NIGERIA PHOTO DIARY!!

Hi lovely readers,

Welcome back to my blog and to another travel post from me. Today I am sharing pictures from my trip to Nigeria. This pictures were taken while attending my friends traditional marriage. I marvelled about Nigeria's culture in my previous post here.

Today I will document the reasons as to why I personally love travelling. I love travelling for two reasons: (1) the world perspective and (2)a breathing moment.

I read an article on how having a world perspective makes for a well rounded human being. This couldn't be further from the truth. I now have that patience for different perspectives and I can definitely say I truly appreciate who I am as an individual and my culture in general.

I also love travelling for a breathing moment - If there is one thing I can safely say: is that when you are in your late twenties and not married, the public takes it upon themselves to remind you that the clock is ticking. At some point its endearing but in other instances its stressful. So if I can get away just from this stress for a second, well why not?

Thanks for stopping by.

Love;

Aika!

Mental Strength:

Hi lovely readers;

Welcome back to my blog. It has been a minute since I had the energy and will power to write a blog post. 

Toadys' post will be wordy but I promise you it will be worth your time. 

I came across the term Mental Strength a month ago as I was searching through the Internet. This topic was so exciting to me because often times, I have the physical energy to do productive work but I lack the motivation or the push to accomplish anything. In other words, my mental strength has been so low but ever since I started the mental strength exercises as suggested in this article, I have been so productive. 

So what is mental strength?

Mental Strength is the ability to regulate your emotions, manage your thoughts and behave in a positive manner, despite your circumstances. In other words, its the mental ability to do productive work even if the circumstances are against you. 

 Below are three strategies that will help you develop mental strength:

1 Define what mental strength means to you. 

Everyone of us have different goals and requirements in life. Mental strength to me would mean being able to complete all my to do's prior to watching some videos on YouTube. So determine what mental strength means to you and be true to who you are. 

PS: Can you imagine what mental strength would mean to Serena Williams or Beyonce? 

2. Build your mental strength on small physical wins. 

Mental strength is like a muscle. You need to work on your mental strength daily for growth and development. If you haven't pushed yourself in thousand small ways, your mental strength will wilt when things get really difficult. 

3. Mental Strength is about your habits not motivation. 

Mental strength is not about getting an incredible dose of inspiration or motivation. It's about building the daily habits that allow you to stick to a schedule and overcome challenges and distractions over and over again. In order to develop mental strength, the key ingredient is consistency. Mentally strong people develop systems that help them focus on important stuff regardless of how many obstacles life puts in front of them.It's the habits that form the foundation of the mental strong people and ultimately set them apart. 

Thank you for stopping by. 

Xo-xo:

Aika!

Back to fitness!

Hi lovely readers,

Welcome back to my blog. It looks like I having been stumbling with some of my 2015 goals including my fitness goals. But, as Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but rising every time we fall". I just raised from my fitness failure and I am sure by the end of the year, I will be back into my desired fitness goal.

Below are a few tips on how I get back into my fitness routine:

1. Workout first thing in the morning

I am usually or feign being busy during the day, the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is start running like a lunatic. So I have opted for early morning workouts instead. Additional benefits of starting my day workouts include feeling energized throughout the day. 

2. Find a workout partner. 

I am definetly not a "self-motivated to workout" kinda person, so I always find a partner to workout with. Am currently working out with my neighbour who doesnt even know my name (crazy, I kow). If you have a workout partner, you will feel motivated to be there each single day. The key is to find a workout partner who is in the same level as you. 

3. Stay psyched

Two things psych me up each day that I workout. The first is cute and comfy outfits that give me the confidence to hit the ground the minute I leave my house. The second is a promise to indulge in my favorite hobby i.e Shopping. I have promised myself that I will indulge and get these training shoes (this or this), should I attain my fitness goal by the end of the year. 

I would love to hear your tips on how you get back to fitness after months and months of procrastination. 

Once again thanks for stopping by.

Xo-xo;

Aika!

The graduate

 Hey lovely readers,

I just recently graduated and trust me, I never been this excited about my life. To some people this ain't a big deal but to me, this is a MAJOR deal. I have gone through the day in my mind, over and over and over again. This is one of the highlights of 2015 for sure. Ooh am so grateful and feel very blessed. 

Here I am sharing a few pics from the day. 

         Pictured with fellow graduates. These three gentleman played a huge role in my academic life; from the late night group discussions to sharing pizza at the graduate centre, we had to survive. 

         My friend Stanley, who recently got married showed up with the wife-y and it was double celebration.

       My friend ODO made an appearance. We worked together back in the day and I inspired him to go for his masters (yes, I am bragging a little :) )

      I get teary-eyed when I think of how far we have come. My bff came all the way from Scotland. I have never felt more loved an appreciated. 

    This crazy lady just brought it on. Had so much fun hanging out with her. She brought all the fun and laughs.

My mama and my sister were there to share this wonderful day with me. (Side note ladies, next time dont try to upstage the lady of the hour. Thank you!)

