A must do this season!

Manicures and pedicures 

Manicures and pedicures are a very significant aspect of one's appearance. Manicures and pedicures are not only meant for women, men should also ensure that their finger and toe nails are always presentable. A man's nails should always be neatly cut and well groomed. 

Most spa manicures and pedicures include nail filing, cuticle care, nail buffing and a moisturizing hand and foot massage. 

If you must do your manicure and pedicure at home, below are the tools you will need :- 

1. Nail cutter 

2. Toe and finger filer 

3. Bowl of warm water 

4. Massage lotion 

5. Small towel 

6. Shampoo 

DIY procedure for manicure 

i. Wash hands thoroughly. 

ii. Cut and file your nails using a nail cutter and nail filer. 

iii. Buff your nails carefully because too much buffing weakens the nails. 

iv. Massage your hands and finger nails with cream to make the cuticles soft. 

v. Add few drops of shampoo into a bowl of warm water and soak your hands for five minutes. 

vi. Apply a base coat ( for ladies ). 

vii. Apply two thin coats of colour and allow to dry before applying too coat ( for ladies too ). 

DIY procedure for pedicure 

i. Put warm water in a small bathing tub or basin, add a few drops of shampoo, lemon juice and salt in the warm water. 

ii. Soak your feet in the water for 15-20 minutes. 

iii. Cut, file and buff your nails. 

iv. File your heels too. 

v. Soak your feet in warm water again for few minutes before cleaning it with towel. 

vi. Masaage feet for 5-10 minutes. 

vii. Apply nail polish and allow to dry ( for ladies ). 

credit: Jeremy Liebman/getty images

Routine pedicures can relieve leg pain, aid with circulation in the legs and feet which is especially beneficial for diabetics.

When you get your manicure and pedicure done, you will see how fresh, soft and clean your hands and feet will look. 

 

Lets go green with envy this festive season!

Don't you love green in any shade that happens to take your fancy?
The good thing about this colour is that there are no limits and we can expect to see them in various shades. Going green does not mean you can't combine green with other colours. You can rock green with other colours and even do colour blocking with it as far as you can choose suitable colours.

   On the contrary, green is one of the most exciting and beautiful colours to work with it.

Some unique colours of green 

Blue green 

It is a unique colour. It's got a very deep and receptive quality, almost like the emerald colour of a beautiful mountain lake. It gives you a calm and contented appearance and suits every style. 

Emerald green 

Emerald green is a striking and intriguing colour that is sure to bring attention to you. An emerald green outfit should be the focal point of your ensemble. Any accessories you choose to wear should serve only as compliment to the beauty of this shade of green which would send you to the top of the fashion stake this season. 

  

Olive green 

This is the colour of nature and it adds the same vigour to your outfit and accessories. There really some exciting tweeds and chucks in these shades.

Apple green 

This shade of green is so niceee. Thankfully, the gods of fashion have given us a favour in the form of clothes that neither terrifies us nor demand that we have the figure of a swarthy A-lister to stand a chance of pulling it out.  

     

       These shades of green can go with many colours such as red, black, silver, brown, etc. Try out your green outfit with other colours. 

Green is all about saving the universe... green is all about life, so lets go green! 

Effective ways to get rid of eye bags

Eyes are the window to the body. Your eyes show whether you are happy, sad or depressed. As we grow older, some parts of the face especially the eyes, gets more vulnerable to aging than the cheeks and other parts of the face. This happens because the area around the eyes is so thin, so it is more vulnerable to damage and it is the first place we start noticing changes.


 Facial beauty begins with beautiful eyes. The skin around the eyes is obe of the most sensitive areas on the body.


The eyes are the first part of the face other people easily notice. It is important to look after the eyes because as we age, wrinkles and eye bags set in.


Another major problem for ladies is the problem of dark circles under the eyes, especially for those that use kajal and mascara for a long period of time.

However, there are some simple home remedies that are sure to give you those wonderful eyes you crave for; 

Cucumber 

You can massage a grated cucumber  ice cube on the eyes. There is an alternative for this, place a thin slice of cucumber on the eye for some minutes. It works great at soothing the eyes. 

