One for the books. Almost everyone has a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in their medicine cabinet. However, we rarely ever reach for hydrogen peroxide unless we are pouring it on a fresh cut. There are many other uses for it. You can clean, dye your hair and disinfect surfaces.

Here are a few things to do with it:

Cleaning and Freshening Kitchen and Bathroom Surfaces: That all-purpose spray you may have sitting underneath your sink can be replaced by mixing 3% hydrogen peroxide (the typical peroxide found in the personal care aisle of a store) and some water in a spray bottle. Mix about 7 parts peroxide with 3 parts water in a spray bottle and use on your countertops for a safe and germ killing cleaning.

Clean Fruits and Veggies: You may have seen those spray bottles that claim to clean the pesticide residue off your fruits and veggies, but why invest in one of those when you are just a bottle of peroxide away from doing the same thing with an added benefit! You can fill a clean kitchen sink or large basin up with cold water. Add to the cold water 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide and a couple teaspoons of salt. Not only will the peroxide and salt mixture rid pesticides and clean your produce, but it will even prolong the freshness of the fruits and veggies!

Cleansing your Toothbrush: How many millions of bacteria can be found on a toothbrush? It is a scary thought, but one worth mentioning. If you think about it, you brush your teeth whether you are sick or not, but you never wash your toothbrush! A great way to cleanse the toothbrush is by soaking it in a little hydrogen peroxide from time to time. This will also “strip” the brush of particles left behind from toothpaste. Make sure you run the brush under cold water and gently press your thumb over the bristles to remove the loosened gunk off the brush after it has been soaked in the hydrogen peroxide for at least five minutes.

Add Natural Looking Highlights to Your Hair: This is a great use of peroxide! Colouring hair is expensive and requires maintains that in turn becomes expensive as well. If you would like to lighten your hair, peroxide may be just the ingredient you need! Think about it, a .98 cent bottle of peroxide could ultimately give you the lightening locks you’ve been craving! Can peroxide really do that? Yes, it may take more time, but the gradual use will give you more natural looking highlights and colour.

  • Simply mix, in a spray bottle, a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and one part water. You’re good to go!
  • After taking a shower, spritz the solution of peroxide and water over the hair and comb through. You do not need to wash out the peroxide mixture, although you may after about a half hour if you wish.
  • Do this every time you shower and in no time you will have noticeably lighter hair without the trip to the salon, or over-priced DIY hair colour.

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for more jaw-dropping posts coming your way.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © 

Don’t let one day, one week, or even one year of blowing your diet affect your choices today and every day after. Pick up where you left off and start making those changes again. Of course we all fall into temptation and have that piece of cake or all those slices of pizza, but it is truly how we handle the meals after that determines our success.

Start by accepting the blunder. It has happened and you cannot change what you have already eaten, but what you can change is your next meal. By making a good, healthy decision the next time, you will feel better mentally and physically and avoid falling into a slump possibly leading to another poor nutritional choice.

Expecting and preparing for setbacks can permit for damage control and allow you to take control of the situation to avoid further setbacks like weight gain and disappointment. Keep these tips in mind and realize that having a recovery plan is all a part of successful meal planning and weight loss.

Forgive yourself. You are human and are allowed to make mistakes. Realize that this mistake and help you regain control and eliminate a craving that may have caused an overindulgence ahead. SOURCE

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © 

I am proud to announce that as a Brand Ambassador for Breast Health Angels Foundation, Inc. (BHAF) and foundation member of the London Branch, we are having our 2nd Annual 5k Walk ??‍♀️??‍♀️??‍♀️on the same day of 30th of September across 10 cities worldwide

  • London, England
  • Lagos, Nigeria
  • Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
  • Abuja, Nigeria
  • Atlanta, United States
  • Dallas, United States
  • New York, United States
  • Houston, United States
  • Arkansas, United States
  • California, United States

Everyone of us know someone – either a loved one or another experience cancer. In the past few months of 2017, I have known so many people passed onto glory from this dreadful disease both old and young, so you see this cancer is no respecter of age or race and words cannot explain how I much I detest it.

Cancer is a broad term for a class of diseases characterised by abnormal cells that grow and invade healthy cells in the body. Some cancers may eventually spread into other tissues. I have seen and known some loved ones have one of the worst cases of cancer – ‘breast cancer’ which starts in the cells of the breast as a group of cancer cells that can then invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

One survivor is a dear sista-friend by the name of Chika Akwiwu otherwise known as The African Barbie, who is a passionate advocate is on a mission to educate us women on how to detect breast cancer very early and ensure that we get treatment and follow the course of a good and healthy lifestyle.

As a result of her new sense of purpose, she founded a non-profit organization BHAF (Breast Health Angels Foundation, Inc.).  BHAF has Advocacy deeply embedded in its core and is unique because it combines Chika’s experience as a Breast Cancer Survivor alongside her training as a healthcare provider to Educate, Empower and Engage women worldwide. She is a strong advocate for Early Detection because it can make the difference between life and death. BHAF’s mission is to Empower, Encourage, Educate and Engage women to Embrace their breast health and overall well-being through Early Detection and Support Services.

