Late Post: Quote Of The Week

“The difference between a successful person and others is not lack of strength not a lack of knowledge but rather a lack of will.”– Vince Lombardi

The reason why i can't write an article is because i am so pissed! Find out why I am pissed...

Now let's move on to the subject of how a real man treats his wife. A real man doesn't slap even a ten-dollar hooker around, if he's got any self respect, much less hurt his own woman. Much less ten times over the mother of his kids. A real man busts his ass to feed his family, fights for them if he has to, dies for them if he has to. And he treats his wife with respect every day of his life, treats her like a queen - the queen of the home she makes for their children..It is only a foolish man's head that needs to be broken before he gets this right...You have no right to hit a woman!!. The fact that you paid a

How To Cope With Separation From Loved ones

 I believe that  strength is not measured by  how much we have encountered on earth nor how long we have lived on earth.Our strength is measured by the amount of battles we have conquered and survived. We can only know how much strength we possess, when we are out of our comfort zone.Winning a battle means "though I bear the marks on my body, though i have wounds but I  fought a war many fought and did not  survive and I survived, the scars are evidences that I am experienced"

 

The battle some of us are fighting now, is long separation from family members or loved ones.I know how much it hurts but I have a word for anyone going through any form of long separation right now, the word is YOU CAN SURVIVE. I am an expert in this field, so chill and me let me lend you some advice on how to deal with separation from family or loved ones...hehe it feels so good to be an expert after four long years of separation form my family and loved ones .

Here we go;

Understand you left them for a reason and concentrate on that reason

 Maybe you've just been deployed, maybe you are away studying in far country from home, maybe you are carrying out an official assignment that requires you to be away from your loved for some time. No one wakes up one day and just decides to leave their loved ones. There is always a reason, most times it's a matter of urgency. Of  course if you had it in your power, you would have loved to take them along we you.To have them by your side all the time but some factors made it quite impossible. Now that you are not with them, I  advice you  focus on the reason why you left home, put a lot of focus and commitment into the task or assignment you carrying out, so that it can quickly yield productive results and you can be with your family and loved ones soon.

Let others help.

Gaining new friends can give you a sense of confidence that will help you overcome and cope with your separation. You can never forget about your loved ones but you can cope and live a happy life wherever you are by building a family there too. Always develop relationships with other people you meet wherever you are.The love and support you get from your new friends can be a source of strength. You could also join a support group. Talk with others who are in similar situations and may be experiencing similar emotions. Knowing that you're not alone in what you're feeling may help you deal with your recent separation.

Concentrate on your interests. 

Spending time in other activities leaves you less time to dwell on your separation.Establish a hobby. Take a class, join a club or association or rediscover a long-forgotten passion.Volunteer for an organization or cause. Participate in volunteer projects that take the focus away from your own situation and focus it on helping others. I  love visiting places, it  takes my mind off a lot of things. It helps me concentrate on the beauty of life, it gives me hope and help me see things in a positive way.

Staying in touch  

It's vital to have a communication plan and stick to it. If someone is expecting letters or phone calls that never come, fear and anxiety could set in. Regular communication is extremely important because it can raise morale and help you and your loved ones cope with separation. Don't forget to send them your regular day in photos. Write frequent, short letters. Encourage children and friends to send postcards or brief notes. Constant communication  can be very uplifting.Don't avoid answering questions or write about rumors or gossip. Avoiding questions or passing along misinformation that may cause worry or fear, knowing your loved ones are worried doesn't make you feel better. Try to keep communications full of news about friends, family, local events, and expressions of love.

 God's Love is the Answer

Remember that God will never leave your side. You might not have your loved ones with you to lean on, to share how your day went, to express your thoughts and feelings but always remember that your creator is always with you. I have survived four years of separation from my loved ones because I have a reliable God.There have been days I felt I needed something real, something familiar other than God but God has always proven to me that he just the realest thing ever. He knows what we go through and he will definitely see us through.You may feel like you’re going through this struggle all alone, but from the moment you ask Jesus to bring you into God’s family, He will be by your side to the end so never lose hope!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

I have been separated from my loved ones back in Nigeria for four years now(like I have not seen them for that long...gosh!), but I have learnt to manage the situation and not let the situation manage me. I always remind of myself of the need to put in all my effort in my studies because I don't want to let myself nor my loved ones down by getting bad grades. This sacrifice must yield good results, we shall all smile at last!

I hope this helps someone out there, if you have anymore advice to add to the ones i have listed here, please send me am email : nwaforsandr@gmail.com

Okra Shows Promise in Fighting Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer

photo credit: herbs-info.com

Okra is a flowering plant with edible green pods containing seeds. It is also known as ladies’ fingers, bhindi, bamia, or gumbo.It is usually grown in tropical, subtropical and warmer more temperate regions around the world. It is a popular health food as it is a rich source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, calcium and folates. It is also very high in anti-oxidants.

Okra has already become a well-known super food against diabetes but few people know that it also fights at least three different types of cancer. The research on okra for cancer is still very young.

Recent research in Brazil has shown exciting results with regard to a newly discovered lectin and pectin in okra. Lectins are carb-binding proteins and are present in both plants and animals. Lectins support a variety of immunological functions within those plants and animals.

Researchers found that in in-vitro tests on human breast cancer cells (MCF7) , lectin killed 72% of the cells by causing apoptosis (programmed cell death). In addition, it also slowed down the growth of the cells by 63%. Researchers have also observed in lab studies that pectin potently inhibits highly metastatic mouse melanoma cells. A population study has revealed that men eating okra as part of a Southern eating pattern experienced 40% less prostate cancer.



Okra kills 72% of human breast cancer cells in vitro

Lectin is found in okra seeds, and researchers in this study obtained their lectin by water extraction from okra seed meal. This anti-cancer lectin was only discovered in 2012, and interestingly, also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive (pain relieving) properties which makes it a very interesting compound for future research. The researchers in this study noted that the lectin compound is a “potential therapeutic to combat human breast cancer.” since it was found to be able to kill up to 72% of human breast cancer cells (MCF7) in vitro, mostly by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis) and also slow the growth of the breast cancer cells by 63%.


