On intelligent successful women

I love reading about strong successful women who have achieved so much with their talent, knowledge, skills and have contributed one way or the other to the world. It motivates and drives me that if they can so can I. Success for me is not just defined in monetary terms but the impact left and how many lives are positively effected. Success for me means that I truly have made a positive and useful impact/contribution in the world no matter how small. 

One of the women I celebrate is Nigerian's very own literary queen Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She is not just a novelist, writer but has succeeded in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature. She is smart, intelligent, beautiful and a role model for young women who inspire to succeed in their own career path.

Chimamanda

Wendi Deng rumored to be dating Vladimir Putin after magazine links the pair

I do not know how credible this story is but it kind of cracked me up reading it. It just does not sound authentic to me but hey, there is nothing new under the sun. According to US Weekly, Wendi Deng and Vladimir Putin are dating.

Wendi Deng

Putin

Deng was previously married to media mogul Murdoch and they split in 2014. Putin split from Lyudmila - after 30 years of marriage in 2013

Culled from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3517708/Wendi-Deng-rumored-dating-Vladimir-Putin-magazine-links-pair.html#comments 

Baptism by storm!!

Even  the enormous waves from Storm Katie did not stop this baptism taking place. Got to feel for the terrified looking children though!

Picture: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3515325/Heaven-help-Devout-evangelical-Christians-baptised-children-sea-enormous-waves-Storm-Katie-crashed-threatening-sweep-away-certain-death.html

Inspirational quotes!!

EgyptAir hijack

Who is following this news? EgyptAir Flight MS181 was taken over after a passenger claimed to be wearing a suicide explosive belt. Most of the passengers and crew who were on board the hijacked Egyptian plane have been reported freed. Egypt's civil aviation minister told a news conference that seven people remained on board the jet.

 Sherif Fathy identified them as the pilot, the co-pilot, a female stewardess, a security officer and three passengers whose nationalities he refused to divulge.

He said negotiations with the hijacker - who had made no specific demands - were continuing.

Culled from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-35915139

Interesting!!

I came across this and really enjoyed it.

Word!!

Wishing you a wonderful day!!

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter and hope you have a lovely day!!!

Word!!!

My Big Chop!!

I used to have long luscious hair. It used to be so healthy but because of years of hair chemical use and lack of proper care, my hair began to get damaged. It was breaking and I noticed a bald patch Booked to see my doctor about the bald patch). I really got upset over the balding spot. I started researching how I could repair my damaged hair and I came across loads of amazing and educative YouTube videos on natural hair. I became obsessed and I kept learning about how to care for my natural hair. 

I last put a relaxer on my hair in September and transitioned for about 7 months. I didn't like the look and texture of the 2 different hair types and yesterday, I took a bold step and chopped off my relaxed ends. I love my hair now!! I feel liberated. When I got home, I went straight to the shower and just had a lovely hot shower, washed my hair, oiled it and just felt on top of the world. I actually love it short and just want my hair healthy. I am not in the slightest bit focused on having great length now as I am loving and rocking my short hair.

My before

 

New liberated me

What a glorious day!!

I am in London and it is such a glorious day. I am out meeting with friends and the weather is awesome. The sun just lifts everyone up. I am just so grateful to be alive and healthy. 

Adam Johnson sentenced to six years for sexual activity with a child

Footballer Adam Johnson was sentenced to six years for sexual activity with a child.  The 28 years old who was on £60,000.00 a week is said to have been taken to HM Prison Leeds in Armley for his first night in custody.

Adam Johnson

Picture: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3507418/Shamed-footballer-Adam-Johnson-leaves-home-time-ahead-sentencing.html#ixzz43rCc6kgA

We pray for Brussels!

Islamic State has said it was behind the attacks that killed at least 11 at the Airport and about 20 at Maelbeek metro station. Belgium is observing three days of mourning and a minute's silence will be held at midday.

We join them in prayers!! It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand humanity!

26 killed in Brussels!!

News reported that at least 26 people have been killed and many more people are injured in terror attacks at Brussels international airport and at a city metro station on what the Belgian prime minister says is a "day of tragedy" for his country.

Our Thoughts and prayers are with Brussels!!




Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsBBC 

Which one are you?

This has been kind of trending on social media and got my attention. A preacher's placard which contains a list of people not going to Heaven has been trending online.

The ‘warning’ urged people to repent their sins. Warning people that ‘judgement is coming’, the sign lists those who will ‘perish’ unless they change. Those named, according to the sign, ‘will not inherit God’s Kingdom’.

 A picture of the sign was posted on Twitter by writer and director, Matt Bloom. I had a look at the list and was checking which one I fall under lol!! How would one define immoral movie watchers because even some of the adverts on TV can be deemed 'immoral'.