Last October, Chika organised the very first annual 5k Advocacy Walk held in various cities worldwide like London, England; Port-Harcourt & Abuja in Nigeria; Atlanta, LA, Houston, and other states in the US amongst other countries and it was a great and successful movement which helped raise awareness amongst our various communities…  

They say: ‘It takes a Village to SLAY this Cancer so what are YOU waiting for! Join the MOVEMENT and let’s make a Difference…

To find more information on cancer, please visit The African Barbie, (link on text).

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©

Welcome to Part 8 of our Healthier 2017 Lifestyle and I hope you have been enjoying this amazing discovery of using food as smoothies and the benefits to this healthier journey of oneself. Again as derived from curejoy.com:

71. Antioxidant-Rich-Goji-Gruel: Similar to the benefits you get from eating other berries, goji berries are loaded with beta-carotene (a pigment found in plants and fruits) which helps promote healthy skin. Goji berries have also been known to help boost the immune system and protect the eyes — talk about a super fruit.

72. Blood-Purifying-Stinging-Nettle-Herb-Joy: Stinging nettle is: diuretic, astringent, pectoral, anodyne, tonic, rubefacient, styptic, anthelmintic, nutritive, hermetic, anti-rheumatic, anti-allergenic, decongestant, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, and anti-histamine, anti-lithic/lithotrophic, herpetic, galactagogue, and an anti-histamine.

73. Brain-Booster: Warding off heart disease. The blueberry’s fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and phytonutrient content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. The fiber in blueberries helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease.

74. Collagen-Building-Cream-of-Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe has lots of folic acid that is very important for regeneration of dead cells. This aspect is especially useful for pregnant women. This property of quicker regeneration also helps in giving a healthy skin. It keeps wrinkles at bay, maintains the skin elasticity and helps in collagen synthesis and thus has anti-aging properties.

75. Energizer-Sun-Shine-Smoothie: Research has shown antioxidant compounds in mango fruit have been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers. These compounds include quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat, as well as the abundant enzymes.

76. Fat-Loss-Raspberry-Shortbread-Smoothie: As the name suggests, raspberry ketone comes from the fruit and is, in fact, the primary compound responsible for a raspberry’s sweet smell.

77. Flavonoids-for-Kids: Apples are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals to keep your little ones healthy. Apples contain the same amount of fiber as a bowl of bran cereal and probably appeal to your child’s taste buds a little bit more.

78. Georgia-Peach-Skin-Rejuvenator: One of the major health benefits of peaches is for skin care. It’s a great source of Vitamin C which is widely used for skin care. You can get plenty of Vitamin C from a large peach. Apart from health benefits, you can directly use peaches for skin care such dark circles and wrinkles.

79. Healing-Hemp-Smoothie: Hemp Seeds are a perfect and natural blend of easily digested proteins, essential fats (Omega 3 & 6), Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), antioxidants, amino acids, fiber, iron, zinc, carotene, phospholipids, phytosterols, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin D, vitamin E, chlorophyll, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, potassium, phosphorus, and enzymes. All amino acids essential to optimum health are found in Hemp Seeds, including the rarely found Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA).

80. Healing-Tropical-Tango: According to new research study, mango fruit has been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers. Several trial studies suggest that polyphenolic anti-oxidant compounds in mango are known to offer protection against breast and colon cancers.

Here’s a reminder of past posts: Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 1); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 2); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 3); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 4); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 5); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 6); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 7); so keep on it Beloveds and look out for Part 9 of the Healthier Life coming soon.

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © 

Welcome to Part 7 of our Healthier 2017 Lifestyle and I hope you have been enjoying this amazing discovery of using food as smoothies and the benefits to this healthier journey of oneself. Again as derived from curejoy.com:

61. Peppermint-Grapefruit-Detox-Water: Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, a vitamin that helps to support the immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods like grapefruit may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms.

62. Probiotic-Guacamole-Spread: Sauerkraut isn’t just a topping for hot dogs, it is also a functional food with health benefits. Foods were originally fermented to help preserve them, but this isn’t the only benefit of fermented foods like sauerkraut, which is made by fermenting cabbage.

63. Blood-Pressure-Reducing-Ruby-Sunrise: Most of the benefits of carrots can be attributed to their beta carotene and fiber content. This root vegetable is also a good source of antioxidant agents.

64. Quinoa-Tacobowls: Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and contains iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E and fiber. It is one of only a few plant foods that are considered a complete protein and comprised of all pernine essential amino acids.

65. Raspberry-Tummy-Tucker: By increasing enzyme activity, oxygen consumption, and heat production in certain types of fat cells, raspberry phytonutrients like rheosmin may be able to decrease risk of obesity as well as risk of fatty liver.

66. Beta-Carotene-Rich-Plantains-and-Water: Plantains, a member of the banana family, are starchy and low in sugar. They are usually baked or fried and used much like potatoes in Caribbean and West African dishes. Like bananas, plantains are a good source of potassium and fiber. Plantains contain significantly more vitamin A and vitamin C than bananas.

