Picture post: Orange blossoms

This year is proving to be the year of "awareness through photography" for me! Interestingly, though I grew up in this very same town in Cameroon, I had never noticed citrus fruit blossoms in Kumba before. Obviously, citrus fruits come about on their trees the same way pretty much every other fruit I've come across does; except maybe pineapples. Buds appear, they bloom, they get pollinated, the petals fall off, the ovules enlargen and you have the beginnings of fruit. The entire process happens in close response to both the environmental elements and some animals in the same habitat area. For orange trees in Cameroon, this process happens several times a year. They even begin to bloom a new set of oranges while the old ones are still hanging on the tree. Can't say the same for mangoes. I'm sure most people I know wish mangoes would bloom more than once every year. Just looking at these blooms and little oranges gives me a feeling of sweet citrusy joy! These are the new beginnings that will take this orange season into the end of the year. Enjoy...

Orange blossoms of Kumba Cameroon

Spotted: West African Red-vented Weaver

I spotted this bird yesterday morning, and then again this morning on my way to drop the kids off. Both times at the very same spot, perched on a high stalk within some very tall grass. I figured it must have a nest nearby. I took my camera for a walk as soon as I got home, and found the bird exactly where I'd seen it earlier. At first glimpse I'd thought it was probably a kingfisher, but on closer zoom, I was able to see that aside from it's colouring, it is very similar to the many weaving birds that make their home in this part of the country. I see quite a variety of weavers around these parts all the time, but the Red-vented Weaver (aka Red-vented Malimbe) seems to be more of the solitary type. In the 30 minutes  that I stalked this individual darting about, singing happily, I did not spot any potential companions nearby. The bird did the singing. I was more preoccupied with watching where I stepped in the grass which looked like prime hiding or living quarters for snakes.  Here is a link to an informative article on weavers Enjoy!

West African Red-vented Weaver

Red-vented Weaver

Lifestyle Stores Inc. Coming to a market near you.

Hello readers. If you live within the South-west Region or travel down here often, this post will probably be noteworthy for you or someone you know. I have written only briefly about my natural haircare routine and provided links to sources for my products last year. Since moving from the UK to Cameroon earlier this year, you're probably wondering how I'm keeping my mane in check without my beloved Boots store at every major street corner. Well, lucky for me, a new store has recently opened it's doors within our area in Cameroon. This means fewer shopping trips to Douala. Lifestyle Stores Inc., has filled a void in my area by bringing much needed quality products to our region of the country. As I made my way down the aisles, I was pleasantly surprised to see the same quality shampoos, conditioners and countless other products that I used regularly in the UK on their shelves . If anyone else is like me, they also probably dislike hopping from store to store in the hustle and bustle of the Kumba Main Market (especially in the rainy season), while trying to politely avoid the beckoning store keepers who most often are not carrying what you are looking for. Lifestyle Stores Inc. which is a one-stop shop for pretty much all your household needs makes for convenience while shopping in Kumba's largest and most congested commercial area.

Lifestyle Stores Inc. also boasts a burgeoning adult clothing department with both menswear, womenswear, shoes, handbags and other accessories. Today I'm featuring this beautiful mustard and black polka dotted skater dress with accessories from Lifestyle Stores Inc. This dress comes in different colours, fabrics and sizes. Grab one now while supplies last.

Items featured

Yellow and black dotted skater dress ( ♥Influence )

Black court heels ( Elie Tahari )

Black and gold tassel earrings ( H&M)

Black faux laser-cut bangle ( Express )

The two Lifestyle Stores Inc. in the South-West Region are located in Kumba, at the far left corner in the Main Market parking lot area; and in Buea at Mile 17. Here is a link to their website. Apparently, you can order items through their customer service line and have them delivered to a store near your area in a reasonable amount of time. Keep an eye out for future featured items from Lifestyle Stores Inc. Happy shopping!