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<blockquote>You must have already heard the joke about this being the rapture, right? The global pandemic indeed creeped in on us, robbing us of our safety bubble overnight. With all balls in the air, our livelihoods have been thrown into a disarray.</blockquote>For those of us who love the outdoors and live for road trips, it has been quite hard to have our fun with all the containment measures and guidelines in place. With most guys working from home, and the essentials going to work and home direct, the cabin fever has been real.But we aren’t here for a pity party! Nope, rather, we are here with an awesome idea that will make you look forward to your next picnic. You see, with every dark cloud there is a silver lining. In this case, it is the idea of an ideal outdoor picnic spot for you and your squad. &nbsp;Some outdoor is good for the soul, no?Your neighbouring school play-ground is our bet! With the kids at home, there’s a lot of open ground available, the grass has also had a chance to grow green and smooth. This and the fact that schools are set-up in a relatively conducive environment, away from all the hullabaloo, just sets the perfect spot for an ideal sunny day picnic. Here, you do not have to worry about human traffic since it’s just you and the clique, also, being in the neighbourhood, you may decide to walk there thus saving on transport costs. Your security is also guaranteed since with all the school assets, the management is bound to have someone manning the premises around the clock. While admission to such is of course at the management’s discretion, you’ll agree with us that it suits the budget just fine. Here you can have a good time, while observing social distancing and enjoying the fresh and clean air. Children can also enjoy running around and playing some games given the environment is 100% child-friendly.. It's a school after all. For the picnic essentials you might need (we’ll hyperlink to our ‘what to bring for your picnic piece’).You can still have some fun during these trying times, on a pocket friendly budget.Enjoy and stay safe. ‍

Why you need to consider your neighboring school playground for your next picnic.

<h6>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@evangelinas_photography?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Evangelina Silina</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/picnic-basket?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></h6>It is Saturday and the sun is out; you and your housemates have had a long week. You have no tangible plans on how to spend the weekend until one member of the squad suggests a picnic. Y’all need to unwind and the picnic idea sounds perfect and so in no time, the whole clique is psyched and looking forward to a Saturday outdoors. To save on time, you split chores and you are tasked with packing essentials for the whole team.Here is a list of things you must not forget: &nbsp;Picnic blankets/mats:If there is one thing you are not leaving behind while packing for a picnic, it’s a blanket. It could be an old comforter, tablecloth, or even flatbed sheet. Make sure to carry one that is going to fit you and your friends including the meal alternatively you can carry two or maybe three depending on what fits best. SnacksFor a picnic, you may not need to carry a three-course meal or so. Your sandwiches, an assortment of fruits and snacks such as chocolate bars and crisps can make do. Just make sure you carry an enough supply. Plates, glasses, utensilsDepending on the occasion and location of your picnic, your setting could be as casual as disposable plates, utensils, cups, and paper napkins. But if you and your friends are feeling fancy you could use your best china, crystal, silver, and table linens. A chopping board and a knife would be ideal too so you can prep any ingredients necessary, as well as a roll of Clingfilm to wrap up any leftovers. Be sure to pack things carefully to avoid breakage. Also, carry wipes to help clean after. &nbsp;Don’t forget the drinksIf there is one refreshing way to enjoy your picnic, it’s with a drink by your side. It could be cocktail, juice, soft drinks, or even your favorite wine, they sure make picnics better. Don’t forget a bottle opener/ cork screw. GamesAs much as the food might be the main show for the day, a game or two might come in handy. It could be board games or card games, it doesn’t have to be something complicated the goal is to relax and enjoy a good time with your friends.Bluetooth speakerThis is the reason we all need a portable Bluetooth speaker… for random picnics among other things. Some music is always good for the soul. It is even better when you are outdoors picnicking with your squad. As you play your games, you can be listening to some cool music on the background. You could also engage in friendly dance competitions. Trash bagsWe all know littering is not cool at all and that’s why you need to carry trash bags too for your food waste or disposable items. They can also double as a layer for your picnic blanket. Slice it open and place it under your blanket to keep wet grass from seeping through. CameraYou’re obviously going for this picnic to unwind and definitely create memories while at it. To capture the priceless moments and document them, you’ll need your camera. So be sure to pack one and take as many shots as you can. SunscreenThe last thing you want is to end up with some toad-skin after a memorable picnic. So remember to pack your sunscreen. While picking the sunscreen, be keen to select one that protects you against both UVA and UVB rays.FlowersFor all my extra peeps!.. Please remember to pack some flowers. These will add a whole classy touch to your picnic setting. And of course you will need to fit it all in a picnic Bag:Select a bag that will fit all the stuff perfectly. The perfect picnic basket may not exist in your household but you can always improvise. Pick something simple, stylish and one that gives that casual vibe. More than anything else, let it be a reasonable size, you don’t want to be out there with an amorphous looking baggage or with a huge bag with nothing in it. ‍‍

Packing for a perfect picnic of 4

The festive season is finally here with us and after a rocky year of uncertainty and anxiety, everyone deserves to unwind. The time is just right for a getaway and the Coast sounds like a good place to start. The Coast means flaunting those curves in a nice-fitting bikini, body shape and size notwithstanding. &nbsp;Well, to rock one, you must know how to wear it, and to remember that confidence is key.We spoke to Wangari Macharia, founder of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wonderland_wear/?hl=en">Wonderland wear</a>, an on and offline shop that specializes in bikinis and women swim wear. She had a few tips on how to rock swim wear for all body shapes and sizes.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:853px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fce8c3fa6b4a51b6fea93da_3.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>Know your body/curvesThere are different plus size body shapes, which include rectangle, triangle, apple or round, hourglass and diamond. Each body type has their weakness areas which are the parts of your body that are less flattering. Camouflaging these areas helps achieve a more flattering body proportion, by highlighting parts of the body that you are proud of.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:861px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fce8c6d05e03adcd388e766_6.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>Pay attention to the tummy areaMost women are always concerned about their tummy, including the skinny ones. When buying swim wear, choose ones that mimic a slim waist. For example, a peplum tankini that hugs the waist and flares at the bottom. Cutouts around the waist also makes the waist look smaller.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:853px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fce8d0d25707f33a62e4a2c_4.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>Slim down arms and shouldersA swim suit with a plunging neckline, camouflages big arms and broad shoulders by elongating the torso and drawing the eyes to the midline. The deeper the lunge is, the more slimming it looks. This is a perfect fit for women with small breasts.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:853px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fce8d3305e03afc31899b02_7.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>DietTame your diet to bring down abdominal bloating two or more days before you hit the beach. Eat more proteins, veggies, fruits and fiber. Avoid a lot of carbs and sugars. Generally, ensure you have a healthy diet at all times and not only on the beach days.Straps and Skin For people with back fat, it is better to get a swim suit without straps as they are going to dig into your flesh creating flesh folds. Also ensure you get the right size of swim wear. Most of us have cellulite on our skin. You can choose to hide it or flaunt it. If you are not comfortable showing it, go for tankinis or swim wear with longer hemlines.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:853px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fce8c8ceef33613e66514ce_2.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>‍

Bikini for your body-shape: Expert’s take on the best swimsuit for literally every body

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;When babies begin babbling, “Ma” is often the first sound they vocalize.&nbsp;This may well be the reason why in many languages, the word for “Mother” begins with either the letter M, or an iteration of “Ma” sound.&nbsp;As the world unites in celebrating Mother’s Day on 9th May, we can confidently share our top three predictions:1. Single stem white roses and elegant floral bouquets will be dished out in abundance (yay to the floriculture industry and florists who will sweat it out behind the scenes as Mamas around the world embrace the beautiful aroma from nature given in love, and received with abundant joy)2. &nbsp;There will be heightened activity on the virtual world and Google will carry the day as the search for ‘Mother’s Day card’ peaks throughout the weekend.&nbsp;Beautiful screenshots will be shared multiple times, as humanity congregates around a single mission – to extend “Happy Mother’s Day” wishes to mothers on our contact list and online communities.3. &nbsp;There are people for whom the day will evoke painful emotions. Torn between reliving the heartache of losing a mother and celebrating the rich legacy of a mum in heaven, this year’s Mother’s Day will inadvertently become a painful day to trudge through.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620379969/Heaven_f88e70d646.png" alt=""></figure>Given that we are on a mission to rewrite the script and make Mother’s Day a significant and beautiful celebration, we have gone on overdrive to empower our readers, and hopefully cancel out our first two predictions above. Our third prediction is a very delicate topic.&nbsp;It is not made easy by the fact that the commercialization of Mother’s Day has overwhelmingly tilted the scales in favour of mothers on earth.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What many may not know is that Mother’s Day, first celebrated on 12th May 1907, was founded by Anna Jarvis, an American social activist and community organizer.&nbsp;Reeling from the pain of losing her own mother, and deeply touched by departed’s legacy, she organized a memorial service in her mother’s honour, and rallied the support of her nation’s leadership to have Mother’s Day adopted as an annual celebration, every second Sunday in the month of May.&nbsp;Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated all around the world, and is the third most popular holiday globally, after Christmas and Easter.We sought out Mueni Wambua to gain a deeper perspective on Mother’s Day for Mums in heaven. Mueni wears many hats: she is an authenticity coach, a grief recovery counsellor, and a minister under the Nairobi Baptist Church.&nbsp;Our conversation with her brought out insightful perspectives on Mother’s Day, and we are delighted to let you in on part of our conversation with Mueni.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620374871/Mothers_0720206b62.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Mueni Wambua</figcaption></figure>What is your most memorable Mother’s Day, and what is it that made the day stand out for you?&nbsp;14th May 2006 was the most memorable one as it was the first one that I celebrated as a mum having had my son exactly a month earlier. I had been diagnosed with endometriosis in 2002 and I had been told that there is a great possibility that I may never be able to have a child. So, to hold my son was a miracle and a statement of the faithfulness of God.Becoming a mum also gave me a new perspective of my own mum and I saw her in new light.&nbsp;I have profound respect for mums and what motherhood means. I can only summarise the intensity of the emotion with the quote that the day you become a mother is the day you start watching your heart walk outside of your body.&nbsp;A lot of focus on Mother’s Day tends to be on mothers who are alive and present.&nbsp;Is it healthy to celebrate mothers who have passed on?&nbsp;Mother’s Day is held in honor of all mothers – here on earth, and in heaven. We can celebrate our mothers and the memories we carry since we are because they were.This day can be full of heartache because life only gives us one biological mother and the death of a mother is a watershed event in the life of many, there will always be a life before and a life after her demise.And if to celebrate her on this day gives you comfort and has significance, by all means, go ahead and remember her in the best way you know how.How can we celebrate mothers who have left us?Grief is a very personal journey in which we grieve not over titles but over relationships.Some of the ways we can celebrate mums that have left us is to live out the lessons we carry from their lives and express love to those around us in that way. For instance, if your mum was all about family unity, you can have time together as a family to remember her.It is also important to acknowledge that sometimes relationships with mothers could have been strained or even broken when they were alive. In this case, while it may be easy to feel like there is nothing to celebrate about her, you can give yourself the gift of forgiving her and yes, still picking the lessons you can from her life even if it means learning what not to do or who not to become.Bottomline, it is important to find a way to allow yourself to remember your mother in a manner that reflects the kind the relationship you had or even the one you wish you had with her. Do this in truth and love and kindness to yourself.Our blog actively promotes outdoor living and encourages people to take excursions and enjoy quality time together.&nbsp;This is because we believe that outdoor living offers a 360- degree perspective on wholesome wellbeing (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual).&nbsp;Is it possible to heal the pain of loss by taking part in solo or group-based outdoor activities?&nbsp;Grief and loss and the emotions we experience demand expression and to deny these will have adverse effects on us. It is therefore imperative to find healthy ways to cope with our losses.The outdoors are a liberating, healthy and generally affordable way to connect with ourselves and our loved ones. Picnics, exercising together, going for walks, hikes and even engaging in gardening are all ways that can nurture us and allow us to calm our minds when everything seems overwhelming. We can also find ways to support our loved ones in their time of loss in a manner that does not endanger them or ourselves and yet it still communicates our love and presence. It is also a time to act in love, hope and faith and without obligation or condemnation.We are running away with Mueni’s closing remarks: the outdoors are a liberating, healthy and generally affordable way to connect with ourselves and our loved ones.&nbsp;We encourage everyone to seek a healthy dose of outdoor living – and yes, let’s not leave out those who have gone before us as we celebrate mothers, mother-figures and motherhood.&nbsp;You can reach Mueni Wambua on the following platforms:Email: <a href="mailto:mueni@counsellor.com">mueni@counsellor.com</a>&nbsp;| WhatsApp: +254764856489Instagram: ms_authenticity&nbsp;| Facebook: Mueni Wambua&nbsp;| Twitter: @MueniWambua&nbsp;

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Here’s Why We Should Also Celebrate Mums In Heaven On Mother's Day

The convenient thing to do once you have emptied that bottle of your favorite tipple is to trash it in the garbage bin, right?&nbsp; Assume you partake of three bottles monthly, a quick calculation tells me you trash about 36 bottles every year.&nbsp; Now, that’s just you.&nbsp; Think of your circle of friends, the bars and restaurants in your locality, and all the solid waste, in glass form, that they generate: you quickly start to appreciate how your modest consumption contributes to the estimated 40,000 tonnes of solid glass waste that is generated in Kenya every year.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621446495/2_59a61873af.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Some of Rintari's work&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>While many people give very little thought to what happens to that waste once they have disposed of it, a growing army of innovative craftsmen is busy at work, transforming trash into treasure, and lending beauty to nature and homes through their creative genius.&nbsp;Meet Rintari Joel, a self-made contemporary glass artist who takes pride in working with empty glass bottles transforming them into an elegant array of glassware.&nbsp; The Picnic Site recently caught up with Rintari at his workshop, along Ngong Road, Nairobi. His is an inspirational story of a man who has been able to plug passion and talent into a profitable venture that also minimizes environmental degradation.&nbsp; We share with you snippets of our conversation with him:What inspired you to do what you do?What started as a curiosity to learn the art of glass cutting and engraving has turned into a passion project on youth empowerment and climate action. My talent made me realize the true impact my work has on the community. My workshop has provided opportunities for countless people and has played a major role in reducing glass and plastic waste in the environment. My entire operation is based on recycling and up-cycling, and this has given me the drive and the passion to keep at my work.Where do you source the raw materials?<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621446632/1_8132947a4a.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Some of Rintari's work&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>Well anywhere and everywhere really. My team and I work closely with establishments that use or retail products contained in glass and have a large disposal rate. They dump it, and we take it to make beautiful and well-crafted accessories and curios.What kind of stuff do you make?Functional items, such as household goods, mementos as well as furniture, all to the preference and specifications of my clients. It’s truly fulfilling to see customers brag about their pieces from Rintari Joe!&nbsp;How do you market yourself?The bulk of my customers come to me through referrals. It is common to find customers who desire a piece they came across at a friend’s home.&nbsp; Social media has also served as a great platform for showcasing and marketing my creations.What are some of the challenges you face in your line of work?<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621448042/3_891a8ef3da.jpg" alt=""></figure>As any creative would tell you, the lack of support from the general public and corporate sector is one of the greatest setbacks in this industry. It takes a while to build a brand as a creative and to get the well-deserved rec&nbsp;ognition for the hours of work, sweat, and tears you put into your craft. Though we keep the hope alive, it takes weeks or even months to get big contracts that require bulk orders to stream in. We hope to expand further to incorporate a marketing department to tell the public, art enthusiasts, and corporate clients to buy and build the Rintari brand and product lineCould you share with us your vision and prospects?<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621922229/2_05f073ffd3.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Rintari at work&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>My vision for my glass workshop is to attract investors who can pump in the funds into machinery and a larger space to produce more and display more. My dream is to rebrand and open a gallery store that would allow walk-in clients to browse, select and purchase glass items at their pleasure. Currently, silent investors have been my biggest cheerleaders! What’s next or who is next? The Universe will reveal in good time!&nbsp;___________________________________________________________________________________&nbsp;In the true spirit of The Picnic Site, we encourage our community to support local talent and celebrate our planet heroes who make the world a better place. You can reach Rintari on his Facebook page, “Rintari Joel”, and also visit his workshop on Ngong Road.&nbsp;____________________________________________________________________________________

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This Planet Hero Is Crafting Elegant Glassware From Trash

The culture of working out to keep fit has caught up with us, especially in recent times when everyone is blaming the weight gain on lockdown. Covid weight aside, working out, hiking and other sporty activities are good for our general health and are highly recommended by doctors. While working out, it is important to ensure that you have the correct outfit, to promote effective work outs, and minimize distractions.Wallace Mukoma of Ash sport <a href="https://ashsport.com/">https://ashsport.com/</a>,shared some crucial points on what to consider when buying work-out outfits. He also shared some photos with us, on the various sports wear they have stocked. Fashion and fitness go together, and you can find both at Ash sport.On choosing the right gear, here are a few tips;Your sportswear should feel invisible<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:905px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fd51f941ece2ab4667f4fd1_Invisible.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>What you are wearing to a work out should give you a ‘feel naked’ effect. It should hug your body perfectly, to avoid getting in your way during activity. Unlike classic fashion, you do not want to feel what you are wearing.Move, and move some more<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:853px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fd51f8150fe0c636b5ebca0_Th.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>While trying out what to buy, don’t just try and stand in front of a mirror. Move in all angles and directions. Squat, jump and bend. This will ensure that there will be no restrictions during work outs.Comfort<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:853px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fd51fef71af2b0392ea269c_Thumbnail.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>The outfit you choose should support your body, and at the same time allow you to breath. Ensure that it is not too tight. Also ensure that the fabric is user friendly and can sweat wick, leaving you cool enabling you to work out without distractions.Invest<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:828px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fd5200a3dd0e14d25426f75_Somewhere.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>Invest in quality sportswear, that will not wear out easily. Ensure you have enough of all outfits, for example shorts, sports bras, pants, and shoes. List your work outs<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:719px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fd520259583e7cf446c9379_Hmmn.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>This will enable you get the right outfits for your workouts. Different activities require different outfits, so when you list them down, you will know what you have and what you need to buy.Keep healthy and keep working out. Stay safe.&nbsp;&nbsp; ‍

Choose the right sportswear because fashion, fitness and outdoors go together

COURTESY OF BEYONCÉ.Rotten Tomatoes scored it absolute excellence!! 100%Tomatometer with a 93% audience score with potential to rise. Black is King indeed...or is it Queen? The new Black is King visual album by Beyoncé was released on 31st July 2020 on Disney+. We cannot do it any justice by reviewing it because it is lit, people. You need to watch it if you haven’t, and rewatch it if you have.Black is King is about a journey of a young king cast out of his family into a harsh world,where he has to find his way back home. He goes through betrayal, love andself-identity on a journey to reclaim his throne, utilizing guidance of his ancestors and childhood love. The film serves as a visual companion to the 2019 album; The Lion king-The Gift, an album curated for the remake of the movie The Lion king.As the title suggests it is a celebration of Black people, Black culture, where we’ve come from, where we are and where we are going. It is a tribute to our ancestors. It is also about one finding out about their true self, and tracing us back to our roots.The visuals are stunning and will keep you glued to the screen all through, from the desert, to the rivers, to the seaside. From the jungle to the castles. From the cars to the horses. There is even a Moses basket story look alike.Let’s not forget the dance moves. Queen B got moves. It got me trying some moves with my two left feet. We also get treated to some moves, and vocals from Blue Ivy…yaaas!!!.The album has special appearances from a number of celebrities, some from Africa and beyond.The likes of Kelly Rowland, B's best friend, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Sawage, Wizkid,Pharell Williams among others. Our very own Lupita Nyong’o is also featured.Queen B’s hubby and American rapper Jay-Z also gives an epic performance.There are quite a number of costume changes throughout the album, which the queen seems to handle with ease and finesse. Dialogue fromThe Lion King and poetry is used to bridge the gap between songs. The narrative loosely follows the story of Simba taking his place in the Circle of life. Allin all, this is an awesome album, more so for one trying to find their identity, and their path. We are now spending our free time practicing the dance moves!! If you spot my girls and I at park near you, be sure to join us. Staysafe. &nbsp;&nbsp;‍