67. Rapid-Transit: Wheatgrass juice is an effective healer because it contains all minerals known to man, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, l and K. It is extremely rich in protein, and contains 17 amino acids, the building blocks of Warding off heart disease.

68. The-Power-Punch: Bananas are a great source of vitamin B6.B vitamins help break down homocysteine—an amino acid that at high levels is related to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

69. Almond-Silk-Wonder-Milk-for-Weight-Management: One cup of almond milk contains only 60 calories, as opposed to 146 calories in whole milk, 122 calories in 2 percent, 102 calories in 1 percent, and 86 calories in skim. It makes for a great substitute that will help you lose or maintain your current weight.

70. Anti-Inflammatory-Peanutty: Although almond milk only contains 1 gram of protein per serving, it contains plenty of B vitamins such as iron and riboflavin, both important for muscle growth and healing.

Here’s a reminder of past posts: Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 1); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 2); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 3); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 4); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 5); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 6) so keep on it Beloveds and look out for Part 8 of the Healthier Life coming soon.

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © 

Shea butter is a product that has been around ever since I can remember and is a natural plant-based oil that’s treasured in West Africa for hundreds of year due to its healing properties. It is considered a sacred tree and treated with particular respect; growing up to 60 feet tall, the Shea trees does not flower before it is 20 years and can live up to 200 years.

To the virgin shea butter users or readers: shea butter is an off-white or ivory-coloured fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree and is a triglyceride derived mainly from stearic acid and oleic acid. It is also rich in essential vitamins A, E and F. Vitamin F protects the skin, particularly from the suns harmful UV rays. It helps promote youthful skin, reduce fine lines and dryness. Vitamins A and E help maintain the overall health of the skin and hair as well as nourish the skin and maintain blemish-free skin.

It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturiser, salve or lotion plus it almost works as a cleanser, with its cleansing abilities it penetrates the pores and expels clogged dirt and oil accumulation allowing the skin to breathe. I use it mainly as a moisturiser but also on my hair as it works wonders. It can be used whether your scalp is dry or oily. On oily scalp, it helps reduce excessive oil production by the skin glands. It can moisturise dry scalp and reduce flaking due to dryness. A great advantage of Shea butter is that it doesn’t leave the hair greasy.

I have always been sceptical of the variations of Shea Butter products out there in the marketplace until I was introduced to IvyNat 100% Unrefined & Natural Shea butter. Unrefined Shea Butter is rich in Oleic, Stearic and Linoleic acids that help protect, nourish and keep the skin beautifully soft and moisturised. This Shea butter is 100% natural and unrefined with a smoky and nutty aroma. It has no fragrances, no colours, no parabens and no sulphates.  

I have been hooked ever since I was sent to try it and I can tell you that this is the first Shea Butter that I have used on my son that glides on smoothly and is rich in texture. 

As derived via ivynat: some Skin benefits of Shea butter

1. Shea butter protects the skin from drying out: The butter remains solid at room temperature but melts on the skin to form a non-greasy coating that effectively seals in the moisture. Applying Shea butter all over the body after a bath or a long swim will help keep the skin hydrated and soft. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoonful of butter into your warm bathwater before the final rinse. It will quickly melt and cover your body with a thin, protective layer of oil, but the best part is that it does not make the skin oily. 

2: Healing Qualities: Shea butter is known for its healing properties that can be attributed to the presence of several fatty acids and plant sterols such as oleic, palmitic, stearic and linolenic acids. Raw, unrefined shea butter is effective in curing skin rashes, skin peeling after tanning, scars, stretch marks, frost bites, burns, athletes foot, insect bites and stings, arthritis, and muscle fatigue.

3. Antioxidant Qualities: Shea butter contains plant antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E, as well as catechins. The vitamins A and E protect the cells from free radicals and environmental damage. The cinnamic acid esters in the shea fat help in preventing skin damage from ultraviolet radiation.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Shea butter has several derivatives of cinnamic acid that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Research has proved that in addition to its anti-inflammatory benefits, lupeol cinnamate found in shea butter prevents the development of tumors. Its anti-inflammatory properties render it beneficial for the improvement of skin conditions.

5. Sun Protection: Shea butter may not replace your sunscreen, but it can provide some protection against UV exposure. Shea butter has been estimated to have a sun protection factor of 6 (SPF-6). It may not be sufficient for full sun exposure on a summer day but may be enough for a quick trip outside when the sky is overcast. With rising concerns about the possibility of chemicals in sunscreens themselves causing skin cancer, it may be a good idea to apply Shea butter as a base coat before applying another sunscreen on the skin. The anti-inflammatory action of the butter is even helpful in reducing burning and soreness after sun exposure.

6. Healing Agent: Shea butter has amazing healing properties. It is often used as a base in medicinal ointments due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used since ages for the treatment of scars, eczema, blemishes, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretch marks, dark spots, and in reducing the irritation caused by psoriasis. Due to its high content of vitamin A, it is effective in promoting healing and disinfection and soothes skin allergies like poison ivy and insect bites. Vitamin F acts as a rejuvenator for soothing and healing rough and chapped skin.