OK, let me just chill now and get on to the next one. Special thanks to all who supported, prayed for and wished me well. I hold a special place in my heart for you all. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Xo-xo; 

Aika!

CROSS THAT BRIDGE!

  Hi Lovely readers,

Welcome back to my blog. How have you all been? I hope you are all having the best Eid celebrations. 

I am fine and ready to take on the remaining months of 2015. July has flown by so fast and I think that's partially because I am still enjoying the best holiday any girl could ever wish for. 

I love holidays for the simple fact that they give me time to reflect, recharge and be inspired. On this particular day I was inspired to push the envelope so I can cross new bridges that will lead me to my dreams and goals. 

To all my readers, may you find the bravery to cross bridges that will lead you to your dreams and goals. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Xo-xo;

Aika!

life lessons

Hi Lovely readers,

Welcome back to my blog. The week has flown by so fast that I cant believe its Wednesday already. I swear Sunday was like 9minutes ago..loool.

The other day I was having a conversation with one of my bestfriends, and we were going over all the important lessons that we have learnt especially in our 20's. I think I can summarize all that I have learnt in two statements.

1. I am enough. 

When we are in the akward teen years, we spend most of the time and energy trying to fit in certain social circles or wanting to appear cool to our peers. I have learnt that was a total waste of my time and energy, because at the end of the day, I will never be anything other than who I am. I have come to realise that I am enough and I fit right in my small circle of friends. 

2. Every dream is possibility and no dream is too big.

I used to have (and still have) grand dreams and ideas, when I shared with some of the people they would sort of look at me like am crazy. With time that I started to doubt my dreams and I have let many of them go. But as I turned 20 (a few years back), I started to take every opportunity that came my way. Sometimes, I had to keep my pursuits for these dreams a secret so that I couldn't face the nay sayers and so far it has been so deliberating. To everyone out there with grand dreams and ideas, I say to you, its ok to have those dreams. Take each opportunity to accomplish them and forget the naysayers. 

Ok enough with the chit-chat for today, I am wearing a tailored floral blazer and pleated skirt - my favorite combo if I want to appear lady like for those big meetings. 

Thank you for stopping by. 

Xo-xo

Aika!

RELATIONSHIPS 101!

Hey Lovely Readers,

Welcome back to my blog. When it comes to relationships,we all want to keep the "butterfly in the tummy" feeling forever. But after a year or two, this feeling disappears and normacy takes room. Here are a few tips to help keep the relationship fires burning. 

1. Bring something to the table besides the damn food! - Cookie Lyon

Have your own goals, ideas, hobbies and career plans. Relationships work best when the two of you are blending together your lives rather than you depending on your partners ideas and goals. Don't take this out of context, I know that in a relationship there has to be a gray area where you will share ideas and life goals, that should not stop you from having your own dream and goals. This will inspire your partner to get out of their comfort zone and support one another.

2. Communcating the right way will spice up your relationship:

Relationship communication involves talking, listening, laughing and arguing. Keep the communication lines open, let your partner speak out their emotions and beliefs. Allow for your partner to air out any differences that may occur. In turn, talk to your partner when the need arises.

A note to the brothers: Listening without responding will save you alot of trouble (thank me later)! 

3. Keep it sexy!

First things first, keep yourself  healthy and fit, this will be a good boost your feel good factors and being sexy will come naturally to you. 

Date nights are not to be taken for granted, no matter how long you have been in a relationship. While you are getting ready for the date, pick out sexy outfit (all men are visual human beings, so keep at it).  

If you are in a long distance relationship, learn the art of sexting. That will keep the relationship flames burning even from a distance.

Thanks for stopping by.

Xo-xo:

Aika

Interview Tips from Google's Head of HR

 

 

Hi Lovely readers,

 

Welcome back to my blog.  The year is flying by so fast and I hope we are still in track with our 2015 goals. If one of your of goals involves changing a job or a career, then you will be required to sit for an interview.

 

If you have been called for an Interview, you have that opportunity to make that impression and get the job. Making an impression involves a lot of things from your personal appearance, your communication skills, your sitting position and your ability to give correct answers to the questions asked. I came across this article by the Google's Head of HR and I thought I would share his tips.

1. Predict the future.

 

Thanks to google you can determine what are the most frequently asked interview questions and learn how to answer them. This will prepare your mind of what is coming.

Additionally, read through the position requirements from the job add and predict questions based on the job requirements.

2. Plan your attack.

 

For every predicted question, write down the answers that you will give. By writing them down, you will memorise them and even rationalize and challenge yourself.

3. Have a back up plan.

For every question, there is more than one answer. Write down all the answers and prioritize as to which one will be more useful. If the first answer is challenged, you can always pick the second answer.

 

4. Prove yourself.

 

Have real life examples to all the answers that you give. It gives the interviewer the impression that you know what you are talking about and that the answer you are giving has been applied in your previous experiences.

 

5. Read the room.

Learn the body language of the interviewer and work towards gaining their confidence and trust in your answers. 

I hope these tips have been helpful, visit linkedin.com to read through the whole article.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Xo-xo;

Aika!