Okra pectin inhibits 75% of highly metastatic melanoma cells in vitro

Okra pectin is found just under the skin of the pods, so don't ever think of scraping out only the seeds! Pectins are are found in and around the cell walls of plants, and helps to bind those cells together. Scientists have discovered it contains very unique compounds (highly branched rhamnogalacturonans) which have never before been observed in other pectins. Perhaps it is the newly discovered compounds that are responsible for the effectiveness of the pectin against melanoma.

 In a recent study conducted by French and Dutch researchers, the pectin inhibited the proliferation of highly metastatic mouse melanoma cells (B16F10) by 75% after 48 hours of treatment and also increased the rate of programmed cell death (apoptosis) by nearly 23-fold. The researchers also discovered that the pectin triggered apoptosis by interacting with Galectin-3. This is a similar mechanism to what is observed with the well-known compound Modified Citrus Pectin, and it is very interesting that okra pectin does not have to be modified in any way to have this effect.

Men who eat okra (Southern diet) have 40% less prostate cancer

The two studies above show clearly that two different components of okra (pectin and lectin) have potent anticancer properties. There’s more. A particularly interesting population study found that men in the United States who consumed a typical Southern diet, including okra, on a regular basis were 40 percent less likely to get prostate cancer than their non-okra-eating peers. This is fascinating considering the down-home Southern diet, which is heavy in red meat and bacon, isn’t known for its health benefits. Although the result bordered on statistical significance, this was a fair-sized study which followed nearly 3,800 men for ten years.Of course, there may be other Southern eating habits besides okra that provide prostate protection. This now leaves with the question, Was okra the key anti-cancer factor in the Southern eating pattern? Only future research will tell!



In the meantime, okra is a healthy food which has significant amount of Vitamin A and potassium, and is low in calories. Fresh pods are especially rich in those B vitamins called folates, providing around 22 percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) per 100 grams. It may help in treating diabetes, and now latest research tells us it may give protection from at least three different cancers. Okra may therefore be a very important part of a well-balanced healthy diet, which should already contain a wide variety of vegetables - and plenty of them.

Reference:

Okra kills 72% of human breast cancer cells in vitro:
 http://www.edenprescription.com/Okra.html

 Okra pectin contains unique structures never seen before:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19195648

Men who eat okra (Southern diet) have 40% less prostate cancer
http://www.cancerdefeated.com/a-favorite-food-of-the-american-south-zaps-breast-cancer-cells/2832/


DISCLAIMER: All information found in this article, is for information purposes only and is not meant as a recommendation to buy or use any  healthcare product or service of any type. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision and advice from an appropriately licensed medical practitioner.

Speaking habits that weaken women's leadership

There are a few common patterns of talking that make a woman sound unsure of herself and can stand in the way of being seen as confident leaders.

Many women are not even aware that the words they choose can sound weak to others. While they often use this self-effacing language to create a more collegial or collaborative atmosphere, it actually diminishes them and ends up making them sound less like leaders.

Here are a few patterns that make them sound unsure of themselves.

Asking permission: Women ask permission to speak when there is no need to. The notion that they

Let us Learn from the Ocean

The mighty ocean teaches so much. It is where many  lives have been lost. It is where many songs have been written.It is a place of battles and celebration, crisis and conquest. Its rushing tides are not afraid nor intimidated. It just flows and brings to the shore those things that it chooses and hurls them at the land as it it were evicting certain objects and snatching others.

 Perhaps that is why the ocean has persevered so long. It knows how to release some things and grasp others. If you are going to survive, take a lesson from the ocean. Hurl some things away from you

Three Things We Can Learn from Angelina Jolie

 Angelina Jolie is making headlines again, however, it’s not because of her award-winning directing or celebrity husband. This time, it’s because of her brave decision to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed to prevent ovarian cancer. Back in May of 2013, she had a preventative double mastectomy.

Making a life-changing medical decision like this is never easy and is deeply personal for Jolie and her family. While media attention around her decision stirs up emotions and some controversy, it also provides an opportunity for education.


Three things we can learn from Angelina Jolie

1) Know your risks.

Jolie faced her risks head on when the unfortunate signs of cancer emerged all around her. Her

14 Best Spring Scents For Women

Mark the change of seasons by switching to something fresh for spring. Spring scents are lighter, have more natural scents, and more subtle ingredients, and even though we sure have our special favorite fragrance we can wear all year long, it’s probably a good idea to give this new season an opportunity to try new things.Here are some of the  best new, unexpected and subtly sexy scents for spring.

MARC JACOBS DAISY EAU SO FRESH SORBET
If you gravitate toward fruity and floral scents, then consider Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Sorbet Eau de Toilette,your new go-to, thanks to its notes of mandarin, apple blossom, and

9 Obvious Signs You're In Love With A MAN, Not A Boy

We all like being kids at heart but this is too much.

I was once a boy, now I'm a man. It took me 29 years to get there, but I've arrived. It's more than most men can say.

That's because age has nothing to do with being a man. Age is merely a number — actions define who he really is. But here’s the problem: Most women spend their time trying to change boys into men.

 Well that ends today. If your boyfriend is a literal BOY, it's up to you to pack up and move on with your life.

1. Boys avoid uncomfortable conversations. Men know how to communicate their needs

Even the best relationships have friction. You're going to do or say something he doesn't like. It's

What Every Woman Needs For A Well-Balanced Life

It's easy for any woman to lose sight of her own authentic path and what she requires to lead a satisfying and balanced life. Here is a list of what every woman needs to live a

How to Find your Perfect Foundation Shade

Finding a foundation is hard. Remember growing up and learning about foundation? Remember when people would tell you "just match it to the inside of your wrist" well those people lied and they have absolutely no idea of what they're talking about. Hell, I've gone to makeup counters to get precision-matched only to leave looking like a weird ghost-goblin hybrid (how they ended up making me both pale AND obscenely green is beyond me).

