Stephanie Linus Daily

Category: Features

  • Happy New Month SL Fabz!

    I can’t believe the first month of the year is already gone! Welcome to a new month, Welcome to February!

    It seems like it was just yesterday when we were wishing each other a happy new year. Now its one month down, eleven more to go.

    Life wasn’t built to pity, time don’t wait, it keeps doing what it knows how to to best … ‘tick’. Every second counts, do as much as you can do. Set goals for yourself and work towards it. Help as many people as you can. You’d be surprised that what you think is so little goes a long way in easing someone’s pain.

    In whatever you do, remember that you have made it this far and God is still very much in love with you. He wants you to fulfill your purpose and live your destiny.

    Go out there and shine this February.

    Happy New Month!

  • Groovy Friday: What Not To Wear To A Wedding

    Hi SL Fabz,

    The weekend is almost here, and I’m sure we are getting ready to unwind and have fun.

    Most of us would be attending wedding ceremonies this weekend, right? I think I hear ‘Yes’. So, let’s have a chat on outfits that shouldn’t be worn to weddings.

    Fashion in its ever evolving nature has ruled out some of the things we took as norms with regards to wedding guest outfits. Previously, the rule was that only a bride should wear white on her wedding day, but that has changed. Now brides even dress their bridesmaids in white and sometimes ask their guests to dress in white too. (Remember Solange’s wedding). But I still know some people frown against this.

    However colours aside, there are some outfits that are just not cool to be worn to weddings. I asked a few people and this is the list we came up with:

    Ladies:

    1.  A very short dress
    2. A very tight dress
    3. A very tight and short dress
    4. A super sparkly dress
    5. Anything too loud or garish
    6. A dress that exposes too much cleavage

    Men

    1. Jeans trousers
    2. Sagging trousers
    3. Shorts
    4. A hooded shirt
    5. A t-shirt
    6. A tuxedo (only meant for the groom)

    The overall idea when picking an outfit for a wedding is that what you wear should not outshine the bride or groom because its their day not yours. Also, don’t dress too casual or look out of place.

    Dearest fashionistas, I’d love to know what you think. What are the outfits you shouldn’t wear to a wedding? What is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever seen anyone wear to a wedding?

    And, if you were a bride, would you like anyone to wear a white dress to your wedding?

    Let’s discuss!

  • Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Africa

    Hi SL Fabz, its time to put your learning cap on and get some knowledge on some interesting facts about Africa. I found these interesting facts about Africa online and thought it would be great to share with you.

    So, did you know these facts:

    1. Libya is the only country in the world with only one color for its flag, with no insignias, design or other details.
    2. South Africa is the most visited African country.
    3. Nigeria has the richest Black people in Africa.
    4. South Africa has the most Grammy Award winners in Africa.
    5. Ethiopia has the most airports in Africa.
    6. In 2009, HIV/AIDS caused the death of 310,000 adults and children in South Africa.
    7. The smallest African country is the Seychelles.
    8. The Republic Sudan is the largest country of the African continent.
    9. The African elephant is the largest living land mammal.
    10. It is almost impossible to hold a small wedding. The idea of a private wedding is unknown and is greatly frowned upon. Friends and relatives expect to be invited to a wedding and to play a role in the ceremony.
    11. The world’s biggest hospital is in Soweto.
    12. With a population of more than 120 million, Nigeria is easily the most populated country in Africa and the 10th most populous country in the world.
    13. A person from Botswana is called a Motswana, the plural is Batswana.
    14. A person from Lesotho is called a Mosotho.
    15. A person from Niger is called a Nigerien.
    16. A person from Burkina Faso is called a Burkinabe.
    17. Nigeria has won more football cups than England.
    18. Zimbabwe’s President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe is the world’s most educated President with 7 degrees, two of them are Masters.
    19. Rwanda is a better country for gender equality than England and USA.
    20. Somalia got its first ATM on October 7, 2014.

  • Stephanie’s Tips: How To Protect Yourself During The Harmattan

    The harmattan season is here and with it comes some cold, dryness and discomfort. Because there is a lot of dust particles being carried around by the wind, this gets into our eyes and may cause some allergy and redness. Also, the skin is usually dry with accompanying cracking of lips, soles of the feet and sometimes the skin itself. This could also be accompanied by excessive sneezing and catarrh.

