Mercy Johnson - Motherhood Changes Women

It's so sweet that Mercy Johnson is still gushing about love in her marriage, and how she is enjoying being a new mother. She seems to be keeping it real too, and her transition to motherhood has made her more down to earth and encouraged her to give to others who may not be as privileged. In a recent interview, she talks about the things close to her heart right now;

Good Relationships Don't Just Happen

Real Housewives' Nene Leakes Remarries Her Husband Gregg

Nene Leakes is someone I had previously seen more of in the NBC comedy The New Normal, but I also knew she came to fame as being on the cast of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. During our last vacation, I got to watch several episodes of the RHOA reunion. One of story strands was that Nene had just got engaged to her husband, Gregg Leakes, whom she had divorced after they had some issues, and they would be walking down the aisle again soon.

Movie Trailer - Torn by Moses Inwang

I just checked the producer, Moses Inwang's body of work on IrokoTV and I've seen Behind the Melody and Damage. I loved the message and story line in BTM with Ini Edo much better but both movies are well shot and lack the spare tyres that drag down a lot of Nollywood movies.

A Web Series by Gbenga Salu - 10:10 Episode 1 - 4

I started this webseries last week and was immediately captivated. The series great storyline, and wonderful actors Evaezi Ogoro, Tope Gbenga-Salu, Emmanuel Ifenna-Kings and Francis Azubuike. Some of the character portraits are below.

Only A Douchebag Wants Just Your Waist - On Iyanya and Yvonne Nelson

What do you do when all a man you have fallen in love with wants from you is your waist? That was the dilemma the sender of one of the last Dear Myne posts found herself in. A lot of the comments told her to either tell the man off, or just move on. Some called any guy who wants a woman just for sex a douchebag, and I agree, somewhat.

Dear Myne - Girls Always Keep Putting Me In The Friend Zone

Now I seriously don't know what is wrong but every lady I meet and want something serious from, relationship, they place me on the friendship zone, they only comment that am a nice guy with a good character and so on, but it just ends there.

Having The Courage To Live and Love Again

By Gracie

In life, you may have gone through bitter and ugly relationships. Maybe you were just treated unfairly or things just didn’t work out as planned even when you gave it your all and you felt really hurt. There are also times when you had seen the handwriting on the wall, but you just hate to face the truth, giving all kind of excuses and yet things still didn’t work out.

Love Takes Two - A Short Film

Love Takes Two is a very short film that captures the thin line between love and dysfunction quite accurately. At what point does pride and unforgiveness creepingly become a killer of your love? Do you know when to stoop to let love win? Enjoy :)

Five Top Black Actresses Chat With Oprah on Skin Color

Colorism can be about the shade of your skin relative to others in your own race, or it can be about race itself. On the same theme as that of Dark Girls, and how skin color can affect self-esteem and the opportunities available to one, Oprah has invited five of the top black actresses in Hollywood to speak on their experiences working there.

D-Black - Black Clouds ft. Waje (Music Video Romance)

By Jove, this is the saddest music video I've seen in a long, long while. Jeez...by the half-way point you'll have goose bumps on your skin, and if you're soft-hearted, tears may even join the party. The only grouse, Waje's voice was a bit too auto-tuned. Great story, and capable rap delivery and lyrics by D-Black. Another marvelous Nigeria-Ghana collabo. See MI and Becca here.

Sunday and Toyin Adewale - Money Helps You Enjoy Marriage

Toyin Adewale is a popular Nollywood (Yoruba) actress. She has been married to her husband,Sunday for over 20 years. The couple met while studying and since then their relationship, which moved quickly into marriage, has produced three lovely children and remarkable success in their chosen career in Nollywood. In this interview, they share the gains of marriage and working together in the same industry.

Pastor Kumuyi Speaks On Non-Essential Church Traditions

This is a video of Pastor GF Kumuyi the founder of Deeper Life Bible Church addressing members of the church in the United States about what church traditions are essential, and which are not. He uses personal anecdotes and bible passages to buttress his point that some traditions should be allowed to pass away so that latter day revelations can be used to build the church.

Dear Myne - My Boyfriend Has Proposed But I Have Big Doubts

Dear Myne, I hope you see this quickly and respond as soon as you can. Post it on your blog if possible cos i need other people to comment and advise me about this issue. I have been dating this guy for a while now. Quite frankly, its been a turbulent time for us both but especially for me. we have had serial arguments, quarrels, break-ups and every time we broke up i would swear it to be the last and even get to dating other guys but he always comes back and somehow we are still together.

