5 Toxic Habits Stopping You from Reaching Your Full Potential

There are many bad habits we have adapted over the years. It’s quite possible for a person to get accustomed to new attitudes within just 30 days.

These habits could be holding us back from reaching our full potential. So let’s find out what they are and weed them out.

1. Caving in to the opinion of others

It’s in our nature to want to be liked. It’s not uncommon for people to throw away their own identities and their dreams just to fit in and be liked. By all accounts, this is wrong, and not to mention a miserable way of living. Your life is yours to be lived; show your true colors and if people fail to accept you, then it’s their problem, not yours!

2. Emotional eating

This is a tough one to beat. We often seek the comfort of toxic food when we can’t confront our issues. But food can only serve as a temporary relief, so we need to make the bold step and face our challenges head on. Throw that junk food in the bin.

3. Take chances in life

Although it’s reassuring to remain in our comfort zone, not taking risks to follow our dreams can hold us back from unearthing our greatest potential. We need to Listen to our inner voice, take daring steps- within reasons, of course- and live a life with no regrets. 

4. Don’t always insist in getting the last word

This is something I ,myself, am guilty of. No one likes to lose in anything, let alone in an argument, but insisting to win every time could be quite an exhausting and time wasting habit. Pick your battles and preserve your energy for more important challenges in life.

5. Live in the present

The last thing you want is to have life pass you by while you fail to notice and enjoy it. Submit to what is happening right now; allow yourself to be fully immersed in the present. You only live each day once, so live it to the fullest.

25 Gifts for Each Day- and you don’t even have to wrap them

New years, Ramadan, Christmas, Ed al Fatar, Thanksgivings, Easter- the year is festooned with a pageantry of holidays. These days are spent with the utmost joy at the presence of family and friends. Exchanging gifts is also an essential part of most holidays.

But why do we have to only focus on holidays, when we can approach each day as though it was a holiday? Why can’t we bath our loved ones with gifts each day? And here’s the catch: they don’t cost a single penny- you don’t even have to wrap them. Moreover, they are more effective than the pricey gifts.

1. A little thank you every now and then
2. What’s wrong with a warm hug?

3. Give your encouragement
4. Compliment
5. Be compassionate
6. Share your time
7. Offer a free lunch/coffee
8. Bestow support
9. Give love
10. Give patience
11. Exert effort for others
12. Instill positivity
13. Give hope
14. Allow a chance
15. Forgive
16. Smile
17. Lend a hand
18. Give a free massage
19. Instill confidence in someone
20. Share advice

21. Give happiness

22. Give the warmth of your heart
23. Give an affirmation
24. Share instructive lessons
25. Share your knowledge

Put in mind that it is the finer things in life that cost nothing and that are often overlooked by humanity. Whether it’s a holiday or not, practice cherishing your loved ones with these gifts.

Feel free to share what kinds of gifts you consider most valuable?

5 Tricks to Maintaining a Positive Workplace

Positivity is the key to success- okay so perhaps this phrase might sound pretty hackneyed, but it still doesn’t mean that it’s not true. It is, however difficult to maintain a positive outlook with life’s ups and downs. And we all know, with deadlines, insatiable clients and difficult coworkers, our work field is no friendly environment for positivity. But rest assured, it can be achieved; just follow these five guidelines:

Put on a smile

Ever heard that a cheerful smile is contagious? This, I have seen in practice. When you project a lighthearted attitude, you end up inspiring others. You’re more approachable that way and people will not be able to resist your charming gestures and are bound to reciprocate likewise. Sure you have to be professional, but who said you cannot be friendly as well?

Practice positive communication

Don’t you just hate the phony conversations exchanged between coworkers? I personally hate that, so I try to make a deeper sense of every engagement I have with my colleagues, I genuinely listen to what they have to say. This wards of the negative vibe and creates a positive environment.

Maintain organization

Stress mostly comes from disorder and failure to meet deadlines. To avoid such strenuous obstacles, work with a color coded calendar for all work events, deadlines, meetings, and client updates.

Set realistic goals

 We tend to set unrealistic goals for the day, and in the end we feel depressed for not achieving any of them. So let’s be real; let’s plan small and more realistically.

Never bring your work drama home

Although it’s hard to stop your work drama from intruding in your personal life, make a habit of leaving it all at your workplace. Your home is your sanctuary; nothing should mar the blissful moments you spend with family and friends.

Essential Guides to Establishing an Outstanding Brand Identity

To find your true company’s brand identity and putting it in to practice is simple— if not VERY simple. Below are some informative tips to guide you through the discovery of your labels self-character.