Good news is our agony is over. I did a  research and finally got some info from Marie Claire magazine on how to pick the foundation that just so happens to *perfectly* match your skin.

So here we go:

Don't test on your wrist or neck like everyone tells you to

"Besides your jawline, I recommend testing foundation in the *center* of the face, where women often need the most coverage."

Follow the five-minute rule

"The biggest trick I can give to finding the best color is to give the foundation a few minutes to 'bake.' Shop for your other beauty products, look at new lipsticks, then double check the color of the foundation. Five minutes is a foundation lifetime."

Leave the store and walk outside

"Natural light is best for color matching. Be sure to check the foundation in various lighting, though, to make sure you are choosing the right color—lighting can manipulate yellow undertones and make them appear more green, while making red undertones in skin appear dark or even brown. You want to see the makeup in all conditions."

Also, try this crazy new service

A little tip from us: CoverGirl came out with a new innovation called Embrace Your Face Makeup Finder, which is like your own personal match guru (but for free, AKA the best kind of guru). Upload a picture online and it'll help you sort through every type of shade to find the one ideally suited to you—there's some straight-up magic in there about the color of your veins and what that means for your undertones.

I hope this helps ....

Signs You're a Side Chick.

You might be there relaxing on his couch, giving him all the styles in bed, washing his clothes, cooking like a Mrs, visiting his family, going on vacations with him .... Let me just say, chilling like the soon to be 'wifey' but the truth is you are just a 'side chick'. Ouch I know it hurts.

What  annoys me is the fact that these men who keep main chicks and side chicks are everywhere! I was shocked when a male friend of mine who happens to be a choir master in church, told me he cannot keep just one girl. When I asked him what he meant, hoping I was the one who didn't hear what he said properly, he went further to explain that he has to have a 'back up' just in case his main chick isn't in town. My mouth fell open for minutes and while I stared at him, he finally asked ' what? why are you staring at me like that, as long as I am not married, I am allowed to keep as many girls as I want to'. WOW really! I stared harder after he said this because I wanted to be sure I was speaking with the guy who ministers in church. Well like i said, they are everywhere.

While I believe that

Sport Bras

About 50 percent of women report some pain or discomfort in their breasts during exercise. This varies considerably in intensity and may depend on what they are wearing. In an Australian study 3 women (17–21, cup sizes B and C) were photographed exercising bare breasted, again wearing two different bra models, and a fourth time wearing a specific sports bra. As expected, breast motion was reduced by bras, and the sports bra was the most effective. The women reported less discomfort with bras and especially with the sports bra. However not all sports bras are created equally and a woman should be properly fitted.

The best sports bra is one that enables you to lead an active lifestyle in comfort and with minimal chance of injury. Whatever your cup size, you need good support so you can focus on your sport.



The Basics of Sports Bras

Your chest includes suspensory ligaments known as Cooper's ligaments. These ligaments hold breasts up and give them their shape and size. Once stretched, Cooper's ligaments do not recoil to their

3 Brutal Reasons Why Guys Should ALWAYS Pay For Dinner

i found this very interesting article on Your Tango.

Now the article :

Pay close attention to #3!
Even though the question of who should pay for the first date (and in general!) has long been debated, we haven't gotten any closer to an answer that pleases everyone. While most ladies agree that if he asked you on the date, he should clearly pay for it, some men aren't as convinced.

Let me put this to rest. Yes, it's the chivalrous thing to do and as women, wanting to feel taken care of is part of our DNA. But there are a few other factors that no one is really talking about that I must put out there for all to see.


Here are three reasons why men should ALWAYS pay for dinner. Sorry, fellas!

1. The Amount Of Time We Need To Get Ready Is No Joke

Let's be real. Chances are you either took a quick shower, ran some product through your hair, threw on some clothes and BAM, you're ready. Or you may have even come straight from work and showed up in whatever you put on in the morning.

Even if there's a chance that you thought about what you're wearing, it probably wasn't that much of a big deal.

Do you know what it takes for a woman to get ready for a date?! After seeing us arrive looking fresh and beautiful, you probably fantasize that we woke up like this. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, babe, but it just ain't so.

Here's what our date night prep really looks like:

If I know I have a date at night, all prep begins in the morning. Not only do I have to make sure that my hair is washed and blow dried just right, I also have to put just the right product in it so it doesn't go rogue.

Don't even get me started on choosing the right outfit. It doesn't matter if I already have something planned because as soon as I hit my closet, how I feel that day will inevitably have me changing my clothes at least six times.

Which leaves my bedroom looking like a bomb went off in it, and if it isn't our first or second date

Five Reasons Why He Won’t Commit

We've all wondered why a certain guy will not make a commitment to the woman he is dating and has been with for years on a regular basis.  He may have even introduced her to his family or taken her home for Thanksgiving dinners.  His family might know and like her.  Everyone may be wondering why they aren't officially a couple.  SHE may even be wondering why!  Yet he continues to say “We’re just friends” or “she’s not my girlfriend” when asked for clarification on their relationship.

Well, in this case, ladies, you should believe his words over his actions.  Usually his actions will speak louder than his words, but if he is saying you are not his girlfriend, then believe him!


Whether he is taking you out every weekend, planning trips together, buying you expensive gifts AND spending the weekends at your place (or you at his), if he has yet to say he is committed

Weight loss smothies

Smoothies are thick shake type drinks filled mainly with fruit or vegetables and other nutrient dense ingredients.The blended beverage offers you tons of nutrition as well as protein and fiber to help keep you full until your next meal. smoothie for breakfast helps you get hydrated at the start of the day, something soda and coffee won't do.

Don’t be fooled by the claims that smoothies made from prepackaged mixes with chemically altered ingredients are a wise health food option and weight loss tool.  These products are bogus and purely a marketing strategies to make you think you are living healthy.  The claims of life long weight loss from these products are strictly sensationalism as they are just another Yo-Yo Diet masquerading behind hype, junk science and packaging.Nothing beats home made smoothies!

