Category: Lifestyle

  • Not Wood, but Metal: The Coffin Design Sparking Curiosity Among Kenyans

    Not Wood, but Metal: The Coffin Design Sparking Curiosity Among Kenyans

    A video of a welder making a metallic coffin has attracted attention online, introducing Kenyans to an unusual alternative to traditional wooden coffins.

    The video shows the process of making the burial container using metal, leaving viewers curious about the design.

    While wooden coffins remain common in many communities, metallic coffins are also used in different parts of the world.

    Their use varies depending on cultural practices, personal preferences and the choices families make during funeral arrangements.

    Metallic coffins, also known as metal caskets, are made using materials such as steel, stainless steel, copper and bronze.

    Each material has different qualities, with some offering better resistance to corrosion and general wear.

    The use of metallic coffins gained momentum in the 19th century, particularly in the United States.

    Inventors began exploring ways of making burial containers that could protect human remains during transportation and burial.

    Before then, wooden coffins were widely used, although some wealthy Europeans were buried in lead containers.

    Lead coffins were also used in medieval Europe, particularly among wealthy families and members of the nobility.

    One reason some families choose metallic coffins is their durability, as certain metals can withstand underground conditions longer than wood.

    Some designs also have rubber seals fitted around their lids to limit the entry of water, soil and other external elements.

    Their appearance is another consideration, with manufacturers offering different colours, polished finishes and designs.

    Steel is among the commonly used materials, with its thickness measured using gauges.

    A lower gauge number indicates thicker and heavier metal, which affects the construction of the casket.

    Other options include stainless steel, copper and bronze, which are often considered premium materials because of their resistance to corrosion.

    However, metallic coffins are not suitable for every funeral arrangement because they cannot be used for cremation.

    Families choosing cremation would therefore need to make alternative arrangements for the burial container.

    The viral video has brought renewed attention to this less familiar burial option, showing that families have alternatives beyond traditional wooden coffins.

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  • A blooming hobby: The patience and joy of growing orchids

    A blooming hobby: The patience and joy of growing orchids

    For many people, orchids are beautiful but intimidating plants, admired from a distance and often dismissed as expensive. Yet, for members of the Kenya Orchid Society, they are an accessible hobby that rewards patience, brings people together and offers years of enjoyment.

    At the Kenya Orchid Society Annual Show, held at Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi on October 30, 2026, hundreds of orchids were displayed in an array of colours, shapes and sizes.

  • “Don’t wash dishes” Airbnb draws the line on guest chores

    “Don’t wash dishes” Airbnb draws the line on guest chores

    Wash the dishes after meals, strip the bed before leaving, and take out the rubbish: where does being a considerate Airbnb guest end and becoming an unpaid cleaner begin?

    For Kenyans booking accommodation through Airbnb, the boundary is becoming clearer, thanks to a policy issued on October 20 that will apply to reservations booked on or after November 20.

  • Forest Cottages Makes Baby Showers More Memorable with an All-Inclusive Celebration Package

    Forest Cottages Makes Baby Showers More Memorable with an All-Inclusive Celebration Package

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    Expectant parents looking for a memorable way to celebrate the arrival of their little ones have a new reason to gather family and friends, with Forest Cottages’ baby shower package designed to combine celebration, comfort and convenience.The package, priced at UGX 60,000 per person, offers a thoughtfully curated experience that takes the pressure off hosts, allowing them to focus on creating lasting memories with their loved ones rather than worrying about the details of event planning.

  • Diwali Food & Music Festival returns this Sunday for 2026 Edition at Speke Resort Munyonyo

    Diwali Food & Music Festival returns this Sunday for 2026 Edition at Speke Resort Munyonyo

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    Speke Resort Munyonyo will host the Diwali Food Festival 2026 on Sunday, November 1, bringing together food lovers, families and friends for a day of Indian cuisine, shopping and entertainment.Organised by Speke Resort Munyonyo in partnership with the Indian Association of Uganda, the festival is open to the public and celebrates Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights.

