Life through my eyes

EAT MORE TO LOSE WEIGHT? YES! LET ME EXPLAIN. ✨

2026-10-04T20:10:01.778+01:00

We've all been there. Tiny salad, still hungry, thinking that's what "being good" looks like.

But over-dieting and tiny portions is not the flex. It leaves you tired, snacky, and stuck in a restrict-binge loop. Your body needs more, not less — more of the RIGHT things.I call it the Full Plate Method.It’s a mindset shift.

When you over-diet, your body thinks you’re in starvation mode so it increases the hunger hormone Ghrelin. So you get hungrier and snack more. FAIL!

It's not about eating less food. It's about eating more of the foods that love your body back. More volume, colour and satisfaction.

Here’s how to build a plate that fills you up AND helps you reach your goals:

1. Half your plate = veggies & fruit

Think big, beautiful volume. Roasted broccoli, big leafy greens, cucumbers, peppers, berries, apples. Low calorie density, high fibre, vitamins, and you get to eat A LOT.

2. Quarter plate = slow-burn carbs

These are your energy girls. The ones that keep you full for hours. Think oats, quinoa, sweet potato, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, lentils. No sugar crash, just steady burn.

3. Quarter plate = protein + healthy fats

Chicken, salmon, eggs, Greek yoghurt, beans, plus a little olive oil, avocado, nuts. This is what stops cravings and keeps you satisfied.

What this looks like IRL:

Instead of: 2 tiny crackers with cheese = hungry in 20 mins

Try: Big bowl — lots of salad + roasted veg + 1/2 sweet potato + chicken + sprinkle of feta + olive oil. Same calories-ish, 10x more food, actually full.

You are not meant to be hungry all day to lose weight. You are meant to be nourished, energised, and full.

More colour. More fibre. More satisfaction.

Have you been under-eating and calling it discipline? Let's change that.

Tell me — Would you be trying the eat more to lose weight trick?👇

EAT FOR YOUR GLOW: The 3 Foods I Eat Every week For Real, Consistent Radiance ✨

2026-10-03T12:15:25.270+01:00

Are you buying expensive creams in glow-quest but skipping what’s on your plate?

You’re doing it backwards!

Your skin is not just what you put ON it. It’s a mirror of what you put IN it.

I learned this the hard way after years of spending loads of money on trending skincare products and routines that left me frustrated and my skin dull. So I stopped chasing trends and went back to the blueprint. No more fads. Just facts.

Here are the 3 foods I add to my weekly shopping list for a consistent glow. They cost less than £2 a day and you can find them at your local supermarket.

BERRIES + DARK LEAFY GREENS: Your Natural Glow Filter

Why? Oxidative stress is the #1 reason for dull skin, fine lines, and tired eyes. These two contain antioxidants. Antioxidants help your body fight oxidative stress.

My daily mix:

Handful of blueberries or strawberries (frozen is perfect and cheaper)

Big handful of spinach or kale in a smoothie, omelette, or even just wilted with lunch

What it does: It boosts your vitamin C to help your body make collagen. It contains vitamin K which reduces that dark, under-eye look. I noticed my skin looked brighter after just 10 days of this.

Realistic tip: Don't force salads you hate. I blend my greens with frozen berries, water, and a spoon of yogurt. It tastes like a treat.

HEALTHY FATS: The Moisture You Can't Get From A Jar

If your skin feels dry no matter how much moisturiser you use, you are likely low in healthy fats.

My daily go-to: 1/2 avocado OR 1 tbsp chia seeds OR a small handful of walnuts

What it does: Omega-3s and good fats literally build your skin barrier. They lock in moisture from the inside. This is why your skin looks plump and dewy, not dry and flaky. They also calm inflammation — so less redness and fewer breakouts.

Realistic tip: I sprinkle chia seeds on my overnight oats. Takes 10 seconds. No cooking.

FERMENTED FOODS: The Secret Glow Connection No One Talks About.

This is the link between your gut and your glow.

My daily go-to: 3-4 spoons of plain natural yogurt or kefir

What it does: When your gut is unhappy, you get bloating and sluggishness. Your skin shows it. Fermented foods are a natural source of probiotics which can balance your gut microbiome. When my bloating went down, my skin clarity went UP. They are connected.

Realistic tip: Buy PLAIN, no sugar yoghurt/kefir. You can add berries to sweeten it naturally.

HOW I PUT IT TOGETHER IN 10 MINUTES (My Daily Plate)

Breakfast: Yogurt + berries + chia seeds

Lunch: Wrap with spinach, chicken/falafel, and avocado

Dinner: Whatever you love, just add a side of greens

That's it. No counting. No restriction. Just adding glow foods in.

Your glow is not about eating less. It's about eating for your glow.

This is the philosophy of The Glow Compass — nutritious eating, not fad dieting. Realistic. Tested. Trusted.

Your turn: Which of these 3 are you already eating? Which one will you try to add this week? Tell me in the comments — I read every single one.

