Stephanie Linus Daily

Author: stephanielinusdaily

  • Photos from Sandra & Chukwumah’s Lovely Treat on Make Me Fabulous Show!

    When a man and woman get married, one of the reasons they do so is to spend more time with each other, I mean the sort of time they did not have while dating.

    But imagine this: a woman works in the day time and her husband works at night! When do they get to see each other?

    This was Sandra’s heart touching dilemma which she explained on my blog when we called for entries:

    My husband and I have different working hours, mine is 8am to 4pm, and his is 4pm to 5am. It’s affecting our relationship and I urge for an outing to rediscover each other again! We’ve been married for 5 years and there’s already a wide gap in our relationship. I always feel like quitting my job! Please help me.

    Her situation needed an urgent intervention and we were absolutely ready for that. The Make Me Fabulous team gave Sandra and Chukwumah a much needed treat to help close that gap in their marriage.

    Here are some photos from their lovely treat:

    The Make Me Fabulous team arrived at Sandra's house to meet her happy and ready with her husband Chukwumah
    The Make Me Fabulous team arrived at Sandra’s house to meet her happy and ready with her husband Chukwumah
    Here they are... settled for their ride in a Porsche!
    Here they are… settled for their ride in a Porsche!
    At first, they had no idea where we were going to lodge them for the day. But by the time the car started approaching the luxurious Oriental Hotel, Lagos, they became so excited!!!
    At first, they had no idea where we were going to lodge them for the day. But by the time the car started approaching the luxurious Oriental Hotel, Lagos, they became so excited!!!
    So guess, are they going to have a room, are they going to have a suite?
    So guess, are they going to have a room, are they going to have a suite?
    Naaah, think bigger! A presidential suite!!!
    Naaah, think bigger! A presidential suite!!!
    Believe me, their suite was really warm and cozy.
    Believe me, their suite was really warm and cozy.
    They had not one, not two, but three bedrooms to choose from. Isn’t that cool?
    They had not one, not two, but three bedrooms to choose from. Isn’t that cool?
    After settling down in their suite, we took Sandra out for some shopping at the Mango Store, where she met up with Celebrity Stylist Yummie!
    After settling down in their suite, we took Sandra out for some shopping at the Mango Store, where she met up with Celebrity Stylist Yummie!
    It's not always easy picking the best outfit, but with someone like Yummie, we knew she was in fabulous hands.
    It’s not always easy picking the best outfit, but with someone like Yummie, we knew she was in fabulous hands.
    With her shopping done, Sandra made her way to Davnans Hair Salon where Celebrity Hair Stylist Nancy and her team gave her a glam hairdo.
    With her shopping done, Sandra made her way to Davnans Hair Salon where Celebrity Hair Stylist Nancy and her team gave her a glam hairdo.
    Now it’s time for her makeup. For Sandra, we just had to have the best and that was celebrity stylist Bimpe Onakoya.
    Now it’s time for her makeup. For Sandra, we just had to have the best and that was celebrity stylist Bimpe Onakoya.
    Oh wow! Doesn't she look stunning?
    Oh wow! Doesn’t she look stunning?
    Wow, it’s been an interesting day glamming up Sandra and you’d agree with me that the Make Me Fabulous team has done an excellent job. This doesn’t look like the same woman who came in to the Oriental Hotel this morning. Did you see her face? Now, this is what I call a fabulous transformation!
    Wow, it’s been an interesting day glamming up Sandra and you’d agree with me that the Make Me Fabulous team has done an excellent job. This doesn’t look like the same woman who came in to the Oriental Hotel this morning. Now, this is what I call a fabulous transformation!
    We’re about to wipe that bored look off her husband’s face. Just wait till he sees his wife!
    We’re about to wipe that bored look off her husband’s face. Just wait till he sees his wife!
    Aww.... he's so happy! Remember, it’s been a long time since Sandra spent some quality time with her husband who works mostly at night. So, this night was really important to them.
    Aww…. he’s so happy! Remember, it’s been a long time since Sandra spent some quality time with her husband who works mostly at night. So, this night was really important to them.
    They settle down for dinner.
    They settle down for dinner.
    Oh wow! This looks yummy. The food is being cooked right there in front of them, Chinese style.
    Oh wow! This looks yummy. The food is being cooked right there in front of them, Chinese style.
    .. and they thoroughly enjoyed it!
    .. and they thoroughly enjoyed it!
    Sandra was not expecting me. In fact, my crew had been telling her I wasn't gonna make it, so you can imagine her surprise when I walked in after dinner. She bolted out of her chair!
    Sandra was not expecting me. In fact, my crew had been telling her I wasn’t gonna make it, so you can imagine her surprise when I walked in after dinner. She bolted out of her chair!
    Awww... It was such a pleasure meeting Sandra and her husband Chukwumah.
    Awww… It was such a pleasure meeting Sandra and her husband Chukwumah.
    I had some lovely gifts for them too. A phone and a tablet from LG Electronics.
    I had some lovely gifts for them too. A phone and a tablet from LG Electronics.
    And of course, some Make Me Fabulous T-shirts.
    And of course, some Make Me Fabulous T-shirts.
    Just before we left, we shared a toast to happiness and fabulousity!
    Just before we left, we shared a toast to happiness and fabulousity!
    I truly enjoyed having Sandra and Chukwumah on the show and I'm glad my team and I could put such smiles on their faces. I wish them the very best in their marriage!!!
    I truly enjoyed having Sandra and Chukwumah on the show and I’m glad my team and I could put such smiles on their faces. I wish them the very best in their marriage!!!

