Christmas traditions in Cameroon

In Cameroon, there are a number of things that are common to see and we can call them traditions. Here they are:

- Christmas rice and chicken

Rice and chicken is a typical meal on Christmas day in Cameroon. Since it's considered a celebration for kids rice is almost always present and chicken is cooked on special occasions so these two items are often on the menu.

- Christmas clothes

I mentioned it's considered a day for kids so the effort is put into getting new clothes, shoes and toys for the kids.

- Christmas celebration in the day is for kids and the night is for adults

Adults go out mainly in the evening or at night to have fun.

- Markets on Christmas Eve are always so crowded

I didn't understand why until I started shopping on Christmas eve or on Christmas day (morning). The markets are usually so crowded as everyone is trying to buy something at the last minute in preparation for Christmas. Salaries are often paid a few days before Christmas so it helps to crowd the market.

- Kids are excited to show their friends their new clothes and toys when they visit

It's common to see kids show off their new toys and clothes when they meet their friends.

- The menu for the day tastes special and most times there is a variety of meals to choose from

Christmas meals are cooked with extra care and attention to make them so tasty.

Do you know any other traditions for Christmas in Cameroon you want to add?

Wishing a merry Christmas to you and your family.

What are the traditions in your area during Christmas?

Five beauty products that are worth using

Here are five beauty products I have used and currently using that are worth it.

Sivoderm pomade

Sivoderm pomade is a product that treats the skin, especially the face. It treats acne and other skin problems like bites and rashes.

Read the full review here.

I have been using this product for years now so far I am satisfied with it. It extracts excess oil from the skin and doesn't bleach while it treats.

Sivoderm pomade Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya

Nguem's body lotion

This body lotion is worth it because it is a great moisturizing lotion and it doesn't lighten at all. It only nourishes and helps your skin find its natural glow slowly. I used it alongside the soap and serum and the lotion impressed me the most. I really loved the product and intend to purchase it again.

Forever shield deodorant stick

What makes this product worth it is how gentle it is on the skin. It doesn't irritate the skin nor does its scent feel aggressive to the nose. It has the softest scent which doesn't interfere with or dominate your perfume. It reduces the appearance of sweat lines on your clothes, especially white clothes.

Forever Living shield deodorant stick, Ngumabi, Cameroon, Yaoundé

Detol

This product is a great disinfectant that can be used for bathing daily to get rid of germs that affect the skin. It can be added to bathing water to disinfect it before bathing. It's quite efficient.

Forever lip balm

This lip balm is the best I have used. It moisturizes the lips so well and keeps them soft and smooth after repairing them. It helped me solve the problem of dry lips and protect my lips from the drying effect of the sun and wind. It's totally worth it.

Forever Living aleo lip balm, Ngumabi, Cameroon Yaoundé

Here are my top five beauty products that are worth using. All tested by me.

If you are interested in getting the Nguems body lotion, the Forever shield deodorant stick and the forever lip balm then WhatsApp this number 237696229223 or click this link to send a message now.

Being in your thirties without achievements - My thoughts

This topic of being in your thirties or turning thirty with the ability to tick certain achievements on your list of goals will forever be necessary to talk about because the feeling of the need to be successful at thirty is inevitable.

This is due to the fact that the thirties are seen as the beginning of the older years. When you turn thirty, you are twenty years from the age of fifty so you begin to feel old and ask yourself "what have I achieved?".

Though it is not something we should worry about, seeing other people achieve a number of things in their thirties can increase the pressure to want to be counted on the list of achievers in their thirties. Added to this are the 'mistakes' we feel we have made in the past, especially in our twenties or the time we feel we have wasted having fun which we feel we should have used to build or focus on a goal.

No matter what we feel or think right now, our past is gone and we can only correct the present and the future. But before that, there are two things - Where you are right now may be where you are meant to be because we have different journeys in life with different timings and paces. Secondly, this is the second chance you have to rewrite your story and add more achievements to your list.

You have to start from somewhere. Think of all the things you want to achieve and write them down. Then start with the one(s) you can achieve easily and work on it.

You will still feel the pressure as you strive to achieve things in your thirties and it will manifest in the form of you feeling late in life and feeling like your efforts are not enough. But you need to stay strong and keep going. Keep working hard and you will get there.

Wishing you all the best.

Being in your thirties without achievements - My thoughts, Ngumabi

Two things that inspire me as a creative

Here are two things that inspire me daily as creative:

Other people's work

It's easy to get inspired by the work of others especially when you find work that is similar to what you want to do. I look at and follow up on other people's work and creativity to stay inspired.

Bringing my vision to life

Another great source of inspiration for me is the thought of bringing my own vision to life. Looking forward to seeing my own work inspires me to put in the effort daily.

Here are the two things that inspire me daily. What inspires you?

Here are two things that inspire me daily as creative: Other people's work It's easy to get inspired by the work of others especially when you find work that is similar to what you want to do. I look at and follow up on other people's work and creativity to stay inspired. Bringing my vision to life Another great source of inspiration for me is the thought of bringing my own vision to life. Looking forward to seeing my own work inspires me to put in the effort daily. Here are the two things that inspire me daily. What inspires you?

Three questions you need to ask yourself to determine the right direction of your life next year

In order to progress in life it is important to ask yourself the right questions.

Here are three questions you need to ask yourself about this and next year. These questions will help guide you to know what you want to work towards in the coming year.

Three questions you need to help you determine the right direction of your life next year

1. What do I want more of or less of in your life next year?

What are the things that you want to do, see or feel more and what are the things you want to see, do and feel less. You may want to exercise more, spend more time with your family and feel more happy. And you may want less negative people around you, feel less stress and drink less.

