How to Make Your Eyes Pop

I just like to put it out here that this is one problem we big eyed girls don’t have but I use these tricks when I want to be extra. These tips would make anyone’s eyes pop:
 Making Your Eyes Pop

If you have a hard time using soft eyeliner pencils, draw a thick line onto your hand, use a stiff eye brush to pick up the pigment and then apply to your eye.
Use a flesh colored liner on the water rim of your lower lash line to make eyes look bigger and brighter.
Apply a shimmery champagne color in the inner corner of your eyes to brighten your whole face.
Apply highlighter onto your brow bone.
Swap out your neutral black or brown liner for a brightly colored one instead.
Apply concealer to your under-eye circles after foundation (not before) to better camouflage them.
To make your eye color stand out, apply black liner around the entire eye, including the water line.
You can use darker shades of nude and brown to create a subtle smoky eye look that works on everyone.
The most important rule when wearing a smoky eye is that if you go dark, keep the rest of your face soft.
Change out your mascara every three months.When it comes to your eyes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Use a lash primer before mascara to make lashes look bigger and thicker. 
Use a small mascara brush on your lower lashes, as well as the lashes near the inner corner of your eyes. A tinier brush makes it easier to grab onto the smaller lashes.
Try out false lashes. They make your eyes look bigger. 
No need to stop at one coat of mascara! Wait for the fist coat to dry, then apply another. Just make sure you’re using a non-clumping mascara.
If you wear glasses, go with a lengthening mascara instead of a ‘volumizing’ one, which can look clumpy when magnified by lenses.

 
Go on, try these tips let’s see those popping eyes

Ways To Grow Your Natural Hair Super Fast

Oh the many joys of natural hair!
There’s certainly more to taking the decision to abstain from hair chemicals than a seasonal trend. From the feeling of freedom natural hair brings to a healthier hair, versatility (more styling options), new growth and of course uniqueness – becoming a naturalista sure opens up a new world of possibilities.
If getting your hair to grow while on this natural hair journey is a major concern, be rest assured you aren’t alone. Rome as often said, wasn’t built in a day. The usual growth for hair in a month is only about a quarter of an inch – half an inch. But with loads of patience and a simple but effective hair care regimen, your dream of having long healthy locks will sure come true.
Here are some useful tips to help make it super-fast:
Natural hair loves moisture. Moisturize your hair at least twice daily (morning and night). Dampen with a little water, and then rub in some leave-in conditioner and seal in the moisture with some oil (coconut, olive, avocado, almond, castor, peppermint, shea butter etc).
Don’t leave out your ends when conditioning your hair. Dryness and breakages start from there so give them some attention too.
Are you using the right combs for your hair? Wide-tooth combs are best option to minimize breakage while combing.
Wide-Tooth Comb For Natural Hair

Do you leave your hair out at night? Always tuck your hair safely into a satin/silk scarf when going to bed.
Excessive heat can stall growth and severely damage your hair. Try not to apply too much heat to your hair, avoid an overuse of flat irons, curling irons and blow dryers. Use more of roller sets, wraps, twists.
 
Wash your hair with a shampoo only once a month. And always pre-poo the night before or hours prior to washing. This detangles your hair and adds moisture to your follicles.
 
Other times when not using a shampoo? Co-wash it! And don’t forget deep conditioning at least weekly too. Always apply a leave-in conditioner and of course, essential oils to keep the moisture locked in after every wash.
 
Increasing blood flow into your scalp is one great way to stimulate hair growth. To achieve this, try a 5minute scalp massage daily with fingers dipped in essential oils.
 
Protective styling helps make your hair resistant to breakage by protecting against wear and tear, and keeping your ends intact. Be sure to choose styles that don’t stress your edges.
Hair care doesn’t have to be expensive. Make the most of some natural stuff right there in your kitchen to grow your hair. Onion juice, Apple cider vinegar, potato juice, egg mask, coconut milk are some of the things that work.
And finally, drink lots and lots of water. Your hair needs it too!
Natural hair is definitely exciting. Whatever the length of your hair, rock it girl!

