Monday 12 October 2009

Moving With The Changing Times!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,
I'd like to start my second year of blogging by introducing what I'd love to call Mabi's Pick!

Could be an image, a podcast or a video: that depicts or portrays certain aspects of daily life in a community.

Here comes the first of such!
BARACK OBAMA - exercise books now on sale in Senegal.

Saturday 19 September 2009

Mabi's World Turns One !

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

It has been a year since I launched Mabi’s World and posted my first blog.
I simply can’t believe how time flies.

What started timidly, especially given my little interest in ICT’s (at the time), has grown bigger than I ever imagined.

I have had some great experiences during this first year.

Mabi’s World has made me become IT Savvy; pushing me to improve my skills to the point of helping others start up blogs.

Interacting with fellow bloggers has been terrific! Reading about Mabi’s World from other blogs has been so heart-warming.

Mabi’s World has helped me speak about my passions: leadership, parenting, family, gender issues, arts & craft, my designs (De MABS DESIGN) etc. Sometimes I cooked on the blog; qt other times I celebrated the lives of people and mourned beloved ones.

This is different from writing journalistic reports & presenting on TV. It is multi-media: taking pictures, editing photos, uploading images, videos, podcasts and more.

Many of you have been to Mabi’s World, some have left comments and very worthy additions to issues posted on the blog. Others, follow my blog regularly.
I am deeply indebted to all of you! You all make part of Mabi’s World. Thanks immensely !

Let’s all see what lies ahead on Mabi’s World.

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Mom & Daughter Home-made Cookies!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

My first attempt to bake cookies at home turned out to be a pleasant one. Everyone at home enjoyed the cookies. Thereafter, I planned to bake more cookies but never really found the time to do so plus I had to buy cookie cutters to facilitate the cutting and shaping of the dough.


Luckily my daughter kept reminding me to do so. At last I bought the cookie cutters. She was over-joyed. "Mama you finally bought the cookie cutters ...thank you so much, I can't wait to see us using them!'' And so it was just time to make some more cookies!

My daughter and I used the same recipe I had used when I first made cookies at home. See AKWE'S CUISINE for the recipe. NB:: I added a zest of orange to enhance the flavour this time around.

Cutting out the different shapes and sizes was just lovely! Thanks to our cutters see how much cookies we made!


Enjoy our mom & daughter home-made cookies! We are using this 'candy-cookie-like container' to store our cookies so they stay longer and remain crunchy.

Thursday 10 September 2009

Honour Your Grandparents! Now and Always.

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

Grandparents' Day 2009 will be celebrated on September 13.

Our Grandparents are our pride, our heritage and key members of our families and communities. Little wonder therefore that a special day is set aside to honour and celebrate their lives. Their love and dedication to their grandchildren is beyond measure even though this is sometimes taken for granted.

In September last year(2008) I wrote an article on my blog on the role our Grandparents play in our homes/communities. On the occasion, I had one thing at the back of my mind -hence the title of the post "Don't You Think Grandma and Grandpa need a Break?"(Click here for the piece).

We may never be able to pay back Grandma or Grandpa for all she/he has done and has been to us, but we can make her/him know how much she/he is loved and thought of at all times and especially on GRANDPARENTS' DAY.


Here are some ideas on how to celebrate with long-distance Grandparents.


What's your idea?

(Images courtesy of http://www.clipartguide.com/)

Saturday 5 September 2009

What a moment with the kids at the Klub!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen
It's been two weeks of fun with the kids at the Mabs' English Kids' Klub(MEKK). Eleven kids between the ages of 2-10 have taken part in our holiday programme.

0h my! I have been playing games & jumping around with the kids like never before, singing some of those favourite kids' songs(if you are happy and you know it clap your hands...)
drawing, painting, colouring as well as carrying out art and craft projects,



telling stories, teaching them the art of reading and public speaking, encouraging them to read as many books as possible, building team spirit among kids, testing their leadership abilities..... and all of these made me so proud, just like the other facilitators who gave me a big hand.