    Many thanks to our sponsors: Porsche, Oriental Hotel Lagos, Mango, Celebrity Stylist Yummie, Celebrity Hair Stylist Nancy, Celebrity Makeup Artist Bimpe Onakoya and LG Electronics.

  • Happy New Month of August!

    Happy New Month to my lovely readers… MUAH!!

    I am excited for this month, WHY? You might ask. Well it is always good to enter each month expecting the best for yourself “‘cos anything can happen if you believe it will”

    As you step into the month of August, remember that fear is what kills even before evil actually comes. Have the strength of God within you and know that no evil can come to your abode. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength because no matter what may be going on around you, it shall not come near you!

    May this month bring you satisfaction, peace and joy. May all the desires of your heart be granted. May this be the beginning of new things in your life. Stay strong, be positive and fulfill your dreams.

    May you find many reasons to smile this August.

    Happy new month SL Fabz!

    Stay blessed and remember that I love you….

  • 10 Gripping Photos From DRY That Will Make You Yearn For The Movie

    The common saying goes thus: ‘Pictures say a thousand words’. Movies, well, more than a thousand.

    As we count down to the nationwide premiere of DRY in cinemas across Nigeria on August 14th, I’d like to whet your appetites with some captivating photos from the movie set that will make you really eager to see the movie.

    Here are some photos that tell more about DRY:

    If you've watched the trailer, you must be familiar with this scene. Lots of people running away from a fire.
    If you’ve watched the trailer, you must be familiar with this scene. Something important was going on here with lots of people running away from a fire.
    The moment where the very reluctant bride was given away in marriage.
    The moment where the very reluctant bride was given away in marriage.
    The rain came as a blessing to us when we were filming this scene. After going through so much, the teen bride was rejected and sent packing. She cries in tears and
    The rain came as a blessing to us when we were filming this scene. After going through so much, the teen bride was rejected and sent packing. Her tears in this scene will move you to tears of your own.
    Halima, being laughed upon and disgraced as a result of
    Halima, being laughed upon and disgraced by other kids in the community. As if she hadn’t been through so much already. So touching…
    Facing the reality: Liz Benson Ameye who plays the role of a nurse explains the dire conditions of women with VVF in the community.
    Facing the reality: Liz Benson Ameye who plays the role of a nurse explains the dire conditions of women with VVF in the community.
    DRY had a bunch of talented actors, I assure you. This picture speaks so much.
    DRY had a bunch of talented actors, I assure you. This picture speaks so much.
    Shooting in the market place is not a small task, I tell you! That's me enjoying my role as a Director after speaking to the crowd of onlookers at the scene.
    Shooting in the market place is not a small task, I tell you! That’s me enjoying my role as a Director after speaking to the crowd of onlookers at the scene.
    This scene was shot in Wales. The discussion going on here formed an important part of the story. I'm not gonna tell you much about this. Go watch it at the cinemas anytime from August 14th!
    This scene was shot in Wales. The discussion going on here formed an important part of the story. I’m not gonna tell you much about this. Go watch it at the cinemas anytime from August 14th!
    Two talented actors Klint da Drunk and Tamara Eteimo brought life to the hospital scenes in DRY
    Two talented actors Klint da Drunk and Tamara Eteimo brought life to the hospital scenes in DRY.
    DRY is about advocacy and policy changes, and to depict this properly, we literally took our campaign to the National Assembly.
    DRY is about advocacy and policy changes, and to depict this properly, we literally took our campaign at the National Assembly.

    I’m sure you can’t wait to see movie. Not to worry, it’s just two weeks to August 14th!

    For more about DRY, please visit:
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/themoviedry
    Twitter: www.twitter.com/themoviedry
    Instagram: www.instagram.com/themoviedry

  • DRY: Behind the scenes

    Many people have asked me why I wrote, directed and produced DRY. To me, DRY is more than just a movie. It’s a calling, a project I had to embark upon because God pointed me in that direction.

    This video below will shed more light on that.

    I’m very grateful to everyone who sponsored, advised, and put in time and effort to making this project a success. From Friday 14th August, DRY will be showing in Nigerian cinemas nationwide and I can’t wait for you to watch it.

    But before then, you need to watch this interesting video where different people involved in the project, including myself, talk about our roles in the movie and how much it means to us.

    You need to watch this!

  • DRY Will Be Showing In Nigerian Cinemas Nationwide from August 14th!

    After a successful screening debut in Wales, UK, the critically acclaimed movie ‘DRY’ will premiere nationwide in Nigeria beginning August 14th, 2015.

    Produced, directed, and starring my humble self, the film is an inspired true story that follows a trail of Zara’s (played by me) trip to Africa, her constant turmoil as a result of inexplicable horrors from her child hood, her experiences and heartaches while working with young girls suffering from complications from early child birth as child brides, against the backdrop of a rich African culture. It is full of intrigue, suspense, unbelievable surprises, the joy of reconciliation and the power of the human spirit that is guaranteed to captivate and engage moviegoers.

    The film stars: Darwin Shaw as Dr. Alex, the legendary Liz Benson Ameye as the Matron, Bill McNamara as Dr. Brown, and Introducing Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge as Halima the teenager who had to endure a life not designed for a child: to be married to a man who was more than four times her age. Produced by Next Page Productions, this film was supported by the Office of the special adviser to the president on MDGs Nigeria, Aberystwyth University Wales, Diamond Bank, Ford Foundation, Project Act Nollywood, USAID Acquired fistula, Vlisco and more.

    Also starring in the film are Olu Jacobs, Tijjani Faraga, Hauwa Maina, Rahama Hassan, Rekiya Attah, Hakeem Hassan and Afamefuna Klint Igwemba (aka Klint da drunk). The production’s creative team includes director of photography, Angel Barroeta, executive producer, Linus Idahosa, co-produced by Jane Lawalata with Akanimo Odon and Murtza Ali Ghaznavi as line producers and Chinedu Omorie as first assistant.

    “Dry journeys into heart-wrenching details of a culture not too many films dare to explore. The issue might seem controversial, but if it will set one girl free and open the minds of the people, and encourage us all to take action, then the movie would have served its purpose.” – Stephanie Linus, Writer, Director & Producer.