Kate Middleton Dresses Down Her Bump in High Street Fashion

Most of the time, Kate Middleton is photographed at official engagements wearing her Sunday Best as some of us call it. But off the clock, she is a very down to earth shopper and dresser and these photos show her in high street dresses including Topshop, Asos and others.

One Woman's Experience Growing Up Dark-Skinned in Nigeria

By Funmi

Been reading a lot about being dark skinned on the blog so much now,I remember the past.

I am black. So black, my nicknames growing up were Ebony, Goliwog(after d famous goliwog doll from the enid blyton stories) and dudu (in secondary school).

House of Tara Launches 100 Voices Book

Nigerian beauty brand, House of Tara International, launched its highly anticipated book House of Tara 100 Voices in an exclusive event on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at The Four Points Hotel by Sheraton. Present at the event were senior executives of Blue Chip companies, financial institutions, Lagos State government and members of the diplomatic corps.

President Obama Visits Slave Port in Senegal with Family

The Obama family are touring Africa for the next few days, partly on business and partly for pleasure, and no, they won't be stopping in Nigeria. They are currently in Senegal and spent some time visiting the Senegalese island where centuries ago, Africans were shipped across the Atlantic into slavery in the Americas. Obama says visiting Goree Island Thursday with his family has helped them fully appreciate the magnitude of the slave trade, and calls it a "powerful moment".

Kim Kardashian's Baby Picture

What a cute baby! This is Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner way back when. Kris shared this picture on Instagram today for throwback Thursday. Since baby North West is said to resemble Kim Kardashian, I'm guessing she looks not too different from baby Kim.

Men Experience Domestic Violence Too - Lamentations Of A Battered Husband

By Bayo Olupohunda

I have known him for two years. He is one of those distant neighbours who had through casual interactions become a friend.  In the months that we lived together in the same neighbourhood and when we occasionally ran into one another, our conversation never went beyond the usual inquiry about the weather or the offhand question: “How is your family?”  As a casual friend and neighbour, I had observed him from a distance. He was introverted and easy-going, almost self-effacing. I knew him as someone who minded his business. He never got into trouble with anyone. That was as far as our friendship went until a year ago when I began to see him with a lady.

Dear Myne - We're Friends With Benefits But I Want More?

Dear Myne, I am dating this guy and it’s a long distance relationship. He’s in a different state from me. Well for a couple of months, he hasn’t called or even texted me. We have been dating for ten months now and I last saw him December. When he decides to call me with night call, its only for sex chats and once he’s done he tells me it’s late that I should go to bed and he cuts the line.

10 Types of Sex That May Not Be Good For You

By Brooke Dean

My new favorite show on ABC is called Mistresses. I know…sounds scandalous – and it is – and like most guilty pleasures, it involves sex. Lots of it. You have women who get too much of it, not enough of it or who get it from the wrong person, ie: NOT their husbands or someone else’s husband. While it may seem to some that sex is sex and getting it can never be a bad thing, there can be a such thing as the wrong kind of sex. Think you know the difference between healthy and unhealthy sex? See if you’ve ever participated in any of the following…and if it was good or bad for you.

Magazine Covers - Omotola on Fashion & Lifestyle

I could say she's rocking her curves like I did in this post, but that'll just be repeating myself. Nice cover, and plenty gist in that magazine, it seems :)

11 Ways To Boost Self Esteem For Your Dark-Skinned Daughter

The Oprah Winfrey Network asked two dozen African-American psychologists—student and professional members of The Association of Black Psychologists—to share their best advice for raising strong, confident girls. Below are some of their responses;

British Ambassador to Nigeria Says £3,000 Bond Is Only A Trial

Nigeria is not happy about the British plan to force visitors from the country to provide a cash bond of £3,000 before they can enter Britain. The Nigerian foreign minister, Olugbenga Ashiru said as much when he met the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Andrew Pocock, days after the announcement.

Idris Elba To Play Nelson Mandela in Biopic

Idris Elba fronts the posters of the upcoming movie biopic of Nelson Mandela based on the autobiography; Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. The story follows the freedom fighter's journey from childhood to his election as president of South Africa, and will be starring Idris Elba as Mandela, with fellow Brit Naomie Harris (Bond's colleague in Skyfall) as his wife Winnie Mandela.

Dear Myne - My Parents Won't Accept My Older Fiance

Hello Myne..... I'm 28 and a single parent. My son is 8yrs old. I'm in love with a much older man. We've known since 2011, he has proposed, honestly I accepted, because I care so much about him. I'm young, independent, self employed. My parents won't accept and I've had more than enough heart breaks from younger guys. Please dear Myne, he is 53 and divorced. Please advice.