And if you found this helpful, save it for your next food shop and share it with one friend who is tired of fad diets.

Is Clutter Low-Key Killing Your Vibe? (And How to Fix It Without the Overwhelm)

2026-10-01T09:15:34.020+01:00

Let’s be real for a second. Have you ever sat down at your desk to crush a deep-work session, only to find yourself staring blankly at a pile of two-week-old mail, three half-empty mugs, and a tangle of charging cords?

Suddenly, your brain feels just as messy as your desk. Instead of writing that report, you’re suddenly deep-scrolling TikTok, feeling a vague wave of anxiety you can’t quite shake.

If this sounds familiar, you aren’t lazy, and you aren’t losing your mind. Your space is just killing your vibe!

As it turns out, the connection between a cluttered room and a cluttered mind isn’t just a concept invented by minimalist influencers to sell beige storage bins. It’s actual, hard science. So, let’s dive into why physical mess is secretly draining your energy, and how you can reclaim your peace without spending your entire weekend scrubbing floors.

The Actual Science of Why Mess Stresses You Out

Our brains love order. Evolutionarily speaking, order means safety and predictability. When your visual field is packed with random objects, your brain doesn't just see "stuff"—it sees a never-ending to-do list.

The Visual Cortex Overload

Neuroscientists have found that physical clutter competes for your attention. It’s like having 45 tabs open in your brain at the same time. Even if you think you’re ignoring that laundry pile in the corner, your visual cortex is actively working to filter it out. The result? Constant, low-grade mental fatigue.

The Cortisol Spike is Real

A famous study published in Personality tracked the cortisol (stress hormone) levels of people in their homes. The results were telling: individuals who described their homes as "cluttered" or full of "un-finished projects" had chronically high levels of cortisol throughout the day. A messy home keeps your body in a subtle, continuous state of fight-or-flight.

The Procrastination Loop

Ever notice how the messier your room gets, the harder it is to actually start cleaning it? Clutter triggers avoidant behaviour. When an environment feels chaotic, your brain looks for an easy dopamine escape—usually your phone. It’s a vicious cycle: the mess causes anxiety, the anxiety causes procrastination, and the procrastination makes the mess worse.

3 Low-Effort Ways to Reset Your Space (and Your Mind)

You don’t need to throw away all your earthly possessions and adopt a strict minimalist lifestyle to fix this. We don’t have time for that. Instead, try these three lazy-but-effective strategies to lower the sensory friction in your home.

1. The "One Visible Surface" Rule

When an entire room is messy, your brain paralyses you. Instead of looking at the whole room, pick one critical surface—like your desk, your bedside table, or the kitchen island. Clear everything off it. Wipe it down. Leave it empty. Having just one zone of absolute visual peace gives your eyes a place to rest and instantly lowers your mental load.

2. The "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" Box 📦

Can’t decide if you should throw away those festival wristbands from 2019 or that hobby gear you haven’t touched in a year? Don’t force a breakthrough decision right now. Shove them all into a designated box, tape it shut, and write a date 30 days from now on the top. If you don’t open that box in a month, you don’t need it. Donate or toss it.

3. The 5-Minute Hype Playlist Reset ⏱️

Don't promise yourself you'll clean for two hours. Put on your favourite high-energy track (anything that makes you want to move), set a timer for exactly five minutes, and do a chaotic, fast-paced sweep of the room. Put trash in the bin, dishes in the sink, and clothes in the basket. When the timer goes off, you are legally allowed to stop. Usually, the hardest part is just starting.

Curated Tools to Help You Maintain the Vibe

If you want to keep the clutter from creeping back in, the secret isn't just cleaning more—it's setting up your space so that staying organized takes zero effort. Here are a few aesthetics-first pieces that secretly do all the heavy lifting for you:

Aesthetic Storage Baskets/Bins: The easiest way to hide clutter is "catch-all" styling. Throw blankets, rogue chargers, and random items look like intentional decor when tossed into a beautiful woven or neutral canvas basket.
Minimalist Cable Management Box: Visual cord chaos is a massive focus-killer. Hiding your power strips in a sleek, matte box instantly cleans up your workspace or TV stand setup.
Label Maker or Drawer Organizers: If you want to elevate your routine, organizing the inside of your most-used drawers keeps the daily "where are my keys/lip balm/pens" panic at bay.

Protecting Your Peace

Your home should be a sanctuary, not another line item on your stress list. By clearing out the physical noise, you're quite literally making room for better thoughts, higher focus, and a much better mood.

Start small today. Clear off one table, light a candle, take a deep breath, and watch how fast your energy shifts.

Would you be taking the challenge?

Loved this post? Comment, like, share, follow for more.

By Oma Celestine

The Winter Hydration Edit: Sip, Glow, and Slay the Season

2026-09-30T17:50:22.863+01:00

Darling, let’s talk about the absolute indignity of winter skin. One moment you are glowing with post-summer vitality, and the next, central heating and biting British gales conspire to turn your complexion into parchment. We have all been there—standing in front of the bathroom mirror, bewildered as to why your £85 hyaluronic acid serum is throwing a tantrum against your flaky cheek.