    So SL Fabz, save the date. From Friday August 14th 2015, you can head over to the Cinema near you and watch DRY!

    xoxo

    SL

  • Love People For Who They Are

    Love people for who they are instead of judging them for who they are not.

    The last Sunday in July is already here!

    Is it just me or is this year moving really fast. It seems just like yesterday we wished each other a happy new year and now, the second half of the year is already moving on.

    Something struck me recently which I’d like to share with you. When we’re fighting with people we love, it can become hard to see the good in them. It’s easy to pick out people’s faults. We subconsciously keep track of all the flaws of all the people in our lives.

    Whether someone is vain, self-centered, arrogant, petty, bitter, or obnoxious, we can easily slap a label on every person we meet. We see the faults of politicians, celebrities, but we also know the flaws of people in our everyday lives, whether our family members, friends or co-workers…it’s very easy to find faults.

    But did you know this: Our days are happier when we give people a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind.

    Seeing the good in other people is not just necessary for giving good compliments; it also substantially improves your own happiness.

    It’s my wish that we continue the year by becoming more proficient in finding positive aspects in other people. And by so doing, we get better at seeing positive aspects of ourselves.

    Let’s love people for who they are!

    Don’t forget to watch the Make Me Fabulous TV Show every Sunday by 7pm on DSTV Africa Magic Showcase Channel 151. It’s a show where we celebrate love always.

     

  • WIN 2 Tickets to the DRY Movie Premiere in Lagos on 2nd August!

    Hi dearies!

    I hope you’ve had a lovely week.

    I know the official announcement has not yet been made, but I love to share things here with you my faithful readers first and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

    Finally, DRY is going to be showing in cinemas across Nigeria and you’ll get a chance to see my latest work! I’m so excited!! From Friday 14th August, DRY will be showing at Silverbird Cinemas across Nigeria. So if you live in any of these cities: Lagos, Abuja, Portharcourt, Ilorin, AkwaIbom and Kano – you can watch the movie at the cinemas very soon.

    But before the nationwide release, Next Page Productions will be hosting a movie premiere in Lagos to launch it to the general public and I’d love to see you there! Yes, YOU!

    I’d be giving out two free tickets to the movie premiere which will take place on Sunday 2nd August 2015 at the Silverbird Cinemas, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. To make this more interesting, one person will win two tickets so you can have fun with that special someone at the movie premiere.

    To win, answer these questions correctly in the comment section below:

    1. What is the name of my character in the movie?

    2. What major cultural practice does DRY speak against?

    3. DRY was shot in two countries. Name them.

    PLEASE NOTE: Answer the questions below in the comment section and not on the Facebook Page or Facebook Comments below. Put in your phone number, email address and location also. It will be edited before being published. If you put your phone number on the facebook page or facebook comment section, I won’t be able to edit it and I don’t want any dubious people calling you about fake wins. This is very important.

    This could also be a chance for me to walk the red carpet with you and to meet some of my fans! So, if you think you know the answers to the questions above, put them in the comment section and maybe you could be the lucky winner.

    The movie premiere will also be attended by other stars in the movie such as Liz Benson-Ameye, Zubaidat Ibrahim Fagge and many more. This would be fun!

    I can’t wait to read your answers.

  • Stephanie’s Tips: 5 Qualities To Get You Through Hard Times

    Here’s a fact of life:  Tough times will come. Deal with it. “BUT HOW?!” you ask. Good question.

    I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but life have taught me some experiences I’m willing to share. It’s possible to turn even the most upsetting situations into opportunities for growth if you have the necessary qualities to do so. Here are 5 of them:

    1. Have Confidence In Yourself: No one can do this better than you.  People can encourage, friends can give their support, family can cheer you on, but not without you believing in yourself. Having confidence that you are able to surpass hard times is a very vital quality you must possess.