Stop thinking of Profit

It is very crucial, as a small company, to know what your brand is. In order to gain profit, you need to first stop thinking of profit and start focusing on what your brand aims to serve your customers. My father always told me this. He flourished in his Automobile spare part business because he knew exactly what his customers wanted, disregarding the revenue. Thus he was able to make his brand more robust and bigger.

To successfully recognize your label, this should be your first step.

Enlighten your Employees

The second most important thing to do is fully make your employees aware of what your brand is and what it represents. Being the only one who knows the identity of the business is futile, for it is your employee who regularly interacts with your customers.

Therefore, give your employees a real feel of what your brand stands for, so that the work won’t suffer.

Surround Yourself with the Right People

To manage a successful business you must surround yourself with the right partners and employees. This is a very crucial element that should exist in any establishment; otherwise the business will fall at the first hurdle.

Request comments from Your Customers

A brand without customers is as good as nothing, right? And when you do attain clients, remember to show them that your services are there to provide their needs at any occasions. This will have your micro-firm more trusted, thus respected. Moreover, it will help your company gain publicity.

After you show that your company is more than a fluff, regularly ask feedbacks from your customers on their thoughts regarding what your company lacks, needs to have, alter, modify, etc. It will help you identify your brand more.

Always Emphasize On what Makes Your Brand Different

Sometimes—no, in fact, most of the time— it is a hassle to demonstrate what makes your business unique. This challenge commonly comes from not knowing what your true brand is. When I first began working as a Fashion Illustrator, it took me a while before I realized the competition was fierce. Thus, to climb up the ladder, I knew I had to mark where my service was different— that’s when I grasped most of my clients. The same thing applies to mega or micro corporations.

As humans, even if our main traits, identity, spirit, etc. is ingrained in us and it cannot be altered, we will never stop evolving. You will discover that your brand keeps evolving as well. 

Styles that are Trendy and Chic for Women of age 29+

As we mature our styles change with us. It all starts in our twenties, whether you've noticed or not, when we opt for a more grown up look.  This natural evolution continues all the way through our 30’s. So what kind of styles are more enticing to women above the age of 29?  Below are some trendy styles most of them LOVE and maybe you could try out.

Cocktail Dress

 Most women in their thirties are usually over or don’t like the body-con dresses. So, if you’re one of them, try a sexy and stylish cocktail dress, like the one above, with a high hem to turn up the sex appeal for a night out.

Circle Skirt

 If you, by any chance, have the urge to wear a circle skirt, go for a pale pink like the one above with a black tank top and white accessories.

Denim Leather

A leather jacket is not too edgy or too tough. It would look absolutely fabulous on a polished dress or a trouser.

Trench Coat

A style that has and will forever be endeared by women is the classic trench coat. This elegant coat is comfy and stylish.

A Trendy Top

A sexy and a sophisticated top like the ones above will make a woman ultra chic and appealing. This subtle and polished style will draw attention to your shoulders, try them out.

A White Blazer

A steamlined white blazer is sophisticated and a bit more grown-up. This seasonless wear will look fancier with a simple top and a slouchy boyfriend or skinny jeans. This particular wear is applicable for any event.

A Perfect Pencil Skirt

Pencil skirts are entirely adored by several women.  It is totally classy, sexy, fun and appropriate to wear at the office, lunch, dinner parties, etc. With a white blouse, you will definitely have a classy look.  

A Printed Trouser

Printed pants are casual and versatile. You could wear them at the office or on the weekends. A skinny-fit denim with a casual top and simple bag would absolutely rock with the printed pants.

Pointy Flats

A pair of modern pointy flats is chick and appealing. It goes with many styles.

High- Waist Trouser

A high-waist trouser is elegant and perfectly wearable at work or on any other occasion. A pretty and light blouse with this trouser will look attractive.

How to wear today’s Trends

Bright colors are dominating the fashion world today, and it has become an epidemic. It is often thought that colors such as orange or pink are hard to pull off; however, these feminine colors are compatible to most skin tones and are elegant, fun, and sexy— depending on how you wear them, of course.

Bright colors are lively, and inserting them to your daily outfits might not be such a bad idea.

Fearing it’s a very hard color to execute, many women abstain from putting on orange from top to bottom. But it is really beautiful.

If orange is on your mind, try blending it with yellow, these colors have balance and are compatible. You could wear jeans (skinny or slouchy boyfriend jeans) and an orange shirt, with yellow accessories. These blended colors make an outfit flashy.

 Don’t be afraid to try it out if you want to go for it, because it is both classy and sexy at the same time.

 Pink is also a trendy color women are incorporating in their daily wardrobe today. This versatile color, which is flattering on most skin tones, could be worn with other flashy colors such as yellow, orange or green.

This endeared hue, which is frequently used by top designers, also looks amazingly stylish with black. A darker shade blended with pink creates this subtle and polished look which will have you glow throughout the day.

