Nigerian Power Couples - The Secrets to their Long-lasting Marriages

What has really kept them together this long? Does having lasting relationships have anything to do with working together? These couples are in the spotlight and contrary to the notion that celebrity marriages don’t last, these ones have been able to weather the storm. Probably there could be some peculiar observations that we can make.

Married for 10years+

Fela and Tara Durotoye: Fela is a motivational speaker and business coach and Tara is an Entrepreneur. Need we say more about how they help and complement each other? This is what Fela Said to Tara on their fourth wedding anniversary :

“I am committed to working with God to bring out the best you that God has put in you. I am determined on seeing all of God’s dreams for you come to pass. Today, it’s House of Tara, in a short while, the WORLD OF TARA would soon become a reality, the multi-national empire that reveals the real beauty in every woman from the four corners of the world.”

Black History Month Blog Hop - Best Of WA Romance

The final post for the Black History Month Blog Hop, hosted by Reflections of a Bookaholic and Mocha Girls Read, is here! It's purpose was to give black authors, books, and those who support them a month in the spotlight. This week focuses on the "Best of" in Black literature (or authors) and this topic runs from February 26-29th.

Leap into Books Giveaway - Your Choice from Book Depository

AND THE WINNER IS TRESSA O! CONGRATS!

Dynamic Views Now Supports Limited Blogger Gadgets

Profile Gadget

Blogger's Dynamic Views were introduced as a way to catch up to the new direction of the internet - something to do with HTML5 or something like that. I don't know much about these things, but if you've noticed, a lot of web property are adopting a stripped down look which is supposed to make the web faster and all. If you use Google a lot like me, you would have noticed it in Gmail, G+, Youtube, Blogger; and I noticed Amazon is the doing the same, and in their corner, so is Microsoft. Anyway, Dynamic Views was Bloggers front end answer after premiering the new backend sometime last year.

For now, it is still optional, but I can imagine that with time, it may become the only choice available. Don't get me wrong, I like it. I love that it has infinite scrolling and is faster for my readers. I also like that the reader can select various formats by which to interact with my blog. My reluctance to move yet is the minimal customization. Previously, the only thing available to differentiate one blog using Dynamic Views from the other was the background and maybe title font. Not any more.

Do Men Really Want Love?

There was a sub in one of Lady Ngo's blogs where she said that blogsville desperately needs more men. I replied that I also wonder why there aren't more male personal bloggers. Because I think ladies need to hear more about life from a male POV.

Well, a female writer on Naijastories shared a short and sweet story titled "The Perfect Gift" on what it is men may want. She says she wrote this in May of 2008, but it was published on Valentine's Day because that seemed like the perfect time to share it.  The moral of the story is that all men want is a kiss and a cuddle. Now, male readers may have a different opinion. Read and let me know what you think.

Chioma and Tita Obii-Obioha - Take Time for Romance

Today's guest is Chioma of Love. 'n Words.com. She says of one of the reasons she started her blog, "my family will tell you that I am a hopeless romantic. I love love LOVE “love” and coming up with little romantic ideas. So, I figured that I would channel all that romantic energy to a blog that celebrates love and romance in a fun and passionate way." She is currently running a series of thank you's to her husband as a pledge to Twenty days of Good Good Lovin'. Enjoy her marriage avowals below.

Oscar Best Picture is The Artist and Fabulous Red Carpet Couples

I have watched six of the nine movies nominated for the Oscars this year and I saw The Artist last, just last weekend. However, it is my tip to win best picture at the Oscars this evening, it was amazing! I heard so much about the movie floating around that I just had to see it. The film is shot on black and white and is basically silent, with subtitles at key moments. The story itself starts in 1927 and runs through to 1932 spanning the American Great Depression which is subtly referenced in the movie. Why am I rooting for the the movie? It is a fantastic movie and it is in my favorite genre - romantic comedy/drama

When in Love, Age is just a Number. Isn't it?

 

Now, let's put aside visa issues and whether that was the reason for the couple above to get hitched. What I want to ask is; Is it impossible for a young man to fall in love and marry an older woman and vice versa? I think that though it is uncommon, it does happen sometimes. Say the older woman is independent and takes care of herself, and that is what the younger guy needs in his woman. Or an older man is much more mature and has a ecletic knowledge, and that is what the younger woman finds attractive in men. I know age differences beyond 30 years may be pushing it, but surely 15 to 20 years is not so bad?