    2. Creative Problem Solving Solutions: A tough time is a problem. Problems demand solutions. You’re the leader, so you’re responsible for leading the problem solving. If you understand problem solving, the whole process becomes easier — maybe even fun. Try to understand the nature of the problem and try some solutions to solve it. If it doesn’t work, don’t give up. Just try again.

    3. Patience: This is the capacity to accept and tolerate difficulty without anger or sorrow—and it’s your lifeline when you find yourself in the midst of a hard time.

    4. Have Courage: Many times when going through difficult situations, we get overwhelmed by fear. Yes, I understand. But don’e let such fear weigh you down, rather let it deepen your resolve. A strong mind is not built on something that is slapped together on a shallow foundation. It needs solid rock—like a skyscraper, the higher you want to go, the deeper you must go.

    Don’t forget ~ Courage is the tendency to see life’s obstacles as challenges to be met rather than threats to be avoided.

    5. Pace Yourself: Give things time. Situations don’t change overnight. Create targets and milestones on what you want to achieve after a certain period concerning that problem and work towards it. Take it step by step.

    I hope this helps SL Fabz and I sincerely wish you the very best in everything you do.

    Best wishes everyone!

    xoxo

    SL

  • Beautiful Couple Joan & Ndidi’s Lovely Time on Make Me Fabulous Show

    As young ladies before getting married, we often have fantasies of what we think married life should be like. A bed of roses with no thorns whatsoever!

    Joan had been married for less than a year and was quite shocked when she noticed her marriage was losing that spark she desired. This is how she put her comment on my blog:

    I love my husband but sometimes he makes me mad. I always thought marriage was like the fairy tales (lol), so far from it. its been less than a year but we seem to be losing that spark and I want it back. Pleaseeeeeeeee make me fabulous.

    Awwww. Of course I understood how she felt and decided with my team that we were gonna give her that fabulous treat to bring back the spark!

    Here are some pictures from our fabulous treat for Joan and Ndidi!

