Envogue mag febuary/march by envoguemagazine

ENVOGUE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

FASHION STORIES LOOKBOOKS

LOVE LOVE LOVE

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS

MAGAZINE

The organic lady ketogenic diets

ENVOGUE TRAVELLOG

VAL-DAY LOOKS A TOUCH OF RED

Trendy Logo Tees Millenial pink

RELATIONSHIP NUGGETS 10 SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WIFE HAPPY

editor’s note

Hello, welcome to the February/March edition of Envogue Magazine your bi-monthly fashion and entertainment Nigerian magazine. Hope it’s been so far so good. Just keep pushing and by the grace of God we will achieve our set goals before the end of the year. It’s February, and what comes to mind, its Lovers. 14th of February is Lovers day as you already know. We are looking at what love Is about right now and how to make your Love life what you have always wanted it to be. There are a lot of factors that affect our ability to express love the way we should. The fact is this, if you are not happy or if you don’t love yourself, it will be not be easy to love another person the way they expect. The best thing to do is to love yourself and make yourself happy, only then can you love another person. Fix your career and finances, ensure you do your best on your own, so that your partner do not have to out do himself/herself for you. This puts stress in a relationship, marriage is work so do your best and make it easier for your partner. For those that are single, you have no distractions, so its time to work on yourself and make your life better. Love always.. Chinny o Editor Envogue mag

TREND SETTERS ... 4 A RATHER ARTSY VALENTINE ...8 A PINCH OF RED ... 9 TRENDY LOGO TEES ... 11 MILLENIAL PINK ... 13 DIY .... 15 MAKE-UP ..... 16 HAIR ... 17 THE ORGANIC LADY .. 18 KETOGENIC DIETS ....19 #FITFAM ... 20 CHINNYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SERIES .. 21 FASHION STORIES ... 22 THE FASHION DESIGNER .. 24 LOOKBOOKS ... 27 WHAT LOVE REALLY MEANS .. 33 VALENTINE DAY GIFT IDEAS .. 35 RELATIONSHIP NUGGETS BY BETTY IRABOR ... 36 10 SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WIFE HAPPY .... 37 ENVOGUE TRAVELLOG .... 38 CREAT MEMORIES TO REMEMBER ..... 40

ENVOGUE MAGAZINE FEBRUARY/ MARCH 2018 3

op musician and style star Yemi Alade is one woman that has always been a fan of Nigerian made fashion pieces. Right from her burst into lime light, she has always shown her love for all things African, from her hairstyle to her clothes and to her accessories no wonder she is called Mama Africa. The multi talented award winning musician has definitely proved that she is so much more and she has so much to offer in terms of style and creativity. Hear what she has to say about her fashion and style..... Talking about your fashion, why did you decide to create an identity of always looking African ? When it comes to hairstyle , this is what I know. I don’t know how to take care of weaves and hair extensions. If a stylist isn’ t there, my hair would turn out horrible , I would look like somebody who just got hit by a car . I may have everything I need to make the hair look good but once I am the one doing it , it can never work. I decided to go natural and since then , I am fine. I sleep and wake up and just do a bit of touch up and I am fine. It suits me and I love it . Is it because of your music that you dress African ? I started acquiring African wear about four years ago. I never had any African outfit. When I started this career and I needed to explore, I found out that most of the western clothes are basic . With Ankara, you can find varieties in patterns. I decided to go for creativity. I wanted to create my stuff . That was how the love for ankara started. It has worked for me all this while . It is actually entertaining me, Maybe if I get bored, I might look for another style . But I doubt it ; Ankara is a very lovely fabric. Are there specific stuff you can’ t wear? I don’t trust myself . I can wear anything. But you cannot catch me in my bath suit. There is no way you will see me 100 per cent naked . That will be too much. Nonetheless , expect anything with Yemi Alade. Is that why you love wearing shorts ? I do love wearing shorts . They allow you express yourself and people can see what you are doing with your legs when you are wearing shorts especially when you are dancing. Shorts keep me comfortable .

YEMI ALADE

“I am energetic on stage because I eat well . You can ’t dance well if you don’ t eat. Being happy with what I am doing also makes me dance so well. I also try to keep fit. You need all the energy if you must be on the stage performing for almost two hours. It is my joy when people feel the energy and sing along with me”

“I love shoes . I have stopped counting the number of shoes I have But shoes are never enough for every woman But my fashion fetish is sunglasses “.

How long does it take you to dress up? When I really need to make up , I need at least an hour to do that and it takes me less than no time to put on my clothes. But when I don’ t have to wear so much make up, I am done in less than 30 minutes. Do you wear make up all the time ? No This is the first time I am making up in almost two weeks . Make -up is a lot of work whether you are the one applying it or somebody is making you up. Do you usually engage the services of a makeup artiste? I can make myself up but I purposely choose not to especially during my video shoot . I don’ t have to spend all that time making myself up and I will still be the same person that will go and dance and exert all that energy ; that will be too much stress. How long do you carry a particular hair - do ? I have asked myself this question again and again. I had no idea that I make so many hair dos in a month. At times I make four hair styles in a month . Does it cost you much ? At times it does . It actually depends on the event I am attending. But then , it is not always about how much the stuff cost but how well you wear it. Somebody can wear a designer shirt and it would look like ‘bend down select’ while another person can wear same second hand shirt and it would look like a designer label. Are there times you dress up and you regret wearing such getup? It happens sometimes like when you expect to be free in a dress and you realise the dress keeps rising up . It can be very uncomfortable. Do you always get your acts together on the red carpet ? I have to. When you are on red carpet, you can ’t walk back Do you dress well primarily because you are a singer ? I love looking good naturally. I am in the public eye so it is important I look good . So many people have me as their role model .There is also a saying that you should dress how you wish to be addressed . As a role model and business woman, I will not show up looking like somebody who doesn’ t have a home. But the career I am into encourages me to put a little more effort. I am a shorts and tank top kind of person but I can ’ t do that now. There was a time you wore blue hair , was it part of the showbiz stuff ? It was my idea. I will soon do orange hair . I have done purple. I like colours not only in my hair but in everything I wear . Do you love gold jewellery ? I don ’t have any. My mum has quite a number of them but I don ’t have . I know gold is expensive and some people see it as investment. But to me , it is just jewellery. It is even boring, it is just gold, it is just there and would even select your clothes.

A Rather Artsy Valentine

by Akin Faminu www.akinfaminu.com

Because Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day is here, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put together a Style inspiration

along with some members of my â&#x20AC;&#x153;blogger famâ&#x20AC;? đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x2030; and we decided to explore a more creative twist .. Especially with the photos đ&#x;&#x2122;&#x201A; As we all know already, Red is more commonly associated with love than any other color which is why I chose to style my outfit with a dash of red! .. Just a dash tho, lol I would cringe at too much red đ&#x;&#x2122; Simple and basically neutral .. White, black, and grey .. I styled the look with a red polka dotted silk tie and a red lapel flower to represent the Valentine vibe and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely a great idea for all of yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;all thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on dates đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x2030; .. Spice it up with a dash of red. Have a beautiful one guys đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x160; .. have fun, give someone something, go on a date, just do something Valentine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ish Lol .. Happy Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day â?¤

A PINCH OF RED

Folded Collar Tunic and Ripped White Jeans shoes.. Manolo Blahnik

FROM

STYLE PANTRY By Folake Huntoon

Moto Jacket Striped Shirt Distressed Moto Jeans stylepantry.com

Graphic Tee and Sequin Midi Skirt. stylepantry. com

Folake Huntoon of style pantry is giving us a take on ideas on how to look this V-day. Yea sure its nothing to worry about and a touch of red is all that is needed. It is the accepted fact that red is the colour of love. And just a touch of red can create that valentine vibe. The first look is the Folded Collar Tunic and Ripped

White Jeans. The tunic has just the right amount of red, not too much.

