How to Start a New Lifestyle Blog and Stay Committed for Years

Hi, my name is Amaka. I've been blogging since 2014 and loving every moment of it. Blogging helped me find my voice, get a job and earn money on the side.

When I was learning how to create a blog back in 2014, it took me some time to find all the right information online and I had to look for it on different websites. That's why I've created this blog post to teach beginners how to make a blog fast and easy.

It's not as complicated as many people think.

Starting A Blog in this Season

Many people have walked up to me asking about how they can start their blogs too. I thought it would do a lot of good to put it out here on the blog.

First of all, I must let you know that blogging is hard work. It requires patience, consistency and passion. A lot of that. Without passion, I probably would have stopped blogging the following year.

If your primary goal for wanting to start a blog is to make money, then I'm sorry to let you know that this article would not be useful for you. However, if you are striving for living a significant and purposeful life, then you are in for a ride!

Dear Diary, My Husband Left Me

Throughout your dating, engaged, and married life, you're bound to hit some bumps on the road. Hopefully, they'll make you stronger. Or, in my case, they'll make you stay awake.

Missing Him

Some weeks ago, I was alone. All by myself. At home. In the room. On the bed. I've never felt more lonely.

"I miss my husband!"

Sometimes loneliness creeps up on you in your marriage and before you know it, you start to feel empty, sad, bored, depressed and isolated.

Dear singles,

Marriage does not cure loneliness. 

3 Huge Lessons From Last Weekend

Happy New Week! We are already 27 days into 2020. The year seems to be going pretty fast, or what do you think? I've got a couple of personal lessons to share with you today. I hope they inspire you in some way.

Lessons From Last Weekend

I'm one who is very passionate about growth, whether slow or fast. I’ve tried to stay so open to the education that comes from growth and the pain that follows. I desire to LIVE this full life that God has provided me — on every level. Even as I make mistakes (and I make lots), as long as I promise to learn from them I consider it a win.

So, off the top of my head, here are the top three things I’ve learned over the weekend.


1. Red Lipstick Doesn't Hurt

Isn't that a weird lesson? Yes, it is. And no, it isn't. It’s taken me most of my adult life to learn. . . to be less self conscious (my anxiety never helped with that!), and I’ve found this to be especially challenging in my professional life. But last weekend I really saw how much better I've grown when I stopped being too self-conscious.

Back in the day, I'd say "makeup makes me nervous. . . Yada yada yada. . . " But last weekend, I realized I can feel good wearing makeup. It felt good knowing I am still being authentic to myself and proud of who I am, as a person, even with my lips painted red.

What I Wore: Sneakers With Ankara

So he asked me yesterday, "babe, what are we going to wear to Church tomorrow?" "I don't know. I think I'm going to wear those sneakers you got for me." And it happened.

Happy Sunday!

Ankara And Sneakers

You all know your girl loves loves loves Ankara fabric. And that love is not dying anytime soon. I planned to wear some of that to church today with the new pair of sneakers Kachi got for me.

I personally like to rock sneakers with pencil skirts, shirt dresses, flared skirts and chambray dresses.

The first rule for me was: Don’t let it be too casual or too short. We are trying to praise the Lord not raise curiousity! Amen?

The Thing That Art Can Do

I think I have a flair for photography somewhat. I know I enjoy being the focus of the camera, but recently, I figured out that I also like to be behind it. There is this joy that comes from seeing the killing smiles on the faces of those who have been shot. Pun intended.

This Art Thing

My Parents-in-law smiling at the pictures I took

I love creative expressions. I am very much interested in expressing and exploring the basic human emotions such as joy, sadness, ecstasy and so on through art. I once shared how to express emotions through dance here. And many times, I've shared how I do same through writing as well as through fashion. Everything is art.

You may be asking, "what is art?"

This question pops up often, and comes with many answers. Many argue that art cannot be defined. Some say, the meaning of art is explored in a branch of philosophy known as aesthetics. At least, that’s what Wikipedia claims.

Go The Extra Mile

Happy New Year, Sweethearts of my blogosphere! Welcome to 2020! Yeah! We made it! We made it into another year. God has indeed been faithful. It is by His mercy that we are not consumed. Hallelujah!

Word For Year 2020

"Happy New Year!" "Happy New Year!" I am literally screaming at the top of my voice. I just got back from the Cross Over service at my local church. Whoop!

It's astonishing how so many people troop into churches every December 31 just to shout 'Happy New Year'. . . even those that did not go to Church throughout the year. You know why? Because it is a Thanksgiving Celebration that we made it through the last year and a show of gratitude for what the Lord shall do in the New Year.

The New Year's Eve is very significant.

I'm grateful to God that I was among those who were able to jump, dance and shout "Happy New Year" at 00:00. It's the start of a new decade. Oh my!

Thank You, Jesus!

100 Times My Husband and I Wore Matching Outfits

Happy Style-Sunday! For some weird reasons, I get particularly excited when someone else wears the same colour or expresses the same style-rays as I am at a given time. It's always seem to me as though the heavens announced a dress code for the day. I love those little happy moments and sometimes, I got to tag a few of those moments (#StyleLikeAmaka) whenever I wanted to share them with you on the blog.

Now, you can't imagine it! It's been a thrilling adventure of a lifetime for Kachi and I to BE INTENTIONAL about matching our outfits every other day.

100 Pictures Of Us 

*Drum rolls* Today marks one year of marriage for Kachi and I. We remain eternally grateful to God for bringing us together in His perfect time. Our wedding hashtag was #PerfectMach2018 and we decided to stay stuck with it forever. It is not a random thing for both of us. Matching our outfits — with respect to colour, fabric and/or vibe — is one of our favourite things.

I hope you leave here inspired to be intentional about your life or at the very least, I hope as you click away, there's a smile on your face.

Pre-wedding — Wedding Day (Dec.15)

1.

Lol. Our first picture ever (2007). Striped tops on black bottoms

Prayers For My Nigerian Parents

Today, I am totally grateful for my parents. I am praying for them. I hope you pray for those playing the parental role in your life.

For My Parents

Is today Parents' Appreciation Day? It just has to be because I am so much hinged on appreciating my parents on the blog today. But, is there really a national day as Parents Appreciation Day? Wait. Let me ask Mr. Google.

*goes to Google*
*types what day is parent appreciation day?*
*gasp*

No matter what date it is, we should never fail to celebrate our parents. Let's appreciate their important role in our lives. It's not easy.

DIARY: November to Remember (2019)

Consider what God has brought you through in the past. In spite of your current circumstances, how can that give you hope for the future?

November 2019

One of the most amazing things I can say about God is this: He is faithful. He stays closer than a brother, His mercy is new every morning, and He never leaves us alone or forsakes us in the dark times.

Sometimes in order to look forward we have to look back. We have to see God's track record in our lives to be assured of our future. This is me keeping track of God's faithfulness in my life.

Friday 1 — Dancing ballet for the District Women choir at the camp.

What Comes First — Peace Or Happiness?

I'm in a happy place now. I'm thinking, can you be at peace if you're not happy? The answer probably depends on our perspective of both experiences. . . on whether we get them from external factors or from within.

Peace And Happiness

I hardly see myself praying for happiness. But I have always seen myself praying for peace.

Happiness is something that I think everyone can easily find. You can find it when you buy new clothes. Get a better job. Money. Laughter. Regardless of what it takes to make you laugh so hard that your stomach hurts, you can achieve staying happy every day. Little things can make you happy, but it takes quite an effort for you be at peace.