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.