7. Anti-Ageing Benefits: Shea butter is considered as one of the best anti-aging and moisturising agents for the skin. It stimulates the production of collagen, the youthful scaffolding protein in the skin. The vitamins A and E found in this butter keep the skin supple, nourished, and radiant, and prevent premature wrinkles and facial lines. Shea butter penetrates the skin easily, without clogging the pores, and is effective for dry skin.

8. Baby Care: Shea butter is an excellent natural moisturizer that is devoid of chemicals. Thus, it is ideal for baby care as besides being gentle and soft on the skin, it is specially adapted for the delicate and sensitive skin of babies. It can be used for after bath application on the skin and also for healing eczema or diaper rash on the skin of babies.

9. Lip Care: Shea butter is easily absorbable and provides extra moisture and nutrients that are needed during the cold season and dry weather. Thus, it acts as a perfect lip balm to protect your lips from cold and dry weather and is effective for treating dry and chapped lips.

10. Restores Skin Elasticity: The non-saponifiable matter and vitamin F in this butter are vital ingredients for maintaining the skin’s elasticity. Thus, the application of shea butter restores the elasticity of the skin and helps maintain an even skin tone, besides hydrating, softening and beautifying it.

11. Soothes Dry And Irritated Scalp: Shea butter is effective in soothing a dry, itchy scalp or dandruff. It possesses anti-inflammatory qualities and gets absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue or clogging the pores. Being rich in vitamins A and E, it soothes dryness, repairs breakage and mends split ends. Hence, it is extremely effective in providing relief from a dry scalp, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

12. Moisturizer: The presence of vitamins A and E makes shea butter an excellent moisturizer to moisturise your hair from the roots to the tips. Thus, it can be used as a natural conditioner. It is highly effective in locking in moisture, without leaving the hair greasy or heavy. Shea butter has wide usage in curly hair treatments due to its emollient qualities. A number of chemical treatments like straighteners, perms, curlers, etc. are responsible for stripping off the natural moisture from the hair. Shea butter can help restore this lost moisture.

13. Hair Protection: Shea butter provides protection to the hair against the harmful free radicals in the air and water and harsh weather conditions. Moreover, shea butter has a low amount of SPF that is sufficient to protect the hair from sun damage caused due to the exposure to ultraviolet radiation and repairs the damage that has already been caused by the harsh weather and the sun. This is largely due to the fact that once absorbed, shea butter coats the hair shaft so that it is protected by a heat tool or any other damaging material being passed along the hair. This is particularly beneficial for processed or colored hair. It also protects the hair against salt and chlorine when applied before swimming.

14. Hair Softener: Shea butter is great for softening and revitalizing damaged and brittle hair. Due to its non-greasy nature, it helps to control and spread the excess oil in the scalp. Massaging the hair with generous amounts of shea butter can give soft and silky tresses. This benefit of shea butter is applicable for dry as well as fragile, curly hair. Shea butter should be applied twice a week for hair growth, improving the hair texture and moisturising the hair.

Ivynat 100% Unrefined Shea Butter comes highly recommended so for further information about the product – visit www.ivynat.co.uk or email info@ivynat.co.uk. The store is now available as an APP on iPhone and Android.

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for more jaw-dropping posts coming your way.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © 

Welcome to Part 6 of our Healthier 2017 Lifestyle and I hope you have been enjoying this amazing discovery of using food as smoothies and the benefits to this healthier journey of oneself. Again as derived from curejoy.com:

  1. Fat-Buster-Green-Smoothie-Monster: Even spinach cannot come close in comparison to the number of nutrients that kale provides. Eating kale is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, hair and strong bones, as well as helping with digestion and lowering the risk for heart disease.

52. Gout-Buster-Cherry-Bomb: When you eat cherries, you enjoy much more than just their amazing taste. They’re packed with antioxidants and offer many health benefits, including help with insomnia, joint pain and belly fat. Cherries could be just what the doctor ordered.

53. Hormone-Balancing-Super-Smoothie: Apricots contain phytoestrogens, which will mimic the way estrogen is used by the body, helping to fill any shortages you may have in estrogen, and producing the same effect as if you had generated more estrogen in the body.

54. Instant-Energy-Breakfast-Smoothie: Not only are they juicy, summery and delicious, they’re a bona fide superfood, too. Nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants (like vitamin C); strawberries offer a wide range of health benefits, some of which may surprise you.

55. Low-Carb-Low-Sugar-Easy-Smoothie: Packed with nutrients and heart-healthy compounds, avocado slows digestion and helps keep blood sugar from spiking after a meal.

56. Mean-Green-Internal-Body-Cleanser: Spinach is high in fibre and water content, both of which help to prevent constipation and promote a healthy digestive tract.

57. Nutritional-Powerhouse-Pumpkin-Seed-Shake: With a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper, protein and zinc, pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses wrapped up in a very small package.

