What I Wore: Blue Bridal Dress

I didn't know what title to give to this post because I do not only want to show you what I wore to Bunmi's wedding, but also want to give you a little gist. Let's see how it goes . . .

Wedding Flow

I think I deserve an award when it comes to attending or participating in weddings. Without exaggeration, I have attended over 50 weddings and been on a bridal train for more than 20 weddings. I'm now wondering how many more I have left before I become the bride.

WIW: Ankara Skirt and Bangles + Dear Diary, I Felt So Single There

Hello Sweeties! How is your weekend going? I've been attending weddings for three consecutive Saturdays now. And last weekend was one of those Saturdays. I do not only want to show you What I Wore, but also want to tell you how I had wished I was married. *bites lip* 

Bibian's wedding

Oh, I love weddings. I love the kisses. I love the cake, the decor, the music and the bridal dresses. I love the love in everything about weddings. It's ecstatic.

Dear Diary, The Wedding Was Like A School Reunion

If you'd like to know the latest gist about me, just check my daily Tweets. Lol. My TL is more current than my blog - My sweethearts on Twitter have heard this gist sinceee.

Anyways, this happens to be my first public diary entry for the year. :)

The First Wedding 2017

I have a lot of friends. It always feels like bragging when I say that, like I’m suggesting I could be the inspiration for a Little Miss Popular magazine or something, but I’m not sure how else to phrase it right now.

Dear Diary, All My Friends Are Getting Married Again

Hi Sweethearts! How was your weekend? I was eager to share about how my weekend went with you right after attending another wedding on Saturday but honestly, it's not coming out nice. I have deleted my introductory paragraphs more than twice. Here is what my draft had been like since Sunday until noon today . . .

I'm Not Married Yet

Today I'm like:

I blog blood. I blog tears. And I blog smiles.

Sometimes I wish I could write anonymously. Sometimes I wish I could tell the truth without giving myself away. Sometimes I wish I could be the blogger who only shares with the world about what she wears, what she knows, and what she has come to discover through her journey with God, without necessarily sharing what she genuinely feels in her heart. But, then, if I am that blogger who hides, maybe I wouldn't have counted the third year of being here.

Sometimes I write stuff that makes me cover my face in shame. Sometimes I write things that could make a potential suitor afraid to approach me. Sometimes I think I give myself off away too much. Sometimes I think I should stop sharing personal lessons and stories. But, then, if I do not write the words I am ashamed of, maybe the words I am proud of would never exist.

I rip my heart open and I pour out the words.

Well, this is neither a bloody, nor a teary, nor a happy entry . . .

DIARY: November to Remember (2023)

Oh, my! So much can happen in one month! It’s incredible how this month has turned into a lifetime of milestones. Wow! 

November Highlights 2023

It has been a custom for me since 2017 to be very intentional about capturing my moments, blessings and lessons IN November. I don’t know what inspired this tradition, but I do know that I am never the same person by the end of November. I’m always evolving – from being broken to healed, single to married, married to pregnant, overwhelmed mother to joyful mother, and all that good stuff. I’m thankful for the Holy Spirit who quickens me to rise up to the challenge every single year. 

Here are the highlights of my November 2023:

1. Best Portrait So Far

During my quiet time, I got a leading to create a portrait of me on my branded T-shirt, inscribed AMAKAMEDIA. So I penned it down on my to-do list for the weekend. I thought I’d go to the studio to do that. 

The next day during my quiet time, the Holy Spirit prompted me about the portrait. I was so restless. He wanted me to get it done like right NOW. 

Immediately, I rushed to powder my face and apply some lip gloss. Then, I switched on my ring light, set my phone on timer and SNAPPED. 

Dear Diary, I attended My First Yoruba Traditional Wedding

Yoruba people like party. As in! If you've been to any Yoruba wedding ceremony, you know what I mean. It is usually nothing less than flamboyant. I hear it is the same process everywhere.

I attended one for the first time in my life, and believe me, it was beautiful.

Yoruba Traditional Wedding

Bunmi, the beautiful bride. 

Girl, aren't those accessories gorgeous?!

I love weddings. I have proved it here, here, and there.

At every wedding I have attended, the bride is always the star of the day. I wasn't surprised to see Bunmi looking gorgeous and shining brighter than a diamond on her traditional wedding day.

