Wedding from my point of View

Recently, it just happen that i have a lot friends and family getting married. I must confess, weddings are such a beautiful experience and ceremony as the case maybe. Starting from the imagination that one is about to enter into a life long relationship with the person you love is very beautiful *toexperienceonehopefullysoon
I've had priviledges of directly witnessing beautiful beginnings, starting from my sister to my best friend, a couple of other friends as well as my cousin. The joy is simply infectous and cant be described by any other person but the couple involved alone.
I've also observed a special Grace on the  bride, over and over again i've seen this. The peace and tranquility of their hearts, their beauty and joy; no matter how bad the makeup is, they always come out looking so beautiful. Though can be a hectic planning process most especially in a Nigerian society but the joy and fulfillment it brings cant be compared.
Hopefully, i'll be writing about mine soon but till then do observe Brides around you at weddings or as they plan.

Talk later
Olufunke

New Form Entertainment

Helllooooo......

 Lately, I've been such a social media geek *covers face. Don't judge me, that's my own of entertaining myself and in fact it has become or would i say replaced newspaper, tv and even class lessons. I've been so entertained and I've also learnt a lot on social media platform.

It's so bad or would i say so good that, I can laugh out so loudly all by myself by just watching those 15mins skits, reading memes or even going through comments especially on Bellanaija.com. These platform Instagram for instagram for instance has enabled me to know more and be more adventurous without breaking a leg. I've been able to build a mood board of my aspirations and things I admire with the help of various pictures posted, Thanks IG *muahhh. So, my post today is just to share a few of my favorite social media pages across all the available networks. 

Here you go and i also hope you enjoy and learn too.

1. Bellanaija.com http://www.bellanaija.com/- that's my favorite of all the blogs in Nigeria, that's my lifestyle magazine and all in one *lol 

2. Linda Ikeja http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/ - not that am a fan of Linda but i just like the fact that she posts any and everything. So you can check her out as well

3. Mail Online http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html - I'm so sure my day or morning won't be complete without browsing through mail online, that's my international news deck

4. Instagram- Seriously i can go on and on about IG. The list is endless, I follow more people than the people who follow me. I really don't mind lol But here are a few of my fav IG pages and i think you should check them out. From entertainment, to comedy, fashion, business, and so much more. THIS IS NOT ANY FORM OF MARKETING. The following are just a few of the over 1000 IGs i'm following lol

 @fabulousbytejupretty 

@experiencezazaii

@nigerianfashionblogger_

@accostcollection

@tucabello 

@jbiliving

@houseoft.o.k

@ayabaofficial

@funny_nigerian_pics

@poshkollect

@theweddingtv

@kingnahh

@dappernaija

@thebusinesseducator

@krakshq

@ideaincredible

@versitlebay

@futuresoftng

@chudeity

@glambrandagency

@anthonycuts

@preweddingnaija

@chief_obi

@@jiggzytos

@genevievemagazine

@timidakolo

@emrmarketing

@bois_olorun

@zashadu

@sugarweddings 

@wimbizng

@mayowaekpo

@thegodlycouple

@callmeskitzo

@chef_fregz

@okadabooks

@hotweddings24

@loveweddingsng

@isaac_bholu

@pulsenigeria247

@comedianebiye

@aphricanape06

@onlyinnigeria

@joroolumofin

@nothingtodoinlagos

@krakstv

@therealfemi

@uchennaji

@crazeclown 

@nedu_wazobia

@obstreetstyle

@eonline

@tobbiestouch

@ndanitv

Lemme stop here, till a next time 

Social Media Commenters

Hi all,

Been a minute, decide to stop the apologies, excuses and promises this year. So if you see here, very good,  you're most welcome to share my thoughts with you.

Recently, I've realized that a lot people are so fearful and insecure. I observed most especially with the social media buzz of freedom, how people are so quick to judge and bring people down. My Bible says, "the power of life and death is in the tongue" and it also says, "as a man thinks in his heart so is he". So, safe to say there is power in our mind and what we say with our mouth.

Scrolling through any of my social media page and i come across some very hateful, down-casting and judgmental comments on people's posts and I'm like, "why  so much hatred?!", and some other times i come across some seemingly "love hate" comments. And I'm wondering where are all these coming from. Its either they hate and are quick to judge or they throw "shady Love" that are not real in anyway. All the above mentioned are derailing in so many negative ways;
1. Its either the person being commented about suddenly gets a fame beget by lies
2. The person being commented about gets discouraged, fearful or even loose drive
3. Even the "commenter" looses a real sense of "self" and true individual identity.

