CategoriesLifestyle by

Benefits Of Hair Steaming And How To Steam Your Hair

Hair steaming simply means using moist heat to hydrate dry, dull hair. It also encourages blood flow to circulate which promotes the growth of your hair.
The steam will lift the hair cuticle, thereby allowing treatments to penetrate deep into the hair shaft.
Steaming also allows moisture to penetrate thereby promoting longer and healthier hair growth.
When your hair is dry, it becomes brittle and then it eventually breaks.
Hair steaming helps increase the natural oils produced in your scalp.
Benefits Of Hair Steaming

Hair Steaming promotes hair growth and elasticity
Hair Steaming hair breakage
Hair Steaming adds moisture and shine
Hair Steaming stops dryness and brittleness
Hair Steaming cleans the scalp by removing dirt and dead skin
Hair steaming promotes circulation, leaves hair soft and improves hair treatments

How To Steam The Hair
Saturate your hair with natural oil and add in few drops of essential oil to it, you can do the hot oil treatment before you steam your hair for a healthy and faster hair growth.
Steaming with hot towel
Soak a towel in water and wring it out so that the water is not dripping.
Place the towel in the microwave for 2 minutes or until it is very warm.
Wrap the warm towel around your head.
Cover your towel wrapped head with a shower cap or plastic bag big enough to hold steam.
Sit under hooded or bonnet dryer. Alternatively, just use your hair dryer for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse off, shampoo and condition as usual.

Steaming with hot water
Steaming your hair with a hot towel after oiling is very good as it helps hair to absorb the oil. For an at-home hair steam treatment:
Soak a towel in a bowl of hot water.
Squeeze off the excess.
Wrap the warm wet towel around your hair.
Cover a shower cap over it and leave it on for 30mins.

CategoriesLifestyle by

What to Wear to a Beach Party

Image via instagram.com/shopmaju
As I write this, I may as well be in Siberia so no beaches for me at this time. However, I want to live vicariously through you guys. You must take advantage of the eternal sunshine, wonderful beaches and friends around you. (Easy Tips To Plan A Beach Hangout With Friends) Even if you did not have a beach party to attend, I hope this inspires you to call up your friends and hit Inagbe Beach Resort in Lagos or Guara Waterfalls in Niger State or Ibeno Beach in Akwa Ibom, or you name it. Not everytime craving for Zanzibar but sometimes enjoying the shade under a coconut tree here in Nigeria.
Now that I have inspired you to find a large body of water, what are you going to wear?
• Sunscreen
I am all for beauty these days. Please if you are going to be in the sun, take care of your skin. Black can crack
• Sun Hat
I don’t think they are actually called that but aren’t they just fantastic. You get an air of mystery and Hollywood glamour in two seconds
• Sunglasses
Well, I am on a roll with the sun words, but they are vital. Obviously, you are not a star without your shades
• Beach Dress
Sundress? Just kidding. You can go long, short, midi, maxi. I have actually included a picture of me for inspiration. (Showing skin at the beach)

• Boy Shorts

 Honey, show some leg. I encourage you
• Bikini

 Yes, an actual bikini, monokini, tankini, swimwear basically. I mean when else are you going to be able to show off your body without been accused of being an exhibitionist. P.s – There are many decent styles in the market.
• Slippers/ Sandals
Don’t worry; you can wear your boots when you go clubbing. Just joking. Remember there is lots of sand on the beach. You actually want to go comfortable and prepared
Have fun.

CategoriesLifestyle by

Wide Leg Pants

In a world of skinny jeans, skinny pants, and skin tight, these wide leg pants are a breath of fresh air. I know most people see them as old fashioned or are simply not confident enough on how to pull them off but I assure you that they are the bomb.
We were all surprised when the culottes made a comeback. It was only logical that the style lengthened out a bit to give courage to us mere mortals to try wide leg pants. I loved the culottes but every time I tried to wear them I had a “concerned friend” offering me alternatives.  The wide leg pants are incredibly easy to wear, and they give you this instant fabulous you may not get from a regular pair of trousers. They can be worn for almost every occasion. They can be worn as corporate to work, for weddings, casually anything.
Just in case you still doubt me, I have inspiration from a fabulous woman who loves her wide length pants. She wears them better than anyone I have seen in ages. She was the first glamorous example that came to my mind when I had to talk about wide leg pants. I  introduce you to the lady behind Style Pantry on Instagram. Get your style fix and go out and buy some pants.