Vintage Blouse + Distressed Jeans

I bet you can easily recreat this look. The second look is a red Moto Jacket paired with

Striped Shirt and Distressed blue jeans. A simple look. Jazz things up with a pair of colourful earrings and red pumps. The third look is a graphic tee with silver coloured sequium skirt. A red purse and pumps completes the look. The third look is a red coloured vintage blouse with white jeans. Cool look I must say. The last look is colourful talking of yellow popping necklace and a pink gown. A deviation from red that still creates that val-vibe. The shoes is a neutral cool colour, just the perfect combination to turn down the vibrant colours. Yea, just add a pinch of red and you are going to make heads turn- remember to ad a pair of colourful earrings.. xoxo

Magenta Wrap Maxi Dress Shoes; Ralph Lauren | Necklace Diana Broussard stylepantry.com

Micah Gianneli here was spotted wearing a logo tee and red pumps. A black beret just perfect. A pinch of red is all you need to achieve that val-day look....

TRENDY LOGO TEES

aption tees are huge right now and were seenaal over the runway at fashion events and designers like Gucci and Maison Valentino have made huge statements with each of their versions of the ever green staple. One of my style resolutions for the new year is to break the border of fashion classes which is what this new found fashion combo does. So because of their ever refreshing nature, it might be a good idea to add more to your collection. Here are more looks of #tees #teeshirts #whitetees #logotees and so on.. Don’t forget to use the hashtags###

Tees of life!! The timeless piece that has

a new borderbreaking feature. T-Shirts is a simple staple that would break the borders of your outfit this year. The biggest things come in small packages and the most overlooked items can sometimes be the most important one. The simple Tee-Shirt has turned into a major wardrope essential. Logo tees are also a thing with statements that help to glorify situations that seem underappreciated. It is the time to take your tees from their hideout and put this ever classic staple to use. I bet this fashion staple is your casual go-to but the classic short sleeve tee has come out to re-invent itself as a limitless essential in your wardrobe. Here’s the deal. So you know how your classic tee always goes with distress denim and sneakers… well, it’s time to elevate your event look by styling your party pieces with casual t- shirts.

TRENDY

MILLENIAL PINK Let’s get a basic as-

sumption out of the way first: There doesn’t seem to be any innate, evolutionary propensity for women to like pink more than men. A study in 2007 claimed that women seemed to gravitate towards more towards pink colors for evolutionary reasons (the researchers suggested that women might have evolved to detect flushed faces or ripe red berries, for instance), but research critic Dr. Ben Goldacre and other scientists pointed out that the study only really proved that pink-based bias runs very deep . It’s not a safe hypothesis to say we think of pink as agreeable because we might have evolved to think of it as a positive color.

Millennial pink

otherwise known as blush or delicate pink, is the trend that simply will not go away. It’s everywhere from Instagram-ready restaurants, to couches, clothing and advertising for all genders. It’s driving fashion editors up the wall. And it’s a glorious time for anybody who reveled in shades of pink in their childhood and is now discovering that the adult world pairs them with bronze bookends and crystal decanters and deems them sophisticated. But the story behind why we’re so obsessed with millennial pink is deeper than simply a passing trend. It involves everything from gender roles to ideas of beauty, evolution, and science. Figuring out the science behind a color and its response by viewers is trickier than it seems. Our judgments about color aren’t just about personal preference; they’re also about your associations, your aesthetic ideas, and your cultural values. We “read” colors vastly differently depending on our cultural standpoint; while white in Western cultures is the color of brides, for instance, in Indian Hinduism it’s the color worn by widows, and in Judaism and Islam it’s the color worn on religious festivals as a symbol of purity. Millennial pink’s success shows up in the cultural artifacts of our time: what we consume, what we watch, what we observe and demand. So where has this phenomenon come from, scientifically speaking?

The most famous study on the human reaction to pink focuses on a color that’s quite similar to millennial pink: a shade called Baker-Miller Pink. The color was created by the biosocial researcher Alexander Schauss in the late 1970s by mixing red and white paint, and tested at naval facilities to see if it calmed down prisoners in cells painted with its delicate hue. Schauss’s experiments showed that it lowered blood pressure and aggressive behavior, as did other experiments in the 1980s, but other studies, most famously one in 1988, found that it seemed to have no real effect on human behavior at all. The theory surfaced again when Kendall Jenner revealed she painted her wall Baker-Miller Pink to “calm” her, but contemporary scientists thought Jenner was wrong. “In terms of solid science experimentation, [the Baker-Miller experimental data] also seems quite old: they don’t return striking results, and seemed to have a very small marginal effect” on human behavior, psychologist and color specialist John Maule told The Guardian. There is, however, evidence that we do seem to view pinks in a positive light in some situations, likely as a result of cultural programming. Pink, as we all know, is tied in Western culture to femininity and female qualities The generally accepted rule is pink for the girl and blue for the boy. MILLENNIAL PINK | Sketch restauBecause we tend to associate all rant in London is a fantastic interior things “feminine” with the conusing the colour, we could just live cept of softness and gentleness, there! it’s not too much of a stretch to think that positive reactions to pink are drawn from the same deep-rooted cultural ideas, or simply a preference for bright colors. A 2002 study, for instance, found that people in Sweden were 12 percent more likely to fill in a survey if it was printed on pink paper. It’s worth remembering, though, that pink surrounds made no apparent difference to the behavior of prisoners, so there appear to be distinct limits to how color affects our behavior and preferences.

DIY

HOW TO TIE THE INFINITY GELE WITH PICTURES

On the other news, I know that one way or the

other you would have noticed the gele trend and how beautiful the pleats are arranged and you may probably be wondering how an individual is able to wrap 6 yards of Ankara on her head beautifully. Today, we will be sharing with you some tricks on how to effortlessly style the infinity Ankara Gele. All you need to achieve this queenly style is a 6 yards Ankara material.

RULES 1. The first rule for the style is 70/30; this implies that both sides won’t be equal. You can decide which side would be longer than the other. 2. Start by pleating the Ankara at the front all the way to the end, you can tell someone clost to you, to hold one side of the gele so your hands can freely create more pleats. 3. Make sure the pleat are tiny, because the tinier the pleats, the prettier it’ll look. 4. After pleating the Ankara to the end, rearrange your pleats properly

5. You can now tie it firmly at the back, tucking the shorter one in first. 6. The next thing is to take the longer one, which is the 70, then do a continuous pleating, starting from where the previous pleats ended. 7. Pleat it all the way to the end; ensure the pleats are on top of each other. 8. Keep rolling it, but make sure it’s not too tight or too loose. 9. Once you are done with pleating and arranging, proceed to tie it firmly again so it doesn’t pull off. 10. Adjust the pleats again to ensure that they are overlapping beautifully 11. Your Infinity Ankara Gele is really for you to slay. The process might be longer than it seems but patience is key when trying to achieve this gele style. Here is how I styled the Infinity gele. Try it yourself..

