Corporate ladies: Career Tips!

Hi lovely readers,

It's been a while since my last blog post. My life has been in a major transition and I had to hibernate before I could resume to my daily life whereabouts.

I will be resuming to my 9-to-5 awesome career in the coming weeks. To prepare myself I had to gather career advise from some successful career women. Below are some of the career tips I gathered from career women from all walks of life:

1. Prioritize your goals and tasks - This advise came from my ever amazing mother. In her opinion, when we are in our mid-twenties, we want to do it all and have it all. Which can be a good thing, but every thing should be done in order and with adequate appropriateness. 

2. You are in charge of your own career. Seek opportunities, take risks and demand what you are worth. Ironically, I got this advise from my boss and work mentor. Through my discussion with my boss (who is a lady by the way), said that women so often are scared to going for opportunities or taking risks. The key is to have a balance of the opportunities your going for and taking calculated risks that will yearn the best results.

3. Nobody is perfect - Let go of perfection and focus on consistency; don't sweat the small stuff. This advise was shared by Linda Descano, Managing Director at Citi Bank.

4. Mistakes is your best teacher. I got this advise from my best friend, who writes for Energy Tanzania and Allison Asplin - Fellow at Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Their point was that it is OK to try and fail. These trials are what will get you to the top of the ladder of your corporate career.

5. Don't cut yourself short. Believe in yourself, don't take it when you are told you are "just a girl". Learn to lead and be someone to be looked up to even if its only yourself looking up to you - Kay Rice - Database Application Specialist.

6. Keep your mind open to new experiences. Education doesn't always come out of a book, it also comes from living life and learning the good and bad things that come your way. - Pam Coleman - Student Services, Crouse Hospital College of Nursing.

I hope this knowledge inspires and empowers you in your career path. Let me know if you have additional tips for me and other career women.

thanks for reading.

Xo-xo;
Aika!

Food and Nutrition: BRAIN FOODS!

Hey lovely readers,

I am a firm believer of the fact that "we are what we eat", and for that reason I try to eat foods that have positive effect on my body. Food affect how we feel, our emotions and our general health status. Today, I present to you foods that help improve our memory capabilities;

1. Whole grains:

These includes barley (shairi), brown rice, brown bread, oats and ugali wa dona. Whole grains contain folate, thiamine and vitamin B6 which enhance memory and focus. I will admit this is not the tastiest form of meals. Start incorporating small amounts of whole grains in your daily diet and eventually your taste buds will get accustomed to these meals.

2. Eggs:

Eggs contain choline and protein which improves memory, boosts concentration and energy levels. It is advised to eat eggs in the morning as you start the day for energy levels. You can have them boiled, scrambled or even fried in a yummy omelet.

3. Nuts:

Nuts contain Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids which are important for balancing serotinin levels and boosting our moods. You can eat raw nuts or nuts infused meals.

4. Wild Salmon:

 Salmon contains a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that improve mood, concentration and memory. A delicious way of preparing Salmon can be found here.

5. Tomatoes: 

Tomatoes are rich in lycopine, an oxidant that helps to improve brain function.

6. Spinach:

Spinach is a good source of folate which increases memory and concentration.

7. Green Tea: 

Green tea contains catechines and polyphenols; which are essential for boosting dopamine levels that are responsible for increasing memory and concentration.

8. Bananas:

Bananas contain Vitamin B6, potassium and folic acid which increase serotinin and boosts memory.

Adding these foods into your diet will improve your brain function and with time you will notice changes in your ability to pay attention, concentrate, remember and learn.

Xo-xo;
Aika!

From my kitchen: Grilled Salmon and veggies!

Hey loves,

I am a foodie and I love eating a well prepared meal. However, time is an issue when it comes to preparing meals. I want to take as least time as possible preparing my meals. So I always gravitate towards grilled dishes with salad. A good example will be this delicious grilled Salmon I had a few weeks back.

I prepared this meal in less than 30minutes and its quite simple. Below is the recipe for this meal:

Ingredients:

Grilled Salmon
1pound Salmon Fillet
1 medium Lemon
Salt and Pepper to taste
1tsp Fish Masalla
4tbsps Olive/Sunflower Oil

Salad:
Handful of Mushrooms
1 medium Tomato
I bunch Broccoli
1 medium Carrot
1tbsp Soy Sauce

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the grill to medium heat.

2. Season the Salmon fillet with Lemon, Pepper, Salt and Fish Masala. Let the seasoning marinate for 15minutes or more. (If you have time, you can let the Salmon marinate for two hours in a refrigerator.)

3. Oil the grill plate. Place the seasoned Salmon on the grilled plate and let each side cook for 6-8 minutes.

4. Serve the grilled fish in a plate once done.

5. Chop all the salad ingredients into a shape you desire.

6. Heat a spoonful of oil in a pot.

7. Add all the veggies at once and let them cook for a minute. Once the veggies become tender, add soy sauce for a nice consistency.

8. Serve the grilled salmon and the cooked veggie salad with a cold drink.

Bon appétit!

Xo-Xo
Aika!