2. What am I grateful for this year?

Knowing what you are grateful for also helps you to know what you want to keep reoccurring in your life. If you are grateful for God's favor and protection then you want it to keep occuring in your life. If you are grateful for the opportunities you had this year it means you would want to have opportunities next year as well.

3. What are the new things I want to achieve next year?

Apart from the things you wanted to achieve this year that you are still working towards, are there any new things you want to achieve next year? You can add new goals to your list of things you want to achieve.

Three questions you need to ask yourself to determine the right direction of your life next year

Here are three guide questions to help you direct your life next year.

Hope you find your right direction as you apply this and it brings you success.

What type of Christmas are you looking forward to?

Woke up this morning to seeing the kids and their father putting up the Christmas tree and my day was made instantly 😌. It now feels like it is officially Christmas in our home.

Their smiles especially the excitement of the kids was contagious ☺️.

I had thought about when to put up the tree but hadn't decided yet. I mentioned it last night and this morning the tree was being set up when I woke up. I loved it.

This year I look forward to having a cool and calm Christmas with not many people around, a special meal, wine and lots of rest because this year has been such a rollercoaster.

And I must say after putting up the tree I'm more excited for Christmas.

What type of Christmas are you looking forward to having? A calm Christmas or a more active one with many loved ones around and group outings?

Wishing you a merry Christmas in advance ❤️.

What type of Christmas are you looking forward to this year

You can't recover what you already lost in 2022. Let it go and look forward

It's almost the end of 2022 and you may taking stock of all the achievements and loses during the year.

It might have been a difficult year for you, your friends or family and you may have wasted your time on people or projects that didn't take you anywhere. But sorry to say you can't recover the time lost and you need to realize that it's time to move on. It's time to look forward to using your time more wisely.

You may have lost money or missed great opportunities that would have changed your life but it's no longer the time to cry. It's time to look forward to being ready for every future opportunity that comes your way so that you can grab it.

You may have lost some very dear to you during the year and maybe you have mourned enough. It's time to start living life normally again because that person will certainly wish that you live happily and take advantage of the life you have.

Whatever you have lost this year, whether it is your fault or not is gone and the best you can do is to look forward to making the best of the time, the opportunity, the resources and the people you have around you.

Wishing you all the best ❤️.

You can't recover what you already lost in 2022. Let it go and look forward

How to shop online in Cameroon | Ngumabi

There are at least three valid ways to shop online in Cameroon 🇨🇲.

- Websites

- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok pages or accounts

- WhatsApp groups

How to shop online in Cameroon | Ngumabi

Websites usually require a bank card or PayPal to make payments but some site or shops now use mobile money services. This makes it easier for those shopping in Cameroon because most people use mobile money.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok pages require the customer to order by sending a direct message or send a WhatsApp message and the payment method is discussed with the seller.

WhatsApp groups function by the seller posting the items for sale in the group and the customers contact the seller privately to order. Payment method is also determined during the conversation but most times it's by mobile money or payment after delivery.

Don't forget to be careful when shopping online and watch out for scammers.

Related: How to know the right online vendors

My outfit of the day

My outfit is a stylish pink pullover top worn over a little black dress.

I love that it's casual, especially with these flat sandals.

I bought the top online from Macha shop on Instagram.

I love the style of the back

If you are in Cameroon and you buy from online vendors what is your experience?

Online shopping in Cameroon | How to know the right online vendor | OOTD

Shopping online is growing steadily and gaining ground as a good way to shop in Cameroon. It has faced some difficulties as a result of scams which made people very sceptical.

As someone who buys from online vendors in Cameroon, I would say it is essential to verify certain things before carrying out any transaction online.

How to know the right online vendor

For pages, Facebook or WhatsApp groups:

Verify that the vendor actually has the product they are selling if you are dealing with a page or an online selling group. You can do this by asking for pictures or videos of the product.

Make sure the prices are realistic. Scammers may price cheaper to attract you.

Check the page or vendor to know how long they have been selling online, what people are saying about them in the comments and how they respond. This will give you an idea of whether they can be trusted or not.

Your first purchase should be a test. Test buy one or a few items to see how their services work.

If they accept payment after delivery then you can go with it to make sure they are legit.

For websites:

Check the story and existence of the brand or shop. How long it has been existing and if the reviews are legit.

My outfit for the day

My OOTD is a little black dress styled with a white jacket I bought from an online vendor in Yaounde. I discovered her shop on Instagram and she sells good and trendy okirika outfits.

Here is a link to her shop Macha Shop

My bag is also from an online vendor who sells bags.

Here is her page link Frip Attitude

Would you buy from a Cameroonian online vendor?

Saving the environment creatively at the Greenpeace #makesomethng2022 event

This is officially my first blog post for November, and I'm happy it's a good start. Hope you guys are doing well.

I was part of the Greenpeace Cameroon Make Something Week event on the 25th of November 2022 at the University of Yaounde 2 Soa.

The event was fun and I must say it made the child in every one of us who attended resurface. I loved how everyone was playfully creative.

For this event, my outfit for the day was my volunteer t-shirt, black jeans, sneakers and a matching tote bag. It was essential to be in a comfortable outfit because my job as a social media manager requires me to be on my feet as I go around taking pictures and videos.

OOTD

Outfit for the day

Taking a bottle to be used for recycling

Arrival at the campus of the university of Yaoundé 2 Soa

The aim of the "makesmthng2022 is to teach people that they can recycle waste by being creative. We transformed plastic and glass bottles into decorative items. I even made earrings from a plastic bottle and some paint.