First Date Tag

 

Hey lovely reader,

 

Welcome back to my blog. I saw some first date tag videos on YouTube (you can watch them here) and I thought it’s a cool TAG and I should do it. (Yes, am a hopeless romantic).  

So here we go;

1.       How long does it take to get ready for a date?

Well, I will take my sweet time every time am getting ready to go out. So roughly between an hour or two.

 

 

2.       What’s your idea of a perfect date?

a.       Dinner – is my ideal first date category. It’s an exclusive and romantic way of getting to know the lovey dovey side of my date.

b.      Drinks – I like drinks date coz it’s the type of date where I will open up and be totally free. So I will opt for this type of date if I really like the guy.

c.       Cinema - Does this qualify as a date?

d.      Adventurous date – No please.

 

3.       What type of outfit will you gravitate more for a date night?

If it’s a dinner date, I will prefer a dress that's not too flattery but ladylike. If it's cold, I will add a leather jacket to keep warm.

 

If it’s a drinks date then I will prefer denim type of outfit. I would most definitely go for my white denim and pair it with a nice top and killer heels.

 

 

 

4.       On the date of your choice, what make up will you wear?

I am not a make up fanatic or make-up guru for that matter, but on first dates, I like to have simple make-up with a nude lip and soft eyeliner.

 

5.       Your date asks for the bill, do you…

a.       Offer to pay with the actual intention to pay?

b.      Make a fuss – with no intention of paying?

c.       Expect him to pay straight away?

Well, I will make a fuss with no intention of paying. If he agrees, then I automatically conclude that this was not a date but rather just a hangout. J

 

6.       It’s time to say goodbye, you really like your date. Do you?

a.       Wave

b.      Hug

c.       Kiss on the cheek

d.      Peck

e.      Full on smooch

I am awkward and I think I will wave. If he initiates a hug then I will reciprocate but I am sure I won’t kiss him.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

 

xo-xo;

Aika!

Girl Talk: Body Image!

Hi Lovely readers;

Welcome back to my lovely blog. Today I am sharing a topic that has been on my mind for a very long time. So many women (including myself) have been a victim of this. 

We ladies tend to be self critical about the way we look. To make matters worse, the media has defined what beauty is and we tend to analyze our beauty based on that definition. We have now fell into being victims and our self esteem and inner beauty is dimming. 

I have come up with a few tips for we ladies to help us appreciate how we look and feel.  

1. Perfection is an ILLUSION.

Despite what or who you see in the magazine or Instagram, No one is that perfect. There is this technology called "airbrushing" and "Photoshop" that people use to make their images appear perfect. Imperfection is beauty in itself. Learn to love your imperfections and in the long run you will feel perfect about yourself. 

2. Don't compare yourself to others. 

I must admit, I am a victim of this too. Comparison is the thief of joy. Everyone is unique in their own special way. Appreciate the beauty of others but don't let that put you down. The grass isn't always green on the other side. 

3. Tell yourself you are beautiful. 

I once heard someone say this, I thought it was very vain and weird. But then, I started receiving rude comments about how I look and that had an effect on my self esteem. So I made a point to saying that I am beautiful out loud. After a while, it changed how I felt. Once you affirm to yourself that you are beautiful then you not only feel the beauty from within but also stand a little taller. 

4. Take a look in the mirror. 

One of my best friend has a habit of looking at herself in the mirror (Al-naturale/naked). I always thought it was weird, until I came across an article that encouraged this habit. The article encouraged looking at your self and pointing out one good feature that you love you. This week you may notice one thing, next week you will notice another. Eventually you will know that every part of you is beautiful.

5. Exercise.

I am not encouraging you to exercise for the sake of losing weight or getting a bigger butt. I am encouraging you exercise so that you can have a moment to get out of your head and let go of your insecurities. A half an hour run once a week can do wonders to your body and the way you feel about yourself. Get at it and work on it. 

I hope this tips have been helpful. If you have additional tips please do share them in the comments section below. 

Xo-Xo;

Aika

Remembering Paris!

Hi lovely readers,

Happy new year. May 2015 be the best year yet.

2015 has started off ooh so well for me. Despite January being the hardest month for me, am optimistic that this will be my best year yet. 

I was scrolling through my album and came across these beautiful pictures my friends and I took while we visited Paris. Its safe to say, that was the best time/holiday in my life. I crossed off an item in my bucket list (though am rethinking of Paris as my dream honeymoon destination).  

The locker bridge!

              Taking a walk through the streets of Paris!

   

Aaah, the fresh air, the ambiance, the art - pure perfection!

Making my way towards the top of Eiffel Tower.

Selfie with my friend (Travelholic), Aween!

My attempt at using a Go-Pro Camera, total fail!!

Paris view from Eiffel Tower, Beautiful!

L-R: The birthday girl, Deinre, Travelholic Aween, Photographer/Travelholic/Shopaholic Amyz, My nigerian Sister Osy and Me!

Me and my BFF at Louvre Museum, 

Here is to wishing everyone experience better adventures in 2015.

Love, Aika!