Blog

  • WHAT MADE YOU BRAVER?

    We ask three women the experiences that changed their perspective to life and made them braver.

    “I lost my dad at a time I needed him the most. I was going through a very rough relationship that was emotionally and verbally abusive. I had lost every confidence in me. I was no better than a piece of rumpled paper. My father was the only one who knew how to re-affirm me. And just when I was trying to understand how low I had sunk and how important it is to move away from my fiancé and the toxicity that wraps itself as love, my father was gone. It was then I knew how BRAVE I could be. I realized death was the worst that could happen, and if it did, at least I would be with my dad. So with that mindset, I picked myself up from misery, left the relationship for good and paved my own happiness. It hasn’t been easy, but I salute myself for being brave to move away from what tried to destroy me.” – Ejiro

    “Losing weight has been the most traumatizing experience of my life. Anything I put in my mouth makes me fat. I see people eat like gluttons and add zero weight, I get jealous. I know how tough it is to progress in life when you struggle with your weight. I am shy, introverted and unable to put myself out there because people judge harshly. I’ve been on so many diet plan and exercises and nothing really works long term, it was later I decided I would have to love myself and my body regardless. If you have nothing to lose, you stop being afraid of losing anything. I heard that somewhere and I decided to make that my motto. I soaked myself in inspiring stories of plus-size people, and I found my own mojo. I got BRAVER because I decided not to let my weight or people’s unsolicited opinions and judgments stop me from living and enjoying life. I also signed up with a nutritionist because I will never give up on myself. Cheers to being braver than I ever imagined I could be.” – Perpetua

    “Standing up to my very close-knit clique was the BRAVEST thing I have ever done, and once I was able to do it and the sky did not fall, I realized I was willingly part of a delusional group for so long because I was too afraid to speak up. I  just couldn’t take the hypocrisy anymore – the constant mockery of others, and the pretentious relationship we all shared. One day, they were gossiping about someone we know and it was so horrible, I decided it was time to distance myself from them, but before I did I made them realize how incurably ridiculous they are to attempt to remove the speck in someone else’s eye while they all go blind. I am better off without such people in my life, and I really should have done that sooner.” – Oluchi

    xoxo

  • FIVE SKINCARE ROUTINE EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW.

    Are you as frustrated as we are when you open Instagram and you see skincare experts applying a million products to their skin? You want the deets on their routine, but the messages fly off the videos too quickly and you are left with nothing. Don’t sweat it (literally), here’s 5 basic skincare routine everyone should know:

    CLEANSE: Wash your face with the right cleanser for your skin type. It gets rid of dirt, impurities and oil you gather on your face during your active hours. Be consistent. Cleansing should be a part of your daily skincare routine. No excuses. It takes care of breakouts, clogged skin and premature aging.

    EXFOLIATE: You should exfoliate twice a week. It’s a game changer. Exfoliating improves skin and makes it more radiant. It helps your skin absorb all other skin products because it gets rid of hardened dead cells blocking penetration.

    TONE: Toning balances the PH level of your skin. It helps get rid of bacteria with its active ingredients. You can glide through your face with cotton pad, or in some cases you spritz all over the face.

    MOISTURISE: Your skin loses its moisture when you cleanse and exfoliate, regain that moisture with the right product for your skin type.  Hydrating moisturizer for dry skin; a non-comedogenic and lightweight cream for oily and acne-prone and a soothing one for sensitive skin. Moisturise daily. Very important!

    PROTECT: Applying sunscreen is the most important skincare basics! Sunscreen saves your skin from harmful UV rays which can cause premature signs of ageing, sunburn and pigmentation. It also helps protect your skin from skin cancer. Ger a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. Apply on face and neck. and repeat every three hours to protect you from sun damage.

    Stay healthy! xoxo

  • TODAY IN HISTORY: THE FIRST TWEET!

    On March 21, 2006: Twitter co-founder, Jack Dorsey, sent the first public Tweet ever! He wrote: “Just setting up my twttr“.

