…start A Travel Blog
The idea of travel excites me to no end though I admit to being held back by funds and not wanting to go to a strange land alone. My friends and I have planned so many fictitious trips, the one I look forward to the most is our trip to Disneyland Paris with the kids (when mine arrive). The best way to stop putting off travel plans especially with friends is to start a travel club.
A travel club unites a group of people together with the desire to travel. Large groups of people typically get great deals on travel packages, so this route works well for budgeting travelers. It also gives you a group of people to travel with which is especially convenient when going to foreign environments.
You have to know the type of travel club you are going to develop. We all rotate in different social circles; work, church, school etc. Basically the type of club would be dependent on the people you are inviting. You may have a club that is family oriented where you select great places to take the kids, girls only clubs for some girl time, a club for pilgrimage etc.
For this to work you have to take it seriously.
Develop a club charter and rules then appoint offices. The club charter is a commitment created by the club’s members to establish the club’s intention, expectations, and policies. •President: This person mandates over the club and leads meetings.
•Vice President: This person plans the travel events and excursions.
•Treasurer/Accountant: This person handles all monetary effects.
•Historian: This person maintains pictures and notes of previous outings.
Because finances can be a major drawback I advise that you set up a scheme where members of your club pay a certain amount to a common purse every month. This is just like “Ajoo” “Esusu”.  The amount to be paid is calculated based on your intended destination to include visa fees, accommodation and feeding, transportation, return tickets, tourist attractions etc. This amount is then divided by the number of months till your time of travel and paid monthly.
The person in charge of the purse may handle payments, as you know there are great deals when large numbers are involved and when you make plans ahead.
Write up membership contracts. Hire a lawyer to do this so it is legally binding, free from loopholes, and protects you and your assets. The lawyer will also inform you of liability issues as well as any legal aspects that may have been overlooked.
Research the best deals, tours, and charter companies for your travel group. This job should be delegated to more members than yourself.
Book your travel club’s events, vacations, and excursions. Be sure to be certain about every aspect in the itineraries and have back up plans in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Choose those whose company you truly enjoy.
Have fun.

Convenience store is another name for supermarket really. The name convenience simply means it should be accessible to customers and stock basically everything a person would need so they don’t have to run to a bigger department store or its alternatives.
Convenience stores are mostly located around residential areas. There are so many new estates and building developments springing up, imagine servicing the needs of the people living in them. Your selling advantage would already be there, your customers would not have to pay expensive parking costs etc.
Starting a convenience store, just like starting any other business, takes money, planning, and time. With the right location, items in stock, and pricing structure, you can start turning a profit quickly after opening your convenience store.

Develop your business and marketing plans

These documents will typically help you secure funding if you need to take out a loan. If you don’t have them at all, you may run into difficulty securing the required capital.

Create a business plan by listing the name and business structure of your store. You can then continue by listing the items and services you plan to offer and the estimated startup costs for those items and services.
Develop your marketing plan by first analyzing your local competition and customer base. Continue your marketing plan by analyzing the overall convenience store industry and then providing a plan for advertising, signage, and retention of customers.
Plan out details of when your business will be open, hours of operation and where it will be (if known).

      2. Determine a budget for startup costs
 This will largely depend on the cost of real estate in your area and what service and items you plan to offer.
 
     3.  Purchase any necessary equipment for your store
You will need software sales and security system with cameras and alarms, a cash register, shelves, and POS machine. A good software system would really help your business especially with inventory, tracking sales, profits even losses. A good software sales system will even help manage employees so your risk with theft is reduced.
 
      4.  Establish relationships with suppliers
You’ll need wholesalers to supply you with the goods you will sell, which include food and drink items, cigarettes, alcohol, paper and household goods. You’ll have to source where you can get the best priced items so with your mark up your prices don’t scare away customers.
      5. Stock the store accordingly.
Lay out your store shelves, and stock them with items. Use a method that will make ordering and restocking easy.
      6.  Get Insurance
We Nigerians would typically insure our homes, cars and businesses with the blood of Jesus or any faith we uphold. Get insurance against theft, fire etc up to the value of goods and equipment you have purchased.
      7.  Hire employees.
You need trustworthy employees in this business as you could stand to lose both money and merchandise. Be thorough in your interview.
Grand Opening!
Consider doing a grand opening with banners and special deals to attract customers.
 
