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Thursday 24 April 2014

Supreme Court of Nigeria voids Igbo customary law, which disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her deceased father’s estate



MONDAY, April 14, 2014, the Supreme Court voided the Igbo customary law, which denies daughters inheriting their fathers’ estate. The Supreme Court said it was discriminatory and in conflict with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It is a verdict that would have far-reaching effects in addressing a dehumanising tradition, which can no longer be excused in a modern, democratic society such as ours. It is a practice that regarded women as lower than men.
The judgment was given in a family dispute between Gladys Ada Ukeje, who was disinherited from the estate of her deceased father, Lazarus Ogbonna Ukeje. She sued her step-mother, Mrs. Lois Chituru Ukeje and her son, Enyinnaya Lazarus Ukeje.
A Lagos High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court all reached the same decision. They confirmed that Gladys was qualified under the laws of Nigeria to inherit her father’s estate. The verdict should settle this matter forever in favour of all daughters in all corners of the country to claim their birthright, which they had been denied. It is a resounding victory for human rights and equality, which Nigerians should applaud for the hopes it creates for families without male children.
Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, who read the lead judgment stated, “No matter the circumstances of the birth of a female child, such a child is entitled to an inheritance from her late father’s estate. Consequently, the Igbo customary law, which disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her deceased father’s estate, is a breach of Section 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution, a fundamental rights provision guaranteed to every Nigerian”.
Civil society, the media and human rights advocacy groups should enlighten the public that this discriminatory customary practice has been annulled. The law enforcement agencies must ensure that it is enforced as part of the laws of the land.
The traditional institutions that had insisted on the practice should embrace the changing times by according women their places, other than the kitchen, in society.
Gladys’ courage is commendable. Laws are meant to protect us, but they only do when we take refuge in them. Other obnoxious customary practices that dehumanise widows and deprive them of their husbands’ possessions should be addressed too.
The role of women in modern society is changing. They are now assuming more leadership responsibilities than the traditional society envisaged. With more access to education and opportunities, women are making more contributions to the society. Discriminatory practices against them are destroying some families, which still focus on male children, neglecting the female.
We applaud the judiciary for rising up to the defence of human rights and the Constitution.

#vanguard

Find The Best Haircut For Your Face Shape


how to find the right haircut for your face shape

No matter how superficial it may sound let’s just admit it. One of the beauty hurdles we obsess over is trying to find that perfect haircut that make us look – and feel – marvellous! And really, hair makes such a big difference to transform your look, so why wouldn’t you want to get it right? Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks to help us when we have no idea where to look…and get this – it all boils down to our face shape.
Here are some of my favourite hair cuts to flatter five common face shapes and why they work.
 
Oval 
You have an oval face if the length of your face is greater than the width of your face.
 
Celebrity inspiration: Beyoncé
 
Beyonce

The key with an oval face type is that your haircut can really change the shape of your face—and lucky for you, oval faces can really play with all types of haircuts from short to long depending on your hair texture. Add a fringe on an oval face and your face will become more square looking, while a mid-length cut with some layers adapted to your hair texture will create movement.

Square 
You have a square face if the width and length of your face is very similar and you have a broad jaw line and forehead.

Celebrity inspiration: Nia Long

Nia Long "Tyler Perry's The Single Moms Club" - Los Angeles Premiere

If your face is square, you can go with harder lines in your cut, such as a shorter bob. From cutting a fringe to accenting the jaw line or going with longer hair with shorter layers to add texture and soften the face shape—all of this is do-able with your face shape. One thing you may want to avoid? Slashing off too much length. Very short hair can look very hard on a face shape like this.
 
Round
Your face is round if the width and length of your face is quite similar, but there’s a circular feeling to the overall shape of your face.

 
Celebrity inspiration: Jennifer Hudson
 
jennifer-hudson

Short hair is for you! But if short hair is not your thing, keep it longer at all one length and or mid-length. Stick to more classic cuts that are mid-length or long, if you’re not going very short. Bobs can make the face look rounder and often are not flattering with round faces.

Heart 
Your face is heart-shaped if your cheekbones and forehead are wider than your forehead and you have a delicate chin.

Celebrity inspiration: Ciara

Ciara 2013 American Music Awards - Arrivals
 
If you have a heart shape face, you’re a candidate for a straight across fringe. A heart-shape face is close to an oval and have versatility when it comes to the styles you can pull off. Another look that you can rock? A shorter disconnected bob.
 
