THINGS TO HELP YOU WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING

Planning a wedding can be so stressful – the financial strain, the emotions, the time constraints once you’ve set the date, the pressure from family and friends…

So here are some tips on how you can reduce these stresses and have more zeal while planning your wedding.

Relax: Sounds a little ridiculous, but one of the best methods I used is relaxation and getting some sleep while planning a wedding. It sets
the mind at ease.

Delegate: If you have a bridal party, then ask them for their help every now and again – even your parents and siblings will likely be happy to help
you out.

Ask for help: If it’s financial stress you’re under, and you’re not sure how you will manage to pay the bills if you go ahead with this wedding, reduce your expenses wherever possible. Ask for help from your parents if you can, or ask a bank for a loan to get you by, but only if you can truly afford to pay back. Otherwise you’re setting yourself up for a black hole of debt that you may not be able to break free from. If your stress is affecting your mental health, think about asking your GP for a referral to a psychologist or counsellor to discuss this further.

Massage: If one thing relaxes me, it’s getting a massage! Book in and enjoy an hour to yourself, in silence and truly allowing yourself to wind down. I often leave half asleep, and you might find the same.

Focus on your hobbies: Are you into photography, sport or something else? Spend some time NOT wedding planning! It can be overwhelming, so you need some time to focus on something else.

Focus on your relationship:
Remember to schedule time to hang out with your spouse-to-be but avoid wedding planning at the time! Focus on the two of you and your relationship, rather than the wedding or anything else that’s
stressing you out.


BY SHAMSIYA BARAU AHMED

PERFECT AND ROMANTIC WAYS OF APOLOGIZING TO YOUR PARTNER

 I know that, for the most part, you are a flawless goddess, and everyone loves you. But I'm sure occasionally you do have to apologize, especially in your relationship, and you have to do it right because sometimes just saying ‘’SORRY’’ isn’t enough. When those times roll around, you'll need to understand what makes a truly great and meaningful apology.

It's about so much more than admitting blame or feeling guilt. It's about understanding how your partner feels, affirming their feelings, making them feel heard, finding real solutions, and then doing a little making up. That means making real, lasting change, and that's a difficult thing to do. Especially if you're set in your ways, or if you're not used to compromising. It's a skill that take practice, but you'll get it down.

Here are some basic steps to guide you through the perfect apology;

Check Your Tone: An insincere apology might as well be another shovelful of dirt on your relationship's grave. It's as insulting as it is irritating, and it doesn't resolve anything. If you're not ready to apologize, or you don't mean it, don't make things worse with an apology full of attitude. In other words, check yourself before you wreck yourself. It's absolutely OK to take some time to think or cool off after a disagreement. Your partner will know if you're just giving an empty apology, and it will only hurt your relationship.

Acknowledge Your Partner's Feelings: Most of the time, when we feel hurt, we also really want to feel understood. Even if you don't think you did anything wrong, it can only make your relationship stronger if you take the time to understand why your partner is angry or hurt instead of just giving a blanket apology. Try to see things from their perspective, and take into account that they likely have different feelings and perspectives on things than you do. Really try to empathize with your partner, in as caring and understand. 

You Mean What You Say: There's no point in making a plan to change your inconsiderate behavior if you're not going to follow through. You'll just end up back at square one with more apologizing to do, and a partner who is growing tired of hearing it. If you are happy with your compromise or the solutions you came up with together, make new ones. Don't just backslide into behaviors you know upsets your partner. That's basically telling your partner that you weren't serious about your apologies or about the solutions you both came up with; you have to follow through.

Make A Plan For Change: Once you've apologized, and got to the peak of what's really wrong, you need to resolve things by making a meaningful plan for change. This could be something as simple as saying "I will consult you before I make large purchases" or as complex as saying "I will do everything I can to rearrange my schedule and make sure our relationship is a top priority in my life." And even though you're the one doing the apologizing, there's plenty of room compromise here, and changes from your partner as well. Making a plan shows you're both committed to each other's happiness and the success of your relationship. It makes an apology that much more meaningful because it's backed by actions.

