Staying fresh and cool.

Salam!

Today i'll be talking about something that's kinda like a forbidden topic. Lol!
Feeling and smelling fresh for a long period of time is really important in building self esteem, it also makes it easier for you to get along with people, as most people consider bad smell as a huge turn-off. Trust me. I know!
Bad smell comes in different forms. It could come in form of mouth odour or body odour, I know this is getting awkward, please just stay with me. Most times it might have nothing to do with your personal hygiene routine, but staying fresh, just requires some extra effort. *wink*.
So you brush your teeth twice a day, and you take your bath twice a day and you think that's enough? No mehn, it isn't!. To maintain that freshness you get from taking your bath and brushing your teeth, here are a few inexpensive tips to apply.

* Tongue Scraping. Yeap! Tongue scraping. Simply
because brushing twice a day might be sufficient for
some people to maintain that fresh breath everyday, but for some people, it's just not enough. The tongue is usually coated with bacteria. This is the major cause of mouth odour and brushing the tongue doesn't get it all out. Also the toothbrush can't get through to the back of your tongue, which sometimes retains food residue. As technical as Tongue Scraping may sound, it's an easy procedure that can be carried out right in the comfort of your bathroom.The tongue scraper

is a tool that can be bought from any good pharmaceutical store. But if you can't find it, or you
just don't want to go through that stress, then don't
worry, i've got your back *wink*.
Simply make use of a silver table spoon, this table spoon is going to be reserved for this purpose only.
So here is how you go about it.
- apply a little amount of toothpaste on your tongue and let it seat for a few minutes.
- with the silver table spoon, gently scrap the tongue, from inside-out. Be careful not to push the particles down your throat. Remember, the goal is to bring it all out. Gently repeat the process twice or thrice for best results.
- then go ahead and brush your teeth as you normally
would.
The tongue scrapping exercise can be carried out once a day for 3days. Then subsequently just once a week would be enough.
* Deodorant/ Anti-perspirant:

Most people get the misconception that people who make use of Anti-perspirants or deodorants have body odour. This isn't mostly the case. Some people make use of this item just to stay fresh. I personally recommend Nivea blue for males and Nivea white for females, Dove is also a very good brand for females. No special procedure is required for this, just apply the deodorant/ Anti-perspirant right on your under arms after your bath and that's it! Your life would literally change for ever. Lool!
For once your friends would stop running away from you - okay, maybe i'm taking this too far. But even you would start feeling better about yourself and your confidence would fly from 10% to 100%.
Lastly, if your friend or someone close to you suffers from this problem, it's your responsibility to tell them about it and offer ways to help them. But remember to bring it up in the most humble manner. A manner which shows your concern for them, rather than making them feel inferior or bad about their situation.

Till next time again. Stay fresh!

Salam!

Hijab Talk

Salaam.



So, today i'll be talking about my hijab experience.
Many years ago,when I was just a teenager I didn't quite understand the idea behind wearing the hijab. I just knew that as a muslim girl, you had to cover your hair so outsiders wouldn't  see it. Basically that was all I thought about it.
So seeing other girls wear the very long hijabs when all I had on was a 'head tie' seemed a little weird to me, because I didn't understand why??? Though I was never that girl who would dress in inappropriate clothing, I was always modestly dressed even as a teenager then, so the 'headtie' seemed okay to me.
Only recently I began to understand somethings,that it's not just about covering your hair, though that's part of it, but it's mostly about covering up your 'jewels' lol.
So many young girls are getting it wrong these days, they've lost total control and they feel walking around almost 'naked' makes them more appealing, but lemme ask you this question -'if you were offered two banana fruits, one without the peel taken off already and the other still intact in its covers and all, which would you prefer?' you would obviously prefer the wrapped one right? Yeap! Because you would have this feeling that the 'peeled one' is no longer fresh or healthy for you, and has probably been perched by flies and all. Lol.
Everyday, when I see beautiful young females trying so hard to go nude, I instantly want to cover-up even more. Subhanallah!