58. Orange-Dram-Creamsicle-for-Weight-Loss: Eating Oranges cut a considerable amount of calories from the diet. It also keeps the body well hydrated.

59. Parsley-Passion-Smoothie: Parsley is rich in many vital vitamins, including Vitamin C, B 12, K and A. This means parsley keeps your immune system strong, tones your bones and heals the nervous system, too. It helps flush out excess fluid from the body, thus supporting kidney function.

60. Peanut-Butter-Fat-Burner: Peanut butter has protein as well as potassium — which lowers the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. It also contains fibre for your bowel health, healthy fats, magnesium to fortify your bones and muscles, Vitamin E and antioxidants.

Here’s a reminder of past posts: Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 1); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 2); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 3); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 4); Kickstart Your Way to A Healthier 2017 (Part 5) so keep on it Beloveds and look out for Part 7 of the Healthier Life coming soon.

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © 

 

Forgive the late post but yesterday being April 25th was World Malaria Day. This is a significant day to be marked as it is a chance to shine a spotlight on the global effort to control malaria worldwide. Around 400,000 people die each year from various strains of the disease, which is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. The hope with highlighting this day is that with widespread implementation of prevention techniques this figure can be whittled down to zero.

There is this stigma pertaining to countries where mosquitoes are based such as Sub-Saharan Africa countries. Anytime I travel to Nigeria for vacation, I always remember on the way back to the UK, seeing some of the aircrew attendants spraying the plane with some sort of insecticide and that use to irk me (as if everyone on the plane were contagious or something) or that time, one of my cousins has malaria (after a trip back home to Nigeria) and was taken to a certain hospital in West London who decided to isolate her from everyone else and place her under quarantine (as if there are no worse diseases out there).

The question could then be asked why there is malaria in Africa: That is because the majority of infections in Africa are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous of the four human malaria parasites. It is also because of the most effective malaria vector – the mosquito Anopheles gambiae – is the most widespread in Africa and the most difficult to control. Some 13 countries – mainly in sub–Saharan Africa – account for 76% of malaria cases and 75% deaths globally. Malaria disease can be categorised as uncomplicated or severe (complicated).

The truth is: Malaria is preventable and treatable, and history shows that in general, malaria is a curable disease if diagnosed and treated promptly and correctly. All the clinical symptoms associated with malaria are caused by the asexual erythrocytic or blood stage parasites.

So here are some information about Malaria and World Malaria Day (click on the Fact Sheet on Malaria for more information):

When is Malaria Day 2017? Malaria Day is every year on April 25.

What is the date all about?: World Malaria Day is all about celebrating the successes there have been in the drive to eradicate malaria from the world as well as raising awareness of the disease and its prevention.

What is this year’s theme? This year the World Health Organisation (WHO) titled its theme: ‘Ending malaria for Good’ which aims to focus on demonstration prevention methods including using nets and spraying insecticide indoors.

What is malaria? A tropical disease which is spread by infected female anopheles mosquitoes. It only takes one bite from the insects to get the bug. Malaria caused by the falciparum parasite is the most serious and can lead to breathing problems, liver failure, coma and eventual death. Around 400,000 die from the disease every year. Worldwide there are around 212 million cases. Tackling malaria is improving with a 29% drop in mortality rates between 2010 and 2015 and a 21% global decrease in cases.

What are the symptoms? They are similar to flu and include a high temperature, sweats and chills, muscle pains and headaches. They usually appear 10-15 days after being bitten. But depending on the type of parasite you are infected with, it can take a year for symptoms to show. 

Who is most at risk? In areas with high malaria concentration, pregnant women and children are most at risk of contracting the disease. In 2015, more than two-thirds of deaths (70%) from malaria were of children under the age of five, according to WHO.

How do you prevent it?: Avoid being bitten as much as possible using nets over places of sleep, avoiding areas with lots of mosquitoes such as watering holes, using insecticide and bugs spray and taking anti-malarial tablets. 

Preventing malaria is as simple as ABCD:
A: Awareness: recognizing malaria!
B: Bite prevention: controlling mosquitoes
C: Chemoprophylaxis: use preventive medication
D: Diagnosis: early recognition

Since 2000, malaria prevention has played an important role in reducing cases and deaths, primarily through the scale up of insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying with insecticides. 

To speed progress towards these global targets, WHO is calling on malaria-affected countries and their development partners to boost investments in malaria prevention. In parallel, the Organization is calling for greater funding for the development, evaluation and deployment of new tools.

Malaria elimination

In recent years, 7 countries have been certified by the WHO Director-General as having eliminated malaria: United Arab Emirates (2007), Morocco (2010), Turkmenistan (2010), Armenia (2011), Maldives (2015), Sri Lanka (2016) and Kyrgyzstan (2016). This certification is granted by WHO when countries achieve at least 3 consecutive years of zero locally-acquired cases of malaria.

Future progress in the fight to prevent malaria will likely be shaped by technological advances and innovations in new tools, including new vector control interventions, and possibly a vaccine.

