Featured Blogs

Featured Post – Share Your Post Links

Sharing, Blogs, Networking, Growing Readership, Connection, Bloggers, Blog Posts

‘PLEASE SEND IN YOUR LINKS.’ 

Today’s featured blogs are:

Do step in, explore these blogs and show some love.

Jump in Nothing like wading right in and going after your dreams. An inspiring post that rekindles my thoughts on my video making improvement and skills.

Listening – A better skill Lovely poem, good counsel and indeed, the art of hearing well is to learn when to keep quiet and stop clucking. Just listen. This made me smile 🙂

Put your hands up in the air An insightful post that I totally enjoyed reading. Here’s my comment:

I think this post was made for me. I relate with so much. Caught between and betwixt; not quite mid-life crisis and like you said, mid-life awakening. Awesome and welcome to the land of the 40’s soon 🙂

Sartorial Splendour

Such a simple post, but says many things to me. Sometimes our dreams just seem out of reach, but we find ways to live them. Do step in and say hello.

Why are we museum guards because we can’t make a living with with our dreams and passions, we need to pay our bills and we need health and dental insurance.  Therefore when I get off work and change into my street clothes I go from being a nobody back to me, a human being.  Many of my guard co-workers express ourselves through our clothing, tattoos, piercings projecting an artistic vibe. Then we are on display as the creative human beings we really are.

The Cross What does the cross mean to you? A beautiful, short read.

Don’t allow the enemy to place guilt before you and miss the message from God. God wants to set you free from the present day conditions that are holding you captive.  There is abundant life with Jesus, he was the ransom for us to be Redeemed!

Do you want more eyes on your words?’

Well then, add your LINK INTO THIS LOOP.

Comments are disabled here to keep the loop tidy. Any comments or link you want to send can be added through the link in the post.

Thank you for your understanding and regards.

‘Remember, we create a cohesive community when we come together.

Echos Of My Neighbourhood

Awesome Talents Abound – Echoes of my neighbourhood

To be an artist is to believe in life – Henry Moore

The just concluded World Art Exhibition in Dubai was sublime. My eyes fed on the creativity of talented artists from different parts of the world with such greed and pleasure that I went away sated and feeling fuller than one who had gorged on a 5-course meal continental buffet.

The huge display of artwork that ranged from the simple to magnificent pieces evoked all possible emotions that you can think of except anger. I tittered in laughter, I sighed, I gaped, I felt wistful, happy, melancholic, inspired…. Some pieces were simple to understand, some frightened you with their darkness, but the greatest feeling that I had was to take all of them home with me.

Unfortunately, at this present time, my heart is willing but my pocket is lean. The prices of some of these pieces could keep yours truly fed fat for a year. The wonderful thing about exhibitions is that for the token fee charged at the entrance you get to enjoy the lovely ambiance and window shop for free 😉

Here are some of the photos taken out of over 600 shots that need to be curated and enjoyed.

Take a peek. Lady Lee inspires me with her photos. I’ve got an idea for this weekend.

I would like to offer the free use of any of my photographs that interest you.

Should at any time you wish to use my images, please feel free to give me a nudge and I’ll email it to you free from any image credit attributions. 

Echos Of My Neighbourhood

A Promenade, A little Show and Some Fake Snow…Echoes of My Neighbourhood

  • I thought that I would have a quieter week this week with the children being on a mini-vacation from school. I lied!

There were lots of pending activities to fit into our busy days – church matters and meetings, school projects, getting my daughters hair fixed (a major project) etc, etc.

Phew! I didn’t know when we hit Thursday but we did manage to squeeze in fun along the way. That’s what living is, isn’t it? Balancing all the nuts on your fire 🙂

City walk Dubai is a beautiful location to visit anytime. There’s so much that aesthetically pleases the eyes’ and there are loads of people to watch. I took lots of photos that I don’t even know which one’s to use.

Lady Lee shares some leche flan with us. Do you know how to make one?

Midnight motivation and musings · VLogs

The Power of The Hour – Midnight Motivation and Musings

Every day, we become the choices that we make. Our habits, our routines are the backbone and foundation of who we are and who we choose to become.