Since i'm a fashionista and I like to look cool, I decided to come-up with cool ways to do my hijab.
And Insha'Allah I don't step out of the house without my hijab today, because with it I feel much more beautiful,special and confident that where ever I go, people will definitely identify me as a muslim. Isn't that just great?? And because I fully understand and love it, No so-called celebrity or Fashion trend would ever get me to drop my hijab. Never!!!
Until next time, Asallamualaikum. Peace!

Friendship Based on Self-Interest.

Salaam.

Salaam.

Some relationships, whether consciously or subconsciously, are based on self interest. Some people, who feel an excitement when they meet a person whom they hope to benefit from, interpret this excitement as "love". However, in truth it is no more than an "affected desire" for what that person has. In fact, such love often depends on the level of the "loved" person's wealth and status.
Wealth excites people, and thus the most excitement is felt towards the wealthiest person. As mentioned earlier, this type of excitement is nothing but an attachment to worldly interests. Rich people are not "loved" primarily for their morals and characteristics, thus always seem to have many "friends" even if they are easily angered, rude, selfish, illogical, merciless, always looking for gain, insincere, or even thoughtless.
Some people want to be with those who entertain them: "A person who likes me should be able to make me laugh." As a result, any resulting closeness is based on a deluded self-interest, for enjoying to be with a person who makes you laugh and feel happy is not the same as loving that person. However, because many people mistake the relief they feel for having gained something for love, they claim that they love that person very much.
Other people assume that being around good people will raise their esteem. As a result, they will select "good" people to befriend, considering their physical features such as height, the color of their eyes and hair. Often, such people can see only the other person's physical beauty, and not their intelligence, conscience, or characteristics. They do not consider these aspects important because they claim that their love has "blinded" them. However, this "love" means "I love the esteem this person's beauty earns me." Apart from that person's beauty, his or her spirit does not mean anything to them. Just because he or she is beautiful, many inappropriate and undesirable
particularities such as being merciless, insensitive, or scornful may totally be ignored.
Another important type of self-interest is trying to secure one's future by getting married. Many people fear living alone, being unable to support themselves, or of having no one to look after them when they are sick. Some people seek to abolish all such fears by getting married. For this reason, they attach themselves to the most promising person in this regards and convince themselves that they have fallen in "love".
For the rest of their lives, they share their pains and complaints about their spouse with their neighbours
and relatives. But when asked why they stay with that person, they claim to love them very much. However, the Qur'an and it's value system say that love should expect nothing in return. People should love other people sincerely, which involves personal sacrifice and expecting nothing in return, for that person is a manifestation of Allah. They should never back-bite, but, as a result of this sincere love, should only speak well of them. They don't obligatorily "tolerate" the others for they treat one another with compassion and mercy, cover up their misgivings, try to make them feel at ease, and respond to every need as best as they can. Sincere love, friendship and closeness are best demonstrated through these actions.

Coined from one of my favourite books. "Love of Allah" by Harun Yahya.

Till next time again. Salaam!

The Fighting Couple.

Salaam,

A few weeks back, my aunt called my mom to report her two sons. Saying they gave her a huge scare the previous night when they started fighting over something as little as a T-shirt. These were two young boys in their late teens, with so much youthful energy to throw around.

The next day, i met with one of my cousins, the younger one of the two brothers. He narrated his version of what happened as I simply watched and listened. I noticed he was full of regrets. He
wished he hadn't fought with his elder brother, he wasn't proud of the way and manner he had behaved, he cared about his elder brother and he had learnt his lessons.

