TWENTY ONE MUST TRY BEAUTY AND STYLE HACKS

The definition of beauty keeps evolving; trends fade then mystically return. Almost like a secret recipe passed on from one generation to the next, I'm sharing with you twenty plus beauty and style hacks that are sure to tickle your creativity.

1. Taming your flyaways with a toothbrush or rubbing them with paper

2. Exfoliating skin with brown sugar and olive oil

3. Drinking lots of water for glowing skin

4. Using baby wipes to remove deodorant stains

5. Spraying bobby pins with hairspray to give them more grip on hair

6. Applying castor oil to eyebrows to increase its thickness

7. Putting lip balm on lips before applying lipstick. This makes lipstick bolder.

8. Removing odour fom denim clothes by spraying them with a mix of vodka (preferably one shot) with drops of essential oils and warm water, then leaving then overnight. 

9. Applying petroleum jelly on arms, chest, wrist and neck before spraying perfume. This makes the swet scent last longer

10. Whitening teeth by brushing it with a paste of baking powder and lemon juice

11. Adding a little baking soda to hair to sop up oil in oily hair

12. Applying coconut oil to skin to prevent dryness

13. Putting vaseline on heels to make them softer

14. Using flat iron for ironing some clothes

15. Drying hair with a T- shirt to prevent frizzing

16. Wearing loose ponytails to prevent bald spots

17. Putting baking soda in flats to avoid smelly shoes

18. Converting an old lace dress into a skirt by cutting the top

19. Covering up spilt ends by applying lotion with a bit of oil

20. Trying out a couple of menswear for unique and creative styles

 21.Sleep, the best hack ever!


Do you have some infamous hacks you have under your sleeves?

FRIENDSHIP: A SWEET RESPONSIBILITY

 As a gaze upon the ebbing sunset while listening to Bruno Mars' song: "count on me", I felt so blessed and thankful for life and for the awesome people around me I can call friends. The lyrics of the song kept echoing in my ears throughout the whole day; and yes friends, true friends are angels without wings, heroes without capes and knights without armours, yet they are as rare as blue roses.

 It was getting dark and I was already missing the coziness of my bed. Walking back into the beach house, I had a keener revelation about friendship like a sudden rush of wisdom, almost like a downpour. When I was little I loved to play in the sand with my friends, we would build castles and pretend to be princes and princesses in 66BC. It was a very carefree time! Being with friends brings back that childhood euphoria. We could fight and argue, but at the end of the day we still remain friends building memories together. As years swing by, whether we see one another or not, it is these memories that keep as close.

The knowledge that we can speak to and seek counsel from our friends about our problems and worries without fear of judgement is as sweet as perfume. There is this ongoing belief that secrets are what hold friendships. I do not appreciate its full validity; but  perhaps, a harsh realisation that we might all have to face is that our friends are friends of other people and it is pretty hard to imagine how we are described and talk of in our absence. I've seen the truth in these words: "true friends are the ones who have nice things to say about you behind your back."

In a world where everyone seems to be living by the motto "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours", true and loyal friends have become rarer. Accepting anyone in to your inner circle should proceed after thorough analysis and evaluation of the person. Now fake friends are as common as air. They are present when conditions are favourable but no where to be found when calamity shows its ugly head.

I was a few more steps to the front door when I stopped to admire the beauty of the freshly trimmed flowers in the garden. Just like a plant needs soil, sunshine and rain to grow, we also need the love, critique and support of friends to develop.


Some friendships do not last but some friends are more loyal than brothers- Proverbs 18: 20
How do you rate your friends?

Still smiling in the dream world...

10 AMAZING TIPS FOR BECOMING A MORNING PERSON

Do you usally snapback in the middle of the day and ask yourself what productive thing you've done? Do you normally wake up bewildered and can't believe what time it is?

