Category: Steph’s Lounge

  • Brain Teaser

    Two Men Fishing

    SL Fabz, let’s have a little fun here. (more…)

  • Love In The Banking Hall

    Love In The Banking Hall

    Who said Nigerian men are not romantic?

    Everytime I hear some ladies complain about the unromantic nature of most Nigerian men, I thank God I found someone who is not like that *wink*

    My hubby is every bit as romantic as I could possibly wish for. But then, I just found another romantic Nigerian man. Guess where? On YouTube! (more…)

  • Getting Back Into Work Mode On Mondays

    Monday Work

    The weekend is over… It was fun and enjoyable and you wished it would just stretch on and on. You practically had to drag yourself out of bed this morning to get to work.

    Believe me, I understand that feeling. It’s not only you guys with regular office jobs that feel so unenthusiastic about Mondays. With lots of appointments, meetings and so on to get to on Mondays, it usually takes a lot more than just the alarm clock to get one up and moving.

    However, I’ve found out that these few tips help a lot: (more…)

  • One Thing You Must Tell Your Partner Everyday

    I Love You
    Love is a beautiful thing and if you have a very special someone in your life, its important to nurture and maintain your relationship.

    I just have this desire to share with you today the importance of saying these three simple words as many times as you can: I Love You (more…)

  • African Actors Shine On The Oscars Nomination List

    Lupita Nyong'o & Chiwetel Ejiofor

    On Thursday, the nomination list for the 2014 Academy Award (Oscars) was released and I was so glad to see some African Actors getting brilliant nominations. British Nigerian actor Chiwetel Ejiofor was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his fantastic role in the movie titled “12 Years A Slave” while Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o was nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for the same movie.

    Somalian Barkhad Abdi also got Best Supporting actor nomination for his role as the main villain in Captain Phillips.

    And just a day after the nominations was announced, Lupita Nyong’o was named Best Supporting Actress at the Critics Choice Awards for her role in 12 Years A Slave.

    I’m so proud of all these wonderful talents doing Africa proud on the international scene.

    But away from the African stars, I’m also glad that one of my favourite female actresses of all time, Meryl Streep was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her stellar performance in August: Osage County. Sandra Bullock was also nominated for her role in Gravity in the same category….Yay!!! I hope one of the two women win it.

    With Africans getting good nominations in world Awards such as the Grammys and the Oscars, it is not far-fetched to say that we are indeed a blessed continent filled with talented people especially in the entertainment scene.

    I wish all the nominated African stars the very best at the Awards.

    What are your expectations for the Oscars this year? Do you have any favourites on the nomination list?

  • Stephanie’s Tips: 7 Ways to Spice up Your Work Wardrobe

    Wearing the same thing to work day in and day out can get boring. Before you resign yourself to an office-wear rut, let me help inject some style and energy into your at-work wardrobe.

    Just bring your personal style with you and put your own spin on these tips! With some well-placed accessories, prints, and some flashes of colour, here are 7 ways to spice you your work wardrobe.

    1. Remember, It’s All about The Accessories
    Accesories

    One of the sure-fire ways to spice up your work wardrobe is with your favourite accessories, and the great thing is, they can be practical too! Accessories like wristwatches and statement necklaces can go a long way in transforming your look. And the wonderful thing is that you don’t really have to be too dressy when you’ve got a gorgeous piece of jewelry dangling from your neck.

    2. Wrap It up with a Scarf!
    Scarf

    Scarfs are a smart way to bring attention to your face and neck, and they look great with everything! What I love about this wonderful piece of fabric is that it comes in so many shapes and sizes and patterns, and you can do so many things with it. Tie it up in your hair, use it as a headband, or even use a thin one as a belt! Scarves are a great way to spice up your work wardrobe, and they’re cheap!

    3. Pretty up Those Nails
    nails

    Long manicured nails, cute as they are, may not be the most practical thing for typing away at your keyboard. But natural polished nails, perhaps with a fun pattern, or even a basic colour to match your makeup or outfit for the day is a great way to spice up your work wardrobe! Plus looking down at your pretty nails will always bring a smile to your face!

    4. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!
    Shoes

    On days when it feels like you have nothing in your closet, nothing is quite as chic and professional as a suit with stellar shoes. These don’t always have to be heels; they can be knee high boots, flats or even strappy sandals. Shoes are an excellent way to spice up your work wardrobe, and it’s a perfect way to justify buying some of those pretty shoes you see at the store!

    5. Tweak your Collared Shirt
    Coloured shirt

    No doubt the classic white shirt is a staple— but bringing some texture and print to the classic is a smart fashion move.