The best smoothies are made with natural, all real, nutrient-dense ingredients that provide vitamins and oils necessary for good more complete nutrition.Not all smoothies are for weight loss.Some smoothies can actually be fattening especially when made using diary products, fats, sweeteners ( adding little sweetener to your smoothies is okay but avoid using too much of it) and canned fruits.

Green smoothies can certainly help you lose weight, but a long-term change in diet and lifestyle will give long term results.Green smoothies work best if they are part of a healthy, whole foods diet that helps you lose weight and maintain your ideal size and shape.

Here are  some slimming smoothies and there recipes :

Ingredients:

This makes 3-4 servings

2 cups Spinach

1/2 cucumber

1/4 head of celery

1/2 bunch parsley

1 bunch of mint

3 carrots

2 apples

1/4 orange

1/4 lime

1/4 lemon

1/4 pineapple

photo credit:Dr. Oz

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Feel free to add water to get desired consistency. Serve and enjoy!

Get your daily dose of essential nutrients with this Dr. Oz-approved blend. If you feel like you are not getting enough vitamins from your diet, this foolproof cocktail packs a powerful antioxidant punch and helps you absorb nutrients from your diet.The papaya gives you

Self Acceptance, key to Inner Happiness

We have everything we need within us to make us happy and yet we often fail to see it.We fail to understand that each and every one of us on earth is a magnificent creation that has no equal in the universe at this point in time. You are special and you were meant to be.

Self acceptance is the acceptance of all our thoughts, emotions and behaviors not necessarily because we like, condone or admire them but rather because we do not disown or deny any part of ourselves. For example, I have done some things that are too shocking and dismaying to even think of.My reactions, feelings and behaviors have had so many clashes with my beliefs on countless number of times.

The question is, can we allow space within our space of consciousness for every reality without retreating into  denial or some other form of avoidance.

Quote of The Week

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence......Helen Keller.

Causes and Natural Remedies for Oily skin

Oils produced by the body help keep skin healthy, but there can be too much of a good thing. Excess oil can lead to blemishes and acne flare-ups.

what causes oily skin?

Genetics.The most common cause for oily skin, unfortunately, is genetics. While this isn’t something you can help, there are some natural remedies that can lessen the triggers that cause oily skin for you.
Over-washing your face with soaps and acne creams. When you dry out your face, your skin produces more oil than necessary to make up for this. So stop washing your face so often, because even though a greasy face makes you want to clean your skin, it’s not helpful.

Seasonal changes.Changing temperatures drys out your skin. In an effort to make up for the dry skin, your already oily skin creates more oil, contributing to the issue at hand.

Stress and unstable hormonal shifts.Stress and unstable hormonal shifts affects the amount of oil on your skin because they unbalance your body responses, and oily skin is one of your body responses.

Woman - Is your BRA making you ill?

Millions of women are wearing the wrong size bra, putting their health at risk in the process, experts have warned.
Latest figures show between 70-80 per cent of ladies are sporting the wrong size and many choose not to wear a sports bra while exercising.
Now physiotherapists are urging women to check their measurements before they buy and get a sports bra to help prevent discomfort and premature sagging that only surgery can reverse.

'Wearing the wrong bra size not only looks bad but also puts you at risk of various health problems,' Sammy Margo, of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, told MailOnline.
'It can lead to neck, shoulder, middle and low back pain, pinched nerve in the neck and sagging breasts – not a pretty picture.'
Other experts have linked poorly fitting underwear to heartburn, skin rashes and even irritable bowel syndrome.


Richard Moore, a consultant osteopath and sports massage therapist in Nottingham, said: ‘On many occasions I have been able to link women’s back and neck complaints directly to badly-fitted bras that not only offer limited or no support but creating visible problems in posture, resulting in pain and tension

‘Traditional bras are often too tight around the ribs, creating a pivot point in the middle of the back, dividing it into two smaller areas that can’t work as effectively.
‘The lack of support at the front can also bring the upper back forward and to compensate for this, many women end up tilting their heads backwards.



All these slight but continuous maladjustments put unnecessary pressure on the diaphragm, which if you are sitting at a desk for hours each day, affect the breathing mechanism and can also be a direct link to digestion problems and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

‘Overly tight straps not only cause skin irritations but reduce blood flow, affecting the nerves and contribute to tension headaches.’

Sports bras are also essential for all women - especially those with a C-cup and above, says Margo.
'While they are not considered sexy they can help keep your bust looking its best.

'Breasts are suspended by ligaments that will stretch from bouncing if not held firmly in position.

'If you are well endowed, an ill-fitting, unsupportive bra can cause you to slump and fold your shoulders forward, and lead to painful postural disorders.’

Taking the right steps to ensure your bra fits correctly will make all the difference to your appearance, posture and self-confidence, she adds.

Now, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has produced a new breast care guide: Is your bra right for you?

It includes details on how to check your bra size; exercises to keep your breasts supported; the importance of wearing a sports bra; and making the most of your bra’s components.
Here, Ms Margo shares her breast care and bra-buying tips with MailOnline...



Looking after your breasts 

To help combat our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, it is vitally important we take regular exercise.
Brisk walking and running are excellent ways to stay in shape but have you thought about the impact regular exercise can have on your breasts?
Breasts are comprised of soft, fatty tissue. They are supported by the surrounding skin and the Cooper’s ligaments which run from the nipples down to the pectoral muscles in the chest.
Repetitive and high-impact activities make the breasts bounce, stretching the breast skin and ligaments.
Exercising in – and wearing – an unsupportive bra can cause problems such as chronic back pain, poor posture, neck and shoulder pain, and premature breast sagging as they lose their natural elasticity.