Photo @hotelgiraffe.com

The question is: Are you a morning person? Being a morning person has so many advantages eg. you get to do things early and on time. Like they say, "the early bird catches the worm." Here are some tips to push you to the zenith and help you become a morning person:

1. Mental preparedness: You must first make that resolute decision to be a morning person,  then make constant affirmations to that effect. Everything starts with the mind.

2. Make a routine: I've learned from May Sarton that "routine is not a prison but a way of freedom from time". Thus, make a routine for the morning that is eay to follow and to stick to.

3. Make a to-do list the night before: the list serves as a goal to be conquered.  The simple mundane task of making the list can get your creativity juices flowing.

4. Sleep early and well: Presumably the best trick to becoming a morning person is to start sleeping early.

5. Have an alarm:  Alarm clocks are there not just to wake us up but to wake us up at an opportune time. Due to lethargy and torpor, we usually want to smash them up, and there's this ever creepy temptation to put it on snooze and go right back to sleep. Solution: get an alarm with an electrifying ringtone and put your alarm clock at a distance from you.

6. Don't skip breakfast: Breakfast fuels you up for the day and helps to regulate your food intake throughout the day. I think we ought to follow Josh Bilings mantra that says "Never work before breakfast. If you have to work before breakfast, get your breakfast first. "

7. Morning music: Playing a list of your favourite songs in the mornings could get you fired up and ready to conquer the world. Music has a unique way of uplifting the soul.

8. Exercise/ workout: Exercising has so many benefits, delaying the aging process, reducing risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, but did you know that morning exercise in particular helps to increase your metabolism rate keeping active, alert and focus during the day.

9. Take a cold shower: It  gives a natural dose of energy for the day, increases alertnes and eases stress. There are so many added bonuses to taking the good old cold shower.

10.Reward yourself: rewarding yourself for work well done motivates you to do more.

The next time you feel too lazy to rise up, just remember that
"OPPORTUNITIES ARE LIKE SUNRISE IF YOU WAIT TOO LONG YOU WILL MISS THEM"

POWER OF LOVE VS LOVE OF POWER: THE ROAD TO PEACEFUL ELECTIONS

I was nearly killed. In a state of panic and utter fear, I hide behind the rock, hoping so dearly that I wasn't seen. I could see others at the other end who were running, hiding and swimming to dodge the bullets. Bombs kept exploding one after the other and I had this eerie feeling that my ears had also exploded. After a while, the town looked empty and was filled with the stench of gun powder. Two days ago this place was filled with life and joy, but immediately after the elections, things turned haywire. The incumbent president would not step down due to his sheer hardheadedness to clinch power for what seemed like eternity. That had triggered innumerable protests, violence, conflict and bloodshed. " Thank God!",I exclaimed and sprung up. "It was just a nightmare."

Jemi Hendrix once said, "when the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world would know peace". In this day and age, one can not speak of peace without stressing on the role of politics. Nevertheless, it seems we are gradually losing the true  definition of politics.

Politics is about commitment and devotion not unto one's self but to the service of others.  When I hear the word politics I picture an institution that  gives, empowers and enriches its members. Politics has always been beautiful, nonetheless, it is the lies, greed, deception and selfish ambition of some politicians that has tinted its image. Sometimes we, both supporters and politicians alike, are too over zealous to prove a point that we become oblivious of the maturity and diplomacy that should characterise our democracy and leadership.

Over the years,  our politics has become associated with hopelessness. But Marcus Garvey has taught us that "Chance has never satisfied the hope of a suffering people..." Thus, I believe that it is critical for the sake of peace for us to plan and strategise our elections making sure that they are credible and unbiased. Elections should not be reduced to commodities available on sale to the highest bidder. As politicians we should not only think about the next elections but also about the next generations and ways of raising the standard of living of the masses.

 Above all let's be respectful of the voice of the people, their votes.  One thing I've learned from Abraham Lincoln is that elections belong to the people.  It's their decision.  If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.

