TO MOVE IN OR NOT TO MOVE IN...

 

Acting Beauty Editor, Elaine Shobanjo, touches on one that many may relate to.

All week, I had juggled all sorts of possible things to blog about. I knew my time was ticking and my contribution needed to be ready to go live 1st thing Monday morning. By last Wednesday, I was back on 'relationships', having been on 'relationships' on Monday, and 'make up' on Tuesday.

I sat in front of my laptop on Wednesday, working on all sorts of tasks at once, while simultaneously wondering at the back of my mind, what storm I was going to cook up for dinner. I couldn't wait to just sleep (Wow! I respect all working mothers).

You'd think there'll be no room in my brain for any other thoughts, but no! I recalled all sorts of conversations my friends and I had had about dating, men, relationships...you get my drift. It was at this point I knew I was definitely going to blog about relationships.

If my friends are reading this, their hearts must be pounding! ‘What the hell is Elaine about to reveal?” I have amazing friends and what's said in Busaba/Ping Pong, stays in Busaba/Ping Pong. (If you haven't eaten in any of these restaurants in London, you've gotta try them! Yumm!)

My thoughts led me to one fine day, when a bunch of ladies (myself included) gathered for lunch and yummy cocktails and got talking as expected. We touched on all sorts of topics before we hit the issue of guys. I mentioned that I had seen an episode of the US show Married to Rock, where Aj decided to move out of the house she and her boyfriend of 3 years, Billy Duff shared.

Most of the other rock stars in their crew had made wives out of their girlfriends, but Billy seemed unwilling to take that leap. Aj wanted more and had even contemplated proposing to him prior to her moving out (Yes, she bought a ring!).

So our lunch topic shifted to whether or not it was wise to move in with your 'boyfriend' before marriage? Are you shooting yourself in the foot? What if he gets so comfortable with you being 'like' his wife, to the point where he feels he doesn't need to actually pop the question and make it official?

What happens when you've been with a guy for so long and he is of the 'marrying age', well settled in life, but doesn't want to commit further? Do guys hide behind this matter of needing to be millionaires before they can make the commitment to become husbands?

What do you do when your man wants the best of both worlds - a good girl as his woman but still wants to live the life of a bachelor? Leave him and hope for the best? Or pressure him into marrying you and then suffer the consequences later?

I don't know. Men have said that once they meet a woman, they can tell if she's got the potential to be The One. Should there be a maximum on how long it should take to actually get there?

Why should a woman have to live her life thinking of how to mould herself into the ‘marrying type’? Or, do we as women sometimes get trapped in our 'when is he going to take that leap?’ thought process and unconsciously end up breaking up a good thing?

As they say, if it's meant to be...

CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAM FAB AND EXCLUSIVE IMAGES FROM THE FUTURE AWARDS 2011

BORI IN THE FAB HOUSE!

BORI WITH THE MAGAZINE OF
THE YEAR AWARD

So Bori is here and I'm writing my very first post in 'super dance mode'. Believe it or not, I'm writing and dancing - a move only SuperBori (*wink* @ Nics and Sin) can do, so please 'DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME'.

Anyways, to the reason why I'm in 'dance mode'. I just got home from a gathering of some of the brightest and best Nigerians across generations - THE FUTURE AWARDS 2011 ceremony - and in my hand (the left one to be precise) is an award plaque with the inscription 'Magazine of the Year' (hold on, I need to dance some more).

Ok, I'm back (n panting).

Yes people, your favourite magazine FAB scooped the award for 'Magazine of the Year' at THE FUTURE AWARDS 2011 and yours sincerely, alongside the delectable 'Pepper' (FAB's Fashion Editor) were right there to receive it (whoop-whoop).

PEPPER ON THE GREEN CARPET

BORI & PEPPER

It was indeed a moment of REASSURANCE, proving that FAB magazine is headed in the right direction and all the hard work and sleepless nights were not in vain.

Personally, it was a moment of pride. To be part of a FABulous and creative group of individuals with a 'can do' attitude that surpasses any I currently know of.

So, to Team FAB - I say CONGRATULATIONS, this is just the beginning of greater things.

To God - We are more than grateful for this.

To everyone that has splashed out N500 (though meagre) to own a copy of FAB Magazine - Thank you so very much.

Finally, to the organisers of the Future Awards - Can we win this again?...lol 

See y'all next Monday...Till then...

Remain FAB!