There are things that attract people to each other apart from looks, and really, apart from what society expects, age is usually the last thing on one's mind when we're talking basic attraction. Let's imagine this scenario, you see a guy, he looks OK, and you both strike up a conversation which goes on and on... you feel so comfortable and in tune with each other. Or a guy meets a woman, she is a fantastic cook and very caring, maybe he was in hospital and she's a nurse or doctor. When do they ask each other their ages? What if they had already fallen in love by then?

Make Each Day Count For Good - The Winning Story

Do you remember the Make Each Day Count For Good contest? It was set up some time ago by Dianah's Place to encourage writing and reading in Nigeria. The winner of the contest was recently announced and I think this story totally deserved to win. It is titled 10seconds. Keep a hanky ready, you may need it by the time you finish this.

My Bouari Weight Loss Experience Day 28 - Three Days to Go

So I have to report that this week has not been the greatest. After losing weight consistently for the first two and half weeks, I am still yo-yoing since my monthly visitor.  My current weight is 140lbs though it was 138 yesterday. I wish I got a picture of that :(

The good thing is that I feel so much better about myself. In the picture above, taken soon after I arrived in the US in March 2009, I was wearing one of my old dresses, one I bought back in Edinburgh when I was still tiny from study and part-time job stress. I was already adding weight back then and after that, I haven't worn that dress, which is almost three years. I tried it on last weekend and though it was a bit tight, it was more like a slinky look. I kept preening in front of the mirror, lol...

Hazel Muses - Keep the flames burning…no matter what!

My guest today is Hazel Muses of 21st Century Career Mom. In addition she is the CEO of Beddings and Beyond. On her profile she says, "I love life. I love God. I never want to take both for granted." What I love about Hazel's blogs are how down to earth they usually are, about marriage and about family. They show she doesn't take her wife and mother roles for granted either, but at the same time, she makes time to catch some fun. Enjoy her marriage avowals below.

Kindle Fire Giveaway - US Only

Are you ready to Ignite the Fire? 7 on a Shoestring and Adventures of a Military Family of 8 are co-hosting this great event and I have teamed up with them and 27 other bloggers to bring you this Kindle Fire Giveaway. With movies, apps, games, music, reading and more, the Kindle Fire is the hottest e-reader available and you could win it here!

Tips for a Great First Date Conversation - Erica St. Claire

So you have a first date on the horizon and you’ve spent a good three and half hours (and about a month’s rent) getting dolled up enough to leave your date speechless the moment he lays eyes on you.  No matter how fantastic you look, however, all of your efforts will be done in vain if you are struggling to communicate with the guy.  So that you don’t find yourself caught up in bad conversation or hearing crickets accompanied by the gulping down of your own wine to pass the seconds, be sure to check out the following tips for great first date conversation:

Live Theatre on Sunday: Season 2 - Grip Am by Ola Rotimi

Are you usually out of ideas for Sunday outings? The recent resurgence in the appreciation of the arts inspired the birth of Live Theatre on SundayTM, a repertory project with the intent to promote theatre going culture in Nigeria. They kicked off in April 2008 and the first season of the project featured the production of Song of a Goat and The Wives' Revolt written by J.P.Clark- Bekederemo starring Gabriel Afolayan, Omonor Imorbhio, Ego, Ireti Doyle, Yinka Davies and some other actors.

Don't miss Season 2 featuring the production of Grip Am, a pidgin English comedy, written by the Late Ola Rotimi with such celebrities as Gordons, Matse Uwaste, Igos,Wale Amusa, Debra Uche Nwaohiri and others. The event will hold at the New Unity Centre, 28, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, from Sunday February 12, 2012 and through all Sundays to Easter Weekend, April 6-8.