That nightmare was a reflection of a possibility, yet a call on us to tighten our reins on peace building. Some people before us have been killed for their unrelenting commitment to peace. Thus, it is our perogative to continually fight for it. For peace is not just a feeling, it's a catalyst for development. During this election period let's ring the bells of hope and if we must fight others,  let's do it through peace, dialogue and education.

Still smiling in the dream world...

POLITICAL HOMICIDE: WHO IS BEHIND IT ALL?

Photocredit: Andrew Ferez

Dr. Candace cleaned his cubital fossa with alcohol and gingerly inserted the needle. President Harry' s heart condition was getting worse with the passing of each day. Today,  she had prescribed to him a new experimental drug in phase 4 of clinical trials.

Candace has been the president's physician for three years now. The job was so demanding yet risky at the same time. In those three years,  she has had several random requests by anonymous persons telling her to kill the president. Not surprising, the money they name is so hefty that she had one or two occasions felt the urge to do so.

She began packing her stethoscope,  among other things into her medical toolkit.  Today was one of the few days that she did not accompany the president to his office.

" Good morning, Mr. President", Harry' s vice greeted.
"You see, I have these documents that you have to sign. It is pertains to the water project in Higgin town and road construction ongoing at circle- mart"
Little known fact about the vice is that he is overly corrupt. The president knowing this, double checked whatever document he sent to him. As usual, his vice had inflated the amount for the project by million folds.
"I want all the sectors involved in this project to give me an in-depth breakdown of the cost  of their work", he said, then left the office without pending his approval.

His vice, Mike was filled with so much rage that he wanted to skinned that 6feet one inch man that calls himself president alive. " Your end is close", he murmured to himself.
                                                                 ◇
Mike squeezed himself into fetal position when he heard the gunshots.

Harry received two bullets, one to the upper right quadrant of his abdomen and the other to his left atrium. He was losing gallons of blood. It was surely going to be one hell of a hectic day for Dr. Candace. She tried her possible best to save the president but to no avail. His already weakened heart would never survive another day.

Immediate investigations were made and it was concluded that it was a grave breech of security. Accordingly,  the head of security,  Richard Simpson was arrested.  How can two unidentified men enter the presidential gold house without recognition? Unbelievably, all the Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras went off during the shooting.

Mike was sworn into office as the new president. Believe you me, he was surely going to put the country into debt during his reign.

"I am not going to tell anyone our secret.  But on one condition, that you provide every single need of my family and for 500million dollars to be delivered to my account this very day. Lastly, make your lawyers get me out of this hellhole quickly", Richard informed Mike about his demands.
"Consider them all done"
                                                                ◇
After 10years in prison and with a possible death sentence around the corner,  Richard decided to finally tell the world the truth about who really was the mastermind behind the death of former president Harry. After all, his health was declining and this deceptive Mike had not been faithful to the bargain.

When Mike heard of this, he paid one of the prison guards to kill him.

But Richard had a backup plan. Before his passing,  he had made countless recordings of every single conversation he had had with Mike. The kind that would get him right on the road to jail. These he had given to a friend at the bureau of national investigation as well as a copy to his wife.

When Mike realized that the police were going to arrest him, he went to his room and shot a bullet right into his skull. He would rather die than to spend a day in a jail.

"For how long can a dreadful deed be hidden..."
THE END

Still smiling in the dream world....
Love always,
Liz.

5 THINGS I LEARNED FROM HILLARY CLINTON

The question of why there are so few women leaders is still being asked. Perhaps the perfect answer is yet to be found. Today, I speak of female leader who has defy limitations and has become an example and inspiration to millions of people around the globe. Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is her name. Over the years, I have learned a number of things from her and here are a few that I'm sharing with you:

 Translating passion into action

Our passion lead us to our mission in life. For hillary clinton, her passion translates into action. On a trip to Chicago with her youth ministry, Hillary got to see Martin Luther King Jr. speak—this sparked her lifelong passion for social justice. The doting grandmother as she calls herself, has continually showed passion and commitment to the welfare of women and children. Another endearing trait of hers is her ability to combine passion with logic.