Credit: pixabay.com

Tea bags 

Don't toss a tea bag into the trash can. It helps to reduce eye puffiness. Any tea bag will do for this treatment. This is done by placing a cooled tea bag on your eyes while you rest. 

credit: pixabay.com 

Raw irish potato 

To lighten dark circles under the eyes, wrap a grated irish potato in chiffon fabric or any other such material and apply to the eyelids for at least twenty minutes. After twenty minutes, rinse it off with cold water. 

Get enough rest 

Get at least 7-8 hours sleep each day. Do not sleep on your stomach, rather, its better to sleep on your back. This is necessary so that your head will be elevated when you sleep and make fluid not to build up around your eyes. 

images: pixabay.com

Cold water usage 

Always splash cold water on your face as this helps to reduce eye puffiness. Cold water splash constricts the blood vessels which helps to reduce swelling. Please do not apply the cold water on your face for more than a few minutes. 

image: pixabay.com

Cold spoons 

This tightens up the skin around the eyes and also relaxes the blood vessels. This is done by chilling some metal spoons in the refridgerator. Then the round part of the spoon should be held against the eye until the spoon gets warm. Replace that spoon with another chilled one. 

image: pixabay

Remove all makeup

Make sure you wash off your makeup before going to bed otherwise,  the makeup can make your eyes puffy in the morning.

Lets go milky 

Dip cotton balls in chilled milk and place on your eyelids. Relax for 20-30 minutes. It helps in cooling off the eyes, thereby reduces the risk of eye bags.  

image: pixabay.com

Age and other factors such as stress can also let the muscles sag. But with these simple home remedies, you can say goodbye to eye bags :)

Amazing facts about that golden liquid called "urine"

The name "urine" comes from the latin word "urina" which means "to flow".  

Urine is a waste product and the only two things most of us do with urine is to flush it out and to use for test in the laboratory. However, these are not the only things urine can be done with. 

image: Grove Pashley /getty images

image: Arthur Tiller/getty images 

As disgusting as it may sound, studies have it that urine can be used for a whole lot of things ranging from drinking it to using as a leather softner.  Aha! weird, huh? 

Below are some things urine can be used for:- 

As teeth whitener 

Ancient Romans used urine to clean and whiten their teeth. The ancient Greek also used urine to clean their teeth because urine contains hydrogen peroxide which removes stains from teeth. Ammonia is also found in urine which has the ability to kill bacteria. 

Cleansing agent 

Yes, urine stinks and the odour is unbearable. But urine is a very good cleaning agent and it contains ammonia which is a substance contained in today's cleaning products. 

Leather softener 

Roman tanners used to soak hides in urine whose urea decays into ammonia which helps to loosen and remove pieces of hair from the leather and softens it for tanning. 

Phone charging 

Phone charging? Yes, you read right! Bacteria that feeds on urine produces enough power that can be used to charge phone. 

Scientists in the United Kingdom say its possible to charge a phone with urine by using microbial fuel cells, which converts waste into electricity. In Nigeria, three teenage girls unveiled a urine powered generator. This is really amazing. 

Drink it 

There was am ancient yoga practise that helped promote meditation which was drinking of one's early morning urine. Auto-urine therapy is believed to help cure diseases ranging from cough to cancer because it contains antibodies, vitamins and minerals. This practise of drinking urine is common in China but has been banned in Cameroon. 

  However, because of the salt concentration in urine, the urine therapy is better to drink treated using a special membrane and sugar solution. If you are going to drink your urine, drink the early morning urine and also drink plenty of water that day. 

  This practise is good for people that drink frequent water but not ideal for peple that drink too much alcohol. 

Cures impotence

The urine therapy for impotence was introduced by ayurvedic physicians in India as well as Taoist doctors in China. 

Traces of male hormones androgen and testerone has been found in urine . When urine is mixed with bran and pig's liver, it is believed to cure impotence ( really disgusting mixture ). 

Treatment of infertility  

It has been discovered that the urine of menopausal women contains large quantities of hormones that stimulate ovulation.  

Urotherapy has been in existence for years. Urine is not just an ordinary waste product, this golden liquid equally has some unique properties. 