Simple routines can shape your life in an amazing way.

Tune in let’s talk about the Power of the Hour.

Echos Of My Neighbourhood

Mixed Glimpse of My Neighbourhood. Lagos & Dubai

I went visiting home – Naija several days ago. It was a trip of mixed feelings. I was happy to see home and family but not too happy with the slow progression of things back home. The government just hasn’t served its people well.

Well, all is well that ends well. It was a good trip and I traveled back to base in Dubai, jumping right back into the bus(y)ness of life.

Lady Lee’s all set off to the Philippines – another country on my list. I know she’ll bring back loads to see 🙂

If you would like to show us your neighbourhood, the challenge is quite simple and you can find out more about it through this link.

 

 

Guest Posts

Connecting With Susan

Me and My Blog

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Body Renovations was born from my lifestyle transformation I underwent 9 years ago, with a focus on body, mind, and heart. It is hard to believe it has been that long already, as it seems like just yesterday I dropped the weight and have maintained it ever since.  
That’s why I know it was a lifestyle change because I changed my way of life and have no intentions of ever going back to the old habits. Don’t get me wrong, I still have days when I struggle with my diet, but I am so much more aware of what my body tells me if I make poor food choices. I define goals every year and I pick an area that I need to focus on. This year it is Nutrition. I’m trying to learn more and incorporate clean eating. 
I successfully transformed my thinking turning the negative thoughts around, to have a positive outlook on life. I began to love myself and life. Then I became more active, walking, hiking, biking, lifting and even learned how to swim at 52 years old! You are never too old, or it is never too late to do anything. If you don’t try you never know what you are missing out on. 
I have been able to throw my medications away, no more blood pressure or cholesterol meds for me. Exercise and diet have made it possible to live medication free! I am sure changing my attitude and thoughts have also made and impact. It’s so easy to allow your mind to stay focused in the negative and play the victim card. You can turn that around by focusing on the good things in life.  
One of my goals last year was to do more writing, someday I want to publish a book. The book idea has been on my goal list for several years, and I start and stop. Since I was stalling out I thought I might need to try a different approach…start smaller….write a blog. I might not post every day, and yes, life gets crazy and steals time from your time to write….but the main thing is to post when I can, don’t let it become a stressor. I don’t feel like writing comes easy for me, so I am working on developing the writer muscle so I will be able to publish a book someday. If you don’t try you never know what you are missing out on.
Sometimes we need to perform a remodel and Body Renovations covers the whole being. Body Renovations
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My Motivation

Reading other blogs inspire and motivate me. If I am out on a walk, hike or bike ride I have ideas popping into my head and I think about how I could use that idea to write a blog post. Sometimes I get so excited about a topic and when I sit down to write I get a couple sentences drafted and then nothing! I will stay engage with writing for a while, but when it is evident that I have nothing else to expand on, then I leave it and come back to it another time and find that I can add to it and I have a blog post.

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Challenging Moments

The most challenging thing for me with blogging is finding different ways to express myself in my writing. I’m not a natural writer…this is a stretch for me, it’s an opportunity for me to push myself to the edges. When I write, I want to be creative with my writing to draw people in, to influence and inspire small changes that readers can think about and apply in their lives.  
 The other thing is making time to write, as well as reading other blogs. They are so many inspiring writers out there, I didn’t have any idea until I started my blog. People started to follow me after my very first post, that was hard to process, I mean people that didn’t know me liked what I had to say. It started connections, with other bloggers and I have made friends with complete strangers from across the globe. It was our “thought likeness” that brought us together. It was the common bond of love where our paths crossed and we share our comments of support. It is a community where we lift each other up. It is a beautiful thing, this thing called blogging.

A Word To Others

I definitely would encourage everyone to create a blog. It’s a platform to share your passion, and let readers see the depths of your soul. I have found so much inspiration from other bloggers that I follow, and they touch my heart with their ability to draw a picture with their words like an artist painting a picture.
Writing is a way to expand your thinking, to challenge your mind to meet your heart and let your wisdom flow. It is a great way to get in touch with your inner being.
Have fun, release your inner child to guide you to your creativity!
 