Credits.. Ojulewa.com

MAKE-UP

Basic Makeup Brushes And Their Uses So, I know you may have makeup brushes that you don’t know how to use or you’re planning to buy new ones like a brush set or may be you’re a new makeup artist who has brushes that are not labelled and not sure what they are used for. Well, this is a quick help one! The basic makeup brushes you need for makeup application are : Foundation brush Powder brush Blush brush Eyeshadow brush Blending brush Eyeliner brush Eyebrow brush/Spoolie Lip brush All other makeup brushes apart from these are more like additions and most likely for advanced professional use

HAIR Step 1: Wash Hair with the CLEANSE Shampoo ✔️

Step 2: Condition hair with the HYDRATE conditioner...(I like to add a bit extra to my ends) and rinse out. ✔️

The #Globetrotter @eeni_edit on instagram showed us how to take care of your natural afro hair. We just loved the illustrations so we had to share. A straigt forward procedure that when carried out will leave your hair looking perfect on a daily basis. Natural unretouched hair is the rave right now which is actually good because its organic as relaxers which contains strong chemicals are not applied on the hair. Natural hair has its challenges but with a routine like this, its sure to be an easy ride. Thanks to @eeni_edit for showing us how its done.

Step 3: Who doesn’t want extra soft hair? Spra the MULTITASK Leave-in conditioner all over hair ... ✔️

Step 4: Do two strand twists with the DEFIN elongating curl creme, then roll it into a Bantu knots ✔️

✔️ Step 6: Unravel your beautiful curls and SLAY !!!

Step 5: Air Dry or dry hair under a hood dryer .. make sure you have a good book with you :) ✔️

Protein, Protein, Protein

Protein, amino acids, shakes can be confusing. How much

do you need, what should you eat, and when is the right time for which supplement? Here are the answers to ALL your questions! What is protein? Proteins are made out of smaller molecules called amino acids, which are linked together like beads on a string. Some of these amino acids can be produced by the body, while we must get others from food. The ones we cannot produce and must get from our foods are called the “essential” amino acids. Why do we need protein? Proteins are the main building blocks of the body. They’re used to make muscles, bones, organs, hair, nails and skin. Proteins are also used to make enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters and various tiny molecules that serve important functions. Without protein, we wouldn´t be able to survive. What kinds of proteins do we need? The best sources from food are beef, chicken, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, quinoa, soy and legumes like black beans and lentils. Animal based proteins, of course, are much more similar to our proteins, thus are used more readily and rapidly than plant proteins. Nevertheless, plant based diets also provide adequate protein. Why is protein important for building muscles? Muscles are largely made of protein. As with most tissues in the body, muscles are dynamic and are constantly being broken down and rebuilt. To gain muscles, the body needs to get more muscle protein than it is breaking down. In other words, there needs to be a positive protein balance. For this reason, people who want more muscles will need to lift heavier weights and eat a greater amount of protein. Also, people who want to keep muscles that they’ve already built may need to increase their protein intake when losing body fat, becausea high protein intake can help prevent the muscle loss that usually occurs when dieting.

How much protein do I need? That depends on your weight, height and your activity level. If you are working out regularly, the common recommendation for gaining muscle is 0,7-1 gram of protein per pound of body weight, or 1,5-2 grams of protein per kg. Numerous studies have tried to determine the optimal amount of protein for muscle gain and many of them have reached different conclusions. Some studies show that over 0.8 grams per pound has no benefit, while others show that intakes slightly higher than 1 gram of protein per pound is the best. If you’re carrying a lot of body fat, then it is a good idea to use either your lean mass or your goal weight, instead of total body weight, because it’s mostly your lean mass that determines the amount of protein you need. What about the average person? If you don’t lift weights or do any exercise, then aiming for 0.36 to 0.6 grams per pound (or 0.8 to 1.3 gram per kg) is a reasonable estimate. This amounts to 46-75 grams per day for the average female. Protein powders? Protein powders are dietary supplements that contain a high percentage of protein. This protein is derived from a variety of different food sources, including: Rice Quinoa Chia Whey/Milk Pea Hemp Soy. Which protein powder is the best for me? Whey protein is one of the most commonly used proteins. It contains all of the essential amino acids and is easily digested (if you are not lactose- or casein intolerant). It helps boost energy and can reduce stress levels. . The best time to use whey is after a workout. Soy protein (if not genetically modified) helps reduce high cholesterol and can ease symptoms of menopause for some women. It can also help with osteoporosis by helping build bone mass. Casein (milk protein) supports immune function and enhances muscle growth. Rice protein, which is 100 percent plant-based, is a good choice for vegetarians, It’s also gluten- free. Pea protein is highly digestible, hypo-allergenic and economical. Hemp protein is also 100 percent plant-based. It’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

When is the best time to drink a protein shake? Before or after your workout – both have advantages. Post-Workout: Drinking your protein shake immediately after a workout is always a good idea. Your body has done work and wants to recover, so you have to refill the stores. Taking protein at that time will give your body the fuel it needs to heal and grow. Moreover, the Protein uptake is faster immediately after a workout (within 30 minutes). About 20-30 grams of protein are perfect to for recovery and muscle growth. Pre-Workout: Muscle glycogen (which comes from carbohydrates) is our primary source of energy fueling workouts. If glycogen levels are low, like from going too long without eating, your body will begin to break protein down from your muscles during exercise to provide some energy. Loading up on protein and carbs before a workout helps keep you energized and will protect your muscles from being used for energy supply. How much protein is in my food? Just a few examples: A 4-ounce chicken breast has about 35 grams of protein 3-ounce grilled salmon filet has about 21 grams A typical 8-ounce piece of steak could have over 50 grams of protein One 8-ounce container of yogurt has about 11 grams of protein One cup of milk has 8 grams of protein 1 egg has about 6 grams of protein 100 grams of tofu have about 9 grams of protein What about amino acids supplements like BCAAs? Your body uses 21 different amino acids to create all of the different proteins necessary for tissue function. However, 9 specific amino acids, called essential amino acids, can’t be produced by your body and must be obtained through your diet. Similarly, additional supplementation with amino acids before exercise can help enhance cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and overall recovery. What about BCAAs? Branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs, include the three amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. These amino acids can be found in dietary protein, such as meat or eggs, or they can be supplemented. Branched chain amino acids are most commonly used for their role in building muscle, improving exercise performance and decreasing post-exercise soreness and recovery time.

KETOGENIC DIETS I

bumped into lola last week in a shopping mall after a long time. Lola used to be a chubby lady. Suddenly, she has become shappy with nice curves which got my attention the more. Lola what’s the secret you have changed, I asked her. She responded softly, “I am on ketogenic diets” Ketogenic diets has been in existence for decades. The model for ketogenic was created by Dr. Russell Wilder at the Mayo Clinic in 1924. It was actually designed to treat epilepsy but it’s now been adopted as a first line dietary plan used in the management of diabetes and obesity. Ketogenic diets involve the consumption of food that is high in fat, adequate protein but extremely low in carbohydrates. This combination alters the way energy is used and metabolic pathway in the body. The basis of ketogenic diet is through ketosis which is a metabolic pathway in which the body and brain cells utilize ketones to make energy, rather than relying on only sugar. Fat is converted in the liver into fatty acids and ketone bodies. The diet lowers glucose levels and improves insulin resistance. Ketogenic diet helps in reduction of the occurrence of epileptic seizures, diabetes, autism, Alzheimer’s, cancer and other cellular diseases. Research reveals that ketone bodies have some beneficial effects on the human body. Elevated blood levels of ketone bodies is an effective treatment for many disease conditions because it improves the function of cellular energy pathways and mitochondrial health. Ketogenic diet keeps your body healthy and burns out adipose fat in the body. For more information on Ketogenic diets, kindly see a dietician.