 I told him a short story about two very good friends at my former place of work. These  women had been friends for years, even before I got that job, so I was told. One fateful morning they had a quarrel over the 'photocopier  machine', they reigned insults on one another and said all sorts of rubbish. From where I sat I watched it all, this are two friends I thought.
We were finally able to get them to calm down. Then I spoke to them separately afterwards. They both had regrets, shame, disgust and guilt written all over their faces about how they had acted. The one who started the quarrel said she could have just gone to the other privately to express her dissatisfaction of how she had used the photocopier machine and the other lady knew she could have responded in a much better way. If they had acted as friends truly would, the heated argument wouldn't have happened and they would not have embarrassed themselves in front of their  colleagues.

Most times, arguments and quarrels are inevitable, especially between couples. But the way and manner in which it is handled, is what will affect the results gotten.
In the case of my cousins, I can't say they won't fight again, but I can only say that they are sure to learn something from each other after every fight, until they become mature enough to figure out better ways of handling issues.

A married couple, comprises of a mature male and female. Who are never to fight, but can very well argue every now and then as long as it's an healthy argument and after which, one spouse is better aware of the stand point of the other spouse on that particular issue and they both decide to arrive at a solution point so that an argument on that same topic mostly never occurs again.

It is not healthy for a couple to go to bed after a
heated argument, without bringing it to a conclusive resolve, since both of them are still angry as a result of the conversation. Even the Holy Qur'an instructs us to 'never let the sun come down on us, while still in a state of anger'.

 I always advice my married friends that they should ensure they never carry an argument over till the next day. As each day comes with its own challenges and it would only make the marriage much more difficult when issues are compiled.

When a couple  resolves the issues of the day before that day ends and before falling asleep, that couple is sure to have a goodnight rest and is expected to wake-up with smiles on their faces as they say 'Salaam' to one another. As one will have no anger or grudge against the other.

Communication Is very key in all aspects of life and especially in Marriages. Couples must always be there for each other and should remember that their spouse is their best friend and confidant and must be treated as such.
When there is a communication gap in a marriage, lots of things could go wrong. Many of which might even lead to the dissolution of that marriage.

When two people decide to get married, they should
be aware of the challenges they would face and be prepared to surmount them together. Togetherness in marriage is key. That way, one spouse doesn't feel alone in the marriage and begins to find solace outside of their home.
Many Marriages get dissolved these days because the couples expect it to be Perfect. There is no perfect marriage any where. Because humans are simply not perfect, so a couple must be ready to make sacrifices in order to get a union that pleases them and Allah (SWT).

Now let's talk about prayers. Nothing succeeds in life without the interference of Allah (SWT). A couple that pray together will have their paths made easy for them insha'Allah.
And remember, no matter what, it should never result to a fight (physical combat). Violence has never been a solution to anything.

Till next time again.
Salaam!

Our New Nigeria

Salaam.

Let me start by making clear the fact that, I have never before now been interested in politics. But there was something about this year's presidential elections, that got me so involved.
I guess it became paramount to me and millions of other Nigerians that if we want the next four years to be nothing like the last four years we've experienced, we had to make a change. Over this period many lives have been lost, that we Infact felt lucky to be alive.

Another reason for this, must have been the comments by some American and other world leaders that 'Come 2015 there will no longer be a Nigeria'. When I first heard this sometime in 2014, i'm sure I must have laughed. But it was no longer funny when the insurgency situation in the Northern parts of Nigeria became worse.
Thousands of lives were lost almost everyday. It became clear that the 'so-called' revelation could actually come to pass if we didn't all stand together for a change.
For 16years we have endured. The bills kept coming from the power company, yet we had no electricity. Thousands of graduates from our tertiary institutions yearly, and no jobs. Hundreds of female children abducted by the insurgents for almost a year now are yet to be found and re-united with their families. Our brothers and sisters are being killed on a daily. We just couldn't take it anymore. Who would be next? No one knew.
The 2015 presidential elections, was our opportunity.
 To bring upon us that change we've been yearning for. The Change which our entire existence depended
 on. The incumbent had nothing more to offer. Even the little we had have been taken from us.