Source: Manchester Evening News

Good morning!!

Enjoy!!

Why should everyone be forced to believe this?

I have heard this before and just read it again. It is alleged that Edward Fox stated that 'In relationships, men wander naturally, and we cheat because we're totally different creatures,’ He continues, 'Men need to play the field and spread their seed, whereas women don't have that same biological urge — it's not natural.'

Edward Fox and his wife

People like this should speak for themselves and not generalise. Not all men cheat!!! Their are decent and faithful men out there. 





Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3501945/SEBASTIAN-SHAKESPEARE-Accept-husband-cheat-warns-Fox-comes-money-Leave-men.html

Obama makes history as he becomes the first President to set foot in Cuba for 9 DECADES!!!

He went with his wife, daughters Sasha and Malia, and Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson.

Picture source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3501651/Destination-Havana-Obama-Michelle-girls-historic-trip-make-President-visit-Cuba-90-YEARS.html#comments

Keeping my eyes on this!!! Super Sunday in Africa!

It is all happening in Africa!! Benin, Cape Verde, Zanzibar, Senegal and Niger are all holding elections. Senegal is holding a referendum on reducing presidential terms, a presidential run-off is going ahead in Niger even though the opposition candidate is in a French hospital.

Congo-Brazzaville has cut all telecommunications for two days to prevent "illegal publication of results" of its presidential election.

Interesting to see the outcome of these!

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-35854768

Hairstyle of the day!!!

Love this!!!

Tyra Banks

Picture source:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3500922/Peek-boo-Tyra-Banks-shows-curves-figure-hugging-bodycon-suit-cut-outs-fashion-industry-conference.html#comments

Crown courts to allow filming for first time

As part of a pilot scheme proposed by the Ministry of Justice, TV cameras could be allowed into crown courts in England and Wales for the first time. During the pilot, sentencing remarks made by senior judges at eight courts, including London's Old Bailey, would be filmed but not broadcast.

This does not apply to other court users, including defendants, witnesses and victims, which filming remains banned.

Filming has been allowed before only at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Source:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35854485

Migrant crisis: EU-Turkey deal comes into effect

An EU-Turkey deal to tackle the migrant crisis has formally come into effect. Under the deal, migrants arriving in Greece are now expected to be sent back to Turkey if they do not apply for asylum or their claim is rejected. It was reported that there were still many doubts about the implementation of the agreement, including how the migrants would be sent back.

Meanwhile, just hours before the agreement came into force, a four-month-old baby girl drowned when a boat carrying migrants sank off the Turkish coast.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35854413

Bus crash kills 14 in Spain!!

According to BBC news, 14 people have been killed after a bus carrying foreign students crashed on a Spanish motorway between the cities of Barcelona and Valencia.

It was reported that most of the 57 people on board the bus were students on the Erasmus programme who were returning to Barcelona after a trip to a fireworks festival.  The nationalities of those killed and the 43 people injured have not been confirmed, nor has the cause of the accident.

 

Picture source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35855850

The 'I can do' attitude!!

I have always believed that there is nothing I cannot do!! If I have the passion and drive, I go for it even if it means me starting all over again to learn. Sometimes in life, we come across people that put us down and bring all the negativity with them trying to put their limitations on us. My parents always brought us up with the 'can do' attitude. That is one of the reasons I am 'unapologetically' stubborn when someone tells me that I cannot do something or achieve something. I cut them off and prove them wrong that I can be who I want to be and achieve what I set myself to achieve. I surround myself with positive people who believe in me and my capabilities. These are the people that count! 

This brings me to the story of  Victoria Pendleton who used to be a cycling champion and double Olympic gold medalist. It was stated that she had never  ridden before and first sat on a horse a year ago. There were many critics who doubted her ridding ability and rightly so since she is new to the sport. But this did not deter her. She believed in her own abilities. She learnt the sport and came fifth place at the Cheltenham horse racing festival, yesterday. She exceeded expectations and silenced all the critics. What wonderful inspirational story this is!!  Well done Victoria!!

Victoria Pendleton

Picture: http://news.sky.com/story/1662724/pendletons-special-achievement-at-cheltenham

World's most wanted terrorist is caught!!!

Salah Abdeslam, 26, has been finally caught! He has been on the run after taking part in the massacre of 130 in Paris in November.

Salah Abdeslam,

Read more: : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3498786/Prime-suspect-Paris-attacks-escaped-police-Brussels-shoot-Salah-Abdeslam-s-fingerprints-raided-flat.html#ixzz43I1aTvuc

Ne-Yo is a daddy!!!

Baby is so adorable!!!