Oyi Remix: Flavour ft. Tiwa Savage - Romance Meets Music

This is a new feature where I'll be sharing the music videos of love songs I'm feeling. This one, Oyi (cold in Igbo) is a collabo between Flavour and Tiwa Savage. Flavour, I never heard of until recently when a blogger was gushing over him. In one of her recent posts, Nwunye describes how pants disappear at concerts. I don't really find him that much of an eye candy, but his music is kinda earthy, good if you like highlife, which I do. On Tiwa, I like her Kele Kele Love, but the others and her videos are just there.

This video is a light-hearted one, not much of a story, but they were obviously having fun. I loved the last moments where they were laughing and Flavour was goofing about. Enjoy...

That Which Had Horns - Miriam Shumba (Guest Author)

Miriam Shumba is originally from Zimbabwe and though she now lives in the United States, her second book, That Which has Horns, is set in her native country. She says writing the story was like going home and while she is inspired to write about each place she visits, mostly, stories from Africa come more naturally. Miriam is also a Christian and was excited to find books with Christian themes and characters when she moved to America, and now that is what she feels comfortable writing too. They inspired her and she felt their power in how the characters trusted God to overcome and have victory. Enjoy our interview below;

The Tuface Valentine Proposal - Marrying a Person with a Present Past?

Most of you must have seen this news around of Tuface proposing to his longtime girlfriend, and the mother of one of his children, on Valentine's day. I was a bit conflicted when I read about it. On one hand, the romantic in me was like, awww... that's so sweet. However, my more logical head couldn't stop with the snark. What are you thinking? Romantic, my foot. Are you sure those are tears of joy? What about the other baby mamas? Isn't one of them actually pregnant right now? I couldn't help wondering if Tuface hadn't burned his boats on the romance front, and should just keep a low profile.

So this has been a topic with friends over the years, and I'll like if you can discuss with me. Should a person's history be held against them in a relationship? This is especially pertinent when that past is still present in the form of children, known exes, and/or baby mamas.

Couples Should do things Together - Gift "Muma Gee" Uwame

Gift Uwame popularly known as MumaGee has been described as Nigeria's foremost stage queen. Muma and her husband met on Sunday, June 13, 2010 at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Victory Chapel) in Magodo GRA during the Thanksgiving service of her friend and actor, Emeka Ike. They got married a year and a half later in December of 2011. Enjoy her marriage avowals below.

Picture Weekend - Down the Chicago Memory Lane

These are pictures we took during a week's vacation to Chicago to visit some of Atala's friends, and generally just to chill. We booked to see a couple of musuems, do some touristy thingies, like bus tours and boat cruises and off we went. This was before I started this blog by the way.

Chicago is an amazing city and we had a great time, ended up also taking in the Jazz and Blues scene at a lounge close the Sheraton where we stayed. I especially loved the Millenium park and Buckingham Fountain. The Sky Deck on the Willis Tower was also awesome, as was Navy Pier. Enjoy some of the pictures, and the rest of your weekend.

Uncut - 100 Versatile Poems: Anne Famuyiwa (Guest Author)

Omolola Anne Famuyiwa is a media and public relations specialist, relationship coach, child rights advocate, public speaker and author. In addition to consulting for public relations, media and nongovernmental organisations, she serves as the Project Director of Cares Global Network (CGN), and the Publisher of Divine Connection for mature singles and Willows Magazine (WM) for young people. At CGN, the goal is in the tagline - impacting lives, one mind at a time. The DC goal is to make networking purposeful, while WM promotes the youth's right to write; so the slogan is "we live to write and write to live".

Omolola's collection of poetry has recently been published in Nigeria and is titled, Uncut. The Book Launch is 2PM-5PM and reviewer is Mrs. Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, OON. Address: AHI Residence, 19 Lawal Str., Off Oweh, Jibowu Lagos. “UNCUT is a book straight from the author’s heart. It is drama, hymn, lyric, song, rhythm, melody, satire, soliloquy… It is a fusion of thoughts and experiences. It mirrors raw imagery from the author’s mind”. The author was kind enough to agree to an interview with me. Enjoy...

Sex on the First Date - What's the Big Deal?

First published on Naijastories.com by Greatness4life

I’m sure all the 'Holier than thou peeps' are about to get their panties in a bunch just from the title alone, but, nonetheless I’m here to talk about having sex. And doing it on the first date - I mean doing it hard on the first date. I’m a 21st century woman, and a lover of sex.

