DIY Beauty: Mint Sugar Scrub

This Sugar scrub is so easy to make plus you only need a few ingredients you probably already have in your home.Try this scrub on your hands and feet, and you will be amazed. It leaves the skin soft and moisturized.
Ingredients½ cup Coconut oil (you could also use olive oil or jojoba oil)2 cups Sugar1 tbsp. Peppermint ExtractOne drop Food Coloring (Green)

Procedure1.Pour coconut oil into a bowl and heat in the microwave for about 15 – 20 seconds2.Add the peppermint extract and food coloring to the oil while mixing until all ingredients are well combined3.Add in the sugar in small quantity until you reach the desired consistency4.Your scrub is ready!Spoon into an airtight container for storage
Tips to Consider1.You can skip adding the food colouring if you don’t want a Mint-green colored scrub2.You could add more coconut oil or sugar depending on your preferred consistency3.You do not have to heat your coconut oil if you don’t want to

Maintaining your Hair and Skin during the Harmattan Season

The Harmattan season is here again (sigh!) Harmattan isn’t too friendly with our hair and skin so we need to take extra measures to combat the effects of the weather.
Here are a few tips to help maintain our skin and hair as much as possible during this season.

1.Drink lots of Water
Drinking water will help keep your body hydrated and give your skin and hair a beautiful glow. I know you know this already, but it is paramount that you drink lots of water especially at this time. At least eight glasses a day.
2.Consume lots of fruits
Fruits high in water content will help hydrate the skin from inside. Eat fruits like Watermelon, Apples, Oranges and Veggies like Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Carrots. Also ensure you are getting enough Vitamin C, you might also consider taking Omega-3 supplements.
3.Cleanse
It is best to take your bath with lukewarm water during Harmattan as opposed to hot water which will strip oils away from your skin.
Reduce frequency of hair washing to once or twice a week as frequent washing strips the hair of its natural oils further drying it out.
After cleansing your hair and body, try not to completely dry off so as to retain a bit of moisture.  
4.Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!
After cleansing, moisturise!
Your hair and body need a lot of moisturizing oils this season.
This period is the right time to invest in natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, jojoba oil and so on. Apply the natural oils liberally on your hair and skin throughout the season and also invest in a good lip balm to prevent dry, cracked lips.
5.Exfoliate
Moisture cannot get into your skin if there are dead cells on the skin, so there is still the need for exfoliation. Try to avoid the use of harsh exfoliates. Instead, opt for natural ingredients like this exfoliate (DIY beauty: Home-made exfoliator)

Beach Outfit Ideas

There are so many options for creating a fabulous beach outfit.
From super-sized kaftans, maxi dresses, and tunics, to hot denim shorts and skirts, you can’t go wrong with whatever outfit you choose!
Swimwear varies in many ways; halter bikinis, swim dresses are fun and beautiful, so you should have at least one in your closet.
Wear them to the beach with a crochet mini dress.
A cute, colorful maxi dress is also a good choice because it could take you from poolside to a beachfront dinner.
One important thing you can do for yourself is to protect your skin from the sun, and a straw hat is the best way to do this as it not only shields your face but is also a very cute addition to your beach look.
A pair of flat sandals will never go out of style.
A cute nude pair is perfect, as you can wear them during the day, then couple them with a beautiful sundress for dinner on the beach.
A halter bikini and a pair of denim shorts is also a perfect beach outfit especially if you have great legs. Flaunt them!
A cute little sundress or a shirtdress with flat sandals and a hat will make a perfect combo for a beach outfit.
A sleeveless top and a pair of denim shorts or a mini skirt will be a good look as well.