Dream Destination Tokyo

I have become more adventurous these days. I just want to experience everything. Well if not everything, many things. When my finances align, I would love to visit Japan(Tokyo).
Tokyo Trip Requirement
For a Nigerian visiting Japan this is what you’ll need;
1. Passport
2. 1 Visa application form
3. 1 Photo
4. Flight booking confirmation slip
5. Documents to prove ability to pay for travel expenses

A certificate of income or a tax declaration certificate issued by a public agency or
Personal bank statement for last 3 months

6. Schedule of stay or Travel itinerary

Hotel booking etc

7. Letter of employment(original and photocopy)
8. Introduction letter from employer
 
Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers and anime shops to cherry trees and temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding forests. The Imperial Palace sits amid sprawling public gardens.
Sci-fi Cityscapes

Tokyo’s neon-lit streetscapes still look like a sci-fi film set. Come let’s see the utopian mega-malls, the edgy designer boutiques from Japan’s award-winning architects, and the world’s tallest tower – Tokyo Sky Tree – a twisting spire that draws on ancient building techniques. Stand atop one of Tokyo’s skyscrapers and look out over the city at night to see it blinking like the control panel of a starship, stretching all the way to the horizon.
Eat Your Heart Out

Yes, Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city. Japanese cuisine has been added to the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage list. But that’s not what makes dining in Tokyo such an amazing experience. What really counts is the city’s long-standing artisan culture. You can splash out on the best sushi of your life, made by one of the city’s legendary chefs using the freshest ingredients from Tsukiji Market that day.
Fashion & Pop Culture

From giant robots to saucer-eyed school girls to a certain, ubiquitous kitty, Japanese pop culture is a phenomenon that has reached far around the world. Tokyo is the country’s pop culture laboratory, where new trends grow legs. Come see the latest looks bubbling out of the backstreets of Harajuku, the hottest pop stars projected on the giant video screens in Shibuya, or the newest anime and manga flying off the shelves in Akihabara. Or just pop ’round to the nearest convenience store to pick up treats in wacky flavours emblazoned with cute characters.
Festivals and fireworks

It is difficult to travel in Japan during summer and not find yourself caught up in a matsuri (festival) of some sort. In cities and towns across the country, floats are paraded, people get kitted out in their colourful yukata (cotton kimono), food stalls cram the streets, fireworks explode, and the beer and sake flows.
Among the summer big-hitters are Kyoto’s famous Gion Matsuri, which runs for the whole month of July; and Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri, on 24 and 25 July. In Northern Honshū there are unusual feats of strength – from 3 to 6 August people balance long bamboo poles strung with lanterns on their heads and shoulders for the Akita Kantō Matsuri. On Miyajima there is a centuries-old ceremony of traditional music in boats for Kangen-sai  on 1 August. And on the island of Sado-ga-shima from 21 to 23 August, the Kodō Drummers wow music lovers at the Earth Celebration.
I don’t think one can exhaust all there is to discover in Tokyo on one visit. I definitely want to go.
Any sponsors?

Kids and Knives

I saw this picture on the internet about age appropriate chores for children and i noticed some chores had to do with sharp objects. I tried to remember what age I was when my mother first started trying to teach me how to cook. I was about seven years old when she gave me a tuber of yam to peel. I can tell you that it ended hilariously, I managed to peel the yam but i rubbed it across my skin so much that i was so itchy. I had to shower with disinfectant and even had to take an antihistamine. I learnt a valuable lesson, yam skins and human skins (at least mine) don’t mix.

How do you feel about children (Kids) using knives?
What is the greatest risk — children using knives or children not using knives? Does the risk lie in teaching a child the skills required to use a knife, or is the risk in not allowing a child to use a knife and denying them important life skills?
I think parents can start teaching with a butter knife (or other dull round tipped knife and also vegetable choppers) to cut something soft like a banana.
 As the child gets older, the knife gets sharper and the food gets harder or more difficult to cut. I advocate for real knives and real food, however starting with a soft food and a dull knife allows for the child to develop their skills gradually.
It’s not that I believe children should be doing adult work; it’s that I believe children are capable and for them it can be incredibly empowering. Children need risk. Risk challenges them and keeps them alert; it makes them responsive and teaches consequences. However parents are often so afraid, it is to the detriment of their children.
Children need to learn new skills, real life skills. Once they are capable in one area, they will have the confidence to work and excel in other areas. In the society we find ourselves it is best to equip them for challenges.
If taught with care and patience children can become very capable and skilled. Using a knife can improve hand control. It can build hand and arm strength and fine motor skills.
With the same of amount of attention, they can also learn to use a grater or perhaps even a peeler.
Do you allow your children to use a knife? At what age did you teach them how to use it?
 