The General Muhammadu Buhari, saw through the hearts of the people. Even though he has been contesting for close to 12years, he knew he couldn't give up now. For he knew that if he did, Who then would give the people the change they clamour for?

I saw I different Nigeria during the elections. A Nigeria that was ready to fight, a Nigeria that was suddenly filled with hope.

Alas, we fought this all important battle with no other weapon but our thumbs. We voted The General. We voted for Change. The efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be commended. The Chairman of INEC Attahiru Jega, constantly reassured the people that the process would be credible, free and fair and that our votes would count.  

He showed strength, resilience and calmness all through the process. With our PVCs we voted. And for once, our votes counted.

Together we will work with The General, Our Newly elected President. As we journey into our New Nigeria.

God Bless Nigeria.
Our New Nigeria.

Dear No One

Dear No One,
I don't really like big crowds, I tend to shot people out.

I like my space. I really do.

I like being independent, not so much of an investment but I don't want no one to tell me what to do.

I like being by myself, don't gotta entertain anybody else. Don't need no one to answer to.

But i'd love to have a soul mate. God Will give him to me some day and I know, it'll be worth the wait.

 Sometimes, I just want somebody to hold. Someone to give me his jacket when it's cold. We'll have that 'young love' even when we are old.

And Sometimes, I want someone

to grab my hands. Pick me up, hold me close -be my Man. And I will love you till the end.

So if you are out there, I swear to be good to you, because i'm done looking for my future 'someone'.
When the time is right, I know you'll be here but for now...

Dear No One. This is your love letter.

Inspired by my favourite song. Dear No One, By Tori Kelly.

Wrong Caller I.d

Hmm... the weirdest thing happened to me today.

Re-wind to about 2 weeks ago, I walked into one of our commercial banks to make a withdrawal. Don't have a debit card on that account. This particular bank is always crowded. Even though I arrived before the bank opened for business, there was already a huge crowd outside on a queue. The bank opened some minutes later and we were allowed in, of course there were already several queues formed inside. One for cash related transactions and a separate queue for the enquiry desk, which was where I was headed, to simply confirm if my account was still active since its been more than a year I 'touched' the account.
As I was waiting for my turn on that queue, I was staring at the other queue, which I knew I was definately going to be a part of. And finally! It got to my turn. I was told my account was dormant and can't withdraw without re-activation. In an attempt to save time, I walked up to the last person on the other
queue and told him to retain the space behind him for me while I finish up here. He agreed.

When I concluded the account re-activation process, this guy had already left, with a fresh set of people on the queue. I knew I couldn't start at the bottom of the queue, since most of the 'new-comers' met me in the bank.

So here is the gist, a young man at the very top of the queue offered to let me stay in front of him, once I
 Narrated  my ordeal to him. I thanked him. And went ahead to process my cash withdrawal. But the young man kept following me about even after I had left the bank premises. He asked for my mobile number. Then I thought, the best way to get this guy off my back, is to give him my number, get his, save it with an awkward i.d, and never pick his calls. Don't blame me. Stalkers give me the 'scares'.

Hmm! I saved the last missed call number a with the awkward i.d. This number has called me on several occasions after then. I'd just watch it ring. Until today. The number was calling me, I asked myself,
Why am I even scared of this guy sef?. I picked the call. The caller didn't sound like him. He could have given the phone to a friend of his, I thought. I said "who is this please?. The caller became so emotional, and said " so you don't have my number? Maybe i'd just delete yours after this call". I was indifferent. I was waiting for him to narrate how we met at the bank. But this person was not saying anything close to that.
I pressed on. "Can you please tell me your name, as I can't remember where or how we met". The caller replied  "i'd tell you my name at the end of the conversation after then i'd end the call". I thought my plan of 'playing dumb' was working. For where!
The caller was Silas Samuel, my secondary school mate and friend. He said his name and hung up. Chai!!

