ALI-EXPRESS GOODS. IS IT REAL?

ALI-EXPRESS GOODS! IS IT REAL?

Hey guys! How is everyone doing! Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you all.

So as a broke Shopaholic, we see those gorgeous looking shoes online or in stores and often we can’t afford them and must save for a while to just get a pair. Often the same are on AliExpress, they come from china and will be sold here for 3000 - 4000Ksh or more. That’s a lot to some of us. Well to me. I actually don’t have a 4000ksh shoe, my most expensive was ksh3000 and I sold it; but I got good shoes, thanks to good deals, so stay with me and my blog posts, you will get to see all of them. I am actually very serious on my blogging. Since I am permanently setling home in Brazzaville. Back there I have no job, no income so the hustle will be real! So I ordered a shoe off Ali-Express to see if it works, this was actually a risk but a risk I am glad I took. My shoe cost 18 dollars and I paid $1 for shipping and it took 29 days to get here. The order stated that it will take between 15 – 60 days.

My shoe came in perfect condition as you can see, no scratch, no bum, great color, perfect height, it’s comfortable, perfect size and it came well wrapped. BUT there is a downside to this method. But first check out the shoe and read on.

I had to pay VAT. 16% VAT and that was 885 Ksh. Then I had to pay the post office which was 175Ksh. So total, it cost me 2922Ksh to buy this shoe. Almost the same price as buying it in Kenya, but again the version available within, had a strap around the ankle and I didn’t like it. So I would recommend this method for specific items and something cheap. Don’t go crazy on aliexpress since most sellers are not genuine. Below are useful tips on buying from Ali-Express.

Tips on buying from Ali-Express.

-          ALWAYS check reviews and see, keenly and closely picture reviews.

-          If a store has been around for 3 years and more, that is great.

-          Check store’s percentage of quality and service, above 98% or 98% is good.

-          Communicate constantly with the seller.

-          Track your package every few days and the page is in Chinese but can be translated with google translator.

-          Leave a picture review on your seller’s page for us other African nationalities to feel more confident about buying from Ali-Express.

-           If you are a foreigner or do not know Nairobi as well. When the Post office calls, make sure you ask which post office and directions, I got lost for 30 mins. Also the VAT is only paid at Co-op bank main branch, and it is okay if you do not get your package the same day. Most people don’t. But it is very important that you see it and open it at the post office.

I have really been missing my clothes lately. I have been in kenya for 4 months now and leaving again next month as I permanently moved to Congo, So all my stuff are there, my shoes, my clothes and oh God I miss them. This is also one of the reasons I have not been blogging as much or doing much in Kenya because I don’t want to water the seed in Kenya and have no soil to plant in Congo. I may also permanently change my blog name since I will be in a French speaking country from now on. I love kenya!

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2 cheap secrets to avoid pimples and breakouts!

CHEAP AND EASY SECRETS 

TO AVOID PIMPLES AND BREAKOUTS

Hey beautiful people! 

I am going to keep this post short and straigtht forward, just like the title. But first let me just point out, pimples and breakouts are some of the annoying things that never seem to go away. As some of you know, I am very inquisive, I think that is also why i am so cheap. I do research before every single decision, yes honey and yes ex partners, I have investigated all of you before saying yes. Even with shopping, I don't buy something before knowing different prices in at least 3 other places. Okay usually 4 but let me just say 3. It's a part of me I love. I have questions and need answers. I am the ride or die right after i know the "whos, whys, wheres, whats, whens"... etc. So for years now I have been bothered to why women spend so much on beauty products for pimples when the answer is so cheap and simple. Remember that all the chemicals mixed up together and different products will have side effects, like I have read once before "No medication has ZERO side effects", thus no beauty product is without side effects. Often you are just lucky. 

The two biggest secrets to good skin are; "Clean face and clean bedsheets" done! Let me break it down.

1- Clean Face:

ALWAYS go to bed with a clean face. If that is too much of a strugle to get up, wash the face, dry it off. Well, I use baby wipes. If it's perfect to clean a child, it's perfect to clean my face. Have a few on the side of the bed every day and use them. I don't apply lotion after. Also remember, "make up removals are just baby wipes with a different name". I have also read that drying your face with the towel is like "not washing your face" because the towel is not 100% clean, that's like putting bacteria back to your facial skin. So this is also why I prefer baby wipes. It's easy, smells good and it's cheap.