 

Ways To Wear Your Off-Shoulder

One hugely popular design that seems to be making waves season after season is the off-shoulder. Stylishly elegant or casual, the off shoulder suits any occasion. With its versatility, you really shouldn’t wonder why it remains on the list of hottest trends.
From blouses to dresses and jumpsuits, it’s becoming cool to show off them shoulders. Plain or patterned, the stunning neckline of off-the-shoulder outfits is a sure winning style; grand enough reason to consider it another wardrobe must-have, isn’t it?
Pulled off the shoulder for a dramatic effect or worn slightly higher to create a flattering scoop neckline, an off-shoulder piece is certain to give you that unique, sophisticated look any time of the day. Combine top with high-waist trousers, pants or a skirt, for a formal occasion and something a bit casual, pair with jeans or denim shorts. Desire a smarter look? Hmmm…throw on the top a good looking blazer with some heels and rock on!
As for accessories, remember your off-shoulder dress or top is your best accessory, so don’t cover it up by loading on too many. A simple, trendy neck piece will do justice to your look without stealing the show.

It’s becoming quite fashionable to show off your bra straps when wearing off-shoulder pieces, but if you don’t want yours showing, it’s suggested to wear a strapless bra or one that has a good-fitting band then push the straps down.
 Strapless bras can, however, be real unbearable especially for those of us who are well endowed; so here’s another trick – wear a convertible bra and wrap the straps around you to give that extra fit. Other options? A strapless bra top, an adhesive bra, and if you’ve got the courage, free-boob it!
Sometimes, keeping an off-shoulder piece in place can be tricky; some have very tight elastic, others do not. Some sit better than others; just by lifting up your arms, the neckline slips off the shoulders. Quite uncomfortable, right? So when buying, it’s best to try on a few styles to check and be sure they fit comfortably.
Now you know how to rock bare shoulder pieces, go ahead, give your wardrobe a style conscious boost. Won’t you?
 
 
 

4 Inexpensive Gifts for Your Man

Do you need to buy a gift for your special someone? Even if you are broke, that’s no reason to neglect the man in your life!
There are tons of great gifts you can give your boyfriend/fiancé/husband that won’t put you into debt.
Here’s a list of the four best inexpensive gifts for men or, more precisely, for your boyfriend, husband, or fiancé.

Take a photo of yourself
If you’re not the shy type, have a close friend take some tasteful boudoir pictures of you. Keep it clean, yet sexy. No privates shots, no nipples! Print a few and add them to a small album.
Or, just burn your favorites to a CD. Either way, those photos of you will surely warm his heart.
Pamper Him
Take out your pumice and peppermint or lavender foot scrub and treat him to an at-home pedicure.
Soak his feet in hot water for ten minutes while massaging his hands with a non-girlie scented lotion (no fruits or flowers!).
Then pat his feet dry, massage the pumice scrub into them, rinse well, and rub the feet with that same non-scented lotion you used on his hands.
Treat Him to a Movie
Take him to see a movie and buy him popcorn, soda, and some candy. Let him choose the film, too.
No matter how ridiculously violent or scary or plotless, just go with the flow and take comfort in his happiness.
You may even enjoy it for real!
Frame It
Get a great photo of the two of you, have a copy made, and put it in black leather or chrome frame.
A lovely frame can be inexpensive.

3 Fun Ways to Getting Over a Break Up

Breakup hurts. You wish it never happens, but if it happens, the pain is real for you.
It feels like you are completely lost and you will never get over the pain, but you mustn’t feel like that forever. There are so many ways to help you get the happiness again.

Ending a relationship, whether it was your decision or the other’s decision is so hard.
You could deal with your painful emotions as quickly as possible. You can go beyond your pain by doing these fun things. Let’s discover the best things to do after a break up with this article.
Note that after a breakup; you should keep your distance. Do not chat, text, email, call or meet with your ex. You should delete your ex’s off your Facebook or other social media while you’re on it.
Removing them off your social media space does not have to be permanent (or it may be) – but while you are still in pain, it is the best solution for you.
Party with your BFFs:
There’s nothing more fun than putting on your sexiest clothes and heading out to a drunken, sweaty party for a head rush.
You’re single, free, and can drink as much as you want and flirt with whoever you want (within reason), without having to worry about your other half.
Remember to take care of yourself, though. A night out is a great way to let off steam, but continually drowning your sorrows in booze isn’t a good idea.
Go on a trip:
Where have you always wanted to go?  Now that you’re free to travel wherever you want, what are you waiting for?
Whether on your own or with a friend, there’s something incredibly healing about getting away from it all for a week or so.
It will also be cool to switch your phone off for the duration.
Watch a movie:
Not a romance film. See a comedy and laugh away your sorrows or watch a scary movie if you can handle it. You can even make a feel-good music playlist that has nothing to do with romance.