One philanthropic couple I have admired from a distance are Bill & Melinda Gates who have always placed Malaria as a top priority of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Their new multi-year Malaria strategy, Accelerate to Zero was adopted in late 2013 and addresses the areas in which they believe the foundation is best positioned, among a broad spectrum of partners, to develop ground-breaking approaches to reducing the burden of malaria and accelerating progress toward eradication of the disease. To date, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have committed nearly US$2 billion in grants to combat malaria.

Malaria cases are decreasing but there is still work to be done to eradicate the disease entirely.

We can be the generation that ends malaria – one of the oldest and deadliest diseases in human history.   Let’s Be in It to Win It – Stop Malaria!

Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.

Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©

What is in a sponge? Well, quite a lot judging by the video clip I watched two days ago on Facebook. Apparently there are so many ways a sponge can be used and there I was thinking it was all about just washing plates or scrubbing the bath tub (silly me). 

Sponges come in a variety of textures and different sponges will give different looks. The best type of sponge for these techniques is a small round stamping sponge with a smaller pore size. A single sponge of this type can be cut into six to eight wedges. I always keep a couple of sponges (well more than a couple) under the sink because the standard kitchen sponge can do much more than just wash your dishes!

Well thanks to Thaitrick, which is a channel that presents video on Tips, Knowledge, Lifehacks, DIY and Stupid trick just for entertainment, there are 15 or more ways a cleaning sponge can be used: view video.

So here are a few tips or creative ways (as derived from Thaitrick) to use those sponges you have lying around the house (like me, you find yourself stocking up on sponges after this):

  • One can attach small pieces of sponges to the bottom of their décor, furniture legs, or on picture frame stands. The sponge pieces will prevent scratching when these items are moved around.
  • For the pottery hands, before planting a flower in a pot, cut a piece of sponge to fit snugly in the bottom of the pot. The sponge will soak up water and help keep the roots of your plant moist! Now how’s that for creativity!
  • Use a sponge to make simple ice pack for treating swelling and bruising. Soak a sponge in water, place it in a sealed plastic sandwich bag and freeze until solid. As the sponge thaws, the water will stay sealed up in the bag without getting all over. 
  • A must have – but sprinkle a damp (not wet) sponge with baking soda and place it in your fridge. It will absorb odours, and you’ll able to stretch a box of baking soda over a longer period of time.
  • Place your bar soap on top of a sponge in between uses. It will allow the soap to dry out quickly, minimizing the mess and making your soap last longer!
  • This is a penny saver – use a sponge to make a nail polish remover jar. It’s the easiest and cleanest way to remove your nail polish! No need for cotton balls or toilet paper….just insert your finger into the sponge and twist to remove polish. Perfect for when you want to do a quick polish change.
  • Planning on sending a big batch of letters at once (like invitations, birthday cards, etc.) then save your tongue by using a damp sponge to moisten the envelope seals.
  • You can tape or rubber band a sponge to the end of a any stick to clean and dry narrow vases and containers. 
  • Bonus Tip (so I read): Quickly get rid of pet hair of lint on your clothes by using a damp sponge to swipe them away

So here you are, I hope you have had fun with these creative ways to use a sponge for everyday things. And maybe, you can think of your creative way to use the sponge and then share it on this forum. Every little tip helps!

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Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © – Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Welcome to Part 5 of our Healthier 2017 Lifestyle and I hope you have been enjoying this amazing of discovering food and the benefits to this healthier journey of oneself. Again as derived from curejoy.com:

41. Vitamin-c-Super-Booster: Although required in small quantities like other vitamins, vitamin C is indispensable for the proper functioning of the body. 

42. Ayurveda-Detoxifying-Tea: Cumin is extremely good for digestion and related problems. The very aroma of cumin, which comes from an aromatic organic compound called Cuminaldehyde, the main component of its essential oil, activates our salivary glands in our mouth, which facilitates the primary digestion of food.

43. Complete-Detox-Carrot-Beetroot-Juice: One of the major benefits of beet juice it that it contains a colour pigment called betalain. This is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal and aid in detoxification substance. There is research that indicates that betalain may exhibit anti-cancer activity.

44. Flat-Tummy-Water-Recipe: Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. 

45. Golden-Herbal-Detox-Drink: Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

46. Vitamin-A-Juice-Plus-For-Skin-Rejuvenation: Cantaloupe has lots of folic acids that is very important for regeneration of dead cells. This aspect is especially useful for pregnant women. This property of quicker regeneration also helps in giving a healthy skin. It keeps wrinkles at bay, maintains the skin elasticity and helps in collagen synthesis and thus has anti-aging properties. 

47. Day-Starter-Rocket-Fuel: Bananas are among the most convenient food sources of potassium. This mineral is essential for maintaining proper heart function and regulating normal blood pressure.

48. Drinking-Water: Drinking enough fluids is important when exercising. Follow the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for fluid intake before and during physical activity. These guidelines recommend that people drink about 17 ounces of fluid about two hours before exercise. During exercise, they recommend that people start drinking fluids early, and drink them at regular intervals to replace fluids lost by sweating.