2- Clean Bedsheets: Your body sheds about a million skin cells a day, so some of those are bound to come off when you sleep. Wash your bedsheets weekly to avoid wearing the dead skin and bacteria back on. And wash the pillow once every 6 months. And you are good to go for beautiful facial skin. 

It's just that easy and once in a while, due to time of the month breakouts or other, I work on my tumeric face mask. Yes I will drop the link bellow. I am very much against pharmaceutical means for normal face breakouts and pimples and black spots left by pimples. I watch many documentaries, and most indigeneous people don't use pharmacy or chemically enhanced means to have good skin, so I won't. In the long run it actually does more damage than good. 
QUICK BEAUTY TIPS

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HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY BABY! 2 YEARS STRONG.

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY B4BG

<3 <3 <3

Another year another birthday!

Happiest birthday to my baby, 2 years and still going strong, can't wait to turn 30 together. 

I wanted to comemorate this second year anniversary to my VERY first D.I.Y which was a collaboration with one of my really good friend Christine, back when we were young and dreamed of becoming fashion designers, but mmmh I still do! One day I want to be a classy crafty designer, remaking, creating and bringing that vavavoom to old crafts. The item below is a very simple tutorial but an idea that never gets old. I remember those jeans. Funny story! As a skinny person, trust me we do have trouble finding fitting jeans as well. no don't roll eyes and tongue smack, we do! and back then 2011 those jeans were the only jeans that actually fit me like jeans should. So it was dear to me and I couldn't get rid of them, so I upgraded it with that sassy african vibe! BAM! go mama Africa!

This picture was actually taken in the office. Wanted to do a post so bad but had no time or photographer around me to go outside. I love the picture though.

You can also check it out the above shorts in another post here;

15 ways to wear a denim shirt

See you all on my next D.I.Y post! So exciting I wish I could post it today! 

Hint! Funky Scarf!

HAPPY

SECOND

BIRTHDAY

BEAUTY4BROKEGIRLS 

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BIRTHDAY GIRL! LUCKY 22!

22 (TWENTY-TWO)

Why do people wish me happy birthday at midnight or a few minutes to midnight? No boo boo, it;s 4th and I am still 21! let me enjoy every second of it, come back on november 5th at 11:30PM! that's when I will be 22. I know this sounds funny but I am serious. 

I have been reflecting days before my birthday and thinking, Okay I can't play the "I am still young" card anymore. This next chapter is called "No Excuse". I haven't done anything to celebrate today and don't think i will. All i want to do today is show gratitude for the 21 years of my life. Every single person I have met in my 21 years of living is a "gift", you are all beautiful amazing gifts.

For my 22 birthday, I just wanna thankk my mama for giving birth to me, this day goes out to you mama! And of course to the Lord for giving me the life I have, for blessing me with more than I ever thought I deserve, for loving me through it all and always watching over me. #NoAngel. Thank you too for bringing my momma to this world, as opinionated as I am, she always got my back. When I am a mother. I want to be as strong and determined as she is or even more, as my dad always told me, "I have a degree, you are my child, you must exceed my achievements" Sometimes I don't know how to do that especially with my mom being the superwoman she is but mama your faith in me makes me think "I am the bestest there could ever be"... lol seriously. That's how my mom makes me feel, that I am so special and God's precious girl. In short, like I am "The bomb"!

I also want to celebrate 2015 for showing me so much growth and giving me so much empowerement, opening so many doors and of course keeping me looking "chique". You never know who's taking a picture. In 2016, my wish has already been made, I'd also like to add that I want to come back and be more active on my blog, balance chasing the career and sharing fashion tips. But seriously, the traveling, packing and plural jobs with dry bank account haven't been helping much, the 9 to 5 or 8 to midnight... etc! AND tomorrow is my baby's birthday, B4BG's birthday! My love, my beginning, my me, my heart! Too much love for this blog. ESPECIALLY THAT NAME!

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THE BLACK - CODE vs THE BRO - CODE

THE BLACK - CODE vs THE BRO - CODE

This just goes to say that; we all prejudge unknowingly. I am guilty of saying "He is black...He is white... He is Asian" More than I can think of. We have all done that. Don't read this spost trying to sound all perfect and spotless. For example; We have all said "... It's made in China" as a reason; well is it really a reason to judge something. No! 

This is what I would call unaware prejudice against a particular race. Prejudice is defined as; a "Prejudgement without relevant facts or proof". A particular one caught my attention of late; I call it the "Black - code". 