I don’t consider myself an "ashawo" or anything like that but I do believe in sexual freedom, meaning if I want to have sex, I simply do gorgeously. I don’t need permission or clearance to do so. I’m sure some people have already called me names from my statement, but whatever.

I was having a discussion with a few friends over drinks (that’s when everyone was honest) and the issue of sex on the first date came up.

Why I hate Religion but love Jesus - Jefferson Bethke speaks my mind

I don't usually like discussing topics on faith because mine is deeply personal to me and I understand it can be the same for others. I also know we are all given different and individual measures of faith. When I say I believe in Jesus Christ and the Word of God, some people think I'm talking about religion and I understand that too. But I think they're two different things, and that is why we can have religious extremists who do things against the tenets of their faith, or what they are supposed to believe.

My Bouari Weight Loss Experience Day 22 - Still Doing it

The days are really slipping past quickly now that the end is in sight. Over three weeks gone and just about a week and a couple of days left before I come to the end of the program. Some days have not been as good as others but I think generally it has been not too difficult. During the last few days as I tended to my visitor, I hit another plateau and I think that kind of discouraged me.

I was yoyoing between 141 and 142 pounds for all week, and I ate some things I shouldn't have, sure, there was no excuse, but sha, I felt I was being too hard on myself. Anyway, the verdict is out and I've crossed the 140lbs mark. I can't remember the last time I was that weight, it must be like a year ago, if not more. So, I'm very happy as it seems my goal of 135lbs is doable after all.

Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway - Who's been Good?

Winners are Demi and Ginger for the Phone Call, and Tamie, Judy and Wanda get the eBooks. Thanks everyone.

The Random Acts of Kindness giveaway hop is hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer and several blogs are taking part, with lots of amazing gifts, Check the full list of participants. There are two prizes on offer,

1. 2 people will receive a phone call from me to discuss anything they wish - 5mins
2. 3 people will receive eBooks of my A Love Rekindled

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston on Glee

I just watched this episode of Glee online and I was blown away by the rendition of Whitney Houston's “I Will Always Love You” by Amber Riley's character, Mercedes. Mercedes is in a love triangle and sang the song in this scene with one of the guys that liked her. I'm only watching that episode today because we went out for a movie on Valentine's day when it aired. I watched the full show on the FOX website but you can see the Youtube Clip below.

Public Displays of Affection - Only for the Married and Engaged?

 Joke Silva and husband, Olu Jacobs

Just last week we were talking about American style romance being the new standard of dating, and Ginger raised an interesting point.

If anything, the reticence displayed by a good number of African men towards showing affection in public (compared to the privacy of the bedroom- not even living room)is the African stylee. So 'thumbs up' to those who are willing to be Western and even say 'you are burriful' to their girl in public.

I am of the opinion that for most young Nigerians dating in cities around the world tend towards the western or hollywood depiction of romance. However, Ginger is right that majority are still more conservative than is typical in say, London or New York. This I think reflects the traditional culture of most Nigerian communities, where marriages are arranged between families, as well as the colonial and religious history that wanted women to be chaste virgins.

I get to spend the rest of forever with my best friend - Kelly Westover

My guest for today is Kelly from Life is a balancing act, a lifestyle blog all about living, loving and designing your life. Kelly describes it as "Where I generally babble about my quirky thoughts, perspective on mama-hood, my spastic designers eye, some tasty treats and my adorable son, Quinn.". I found Kelly's blog on one of those blog hops, and really liked her bubbly personality and the pictures. Oh, the pictures!

Enjoy her marriage avowals and some baby cuteness overload below :)

Black Love - Kiru Taye's His Treasure (Historical Romance)

My guest author today is Kiru Taye. Kiru is a founding member of the Romance Writers of West Africa and her Trilogy, Men of Valor, is published bu Breathless Press. Kiru Taye writes steamy contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. Her debut historical romance novella His Treasure is a Love Romances Cafe Best Book of 2011 award-winner and an All Romance eBooks bestseller in Historical Ancient romance category. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, hanging out with family or travelling. She lives in the UK with her husband and two young children. You can reach her via her blog,Facebook,Twitter, and Goodreads.