The kids have had a great time interacting with each other, doing the ABC soup, using tissue tubes to make pencil holders, making necklaces, designing paper shirts and ties, decorating the map of Africa, making party hats , crowns and many other items.





At the end of the programme, the kids showcased some of things they have learnt and designed while at the Klub and their parents were so thrilled. Like the kids, the parents all wished the programme could go on for a few more weeks.

This is another dream of mine that is gradually turning into reality:MABS ENGLISH KIDS' KLUB(MEKK). I sure would want to see this project grow, thus, giving a chance to many more kids to join in, share knowledge, gather new skills as well as put their talents into use and their imaginations to test.







(Kids building a puzzle)


I am most grateful to the parents, kids , facilitators and all who took part in the activites!

Thursday 6 August 2009

Why Did You Leave Me?

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I woke up this morning thinking of someone I loved so dearly.
I loved him so much and I always wanted him by me so dearly.

But he left me.
Indeed he left me!

Time has passed but the love I had for him has stayed on.
If I could turn back the hands of time, I would, just to have him stay by me!

Thirteen years have gone past yet it feels like yesterday!
Thirteen indeed, for he left on August 6, 1996
And today is August 6, 2009.
And I am wondering:

How time passes!
How I still think of you dearly!
How I still miss you dearly!

How wonderful such moments were, with you loving, caring, teaching and guiding!
How you made me grow through life rather than go through it, aiming high!
How you lastly told me to “Be Careful in all you do”.

You gave me life and a sense of direction.
You taught me never to forget what you defined as
“The basic needs of life- God, Education, Food/Water, Shelter & Medication”.
You often walked the talk.

Yours was an exemplary life, a life worth emulating Dad!
I thank God for you papa!

But you left me too soon Dad! You left us too soon Papa!

Sometimes I wonder if I ever told you I loved you dearly!
Would you have stayed longer if I did? RIP dad!

Friday 31 July 2009

See Who's Behind This?


By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

On my way from work, a well dressed woman approached me demanding for money to feed herself and her twin daughters. The children stood close to their mother, both of them shabbily dressed. As she put it, they" hadn't eaten since morning" translated from Wolof. I felt sorry for them and decided to give her a token so she could buy some food to eat and share with her children.

Upon opening my bag I noticed both children, who until then hadn't opened their eyes thus making me think they were suffering from some kind of eye problem, suddenly opened their eyes and quickly stretched out their bowls for me to drop in the money. At that point, the woman(their supposed mother) pushed them aside instructing them to close their eyes. She even used her hands to forcefully close their eyes. Unhappy with the lady, one of the children screamed saying she was going to inform her mother once she returned to her home.

Did I hear her well? I sure did hear her well!

But that sounded a bit tricky and aroused my curiosity thus I started asking questions.

And so it turned out that the woman was not the biological mother of the twin daughters. On the contrary, she had "hired " both children to go out begging throughout the week. While on the street, she claimed she and "her children" were so poor and hungry.
What a thing to do!

To say the least, I was shocked by that incident. Not by the fact that people would go begging on the streets but at what length some people would go to exploit children, evoke pity only to extort money from others.

On the occasion of the 47 edition of the African Women's Day(celebrated on July 31),discussions and activities in some parts of Africa focused on putting an end to the different forms of exploitation that women and girls suffer from. Many forms of exploitation exist today and include: physical, psychological, sexual, financial to name but those!

The consequences of such are many, causing enormous suffering, pain, regret, and even deaths. Unfortunately, some individuals and many communities continue to exploit women and girls, despite the numerous challenges some women and girls face, on a daily bases.


So who's behind this?

Wednesday 15 July 2009

Go and Rest Auntie, Becky Ndive We Will Miss You!

Written by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I barely dried my tears following Michael Jackson's death only to learn about Becky Ndive's passing on!

Devastated!

So I thought: what a cruel world we live in ! Is it so cruel that some "STARS "can no longer bear but pass on to a world beyond? Otherwise, how can Auntie Becky ( like she was fondly called) die when she was always so full of life?