The Queen’s 'Black is King' is indeed King

Have you ever tried to plan for a trip but things like work schedules or budget constraints get in the way? Or sometimes you just want a friend to join you on a trip and help you split the costs but your personal calendars just don’t match up.For many of us, the outdoors space seems inaccessible with activities such as hiking, cycling and camping often feeling exclusionary to anyone who isn’t physically fit, a tourist or a travel fanatic. Thankfully, Travel Influencer, Fahad Fuad is working tirelessly to change that impression. Through his travel brand dubbed ‘UnzipTanzania’, Fahad organizes group trips to unique destinations within Tanzania with trips to Kenya and Uganda set to open in the near future.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:506px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f87fbcdd6c8e375dcc76ebd_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>Born and raised in Arusha, Tanzania, Fahad started his career as a model working for an impressive list of brand names such as Vodacom, Airtel, NMB and more. He later decided to invest in a camera which enabled him to earn a living as a freelance photographer for major social events, models and celebrities including Mi Casa, Omarion and Wizkid.Fast forward to today, Fahad is a travel influencer, content creator, wildlife and travel destination photographer. He is also the founder of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unziptanzania/">UnzipTanzania</a>, an illustrious travel community which offers tours designed to give travelers a photo-centric experience of mind-blowingly beautiful landscapes across Tanzania.What inspired you to set up UnzipTanzania?As I transitioned from the fashion industry, I fell in love with the process of traveling and taking pictures of my experiences, the landscapes, birds and animals. However, at the time I could not afford to visit 5 star hotels and the likes. And Tanzania was only known for places like Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro and its national parks. So in 2017 I started traveling solo to unknown destination where I would create a lot of travel content and post on social media. Everyone kept asking where those places are thinking that I’m in Switzerland or Norway, only to find out that I was just in Tanzania.In December 2018, I decided to disclose an itinerary for my next trip and I invited guys to join me. 10 people showed up and the community has grown to what is today known as UnzipTanzania. Currently I organize group travels of more than 80 people per trip.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:768px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f87fd09c580f056a66902f3_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>How does UnzipTanzania work?UnzipTanzania is all about opening up Tanzania to the world and creating awareness of how beautiful our country is through unzipping hidden destinations and experiences. For starters, we try to eliminate all the excuses one might have for not traveling. Domestic traveling has always been deemed expensive and time consuming. To counter this, trips are usually scheduled between Fridays and Sundays which is convenient for most people. We also keep it budget friendly since to some extent cost such as fuel are shared among the group. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:603px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f87fd7992647c1ea2dbe3d7_qq.png" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>Anyplans to expand across East AfricaOh yes. We have set up UnzipKenya and UnzipUganda; however, we have not made any trips yet. Before the year 2020 ends, I plan to explore Kenya to identify some hidden spots. UnzipTanzania seeks to connect the East African borders so that we are not always thinking of traveling to Dubai. For instance, currently, we have close to 30 Kenyans studying or working in Tanzania who frequently join our group trips. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:864px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f87fded7c6b9114afe8274b_qq.png" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>It’s crazy to believe that the self-taught photographer’s fame in the travel industry spouted from a single photo taken at the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. What’s so interesting about the photo is that he is shirtless at the Arctic zone where temperatures are estimated to range between -7 and -29 Celsius degrees; which is extremely cold for an average person covered with insulated jackets.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:629px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f87fe9f2f6460c8968ea6d0_qq.png" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>The image sent a message that Fahad is an adrenaline driven influencer with a willingness to go anywhere and try anything, which makes for amazing adventures and photo opportunities. It has also inspired many locals to try out domestic tourism. Scrolling through Fahad’s Instagram page is like browsing postcards with backdrops that are so beautiful that they appear unreal. Lately, he prefers to be the one behind the camera rather than in front of it and his images prove that a picture can in fact be worth a thousand words. It’s no surprise that his Instagram community has grown into a community of more than 82K followers. Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fahad_fuad/?hl=en">@fahad_fuad</a>What challenges do you face as a travel influencer?At first, it was difficult to convince hotels and different destinations about the value of investing in influencer marketing. Some of them did not appreciate local photographers, instead they heavily relied on photographers from abroad to sell them internationally.I’m glad that they are now starting work with local influencers, that’s why many photographers are now venturing into this line of photography. ‍‍‍‍‍

Unzip Tanzania crossing over to Kenya and Uganda next

Just what is it that makes Kenyan cuisine unique? While the country keeps in stride with the emerging trends worldwide, we have held our own and remained true to our unique palate and culinary exploits.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kenyan menu reflects our rich social-cultural heritage while the meals serve a multi-sensorial experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;As you set off on a Kenyan food expedition, you are bound to find these ten along the way:1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ugali&nbsp;at the heart of every meal In many parts of Kenya, no meal is complete without a generous serving of Ugali, a well- loved staple food. Made mainly from maize flour and water, and cooked into a brilliant white and flavourful mound, Ugali packs a perfect punch, pairing expertly with&nbsp;nyama&nbsp;and&nbsp;mboga.&nbsp;But just what is it that makes Ugali a holy grail of Kenyan cuisine?&nbsp;&nbsp;This starchy dish delivers unparalleled satiety, keeping hunger pangs at bay for extended periods.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is nutritious and affordable and can be made from a wide variety of flours milled from millet, sorghum and cassava.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nyama, nyama, nyama&nbsp;is importantNyama choma, or grilled meat, sits right up there with the best of Kenyan cuisine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kuku&nbsp;(chicken),&nbsp;Nyama ng’ombe(beef), or&nbsp;nyama mbuzi&nbsp;(goat) are the most popular meats, often served as delicacies both in homes and social events.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nyama&nbsp;also holds an interesting cultural significance, and it is quite common to find places where certain cuts of meat are reserved specifically for either men, women or children – any deviation from such restrictions are said to result in serious consequences.&nbsp; 3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avocado is baeKenyans love their avo. But who wouldn’t? The avocado is a versatile fruit that pairs well with salads, as well as bland and spicy meals.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and healthy fats, the avocado also holds its own quite well, and can be enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt, sugar or lemon. Did you know? Kenya is one of the world Top 10 exporters of avocado.&nbsp;&nbsp; 4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Onions + tomatoes + water = soupIn many Kenyan homes, the standard soup, stew or stock is made in a predictable fashion:&nbsp;fry your onions, add your chopped tomatoes, season with salt, pour in some water then bring it to a boil!&nbsp;&nbsp;With cross cultural integration, technological advancements and globalization, soup is taking on a different path in many Kenyan kitchens – but being the Kenyans that we are, we remain true to our&nbsp;onion+tomatoes+water =soup&nbsp;orientation. 5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any time is teatime!Kenyans love their&nbsp;chai&nbsp;served hot and rich (milky).&nbsp;&nbsp;Kenyan&nbsp;chai&nbsp;overrides time and season and fits comfortably in any social setting – served on its own, with a snack, or after a hearty meal. Traditionally, Kenyans consume black tea – grown largely in the Rift Valley and Central parts of the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Increasingly, green tea and purple tea are gaining popularity as healthy variants to this well-loved&nbsp;any time&nbsp;beverage. 6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It gets spicier at the coastFancy some heat and spice in your meals?&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kenyan Coast has you covered.&nbsp;&nbsp;Historically, the coastal towns of Mombasa and Lamu served as a melting pot of diverse cultures as a result of linkages between the local population and the Indian and Persian traders. It is no wonder that coastal cuisine is considered distinct and unmatched.&nbsp;&nbsp;With a plethora of exotic spices and time-tested traditions passed down from generation to generation, a coastal meal – be it the rich rice-based&nbsp;pilau&nbsp;or&nbsp;biriyani, the fresh coconut-infused&nbsp;samaki&nbsp;(sea food), or even the&nbsp;mahamri na mbaazi(cardamom-infused pancakes and pigeon peas in coconut sauce) – is a multi-sensorial experience. 7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Different regions cook differentlyWhat makes Kenyan food so fascinating to explore is the fact people from different regions prepare it differently. For instance,&nbsp;ugali&nbsp;from the Kenyan coast is very different from that of the Nyanza lakeside region near Lake Victoria.&nbsp;Githeri,&nbsp;another popular meal made from a base of maize and beans, is cooked, and tastes markedly differently – in the Central Kenya regions, it is often enriched with a wide variety of vegetables – peas, potatoes and carrots - while in the western regions, it is quite common to find&nbsp;githeri&nbsp;featuring an assortment of different varieties of beans, peanuts and groundnuts.8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a lot you can do with milkConservative estimates indicate that each Kenyan consumes approximately 125 liters of milk every year. Apart from serving as a key ingredient in the famed Kenyan&nbsp;Chai,&nbsp;milk is commonly fermented at home and consumed as&nbsp;maziwa mala&nbsp;or yorghut – a filling stand-alone drink, or accompaniment to main meals.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is also a key ingredient in marinades and traditional vegetables, and a base for making clarified butter, cheese and cream.9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fish is plentifulThere is no shortage of fish in Kenya.&nbsp;&nbsp;The fresh waters of Lake Victoria provide an endless supply of Nile Perch, Tilapia and&nbsp;omena&nbsp;(sardines), while the expansive Indian Ocean yields a bounty of prawns, lobsters, oysters,&nbsp;una(mackerel) and&nbsp;katashingo&nbsp;(sardines), to mention but a few. The cooking methods are as diverse as the species.&nbsp;&nbsp;While previous generations saw fish or seafood as a preserve of the “lake and coastal” people, today fish is widely accepted as a mainstream meal, and even raised in inland farms hundreds of miles away from the wide water bodies.10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wheat is kingYes, we Kenyans love our wheat, in all its glorious forms. Whether that is bread, mandazi, mahamri or chapati, we embrace wheat on our dining tables as a delectable addition and palate soother. Pro tip:If you’re a foodie, Kenyan food is the new adventure you’ve been looking for. Once you taste it, you’ll definitely be back for more!Catch Making the menu on HONEY, DStv channel WAT (16:00) CAT (17:00) EAT (18:00)&nbsp;

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Top 10 food tips for your next outdoor potluck 

Barack Obama’s annual summer playlist tweet for 2020 went out just in time for me to compile it and bring it out with me on my walk. Of course, I did not walk for 3 hours and 36 minutes but by the time I was returning home, I had already decided that the phrase that best describes this list is Vintage Hip. &nbsp;My nods gradually turned into bobs and my wry smile widened as I added artists to the playlist I was compiling to share here. &nbsp;I discovered some new artists; learnt that Frank Ocean is back, this time silently after that stunt he pulled in 2016. Bob Dylan has new music. Billy Porter also samples Kelly Rowland’s Stole to create ForWhat It’s Worth which he performed this morning on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Barack’s list indicates which other artists will be performing at the week-long convention. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f3bd0bb52a68c70f3720ba8_1.jpg"></div></figure>&nbsp;Forgive me for belaboring just how much range 44 has. This list somehow manages to bring out the harmony from a very diverse list of artists and genre. Songs ranging 7 decades from folk music to TikTok hits, this is truly a playlist for everyone, and you can also enjoy it in solitude.&nbsp;Perfect playlist for a nature walk.<a href="https://music.apple.com/ke/playlist/barack-obamas-2020-summer-playlist/pl.u-a6Zuz452Ab">{Link to Playlist}</a><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f3bd19b75b9f81983aea30e_Barack%20Obama_Playlist%202.jpg"></div></figure>‍

Barack Obama’s Vintage Hip 2020 Summer Playlist 

MultiChoice Kenya early this week hosted its content showcase under the theme ‘Celebrating our voices and telling our stories like only we can.’&nbsp;During the showcase, the company made announcements on content additions on DStv and GOtv in the coming months.“MultiChoice Kenya remains committed to&nbsp;telling&nbsp;the best local stories that bring people together around shared passions. Our local content offering is unmatched and gives our customers a premium entertainment experience. We are committed to continue to tell authentic stories that inform and inspire our audiences&nbsp;like only we can,” said Nancy Matimu Managing Director MultiChoice Kenya.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620838879/Brian_8508a95f60.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Nancy Matimu appreciates Brian Weke for his participation at the showcase.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>On DStv&nbsp;‘Stori moto zibambe on DStv’&nbsp;features the most influential and notable Kenyan personalities on Maisha Magic Plus (DStv 163) with shows such as&nbsp;Kina, Kovu, the new season of&nbsp;Varshita!, Date My Family, Anda Kava and season 4 of Stori Yangu. GOtv customers can enjoy&nbsp;‘Strori zetu kivyetu’&nbsp;on Maisha Magic East (GOtv 4) with award winning shows such as&nbsp;Selina, Aziza, Stori Yangu S4, Maisha Mkanda S2, Varshita!, Njoro wa Ubaand&nbsp;Anda Kava.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620838962/2_951cec7792.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Nancy Matimu with Selina actors Celestine Gachuhi aka Selina and Pascal Tokodi&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>Multichoice also announced the release of new documentaries featuring East African athletes.&nbsp;The documentary dubbed ‘Rising Champions’ is a three-part series focusing on the success, secret and science behind athletes from the region.&nbsp;Rising Champions: &nbsp;The Success of East African Athletes&nbsp;is about the rise of East African Athletes and their dominance in long distance running over the last 60 years;&nbsp;Rising Champions: &nbsp;The&nbsp;Secret Behind&nbsp;East African Athletes&nbsp;looks&nbsp;at the cultural, geographical influences and training methods that have made East African Athletes conquer the world of long-distance running&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rising Champions: &nbsp;The Science Behind East Africa Athletes&nbsp;explores&nbsp;the genetics, diet and environmental factors that have contributed to the global success of East African Athletes in long distance running.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620839101/3_7499de4fc3.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Nancy Matimu with Hullaballoo actors &nbsp;Hirum Ngige (Ondiek) &amp; Peter Sankale (Alexander)</figcaption></figure>“We want to celebrate our voices and tell our own stories. At MultiChoice Kenya, we believe in using the&nbsp;power of entertainment to&nbsp;tell the most-loved Kenyan and international&nbsp;stories&nbsp;and use our platforms to take our stories to the world”,&nbsp;said Nancy Matimu.The documentary about world marathon champion&nbsp;Eliud Kipchoge&nbsp;has also been released and features his life journey as one of Kenya’s most revered athletes.SuperSport is currently producing documentaries about Kenyan greats including Hellen Oribi, Jackson Tuwei (President Kenya Athletics), Catherine Ndereba, Paul Tergat, Lornah Kiplagat, Julius Yego Javelin, David Rudisha, Jimmy Beauta (coach).The documentaries are available to watch on DStv Catch up on the DStv Explora and DStvApp. The DStv App is available for download on the Apple and Google Play stores for free download. The&nbsp;DStv App allows you DStv customers to watch from their smartphones, tablets anytime, anywhere.In coming months, DStv and GOtv customers will also get front row seats to premium feature sport and international shows including the upcoming Olympics and Euro 2021, the Women’s Tennis Association Championships, WWE and UFC which will continue to reinvent with new shows and new stars.&nbsp;New shows on M-Net and kids programming will also be unveiled each month.&nbsp;Customers can purchase the DStv HD decoder and dish kit only for&nbsp;Sh. 3999. GOtv Customers can purchase the GOtv decoder plus one-month GOtv Plus subscription for&nbsp;Sh. 1299.&nbsp;Customers can purchase the DStv decoder or GOtv decoder by simply dialing *423# or at any MultiChoice Kenya branch, dealer outlet or select supermarkets countrywide.

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MultiChoice Kenya Celebrates Local Talent 

Yaas!!! We got our <a href="https://thepicnicsite.co.ke/win-it-a-deserved-mama-s-day-picnic-treat-for-six-2">Mother’s Delight Competition</a> winners and we can’t keep calm. The four, Charlette Joyce, Ashiq Yasin, Tuzo Jonathan, and Charity Wafula, had the most compelling stories celebrating mums.&nbsp;The winners will be elevated as guest contributors on our website, The Picnic Site (<a href="http://www.thepicnicsite.co.ke">www.thepicnicsite.co.ke</a>) and will also receive an all-expenses-paid picnic set-up for six people, courtesy of Vintage Picnics (<a href="http://www.vintagepicnics.co.ke">www.vintagepicnics.co.ke</a>).The Mother’s Delight Competition kicked off on Tuesday and each day we published a unique theme that captured the spirit of Mothers and Motherhood on our social media handles on Instagram and Facebook.&nbsp;We then invited everyone to share with us an original, inspirational, and creative narration – through a written essay or poem, a short video or a graphic art piece. At the end of each day, our judges evaluated the entries received by the cut-off time. The winning entrant is who shared the most compelling narration. That is how our winners secured their spot for the fabulous picnic set-up.A hearty congratulations to our winners from all of us at The Picnic Site (<a href="http://www.thepicnicsite.co.ke">www.thepicnicsite.co.ke</a>) &nbsp;and Vintage Picnics (<a href="http://www.vintagepicnics.co.ke">www.vintagepicnics.co.ke</a>).!!!! We love and value you!&nbsp;

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Congratulations To Our Winners!!!!