Remind Your Partner How Much You Love Them: Don't confuse this step with buying off your partner. A gift doesn't make up for bad behavior, and your partner isn't someone who can be bought off. What you're doing here is simply reminding your partner that they are appreciated, loved, and special. You're adding a rainbow to the end of the rain; and it doesn’t have to be a gift. It could be a heartfelt gesture,snuggle time, something romantic, or taking over a chore they hate for a few days. A little loving and papering should happen regularly in your relationship anyway, but it's especially important after a disagreement, or when you hurt their feelings. Do whatever will make them smile, warm their heart, and affirm your bond.

Finding real solutions and mending hurt feelings takes much more than saying "sorry." But if you truly love your partner, making them feel loved, appreciated, and understood is not a wasted effort. Plus, sometimes you get to have hot makeup sex. Bonus. Hahaha…


BY STEPHANIE E. HEMEN

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TOMATOES

The benefits of consuming different types of fruit and vegetable are impressive, and tomatoes are no different. As the proportion of plant foods in the diet increases, the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer decreases.

A tomato is a nutrient-dense super food that offers benefit to a range of body systems. Its nutritional content supports healthful skin, weight loss, and heart health.

There are different types and sizes of tomato, and they can be prepared in different ways. These include cherry tomatoes, stewed, raw tomatoes, soups, juices, and purees.

Tomatoes are an intensely nutritious plant food and here are some of its benefits.

-Including tomatoes in the diet can help protect against cancer, maintain healthy blood, and reduce blood glucose in people with diabetes.

 

-Tomatoes contain key carotenoids such as lutein and lycopene which can protect the eye against light-induced damage.

-Eat more tomatoes by adding them to wraps or sandwiches, sauces Alternatively, eat them cooked or stewed, as these preparation methods can boost the availability of key nutrients.

As tomatoes are in the top ten fruits and vegetables for containing levels of pesticide residue, it is strongly advised that you wash them properly before eating. 

STEPHANIE E. HEMEN

IMPRESSIVE HEALTH BENEFIT OF ONIONS

Though all vegetables are important for health, certain kinds offer unique benefits. Onions are members of the Allium genus of flowering plants that also includes garlic, shallots, leeks and chives. These vegetables contain various vitamins, minerals and potent plant compounds that have been shown to promote health in many ways.

Infact,the medicinal properties of onions have been recognized since ancient times, when they were used to treat ailments like headaches,heart disease and mouth sores.

Packed with Nutrients:Onions are nutrient dense meaning they’re low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals.One medium onion has just 44 calories but delivers a considerable dose of vitamins,minerals and fiber. This vegetable is particularly high in vitamin C, a nutrient that regulates immune health, collagen production, tissue repair and iron absorption. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant in your body, protecting your cells against damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. 

Onions are also rich in B vitamins, including folate (B9) and pyridoxine (B6) — which play key roles in metabolism, red blood cell production and nerve function. they’re a good source of potassium, a mineral in which many people are lacking. Normal cellular function, fluid balance, nerve transmission, kidney function and muscle contraction all require potassium. 

Benefit Heart Health: Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides and reduce the level of cholesterol — all of which may lower the risk of heart disease. Their potent anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce high blood pressure and protect against blood clots. Quercetin is a flavonoid antioxidant that’s highly concentrated in onions. Since it’s a potent anti-inflammatory, it may help decrease heart disease risk , such as high blood pressure. A study in 70 overweight people with high blood pressure found that a dose of 162 mg per day of quercetin-rich onion extract significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 3–6 mmHg compared to a placebo. Onions have also been shown to decrease cholesterol levels. 

A study in 54 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) found that consuming large amounts of raw red onions (40–50 grams/day if overweight and 50–60 grams/day if obese) for eight weeks reduced total and “bad” LDL cholesterol compared to a control group.
Additionally, evidence from animal studies supports that onion consumption may reduce inflammation, high triglyceride levels and blood clot formation Contain Cancer-Fighting Compounds: Eating vegetables of the Allium genus like garlic and onions has been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, including stomach and colorectal. A review of 26 studies showed that people who consumed the highest amount of allium vegetables were 22% less likely to be diagnosed with stomach cancer than those who consumed the least amount .Moreover,a review of 16 studies in 13,333 people demonstrated that participants with the highest onion intake had a 15% reduced risk of colorectal cancer compared to those with the lowest intake. 