Yours sincerely,

Oluwabori

GENEVIEVE NNAJI TALKING TO FAB TV

BORI WITH SOUL SNATCHA

BORI WITH NAETO C

FABULOUS PEPPER OKWESA
FAB FASHION EDITOR

VICTORY

FAB BY NAME, FAB BY NATURE

FAB IN THE FAB HOUSE!

Hello FAB people,

This is my first blog - yaaaay!!! Now that really does not sound like me, but I really do feel like letting out a shout every now and again. 

Five minutes ago I received a mail on Facebook from a lady I do not even know saying she felt I was really proud and short-tempered just from studying me, and my mind immediately went defensive... Me! Proud?However, my heart stopped me as it said to me, "Yes, you are short-tempered!" 

I must admit the littlest things can tick me off, but then I am growing to manage quite a lot in my short life span. I usually expect from others what I give, and my wife, Mrs FAB, has made me realise that it will never happen, so she advises me to just keep loving people even when they are incapable of loving me back. This indeed is a sound Christian doctrine and my heart believes it totally! So watch my temper dissipate with each encounter I come across not because I have the strength but because I have requested for God’s grace. 

However, pride is not something that I can say I possess and could ever even if I tried! "Why?" you may ask. It is quite simple. I realise that everything I could own and everything I could ever achieve is because God has permitted me to have or realise it. I live by this principle and it keeps me in check. If you happen to be creative, think about the authentic creator and the works of His hands and you will be humbled knowing that He only revealed a little of Himself to you! If you are extremely smart, He probably just endowed you with a little of His wisdom!

About 4 years ago, I got the revelation as hidden in my name for 29 years. I was born Familusi Akin Babajide, I was FAB! Immediately I advised every publication writing about me to refer to me as such because with the name came a vision that was indeed bigger than me. I still recall the first day I got a full page write-up in ThisDay Style as FAB! I recall smiling the next week when someone stopped me and asked "Are you FAB?"  

The vision I have is one that only God could have given! FAB Magazine might have been born barely a year ago, but you must realise that everything is first revealed in the spiritual before you ever see it in the physical! FAB Magazine had been settled a long time ago and I thank God that, even though it is fast catching on and being distributed worldwide, becoming a by-word for quality, it remains only the beginning for me. Watch this space and any other platform you could find me on and see me boast not in what I am or becoming but in whom I know...I call Him the I AM THAT I AM!

**Right now I am in Colombo, Sri-Lanka where I am hard at work (forget that the picture makes it look like I am at play) and will bring you my Asian stories next week!

FAB AT WORK?

NEW GIRL ON THE BLOG: SHERIE ADELEKE, OUR FASHION INTERN

Name : Adepeju Sherie Adeleke

Age : 24

Born and bred in: London/Lagos/London

Role at FAB: fashion/creative intern I do anything and everything from the world wide web FAB awareness to styling, to blogging, to making tea or coffee... In short, whatever needs doing I am your girl (call me the FAB girl, OK?).

FAB part of my job: EVERYTHING! Meeting amazing creative people, learning from great people who have mastered their skills and craftsmanship of their specified field, but most importantly working in an environment where my creativity and ideas are appreciated and valid.

Least liked but still FAB part of your job: The chase, getting designers, running all over London to gather materials.

Aspirations/goals: I will be greater than Mary Portas, find a way to show the world how amazing Africa is, become a UNICEF ambassador and share my talent with the world in style.

Inspiration: The greatest and most amazing creative genius ever, the almighty God. He did such an amazing job with the universe which is both highly impressive and extremely baffling to comprehend.

Hero/heroine: Omodolapo Akinoso. My dearest mother is my hero; she doesn’t know it but the drive to succeed, being strong willed, knack for fashion, fabric and personal style were instilled in me by her. I love you, Mum.

Best piece of advice you can offer: Live, love, laugh; life is way too short.

Your kind of music: Whatever I can relate to.. I listen to a bit of everything: indie, hip hop, pop, house, and vintage Nigerian music. To be honest music is solely dependent on my mood really.

Your kind of book: British Medical Journal, any book by Paulo Coelho, Harry Potter, True Blood, Vogue, Wonderland, and Fashionaries.

Your style in a nutshell: Simple, updated, boho chic.

Your Kryptonite: Shoes and champagne.

Pet Peeves: Ignoramuses. Life isn’t black and white, deal with it.

Your USP: No matter what, an encounter with me is unforgettable. I’m like Marmite; there’s no in-betweens.