The streets of Nairobi are looking lush, hey! Come October, Jacaranda trees start to blossom with a purple hue on the backdrop of blue skies. Fallen flowers turn sidewalks and roads into works of art as they knit a violet carpet for pedestrians strolling through the streets.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:768px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f97208a980b598dc2ef35da_f94bad0e-bd31-4684-910b-3a34678327d7.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>If the Jacaranda season is your jam, then you know it’s the perfect time to pull out your favorite styles and enjoy views of the beautiful purple haze. To make sure that you stay looking fresh, we have rounded up some of the chicest outfit ideas and fashion forward accessories that fit the bill.So keep scrolling for a bit of visual and shopping motivation to push the envelope in your jacaranda season outfit game.Floral PrintsIt’s hard to go wrong with floral prints during spring time just as it’s hard to go wrong with sweaters in winter. But at this point, floral prints have worked their way from being just a trend into becoming a staple section of our closets. So whether it’s a wedding or a simple picnic date, we guarantee that you’ll see a couple of dresses on our list that will tickle your fancy and you’ll want to flaunt beyond the jacaranda season. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:455px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f97211f7f95d917fbf240cd_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Dress: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/b_trendy254/?hl=en">b_trendy254</a> Ksh. 1700, Slides: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shoes_ke/?hl=en">shoes_ke</a> Ksh. 1800, Straw bag: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vaafricabaskets/?hl=en">vaafricabaskets</a> Ksh. 1800 , Boater Hat: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samuraifashionhouse/?hl=en">samuraifashionhouse </a>Ksh. 1000</figcaption></figure>This beauty is easy to dress up or down and allows for comfort and style all day long. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:495px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f9723ccaa688d59fccf4531_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Dress: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ace_kollections/?hl=en">ace_kollections</a> Ksh. 2000, Earrings:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/romani_jewelry/?hl=en"> romani_jewelry</a> Ksh. 500</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:343px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f97247b0fce617788b264fe_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Shoes: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladieschoice254_/?hl=en">ladieschoice254_</a> Ksh. 1800</figcaption></figure>‍We stan a floral dress with a flattering belt and this color combination will be hard not to compliment.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:448px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972527f9c5efb13d3d63d0_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Dress: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/b_trendy254/?hl=en">b_trendy254</a> Ksh. 1600, Sandals: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uniquesandals_ke/?hl=en">uniquesandals_ke</a> Ksh. 2200, Rattan Bag: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vaafricabaskets/?hl=en">vaafricabaskets</a> Ksh. 1800, Boater Hat: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samuraifashionhouse/?hl=en">samuraifashionhouse</a> Ksh. 1000</figcaption></figure>If you’re into wearing black, then this dress is for you. This two piece looks way more expensive than 1700. It deserves a lovely brunch with family or friends, and so do you.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f9726924401d48350b667f6_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Two Piece: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ace_kollections/?hl=en">ace_kollections</a> Ksh. 1700</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972730e1af8f13c4a7486a_qq.png" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Shoes: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/glam_shoes_ke/?hl=en">glam_shoes_ke</a> Ksh. 2800</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:341px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f9727a2f78ee112509ab345_qq.png" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Earrings: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/romani_jewelry/?hl=en">romani_jewelry</a> Kshs 500</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:551px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972825820af43c5b0cc1b5_qq.png" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Maxi Dress: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/malikalikenya/?hl=en">malikalikenya</a> Ksh. 1400, Sandals: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk02c9mpyTAw-5JAQdCOpchhQnuW4ig%3A1603741911156&ei=1yiXX6ybCe7O1fAPsY-auAQ&q=instagram+elegant+stylez+kenya&oq=instagram+elegant+stylez+kenya&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIHCCEQChCgAToECAAQRzoLCAAQsQMQgwEQyQM6CggAELEDEBQQhwI6BQgAELEDOggIABCxAxCDAToICAAQyQMQkQI6BQgAEJECOgIIADoCCC46BQgAEMkDOgYIABAWEB46CAgAEBYQChAeOgkIABDJAxAWEB46CAgAEAgQDRAeOggIIRAWEB0QHjoFCCEQoAFQtxVYz8UCYN3HAmgAcAJ4AIABnASIAY41kgEKMi0xLjE4LjAuMZgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXrIAQjAAQE&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwjs4rOXhNPsAhVuZxUIHbGHBkcQ4dUDCA0&uact=5">elegant_stylez.ke</a> Ksh. 1800, Purse: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebraggybag/?hl=en">thebraggybag</a> Ksh. 2100</figcaption></figure>Made with breathable, carefree fabric, this design will definitely make you standout.Shades of PurpleWhen it comes to incorporating colors into an outfit, purple is typically a bold color choice. For this Jacaranda season, why not try different shades of purple or mix and match with accessories of different colors to add some spice to a head-to-toe outfit. &nbsp;<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:452px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972a62e56deb7a11ea3d7a_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>&nbsp;Bandage Midi Dress: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/b_trendy254/?hl=en">b_trendy254</a> Ksh. 2300, Earrings: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/romani_jewelry/?hl=en">romani_jewelry</a> Ksh. 500</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:322px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972b005d1f9f8317478c43_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Shoes: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shoes_ke/?hl=en">shoes_ke</a> Ksh. 2500</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972b937f32ae31c6b44ed5_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Pouch Bag: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebraggybag/?hl=en">thebraggybag</a> Kshs 4000</figcaption></figure>‍Purple-yellow is definitely a combo you never thought you needed. Draped to flatter your curves, you can pull off this look for meetings or margaritas.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:489px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972c17f4d273860406789a_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Palazzo pants: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ace_kollections/?hl=en">ace_kollections</a> Ksh. 1300, Weaved Mules: <a href="http://Weaved Mules: @house_of_chic_kenya Ksh 2800">house_of_chic_kenya</a> Ksh 2800, Dior Bag: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk02c9mpyTAw-5JAQdCOpchhQnuW4ig%3A1603741911156&ei=1yiXX6ybCe7O1fAPsY-auAQ&q=instagram+elegant+stylez+kenya&oq=instagram+elegant+stylez+kenya&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIHCCEQChCgAToECAAQRzoLCAAQsQMQgwEQyQM6CggAELEDEBQQhwI6BQgAELEDOggIABCxAxCDAToICAAQyQMQkQI6BQgAEJECOgIIADoCCC46BQgAEMkDOgYIABAWEB46CAgAEBYQChAeOgkIABDJAxAWEB46CAgAEAgQDRAeOggIIRAWEB0QHjoFCCEQoAFQtxVYz8UCYN3HAmgAcAJ4AIABnASIAY41kgEKMi0xLjE4LjAuMZgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXrIAQjAAQE&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwjs4rOXhNPsAhVuZxUIHbGHBkcQ4dUDCA0&uact=5">elegant_stylez.ke</a> Ksh. 2800</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972d1ac59bfe2749866705_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Top: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nessa.fashions/?hl=en">nessa.fashions</a> Ksh. 500</figcaption></figure>This look may seem basic but wide-leg trousers are forward and of the moment. The exaggerated sleeves on the top and weaved sandals complete this effortless outfit. We also recommend matching the pants with an orange top, cardigan or shoes.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972dc2f179eb18ba1537cb_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Wrap Dress: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thrift001_/?hl=en">thrift001_ </a>Ksh. 900, Shoes: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fabbellas_kenya/?hl=en">fabbellas_Kenya</a> Ksh. 3200, Bag: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zeetrendy_/?hl=en">zeetrendy_</a> Ksh. 2800</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:462px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972e9e602eaf2879251882_qq.png" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Earrings: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/romani_jewelry/?hl=en">romani_jewelry</a> Ksh. 500</figcaption></figure>This can be the go-to dresses you throw on without thinking twice.&nbsp;You may opt to pair the dress with brown boots to give it some edge.Go whiteForget all the stringent rules and everything you’ve heard about how delicate white outfits are, instead consider combining this neutral color with bold accessories. Incase it’s not warm enough feel free to layer the dresses or jumpsuits with a cream or dark coat. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:485px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f972f41b05e60133cf61bce_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Dress: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/b_trendy254/?hl=en">b_trendy254</a> Ksh. 1800, Sandals: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uniquesandals_ke/?hl=en">uniquesandals_ke</a> Ksh. 1000, Tote Bag: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_treasured_gems/?hl=en">_treasured_gems</a> Ksh. 6000, Boater Hat: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samuraifashionhouse/?hl=en">samuraifashionhouse</a> Ksh. 1000</figcaption></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:449px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f9730747c562b27eb916097_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Sunnies: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/feurhome_ke/?hl=en">feurhome_ke</a> Ksh. 800</figcaption></figure>Don’t be afraid to experiment with boots or strappy heels.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:608px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f97310101d1ad94a1f4a71e_qq.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Jumpsuit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/malikalikenya/?hl=en">malikalikenya</a> Ksh. 1600, Shoes: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shoes_ke/?hl=en">shoes_ke</a> Ksh. 1500, Box bag: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebraggybag/?hl=en">thebraggybag</a> Ksh. 3500, Hat: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samuraifashionhouse/?hl=en">samuraifashionhouse</a> Ksh. 900, Shades: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/feurhome_ke/?hl=en">feurhome_ke</a> Ksh. 500</figcaption></figure>‍A jumpsuit can be fun too. The addition of an eye-catching floral box bag ties this sophisticated look together.Don’t forget to share pictures of your jacaranda season inspired look and tag <a href="http://@thepicnicsite_ke">@thepicnicsite_ke</a>‍

Chicest ways to achieve a fresh look this Jacaranda season

I’ve slept in a lot of tents, from the good old days camping as a girl scout, right up to enjoying a one-day hike turned campout and the occasional weekend glamping in spaces with a king size bed. With it came some hard lessons and experience in terms of knowing what kind of tent is worth investing in. There are so many great options to choose from to ensure that you are cozy when catching some Zs outing the wild. To give you the best advice on this front, we’re combining expertise a from backpack traveler, cyclist and photographer who knows a whole lot about outdoor adventures and what makes an ideal camping tent with our own personal camping experience. We checked in with Malicky Boaz who spends more time than most in a tent often backpacking on solo trips or cycling cross-country. Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatkaguruguy/?hl=en">@thatkaguruguy</a>So whether you’re heading into the wilderness over the weekend or planning to camp in your backyard with the whole family discover some of the best tents equipped with varying levels of quality and reliability to suit your needs.‍Dome/Bow Tents<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1280px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f886eb7a88ead2da2423bc2_qq.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>This is the most popular type of tents among campers, easily identified by it’s semi-circle structure. Dome tents are designed to have 2 or 3 flexible poles crossing each other at the top to create a wider floor area. Some models have features such as lights, porch area and premium storage although these amenities come with a weight penalty.The 3poled dome tents are much stronger and can be used for a wide range of camping trips. “One can easily set it up and they have spacious headroom. The only disadvantage is that they are not ideal for extreme weather conditions such as high winds or heavy rainfalls.” says Malicky.Backpacking Tents<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:429px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f886f1c413e6ed79d35e766_qq.png" loading="lazy"></div></figure>“At the end of along hike, the last thing you need to is pitch a tent. Built with hikers and lazy people in mind, backpacking tents are compact and lightweight. They are easy to carry so in bags or bikes over long distances without spending too much calories.” says Malicky. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://d3e54v103j8qbb.cloudfront.net/img/image-placeholder.svg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>They are easy to set up and contrary to the dome tents, they can withstand harsh weather conditions. The only downside is that they have less headroom making it difficult to move around inside or accommodate more than one person.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f886fb25f47e834e9b9ed91_qq.png" loading="lazy"></div></figure>“I think backpacking tents are ideal for hiking campers only” he adds.Cabin Tents<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1280px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f8870e45a96fe9b97c0cf3d_qq.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:594px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f887142289c0af44213d882_qq.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>Cabin tents are a perfect choice for family camping and adds some luxury to the outdoors. They are essentially more stable than most tents because the poles are made up of aluminum and the walls made of waterproof canvas or polyester to create huge space that is square in shape. Some designs have dividers which can create separate rooms if needed.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://d3e54v103j8qbb.cloudfront.net/img/image-placeholder.svg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>Malicky says that cabin tents are spacious enough for one to stand while inside or fit in a kingsize bed. Interestingly, they tend to be fairly cheap because they are cheaply made. Unfortunately, most designs are too heavy and quite complicated when pitching.Rooftop Tents<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1280px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f8871af6138d50965bb9ae4_qq.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>Rooftop camping can most certainly be an exciting experience if you’re more of a road-tripping kind of camper. “Stepping away from the traditional tents where you sleep on the ground at muddy, rocky or less-than-ideal campsites, rooftop tents offer you the experience of sleeping while elevated off the ground.” says MalickyThey can be set up anywhere your car can go, only that you have to ensure that your car has roof bars for attaching the tent and is strong enough to handle a tent packed with many campers. Other desirable features are that it easily opens up and folds backdown and it comes with a ladder to help you access the car roof.“The biggest impediments of this tent is that its associated with a higher price tag and heavy bulk. Additionally, the tent can consume a lot of space limiting campers from carrying bikes or a roof box.” he adds.Pop Up Tents<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:873px"><div><img src="https://d3e54v103j8qbb.cloudfront.net/img/image-placeholder.svg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>Pop-up tents, as the title suggests, are designed to pop up when opened without much intervention. You then fix it to the ground for stability. Its design is well known among campers for its simplicity, flexibility and ability to accommodate up to two people.Hammock Tents<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:672px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f88727adf255ff2ed2123ab_qq.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>This category &nbsp;is ideal for minimalists or camping in situations where sleeping on the ground is not an option due to wet or rocky uneven surfaces. Hammock tents, as the title suggests, are suspended off the ground with two straps tied to two trees opposite each other. This feature offers better protection from animals and more comfort when sleeping out in the rough wild.Most come with built-in bug nets and a roof to protect you from bugs and the rain. It is very easy to set it up and becomes very small when packed down.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:672px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f8872dde0f788f44b625563_qq.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>&nbsp;Happy Camping.‍‍‍‍‍‍

Pitch it perfect; tents for this and that

<blockquote>Here is a quick gluten-free desert you can make for your potluck book club in the park. With just these five simple ingredients to work with, this flourless chocolate cake topped with flaked almonds is not only quick and easy to make but also a crowd pleaser. </blockquote>Ingredients: <ul><li>100 Gram Chocolate</li><li>4 Eggs</li><li>75-gram Butter</li><li>100-gram Sugar</li><li>Flaked almonds</li></ul>Method:<ol><li>Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt over hot water.</li><li>In a bowl whisk butter and sugar together. As you whisk, add the 4 egg yolks, one at a time.</li><li>In another bowl whisk 3 egg whites until frothy.</li><li>Let the heated chocolate cool down and pour it into the butter and egg mixture.</li><li>Then add the egg white mixture and stir thoroughly.</li><li>Pour the chocolate mixture in a floured and buttered oven tray &amp; garnish with flaky almonds.</li><li>Set the oven at 175 degrees and bake for about 10 minutes.</li><li>Serve the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.</li></ol>Serves: 4Prep time: 20 minsCook time: 30 mins<blockquote>Side note: I considered adding some chili flakes to give it a kick; that would go down a treat with a good bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Send up pictures of how this cam eout and pairing reviews.</blockquote>‍

Quick fix flourless chocolate cake recipe

Still on that <a href="https://www.thepicnicsite.co.ke/blog/how-to-plan-for-a-perfect-family-camping-trip">camping</a> vibe.Although camping seems like a fun outdoor activity, it can get complex with so many details to put into consideration. But don’t worry, as you plan for your camp, here are some safety tips you need to put into consideration. <a href="https://www.thepicnicsite.co.ke/blog/first-aid-essentials-for-your-next-hike">Prepare a first aid kit</a>Your health and fitness comes first. As you go camping, you need to stay in good health throughout for you to enjoy. If you are considering a camping trip, getting a travel-appropriate first aid kit is essential to your health. Find out how to make a home-made first-aid kit here.The best camping first aid kit should come loaded with products to assist with any possible complications, including medicine and emergency equipment that can save lives.Choose your camping partner wisely Even if you have complete confidence and are a master camper, you should definitely go with a buddy or two. &nbsp;This way the camping is more memorable also, anything can happen while out camping. You need to make sure that you are compatible with the camping partner you pick. You need to be with someone you know got your back as much as you got theirs. Camps with compatible and problem-free people have always been more enjoyableHydrationWater is the most important, vital need. We should not forget to take enough water with us and drink water regularly.Instead of drinking water when we are thirsty, it is much more important to drink water regularly. Carry lots of it too for your camping activities, and remember to pack water containers for refills.Pitching your tentWhile determining the area we will camp, we always try to find the right and most beautiful place. Sometimes this search can be misleading. Most of us would prefer camping at the water’s edge since it has a beautiful view, right? However, this is not a safe camping spot. Wild animals visit these water sources at night to feed and some to hydrate. If you set up your tent near these water sources; you may encounter these creatures.So set up your camp at a distance of at least 600-700 feet away from the water.And lastly, never pitch a tent on the edge of the running water. In case the heavens open and it pours, then water will definitely get into your tent. Watch out for wild animals and insectsDo not forget that we’re the guests in the forest or land we will go to. Therefore, act as a guest and respect the natural habitats of living things. Do not leave food, drinks, and fragrant things in your camping area before sleeping. Look for tracks on the ground, stay away from animals’ crossing points. Remember that small creatures can cause problems as much as large creatures. The bite of a small tick insect might even result in death. Note the following to avoid this situation. Be sure to put on long-sleeves, and to keep at the center of the paths while walking. Most insects are on the leaves and bushes. You can also tuck in your pants into your socks.Insect repellents are also a good idea.InformationEnsure you inform your family or friends when and where you will be camping. Also the duration. If you are able to keep a charged cellphone with you, the better.FeedingAvoid eating all the edibles you find in nature.The right food choice is very important when camping, but there are even more important things such as the source and storage conditions of these foods.Canned foods are better to carry and preserve. Some fruits and mushrooms found in the wild could be poisonous, so avoid them. Note that not all water may be drinkable, despite looking clear. So, avoid it by all means. CampfiresFor a camp to feel complete, there always has to be a campfire. The fire could be a disaster in itself if not taken care of. Do not build a campfire next to old and low trees, to avoid spreading. A place with rocks is a good choice. When going to rest, it is best to put the campfire out and not leave it unattended. Be prepared in case of storms.In the forests, stormy weather is a common occurrence. You should be prepared for it. And also watch out for it. Incasethis happens, you should stay away from the rivers and go to a safer place such as a cave or a car. If you don’t have cars of caves nearby tighten the ropes of the tent to make it more stable and robust. You should erect your tent away from old trees, they may crack and fall on the tent in a stormy weather.In case you are wondering how to plan for family camp getaway, <a href="https://www.thepicnicsite.co.ke/blog/how-to-plan-for-a-perfect-family-camping-trip">here’s how</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;‍