Some Songs Lovening Up my Valentine - Enjoy

There are four videos from Musiq Soulchild, Olumide, Estelle, and Tyrese but my favorite is this one with the chorus below. Today is my third wedding anniversary and the answer remains YES.

When 2 or 3 years from now
you start having some doubts
about if this love will last
The answer is yes...

Musiq Soulchild - Yes

Happy Valentine's Day and Giveaway Winners

This was the e-card sent to me by Lady Ngo and I really loved it. She mentioned Atala too, so I shared it with him. I hope you all have a lovely and loving day. Happy Valentine's Day all.

The Winners of the With Love Giveaway are;

A Love Rekindled - Pendo and Miki
A Heart to Mend - Sally and Savannah
Always and Forever, Love - Okeoghene

He was very Persistent - Charles Nelson Carter and June Eileen Davis

This story was sent in by Sally Stackhouse in response to the With Love Valentine Giveaway. I asked people to talk about the longest marriage they know about and Sally shared the marriage story of her parents though she wasn't eligible for the book, Always and Forever, Love - Success Stories of Marriage 20+years Strong by Otis G. Sanders (BTW, you can still enter for this giveaway - open to US residents). She later sent in the photos so I could share it with everybody.

My Bouari Weight Loss Experience Day 18 - Spa and Lunch out

Just a short update here. I'm still sticking to the plan, cutting back on the calories, but bulking up on the proteins, fruits and vegetables. It is still working, my current weight as shown above is 142.6lbs. I think it could've been better, but my cycle is wreaking havoc with me now, and I feel as bloated and constipated as a hippo (sorry hippo!)

Anyways, this past weekend marked the beginning of our anniversary thingies, and so I took Atala out for a spa treatment. Zouzou's Musings suggested that idea in reply to my What are you getting your love for Valentine post (thanks dearie). I made it a surprise, told him we were going for a walk and brunch. He laughed when we got to the spa place and so I knew I got it right. We definitely both enjoyed the amazingly relaxing full body massage. The venue was a lake front, and while we didn't have the awesome view during the massage, it was part of the foot soak and paraffin hand treatment. Wonderful, I tell you.

The New Standard for Dating - American Style Romance

Anytime I watch romantic Nollywood movies, I am always irritated; the couples act western for reasons I don’t understand. In such movies, when the lover boy – usually played by Ramsey Noah or Desmond Elliot (for the past fifty years!) – talks to his lady, his accent and intonation automatically becomes American. Likewise, the ladies try to “westernize” their behaviours, replying with their own yankee accents, twisting and playing with their hair, and laughing at EVERY joke the guy makes with a kind of “babyish” , “shyish” , cute , but yet hysterical laughter. 

Whitney Houston is Dead - Where do broken hearts go?

I was out most of today running errands and had not time to check my social media on my BB. Back home, I opened up my laptop, and what were all my Facebook friends talking about? RIP, Whitney Houston. What?! Yes, it is true. She passed away this evening at her hotel. She was just 48.

Nonplussed does not describe how I feel now. I didn't burst into tears like I did when Micheal Jackson died, but I'm close. I know she had her problems, but she has always been one of my favorites, and I was looking forward to the day I would go see her sing in concert. Hmm...another huge talent is gone. I hope she is now able to find the peace that eluded her here on earth.

With Love, Valentine's Day Blog Hop Giveaway

It's time for the love giveaway! The Valentine's Day Blog Hop is hosted by the Blog Hop Spot, with several other authors and bloggers taking part and lots of prizes to be won - see the full list of participants in the blog hop. To enter this contest, you have to be a follower of my blog either by Google Friend Connect, Facebook or Twitter. What's up for grabs?

Facebook Parenting - Father shoots Daughters Laptop

Do you think he went too far? The man seemed pretty upset in the video as he read the supposed posting his daughter made on her Facebook page before he went ahead to shoot the laptop. Of course, some of the stuff the daughter wrote were quite offensive, but to be honest, they're the kind of thoughts that pass through a lot of teenage minds. She thinks her parents are overworking her with home chores, and expresses a wish to be paid. Her mistake this time was posting those thoughts garnished with bad language for the amusement of her Facebook friends.