Try wearing a mini or a pencil skirt with a simple pink blouse and a flashy bag. It will create balance.

Also, a combination of white and pink never fails to make a women look cheerful, sophisticated and edgy. Just put on a light pink trouser and a tucked in top with a white blazer. 

Kim Kardashian's step-dad Reported to have had a Sex Change

MediaTakeOut.com has reported that Bruce Jenner, Kim Kardashian's step-father, has officially changed his gender. This was what the website posted:

Yes - he cut of his d**k and replaced it with a surgically constructed V*agina.

According to a producer of The Kardashians, E’s topmost show,  the family just taped one of the most emotional episodes. Kris Jenner, his wife, was delirious when Bruce told them that he had officially become a woman. She believed they were going to get back together.
This season of The Kardashians is guaranteed to get high ratings when it debuts in a couple of months.

Africa’s Mogul, Aliko Dangote, dedicates his Forbes Africa Person of the Year Award to Nigeria

Aliko Dangote, one of Africa’s tycoons, has received an award for Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2014. This Nigerian Billionaire has dedicated the award to his aboriginal land— Nigeria.  

“Thank you @forbesafrica. I am humbled by this honour. I dedicate the award to Nigeria and I am proud to be an African”

The Millions of Euros Cardinal Found Tucked Away

Looks like the head of the Great Vatican City Pope Francis made the right decision assigning Cardinal George Pell to the task of reforming the church to making it more transparent.

The Australian Cardinal, who is now the Vatican’s Secretariat of Economy, seems to have recently discovered millions of Euros “Tucked away” off the balance sheet.

Despite the scandal that ringed the Vatican bank last year, Cardinal Pell is showing great optimism over the city’s financial future.

On the Catholic Herald, he commented on how his primary target was to make Vatican finances “boringly successful.” And who knows, he just might do it.

The Man Who Filmed the Death of Eric Garner was indicted the same day Officer Daniel Pantaleo was Acquitted

Ramsay Orta, the 22-year-old who captured the incident that led to the death of Eric Garner, was convicted on the same day the NYPD officer, Daniel Pantaleo, who chocked Garner to death, was set free.

Orta was arrested on August 2^nd for possession of weapons. A Staten Island grand jury found him guilty of felony. He also has other pending charges leveled at him.

Orta pleads not guilty, and claims that he is being framed for crimes he never committed. “When they searched me, they didn't find nothing on me,” Orta says, “And the same cop that searched me, he told me clearly himself, that karma's a bitch, what goes around comes around.”

His wife Chrissie Ortiz has also been arrested for alleged assaults on August. She believes the charges against her husband are ‘BS.’ Ortiz says that she wants justice for Eric Garner and her husband.

Nigeria’s Young and Influential Women have been listed on Forbes in the ‘20 Young Power Women in Africa 2014’

In the 20 young power women in Africa 2014, Forbes featured one of the many young and influential women from Nigeria.

Among the listed were:

Ada Osakwe, 34, is the Senior Investment Adviser of the Nigerian Minister of Agriculture Akinwunmi Adesina. She is one of Nigeria’s best think tanks and has been the core reason for drawing more than $4 billion in the private sector investment commitment.

Amy Jadesimi, 39, is the managing director of the only indigenous-owned deep offshore logistic base (LADOL). This successful Nigerian business woman has a BA in Physiological Science and an MBA in Business.

Rimini Makama is the communications director at Africa Practice- Africa’s leading strategy and communications consultancy. Makama, 34, has immensely played a crucial role in boosting foreign investment in Nigeria and in other parts of Africa. Some of her clients are: BlackBerry, Bloomberg, Western Union, The African Union and much more.

Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji is 31 years of age and is the founder of RISE NETWORKS, a Nigerian-based organization that focuses on generating intellectual development and capacity building system for young Nigerian’s between the ages of 16 and 30.

Adiat Disu, is the founder of the prosperous African Fashion Week. Disu, 27, is an international publicist and creator of the New York based company- Adirée.

Nurse Saves a New Born Baby from Being Eaten by his Cannibal Mom

At a hospital in Shenzhen, China, a 24-year-old mother was found eating her new born baby’s arm. The nurse who saw the incident tried rescuing the kid but the mother wouldn't let go, so she called for help and, with the help of staff members, finally saved the baby.

The woman is believed to be homeless and mentally ill. She was found in labor on the streets when she was taken to the hospital. Authorities claim that she was kicked out of her house by her mother-in-law after behaving insane.

The woman is now under medical care and the child is in a safe condition.

Tyler Perry: Now a Father

The 45-year-old actor, director and producer Tyler Perry, who’s globally known for his blockbuster hit Madea movies just recently celebrated the birth of his first born Aman Tyler Perry with his long time girlfriend model/actress Gelila Bekele.