Here is the quiet truth the beauty conglomerates rarely lead with: topical miracles can only do so much when your cellular matrix is parched from the inside out. True winter radiance isn't just about what you smear on your face; it is an intimate ritual of deep internal hydration. And no, darling, living off iced oat milk lattes simply does not count as hydration.

The Anatomy of Winter Dehydration

When the temperature plummets, the air loses its humidity, quite literally vacuuming moisture right out of our lipid barriers. At the same time, we instinctively abandon our ice-water bottles in favour of endless cups of builder’s tea or velvety hot chocolates. While comforting, these choices often come with dehydrating side effects or sugar spikes that wreak absolute havoc on collagen production.

Enter our absolute hero ingredient: Green tea infused with fresh citrus or mint. It is sophisticated, antioxidant-rich, and profoundly hydrating without the heavy caffeine jitters that leave your skin looking dull and fatigued.

Curating Your Daily Hydration Ritual

If you treat hydration like a tedious chore—chugging lukewarm tap water while running late for a Pilates class—your skin will reflect that frantic energy. Instead, let us elevate hydration into a decadent self-care ceremony.

Start your morning not with scrolling, but with a deliberate ceramic mug of warm water spiked with organic lemon and a whisper of raw honey. By 11 AM, transition to your first brew of antioxidant-dense green tea. The L-theanine provides a calm, focused mental clarity while flooding your bloodstream with catechins that actively repair UV and weather-induced oxidative stress.

"Skincare is never merely cosmetic; it is an outward projection of how tenderly we care for our internal ecosystem during the harshest months of the year."*

Posh Protocols for Plump, Dewy Skin

To truly conquer winter dryness before spring finally graces us, adopt these non-negotiable lifestyle shifts:

1. The Thermal Flask Rule: Keep a gorgeous, minimalist insulated flask filled with herbal infusions or green tea by your workspace. If it looks chic on your desk, you are infinitely more likely to sip from it.

2. Electrolyte Elegance: Add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt or clean mineral drops to your afternoon water. Plain water can sometimes pass right through us if our cellular uptake lacks essential trace minerals.

3. The Evening Wind-Down: Swap your late-night glass of red wine (a notorious skin dehydrator) for a soothing white peony tea or chamomile blend. Your morning complexion will thank you with a luminous, bouncy elasticity.

Ultimately, darling, beating winter skin dryness isn't about accumulating more products on your vanity shelf. It is about slowing down, softening into the season, and remembering that true beauty always begins from within.

Pour yourself something exquisite today—your skin is watching.

By Oma Celestine

Turning 40 and Can’t Get That Waistline Down? DO THIS INSTEAD!

2026-09-28T17:28:05.919+01:00

Turning 40 is a massive milestone, but it often comes with an unwelcome surprise: stubborn weight gain right around the middle and dull, tired skin. If the calorie-counting and intense cardio that worked in your 20s are suddenly doing nothing, you aren't imagining it. Your hormonal landscape has shifted.

During perimenopause, dropping oestrogen levels cause your body to redistribute fat to your abdomen. Falling oestrogen also triggers a rapid loss of skin collagen—up to 30% in the first few years. To fix this, you must stop fighting your 40s with a 20-year-old’s diet plan.

Here is the exact 3-step formula to reset your metabolism and reclaim your glow.

Step 1: Manage Insulin, Stop Counting Calories

In your 40s, your body becomes naturally more insulin resistant. When you eat "naked" carbohydrates (like white bread or sweet morning coffees) without a protein or fat, your blood sugar spikes. This forces your body to pump out extra insulin.

Because insulin is a fat-storage hormone, elevated levels block your body from burning stubborn belly fat. These blood sugar spikes also trigger systemic inflammation, this breaks down the collagen in your skin and cause adult breakouts.

The Shift: Never eat carbohydrates alone. Pair an apple with almond butter, or berries with Greek yoghurt. Aim for 25–30 grams of protein per meal to stabilise blood sugar and rebuild thinning skin.

Step 2: Swap Chronic Cardio for Muscle Building

There’s no need doing something that isn’t working over and over again. Waking up early for hours of intense treadmill cardio raises your primary stress hormone, cortisol; a fight or flight hormone.

In your 40s, your body is already under hormonal stress. High cortisol levels signal your body that it is in danger, forcing it to fiercely hang onto belly fat while breaking down facial muscle, leaving your skin looking dull and tired.

The Shift: Focus on strength training 3 times a week. Building lean muscle is the single best way to reverse age-related metabolic slowdown, turning your body into a 24/7 fat-burning machine. For cardio, do low intensity cardio like walking.

Step 3: Lubricate Your Skin from the Inside Out

As oestrogen plummets, your skin loses moisture and elasticity rapidly. Topical moisturisers aren't enough; you must address the skin barrier from both sides.