She would weep for others and sympathise with many!
She would visit you if you were sick!
She would cheer you up if you were feeling low!
She would joke even when no one expected her to.

She would tell you to 'keep up the good work and be there for listeners and viewers'
She would make you feel proud of yourself in a 'house' where others hardly did same!

She was such a warm person in an environment where such charateristics were lacking. When I was appointed deputy service head in-charge of coordinating CRTV's provincial radio progammes and sent to work at CRTV's National Station (2005), Auntie Becky opened her arms and heart to welcome me. I presented Luncheon date, a CRTV national radio magazine programme which Auntie Becky Ndive used to coordinate to great acclaim.

She joined me in the studio on many ocassions to present 'LIVING WITH AIDS' - a regular health feature she produced and presented every Wednesday on "Luncheon Date". Whenever she came into the studio I was most humbled by how much she gave to satisfy the listeners .

She often had very kind words for her younger colleagues and would urge us not to relent. Like she once told me " I di come go retirement so wona need for continue the work".

She was full of concern. She would call me after broadcasts of the CRTV television breakfast show - 'HELLO' - to give me feedback. One day she told me ' You make me not to leave my house early in the morning because I have to stay and watch TV until you are done with the programme".

She had a style and knew so well how to touch her listeners and viewers! I remember on one edition of the Wake Up Show on CRTV National Station, the sportscaster told a story about one of Cameroon's footballers buying a number of motor-bikes for youths of the under-privileged neighbourghood in which he grew up on the condition that they report each with 1000 FCFA daily to his mother. "Ma mami eh who give dat kind money, na dey Becky don rich!,"Auntie Becky exclaimed (almost instinctively). That was her style!

She was fun to talk to! She had the kind of voice you would love to listen to!

I last spoke to Auntie Becky in early May 2009. I had called to say ' thank you auntie for the love, care and support shown me and my family' . But she responded to my telephone call from a hospital bed. Saddened, I told her I wished I were home to pay her a visit but she said (softly) 'go my daughter , I miss watching you on TV and getting you on the radio but I understand you had to move on, take care of yourself and the family '.

I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I look back. How can I hold back the tears?

Not when I think of how you used to call me 'your daughter and daughter in law ' and refer to my hubby as your 'son' ?

Not when I think of how you were a source of inspiration to my daughter when she was called up to be 'The Moderator' of a debate presented by the nursery section of her school! She still remembers meeting and talking to you about that debate.

How can I forget that you loved 'THE DEBATE' on CRTV and continued to handle it even when it was "retirement time"? What a legacy!

How can I forget your passion for women and gender issues? A passion we both shared. You were not just a journalist and a senior colleague. You were much more.

How can I forget the pleasant surprises you often had for me? Like the lovely gift you brought back from the UK. You said it was to keep your son's wife "sparkling" on TV and that is how "Bakweris take care of their wives!".

Go Auntie! Go and finally get some rest!

But we will miss you sorely.

Thursday 25 June 2009

Michael Jackson, dead! Hard to Believe It!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I had been looking forward to his "come back" this July (2009) only to learn of his sudden death!

Michael Jackson was loved by many, kids and adults alike. He was an icon and a role model .

I remember watching Michael Jackson when I was growing up and wishing I could dance like he did.



In my first year in secondary school I performed "We Are The World" during a welcome show for form one students. That was a dream fulfilled!



All across the world Michael Jackson touched the hearts of many. He was an extraordinary singer and performer and won thirteen Grammy Awards during his career. He was so talented!
We loved him, loved the dance, the songs, the clips, the outfits!

Beyond his successful musical career this Pop Star had a plethora of issues to grapple with over the years.

Perhaps CNN's Larry King summed it all when he said "It was hard to love him and hard not to love him".

Would there be another Michael Jackson to set the world dancing?

Sunday 10 May 2009

How Can I Thank Mother?

Written & Posted by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Mothers are so special!
So do they know how to make theirs feel special.