The US Supreme Court Strikes Down Defense of Marriage Act

Edie Windsor

After months of deliberation, the US Supreme Court justices have finally passed their judgement in favor of all legally married gays and lesbians in the various US states where gay marriage is legal, including here in Washington State. The decision says that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional for denying federal benefits to married gays and lesbians.

Carpe Diem - Seize The Day!

By Gracie

Many times in life, we are always waiting on some future events, some better times or some perfect set of circumstances before we can find happiness or contentment. We always try to rush things never trying to enjoy the process or stage we are in at any point in life. Life is a process; let’s learn to take things slowly.

Persecuted For Being Gay in Nigeria

To add a "back home" feel and face to the DOMA discussion, allow me to share the story of Bisi Alimi, a Nigerian male homosexual who currently lives in the UK after being persecuted for appearing on live TV - New Dawn with Funmi Iyanda, back in 2004. Bisi currently lives with his partner, and cannot return to Nigeria.

6 Things You Should Never Say To Your Dark-Skinned Daughter

OWN asked two dozen African-American psychologists—student and professional members of The Association of Black Psychologists—to answer the question, "What should you never say to your dark-skinned daughter?" Below is a curated list of the answers some of them gave in response. These words should not just be avoided with children, but adults also.

OJB Jezreel Speaks About Fundraising For His Kidney Transplant

I confess that while I was sorry for OJB Jezreel when I first read the news of needing a kidney transplant due to renal failure, I was also disappointed and irritated that he was raising funds from the public. I felt it was beneath him, and may showcase the irresponsibility of celebrities in general and Nigerian money-come-quickly people in general.

Couple Love - Keri Hilson and Serge Ibaka

Keri Hilson has been in a sweet romance with Oklahoma City Thunder player Serge Ibaka for almost a year now. Keri and Serge are not shy being in public together, and appear to be very happy with each other in the pictures that come up of them. Serge Ibaka is African - born in Congo - and Keri is down with his culture, to the extent of making fufu for them to eat :)

Magazine Covers - Chidinma Ekile on Complete Fashion

Chidinma Ekile, who arrived in the spotlight via the Project Fame TV Show route, went on to win the Best Female Act for West Africa for her single 'Kedike' at last year's KORA Awards. Since then, she continues to shine brightly. Lovely cover.

Did John Kumuyi's Wedding to Love Odih Take Place in the Deeper Life Church?

A comment from another member of the Deeper Life Bible Church to the friend who attended the wedding and wrote a defense of Love Odih [HERE] got me thinking if people may be blaming this couple unnecessarily. As much as I searched however, I could not find a venue for the wedding. If it turns out that John Kumuyi and Love Odih are no more deeper life members, and did not wed in the Deeper Life Church, dos that make everything OK? Read on for the rebuttal.

DBanj and Friends at the DKM Concert in Lagos (PHOTOS)

Dbanj was the headline act at his latest D'KingsMen -DKM Concert in Lagos last weekend. He was joined on stage by American rapper 2Chainz and reality TV actress Kenya Moore. There was also a great turnout of his friends and colleagues in the music and entertainment industry.

Star Wars Creator, George Lucas Marries Mellody Hobson

Gorge Lucas is best known for the Star Wars franchise, which premiered in the seventies but is still as wildly popular today. Last year, he sold the production company behind the movie series for $4.05 billion. George Lucas got married for the second time to his long time girlfriend and fiance, Mellody Hobson, this past weekend.

One Man Writes An Open Letter To Women From Men

Dear Women,

First of all, we're sorry. We're sorry that although we look like men, we often act like boys. We're not even sure what it means to be men anymore. As we grow up, we learn that to be happy is to be self-indulgent and self-centered. We try to make enough money so that we can have the right TV with the right video games in the right home. We want to date you and maybe even marry you but we are scared to focus on someone else instead of ourselves. Isn't it sad that we see committing to you as a potential threat to our happiness instead of a wonderful opportunity?

Looking Slimmer With Color Block and Illusion Dresses

I love retail therapy sometimes, but I'm not a big fan of shopping when it comes to dresses, because I lack the patience to sift through a gazillion clothes looking for just the ones that I'll like or that'll suit me. I usually go to petites and my size and pick any or all that catch my fancy or which fit within my budget. It's a hit and miss affair, but if I'm not OK with the results, I return it to the shop post haste. Most times, I do get what I find wearable.

Dear Myne - I am Jealous of My Husband's Ex-Girlfriend

Hello Myne, I'll be glad if you can put this on romance meets life, I want to know if I'm alone on this. I've been married going on a year and only recently found out three weeks ago to be precise, that one of our mutual friends used to date my husband.