Thank you to www.discoveringyourhappiness.com for this amazing peice.

#FITFAM This is why you should never wear makeup in the gym Don’t do it.. Sweat needs to evaporate off the body,

cooling it and lifting impurities. By not allowing this you have more of a chance of developing these small itchy bumps.” What to do Dr Preethi recommends removing all makeup before you hit the gym, preferably using a micellar water product on a cotton pad. “It is best to shower or wash your face after working out to clean any sweat and dirty gym gear residue (think of those mats!) off your face as soon as you are done at the gym.” If your skin is suffering, Dr Preethi suggests treating your skin to a clay mask alongside regular exfoliation and moisturising. For a quick DIY recipe, try whizzing papaya with honey for an all-in-one facial.

Whether

it’s a little bit of concealer or a full face of foundation, many women choose to wear makeup when working out – and it could be wreaking havoc on your skin. Exercise makes us sweat, right? Sweating is our body’s way of cooling us down and it also helps push impurities out of our skin... The thing is, when your skin is covered in makeup, those impurities can’t get out. Here, Dr Preethi Daniel, Medical Director of London Doctors Clinic explains: “Sweat and natural skin oils can clog these pores and cause overgrowth of bugs such as P. Acne causing spots. What’s even worse is when these sweat pores open, anything sat on the surface such as day-old makeup and city pollution particles also clog them up and cause breakouts!” She adds: “Furthermore, heat rash or miliaria which are small itchy bumps on the skin can develop from not letting your skin breath.

CHINNY’S SERIES

LOVE The

word love is a complicated phenomenum and am sure you beleive me. Love is so strong that is something that cannot be negleted. As the month of February every year is the Love month in that Valentine’s Day falls on the 14th of February. Love as we all know can bring alot of emotions to us. It can bring Joy and if not it becomes saddness. It can bring peace and it not it becomes war. It can bring excitement or depression. “LOVE” as defined by the English dictionary is a strong feeling of affection or a great interest and pleasure in something. Love has to do with attraction, you get attracted to something and you start feeling affection and then Love developes. Love makes you care about a thing. You care about that thing and also have there best interest at heart. The question is, is it possible to love someone and not have there best interest at heart?? That is the problem we are facing in relationships today. A guy walks up to a girl and with his mouth coarse the girl into loving him. For a guy to get a girl,they do not mind saying anything just for the girl to beleive they are for real. What is going on now shows that love is not about what you say but what you do!! If you truly Love someone your action or behavior towards them will leave them with no doubt that you truely care. The question about someone loving someone and not have there best interest at heart means that the person lied to get your love. He doesn’t really like you he or she may just love something you have. They are just with you because of the problems you will solve for them or things that they need from you so when those things are no longer there or if they have gotten what they want from you, they simply change there behaviour towards you in a negative direction. That is why there is true Love and Fake Love, they both exist. True Love is true and the person 100% of the time has your best interest at heart. They show there Love through there actions and not only through what they say. They are there for you, will go the extra mile just to make sure you are happy. The fake Love starts wuth a need and ends once that need has been gotten. The person has no interest whatsoever on the other. In your daily dealings in life, it is important that you are able to practically distiguish True Love from Fake Love. How do you know that the guy asking you out is for real or is fake or a new friend will not betray you or even a business partner. Since fake Love hurts, because you will have your trust betrayed and your heart broken you definitely must run away from the bearer of fake love before he/she does a damage.

To differenciate between True Love and Fake Love I suggest you do these.. BE WITHDRAWN.. Practice the act of withdrawal at first site, what do I mean by this.. Do not beleive someone you do not really know. Let’s take for example you meet a guy in a resturant or something and he asks you out, that is fine but as it is, he is just a stranger and you do not know him. Be withdrawn and let everything be superficial this puts you in control and on a safe side. The introductory stage of any future relationship or friendship should be the introductory stage and nothing else. STUDY THE PERSON.. As you get talking with the person and exchange numbers, silently study the person. Get to know every particular detail you can about the person. His likes, his dislikes beleifs and check if these qualities match yours.. As they say “It takes two to tango”. It will be very difficult to have a productive relationship with someone that has opposing beleifs and qualities to yours. GUARD AND PROTECT YOURSELF... People must earn your trust and knowing this can take a while. What ever you do with this person, think about the pros and cons. If any action with this person has the potential of causing harm to you, it is better to stay away from that action. For example, Don’t give your ATM card or car keys to a new boyfriend or even a girlfriend. As you get to know who they really are and if the person really loves you and have your interest at heart then you can distinguish if there love is Fake or true. LET ME LEAVE YOU WITH THIS QUOTE... “Love can make you do anything and sacrife for what will be better in the end. Love is intense and passionate. Everything seems brighter, happier and more wonderful when you are in love. If you find it, don’t let it go” Take charge of yourlife and don’t be a victim of fake Love...

PREPARING FOR A PHOTOSHOOT

Practice – Practice – Practice! Even top models spend time in front of the mirror – practicing expressions and poses to prepare for a photo shoot. It is important to know how your face feels when you smile, or laugh, or frown, or pout. It is important to know how your body feels when it is posed in an attractive manner. Practice facial expressions in front of the mirror – learn how your face feels with a perfect smile – no gums, eyes open – not squinting. Practice your poses in front of a mirror – while naked. Yes – it says “naked”. With clothes on you have pockets, collars, etc. to “hang on” to. Without clothes – you have to learn how to place your hands and make them look attractive. If you are shooting with me, I will guide you in poses – however you will be much more confident if you are able to do some basic poses on your own. Look through current magazines for ideas.

Their catalogs are the ultimate models posing guide! Study them and pay particular attention to how the models pose in different style clothing. Look closely at how they hold their hands. Select your outfits and write a detailed list of the styles and colors that you are bringing. Add specific shoes and accessories to your list. Do NOT bring jewelry unless requested by the photographer or client. Portfolio images are about YOU – you are the product – don’t water down the image with jewelry. Props! – Think of props that you can bring to match your outfits. Props make a photo more believable and also give you something else to do with your hands. Remember – great commercial photographs aren’t accidents – they require planning. 60 hours (3 days) before the shoot Wax or shave your legs and armpits 3 days prior to a shoot. If you are modeling swimwear or lingerie, be sure you hit the bikini line. This is also the time to be sure your facial hair is under control. Don’t have your facial hair waxed in the three days prior to your shoot in order to allow for irritation to disappear. Check your hair! If it has been a while since you had a trim, now is the time. Just be sure your hairdresser knows that he/she can’t go too wild this time. If you hair is dry, opt for a deep conditioning treatment. If you color your hair, get a refresher or have your roots done. Note: Now is NOT the time to try new hair color/ style or beauty treatment! If your color doesn’t come out as planned or your skin breaks out because you reacted to a new cleanser, you won’t look your best!

