Everyone wants this year to be better than last year. We've made resolutions for the new year, some of which we've gone back on already. My Dad said and I quote, 'Making resolutions does not change anything, determining to be better does'.

In today's post I'll be sharing with you 7 ways to make the best of this new year. I hope we all (myself included) try our best to put them to practice.

1. Pray as if it depends on praying:

 My mom tells my siblings and I this a lot. This year rather than pray 'God I want this... God give me that..', let our prayer be, 'Father reveal your will for me this year and give me grace to live according to it.' I tell you, it's easier, and we make more progress when we are running with the wind and not against it. So pray as if it depends on praying and as you do so remember to pray for others. What's the point of being successful if there's no one to share in your joy?

2. Drink lots of water: 

My mom always made us drink a large cup of water as soon as we woke up. Water therapy, she called it. We all hated it and soon she stopped bothering. Recently, I decided to try it out and see what the fuss was about.

  The first day, I could barely finish a cup but with time I got used to it. I can now comfortably finish more than two sachet of water in a day (I couldn't finish one before) and I feel lighter. It's also an anti-constipation treatment (I used to constipate a lot). Drinking water regularly, especially first thing in the morning, has a lot of benefits, all of which I can't start listing, but you'll be so glad you did.

3. Exercise/ workout: 

When we hear work out most of us come up with the ever-so-ready excuse that we do not have access to a gym or time to visit one. Well, you do not need to leave your house to workout, you do not even need to leave your room. 

There are lots of exercise routines on Pinterest and also apps on Play Store that can help you exercise in your room. If you can afford to go to the gym or to have a personal trainer, good for you.

 Remember you have to be determined and disciplined for it to work. Exercising makes me feel lighter, like I can handle anything the day brings. It also makes me feel better about myself. The advantages of exercise cannot be over emphasised. No matter your age or work schedule, there's a simple exercise for you. 

PS: It also hurts like hell. I had abdominal pain for 3 days because of sit up, so expect the pain. Besides, no pain, no gain right?

4. Read: 

Readers are leaders period. In Memories; Growing Up, I talked about reading a lot as a kid. But in all honesty, as soon as I started pre-clinicals proper, it was as if someone had put off a switch. Every time I picked up a nonacademic book to read, my medical books, Last Anatomy to be precise, seemed to be laughing at me. Through out last year, I read less than 10 books, a very disappointing number for someone used to finishing books over night. 

  This year I have decided, and you should too, to read as much books as I can and put the knowledge garnered to practice. This includes fiction and nonfiction. The author of the book I am currently reading said that reading even outside your immediate scope is a good way of excelling and becoming better if not the best. I know we all want to be the best we can be.

5. Study The Bible For Yourself: 

There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding on what the Bible says or does not say. Many people depend on what their pastors said and when the time comes to defend what they claim to believe, they fail to  do so convincingly. The theme for my church this year is; Living by the word of God. You can't live by what you do not know or do not understand.

 This year, determine to make out time every day to study the Bible personally. Understand what God demands of you and the promises He has made available for you. To excel this year we need Him more than anything else. Remember, He has promised to teach our hands to make wealth. 

PS: Proverbs is a good place to start in case you don't know where to begin. Also, there are lots of good devotionals out there, I recommend Daily Guide by Scripture Union.

6. Be Friendly: 

Let's all try to be better. Be more sensitive, be more tolerant, be more forgiving, be more considerate. Let's go out of our way to help others without expecting something in return. The sky is big enough for everyone.

7. Be Diligent: Put your best foot forward. No matter what you do, always give your best. 

Proverbs  10:4  says, He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

That's it guys! 7 ways to make the best of this year. Feel free to add your ideas in the comments section down below. Have a fruitful year ahead. Thanks.

Image Sources :
Create a smile project 
LibrErin
Christianity Today 
Lies Young Women Believe 
Shuttershock
Dave Miller's Mexico 

                 
                      

Hi guys! It's just few hours to the end of the year.  Isn't it amazing what we've survived this year? God has indeed been faithful. Before the year finally rounds up, I'll love to share with you the important lessons blogging taught me this morning.