Long
You have a long face if your face is longer than it is broad – often quite narrow in width, and with high cheekbones.
 
Celebrity inspiration: Alicia Keys
 
alicia-keys

With a long face, longer hair works best, with some shorter layers cut in to add shape and framing to the face. Bangs can also help in making your face appear shorter—the idea being that adding width will create the perception of less vertical length to your face.



#hellobeautiful

Wednesday 23 April 2014

Lupita Nyong'o named 'Most Beautiful' by People Magazine



Lupita Nyong'o's breakthrough year continues as the young actress has been named People magazine's Most Beautiful person, gracing the cover of the annual issue.
The 12 Years a Slave star and best supporting actress Oscar winner says she "never dreamed" she'd receive such an honour.

"It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," Nyong'o told People of gracing this year's cover. "I was happy for all the girls who would see me on it and feel a little more seen."



#hollywoodreporter.com

Detoxing your body after over-indulging @ Easter..... + Recipe for Fat Flushing Soup

Easter  has come and gone but what about those Easter eggs that we guzzled up over the weekend? For those of us who over indulged, we can jump-start on losing the extra pounds with these essential cleansing foods.

Some people may experience a 'cleansing' reaction in the first few days of detox, including headaches or loose bowel movements due to the sudden withdrawal of certain foods. These symptoms should subside in 24 to 48 hours.


Foods to avoid

  • Alcohol
  • Cigarettes
  • Milk products (except ½ cup unsweetened yoghurt with acidophilus each day)
  • Sugar, honey, maple syrup, artificial sweeteners
  • Coffee
  • Grains: wheat (bread, biscuits, cakes, pasta), rye, barley, oats, spelt and rice 
  • Dried fruit

Foods to enjoy

  • Fruit: any and all fresh fruit
  • Vegetables: any and all fresh vegetables
  • Fish: fresh, canned in water or olive oil
  • Lean red meat, chicken (without the skin). Limit to two serves per week.
  • Legumes: dried or canned, such as kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils
  • Eggs: preferably organic
  • Olive oil (preferably extra virgin), Coconut oil (unprocessed)
  • Nuts: raw unsalted almonds, walnuts, macadamias and cashews
  • Seeds: raw unsalted sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds
  • Green tea, white tea, weak black tea (decaffeinated)
  • Water: from one to three litres of water per day

Fat Flushing Soup
Fat Flushing Soup
Yields: 8 servings | Serving Size: 1 cup | Calories: 137 | Previous Points: 1 | Points Plus: 2 | Total Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 0 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 75 mg | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Dietary Fiber: 8 g | Sugars: 7 g | Protein: 8 g
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1" cubes (optional, 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1" round pieces)
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (optional, the beans are for added protein)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 4 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
Directions
Add all ingredients, except spinach, to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Add spinach, stir and continue cooking just until wilted, approximately 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy! (1 Serving Per Night During if doing the 3 Day Cleanse & Detox)
Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, after 5 hours of cooking, simply remove 1 cup of soup, along with ingredients, mash ingredients with a fork, return to the slow cooker, stir and continue cooking 1 to 3 hours.
Stovetop Method: Follow the same instructions above for prep, cover, and simmer until veggies are tender, approximately 2 hour. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. Add spinach at the end of cooking time, remove from heat, cover and allow spinach to wilt before serving.
http://skinnyms.com/fat-flushing-soup/

Read more at http://skinnyms.com/fat-flushing-soup/#fihliBvBEDX1ZPvv.99

Ingredients
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1" cubes (optional, 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1" round pieces)
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (optional, the beans are for added protein)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 4 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
Directions
Add all ingredients, except spinach, to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Add spinach, stir and continue cooking just until wilted, approximately 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy! (1 Serving Per Night During if doing the 3 Day Cleanse & Detox)
Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, after 5 hours of cooking, simply remove 1 cup of soup, along with ingredients, mash ingredients with a fork, return to the slow cooker, stir and continue cooking 1 to 3 hours.
Stovetop Method: Follow the same instructions above for prep, cover, and simmer until veggies are tender, approximately 2 hour. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. Add spinach at the end of cooking time, remove from heat, cover and allow spinach to wilt before serving.