The dad is in IT and no, no..he didn't go snooping into the laptop, lol. I think that was why it was so painful for him. Old man spent 6 hours fixing the laptop, and $130 dollars updating the software so the daughter can do her schoolwork, and then replies from her FB pop up ridiculing his parenting. Not fair. He says his daughter is spoiled and I don't disagree that she needs discipline, but shooting the laptop? Hmmm...looked like overkill to me.

Dear Myne - I'm not Sure he's being Honest

Good day. Please I need some advice.

Some years ago, my ex-fiance got a girl pregnant and married her. I was hurt. I knew I needed time to trust again so I haven't been in a relationship for over 3 years. Early last year I was attracted to a potential boyfriend's best friend and to avoid issues I remained just friends with both of them. Met the guy I was attracted to again in late last year and the feelings came up again. I decided to open my heart again and I fell for him. He is a very principled guy, loves God, hasn't pressured me for sex but a part of me just feels that he isn't telling me something.

I met his Dad this new year and he invited me to a family gathering but I didn't go. My guy took offence and called me personally to express his anger. Instead of feeling like I was loved and accepted by his family, a part of me just felt that something wasn't right. My "boyfriend" is very secretive about his family so I did a little research and found out that his mum was a high ranking official and they were very conservative people, so I understood.

Success Stories of Marriages 20+ years Strong - Behind the Book

My Review: You remember how the other day we were discussing whether divorce was trending and Atilola pointed out that a lot of marriages were still going strong despite the stats. This book is a perfect example of this, and it is quite encouraging to know that these are real people like me, living everyday lives. The books is a coffeetable book, with wonderful full page pictures of the couples, and by the other side, their stories and the marriage lessons are well perfectly distilled. While the photography is amazing, what has me often opening the book to one couple or the other are the nuggets they share. The oldest couple, married 73 years are so cute!

You have read the first part of this interview with Otis Sanders, the author of Always and Forever, Love. In this part, he shares what motivated him to embark on a love and marriage project.

His crazy sense of humor keeps me on my toes - Kemi Macaulay-Newman

Kemi Macaulay-Newman, the founder of 9jamom.com, has known her husband Uche Newman for almost 7years now having dated him for about 3years before they got married. She says, "It just hit me we've actually spent all 3 anniversaries - the most recent one; another road trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. - with our son, lol! OK, next one has to be alone, geez!" With this, I wanted to know how this affected their relationship as a married couple. Enjoy Kemi's marriage avowals below;

I found love in a way I could never ever imagine - Real Love Story

This post was sent in by Atoskin of Life and Living Blog. She really enjoyed the Real Love Stories last February and wanted to share her love story with my blog readers too as a testimony. Enjoy her story;

I met "my timekeeper" as I fondly call him through his uncle. His uncle and my mum attend the same church so we have known them over the years. As a matter of fact, his uncle and my mum belong to the same society in church. After my last bloody break up, I decided that I would take my time and let God choose for me.

My Bouari Weight Loss Experience Day 13 - What I'm eating

This will be a short report since it's not been so long since I updated. Not much has been happening but after our grocery shopping this last weekend, I've been able to switch up my meals and I'm loving it. There was this particular recipe in the booklet that was new to me and which I wanted to try. Except in the occasional Greek lasagna, and the usual fried, scrambled and boiled eggs or omelette, I hardly ever use eggs in cooking. So Huevos Rancheros sounded like just the thing.

Always and Forever, Love: Otis G. Sanders (Guest Author)

As part of the Black History Month book bloggers hop organized by Mocha Girls Read. This week is about business related topics pertaining to black authors. And so my guest author today is Otis G Sanders, a lovely African American man I met at the Los Angeles Black Book Expo where I did my first book Signing. He bought a copy of AHTM because he had visited Lagos before and wanted a contemporary take of the city in a novel. He also told me about his book project on love and marriage, and we decided to keep in touch. The book project was completed late last year and I was blown away when I received my copy of Always and Forever, Love: Success stories of 20+ years strong.

Follower Love Giveaway - My Sweet Valentines!

Happy Valentine's Day {in advance} to you all. So many good things have happening on my blog this year that I missed the exact time I passed the 1000 followers mark. But no worries, This month of love is a good time as any to show my appreciation for how you made my book, A Heart to Mend and A Love Rekindled, bestselling novels at various retail outlets. Thanks for all the support of commenting regularly too.