  • Smirnoff to Unleash Spook-tacular Vibes at Kyambogo’s Servite Hostel

    Smirnoff to Unleash Spook-tacular Vibes at Kyambogo’s Servite Hostel

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    In the midst of its nationwide tour, Smirnoff Uganda is hitting up Servite Hostel at Kyambogo University, on October 31 for a spook-tacular Halloween Fiesta edition.The Smirnoff Halloween Fiesta will transform Servite Hostel into a party arena, fusing music, fun and vibrant flavor with a spooky twist this Saturday.

  • Kuosha Mecho (A Tribute to Uncle G)

    Kuosha Mecho (A Tribute to Uncle G)

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    Usually on Fridays, we dissect the oft tentalizing looks of the model appearing on the cover of The Standard's pullout, Pulse, but not today.In its stead, oshei mecho with something @Mwalimu-G used to cherish dearly…._____________________Top 10 Most Beautiful Flowers​1.

  • Lawyer wins Sh115,000 after dry cleaner ruins Italian suit

    Lawyer wins Sh115,000 after dry cleaner ruins Italian suit

    Suits

    A city lawyer has won a claim against a dry cleaner after a three-piece Italian suit he entrusted to the company for dry-cleaning was returned with dark patches and loose threads.

    The Small Claims Court awarded lawyer Emmanuel Mumia Sh114,616.36, being the proved value of the damaged suit, after finding that he had established a loss arising from the condition of the garments after cleaning.

  • Sarah Mtalii’s Stunning Modern Home Leaves Kenyans Talking After TikTok Tour

    Sarah Mtalii’s Stunning Modern Home Leaves Kenyans Talking After TikTok Tour

    Businesswoman Sarah Mtalii has given Kenyan social media users a rare glimpse into her stylish modern home, and the sophisticated interior has quickly become a talking point online. A TikTok video shared by YouTuber Milly wa Jesus on 28 August 2026 captured Sarah inside her spacious residence as the two discussed a major furniture order. The visit also featured Milly’s husband, who joined the conversation as they explored options for bespoke dining furniture. While the discussion focused on sourcing an expensive dining table, viewers were equally interested in the elegant home surrounding Sarah. The bright, contemporary design, large glass wall features and open-plan spaces gave fans a closer look at the businesswoman’s refined taste.

    The video showed Sarah welcoming Milly wa Jesus and her husband into what appeared to be a spacious living and kitchen area. The interior featured a clean contemporary aesthetic with plenty of natural light entering through large glass sections. A visible carpet and open kitchen layout added to the polished appearance of the space, while the overall design created an airy and uncluttered feel. The trio appeared relaxed as they moved around the house and discussed the furniture project. Although the visit had a clear business purpose, the home itself quickly became one of the biggest attractions for viewers watching the TikTok clip.

    Milly wa Jesus and her husband were at Sarah’s home to discuss sourcing bespoke dining furniture that would fit her specific requirements. Sarah made it clear from the beginning that she was not looking for an ordinary dining set. She reportedly wanted a dining table worth KSh 3 million, making the project a significant investment in her home. The conversation then moved towards where the furniture could be sourced and what type of finish would best suit her interior. Sarah’s detailed instructions showed that she already had a strong vision of how she wanted the finished dining area to look.

    Having spent time in China, Sarah demonstrated that she was familiar with the wide range of furniture available in the market. She was not simply looking for something expensive, but wanted a piece that matched a particular level of quality and sophistication. During the conversation, the group considered high-end options from the American, Italian and broader European markets. Milly pointed out that China offers a wide variety of furniture options, but the discussion quickly focused on finding something that would meet Sarah’s premium expectations. The exchange showed how much attention she was paying to the origin, appearance and overall quality of the piece she wanted.