    Other important evets to note on this day:

    *Brazilian footballer, Ronaldinho Gaúcho was born on this day in 1980.

    *One of the central figures of modern African literature, Chinua Achebe died on this day in 2013.

  • SIX THINGS WE KNOW FOR SURE!

    It seems like a season of uncertainty. Nigeria always makes you feel this way. You feel helpless. You feel hopeless. You do what is required, but you never get the result you want. It is paralyzing, and a frustrating way to live when you don’t know anything for sure.

    Regardless of these shortcomings, you must protect your happiness and peace, and the best way is to control what you can. The best way is to hold on to the things you know for sure!

    What do you know for sure? Let’s help you with SIX things you should know:

    We know that God will not forsake you. If you call on him from a place of sincerity, He will come through for you. Build a relationship with God. Nurture faith.

    We know that even in the midst of uncertainty, there are people in your life you can count on. Keep them close, they are your rewards in life.

    We know that time waits for no one. So leave your worries aside and make the best use of your hours – they become the moments you will cherish. Time is one of the most priceless gifts on earth, don’t waste it.

    We know that exercise and diet contribute to your total health and happiness in life. Be disciplined and watch what and how you eat. It’s in your power.

    We know that money can set you free AND it can also imprison you. Build a healthy understanding about money. Have a wholesome relationship with money. Let it serve you, not the other way round, and you will live a prosperous life.

    Protect your mental health above all else. Do not let life get in the way of living well.

    These are the things we know for sure! xoxo

  • THE SWEETEST THINGS TO TELL YOUR MOTHER

    Sunday, March 19, is Mother’s Day!

    What would the world be without mothers?

    If you are overwhelmed with gratitude and you don’t know what to say to your mother on this special day, let’s help you say it.

    Here are some of the sweetest things you can tell your mother on Mother’s Day:

    I’m glad that you’re my mother because I’m not sure anyone else could have put up with me this long! Love you, Mom.

    Mom, you are the most outstanding woman in my life, and you’ll always be my number one. Have a very happy Mother’s Day!

    Growing up I don’t think I realized just how much you did to keep our day-to-day life running so smoothly. Now that I’m grown up, I am in awe of everything you did for us, and I admire you all the more. Thank you for making my childhood such a special one! I love you, Mom!

    I got all my good qualities from you, Mom! Isn’t it lucky you had more than enough for both of us?

    Thank you Mom for showing me how to be the best version of myself. I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me. I am so thankful for everything you’ve done for me.

    When I think back on the sacrifices you made, you deserve a Mother’s Year!

    May your Mother’s Day be filled with as much happiness as you brought to my childhood. I love you!

    May all the love you gave to us come back to you a hundredfold on this special day!

    They say that as you grow older, you turn more and more into the type of person your parents are. Thank God you’re so AWESOME! I love you, happy Mother’s Day.

    To my mother: who never sends me out into the cruel world without first wrapping me up in the warmth of her love. I love you, Mom!

    xoxo

    culled from: parade.com

  • HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE

    Every day we read about stories of people who transformed their lives – moving from point 0 to point 100, making money after being very poor, moving to the big city after living unfulfilled dreams in a lowly place, getting promoted in life after dealing with rejection for years. It is possible to change your life.

    If you are in a rot at the moment or you are hoping for a transformation, here are FIVE ways we think you should approach a change in your life:

    Recognize what is holding you back: You can’t change until you know what you need to confront in your life. So, recognize what is holding you back and make the adjustments.

    Identify the “WHY”: Why do you want change in your life? Why do you need to alter the way things are? Are dissatisfied? Do you believe you deserve? Answer the “WHY”, and when you do, it will lead you to the “HOW” – HOW are you going to change your life? WHAT steps do you need to take?

    Embrace discomfort: Nothing is easy. If you want change in your life, then you will have to deal with the chaos that may come from disrupting status quo. Be prepared. Discomfort is normal and part of the process.

    Set a smart goal: Have a set goal. Know exactly what you are aiming for. Eye on the ball. Go for it.