Dear Diary, A Lot Has Happened

When you have three good news and three bad news, which would you share first? The good ones or the bad ones? Tell me.

Life Update

There is so much happening in my life right now, but I can't put them all in writing. This is partly because I am yet to process all my emotions and partly because the appointed time to share has not yet come.

Left to me, I will abandon this blog until I am ready. However, it is typical (and ethical, lol) of me to let you in into my world. I want you to know what my Heart Rays at this time. These are trying times.

One minute I'm smiling, the next minute I'm crying. It's been taking a lot from me to stay positive. A lottttt.

2 Truths about Marriage

I love weddings. But these days, I can't help to think that many are confusing a wedding for the marriage. *sighs* There is a huge difference between a wedding and a marriage. Yeah. I'd like to share a bit from the presentation I did on "the concept of marriage" yesterday.

2 Truths about Marriage

Happy Married Life, Uncle :)

It breaks my heart to hear the break-up of marriages all over the world are increasing rapidly. Current studies show that 47% of all marriages end in divorce.  The numbers are not separated from those who go to church and those who don't. I find it a little scary. What in the world is happening???

From generation to generation, the world has attempted to define marriage in diverse dimensions. And all these have brought disappointment, heart break, sorrows, frustration, and unhappiness. I've read a number of books, Christian and non-Christian articles on marriage. I've listened to a number of the radio "experts" - real and supposed. I've heard a sermon or two on marriage. But these truths will forever stand. . .

Dear Diary, They Made Me Look Like Masquerade

I wasn't just at Chidinma's wedding, but I was also on her train. Chidinma was my school mum. I did mention her here and here.

I Looked Like Masquerade

I love weddings. Oh, believe me I do! I’ve been to a lot of weddings – so many that I have lost count. And I’ve been a bridesmaid a couple of times.

8 Unusual Tips For The Perfect Honeymoon

The Monday following our Wedding, my husband and I left Lagos, Nigeria (the bubbly city where we live) to celebrate our wedded bliss. It was the trip of a lifetime — the first long, exotic trip we'd ever taken alone together.

With great pleasure I am going to give you insider tips for planning a great honeymoon vacation without going in debt.

Perfect Honeymoon Tips

You just got married! Now what? Go on your most-deserved post wedding vacation. The honeymoon will allow you some much needed time to rest, recoup and process what just happened.

Don’t conform to what you think a honeymoon should be – take time to really consider what makes you happy and what you really want to see or do while away. Just because somebody else’s honeymoon was perfect for them, doesn’t mean it will be perfect for you. Go gently.

These are my top seven tips to guide you on discovering what's perfect for you:

#1

Be Specific About What You Want

Talk with your beloved about what your vision is for the honeymoon, and ask your beloved to share theirs. What are your top three priorities? Spa, gym and sports? Or cultural sights and traditional cuisine? Or tour sites and travel rides? Beaches and waterfalls? Two of you should make a list —and highlight the similarities. Your top choices should be reflected in the destination you choose.

Even though I had a memorable wedding ceremony, I wanted a more memorable honeymoon. M-E-M-O-R-A-B-L-E was our keyword, so we went all out for that.

Why Do I Have This Sewing Machine?

Yaayy! It's weekend! There are variety of  happenings during the weekends. From laundry, to cleaning, to making my hair, to visiting, to weddings, to partying and to church rehearsals and all that. But this Saturday comes with few activities, which gives me an opportunity to sit on my sewing machine.

My Sewing Machine

I really do like fashion. 

Matse Met Ekemelu. Got Married Three Months After

I don't know about you, but Saturday has got love written all over her face. She's always all about weddings, birthdays, parties and everything that has got love to do with it. I actually attended a wedding today. Lol.

Anyways, I brought us some love story. This is Matse Uwatse-Nnoli and her husband, Ekemelu, sharing the thrills of being married with Kemi Lanre-Aremu.

Oya now, grab a bowl of popcorn, have a seat, and enjoy this love story. . .

Dear Diary, I Am So Happy For Bola Like!

A close friend, bola got married about three weeks ago and is enjoying her honeymoon right now. The next morning after her wedding day, I asked whether sex was sweet. Guess what she said? 😂

Bola Is Married

OMG, it finally happened. Bola is married! Whoa. . . how weird is that to say? I can’t believe one of my personal persons is actually married! We have been talking about relationship and marriage issues ever since we met.