    Hmmmm, lovely young couple. It seems we’re gonna enjoy this.
    Hmmmm, lovely young couple. It seems we’re gonna enjoy this.
    I love that moment when we pick them up from their home in style. The luxurious Porsche car gives them a taste of what is to come.
    I love that moment when we pick them up from their home in style. The luxurious Porsche car gives them a taste of what is to come.
    Yeah, the fun is just beginning!
    Yeah, the fun is just beginning!
    The couple arrive at the five-star Intercontinental Hotel. I’m sure they weren’t expecting this.
    The couple arrive at the five-star Intercontinental Hotel. I’m sure they weren’t expecting this.
    A very warm welcome from the Intercontinental Hotel team.
    A very warm welcome from the Intercontinental Hotel team.
    They were shown into their lovely suite and after seeing that nice cosy bed, you bet their faces started to look brighter!
    They were shown into their lovely suite and after seeing that nice cosy bed, you bet their faces started to look brighter!
    Hmm... Hmm... Now this is getting hotter!
    Hmm… Hmm… Now this is getting hotter!
    Now it’s time to get Joan all glammed and first, we need a dress.
    Now it’s time to get Joan all glammed and first, we need a dress.
    Joan heads up to the Mango store to meet with Celebrity Stylist Youmme who helps her pick just the right one.
    Joan heads up to the Mango store to meet with Celebrity Stylist Yummie who helps her pick just the right one.
    You wanna see the dress? Naaah. Not yet.
    You wanna see the dress? Naaah. Not yet.
    Next, we give the couple some more pampering with a joint massage at the Eko Gym & Spa.
    Next, we give the couple some more pampering with a joint massage at the Eko Gym & Spa.
    Joan needs that special touch on her hair and there’s no better person to do the job than Celebrity Hair Stylist Nancy.
    Joan needs that special touch on her hair and there’s no better person to do the job than Celebrity Hair Stylist Nancy.
    With her hair done, it's time for her makeup.
    With her hair done, it’s time for her makeup.
    Celebrity Makeup Artist Bimpe Onakoya got started on Joan's face and a short while later, she looked almost unrecognizable.
    Celebrity Makeup Artist Bimpe Onakoya got started on Joan’s face and a short while later, she looked almost unrecognizable.
    Oh wow! Didn't I tell you?
    Oh wow! Didn’t I tell you?
    Nancy did a final touch up on her hair while Yummie dressed her up and she was ready! I'm sure her husband is going to be blown away.
    Nancy did a final touch up on her hair while Yummie dressed her up and she was ready! I’m sure her husband is going to be blown away.
    Joan arrives back at the Intercontinental Hotel...
    Joan arrives back at the Intercontinental Hotel…
    Looking so different and hot!
    Looking so different and hot!
    She makes her way to the Chinese restaurant
    She makes her way to the Chinese restaurant
    While her husband, Ndidi, sits patiently waiting.
    While her husband, Ndidi, sits patiently waiting.
    He is so excited to see his pretty damsel.
    He is so excited to see his pretty damsel.
    And believe me, he just kept staring...
    And believe me, he just kept staring…
    ...and admiring....
    …and admiring….
    ...his beautiful wife.
    …his beautiful wife.
    Dinner finally came and they settled down to eat.
    Dinner finally came and they settled down to eat.
    They also had some time to chat about their marriage which is what we really wanted.
    They also had some time to chat about their marriage which is what we really wanted.
    And then shortly after dinner, I surprised the couple with a visit.
    And then shortly after dinner, I surprised the couple with a visit.
    And some gifts which they totally loved! A Microwave from LG, a hamper and some Make Me Fabulous Tshirts.
    And some gifts which they totally loved! A Microwave from LG, a hamper and some Make Me Fabulous Tshirts.
    When Joan saw the gifts, she was so surprised...
    When Joan saw the gifts, she was so surprised…
    ...and got very emotional.
    …and got very emotional.
    I'm so glad we had the opportunity to make this lovely couple fabulous, and pray their marriage continues to remain fabulous!!!
    I’m so glad we had the opportunity to make this lovely couple fabulous, and pray their marriage continues to remain fabulous!!!

    Many thanks to our sponsors, Intercontinental Hotel, Porsche, Mango, Celebrity Stylist Yummie, Eko Gym & Spa, Celebrity Hair Stylist Nancy, Makeup Artist Bimpe Onakoya and LG Electronics.

  • Vlisco Store Opens in Ikeja, Lagos with Great Offers!

    Hi guys!

    I hope you’ve had a fab week.

    I know just like me, a lot of you like African fabrics and would be excited about this news. VLISCO, the renowned Dutch fashion textile brand, has opened a new retail outlet at the Ikeja Mall, Lagos. I was there to witness this event yesterday and I bet you, there is so much to love in there!

    Vlisco is loved for its colourful and vibrant fabrics, such as Wax Hollandais, Super-Wax, Java and Voilá for You. Perhaps you’ve been concerned about purchasing fake products, or want to get the best deals for these fabrics… now is your chance!

    From 18th to 25th July 2015 you will receive a special gift with every purchase in the Vlisco Boutique – whilst stock last.

    You will receive a voucher of NGN 4,000 with purchases of NGN 40,000 or above to be redeemed on your next purchase on Voila for you. By Vlisco and Vlisco Prèt-aPorter (ready to wear collection) – this promotion ends on 31st August 2015.

    You can follow update and news about the launch campaign on twitter via the hashtag #VLISCOISCOMINGTOLAGOS and #VLISCOSTOREIKEJAMALL

    Now that you know, what are you waiting for? Head over to the Ikeja City mall and get some lovely fabrics to keep you looking and feeling radiant!

    Here are some pictures from the store launch yesterday.

    vlisco2
    With the Vlisco CEO Hans Ouwendijk, Mrs Akande and Sola Sobowale (AkA-Toyin tomato)

     

    vlisco1