49. Earth-and-Abundance-Root-Chakra-Smoothie: As far as healthy foods go, cranberries are at the top of the list due to their high nutrient and antioxidant content and are often referred to as a “super food.” Not to mention, half a cup of cranberries contains only 25 calories!

50. Fat-Burner-Persi-Nana-Chia-Smoothie: Chia seeds are packed full of important nutrients. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to raise HDL cholesterol and protect against heart attack and stroke. 

Keep on it Beloveds and look out for Part 6 of the Healthier Life coming soon.

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Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © – Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I have often wondered on the fascination with most skin experts I have encountered and fruits peels as I have always derived pleasure in eating the peels of most of those delicious fruits amidst the odd look of ‘urgh’ Yvonne stares I get from friends but eh who cares! There are meant to be eaten, aren’t they? And besides, I have always been told that the skin or peels of most fruits are nutrients, healthy for the body…. That’s my truth and I am sticking to it!

Being surrounded by fashion bloggers, skin care addicts and much more (I feel I can never depart from that world but who can blame me eh – once a model always a model), I have now been drawn into the benefits of using fruit peels on my skin. When I was younger, I had horrible skin outbreaks (but still looked fineeeee) partly due to not taking extra care of my sensitive skin like I should have done and also due to a bad eating disorder (yes I was bulimic – blame the modelling world on that) but eventually, my skin started getting much better when I discovered a beauty regime that was perfected for my skin type (my secret and not to be shared). Part of my 2017 Manifesto was to take even better care of my skin and body ‘cause looking  this good as a young  woman (sigh) is not easy.

As derived via curejoy: instead of tossing fruit peels, reuse them for Skin Health and also in the Home.

Orange and lemon peels can fight acne by killing bacteria and controlling sebum. You can also tone the skin and prevent wrinkles with peels from oranges and mandarin. Dried peels can be turned into an exfoliating powder, while banana and avocado peels will moisturise the skin. At home, citrus peels can infuse vinegar and be made into pot-pourri. Banana peels are perfect for adding extra nutrition to plant water.

Eating fruits is one of the tastiest parts of healthy living. But when you’re left with a pile of peels, it’s tempting to head toward the compost. Not so fast, though! Those leftover peels have mind-blowing uses for both your body and home.

These fruit peel uses will also be a game changer for your health. You’ll be dealing with less chemicals, preservatives, and mysterious ingredients. Finally, you can wave goodbye to expensive products. Check out these nine ways you can benefit from reusing fruit peels.

SKIN HEALTH

Orange and Lemon peels fight Acne: Say goodbye to acne by using orange and lemon peels. Their extracts have the same abilities as antibiotics, so these can fight pimple-causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). You’ll be less prone to breakouts, without having to use harsh acne medication. Inflammation will be less likely, too. Beyond pimples, orange and lemon peel uses extend to fighting staph infections of the skin.

Orange Peel controls excess oil In Skin: Do you suffer from greasy skin? Use orange peel on the face to control excess oil. It has a flavonoid called nobiletin, which prevents sebum buildup in the pores. This compound also stops pores from getting bigger so that there’s less room for oil. P. acnes will also be less likely to thrive in your pores, proving that orange peel is amazing for acne.

Orange Peel Tones and Strengthens Skin: If you love to get facials at the spa, you might want to learn how to use orange peel on the face. It has compounds that can perk up the skin tone, making it look healthy and young. Those compounds also strengthen the skin, so it’s a great natural remedy for cellulite. Peels from similar fruits like mandarins also have toning abilities.

Mandarin Peel prevents Wrinkles: Like facials, anti-wrinkle creams can get expensive. But this is where the awesome uses of mandarin peel come in. The peel’s high antioxidant content reduces collagenase, the enzyme that breaks down collagen. This maintains the skin’s collagen level and therefore, stops wrinkles from forming. So if you want to keep your skin firm and wrinkle-free, consider adding mandarin peel to your beauty routine.

Orange Peel exfoliates Skin: In powder form, orange peel makes an amazing exfoliator. The coarse texture will scrub away skin cells while giving your skin healthy nutrients. If orange peel powder is too abrasive for you, mix it with a small amount of milk, coconut oil, or honey. This technique can also be used with sun dried lemon, lime, apple, and banana peels.

Banana and Avocado Peels moisturise Skin: Banana and avocado peels double as amazing moisturisers. Simply rub the peels all over your body and face for instant soft skin. This will lock in your skin’s hydration, especially after exfoliating. Another idea is to mix fruit peel powder with your favourite natural lotion.

How to Use: To use fruit peels on your skin, just rub it on with the flesh side facing in. But if you want to make a powder, you’ll have to dry them first. Leave them in the sun until they wrinkle up. Finally, pulverize the peels in a food processor or blender.

HOME LIFE

Citrus-Infused Vinegar: Vinegar is a big part of green cleaning. It’s simple, cheap, and free of nasty chemicals. And thanks to its antibacterial properties, you can keep your home squeaky clean. But what if you can’t stand the smell? Add fruit peels.