Camping in the wild? Here’s how to stay safe

Picnics are casual outdoor gatherings which makes them one of the easiest and most effortless occasions to dress up for. However, what you wear to a picnic is determined by the activities that you will engage in. Let’s not forget that you’ll be munching on all sorts of lip-smacking homemade nibbles that might drip on to your outfit and leave visible stains, some temporary, others permanent. Your go to outfit must be a winner – a comfortable and breathable fabric, and low – maintenance (easy to clean). By now you’re probably thinking of throwing on a T-shirt-and-jeans combo but you can be sure that won’t be adding much life to the party. To ease your fashion dilemma, we’ve reached out to Personal Stylist – Wahu Muchai.&nbsp;She has worked with personalities such as Victoria Rubadiri, Gladys Gachanja and Catherine Kamau. Just recently, Wahu was the main stylist at a picnic event and she was generous enough to share how she came up with a number of show-stopping looks for the ladies who were present at the occasion. So, scroll down the gallery below and draw some inspiration from these stunning outfits! We promise you that these ideas would be perfect for your upcoming picnic date and will help you take the fun to the next level.“When working with clients, the first thing I do is to observe their sense of style and body type – which helps me create wardrobe pieces that will bring out their personalities”, says Wahu. “At a picnic, you’re likely to be lounging on grassy fields so why not opt for vibrant flowy maxis, floral minis or Ankara palazzo pants!” she adds. Floral Prints <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620192852/Screenshot_482_d2ea256189.png">Floral maxis are nothing but delightfully flowy. The first dress (far left) is sure to make a statement. “I wanted to reveal her neck and match the model’s complexion with this green and white lap maxi dress. The dress has a front slit which allows her to show off her legs if needed and the V-neckline made it easier to accessorize with marble green earrings.” says Wahu.&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620193431/1_a44569a070.jpg"> For this second look, we love how the wrap up white floral dress makes the model look elegant, dreamy, and relaxed. “I thought why not add a bloom happiness to the picnic with this flattering full-length dress? To finalize the look, the model wore a pair of white heels,” she said.&nbsp; Shop for:Green and white floral dress at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/t.jcollection/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">t.jcollection</a>White floral dress at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dada_wear_ke/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DADA WEAR</a> We also couldn’t help but notice the luxury picnic baskets in all the frames. Purchase the bread basket, picnic basket and more picnic accessories at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vintage_picnics/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vintage_picnics</a>. Palazzo pants/jumpsuits <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620195926/5_885245a355.jpg"> For your next picnic, try stepping forward in these broad legged pants that are stylish, floaty, cool and undeniably comfortable. Your best match for such a versatile pair could be a tank top, tube top, off-shoulder top or even a long slit top.“I personally know this model as someone who has a vibrant personality. I picked for her Ankara pants to go with a yellow tank top. The whole look flattered her curves and she served sunshine vibes all day long.” said Wahu&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620196500/8_de79206865.jpg">“This model is wearing a wide legged jumpsuit printed with colourful patterns. The royal straw boater hat that she is rocking makes her look so cool and classy."&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620196793/7_935a7fa5e4.jpg">"And for the 3rd look (far right) I went for white-yellow palazzo pants paired with a white tee and hat. Here I was going for a cool and playful look.” she added.Shop for:White-yellow palazzo pants and hats at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samaiahs_closet/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">samaiah_closet</a> Ankara pants at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shytessfd/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shytess</a>Jumpsuit at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/giannamoda.ke/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">giannamode.ke</a> Asymmetrical Maxi dresses <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620197053/4_1ee5f6a0ee.jpg">Asymmetric dresses are the throw-on styles that will elevate your picnic wardrobe and take off the stress of not knowing what to wear. Wahu says that she loves asymmetric dresses because they look just as great with chunky sandals or heeled iterations. And we are not surprised that they look this stunning.“I styled this look to create a rich babe kind of vibe and this blue spotty number did just that. The high-low design and vibrant colours complement the model’s skin tone so well. I accessorised it with black sunnies and a bread basket from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vintage_picnics/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vintage_picnics</a>." <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620197380/9_4386b8293d.jpg"> This second piece is a red-marron dress designed to show off the legs and flatter the curves. “The unique print style gets a yes from me and I would recommend such a fun and flirty dress for romantic picnic dates, park trips or garden visits. We tried it out with chunky heels but even if one wears it with trainers, they’ll still want to wear this dress in rotation.” said WahuShop for Blue polka-dot dress, sunnies and the asymmetric red-marron dress at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shopnewlevel/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shopnewlevel</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Vibrant colours <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620197761/2_24f0f683a4.jpg"> Wahu says that, the ultimate guide to nailing it for a picnic is to add some colour. Bring a little sunshine and rainbow with you – no matter where you are – with such vibrant colours. The striped, pleated maxi skirt is one you’ll want to wear again and again and… you get the picture.&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620198194/IMG_0529_34318d4376.jpg"> The orange bodycon dress cinched with a golden belt is a summer staple you’ll want to bring to every picnic date in your diary. “This model is wearing her own wardrobe but I accessorised the first look with sunnies and chunky earrings. “she added.Shop for:Accessories at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/misskerre/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">misskerre</a> Foldable garden champagne table at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vintage_picnics/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vintage_picnics</a> Neutral shades&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620199123/6_def8c9a245.jpg"> You can’t go wrong with neutral colours especially when it comes to picnic soirées, and these shades of white are 360-degree perfection. “The model wears a white shirt topped with a red fedora hat. I was going for something simple, breathable and clean.&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620199307/IMG_0478_438711ea97.jpg"> Here, I’m wearing an off-white mini pleated dress with an animal print head piece. The fabric is not only as soft as a picnic blanket but the design makes for great brunches too.” says WahuShop for:White shirt at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/t.jcollection/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">t.jcollection</a> Off-white dress plus accessories at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samaiahs_closet/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">samaiah_closet</a> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620199572/3_8adac1c6dd.jpg"> If you’re looking to show off a little extra leg and catch a few rays, then this look is just perfect for you. The tropical suit is a combo of shorts, a kimono and a white T-shirt. Wahu said, “The colours are just ideal for someone who wants to feel like one with nature and be playful while flipping the kimono.” Shop for:Kimono two piece at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/keekyscollection/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">keekyscollection</a> Photos By: @festolang

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Personal Stylist Shares Picnic Outfit Ideas You Can Easily Recreate

Yes, taking a long hot shower after a long day is therapeutic. But have you tried some good food and some relaxing music? This combo gives therapy a whole new meaning. Kenya’s Emmy nominated artist, Sara Mitaru knows this all too well and together with her husband David, have created two amazing products, ASH Music and Ash Kitchen and Grill, from the ground up. We caught up with her and she meticulously prepared a Cheesy Charcuterie board as she shared her inspirational journey, giving us a deeper understanding of what ASH is all about. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-video w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="padding-bottom:56.206088992974244%"><div><iframe allowfullscreen="true" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dt1Qsz1UgFY"></iframe></div></figure>&nbsp;“Ash which means Acoustic Songwriters Hub is a space where we combine great music and great food. With the pandemic we have restructured and we are bringing the music and food into people’s homes and backyards,” she starts. “Two years ago, we begun a musical experience for songwriters that grew in to a community. We are now combining that with the food aspect, which is a celebration of creative music and good food. Perfect way to blend the arts,” continues Sara who describes herself as a singer, songwriter and one half of ASH.&nbsp;“We are not trained chefs, we are Google taught, so many times and as expected, we’ve had to work twice as hard to learn and make sure that what we are cooking matches the standard or supersedes it if we can,” she confides. They pick some of the tricks from Google, specifically YouTube, then fuse that with some of their own renditions of these recipes to give it that ASH hospitality. &nbsp;&nbsp;ASH has collaborated with brands and friends who have proven to be quite reliable and helpful in the process. The collaborations have mutually beneficial. “There’s Rosemary of splendid events who makes our set ups look amazing, and Mumbi who runs Kisementi Oak farm, who gives us fresh ingredients. Collaboration has become critical,’’ continues Sara as the Cheesy Charcuterie begins to take shape.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:4032px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fad07c698861c196d1d9cea_IMG_6465-min%20(1).JPG" loading="lazy"></div></figure>&nbsp;“The Covid-19 Pandemic really hit the entertainment and hospitality industries hard. As ASH, we barely had the food element going before the pandemic but then we had a series of chats with our friend Ciiru of Fun Homes who made us realize that we needed to pivot. She showed us how and since then, people have been supportive of what we do.”&nbsp;On lessons picked along the way, Sara firmly says the process has taught them the importance of changing one’s mindset. Accept the new normal, don’t have an ego, ask for help, always be grateful and give thanks to those who help and pay it forward. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:5977px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fad08c84565340e35781b74_PICNIC-54-min.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>&nbsp;“A typical day at ASH revolves around processing orders, mastering recipes from YouTube videos, testing and tasting.. y’know..just balancing work and family,” says Sara before adding that the idea of dining- in is changing since the pandemic. “People want an experience, we were lucky enough to be in the experience industry. Myself as a Songwriter and my husband David Kimanthi Muthami as a music producer and co-founder of ASH. He’s actually the one behind the great cooking and so we used that combined experience to guide us. We are now setting up in people’s homes and enjoying the intimacy of it all,” she says as she works the final touches on the Charcuterie Board. On ASH’s ultimate game plan, Sara says they hope to give an opportunity for many more creatives to get paid, keep busy and re-create the industry with the new normal.&nbsp; ‍

Cheesy Charcuterie by Sara Mitaru of ASH 

A decade from now, FunKidz hopes to be a 100%sustainable business, moving the needle from their current use of 50% upcycled material for their nifty multi-use products for both the mother brand and the offshoot, FunHomez, which is just three months old. Founded by Wanjiru Waweru Waithaka 11 years ago FunKidz has been innovating, designing and manufacturing children’s furniture using upcycled material. We sat down with Ciiru - as she is popularly known- to talk about FunHomez, a business that she started as a result of the COVID 19glolabal pandemic. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:534px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb95acc59dd34c2575c1a48_1.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Ciiru of FunHomez</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;Would you say the segue from FunKidz to FunHomez is by design? Far from it. FunHomez isn’t coincidental, but at the same time it was not in our horizon at the beginning of this year (2020). When the pandemic hit and the country went into a lockdown, we saw an opportunity to start doing home interior furniture since people were spending more time at home. We started with tea trays then evolved from there. So far we have come up with some really cool products.&nbsp;<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:720px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb95c05a3364d9e8f8cb2a9_Trays.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;Please tell us a little bit about the material you are using? At the moment, 50% of our material is upcycled. We are hoping to move the needle to be a 100% sustainable business by 2030, using recycled material for all our products. Currently, we are using timber waste and bamboo. For some of our products like our little jiko, which can also be used as a centre piece, we repurpose some accessories and upcycle others using the circular economy model. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:720px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb95c60fb41ac2b201d9c03_4.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:720px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb9629008565f0f265cf68c_PHOTO-2020-11-12-11-38-42%20(7).jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>&nbsp;How would you say the market response has been? We’ve only done this for three months and so it may be a bit too early to tell. However, we have received good feedback from our clients who find our homegrown brand authentic, innovative and unique. Our products are versatile and multifunctional. For example, we have lots of home décor and accessories like the water jugs that double as flower vases too. We also have the standing bicycle desk that can be used both for work and entertainment. These multi-use products allow our customers to bring the outdoors indoors.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:720px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb95dcde64a26d991854df7_PHOTO-2020-11-12-11-38-42%20(1).jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:720px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb96118582fa5182d319292_PHOTO-2020-11-12-11-38-42%20(5).jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>‍&nbsp;&nbsp;We had the ice bucket at a picnic last week and it served as a stool and at some point, lid top became a tray for our snacks. Quite nifty! Which one is your favourite product? All of them. Each of our products is designed, made and sourced with heart and as a result we find each product unique hence all are my favourite.‍<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:720px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb95e6f31d4b62f2074ed23_PHOTO-2020-11-12-11-38-42%20(2).jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:720px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb961df59a71b10759490f5_PHOTO-2020-11-12-11-38-42%20(6).jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>&nbsp;You mentioned that you had to close the workshop for 3 months due to the lockdown. How did you navigate this?Fortunately, we did not have to lay off any anyone although we have now permanently closed our showroom. After 3 months of being on hold, we powered up our machines and did what we do best, create. This has ensured that people come to work every day and they are able to put food on their table. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:960px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb95ff8c80d41aa76770cc7_PHOTO-2020-11-12-11-38-42%20(3).jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>&nbsp;What’s in the pipeline for FunHomez?We are always innovating and creating and we are working on some really exciting products that we will be bringing to the market soon. At the moment, the holiday season is here and people are already looking for gift hampers. We are already putting some together.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:720px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb96082125538133a82bdfc_PHOTO-2020-11-12-11-38-42%20(4).jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:720px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fb962cde1a2d5719c4d3b14_PHOTO-2020-11-12-11-38-42%20(8).jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fun Homes: Authentic brand inspired by Africa, made in Kenya

Accidents are inevitable and can happen anywhere. And even as we emphasize the importance of outdoors, we still need to stay safe while out there. Keep an open mind in case of an accident while outdoors. &nbsp;It is useful to be able to treat accidents quickly and, on the spot, even if it is only to stick a band aid on a cut. In case of something as serious as a huge fall or a snake-bite, always have a hospitals’ or a doctor’s number on speed dial.In case any accident happens when you’re out unwinding, here are some first aids tips you should apply:Cardio pulmonary resuscitation –CPRTake the trouble to learn basic first aid and CPR. If an emergency occurs, you will have much more confidence in dealing with it if you know exactly what to do. This includes basic first aid steps, like checking the airway of a person, the breathing and pulse rate. In case a person gets unconscious, or choking occurs, the basic steps learnt can save a life.You can get CPR classes at any hospital. First aid kitIt is advisable that you always carry a first aid kid when going out.You can buy a ready made one in a drug store, or you can make one at home. To make your own at home, here are some of the things that you will need;-Use a waterproof box or bag to hold all your first aid. Don't make your first aid kit too big though or you will be tempted to leave it behind.A list of the contents below;●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal Insect repellent to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Antiseptic cream for cuts and scrapes.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sun screen for anyone who has forgotten to bring their own.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ointment or white vinegar for stings.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bicarbonate of soda for rashes.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Crepe bandage to immobilize limbs in case of a snake bite or sprains.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wound dressings and roll of bandage.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Roll of sticking plaster.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Disposable gloves. Always wear gloves when you are treating open wounds for hygiene and safety.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Band-Aid dressings.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Triangular bandage to use as a sling.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tweezers and a needle to remove splinters and bee stings.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Matches for sterilizing needles.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Paracetamol for headaches.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ibuprofen for more severe pain.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An instant cold pack to help relieve the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Small sharp scissors.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eye bath to wash foreign bodies from eyes.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Antihistamine tablets to treat stings and hay-fever.●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A small book of instructions for simple first aid and CPR.If anyone in the group has a medical condition,remember to carry their medication. This is in case of asthmatic attacks,diabetics due to low blood sugar and others.&nbsp;&nbsp;‍

First aid essentials for your next hike

Good hiking is good food for the soul. You get to stretch those muscles, breathe some fresh air and enjoy the scenery. However, a good hike is preceded by good planning or you will wish you never left your house. It is therefore essential to know what to put in your hiking bag before you set foot. We spoke to Robert of outdoors.ke, who gave us some amazing tips that will not only prepare you for your day out but also give assurance of a safe and comfortable hike. Read on.Outdoorer.ke is a company that was started four years ago with the sole aim of helping more people enjoy the outdoors. The team is dedicated to offering affordable and accommodative hiking and camping services. The charges are dependent on the location and duration of the hike or camp. They have scheduled hikes, some fortnightly and others annual. They also offer customized events, tailoring them to meet your needs.According to Robert, what goes in your hike bag depends on the location of your hike, and also the time you’ll spend on the hike. For a day hike, you will need basics, like water, rain gear, snacks, band aids and any emergency meds. Having the right gear in terms of clothing and hiking boots is also key in the making of a successful hike. Walking on rocky or rough terrain in unsuitable gear is not only uncomfortable but poses health risks such as bruises and falls.For an overnight hike and camp, you will need to pack your supplies which include food, warm clothes for the night, and sleeping gear. This is in addition to all the things you pack for a day and vital safety equipment. Below, we have listed the items Robert pointed out as essential for your next hike. Better still, we have added the prices to make your preparation hustle-free. Mountain Equipment And Gear checklist1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 or 2 Thermal tops --for keeping warm, especially at night (From Ksh. 800)<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:600px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fbec059aa750c7cebd03ac3_Thermal%20base%20layer.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Thermal Base layer</figcaption></figure>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 or 2 Thermal bottoms-- for keeping warm, especially at night (From Ksh. 800)3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least 4 T-shirts. Preferably, polyester material. Avoid cotton.4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 or 3 pairs of trousers (quick dry and light)5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 or 2 Fleece jackets-- for keeping warm while hiking (From Ksh. 1,500)6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 pairs of Fleece pants - for keeping warm while hiking (From Ksh. 1,800)7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 or 2 Rain/windjackets -- waterproof and protects you from wind and rain while hiking (From Ksh. 1,800)8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 or 2 Puff Jackets --for keeping warm at night (From Ksh. 2,500)9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 or 2 pairs of waterproof gloves (From Ksh. 900/pair)<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:600px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fbec0ae7a9618a94ec080b3_Gloves.jpeg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Gloves</figcaption></figure>10. 1 or 2 pairs of woolen gloves -- for keeping warm at night11. 1 Balaclava (monkey hat) -- for protection against wind and frostbite<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fbec114528a43727a7d2fc8_Hat.jpeg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Monkey hat</figcaption></figure>12. 4-6 pairs of thin socks -- for hiking13. 4-6 pairs of thick socks(synthetic or wool) -- for keeping warm at night and during summit day14.&nbsp;A pair of water-proof hiking boots -- go for one size higher to accommodate thick and thin socks(From Ksh. 3,500)15.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sandals or slippers -- to allow your feet to rest after a long day16.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sleeping bag (For sale from Ksh 1,900; for hire at Ksh. 250/day)17.&nbsp;Water bottle (At least2 liters) or Water Bladder (From Ksh. 1,650)18.&nbsp;Hiker’s bag (This contains your gear and is carried for you by the porter) – (For sale from Ksh4,500; for hire at Ksh. 400/day)19.&nbsp;Day pack (your bag having all requirements you will need during the day) From Ksh. 2,50020.&nbsp;Torch (Head torch preferable but not mandatory. Carry spare batteries. LED torches are better than bulb torches.) (From Ksh 900)<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:600px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fbec15359897957af97d1b0_lIGHTING.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Head-torch</figcaption></figure>21.&nbsp;&nbsp;Toiletries (include wet wipes since bathing is difficult at very low temperatures)22.&nbsp;&nbsp;Towel (Small size)23.&nbsp;&nbsp;Energy sweets and snacks --nuts, lunch bars, biscuits and other high-energy snacks24.&nbsp;&nbsp;Painkillers, small bandages, cotton wool for personal first aid25.&nbsp;&nbsp;Poncho (optional if you have a raincoat) -- for protection against rain<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:721px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fbec2414b887a05bc4e8448_RP.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Rain Poncho</figcaption></figure>26. 1 Baseball cap (optional) -- for protection against sunburn27. 1 pair of Sunglasses(optional but recommended) -- for protection against snow glare during summit day28.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunscreen (optional but highly recommended for fair-skinned people)29.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bandanas or neck gaiters(optional) -- for shielding your neck against wind, sun and frostbite30.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hiking shorts (optional)31.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rain trousers (optional if you have a full-length raincoat)32.&nbsp;Hiking pole/ walking stick (Optional) From Ksh. 1,300&nbsp;Luckily, most of these items are available in their online shop at <a href="https://outdoor.co.ke/">www.outdoor.co.ke </a>or in-store Imenti house, 2nd Floor, Zodiac Stalls Z58, Cabral Street, Nairobi CBD.T o learn more about OutdoorerKe and hiking, check them out at <a href="https://outdoor.co.ke/">https://outdoorer.ke/ </a>‍

Plan your next hike, hustle free!

