It’s a few days into the New Year, and as the norm, many have already made resolutions for the year. Year after year, many make these decisions, but a few weeks into the year, they’re off track. When this happens, it can be demoralizing and if it’s happened to you, be sure that you’re not alone (about 75% of those who make resolutions fail to stick with their goals).
We’ve all got great intentions; everybody wants the very best, and there’s no better time to start than at the beginning of a new year. However, we tend to put a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Often, the focus is on “what” and not on “how.”  A healthier lifestyle, weight-loss/fitness, making more money, marriage – whatever the resolution, being more concerned with the goals set than with the specifics of how to accomplish the goals is more like setting one’s self up for failure. Isn’t it?
Right before penning down your New Year resolutions, think about what you want to do and not what you should do. “What should I do this year?” “What should I stop doing?”, “What do other people suggest I should work on?” these are most of the questions people ponder on but it’s a common mistake. More like a wrong start in the right direction – a fire that invariably burns out after a couple of setbacks. Why? No heartfelt desire hence no commitment.

To be successful at any planned change, you need to desire it. Unless you take the time to consider what it is you want (rather than what you should do or should stop doing), you will not be entirely motivated. Make resolutions you are committed to – don’t make one simply because it is “the thing to do,” or because someone has told you that you should.
Set specific goals that are in line with your life-values. To remain on track, make fewer resolutions in the first couple of weeks of 2017 to allow yourself to focus on what you want to achieve actually. Too many goals at the same time usually lead to confusion and of course, little or no achievements.
Do your own thing gradually; from baby steps to adult steps. You can always add more as you achieve the set targets. And where there are setbacks, identify where you went off target so you can get back to it straight-off. There isn’t any point for self-flagellation, is there?
As you hit your goals, celebrate smaller wins towards small goals. Doing gives you a feeling of accomplishment. You’re motivated and more committed to aim for bigger ones.
Above all, be flexible. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and some unexpected circumstances may occur. When they do, focus on your continued progress; revise the steps in accomplishing your goals if need be, but remain resolute and optimistic. You’ll sure get there. When life hands you lemons, you make lemonades, right?
 
 

At one time or another, every woman suspects that her menstrual cycle is abnormal for one reason or another.
However, what we often think is an abnormal period is actually regular menstruation.
It is vital to know when you are having an irregular period because an abnormal menstrual cycle can be a symptom of a health issue that needs attention, including pregnancy, uterine cancer, and uterine fibroid tumors.
Now, how do you know when you’re experiencing abnormal periods?
Signs and Symptoms of an Abnormal Period

You are likely to be experiencing an unusual period, abnormal uterine bleeding, or an irregular menstrual cycle if:

The time between your menstrual cycles is longer than 21 to 35 days,
You need to change your tampons or sanitary pads after only one or two hours,
Your period goes beyond days,
You suddenly begin to experience severe menstrual cramps
You are younger than 11 or postmenopausal or and you have any amount of vaginal or uterine bleeding.

Other Symptoms of Abnormal Menstrual Cycle
While a small amount of cramping during your period is normal, it’s not normal to experience severe menstrual cramps.
If you suddenly start to experience severe cramps, you should see your health care provider to determine the cause of the increased pain you experience during your period.
Some young women experience more intense cramping during the first few years after their first period.

Traveling with children (even if it is one child) takes careful planning and lots of positivity. When traveling with kids,
(a)You need to pay attention to their needs at all times during the vacation
(b)You have to make plans for lots of activities and play, so they don’t get bored
(c)You will have to find the right balance between rest and play, so they don’t become overtired as this could eventually lead to crankiness and tantrums
Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect family getaway.
1.Define your likes and interests as a Family
 Sit together as a family to discuss and choose where everyone would like to go for the trip.
2.Decide on a budget
Your budget will determine your destination so put this in mind. Your budget will have to include transportation costs, accommodation, food, entertainment, activities, and souvenirs or gifts.
3.Pick favourable dates
I know I don’t have to say this, but just in case you don’t know; pick your vacation dates to fall during the holidays since your kids will be on holiday and free to have fun. Also, check your schedules to confirm there are no conflicting appointments.
4.Settle Logistics
If you are traveling out of your location, you will have to make plans for transport and accommodation. Try to book them as early as possible to save costs.
5.Plan activities beforehand
Plan child-friendly activities to do on your vacation; ask your kids what they would like to do and make plans for the activities.
6.Build in Private time
Though it is a family vacation, try to make out time for a private time with your spouse; it could be a romantic dinner or movie just to keep the spark alive.
7.Capture memories
Don’t forget to take your cameras so you can take lots and lots of pictures during your vacation; you will be happy you did so down the line.
8.Remain Positive
Above all, stay positive. Things are bound to come up such as a child getting sick or throwing a tantrum or transportation issues but no matter what happens, try to keep a positive attitude for your kids.

