The wonders of Cucumber

I know you all have read enough articles on how vegetables are good for you, but i'm sure you haven't heard enough about the nourishing goodness of this wonder fruit, Cucumber.

Keeps you hydrated: cucumber contains 96 percent water, which also helps in flushing out waste from the body.

It fights heat, both inside and out. Eat cucumber, and your body gets relief from heartburn.
Apply cucumber on your skin, and you get relief from sunburn. With regular use, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.

It lavishes you with vitamins. A B and C, which boost immunity, give you energy, and keep you radiant and supplies skin-friendly minerals: magnesium, potassium, silicon. That’s why cucumber-based treatments abound in spas.

Aids in weight loss. Enjoy cucumbers in your salads and soups.
Revives the eyes: Placing chilled slices of cucumber on the eyes is a clichéd beauty visual, but it really helps reduce under-eye bags and puffiness.

Cuts cancer: Cut down your risk of several cancers by including cucumber in your diet.Several studies show its cancer-fighting potential.Stabilizes blood pressure: Patients of blood pressure, both high and low, often find that eating cucumber brings relief.

Refreshes the mouth:Cucumber juice refreshes and heals diseased gums, leaving your mouth smelling good and also helps digestion.


Source: care2home.com

Ladies, Look HOT! In Men's Wear

There is nothing like been able to look like a pretty damsel, a sultry mistress and still be able to rock the men's world at the same time.
If there's one thing I love about being a woman is that I can tap into any fashion style I want. And men's wear is just one interesting part of it.
Look at how our screen divas Genevieve Nnaji, Toke Makinwa and Tiwa Savage wear able to pull off the tomboy look. The trick about this outfit is to avoid extravagant hairdos and loud makeup. And try to avoid the overplay of colour blocking. Ladies, take your pick.

Fashion trends: Statement Necklace

Statement Necklace pieces are one fashion accessory that is so on the hit. It gives you that dressed up look for just any occasion.
Here is how to wear your fashion statement necklace. Bear bright popping coloured pieces on neutral and plain outfits.
Avoid the theatrics, such as wearing heavy statement necklaces on tops with elaborate designs. The focus is on your neck, so settle for simple hairstyles and do not wear big earrings, your necklace is already doing all the work.

You can wear on a tank top, tube, camisole on blazers or your simple dinner wear. And it's an important part of our african traditional wedding wear, like Lola Omotayo now Mrs.Okoye is spotting here. I hope you find these tips useful the next time you're thinking of putting on a statement necklace.

P.S: Here is an outline that can help you on the right choice of necklace to wear on your
 Outfit.

Source: shyboutique.com

Nigerian foods that'll help you look slimmer

If you're one of those who's complaining of extra fat and you want to lose it fast. Here are some Nigerian foods to help you out. You don't need to suck it out on diet coke or soda or slimming drugs, because all of those have a lot of side effects.
So why not do it the natural way.
1. Green vegetables and plaintain (pumpkin, greens, lettuce)
2. Beans (I know many ladies do not like this, but trust me you can never have to much of beans).
3. Soybeans and milk.
4. Wheat and oatmeal.
5. Nuts (peanuts, groundnut, walnuts)
6. Olive oil, onions, garlic, pepper.
7. Fruits (especially watermelons, bananas, avocado pear, grapes, lemon)

Fashion hots! Polka dots

When it comes to fashion, what goes around comes around. This season retro polka dots are back in a big way. From printed blouse to dotted bags, and there are just about a lot of styles to tap from.
 Don't we just love to look fab on dotted sunglasses and shoes, just my thoughts!
Hear is how to wear polka dots. Pair your polka dots skirts or tights with a neutral blouse or accessorize your plainclothes dress with a polka dot bag and you're set to go.

Why You need Carrots!

