A serious relationship isn’t defined by the amount of time you two have been together, it is defined by the amount of energy you continue to invest in getting to know each other after the honeymoon period is over. 
Relationships don’t come with a check engine light, so don’t wait until it stops working to finally address problems.
Don’t Get Too Comfortable
You start planning for the future, money for rent, money for school fees etc. The era of dates has come to an end. We all know how the economy is these days but special treats, dates are things you should plan for as well. Turn up together, fine dine together, vacation together, that’s how you keep creating memories and bonds.
Please do away with the unsightly night gowns, hair nets and house clothes that can turn a brother off.
The Bedroom
They say a man cannot eat rice everyday. Please be his pasta, his ravioli, his eba, his lasagna. You get the point. The newness and excitement can fade a little but always be open minded about trying something different. Keep things fresh, be spontaneous and most importantly be open about what turns you on.
There is such a thing as over expression
Just to assure you, you will not die if you don’t express every thought that pops up in your mind especially the negative. You can vent or move towards a solution depending on which is most important.
Resist the urge to be your partner’s mother
The day my father slipped and fell in the bathroom was an eye opener for all of us (perhaps for different reasons). The poor man heard his wife’s voice and ran to the bathroom to quickly clean it up and spread the towel properly. Gbam! Was the sound we heard. He was simply trying to avoid a lecture that would have happened if she saw the bathroom.  The hot secretary at work isn’t telling him how to chew his food properly or shut the doors without making too much noise. Correct with love, Avoid being a nag.
Look from his point of view
Talk in order to understand each other not to convince someone to see from your point of view.
Be Creative
No one knows your man better than you. We find happiness when we create happiness for others. Always be your man’s source of joy. Little special treats like coming home after a long day to meet his favourite meal or a chilled drink during his football match.
Share with us how you have keep the fire burning in your relationship.

Staying motivated can be tough under the best circumstances. Whether it involves motivation to get in shape, get your business running, finish your coursework etc. It takes work. So how can you stay motivated when your to-do list runs to four pages, when you have not had electricity in two weeks, when you just got another rejection letter, when the car air conditioner and your washing machine decide to stop working at the same time and you can’t find time in the day to work on your own personal projects?
How to Stay Motivated
1. Set a goal and visualize it down to the last detail.
You have to see it in your mind’s eye first. Athletes visualize their performance ahead of time right down to the smell of the sweat dripping down their faces as they cross the finish line. See yourself achieving your goal.
2. Wake Up Earlier
The early bird gets the fattest worm. I know this is an old saying but the values are true. You get more work done when you start your day earlier.
3. Make a list of the reasons why you want to accomplish the goal.
In our busy, distracting world, it’s easy to get blown off course. This is why you need to ground yourself in your goal. For extra “success insurance,” write your list with a pen.
4. Break the goal down into smaller pieces; set short term goals and rewards.
 A major source of stress in our lives comes from the feeling that we have an impossible number of things to do. If you take on a project and try to do the whole thing all at once, you’re going to be overwhelmed. Break it down into the smallest realistic steps and only do one at a time.
5. Have a strategy, but be prepared to change course.
The more you review the plan, the more you get ideas on more effective ways to solve problems. The plan can change but the goal remains the same.
6. Get the help you need
The urge to be superstitious can come in here especially with us Africans but it helps to tell a trusted person your goals so you can get motivation from an outside source.
7. Deal with lack of motivation.
Some days will test you. It is (almost) inevitable that at some point along the way, whether because of temporary setbacks or tiredness, you will need a little boost. When that happens, I think of what others have endured to reach their targets and keep going.
Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up.
 8. Continually check in with your reasons for carrying on.
Don’t become distracted by the praise or criticisms you may receive. Check that your motives are intact.
 
So how do you stay motivated? We’d love to hear from you.
 

I miss being a child. I miss the adventures I had. I miss the freedom. I miss being able to think everything is possible. I want to give my children this gift. I want them to think they are unstoppable. I want them to have an imagination and generally be good people. This is the perfect time to imbibe the right values in them and what better way to do this than through great movies.
Watching television or movies should go beyond getting them to keep still while you do your thing.
Here’s a list of really great movies with moral lessons you probably that your children should not miss out on.

The Lion King
Everyone remembers Simba. This movie even though animated tells deep life truths about bravery, the coming of age, how having friends make bad situations more bearable (Timon and Pumbaa) even about betrayal from close family and obviously that everything would be alright in the end.
 

Pinocchio
Children should not tell lies. You can scare them with stories about their nose growing.
 