Exercises that protect the breasts 

It's very important to maintain strength in the muscles in your chest, shoulders and neck in order to provide support for the weight of the breasts.
Make an effort to work these muscles to give your breasts the additional support they need.
The following easy exercises can be carried out at your desk or in front of the TV:
1. Many of us slump with our shoulders rolled forward. While standing, roll your shoulders outwards so that your thumbs are facing backwards.
Push your shoulder blades back and down. Try to increase the distance between the shoulders as this will help your breasts to sit higher on the chest
2. Place your hands together in a prayer stance. Press your palms firmly together. You should feel tension in your pectoral muscles which are important in supporting the breasts
3. Interlink your fingers behind you. Stretch your arms out and back. You will feel a pull in the front of your chest, which will help reverse any slumping.



Improving your posture to protect your breasts 

Poor posture can lead to mechanical problems, dysfunction and pain from structures that are stressed from slumping or slouching.
Standing and sitting tall can help improve the look of your breasts as you’ll be able to carry them higher, thereby giving them greater support.
In addition, your posture will be improved minimising the risk of developing pain and discomfort. You can improve the look of your breasts by pulling your shoulders back and down. Don’t stick your chest out!
If you are well endowed, an unsupportive bra can cause you to slump or fold your shoulders forward. A supportive bra should hold your breasts firmly in place and help open up your chest.



How to pick the right sports bra

There are two types of sports bras:

Compression bras are suitable for small to medium breasted women (cup sizes 32A - 36B). They help press the breasts against the chest wall to minimise bounce and enhance support.
Encapsulation bras are suitable for large breasted women where there is much more bounce. They help support and hold each breast in a sturdy cup.



GETTING THE CORRECT FITTING BRA

Wearing the correct size bra will mean you will look great, be well supported and ward off unnecessary discomfort.
Your band size:

Using a cloth tape measure:

* Measure around your body directly under your bust. The tape measure should be parallel to the ground and fit snugly.
* Take the measurement, rounding to the closest whole inch (either up or down).
Your cup size:

* Measure around the fullest part of your breasts. The tape should be just touching your bust and be parallel to the ground.
* Round the measurement to the nearest inch (either up or down)
* Subtract the band size measurement from the cup size – the difference is your cup size (0-½ inch = AA, ½ - 1 inch = A, 2inch = B, 3inch = C, 4inch = D, 5inch = DD or E, 6inch = DDD or F, etc.)




THE GOLDEN RULES OF BRA BUYING
* In her lifetime, a woman could wear up to six different bra sizes due to factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations and gravity. Therefore it's important to check your bra size every year and make changes if necessary.

* Bra styles and brands vary – when trying on bras, wear them for about five minutes to assess comfort and fit.
Lift your arms up, bend down and jump to see if the bra and breasts stay in place.
If you find spillage over, under or at the sides, you will need to re-assess the cup and/or band size.
Evaluate bounce control and put on your top to see if the bra looks good. Pick fabrics that are comfortable.

* Ill-fitting bra straps can pull or press on your trapezius muscles (running along the neck and back), which can cause pain and discomfort.



If you are finding bra straps uncomfortable, placing a shoulder pad under the straps can help evenly distribute the weight of your breasts over the shoulder.
If your bra straps fall down, tighten them or change the bra.

* Your bra band should be snug and not too tight – make good use of the hooks available. If you find the band rides up, loosen the straps
* Manually position your breasts in the cups to ensure they both sit fully supported and comfortably.
* The centrepiece of underwired bras should sit flat against your chest and the wire should rest under your bust. There should be no gaps!
* Many department stores offer a professional bra fitting service. Make use of these services to help find the right bra for you.
* Seek out a chartered physiotherapist to get a postural assessment.
Taking active steps to make sure you are wearing the right bra for your size and shape, and when you exercise, will help you to look great and maintain good postural health.

  culled

New Video ft my friends: How to Get Over a Breakup

Liz Awoliyi: What I’ve Learnt About Being Female

A few Sundays ago, (Valentine weekend to be precise) I attended church and got a fantastic lesson on being female. The guest speaker at church was a very well spoken and accomplished lady known as “The Love Doctor” and the subject matter she discussed with us resonated with me so much I thought I should share.

She wanted to talk to the females in the house, she had this to say: “Women – be tender, be gentle, be kind”.

I’m naturally an intimidating person. I know that, I’ve been told that over and over again. Oftentimes I’m referred to as “aggressive”, I’m working on that. The aggressive nature shines its head in my approach to life, in my hungry, ‘go getter’ attitude, in work and even in play.

Being told “You’re too intimidating” can be incredibly aggravating, especially when you don’t consciously go out of your way to be so. Oftentimes you don’t even realise you’re intimidating anyone. As modern 21st century women, we are encouraged to be assertive, accomplished and independent. So when someone now turns around and tells you, you’re ‘intimidating’ or you’re aggressive, it sounds like you are being told to take all of that back and pretend to be something less than you are.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Walking Every day

It’s a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that’s easy, free and suitable for people of all ages and most abilities. Here’s why it’s so good for you

1. It strengthens your heart

Regular walking has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. It lowers levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and keeps blood pressure in check.
"Anything that raises your heart rate and gets your blood pumping is a workout for your heart and circulatory system," says personal trainer Stuart Amory. According to the Stroke Association, walking briskly for up to 30 minutes can help prevent and control the high blood pressure that can cause strokes – reducing your risk by up to 27 per cent.

Following Your Passion and Finding Your Purpose

When you see what you’re here for, the world begins to mirror your purpose in a magical way. It’s almost as if you suddenly find yourself on a stage in a play that was written expressly for you. ~ Betty Sue Flowers

You deserve to be happy and your family deserve to be happy too. Always remember that.True happiness comes when we know who we are, what our passion is and what exactly we want for ourselves. Somewhere along the way, you'd have to  pull out the manuscript that had been hiding away for years and start writing again. And as you stumble across the concept of mindfulness, and begin to experience the benefits of meditation,the little mustard seed of an idea becomes reality. And for the first time in a very long time, you will feel inspired, fulfilled and motivated. Most importantly, you will have a sense of purpose.

Life throws unexpected things at us, we all have our different stories and circumstances. None of these stories are void of our challenges and low moments but I do believe that we can make  changes and rewrite our stories in the pursuit of happiness, fulfillment and purpose.