I just started laughing. Maybe at my stupidity, or at the situation, or maybe at the thought that I may have just lost a very good friend. I called him back immediately. I had no choice but to tell him the whole story. Maybe he would understand. He laughed and said he did. I couldn't stop apologising.

I write this, because I feel weird. I love my friends, all of them. Wouldn't want anyone of them to feel less appreciated.

I just hope I haven't lost a very good friend.

Salaam!

Au Naturale!

salaam.

Lately i've been telling my friends and anyone who cares to listen, that I drink and cook with my 'body cream'. Yes I do! I even apply it on my hair. So what am I talking about? >Olive Oil.

Extra Virgin Oil in a jar.

How did I decide I wasn't nt applying anymore chemicals on my interior and exterior?. Lol. Well, I was staring at my cosmetic shelf one afternoon. Toomany products. The mere thought of those products being harmful as a result of their components gave me stomach ache. I picked a bottle of my moisturiser, scanned through the ingredients. Nothing seemed natural. So I got curious and carried-out a research online for natural alternatives and I was wowed at the result.

Just like this quote I read somewhere "if you can't eat it, don't use it on you skin". Coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil became my besties. Plus this feeling that i actually know what i am applying on your skin, makes me feel smarter. Lol. Same thing I did with my bathing soups. Substituted them for the good ol African black soap.

African black soap

Suddenly the sun doesn't feel as hot as it used to. Especially on my face. My skin is well moisturised and it looks and feels younger and silkier. Make-up comes off easily. And oh! My lashes and brows are thicker now. Finally! I just love this feeling I get, knowing that i'm keeping skin cancer and other 'yama yama' diseases at bay.

Try it out. I'm sure you'll thank me. Don't forget to tell me what you think on the comment box.
Peace!!

Fruit Mix

Hi.

Take a brief second and just flow with me on this one.

So, I was thinking about this -what if the fruits and vegetables that grow in each season are just God's way of telling us what we ought to be eating all year?

Yep! I know that sounds weird but, flow with me still.

I feel that if we feast on the fruits and vegetables harvested each season, there would be less pollution in the world and less diseases as well.

*fruits and vegetables for the cold season to help us prevent cold-related illnesses.

*fruits and vegetables for the warm season to help keep our bodies fresh and healthy. 

Till my next post, think about this and tell me what 

you think on the comment section.

Peace!!

The Ideal Woman.

Asalaamu Alaekum!

In my opinion, i'm going to be writing about some attributes and characteristics that the ideal woman should posses. So Enjoy. 

 Learn Something Good Everyday: I disagree slightly with the popular saying that "one should learn something new everyday". Learning something new doesn't necessarily mean learning something of positive use to you. Learn something good as it relates to your health,family,career,faith and generally about life. Making this a part of you, will keep you refreshed, empowered and younger everyday.

Remember You are a Woman: Never forget this please. I know most times life's everyday struggles tend to make you feel like we aren't. But as you are busy with succeeding in your career and academics you should also work-on your main success as a woman. Which often times has nothing to do with career and academics. Forgetting this fact will only make woman compete with their Male counterparts. An unhealthy competition because their Male counterparts are fulfilling their rights and responsibilities as Men which are very different from a woman's responsibilities.

Know When to Stop: Women all over the world are always busy doing one thing or another, either in thier homes or places of work trying to make the world a better place. But it's important to know when your body needs rest and time to replenish it's lost energy. If you don't rest and recharge, how will you carry on? Take a time-out once in a while, let someone else handle the world's problems, even if it's just for a minute. Take a walk, play your favourite song, anything, you don't have to empty your wallet to find something that will help you relax.

Take Your Health Seriously: Smiling is your best facial exercise. Do that often. Your stomach is not a dumpsite so not just anything should go in. Take just 10mins to exercise everyday. Laughter is you best friend. And learn to accept the things you can't change in any situation.

While there is still soomuch to share, i'd rather stop here for now. See you next time.
Peace!!!