 

Have a nice day

Embelish your look in tunics

Tunics can be worn to most occasions either as casuals or party dresses depending on the accessories you use to wear them.  They were first worn by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Factors to consider when wearing tunics;

 

Accentuate for shape 

Tunics look better when worn with belts to enhance your shape so that the tunic will not be shapeless on you. Some tunics flow straight while some have an empire waistline. 

image: Gpoint studio at thinkstockphotos.com

Proper selection of shoes 

Not all shoes go with tunics, for instance, sneakers are an absolute "NO" for this look. High heeled shoes and a pair of flats are great for this look. 

image: Nikilitov at thinkstockphotos.com

Rule of tunics 

 Never wear skirts or baggy trousers on tunics. 

Tips to guide you on how to wear your tunics right 

As casual 

All this look needs is a pair of good skinny jeans , high heels or flat shoes and a nice handbag to give it a sophisticated look. 

image: Sundrawalex  at thinkstockphotos.com

As a dress 

While wearing it as a dress, it should be worn with a high heel or flat ballet shoes. For both looks, the most important accessory is the belt which helps create shape for your tunic dress. Tunic dresses can still look good without belts depending on how fitted is. 

Tunics for body types 

Rectangle shape  

This body shape doesn't look great in most tunics but if you must wear one, go for one that has buttons at the top and use belt to create the illusion of curves. 

image: oxxana at thinkstockphotos.com

image: Ariadna22822 at thinkstockphotos.com

Pear shape 

Go for tunics that falls above your widest area or below it, but not directly at it. Wear tunics that have side vents and a wide neck opening to make your shoulders seem broad. 

Hourglass shape 

Wear a tunic that is fitted to enhance your curves. If you must wear a loose one, be sure to pair it with a belt. 

image: Kurga at thinkstockphotos.com

Conclusion 

Tunics are a must-have for fashionable ladies and can be worn at anytime and to any occassion. They can be worn as dresses or worn with a pair of skinny jeans. They arr a very versatile piece of clothing. There are also many different ways to style tunics for different occassions. I personally wouldn't mind wearing them all the time because of the many ways it can be worn,  so go get 'em! 

Have a nice day....!

Yuletide season is here again!

Its festive season again and preparations for christmas is at top gear. Bring the wonderful feeling of christmas to your home this joyful season with these easy decorating ideas. From a charming xmas wreath to a decadent candy buffet, capture the true magic of the season in beautiful touches that make the days all the more merry and memorable. 

image: Harwen christmas at free download.com

image:  sniffels at  allfreedownload.com 

image: juan manzano at all free download.com

image: Juan Manzano at allfreedownload.com

 image: Iconka at allfreedownload.com

For some unique inspiration, take some cues from these beautiful and simple yet unique details: 

Christmas lanterns

Arrange a group of festive lanterns at your entrance for quick-easy xmas style. Consider using flameless candles as a worry-free alternative to ease your mind. 

Adorn a door entrance 

Welcome guests with a bright and colourful arrangement of wreath to beautify your door entrance. 

Sweet tidings 

Bring colourful delight to the table with a sweet setup of treats that never feel out of season. Try a no-fuss arrangement filled with red and white peppermint balls and assorted multicoloured chocolate bars. 

Create a warm welcome 

Create an impressive welcome by lighting up the season with a brilliant array of paper luminaries. Line them up along driveways and walkways. 

Opulence on the tree 

Accentuate christmas tree and overhead lighting with shimmering decorations and stick to the colour of the season which is red and white. Do the finishing touch with a beautiful ribbon gently hanging from the chandelier. 

Use glittering ornaments 

Create a sophisticated artistry work with glittering balls and other objects in various finishes. 

Decorate with matching colours 

The colour of your existing decor should match with your christmas decorations, even if it means using an unexpected colour such as cream. 

Drape your door handle 

Wrap a colourful ribbon loosely around a door handle. You can use the ribbon to create a nice shape. 

With these simple tips, you can bring the wonderful feeling of christmas right into your home. So jazz up your home for the yuletide season. 

MERRY XMAS IN ADVANCE! 

A Timeless Finger Piece

Cocktail rings 

Beautiful cocktail rings can be seen everywhere at parties, on the red carpet and can be worn with casual wears too. 

Cocktail rings were first seen in the United States in the 1920s but today cocktail rings can be see everywhere. 