  

In no particular order, here they are;

1. THERE IS NO RULE

2. BE YOU, DO YOU

3. NEVER STOP LEARNING

4. BE CONFIDENT

5. MISTAKES ARE PART OF THE PROCESS

6. DO NOT BOX YOURSELF

7. HAVE FUN

  2017 has been one hell of a year. I've been through situations I never thought I could handle and I came out victorious. Even the fact that you are reading this is a testimony, because I was at the verge of giving up and deleting this blog at some point this year. 

  

  I do not know what 2018 holds for me or the blog but I'm excited to find out. Thank you guys for hanging in there, for your support and encouragement. God willing, 2018 will be better. 

  

  As we round up the year I wish you God's grace and abundant blessings in the coming year. Congratulations on making it to the last day of the year. Happy New Year in advance. 

Hi guys! It's exactly 1 week to Christmas day! How are you preparing? Earlier this year, I participated in a flash fiction challenge. My first ever. It was quite challenging because I always seem to have so many words. But it was a nice experience. I did not win, but at least I got to the semi finals (to my surprise).

 Here is one of my entries for the challenge. The instruction was to write a short story starting with "When the early missionaries first arrived" (I can't really remember the word count). Enjoy.

                  

                      THE INVADERS

'When the early missionaries first arrived, Umukabia was thrown chaos.  Every morning, I listened for the elders as they rushed to the Obi Eze to return late at night. With the planting season almost over, I had little to do except jeer at passersby and of course laugh at the turmoil. 

  

   ''They are invaders!'' the elders bellowed ''they have come to desecrate our land.''

  Of the nature of these invaders and their purpose, I got to know from my dear friend Okoro, the drunkard. Like me, he was never taken seriously, but I tell you, he had enough wisdom to control a nation if he was ever sober enough to apply it. 

  

   ''Greetings my dear friend'' I hailed him on that fateful day. 

  

   ''Greetings Otokoto'' he returned. 

  

   ''What brings you this way?''  

  

   ''The quest for fresh palmwine.'' was the blunt reply. 

  

   ''I might just have some of Ichie Okezie's tasty palmwine left at home.''

  

   ''Otokoto!! You see I keep saying that Eze mmuo was just jealous of your good fortune. Which chi in his right senses would throw a good man like you to the outskirts of the town for just a small bump on his back? Don't we all have burdens on our backs? Some the size of Iyiofia and Umungele rolled up in one.''

  Of men whose skin colour were the colour of the insides of coconut, Okoro spoke, whose hair were like silk and who spoke through their noses. Whether this was the truth or palmwine talking I couldn't say. 

  

   ''What do they want?''

  

   ''To teach us their ways, and that of their Chi who lives in the sky.''

  

   ''Lives in the sky?'' I laughed ''Where would his shrine be then?''

  

   ''In our hearts'' came the drunken reply 

  

   ''Our hearts?!'' I was astonished.

  

   ''The sun is on his way home, so must I be'' Okoro staggered to his feet, what was left of my palmwine firmly clutched under his arm. 

  

  It took several years for Umukabia to accept the invaders. A church was built in the village square and many, my humble self included, were baptised. Every evening we gathered under this udara tree to learn of the ways of the missionaries and of their God, now our God.

DID YOU ENJOY IT? LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW. THANKS.

Hi guys! It's slay season! So, I'm guessing you've read my post on Slaying within budget (if you've not, you can check it out here). You may have decided to get a makeup product or two or build a makeup kit if you're a beginner, that's great!
 Or, you may be thinking of packing for the Christmas travels but do not want to carry your entire makeup kit. This post is a list of what I think are the most important makeup products/tools. Let's get started.

1. Makeup Brushes; 

Pro 24Pcs Cosmetic Makeup Brushes Set Kit

 Makeup brushes reduce the stress of getting a beautiful finish. As far as I am concerned, makeup brushes are the most important makeup tools. You can have all the foundations, powders etc. but if you don't have good makeup brushes and know how to use them, you won't get that flawless look.