Read more at http://skinnyms.com/fat-flushing-soup/#fihliBvBEDX1ZPvv.99
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1" cubes (optional, 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1" round pieces)
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (optional, the beans are for added protein)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 4 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
Directions
Add all ingredients, except spinach, to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Add spinach, stir and continue cooking just until wilted, approximately 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy! (1 Serving Per Night During if doing the 3 Day Cleanse & Detox)
Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, after 5 hours of cooking, simply remove 1 cup of soup, along with ingredients, mash ingredients with a fork, return to the slow cooker, stir and continue cooking 1 to 3 hours.
Stovetop Method: Follow the same instructions above for prep, cover, and simmer until veggies are tender, approximately 2 hour. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. Add spinach at the end of cooking time, remove from heat, cover and allow spinach to wilt before serving.

Read more at http://skinnyms.com/fat-flushing-soup/#fihliBvBEDX1ZPvv.99
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1" cubes (optional, 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1" round pieces)
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (optional, the beans are for added protein)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 4 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
Directions
Add all ingredients, except spinach, to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Add spinach, stir and continue cooking just until wilted, approximately 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy! (1 Serving Per Night During if doing the 3 Day Cleanse & Detox)
Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, after 5 hours of cooking, simply remove 1 cup of soup, along with ingredients, mash ingredients with a fork, return to the slow cooker, stir and continue cooking 1 to 3 hours.
Stovetop Method: Follow the same instructions above for prep, cover, and simmer until veggies are tender, approximately 2 hour. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. Add spinach at the end of cooking time, remove from heat, cover and allow spinach to wilt before serving.

Read more at http://skinnyms.com/fat-flushing-soup/#fihliBvBEDX1ZPvv.99
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1" cubes (optional, 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1" round pieces)
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (optional, the beans are for added protein)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 4 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
Directions
Add all ingredients, except spinach, to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Add spinach, stir and continue cooking just until wilted, approximately 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy! (1 Serving Per Night During if doing the 3 Day Cleanse & Detox)
Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, after 5 hours of cooking, simply remove 1 cup of soup, along with ingredients, mash ingredients with a fork, return to the slow cooker, stir and continue cooking 1 to 3 hours.
Stovetop Method: Follow the same instructions above for prep, cover, and simmer until veggies are tender, approximately 2 hour. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. Add spinach at the end of cooking time, remove from heat, cover and allow spinach to wilt before serving.

Read more at http://skinnyms.com/fat-flushing-soup/#fihliBvBEDX1ZPvv.99
Fat Flushing Soup
Fat Flushing Soup
Yields: 8 servings | Serving Size: 1 cup | Calories: 137 | Previous Points: 1 | Points Plus: 2 | Total Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 0 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 75 mg | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Dietary Fiber: 8 g | Sugars: 7 g | Protein: 8 g
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1" cubes (optional, 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1" round pieces)
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (optional, the beans are for added protein)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 4 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
Directions
Add all ingredients, except spinach, to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Add spinach, stir and continue cooking just until wilted, approximately 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy! (1 Serving Per Night During if doing the 3 Day Cleanse & Detox)
Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, after 5 hours of cooking, simply remove 1 cup of soup, along with ingredients, mash ingredients with a fork, return to the slow cooker, stir and continue cooking 1 to 3 hours.
Stovetop Method: Follow the same instructions above for prep, cover, and simmer until veggies are tender, approximately 2 hour. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. Add spinach at the end of cooking time, remove from heat, cover and allow spinach to wilt before serving.
http://skinnyms.com/fat-flushing-soup/

Read more at http://skinnyms.com/fat-flushing-soup/#fihliBvBEDX1ZPvv.99

Detox plan for the next seven days

1. Morning lemon juice: This is an oldie but a goodie to kick start the digestion and cleanse the system. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a cup of hot water. Drink first thing in the morning before breakfast.
 
2. Exercise: During detox aim to exercise for one hour daily. And not just any exercise – something that makes you pant and puff and raise a sweat like a spin class, jog along the beach, walking uphill, hot yoga or boxing. Vigorous exercise increases lymph flow and circulation to help sweat out toxins.
 
3. Raw foods: Aim to cut out the cooking process and eat mainly raw foods. Raw foods contain more nutrients and enzymes. Try adding fresh sprouts to a salad daily.
 
4. Detox the mind: While you're detoxing the body, its good to clear the clutter from the mind too. Aim for 15 minutes of meditation per day. If you don't know how to meditate, try belly breathing. Start by placing hands palm down on your lower belly. Breathe in through your nose, counting slowly to 3 or 4 counts. Feel your tummy rise with the breath. Breathe out just as slowly, allowing the belly to drop. Do this for 15 minutes daily.
 