Social media should not be a hate haven or a mask to bring people down under the guise of "freedom of speech or expression". I honestly find it difficult to make comments on some posts on social media cos I wouldn't want to be part of the "hate commenters gang" (*in @iamkanmi voice, check him out on IG he's hilarious). The world is full of so many coax on its own, lets not add hate or fake love to it. And remember also no matter how good or bad, you get whatever you give *please ensure its good.

If you need to make any comment, share with a simple open mind and not with the intention to bring anyone down.
Don't intend to say so much today, just thought i drop this here after all these while.
Till a next Time 

You will go through it

Hi again,

                                                          
 Its been such a big episode so far and i have no excuse for disappearing *covers face but i could't control most of the events that have been happening. I've had great days, sad days, days I was completely broken, days I thought I can't go on any more and even days I played away the hours. But, here I am again and it feels good to be back YASS! *lol

 I promise to do at least one post a week and thank you for always understanding. *hugs. Before I forget myself with all my brouhahas, I will share a major episode of breakthrough  in my Life and how I went through it. So I hope you enjoy and learn one or two from this post.

So lets get started, 2014 has come and gone but it remains a memorable year for me. Most importantly, I lost one of the most important person in my Life, my Mother. If you've been reading my posts, you'd remember a dedicated post i did on her birthday in 2013 and if you haven't read it before please see here Maami- Special Dedication. I never realized that's going to be a sojourn to the last moments with her. The 18th of May 2014, turned to the most unexpected event of my life, it indeed have turned my life around. Truly and honestly, Maami she was the closest thing to me after God (she was my "Igi lehin Ogba- Back Bone).

I remember hopping to her room in the hospital when my brother-in-law just pulled me back to tell me, "she has gone". I asked, "gone where" thinking she has been transferred to another hospital but the guy just held me strong and told me, "maami is dead!" I screamed and shouted expecting her to just walk out of the room to tell me, "if you don't stop shouting there, tin ba gba e mu" (Translation- if i get hold of you) but no one came. (she didn't show up with that stern look that puts me in order.) It felt like life has just ended for me. Long story short, i didn't know how to move on, everything stopped and all i had left was memories and watching the time tick away.

The Breaking Point

This big episode changed my whole life completely; my relationship with God was the only solace i had. I told this short tale of my life just to show that everyone of us have a breaking point and that point decides our strength or weakness. It also determines who we are or will become at the end of the day. The following are some of the things I did and realized when I went to through my episode.

                                        

Realize you have a support system-
During my own episode, I was fortunate enough to have a good support system around me, from my family, to wonderful friends, Church and my colleagues. I can't thank God enough for them but one thing I realized was that I recognized the support i had, I could easily have ignored them and be withdrawn in my Sadness but I realized and it helped me tremendously.

                                             

Accept the Truth-
Another thing I realized at this period was to accept the truth. As a daughter, my mum also happen to be my best friend, like I earlier, she was the next after God. Though she lead me to Christ and all, I comfortably trusted her and her judgement. When she passed, at some point I would speak, have an almost realistic dream of her but then I come to question myself that, "She's really gone. Trust me, accepting the truth is very hard but you need it ASAP. Don't deny your hurt, disappointment and heart breaks , cry whenever you need to. (I remember a day I cried all the way from the office till I got home). Also, find someone you can share your thought and queries with, they might not give you the perfect solution or answer but they would listen to you and that burden will be lifted off you, like the saying that "a problem shared is half solved". That situation is not the end of your journey, a destiny is still in waiting for you to achieve.

                


Don't remain there, move on-
I don't know what the situation you might be going through or must have gone through, don't remain there. The situation must not define you, it should make you stronger and better. I remember I met some of my mum's friends at the anniversary of her passing and she was like, wow!, you even look way better than when your mum was here, we thought you wouldn't be able to move on", so i guess i shocked them all cos they all kept gazing at me *chuckles. Though very hard, you need to make a decision of what you want to take away from that episode. Tell yourself the truth and bring yourself back to reality and your reality is what you decide it would be *Capish!