The Follower Love giveaway hop is hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer and several blogs are taking part, with lots of amazing gifts, Check the full list of participants. Entries close February 14, and I'll announce the winner here on the 15 and also send an email.

The Marriage Avowal Series - Talli Roland - Patience is definitely the key!

Talli Roland says of herself on her blog, "When I'm not slurping coffee or wine, I write humorous romantic fiction." Her best selling novels, The Hating Game, Watching Willow Watts, and Build a Man, are available on Amazon. She is also the author of the 24 HOURS travel guides under the name Marsha Moore. Enjoy her marriage avowals below.

My Best Superbowl Commercials - Couple Love

I confess, I do not follow American football, nor do I watch the superbowl, but since moving to the US, I've gone from complete ignorance, to at least knowing what it's all about. And the major thing I like about the whole media blitz that comes along with the finals is the ad segment. Some of the commercials can be so good. As usual, I've just watched most of them, the good and the bad, and below are my favorites. They are about love and relationships :)

What are you getting your love for Valentine?

I am so stumped I may just stick with a simple card like the one above. Any ideas?

And what are YOU getting for your sweetheart?

Introducing the LagosMums website

Lagos Mums is an online parenting community for mothers and parents. We are dedicated to helping the typical Lagos Mum find answers to a questions, meet other mums, share ideas, advice and experiences, get information on education and events in the city and equip each other with information on the ever evolving task of motherhood. We also use it as a forum to encourage women owned businesses.

We believe that this would not only be a platform where you can share your thoughts about being a Mum but a place where we can all help each other to be better people; a place where we can survive in the city of Lagos as mums a bit more easily. 

Do you love Fashion, Live in Nigeria, Want to have a Reality Show?

I think these days, a lot of people tick all those boxes. I saw this on Seriously Doughnut's blog and just loved the graphics of the campaign. I think they must have had a great creative director, the idea is on point, as is the photoshoot, video and everything. And then of course, there is the giveaway, who doesn't like a free lunch. Well, all the best to those fashionistas in Nigeria!

Where is our Safe Haven? Guest post by Chinwe Obi

I wept as I listened to Chaz B’s Sharing Life Issues on Inspiration FM and the topic of discussion was “Incest”. I still shudder with goose bumps on my arms as I write this article. This is the kind of things that we read in the papers as they only happen in the western world “or maybe it used to happen here and people don’t speak much about it”. We are definitely not used to hearing of cousins, uncles, e.t.c sexually abusing the younger wards that they are responsible for protecting.

I remember growing up as a child in my family home; I felt so much peace, comfort and love from my parents, this is exactly how every child should feel, your home should be a safe haven for you, but the topic of discussion on the Chaz B show has shattered that belief for me.

My Bouari Weight Loss Experience - Day 9: Doing it Right

Sorry to those following these posts. I was supposed to update yesterday but was overtaken by some errands which spilled over into today. Anyway, I have some good and bad news to report. As you can see from the picture above, I've lost some more weight. So this makes a total of 8.6 pounds that I have lost so far. That is the good news. The bad news was, yesterday, I was at 146.4 and had been hovering between that and 147 for the previous two days. My weight loss had plateaued, and this was days ahead of what was usually the case. Why, you ask? I wasn't really following the meal plan in the program booklet.

I had an appointment with my health consultant yesterday, and as it happened, the founder of the Bouari program who drew up the nutrition plan, Dr. Carol Ann Chaney-Bouari, was there. The health consultant for the Tukwila branch of the program, Alan, was also there. It was a very interesting hour or so, as we really went into the plan in the booklet, with the sample menu and the acceptable food list.

Black History Month Around Town - Letter to an Old Master

Today's post was suggested by a dear follower on my Facebook page and here on the blog too. On my first black history post, Sally called my attention to this letter of note that has been going round the internet and wondered if I could feature it. I checked it out and read the entire letter on Letters of Note. This blog hop post is supposed to be about black history month events in your city, state, or on the web. I think this fits perfectly. My thoughts and feelings are inserted between the paragraphs, please share yours.