The cocktail ring is the ultimate accessory that brings out the glamour and shine in your outfit. 

A simple, yet elegant cocktail ring is basically defined as oversized rock design with precious stones. 

To make a gallant statement with your cocktail ring, it has to be chunky and stylish, this is the golden rule of wearing cocktail rings. 


The big rock is a solid way to highlight your personality. You can wear different styles of cocktail rings depending on your attire. 

Types of cocktail rings :

Animal motif rings

These rings are shaped like animals . They are normally worn by people that want to show the world the type of animal they adore. 

Floral cocktail rings

These are rings made in the form of flowers with gemstones. These look great on dresses and can be worn by the young and old. 

Large stone rings 

These are cocktail rings with large gemstones at the middle with small-sized diamonds on the outer side. 

How to wear cocktail rings 

1. Choose something that best defines your personality. 

2. Make sure your fingers are well manicured because cocktails draw attention to the wearer's hands and nobody will want to see badly used hands. 

3. In the morning, wear cocktail rings that are not too big but in the evening, wear cocktail rings that are bold and make a strong statement. 

4. Never wear more than one ring on each hand otherwise you will look too busy. 

5. Do not wear many accessories if you are wearing a cocktail ring. 

          Conclusion 

Cocktail rings vary in prices, sizes and shapes. These are great pieces of accessory and can be worn during the day or in the evening. They can be worn with any piece of clothing but care should be taken avoid wearing an outfit that matches the colour of the ring because this will make the ring less noticeable. 

Your wedding gown and your shape

Wedding days are great and memorable days in people's lives and every woman wants to look like a disney princess on her wedding dress. 

          Most times, my friends and i talk about how our weddings will look like and how beautiful we will all look on our wedding gowns with our princes charming by our sides. We also did some research about the best type of wedding dress that will be more suitable for our various body types.

            Suitable wedding gown for your body type: 

Busty ladies: 

Go for a dress that doesn't call attention to your chest. Wear a dress whose neckline is not cut too low but shows just little cleavage instead of showing the whole package. Avoid gowns with ruffles at the chest area.

Straight ladies: 

Try a dress that will camouflage your hip area and make it appear fuller. Make sure it is a floor length gown. A ball gown will be great on you and give you a curvier look. 

image: courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Petite ladies: 

Avoid ball gowns because you could get swallowed up by the dress because of its full skirt. Go for gowns with empire waists that draws up the eyes to make you look taller. 

Curvy ladies: 

A mermaid wedding gown will be perfect on you.This wedding gown hugs at the hips and flares out below the knee. Any type of wedding gown will be great on you but if you have to show off your curves. 

images: courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Rectangle shaped ladies: 

You need to define your waistline using an empire waist which will also help make the smallest part of your torso obvious. Avoid sheaths and halter necked gowns. 

You have to choose right while shopping for your wedding dress because your wedding day is not like any other day, it is a very special day so you have to look perfect on the D day! 

The unbelievable magic of banana peels

It is very surprising that most of the things we think are not important  are actually more important than we would have ever imagined. Banana peels are actually beneficial to us so do not toss yours into the waste bin. 

photo credit: nixxphotography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

photocredit: phasinphoto at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How to use banana peels to work wonders: 

As shoe polish: 

Yes, as crazy as it may sound, banana peels works magic on shoes when used as shoe polish. Rub the inner part of the peel on your shoes and clean off with a piece of clean cloth. You will marvel at the shining effect it will give your shoes.

photocredit: Chris Sharp at freedigitalphotos.net

Eases depression: 

Banana peels when boiled in water helps to relieve depression. Boil the peels in water and allow to cool before drinking it. 

Cures acne: 

Rub the banana peel on the affected part for some days and before you know it, the acne will be gone! 

Whitens teeth: 

The inner part of banana peel contains potassium which when rubbed on the teeth helps to remove dirt and leaves you with sparkling white teeth.

Reduces wrinkles: 

Mash banana peels and mix with egg yolk. Use this mixture on your face and rub in circles and leave it for some minutes before washing off.

Reduces the risk of cataracts: 

Keep the banana peels under the sun before rubbing them on the eyes. It protects the eyes against UV rays and also reduces the risk of cataracts.