Log on to my blog: if you’re F*A*B*U*L*O*U*S, if you love fashion and know how to celebrate living.

BEING SKEE, BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP AND A SPOT OF JAPANESE

Mista Skee in the House!

Watashi wa henan desu

Hajimemasho

I can't believe it! A whole year has gone by since we came out with the first issue of FAB, NEVER BEFORE HAVE I DEDICATED SO MUCH OF MY HARD DRIVE SPACE TO ANY PROJECT! But its amazing what we as a team can do when we put our mind to it. I have fond memories of issue one, especially the covers. I rarely like my work long enough for me to comment about it. The duration is about 2wks at the longest after that I find more angles to critique it than you can imagine, I guess that's my fail proof way of pushing myself to continuously improve with everything I do.

SKEE AT WORK ON ISSUE 3

SKEE AT WORK ON ISSUE 3

"One should never rely on what one has done yesterday or today when tomorrow lies ahead "

We are in FAB times, and things at FAB will only get better, simply because we won't settle for otherwise. Be warned!

On being Skee: 

I'm still working on being the best Skee I can be. The fact I have been given so many creative outlets, means I never get bored of switching between graphic design, fine/digital art and photography; there is so much to do. I thank God; I think I'm blessed that in all this fun I get paid for having a good time as well.

This year, I hope to get my digital paintings up to a decent level, so I hope to find the time to do at least one decent detailed painting each week, the problem is when I get to the 70%-80% level (As in the pic below), I tend to start another, so I have so many uncompleted works.

Outside my design life:

Butternut squash soup= Yum!

I've fallen in love with butternut squash soup, I mean, were has it been all my life!

Stay FAB!

Yatta!

Bai bai

Skee

BEHIND THE SCENES AT FAB WITH SUBY

Suby (yes, it really just is Suby, no last name) in da House.

Where do I start from today? Truth be told, I don’t know, not because I don’t have things to share with you, but really don’t know where to start from cause there is sooo sooo much to share with you guys.

The journey at FAB so far has been amazing: Yes, we are now selling gazillion copies of the magazine (at least in my dreams we are) all over the world;  yes, we are a print magazine; yes, we are a 180-page male and female magazine; yes, we try to produce amazing images and contents for our readers; yes, we are hip, young, hungry and passionate to show the world just how amazing we are... but what really goes on behind the scenes? What happens to some of those other amazing images that do not make the cut into the magazine? Do we really have that much fun on our shoots? These are some questions I hope to answer in some of my subsequent blog posts in greater detail. Till then, here is a quick eclectic snippet of some of the writings and image shares to expect from me.

A favourite cover of mine to date has been the covers we did for our sports issue, Dickson Etuhu the Fulham and Nigerian International who graciously allowed us to cover his body with body paint at a ridiculous time of the night, so we decided to paint him in the colours of Nigeria. Yes I am proud to be Nigerian, we also for that issue painted the Ghanaian model Adwoa Brown in the colours of Ghana. I really do wish we Africans, especially Nigerian, took more pride in our green white green colours.

ADWOA BROWN

DICKSON ETUHU

An exciting shoot I very much enjoyed was one done by the amazing photographer Asiko, we had such an amazing talented and huge team for this shoot, and the finished results looked superb.

BEHIND THE SCENES ON THE ELEMENTALS SHOOT

One of my roles at FAB I always find interesting is being the resident retoucher, I get a lot of comments on how we achieve such amazing images, well welcome to the world of make belief, we are here to help create as close to perfection as we can get. It is after all the world of fashion where everything is perfect.

ISSUE 3 GIRL, UNCOMPLETED SHOOT

Have to big up 2 amazing people in this post (I will get around to those of you feeling left out in other posts, so no death threats to me for being left out J ). First of all, our amazing Fashion Editor Pepper Okwesa; I know I drive you up the wall with my crazy demands, but you know I am so proud of all you have achieved. Love this photograph of you cause it reminds me of just how proud you were last year to finally get that degree under your belt.

THE GRADUATE

I have to big up THE WOMAN, the juggernaut that is our boss of all bosses, the woman who will stop at nothing until her ultimate dream is achieved (making FAB Magazine a byword for quality and excellence in the Magazine industry, of course). Sinem, keep dreaming big, keep hustling hard, keep those ideas coming, you are amazing J and I truly love you.

THE WOMAN

IMAGES FROM THE SHOPS

Couldn't resist to sneak in another little post today with a few more images from the shops!

