In today's fast-paced world, engaging in cultural conversations can add depth and richness to our social interactions. Whether it's at an art gallery, a dinner party, or a casual gathering, having a basic knowledge of great artists across various art domains can enhance the way we appreciate and discuss art. Let's delve into a diverse selection of top artists, spanning different artistic disciplines, that will not only enrich your cultural awareness but also bolster your ability to hold captivating conversations.

Known for his iconic post-impressionist style and emotionally charged works such as "Starry Night" and "Sunflowers," van Gogh's tumultuous life and passionate approach to art make him a captivating figure to explore when discussing visual arts with others.

As one of the greatest composers in history, Beethoven's compositions, particularly his symphonies and piano sonatas, offer a rich and profound contribution to classical music. Understanding his impact on music history can infuse your conversations with a deep appreciation for classical compositions.

A pioneering modernist writer, Woolf's exploration of consciousness and the inner lives of characters in novels like "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse" provides an insightful entry point into literary discussions. Her innovative narrative techniques and themes of identity and feminism are sure to spark engaging conversations.

Renowned for his timeless plays and sonnets, Shakespeare's impact on theater and language cannot be overstated. Familiarity with works such as "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Macbeth" equips you to engage in discussions about enduring themes, character motivations, and the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's writing.

Often referred to as the "Master of Suspense," Hitchcock's cinematic innovations and enduring thrillers, including "Psycho," "Vertigo," and "Rear Window," have left an indelible mark on film history. Exploring his use of suspense, visual storytelling, and psychological depth can provide compelling insights for film-related conversations.

Enhancing your cultural awareness by familiarizing yourself with the top great artists across various art domains can immensely enrich your ability to start again hold engaging conversations. Whether it's discussing Vincent van Gogh's emotional turmoil, Beethoven's symphonic mastery, Virginia Woolf's literary innovations, Shakespeare's enduring impact on theater, or Hitchcock's cinematic brilliance, these artists open up avenues for meaningful discourse and shared appreciation of art. So, let's cultivate our cultural fluency and embrace the opportunity to engage thoughtfully and passionately in conversations about the arts, sparking inspiration and connection with those around us.

In this post I'm sharing more skincare products I use and what I use them for. 

Hi everyone. Hope you are doing well. This past week was a whirlwind of productivity and fun for me. 

I spent the majority of my time planning and creating content for my two other blogs, Ngumabi's Glam and Kaolosphere. It was so fulfilling to see my ideas come to life and to work on something that I am truly passionate about. The process of brainstorming and creating content was both challenging and rewarding, and it left me feeling motivated and inspired for the weeks to come.

I developed an appetite for chocolate and wine I didn't hold myself back. I spent some evenings sipping wine and eating chocolate as I wondered how it will affect my weight loss journey. But I enjoyed it without worrying too much. I have been cautious with eating too much lately and I've seen results though I have not exercised for weeks now.  

The weather last week was scorching hot, so the little bit of rain that we did get was a welcomed relief. It helped cool the heat and made the days a little more bearable. Despite the busy week and the hot weather, I managed to attend a meeting at Mboa Hub earlier in the week. Mboa Hub is a center that works to motivate and guide youths in taking action against climate change. It is empowering to be a part of such an important initiative and to see the impact that this organization is having on the community.

To cap off the week, I attended the one year anniversary celebration at Mboa Hub this past Sunday. The event was filled with music, food, and fun activities. Although I arrived late due to some errands I needed to run, I still had a blast celebrating with the amazing team at Mboa Hub. I was tired by the end of the day but it was well worth it to be surrounded by such positive energy and like-minded individuals.

Overall, last week was a week filled with productivity, creativity, and celebration. I am grateful for the opportunities that came my way and I am excited to see what the future holds. Here's to more planning, creating, and celebrating in the weeks to come!

I cringed after reading this story because she feels responsible for her husband's decision to expose himself to temptation and takes to cooking in order to not loose him.

A few questions also came to my mind. Did her husband share the same spoon with his colleague before she started bringing a second spoon? How did they even get to the point of sharing food daily ? Why didn't he tell her earlier, I mean when he started eating with her? And where did he get the courage to tell his wife about it considering that he should have told her way before his colleague started bringing an extra spoon for him? 

If food is a means by which your husband can be 'collected' then your husband should not expose himself to that temptation as well. I also think that it's manipulative to tell your spouse or partner what someone else is doing for you which they could do in that manner. It can make them feel less confident or insecure. 

Cooking for one's husband is a good thing and it doesn't matter the time of the day you choose to do it. But the reason why the cooking is being done is important. Waking up at 4 am to cook because you are afraid that they will use food and 'collect' your husband in my opinion is an extra burden which is unnecessary. We work to keep a relationship alive every day and both parties have to do their own part. One person should not take the responsibility of keeping the other like women do with men. 

To me the husband had the choice to decline the colleague's offer to share her food and kindly ask his wife to make him food so that he can go to work with. I know some men will ask 'what if the wife refuses if she's asked to make the food? ' but that's a conversation for another day.

What are your thoughts about this issue? Please share in the comments. 