Fights puffy eyes: 

Not only cucumbers can work the magic of combating puffy eyes, banana peels work just as well. Use the banana peels you would use a cucumber to give your eyes a bright look.

Brightens complexion: 

The nutrients in the peel helps to exfoliate the skin. Massage a banana peel over your face 2-3 times a week and leave for twenty minutes before washing off. This will give you a clearer and radiant look. 

Meat tenderizer: 

Banana peels can be used to prevent meat from becoming tough while being cooked.

Eat the peels: 

Some people will say "eating of peels is for goats!" Yes it is for goats but not only goats, human beings should eat them too after boiling. Boil the peel in water for 10-15 minutes. It contains nutrients and antioxidants which are good for health.

Removes wart: 

Rub the inner part of the banana peel on wart and leave for few minutes before washing out. Keep doing this twice a day until the wart disappears.

Before eating the banana peels make sure you purchase pesticides-free bananas. Banana peels are best to use when fresh and are not to be refridgerated. There are so many uses of banana peels so have a re-think when trying to discard the banana peels. 

Things you never knew about coconut oil

Coconut oil has many unique uses most of us will be amazed to know about. You will find it so interesting to learn many new things you coulf actually do with your coconut oil.

It has been proven that coconut oil can be used in the following ways: 

1. Hair softner: 

Coconut oil can be used as a DIY hair mask which softens the hair and also adds moisture to the hair. 

2. Skin moisturiser: 

Coconut oil has fatty acids which helps to bring moisture to the skin. It penetrates into the skin and provides a refreshing effect to the skin making it feel soft and smooth.

3. As cuticle oil: 

Dab some coconut oil on your nail beds. Rub into the cuticles until it has been absorbed. You could do this before going to bed at night and put on gloves, by morning your nails will be smooth and soft.

4. As body scrub: 

Mix coconut oil with brown sugar and use as body scrub.

5. As eye cream: 

Coconut oil is great for hydrating the skin around your eyes and this helps to reduce wrinkles. 

6. Makeup remover: 

Place some coconut oil on a piece of cotton swab and rub gently in circles to get rid of makeup. Be sure to rinse it off later. 

7. As defrizzer: 

Use a small quantity of coconut oil to smooth down fly aways and also add shine to your locks. 

8. Shaving cream: 

If you want to have a smooth and clean shave replace your norma shaving cream with coconut oil.

9. Deodorant: 

Coconut oil can serve as natural deodorant. It can be very good especially when added corn starch.

10. Toothpaste: 

Mix coconut oil with little amount of baking soda and use as toothpaste. You will only br amazed at how good it works

.

11. Stretch marks control: 

Coconut oil works great at helping to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. It has to be applied many times each day to help moisturize the skin.

12. Cheekbone highlighter: 

It helps to highlight the cheekbones. Just apply a small amount on the cheekbones over makeup. Gives you a naturally beautiful glow! 

13. Diaper salve: 

Apply regularly on baby's bottom to prevent rashes and make the baby's skin supple and smooth. 

14. Heals wounds: 

When coconut oil is applied to scars or wounds it helps to repair the tissues thereby speeding up the healing process. 

15. Digestion: 

It aids in digestion because of the saturated fat present in coconut oil which have anti-bacterial properties. 

16. Relieves sunburns: 

It helps to prevent itching and peeling. It is a great moisturiser to use after being under the sun for a long time.

17. Reduces heartburn: 

It helps to ease the painful feeling of heartburn. All you have to do is to swallow 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil and feel relieved.

18. As energizer: 

Just one teaspoon of coconut oil can give you a boost of energy.

19. Reduces seizures: 

The fatty acids contained in coconut oil are converted into ketones which reduces seizures such as epilepsy. 

20. As coffee creamer: 

Add a little coconut oil to your coffee and stir well. Before doing so make sure the coffee is hot.

     

   Coconut oil is great for most beauty and health purposes. The best type of coconut oil to use is "the unrefined virgin coconut oil".

There are many other ways coconut oil can be used, please do share how you use your coconut oil with us. Thanks

Save more Spend less!

  There are some basic things we should be concerned about which include; budgeting, opening up a savings account and being mindful of how to spend money.