    The good news is that there are certain things we can do to protect ourselves and our skin from the worst. Here are some:

    1. Drink lots of water to keep you hydrated but avoid excessive intake of caffeinated drinks. Excessive intake of caffeinated drinks (Antihistamines) can be dehydrating to your skin, and the key thing to survive Harmattan is moisture.

    2. Keep your skin moisturized always. Use one with natural oils like coconut oil , jojoba oil… or you could whip up some natural shea butter at home add some natural oils and essential oils and you’ve got your own body cream.

    3. Rinsing your eyes with clean water and reducing the exposure to the dust by wearing protective spectacles is advised.

    4. Do away with alcohol-based facial cleansers, they strip the skin of the much-needed moisture and further dry the skin.

    5. Avoid unnecessary exposure of your skin to dry air. Keep warm by always dressing appropriately for the season.

    6. Keep your hair moisturized and try as much as possible to do hairstyles that keep your hair ends hidden to avoid breakage.

    7. Avoid using hair spritz, gels and strong hair hold. Mild styling mousse can be used for styling instead.

    8. Do not completely dry your skin after shower. Your skin can retain more moisture if you apply cream on damp skin.

    9. Vitamin C is good for the skin, nails and hair. Take fruits that contain Vitamin C to keep your skin looking supple.

    10. Don’t forget to have your lip balm always with you and apply it often to keep your lips from getting too dry and chaffed.

    Do you have any more tips to add?

  • We Remember The Brave Ones

    There is no better time than today to remember our heroes, both living and late, who have given an invaluable sacrifice in keeping the country safe and united in the face of unprecedented forces.

    Today, is the Armed Forces and Remembrance Day, an event celebrated on the 15th of January every year.

    The Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration is an annual event organized to honour members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who fought in the first and second World Wars, and those who served or are still serving in various peace support operations worldwide as well as those who fought in the Nigerian civil war. The Day is to celebrate both the dead and the living heroes including all those who suffered various deprivations as a result of wars.

    We are grateful for your courage and wish you well.

  • Career Talk: When You “Hate” Your Boss…

    Employer- Employee relationships aren’t always so rosy.

    For different reasons, some people are not on good terms with their bosses at work. This could be the head of the company or just the immediate person you report to at work.

    Here are some common reasons for friction between employees and their bosses

    • Salaries not paid on time
    • Sending employees on other personal duties aside from their official duties
    • Bosses asking employees for affairs and threatening their jobs if they refuse
    • Use of bad language and abusive words in addressing each other…. and much more

    Conflict at the work place is often a serious issue and has caused some people to resign their jobs even when they weren’t really ready to. I’ve heard people say too many times… “I’m going to leave that job” and when you ask why, they say “I don’t like my boss.”

    Are you currently in such a situation or have you ever been in one where you don’t like your boss or as some would say, you “hate” your boss? What is/was the cause of the conflict between you both? Did this cause you to resign or are you planning to? How are you coping with the situation?

    What would be your advice on dealing such a situation?

    Let’s discuss!

  • What I Caught On TV: SELMA, Martin Luther King’s Biopic

    Ever since I heard that a powerful film was being made about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, I’ve been eagerly anticipating its release. I was even more eager when I heard a Nigerian David Oyelowo was playing the role of Dr. King.

    Now, I’m glad I’d finally get a chance to see it soon as I hear it has been released in cinemas.

    In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. campaigned for equal voting rights, culminating in marches from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama, which ultimately led to President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Now, the story of the civil rights marches that changed America is being told in a powerful new film produced by Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt, starring David Oyelowo as Dr. King.

    As a movie director and actress, I am very much aware of the how an audio-visual production with a deep message such as this can inspire change. This is one of the reasons why I focused so much energy on my movie ‘DRY’ which highlights the challenges faced by child brides and the devastating effects of Vesico Vaginal Fistula. DRY would also soon be premiered in Nigeria 🙂

    Selma a story of how one dream can change the world and I can’t wait to see it.

    Here’s the trailer:

  • Common Habits That Give You Wrinkles Faster

    Of course we know we should expect wrinkles as we grow older. That we can’t change. However, there are some habits that affect your skin’s aging process and make them come faster.