Role models they are to many of theirs,
Sacrifices they make on behalf of theirs!

How can I hold back my grateful tears, mother?
How can I ever pay you for all these years, mother?
How can I make the world know you've been a blessing all these years, mother?

Your love has been constant.
Your love has been my rock.
Your love has been my fuel.

You are my refuge and my stronghold!
You are worthier than gold.
You are my pride!

Mother you deserve the best!
For you have been the best!
You have equally given me the best.

For bringing me forth to the world, I say thank you.
For the days you couldn't eat because I needed more food, I say thank you.
For staying awake because of me, I say thank you.
For all you have done to make me a better "me", I say thank you.

I know I can never thank you enough mother!
But I'm certain I can offer you my love, mother!
I know I can also pray for you, mother!

Let the heavens open up for continuous pouring of blessings on you!
May it always rain gold on you.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

Thursday 30 April 2009

I Google Searched Myself! Terrific what I saw !

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

As a Journalist/ Mass communicator it behoves me to gather and disseminate information on a wide range of issues. This implies searching for the information , interviewing people, writing news stories , reporting the stories, producing and presenting the news plus programmes among other things. On many occasions therefore I have been the interviewer and not the interviewee. In other words- the one asking the questions rather than providing the answers but for the few instances when some Cameroonian newspapers and magazines turned the spotlight on me.
This morning I attempted a google search of my names and whaaoooo! Terrific -the tons of literature I found on the Internet following the search! And so I was able to once more read through an interview granted me (in 2005) by the Post newspaper and published in it's edition of Thursday 28 July 2005. Meet Mabi Azefor Jack of All Journalism .

So much has changed in my career life after that interview for in November 2005 I was appointed Deputy Service Head in charge of CRTV's Provincial Radio Programmes , thus moving from Douala to Yaounde-CRTV's National Radio Station.

In February 2006, I appeared on TV (Cameroon's National Television) as the Pioneer Presenter of CRTV's breakfast show HELLO- a moment many of my fans will live to remember.
( Mabi on hello set with Rev. Angela Acha-Morfaw plus floor manager setting the stage-Feb 2006 )
In the course of time, I was appointed Chief of English Language TV-Programmes (Jan 2008). (Mabi on hello set- July 25, 2006)
As I "throw-in -the-towel" as well as celebrate the path so far covered I'll relish sharing some of my interviews, newspaper articles, videos and photos with you as I continue to blog for these form part of Mabi's World











Tuesday 14 April 2009

Try This, It's Easy!

Posted by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

My daughter returned from school the other day and requested I help repair the zip of her friend's pencil case. While in school the zipper had given way and she promised her friend she could ask her mum to help repair it.

Once home she asked me "Mum could you please help fix my friend's pencil case?She loves it so much and she was so sad in school when it got bad" .

At first I didn't know what to tell her! Then she went on to say "please mum I know you can do it , just use your sewing machine and sew it."

In fact I was wondering how I was actually going to put back the zip, given that I had never sewn a pencil case before.

At least I knew how to fit in a zip on a dress so I told her I was going to completely take out the old zip and fit it another one so her friend would be able use the pencil case again.
Just like my daughter had suggested, I was able to help fix the pencil case.


When I took a closer look at the pencil case I noticed it looked too small and faded so I decided to attempt a new one.

This is what I came up with!


The following day my daughter took both the old and the new pencil case to school and handed them to the friend. She was simply over joyed.

Since then a few others have equally asked me to make pencil cases for them.

This reminds me of many mothers out there who take delight in putting their passions, talents and time to use, for the good of entire households and communities when the need arises.


Tuesday 17 March 2009

Arts and Craft: What They Sometimes Portray!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen










If you live in or travel to Africa very often then you certainly are familiar with Africa’s great works of art and craft. Some of the crafts and artisan objects originate from the continent’s rich and diversified culture. Others attempt to depict everyday life, humanity, attitudes, believes, myths and realities. Perhaps that’s the beauty behind every piece of art!