Image via instagram.com/stylepantry
The ideal trouser length should graze the top of your foot at the longest. Trailing along the floor might look romantic, but not when it’s raining, and you’ve taken on half the gutter in your turn-up. Also just imagine how much washing you would have to do if you actually get on a dance floor at a party. A little caution here, wide leg pants and stilettos don’t work too well; you should wear something with a more solid heel, so you don’t trip yourself.

Image via instagram.com/stylepantry
 

CategoriesLifestyle by

Benefits of Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is also called Theobroma oil, and it is a pale-yellow, edible vegetable fat extracted from the Cocoa Bean. Cocoa butter is used to make chocolate, ointment and moisturisers. Here are a few benefits of Cocoa butter.

Skin and Beauty Benefits

It helps improve skin health
It aids in reducing skin inflammation
Cocoa butter fights against signs of such as Wrinkles
It helps reduce the appearance of scars on the skin
Cocoa butter is a natural and it is highly ; it heals and chapped lips and also prevents skin dryness and peeling
Cocoa butter cracked heels, elbows and knees
Cocoa butter is helpful in preventing and treating stretch marks during Pregnancy
It soothes sensitive skin suffering from eczema, dermatitis or rashes and also soothes burns

Hair Benefits                                                              

It aids in reducing hair loss
Cocoa butter gives the hair a healthy shine while dandruff and producing stronger, thicker hair
It improves Hair quality

Health Benefits

It helps relieve Joint pains
It improves heart health
Cocoa butter aids Digestion and helps in relieving Constipation.
Cocoa butter boosts the immune system
It helps prevent Cancer
Cocoa butter is beneficial for lowering Inflammation
Cocoa butter helps treat Mouth sores.

CategoriesFood by

Breakfast Recipe: Healthy Cinnamon Rolls

You definitely can’t miss it with cinnamon when it comes to bread or dough!
It’s all about astonishing cinnamon today. Love to know some of the cinnamon’s health benefits? You can take a quick look here (Values and Benefits of Cinnamon) before going into this yummy breakfast recipe.
There’re a thousand and one ways to include cinnamon in your regular diet – as a spice in your recipes, as essential ingredients in your homemade drink recipes. Also, as tea (with honey and warm water), as a condiment in your snacks, and as a topping on your frozen treats – ice cream, yoghurt, etc.
Christmas is just around the corner; trust me, today’s recipe is the classy breakfast perfect for a Christmas morning. This recipe is a healthier version; it’s yummy and is certain to leave a delightful taste in the mouth all day long.

I regard it healthier because sugar is substituted with honey and banana is used as filling alongside the cinnamon to give an added juicy feel…simply gooey!
Let’s bake…
For the dough you’ll need:

2 ½ Cups plain flour
1 ½ Tsp Baking powder
1 cup low-fat/skimmed milk
1 Large Egg
¼ Tsp salt
1 Tbsp Honey
½ Tsp Vanilla
3 Tbsps Butter

Filling:

medium-sized banana (ripe), mashed
3 Tbsps Butter
3 Tsp Cinnamon
½ Cup Raisins (optional)

 
Directions:
Preheat oven to 180ºC (350ºF).
In a bowl, mix up flour and butter, and then add all other ingredients for the dough. Combine thoroughly for smooth dough then place on a flat, smooth surface. Generously sprinkle the surface with flour to avoid sticking and roll out dough into a long rectangle using a rolling pin.
In another bowl, combine mashed banana and butter into a paste.  Spread mixture over rolled out the dough. If using raisins, sprinkle over as well before sprinkling with cinnamon. Roll up dough into your desired cinnamon roll shape and cut.  The dough should give at least eight standard rolls.
Grease cake tins and place cut out rolls (alternatively, a flat baking tray can be used). Place into oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Check that top of rolls is firm to touch but not burnt. Serve as breakfast with coffee, tea or warm milk.
Want to give the kids something extra? Coat with some glaze as an added treat. For your glaze, simply combine sugar, some drops of vanilla and milk in a small bowl and stir until very smooth. Drizzle glaze on warm rolls and serve!
 
 
 

CategoriesHealth by

Dancing For Your Health and Fitness

Living a sedentary lifestyle is bad for the health. It has a direct, negative effect on our health and wellness. It is the reason why we are seemingly always tired, always stressed and always struggled to lose weight as a society.
There are a lot of physical activities you can engage in other to keep fit and have a healthy body.
You want to lose weight; you want a toned body, and you want to be healthy overall. Dancing is a kind of exercise you can engage in.
Why Dancing Should Be Incorporated Into Your Lifestyle
Dance is an enjoyable physical activity which you can incorporate into your lifestyle.
Dancing appeals to some who may not be active and therefore may be another alternative to exercise.
It has become an important factor in the prevention, treatment and management in several health circumstances.
Dancing doesn’t just mean the salsa or waltz, it comes in many forms, most of which work to tone your body and burn calories.
Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, body shapes and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits which includes:

improved condition of your heart and lungs,
increased muscular strength,
endurance and motor fitness,
increased aerobic fitness,
improved muscle tone and strength,
weight management, and many other benefits.