    Check out these everyday habits, address your bad habits to achieve healthier, happier skin:

    Smoking
    Smoking is one of the most common causes of wrinkles. Smoking makes you look older faster because it restricts blood flow to your skin, making it tough for skin cells to get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy and regenerate. Plus, the chemicals in cigarette smoke break down the skin’s fiber and elastin, and constantly pursing your lips creates fine lines around the mouth.

    Chewing Gum
    Chewing gum too often leads to wrinkles, because it forces your mouth to continually form different shapes. For frequent chewers, those formations end up resulting in a downward turn in the corners of the mouth, as well as a pronounced muscle at the bottom of the jawline. It’s better to use more of mints, breath strips and mouth wash.

    Tummy and side sleeping
    Although this is a common habit, sleeping on your belly or side may cause wrinkles. Also, smashing one side of your face against a pillow for a third of your life can cause sleep lines to form. You can try falling asleep on your back, and also, find a satin pillowcase to minimize the appearance of sleep lines.

    Drinking Excessive Alcohol
    All alcohol dehydrates the skin. This means your skin will appear less plump and fresh the morning after you drink alcohol. Over time, your skin will lose elasticity and form wrinkles due to a lack of hydration. Additionally, alcohol can have a huge negative impact on your vitamin A level, which is a very important antioxidant for your skin and body, and it is vital in the regeneration of new cells. Vitamin A is also extremely important in the production of collagen. When you have lower amounts of collagen, you lose elasticity in your skin. Collagen and elasticity keep your skin supple, taut, and looking young.

    Your Diet
    If you want to keep your skin healthy and young, the old saying that you are what you eat has never been more true. Aside from giving you extra weight, eating too much sugar and high-glycemic foods may also be aging you. Refined sugar and other simple carbohydrates also trigger inflammation throughout the body by causing insulin levels to skyrocket. Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, which leads to sagging and wrinkles.

    Not Removing Makeup
    When you sleep in your makeup, you are basically inviting wrinkles to your skin. The makeup and environmental pollutants you accumulate during the day seep into your pores, breaking down collagen and elastin. This can speed up the aging process, leaving you with fine lines and wrinkles. Cleanse and moisturize your skin every night before bed.

    I’d love to hear from you. Are you surprised that everyday habits like chewing gum and sleeping on your tummy can cause wrinkles to come faster? What do you think about this list? Do you have any more habits to add?

    Let’s share!

  • 9 Types Of Men Women Avoid

    Hi SL Fabz,

    Yesterday, we discussed the topic 8 Types Of Women Men Avoid and I was so overwhelmed by the discussion and comments that followed. Apparently, this is a hot topic.

    But did you think we were gonna talk about the women only? Nope!

    Just as women are attracted to certain types of men, there are other types of men that women go out of their way to avoid. Are you looking out for a new relationship? To avoid the pain you undergo when things go wrong, here’s a list of nine types of men you should run miles away from.

    The Non-Committed Guy
    This is the guy that tells you he doesn’t want a relationship immediately, the guy that can’t/won’t call you his girlfriend when it’s way overdue, or the guy that’s over 30 and hasn’t had at least two serious relationships (or one very serious, 1+ years relationship).
    It really doesn’t matter what his issues are, the bottom line is that this guy can’t see himself in a relationship with you. Do not try to change his mind, turn him around, or make him want it. You’re just going to waste your time.

    The Mama’s Boy
    The Mama’s Boy probably still lives with his parents in their house, allowing Mom to iron his clothes, make his bed and cook his meals. When a man delights in being waited on hand-and-foot by his mom, there’s trouble. He always asks his Mom before making major decisions in his life and its a big problem for you if his Mom doesn’t like you.

    The Underachiever
    You know the type. He sits at home playing video games all day and then goes to hang out with his guys at the club at night. If he has no hobbies, skills, or future aspirations outside of his living room, you know you’ve just encountered the attractive but exceedingly lazy underachiever. When searching for a man, you should always look for confidence, ambition and stability.

    The Control Freak
    Going out with this man is like dating your very strict father. At first, his embrace may seem warm and secure. But before long, you’ll be suffocating. It’ll start with going to the restaurants he chooses, seeing the movies he picks, hanging out with his friends and not yours. But eventually he tries to dictate everything, from what you wear to how you spend your free time. With a control freak, you have to give up more and more of your separate experiences, separate activities, separate friends. And then it goes deeper to separate thoughts and feelings until you no longer have an identity of your own.