CLOTHES - Bring 5-6 outfits. Your portraits should be a reflection of you, just more polished. Choose outfits you love. Think of those special pieces you might not wear often because they’re impractical for day-to-day use, or the go-to blouse you always wear when you’re going somewhere nice. Something Dark. Bring at least one dark outfit or top. Black, Navy or Charcoal work best here. Something Light. For your light outfit, think angelic. Soft, gauzy, maybe even layered and sheer. It doesn’t have to be white, you could go with cream, nude, light pink – whatever. Something Fun/Funky/Whimsical. This outfit is your chance to really show your personal style. If you tend toward more conservative tastes, choose a different adjective. Instead of Funky, try Structured, Soft, Elegant, or Formal. Something Sexy. This one is entirely your call. You could skip sexy, and that’s up to you. But if you’d like to, you can be an understated sexy in a backless formal dress, or a more overt sexy in a pretty pinup-style swimsuit. Fit Your Form. Fitted clothing that shows your shape work best for photographs. THE DAY-OF SHOOT - Bare face (wash and apply your usual moisturizer) Clean, dry hair Comfy outfit (to sit in while you’re being styled) 5-6 fitted outfits to wear in photos, Pretty nails, Clean wedding ring Touched up brows

48 hours (2 days) before the shoot Call your photographer. It is VERY important that you call 48 hours prior to the shoot. To confirm the date and time. To confirm the list of outfits – styles and colors and props. To ask any last minute questions that you may have. Get your nails done. Generally, short and neutral (nude polish or a French manicure) is the desired look. I can’t even begin to tell you how many great photographs have been ruined by horrible nails! Don’t forget your toes! Drink plenty of water, avoid salty foods and alcohol prior to a shoot so that you are not puffy on the day of the shoot. 24 hours before the shoot PLEASE – Get plenty of sleep before a shoot. Bags, dark circles, and bloodshot eyes WILL ruin a shoot. Sleep at least eight hours a night for the three days prior to your shoot and avoid alcohol.

THE

FASHION DESIGNER

‘ You must put in work as a designer to be relevant’ ..... Frank Osodi

rank Osodi is the Chief Designer, Bunor Creazioni. He was a celebrated model during his days. Today, he is known for his iconic and sassy creativity as a designer. Humble and very down-to-earth, he has mentored lots of models now making waves in the fashion industry and also does same for young designers. However, he is pained at the level of indiscipline among some upcoming designers and he did not hide his feelings in this interview. with daily sun.. What has been happening to you? I’m there in my studio working. I have had my own fair share of all these shows. I only do shows that I’m directly involved in, so that I can also have that platform that I love to do, discovering talents and putting them on the runway, giving them the visibility that I think they deserve. That is what a lot of young designers don’t have. That is what gives me pleasure in doing all these shows that I do. Otherwise, I’m there working for my clients. Many designers are yearning for a fashion hub. Do you think Nigerian designers need that now? Is it necessary now in the industry? I must tell you sincerely, what we have is a bunch of lazy young designers. The fact that you love fashion does not make you a designer. When you are jobless, you love fashion and then you carry tailor, you carry catalogue, most of the things they sew are copy work. Does that make you a designer? Of course not. How many of them can cut, how many of them can make illustrations, how many of them can advise a client?. A lot of them are lazy designers, when they are asking for a hub , what they are looking for is a bail-out. None of them is ready to employ the services of young boys and girls who are born to train as designers and they are looking for a fashion hub. They are looking for a bail out where you can practically do everything for them. All they will do is just give you their labels. They can even give you the label and take a plane to Holland and sleep and expect you to do the work and they call themselves designers. Designers all over the world really work to make their names. They work for other designers, they worked as apprentices, they are graduates and they worked with so many designers before they created their labels. Here in Nigeria, tailors are their designers, they don’t know no jack. Very few of them do..

First train as a designer, learn to consult, understand your client and try and be unique about your work, let them know you for something but all of them just copy. How would you describe a stylish woman? A stylish woman is someone who dresses to suit her physique. You need to know yourself and wear what suits your physique not because it’s in vogue or it’s trendy but because you should know what your body can pull, what your body should pull. That is what I call a stylish woman. It’s not about the quality of what you wear or is it? Not necessarily. What’s quality? It’s just the amount of work put into what you are wearing. For instance, this guy standing here is wearing a cotton shirt and a chinos trouser, how much is chinos, how much is cotton? But you can see that this guy is well dressed. You are wearing prints, how much are prints in the market? Is it well put together and does it sit well and is it well cut? It’s not how expensive it is but how it’s well put together. Does it sit well on you; does it suit your physique? Some people don’t look at themselves in the mirror and tell themselves the truth. Some women come to the office and say “ I want this style” and I tell them sorry madam, it won’t work on you and she says but I saw this person wear this style. The fact that the person wore it doesn’t mean it would suit you too. Look at your physique. Some women might not like to dress expensive when they go out but when you go to their homes you will be shocked how expensive their homes are. They have places where they want to spend money, this is their haven and there are people who spend all their money on shoes and bags.

“A good designer is someone who looks at you, your physique and asks you a lot of questions as far as he can understand your clothing and transfer that onto the paper, get into the studio and brings it to reality”.

They can wear anything but for them, their shoes

and bag must speak volumes. And sometimes if they don’t tell you how much it costs, you might never know. Why don’t you do male outfits? I used to. It does not require so much effort in terms of creativity. Men practically dress the same way. It’s just shirt and trouser and maybe a jacket. But with women’s clothing, there’s stoning and appliqué and even the stoning is in different ways. There are a variety of stones and appliqué and lots of things you can do on women’s clothing. You try another style each time. There are so many things to do as far as women’s clothing is concerned. Your creativity comes out best. When you are not working on clothes, what do you do? I watch comedy. I just relax with comedy. I have to laugh and laugh and laugh and be entertained. I travel sometimes too. Who is a good designer? A good designer is someone who dreams and nurtures the dream to reality. Someone who takes it from the sketch. You sit down and you dream, you put your dream in a sketch and you realize it because realizing it is not a joke. It’s about making sure it’s what you design on paper that’s wearable art. Some people can make sketches and yet don’t know how to achieve the sketches but they dream it away and they expect the tailor to turn it around. A good designer is someone who looks at you, your physique and asks you a lot of questions as far as he can understand your clothing and transfer that onto the paper, get into the studio and brings it to reality.

What has life taught you? Life has taught me that the best way to enjoy this life is to be humble and simple. Humility and simplicity is what life is all about. God wants that for us. Know where you are, know who you are and understand how you should be living your life. If you want to live at Ikoyi and you are earning N300,000 monthly, you know you’ll have problems but the life you want to live in Ikoyi you can live it in Surulere, or Mushin. Just get a nice apartment, put it together and put everything in at your convenience there. Once you finish the hustling and bustling in Lagos, you enter your place. You can put your sauna there and whatever will keep you comfortable. Life has taught me to live the simplest life. I’m simple and I’m happy. What’s your favorite food? Edikang Ikong soup and Nsala soup Where is your favourite holiday spot? Cape Town. I like Cape Town because it’s heaven on earth.

“A stylish woman is someone who dresses to suit her physique. You need to know yourself and wear what suits your physique not because it’s in vogue or it’s trendy but because you should know what your body can pull, what your body should pull”.