4 Things Women Learn The Hard Way

I found this interesting article on "thoughtcatalog.com"..read below:

  We are all works in progress, and we can learn from the mistakes of our past and help avoid similar ones in the future.

1. He won’t leave his girlfriend for you - Getting involved with a man who is in a relationship with someone else when you meet them is a terrible idea. You WILL be hurt. He WON’T leave his girlfriend for you. It doesn’t matter how many promises he makes to you, or how much he tries to convince you that he needs to wait until [insert really specific event/time/situation ] to break things off with her. It does not matter if you were friends first. It does not matter if you felt a serious “connection” between the two of you. Relationships should begin fresh and should not be built on a shaky foundation of lies. Evaluate your role in the situation and then promptly get off that emotional rollercoaster before you do any more damage.

Blog Narratives: THE RED FLAG OF A CONTROLLING MAN

The signs of a controlling man aren't obvious and it’s not like they’re just your run-of-the-mill douche bags. They are systematic, calculated and manipulative.You can be a very confident, tough woman and still fall prey, I know this, because it happened to me.When i first met my ex he was just perfect, my dream come true, my knight in shining amour.So i thought until he released the inner monster in him.
This guy became so controlling. At first, i thought it was love.I would give myself silly excuses just to justify his controlling attitude.There were red flags, tiny ones here and there... but i choose to ignore them, thinking that they were just my imagination.Within six months, i had lost it!the more i tried to alter my behavior to make the relationship work, the more he murdered my confidence.

Recipe:Breakfast Quesadillas with Broccoli,Cheddar and Eggs

       photo credit:i am food blog

There is nothing as good as having a delicious breakfast on a Saturday morning!Weekends are like the only time we have to chill and just take a break from all the school work and office work.I intend to have something really nice for breakfast this weekend *winks*.This week i will not be going to the cinema or visiting a friend, i will be home making quesadillas with broccoli, cheddar and eggs in my pajamas, now that's how to chill!! .I found a recipe on how to prepare my dream food on i am food blog.Lets give it a go this weekend and don't forget to tell me if you enjoyed it or not

The recipe:

1 CUP COOKED BROCCOLI FLORETS
2 LARGE EGGS, LIGHTLY SCRAMBLED
1/2 SHREDDED CHEESE OF CHOICE (I USED CHEDDAR AND MOZZARELLA)
SALT AND FRESHLY GROUND PEPPER
TORTILLA SHELLS
OIL, TO PAN FRY

This makes 4 quesadillas

prep time: 5 minutes

cook time: 15 minutes

total time: 20 minutes

If your broccoli isn’t cooked yet, start off by doing that

Cook them in a pan with just a touch of oil on high heat. They turn bright green and the edges just start to caramelize and turn brown. 

Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Scramble your eggs to your liking.

Assemble by laying out your tortillas and evenly spreading out the cheese. 

Top half of each tortilla with equal amounts of scrambled egg and broccoli. Fold in half. Alternatively, you can make whole tortilla quesadillas. Just make them like sandwiches.

Heat up a bit of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. 

Crisp up the quesadillas, turning once, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

 Enjoy immediately!

                                                  photo credit: i am food blog

I am so trying this...i hope you do too

Woman Breastfed Her Broke Best Friend's Baby — And Has Zero Regrets

But people were horrified.

I only have two kids, but I breastfed three babies.

Wait, what?

Yep, I breastfed my two babies and then another baby who wasn't mine.

In all fairness, I actually pumped for the one who wasn't mine,  but still ... that baby drank my breast milk.

Are you cringing yet?

I don’t blame you if you are, because for awhile ... even I cringed when handing over those bags of my frozen milk.

That “someone else’s baby” was actually my best friend’s baby, a boy only 10 days older than my own son. Unable to pump (and too financially strapped to afford formula), my friend found herself in a desperate situation. She didn't qualify for any state-assisted food programs and was upset that her son was going to miss out on all the benefits of breast milk that formula simply cannot supplement.

The REAL Reason Sleeping With Him Won't Make Him Love You

Just because he's attracted to you DOESN'T mean he has feelings for you.
"When I'm really attracted to a man and sleep with him fairly early in the relationship, I realize he's not good husband material. Am I just attracted to the wrong kind of men?"
You'd be surprised how many of my single clients ask this question.
Many men know how to project sexual energy in a way that turns you on. These men define their worth by their sexuality and their ability to attract woman. They know how to ignite a woman — it's an energy that they're putting out that goes right to your head and makes you think something real and important is happening. But they're operating from a sexual addiction rather than from caring or intimacy.
But what should you do to show you're caring rather than addicted?
You need to tell yourself that sexual attraction doesn't mean anything — it's energy that's being projected onto you. It has nothing to do with love, intimacy or marriage.Real, long-lasting relationships take time to evolve. Feeling that sexual attraction when you first meet someone only means there is a possibility that this man just wants a sexual encounter with you, not necessarily a relationship. My suggestion is to not have sex so early in a relationship, even if you're very attracted to him.

Signs You're Ready To Get Married

We live in an age-ist culture when it comes to marriage.Some of us glorify youth as the pinnacle of human experience in nearly every aspect of life except intimate relationships, one thing responsible for this kind of 'glorification' is the mainstream metropolitan message that some cultures bring.YES, for some their culture says, you're too young, and it's best to wait until you reach some measure of maturity later in life before making a commitment as big as marriage.Well in most African families, our culture says something different, in fact there is this huge pressure to get married before 30, else trust our mothers and concerned aunties to start the annoying habit matchmaking you with every man they meet and it could even get to the extent of holding serious night sessions on your behalf too. 

Personally, i believe that marriage readiness isn't based on chronological age but true wisdom.Age is not the priority factor that should be considered when it comes to marriage, one's  level of maturity and wisdom is what should be number one on the list. If you're in a committed relationship and wondering if you're ready for marriage, consider the following areas:

1. You understand that it's not your partner's job to fulfill you, complete you, rescue you, or make you feel alive.A healthy marriage requires that two healthy, whole people come together to learn and grow their capacity to give and receive love. Marriage is not, as our culture suggests, meant to provide you with the answer to all of your problems. If you're marrying with the hope that marriage will fix your problems, it's best to wait and attend to your problems on your own first.