The Shift (Inside): Eat healthy, anti-inflammatory fats daily. Extra virgin olive oil, wild salmon, and avocados plump your skin cells while actively helping reduce visceral belly fat.
The Shift (Outside): Introduce a gentle Retinol at night to speed up cell turnover, paired with a rich Ceramide cream to protect your skin barrier

Midlife Game-Changers to Add to Your Routine

(Maximize your results with these targeted tools)

A Premium Marine Collagen Powder: Because natural collagen production drops after 40, a high-quality daily supplement provides the direct building blocks your skin needs to maintain elasticity.
Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Workouts: You don’t need a gym membership. A compact set of weights lets you easily start resistance training from your living room to fire up your metabolism.
A High-Quality Retinol Night Cream: To combat the slowing cell turnover of midlife, a dermatologically tested retinol cream works overnight to smooth fine lines and target hormonal pigmentation.

The Bottom Line

Your body isn't broken; the rules have just changed. By prioritising blood sugar stability, strength training, and deep cellular hydration, you can absolutely get your waistline down and achieve radiant skin.

Are you experiencing the dreaded midlife waistline shift? Let’s chat in the comments below!

Missing Ireland

2025-12-24T23:44:26.786+00:00

Ending the year 2025 missing a place I had hoped to call home for me and my family, beautiful Ireland.

It’s been just over 4years since we left but it still calls out to me sometimes.

I’m not one to look too much at the past but I created the fondest memories there.

Here’s one video from several I have that I would say triggered my reminiscing.

You Will Never Walk Alone

2018-01-01T15:54:00.000+00:00

Happy New Year guys!

Feels like forever since I posted on here. Anyway, I thought to share a song I heard in my childhood that always gave me a sense of reassurance whenever I feel down and alone in the world. I hope you like it.

May the blessings of 2018 exceed your expectations.

Happy New Year!

BLESS YOU! BUT WHY?

2016-01-13T16:51:00.002+00:00

Happy new year everyone!

It's been so long since I've been here.Hope life has been treating you good. So much has happened since the last time i blogged. Hopefully i don't bore you with my musings.

So, i sneezed the other day and someone said "Bless you" . I usually say it to when other people sneeze around me and i think it's something i picked up from older people around me. But i was just wondering where it all started and what it means.

Do you say "bless you" when someone sneezes? what does it mean to you?

What kind of blessings are you pronouncing on that person?

Do you frown at people who don't say "bless you" to you when you sneeze?

Would like to hear your opinions.

By Oma Nnabuihe

AFRICA'S MIND SICKNESS

2015-02-17T13:02:00.000+00:00

Sitting in the midst of plenty,
Surrounded by diverse bounty,
Africa still cries and wails of lack.

A land were men and women were royalties, a land of tales of abundance, now rings with weeps of slavery.

Slaves bounded by their own mind sickness,enslaved by their very own ignorance,men,women and children languish in pain , diseases and poverty.

Tis no tale that this same land
Is rich with young men and women with creative minds
Who have travelled far and wide to acquire knowledge,great knowledge capable of healing this cankerworm;
Yet the destructive trend continues,to a future with no ray of light in view.

How can the average age of an african president be 60?
These are men and women who have lived their lives but its time to live ours.
Truth is they make gross avoidable mistakes without a second thought,and leave you in the world to face the consequences.
Where are the young,capable and creative minds,who have a future to look and build toward.

Hear this clarion call to you,

Young men and women of africa. You are the elite of the world and the only cure to this madness.
Its time to take your future in your hands,
Not with violence cos its a primitive way of solving problems,
But with the knowledge and creativity you have acquired; cause this is the worlds greatest power.

Tell your friends, brothers and sisters,that its time to take back OUR AFRICA!
Cos Africa is indeed OURS.!
It begins with YOU! START WHEREVER YOU ARE!

By Uloma Nnabuihe

CONFESSIONS OF FAITH OVER YOUR FINANCES

2013-12-20T07:57:00.000+00:00

Father in Jesus Name, I thank you that I am anointed to prosper. My eyes are open to see creative ways to increase financially; my ears are open to hear the best deals and my heart is pure so that you can channel finances through me.

I am on the path of perpetual increase, as I enter into my wealthy place. Wealth and riches are in my house. I declare I am the righteousness of God. I have sown my seed for supernatural abundance and I live in daily expectation of increase.

Money comes to me; my nature attracts money. The fear of lack has been broken and has no power over me. I hear my Father's voice. The voice of intimidation and limitation I choose not to follow. I am free from debt; I am the lender and not the borrower.

The wealth of the wicked is being transferred to me and I commit to establish the Kingdom of God in the Earth. I am ready to distribute and my life is a distribution channel for God's work in the earth.

I thank you Father that daily you are loading me with benefits. I am anointed to prosper. I am on your mind because you want to increase me more and more. Abundance is your will for me because it pleases you when I prosper. I call increase, abundance and prosperity to come to me NOW in Jesus Name and I will never be broke another day in my life!

Source: Spirit of Faith

CONFESSIONS OF FAITH: I KNOW WHO I AM

2013-12-19T21:05:00.000+00:00

I am somebody!