    Believe in yourself: Without belief, you have nothing. You cannot win if you don’t trust yourself. Belief will not come naturally. Self doubt is a thing, so you have to intentionally look yourself in the mirror and constantly tell yourself “I CAN”. You have to build your self-confidence. Self belief is the paddle that will move you through the ocean towards your desired destination.

    All the best! xoxo

  • FOOD & MOOD: WHAT ARE YOU EATING?

    What you eat is who you are. Food has the power to affect everything you do and how you do it. Food affects your brain, your mood, and your appearance.

    The food you eat and the mood you are in are connected. So what are you eating? And how is the food you take affecting your mood and your life?

    As you strive into a new day (everyday), here are a few mood-positive meals you should consider:

    OATS: Oats are a whole grain that can keep you in good spirits all morning. They’re an excellent source of fiber. Fibre promises better mood and energy levels. This is attributed to more stable blood sugar levels, which is important for controlling mood swings and irritability.

    NUTS and SEEDS: Nuts and seeds are high in plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. Nut intake is linked to lower depression (of up to 23%). Nuts are good sources of  zinc and selenium.

    COFFEE: The world’s famous drink makes you happier too! Caffeine prevents tiredness, therefore increasing alertness and attention. It also increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine which are mood-boosting.

    BEANS: Excellent source of B Vitamins, beans is full of feel-good nutrients.

    BANANA: Bananas contain prebiotics – and excellent source of fibre that feeds healthy bacteria in your gut, Also high in Vitamin B6, it allows for stable blood sugar and better mood control.

    VEGETABLES: Of course! Boost your brain health and over-all health by having as much vegetables in your meals.

    GREEN TEA: This contains mood-boosting nutrients like L-theanine, an amino acid that helps fight anxiety. 

    CHIA SEEDS: You can simply sprinkle chia seeds in your meals. They are very versatile. They are a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, and contain a wealth of additional nutrients like protein, fibre, calcium and iron. This mood boosting food is also a good source of magnesium. Chia seeds is nature’s relaxant mineral, and it can help stress and anxiety.

    culled: healthline, culinarynutrition.

  • EVERYTHING GOOD WILL COME

    Approach life with the mindset that everything good will come – everything is working for your benefit. You are here for a good reason. You will get your reward in due season.

    Have faith.

    Everything good will come ❤️

  • “EQUITY ENSURES EVERYONE CAN REALISE THEIR POTENTIAL AND THRIVE.”

    Stephanie Linus, our founder, answers some important questions on WOMEN’S DAY by Extended Hands Foundation:

    We wish every woman on every strata of life a March towards HAPPINESS!

    xoxo

  • 10 POWERFUL QUOTES FOR WOMEN

    Today is International Women’s Day. According to United Nations, this year’s theme is: “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality”

    How to spend the day? Hold conversations with colleagues, friends, family and allies on the benefit of equality. And don’t forget to reach out to the women who inspire you.

    Here are 10 quotes for this special day:

    *This day belongs to you. May you prosper and stand firm in the course of life. Happy International Women’s Day

    *She is a Dreamer, she is a believer, she is a doer, she is an achiever, and that she is “You”. Happy Women’s Day.

    *Sure, God created man before woman. But then you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece.

    *You are the creator, the destroyer of evil, you are the saint and you are the guide. Life without you would have been impossible. This is the day to celebrate God’s best and most beautiful creation. Happy Women’s day.

    *Women are the epitome of courage, hope, and life. Let us take a pledge this Women’s Day that we will make the world a much better place for them.

    *Here’s to strong women, may we raise our daughters to be them, may we become them, Happy Women’s Day!!

    *A woman who is determined to rise can never be defeated. May you find all the courage to rise, Happy Women’s Day!

    *Never let your fears of the society prevent you from realising your full potential. Happy Women’s Day!

    * “Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.” –Hillary Clinton

    *“What’s the greatest lesson a woman should learn? That since day one, she’s already had everything she needs within herself. It’s the world that convinced her she did not.” –Rupi Kaur

    xoxo