               

   You can save some bucks if you practise the following steps:

1. DIY:

         There are some things you can do by yourself in your house. For instance, mayonnaise has been proven to be a very good hair conditioner and you can use it on your hair instead of buying expensive hair conditioners that may not actually be good for your hair.

   

   You can also make soaps, detergents, candles and a lot of other things at home which will cost you little amount of money compared to when you buy them from shops.

2. Fruits and water:

       Always take lots of fruits and drink water regularly. This helps to prevent many diseases and therefore keep you away from the hospital, thereby saving money too. Remember the popular saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away."

3. Always turn off the lights and tap when not in use: 

  Whenever the light and tap are not in use always remember to turn them off because this helps to reduce the light and water bills. In other words, it is equivalent to saving money.

4. Wash hands regularly:

    Though this may sound funny but washing of hands frequently helps to keep diseases away from us. When we are free from diseases, we don't need to go to the hospital and if we don't go to the hospital, there will be no medical bills to be paid!

5. Make a garden:

   It can be a fruit garden, vegetable garden or both depending on the size of one's yard. Go ahead and plant some fruits and vegetables like cabbage or tomatoes and enjoy them fresh without having to spend money.

6. Cook at home:

   Prepare healthy meals at home instead of going to the restaraunts all the time. Sit back at home, relax and enjoy your meal. You can even invite some friends over to the house.

7. Take good care of your appliances:

  When appliances are properly taken care of, they tend to last longer and remain in good shape. This prevents them from breaking down easily thereby saving money that would have been used to fix them.

8. Make a list: 

   Always make a list of things you really need and things you don't really need. Let go of the things you don't really need.

9. Quit the gym: 

   Quit the gym for sometime and do some exercises at home without having to spend money at the gym. Do some jogging and press-ups at home without going to the gym.

           To learn more about how to save money, visit a personal finance blog for more tips. There are many good personal finance blogs e.g. savings.com, consumerist, coupon mom, daily finance, 5 dollar dinners and so many others. Find one today and get more information on how to save.

     

    What's your take on this???

Snooping around in the land of Kenya

 Kenya has over 40  different ethnic groups. These ethnic groups have their different cultures which are very interesting to know about. Some tribes in Kenya include the kikuyu, luo, luhya, Ameru and Massai tribes.

  The Ameru tribe

It originated from slaves that escaped from Arab lands a long time ago while the luo of kenya are believed to have originated from the Northern region of Sudan.

 

  Also, in a luo home the woman is the head of her house and controls all the activities. If  a woman gived birth to a female child she stays indoors for three days but if she gives birth to a male child, she stays indoors for four days.

The Massai tribe

Their belief is that the "sky god" was living on earth before going to settle in the sky and sent cattle to them for safety. They specialise in pastoral farming while very few of them are involved in the cultivation of crops

.

  Their are two major things the Massai are concerned about which are children and cattle. The number of cattle one has represents how rich he is.

   Kikuyu tribe

The kikuyu are believed to have come from Central Africa before coming to settle in Kenya and they are mostly farmers.

                                                            ************

   In some parts of Kenya, the lip plate is a common tradition. The lip plate is inserted into a pierced hole in the upper or lower lip or sometimes in both lips which results in the stretching of the lips. It is only women and girls that wear lip plates which are made of clay or wood.

                  Uses of lip plates

1. To determine bride price :

  The size of the lip plate determines the number of cattle that is to be paid as bride price .i.e. the bigger the plate the bigger the number of cattle that will be used to pay the bride price.

2. Self-worth : 

  Lip plates are known to be used to represent self-esteem ; for instance, if an unmarried girl gets pregnant she must not wear a lip plate because she is not worthy of it. In other words the lip plate signifies purity.

  The lip plate was used in the olden days to make women and girls look less attractive to slave traders.

 

  Insertion of lip plate is a very painful process. After the lip has been pierced, a small plate is inserted first for sometime after which a bigger plate is used to replace the smaller one. This process expands the lip and makes it less attractive.

       Also, in some parts of kenya a girl is considered as impure when she is undergoing her menstrual cycle. The girl is made to dig a hole on the ground and sit on it throughout the period of mensruation. This process was rampant in the olden days although it is still practised in some rural settlements.