Monthly Archives: February 2014
Madame Fashion, Madame activist
By Francine Holmes Flaviana Matata is a Tanzanian beauty queen and fashion model. She got her start in 2007 when she won Miss Universe Tanzania. I actually admire the fact that she isn’t just a pretty face, she is also … Continue reading
We’re here, we’re queer, we’re African
by Patrick Gathara In a speech in 1996 to celebrate South Africa’s new constitution outlawing discrimination against homosexuals, Thabo Mbeki, then vice-president under Nelson Mandela, declared: “I know that none dare challenge me when I say – I am an … Continue reading
Banana face mask – Dry skin remedy
By Francine Holmes During cold winter months skin can lose a lot of moisture. It may feel dry and tight, which can lead to cracking and flaking. This mask is easy to make and it’s ideal for those with dry … Continue reading
One Billion Rising For Justice
By Francine Holmes ONE IN THREE WOMEN ON THE PLANET WILL BE RAPED OR BEATEN IN HER LIFETIME. THAT IS ONE BILLION WOMEN. In 2013, One billion women and men shook the earth through dance to end violence against women … Continue reading
Ivory Coast joins the African gold rush – but it’s no quick fix for the economy
By Tamasin Ford Mining companies are moving in after conflict left vast natural resources untapped, but will these benefit ordinary Ivorians? From the sky, Ivory Coast looks like a patchwork quilt, with fields of varying shapes and shades of green … Continue reading
African Print Dress
Tribal print can be both sophisticated and versatile as shown with this cotton wrap dress and mulberry colored sash belt. Put on a blazer for the office, and it is also fashionable at happy hour. African fashion label, Kutowa Designs … Continue reading
From old to new ottoman
By Francine Holmes This is not a how-to tutorial, not by a long shot. I was winging it. The point is simply to show what can happen when you get out of your comfort zone. I ended up with a … Continue reading
‘Bissap’ Hibiscus Drink
In Cote D’Ivoire, we make a hibiscus drink called Bissap [Bee-Sap]. It is a wonderfully refreshing drink. Hibiscus’ beneficial health properties have been recognized and used in a multitude of applications. It is essentially one of those multi-purpose plants, like … Continue reading
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