Nutritious Food Fair + Layered Dress

Yes, I just said food. You heard me right . I attended the Nutritious Food Fair which held in Enugu. A 3-day programme which is aimed at scaling up nutritious food everywhere. I didn’t exactly have all the time in the world but I was able to go on day 1.

There was lots of pop up stalls. The venue was decently crowded and I made a lot of Northern friends. Let me also state that i didnt sleep the previous night cause i was working. I was so exhausted by the time i got to the venue, so believe me when i say the food was a sight for sour eyes. I honestly didn’t know that Nigerians had uped their game. There were so many made-in-nigeria foodstuff. Why do we still import most of our foodstuff when there are people in the country producing healthy, organic and 100% natural food?

With that being said, day 2, which is today, is the more technical day. They’d be showcasing various ways food is and could be processed and preserved. The raw materials are also being sold.

We should pay more attention to what we put into our bodies. Eat healthy.Healthy eating is healthy living. If you’re interested in owning an organic factory or a farm, you still have tomorrow to go and mingle and get some contacts. Hope you have fun.

What I wore:

I think I didn’t get the memo though. I’ve had this dress for over a year and this is probably the second time I’ve worn it. I was seriously praying in my heart that the wind would blow alot more so you could see the beauty of the dress. And yes it blew but anytime I wanted to take a picture, it stopped. (The struggle…who can relate?)

Dress:SLNY

Purse: Estee Lauder

Sandal: Handmade

Watch: Geneva

 

5-step guide to saving money during the holidays

I know, I know, you’re probably wondering, why shouldn’t I just splurge on all the things I’ve been wanting? Absolutely yes! You can but I’m an avid believer in the bigger picture. I don’t want to buy everything I want and end up being broke in January. My peace of mind is very crucial to my existence.

After a not-so-hard exam, I went shopping with a friend (well, I just escorted her). When we got back, she kept complaining about how I made her feel so bad. I asked why and she said, I had only one shopping bag while she had almost 5. I made her feel like she spent too much money.

So, here is my 5-step guide to saving money:

Make a budget: Its all about specifics. How much do you want to spend? 10,000 or 20,000 naira or more? Write it down. Now that you’ve written it down, make up your mind that this is all you’ll spend no matter what. If you like put the money in a separate account so you wouldn’t be tempted to use any more from any other account.

Create a shopping list: it makes so much difference when you have a list with you. You’ve already made a budget, now write a list and allocate the prices to them. It gives you a clearer picture and it prevents you from buying unnecessary things.

Online shopping and Sales: I endulge in this more often than I admit. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, holiday sales and lots more….Things are a lot cheaper. I do a lot of research to scan for prices…from Jumia to Amazon to Kings, pay porte. Jumia will be having sales till December 13th…how amazing is that? Shop till you drop. Anyways, my point is…you can get things for cheaper prices.

Thrift shop: Guyssss….thrifting is a major way to get things for wayyyy cheaper prices. Because they’ve been used before doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable anymore. My sister got this amazing Lagos edition monopoly set and 2-year journal from a thrift store in Enugu and they both cost about 2500. They looked so new and were in good shape. Great bargain! Thrifting is the way forward.

Flashy gifts are not compulsory: Holiday season is a time to be happy and show much love to one another. It’s all from the heart. The thing about flashy gifts is…there’s always going to be something flashier (if that’s a word). Give purposeful gifts with a loving heart.

This is how I’ve managed to not go broke over the years. How are you saving during the holidays?

What’s in my bag: Harmattan Edition

A few days ago, I met up with a friend and while we were leaving, I remembered I had a little problem with my phone. So we went into the closest store to fix the problem. I remember being asked for several documents which thank God I had with me and my friend just blurted out…”pinkhy, are you ever not prepared?”

My point is…I carry alot of basic important stuff in my bag all the time. So you’re wondering now…What’s in my bag? 

Wallet: I always have this on me. Everything from cash to atm cards to lots and lots of IDs are usually in here. I also usually carry my passports around. It’s been really helpful over the years. I love this lorenz purse because it has multi spaces for IDs and business cards.

Planner and pen: Again and again guys, never underestimate the power of a planner. It works like magic. When it comes to pens, I think I get a new one almost daily because strangers always borrow and forget to return. *sigh*

Harmattan Essentials

Sunglasses: Do I even have to say why? The sun is just too much for my eyes and you’ll need it for the dust that comes with this weather.