Goal setting

The past year just ended and for some people, it is time to make resolutions and promises for the New Year. It is also the time to set goals or targets for the New Year, be it Personal, Career Oriented, Business or Financial goals. I have compiled a few tips to help set achievable goals.
To set goals, you have to ask these questions:
(a)What do you really want to achieve?
(b)What do you need to do to achieve them?
As you answer these questions, your goals begin to shape itself out.

1.Decide what you want to achieve
You need to take time out to figure out what you want for yourself; not what others want for you. It might take a while for you to decide on this; try not to rush yourself because this is the basis of everything. When your goals are personally meaningful, you are more likely to achieve them.
2.Set SMART Goals
SMART stands for
S – SPECIFIC
M – MEASURABLE
A – ATTAINABLE
R – REALISTIC
T – TIME-BOUND
(a)You need to be specific when setting your goals. For instance, if you want to lose weight, you need to be specific about how you plan to reach the target. Instead of ‘Lose weight’ which is a general goal, your specific goal should be; Exercise 3 times a week, Eat two servings of fruit and vegetables a day, etc.
(b)Measurable goals give you a sense of completion. You should be able to measure your goals; you have to establish precise criteria to measure your set goals.
(c)Your goals should not be impossible to accomplish; you have to set achievable goals.
(d)Your goals have to be reasonable and relevant.
(e)You need a time frame or deadline to achieve your set goal as this will help eliminate procrastination. While setting a timeline, remember that some goals take longer to reach than others, so set your schedule accordingly.
3.Write your Goals down
Don’t just think of your goals, get a pen and paper (or book) and write them down. Studies have shown that people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them.
Ensure you keep your list close by so you can frequently reference them as this will help you remain motivated.
4.Tell someone about your Goals
Talk to your partner or best friend about your goals, this way they can encourage you along the way. You do not need to tell too many people your plans, 1 or 2 people is good.
I wish you the best in your goal setting, and I hope at the end of the year you would have achieved them all.

Side Hustle: Simple Catering Business

You know how these days everyone says they are so busy, or the Lagos traffic is killing, or there are crazy deadlines at work, these could be valid excuses or just excuses to get out of doing embarrassing things. Anyway, I thought you could make some money off people’s busy schedules. I mean no matter how busy anyone gets, they are never too busy to eat.
You may be thinking the catering business is saturated, but I am proposing a smaller scale more customized service. I know this is not a new frontier, but this might just be the perfect side hustle for someone who loves cooking and wants to make some money. There are many ways you can go about this;

(1) For the office folk
You could draw up a weekly menu if you like or take down lunch orders the day before and take it with you to the office and charge a competitive price. If you love to cook, you would probably be preparing your lunch to work and make some extra for your colleagues.
(2) Take advantage of the bachelors
I was shopping at the mall one day and saw a bowl of efo riro ready to go; my mouth was watering as I headed down the detergent aisle. I went back to spy it, and the idea came to me how I wished someone would supply me soups and stew every two weeks. You could be that someone. I am not a bachelor, but I bet many like-minded people would enjoy this service.
(3) The illusion of homemade meals
Some people love to host friends but hate the stress that goes with it. Offer your services to those catering for small numbers, for instance, the wife hosting her in-laws who want to eat ekpang kukwo after she returns from work.
(4) For them fit fam
A lot of health conscious people are looking for low cholesterol meals. You can supply them a week’s worth of meals, save them the stress and let them stay on track with their fitness.
This business would really work for someone who enjoys and can make time for the process of cooking. If you have to employ someone else it cuts into your profits.
Any takers?