An alternative to starting your own store would be to buy a convenience store that is already up and running. Much of the process would be the same except the store would be transferred from the current owner to you.
 

I know you have tried almost everything to get a sexy flat tummy but I need you to give these steps a go just before you quit.
1. Eat at regular intervals
This is important because it boosts metabolism and balances blood sugar. The lower you keep your blood sugar, the lower you keep your insulin, and insulin makes you store fat around your middle region. Eating every three to four hours will keep your blood sugar even, but many people tend to go five or six hours between lunch and dinner without eating.
2. Get an Exercise Ball
You hate running because you’re worried about being chased by stray dogs or you just don’t want to be laughed at. You think treadmills are boring. This is a great option for you. Do the ball exchange three times a week. Lay flat on your back with your arms above your head and legs straight out. Start with a stability ball above your head in your hands. Bring the ball up above your chest as you bring your legs up to meet the ball and place it between your ankles. Bring the ball back down to the floor with your legs and straighten your arms back out over your head.
Repeat the ball exchange 10 to 12 times, remembering to keep your lower back pressed into the floor as you do this move.
3. Eat Less Sugar
Eat as close to zero grams of sugar as possible. This will keep insulin levels low and also keep levels of glucagon high. This mean you have to keep track by reading the composition of what you eat. Stay off fizzy drinks and alcohol.
4. Chew your food properly
Chewing is the No. 1 tip I give to prevent bloating. Chew food until it is completely mashed in your mouth. Digestion begins in the mouth, and without proper chewing, food is not well-digested. Better-digested food means less gas and bloating.
5. Sexy bellies start with sexy diets
Diet first, Cardio second, Building muscle third, and Abs exercises last. Follow it and you can safely lose one to two pounds a week.
Control your portion, eat more grains, proteins and vegetables.
 Spend 60 minutes a day preparing healthier meals. Spend 20 minutes a day three to five times weekly doing cardio. Spend 15 minutes a day three times a week strength training. Finally, spend 5 minutes a day three times a week doing abs exercises.
6.  Reduce Salt Intake
The culprit making your tummy bloat? It could be the salt in your diet. Use natural sea salt or kosher salt, which is lower in sodium teaspoon for teaspoon than traditional table salts. And stay away from soy sauce: Even low-sodium soy sauce is still high in sodium and will cause practically instant bloating.
Instead, flavor your food with a little fresh spices and cayenne pepper, which has an added benefit of boosting metabolism.
7. Dress Right for your body
Play up a different body part to draw attention from your middle.
If it’s your legs, wear skirts or slim pants. Shoulders—bare them even if just a bit with a boatneck or sweetheart neckline. Cleavage? Make sure your bra does its job. If your bra rides up in the back, the bra has likely stretched out. If it accentuates back flab or if the space between the cups doesn’t lie flat, go up a size.
 
 

Inspiration is everywhere. Sometimes I get sad when I see what is around me and what is yet to be achieved. I do get lazy, waiting for that golden opportunity to drop at my feet but when I think about these women and see the fruits of their hard work I get off my ass and get in formation.
I hope they inspire you.