Pacesetting

To be unforgettable, you have to do things differently,  you have to set the pace, you have to be a trailblazer.  That exactly is what hiliary clinton is. She is the first female senator from new York City and the only first lady ever to have sought elective office. Furthermore, in 1979, Rodham became the first woman to be made a full partner of Rose Law Firm.

Ignoring the haters

 Innumerable tittle- tattle have been said about her, the rumours seem never to end, but through it all she remains standing, focused with her goal in mind. Her strength of character speaks volumes of what an exceptional woman she is.

Reaching back and giving

More often than not,  we do not succeed just on our own, we succeed because of opportunities presented to us as well as support by our loved ones. Thus, it is imperative that we present to others similar opportunities. Like hillary Clinton said: " I feel very lucky because of my parents and then my education,  the opportunities that I've had,  so I would like to continue working to improve lives for others".

 Tenacity

She has been in politics for a long time,  she has seen it all, the cut and thrust of the game. And has endured it all gracefully.  Additionally, she doesn't wait for things to happen, she acts and her works speak for themselves.

Hillary Clinton,  the woman who inspires generations!

BECAUSE IT WAS NEVER EXPECTED

 When you are unable to associate any logical reason to your woes in marriage, you end up with no other choice, but that of blaming dark magic and witchcraft. Gorgeous,  charming and sexy Rachel was a brimful of pure natural beauty.

She had men crawling all over her as if she were some kind of milky way that houses the very earth we live on.  After a quadrillion abortion procedures, she eventually had to scrap her womb out of her body.  Now, she was facing the consequences of her choices and actions made in her youth. She had earned for herself all kinds of names: barren land, arid desert, just to name a few. For so long she had been blaming dark magic and witchcraft for her deficiency of the well- known sweet honey of matriage. But it seems she has a solution...

    Rachel's perfect master plan was set to motion. Over the next couple of months, she was going to pretend to be pregnant as she hunts for a baby to steal. Yeah, STEAL. She had put to halt all forms of intercourse with her hubby in hopes of fulling the soon -to- be- best deception in history.

     With a clever, yet lame excuse by all standards she convinces her husband to allow her to go to her hometown to give birth. In strictest secrecy with her accomplice, she held in her hands her longed for bundle of joy, a caramel skinned hefty baby boy. It seemed as though the gods weren't on her side, that same month her husband died.

     The mother of the stolen baby boy was a petty trader who had to travel far and wide in order to market her goods. Her work, one day, brought her into Rachel's house. Upon, seeing the little one year old boy, Martin, playing with his tiny motorcycle, she was certain that that baby was hers. Blood, they say, is thicker than water. She did not react in anyway that would have drawn suspicion or attention.

     Later that day, she reported to the police that she had found her missing baby in a rich woman's mansion. Rachael was arrested.
After thorough investigation,  it was realised that Martin was indeed the Trader's baby. This was further confirmed by Rachel's apologetic confession, but confession alone was not going to erase her jail term.

Let's make our youth fruitful instead of fruitless by making the right choices.
Still smiling in the dreamworld...

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TOP FIVE TIPS TO STAY FASHIONABLE ON A BUDGET

Louis vuitton  handbags, rolex watch, topshop high waisted shorts , A- line skirts, levi jeans, denim jackets... cropped tops, we want them all. As fashionistas, we can spend our last bucks on really cool outfits and shoes, then drive around with our check engine lights on.

 For years, I have been thinking of ways of getting all of my fashion obsssessions met without robbing a bank or emptying my bank account.  Pointer alert, I would never rob I bank. So finally, I have come up with a kick- ass strategy that I am sharing with you today.

Build a budget

The basic rule that comes to mind is never to allow your expenditure exceed your income.  Second rule is to make sure you've cleared all loans and debts you might have incurred. Third, make a budget form, fill it each month and stick to it, more especially  the section for clothing and accessories.