I am who God says I am!

Though every man might lie, God's word is always true!

I am on top and never beneath!

I am the head and not the tail!

I am the lender and not the borrower!

I am blessed in the city and blessed in the field!

I am blessed in my coming and blessed in my going!

I have been called out of the darkness and placed in the light of the Almighty God!

I am not an accident!

I have purpose and a destiny to fulfill!

I do not receive words that are not of God that have been spoken over my life!

I send those words of death and destruction back to hell where they came from!

I confess God's word over my life: I am an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ Jesus!

I have been fearfully and wonderfully created by Him!

I know my worth and I know my value!

I have a worth that is far above rubies and pearls!

I am a mighty child of God!

I have a joy of the Lord that is unspeakable!

I have peace that passes all man's understanding!

I am a royal priesthood!

I am a peculiar person!

I am a holy nation!

I am the favored of the Lord!

I am beautiful inside and outside!

I have an anointing on my life that is growing every day!

I am a soul winner and a disciple maker!

I am bold as a lion!

I am healthy, wealthy and wise!

I love God, and am loved of God!

I receive every promise that God has for me!

Enjoy the Video by Nigerian Gospel Artiste Sinach

Source Spirit of Faith

Its All For The Best

2013-11-17T16:13:00.001+00:00

This too is for the best.

It’s a line many of us have heard people say, and it’s sometimes used as a spiritual slogan. But in truth, events have the potential to be so much more.

The true test of certainty is not in the moments when everything is going smoothly, but in the times when it seems like everything around us is falling apart.

I say “seems” because it is, in fact, all an illusion. Most of the time when things seem to be falling apart, they are really just coming together, albeit very much in disguise to us.

There are so many clear examples of this. A man misses his flight. He’s upset because he has many things to do at his destination and many are depending on him. In the most disturbing scenario, his missed plane crashes. In the best case scenario, he meets someone special he is meant to meet on his next flight. Maybe we will never know why he missed his flight, but there was definitely a reason.

We don’t always get to see the bigger picture, but we need to remember there always is one.

The spiritual path encourages us to recall that there is a positive aspect to every event, and to trust and appreciate that the universe is always working on our behalf. We can use these moments to grow our certainty in the Creator, who intends only what is best for us, no matter how it may look or feel through the lens of our limited perspective.

This is why an old saying like, “This too is for the best,” is so much more than a slogan. When we believe it with all our heart and mind, we activate a spiritual technology that will assist us in experiencing the good in all that happens.

Everything is for the best.

We don’t have to see it right away. We just have to trust it.

Credit Weekly Kabbalah

Know Your Worth

2013-05-17T12:07:00.002+01:00

Treating others with kindness, care and without judgement is a reflection of how you treat yourself.
Its this simple: You can't give what you don't have

Its easy to pick out the wrong in others whilst ignoring our own flaws and shortcomings. This is not to say you shouldn't chastise but its more fulfilling and life changing for both parties when chastisement is done with love.

When someone wrongs you, remember that their actions doesn't make them less worthy of your love.

When you show them that they are worthy of your forgiveness and love, then you are positioning yourself to be worthy of another's love and forgiveness when need be.

It will also help you reveal the Light in others people's lives.

By Oma Nnabuihe

Defeat Is A State Of Mind

2013-05-17T00:05:00.000+01:00

Does a leaf, when it falls from the tree in winter, feel defeated by the cold?

The tree says to the leaf:
‘That’s the cycle of life. You may think you’re going to die, but you live on in me. It’s thanks to you that I’m alive, because I can breathe. It’s also thanks to you that I have felt loved, because I was able to give shade to the weary traveler. Your sap is in my sap, we are one thing.’

Does a man who spent years preparing to climb the highest mountain in the world feel defeated on reaching that mountain and discovering that nature has cloaked the summit in storm clouds?
The man says to the mountain: ‘You don’t want me this time, but the weather will change and, one day, I will make it to the top. Meanwhile, you’ll still be here waiting for me.’

Does a young man, rejected by his first love, declare that love does not exist?
The young man says to himself: ‘I’ll find someone better able to understand what I feel. And then I will be happy for the rest of my days.’

Losing a battle or losing everything we thought we possessed will bring us moments of sadness, but when those moments pass, we will discover the hidden strength that exists in each of us, a strength that will surprise us and increase our self-respect.

Wait patiently for the right moment to act.
Do not let the next opportunity slip.

Take pride in your scars.
Scars are medals branded on the flesh, and your enemies will be frightened by them because they are proof of your long experience of battle. Often this will lead them to seek dialogue and avoid conflict.

Scars speak more loudly than the sword that caused them.

taken from MANUSCRIPT FOUND IN ACCRA By Paulo Coelho

Credits : http://paulocoelhoblog.com

Let Go Of Your Garbage

2013-05-16T13:47:00.000+01:00

A good indication that you’re on the right path is when you start to see more of your garbage.