So when a certain race backs up it's own race without facts or relevant explanation, especially the black community; because I am black and can only speak from personal experience, Is that the Black-code or the Bro code? I have backed up Congolese too just for being Congolese; Or Africans when out of Africa.

This remind me of an incident I had last week voting off parents representants with my aunt for my cousins class and I said out loud "Vote black people", after screening certain names, it hit me how wrong that was; and how it felt so easy doing it... Nothing to do with racism that's why I am having a hard time naming what that was. Are these decisions and feelings dictated by history? Unaware values? A biological sense of brotherhood or there is another explanation?

We have all acted this way before; despite your race age or gender. As a woman, it comes natural to me to want to uplift other women. I find myself often acting upon something because "she" is a woman; but where does this reason comes from? History? Sisterhood? And do note that I have also said "He is a guy". These are deep rooted stereotypes that will take us centuries to erase. It's in our religion, our day to day life, our constitution, our tradition, our biology ... etc. Teaching us stereotypes every single day.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Y'all already know I love free stuff. Shoes: 400Ksh from Ng'ara, the shorts tailor made 500ksh and she got her life dot com.

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COOKIE

COOKIE

An outfit i put together a few weeks back and held back. Nude, red and blue. And the first thing that came to mind was "Yay I look like a girl who sells cookies after class" but the chic version of it!

Cookie!

Trousers: 150ksh

Crop top: 50Ksh

Coat: 20Ksh

Bowler hat: 500Ksh

Shoes: $24

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COSTUME ASSISTANT FOR AFRICAN GAMES 2015

COSTUME ASSISTANT FOR AFRICAN GAMES 2015

Words can not explain how amazing this experience has been. Watching the fireworks go up and one of my bestest friend; actor, comedian and producer Audifax Mompossa; the man of the ceremony do such a great job; even prouder to know; I sew the scarf on his jacket, the african beads on his tradditional coat, lots more sewing here and there on it. Nothing but blessings; for that; Today marking the last day of the African Games; I just want to look up and say "Thank you GOD".

Audifax Mompossa fittings with with "Dulcie Best" International Costume designer from England and amazing "couturiere" from the republic of Congo Betty Tembo. It was a pleasure working on this particular outfit and also finishing his suit hours before the show.

Working on "Trees, stars and planets costumes" right after their fittings. As a stylist and Craft-designer; Cutting these clothes and learning the skills on the job was one of my favorite moments including stepping on the sewing machine a few time. Exciting.

Flaunting my bagde on the last day.The day I wil never forget. The craziness backstage was so firing, I am excited to work in even more big projects; dressing 100 people in one 2 hours? chill... I go it. 10 in 5 minutes gave me enough practice. Pressure got nothing on me.

Styling and dressing Sapeurs during their fittings. This was probably the most exciting moment for me because styling is what I love to do and styling sapeurs blew my mind; they were all very excited to wear what I proposed; it just oppened my eyes even more to my capabilities; I replay the sapeurs moment a thousand times; Its the most amazing feeling ever to see your work up on screens and people loving it. I am blessed.
Sapeurs take their name from the acronym for their group: SAPE,meaning Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes. Ambianceur is a neologism coined in francophone Africa, which means persons who create ambience—atmosphere-makers, if you will. Famous quote in both Congo "Everyone is a Sapeur in Congo"  Yes I agree to that. 

Dressing "Brazza-Moderne" and chilling in the make up room with my "Green Dat" T-shirt I got from Global Green USA in New orleans Louisiana. Looking stylish and stil caring about the environment. 

Watching rehearsal before the opening ceremony.

God bless Congo.

God Bless Africa.

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BEING BLACK ( A broke girl's diary)

BEING BLACK

(a broke girl’s diary)

Growing up in a continent where I “Phonsi” came before my skin color and having the experience of being black in the United States; I felt the burning need to tell my own broke girl’s black story. I remember just a few days after visiting the Whitney Plantations; which is a site where slaves were brought to work on the farm and cater to their masters. An experience that still breaks my heart and for the sake of this post; I will share a few photos of the walls in which the slave names are written with the first slave being from “Congo”, pictures of how heads hung on sticks, chains, torture kits and a book of the constitution on the “Law of Slavery”. A site I wish never to go back to and force myself not to think of anymore. I save my tears for happy moments. Then, the issue of race hit me hard, the reality of it in America came to life after I read more on Sandra Bland’s case. And let me tell you; that’s just 1 case in 10 or 15 that we across the globe hear of. There is 50 more Sandra Blands of all ages and you don’t want to hear about it. Just a few days after; we had a workshop and I cried my eyes out with pain piercing through my fragile heart saying; “I don’t wanna be black anymore; I am tired of being black; I just want to be “Phonsi” Again; I wanna go home” still makes me cringe with hurt as I think about it. At that moment; I forgot what being black meant. A few days later, the statement of “Acting black” arose. Often used as a derogatory statement. I asked: “I still don’t understand what acting black is; if it is being ghetto; uneducated; uninstructed and all; it still doesn’t answer it for me; to me that is not “being Black”. So I asked myself what is being black. What really is being black when in history blacks have long fought to achieve greatness and played major roles in history? It clicked; That is being black… but wait;