Have a shopping list

Don't be an impulse buyer. Make a list what you need to buy and add the time and date you have to go for the shopping. Did I mention the fact that you have to stick to this list? Don't be in a rush to get this shopping list done, look through magazines,  go online, literally brainstorm about it passionately.

Save

Save as least as much you spend on clothes per month. There is always this security that comes with having little money stashed away somewhere. I've heard of the shopping savings account and I think it is totally cool. Also by saving you are powered to make bigger purchases in the future.

Have a style

Yves Saint Laurent once said that fashion fade, style is eternal.  And I couldn't agree more.  The first step to finding your style is identifying what you love when it comes to dressing.  Some of us are instantly drawn to the bold colours, some of us just love all things sports and some of us are conservative.  If you have a personal style, you would not be crazily dancing to the tune of  every trend that pops up. You become your own trendsetter. Importantly,  know your body shape and buy clothes that flutter it.

Know where to shop

Vital info alert! There are always shops that sell your much- loved designer clothes for less.  There are also boutiques that you could bargain to have a cloth half the price on the price tag. I have to stress on this point,  keep your receipts as this would help you in making your budget and actually guide you as to where to shop.

In a way,  we can have it all. It might not be as easy as pie but with commitment we can have it all.

          Still smiling in the dream world...

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MATURITY: THE GIFT OF GROWTH

                     I have heard of some very young people being described as wiser and older than their age and their sense of maturity being highly praised. I have come to realise that maturity has nothing to do with age. It is a choice, a decision you make and a result of an effort to acquire it. Indeed, maturity is a gift and in order to get hold of it, you must first remove that invisible haze that clouds your perception.  What then really is maturity anyway?

Maturity is understanding the lyrics of life’s song.

It is entering a phase where you:
- are comfortable in your own skin, accept and love yourself.
- don't need validation from people to feel happy; for happiness is letting go of what you think life is suppose to look like and celebrating it for all that it is
- understand the reasons behind the actions and reactions of people, thus being able to shrewdly judge characters.
- become emotionally intelligent
- have a clear purpose and direction in life
- realise that there is more to life than just gaining and start to appreciate the act of giving.

- know which aspects of your life to keep private and those to be made public
- have control over your mind and your thoughts. Remember;  man is but a product of his thoughts.
- are not judgemental
- are independent yet acknowledge the fact that you need support from others

- are able to speak,  act and react with dignity while considering the feelings of others
- are able to look beyond the flaws and imperfections of others and forgive wholeheartedly.
  Desmond Tutu wisely said that our maturity will be judged by how well we are able to agree to disagree and yet continue to love one another, to care for one another and to seek the greater good of the other.
Let's live with love and compassion for one another.

What is your definition of maturity?

PINNED MATURITY DEFINITION

                   Still smiling in the dream world...
Love always,  Liz.

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THE LARGEST UNTAPPED RESERVOIR

     The mind- blowing story of the daughter of a rejected maid servant turned first female president gave me hope.The rather sad yet captivating story of a young single mother who peddles on the streets to take care of her little ones taught me resilience. The distressing story of a fragile, broken yet strong forty- something- year- old woman who peels cassava, earning a paltry sum of fifty pessawas per day, in order to look after her family taught me the salient value of persistence. For the later, her greatest regret was her inability to put all of her children into the tertiary institutions. You see, when a woman succeeds, her family succeeds, when her family succeeds then, the society and the nation as a whole succeeds. The success of women has a rippling effect! I have thus come to the striking epiphany that there is a lot that we got to do in the field of female empowerment. 

     This whole talk about female empowerment is definitely not a quest for superiority.
It's rather one that seeks to steer attention towards the need for women's employment, health and education. Nevertheless, it's also about gender equality. Indeed, women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent, unmeasurable potential and  power. It is accordingly  imperative that we cultivate in to our young girls the belief that they can be what and whoever they want to be and that their contribution is pivotal for the society.