2. You know what you're looking for in a partner.You can actually define the values and traits that matter to you (in addition to attraction). You can't predict your future, but you have some sense of what you want it to look like and the type of guy you want to be in it.

3.You understand the difference between real love and infatuation.When you're infatuated, you expect to feel in love all of the time. You expect your partner to be flawless and you expect the "in love" feelings to last forever. This isn't reality, and if you're addicted to highs of the infatuation stage you're probably not ready for marriage.

4. You're ready to grieve the end of being single.You're ready let go of first dates, first kisses, the thrill of the chase. You're ready to let go of the every other possibility of partner. You understand what it means to commit to one person for a lifetime. This is difficult at any age, but requires particular attention if you haven't had much experience in the dating realm to begin with. And it's essential that you take time to acknowledge and grieve that you're saying goodbye to a stage of life.

5. When you think of your future, your partner is part of it. It's not even just specific events, like your friend's wedding or a family vacation. You just look ahead and know you want him to be there.

6. You've shared your insecurities and allowed yourself to be vulnerable. You're no longer worried that one day he'll find out that you're not always so breezy and put together. Sometimes you're a total mess. He's seen that, and he's still there.

7. You are aligned in terms of core values.You don't have to enjoy the same hobbies or interests to have a healthy marriage, but you do have to be on the same page regarding religion, having children, money, and spending time with family. You don't even have to share the same religion or have the same money style, but you do need to know how you'll handle future issues on these essential values.

8. You have a healthy way of handling conflict.You and your partner can talk well about difficult subjects. You may fight occasionally (that's normal), but you are generally respectful of each other and can ultimately arrive at a healthy compromise.

Melinda Gates Tells Us How To Change The World

Women are on a mission to change the world. For all the names we know—extraordinary figures such as Malala Yousafzai, just awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership—there are millions more who are helping to push the world in the right direction in their own communities.

Over the 15 years I've worked in global development, I've learned change rarely happens only from the top down. Progress begins with the decisions women make every day to make life better for themselves, their families, their neighbors, and beyond.

In other words, changing the world may not always look like what we expect. And that's what makes me most optimistic. Many women who are driving progress will never step into the halls of the UN or have a meeting in the White House. They are running farms to feed their families or working in health clinics to treat, cure, and protect their communities. They're pooling their savings with neighbors and friends to start small businesses and nonprofits. They're making the decision to protect their health and their future by using contraceptives, even when it means walking five miles to the health clinic and back. They're standing up against harmful traditions, like child marriage, and raising awareness about domestic violence. That's what changing the world looks like.

We have a stake in ensuring that women everywhere are given the chance to shape their own futures. When women can make these important decisions—and are empowered to act on them—the benefits extend to everyone.

One woman, one small act of courage, is all it takes. If we stand up and join them, the movement will take off.

source:Marie Claire magazine

POEM: LIFE IS TOO SHORT; NO MATTER HOW LONG IT APPEARS TO BE....

Life is too short, tick tick goes the clock!

Life is too short, take hold of every opportunity that comes your way 

Life is too short, don't waste time waiting for the big opportunities!

Life is too short, take hold of every common opportunity that comes your way!

Always remember that the big oak tree lies in the tiny small seed

Life is too short, so run today like there will be no race tomorrow

No much time available, pursue your dreams with every fiber of your being

Life is too short, stay focused on your goal!

Life is too short, live every second passionately

Life is too short, sow every seed patiently

Life is too short but the world needs you to leave a positive mark behind

Life is to short, so be positive

Life is too short, don't allow your fears hold you bound

Life is too short, live happily and stop the hate

Life is short, fight those things that hinder your success 

Life is too short, do whatever you want to do quickly!

Life is too short; no matter how long it appears to be

HOT ANKARA AND LACE STYLES...TO FEED OUR EYES WITH!!!

Hot hot ankara, hotter than akara lol! do share with me which one of these styles you would love to rock

THREE OATHS YOU NEED TO TAKE BEFORE STARTING A RELATIONSHIP

Personally, i have grappled with this question.I have closed my eyes, tapped into my inner knowledge just to find an answer to this question, am i ready for love? i have asked friends and some who are so self aware of themselves and hate to live in denial gave me a straight 'yes' or 'no' answer attached with  strong reasons.Though people's reason for not being ready for love varies, some have enough inner wisdom to know that they still have some personal growth to do,other are just scared of commitments and the list goes on .The bad news is that,the power of our thoughts also has a negative side.Self-doubt and other negative thoughts can lead to things that don't lend themselves well to our happiness and fulfillment but on the other side of the coin, we can choose to tap into out inner well of wisdom, figure out what we want , and believe in our beliefs,we can choose to expand these beliefs rather than limit our perspective and experience.

Though, i've done a lot of healing work on myself since my last break-up, and i have arrived at some place of true self love,How do i know i am truly ready for love? is a question i have asked myself so many times because i do not want to get half-way on a journey only to realize that i didn't have all it took to embark on the journey in the first place.A friend of mine who has been in very healthy,happy relationship told me 'girl don't start a relationship until you take these oaths'.After listening to her talk for an about an hour i must say i agree with her and her 'three essential oaths'.....so i am sharing them below:

1. "I TRUST AND ACCEPT MYSELF WHEN I FEEL DIFFICULT EMOTIONS"

I'm not sure about anyone else, but i woke human this morning.I keep waiting for the day i wake up superhuman but trust me so far that hasn't happened.Even the difficult and ugliest of our emotions are part of our human experience.Rather than side lining or sublimating them, we could listen to the sage wisdom that these emotions come with.It is inevitable that uncomfortable feelings will arise in and out of relationships because the people we love have the ability to trigger us most.Difficult emotions comes with great lessons to learn,never shut the door in there face even when your lover triggers them.