    6. Blazers Don’t Have to be Boring
    blazer

    Don’t dress like an oldschool banker! Swap that black blazer for a different colour (blues and neutrals work just as well), or with interesting details. Opt for something in a brighter hue, or even a printed piece to really kick your office look up a few notches. Blazers are a wardrobe staple, not just for the workplace but for your personal style as well! The best thing about blazers is they are as professional as they come, but still structured and stylish, you’ll have your pick!

    7. Get Colourful
    colours

    Say goodbye to boring outfits by adding a splash of color to anything you wear. Even an all-black ensemble gets a wake-up call with a bold patterned scarf, get-noticed bag or cute cardigan in a hue that stands out.

  • 5 Makeup Trends to Rock This Year

    The New Year is all about getting a fresh start — and of course, that also pertains to our beauty routines. In the past year, some beauty enthusiasts had on some seriously stunning makeup, hair and nail looks that really rocked.

    From bold pouts, to bold brows here’s a look at the top 5 beauty trends that you can try out this year:

    1. Cat eye Makeup
    Cat Eye Makeup
    This is one makeup trend that’s been going strong for a while now. The great thing about cat-eye liner is that while it’s so popular right now, it’s also a retro look, so it reads as totally classic in your photos and works with almost any outfit. You’ll be right on target if you go this route this year.

    2. Pretty Pink Lips
    pink lips
    Notice-me berry and baby-pink lips were a big makeup trend last year, and I think pink will still be one of the favorite statement lipstick color for ladies this year. Not only are they a bit less committal and bold than red, they go perfectly with lots of colours and are fun and romantic.

    3. Bold Brows
    bold brows
    These days, ladies’ brows are stronger, fuller and more beautiful than ever thanks to the bevy of new eyebrow-specific products making their way to the beauty counters. Consider bold brows the new statement lip! If you can pull it off nicely, it would surely get the right kind of attention.

    4. Near Naked Makeup
    Nude colours

    Fresh, flawless and universally flattering— the “no-makeup” makeup look was a hot one last year. It is simple and classy. Will do dare to go bare? Try it this year.

    5. Smoky Eyes
    Smoky eyes

    In terms of eye makeup, is there anything sexier and more sophisticated than the classic Smoky Eye Look? There sure isn’t! That’s why almost every page of today’s magazines has a picture of a beautiful model or a celebrity sporting (what else?) – the smoky eye look!

    So, if you feel you are ready to join this fabulous team, try it out this year and you’d definitely stand out.

    What do you think about these makeup trends? Is there any other makeup look you would like to add to this list?

    xoxo

    SL

  • Picture of the Day: A Friend Is _____ ?

    two-kids-under-a-banana-leaf-in-the-rain-indonesia

    A friend is someone
    You turn to.
    A friend is someone
    You confide in.
    A friend is someone
    Who stands by you.
    A friend is someone
    Who lifts your spirits.
    A friend is someone
    who encourages you.
    A friend is someone
    You treasure always.
    A friend is someone
    Who makes you smile.
    A friend is someone
    Who brightens your day.

    I came across this picture and it really warmed my heart.

    Do you have someone like this in your life?

  • Fun Facts About Boxing Day!

    Steph in Christmas Hat

    Christmas this year for me was wonderful! Thanks to all the beautiful people in my life who made it special.

    But after Christmas day comes Boxing day. A day that I’ve always been excited about since I was a kid.

    We’d get together and playfully box each other, wishing ourselves ‘Happy Boxing Day’. But more importantly, it was a day when we made sure our parents or older uncles and aunties gave us a treat or took us out.

    But did you know Boxing day is more than that? Here are some fun facts I found about Boxing day:

    1. Boxing Day is called boxing day because it was the day the family opened the box for the poor.

    2. The Christmas Box was often made of clay or wood and was where people placed gifts.

    3. During the age of exploration, a Christmas Box would be placed on a ship for good luck. A priest would often place it there, and crewmen would drop money in it to ensure a safe return. If the ship returned safely, the priest would take the box and distribute the contents to the poor.

    4. Every church in England had an alms box which was where folks placed money for the poor. The box was opened on Dec. 26 and the contents were distributed to the poor of the parish.

    5. The tradition still continues today. Many of us give small tokens to local workers. Kids also collect things in boxes to be given to the local poor.

    So, aside from ‘boxing’ your loved ones today, don’t forget to box their gifts too 🙂

    So tell me SL Fabz, how did you spend your Christmas day? What does boxing day mean to you?

    xoxo

    SL

  • Merry Christmas To You!

    Merry Christmas
    On this Christmas Day, I hope you and your loved ones are celebrating in a way that is special to you. I hope that you receive everything for which you asked and feel the love and joy that the season brings.

    Wishing you an abundance of friends, happiness, and fun this holiday season.

    May your life be colorful, magnificent, shimmering and joyful, as the magic of Christmas spreads on you.

    May this Christmas end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright new year.

    Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas!

    xoxo

    SL