While on the field as a culture desk reporter (2003-2005), I had the chance of interviewing a cross section of artists and artisans so too did my love for art and craft increased. Often I sought to understand what some works of art actually signified. For instance a painting could carry a message of hope. Sometimes that of suffering or love; to name but these.
I must admit my love for arts and craft has kind of doubled over time. Every piece I come across I tend to appreciate it and sometimes I would purchase it. I equally take delight in snapping or filming some of them. I sometimes put my imagination to test by crafting something! I may not be good at craft but I guess I could make an appreciation of what I see!

This is perhaps the most annoying piece of art/craft I have ever come across. I walked into an “open- air African designed restaurant”, decorated with beautiful calabashes and nice paintings; depicting a typical African village setting. Behold I saw these “nude-feminine-structured works of art”.
I pulled out my camera to get some shots I would use on my blog. As I took these photos I noticed some Europeans were doing same and I kept wondering why some artists would rather portray "nude feminine objects" as if that’s all a woman’s got to show! Unfortunately some artists/sculptors are specialized in carving such pieces!


“She” is rather decent. In most African cultural and traditional settings the woman is obliged to cover her body (at least her private) while in public just like the man. Ironically, many works of art that seek to portray African men, are hardly left unclad (if not partially).
This is a case in point (a photo I took at the same venue).




Generally, I hold women in high esteem not just because I am a woman ! A woman is worth respecting! She has many virtues known to many of us. Of course as a human being she has her own weaknesses! That notwithstanding I believe she is a lovely human being, full of dignity! Seemingly and unfortunately so, the "woman" is yet to completely wipe off the "negative and sometimes indecent tags" her society continues to put on her. If only she could be perceived by many (especially artists)from a more decent perspective, perhaps…………………..!!!!!!!!!


Sunday 8 March 2009

Stop! Reflect and Pay Tribute to Women the World Over !

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Each year, women the world over are in the spotlight on March 8 coined the International day of the woman. It is a day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. Simply put , it is an occasion to think about the woman, assess her role in the community and celebrate her contribution to making herself and the world a better place .Women’s groups, organizations as well as individual usually take part in the celebration.


In Cameroon March 8 hardly goes by unnoticed, unlike in some other countries. A number of socio-cultural activities are organized prior to the day ( with the women being active during all such events)even though the women’s march-pass is a “vital” part of the day's celebration. The day usually culminates in heavy eating, drinking and dancing by women groups.
The “Women’s day” fabric is considered a “must-have” by many women in Cameroon, for the celebration to be somewhat complete. Different dress patterns especially the ‘kaba’( a traditional free-flow outfit typical of the Sawa people)as well as head-gears are usually on display.


I have a passion for women and gender issues. Sometimes I describe myself as a "Womanist". You would therefore imagine my feelings each time I think of such moments when people the world over pay tribute to the woman such as:

March 8(The International Day for the woman),

July 31(The day of the African Woman),

October 15 (Rural women’s day).

Many are those who question: why celebrate the “woman”?

The road has been a long and tedious one for many women in their quest to get a “fair treatment” like their male counter parts –call it gender equity. The challenges have been and are still enormous. Many women the world over continue to suffer from acts of violence caused by the men sometimes leading to pain and death. Some face discrimination at home and at the workplace. Many still lack access to education. Harmful traditional and cultural practices continue to stand on the path of women.The rights of many are violated. A good number of women are yet to make their voices heard in different circles.


However, it is important to recognize that the emancipation and empowerment of women is today a reality in many areas and communities .Women are seen in all facet of life, they hold key positions and take the lead in many spheres. Many now hold themselves in higher esteem. In fact they have come a long way and this calls for celebration. They are politicians, bankers, pilots, doctors, journalists, nurses, teachers, traders, drivers, cooks, farmers; to name but these!


Happy Women’s Day!

Friday 27 February 2009

The Radio, An Effective Means Of Reaching A Community!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Back at the university, my Journalism and Mass Communication lecturers taught me the radio was one of the most accessible, affordable , available and effective medium of communication in most parts of the world. I can attest to this, haven been on the field for many years now. In fact the radio is an effective means of mass communication. Many researchers have also confirmed this.