    The Gadget Freak
    The gadget freak always likes to be called a ‘big boy’. He has the hottest phone and a decked-out luxury car. In other words, this guy has a lot of material things keeping him busy. As a grown-up kid who can’t resist the new plaything of the moment, he has a hard time keeping his attention on women. After all, who can compete with technology when it changes at lightning speed? This guy cares more about stuff than people. (Bad sign.) With this kind of outlook, women who date The Gadget Freak are often left wondering if an upgraded model will make them obsolete.

    The Over Intimate Guy
    If your guy is too eager for some intimacy, it’s never a good sign. For one, he may act as if he’s extremely into you just to get you into bed as soon as possible. He’s the kind of guy that looks deep into your eyes and tells you he never felt like this with any girl before just a few days after meeting him! This guy comes across as incredibly affectionate and might confuse you. If he’s the player type, this is all an act to get you into bed.

    The Cheap Guy
    He invites a woman to dinner and then subtly suggests she should pay the bill. He never splurges to buy her gifts and he always opts for the cheapest stuff available. He makes her feel like they’re on a tight budget from the very first date. It’s just a few weeks into the relationship and he’s already asking her for loans he would never pay back. Ladies, this is someone to run away from.

    The Cheater
    The Cheater doesn’t try to hide the fact that he’s checking out other women while in her presence; he flirts with the waitress and he even goes as far as to brag about his past girlfriends. Overall, he lacks respect for women. It’s a sad fact of life that some men are apt to cheat on their wives and girlfriends, it should become clear that most cheaters won’t change. Ladies, it’s time to let him go once and for all. Send the cheater packing and save the relationship that matters most – the relationship you have with yourself!

    The One Who Doesn’t Like Your Family
    Nobody has a perfect family, but if your guy consistently says he doesn’t want to be around your family, refuses to attend events where they are present, or is generally rude to them, this is a huge warning sign for problems in the future. He should love you for you, not your family, and he should respect you enough to treat them with kindness, regardless of how he feels.

    Do you have any more qualities to add to this list? Do women really avoid such type of men?

    Let’s discuss!

  • 8 Types Of Women Men Avoid

    Have you ever wondered if the way you act makes men cringe? Have you ever worried that your behavior might be making them run in the other direction?

    Just as men are attracted to certain type of women, there are other types of women that men go out of their way to avoid. Here are some of them:

    The Gold Digger
    Money matters a lot to her. She wants to marry a rich man in order to get his money. She demands gifts and expects a man to spend money on her all the time. She often asks lots of questions about man’s financial position. It’s a main blow to a man’s ego to ask him about it. That’s why men stay away from gold diggers.

    The Control Freak
    For this woman, her ideal relationship is less about compatibility and compromise and more about having someone do everything she says. This type of woman insists that you spend every waking moment with her, refusing to let you go out with the boys or spend any significant amount of time with anyone else.

    Mother Goose
    If your girlfriend is constantly fixing your hair and tucking in your shirt, you’re the victim of a Mother Goose. Although she may have good intentions and be great in many other ways, her motherly instincts will eventually drive you up the wall.

    The Flirt
    She goes around flirting with one guy and another. She can’t be loyal to one man. She cheats on her man over and over again. Even if she tries, she couldn’t stay faithful to any man. Most men wish to have a long-term relationship so they stay away from such type of women.

    The Wannabe
    She comes across as if she has a lot going on, yet you can’t really pinpoint what or who she really is. It’s more likely that she has an identity issue or is too wrapped up in the lives of celebrities that she’s lost herself along the way.

    The Chatterbox
    This type chatters incessantly about every topic that crosses her mind, no matter how mundane or unimportant it may be. She will drive you crazy with her never-ending monologues about the guy at work who never makes a new pot of coffee when he finishes the last one and the woman at the supermarket who wears too much make-up.

    The Comparative One
    She’s the one that compares you to either her terrible ex or her father that you will never live up to. It’ll be very hard to feel appreciated by her because whatever you do will not measure up to her standards. She can’t see you for who you are, she only sees how things can be better or how wrong they are.

    Do you have any more qualities to add to this list? Do men really avoid such type of women?

    Let’s discuss!