Mazelle Studio SS18 Collection ‘A Walk to Remember’ 27

The Mazelle Studio also known as Mademoiselle Aglaia recently launched their SS18 collection titled ‘A walk to remember’. The collection features a wide array of exciting pieces ranging from party dresses, formal dresses, to bomber jackets. The collection was inspired by the designer, Mariam Afolabi’s interpretation of the different stages of love. According to her “I wanted a collection that symbolises the different stages of love we experience in a lifetime. The collection starts off white, symbolising the childlike innocence at the beginning stages of love, then it moves into the pink, which symbolises the first stage of love, the infatuation – she begins to notice her beauty, feminity and so does he. The red symbolises the crescendo, when things are at its peak and the black symbolises the heartbreak. In the end one must pick themselves back up and the cycle starts again until the end.” With a wide array of textiles, textures, patters, techniques, the Mazelle SS18 collection is in aclass of its own.

IMPACTING LIVES THROUGH FRIDAYS ARE FOR FASION MAXIS

edia girl Bolanle Olukanni has launched a fashion line titled FRIDAYS ARE FOR MAXIS. It’s a ready-towear fashion label that was created out of passion for fashion and a passion for justice. The clothing company commissions 2-3 of the women to produce quarterly collections that are sold. A portion of the proceeds are remitted to the women directly. She called it the #GodsWives project. Gods wives is a foundation created to advocate, empower and motivate the needs of marginalized women in our communities. Bolanle kicked things off with a documentary. Bolanle Olukanni may have had major goals and accomplishments as a media girl. However, she doesn’t count it as complete till she had done her bit by giving back to society. This is why she provided a grant to help set up a Skills Acquisition Centre in 2016, and this year, 75 women – God’s Wives- will be graduating from Bolanle Olukanni’s skills acquisition centre. How it all started: She had first started by working with Ms. Chinyere Anokoruwu, the ED of the Self – Worth Organization an NGO that works with the women, by organizing a Christmas Party for widows Last year and a Valentine’s Day party this year. Bolanle and Ms. Anokoruwu decided to do something more sustainable and that would change their lives in the long term. Bolinto provided a grant to them that would be used to open a Skills Acquisitions Centre. The centre trains them in Makeup , Tailoring, and Catering.

Read the full story on how Bolanle Olukanni’s skills acquisition centre for the widows was set up as shared by Bolanle below. In December of last year I had a lightbulb moment. I began to ask myself what the heck was I doing with my life. Yes I had good career goals, I was ambitious and I was doing well but what was I doing with my life to impact anyone else. I sat in my room thinking long and hard and it hit me. I had met a Ms. Chinyere Anokoruwu who was the ED of the Self- Worth Organization an NGO that works with widows and I decided to reach our to her to see how I could help. So we began working together. We had a Christmas Party for widowsLast year , a Valentine’s Day party this year. But in In March we decided to do something more sustainable something that would change their lives in the long term. I provided a grant to them that would be used to open a Skills Acquisitions Centre. The centre trains them in Make-up, Tailoring, and Catering. Skills Acquisitions is the difference between poverty and Empowrment. One of our beneficiaries has already set up shop in her mom canteen. She charges 2k per makeup sessions and has many clients. So when anyone in her area is going to an Owambe she is the go-to makeup artist. Our courses, especially our makeup and Gele course also attracts single moms, the young adult children of widows and also nieces of our older beneficiaries. Thank you @ zaroncosmetics for partnering with me on this!! 25 young women will be given fully kitted makeup kits at our graduation party next week Ready and set to begin their careers as Makeup- Artists cc @godswivesng. What’s better than a woman lifting another woman? We’ll tell you – A woman lifting many other women. This is really an amazing thing and it’s worth celebrating. Well done Bolinto!

Lady Biba Releases New Collection titled #LadyBosses For every uber-chic woman, no wardrobe can be complete without one of the structured dresses or statement jumpsuits. Now the LADYBIBA has released another covetable collection for #LadyBosses Titled Sangfroid, the collection seeks to celebrate the strength and femininity of the woman despite the juxtaposition of the situations that surrounds her. “Sangfroid” refers to a sense of composure or coolness shown in danger or under trying circumstances. According to the statement following the release: The pieces are designed for and inspired by the Sangfroid women of the world especially here in Lagos. Amidst the economic hardship and uncertainty; The Lady Boss handles it with grace and poise because she was built for it. She is delicate yet strong, firm yet feminine. With 3D elements in forms of ruffles and origami-inspired folding, the outfits were designed following Lady Biba’s signature colour blocking style. The collection includes office dresses, playful gowns and flirty top and skirt sets. Credits Brand:Lady Biba | @loveladybiba www.ladybiba.com

LOVE

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS

February is lovers month so we have to talk about love and what it really means. You are with your spouse because you are there to help them.. You married yor spouse basically to compliment each other. You are in there lives to help them be the best they can be. This help is in all aspects of the person’s life. God that created us said it is not good for us to be alone, that we need a helper that is fit for us. So when you have it in mind that you are in the person’s life for one single reason, TO HELP HIM OR HER, then you will appreciate your partner more. SHARE WITH YOUR SPOUSE... To be closer to your spouse and have a healthy relationship you must communicate with him or her effctively. This communication is what builds understanding in the relationship. Share your excitement, Share your mind and let your partner know your opinion in any issue. Your spouse should know you more than any other person. Share your material posssessions also. Get a gift for your spouse once in a while, give him surprises no matter how small. As such acts gladdens the heart. Giving gifts is not for the guys alone, gwtting something good for your man is also something that makes love grow. SHOW CARE.. Don’t have a carefree attitude when it comes to your relationship. Be genuinely excited with what is going on in there life. Be excited for his/ her progress and aspirations. SUBMIT.. A woman is supposed to submit to her man in a relationship, but she needs to know what she is going to submit to. The man who is the head, should take a good lead and let the woman in her life trust him, this makes it easy for the woman to submit. A woman is not likely to submit to a man that does not treat her well. So for a woman to follow you with her heart you must be sincere and trustworthy. SEXUAL INTIMACY.. Sex strikes in a marraige is the foundation of what keeps a couple apart. Sexual intimacy is one of the things that keeps marraige together.

45 beautiful ways to make your marriage last forever When the party is over, and you drive away with a “Just Married” sign slapped on the back of your car, you find yourself journeying into the most beautiful, exciting, heartwrenching and complicated adventure you’ve ever had in your life. Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive marriage manual with all the answers. However, there are plenty of people who have successfully navigated through 1-50 years of marriage who have a wealth of wisdom. As a young, married woman, I love talking with couples who have happy, strong marriages. I want to know what they did to build a solid foundation. I want to know how I can build a relationship that will last forever. I asked 45 women on social media what the best marriage advice they ever received is, and this is what they shared: 1. Don’t compare your marriage to other marriages. 2. Marriage isn’t about thinking alike, but learnin to think well together. 3. Communicate via voice, video and physical contact. Cut back on messaging. Your prime communication method should not be texting. 4. Ask your spouse, “What can I do for you today?” every single day. 5. Show your spouse appreciation for the little things 6. Only flirt with your spouse. But do it well, and do it often. 7. “Thou shalt not nag.” 8. Never lose your sense of humor. 9. Your husband isn’t a mind reader. Tell him what you want. Don’t make him guess. 10. Fight naked. 11. Look beyond yourself at the bigger picture. Where do you want your family to be in 20 years? 11. Marriage takes three people: you, your spous and God. Don’t leave any one of those people out.