Carrots are more than a tasty addition to almost any dish. They are also good for your body’s overall health, especially that of the skin, eyes, digestive system and teeth!
So if the sweet flavor isn’t enough, enjoy these reasons to eat more carrots:
1. Beta carotene: Carrots are a rich source of this powerful antioxidant, which, among other vital uses, can be converted into vitamin A in the body to help maintain healthy skin.
2. Digestion: Carrots increase saliva and supply essential minerals, vitamins and enzymes that aid in digestion. Eating carrots regularly may help prevent gastric ulcers and other digestive disorders.
3. It helps slow down aging cells, and helps preserving a young healthy glowing skin.
4. Carrots are known to reduce the risks of cancers when converted into falcarindiol, which are anti-cancer properties.
5. Dental Health: Carrots kill harmful germs in the mouth and help prevent tooth decay.
6. It prevents heart diseases, strokes, and cleanses the body.
7. Carrots aids fast healing of cuts when shredded raw, boiled and mashed.

It's Bags Season!

If there is any interesting fashion item we can't do without, bags are just it. You can't help but notice how the details of your bags can perfectly fit in with your outfit.
You could pair a bag to either constrast or compliment your dressing, depending on what fashion style you're planning to pull off.

While some leather bags can go with just about any outfit, the tote bag is better off with a flowing gown or a more casual outfit and your sequined bags with dinnerwear.
What with several bag designers out there, we've all got a lot of designs to pick out from. Knock yourselves out ladies!

Fashion trend: White & Black!

Here is one fabulous fashion trend you sure don't want to miss.
There is nothing more chic than a well put combination of black and white, especially when it's figure flattering and stylish. It fits just about any occasion, it goes for either casual, corporate or dinner event.

If you want to perfectly pull off this look, either go for the stripes, plain and patterned designs or grids. Accessorise with a statement piece and demure makeup with a brightly coloured lips (say fuchsia pink or red) and you're good to go.

Fashion! Animal print trends

There is something so fascinating about animal prints,  it's like putting on a different pair of skin. It's a bold fashion statement that sometimes can be conspicuous and outrageous when you wear more than one pattern.
So, stick to one pattern, whether its a snake, zebra or leopard prints and pair it with a plain pieces of outfit. Then to liven it up, wear with a flashy shoe and bag.
Patterned animal print shoes, bags and accessories are just fabulous and should be a part of every lady's wardrobe. I just love it!

Picture credits: Kamora & Google images

7 Signs That He's the One

The one thing you want going into a union as colossal as marriage is the assurance that God has brought you together. Think about it. If you have no doubts that God Himself has pulled off bringing you to your man, then you'll always have peace in the struggle of cohabiting and becoming one. And how do you know God is orchestrating things?1. You are not having to strive to make things work. They just fall together: even if in a terrifying, fear-exposing kind of way.
As much as you'd love to be attached and get flowers this Valentine's Day, it's best not to take it on yourself to make it happen. Women who manipulate their way into a marriage will most likely be found stunned by the roadside with backfire juice all over their nice clothes.
The bottom line? Your man must lead the charge in your relationship, or he'll most likely not lead in your marriage. Men who don't feel they've led or can lead will resent at best and bolt at worst. The masculine gender has been wired to lead. I know this may not be an easy truth to swallow, so don't take my word for it. Go read Ephesians 5:22-30.

http://www.womenofspirit.com/?id=135


2. His mission in life resonates with yours. Marriage is not your calling?although it can be a huge part of it. A woman's true calling is as deep, unique, and significant as her very heart. This means that when you check him out, you need to do so with a clear sense of what your calling is. This will ensure that you hitch up to someone going the same direction you are.
Rest assured that if he's for you, his life will expand your calling and dreams and not shut them down. This is huge! Don't fudge an inch. Know your purpose here on earth and wait for the man who just for being who he is, releases you to it. Here's another way to say this: Don't marry him unless you can live out your destiny mo' betta with him than you have so far on your own!