24 Pcs Makeup Brushes

 There are different types, within different price ranges. Just make sure that you get the best that your budget can afford and that you buy original.

2. Eyebrow Pencil or Fillers; 

I strongly believe that even without applying any other makeup product, well drawn brows kinda makes the face pop.
 You can just decide to draw your brows and that's it. You'll still look amazing. And best part, eyebrow pencils are one of, if not the cheapest makeup products. Amazing right?!

3. Eye-shadow Palette;

Eyeshadow Palette, Nude Hues

 In My Favorite House of Tara Product, Dubem said that the eyes are the windows of the soul. I couldn't say it better. Eye-shadow comes in different types, colours, etc. There are the shimmery ones, the glitters, nude hues, bright hues etc. 
For a beginner, you might just want to go with the plain good old eye-shadow in a smaller palette, you might want a bigger palette, or you might want to step it up a notch with the shimmery or glitter shadows. Remember it all depends on your budget.

4. Foundation; 

 There are a million and one brands of foundation, in different shades and different price range. I suggest you ask a personnel at any outlet you buy from to help you choose the right shade for you (I always do).

House of Tara Foundation

 Also, depending on whether your face is oily or not, they can help you choose the best foundation for your skin type.

5. Powder; 

Zaron Mattifying Powder

 Just like I said under foundation, knowing your skin type and shade is key in buying the  powder that will work best for you.

6. Lipstick/Lip gloss;

Nyx Matte Lipstick

 These also come in countless brands and colours. Also there are the matte ones and the glossy ones (I love matte). There are also nude colours and bright colours (nude does not work for me or maybe I have been applying them wrongly). So it all depends on your choice, try different types and colours out and see which one works for you.

7. Primer;

Classic Face Primer

 I should have added this before foundation, but if you are on a tight budget you can do without. Its a colloidal or gel like product that helps makeup stay longer (Medical students remember primer in DNA replication? Well this works in a similar way.) I used it for the first time recently and loved it. It makes your face feel light, almost like you have no makeup on. There are face primers and eye-shadow primers by different brands. And the good thing is that it's a one type for all product.

8. Highlight and Contour Palette;

Ushas Contour Palette

 I think contouring is the real transformation, it really does wonders if you know how to do it. I am still trying to get a grip of it. There are also a lot of brands out there.

 So, these are the top 8 items that  should be in every makeup kit. There are so many other products out there that you can add to your kit with time. Remember, go for what you can afford, don't go broke trying to slay. And most importantly, buy original.

IS THERE ANY PRODUCT YOU THINK BELONGS TO THIS LIST? LET ME KNOW.

Hi guys! I smell Christmas already, do you? If there's anything the Christmas season is known for, it's occasions. And we all know that ladies would love to look snatched this season, who knows we could meet "the one". If there is any single thing that can have a lady looking super amazing, it's well applied makeup.

 With the way the economy has been going lately, I'm sure most of us feel we can't afford new makeup products right now. I bring you good news; it doesn't cost as much as you think. 

@nenny_xx

@stephduben

 When I got to the outlet I was to buy from, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that makeup was actually affordable depending on one's budget. There are price ranges and you can actually get quality makeup products within each price range.

 To avoid buying fake products, make sure to buy from trusted outlets. This is because, they have experienced personnel that can help you make choices in case you are a beginner or just want to change products. From the right type of product for your skin type to the right shades of foundation and powder and everything in between they'll guide you through.

Me being my goofy self.

 So, decide how much you want to spend, find out brands that you can afford and stock up that makeup kit. Remember to buy original products and to cut your coat according to your material (because sometimes we can't afford our size).

Tip: The price of everything in the market increases as the year rounds up. So the earlier the cheaper.

Do you have any advice to add to this? Drop it in the comment box. Also help recommend quality and affordable brands. Thanks a lot.