This is Oddbod and the City – My Lagos Adventure.

 

Once upon a time there was a girl named Odun.

Location? Any Town, Any Place, USA. She had just made a purchase and the cashier offered her the option of giving her change to the charity they supported. “What is the charity?” she asked. “Help an African child,” was the response to which Odun pulled her then ridiculously adorable baby girl forward and responded, “I am already doing my part by educating this one!”
More and more, I understand the accident of birth that allowed me to be born into a family that treated and educated the women equally to the men. Like my father before me, I am bringing up my child to believe she is equal to anybody due to the capacity of her brain. She can make a difference, she can live a happy healthy life, and she is the author of her own destiny.
I am not unaware that I am building her in a world where that is not true for a large percentage of women of colour. The world is changing, however, and in the era of Halle Bailey being cast as Ariel in Disney’s, The Little Mermaid and Lashana Lynch taking on the iconic moniker of 007, I can only pray that the world will evolve enough for my words and my actions to ring true!
Things I think about.

 

Z Kitchen

 

After the kind of week I was having, an invitation to drinks and some snacks was just what the doctor ordered.

My gorgeous friend who thought I needed cheering up decided Z Kitchen in VI would be the perfect location for a nice evening out.

 

The good service starts when you pull up outside. It was raining heavily when I arrived, so I fully appreciated the help out the car and the umbrella service to the covered walkway.

The interior is upscale, discreet, and modern with some clever interior accents; and it’s a big space so perfect for small to medium birthday parties, business dinners, and date night.

We decided to try a spread of starters to share Suya Satay, Salmon and Beetroot Tartare and Calamari a la Plancha, before moving on to the Steak Sandwich and ending with a delightful cheesecake to wrap up the meal. This is my second time dining at this restaurant, and while the food offerings are decent, I have to say, I am still waiting to be blown away by the cuisine.

The wine offering is top notch and the cocktails solid; I highly recommend the Gin Basil Fizz for unwinding after a hard day’s work.

 

Self-care is not selfish

I decided I deserved a bit of “me-time” thanks to the previously mentioned horrid week. So I booked a home scrub and massage with UltraTresses.
UltraTresses is a pampering service I have used before—they set up a pedicure suite and henna tattoo lounge at my daughter’s birthday party a couple of years ago, to rave reviews from her guests.

What a way to spend an afternoon! The ladies came and transformed my living room into an oasis of serene music, a humidifier and bed set up.
First up, was a full body salt scrub which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. I jumped in my shower to rinse off, and that was when I really understood the magic that had happened. I don’t even know how to describe the colour of the water that came off my body. All the gunk got scrubbed off. Then I was luxuriously smooth all over.
I already felt loose limbed and relaxed after the scrub, but I followed it up with a full-body massage. I was fast asleep by the time they finished.
I was so grateful for the release of tension and healing that took place during this session; and when they left, I rolled over unto my couch and finished my nap.

 

Red, White, and Bites

I don’t know how I managed to still be celebrating American Independence over a week late, but celebrate I did after much cajoling, thanks to the Ginger Soul Lifestyle event at the American Guest Quarters.
It was my first time at this annual event that already has a loyal following, which was an Afro-fusion mixer with what promised to be great food and the famous GQ margheritas.
An uplifting evening of dancing, networking and music was hosted by the lovely Patrenia Werts Onuoha and Aminah Gbajabiamila. I loved the concept it was great space for good conversations with an interesting crowd. I am excited to see how they will improve on this next year.