Linda Ikeji - You don’t need any Aristo to give you anything

Linda Ikeji with her two cars

When I featured Linda Ikeji and her inspirational book in 2010, her blog was just on the verge of taking off. Today, she is the foremost personal and celebrity blogger based in Nigeria. I said back then that Linda "inspires me with her humility, can-do-spirit, her consistency and the open mind with which she draws in people. She doesn't mind helping where she can and sometimes offers. You know that mantra, let's all be great together? That is Linda."

When my first book, A Heart to Mend, came out in Nigeria, Linda happily and without stress or asking for payment put up the press release on her blog. Since then, I've been a close follower of her blog, and when I feel down and like I'm tired of this online work here and on naijastories, I think of Linda Ikeji, Bella Naija, and I recharge myself.

Recently, Linda added a 2011 Infiniti FX 35 SUV to the Camry she already owns. In her thank you note posted on her blog, she said some things, in addition to the title above, that has further endeared her to me. Hear her;

10 Ways to Have a Memorable Valentine's Day

Valentines Day — the day of love! But sometimes Valentine’s Day can end up being the least romantic day of the year with the majority of people buying the same thing for their loved one year in year out. The same old flowers, chocolates or even a dodgy card can put you in the dog house, resulting in the infamous Cupid’s arrow being aimed at your head not your heart!

Many people seem to celebrate the day out of obligation rather than celebration, but the best advice is to ‘think’. Put in a bit of original thought and it will be obvious that you have made some effort this time round.

So what can you do make your loved one love you in return on Valentine’s Day? The team at realbuzz have come up with some great ideas to ensure that Cupid’s aim is as true as your intentions.

Beyonce hugs Jay-Z after Super Bowl Halftime Show

In my last post on Beyonce's planned Superbowl Halftime show, I wondered if Jay Z would join her on stage. He did not but was backstage, showing support and cheering her on. And guess who gets a bear hug when she's done? The loving hubby, of course. The picture above of two of them was shared on Instagram, and I find it so inspiring :)

As for the show itself, Beyonce actually opened with Love on Top, which I thought she would stay away from, hehehe. Then she went into a medly of "Crazy in Love," "End of Time," and "Baby Boy". She was then joined by Destiny's Child's Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland, for short clips of "Bootylicious", and "Independent Woman" and a "Single Ladies," performance. When Kelly and Michelle left the stage, Beyonce ended with Halo, another slow love song.

I thought the show was a good mix of smooth and high energy performances, and when it ended, I wanted more, LOL... Enjoy the pics..,

Men Want Partners not Homebodies by Topazo

A wife is more than a homemaker or a bedmate unlike the popular belief among ladies of nowadays. Most ladies think that what an average guy wants from them is somebody to cook his meals, do his laundry, clean his house and sleep with, so they offer these services hoping to convince their men that they are wife material. Thus they are bewildered when after all these they are still dumped. Then they become embittered.

Most feminists nowadays now tell their fellow womenfolk not to perform any ‘’wifely’’ duties for the guys that they are dating as that is the key reason why they remain unmarried. According to them, the guys see no reason to propose marriage to them because they are already enjoying all the benefits of marriage with them.

While these may be partially true, it is also misleading and reflects the ignorance of the womenfolk about what a guy really wants from them. A lady has been taught by her mother that to be a good wife, she must possess above average culinary skills to woo the man, ‘’ the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’’ they dish out the ancient words. She must also be good homemaker. So she takes pains to learn all these and then tells herself that she is ready to be ‘Mrs. Right’ for the ‘Prince Charming’. But they couldn’t be more wrong.

Joseph Benjamin - February Man Candy #4

Baby Jowo Remix Video with Victor Olaiya and Tuface

Kunle Afolayan is one of the Nigerian movie directors I really respect and look forward to his movies. I didn't know he made music videos too, or he just started to do so. Recently, he posted on his facebook page, “I just shot my first music video. See still pictures from the set of my first music video which features the Legend Dr Victor Olaiya and 2baba!. We had fun. Watch out."

The video is for the modern-day remix of “Baby Jowo” the oldies love song by Victor Olaiya, and was shot on location in Lagos. I trust Kunle Afolayan, he did a great job with an eye for detail in Araromire, and these pictures show that this video will be just as good.

Roast Pork Ribs with Cheese and Lettuce Salad

A. THE PORK RIBS

This is similar to how I prefer the Beef Ribs

1. Defrost the ribs in the fridge
2.  Cut into single pieces and rub all over with the spices
3. Put cooking spray on your oven-proof tray and place the ribs side by side
4. Grill in the oven on low heat for 15 minutes on each side.
5. Your meat is ready.

To Nigerians in Nigeria or Diaspora - Let's Get to It!

If Nigeria is a game, are we on the same team? If we are, then let's start acting like that. It's time to get out there, and get to it! Done't stop believing, create a better dream and keep going, and keep going. What will we create that'll make Nigeria more awesome? Nothing if we sit here, talking and doing nothing. This is your time, this is my time, this is OUR time. We can make Nigeria a better one for each other. If we're on the same team, let's act like it. We have work to do, we can cry about it, or we can dance about it. We can get out there, and get to it!

Above is paraphrased from the video below. I did a little blog round today and saw that Atilola's post I'd read last week got a response from T-Notes, one that tugged at my heartstrings. And then I saw this video at Didi's, and it said everything I had been trying to say on Naijalines post, but in a much cooler way. I can't beat the kid president, I guess. Hear him...

Date Night Movie Review - Ije (The Journey)

When it comes to deciding which Nollywood movies to watch, I can find no more excellent recommender than Myne. If she says "I'm going to look for any Nollywood movie to watch", then that's my cue to stay as far away as I can from the movie. On the other hand, if she says "There's this specific movie which I heard about that I want to watch", then I ask her to shift and make room for me beside her, because I know that it's going to be a good movie. Unfortunately for a wannabe fan like me, there are too few of the latter kind of movie.

So I was very happy when I heard that Ije, a movie that Myne had expressed a very definite interest in the past, was now available to watch. I promptly sat myself down next to her and we started watching.

The movie is about Anyanwu Opara (played by Omotola Jalade Ekeinde) who is being tried in the US for the murder of her white husband, and her sister Chioma (played by Genevieve Nnaji) who flies to the States to assist in her defence. Chioma meets a lawyer, Jalen, who agrees to defend Anyanwu, and a friendship grows between them while Jalen tries to put together a defence for Anyanwu.

Banky W - February Man Candy #3