Infusing vinegar is one of the most amazing uses for citrus peels. Just drop them into a large container of vinegar and wait a few days. Over time, the sweet and pleasant scent will mask the vinegar. You’ll even get an extra dose of antibacterial action. This can be done with the peels from oranges, lemons, limes, grape-fruits, mandarins, tangerines, and pomelos.

Banana Peel as Plant Food: If you have a green thumb, use banana peels to infuse plant water. This will add extra nutrients and make it a real treat for your plants. To do this, simply cut a banana peel into several pieces. Add them to a bucket of water and let them soak. After a few days, the water will be ready for your plants.

You can also use this technique with avocado and apple peels. However, always make sure that your fruits are organic and free of pesticides. Otherwise, you might run the risk of contaminating your botanicals with chemicals.

Fruit Peels To Freshen Your Home

  • After you eat a fruit, the peels stay fragrant. So why not use them to make your home smell fab? To make potpourri, dry peels in the sun until they shrivel up. Next, place them in a cloth pouch or a bowl.
  • Another technique is to make stove-top potpourri. Start by simmering vegetable oil or apple cider over low heat. Add fruit peels, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract. Your home will smell divine.
  • You can also use orange peel as an air freshener. Just cut an orange in half and scoop out the insides. Pour baking soda into the orange ‘bowl’ and place it in your bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom.

Now you know all about the versatile power of fruit peels. They can transform the way you deal with skin health, cleaning and green living to enable us live in a much safer environment! 

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Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © – Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The past few months, weeks and days have been draining as I watch my baby cousin nearing the end of her cancer journey and even though we have been advised to release her in our spirit so she can go earn her angel wings – I was not ready to release her yet. It might sound selfish on our part hearing her in constant pain every second due to this dreadful disease but I preferred her physically here than gone. I have battled this in my conscience time and time again and in the last few days, have been talking to myself on the right decision – not for me but rather for her.

Well, sad to say that on Saturday, the 11th of March , my beloved baby cousin: Nneka Rita Ozor finally gained her Angels Wings. Even though she has now been set free, the pain my whole family are feeling right now is unexplainable. 

Everyone of us know someone – either a loved one or another experience cancer. In the past few years, I have known so many people passed onto glory from this dreadful disease and only last Tuesday laid to rest another friend of mine who was only 37 years. You see this cancer is no respecter of age or race and words cannot explain how I much I detest it.

Cancer is a broad term for a class of diseases characterised by abnormal cells that grow and invade healthy cells in the body.  Some cancers may eventually spread into other tissues. I have seen and known some loved ones have one of the worst cases of cancer – ‘breast cancer’ which starts in the cells of the breast as a group of cancer cells that can then invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

One survivor is a dear sista-friend by the name of Chika Akwiwu otherwise known as The African Barbie is a passionate advocate is on a mission to educate us women on how to detect breast cancer very early and ensure that we get treatment and follow the course of a good and healthy lifestyle.

As a result of her new sense of purpose, she founded a non-profit organization BHAF (Breast Health Angels Foundation, Inc.).  BHAF has Advocacy deeply embedded in its core because the Advocacy of her OBGYN, a two time breast cancer survivor, Dr. Jacqueline Walters saved her life and now she can save others. BHAF is unique because it combines her experience as a Breast Cancer Survivor with her training as a healthcare provider to Educate, Empower and Engage women worldwide. She is a strong advocate for Early Detection because it can make the difference between life and death. BHAF’s mission is to Empower, Encourage, Educate and Engage women to Embrace their breast health and overall well-being through Early Detection and Support Services. Last October, Chika organised the very first annual 5k Advocacy Walk held in various cities worldwide like London, England; Port-Harcourt & Abuja in Nigeria; Atlanta, LA, Houston, and other states in the US amongst other countries and it was a great and successful movement which helped raise awareness amongst our various communities… I am a proud supporter of BHAF Inc. and foundation member of the London Branch so look out for more information on the 2017 Advocacy Walk Awareness.

Now back to you Nneka, we (your family) have been in total grief and completely distraught all weekend ever since we got that news and still cannot get it out of our heada that you are really now gone but we are rest assured as we know that you fought this with all the strength that you had and want you know how proud we were of you as we always said when we spoke. You helped me become a more resilient person cause times I called to cheer you up – you took over to cheer and encourage me. I love you so much and am glad that you are on this journey of peace. Sleep well beautiful and we love you always ❤️❤️❤️

A special and big shout-out to my beloved cousins who were also Nneka’s backbone through this trying period – Dr Udoka Anyaehie and Mrs. Obioma Nwosu. Also to her amazing carer – Ms Chinenye Anagonye and her sister Chisom, plus the wonderful Taxi Driver who chauffeured them back and forth to all the hospital appointments.  The memory of Nneka forever be in our hearts ❤️

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A Poem to You Nneka Rita Ozor titled: I’m Free (Author Unknown)

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day. To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee. God wanted me now; He set me free.

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To find more information on cancer, please visit Cancer Research  (link on text).

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Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady © – Follow my blog with Bloglovin