You start noticing the ego at play and how you allow it to take hold of you and in your interactions with others.

You start noticing your bad habits, unkind attitude and not-so- pleasant character at play

Seeing our garbage is never easy, but it’s what we do once we see it that makes all the difference.

Getting down, depressed or sad won’t help us to change it, so that’s a waste of time.

On the other hand, we could feel grateful for having the clarity to see what it is we need to change so our lives can improve.

Imagine if we could make the shift so that seeing our garbage becomes an awesome part of the process!

If we can’t see our garbage, we can't make the improvements that will make us become better people and move closer to a place of light and peace

excerpts from kabbalah.com

6 Friends Every Woman MUST Have

2013-05-15T09:43:00.001+01:00

Some pals serve as excellent sounding boards for sage advice. Others just wanna have fun. Still others are your right arm or your been-there, done-that point of reference.

Why is it good to have an arsenal of different friend types in the little black book of your life? “Because no single friend can meet all your needs,” says Marla Paul, author of The Friendship Crisis: Finding, Making and Keeping Friends When You're Not a Kid Anymore.

Here, six friends you’d be lucky to have.

1. The Cheerleader

Who she is: Whether she’s an old pal or someone you just met, her hallmark is her glass-half-full outlook.

Why you need her: Who couldn't stand a little rah-rah from time to time? “This kind of friend is like a sunny spring day,” says Paul. “You feel lighter and happier being with her.” Not only can she bolster your mood, she’s also the one to nudge you toward something you want to try—applying for a new job, getting a new hairdo—that you might otherwise fear.

2. The Advice-Giver

Who she is: A colleague, a mentor, your mother—or just the smartest, most even-keeled person you've ever met—who’s the best advice-giver you know.

Why you need her: “She’s the wise one,” says Megan McMorris, editor of the essay collection P.S.: What I Didn't Say. “Nothing shocks or surprises her, and no matter what you come to her with, she won’t judge you.” Instead, she’ll be there for you—after the breakup, when you’re shopping for a new home—with steady, smart counsel.

3. The Oldest/Childhood Friend

Who she is: The one who’s known you since junior-high sleepovers, if not since you were both in diapers.

Why you need her: Quite simply, because she gets you. “You don’t have to explain yourself to your oldest friends,” says McMorris. She knows where and how you grew up, knows your parents and siblings, and gets the references to schoolteachers or hometown hangouts. Plus she tolerates your, shall we say, quirks, such as your frequent lateness or your sarcastic humor.

4. The Mommy/Neighborhood Friend

Who she is: The stroller-walking buddy, playgroup mom or next-door neighbor who can get your kids off the bus in a pinch.

Why you need her: Having other moms who are either in the same parenting trenches as you or just ahead of you (and can tell you what potty training or the first day of kindergarten is really like) makes you feel less alone. Also, says McMorris, “you need a few friends who understand that now that you’re a mom, your schedule is harder to pin down.” It’s just easier to socialize with other women who understand the disruptions of naptime and soccer practice.

5. The Guy Friend

Who he is: Your brother, your cubicle-mate, the boyfriend you broke up with so long ago he’s become your friend.

Why you need him: He tells you what life is like on the other side of the gender divide. It’s a generalization, of course, but on the whole, guys make it easier to pick up the friendship where you left off, and just hang out without rehashing the past. Plus, a male friend may be able to “help you be more assertive and selfish, which are not necessarily bad things,” says Paul. Oh, and did we mention that he can help you unravel the mysteries of your significant other’s odd behavior?

6. The Honest Friend

Who she is: Anyone you know who’s a total straight shooter, from your big sister to your college roommate.

Why you need her: Because sometimes you really do want the truth about whether that haircut is awful or those jeans make your butt look big. And it’s not just the trivial stuff: Your brutally honest pals, says McMorris, will give you the straight scoop on, say, whether your boyfriend is not treating you the way you deserve. On the flip side, “if your honest friend is enthusiastic about something in your life, you know it’s good.”

Culled from womansday.com

Choose Happiness

2013-05-15T08:25:00.004+01:00

Have you ever noticed how happiness is often fleeting?

No matter how elated you become, eventually your mind finds things to worry about. Sometimes we even create problems where there really are none.

One of the most self-destructive tendencies we have as humans is not allowing ourselves to be happy. This is because there is another voice in our head, the adversarial force that rushes in the moment we achieve any sense of true joy, and whispers in our thoughts all the reasons why we need to be afraid, upset, or stressed.

Our job is to consciously choose a sense of inner peace over that voice of negativity. A life of happiness lies in your own hands, and more importantly in your own mind. It’s just waiting for you to choose it.

Enjoy this old song by Bobby Mcferrin "Don't worry, Be happy" it gets me everytime....

Found at Beemp3.com

excerpt from kabbalah.com

Creating Positive Habits

2013-05-10T10:38:00.000+01:00

Greatness is born of creating positive habits.
We as humans are creatures of habit and we become what we repeatedly do.

By switching our old , destructive habits for more productive ones, we receive more energy to create even greater change.