Make your story a Lesson-
Yes, make your own story a lesson. I guess i wouldn't be able to share my story if i haven't learnt from it. Though i miss Maami everyday and it still feels like a dream but I've come to a realization that She's in a better place and she still expects me to keep the Torch blazing. So, have it at the back of your mind that your "story is someone's lesson" and also ask yourself, "what do I want people to learn".

                                    


Have got so much to say but lemme stop here, I wouldn't want to overwhelm you with the gory details now *lol. I'm not claiming that these are the perfect solutions to whatever issues you might be going through but these are my own lessons and I'm sharing them with you *lol.
Till next time, do enjoy the best God has given you.

I remain, Olufunke and I LOVE YOU!

Shopping Things- Tips

Hello July... Hi everyone. Wow! its July already. When did we even celebrate the new year, the election and its July already. Thank God for keeping us so far and I pray that He'll continue to sustain us for a very long time.
                                          
Its July and its all shopping galore, sales, vacations and many more sales (i love the sound of sales *big grin). You can't buy enough this season and honestly, you can also regret your purchases if you are not careful. I decided to do this post cos over my many years of shopping experiences (i'm an impulse buyer by the way *covers face), I've made many mistakes, I've had great buys and I'm still trying to get better at it. I remember when I and my older sister (my partner in shopping *chuckles) would go shopping and when we get home, it's either she complains, it doesn't fit her like she expects or something is sha wrong somewhere. Trust me, I indirectly enjoy those days cos she just toss the clothes to me with a promise that I would refund her. (which I hardly do *evil grin). Anyways, having had all those ups and downs  and my compulsive love for shopping, I've been able to come up with some few tips that have helped me get by whenever I shop and I hardly regret my purchases these days.

Here we go;

1. Understand your body, your size and how you want to portray yourself by your look

Don't force it, know your body and what works for you.

                                                 
2. Its Ok to admire something on someone but don't get to impulsive to buy such item with the aim of looking like them.
3. Browse through different on-line channels to see the latest trends and styles (try blogs, IG handles, Facebook pages etc)
4. Also look around at occasions, events, work, school etc (the point is, just watch out for trends and styles people are wearing)
5. Have a budget. (I'm seriously praying and working towards not having a budget again, just shop without checking the price tag, Amen!!! lols)
6. Window shop (it does no harm), whether on-line or even in the shops, window shop to see what they have. Thank God for IG boutiques lol, you can ask the sellers direct questions and get feedbacks (some of them are rude and proud so be careful). Windowshopping will also help you tell which store is selling the original brands, imitations and the Aba made *lol Any decision you make afterwards you're OYO ooo(on your own)
7. Look out for SALESSSSSSS (shhhh Mango store is on sale)
                                               
9. Pick a comfortable day to go for a proper purchase shopping (don't rush)
10. Go with someone whose judgement you trust, not the FRENEMIES ooo, they can help guide you before you buy (i prefer to go shop alone though)
11. When you get into the store of your choice, DO NOT RUSH!!! (you know that heavenly feeling you get when you enter a store, ehen take a chill pill and breath in and out, ok!. lol)

lols

                                                               
11. Take a walk around the store. If a store assistant walk up to you, nicely tell them, "i want to take a look, will call you when i need to, thanks"
12. Remember, your budget, your size and what works for your body.
13. When you see or find what you like, check or ask for the price; don't make a final decision yet. You can hold on to it though while you keep shopping.
14. Sometimes, when you shopping you find out that some items just match even without you thinking about it, don't rush still. You can pick the items so you can try them on (but you'd need to check with the store if they allow "try on")
15. After taking good walk round the store you can now decide on what you want to buy. (CAUTION- its not a must to buy anything in the store if you're not satisfied with what you see, don't be intimidated by those irritating store assistants, na your money you wan spend)
16. Before you decide, check the price of the item (bargain down if need be or check for discounts), also check the size, color and quality of the item (preferably try on the item carefully without damaging).
17. Also have at the back of your mind, the occasion(by occasion i don't mean Party alone ooo, it could be work, school, church, etc), event or where ever you intend to wear what you intend to buy (dress according to the occasion, look the part).
18. Stay in touch with your pocket, don't over spend.

That Face you make when You've Overspent 

                                             
19. Make sure you're satisfied with whatever you buy before you leave the store.
20. Enjoy your purchase and don't forget to take a gorg selfie to show it off *big kiss
                                

*Oh! lest i forget, I sometime hear people tell me that you need to have a lot of money to shop, that's a big fat Lie. I usually have a budget and I know where to get good quality things within my budget and if I need to go a lil outside of my budget, I save up for it.