DIY Cooking - Moi-Moi in a Plastic Drinking Cup

I usually cook moi-moi with aluminuim foil paper but the last time I wanted to cook moi-moi, I realized we had run out and hadn't restocked. I had already put my beans flour into water and most of the other ingredients I needed to cook moi-moi were around me. Most importantly, I really wanted to eat moi-moi that day, not the next day or a week later after we had gone shopping.

Answering Your Questions About Sex Toys

By Funmi Akingbade

A sex toy or adult toy is an object or device that is primarily used to facilitate human sexual pleasure, such as a dildo or vibrator, rings etc. Many popular sex toys are designed to resemble human genitals and are vibrating or non-vibrating, colourful or just natural and intended to stimulate the body. They come in a range of shapes, sizes, for internal or external use. Sex toys seem to be everywhere these days. But the question is: are they advisable and healthy?

Couple Love - John Legend And Chrissy Teigen

John Legend, one of my favorite musicians has been engaged to model Chrissy Teigen for almost a couple of years now. During his appearnace on Good Morning America last week, he spoke about how they were planning their wedding for later this year. Wishing them all the best.

What's Her Dark Skin Got To Do With It?

“Dark Girls,” is a documentary that explores the phenomenom of colorism among African-Americans. If I don't think Africans and African-Americans have the same degree of fixation about "good hair", when it comes to skin color, I doubt there's much of a difference. Nigeria has been noted as one of the countries with the highest incident of skin bleaching.

Gbenga and Lara George - Trying Out New Places

Lara George was a member of the former gospel trio KUSH, along with TY Bello and Emem Ema. She got married to Gbenga George nine years ago, after what she describes as a very short and fun-packed two years. In this interview, Lara and Gbenga talk about how marriage has been for them.

Date Ideas - The Classic Dinner and Movie Date Combo

This weekend was a busy one for Atala and I. Saturday was all about being active, we went rock climbing in the morning and riding later in the evening. Sunday was more for chilling out. We went for the classic movie and a dinner date combo. And I have to tell you guys, if you do make this a date idea, make sure you go see the movie first.

By going to see Man of Steel first, it gave us something with which to start off our dinner conversation. And if you saw a good movie, or even one that is not so good, you can harvest topics from it all evening long!  We enjoyed teasing out the little details of the movie as we ate. Great meal at a Mexican place BTW - It was someone's birthday and an improv mariachi came out to play a tune :)

Finally, and most importantly, we were able to eat at our own pace without watching the clock for a movie time. Also, we could really enjoy the dinner and eat to our fill without worrying about getting too full and sleepy if we had chosen to see the movie after.

Which do you do, movies before or after dinner? Who saw any new movie this weekend?

7 Tips For Being A Better Husband

By Joe Beam

Even the greatest athlete benefits from coaching. Though I realize that husbands reading this likely are already awesome, I offer these tips as a marriage coach. Use them to go from great to glorious in seven easy steps.

TIP 1: Do Not Talk To Her As If She Is One of The Guys.
Listen to guy buddies talk about anything for more than five minutes and you likely will hear one of them let the other know that he is an idiot. When men talk with their male friends, they tend to be direct or even argumentative. They share their opinions freely and bluntly. They jokingly insult each other. They blast anything the other guy says that they do not like or agree with. They rarely stop to think, “Am I being insensitive? Could I possibly be hurting his feelings?” The guy code is to let the chips fall where they may.

What Are The National Symbols of Nigeria?

By Atala

Big Ben. The Empire State Building. The vuvuzela. The Great Wall of China. The samba. I'm sure that you all recognise these as national symbols of the countries that they're in. And the worldwide recognition that these symbols have not only does wonders for the tourism industries of their respective countries, they also serve as a means for reinforcing the identities and the national pride of the citizens of those countries.

A John Kumuyi Wedding Eye-Witness Defends Love Odih

A commenter on the wedding post of John Kumuyi and Love Odih claims to be an eye witness to the wedding and that the photos have been unfairly and maliciously over analysed. Looking at the picture above, one may be tempted to agree, but could it be that by the time reception photos were taken, some of the make up had faded? Read the account and decide for yourself. (www.romancemeetslife.com)

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon - Nothing Means More Than Family

Nick Cannon was asked recently what the key has been to maintaining his successful marriage to Mariah Carey and he responded that it was making times spent together extra special and understanding and supporting each other in their careers. Nothing however, he said, trumps time spent with family.

Inspiration - Leave it in the Past