Bukky George Health Plus and Casa Bella

This woman changed the game. I mean I am a pharmacist so maybe it is more familiar and personal for me. She met her colleagues selling through windows and switched it up. Her stores are world class, the service is unparalleled to anyother. She also does franchising right.
      2. Tara Fela Durotoye House of Tara
Going beyond talent. I admire her and I am inspired by her on so many levels. She took her love for makeup and created a conglomerate. Now, she owns a training school, professional make up studio and a multi natonal makeup line. She was not afraid to branch out and we are all thanks to her. I mean have you tried her Aduke nude lip stick?
      3.  Nike Ogunlesi Ruff & Tumble
Don’t tell me you haven’t bought baffs for your little ones from Ruff & Tumble? The quality and consistency is what I admire the most. They are here to stay.
       4.  Linda Ikeji  Linda Ikeji Blog
Controversy aside, I want to be like Aunty Linda when I grow up.  The lesson I receive from her is perseverance. Your line of work may not be popular but it shows everyone has their time.
        5.  Folorunsho Alakija Famfa Oil
The richest black woman is a Nigerian. If that doesn’t inspire you, I don’t know what will. We are known for so much negativity and greatness at the same time. You choose your path.
         6.  Arese Ugwu Smartmoney Africa
Anyone who can tell me how to manage my money and still look so good doing this has my vote. Arese’s articles on finance management have saved my life. I am inspired that in economic straits such as ours sound decisions for the future can still be made.
          7.  Mo Abudu Ebonylife Television
We consume so much content; television, radio, social media. It takes guts to go from a consumer to a producer. Mo has paved the way for several Nigerian stars and created a platform for Nigerian entertainment to be enjoyed across the continent.
           8.  Ibukun Awosika  The Chair Place
Mrs. Ibukun Awosika is a multiple award winning entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of the Chair Centre Group.  She is the first female and youngest chairman of First bank Nigeria. She also chairs the House of Tara board and serves on several boards including Cadbury Nigeria and The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.
Her story from her humble business beginnings teaches me how to manage risks in business and go for what I want.
             9. Stephanie Okereke  Actress
After watching her reality television production, Style me fabulous, I fell in love with Stephanie. Her fresh perspective was beyond inspiring, choosing to touch lives and marriages in the way that she did. She has also won several awards, the most recent for the movie “Dry” which she produced. You can touch lives with your craft that is the message I get from her.
             10. Uche Pedro Bella Naija
She has most recently been named as one of the ’30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa in 2014′ by Forbes. She is the Managing Director of BellaNaija and Creative Director of BellaNaija.com, an online company that develops and manages exciting online media content aimed at Pan-African and Nigerian audiences. She is a very private person but her work speaks for her.
This is by no means an extensive list. I am sure you know many inspiring women. Please share your stories with us.

As we get older, the skin gets thinner less elastic and less robust and skin cells are replaced slower.
Through the ages;
0- 15 Years: Fibroblast and Elastin give softness and suppleness
15-25 Years: Elastin and Collagen which are the tightening agents are produced to accommodate growth.
30 – 45 Years: After thirty, Elastin production decreases and can be made worse by sun exposure. Sun exposure destroys elastin fibres as well as collagen.
45-65 Years: Collagen and Elastin are produced even less. During periods of strain, stress and illness the skin also suffers. Anxiety and Depression also leave a mark.
Thankfully, advances in skin care are making it as easy as one, two, three….
1. RUB IT IN
Hydrated skin not only looks great (glowing, healthy, and even-toned), but it’s stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to fend off irritation. To keep skin supple post-shower, use a moisturizing body wash and lotion. 
2. EAT SMART
Your diet doesn’t just affect your waistlin, it can also save your skin: Green tea’s main freeradical-fighting polyphenol EGCG not only protects collagen, it could help prevent skin cancer; wild salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which aid skin’s barrier-repair function; sweet potatoes are full of antioxidant beta-carotene and spinach’s antioxidant lutein helps preserve your vision (less squinting equals fewer wrinkles). Take multivitamin supplements to complement your diet especially those targeted at the skin.
3. HIT THE SACK
While you’re fast asleep, your body is busy releasing hormones that boost cell turnover. Take advantage of this nightly skin-renewal window by applying age-fighting creams or lotions. Trade up to satin sheets if you want to realize your dream of sag-free skin: Over time, rubbing and reduced circulation caused by tossing and turning in rougher sheets can create more friction and break down collagen, leading to wrinkles.
4. EXFOLIATE
A physical exfoliant, such as a scrub, a body wash with gentle beads, buffs away debris, while alpha or beta hydroxy acids in exfoliating scrubs dissolve the bonds between cells, so the old cells easily wash away, revealing soft, glowing skin.
5. ERASE WRINKLES
The best way to banish wrinkles before they begin is to develop good habits, excessive alcohol and cigarettes, which trigger free radicals that damage DNA in cells. 
6. GET EVEN
Don’t neglect skin below the neck: Discoloration on the chest and on the backs of the hands are red flags of aging just as much as when they appear on the face. Fade them away with products containing niacinamide, DHA, glucosamine, and vitamin C.
7. LOOK AHEAD
Protect your skin for a beautiful future. A full-on solar defense starts with broad-spectrum sunscreen that guards against both UVB and UVA rays. Make sunscreen the first step in your regimen; applying it to bare skin binds it to cells, boosting its efficacy.
 