Unfortunately not every community/individual especially those in some remote parts of my country do have access to information broadcast on radio in spite of the multitude of radio stations now existing in Cameroon.

"Cameroonian Village gets connected" written by Rachel Stevenson is a piece worth reading .Below is the success story of a community radio station in the remote village of Donga-Mantung-Nkambe, North West of Cameroon.What am impact !


Cameroonian village gets connected
Rachel Stevenson
guardian.co. uk, Tuesday 20 January 2009 00.05 GMT
Link to this video

"I felt like I lived in a hole until the radio came," Fai, a farmer in Donga-Mantung, north-west Cameroon, clasps a small, old radio in his hands as if it were a block of precious metal. Its dial is fixed at one frequency – only one station gets a reception in this area and it is a beam of light for a community otherwise in darkness.

Donga-Mantung is poor, rural and remote. The main industry is subsistence farming and less than half the population has had formal schooling. The dirt roads are often impassable and villages have no electricity, no phone lines, no television reception and, until 2006, not even a radio signal.


Feeling cut off from the world and concerned about the spread of HIV, the local council began the Donga-Mantung Community Radio (DMCR) in 2006 to bring information and social improvements to its population. For Fai and his fellow villagers, DMCR is invaluable. "Before the radio started, I didn't even feel I was a Cameroonian because I didn't know anything about what was happening in my country," he says. "Now we get the national news, we get local news, we hear about jobs, we get health programmes – it really has brought a lot of progress to us here."
DMCR reaches more than 600,000 people and has a packed schedule of news, health, education, social affairs, cultural and music programmes. It broadcasts in local dialects, as well as English, to reach as wide an audience as possible. Details of vaccination programmes, free treatment centres and employment opportunities are announced over the airwaves, as well as more humdrum items such as births, deaths, council notices, and lost property. It hosts a hip-hop show for budding DJs and has just started a programme covering women's issues - "The people's radio, your radio, our radio", as the station's jingle goes.

"For as little as a £1,000, you can set up a station that reaches people up to 25 miles away in every direction," says Max Graef, a sound engineer and the founder of RadioActive, a London-based social enterprise that built DMCR on behalf of the council. "In places where there are no roads, no electricity, no phones and low literacy rates, radio is the cheapest and easiest way to reach people."

RadioActive has built radio stations in neglected communities all over the world from Palestine to Madagascar, Honduras to Nepal. "Anyone who can speak can be on the radio, so virtually everyone in the community can take part," Graef says. "The technology is not as expensive as people think and even people with hardly any money will get their hands on a radio so they can hear what is happening in the world around them. A radio station provides a focal point for community participation and engagement, as well as a platform for dialogue and debate."
DMCR and RadioActive' s busy order book are examples of the growing use of radio to empower economically and socially marginalised groups. Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the World Association of Community Broadcasters, which now has more than 4,000 members in 115 countries, all working at a local level to make an impact on poverty, exclusion, social justice and human rights.
Assisting the growth is the spread of technology, which is making information more accessible in the developing world.

"We are seeing greater recognition of the power of media as a tool for development, " says Stephen King, director of the BBC World Service Trust, the charitable arm of the world-renowned station. "There has been a sea-change in technology – take the explosion of mobile phone use in Africa as an example. People now have a much better understanding of media and communication. "
The trust works with non-governmental organisations and broadcasters on a range of media projects, from post-conflict communities like Sierra Leone, to promoting transparency in government in Nigeria, to training reporters to cover war crimes tribunals, to improving women's rights in Afghanistan.


It is also seeing a growing demand for media to become part of the emergency response to disasters. In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Burma last year, the trust worked with aid agencies to send out information on basic sanitation and where to access aid over the radio.
Radio is being put to a substantial range of uses and it seems more and more communities want their voices heard.