Towards the end of last month, there was an uproar on the Socials. KOT had been pricked by rumours that The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) had revised the pricing for residents wanting to visit national parks back to the normal/pre Covid-19 rates. In its effort to encourage visitations into National Parks, KWS announced subsidized rates on July 1st 2020. This was to be in place for a period of one year. However, in late August, there seemed to be some flip-flopping in communication with leading media outlets reporting that KWS would be reverting to the initial rates for residents. This, as expected, rubbed netizens the wrong way and soon, Twitter was ablaze. The heat evidently got too hot for KWS as the body had to do some crisis communication through Twitter- where it was all going down. On the Tweet seen by The Picnic Site, KWS urged the public to ignore reports that the rates had been increased. They clarified the subsidized rates would remain for a period of one year as stated in the very first statement. Further, they encouraged locals to tour the parks under #DiscoverKWSParks. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:595px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f6ccb8db141cd931fad1b97_1.png" loading="lazy"></div></figure><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img></div></figure>The highest entry amount will beat the Nakuru and Amboseli National Parks, which are classified as premium facilities given their popularity. According to the schedule seen by The Picnic Site, Kenyan citizens and non-residents will pay Sh800, down from Sh860, while non-resident adults will pay $35, up from $60 at the two parks.At Nairobi National Park, which is frequented by visitors within the city, adult Kenyan citizens and residents will pay Sh400, down from Sh430.While announcing the rates in July 2020, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala encouraged Kenyans to help create jobs for those in the hospitality industry. “We want to encourage Kenyans to enter the parks for longer durations. The longer they stay, the more business they give to the tour guides, hotels, lodges as well as the curio dealers,” he said. Those in the film industry were not left behind either. The ministry is now offering a 50% off discount to both local and international producers filming in parks and reserves. With the subsidized rates, you can easily take a break and visit our local natural attractions for a bond with the nature. Some of the top ranked parks and reserves you take your loved ones to include: Maasai Mara National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park and the Nairobi National Park.You can engage in outdoor activities such as, game drives, bird watching, trout fishing, hot air balloon rides among others.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f6ccbf92bfbcf0e6e48bd8f_Lion.jpg" loading="lazy"></div><figcaption>Photo Courtesy: KWS Twitter</figcaption></figure>

Game drive lovers forgive, forget and are back in the park

Since this issue is a hiking and camping issue, we thought it would be befitting for the whole experience to have a soundtrack. Yay!! Here’s the perfect camping and hiking playlist from DJ Festa. You may also bring it along for your game drive. <a href="https://www.mixcloud.com/festa254/" target="_blank">https://www.mixcloud.com/festa254/</a>

It’s like jungle bango, except it’s a mix!

Every year different Kenyan cities get to experience the beauty that comes with the blooming of Jacaranda trees and from as early as September, Kenyans are able to enjoy the purple haze that dot their cities.I too decided to join the party this year.Though to be honest my ticket to the party was in the form of an assignment.&nbsp;This past weekend I was on a mission to spot jacaranda trees around Kisumu city and take pictures of them for our #jacarandapropaganda project. In Kenya, the trend was started around 4 years ago by <a href="https://twitter.com/Nanjala1">@Nanjala1</a> (Nanjala Nyabola) on twitter.&nbsp;Initially it first felt like just another field work under the hot sun but the more I continued spotting the trees boasting of their pretty purple flowers the more intrigued I became and ditched the whole ‘this is just another field work’ mentality.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1920px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fac2ce2fc5055617ee87033_jacaranda-268926_1920.jpg" loading="lazy"></div><figcaption>Photo Courtesy </figcaption></figure>Before I left home, I had a few ideas on where to spot them, Milimani estate being one of them of course. Though to be certain I had to confirm with Google though the information was scanty.&nbsp; Luckily I managed to find a tour guide, a friend of mine who is well versed with the area more than I am. In my defense I haven’t been around that area since 2017, I digress.&nbsp;We selected Milimani estate as our main focus area because that’s the one location we were sure we would see the blooming jacaranda trees.&nbsp;After a few trips around the estate, we were able to spot a few trees along Nehru road, Busia road and Got Huma road. With some growing in clusters and others alone yet proudly wearing their purple crowns.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:960px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fac2d33ac5336f483b5d41d_JT.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div><figcaption>Photo Courtesy </figcaption></figure>We later went to Jamhuri Victoria park located Off Achieng Oneko - Ridoch Road, which I think should be renamed to purple haze park or something in that line given how the Jacaranda trees hug the park with their bell-shaped leaves swaying above majestically to the rhythm of the wind.&nbsp;The trees have also dominated inside the park setting a great picnic scene decorated by its purple carpet from the fallen leaves.&nbsp; An added advantage is that the park is quite peaceful especially with everyone relaxing as vendors sell their goods.&nbsp;Shifting over to the Great Rift Valley, Nakuru, jacaranda trees are perfectly lined along old Nairobi road and Solai road forming purple umbrellas decorating the roads. While driving through the town, one can also spot the trees in people’s compounds, churches, schools like shiners girls high school as well as next to restaurants, petrol stations along the Nakuru-Nairobi road.&nbsp;<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1920px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fac2d6e095c050733a02e61_jacaranda-537027_1920.jpg" loading="lazy"></div><figcaption>Photo Courtesy </figcaption></figure>Over to the capital city, Nairobi, her residents have been able to enjoy the purple rain as early as September. In areas such as Karen, Kilimani, Tom Mbeya street, Upperhill, Kenyatta avenue, Railway museum, Jevanjee Gardens, Koinange street- just to mention a few, Nairobians are being treated to breathtaking sceneries. On social media, they are not shy when it comes to sharing photos of these trees, in their full glory and bloom.&nbsp;On the Nothern region of Kenya, Marsabit to be specific, the jacaranda trees in that area also gracefully take part in #jacarandapropaganda. The trees form a line venturing deep into Marsabit forest.&nbsp;And on the Eastern region, residents of Wamunyu town in Machakos County also get to bask in the glory of Jacaranda trees every October.&nbsp;

#JacarandaPropaganda:  Fifty shades of purple across Kenya 

Another Mother’s Day in the New Normal is here with us. With all the Covid-19 containment measures, the last thing you need is a celebration that breaches all the safety protocols, leaving you and your loved ones exposed and uncomfortable. This, however, does not mean that you should spend this special day stuck indoors with only tales, screen time, and predictable activities and meals. You can make this day special by taking Mum out for some sunshine and bonding. Outdoor activities in this season are a breath of fresh air, allowing us to reconnect with nature, and also get some much-needed fresh air and a dose of sunshine vitamins. We are delighted to share with you some sure bets that will add a special touch to Mother’s Day this year.&nbsp;Nairobi and surrounding regions1. Evergreen Park<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620244417/evergreen_9c00cf95e4.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>The Evergreen Park</figcaption></figure>The Evergreen Park is located Kiambu Road, some 500m to the left after the Northern Bypass overpass. This would make an ideal picnic destination for Mama. Here, she will be spoilt for choice, with a variety of activities including fishing, boat-riding, horse and camel riding, among others. The Evergreen Park provides a quiet and serene environment perfect for Instagram-worthy photo sessions. In case you are bringing Mama's grandkids along, there is enough place space for them and a bouncing castle. This will keep them busy and happy as you bond with your Mum.Entry Requirements:Ksh500 per adultKsh400 per child(3-11YRS)Ksh100 per activity2. Langata Botanical Gardens<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620244553/Langata_Botanical_53bbba362f.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Langata Botanical Gardens</figcaption></figure>Located about 20km from Nairobi CBD and less than 20 minutes from the Karen Shopping Centre, Langata Botanical Gardens is a spectacular recreational spot. Mum is bound to fall in love with the beauty and calm here. Langata Botanical Gardens is ideal for relaxation, recreation, celebration, and inspiration, giving that therapeutic vibe. Here, there are hundreds of indigenous trees, large beautiful lawns and a lagoon that has a large variety of fish. The place has bandas all around, secluded by natural vegetation and this gives you enough privacy to catch up with your mum as you relax in nature.Entry Requirements:They give custom quotations based on the activitiesOpens from: 8:00am3. Waterfalls Inn<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620382911/waterfalls_inn_5_1928e9f3d0.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Waterfalls Inn</figcaption></figure>About 45 minutes drive from the Nairobi CBD, is the Waterfalls Inn in Tigoni, Limuru, Kiambu County. The area is well known for its beautiful rolling landscapes with carpet-like tea plantations&nbsp;and so, even before you get to the destination, you're already basking in nature's glory. At Waterfalls Inn, the picnic site is set on a hill overlooking the Nairobi skyline and the Highlands of Limuru. This is a breathtaking view and you can bet that your mum will love every bit of it.Entry Requirements:Ksh: 450 per adultKsh: 200 per child(If bringing your own drinks, you'll have to pay corkage fees)4. Nairobi Safari Walk<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620383313/Nairobi_SW_33e7b4720b.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Nairobi Safari Walk</figcaption></figure>Does Mama thrive in a nature-centric location? Then the Nairobi Safari Walk, located in Lang'ata, less than 30 minutes drive from the CBD, is all she needs to make Mother's Day memorable. Here, she'll get to see a sample of Kenya's rich animal life including the rare bongo, white rhino and albino zebra as well as big cats, antelopes and primates. Nairobi Safari Walk is also home to at least 150 species of local trees.Entry Requirements:Entry Fee: From Ksh.400 for adultsOperating Hours: 9:00am-5:30pm5. Ngong Hills Nature Reserve<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620062685/Ngong_Hills_ed62ead7f3.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Ngong Hills Nature Reserve</figcaption></figure>Located in the northern tip of Kajiado County and 25km from Nairobi City, Ngong Hills Forest is managed by Kenya Forest Service (KFS). You can take your mother this Mother’s Day to enjoy a panoramic view of Nairobi and the surrounding knuckle-peaked hills. For nature-loving mothers, this location has a wide range of indigenous trees such as pine, cypress and sandalwood. The Ngong Hills is an exceptional location for hikes and picnics. For those mothers who would appreciate an adrenalin-rush, they can try out zip lining, an activity that is not for the faint-hearted.Entry Requirements:Park Entry Fee: KShs 200.00Opening Hours: 8.00am – 5.00pm, daily6. Karura Forest Reserve<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620383693/Karura_5ece0f257f.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Karura Forest Reserve</figcaption></figure>The Karura Forest Reserve is an urban upland forest on the outskirts of Nairobi offering an eco-friendly respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.&nbsp;It is a serene, safe and secure environment that has a lot to offer: scenic nature trails, archaeological sites, caves and marshlands.&nbsp;You can organize a memorable treat for Mama, combining some low-impact aerobic activities with a delightful picnic in the sun.Entry Requirements:Gate Fees: Range from KShs 50.00 to KShs 600.00 (different rates applicable for citizens, residents and non-residents)Opening hours: 06:00am- 16:45pm&nbsp;Coast Region7. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620384537/Nguuni_8ad5c22950.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Nguuni Nature Sanctuary</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;It is located about 30 minutes’ drive from the Mombasa City Centre. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary in Kiembeni is home to a variety of wildlife species and birds. You can take your mum for a picnic here and share meals underneath sweeping doum palms in the company of friendly giraffes, ostriches and oryx. You even get to feed them during mealtime. The sanctuary is a bird watchers’ paradise and makes a popular site for serene sun-downers.Rates*Resident: Adult - Ksh. 350 Child - Ksh. 100*Non-Resident: Adult - Ksh. 800 Child - Ksh. 300*All payments are done in cash at the gate upon arrival.8. Butterfly Pavilion<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620384829/Butterfly_d368ed12e2.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Butterfly Pavilion - Photo courtesy of Vamos Homes App</figcaption></figure>In close proximity to Mombasa’s northern beach front lies the Butterfly Pavilion. It is a tropical paradise that hosts more than 16 species of butterfly and various antelopes. The facility is ideal for day trips and offers a range of outdoor activities to make Mother’s Day special for Mama. Its reclaimed forest, ponds and hills make it a unique picnic location. Watch out for the crafty troops of monkeys that like to swoop down from the trees to join the get-together.Rates*Resident: Adult - Ksh. 250 Child - Ksh. 150*Non-Resident: Adult - Ksh. 600 Child - Ksh. 300*All payments should be done via MPESA.Western Region9. Dunga Boardwalk<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620384984/Dunga_4d2ab24d07.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Dunga Boardwalk</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;The board walk is located next to Dunga beach on the shores of Lake Victoria, a famous location for buying/eating fish fresh from the lake and going for boat rides. It is the perfect place to take Mama for some sunshine and bird watching, hippo spotting and enjoying the amazing Kisumu by the Lake Victoria waters. The sundowners here are a picturesque affair, one that Mama would definitely enjoy on her special day.Rates:*Resident Adult- Ksh.100.*Resident child- Ksh 50*All payments made at the entrance10. Impala Ecolodge, Kisumu<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620385181/Impala_0b00d38933.png" alt=""><figcaption>Impala Ecolodge, Kisumu</figcaption></figure>Picture Mum and yourself having a delicious lunch on a gazebo-like floating restaurant.&nbsp;Feels like having a meal on a deck, right?&nbsp;The gazebo, decorated with oil lamps, is set just above the lake and offers you a full view of the city as you enjoy a sumptuous meal and chat the afternoon away with your Mama.&nbsp;The Impala Ecolodge is secluded, making it the perfect getaway for a cozy treat with Mama.Rates:These vary according to services offered.These are just some of the options you can look up and make Mother’s Day memorable for Mama.

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Here are 10 Perfect Spots for Mama's Day Picnic

“I bought this picnic basket on a whim about 6 years ago, at a pop-up market in Nairobi,” explains Mercy Randa, when you ask her where the idea for her latest business came from. “In just 3 months, I had recouped a different kind of social investment; it had become my immediately recognizable outdoor accessory. Mine was the ‘it’ circle at most open-air concerts. And then I started getting inquiries about where I got my basket.”Fast forward to 2020. The world went belly up. Human interaction was put on ice until further notice for the grey clouds to pass. No one really knew exactly what was happening, and no one knew how long those clouds would last. The daily indoor routine, even with newfound hobbies, became untenable.&nbsp;“I remembered all the inquires I used to receive whenever I was using my baskets. Occasionally, when I took my son to Arboretum, I would notice just how much work it took some of the parkgoers to pack their picnics. So, I saw an opportunity in this, and decided to set up Vintage Picnics. I wasn’t exactly clear about the business model, but I knew there was a situation that needed to be addressed.”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621495165/Whats_App_Image_2021_05_20_at_09_06_22_52f039b9ee.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Mercy Randa- Founder and CEO Vintage Picnics and The Picnic Site</figcaption></figure>To begin with, Mercy launched The Picnic Site (<a href="http://www.thepicnicsite.co.ke">www.thepicnicsite.co.ke</a>), an online publication that features a wide array of curated content on outdoor lifestyle.&nbsp; Anyone planning a jaunt outside would hopefully be spoilt for choice with the vast array of options for activities, locations, and meal planning, right down to music playlists and fashion lookbooks.&nbsp;“Many people approach outdoor excursions from a very narrow perspective.&nbsp; We placed ourselves at the heart of that decision-making process by presenting a totally new dimension, and giving people practical options to make that next adventure memorable. This platform also provided us with insight on what people were up to during the pandemic, as we adjusted to the assembly restrictions,” she adds.As the months went by, she noticed that her circles, and other people online as well, were no longer meeting for Zoom Happy Hours or Houseparty hangouts as often as they did at the beginning of lockdown. More and more people were starting to have controlled physical meetings, in open spaces like public parks or private backyards. And she knew just the kit they needed for this new version of socializing.&nbsp;After weeks of research on sourcing and local manufacturing, Mercy reached out to a few Kenyan manufacturers to see if she could get some of the products she had in mind, in Kenya. The manufacturers were not as receptive as she had imagined they would be, and the ones willing to put their backs into it were going to produce the products at a price she couldn’t bring to this market.“Nonetheless, I was edging closer to becoming a merchandiser with the information I had on manufacturing. Me and my friends joked a lot about our pandemic projects. Mine was a complete departure from my career!” Mercy, a trained journalist, started out at Nation Media Group as a business journalist, after interning for the group’s Tanzanian subsidiary, The Citizen. She worked for communication consultancy firms in the region, later joining Africa Development Bank (AfDB) as the Regional Communication Consultant for the Eastern African hub. She quit her job in 2013 to set up Profit and Loss (P&amp;L) Consulting, a communication advisory firm with a focus on business communication and c-suite advisory.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621495655/Capture_5776bc78aa.png" alt=""><figcaption>A Toast To The Vintage Picnics!</figcaption></figure>By May 2020, the effects of the lockdown measures were evident in the weakened economy and massive job losses. Whole industries ground to a halt, while many businesses scaled back or closed shop altogether. For Mercy, the season of uncertainty had its fair share of anxious moments. “One cannot downplay the decisions that had to be made in light of the pandemic, as many of them had a direct bearing on people’s lives and livelihoods. The pandemic shook the actual foundation on which we exist.&nbsp; I took the hard steps to keep my businesses afloat, but also found a new lease on life by creating a business inspired by enjoying the world beyond the doors of our sitting rooms - something that many people were looking forward to after an extended period of following strict safety measures”, she says.“I was at the salon one Sunday, toying with my phone as I waited for my hair to dry…when it hit me. In under 10 minutes, I was chatting with salespeople from the manufacturing hub of the world. The more manufacturers I spoke with, the clearer I became about what I wanted the second brand under my picnic idea to stand for. The rest, as they say, is history.”&nbsp;Vintage Picnics (<a href="http://www.vintagepicnics.co.ke">www.vintagepicnics.co.ke</a>) is designed as an e-commerce platform, showcasing a signature range of picnicking accessories. “Assembling this range of picnicware has not been a walk in the park.&nbsp; Although I knew what I wanted from the start, what I hadn’t anticipated was just how challenging it would be to bring this to life.&nbsp; From global sourcing, to customizing the products, right down to marketing – all in the middle of these unprecedented times – it has indeed been refreshing to see the products pop up in places I wouldn’t have normally seen.”&nbsp; The long-term plan is to expand the site’s catalogue to cover a wider range of products.&nbsp;This in itself would give other marketers and manufacturers an avenue to meet new customers and deepen their marketing forays.These two projects are best described as a labour of love, inspired by the cabin fever that has dominated our lives over the past year.&nbsp; “While lockdown remains a very important strategy in flattening the curve, new evidence shows that with the necessary precautions, being out of our homes in certain spaces can be relatively safe, and we can easily integrate outdoor living to maintain optimum physical, social and mental health.&nbsp; My new business eases this integration in two ways: through quality curated content, and through an expansive range of quality products for that all-important meal at the heart of every exciting journey outside.”<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="1693" height="581" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eb4IhJZmE2M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

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Vintage Picnic: The Pandemic Project That Is Redefining DIY Picnics

The infamous quote by our Health CS is that ‘If we continue to treat this disease (Covid-19) normally, then it will treat us abnormally’. As such, things have shifted from the normal way we’re used to. Unfortunately, the hospitality industry has taken an undeniable hit considering most socializing,unwinding, entertainment and bonding happens in this sector. As a response to the ‘new normal’, and to ensure that we can still have fun albeit safely, the ministry of tourism has released guidelines and protocols, which are to be followed by hotels, entertainment joints, camps and other hosts. This is to ensure Covid-19 containment measures are followed and to ensure the safety of both staff and clients.So, if you are planning for a getaway, or a trip, here are some changes you should expect to find in the accommodation and dining places.<ol start="1"> <li>Sanitization </li></ol>You will be required to clean your hands frequently. As this is the first step in reducing infection transmission, it is good that you comply.All joints are required to put up hand washing spots throughout the premise, with signage indicating the same.Also, portable hand sanitizers are required to be given to guests, to carry around, and this applies even to the tour vehicle operators. Also ensure you carry your own sanitizer if possible.All hotel rooms, camp sites should be disinfected thoroughly following ministry of health set guidelines after guests have checked-out. They should be given at least an idle day before admitting other guests. All linen should be collected and disinfected in a central place to prevent contamination.<ol start="2"> <li>Food matters</li></ol>We all love some good food,especially away from home. So, the ministry has come up with a way to ensure your food is healthy. You will miss your buffet style meal in most scenarios.Buffet style serving, especially where guests serve themselves is discouraged.In the event of a buffet, the chefs should serve the food, while wearing masks and gloves, they should also be keen to observe social distance. A glass screen/shield is also encouraged in such scenarios. Otherwise, it is safer to have prepackaged meals, with disposable containers. Utensils used communally should be disinfected before next use. This also applies to drinks. <ol start="3"> <li>Staff health</li></ol>All core staff of the premises are required to have Covid-19 free certificates, which are valid for not longer than 14 days. This means that the hotel staff will be required to take the covid tests frequently. As a result, most of the hotel(s) management have resulted in having staff in shifts- which translates to reduced manpower. This means that your order may not come as fast as you’d wish. &nbsp;<ol start="4"> <li>Covid Awareness Signages </li></ol>As a constant reminder that these are not normal times,premises have been encouraged to stick out posters relating to Covid-19 at strategic points. So be ready to see many of these. &nbsp;Signages indicating different directions are also encouraged. The premises are also required to plan the seating space in a manner encouraging a social distance of 1.5 meters from one person to the next.Waiting staff are also required to keep a safe distance while receiving and delivering guests' orders. Premises should be disinfected regularly, especially high traffic areas. Such should also be manned by staff. Doors can be wedged open, to reduce risk of contamination from one handler to the next.<ol start="5"> <li>Guest safety</li></ol>Your temperature will be taken frequently, and as much as it may bother you, this is the new normal. This ist o ensure that you or your loved ones do not have a fever, which is a cardinal sign of Covid-19. You might also be required to pre-book your stay to where you are going. This will also require you to fill a medical and travel declaration form online, to ensure full risk assessment. Institutions are required to have access to medical facilities, a pharmacy, or a medic on site in case of any guest has medical related issues.&nbsp;These are some among the many changes you might find out there. They are all meant to protect our good health. Go have fun, and stay safe.&nbsp;‍