Doable Tips To Realize Your Goals In 2017

It’s a few days into the New Year, and as the norm, many have already made resolutions for the year. Year after year, many make these decisions, but a few weeks into the year, they’re off track. When this happens, it can be demoralizing and if it’s happened to you, be sure that you’re not alone (about 75% of those who make resolutions fail to stick with their goals).
We’ve all got great intentions; everybody wants the very best, and there’s no better time to start than at the beginning of a new year. However, we tend to put a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Often, the focus is on “what” and not on “how.”  A healthier lifestyle, weight-loss/fitness, making more money, marriage – whatever the resolution, being more concerned with the goals set than with the specifics of how to accomplish the goals is more like setting one’s self up for failure. Isn’t it?
Right before penning down your New Year resolutions, think about what you want to do and not what you should do. “What should I do this year?” “What should I stop doing?”, “What do other people suggest I should work on?” these are most of the questions people ponder on but it’s a common mistake. More like a wrong start in the right direction – a fire that invariably burns out after a couple of setbacks. Why? No heartfelt desire hence no commitment.

To be successful at any planned change, you need to desire it. Unless you take the time to consider what it is you want (rather than what you should do or should stop doing), you will not be entirely motivated. Make resolutions you are committed to – don’t make one simply because it is “the thing to do,” or because someone has told you that you should.
Set specific goals that are in line with your life-values. To remain on track, make fewer resolutions in the first couple of weeks of 2017 to allow yourself to focus on what you want to achieve actually. Too many goals at the same time usually lead to confusion and of course, little or no achievements.
Do your own thing gradually; from baby steps to adult steps. You can always add more as you achieve the set targets. And where there are setbacks, identify where you went off target so you can get back to it straight-off. There isn’t any point for self-flagellation, is there?
As you hit your goals, celebrate smaller wins towards small goals. Doing gives you a feeling of accomplishment. You’re motivated and more committed to aim for bigger ones.
Above all, be flexible. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and some unexpected circumstances may occur. When they do, focus on your continued progress; revise the steps in accomplishing your goals if need be, but remain resolute and optimistic. You’ll sure get there. When life hands you lemons, you make lemonades, right?
 
 

Dating Before Marriage: How Long?

Formidable question, right?
But honestly, there’s no magic to it and no definition of what’s normal. If you’re reading this and wondering what the answer could be because you’re about to make what seems to be the greatest decision of your life, then I’ll say – the answer lies within you.
From a decade of years to a couple of weeks or even days of dating, we have birthed many marriages, and while some have long broken up, some are still standing strong (personally deduced from experiences of friends, family members and what’s happening around). Though therapists have opined that a year or two is often good enough time to date before getting engaged, there are quite some couples out there who met and fell in love in almost a blink of an eye and are enjoying a healthy marital relationship.

I probably should reiterate this – there’s no magical time frame for dating. The essence of dating is to get to know someone as fully as possible before committing fully to tying the knot. Ultimately, everybody (or almost everybody) wants a lasting happy, successful marriage, and for that to happen, it’s important to realize that all couples go through a ‘romantic love’ phase. This exciting period could be as short as a mere two days or last several months, and then the power struggle or the conflict phase of the relationship sets in. This new period is natural and can probably last forever (bad news!).
But there’s good news too! Do you know that conflict in a marriage is not a reflection on whether you’re in a marriage that will last? What matters is how we repair these conflicts when they occur. Conflict is inevitable in a successful marriage, but with conscious communication and planning, marriage ties are made stronger.
Important questions to note when considering accepting a proposal – is what you feel towards him deeply rooted in your heart? Can you both accept each others’ flaws without judgment? Are you comfortable around each other? Do you see each other not only as love partners but as best of friends? Do you trust one another? How well do you respect each other’s space and individuality?
So here’s my point – irrespective of the duration of dating – whether you are engaged, living together or married, if you both stay committed, work on healing your conflicts (don’t leave them too long before reparation), engage in healthy communication, your relationship will last for the rest of your life together.
What do you think?