In Donga-Mantung, the success of DMCR has kick-started an insatiable desire for media in the area. The Lord Mayor of Nkambe, the town where the radio station is based, says neighbouring regions are now trying to do the same. "I think within a short time we will have more community radio stations all over this area," he says. "And I tell you, it is the greatest tool of education and information we could have for our people."

Wednesday 25 February 2009

Bake a Cake : No Eggs, No Milk!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen.

This is probably the cheapest and simplest cake I ever baked. It is a chocolate cake. It is moist, dark and delicious!

Here's the recipe;
1 1/2 cups of Flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup or 3 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tablespoon vinegar
1/3 cup or 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla

NB: No eggs, No milk.


  • Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl
  • Mix well

  • Add the remaining ingredients in the following order ; vinegar, oil and water

  • Mix well , add vanilla flavour and pour into cake pan

  • Bake for 20- 25 minutes in an oven at 175°C or 350°F



(You may want to frost with chocolate frosting)

Yummy!

Friday 20 February 2009

I Love To Cook! It Gives Me Joy!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I remember growing up as a young girl in a family of seven (five girls and two boys). Our mother made sure the girls all took turns to cook. She would teach us many recipes and how to prepare food using the ingredients available at home at any given time - put simply: how to "manage" .

Each one of us received feedback and ratings for the food we prepared. Good ratings were quite motivating and made us love cooking the more! I still remember the family sitting on the dinning table and my mum saying "thanks to today's cook, keep it up, may be next time you have to reduce the amount of oil you put in the beans" and I would actually feel some relief, just like my sisters did each time mum commented on the food.
I have never stopped cooking and doing my own ratings since then. In fact I love all that has to do with cuisine. At home I spend the greater part of my time in the kitchen. I am passionate about collecting and trying out new recipes. Posting them on the fridge as well as sharing them with others.
As a TV -Presenter, I carried along my love for cookery to the 3-hour breakfast show "HELLO" on the Cameroon National Television(CRTV) , launched in February 2006. It was the first time-ever that viewers were witnessing live-cooking on Cameroonian Television.


As a duet with "Hello"s consultant Mrs Mathilda Ntamack (Auntie Mathilda) - an educationist/home-economist with a passion for cookery - we prepared a variety of items on the set. We explained to viewers the different steps to follow for certain recipes as well as served food to the guests on the live-show. We made quick breakfast options, salads, pastries, desserts and lots of other recipes.
The feedback from Viewers was terrific!
Cooking on the "Hello" set became a tradition with viewers watching out for the new recipes and cookery tips each day I came on set. I upheld the tradition even when "Auntie Mathilda" became less regular on set. I didn't mind that this entailed buying the items and transporting the utensils from my kitchen to "Hello's kitchen".
How about sharing with you, my latest recipe for what I call home-made six simple cup-cakes


2 cups of all purpose flour,
1/2 cup of sugar,
1/2 cup oil or butter,
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, 3-teaspoons of baking powder,
1 teaspoon vanilla flavour and /or nutmeg.
  • Heat oven to 350°F or 175° C
  • Whisk the egg white, add and mix sugar, oil or butter, vanilla and milk.
  • Mix the dry ingredients separately before combining the wet and dry ingredients ( flour, baking powder, nutmeg)
  • Gradually add into the mixture and be sure its smooth, then beat the yoke add and mix well.
  • Oil the cake pan, fill in the six -cups and bake for 25 - 30 minutes. Remove, leave to cool for about 2minutes before removing them from the cake pan.
Try it out , its easy and delicious.
Enjoy it!

Sunday 15 February 2009

Love Never Gives Up!

Inspired by 1 Corinthians chapter13 verse 4-8

Love is patient and kind;
Love is not jealous or boastful;
Love is not ill-mannered or selfish;
Love is not irritable or resentful.

Love does not keep a record of wrongs;
Love is not happy with evil but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears it all;
It never gives up;
Its faith, hope and patience never fail.

Love never ends.
It is eternal!


Happy Lovers' day to you all!

Thursday 29 January 2009

How About This?

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen


I was at the market the other day when my eyes fell on this 'Winnie the pooh' fabric.