 

We are still battling to understand the seasons with climate change but after seeing it rain a couple of times, it is best to be prepared.
Put your fashionable feet forward with these must haves.
1. Umbrella
Except you are going for a wet look, an umbrella should always be in your bag. You don’t know when the weather might change. Opt for small and trendy umbrellas instead of the granny ones we end up forgetting everywhere.
2. Waterproof bag
Don’t give the rain an excuse to mess up your day. Protect your expensive bags and your documents too. 
3. Hair Dryer 
You know what they say about black girls and water. Don’t be caught looking frizzy. If you have been in the rain, dry up properly and don’t forget your hair. 
Now another hair necessity for this season: hair protectors. Just in-case you get water in your hair, hair protectors help to smoothen it out. Get an anti-frizz serum, hair spray and setting spray too.
4. Waterproof makeup
Choose the waterproof variety especially when it comes to your mascara and eyeliner.
5. Dark Fashion
I love the weather when it rains but I hate how messy everywhere gets. Warning: This is not the season to rock your white palazzo pants or that baby pink floor length skirt. Stick to dark colours and shorter cuts.
6. Rain Friendly Shoes
Suede is a No-No, but you already knew that. Think on those Vivienne Westwood rubber shoes (before we were flooded with fakes). Alternatively go for stylish and fashionable rubber flats and footies. 
7. Stylish hat or cap
Head wears are great not only for keeping one’s head from getting wet but also for hiding frizzy, unruly hair.
8. Cover Up Beautifully
Cardigans, sweaters, jackets, shawls, ponchos. The world is your runway, give them a show. 
9. Skin Care on Fleek
The heat was your excuse not to moisturize, now you have the cool weather. Practice all the skin care tips you have been skipping out on.
10. Power bank
I am sorry I had to go there. Since time memorial, rain comes with power outage. Get your power banks to have your devices switched on at all times so you don’t miss out on that special phone call and updates from us.
Love and Light

He is suddenly interested in his looks
So he has always been one of those guys who never bothered looking into the mirror more than once, never tucked in his shirt unless he had to, never cared that his socks were smelly, never wore deodorant unless you begged him to, but suddenly there’s a metamorphosis. 
Sudden Over time
He suddenly gets very busy at work and it is not the end of the financial year.
Cold Shoulder
When someone is cheating, it might start feeling like you’re growing apart. He might start communicating less and less with you or become increasingly emotionally detached.
Extreme Niceness
Are they suddenly being overly nice? Allowing you to watch whatever you want on TV, buying you gifts, asking if you would like to go out to your favourite restaurant. For some, having an affair can make them act happier in their life or guilt can make them try to make it up to you subconsciously.
Privacy
Having a sudden need for privacy can be another red flag of a cheating partner. 
Always Online
So you notice a sudden increase in your guy’s online activity. He is suddenly very active on social networking sites and it’s not just old friends he’s catching up with. Check the tag section on instagram (photos of x), his love interest may just be curating their activities. 
Liar Liar
It’s funny when #men think they can lie to you and get away with it that easily. If he has one too many excuses for his actions, confront him. Too many cover ups = trouble.
Dry Spells
 When was the last time you even kissed passionately? Has there been a serious slack in the bedroom department. If you’ve been “dry” for way too long and any effort you make is being met with a negative response, maybe it’s time to bring it up.
Picking Fights
Have you noticed an increase in arguments and fights lately? Does your partner get upset over silly things and storm out of the house or back out of plans? This may give him an out to leave and meet the other woman. If he’s looking for reasons to get mad and leave, be as sweet as pie and block those moves to see how he reacts.
He accuses you of cheating
Another one of the signs of cheating is when he accuses you of cheating. It might seem weird, but many #people do this because of the guilt they feel for cheating. If he has no reason to suspect that you are cheating, there should be no reason for him to accuse you of it.