Ne-Yo's wife Crystal Renay and baby son

Ne-Yo and wife Crystal Renay

Picture source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3498102/Ne-Yo-wife-Crystal-Renay-share-photos-cute-newborn-son-Shaffer-Chimere-Smith-Jr.html

On body shaming!!

Many celebrities have talked about being body shamed. It seems in this new era of social media, some nasty people hide behind the computer and start writing hurtful things about people's bodies. There is an image that they ('shamers') want everyone to comply with and if one does not fit into it, then that person is body shamed. One has to be tall, thin, fair complexioned, have long flowing hair etc. 

This does not only happen in social media sphere but in our everyday lives. It crosses across all spectrum of life, from a kid in school to a mum trying to joggle life challenges. It happens in homes and many body shamers are people close to one. It is even worse if one shares a picture of themselves in social media. Oh dear!!! There was a case I was reading about this lady who posted beautiful pictures of her baby bump on social media and was attacked on how she looked. It was really nasty!! I mean if one is not strong enough, those mean words could pierce right through the heart and do some damage. Some celebrities have spoken on how close to suicide such body shaming has made them. 

Some celebrities are good at ignoring whatever trash people say about them. One lady that I admire who does not let it get to her is Serena Williams. She is so confident in who she is. I have read so many hurtful and offensive things written about her body but you know what? She is not letting any of that stop her. She is a success and has succeed in a sport where there are few like her! 

Serena Williams

Refuse to let anyone bring you down. Say NO!!! No one should or has the power to bring another down and even when they try, don't even acknowledge or give them the power they so want!! Keep on progressing in who you are and keep on being happy. That should knock the haters down!!


Picture source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3498201/Serena-Williams-shows-toned-body-daring-cut-swimsuit-documents-pool-day-Snapchat.html

What would you do?

I read a story about a wife who forgave her doctor husband who paid a prostitute for sex while on duty at a maternity hospital. Sheyi Pemsel, 40 years and Nigerian born was forced to hear that her husband Rupert, a father of two, was addicted to pornography and wanted to take his sexual obsession to the next level during a tribunal earlier this week. Shey's Husband was reported to have apologised to her and admitted he was driven to message the prostitute after starting to view pornography 'in increasing amounts'.

This happened sometime in 2013, so they must have had time to talk through issues and get to the place of forgiveness now. Who is anyone to judge what any woman decides to do in such situation?

Mrs and Mrs Pemsel

 So many times you hear women say that they would walk out of the marriage if their husbands cheated. No one can definitely say what will happen until they experience such. 




Source:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3498420/Wife-porn-addicted-doctor-paid-prostitute-sex-maternity-ward-shifts-vowed-stick-husband.html

On strong, intelligent and powerful females I admire!!

I will start today's post by writing on one of the things I admire about intelligent and successful women. I am surrounded by powerful and intelligent women by the nature of the job I am in. I work with some of the most intelligent women one can think of and NO, they are not nasty and vindictive but rather supportive. These are strong women who are so successful in their field that they help others to become successful. I grew up with a very strong and successful woman, my mum. I have always admired her hard work, resilience, tenacity and quest for knowledge. 

My parents have always brought us up with a 'can do' mentality and to excel in our chosen fields. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew what I wanted in life. Most people I have come in contact with see my drive, determination and motivations for the things I am passionate about.

One may say that I am sapiosexual. I find intelligence exciting. I find intelligent people's mind fascinating. Whilst growing up, I would read about Oprah Winfrey's rise to becoming one of the most successful black women on TV. That excited me. It can be done!! 

Now, I am reading about this very intelligent lady called Dambisa Moyo. When I first heard of her, I had to google her and I loved what I read. I went on YouTube to watch her speak and was fascinated. I first heard of her because of her book called Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa'. What a brilliant book!!

Dambisa Moyo. picture: http://dambisamoyo.com/about/

A little bit about this intelligent and successful woman called Dambisa Moyo. According to wikipedia she is Zambian-born, an international economist and author. She has post-graduate degrees in business, public administration, and economics and is a Harvard and Oxford University graduate. She currently serves on the boards of Barclay Bank, the financial services group, SABMiller, the global brewer, and Barrick Gold, the global miner. She worked for two years at the World Bank and eight years at Goldman Sachs before becoming an author and international public speaker. She has written three New York Times bestselling books: Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa (2009), How the West Was Lost: Fifty Years of Economic Folly – And the Stark Choices that Lie Ahead (2011), and Winner Take All: China's Race for Resources and What It Means for the World (2012). On her website, it states that  she is a global economist who analyses the macroeconomy and international affairs and her work has take her to more the 70 countries over the last decade.

These qualifications and experiences are no play in the park. So if you are out there, thinking it cannot be done, think again. It can be done!!! Well done Dambisa!! I am so proud of all that you have achieved!!!