I bought it and I was inspired to sew a few items using the fabric.

I would like to call them "Winnie The Pooh bedroom accessories for kids" designed by MABI.


Winnie the Pooh shelve-cover (below)

Curtain for kids' bed-room(above)
kids' bedsheets, pillow/bed-cover (above)


Another curtain (above)

kids would love this!









Monday 26 January 2009

I Thought It Looked Good!



By Mabi Azefor Fominyen



I love to put my imagination to test.


Often I am amazed at the things I end up designing.


A dress, a skirt, a blouse, hats, throw pillows and now these hand-made wall pieces.

It takes a bit of imagination and creativity plus material.


Once I finished, I put them up on the walls of my living room and I thought they looked good .
Black and white wall -mats on a white-background! Not a bad idea at all.


As days go by, I am tempted to do more!


How about you?

Tuesday 20 January 2009

"It Happened"

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

And so it happened.

Barack Obama was sworn in at 12:05 pm ET . Tuesday.

His inaugural speech touched on a myriad of issues.
The challenges that await America, the situation in Iraq, the re-making of America......
"Our challenges may be new...."

Among other things he talked about some moments that have defined the times in America.The economy which needs bold and swift action.
Words like faith, hope over fear, freedom, strength of a nation , hard work, honesty, stood out clearly as he went on.

"What is required from all of us now is a new era of responsibility" Obama told his people.

Other highlights of the event included the song by the legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin "My Country Tis Of Thee" . The Poem read out by Elizabeth Alexanda an American poet . The thought-provoking words of prayer from the clergy.

Of course I can't fail to mention the two Obama girls plus Mum, all looked splendid. As I watched them I wondered what must have been going through their minds as Dad- Barack Obama took the oath of office.

IT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN !


By Mabi Azefor Fominyen


My eyes have been glued to my TV set all day.


I do not want to miss a moment. It is thrilling! All of these side stories about the inauguration, make it look like fun.


Imagine: CNN announcing that Michelle and Barack Obama just had coffee with Laura and George Bush at the White House! Not many transitions happen like that in my dear Africa. Hope it comes to be. At least the Ghanaians made a step towards that.


But did you see Michelle's dress as the Presidential couples stepped out for a photo scene!


Thanks to CNN photos for the one on this post


And the coverage continues!

20 JANUARY 2009:OBAMA DAY IN WASHINGTON!


By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Temperatures read 20°C in Washington DC this January 20 2009. Yet the crowd is braving it. "Yes we can"many are shouting and waving the American flag with pride. Many have covered thousands of kilometers to be part of a great moment. Part of history indeed.

Yes Barack Obama is America's 44th President. Yes he is black.US polls show most African Americans see this as a realisation of Martin Luther King Jr's vision.

There is no doubt this day means different things to different people and communities.
It's a moment of joy
A moment of hope.
A moment of love.
A moment of patriotism .
A moment to put on the OBAMA T-shirt or hat.


Many people have gone to the inauguration ground to catch a glimpse of Obama.Others to immortalise the event.

Thousands more are glued to their TV screens? others to their radio sets. Some are using search engines on the Internet for the latest.

According to CNN all twenty-nine thousand hotel rooms in Washington DC are fully booked for the event.Traffic is tight. Security measures as well .

From the look of things, there's so much enthusiasm in the air. There's hope in the horizon. Aspirations are high. The world is waiting! The people are expecting!Not just to have Obama take office as President but to see the so much heralded "change" come to the United States Of America and perhaps other parts of the world.


The incoming white house press secretary Robert Gibbs told CNN this morning, "Obama will be asking people to step-up and do more to change the country and take it to a better direction." He added that Obama will also talk about responsibilities- both for the citizens and financial institutions among other issues expected to feature in his inaugural speech.


Hopes are indeed very high.Obama is quite aware and "hopeful as ever". He will no doubt need to carry a huge dose of hope along to the white house to accomplish his daunting task.

Let's party as he becomes America's 44th President.