Planning a getaway? Here are some changes to expect

Choosing a hydration vest for running might be challenging given the fact that options are endless. Whether you like hiking, going for daily jogs, cycling, you’ll need a pack that is substantial, easy to carry and sizeable for all the essentials, be it snacks, fluids, your phone etc.How to choose the best optionWhen choosing a hydration vest, there are certain things you need to consider. You will need a vest that offers maximum comfort. The shoulder, chest and waist straps should offer you that. When it comes to the shoulder straps, they need to be padded and wide enough allowing it to distribute weight evenly. As for the fit, it would be best to consider how the vest feels on your back and how well it compliments your natural position. The capacity of the vest matters too. Depending on how much you like to carry while on a hike, trailing or cycling. A 5-12litres vest usually offers more than enough room to fit all your belongings- be keen not to over pack. Here is our budget friendly option you can consider while shopping for hydration vests:Topspeed 5L lightweight Multipurpose hydration vestBest for cycling, Hiking and running.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:2500px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f95cc36ee9ba48db944f34d_running.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>Features:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2L Water bladder included in the price.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Super-light elastic fabric to help you go farther every time. Empty weight: ~260 grams.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Breathable back and shoulder straps for maximum comfort.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reflective edges to keep you safe while cycling or jogging at night.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Empty capacity: 5L.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Extendable capacity in shoulder strap pockets can fit additional small items.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Available in black, red and grey.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Price: Ksh2799/=.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Where to purchase: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/outdoorer.ke/?hl=en">outdoorer.ke </a>‍

A budget friendly Hydration Vest for your next hiking adventure 

Playdates give your kids a chance to interact with their age-mates while learning some social skills including turn-taking and conflict resolutions. Choosing the right outfit for your kids is as crucial as picking their playdate partners. It would be best if you determined whether the clothes are stretchy enough, washable, comfortable and not forgetting stylish. With the numerous clothing options and great deals available today, you can go beyond the basic jeans and t-shirt style. Here are some tips to guide you through:<ol start="1"> <li>Choose functional clothes</li></ol>It might be tempting to dress your kids in fancy clothes,and as much as they will look great, the clothes might not be functional for play. It will be best if you pick some laid-back casual outfits that aren't overly fancy. For instance, you can opt for soft cotton, which prevents excessive sweating. Also, ensure that the length is excellent to avoid injuries in case the kid trips.<ol start="2"> <li>Choose comfortable clothes.</li></ol>Pick clothes flexible enough to enable your child to cross their legs or climb over a frame. Avoid too slippery fabrics that restrict your kids from crawling, standing, or moving comfortably on smooth surfaces. You may also need to ensure that you fasten the belts and shorts adequately to prevent them from continually falling, which can be a nuisance.<ol start="3"> <li>Consider the weather</li></ol>If it's cold, dress up your kid in lots of layers and thick jackets. You can consider a waterproof outer layer for the rain. In the hotsummer, look for loose pants, skirts or dresses. Also ensure the clothes are absorbent to absorb the sweat.<ol start="4"> <li>Colors</li></ol>Avoid too bright colors that can stain easily. Dress your child to get dirty, since play-especially outdoor involves getting into dirt.Bright colors will restrict the child, as they are afraid of getting dirty, and you may also need to keep changing the outfits.<ol start="5"> <li>Pick strong fabrics</li></ol>You need to shop for clothing that can hold up to several years of cleaning without wearing. Natural fabrics are always the best option for every occasion. Cotton is a good idea, since it is comfortable. Khaki bottoms are also a good sport.We will keep giving you more tips on ensuring your kids have the best fun. Enjoy and keep safe.&nbsp;‍

What to consider when picking an outfit for your kid’s playdate

‘Spoke n Lace’, an all-girl cycling group will for the first time attempt to complete an arduous feat of cycling a Tricentury(300km) within 24 hours to encourage more Kenyan women to take up cycling as a fun, healthier, safer, greener and more efficient means of transport. The race dubbed‘Sparta Ride’ will take place on August 15, 2020 from Nairobi to Oloitoktok and back. The event is open to all female cyclists who would like to see a change in the culture of cycling in Kenya, including improvement of infrastructure and equal rights for all road users. “We are determined we are going to make it within 24 hours because we have been training regularly especially during the lockdown period when we had more free time.” said JodeeMisere, one of the founding partners. Women interested in joining should message@jodeemisere via Instagram. &nbsp;'Spoke n Lace' comprises of 13 women brought together by their love for cycling and on a mission to create awareness on the importance of making roads in Nairobi more cyclist-friendlyand to sensitize other road users about the necessity of sharing the road.They focus on riding within Nairobi and nearby counties including Machakos,Taita Taveta, Magadi and Kajiado. They also have a social monthly event called Critical Mass held on the last Saturday of every month where cyclist bike through Nairobi promoting a culture and a passion for cycling. “Two-wheel commute has largely been dominated by men. Most women are either terrified of riding in Nairobi’s traffic or perhaps haven’t cycled for many years and need toregain their confidence to get back on their bike or are new to cycling and looking for company. Spoke n Lace stands for empowering women to use cycling as a mode of transport and a sport.” added Jodee.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;‍

Setting the bar high: ‘Spoke n Lace’ Group enjoying the outdoors while keeping fit

BLOOMBERG BUSINESS WEEK, 11.05.2021 | &nbsp; Hinckley Yachts, a storied shipwright that was founded in 1928 and has been building out of Southwest Harbor, Maine, since 1933, has a rule: construct no boat until it’s been purchased. A client buys a boat and then works with Hinckley specialists to craft it. The results are spectacular yachts and motorboats made with carbon fiber, epoxy, beautiful woods, and up-to-the-moment technology.&nbsp;But in 1994, <a href="https://www.hinckleyyachts.com/">Hinckley</a> broke its no-building-before-buying rule for the very first <a href="https://www.hinckleyyachts.com/models/picnic-boats/">Picnic Boat</a>. The company was struggling financially when co-owners Bob Hinckley and Shep McKenney came up with the idea for a dayboat: It would look like the lobster boats that trolled Maine’s rocky coves, be made of the then-newfangled Kevlar composite, and use an innovative inboard jet system to allow the hull to navigate shallow water.Perfectly suited for sunset cruising with cocktails, the first Picnic Boat was launched in May of that year, with no interest and no buyers. But late that summer, as McKenney told me for my book, Hinckley Yachts: “a guy comes down the dock and asks for a ride. We’re out for a bit, and when he gets off the boat he extends his arm to shake my hand and says, ‘I’ll take two.’ ”<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621281343/Hinckley_c397cbefcc.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>Photo Courtesy: Bloomberg</figcaption></figure>Today, the Picnic Boat is a cornerstone of the company’s business and one of its best-known products—Hinckley even trademarked the name. Now in its 25th year of production and with more than 1,200 built, the boat is available in 34-, 37-, and 40-foot variants with price tags of $1 million to $1.7 million. A “Signature” edition created in honor of the anniversary features comforts such as air conditioning and diesel generators as standard.Hinckley, with its elegant design and use of varnished woods, “speaks to an era of boating that feels like it’s been passed by in favor of bland white hulls and misshapen powerboats,” says Peter Ostrega, global managing director for legal consultant Consilio, who bought a Picnic 34 in 2018. “When combined with the technology they put in every boat, it was the only boat we ever considered—and the only yacht builder we would work with in the future.”The Picnic Boat has been in such high demand, there’s a backlog of orders almost two years long, according to Scott Bryant, Hinckley’s vice president for sales. Chairman David Howe even notes that certified preowned Hinckleys often sell for more than the original owner paid for them—a rarity in the industry.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621281530/1000x_1_59c9665845.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>A Hinckley Picnic Boat, Photo Courtesy: Bloomberg</figcaption></figure>When customers began extending the boating season in the Northeast, Hinckley introduced <a href="https://www.hinckleyyachts.com/yachtcare/">YachtCare</a> in 2019, a service that picks a boat up whenever its owners decide they’re through taking it out and brings it to one of the company’s 10 facilities. It returns the boat in the spring, fully serviced.You’ll know Hinckley’s most popular models by their unmistakable sweeping sheer (the shape of the hull), curved transom, and lavish use of varnished teak and polished stainless steel. The inboard jet system is still standard: In it, a diesel engine is combined with an intake in the bottom and a propulsion mechanism in back that pushes and turns the boat. This setup not only allows for easy handling but also gives Picnic Boats access to shallower waters and better fuel efficiency at high speeds. The boats also feature Hinckley’s patented JetStick, a joystick whose computer simultaneously engages&nbsp;the boat’s jet and&nbsp;bow thruster and uses GPS technology to maneuver easily in tight spaces, something particularly helpful when docking.“I was attracted to Hinckley’s boats because they are the prettiest powerboats on the water, in my opinion,” says Ostrega. “Only a beautiful monohull sailboat looks better.”This article was first published by <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-11/hinckley-yachts-new-picnic-boat-brings-power-beauty-on-the-water">Bloomberg</a> on May,11,2021.&nbsp;

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Hinckley Makes The Perfect Picnic On Water

Honestly 2020 has been a rough year. This is something we all agree on, no debates. And even though the year is coming to an end, we are somehow grateful but cautious about the coming year. All the same, this should not stop us from unwinding and making the best out of this festive season. If you are looking to get out into the world without sacrificing all the comfort from home, then glamping should be at the top of your list. It has easily become a trend in the travel world over the past few years and most hotels and resorts are jumping aboard with aesthetically pleasing rooms and tents for an ultimate glamping experience. Here are a few glamping sites you can find across the country<a href="https://www.segera.com/">Segera Retreat</a><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1475px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fd52fdc1b6de9636fd66582_segera%20retreat.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>Luxury has no limit at Segera Retreat.Located in the heart of Laikipia, the wildlife sanctuary and eco safari retreat aims to offer guests a magical experience in the wild. &nbsp;The retreat offers four types of accommodations: A farmhouse, Segera house, Villa Segera and the garden villa which comprises of 6 garden villas. &nbsp;The houses and villas have aesthetically pleasing layout ad interior décor which differs from most eco retreats layout. Some of the activities that one can do while at the retreat include: game drives, wild picnics, outdoor cinema, gathering wild honey just to mention a few. The retreat also boasts of well trained and experienced game drivers who are well versed with wild animals and the sanctuary at large.Their current 2020 accommodation rates are US$ 1485 per person sharing per night during the low season and US$ 1760 per person sharing during the high season. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The rock and sea bubble ecolodge<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fd52f4515146591d8d5cfba_Bubble%20hotel%20watamu.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>When the sandy beaches call we have no choice but to listen. If you are looking to try something new from the normal hotels and resorts at the coast, the rock and sea bubble ecolodge in Watamu promises to offer you an unforgettable experience. The bubble lodges are not only bubble shaped but also fully made of glass offering you a new outdoor experience. Honestly, nothing seems exciting as sleeping in a glass bubble while admiring the beautiful well displayed stars in the sky. The ecolodge also has an amazing panoramic restaurant built on a coral rock at over 40 metres above sea level. &nbsp;Some of the activities at the ecolodge include: snorkeling, sea diving, kayaking and kite surfing among other interesting activities. The accommodation rates depend on the type of lodge or tent you select.Entumoto safari campThe private tented safari camp is title refers to meeting point in the Maa language. The title is inspired by the location of the camp where the plains meet the hills and where valleys come together. Located in the hills of the Rift valley, Entumoto offers its guests breath taking views and sunsets over the Mara plains. Some of the activities in the camp include, game drives, cultural trips, sundowners, open air bush meals and other interesting activities.They are currently offering three nights for 2 for the rest of 2020. Most of their rates are tailored for all-inclusive deals. Mara Explorer<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1280px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fd52f92718dbb474ac49248_mara%20explorer.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>Located in the very heart of Maasai Mara National Reserve, the 10 luxury tents offer guests prime views of the game as well as the yearly wildebeest migration which takes place between July and September. Guests also get to see herds of elephants and rhinos from the luxury of their verandas.The tents have been uniquely designed to open up to the sky and, on a deck on one side, a Victorian claws-foot bathtub which offers secluded open-air bathing – and a unique new perspective of the African bush.Both the luxury twin tent and luxury double tents rate start from $610 all inclusive. &nbsp;&nbsp;‍

The festive season is here, we are going glamping 

There is no doubt Kenya is full of beautiful landscapes and nature trails all over the country. We have infinite perfect spots for outdoor activities such as picnics. So, whether you are in Nairobi, Kisumu, Rift Valley or in the Coast, going for out for a picnic is a must. Each county has various locations to choose from for an ideal picnic with loved ones. Here, we highlight for you some of the magical places you can visit across the country: Kisumu Impala Sanctuary - <a href="http://www.kws.go.ke/content/kisumu-impala-sanctuary">http://www.kws.go.ke/content/kisumu-impala-sanctuary</a>Set on the beautiful shores of Lake Victoria, the Kisumu impala sanctuary offers you a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere to enjoy mother nature. The sanctuary boasts of five picnic sites to choose from. All sites have a lovely view of the lake while impalas and zebras roam around freely creating just the right environment for a picnic. Ngong Hills- <a href="http://www.kenyaforestservice.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=524">http://www.kenyaforestservice.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=78&amp;Itemid=524</a>Surrounded by different types of exotic and indigenous trees plus scenic views, Ngong hills proves to be an ideal location for picnics. It is a popular site for hikers and nature lovers who enjoy trekking along nature trails while soaking in beautiful views like the wind generations sites. The site is also great for group travels so pick your squad and head to Ngong. Maasai Mara- <a href="https://www.maasaimarakenyapark.com/">https://www.maasaimarakenyapark.com/</a>No location best describes a picnic in the wild better than Maasai Mara, Kenya’s popular safari destination. You and your friends can enjoy a picnic mid-game drive as you enjoy the beautiful nature that abounds in the Mara as the wildlife roam around.Jumba ruins - <a href="https://www.museums.or.ke/jumba-la-mtwana/">https://www.museums.or.ke/jumba-la-mtwana/</a>Located just 10km from Mombasa, Jumba Ruins is a perfect spot for a chilled picnic for you and your loved ones. It has a quiet atmosphere accompanied by the sound of the sea breeze swooshing through the trees and ruins. The half ruins also add an aesthetically pleasing view to the location alongside the sea. &nbsp;Diani Beach - <a href="https://magicalkenya.com/places-to-visit/coastal-kenya/diani-beach/">https://magicalkenya.com/places-to-visit/coastal-kenya/diani-beach/</a>Still at the coast, one can visit the famous Diani beach. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa and a major hit with both local and international tourists. The location is picture perfect and the refreshing breeze plus the beautiful sunsets will make your evening picnic by the beach an unforgettable experience. Karura Forest - <a href="https://www.friendsofkarura.org/">https://www.friendsofkarura.org/</a>Just a few meters from the Nairobi CBD is the Karura forest, a beautiful haven for nature lovers. It entails a nature trail covered by acres upon acres of trees and grassland for the ideal picnic. You can set up your picnic by the rocks at the river facing the falls and in addition to that, there are caves, a natural lake and waterfalls that are a perfect backdrop for photos to help you capture those beautiful moments. Nairobi National Park - <a href="http://www.kws.go.ke/parks/nairobi-national-park">http://www.kws.go.ke/parks/nairobi-national-park</a>The park within a city, the Nairobi national park is well known for its wide-open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers. It is also s a host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and a diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. You can set up a picnic and get to enjoy the views and spot the wildlife giving a home away from home type of feeling.If you are at the Kenyan Coast, then <a href="https://www.thepicnicsite.co.ke/blog/ideal-picnic-spots-at-the-kenyan-coast">here</a> are places you must visit.‍‍

Ideal picnic locations across Kenya

The Leleshwa wine tour is not your typical wine tour. It is more like a wine farm walkabout, but one that fills you with great pride just knowing that in under 30 years, it will make it to Kenya's already decorated tourism destinations’ list.&nbsp; If you are familiar with the wine business, then you will appreciate that the wine business is not for the faint-hearted. This is an investment that requires more than just the huge capital that goes into starting it up. It also takes an insurmountable amount of patience - a rare virtue in entrepreneurs in Kenya. And even with this, its take-off and survival is still not guaranteed.&nbsp; I say this because I do not want you to compare the Leleshwa wine farm walkabout with your Stellenbosch, Franschoek or Groot Constancia experience. That wouldn’t be fair. Some of these vineyards have been around for centuries. In fact, Groot Constatncia has been around for a record 332 years.&nbsp; With that understanding, we set out on a walkabout to the famed homegrown Leleshwa Vineyard, situated at the Morendat farm in Naivasha, it is about a 2-hours drive from Nairobi by road and approximately 95 kilometres from the city. The tours are held annually between October and December. The tour fully depends on the frequency of bookings. From our booking experience, it is evident that the interest is growing and soon we may have to book months in advance.&nbsp; The tour starts at 10:00am. This means that you have to factor in your travel time especially if you are joining in from out of town. It is prudent to layer your clad as the sun peels off fairly fast. Pick sneakers over boots. You might need your sun hat and sunglasses; the scarf has no rules. Pack light, it is not that kind of a trek. The team provides drinking water and that’s a litre or so, off your luggage.&nbsp; In terms of what to expect, you will start with the beef farm. Lots of pedigree beef…sorry, cows. It is just difficult not to view the live animals as plated. My friend Esther only had visions of the handbags the hides these would produce. She has an eye.&nbsp;<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1875px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fdbaecdaf50450fe3cf20e4_tou.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure> Next we went to the actual vineyard. About 4,000 acres of in total.&nbsp; Our most treasured lesson for the day was that there is a stark difference between table grapes and wine grapes. What this means is that you cannot make wine from your everyday grocery grapes. This got me wondering if I can make cider from my table apples.&nbsp;We also learnt that for the first time, Leleshwa will bring to market the Chenin Blanc which has been in the making for 4 years. From what we sampled, the Chenin Blanc has so much potential to win some international awards.&nbsp; <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1875px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fdbaf68fcc9fc9ca276fb77_Blanc.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure> Leleshwa is also testing for Malbec. The vines have a few more months to harvest. So be on the lookout for a bottle of Leleshwa Malbec (2021) at your W&amp;S. And with all the experience, knowledge, resources and ready market, I am not putting the likelihood of a Leleshwa Gin and Leleshwa Vodka too far out.&nbsp; If you are looking for a slightly different experience than the wine farm walkabout, they should be harvesting in Q1 of 2021. Hopefully they can open up the harvesting experience to the public. We are told the harvesting starts at 3:00am in the morning. So you can plan around this. For bookings, write to winetours@kenyanut.com. The cost is 10,000/- per person and this covers an all light breakfast, a post walkabout 3-course meal paired with bottomless wine.