3. Your union is bigger than you are. If God is in your life, then your marriage should also have a spiritual dimension to it. Will Jesus' designs to bless the planet be more fully realized in your union?Really? There's much more at stake in your choice of a life partner than just your life and his. I shouldn't have to tell you that if you're trying to follow God and your man is pulling you away from God, that's the signal for the game to end. And you might as well know that you don't have God's blessing if you're blatantly going against His words in the Bible (see 2 Corinthians 6:14 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8).


4. He's your emotional peer. I've met all the mommywives I need to last me a lifetime. So please, before running down the aisle, have a thorough look-over in this area. First, because we women are wired up to nurture, and second, because we sometimes have insecurities that drive us to want someone emotionally dependent on us so they can't leave us, and third, well, because romance can really dumb down our thinking.
So ask yourself: Is he as sharp as you are? Does he "get it" like you do? Do you wrestle with similar things? (For example, are you both seeking to deepen your trust in Jesus, or are you there and he's still back at whether Jesus exists or not?) You know how to forgive; does he? And you want to be fully honest; does he? Not only is it good to be committed to the same core values; it's also really grand if he's not three miles behind you in that journey. Sure, it's possible to be patient and accepting, but rocking a full-grown man to sleep each night can get old rather quickly. No boys, please, and no binkies!

5. He sees you for who you really are. There seem to be two kinds of people that draw us in and for opposite reasons: those who connect with who we really are and those who connect with who we think they want us to be. Ever dated someone who made you feel like the hottest chick on the block? OK, now please do tell: Is that the real you "you know" the person God created you to be? Or is that who they wanted you to be?
Marriage is a union of hearts. There are men out there who will get your heart, and men who won't. The ones who do will draw the real you out. You'll be crying and laughing and pouring out your journey without them even asking. You won't put on any airs with them, because they send that quiet message that they see you for who you really are and like what they see.
So ask yourself, Does he get you? If he doesn't, bag it right here. I don't care how proud he is of your accomplishments, looks, or even spirituality. It's your heart that your husband is supposed to watch over and nurture, and a man can't nurture what he doesn't get.

6. You see tangible evidence that God is blessing your union. Now this one is really, really tricky. Why? Because spiritualizing runs wild nowadays! That's when you take some religious thoughts or even Bible verses and manipulate them into promoting what you just have to have at this very moment. The Bible is meant to expose us, not be something we hide our agendas behind.
So when I ask you to check out the dude you like and figure if God has put tangible evidence out there in support of your getting serious with him, please do not attempt this alone. Give at least two other honest people a shot at coming to their own conclusions alongside yours.
And what is tangible evidence? Well, some of the core teachings of Jesus are humility, forgiveness, honesty, sacrificial giving, openness, and respect. So start here. Do you see more or fewer of these things in your life in relationship with so-and-so? And when you are with him at church, are you drawn into a kind of worship that addresses your true inner condition and calls you to face stuff and grow, or is it all posture and pretense? If you find yourself feeling close to Mr. Potential when you pray, read the Bible, or attend a worship event, good. When you commune with God, you want to sense that your relationship is affirmed; there should be no confusion or tension.

7. You feel as lucky being with him as he does with you. I wish we didn't have to talk about this. It seems pretty sad that cute little you would ever consider settling for less than your desire. Why on earth would you vow to love someone you aren't all that thrilled about? Or worse yet, pursue his affection when you know he's not flipped over being with you? This is the height of stupidity!
Sorry for using the "s" word here. But really, to settle down with a man, you should be in a bit of shock that he chose you! I mean,Wow, look at all he is and how good it is to spend time with him! Lucky, lucky, you! And vice versa. He should wonder what on earth made you so sure he's all that!
If there isn't that grateful feeling, that I won the lottery feeling, you need to get honest with yourself. There is nothing more painful than marrying for the sake of convenience or the other person's feelings. It's a fullblown lose-lose. One won't be cherished the way they deserve to be "ever" and the other will never know what it feels like to be the luckiest dog on the street!
So here it is loud and clear: Don?t settle for someone you sense isnot the one, and don't let him do the same. I don't care how comfortable it is, how cute he is, how much your parents like him, or even that your pastor thinks you two are superb together. Walk away. Trust your gut and your heart, and know for sure.
What more can I say? God is good and an expert matchmaker? Yes. He is, after all, love personified.
So I urge you to let God have full reign in writing your love story. It doesn?t even matter what chapter you're in. He can take it from here, and you'll be way, way better for it!
Clar Worley Sproul lives out in the woods of Oregon with her wonderful (rather new) husband and her wonderful (rather new) last name. Contact her via www.clar.cc.