Spotted & captured by FAB friend and stylist
Crystal Deroche

Our FABulous Issue 4 beauty model Meghan 

Don't forget: For your chance to win a FABulous give-away tweet or email us your pictures with FAB from your local shop/newsagent. The winning photo will be announced Thursday 3 February 2011 12.00am GMT. One week to go - get clicking! :) 

YES, WE DID! AN OPEN LETTER TO THE DREAM TEAM

SINEM (AFROYINBO) IN THE HOUSE! 

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Henry Ford

Thursday 27 January 2011 was yet another milestone FAB's journey from a mere dream to astounding reality - hopefully one of many more to come on the way to world domination. 

Thursday 27 January marked FAB's entry to the UK retail market, gracing the shelves of WH Smith's and independent retailers. (If you are in the UK and want to win a little something to shout out 'I am FAB' to the world, go get yourself a copy, snap a pic in your local agent's and e-mail/tweet/pigeon post the pic to us by 12 am on 3 February 2011. The best pic wins!) Full list of locations to follow next week right here on this blog!

WH SMITH'S MILTON KEYNES

WH SMITH'S BRENT CROSS

Without further ado, I want to get on with my post - tissues at the ready, peeps, this is going to be a soppy one - and dedicate it to the Dream Team. 

Suby, homey, lover, friend - If it weren't for your faith in me, I would still be working at my 9 to 5 (No, correction 9 to 9) lamenting my lack of time for honing my writing. I still remember that car journey in 2006 where I was in tears about not having the time to write, let alone publish, anything and you were telling me to "suck it up and make the time or accept the fact that you will never get anything published. 

It wasn't easy. There were many a tearful car journey, many a sleepless night where little old me would be wrecked with self-doubt and you would have endless patience to tell me I was just so amazing, talented, strong... There was so much juggling with a full-time, full-speed, full-on job with first freelance writing, then editing, and then FAB. But look at where we are now... And it is all because of you. Thank you for having faith in me when I didn't in myself and building me up to be the person that I am today, and still giving me a pep talk - or a kick up the back side - when I need one. You are my hero!

SUBY & SINEM

Fab (To me you're always Babs) - As one of my aunties recently said, our meeting "wasn't coincidence but God's work at play". Otherwise how could I have ever met my twin from another set of parents who shared the same dream with me? And to think, had circumstances back in April 2009 been different, we might have never met... 

Thank you for your drive to see our dreams through, for giving me the courage when I lack it, for cheering me up when I am down, for being your determined, energetic, fiery self. Keep on keeping on, Kehinde, the journey is still long but an amazing one with you as my partner in crime!

KEHINDE & TAIWO

Nicola - And to think you only came down back in 2005 for a test shoot... Over the years, you have grown from a little insecure fresh-faced model to a FABulous, sexilious model who was (and still is) our gorgeous muse to even sexier, driven, super-efficient General Manager. 

I cannot begin to tell you just how much I appreciate you. You are one of the most genuine, pure, uncomplicated people I know. You are an absolute perfectionist and you don't settle for second best. You walk into a room and charm people in under a minute. And you know what? You are a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. You are my shining star and my adopted little sister. 

SINEM & NICOLA

NICOLA THE MUSE

Pepper - Where shall I start? The rotten e-mail from Suby some four years ago? The chance meeting again at Chika & Ugochi's wedding? The vintage shoot where we expected to spend four hours at the venue and almost got kicked out after two? The late-night shoot at Covent Garden in freezing temperatures when I fell off a stall, bruised my knees and you wouldn't let me walk around because I had turned "really red"? 

Pepper, there are so many memories, so much laughter, so many tears... You are one of those people that make FAB FAB. And at 23, you have accomplished so much, you put me to shame. I absolutely admire you - your talent, your vision, your brutal honesty, your drive, and I feel privileged to have you on Team FAB.

FIRST ISSUE MALE COVER SHOOT WITH ELDEE

PEPPER & SINEM WITH SHINGAI SHONIWA

Lara - Well... It wouldn't be a lie if I said you're family, right? I remember pestering you one Christmas at Uncle Femi's for your underg blog address. Neither of us could have thought at the time that we'd one day be working side by side. Your discerning sense of style and eagle eye for all crimes against the English Language make you one fine contributor editor to work with. And I can't complain about your relaxed demeanour whic provides me an oasis of calm amongst the more obsessive compulsive members of the team (including myself!).