Last night I started to write this article but slept off. I, however, woke up to news that one of my guilty pleasures, a relationship page on Instagram after reaching a hundred thousand followers has decided to monetize. This brings me to my point; since we all spend some much time online, there has to be a benefit of doing so. This year, we have to look at things with new eyes and see the cash cows in every situation.
You may be thinking at this point, how do I get started? I am recommending digital marketing to you across the internet, talking about blogs, social media platforms; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter even Snapchat. This is not a new thing; we all remember how the number of blogs rose when Linda Ikeji bought her Banana Island mansion. I am going to teach you how to tailor your online business to suit you.

• Choose a niche
Yes, gossip blogs are a big business, but it is a saturated market so except you can bring in something totally fresh, I suggest you stay out of it. Instablog9ja is new, but they came with a twist, instead of a regular blog they are on Instagram using catchy sarcastic delivery lines making the most mundane news funny.
• Choose a platform
Decide if you want a blog or to use any of the social media platforms. I suggest you use the one which you enjoy the most. The self-acclaimed Nigerian king of Snapchat has started placing adverts and promotions on his page
• Grow your audience
Before you start asking people to come and advertise on your platform, make sure you have some very impressive numbers. A very good friend of mine currently has 413,000 followers and advert subscriptions enough to cover her monthly expenses and luxuries. I am sure you are wondering how to get the numbers?
• Be Consistent
Whatever you decide to do, don’t stop even if it starts out really show. There are many ways you can build your audience; the first being great content. If you decide for instance you want to review Nigerian Make Up artistes, have solid content voicing your opinions and offering valuable information for potential customers. You can also connect with those who have a larger audience through contributing content, partnership even placing an advert to publicize your new business.
2017 is the year to make your dreams a reality. I am looking forward to your success stories.

Back then, people believed that short hairstyles did not offer us much freedom and variety.
Today, the versatility of short hairstyles has become so impressive, especially those stunning styles for African women, whose hair is naturally thick and dense than their counterparts from other continents.
Some of us simply start blooming with short hairstyles, while longer hair makes us look ordinary.
The fact is, practically every woman has once dared to try a chin length or shorter haircut.
To wear short hair in the previous century was rather a sign of manliness. Today short female hairstyles look very feminine and sexy.
A beautiful short hairstyle begins with the correct choice of a short haircut, optimal for you. Short hairstyles tend to highlight the shape of your face and your facial features, especially your eyes so it wouldn’t be appropriate to claim that short hairstyles suit everyone.
However, if you have beautiful, healthy skin and an oval shaped face, you will be gorgeous with literally any short hairstyle, starting from an extremely short pixie to a chin-length bob.
Also, if you know you have something to conceal, you should be more exact about the choice of the right short haircut.
If the shape of your face is not as perfect as you’d like, you can still correct it with a short hairstyle.
If you have a round face, you will benefit from hairstyles with the volume on top and thinned sides.
If you have an oblong face, you require volume on the sides (waves work very well) and long bangs, blunt cut or slanting.
If you are looking for short hairstyles to do, check the photos below.
 

 
Image source: Pinterest

Weave-on hairstyles are stylish and quite versatile. They are a great option if you’re looking for a refreshing change from natural hairstyles. However, when considering hairstyles, the shape of your face must be regarded if you desire to look your best (who doesn’t?).
Your choice of hairstyle can do wonders not just for the shape of your face but also to boost your confidence and sex-appeal. Today, we’ll take a quick look at styles that flatter round shaped faces. Round faces are quite different from other face shapes, and often times ladies blessed with this face shape are troubled with thoughts like – Will a bob make my cheeks look wide? Will fringes fit me? Which is better: a side part or middle part?
The secret to a great hairstyle for a round face? Create the illusion of length instead of roundness. With forehead, cheekbones, and jaw line roughly the same width, choosing styles that won’t make your face rounder can be somewhat tricky. So here are some hairspirations…
Long hair is gorgeous on round faces because it lengthens the face. If adding layers, be careful not to have layers too short. Try not to have layers above your earlobe, such cuts will add volumes to the sides of your face and make them appear even rounder. Angled outward and not inward, layers should ideally fall at your chin or below, with the end of each layer blending so well together one won’t be able to tell there’re layers.
I’ve got a round face and centre partings are not my thing so I avoid them. I usually opt for side parts and long side swept bangs covering one side of my face, this works tremendously in making my face thinner. Want to try it? Keep your hair down and in front of your ears to narrow your face.
Considering a bob with bangs? Layered shaggy long bobs offers a bit of edge and are best on full cheeked round faces. Bangs help round faces look oval so make sure the bangs are trimmed to suit your face shape. A fringe no shorter than slightly below the eye-brows is recommended.  And if you’ve got a larger forehead, long-side swept bangs and a short bob to your chin is the ticket you need to balance your face with an elongated look.

Thinking waves? Long wavy weaves works excellently in helping your face appear elongated instead of round. Side swept waves are very flattering for round faces as well, and bouncy curls worn loose and long will also elongate your face.
Desire a sassy short cut for a change? Bearing in mind that not all short cuts fit round shaped faces, sporting a deconstructed pixie with disheveled cropped cut will give your face an oval look. With good asymmetrical lines and volumes on top, you’re set to rock your world.