Karate Kid
This is a really good movie especially if you have just moved to a new city. They learn about defending themselves against bullies. Of course expect a few karate moves after the movies, protect your breakables.
 

Shrek
There is more to a person than just looks.
 

How to train your dragon
This is really new school though but it would help teach your kids to care for pets. Also there’s lots of action and flying around.
 

Akeelah and the Bee
If this doesn’t get them interested in spelling I don’t know what will.
 

Home Alone
Most children are afraid of being left alone or upset when their parents have to go out. At least they see how they can have some fun.
 

Parent Trap
There is so much divorce these days. This movie is bitter-sweet but love won at the end with the help of mischievous twins.
 

The Sound of Music
Lovely excuse to belt some tunes and dance around the house when asking the kids to do chores.
 
What are your top great movies for children?
 

By the time you watch Nollywood movies and read blog comments, you may be convinced that all mother-in-laws are of the devil. Yes, there are bad mother-in-laws but i don’t think we talk enough about the ones that are truly God sent.
Let’s discuss some instances where you might actually be the cause of the mother-in-law drama.
1. Your Mindset
You enter the relationship prepared ‘’not to take nonsense from anyone’’. This attitude clouds your judgement and allows you over react in simple situations.
2. Everything Is Personal
I have watched this scenario a few times to describe this scenario perfectly.
Exhibit A: Your mother sees you carrying your baby a certain way and comes to relieve you while you have guests. You are grateful she is giving you time to relax. Your mother-in-law does the same and you infer she is trying to show you up as a bad mother and embarrass you in front of guests.
3. Competition
Yes, he is your husband. He is also her son. Stop creating situations where your husband has to pick sides. Every mother-son moment is seen as a threat.  Every suggestion is an attempt to over ride your position. Is it really that serious. Tolerance should be your watch word.
4. Pretence
Before you got married, you visited your mother-in-law every weekend, cooking delicacies and telling her how beautiful her lace looks. Fast-forward to the present, your mother-in-law visits you every two weeks and it becomes an intrusion. Don’t fake a relationship when there isn’t one.
5. Conflict
Sometimes being confrontational sends the wrong message. Addressing every situation can be tiring. Don’t you think? Before you react to anything your mother-in-law says or does, imagine it was your mother, brother or sister and act accordingly.
What are you guilty of?
 

I love Lagos.
People who live outside cannot understand the love Lagosians have for their city. Sure we have the negatives, traffic being the most obvious but there is so much to love about Lagos. Here are a few things you can get up to:
Go Out For A Bite
One of my favourite things to do is EAT. There is no shortage of restaurants in Lagos. My personal favourites are:
Crust & Cream, Victoria Island
Grills In & Out, Lekki
Orchid Bistro, Ikeja
The food is awesome and you won’t break the bank.
 
Visit Museums & Galleries
Enjoying Lagos doesn’t always involve spending money. You can take in the sights at certain galleries on your own, it would only cost you if you book a tour guide. Go with a loved one or a friend, it makes the experience more memorable. You should visit Nike Art Gallery, Lekki.
The Apapa Amusement Park was recently refurbished. Go on, get on the rides and embrace your inner child. Have a few laughs. Also, the Lagos Conservation Centre is an untouched natural park in the Lekki axis of Lagos. Enjoy the scenery and the wild life. Conquer your fear of heights, take the Canopy Walk.
Theatre at its finest
Cinemas are in different parts of the country now but i recommend theatre for a totally different experience. You can experience this on weekends at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage road, Victoria Island and also at Freedom Park, Onikan. The Muson Centre also hosts stage plays and musicals.
Beach Life
You haven’t been to Lagos if you haven’t gone to the beach. There are so many to choose, from private, more quiet beaches to livelier ones.  You can go paintballing with a group of friends at Elegushi Beach, enjoy peace and quiet at Atican Beach or Inegbe Resort for a touch of luxury. Some beaches even come more alive at night.
Club Life
Lagos doesn’t sleep at night. Fact.
Spas
The best skincare and relaxation spots are here. From Ajali naturals to Clear Essence California Spa. There is a place for every budget.
Concerts
There is always something cooking at the Eko Convention Centre.
Landmarks
You have to take pictures at the famous landmarks. How else would you prove you were in town. Take pictures at The National Theatre, Iganmu , Eko Eyo Statues, The Cathedral Church Marina to name a few. Take a BRT ride, which other state can boast of one?
Shopping in Lagos
How can you come to Lagos and not shop? You should visit the popular Balogun Market and even Tejuoso Yaba Market.
Enjoy our malls; Ikeja City Mall, Circle Mall, The Palms Shopping Centre, Mega Plaza, Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Complex, Leisure Mall and Mega Plaza 21st Century Mall to name a few.
 