12. Put your marriage and spouse before your children. 13. Say, “I love you,” every single day. 14. Treat your spouse like the person he or she has the potential to be. 14. H.A.L.T.: If you are hungry, angry, lonely or tired, stop the discussion and fix those things first. 15. Don’t expect your spouse to do something around the house unless you ask him or her t do it. Assuming always causes problems. 16. Remember, you can’t change your spouse. You can only change yourself. 17. Keep dating each other. 18. Pray together every single day. Tell God about all the reasons why you love your spouse. 19. Don’t search for the perfect person. Be the perfect person. 20. Marriage is not 50/50. It’s 100/100. Give yourself entirely, and don’t hold back... 21. Keep your married life between you and your spouse. 22. Genuinely compliment your spouse on a regular basis. 23. Say, “thank you” to your spouse often. 24. Be slow to criticize. Love your spouse despite his or her faults, and he or she will do the same for you. 25. Never lose faith, and never give up on God. 26. Brag about your spouse to your friends — when he or she is listening and when he or sh isn’t. 27. Communication, communication, communication! 28. Don’t just marry someone you can live with. Marry the person that you can’t live without. 29. Build a strong foundation, so when things get bad, you have something to fall back on. 30. Work hard and be ambitious. Keep a united front, especially with your children. Never pit your kids against your spouse. 31. Remember that you chose your spouse for forever. 32. If something in your relationship is broken, don’t throw it away; fix it. 33. Don’t make mountains out of mole hills. Don’t waste your time fighting over little things. It’s not worth it. Let small things go. 34. Always be kind. Kindness goes a long way. 35. Take the time to serve one another, no matter how tired or worn out you may be. Those little acts make a huge difference. 37. Never withhold sex as a punishment.

38. Don’t broadcast your problems to everyone else. If you need to talk to someone about it, other than your spouse, get a therapist. 39. Strengthen each other’s weaknesses. 11. Be open and honest about your feelings. 40. Listen without being defensive. 41. Focus on making your spouse happy. 42. Don’t marry someone thinking that you’ll change him or her. 43. Don’t try to manipulate or control situations. 44. Pray for your spouse daily in your personal prayers. Be specific. Talk to God about his or her challenges and trials, and ask Him what you can do to be a better spouse. 45. Trust in God. 46. Keep the word “divorce” out of your vocabulary. 47. Never make a big decision when you’re angry. 48. Accept the quirky things your spouse does. Deep down, those are probably the things that you would miss the most if they were gone. Don’t keep score. 49. Be quick to forgive and slow to anger. 50. Love is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Choose both every day. 51. Understand that it’s OK to have a difference of opinion. Everyone has unsolvable problems in marriage. The only difference between happy and unhappy couples is how they handle them 52. Celebrate both the little and big joys in life. 53. Have lots of sex. 54. One day you’ll wake up next to your spouse and think, “YUCK!” Understand that it’s normal and it will go away. 54. Make your spouse your best friend. 55. Respect your mother-inlaw, no matter how hard it is. 56. Be quick to forgive and quicker to apologize. 57. Always assume the best. 58. Remember your vows. Review them on a regular basis. 59. It doesn’t matter who is right, but what is right 60. Never talk bad about your spouse to other people. Protect him or her and always keep hi or her name safe. 61. Remember, your spouse’s feelings should come before everyone else’s. That includes your best friends, co-workers and parents. 62. Don’t be selfish. 63. Kiss passionately. Hold hands. Cuddle. Make physical affection a priority in your marriage. 63. Rely on each other, and not on other people. 64. Love the person you married, not the person you hoped you married. 65. Be yourself. 66. Never forget that marriage needs continual maintenance. 66. Go to bed, and sleep it off. Chances are, thing will feel a lot better in the morning. Just love him or her. Imperfect people can create strong marriages, and they do, every day. It is possible! Although marriage is hard, it’s also a thrilling experience, and the most important relationship you’ll ever cultivate.

VALENTINE’S DAY DATE IDEAS By Ursula Sabastine www.ursulasabastine.com

Valentine’s day is round the corner and I thought to share ideas on how you can spend the day. For people in relationships 1) A Delicious Home cooked meal like the Bolognese followed by a Nice romantic movie. 2) A fun Inexpensive Activity like Swimming or Salsa and then good food and quality time after. 3) A Candle lit Dinner at a Fancy restaurant e.g. Talindo’s Steak House, Shiro or 1415 with Beautiful Music & Roses. 4) A Romantic Getaway to a seaside resort like La Campaigne Tropicana, Inagbe or Whispering Palms for people in Lagos. Check out @jumiang for the different tour group Valentine tours they have planned. 5) An adventurous adrenaline packed day spent at a theme park (Hi-Impact), tourist destination (Lekki Conservation Centre or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls), Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Bungee Jumping or whatever is available in your area. 6) A new creative engaging experience you would both enjoy like a Korean BBQ at Grills in and out or a Parisian style brunch at La Brioche or making chocolate and having a photo shoot afterwards like I did here . 7) Hire a private chef like Chef Fregz, Imoteda or Kitchen Butterfly if your pocket is deep. I haven’t really tried any of their food so can’t say who is my favourite.

8) Attend a Concert or Valentine Themed event, check here to see what is happening in Lagos this week. For people enjoying the Single Life 1) Hang out with friends at a fun get together/ games night, you can even organise one if your house is conducive. 2) Organise a dinner where you and your friend’s all cook different things then gist, chill and watch a movie. 3) Pamper/treat yourself to a relaxing indulgent spa day. Get a nice massage & read a good book while getting your nails done. 4) Shop online and indulge yourself by getting something you really want on your wish list. Get something you can afford o! 5) Attend a church organised singles function/ speed dating event ;) 6) Take the day off work and give back to those in need, an orphanage, an old people’s home, a slum, a prison or volunteer and help out a charity that you identify with bringing joy and showing love to someone who needs it. 7) Binge watch your favourite TV shows with some of your best friends while eating Ice Cream & Junk Food. 8) Spend quality time with family who love you so you don’t feel lonely. How do you guy’s plan to spend Valentine’s Day this year? Did you find this post useful? How did you spend your most memorable Valentine’s Day? Check out Brownie’s post here, Grace’s post here , Eat Drink Lagos’s post here and Ndani’s post here for more ideas. Don’t forget to enjoy your day regardless of your relationship status! Happy Valentine’s Day in Advance

RELATIONSHIP NUGGETS FROM BETTY IRABOR Let me ask you a question;what value/ premium do you place on your life? When you look at yourself, who or what do you see? A woman who deserves love, respect because she is worthy of i and has earned the right to be respected or a woman who will settle for anything? As a woman, want to be respected by my man not because I demand to be but because I have darn well earned the right to be. I want so many things, some of which I may not be able to have right away but which I am patient enough to work for till I get them. And while I am waiting I will put my time an energy towards a productive and joyous life. I will live every day in abundance .Marriage is ultimatel the desire of most women but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something slightly off when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming at a price and at all cost. Marriage is great but Never put yourself in a position where you are dehumanized for the sake of love, a ring and marriage. A man who believes i your worth and sees the joy being joined to you will bring to him and you will want to make you hi wife at the appropriate time without you forcing it.! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to make anyone love you because you honestly canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win there. Never outsource your jo to any man. You are worth more than you know. A good man should complement you, not complete you; you have to be complete by yourself first. There will always be that vacuum if your goal is to find someone to complete you. But I do have an idea of what you mean when you say â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want a man to complete meâ&#x20AC;?. Believe me, when you force a man to stay with you or â&#x20AC;&#x153;loveâ&#x20AC;? you when his heart is elsewhere youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re setting yourself up for emotional manipulation that will break you.