Skee - I admit I'd be the first one to want to commit GBH on your during those  few deathly weeks of design, yet compared to the humongous amount of respect I have for the Master, it is only a speck of frustration. Skee, your talent is fierce! Thank you for making FAB look way more amazing than I could ever imagine. 

SKEE & SIN

26 JANUARY 2011 BEHIND THE SCENES

Cindy - Just imagine: If you had even considered Suby a freak when he came up to you to ask if you'd model for him five years ago, you wouldn't have had to spend sleepless nights fine-tooth-combing FAB hours before print? Just imagine how much relaxed life would have been? 

Joking aside, I am glad to have you on Team FAB. Your perfectionism and attention keep us all in check while your razor-sharp humour keeps me entertained - especially dealing with some dodgy characters! Thank you for making my life easier and for having faith in FAB. 

CINDY

Tayo - I remember it like yesterday, the day we came over to yours and 'sold' you the vision that is FAB. Thank you for seeing the vision, believing it and helping turning it into reality. Not only are you one of the best in your field, but you do what you do with such quiet, calm confidence that you are an inspiration for many.

Terence- I only met you in 2010 and was amazed by your passion for fashion and for FAB; don't ever lose it - that would be a shame.

Elaine - Thank you for coming on board and gracefully surviving the pressure which I know is totally new to you, but I am confident your passion for make up and beauty will see you through and some of the trying bits of the job will soon become second nature. 

Wale - From Fashion Intern to Fashion Assistant... from the days you were just another face in the crowd at TBAB. From day 1, you have shown such commitment to FAB and such drive to excel in all that you have taken on, it was only a matter of time you rose up in the ranks. Trust me, it doesn't end here; you will continue growing with FAB onwards and upwards.

Bori - Super Bori! Fun, easy-going, efficient. Having finally met your charming self in person, I am so so glad to have you on this team. Your drive, your dedication to FAB as well as your great personality make you an integral part of Team FAB. After all, you are Super Bori! 

Sherie - Sweetie, in so few days, you have done so much despite our latest recruit fashion intern. Fashion-forward and trendy, I assure you you are in the right place and as you know, with Suby and me, you're in good hands. Keep doing what you are doing and continue to dazzle us. 

SHERIE AT BRIXTON WH SMITH'S

And of course, there are those who are not nominally but spiritually Team FAB. 

Lola Maja-Okojevoh - My girl Kehinde - a day late - we've been through crazy shoots, stroppy clients (Who can forget that night we worked through my birthday into yours and didn't enjoy a minute of it or that sullen somebody we had to work with for a feature editorial?), tears and tantrums. You have helped with issue 1 and although no longer on the team, you still continue to promote FAB endlessly. Thank you for your crazysexycool self (Hey that's not an adjective I bestow on others lightly - rock it well!)

KEHINDE 1 & TAIWO

Mrs Fab - Thank you, sweetie, for many a sleepless night you have had in supporting us with our FAB dream! You're the kindest, sweetest, prettiest wife my brother could have had the good fortune to call his own. He's a lucky man! ;)

MR & MRS FAB

Tamara Ramsey-Crockett - Multi-talented lady, you're FAB's unsung heroine - the hands behind our first ever media kit to hit Nigeria. And also the very hands that carried 40 mags to Nigeria. And the hands that still continue making our FAB models even more FAB! 

TAMARA AT WORK

Paula Okunzuwa - The face of our first ever media kit! Girl, you were the face of FAB for the longest time and the FAB model we know will always deliver. We're so proud of you!

PAULA ON FAB MEDIA KIT

PAULA CAPTURED BY ADE OKELARIN
FOR ISSUE 2

Toni Tones - Once upon a 'tutee' photographer who made her mentors proud by her FABtastic contributions to FAB from the very first issue. Toni, you are FAB!

TONI WITH MO CHEDDAH & WAJE ISSUE 1 SHOOT 

MO CHEDDAH CAPTURED BY TONI ISSUE 1

Asiko aka Ade Okelarin - Thank you for giving up your time and time again to create and shoot fantastic stories for us. Here at FAB we totally LURRVEE your work. 

ADE AT A RECENT PHOTO SHOOT FOR FAB

THE ELEMENTALS SHOOT BY ADE
ISSUE 3

Mummy & Mummy - For all your support, encouragement and love in helping us see this dream through. Love you loads!

SUBY&SINEM WITH MUMMY&MUMMY

And finally, all our FAB readers, fans, friends, supporters, sponsors who have been with us from the very first day. We thank you. Keep the faith in us; the best is yet to come.