September was more of a ‘tell it all’ season for the duo. They announced the pregnancy and the sex of the unborn child. Although the last information was accidental because Bekele told the gender of the baby by mistake. On an interview she said, "This beautiful human being that God has allowed to come into my life ... to shepherd and usher him ... I said 'him' ... Oops!"

These beautiful couples revealed their charitable side when they requested that instead of sending gifts for the new born everyone should make a donation for the nonprofit Charity Water.

A Woman Stabbing Random People on the Streets Caught on Camera

Who doesn't have nightmares about getting attacked by some random person on the streets? Well to be quite honest, not everyone has such nightmares. But for the pedestrians of New Orleans, this became more than a nightmare when a woman went round the streets stabbing random people. The whole scene was captured on camera and broadcasted on CCTV.

The footage shows this woman roaming on the streets of New Orleans holding a blood stained knife and stabbing passers-by randomly.

The New Orleans Police Department suspects that this woman stabbed other people before being caught on the surveillance camera.

A Man is sentenced to One Year in Prison for a ‘Revenge Porn’ Post on Facebook

The 36-year-old Noe Iniguez posted a nude photograph of his ex-girlfriend on her employer’s page. He also wrote disrespectful comments calling her a ‘drunk’ and ‘slut’. His actions violated California’s Revenge Porn law which forbids the posting of naked or sexual pictures of an individual with the purpose of humiliating or hurting that person.

Iniguez has been sent to jail for one year. He is the first to be charged under this new law, but 13 US States have implemented the Revenge Porn law. England and Wales are on their way to enacting the law aswell.

Police Fighting Back Online in Defense of the Officer That Fatally Choked Eric Garner

It seems that the police community is equally outraged as the New York protestors about the Eric Garner case, the African American who died as a result of the lethal chokehold of Officer Daniel Pantaleo. The law enforcement community feels that they are under the unjust attack of an ungrateful society.

From various websites exclusively open to law enforcement personnel, officers are trumping their indignation. 

One of the comments on these sites read:

"Answer calls, take reports, TAKE YOUR PAYCHECK, and go home. Don't be proactive; let the neighborhood destroy itself."

"Honor dictates we give eight hours of work for eight hours of pay, but it does not require we sacrifice ourselves for a community who routinely sides with the criminals," read another.

Another local website PoliceOne which only allows membership to police officers only had a lot of posts where law enforcers defended the actions Officer Daniel Pantaleo.

"He was not choked to death. He was taken down by the neck after refusing to comply with the lawful arrest of officers of the NYPD."

What can be understood from the law enforcements’ comments is that they are unapologetic about the scene that led to Eric Garners’ death.

Kim Kardashian is Leading the Most-Liked Instagram’s Photo of 2014

And the most-liked instagram photo goes to—the one and only Kim Kardashian! Once again, Kim is reaping the most-liked photo on the internet.

Kim’s intoxicatingly lavish wedding photo of her and Kanye west kissing in the presence of enormous white roses, has gained global attention, getting a staggering 2.74 million likes!

Justin Bieber has secured the second place with the photo he posted on August 27, earning him 1.9 million likes. No surprise to that! On the picture he had his on-again-off-again girlfriend, Selena Gomez. The two famous and cute couples obviously seem ultra-comfortable with one another in the black-and-white photo.

And In the third place— Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus showing much love in the picture at the 2014 American MTV Video Music Awards, garnering with just over 1.8 million likes. Both young stars played a huge role during the awards show.

In maintaining the loving theme of the most admired photos, the most used hashtag was “love.”

The Ugandan Maid Who Nearly Beat an 18 Year Old Child to Death Explains Herself

 The 22-year-old Jolly Tumuhairwe who brutally attacked her bosses’ child, Arnella Kamanzi, is now facing charges of attempted murder. She is currently pleading for forgiveness and also swears it will never happen again.

Tumuhairwe explains that she had acted so savagely because she was angry at the child’s parents for not giving her an advance payment from her salary. She claims she needed the money for her ill father. She goes further to say that her boss, Arnella’s mother, was a difficult boss who had falsely accused her of stealing money and eating the child’s food.

Does this make her BIZARRE case worse or what? 

White Americans Expose the Racial Bias in the Police System

Using the hashtag #‎crimingwhilewhite white citizens of America are tweeting personal experiences with police officers where they were allowed to get away with their crimes.

This cyber campaign against the unjust treatment of black citizens by the police began a day after the death of Eric Garner, a black man who was choked to death by the NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo.

The man who started the movement was Jason Ross, a writer for The Tonight Show. After tweeting his own experience with law enforcement officials, he called on everyone to join him. The #‎crimingwhilewhite is gaining astounding momentum.