5. Drink: Aim to drink three litres of fluid daily. This will help move the lymph and support kidney detoxification. Choose from pure spring water, fresh vegetable juice and herbal detox teas. Or make your own brew by mixing one or a combination of Dandelion root and nettle, cleavers, calendula, burdock and red clover. Add one teaspoon of the dried herbs to a cup of boiling water. Leave to steep for five minutes, strain and drink.
 
6. Body brushing: Doing this daily will support circulation and increase skin detoxification. Using a loofah or natural fibre body brush, brush the skin with firm circular strokes before you step into the shower. Start from the feet and hands, moving up the legs and towards the arms, avoiding the delicate area of throat and face, and any rash or sore spots. Then jump in the shower. Finish your shower with a one-minute burst cold water which brings the blood circulation to the skin.
 
7. Chew: Aim to chew each mouthful of food 10 to 12 times before swallowing. Bringing mindfulness to mealtimes improves digestion, allowing you to feel a sense of fullness without a need to overeat.
 
Note: Don't detox if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly, have high blood pressure, are underweight or against your health practitioner's recommendation.
 
Fat Flushing Soup
Fat Flushing Soup
Yields: 8 servings | Serving Size: 1 cup | Calories: 137 | Previous Points: 1 | Points Plus: 2 | Total Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 0 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 75 mg | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Dietary Fiber: 8 g | Sugars: 7 g | Protein: 8 g
Ingredients
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1" cubes (optional, 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1" round pieces)
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (optional, the beans are for added protein)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 4 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
Directions
Add all ingredients, except spinach, to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Add spinach, stir and continue cooking just until wilted, approximately 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy! (1 Serving Per Night During if doing the 3 Day Cleanse & Detox)
Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, after 5 hours of cooking, simply remove 1 cup of soup, along with ingredients, mash ingredients with a fork, return to the slow cooker, stir and continue cooking 1 to 3 hours.
Stovetop Method: Follow the same instructions above for prep, cover, and simmer until veggies are tender, approximately 2 hour. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking. Add spinach at the end of cooking time, remove from heat, cover and allow spinach to wilt before serving.
http://skinnyms.com/fat-flushing-soup/

Read more at http://skinnyms.com/fat-flushing-soup/#fihliBvBEDX1ZPvv.99

 Get With the Fat Flush Soup Diet Program:

 
Breakfast
Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast to boost metabolism. Recommended breakfast include:
•2-egg omelette with veggies
•2 hard-boiled eggs
•Fat Flush Whey or Body Protein Smoothie
Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy the Fat Flush Soup for lunch and dinner. One serving is 2-3 cups.
Customize Fat Flush Soup to your needs with special tweaks for:
•Thyroid-revving
•Yeast-killing
•Adrenal-healing
•Liver-nourishing
 

Fat Flush Soup Recipe:


Makes 10 to 12 cups (serving size is 2 to 3 cups)

Ingredients

2 tsp. olive oil
1 ¼ lbs. lean ground beef, turkey or chopped chicken*
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 large red, orange and/or green pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large zucchini or yellow squash, chopped
8 oz. mushrooms, chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 bottle (46 oz.) reduced-sodium tomato or vegetable cocktail juice
1 can (15 oz.) pinto, garbanzo or black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 oz.) crushed tomatoes
1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
1 Tbs. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste
¼ cup each fresh cilantro and parsley leaves, chopped

Directions

1. In sauce pot over medium-high heat, cook oil 30 seconds or until heated.
2. Add beef, turkey or chicken and cook 5 minutes or until cooked through, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from skillet; drain, if desired.
4. In same sauce pot, cook onions, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and garlic for 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in next 6 ingredients and cooked meat.
6. Add up to 1 cup water to thin soup, if desired.
7. Cover and bring soup just to a simmer (do not let boil).
8. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Stir in cilantro and parsley; cover and let simmer 5 minutes more.
Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired. Soup can be stored up to 5 days in the refrigerator or frozen for 2-3 weeks.
*Or for vegetarian option, omit meat and add another can of beans.
 
 
#bodyandsoul.com
#fatflush.com
#skinnyms.com

Tuesday 22 April 2014

Lil' Kim announces sex of her unborn baby



It's gonna be a baby girl for Lil Kim. The rapper took to Instagram to announce the good news. "It's a girl!", the star posted with a save the date invitation. She will be celebrating her pending bundle of joy May 5 in New York.