You can dance in a group, with a partner, or on your own.
There are many different places where you can enjoy dancing, for example, at dance schools, social venues, community halls and in your home. Dancing is a very popular way to be active and keep fit, that most fitness clubs now offer dance classes in their group exercise pro

CategoriesLifestyle by

Dream Destination: Jordan

I met this beautiful Arabian girl at a house party and struck up a conversation with her. Surprisingly, they were playing Nigerian music from Mr Eazi and she seemed to like it. I was fascinated by her interest in Nigeria, and we started talking. She told me about the beautiful places she had visited and showed me the wonders of the Middle East then told me she had gotten her nose and teeth in Jordan. I was as shocked as you are right now. She had gotten a perfect nose through a cosmetic procedure.
I began to research Jordan, and I fell in love. Asides medical and cosmetic tourism, it is a great place. I suggest this if you are tired of Dubai. I am singlehandedly trying to steer Nigerians to the other gems in the Middle East.
Jordan, an Arab nation on the east bank of the Jordan River, is defined by ancient monuments, nature reserves and seaside resorts. It’s home to the famed archaeological site of Petra, the Nabatean capital dating to around 300 B.C. Set in a narrow valley with tombs, temples and monuments carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs, Petra earns its nickname, the “Rose City.”
There is so much to do in Jordan;
•  Petra

You must visit the lost city of Petra. It would feel like you are in an Indiana Jones movie only better. You should do a sightseeing tour of the palaces, tombs and the Treasury
•  The Dead Sea

You have heard about it, read about it, how cool would it be actually to be in it! I can’t swim so it is very comforting to know I can practice my floating and never sink. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on the earth’s surface. It is right on the border between Israel and Jordan, the mineral content of this body of water is 33%, which is about six times as salty as a normal ocean. It’s called the Dead Sea as nothing can live in it. There are no fish, seaweed or plants of any kind in or around the water. What you’ll see on the shores are clusters of white salt crystals. The reason why most people would get you sea salt from here is that they believe it has healing powers.
•  I have sent you to the Dead Sea, now go to an actual beach, Aqaba.
This is Jordan’s only access to the sea and my what a gateway it is. Think beautiful clear blue water, palm trees, the works. You must visit! Aqaba is awesome for sun, fun, diving, snorkelling and swimming. It is also a great place for water sports such as waterskiing, parasailing, jet-skiing and fishing and ideal for a spot of relaxation.
•  Nightlife
There are some cool spots to go to especially in Petra. Basically, in every city, there is a bubbly night scene that deserves exploring. I believe you should try the local scenery when you travel
• Shopping
Duh! How can you travel and not bring back any souvenirs?
Jordan is a fun sunspot, so it is okay to go all year round though the best times are in Spring when it is a bit cooler between March and May.

CategoriesFood by

Fun Milkshake Recipes For Your Child

Are you looking for some yummy milkshake recipes to please your child? Or does your child create a fuss while eating fruits? If your answer to these questions is yes, then you are on the right page!
Milkshakes are a must-have for kids- as they are wholesome and full of vital nutrients.
Kids love milkshakes. You will likely never see any kid refusing a glass of milkshake.
You can add different fruits to the milkshake to pamper your child’s taste buds in a healthy way

Milkshake Recipes For Your Child
Try these shakes and your child will keep asking for more.
Strawberry Banana Milk Shake
Pour water into a blender and add banana, sugar, and milk.
Blend it for a minute.
Add vanilla essence, ice-cream, and strawberries.
Blend for 1-2 minutes more. You can add fresh sliced bananas and strawberries to make it more stuffed with iron and other minerals.
Mango Milkshake
Prepare mango pulp.
Pour water into a blender and add mango pulp.
Add little sugar and milk and blend it for 1-2 minutes.
Add few ice cubes to the mixture. Mangoes are loaded with potassium, vitamins, and lots of fibre. Your child will love to have the marvellous mango milkshake and get all the nutrients.
Chocolate and Avocado Shake
Kids love chocolate, so your child will live this yummy milkshake.
Blend the milk, banana, avocado, cocoa powder, Nutella, honey, flax seeds and few ice cubes until it is smooth.
Always remember that you may have to blend your ingredients longer until the milkshake looks smooth and fine. You can blend less if you want fruit chunks to remain in the shake.
Add less milk too if you want thicker milkshakes. Focus on serving milkshakes loaded with fruits and veggies.