You would definitely want to come back.

Why are the zips of all my aso-ebi not going up like they use to? Only when getting dressed in buba and iro do I get that feeling I use to have when getting dressed. Also, I only admitted to myself after my husband made a comment about changes in my wardrobe. I have avoided facing the realities that I have bought more accessories especially Gele and pele over the past 3 years. It has been 3 years since I heard my mother’s voice and seen her smile.
Often from my undergraduate years, all through my career in banking and now as a business owner people took it for granted that I was older than my years. My husband was my second boyfriend, I owned property before I turned thirty and avoided a lot of pitfalls and heartache lots of my peers experienced. I even left my 9 to 5 job and veered into events management and other businesses long before the crowd caught on. The icing on the cake is the mutual respect and genuine  affection my husband and I still share as he teases me on my conservative values and approach especially in handling our challenges as a couple.
My mother had her challenges, she was widowed with 5 children between the ages of 7 and 16. Also, my sister was a major source of sorrow to her. She attended 2 universities before she graduated, her second boyfriend swindled her of a considerable amount of money and she was separated from her husband for 5 years. In addition to that I have had to support her financially and otherwise all our adult lives and cover for her more than I care to remember. To say my sister and our mother never got along would be an understatement while my mother and I rarely disagreed. Adjusting to her absence has been harder than I expected. I accused God of being unkind as I know many people older than I am with both parents alive and some with poorer health than my mother. I have continually forgotten my children’s school events which is a big no-no for me because of my father’s demise. My work has suffered continually and my husband and best friend have had to step in. My husband has had to bear the brunt and provide a shoulder for me to cry on the entire time.
My husband expressing his observations about my new preference in dressing is definitely a turning point in this 3 year downward spiral I have been on. I lift my hands and teary eyes asking my creator for help. I took a deep breath and walked to my bedroom door and froze. Often when cleaning up after one of my sister’s mishaps I would never say something I was thinking. My mother and I said this statement when criticizing my sister in her absence. Today I repeated that statement but I was the object of scorn. I took another deep breath and went to my kitchen with every intention to make my family their first proper meal in 3 years.
 

Have you ever been so carried away with a lady whose skin was so flawless and attractive? If you have, then you may agree that having really great skin is awesome. It is no wonder that one has to first of all determine the type of skin type they have.
There are different skin types: the oily skin, dry skin, as well as the combination skin type. Many ladies who have oily skin complain about how hard it is to maintain with all that makeup and dirt from moving around all day.
Here are some tips that will help you keep your skin nice and smooth.
1. Wash Your Face Twice Daily
You could actually do your skin more harm than good when you wash your face more often? As a matter of fact it can strip your skin of all the natural moisturizers and increase oil production. Which is why the only time you should wash your face is twice a day with warm water- in the morning as you take a bath and last thing at night.
2. Eat Less Fatty Food and More Vegetables and Fruits
If you love to eat foods with lots of fat, then you just might be doing more harm than good. You’ve got to eat more vegetables and fruits.
3. Cleanse Properly Before Applying Make-up
You should clean your skin well before you put make-up on. This is because washing before applying make-up does not just work as a protective layer, but also helps as a base to ensure that your makeup lasts longer. If you don’t do this, your pores might clog and then you’ll have a nasty acne breakout.
4. Avoid Products that Make your Skin Itch or Burn
Avoid the following ingredients in products that you use; menthol, mint, eucalyptus, lemon, as well as alcohol.  You may want to think that alcohol for instance helps the skin, but the truth is some irritation might occur which is bad for skin.
5. Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliation is one of the most vital steps that you have to take when caring for your oily skin. This is because oily skin has an extra-thick layer of built-up dead skin cells on the surface, along with a thickened pore lining. As such, exfoliating is the best way to remove that build up, and diminish clogged pores, as it makes the skin feel smoother. You may consider products that are organic and contain salicylic acid, amongst others.
There you have it ladies. It really pays to pay adequate attention to your oily skin. And when you do, who knows you just might be the one admired for the flawless skin.
 