Top 10: Traits Attractive Women Look For In A Man

Forget what you think you know about the traits attractive women look for in a man. After talking with as many off-the-hook beautiful women as I have, the shocking truth becomes clear fast: When it comes to the qualities they’re looking for in the guys who constantly approach them, looks and money don’t even make the top 10. That in mind, here come the top traits attractive women are really looking for in a man.

No.10 Challenge

Flaunt this trait at your own peril. Intelligence can be very attractive to beautiful women, but only if used in the right way. In other words, a way that’s humble and interesting. Use your intelligence to surprise an attractive woman with off-the-wall, fun ideas, fantasies and unexpected things, and you’ll charm her. Formal education, however, is only attractive if it’s used in this interesting way. If you’re an expert in an area that’s cool, present it from an “I know a lot about this, let me show you” perspective, and not an “I’m so smart and you’re not” angle. Also be aware that some attractive women are actually intimidated by a man with a deep education, so step carefully.

No.9 Challenge

No doubt about it: Attractive women are used to being held up on pedestals and pursued by men all day long. So, if you want to stand out from the 1,000 other guys who hit on her all day long, challenge her. If you act indifferent and aloof to beautiful women, if you make them think that you’re only calling because you’re bored, and act almost disinterested sexually, they’ll often do their very best to get your attention. Again, this drives attractive women crazy -- it practically makes them obsess over a guy -- even though they’ll never admit it.

No.8 Attentiveness

This one goes hand in hand with No. 9: More than gifts and compliments, attractive women want to know that you’re thinking about them. Even if you just tell a woman that you don’t like it that she’s out with another guy, she’ll love it, because it means you were thinking about her. Remember: A beautiful woman doesn’t wear that sexy outfit by accident. If her hair is done nicely, it wasn’t a fluke. Women are very impressed and attracted to men who notice these details. Plus, it’s much more powerful than listening to her complain to get your attention. Right?

http://www.askmen.com/top_10/dating/top-10-traits-attractive-women-look-for-in-a-man_8.html

Flying the African Style.

Don't we just love African prints. If you're as crazy about fashion like I am, then you'll be flying all of these outfits. A lot of foreign designers are fast adapting Nigerian style of blending African prints. Here are a number of cute designs from VillageBoi Apparel. 

The young designer known for his celebrity designs and  has dressed up some of our popular celebrities such as Chidima and Omawunmi.  Here are some of his lovely designs. 

Awwwww....Isn't she so cute.

The real African style. I like!

The Perfect Hair

Here is a lesson on how to look good on that occasion with the Perfect Hair.
You might want to look simple and classic for that nice evening out. Try not to cloud the details.

You want to go for a cool walk with him, settle for a flip hair like our own Genevieve

Hairs like this are best for the runways, avoid mixing this up with your evening night out.

And this is just the Perfect Bridal hair.

Fab vs Drab: How to look your Best

Really, it's very disappointing when you put on something you think is fabulous, only for you to get snickering remarks when you pass by. The major rule of fashion is to avoid the wrong combinations of patterns and wrong choice of outfit for an event. Like most times stripe tops do not go all too well on stripe bottoms, especially when they are of different colors. Better still, mix it up with a plain pattern.  

Most importantly avoid overdressing and under dressing, and set out for the just perfect outfit. In as much as color geometric is in vogue, mind you their are some colors that don't just agree. And when you're thinking of trying out the new trends, please try not to go overboard. Here are some Oks and Nays I think you should view...

 Certainly don't try these if you can't face the comments you'll get...

And these will look just great...