Bola and I have shared a lot together — pain and sadness, business and money, joy and fun.

70+ Reasons Behind My Smile

Someone said to me; "Amaka, I love your smiles". I had to process that statement for a while because my teeth are not-so-white. What exactly is about my smile? Lol. In as much as I'm unsure if that should be taken as a compliment, I'd like to simply take it as one. I've got a beautiful smile. :)

70+ Reasons Behind My Smile

I believe the simple act of smiling does far more than making you look friendly and approachable. It can change your life and the lives of those around you. It is a positivity booster.

RELATIONSHIP: What To Do When You Forget A Friend's Birthday

Since I hardly get by on Facebook, I seem to forget everyone's birthday these days. I don't even know who is married and not married anymore.

I don't just say "Sorry". Here is what I do now!

When You Forget Their Birthday 

image source: G+

Debbie called and mentioned that she has given birth to a babygirl. And I screamed. "Are you serious?!" "Congratulations!"

I didn't even know she was married. Lord have mercy! I felt terrible.

DIARY: The Awesome & The Awkward Things About Last Weekend

Last weekend has come and gone so quickly I can barely remember what happened. *scratches head* It feels like an hour ago yet I'm realizing how fast it went by.  And now it’s Tuesday.

Awesome & Awkward Went My Weekend

You may wonder why I like to share what transpired over my weekend/life. I wonder too. Lol. One thing is I am consciously striving to live life filled with positivity, inspiration and love.

Why You Should Attend Events

We’ve all been told time and time again that networking events are important for our career, our business and our well-being, but many of us still do not attend them. I have come to tell you about two awesome events I think you might like to attend.

Two Awesome Upcoming Events

I’m not a pro networker. I struggle with finding the right way to break into a conversation with people I don’t know. But I’ve gotten better by attending events - By sitting at tables with people I don’t (yet) know. I’ve made some amazing connections and even more amazing friends from going to live events.

What Are The 7 Wonders Of Life According To You?

Hi, hi! It's been a minute. Working a 9-5 job as well as planning a wedding (in fact three weddings. A court wedding, a traditional wedding and a church wedding. Phew!) have been taking the biggest chunk of every twenty-four hours I get. Happy I can squeeze out time to write a post here. May we never lose our wonder in the passage of time. Amen.

The Seven Wonders Of Life

You have heard a lot about the seven wonders of the world, and may have even visited few or all of them. But have you ever given a thought about the 7 Wonders Of Your Personal Life?

I mean, have you?

Life in itself is a wonder. Life is full of wonder. But sometimes we get carried away by the busyness of our life and miss out on the things that make life wonderful for what it is. I've continued asking people the same basic question. How do you stay fully present, fully-engaged, fully-alive? I've also asked my private diary like a beggar asking for scraps of wisdom , "how do I not lose myself in all of these?" And the answer is astounding:

"never lose your childlike sense of wonder." (Thanks to Bethel Music. Yo!)

So, what is wonder? According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, wonder is a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar. Oh, I love this definition. Wonder gives depth to our passion. Wonder reignites our faith. Wonder asks us to live with eyes wide open to God. Wonder invites us out of the shallows and into hallows of the divine.

The wonders about life are relative. Because we all look at the world around us differently, so what strike wondrous to you is unique to you.

I'll share a few wonders about my life (perhaps I should say as at today, they could change, right?) while you share yours in the comment box:

Awww! This Is Why Alicia Keys Has Stopped Wearing Makeup

Hi. Hi. I ran into this article on The Washington Post and loved it. You know I'm not such a fan of makeup. Right?  I was awed to find WHY this celebrity would suddenly decide to STOP wearing makeup.

Alicia Keys No Longer Wears Makeup 

Alicia Keys, an American singer, pianist, songwriter, record producer, and actress, says she no longer wears makeup, a decision she described publicly:

STYLE: What I Wore to Church (2)

knock-knock! Who is home? Happy Sunday, sweeties! How are you doing? Church today? :)

WIW: A Simple Ankara Dress

What I Wore (WIW) is going to be a special weekly post for Sundays. I'm beginning to take my modelling career seriously. Lol.