Lipgloss: I love this slightly tinted Mary Kay lipgloss. To keep the lips soft and supple. I got it for about 1500 naira.

Lotion: it’s the season when your skin turns white and breaks every now and then. I carry this clinique moisture surge with me all the time. It’s very light on the skin. Perfect for relieving your skin of thirst and it has a slightly subtle aura.

Tablet and Power bank: Power banks are life savers. Very very handy. I like to work and study on my tab during any spare time I get.

Keys and Hair pins

Lastly, I can’t leave the house without a handkerchief. It’s very essential to me.

I really don’t like carrying bags and try as much as possible to carry it only when necessary (sadly, which is almost everyday). Any chance I get to not carry a bag, you’d see me with only my phone and an atm card. I love the simple life.

Well, that’s it. What do you always carry in your bag? I’d love to know.

Packing Guide: How to pack quickly for a weekend trip.

You know how some people question if packing experts exist? Well, they do(raising my hand). I’m right here.

The first half of this year, i went on a lot of unplanned trips. Mostly during the weekends. I like to think that i’ve mastered the art of impromptu packing. Packing can be mentally draining especially when you have a ton of other things to do.  Well, thank me later because i am at your service. Bringing you the ultimate packing guide:

First things first, you ought to have a packing checklist. A packing checklist is the only thing that keeps me sane while packing. Its something i started since my high school days. Just type in a list of essential things you’ll need when travelling and save it in your phone. Ever since i made this checklist, i have never had to spend any unnecessary cash because i never forget any essential item.

Invest in small pouches. Just like makeup purses. I like my things organized so i usually group items together. For example, i have a toiletry pouch where i put my toothpaste, brush, soap and sponge. I also have an accessory pouch. The point is, it makes everything to be easily accessible and organized. Organisation is key.Outfit: Once you’ve packed the essentials, you can now start thinking of the specifics which is mainly the clothing and shoes. Sort your outfits according to the type of trip. If its a girls trip, think casuals with comfy footwear and party outfit with a pair of heels. It all depends on the type of trip. Another point to note is, ensure you carry extra clothes. You just never know what might come up. Make space for an additional day. Just in case.

Luggage: You can’t pack without a medium-size box or bag. Invest in one today.

Packing should be easy and fun. Just have a checklist, turn up the music and you’re good to go.Do you have a packing checklist?

 

 

My Time Management Hack

 Hey guys!!! How’s November been so far? I hope its been good. This month makes me feel all kinds of good(if you know, you know)

Anyways, till this very day, i haven’t figured out why i wasn’t appointed the time prefect in high school. Timing is my thing. I am always on time and if i’m late its only cause the occasion isn’t really important to me. I don’t know why but i’m always thinking of what i’m going to do next. I like being organized. Even on those days when you wake up really late, when you remember that you have your schedule ready, you don’t feel too overwhelmed. There’s this feeling of relief. So i have a few easy tips on how i’m always prepared(like a boyscout) for every second of my day.

Create a daily plan: Honestly, this is the ultimate hack. I usually always have a pile of sticky notes or a little book  with me. During the day, once i remember something that i have to do, i write it down but i noticed that a few times i forget to go through my bag and sometimes i might forget to perform a task so i started using my phone. I use the samsung planner app on my phone. I type in everything i need to do and because i’m always on my phone, i’m always on schedule. It doesn’t have to be at night, you can plan at any time tat suits you but having an static time helps. It becomes more like a routine and routines are golden. If you don’t have a planner on your phone, you could download a planner app or even use your calendar.

Time box: It doesn’t just stop at making a to-do list. Add a time limit for each task. When you set time limits to your tasks, you tend to achieve more. Most times when i’m setting my time limit, i usually add an additional 15 minutes, just to tighten all loose ends. So instead of putting wake up at 6am, make it 6-6:15am. Its more efficient.

Act smart: Lets say you have two courses you want to study. One is easy and the other, hard. Don’t start with the hard one because the possibilities are, you may end up not being able to complete the hard one and also not being able to go through the easier one. Its a lose-lose situation. Act smarter. Start with the easier one.

Most people say that waking up early helps but i feel like it depends on when your day starts. If your typical day starts at 2pm, why would you rush to wake up by 6am? Know yourself, trust your plan and be focused. I really really hope you apply these tips.

Do you have any plan you follow thats been helping you? I’d really love to know.