The Mistress Handbook

A mistress is a relatively long-term female lover and companion who is not married to her partner, especially when her partner is married.
This is the type of article one should write anonymous but I trust you guys. As a single girl, most of the attention I have received is from unavailable or unsuitable men and if you notice, for those who have this experience is that they are the most caring and very eager to solve your life’s problems whether spiritual, academic or financial.
My advice to ladies out there who are considering taking up the offer of an unavailable man is – DON’T. A marriage is a sacred bond and it shouldn’t be tampered with.
If you are already in that sort of relationship however, there are rules you must observe;
Mistress Rules

You’re a mistress not the wife, know your place!
Mistresses don’t complain. It is the wife’s role.
Even if he tells you he loves you more than his wife, don’t let that get into your head.
Mistresses should not call the man first, wait for him to call.
Be friend his secretary and driver.
Unless your married man is carrying on with his secretary, she can be an invaluable asses in your relations or relationship with him-relations as in sex, relationship as in a working or living arrangement
Mistresses should avoid the wife as much as possible. As much as possible don’t patronize the wife’s beauty parlor, jewelry shop, dress shop.
Be discreet, confide in no one. If you are a known mistress do not divulge details of your relationship.
Have a beard; be publicly linked to another man.
Mistresses should be ready to give up Valentine’s Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Holy Week and his birthday. If he spends any of these days with you, you are doing a fine job.
Don’t fall in love, always look out for yourself.
Resist the urge to shower him with gifts. Evidence, evidence…!
Perish all thought that someday you’ll be No. 1 for your own sanity.
Avoid being seen in public with him. Because it’s forbidden it’s supposed to be hidden plus don’t ruin your chances with single, quality men when you are ready to settle down.
Remind him to pay for everything in cash – dinner, flowers, perfume, champagne, pearls, diamonds, a microwave oven, etc.
In God we trust but pay in cash you must. A broke mistress is a sad tale.
When all else fails, leave him. Well whether it fails or not, the relationship must have a shelf life.

 
 

Go Natural: Skin Therapy Techniques

Dying to have a most-sought after flawless skin? Thinking skin therapy? Well, you should! Amongst many other perks, a clear radiant skin is an all-time striking attribute that boosts self-confidence, and of course a sign of sound health. Interestingly, having a beautiful glowing skin doesn’t have to be through cosmetic surgery/laser resurfacing. You can adequately care for your skin naturally without having to rob a bank.
Sometimes the prolonged use of moisturizers and lotions can take its toll on the skin, and even overall health due to the loaded chemicals in them. Wondering how then to deal with the pimples, or protect against sunburns, acne, and aging? Natural skincare of course! They’re free from long term risks and are a sure way to a healthier vibrant skin. Natural ingredients from your very kitchen can be the ideal therapy for a beautiful soft skin.
Let’s take a look at some easy ones…
Skin Therapy Techniques
Raw Honey-Avocado Moisturizer
Often used on the skin because of its antibacterial and healing properties, raw honey is a healthy source of nutrients and enzymes. And avocados? Refreshingly revitalizing, avocados are great for soothing dry and sensitive skins. A combination of these two ingredients will not only moisturize, it will also soften, cleanse and slow down aging process.

Method: Mash up one de-skinned avocado, mix with a tablespoon of honey and apply on skin. Leave as mask for at least an hour and rinse off with warm water.
Are you prone to acne? Try this Basil Toner. The antiseptic properties in basil help in eradicating acne-causing bacteria while also improving circulation to the skin.
Method: Pour 3 tablespoons of crushed dried basil leaves into a cup of water to boil. Leave mixture to cool then strain out and pour in a spray bottle. Spritz on your skin and gently spread over face and neck with a cotton ball. Do this daily at night after cleansing.
Need natural cleansers? Grapes are loaded with antioxidants and are super healthy for your body. But do you know that grapes have incredible cleansing effects on your skin too? Simply smash some then rub the pulp on your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing with water. You just stripped your skin of impurities!
Exfoliating regularly rids your face of dry dead skin cells to make it looking younger, smoother and brighter. When next you need to exfoliate, try this Almond-sugar scrub. Sugar is a major source of Glycolic acid, an active compound known to boost new cell production and break down the protein that keeps dead cells hanging onto your skin. A mixture of sugar plus Vitamin E rich Almonds will effectively remove all dead skin cells, nourish your skin and also protect it from the harsh rays of the sun.
Method: Mix a cup of white sugar with ½ cup ground almonds and some of your favourite massage oil (olive, almond, jojoba). Combine thoroughly and apply to dry face in a circular motion. Let sit for 30 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Keep leftover safe in a tight container for future use.