Banane malaxé is a meal from the West region of Cameroon which is now eaten by many other regions and tribes in the country. It's a one pot meal which is very nourishing and easy to cook. 

Unripe banana

Groundnuts

Ginger

Onion and or leeks

Garlic

Seasoning 

Palm oil 

Smoked fish or meat

Peel the bananas, ginger, garlic, onion and leeks. Wash the bananas and set aside. Wash the rest of the ingredients and grind the ginger and garlic while you slice the onion and leeks. Grind the dry groundnuts. You don't need to fry them. Remove the bones from the fish and shred into pieces. 

Heat the palm oil and put in the bananas first then add the groundnuts, the fish and part of the ground and sliced ingredients on top of the bananas. 

Cover the pot and leave it to cook for about 15 minutes on low heat. Do not stir it. 

Add water to the pot after 10-15 minutes and stir. Put in seasoning and the rest of the ingredients. Stir and let it boil till it's done.

Serve and enjoy your meal 😋

In our increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages not only facilitates deeper connections with people from diverse backgrounds but also opens doors to new cultures and perspectives. Embracing linguistic diversity can truly enrich our lives and broaden our understanding of the world. 

   As the most spoken language globally, learning Mandarin provides a gateway to the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, history, and philosophy. It offers a profound understanding of one of the world's oldest civilizations.

   With over 400 million speakers, Spanish unlocks access to the vibrant and diverse cultures of Spain, Latin America, and Hispanic communities around the world. It is a language of passion, music, literature, and folklore.

   A language of poetry, calligraphy, and profound religious significance, Arabic provides insight into the rich heritage of the Middle East and North Africa. Learning Arabic fosters an appreciation for Islamic culture and traditions.

   Renowned for its elegance and diplomacy, French is a language of art, romance, and haute cuisine. It is the key to understanding the heritage of France, parts of Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, and significant regions in Africa.

   Swahili's influence spans a vast region of East Africa, where it serves as a lingua franca. By learning Swahili, one gains an understanding of the mix of cultures and traditions in East Africa and connects with the region's diverse communities.

   From traditional tea ceremonies to modern technological innovations, the Japanese language unveils the depth of Japan's ancient traditions and contemporary pop culture. Mastery of Japanese offers a window into a society that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation.

   Learning Russian opens the door to the rich artistic, literary, and scientific traditions of Russia and neighboring Slavic countries. It provides a lens through which to explore the complexities of Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

   The language of philosophers and scientists, German offers access to centuries of intellectual and cultural contributions. Understanding German allows for a deep dive into the influential history and modern achievements of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

By embracing these languages, individuals can embark on a journey of cultural enrichment, gaining insights that transcend linguistic barriers. The pursuit of language learning is not merely an act of acquiring words and grammar; it is a pathway to deeper empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diversity that defines humanity.

Let's celebrate the beauty of linguistic diversity and commit ourselves to broadening our horizons through the acquisition of new languages. As we learn to communicate across cultures, our world becomes richer, more interconnected, and profoundly more compassionate.

Sivoderm is a brand renowned for its range of skincare products that prioritize skin health without the use of bleaching agents. As someone who has used several Sivoderm products, I can attest to their effectiveness in treating various skin concerns while maintaining the natural complexion. 

The Sivoderm pommade has been a staple in my skincare arsenal for treating acne, itches, fungi and other skin blemishes, particularly on my face. Upon application, it offers a warming sensation that gradually cools as it works to address skin issues. I found that removing the pommade once the initial warmth subsides is essential, followed by thorough cleansing and moisturizing. For a more detailed review, check out my dedicated post on the Sivoderm pommade.

Similarly, the Sivoderm powder has proven effective in combating acne, black heads, fungi, itches and heat rashes. While it also imparts a gentle warmth upon application, it is less intense compared to the pommade. I have seamlessly integrated it into my makeup routine, using it to set my foundation while benefiting from its skin-nurturing properties.

When it comes to exfoliating and revitalizing my skin, the Sivoderm exfoliating cream has been my go-to choice. While it can be utilized on the entire body, I primarily focus on using it for facial exfoliation, as I have alternative products for the rest of my body. Its ability to eliminate dead cells and cleanse the skin has significantly contributed to my skincare regimen.

My experience with the Sivoderm lotion has revealed its effectiveness in addressing acne, albeit with a cautionary note. When used undiluted or in excessive amounts, it may induce a drying and burning sensation. Hence, I always dilute it with a few drops of water before application and follow up with thorough moisturization.

Lastly, the Sivoderm collagen body lotion has left a positive impression with its delightful fragrance, skin-softening properties, and quick absorption. Its ease of application and hydrating effects make it a valuable addition to my skincare routine.

My exploration of Sivoderm products has underscored their efficacy in addressing various skin concerns while preserving the natural beauty of the skin. While each product offers distinct benefits, they collectively exemplify Sivoderm's commitment to promoting healthy, nourished skin without resorting to skin bleaching. I encourage others to consider these products as part of their skincare journey, while always being mindful of individual skin sensitivities and needs.