My advice: Do not make accusations that you can’t back up. But, if you do suspect it, sit him down for a long talk about your concerns. If that nagging feeling doesn’t disappear, you have some choices to make—and perhaps some investigations to start.
Please share with us in the comment section how you caught a cheat.

Either by chance or choice, for different reasons, women become single mothers. Whatever the reasons are, single motherhood status is a tough one especially in an African society like ours. Keeping it all together as a single mother can be one big emotional roller coaster. Besides the pressure, the stigma, the loneliness (need I say more?), taking on dual parental responsibilities isn’t easy but it’s definitely not impossible. 
Do you know that single parenthood can be very fulfilling? No husband/father to share in the day-to-day responsibilities of parenting and decision making? Hey! Life doesn’t have to be hell; there’s so much in this world to be thankful for as a single mum. 
Embrace your life. Raise your head up high and enjoy the ride with your kid(s).
Here’s how:
Do you often feel like a victim of circumstances? Please don’t! Always have a Positive Attitude. Remember, you are still as awesome as you were before you had your child. Don’t wallow in self-pity. Your moods can also affect your child so fill your life with positivity. Wake up every day with a smile!
Be social. Becoming a single mother doesn’t mean the end of the world. Don’t become a recluse. Yes you need to spend time at home with your kid(s). But often spending some time away from home is healthy. Make time to do things that keep you happy, go watch movies or have fun night out with friends. Who knows, you just might meet someone special on such outings.
Love your child unconditionally. No matter the trials and tribulations of single motherhood, don’t make your child feel he/she’s the cause of your single status. Loving unconditionally doesn’t mean “anything goes”. No! Don’t over-indulge your child; maintain a standard of discipline. Be firm but loving with consequences for misbehaviours. 
Spend uninterrupted time together. Create routines of doing things together with your children. House chores, fun outings, indoor games etc. These special moments are necessary for a good sense of togetherness and continuity in your home.  
Trying to get a hold of your finances? Paying the bills alone can be real overwhelming but you can strategically stay afloat. You may need to prioritize your needs and cut down on expenses. Plan ahead. If possible, try to improve on your finances by doing extra businesses (click here *insert link from older posts) to check out our business ideas for a home maker.
You are single but not alone. Blessed with loving family members and trusted friends? Learn to embrace their support. Be willing to accept their emotional and financial help when it’s offered. 
Love and take good care of yourself. Remember you’re all your child’s got so it’s your responsibility to stay fit always. Eat well and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Above all, be smart, confident and realistic. When challenges come knocking, be calm and face them doggedly – there will always be a way out. You are strong and beautiful inside out. Your child’s happiness, smiles and hugs are indications that you are doing a great job and you rock!
 

Ever since a popular Nigerian Blogger purchased a 600 million Naira house the interest in blogging has increased. Okay, I admit it readily increased with the display of wealth and material possessions on social media.
The Question: Can you really make money as a blogger?
Answer: Yes!!!
Is it easy?
Answer: Truthfully, No
Should you try it?
Answer: Definitely!
 
What you gotta do is;
 Pick a Struggle
What is your blog going to be about? Know what kind of blog is going to be; gossip, entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, food, children, music. Pick something you have genuine interest in because I tell you except you are super dedicated, it would get hard. 
Get a Platform
The most common ones are blogger and wordpress though you could decide to host yourself. 
Blogger.com – Blogger is also very good, easy to set up, owned by Google, you can customize the theme, and the domain name includes “.blogspot.com” 
WordPress.com – I like wordpress.com they are completely free, easy to set up, you can customize the theme, but other customizations are limited, domain name includes “.wordpress.com”. 
 