Mind you, these are from my own personal experience over time and I hope you find it helpful. This is not all about Shopping Tips, stay tuned to my updates cos I will be posting Tips on shopping On-line next.
Till then, I LOVE YOU!

Olufunke

Don't Be Afraid to DREAM BIG!

Hello guys,

Happy New Year (covers face as usual), though its past the first half of the year

I deeply apologize for making you salivate for my delicious posts for so long. Any way, i'm back now and i hope i don't disappear again *lols.

Ok, lets get into the subject of the day. My Bible says, "the vision is for an appointed time, though it tarry, it will surely come", if the Bible ever say there's a vision means there's a Dream to be accomplished. Why not dream anyway! When I say Dream, I don't mean those horrible nightmares you have during those cold and lonely nights, I mean allow your mind to explore positively and let it bring your the "purpose of your existence". I was on a BRT bus (a commuter bus in Lagos) one day and overheard some school kids discussing how they wish they were like "Davido, Wizkid etc, i turned and i told them, "Yes you can be better than all of them put together". They looked at me strangely and confused; they alighted the bus before i could start any 'lecture' *lols.

What I see these days, scare me. Every other person wants to be like someone else, when will there ever be a true version You! Strangely but true we have one way or the other have been inspired, mentored or even have had a role model at some point or the other in our lives, but guess what, those people should only remain models not an exact reflection of who God has called us to be.

In recent times, over the last months i have come to a conclusion, that there can only be the best version of You. You might not be accepted by everyone else but then you're comfortable within your skin. You're free to make mistakes (as long as you learn from them). Don't be fooled by some sayings, your mistakes actually make you stronger and even become an aspiration for some one.

My Dreams scare me, Honestly! When i think about them, i smile. God has been faithful, i've been able to align my strengths, talents, relationships and most of all God's promises upon my life and guess what, my big Dreams unfolds everyday and i'm grateful.

Lemme stop here, this is not the post i intend to work on but when i opened my dashboard after a long while and saw this unfinished post and i decided to finish it up and continue posting hence.

A sincere thanks and apologies to you, who i might have disappointed over the last couple of months. I'll definitely update you on what has been happening (things i couldn't control) but hey, i'm back, better and a lot more mature.

Till my next post, I LOVE YOU!
Olufunke

Live Life...

Hello people and oh! lets i forget, Happy New Year guys (hope its not too late). Its still February anyway so the year is pretty fresh and promising...









Recently, i listened and downloaded a free version of Cobhams "Ordinary People"... after the first time i listened to it, if i'm not exaggerating i'm sure i listened to it another 150times *coversface. I'm totally in love and sold to the song infact it brings tears to my eyes every other time i listen to it.

You can download here  Cobhams- Ordinary People *thank me later.

This song brought a lot of thoughts to my mind. I finally concluded and also asked myself, "do we really Live", "is there any Ordinary person or would anyone want to be just an Ordinary person?"
If i can flash back to my life as a girl, a lot of things, situations, friends and most especially Television shaped my thought process. These elements have directly and indirectly affected my perception of life, how it should be and how i want it. It's sad at the end of the day when i realize i'm actually living according to the precepts as determined by the media, family and friends.

 Every parent wants their children to grow up to become "lawyers, doctors, senators etc, every friend wants to be friends with the "happening guy, big girl, "Frosh guys and avoid the smellos" like we say. With all these expectations many of us have stopped living and living life the way God wants us to. Forgetting the Talents and Passions embedded in each and everyone of by God are different and our make up and differences make Us Unique. Who dare say you're not beautiful when God says "you're fearfully and wonderfully made". Smile if you feel like, dance if you're in the mood, eat, stay healthy, read, go a trip, try out an interest, meet people, be yourself..... never forget to Live.

Whats wrong with being different, unique and just ordinary. Mind you, being ordinary doesn't make you a mediocre or a nonentity. Like i said earlier, the different make-up of people make them stand out and unique. Living life is the only measure that can make us realize who we are and what and where our interests lie. Lets find our passion by Living, lets make a difference in the society by simply living. It wouldn't cost much by Living and just being ourselves rather it would end up affecting Life positively. There was a Purpose for your creation and God has given Life just so you can find it.... you only have to Live Life to Find this purpose.

 

*My Advice: Don't die without Living... Your Life has a purpose