These cancer fighting properties; have been linked to the sulfur compounds and flavonoid antioxidants found in allium vegetables. For example, onions provide onionin A, a sulfur-containing compound that has been shown to decrease tumor development and slow the spread of ovarian and lung cancer in test-tube studies.
Onions also contain fisetin and quercetin, flavonoid antioxidants that may inhibit tumor growth.


By Stephanie E. Hemen

NATURAL REMEDIES TO REMOVE DARK SPOTS

1. Apply Lemon Juice
Lemon juice's acidity acts like a bleaching agent and helps reduce discoloration on your face. Use a cotton ball or Q-tip to apply the juice onto your liver spots twice a day. It is a good idea to test this first on a small area of your face to see how your skin will react to the lemon juice. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend diluting the juice with a bit of water.

2. Use Aloe Vera Gel

The gel of the aloe vera plant is packed full of antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and, E, which help to reduce brown spots and even out skin tone. Vitamin A speeds up your skin's natural shedding process, vitamin C brightens your complexion, and vitamin E renews the epidermis. Aloe works especially well if you have dark spots caused by sun burns because the plant has been used for thousands of years to relieve sunburns. You can buy 100% aloe vera gel at a health food store but using gel directly from the plant is preferable. To do this, cut off a piece of an aloe vera leaf and split it in half. Carve out the jelly-like flesh and apply this directly onto your skin. 

3. Yogurt or Buttermilk

These dairy products contain high amounts of lactic acid, which lightens and exfoliates the skin. You can apply yogurt or buttermilk directly onto your skin like a mask and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Rich in antioxidants and minerals, apple cider vinegar is a popular home product used for treating all sorts of ailments. Those with scarring and pigmentation swear by this simple remedy because the alpha hydroxy acid gets rid of dead skin cell. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. You can apply this over your entire face because it is pH balanced, so it acts as a toner. However, if you detest the smell, let the solution sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.

BY KHADIJAH YAKUBU AJIYA.

INDIA RISE TO 2ND IN ODIs

India's stellar run in Australia and New Zealand is now reaping dividends. The Indian cricket team has now grabbed the second spot in the ICC One-day International (ODI) rankings in which captain Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah have continued to top the respective charts for batsmen and bowlers. India have accumulated 122 points on the back of series wins over Australia and New Zealand and are placed behind England (126) in the fresh list, the ICC said in a statement.

Owing to a strong showing against Australia last month, which fetched him the player of the series award. Dhoni has moved up three places to 17th position in the batting list for a run, which included three consecutive half-centuries against Australia. New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult surged to third in the rankings for bowlers after finishing with 12 wickets in the series against India, which culminated in Wellington on Sunday with a 4-1 victory for the visiting side.

The 29-year-old left-armer, who swung the ball prodigiously to claim five for 21 and helped New Zealand to a win in the fourth match, has moved up seven places, the International Cricket Council said in a statement.

By khadijah Yakubu Ajiya.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

EBUKA ISSUES STRONG WARNING TO POTENTIAL BIG BROTHER NAIJA HOUSEMATES.
The Big Brother Auditions this year was conducted across eight cities in Nigeria, Lagos Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu, Warri, Calabar and Benin on Friday and Saturday.

Amidst too many crowds of youths who turned up, it was no doubt a hustling and Bustling Auditions.

However, the host of this year’s Big Brother Naija reality show, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, has warned potential housemates busy campaigning on social media. In his words he said:

“Like, are your followers the ones auditioning? Or you think if auditions were done on social media that wouldn’t have been specifically announced? I don’t get it.

“In fact you are probably even doing yourself more harm. A major element of Big Brother is secrecy and surprise but you think announcing your intentions on social media is a bright idea – toh,” he said.


RAPPER BOW WOW ARRESTED OVER AN ALLEGED ALTERCATION WITH A WOMAN ON SATURDAY MORNING.


Popular rapper, Bow Wow has been arrested over an alleged altercation with a woman on Saturday morning the rapper whose real name is Shad Moss, was cuffed early hours of Saturday after a fight in midtown Atlanta. 