    Sarah was equally specific about the designs she wanted to avoid. She firmly expressed her dislike for shiny finishes, making it clear that excessive gloss was not part of the look she was trying to create. She also rejected furniture that appeared too vintage because she wanted an elegant contemporary style rather than a retro aesthetic. Her comments gave viewers a better understanding of the design principles guiding the furniture order. Instead of following a trend simply because it was expensive, Sarah appeared focused on achieving a cohesive look that reflected her personal taste. Her strong opinions also added humour to the conversation as Milly and her husband worked through the different possibilities.

    The playful discussion about whether the furniture should “shine” added an entertaining element to the video. The three appeared to have an easy rapport as they debated the finer details of the furniture selection. At one point, Sarah reportedly admired a wallet in the room because of its quality, using it as a reference for the kind of finish and standard she wanted. These small details made the conversation feel less like a formal shopping consultation and more like an honest discussion between people trying to get a design exactly right. For viewers, the interaction offered both entertainment and an insight into how Sarah approaches major purchases for her home.

    However, it was Sarah’s house that ultimately captured much of the attention from fans. The video provided a rare opportunity for viewers to see parts of the residence beyond what may normally appear on social media. The combination of natural light, glass architecture, contemporary furnishings and an open kitchen created a visually striking setting for the furniture discussion. The interior appeared carefully designed without relying heavily on overly decorative elements. For many viewers, the home provided another example of how modern Kenyan homeowners are embracing contemporary architecture and personalised interior design.

    The glass wall features were among the elements that stood out in the footage because they allowed substantial natural light to enter the living areas. Glass architecture can create a stronger connection between different parts of a home while making interiors feel larger and more open. In Sarah’s residence, those features appeared to complement the clean lines and modern layout visible in the video. The open kitchen also contributed to the sense of continuity between the different spaces. These details helped create the upscale atmosphere that caught viewers’ attention even though the video was primarily focused on furniture.

    Sarah’s approach to the dining table also highlights the growing interest in bespoke and premium furniture among homeowners with specific design preferences. A dining table can become a major focal point in an open-plan living space, particularly when the surrounding architecture has a contemporary feel. Sarah’s insistence on avoiding shiny and overly vintage designs suggests that she wants the furniture to complement the existing structure rather than compete with it. Her interest in American, Italian and European pieces also reflects the importance some consumers place on international design and craftsmanship. The KSh 3 million figure further demonstrates the level of investment she is prepared to make in achieving the desired result.

    The TikTok video has therefore given fans two things to discuss, Sarah’s impressive home and her uncompromising approach to interior design. While the furniture negotiations provided the main storyline, viewers were naturally drawn to the stylish surroundings in which the conversation took place. Sarah’s willingness to explain exactly what she wants also made the video more engaging because it revealed her personal preferences rather than simply showing a finished home. The clip demonstrates how home tours and behind-the-scenes lifestyle content continue to attract strong interest on Kenyan social media. It also shows how a seemingly ordinary furniture consultation can become widely discussed when it involves a prominent personality and an eye-catching residence.

    Sarah Mtalii’s home has ultimately become the centre of attention after Milly wa Jesus offered viewers a glimpse into the sophisticated space during their furniture consultation. From the KSh 3 million dining table to the preference for international high-end designs, Sarah demonstrated that she has a clear vision for the atmosphere she wants to create. Her rejection of shiny finishes and overly vintage pieces further showed that she values understated contemporary elegance over designs that simply appear expensive. The modern architecture, bright interiors and glass features gave fans plenty to admire beyond the furniture discussion itself. As the video continues to circulate online, Sarah’s home and her distinctive approach to interior design are likely to remain a talking point among Kenyan social media users.

  • Protecting Valuable Trees During Landscape Projects

    Protecting Valuable Trees During Landscape Projects

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    Landscape projects can transform a property and boost curb appeal. However, construction and landscaping activities can also threaten the health of mature trees if crews fail to plan carefully. Valuable trees add beauty, shade, and environmental benefits, making them worth protecting throughout every phase of a project.