Leleshwa wine tour... not your ordinary wine tour

We’ve all been there. You’re young, naïve, full of hopes and dreams. &nbsp;You know, the ones you have before you run headfirst into the concrete wall that is life &amp; the numerous responsibilities you didn’t sign up for as an adult member of the human race. &nbsp;In my case, one of them included having a vehicle that could use all of 400 horsepower, or more. Doing the 0-100 km/h sprint in about 4 seconds would be nice too. But mostly it was about that number. It had to match what the WRC cars could deliver, or better it. 300 brake horsepower sounded like a lot back then. Today, it really isn’t. &nbsp;In 2015, I thought that dream was going to end up with me cramming a 7-liter V8 into the engine bay of a then 9-year old Japanese wagon. This didn’t happen. What did happen is that in 2017, I sold the sensible station wagon bought a lemon of a car. &nbsp;Like all interesting project cars, at first glance, they don’t look like much. There’s usually a lot to fix.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1280px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f739276a96d3e167ad35d5a_1.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>&nbsp;For most Kenyans, anything with 4-wheels and an engine is an appliance. Does it start? Will it burn a hole in my pocket? Can my usual mechanic fix whatever problems crop up without ripping me off? Oh, and I have to look good in it. &nbsp;That’s the typical checklist here, and it explains why we end up with so many underpowered, shoddily maintained BMWs and Mercedes on our roads. Because image, or our perception of it, comes first. Who needs maintenance when you’re driving an underpowered tub of German lard? &nbsp;A project car requires a different mentality. It’s a borderline obsession with creating something fantastic out of something sub-par. It’s you saying no, when everyone else says, yes. &nbsp;Which inevitably means starting with something that has a million problems to fix. The 6-speed dual-clutch transmissions in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Xs hada curious flaw – especially for a German firm. The mechanism that would shift it into 4th gear had about as much integrity as a Kenyan politician .It wasn’t long before they failed. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1280px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f7392c5d77a04cfa0c94084_3.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>&nbsp;But that wasn’t a deal breaker. The engine and gearbox were going to be fully rebuilt anyway, so all the old stuff had to come out. This, I thought, would be a short project. 2 months of disassembly, rebuilding, and I can finally get behind the wheel of something potent before I turn 30. Life, had other ideas. In the same way that an army marches on its stomach, project success is heavily reliant on logistics. When you’re trying to source 300 plus kilograms of parts from continents away, all kinds of things can – and do - go wrong. I ended up with an extra pair of camshafts, for instance, because the initial set ordered was ‘misplaced’, and then ‘found’, months later. &nbsp;<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1280px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f7392d63d7b52c73915ecd2_4.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>After being so agonizingly close to<a href="https://www.instagram.com/zafar.sadik/"> finishing the engine re-assembly</a>, the cam cap snapped. This is a relatively small, but vital block of <a href="https://www.amsperformance.com/cart/ams-mitsubishi-4b11-cam-cap/">forged aluminum</a> that cradles one end of your camshafts and keeps them in place when you’re revving out to 8000 rpm. Between ordering a replacement, and getting it into the block, at least 4 months had passed. What I thought was going to be a<a href="https://www.instagram.com/zafar.sadik/"> 2-month project</a> stretched into a 13-month slog, fighting one issue after another. The flip side, however, is that this <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD0JLUsgNQk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">little 4-door</a> sedan taught me things about people, myself, and talent, which I didn’t know. I found local talent in precision machining &amp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/weld_hack/">fabrication</a> which I didn’t know about. Friendships were built around this vehicle and all her tantrums. Friends who said yes to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zafar.sadik/">working on this crazy project</a>, and proceeded to build it come rain, or shine. In the process, a side-hustle was born. &nbsp;The biggest lessons, however, were in being patient, and facing ideas that seem too large, or too complicated to pull off. If you told my then 10-year-old self, watching Collin McRae fly through rally stages in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8pJvcURQuI">Mica Blue Subaru Impreza</a>, that I would own, much less daily-drive something with more power than that vehicle had 20-yearslater, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. &nbsp;I certainly wasn’t the target audience Mitsubishi had in mind when <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ1-v4W3Dsc">Tommi Makinen</a> &amp; Collin McRae were fighting epic battles for the World Rally Championship. But here I am, decades later, buying one of the last of a dying breed of stupidly rapid, capable, all-wheel-drive rally replicas. &nbsp;Mjolnir, as she’s known, finally got back on the road 14-months after she rolled into a makeshift workshop. &nbsp;<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1280px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5f73928e141ca852339c9427_2.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>She has her quirks. At slow speeds over rough roads, she can be a bit of handful, to put it mildly. I adore the stock bucket seats, but – from passenger feedback – they were certainly not built to cater for curvaceous women. Like all of her predecessors, she has a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVt1IjIdLxY">horrifically bad turning</a> circle. If I’ve ever held you up in a parking lot as I do a 10-point turn where everyone else would do a 3-pointer, I apologize. If I eke out 250 km between top ups, I consider that a good run…especially when you have 2-bar of boost under your right foot, and fuel injectors which may as well be a firehose dumping fuel into the cylinders every time I tickle the throttle. Was it all worth it? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDsZOZxA2pf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">Absolutely. </a>&nbsp;Especially if it creates the<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD0JLUsgNQk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link"> next generation</a> of car enthusiasts. &nbsp;‍

Motor enthusiast Ramah Nyang’ on rebuilding his dream car  

Picture this: a beautiful Sunday afternoon out in the sun, hearty laughter,&nbsp;great music and delectable finger foods washed down with a selection of premium drinks – all&nbsp;these, against the backdrop of a spectacular picnic in one of Nairobi’s hidden gems; your chief&nbsp;guest is Mama, and the occasion is Mother’s Day.&nbsp;Now think about this: the possibility of bringing this picture to life on Sunday 9th May 2021, as&nbsp;the world celebrates Mother’s Day. And it gets even better: all you have to do is craft a&nbsp;compelling story that celebrates Mama. If your story receives the highest votes from our panel of judges, we will not only elevate you as a guest contributor on The Picnic Site&nbsp;(<a href="https://admin.thepicnicsite.co.ke/admin/plugins/content-manager/collectionType/application::posts.posts/www.thepicnicsite.co.ke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.thepicnicsite.co.ke</a>) but also present you with an all-expenses-paid picnic set-up for six people, courtesy of Vintage Picnics (<a href="https://admin.thepicnicsite.co.ke/admin/plugins/content-manager/collectionType/application::posts.posts/www.vintagepicnics.co.ke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.vintagepicnics.co.ke</a>).Every day this week, we will give you an opportunity to participate in the Mother’s Delight&nbsp;Competition – each day we will publish a unique theme that captures the spirit of Mothers and&nbsp;Motherhood on our social media handles on Instagram and Facebook. We invite one and all to share with us an original, inspirational and creative narration – through a written essay or poem,&nbsp;a short video or a graphic art piece. Each day, we will evaluate the entries received by the cut-off time, and the winning entrant will secure their spot for the fabulous picnic set-up.Safety Above All&nbsp;As the world adjusts to a new normal, it is of utmost importance that we act responsibly and&nbsp;observe the Covid 19 safety protocols issued by the WHO and the Government of Kenya.&nbsp;We have taken utmost care to ensure that the Mother’s Delight Picnics will meet the highest standards of safety. Physical distancing will be a paramount feature, and each of the picnic setups will be laid out in full compliance with health and safety protocols.&nbsp;A day out in a safe space with controlled human traffic will also provide that special&nbsp;reconnection with nature, something we have all yearned for during the extended lockdowns this past year. Let us create beautiful experiences this Mother’s Day, and celebrate responsibly.&nbsp;For those who may want to do something different for Mama this Sunday, we have curated&nbsp;some content on <a href="https://admin.thepicnicsite.co.ke/admin/plugins/content-manager/collectionType/application::posts.posts/www.thepicnicsite.co.ke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.thepicnicsite.co.ke </a>that can guide you as you plan the perfect Mother’s&nbsp;Day treat.&nbsp;About the Mother’s Delight CompetitionThe Mother’s Delight Competition is proudly brought to you by The Picnic Site and Vintage&nbsp;Picnics. We are passionate about the outdoors and have curated content and accessories that&nbsp;make it possible to do outdoor, smartly – outdoor activities have immeasurable physical, mental,&nbsp;emotional and spiritual benefits.We are committed to changing the script and giving Kenyans a safer and more exciting way to foster stronger social bonds and create great memories through smart outdoor living. The Mother’s Delight Competition will take place from 3rd May to 7th May, and will be&nbsp;conducted on the Competition Organizers Digital Assets as follows:&nbsp; <ul><li>Facebook Vintage Picnics The Picnic Site</li><li>Instagram vintage-picnics thepicnicsite_ke</li><li>Website <a href="https://admin.thepicnicsite.co.ke/admin/plugins/content-manager/collectionType/application::posts.posts/www.vintagepicnics.co.ke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.vintagepicnics.co.ke </a> <a href="https://admin.thepicnicsite.co.ke/admin/plugins/content-manager/collectionType/application::posts.posts/www.thepicnicsite.co.ke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.thepicnicsite.co.ke</a></li></ul> The competition is open to all Kenyan citizens, residents and non-residents over the age of 18&nbsp;years. While multiple entries across the five different themes will be accepted and graded, an&nbsp;individual can only win one prize.All winning entries will be published on the competition organizers’ digital assets. There will be a total of five winners, each winning a picnic set up for 6 people at a location to be announced later. All prizes are not transferrable. By participating in the competition, the winners are&nbsp;expected to carefully select their party of six people who will attend the picnic on Sunday 9thMay 2021. All entries will be judged on Originality and Creativity.____________________________________________________________All Enquiries:Email hello@vintagepicnics.co.kePhone 0746 035043 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620121399/The_Picnic_Site_Mother_s_Day_campaign_1_04_05_21_2_71c9c98daf.jpg">

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Win it!  A deserved Mama’s Day Picnic Treat for Six

No burger week? no problemIf you, like me, are besides themselves with nostalgia from the previous Visa Burger Week,please find comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Be encouraged in knowing that you can recreate your very own burger week. With a pull of friends, you can decide to have a lovely burger potluck weekend outdoors. We have started you off with a simple recipe for one burger. Rally your friends around designing their own, bring them out to review. Share with us photos and reviews and we may just publish them. &nbsp;&nbsp;Quick fix Beef and bean burgers Ingredients:●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 small onion●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;210 gram of red kidney beans, washed and rinsed●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;250 gram beef lean meat●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wholemeal breadcrumbs from one slice of bread●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 tsp mild chili to taste (optional)●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 egg beaten●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 tbsp tomato puree.&nbsp;To serve:●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 large tomato, sliced●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 red onion sliced●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lettuce leaves●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 wholemeal rolls.&nbsp;Method:<ol start="1"> <li>Chop the onions in a food processor, add the beans, mincemeat, breadcrumbs, chili (optional), beaten egg and tomato puree and mix again.</li> <li>Shape the mixture into four patties and chill until ready to barbecue.</li> <li>Barbecue for 5-7 minutes on each side.</li> <li>Serve in the rolls with sliced onion, tomato and lettuce leaves.</li></ol>&nbsp;30 minutes prep and cook timeServes 4 people‍

No burger week? no problem

Our mothers are the reason most of us have made it this far in life. You know how mothers are constantly giving? Sometimes even putting their own needs aside to cater to their near and dear?&nbsp; Why don’t we switch things up a bit and treat Mama like the Queen she is?You can make a special meal plan for Mum this Sunday.&nbsp; As you do this, take into consideration any special dietary needs that she may have, and also be sure to prepare something that she is sure to enjoy.&nbsp; Mama has always served you healthy, wholesome meals with a touch of love.&nbsp; You can still keep it healthy and wholesome for Mama, by recreating classic recipes.&nbsp;We have two ideas for Mama’s treat this Sunday – blueberry pancakes and chicken marsala .&nbsp;Blueberries are one of nature’s superfoods – low in calories and high in nutrients.&nbsp; Chicken marsala is a flavourful dish combining the best of American and Italian cuisine that Mama will definitely enjoy (either at lunch or dinner time)&nbsp;Blueberry pancakes<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620480019/1_cee4eb5cef.jpg" alt=""></figure>Ingredients1 ¾ cups self-rising flour2 tbsp. sugar½ tsp vanilla extract1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries½ tsp salt2 large eggs1 cup of milk1 cup sour cream1 stick butter, melted½ tsp lemon zestMethodSift the flour, sugar, and salt into a large mixing bowl. In a separate large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add the milk, sour cream, half the melted butter and the vanilla, whisking to blend. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour the egg mixture into it. Whisk the ingredients together just until blended. Fold the blueberries and lemon zest into the batter.&nbsp;Heat a large pan over medium heat and coat with some of the remaining melted butter. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of the batter into the hot skillet. Cook 3 or 4 pancakes at a time, depending on the size of the skillet. If the batter seems too thick, thin it with 1 to 2 tablespoons milk. When bubbles begin to form and "pop" on the pancake's surface, after about 1 minute, and the outer edge looks done, flip it over and cook briefly for about 30 seconds on the other side.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620480261/2_2c3d4d207d.jpg" alt=""></figure>You can serve with tea, milk or coffee depending on her preference.&nbsp;Dinner &nbsp;Chicken marsala<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620480512/3_522626f44f.jpg" alt=""></figure>Ingredients2-4 boneless chicken breast halves1 tsp salt, and ground black pepper to taste3 tsp butter, divided2 tbsp. olive oil5-10 white mushrooms sliced1 shallot onion, minced1 tbsp. all-purpose flour1 cup marsala wine2 cups chicken stock2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley1 tsp cold butterMethodSeason chicken breasts all over with salt and pepper.Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts, skin-side down, in hot butter and oil until browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until breasts are almost cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Transfer chicken breasts to a plate.Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in the same pan over medium-high heat. Sauté mushrooms with a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper in hot butter until mushrooms are golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced shallot; cook and stir until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the top and cook and stir until the bitterness of the flour cooks off, 3 to 4 minutes.Pour wine into pan and bring to a boil; cook and stir until wine reduces and sauce thickens, 3 to 4 minutes. Add chicken stock; bring to a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, 3 to 5 minutes more.Return chicken breasts to the pan, reduce heat to low, and cook chicken, turning once, until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.Remove the chicken from the pan, leaving the sauce.Stir parsley and 1 teaspoon cold butter into the sauce, stirring constantly, until sauce is shiny and butter is completely melted.&nbsp;Serve the chicken breasts to plates and spoon mushrooms and sauce over the top.Let us know what Mama thinks.&nbsp; Happy cooking!

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Mother’s Day Is Almost Here.  What’s cooking?  And Who’s Cooking?

Picnics are often illustrated as a group thing. It could be couples, close friends, family or even a colleaguesthing, but it’s not every day you hear someone telling you that they picked up their picnic basket and went out alone. Personally, I have done infinite solo trips,park visits and restaurant dates but never solo picnics until &nbsp;recently when I decided to challenge my self and go out for one. With all the working from home vibe and literally no groupings, I decided there’s no harm in doing certain activities alone.I made a quickgoogle search for ideal picnic locations in my locality and one of the resultscaught my eye- the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary http://www.kws.go.ke/content/kisumu-impala-sanctuary. You see, the best thing with having a destination in mind prior is that you are able to plan accordingly and also, you know what to expect. The KisumuImpala Sanctuary has five different picnic sites to choose from all of which offer a beautiful view of Lake Victoria. Despite being from the lakeside, this stood out for me because I never get enough of this scenic view, especially the sunsets. So with the destination in check, I settled for a Saturday afternoon for my first solopicnic. I was excited and looked forward to a fantastic me-time. being that I hadn’t gone on a solo picnic before, I didn’t have a sizable picnic bag, so Iopted for my medium sized kiondo, oneI had from Maasai market on a previous trip to Nairobi. I packed myMaasai leso, a pair of sunglasses and of course wasn’t going to leave behind was one of my favourite/current read, The Alchemist, such a great book if you ask me. I would totally recommend it. Nothing beats soaking up all of nature's wonders while reading your favourite book. A perfect way to travel in another dimension. For my meal and being a light eater, I opted for my favourite chicken sandwich, two chocolate bars, cold lemonade and a bottle of water- Kisumu is one hot place I wasn’t going to risk &nbsp;dehydration. I was keen to pack my sunscreen as well. I settled for a white sleeveless top and below the knee shorts and with a picnic hat to complete the look, I was good to go. &nbsp;I arrived at the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary and was treated to a great reception. The experience was everything I was looking forward to and their services offered &nbsp;exceeded my expectations. The scenery was beautiful with zebras and Impalas roaming freely around the park.It was just a beautiful experience soaking into all this nature and reading my favourite book while at it. &nbsp;Out of all my solo activities, this would rank as my top two, to be honest. I had such a relaxing afternoon, enough to unwind with all that's going on currently, I got to watch the sunset and complete two chapters of my current read. Couldn't ask for a better afternoon.I would definitely recommend a solo picnic. You owe it to yourself. &nbsp;‍

Picnicking in Solitude

Kids love experimenting, and you can always have them in the kitchen with you setting up different recipes for different occasions. You can have them help you create a picnic menu for your upcoming picnic. Food, drinks and snacks that the whole family would enjoy having during the picnic then create them. Once you are set on the menu they can even have special names for the meals. &nbsp;Below are some ideas for picnic meals suitable for the kidsChewy Honey Granola BarsThese simple yet delicious bars have the sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon,and a bit of crunch. They freeze well and act as a healthy snack option, too. Mini milkshakesThere is nothing better than a perfect milkshake. Luckily, making one at home is extremely easy and your kids can even help you make some. Try making these cute mini milkshakes for your family picnic. You can go ahead and be extra by adding three flavours to suit everyone. You could try oreo, banana, strawberry or even mango and blueberry.Pizza pocketsYou can opt-out the usual large pizza boxes by making your pizzas completely portable by folding them into tasty little pockets filled with ingredients inside. They are not only delicious but they make an ideal picnic lunch for the kids. Homemade SubwayReady to eat sandwiches are always the norm at home, mom or dad gets in the kitchen, quickly whips up a sandwich, packs it and voila ready to eat. Why not try something different for your upcoming picnic with the kids? How about making-your-own buffet with different ingredients suchas salami, lettuce, tomatoes, ham and the likes for the kids to be able to choose according to their liking. Fried chicken fingersIn case eating chicken off the bone is challenging for the little ones you could opt for chicken tenders. You can use your usual fried chicken recipe or if you don't have any you can try the KFC.You can add some flavour to them by dipping them in honey or barbecue sauce alternatively you can pack aside little one's favourite tomato sauce or ketchup and for you, some chilli, just don't let the kids eat the chill if they can't handle the spiciness. Healthy Fruit popsicles Making homemade fruit popsicles is a fun way for kids and adults to experiment in the kitchen. It’s also an easy way to add more nutrients to your day without using refined sugar. You and your kids can decide on one or even 3 different flavours that you would like to add to your picnic menu, it could be a peach strawberry yoghurt popsicle, minty watermelon popsicle and an orange mango coconut popsicle. They are an easy and refreshing treat to help you cool down from the heat given the fact that you and your family will be out in the sun for most of the day. LemonadesA big satisfying gulp of cold, freshly squeezed lemonade is all your kids need to beat the heat while outside enjoying the picnic. They are a refreshing summer drink and also easy to make. Also, another advantage is that you are not only limited to lemons. You can use other fruits such as watermelons, strawberries, raspberries, peaches and any other of your liking. Pro tip: skip the sugar and use honey instead. SamosasHonestly, samosas are one of the tastiest go-to snacks to be ever invented. You can choose to fill it with any savoury of your choice. There is no limit when it comes to the fillings after all that's what makes the samosa. However, making the samosa pockets can be quite a task but the good thing is that you can always buy them from your local supermarkets. To add fun to the process, the kids can help you fill in the pockets. When packing them don't forget your sliced lemons, those two marry well. ‍