The Beautiful Thing about choosing positive habits is that it only takes one to get the whole thing started.

If you would create one positive habit today, what would i be?

excerpts from kabbalah.com

Song Of The Week

2013-05-10T10:04:00.000+01:00

Are you exhausted physically or emotionally from the week.
Has work stress or issues made you just want to switch off your phone and sleep through the weekend.
Well here is a Song by Gospel Artists Jamie Grace and Toby Mac to help rejuvenate you and kick-start your weekend the right way.
You'd have this song on REPLAY after the first listen.

Jamie Grace Ft. TobyMac - Hold Me Ft. TobyMac new single 2011 .mp3

Found at bee mp3 search engine

Thank God Its Friday.....TGIF By Oma Nnabuihe

Tricks That Help You Eat Less Food and Lose More Weight

2013-05-10T09:13:00.000+01:00

Do you always find yourselves falling into the trap of eating more food than you planned to?
Well, here are some tips to help you eat less, reduce weight gain and speed up weight loss

Eat breakfast

I understand that a lot of people including myself generally do not feel hungry in the morning but the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is for good reason..

Studies show that people who eat breakfast have a lower BMI (body mass index) and consume fewer total calories each day than people who skip breakfast altogether.Eating breakfast allows you to feel less hungry throughout the day. Start Small

Enjoy every bite.

Do you take time to smell flowers?
How about taking time to enjoy every meal and snack you eat?
Focusing on every bite can help you practice mindful eating, which has been shown to cut down on calorie intake.
Slowing down between bites allows you to recognize your feelings of hunger and satiety so you have a chance to realize when you’ve had enough—then stop before you clean your plate and later regret it.

Eating at a relaxed pace also means you'll chew your food more thoroughly, thus experiencing fewer digestive issues and less intestinal upset. This may take some practice.

Use smaller plates, cups and bowls.

Research has shown that when people use large bowls, plates and serving utensils, they serve themselves more and consume more food.

Eat from smaller salad plates and small bowls for daily use. Without even realizing it, you'll serve and eat less.
If your dinnerware is over-sized, it might be time for new dishes that won't dwarf your properly portioned meal

Pre-portion your foods.

How often do you eat straight from the bag of crackers or chips? How is it possible to track your food or know how much you eat without measuring it? That's just one reason you should never eat directly from a box or bag that contains multiple servings of a food. Grab your measuring cups and a small bowl (see #2 above) to keep your calories in check. Why? Because it's easy to overeat when you're reaching into a bottomless bag of food.
So dish it up, put the rest away, and taste every bite (see #1 above).

Know your Food Weaknesses

We all have food weaknesses.
That food that you can't resist. The food you can't stop eating once you started. The food you have trouble saying no to, even if you're not hungry. The food you think about even when it's not in the vicinity.
Maybe you'll never shake the grip this food has you on, but the first step is recognizing it. Take a minute to think about your food weaknesses.
Once you know what they are, you can take extra measures to prevent overeating these particular foods, whether you avoid repeated exposure to this food or plan the rest of your day's intake planning to enjoy a bit of this favorite food. Make a list of your food weaknesses and the places you encounter them. Come up with solutions to avoid those encounters, like not venturing down the snack food aisle in the grocery store or choosing a different route to bypass the co-worker who always offers free doughnuts. Stick with your plan of avoidance until you build up the strength to face that food without giving up your control.

Keep a Food journal.

Keeping a food diary is the best weight-loss tool
One recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that dieters who kept track of their food lost twice as much weight as those who didn't.
Writing down what you eat will encourage you to think about your food choices all day, and consider what you've already eaten and what you plan to eat later. This means you'll make conscious choices more often and usually curb your calorie intake as a result.
It will help keep you in check

Eat More Protein.

Studies show that protein plays a key role in regulating food intake and appetite; people who consistently consume protein regain less weight after a significant weight loss, too. Protein helps increase feelings of fullness because it takes longer to digest. When you skip protein in your meals and snacks, those pesky hunger pangs might encourage overeating! So get into the habit of consuming protein at each meal and snack. Stick to lean sources of protein: Beans, hummus, egg whites, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products (cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, and milk) can all give you muscle-building proteins without added fat.

Throw it in the Bag

Portions served at most restaurants set you up for overeating. Sure, we want a good deal for our money, but it often comes at the price—our health.
A full meal can contain more than 1,200 calories at some eateries, and that’s before dessert.

When the food arrives at your table and it looks too big, ask the waiter to pack half of it in a bag before you start eating
Even if you have the best intentions to eat only half of your meal when it arrives, it can be hard to stop or know when you've reached the halfway point—especially if you're distracted while talking with friends and family.
With these tools as your defense, you’ll be on your way to a healthy weight in no time!

excerpts from womanday.com

5 Reasons Why You Should Eat Mangoes

2013-05-09T09:41:00.001+01:00

Its Mango season in Nigeria so what better time to share the nutritional secrets of this juicy fruit

It contains fiber which helps improves digestion and enzymes which relieve Indigestion
Mango has a reasonable amount of Vitamin C to help boost your immunity and fight diseases
It is said to have an Aphrodisiac effect because it contains Vitamin E which helps to regulate sex hormones and boosts sex drive.
Mangoes are generally known to be high in Iron and Calcium content. This helps build your blood levels and strengthen your bones.
Mangoes contain Antioxidants that fight Free radicals that cause Cancer and Heart Disease.