2) "I KNOW DEEP  DOWN MY CORE WHO I AM"

The kind of self love i am about to talk about is not that of repeating affirmation,no! true self love doesn't take force or convincing, it's a quiet knowing that comes from seeing and accepting all of who you are both the light and dark parts. Don't let fear hold you back, open the bad parts of you life, accept what you see and deal with them the best way you can,change cannot occur if you don't accept that something needs to be changed in the first place; similarly self trust may be just what you need to open up the possibility of something beautiful.

3) "I DO NOT PLAY THE BLAME GAME"

The one you love will definitely be wrong a times but not every time!you will never be the person who has it all right at all times just accept this fact.In relationships, people tend to blame there patterns for hurt and pain inflicted by other persons in their lives.Blaming your present partner for the pain your previous partner caused you is wrong and that is why you need to deal with the pain before you move on to the next, similarly some human beings just never like to accept responsibility for their wrong, they still find a way to blame shift.When we are stuck in the blame game, we aren't ready to own these parts of ourselves and we will have more difficult time creating a healthy relationship because we will be stuck in blame.

Therefore quit the blame game, accept and love even your difficult emotions and check deep down your core to know if you know yourself before the let the next man in!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

One of the pleasures of romantic love that nurtures the relationship is talking about what you enjoy and appreciate in each each other.When your lover conveys that you are a source of pleasure you feel loved.
............Nathaniel Branden

5 Pearls of Wisdom For Young Entrepreneurs

Don’t underestimate the power of network
Whether it’s testing out your ideas, sharing your experiences of the trials and tribulations of being a start-up, or opening up your networks to each other – the connections you make will take you further than you would imagine.

Know your ‘Why’
You need to have a strong reason behind what you are doing. Imagine how cool it is to be an entrepreneur!but wanting to run a start-up because it’s cool won’t get you through the ups and downs that it involves. If you’re going to be successful, you need to want to change the world in some way, and it is your belief that will get you through.

Realize that you are competing with the world
It’s not all about Silicon Valley any more! the power and creativity of entrepreneurs is everywhere and this is exemplified by the communities of entrepreneurs that Indiegogo and 500 Startups work with. Almost half of 500 Startups’ investments have been made in companies outside of the US, and they have offices across Asia and Latin America. Indiegogo are distributing funds to 75-100 countries a week

Be patient!
When you start a company, you just don’t really know if you’re onto something for at least two years –Danae Ringelmann. You’ll need to spend some time experimenting, pivoting and changing course – so don’t freak out or give up too soon.

There is no such thing as 'the only source'
Crowdfunding offers so much more for your start-up than just financing. This is your opportunity to market your product, test it with thousands of potential customers and develop a global community of advocates.

Happy Mother’s Day/Mothering Sunday!

They saw us cry, they saw us laugh
And they were still there for us
We may not have said it all
But today we say 'thank you and we love you'
Thank you for being a super mom
Thank you for raising heroes like us
Thank you for your magic touch and mighty hands
Thank you for not letting us down
Thank you for the discipline
Thank you, you are truly the sunshine that bring light to our day

Chimamanda Adichie Poses In New Photos For Vogue April 2015 Issue

She's an award-winning novelist, a TED talk sensation and Beyoncé's favourite feminist. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was 26 when she published her first novel, Purple Hibiscus, which was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction and won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize. The books that followed, Half of a Yellow Sun - set during the Biafran conflict in Nigeria, a decade before she was born - and Americanah, a modern love story set between America and Nigeria, have also been garlanded with international prizes and critical praise. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is in the April 2015 issue of Vogue, guys and here are new stunning photos from her shoot for the magazine. Her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, is an assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Maryland, in Baltimore. The photoshoot was done here in Lagos. See  photos below.........

Interview with Gwen Lu By Marie Claire Magazine

These Penang-born beauty has been tearing up the fashion scene since she quit her day job to become a full-time model nearly 10 years ago.

Gwen is now based in New York where she fronts major ad campaigns for brands such as Schwartzkopf and Shiseido and has graced nearly every magazine cover from here to most of the Asian continent. She takes time off from her hectic schedule to give us a little insight into the bubbly personality behind the shy but stunning exterior.

Here is an highlight of an interview she had with Marie Claire magazine

What are you currently working on and what are some of your next big projects?

I was on a solo road trip. After 7 years of working in the USA, I finally packed a little suitcase, and headed out to explore different sides of this country: Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago, Memphis, NewOrleans, Nashville, etc. But now, I guess it’s time to get back to work!

Tell us how you got into modelling and what do you plan to pursue in the future?

After numerous words of encouragement from friends, I started off as a part-timer while working as a quantity surveyor, climbing my way up in the corporate ladder. I had to pick one side when I couldn’t cope with both, and I chose the challenging side. I was a little insecure as I still didn’t have a clue what this business was about! My family was furious when I quit my full-time job. But I’ve always been the rebellious and hard-headed one and even after months of hitting a wall, and struggling financially, I persevered. I’m so blessed to have finally found my path on this venture. As for the future, I want to cook! I mean, I want to run a kitchen full time, and cook real food with soul, love and pride.

In your mind, what represents the typical Asian beauty standard?

The external elements that define beauty can be very diversified. I personally favour Asian girls who constantly challenge the stereotypes. However, I think the most beautiful thing about us Asians is the way we project our feelings. It is delicate and affectionate, interspersed with shyness and politeness. This is very exotic, it is a different kind of beauty.

Were there any prominent Asian women that inspired you to get into the modelling and fashion industry?

Ai Tominaga.

What are the top three things you tell your international fans about Malaysia?

Our language, Malay, is the national language, English is widely spoken, and there are a dozen more Chinese and Indian dialects spoken in different parts of the country, a sign of the diversity of our culture.

Our laughter, Malaysians are positive and happy people, we love to tell jokes and we really laugh wholeheartedly. I miss the sound of it now that I’m talking about this.

Our love, Malaysians are warm and friendly, we love to host and welcome friends to discover and share the beauty of our country.

source:Marie Claire magazine Malaysia