Tall Girls’ Guide to Looking Fabulous

Women have different unique shapes and sizes, tall and slim, tall and curvy, average and thin, petite and curvy, small and slim. Each figure is beautiful in its way, all you need is the perfect outfit for your body type.What fits your friend may not look good on you. For example, what looks good on your friend who is a slim hourglass may not suit you if you are a plus sized apple shape.  
How to Style Your Tall Frame

Just like small women out there, tall women come in different shapes and sizes as well. You can be tall and lean, tall and curvy, apple shaped, pear shaped, tall and short-waisted, tall and long-waisted and so on.Tall women should learn to love their height. It is what makes you beautiful and unique. You can pull off any outfit with the right confidence and posture.Don’t be shy, Flaunt your legs!          
Most tall women have beautiful legs. Tall women should not shy away from wearing short dresses and heels. It is sexy!
Show off your curves in a classy manner. Wear well-fitted clothing. This does not mean tight clothing. Well-fitted clothing means clothing that suits your shape and size at all the right place and is comfortable. Ill-fitting clothes are for example sleeves that are too long and tops and pants that look like they have shrunk. Avoid everything that is in the wrong position on your body. Ill-fitting clothes will make you look weird, out of place and will not flatter your curves.
Stay Away from Monochromatic Outfits: To avoid looking endlessly tall, avoid monochromatic (single hue colour) clothing. Wear different colour top and different colour bottom to create a break off your height. The horizontal line break will make you appear shorter.
Show off your long neck. When getting ready for a night out, your long expanse of neck and your new décolletage are assets you should not forget to flaunt. Wear interesting necklines, pull your hair back and wear necklaces or large earrings that attract the eye.
 Avoid looking too big. To avoid looking “big,” make sure you only wear one oversized item at a time. You can wear wide-legged pants with a tight top, or pair an oversized jacket with skinny jeans.
Don’t shy away from skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are the perfect opportunity for tall women to show off their gorgeous body. Don’t think about the length. It is okay if they are a little short, well better for flaunting your shoes.  A turn up is really in at the moment so roll over the hem by about an inch or two and make sure your footwear is flaunt-worthy.

Nobody can rock a maxi dress like a tall woman. No matter how much average and short people try, they just can’t pull off a killer maxi dress the way tall women do. Make friends with a maxi dress.   Skirts are good outfits for most tall girls. If you are looking to choose the right dress for yourself then just remember to try all sorts of clothes in order to find the best one for your personality. Mostly, high waisted skirts are the best option. Belts can also be helpful to highlight your best body parts.
Being a tall woman is truly one of the best gifts you can get, its what makes you unique, beautiful and stand out in any crowd. If you are tall, all you need is the right attitude, posture and you can pull off any outfit confidently.

How to Prevent Post Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are unwanted scars that appear on the skin due to sudden changes in body size, and this usually happens during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, and puberty. Development of stretch marks is common among women during and after pregnancy. You might have fine lines mostly in the areas prone to fat accumulation like breast, hips, arms, abdomen, tummy and thighs.
Pregnancy stretch marks form as a natural result of the skin around the abdomen stretching out to accommodate a growing belly. The marks start out as red streaks and turn silvery over time. It is possible to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks if you act early. Drink water to keep your body well hydrated. During pregnancy, your blood volume is increasing, and you are building a huge water sack for your baby to stay in. Your body has growing demand for hydration. Your skin also needs to be hydrated for optimal skin elasticity.
It is advisable to take 8-12 glasses of water each day and to consume enough Zinc. Zinc deficiency is one reason people are more likely to get stretch marks.  Zinc is a natural trace mineral and one of the most abundant in the body. Zinc is used in the production of collagen and also contains antioxidant properties. Zinc is found in foods like chicken, lamb, beef, eggs, nuts, legumes and whole grains.
Eat a balanced and nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, silica, and other nutrients to nourish your skin. Vitamin C, in particular, is essential for regenerating connective tissue. Expectant mothers often are advised to use castor oil to prevent stretch marks. Castor oil has been used for ages to prevent and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, spots, blemishes, and other skin problems. Here’s how you use it:

Castor oil(Stretch Marks)
Apply a thick layer of castor oil on your skin.
Wrap the area with plastic wrap or saran wrap
Apply heat with a heating pad or hot water bottle for at least 20 minutes
Repeat the process daily or several times a week  
If you wish to thin the oil, combine one tablespoon of castor oil with two tablespoons of sweet almond oil and then apply the mixture. 