So, go ahead and indulge in this yummy fruit that not only tastes great but is excellent for your health

By Oma Nnabuihe

Aim Your Arrow

2013-05-09T08:54:00.000+01:00

Days are like arrows in the hands of an archer.
Once they are let go, they can't be taken back.
The truth depresses many people who feel they have wasted their younger years.
Take heart- the game is not over! When there is life, there is hope.
Take advantage of today's arrow before it is shot(it passes by)
The part of your life still lies ahead of you as long as you avoid the distractions of past mistakes and focus on making an effort to AIM better at your life goals and dreams everyday.

Stay Blessed
By Oma Nnabuihe

excerpts from DKTU

Where Have All The Gentlemen Gone?

2013-02-25T13:53:00.001+00:00

I was inspired to write this post after a recent occurrence that had me and my girlfriends literally bullied off a queue by young men.
While I recognize that Chivalry is as good as DEAD in this generation, I've met a good share of courteous men in my lifetime.

Ladies, have you ever had a man walk through a door ahead of you and lets it slam close behind him RIGHT IN YOUR FACE?

Or a bunch of guys walking beside you for minutes while you obviously struggle with a heavy box or bag you are carrying?
I'm sure 90 percent of you will say yes.

Don't get me wrong .I'm not saying women are weak and always need help from men. All I'm asking is a little politeness from the male-folk.

There's a myth that "Nice Guys don't get the girl". That's ridiculous cause They MARRY the girl.
Being Courteous is not only attractive to women, its a great way to show support.

The little things matter most to women; Opening the door,Saying “thank you,” or “No, really, after you,” does not take that long and can give women, or people in general the feeling that someone acknowledges or appreciates them.
You might think ladies don't expect these "nice" things but they do and LOVE IT!
Women will look at you differently and with a little more respect when you do.

Is asking men to be more courteous asking for too much?

By Oma Nnabuihe

Cheating :Can Your Relationship Survive Infidelity?

2013-02-06T11:45:00.000+00:00

Cheating can happen in any relationship, no matter how perfect it seems from the outside.

It could rock or ruin a relationship.

It is absolutely possible to get over infidelity with honesty and communication and the key to
moving on is for both partners to be committed to doing so.

Why do people cheat?

People have individual and personal reasons for cheating on each other . We cannot conclude that everyone who cheats has a wandering eye as there are usually deeply rooted psychological reasons at work.

As humans, our needs differ and at different levels. Infidelity happens when a need at a deeper level is not being met within the relationship.

This doesn’t mean that it’s your fault if you’ve been cheated on. And it doesn’t always mean that it’s your errant partner’s fault either, just that the relationship isn’t filling both of your needs at that moment.

It’s not as simple as you doing or not doing A, B, C and the result being he/she cheated. Maybe it’s something from your partner’s past that’s created a need to cheat that you don’t know about.

Also it’s important to realise that there are many definitions of relationship so you need to make sure you’re on the same page as your partner and that what’s important to you – perhaps fidelity – is as important to them.

Can you get over Cheating?

Communication and Honesty is the key once infidelity has been uncovered.

Both partners have to be open and honest, talk through what happened and find out exactly why the other person cheated.

A lot of people who get caught cheating just want to brush the whole thing under the carpet like it never happened and that is very dangerous step to take.

The key at this stage is that the person who has cheated doesn't shut down or keep quiet but properly explains what has gone on and why it has happened.

It is also important, that the person who has been betrayed gets all the anger they feel out of their system. Otherwise the infidelity will be like a festering sore which neither partner can move on from.

How to deal with Infidelity

Give yourself time to breathe and think. Don’t take any action in anger; you would most likely regret it.

Being on the receiving end of infidelity can be a real blow to your self-confidence.

So you need to know that it’s not necessarily something wrong with you, it’s something wrong with the relationship so try to remove yourself from the equation.

If you’re dealing with infidelity there are many factors to consider, such as if there are children involved. It makes it harder to walk away from the relationship.

A lot of people can’t bring themselves to forgive their partners and end up as paranoid wrecks who are clinging to a relationship they cannot trust in any more.

But she’s also seen people become paranoid wrecks, clinging to a relationship when they aren't able to forgive and trust again.

My advice is to immense yourself in positivity and prayer. Do those things that increase your positive energy and if you intent to forgive your partner, do it together. It would build love and trust in the relationship again.

By Oma Nnabuihe

Bible Verse Of The Day

2013-02-06T10:49:00.000+00:00

In everything , treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets.

Matthew 7 verse 12

Oma Nnabuihe