Check out this blog post: Living on the Edge…
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I would like to thank you, dear Jacqueline, for this guest interview. I am both humbled and honored for this opportunity. I appreciate your support of fellow bloggers and the love and inspiration that pours from your heart into your writing. You are a blessing to the blogging community!
Love and hugs,
Susan
Echos Of My Neighbourhood

Itty-Bitty bits of my week – Echoes of My Neighbourhood.

No two days are the same in my life and I believe most people as well. I’ve had a calm week going about my various responsibilities as usual. One rule that I’ve made is to always find something to highlight and smile about each day. To find little inexpensive ways to reward/treat

One rule that I’ve made is to always find something to highlight and smile about each day. To find little inexpensive ways to reward or treat myself each day or weekly.

Gratitude

January is out. How are you holding up?

Happiness, Quotes, Gratitude

We were just singing Auld Lang Syne a few days ago and here we are in February getting ready to share boxes of chocolates, roses, cards and all what not for the love of Valentine.

Two things this brings to mind are; the shortness and speed of time as well as how we must harness our time optimally.

Some of us probably set out major goals and may be taking a look at how far they’ve gone with it. While some didn’t bother with it. Whichever spectrum you are in, it’s all good.

Remember that the most important thing is that when you set major goals, always appreciate the minor accomplishments that brought you to your goal even when you are falling behind your set goal.

Celebrating those minor accomplishments boosts and motivates your drive to keep pushing forward. Castigating oneself over failures most times has a reverse effect.

Today, as I took my brisk morning walk, I did a mental account of all that I’ve been doing with my time and I am thankful for the consistency in keeping with my plans. I am thankful for the zeal to wake up each day with peace and a positive frame of mind.

There are mornings that the joy I feel inside literally flows like a river. What my experiences keep teaching me is that the greatest success we can achieve in our lives is contentment, peace, and joy.

Since I came to the understanding that my happiness is my responsibility and doesn’t lie in anyone’s hands, or in material gains, I’ve found that happiness easier to hold on to.

There’s always something to be grateful for, all you have to do is to look inside. Be kind to yourself and others.

Jacqueline

If you wish to participate in a gratitude challenge, there are several gratitude/thankful platforms in the blogosphere that you can tune into and get your ithankful going on. I can’t express in words the enormity of Joy and fulfillment that comes from having a heart of gratitude. Please check out Maria’s blog, Colline’s blog and Bernadette’s for thankful/gratitude challenges.

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A Click A Day · food

My Yummy Chicken Mango Salad – A Click A Day.

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This is mango season and the delicious fruit abounds in the fruit stalls right now.

Taking advantage of its sweetness asides from juicing them and making smoothies, they can be used in fresh salads as well.

I made this platter yesterday evening and you have to take my word for it that it’s yummy and of course, you are welcome to give it a try 🙂

Quick Recipe

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

1 lemon, juiced

1/4 flat leaf parsley leaves, chopped

1 long red chilli, deseeded and chopped (optional)

1/2 of a tomato, deseeded and chopped (optional)

1 stick of cucumber (optional)

2 – 3 cups of chopped roasted chicken – remove the skin

2 mangoes, peeled cubed or sliced into small bits

150g of mixed salad greens

Preparation Steps:

  1. Combine the Olive oil with the lemon juice and add the parsley and chilli if you are using chilli.
  2. Combine the chicken, mango, salad greens, tomato (optional), and cucumber (optional) in a large bowl. Drizzle your dressing, toss lightly to mix and serve.
  3. Enjoy 😉

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha


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A Click A Day

Urine Analysis. This is not a pissing contest.

 

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I saw this urine wall chart in a restroom and I’ve got my tongue in my cheek as I ask such a cheeky question; how is your piss?

One’s eyes may be the window to their soul, but the toilet bowl is certainly a window into your body.

The state of one’s piss (please bear with me and don’t laugh) has a lot to say about your health and let it not be said that you are piss poor. Here’s  an interesting article on the origin of the popular saying “piss poor.”

Hydrate some more today.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha


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