 The woman who narrated that Moss had assaulted her also told Officer Jarius Daugherty that she was intoxicated and beat Moss “with a lamp, bit him on his side and spit on him” while he “continually made efforts to avoid her.”

“Officers were unable to determine the primary aggressor of the altercation, so both parties were charged with battery,” Daugherty said in a statement to CNN

The rapper’s attorney, Joe Habachy, however, told CNN that Bow Wow was wrongfully arrested.

BY SOPHIE AIGBOMIAN.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

CARDI B DENIES REUNITING WITH OFFSET.
American rapper, Cardi B has reacted to reports making rounds that she has reunited with her estranged husband, Offset.

Earlier Today TMZ reported that Cardi B and her estranged husband, Migos rapper Offset were finally back together after the cheating scandal that earlier caused their separation.

Although, the reunion according to TMZ didn’t come without some new rules as offset had to change his phone number which is going to be strictly for business purposes and family.





DONALD TRUMP REACTS ON"HOMOPHOBIC" ATTACK ON JUSSIE SMOLLETT.



President Donald Trump has reacted to the homophobic attack on Empire star, Jussie Smollett. Two days earlier, It was reported that Jussie was attacked and called a faggot in Chicago on Monday at around 2 AM after he went to a Subway with plans to get food.

However President of the US. Reacted and said “It was horrible. I’ve seen it, last night. I think that’s horrible. It doesn’t get worse, as far as I’m concerned.

“What I think is the worst sin of all is the fact that we’re allowing people to come into this country and sell drugs and human traffic and do all of these horrible things, that if we had the simplicity of a well-constructed, beautiful barrier or wall, they wouldn’t be able to come into our country.”

BY SOPHIE AIGBOMIAN.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN COUPLES

Communication is said the process of sharing idea, information,feelings and emotions with one another. It could be also thoughts or feelings shared through spoken or written words; or even body language. An effective communication requires the transmitted information received to be understood by the receiver.

And most of what people lack today in their relationships is communication, which is one of the most key factors of a solid relationship. It keeps the relationship open, active and vibrant and ensures trust such that misunderstandings can be avoided or solved. What mostly couples do today is keeping their feelings and emotions hidden from each other, and by doing create many problems or even destroy the relationship entirely.

Couples should understand that communication helps their relationship grow, helps them solves any issue that might crop up and makes the relationships stronger. Sharing your deepest thoughts and emotions with an open mind to each other will make the love grow; it will bring understanding and trust between the both of you.

Communication solves so many problems in a relationship. If couples don’t communicate, they won’t be able to understand each other as they should, they won’t be able to make changes and adjustments towards the things they don’t like in each other.

BY Shamsiya Bara’u Ahmed

HOW TO CREATE LONG LASTING BOLD LIPS

Making a bold lip color is a way to make your lips rocky through and after, so you have to put it all in order to make your pout look perfect and to last long. Creating bold lips requires layering your lips products in the right way.This include first by preparing your lips: when wearing a bold lip color every dry patch on a lips will be more obvious therefore massage the lip crub over the lips gently exploit before applying any lip products. You can mix up a lip balm by combining ½ tspn of organic

coconut oil, 1 tblspn of brown sugar, and a little of honey. Apply a moistening lip balm in order to make your lips smooth, once you apply allow it to sink for about 10-12 minutes. After you have allowed the lip balm to sit for several minutes, there may still be some excess products that doesn’t sink in to the lips.This can make the lips to be difficult for the lips color to last long, so you can use tissue to blot away all the excess.Cover the lips with a layer of a concealer as it creates a base for the lips color to stick. The lip liner and lipstick will adhere to the concealer so that the bold color will last longer using a concealer foundation or cream. Apply the thin layer of the concealer to the lips by using sponge. Apply a lip liner on the lips by following your natural lip line with the liner in which it keeps away the lips from bleeding and it makes the bold color lips last long Apply your lipstick, after that; press a tissue to your lips which will remove any excess product or oil to help ensure that the color last longer.Dust a powder to your lips as this will make your lips looks pretty. Once you have put the powder apply another final bold lip color to the lips.

BY UMMU KHULTHUM ABDULKADIR.