We then dig dip into history, we think of Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther king, those black men were the drivers of historical changes in our world and again, blacks were so smart that they were oppressed into making use of their knowledge and share their knowledge in plantations during slavery. Again, most medical drugs derive from African Methods and Africa is where people go to research and come up with certain Traditional Medecines and more. The president of the United states of America is Black; Then what do you mean when you tell me; “I am acting black” How else am I supposed to be great if I don’t act black?

Chimamanda Ngozi a Novelist is a black woman who publicly advocates for equality and women empowerement. She is also known as "The feminist". Desmond Tutu was a prominent figurehead in the campaign against apartheid. After the fall of apartheid, he took part in the truth and reconciliation process to heal the wounds of apartheid. Martha Wangari; Kenyan environmental and political activist, who led initiatives to plant trees and the green belt movement. Maya Angelou was a true visionary writer and performer who changed the landscape of the both the literary, political, and cultural world, whose legacy will forever resonate with people around the world from all nations. Spectra Speaks (Nigeria) is a queer afrofeminist writer and activist. Tolkien was born in Bloomfontein, South Africa before moving back to England, where he later wrote the best selling ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.

To name some more; Rosa Parks; Michelle Obama The little Rock nine, Samuel eto’o, Larry Doby, Lupita Nyongo, Hariet Tubman, Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce, Akon, Malcom x, Condoleeza rice, Koffi anan, Sadiya gueye, Angelique Kidjo, Adenike Ogunlesi… etc

Blacks to me represent something bigger than greatness; certain things only black people can do, certain beats only we can feel, experiences that only we can testify on, historical changes that happened despite the blackness of our skin and it is due to the blackness of our skin that “Blacks never stop striving for greatness”. Come on; tell me again I am “Acting black” and I will proudly wear the crown on my head made from bamboo sticks and my grandmother’s raffia made print, sprinkled in Masai beads.

There you have it; My broke girl’s black story. Funny right; I am broke and I am black! Well… Not really, I am great and gifted. That’s how it sounds in my ears.

Inspired from Mwende Katwiwa’s book “Becoming black” and my favorite poems from her called “Too black” and her other poem “Not black enough”. Also a blogger whom I had the privilege to meet here in New-Orleans.

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Pictures not in particular order. slave kids; slave quotes; masters home; slave homes; slave prison; torture kits; books; slave names engraved in walls. Spikes picture from google.

  
 

 

 

 

5 DAYS TO WASHINGTON

5 DAYS TO WASHINGTON

It just hit me this morning that "I" yes "I", B4BG will be meeting Barack Obama? Wait, pause, rewind! It's actually true. Knew it all along but just didn't feel this anxious about it; I was like "Yeah cool I will meet Obama in August"; and today I am like; "OH MY GOD! I AM GOING TO MEET OBAMA?" Still processing and I just realized I have nothing to wear. But check out this outfit I put together on the weekend! Red and Black! I dedicate it to Sandra Bland. #BlackLivesMatter and Yes All lives matter. No one should be subjected to violence. Do unto others what you would like done to you.

OOTW! Outfit of the Weekend?? lol

Long vest : Macy's $7

High waisted tights: Ksh300 

Tank top: $2

Shoes (My little redneck) : $20 Amazon

Wool Vintage hat: $8 Amazon

Fringe bag: Walmart

No America is not "that" cheap; What i have actually realized is that; it's not that different from prices in Kenya; and slightly cheaper that in Congo (My 242).I just don't make decisions when I see something for the first time. I check out every other places to compare prices and make a decision.

Truth is; I CAN'T WAIT TO GO HOME AND WORK ON SOME DOPE D.I.Ys I JUST THOUGHT OF! and back to work; No not because I like working (depends on the days), but because currently I have the coolest job ever where looking good is part of my job description. Indirectly.

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