Schedule Your Posts
Decide how often you want to post. It could be daily, weekly even monthly. Come up with your own topics for each blog post. Readers will come to your blog if they enjoy your writing style and your topics. Think quality over quantity.
Be Social Media Savvy
Post your article links on social media and blog directories. Get traffic to your site with frequent updates on Twitter, Facebook, and instagram. This helps in getting traffic to your site as well as raising your search engine rankings.
Let me add here that you should be creative as a blogger. These days you can make money directly from social media. I have a number of colleagues (fellow bloggers) who make money from posting on instagram.
Be Friendly
Contact other bloggers on social media and blogging sites, and help advertise each other’s articles when the subject overlaps with both your audiences. Many bloggers are happy to post a link on twitter even if they aren’t interested in advertising your blog on their own.
Spend Money to Make Money
You can go the slow and steady route which means keep posting wait for your market to find you. This would have worked in those days when blogs were not like sand on the earth. I believe you should market your site especially if you are choosing a genre that has serious competitors.
Making THE Money
Consider affiliate programs
By finding an affiliate program suitable for your blog, you agree to provide links to a company’s products, and in return are paid for each reader who makes a purchase after following your link. For instance as a fashion blogger you can become an affiliate for online markets jumia and Konga.
Guest Appearances
When you have really hustled people would start paying for you to party. Depending on what area of blogging you are into you may be paid for public speaking or to attend events. Think Arese Ugwu of smartmoneyafrica called for money seminars.
Write for other blogs
You can earn money as a blogger even without necesariliy owning your own blog. Contribute for other blogs as a way to boost your readership or get paid writing for blogs.
Contextual Ads
Once your blog contains high quality content and has begun to attract an audience, you can make money using Google Adsense, Chitika WordAds, or any other contextual ad service. The more readers who click on the ads shown on your site, the more money the advertisers will pay you.
Allow readers to purchase your own products
 You can create T-shirt designs with catchy words or slogans used on your blog and sell directly to your readers. You can sell recipes or products even think Dooney’s Kitchen and her yajichurri jars. I am giving real examples so you see that it is really possible even here in Naija. Fashion bloggers can sell unique clothing items and accesories. Bloggers writing about babies and toddlers can sell children toys etc.
Direct Ads
A truly successful blog would have people placing ads directly on the site if it is in line with their brand.
 
This is not a comprehensive guide by all standards but i hope it helps.
If you found this guide helpful, please tell us in the comments. Don’t forget to share with your friends 

A woman’s accessories are what makes her look glamorous. Accessories change a look from plain boring to extraordinarily intriguing. They enhance our outfits and help us achieve the image we want people to see. 
How you dress affects the way you feel so most mornings, we tend to go outfits that match and complement our mood and that actually sets the tone for the day.
Whatever your disposition or the occasion, your bag, shoes, earrings, neck piece, belt etc are what complement you. And when choosing accessories, it’s also vital to consider how well the colour and style collaborates with your outfit choice. 
Looking for ways to add some poise to your look knowing how indispensable accessories are, we’ve thought up some “must-knows & haves” for you. These are accessories you can love, feel comfortable in and definitely have in your closet. Accessories you can rely on in times of emergencies and they won’t fail to save the day! 
Handbags: Handbags are serviceable accessories. They help in holding your necessities and also serve as symbol of personality and taste. 
Stand alone Jewellery: Whether earrings, neckwear, or a bracelet, a quality statement piece works well as the centre of attraction. Bold or feminine, statement jewellery speaks for itself and can stylishly turn the most casual outfit into a sophisticated dinner or office ensemble. Want to add some elegance to your look? Try a bib style neckpiece or a classic multistrand bead necklace. For earrings, a variety of gorgeous loops, shoulder-grazing colourful chandelier earrings, or silver/gold dangling earrings are utterly stylish.
Go-to Shoes: Every woman must have a go-to shoe. Whether classic heeled pumps or flats, your go-to shoes should be comfy, timeless, well designed and handy. Black, red or nude colours will co-ordinate richly with any outfit choice and can go with any season.
A fashionable belt: Skinny, wide, fabric, or chain belts. You can’t afford not to any of have these “cloth-polishers”. From drab to fab, that’s what a fashionable belt does to your ensemble in an instant. It also comes very handy in accentuating your waist.  
Eye-catching Clutch: Who doesn’t love a clutch? Bring out the classic elegant you by topping off your outfit with a clutch for parties and nights out. 
A Scarf: A nice coloured scarf is what gives new dimension to your regular outfit. Pair them with a t-shirt or with a dress, it’s sure to add some finesse. Simply deluxe I would say!
Sunglasses: Thinking of how to shade yourself from the blazing sun? Get a pair of sunglasses today, and look fabulous without effort. A classic pair will go nicely with just about any outfit.
Stylishly put finishing touches to your ensemble with any of these fashion items and bring out the diva in you!