CategoriesFood by

Let’s Cook: Eggplant With Beef Stew

I discovered lately that the Hindi word for eggplants is ‘baingan’. You know what this means?  Baingan is supposedly a word of abuse; derogatory in nature and often used to express an ill-feeling or something without merit – can you beat that?
It’s quite disheartening to know that eggplants have for a long time been misunderstood as a no-good, non-nourishing food. Eggplants are brimming with awesome nutrients and health benefits, and are not just nourishing but also a dynamic super-food that should grace your table regularly. Read more on (The Nutrition and Health Benefits of Eggplants) here. However, to get the most of these benefits, do avoid deep frying them. It’s best to bake, cook, grill or stir-fry eggplants. Any of these helps to cultivate their nutrients as much as possible.
Eggplants are native to the Asian continent – especially India- but are fast becoming a part of many intercontinental cuisines the world over. They’re incredibly versatile and work well in everything from Italian to Asian recipes. And they sure make a tasty substitute for meat too!
Let’s make something mouth-watering.

You’ll need:

4 Eggplants, chopped
600g beef, trimmed and cut into pieces
8 Fresh Tomatoes
Five chilli peppers
Two garlic cloves, crushed
1 Tbs ground ginger
1 Tsp ground turmeric
1 Tsp ground cumin
5-6 Fresh Tomatoes, ripe and chopped
2 Spoons any heart friendly oil of choice

 
Directions:
Season diced meat (here’s when to add your turmeric) in a medium size pot and cook.
While the meat cooks, blend tomato and pepper into a paste then set aside.
Heat a half cooking spoon of the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add half the chopped eggplant and sauté for just about 2 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
Add the remaining oil to the pan on medium low heat. Add the onion into the pan and stir until translucent. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander and other spices. Cook for 1 minute or until aromatic.
Next, add the tomato-pepper paste and cook. Ensure to stir well so as to combine properly. Add the beef, diced tomato and some stock into the pan. Taste for salt, season and adjust accordingly with salt if necessary. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook, occasionally stirring, for 25-30minutes. Add the sautéed eggplant into boiling stew, leave uncovered and cook for another 15 minutes.
Stir in the parsley leaves last and serve with rice. This flavoursome stew can also be enjoyed with mashed potatoes, couscous or pasta.
The flavours of this dish are simply superb – you should try it out!

CategoriesHealth by

How to have a baby in 2017

I know you are wondering after telling you about eyelash extensions, I am now talking about making babies. Well, if you must know I have a degree in pharmacy. I am a licensed pharmacist.
If you have been trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully for a year, you may need to do some tests. These tests are for male and female. Though, I am going to talk more about female testing.
The first step in diagnosing an issue relating to fertility is a comprehensive appointment with a fertility expert.  You will have to discuss your medical history and lifestyle will extensively.  It may get a bit intense. You will be talking about birth control, smoking amongst other things. Usually one of the first questions regarding female fertility is whether you are ovulating or not.
Your Fertility specialist may also recommend a blood test to provide an estimate of your ovarian reserve. A pelvic exam is also an important part of evaluating fertility, along with a pap smear. Finally, an ultrasound scan will be done to rule out any structural issues to the reproductive system.

The following tests are also commonly used in the first evaluated cycle:

Cervical mucus tests: This involves a post-coital test (PCT) which determines if the sperm can penetrate and survive in the cervical mucus. It also involves a bacterial screening.
Ultrasound tests: This is used to assess the thickness of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), to monitor follicle development and to check the condition of the uterus and ovaries. An ultrasound may be conducted two to three days later to confirm that an egg has been released.

If both the semen analysis and the above testing return normal results, there is also additional testing that your fertility specialists may recommend. These tests include any of the following:

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This is an x-ray of your uterus and fallopian tubes.
This is a procedure that may be used if the HSG indicates the possible presence of abnormalities. The hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, which allows your fertility specialist to see any abnormalities, growths, or scarring in the uterus.
Endometrial biopsy: This is a procedure that involves scraping a small amount of tissue from the endometrium just before menstruation. This procedure is performed to determine if the lining is thick enough for a fertilised egg to implant in and grow. It is important to confirm that you are not pregnant before this test is performed.

These tests are not mandatory, and your fertility specialists will know which tests to recommend in your situation.
I know these seem like a whole lot of medical jargon, but a girls scout is always prepared.
I wish you the best of luck and your bundle of joy in the New Year.