An ill-fitting bra can be incredibly uncomfortable…do you agree?
Bras are designed to give good support to our breasts and also make us look beautiful. If often times you really can’t tell if a bra fits or not, you aren’t alone. Statistics show that at least 85% of women wear band sizes too large and cup sizes too small.
Well, we all don’t have the time to go for professional bra fittings, but from the comfort of your room, there are quite a number of things you can do or look out for in making the perfect choice of bra size.
When you wear a bra, are your breasts falling to the sides rather than straight-forward? Is the bra band too tight? Is the band hiked up at the back? Are your straps digging into your shoulders and causing pain? Are the cups of your bra wrinkled or smooth? If your answers to these questions are YES, then you are wearing an ill-fitting bra.
A right fitting bra band should fit firmly; the centre of your bra band should lie flat on your chest/breastbone while the band sits in the middle of your back.
At first wear, your bra should fit snugly with the first set of hooks. As the band stretches overtime with continuous wear, then you can start using the innermost hook sets.
When you wear a fitting bra, your breast should fill into the cup without an overspill. There should be no spillage in the cups, no poking at the sides, no band pain, and the bra straps should support the weight of your breasts without putting a dent in your shoulders. If the under wires are poking at the sides or your breasts are spilling out from their cups, it means you are wearing a cup size too small.
Here’s a trick – when trying on a new bra, wear a T-shirt on it. The way your breasts look and feel in the T-shirt will tell if you have the right bra size on or not.
Trick 2 – Try out and have different bra styles for different outfits. Every style feels and shapes your breasts differently with outfits; what matters most is the right bra size.
A fitting bra lifts your breasts and gives a good foundation to your outfit. Do you know that wearing a well fitted bra makes you feel like a million bucks? You feel a lot more comfortable, sexy and your self esteem is boosted!
Now you know what to look out for when next you are lingerie shopping. I bet you can’t wait to get that perfectly fitted bra!

It’s common for couples sex life to experience dry spells in their relationships over time.
Sex is like a conversation. The more connection you have with your man in the bedroom, the happier and more intimate your relationship becomes.
So if you are looking for practical ways to improve your sex life, this is for you!

Be spontaneous. Don’t make sex a boring routine. Yes, due to busy work schedules and the kids being around, you’ve probably worked out a sex schedule – specified days and timings. But who says it can’t happen on other days? There should be unplanned days when you let sex happen. Opportunities will always come and when they do, go beyond the routine bedroom scene. Trying other places in the house makes it more fun. The kitchen, living room, study, and bathroom – make it happen anyhow, anywhere! Dress up for the kill – seduce him, spring up a surprise romantic dinner, get sexy for him in new lingerie and oh mine, get ready for the mind-blowing sex that will follow!
Don’t rush, enjoy the foreplay! Take your time when aiming for incredible sex. Lovemaking isn’t something to be rushed. Learn to explore and love each other’s body, enjoy the foreplay. Do you know what brings him ecstasy? Don’t hesitate to tease him; you’ll be surprised by how much pleasure touching him brings you too.  Let your bodies communicate. Enjoy touching him and the pleasures of being touched in return.
Sex Positions: Now you’ve set the mood, let your sex position be part of the fun. Thrill your lover, don’t do the usual. Attempt something new from the achievable one thousand and one lovemaking positions. Some positions allow you to connect and explore more with your lover.  Explore, discover and try them out!
Communicate and Connect. Maintain not only a physical but an emotional bond with your partner. Create emotional intimate moments with him. Make eye contact with your man during sex; tell him how he turns you on. Communicate openly – be free in discussing your sexual desires. What excites you? Let him know what gives you pleasure. Are there certain parts of your body you love him touching? Are there things you fantasize about? Tell your partner and give them a try if possible. It will help you open new doors to your relationship, explore your sensuality and of course, put a lot more fun into your intimate moments.
Exercise and Food – Working out is a great way to improve your sex life. Dancing, yoga and kegel exercises are healthy and sex boosting. Do you know that aside their physical benefits to your body, these exercises help you feel good about yourself, clear your mind, and increase your likelihood for sex? Now you know.

There’re also certain aphrodisiac foods that can stimulate your sexual desire and give you more sexual satisfaction. Some of these foods stimulate circulation and blood flow to the male and female sexual organs thereby boosting sexual libido. Easy to find passion-inducing foods in Nigeria include: Watermelon, Spinach, Garlic, Tiger nuts, Dates, Onions, Strawberries, Avocados, and Sweet potatoes.
You want to get in the mood? Indulge in these libido stimulating foods deliberately and generously.
Being sexually fulfilled compliments your overall emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing…won’t you rather spice it up?