You deserve that moment in time when your man goes on one knee to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marry Meâ&#x20AC;? and you answer YES YES.. or even softly and truthfully say â&#x20AC;&#x153; I am not readyâ&#x20AC;? ( if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not) ... Love and value your existence more than anything else in the world an donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever compromise on that value... ***Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t place yourself in a position where at every turn in your marriage your husband keeps reminding you that â&#x20AC;&#x153; after all you were the one who proposed to me!!â&#x20AC;? Live and love on your own terms... Everythin good will come..# Lifeslessons #LOVELESSONSWITHBETTY Why do you want to get married? Why did you get married? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t create a box in a box called Marriage. 30+ and single.. it is my single not yours!! No! marriage wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fix incompatibility. Can your Relatioship/ marriage survive an affair? The War of the Exâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. S you think you should propose to him?? Sexual Healing.. toys in the bedroom or not? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go there!!! The plot thickens; lifelessons on Love, Relationship and Marriage unedited. Get ready for the cross fire, the red cards and whistle blowing with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;He Said, She Saidâ&#x20AC;?panel like no other. Betty will be serving you 34 not-your-usual nuggets from 34 years of marriage.. You asked for this and here it is !! Register today. #lovelessons . See poster for enquiries! đ&#x;&#x201D;Ľđ&#x;&#x201D;Ľ You want lovelessons i your city? Email.. Betty.irabor@ yahoo.co.uk .lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;slessons@iambettyirabor.com **Private mentorship sessions with Betty now open for 2018. Fees apply**

10 simple ways to make your wife happy While dream vacations and life milestones are important, it’s the simple things you do that make your wife happy.

Show love and respect to your bride every day, and remind her why you were the best choice she’s ever made. Remember: Happy wife, happy life. Introduce her with a compliment Saying something like “I’d like you to meet my beautiful wife,” or “Here’s my better half ” goes farther than you may realize. Publicly recognizing her as your cherished partner validates that you love her.

Embrace when you see her At the end

of a long day conquering office battles and keeping the kids from climbing walls, you could both use a loving hug. Make a point of showing you missed her and are glad to be reunited. A big kiss doesn’t hurt, either. Ask her how you can help If this is a new one for you, she may think there’s a catch. With a sincere willingness to give a helping hand, ask how you can lift her burden. This gesture applies to more than yard work, but being in tune with her needs emotionally and spiritually, as well. Sometimes she just needs a listening ear.

Let her pick the movie Or, if you’re playing

games, let her choose. She needs to know her opinion counts in your marriage. Taking turns with these simple choices makes it easier to compromise on the bigger choices together. Forgive her fast She forgot to pack your lunch, or accidentally broke your TV remote. So, she’s human, after all? With all that she does right, let it go when she makes mistakes. After all, you’re no perfection yourself, cupcake!

Hold her hand in public Some women

are less inclined to public displays, but when appropriate, reach out and squeeze her hand. With the reassurance you’re proud she’s yours, she’ll walk a little taller, and smile a little bigger.

Write her love letters You don’t have to

be Shakespeare; the thought matters most here. Focus on specific things you love about her; the wrinkle in her nose when she laughs or how she finds joy in the little things. You can hide it in her makeup bag, under her pillow, or somewhere else she’ll discover it. She’ll be happily surprised and treasure your words for years to come.

Open the door for her Chivalry is not

dead. Opening the door is a gentlemanly way to take care of your lady. She likely grew up wanting to be a princess.

Be her prince. Carve out time for consistent

date night In an on-the-go digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in the minutia of kids, work, community, extended family and even church responsibilities. Set aside a weekly special night just for the two of you. It doesn’t need to be costly or extravagant. Just make an effort to court her, as you did when you were dating.

Let her fly As her partner, you are in the best posiCrystalee Beck Crystalee Beck is a writer, marketer, and traveler. Website: http://www.delightedtowrite.com

tion to help her reach her dreams.

ENVOGUE TRAVELLOG

by Chiamaka Obuekwe www.socialprefect.net

The Amazing Waterfalls Of Erin Ijesha Olumirin Waterfalls in Erin

Ijesha Osun state. The waterfalls which is called Olumirin is located in Erin Ijesha, a community in Osun. I think the nearest town to it is Ilesha. To get there, you have to pass the expressway which leads to Lagos from other Southwest states. There’s a sign on the road that reads welcome to Olumirin waterfalls, but when you enter you won’t find the waterfalls immediately. There was still a fairly long drive, but we found the Waterfalls amidst various inquiries from locals and rough roads. When we finally arrived, we were met by a young man who asked us to park outside. They don’t allow cars to park inside, but your car is safe anyway.

The History behind it.. It is said that Olumirin waterfalls was discovered by a hunter in the year 1140 A.D. It takes its source from Efon Alaye in Ekiti. It’s interesting how they are all connected. The waterfall has seven levels with three major waterfalls and the second one is the highest. It is said that the people of Erin Ijesha are immigrants from Ile Ife. They were led by Yeye Aye Akinla. This was after the death of Oduduwa, who was the father of all Yoruba race. She consulted an Ifa Oracle and was told that she should trek for seventeen days and anywhere she gets to, that is where she should settle down. They got to Erin Itadogun, now called Erin Ijesha after seventeen days and that’s where they settled down. She traveled along with her husband, children, sisters, brothers and hunters.. One day, one of the hunters discovered the Waterfalls and was terrified. He ran to tell the people. The Yeye was equally amazed and called the Ifa. He asked them to worship the Waterfall and also make sacrifices to it. This went on for a while, until years after when a particular Oba Stephen Adeyinka Adeosun came into power and cancelled all sacrifices and instead introduced it to the government of the Western region as a tourist attraction. The adventure Climbing through the rocks and discovering the waterfalls was quite thrilling and scary at the same time. The Falls were not scary, but the path which led to it was. It definitely needs improvement. There are tiny crooked steps which lead to the first and second level of the falls. Most people usually don’t get past the second one as we were told by our Hunter friend. There are no steps that lead to other levels, so people usually climb rocks, manoeuvre through paths and even crawl just to get there. I definitely wasn’t up for that sort of adventure partly because we had to return to Lagos that same day and also because I was scared, argh!!! Even if I visit again, I may not get past the second level. Getting to that level was adventure enough for me. Ani and our driver had to help me out. If not for them, I would have stayed at the first level. They also have a garden where people can relax and where they sell food and drinks. In conclusion It would be nice if the government can pay a little more attention to the place. They need to upgrade the general appearance and make it look more touristy. The path that leads to the waterfalls needs to be more accessible and safe. would definitely love to visit again, this time around with so many other people and we’ll have some other activities planned like a picnic or sporting activities.

CREAT MEMORIES WITH YOUR PARTNER