Eight kid-approved picnic meals

The vocal bible of pop and R&amp;B has returned with her first album in…. get this.. Eight years!!,and this time, on her own terms. B7&nbsp;is the seventh studio album by American singer&nbsp;Brandy Norwood. The album was released on July 31, 2020, through her own label, Brand Nu, Inc.and&nbsp;eOne Music. It is her first independent release, on her own record label, and her first studio album since 2012 Two Eleven…. This girl is winning… right? Right!.Eight years is a long time without an album, but forgivable for someone who has been an original since 1994. Her album is all about healing and self-love. It also focuses on self-worth, and her own spiritual transformation. The album which comprises of fifteen tracks, also features Chance the rapper in a single, ‘Baby mama’, and also Daniel Ceaser in ‘Love again’.&nbsp;“Sorry for my tardy / long time I was broken-hearted,” she sings on ‘Saving All My Love’, the opening track on‘B7’. Many people have viewed this as an apology for her close to a decadeabsence. The song also serves as a tribute to her late mentor and idol&nbsp;Whitney Houston, as she nods to&nbsp;“the goat”&nbsp;over a euphoric hotbed of kick drums and unrelenting keys doused in urgency. On ‘Unconditional Oceans’ she acknowledges a dysfunctional past: as she sings of how she used to be a mess, and was self-sabotaging. &nbsp;She doesn’t stay down for long, though, finding herself a new swagger on the empowering ‘I Am More’, on about maneuvering the busy production, understanding her worth, and even finding time to flip some of&nbsp;Eminem’s and Biggies lyrics.She addresses mental-health on the raw ‘Bye Bipolar’, and demands communication on the pristinely produced ‘Say Something’. ‘Rather be’ finds her copping to a moment ofweakness, warmly wearing her heart on her sleeve as her love interest playshard-to-get. But Brandy shines brightest on ‘Love again’, which features Ceaser.The album, could use a little more spark, and has an average score on 7.5/10 on reviews. Though it took almost a decade to come by, it was well worth the wait.We wish her well, and hope we get another album soon.Stay safe, and listento some Brandy. ‍

Some Brandy for that picnic? Yes please!

Our picture-perfect picnic this past Sunday almost&nbsp;ended prematurely.&nbsp; We got off to a late start after the heavy downpour the previous night.&nbsp; As the sun broke through the cloudy sky, the parasols went up, creating an aesthetically appealing atmosphere complete with bright-colored mats and overlays, food hampers and great music.&nbsp; Our guests had just completed their first task of the day and settled down to sample the charcuteries and cocktails that they had meticulously created.&nbsp; The Digital Weatherman had assured us that the heavenly taps would open in another 3 hours or so, and we were happily soaking in the lively atmosphere when the skies unexpectedly released a sudden and steady drizzle, disrupting our pristine programme.Once it started to drizzle, the music stopped, as the sound crew sought shelter for their pricey equipment; instinctively, everyone reached out for the priceless possessions, securing them safely under the parasol; two of the parties sought shelter in an adjacent hall, while the other three braved it out under the parasols.&nbsp; Some expertly projecting their gazes skywards and proclaiming that ‘this was rain was just passing by”.&nbsp; As we “waited for the rain to pass” we enjoyed the canapes, cocktails and conversations, indoors and under parasols.&nbsp; Thankfully, the day did not go to waste, and soon enough the rain stopped, the music came back on, and the party continued into the late afternoon.&nbsp;Looking back, I can safely say: do not let the rain reign on your parade; trust the weatherman, but also prepare for the unexpected. Remember, what they said about planning for a rainy day? Here are six guidelines to help you make the most of a rain-drenched picnic:Relax and embrace itYour attitude and ability to adapt to the rain is what determines how the picnic experience will go under the circumstances. The first thing you need to do is to hold the perspective that it is a small shower that will pass so taking down the whole set up or canceling the day as a total wash out should not be an option..&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620839747/Cheers_1387dbcda9.jpg" alt=""></figure>Go undercoverHave a look at your surroundings with a brighter perspective in order to create some quick solutions. Your priority is to identify a dry spot where you can temporarily relocate to. If there are kids around, you’ll also have to improvise a temporary and secure rain shelter.&nbsp;Consider investing in an outdoor canopy or a picnic umbrella which can serve as shelter to protect you from the elements. With a canopy you can easily rearrange things to fit in under and still havet enough room for everyone to take shelter. The good thing about it is that its practical and you can easily peg it into the ground without needing the support of trees.Keep your picnic accessories dryYou might want to grab any vulnerable picnic gear that can get damaged by being exposed to water such as cushions, baskets, sling chairs and stereo system and relocate them to the identified dry spot until the rain stops.&nbsp;You could also cover the gear with plastic bags to shield them from getting drenched. Trash bags can also be quite handy because you could also use the same to make ponchos to keep you dry.Layer up&nbsp;As it starts to get chilly, layer up with long sleeved clothing or blankets. The most suitable clothing for picnics are those that are made from breathable fabric like nylon, polyester or wool rather than 100% cotton which absorbs water, making it difficult to dry up. The rule of the thumb, thought, is to stay dry, rather than drying out after getting rain-soaked.Enjoy the food, hearty conversations and the view<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1620839682/p_IC_afd73c7189.jpg" alt=""></figure>There’s nothing that gets you cozied up like delicious snacks (sandwiches, cheese, nuts, grapes) on a rainy day. If you are concerned about the food getting cold or soggy, pack it inside tightly sealed containers or a cooler and keep the party going.&nbsp;Sip your wine, mimosa, whiskey or juice as you enjoy the therapeutic view and sound of rain drops. Be warned, though - the alcohol may warm your heart but blur your memory when taken in copious quantities.Keep the music playingPart of enjoying a picnic is getting entertained through good music which will irresistibly get you dancing the chills away. We actually have the perfect playlist for you. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://thepicnicsite.co.ke/categories/5f168dd02f926a0118f87534">here</a> to visit our Songbook and find some of our favorite mixes. This could also be a great opportunity to play cards or board games.&nbsp;Remember, if you get it right, rain can actually be the magical ingredient that makes your picnic a memorable event.

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Here’s How To Stop The Rain From Ruining Your Perfect Picnic

We all hope Covid-19 will go away, don’t we? And it shall. ‘We shall overcome’, we keep saying this as much as we keep the hope. So, when we finally overcome, what’s the plan? Camping sounds like a plan, no?Planning for a camp can be hard work, especially if you are to go with the whole family. There are basics that you will need to look into as you plan for it. We’ll give you some ideas on how to plan for the near perfect camp:LocationCampgrounds vary indifferent styles of camping for families but the campsite selection must be based on the need and preference of all members of your family, not only yours.Established campgrounds or national parks are ideal sites. Remote locations are interesting if you plan to spend the entire time in the camp. Established grounds have the advantage of amenities like running water and bathroom facilities. Though you might have to book in advance, it is worth the cost.TentsWell,what is camping without a tent? Pack your tent, which is probably bigger that all your luggage. But, you need it. Choose a tent that is durable, for multiple use. In established grounds, they might offer the tents at a fee, which is convenient since you will have less luggage.Basic amenitiesYou will need to eat, drink and keep warm during camping. If you are going camping in remote areas where there are no basic amenities like water, you will need to pack your own. Cooler boxes come in handy at this time. The bigger the cooler box the better to reduce the number of luggage you have to carry along. You can carry your water and drinks in one, and food items in another. Depending on the number of days you will be camping, carry enough to last. Clothing will also come in handy. It is a good idea to carry clothes warm enough especially for the night. The tent is not as warm as your bedroom. PackingWe keep insisting on the idea of having less luggage. To pack your camping essentials, it is easier if you have one large bag –we recommend a water proof one. The alternative of this is to line your bag with a garbage bag inside to make sure that items in the bag remain dry. Pack your items in order of priority. Ensure all the space in your bag is used up. Also, ensure like-items are grouped together for ease of setting up when you get to the camping site.Here is a list of items you will need to pack:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sleeping-bag and mat&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Knife&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Batteries&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iv.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Flashlight&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;v.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Matches&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;vi.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Extra clothes, with multiple pairs of socks&nbsp;&nbsp;vii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Compass&nbsp; viii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cellphone, for communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ix.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Food and water&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;x.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Toiletries&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;xi.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pen and paper&nbsp;&nbsp;xii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camera&nbsp; xiii.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insect repellents xiv.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thepicnicsite.co.ke/blog/first-aid-essentials-for-your-next-hike">First aid kit</a>, including medication for anyone who is asthmatic or diabetic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;‍

How to plan for a perfect family camping trip

It’s thanksgiving, again! Except, like every other holiday this year, its different! The Ministry of Health has put in place pandemic containment measures and we are not supposed to have mass gatherings. The beauty of Thanksgiving is celebrating it with family and some amazing food. So, it’s okay to feel meh this time round if you can’t link up with the fam. However, and as usual, we got you covered on the food bit. We talked to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fashion_food_laughter/?hl=en">Chef Feizal</a>, who put together an amazing recipe that you can whip up and enjoy on Thanksgiving Dinner.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:3024px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fbeba8bb4d859be59fc50a6_1-min.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure> Lemon and Herb Chicken BreastServes: 5Total Time: 4hrs40MinsINGRIDIENTS:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2kg Chicken breasts ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;¼ Cup milk·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5 Garlic cloves·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3 Green chillies·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;¼ bunch coriander ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;¼ bunch basil·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;¼ bunch rosemary leaves·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;½ cup oil·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;½ tsp salt·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;½ tsp black pepper·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 lemon juice·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fresh coriander and lemon to garnish DIRECTIONS:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mix all ingredients in a blender and blend until fine, in a small bowl marinate chicken breasts for 4 hours.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remove from marinade heat a nonstick pan and frychicken breast for 15 minutes until slightly browned, turn down the heat and pour in marinade allow to cook further for 10 minutes.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preheat your oven to 180 degrees and pop them into the oven for 15-20 min.4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check if fully cooked through add coriander before serving. 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serve with lemon wedges and salad, potatoes or even rice.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-center"><div><img src="https://d3e54v103j8qbb.cloudfront.net/img/image-placeholder.svg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;‍

No Turkey? No worries…. Our Quick-fix Lemon and Herb Chicken Breast Got you sorted for Thanksgiving Dinner

Our Africa Face of the Month Patricia Kihoro embodies female empowerment and is a role model to girls and women of all ages. “I celebrate women who challenge the status-quo- women who have challenged the systems that oppress us by fearlessly living their lives as they see fit, rather than as they have been conditioned or groomed to”So, without further ado, let’s get to know Kenyan Superstar Patricia Kihoro:Fact One: She’s a woman of many talents:Patricia is a singer, actor, and comedian and enjoys each of them equally. But, if she had to pick, it would be singing as she’s done it for the longest.Fact Two: More about her career path:She was going to study psychology but an opportunity to be in a play presented itself and she deferred a semester to participate. That was her first professional performance on stage. &nbsp;&nbsp;Fact Three: Patricia is excited about local TV and Film:<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621269687/2_0c96c0bb7a.png" alt=""><figcaption>Photo Courtesy: Patricia Kihoro on Instagram&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>“Kenyans have such talent and such commitment to the industry”. She is excited to see local Kenyan originals on Showmax, such as Crime and Justice.Fact Four: As the host of Yes! Ndio! Beeni! she’s the show’s biggest advocateThe show is full of warmth, love, and beautiful demonstrations of intention and commitment between two people. Watch it Wednesdays at 19:30 CAT on HONEY, DStv channel 173.Fact Five: What’s on her watchlist?Her favourite is Room Reno, which airs on Fridays at 19:30 CAT on HONEY, DStv channel 173. You’ll also find her watching Nigerian Idol, every Sunday at 19:00 CAT on Africa Magic, DStv channel 198, and bingeing all seasons of Insecure on Showmax.Fact Six: As a content creator, she’s motivated by the launch of Showmax Kenya“It’s very motivating and I am inspired towards one day creating and seeing my ideas come to life”Fact Seven: When it comes to her free time<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dn4vattmg/image/upload/v1621269549/1_fdededd069.png" alt=""><figcaption>Photo Courtesy: Patricia Kihoro on Instagram&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>“Bingeing is my guilty pleasure and when I have moments to rest, I’m watching entire seasons of shows and movies. I recently watched Why women kill and Knives out- both brilliantly done.” You can watch both on Showmax.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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How Well Do You Know Africa Face of the Month Patricia Kihoro?

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 every year as a commemoration of the modern environmental movement that was established in 1970.&nbsp;It is a day that shifts our collective focus on our fragile planet and steers our actions towards protection and conservation.&nbsp;The theme for this year’s Earth Day is “Restore our Earth”. The OriginEarth Day was first commemorated in the United States of America at a time when the effects of environmental pollution from factories and fuels were increasing rapidly. Senator Gaylord Nelson, an American environmentalist and politician introduced the concept of a 'national teach-in on the environment' in 1970.&nbsp;He rallied support from both political and academic arenas and succeeded in creating a national movement that saw the first Earth Day celebrations take place across America on April 22, 1970. Today, Earth Day is celebrated in more than 190 countries around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;The theme for this year’s Earth Day is “Restore our Earth”, and the focus is on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystem.The Earth Day celebrations take place for a week, and below are some of the activities that one can engage in. How can you celebrate Earth Day?We can make Earth Day an everyday affair by promoting practices that protect planet earth.&nbsp;Here are a few ways to commemorate this special day, every day: <ul><li>Plant a tree - Trees contribute to the environment by improving the quality of air, preserving soil, and conserving water.&nbsp;Trees also provide shade and shelter. Teach children the importance of planting trees and plant some with them.</li></ul> <ul><li>Pick up trash – Lead by example by promoting a litter-free environment. Encourage others to dispose of all trash responsibly and organize clean-up events in your community.</li></ul> <ul><li>Recycle - Earth Day is an important day to learn about recycling. Everyday items made from glass, plastics, and metals can be recycled, reused, or repurposed.</li></ul> <ul><li>Conserve Water – Be mindful of running water and fix leaking taps as soon as possible.&nbsp;Consider recycling water where practical.</li></ul> <ul><li>Reduce the use of chemicals and pesticides in gardens- These chemicals hurt the environment, especially if not absorbed by the soil. Go for organic manure instead.</li></ul> <ul><li>Spread the gospel - Join the civic movement and educate others on the need to safeguard our fragile planet.</li></ul> <ul><li>Go for eco-friendly picnics – think ‘green’, from meal prep and packing to post-picnic cleanup.&nbsp;Choose reusable glass bottles for your drinks and multi-use lunch boxes for your food items.&nbsp;Reduce the use of plastic wrappings, to minimize littering. After your picnic, ensure that you pick all trash and dispose of it responsibly.</li></ul> Join the global community on <a href="http://www.earthday.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.earthday.org</a> and be part of the movement keeping Planet Earth safe.

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Interesting Facts About Earth Day

The Jacaranda Propaganda. You’ve probably heard about it or come across the Hashtag Jacaranda Propaganda (#JacaradaPropaganda) on Social Media. Better yet, you may have spotted the purple Jacaranda flowers shining in the sun and littering the ground in your neighborhood. Yes, the#JacarandaPropaganda is about nature showing off through blooming Jacarandas. In Kenya, they bloom in September through to late September.&nbsp;<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1342px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fa74f64eabba48a3f2c044e_2.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>Jacarandas are an exotic blessing that was left behind by the British at the end of their colonial rule of the country and by extension, Africa. As such, they are mostly found in areas previously occupied by whites-you will not spot a Jacaranda tree in the wild. You’ll spot Jacaranda’s in Kenya's urban areas of Nairobi, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri, Kiambu, Limuru, Tigoni, Murang'a, Timau, Eldoret, Kakamega, Naivasha, Kisumu and everywhere else the British settled or administered in the early-mid 1900s.Jacarandas are attributed to Allan Cunningham, a British explorer and botanist who introduced this ornamental tree into the British psyche. The breed was then exported to Rhodesia, and then spread across the rest of the British colony in Africa. Across the continent, in the former colonies of Britain, #JacarandaPropaganda is something people look forward to.&nbsp;In South Africa for example, in Pretoria, there are an estimated70,000 jacaranda trees that bloom in spring every year. This has earned the city Jacaranda City moniker. Here, you will even spot the rare white Jacarandas. On Herbert Baker Street in Groenkloof, there are about one hundred rare white Jacarandas. Annually, in October, hundreds of Japanese retirees fly in to see this profusion of purple.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1500px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fa74ce525a4ef04e835ab5d_1.jpg" loading="lazy" width="auto" height="auto"></div></figure>Back home, Jacaranda trees are attributed to one Frank Walter Jameson aka Jim Jameson, aka Jacaranda Jim. Jacaranda Jim was Kenya’s Town Planning Consultant in 1926 with a mandate to supervise town planning. Being a Jacaranda tree lover and given his position, Jim planted as many Jacaranda trees as he possibly could.&nbsp;In 2016, #JacarandaPropaganda started gaining popularity on social media in Kenya. When Jacaranda trees in Nairobi started to bloom to a seismic hue of purple in, KOT started taking shots of them and posting on Twitter complete with the Hashtag.The trend has continued gaining popularity among Kenyans. The photos shared are just breathtaking and have even sparked conversations around preserving the environment for future generations. Sadly, most of the Jacaranda trees in the country have been cut down and we may not experience the blooming glory as Jim Jacaranda intended. But seeing that the hashtag is picking fast, there is hope that we can preserve the remaining pieces and even plant more. If not for us, as Jacarandas take 7 to 14 years to grow enough to bloom, for future generations.&nbsp;<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1346px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f168dd02f926aa17ef8751f/5fa74fa36084e3429dde57f0_3.jpg" loading="lazy"></div></figure>In the meantime, go out there, bask in the purple goodness, take photos and join in the #JacarandaPropaganda bandwagon and feel free to tag us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepicnicsite">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/thepicnicsiteke">Twitter </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepicnicsite_ke/?hl=en">Instagram</a> . Take time to look and enjoy the scenery of purple while it lasts. Then let's wait for next year and do it all over again! ‍

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