Powerful Quotes to Kickstart Your Week

If you find yourself struggling with it all, you may be in need of some refreshing. Sometimes, we get so caught up with the routine of work, crushing deadlines, balancing home and family, dreams and reality, expectations and promises. Honestly, life can get a bit hectic and exhausting sometimes.
Take a moment to peruse the quotes below from powerful people. Not only are their words relatable and inspiring, they’ll totally incite some pre-work week enthusiasm.
Powerful Quotes
Let me know which ones resonate with you in the most.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing.  That’s why we recommend it daily.’’ Zig Ziglar
 

 
“There’s only one very good life, and that’s the life you know you want and you make it for yourself.” Diana Vreeland
 

“The best revenge is massive success.” Frank Sinatra
 
“I prefer imperfections—they’re more interesting. Perfect is boring.” Grace Coddington

 
“Either you run the day, or the day runs you.” Jim Rohn

 
“In today’s world, you have to interact. You can’t be some difficult, shy person who is not able to look somebody in the face; you have to present yourself. You have to know how to talk about your vision, your focus, and what you believe in.” Anna Wintour

 
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 
“First, have a definite, clear practical ideal; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end.” Aristotle
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” Helen Keller
 

“Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see.” Confucius
 
“Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement.”-W. Clement Stone

“Life isn’t about getting and having, it’s about giving and being.” Kevin Kruse
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbour, and catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore, Dream, Discover.” Mark Twain
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”-Alice Walker
 
“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” Buddha
 

How To Baby Proof Your Home

As joyous as seeing your little one begin to crawl is, one thing certainly must come to mind – baby-proofing! Crawling is a worthy developmental milestone for babies and now that your child is crawling, ensuring her safety within the house is vital.
Sometimes, we tend to overlook the importance of baby-proofing. Over the years, the act of baby-proofing has often been contested as some mothers see it as small frets. One can never be too careful when it comes to child safety. There’s surely more to only watchful eyes.
Home safety measures may seem overwhelming but guided by a checklist, and knowing what to do makes it a lot easy. From crawling to toddling, you’re covered with these useful hints in keeping your home safe.
There’s never a time too early to start with safety measures. Where to start? Try to take a child’s view around the house. What looks inviting but dangerous?
Tiny objects pose potential choking hazards. Don’t leave coins, marbles, beads, paper clips, etc. lying around. Don’t leave them on low tables, in drawers or cupboards where your child can reach them.
Carefully lock away cleaning agents or any poisonous liquid. Keep them well out of reach especially away from flat cabinets.
Do you know that children are excellent imitators? They love imitating adults. Bearing this in mind, try not to take medicine while your child is present. Store all medicines in a childproof container, well locked in a high cabinet. Never take medicine out of its original childproof container. And when trashing, ensure they are adequately disposed of.
Window blinds and drapes? Keep them well tied up, high and away from reach to avoid strangulation.
Never leave your kid unattended to in the bathroom. And for toilet safety, install a toilet lock so your child’s little fingers don’t get wandering into it. Doing this will prevent accidental drowning and unsanitary exposure. To forestall slipping on bathroom tiles, use non-slip mats.
Sockets can be real fascinating and irresistible to kids. To avoid electrical hazards, use child-proof outlet covers for outlets within your home. Got long cords around the house? Use cable holders to keep them fastened against walls. Trunking is also advised to keep your little one’s eyes away from electrical wires.

Baby gates and pens come in handy when thinking of how to secure your child in a safe arena especially when cooking, working or if you don’t want her/him tumbling down the stairs.
Always keep sharp objects locked up after use. And while cooking in the kitchen, use the back burners so your child can’t reach the hot pot. Always keep trashcans covered.
As babies learn to climb and walk, they try to pull themselves up by grabbing on furniture. Ensure to keep shelves, drawers, appliances well fastened. Screw shelves to the wall where possible so they don’t tumble on your little crawler.
Guards and child-locks should be installed on doors and windows to keep your child from opening them. Keep furniture away from windows to prevent easy climbing.
Got lots of breakable decors in your living-room area? Now is the best time to move them out of reach!