed Referendum 74, allowing gay couples to legally marry. In celebration, Two Birds Events is offering a FREE wedding coordination package to their first R74 approved wedding.

The package includes: final details planning meeting, survival guide creation, rehearsal coordination, and day of wedding coordination.  Valued at $1500.00, dates are based on availability.  Simply enter by liking the Two Birds Events Facebook page, and contacting Erica Hoffmann, Principal of Two Birds via their website. The first couple to contact Erica will receive this package.

Additionally, Two Birds Events is offering 20% off all services for all weddings booked by January 31, 2013.

Two Birds Events, was conceived in 2009 by Erica Hoffmann. Since the launch of the business Erica and her team have planned a variety of weddings and events varying in style, location, and budget.  Two Birds Events believes that your wedding is more than just a celebration but also part of how you express your unique personality.  Each event planned by Two Birds Events is delivered with impeccable attention to detail allowing clients to enjoy a memorable, worry free experience.

*Winner of the R74 planning package must book with Two Birds Events by December 01, 2012 after the initial contact.

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YAY R74, can’t help but think Macklemore helped get the word out via his song Same Love!

xx

-h

 

Tuesday Shoesday: Boots with the Fur

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Several years ago, UGG was notorious for their “Classic Boot”.  Companies around the world were creating knockoffs and everyone I know probably still has a pair, real or fake.  The real UGGs are made sturdy, with soft shearling insides and last an awful long time.  For me, the classic UGG boot is more of a large house slipper than a fashion statement, but to each their own.

UGG Australia “Classic Tall” Boot in Chestnut
Photo from: Nordstrom.com

While many variations of the classic UGG are still in the market and selling like hotcakes (my personal favorite: the ones with sequins), I have been pleased to see UGG branch out in the last few years.  They have been creating some really great, high-quality boots and shoes made of more than just shearling, but fine leathers.  One of my personal favorites that is out now is the UGG “Foxley”-  made with leather and genuine lamb fur.  Is there really any other boot that better fits the “boots with the fur” description?  I think not.

UGG Australia “Foxley” Boot
Found at Nordstrom for $499.95

xoxo

-s

Lil’ Wayne’s Sarah Burke Inspired Shirt

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Lil’ Wayne launched a clothing company in June called TRUKFIT. It’s a skateboard style line, featuring lifestyle clothing items. He recently came out with the “Tommy Burke” T-Shirt that has the TRUKFIT character Tommy wearing ski clothes and gold medals in honor of Sarah Burke. Sarah was and continues to be an inspiration for all female skiers. She was one of the nicest, most driven people I have ever met.

Read more via Freeskier and buy the shirt ($37) here. Proceeds from the shirt will benefit the Sarah Burke Foundation, established in her memory to promote the ideals she valued and embodied.

xx

-h

 

Kikoys from Mombasa

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Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful coast of Kenya-Diani Beach, Mombasa.  I got a chance to get out of the city with some truly genuine people and found what has become one of my favorite Kenya souvenirs-the kikoy.  They can be used as a sarong, wrap, head cover, towel, scarf, blanket or really anything you want.  For awhile, I was accidentally calling them kiokos, which incidentally is a common African last name and was causing a lot of confusion when I was asking the women on the beach if they were selling Kiokos….

Several of the kikoys I bought at Diani Beach

Kikoys can be bought for about 500 ksh (roughly $6.50) with some bargaining.  The ones that I especially love with towels sewn on one side (shown in photo above-purple stripe one side, solid purple towel other) can be bought for about 900 ksh (roughly $10.50) with some serious bargaining.  One late afternoon on the beach, on the suggestion of my new friend, Philip, I took a picture of the women who sell the kikoys leaving after a days work.

I think this picture is really beautiful.
Thank you for the kikoys, women of Kenya.

I am planning another trip to the coast in November, it is safe to say I will be on the lookout for more kikoys.

xoxo

-s

Chai on my mind

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What’s not to love about a great chai tea?  Most coffee shops make chai tea with similar ingredients, one specifically-chai concentrate.  Chai concentrate makes for creating a delicious chai tea quickly.  It contains a blend of teas accented with sweet cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and vanilla.  After it is combined with steamed milk, it creates a hard to beat combination-or so I thought.

Here in Kenya, they make their chai just a little differently.  It seems to be a staple throughout the country.  Dormans Coffee for one, provides chai tea for a morning and afternoon teatime every day for all employees.  It is made in massive amounts and no one misses it when teatime rolls around.

Although chai concentrate makes a killer chai, I personally believe the fresher the better.  If you want to try the Kenyan way at home, check out this recipe (this is a large batch and from one of the amazing women who makes it at Dormans):

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups water
  • 7 teaspoons tea leaves (or five bags)  black tea
  • 6 cups milk
  • 10-15 teaspoons sugar (to taste)

Directions:

  1. Heat together water and tea leaves in a saucepan.
  2. Boil 10 minutes and add milk.  Heat to near boiling.
  3. Strain leaves.
  4. Add sugar to taste.

Teatime Chai at Dormans

Maybe you can drink  it with the  Chai Shortbread Cookies with Pink Salt recipe H recently posted.

xoxo

-s