Hey there,
If you follow me on social media (Instagram to be more precise), then you most likely know that I've been quite down and out for the better part of the last three months or so. I have been grappling with different issues in my life, that have made me feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water. In fact, Baby Cocoa is the main reason why I have pushed myself to get up everyday and do what's necessary. You know the saying, "When it rains, it pours?" Well, it's been pouring and almost overflowing.
December 10, 2017
September 12, 2017
5 Baby Shower Tips| My Baby Shower Photos
Baby showers are one of the events most looked forward to during a woman's pregnancy. From having one or two or more parties thrown for her, to the baby shower gifts she'll receive, the baby shower is an important event. Typically they are planned and hosted by the mummy-to-be's family and/or friends. These days, baby shower themes run from Parisian to Hawaiian Luau to a Tea Party like mine. Check out the photos below and some helpful tips for hosting a baby shower.
September 8, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Hey,
How's your week been? I've had a pretty good one - I'm kinda back to blogging, and I attended an event in Atlanta, hosted by Disney. I'll share more next week, or the week after. Right now, I'm in a state of confusion because I forgot my phone password and I'm not about to do a master reset and lose all my videos and photos of Baby Cocoa! Pray for me o!
Here's this week's set of links :)
How's your week been? I've had a pretty good one - I'm kinda back to blogging, and I attended an event in Atlanta, hosted by Disney. I'll share more next week, or the week after. Right now, I'm in a state of confusion because I forgot my phone password and I'm not about to do a master reset and lose all my videos and photos of Baby Cocoa! Pray for me o!
Here's this week's set of links :)
Labels:
lovely links
September 6, 2017
Maternity Style - Baby Shower Dress
A baby shower is one of the highlights of being pregnant. Everyone comes together to celebrate your upcoming bundle of joy, and gives you lots of presents and advice on parenthood. Baby showers can be done in a bunch of different ways - just women, or coed along with the men. Some have baby shower themes - all you need to do is check out Bella Naija for some really creative and pretty baby showers they have featured. A big part of this event is figuring out what to wear to your baby shower.
September 4, 2017
Pregnancy Prayers
Being pregnant was a mixed bag of emotions for me. I was of course thrilled that we were finally pregnant, especially since I had publicly shared our struggle to get pregnant last year. And then once we got pregnant, there were the questions and sometimes fears about the pregnancy, especially since mine was high-risk for various reasons. It took me being pregnant to realize that going from conception to delivery is one of the biggest miracles out there.
September 2, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Hey everyone,
Right now as I type, Baby Cocoa is fast asleep and strapped to me in my carrier. I've got some links for you guys to check out this long weekend - well, it's long in Nigeria and America. I hope you enjoy them.
Right now as I type, Baby Cocoa is fast asleep and strapped to me in my carrier. I've got some links for you guys to check out this long weekend - well, it's long in Nigeria and America. I hope you enjoy them.
Labels:
lovely links
September 1, 2017
Where have you been Berry?
It's been a while since I've been here. My apologies. Life has been a little overwhelming with different events.
We successfully and happily dedicated Baby Cocoa at church almost a month ago; then she went on her first trip as the whole family drove to Florida for a weekend event. A little over a week later, I started work again - that was the same day as the total eclipse in Hamrika. That same day, we got the gut-wrenching news that my grandfather died - it's still unbelievable and very painful.
So as you can see, it's been a whirlwind in my world. I've just been praying for God to grant me peace and confidence as I've been struggling with serious anxiety. Please keep me and my family in your prayers. May God bless you and yours.
I will be back soon by God's grace. I owe you lots of posts and pictures. Thank you for your patience with me, and your love and support.
Lots of love!
Berry Dakara.
We successfully and happily dedicated Baby Cocoa at church almost a month ago; then she went on her first trip as the whole family drove to Florida for a weekend event. A little over a week later, I started work again - that was the same day as the total eclipse in Hamrika. That same day, we got the gut-wrenching news that my grandfather died - it's still unbelievable and very painful.
So as you can see, it's been a whirlwind in my world. I've just been praying for God to grant me peace and confidence as I've been struggling with serious anxiety. Please keep me and my family in your prayers. May God bless you and yours.
I will be back soon by God's grace. I owe you lots of posts and pictures. Thank you for your patience with me, and your love and support.
Lots of love!
Berry Dakara.
July 15, 2017
BERRY VLOG - Pregnancy Reveal
When I found out I was pregnant, the very first person I told was Cakes. Then we proceeded to tell our mothers, who were both understandably excited. I considered telling my immediate younger sister, but came up with a plan to reveal all as a Christmas present! I wasn't sure if I could really hide my pregnancy and keep it a secret for basically a whole month, but I did and the pregnancy reveal video has been making waves and causing tears all over. If you haven't seen it, make sure to grab a tissue :D
July 14, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!
You guys were right! I really felt like I could easily get back on the blogging train and keep up with posting, but mehn! I am exhausted more than half the time. Baby Cocoa, my honey babyest boo, has not only turned me into a cow and lollipop, but she's sucking my energy too!!! I literally didn't even touch my laptop for how many days. But blogging and you guys have been on my mind. I feel kinda bad, like I'm neglecting this space, but I thank you for letting me have time with my munchkin. Follow me on Instagram and Snapchat - @BerryDakara - cos I usually post photos and short videos with her.
Anyways, enjoy the links!
You guys were right! I really felt like I could easily get back on the blogging train and keep up with posting, but mehn! I am exhausted more than half the time. Baby Cocoa, my honey babyest boo, has not only turned me into a cow and lollipop, but she's sucking my energy too!!! I literally didn't even touch my laptop for how many days. But blogging and you guys have been on my mind. I feel kinda bad, like I'm neglecting this space, but I thank you for letting me have time with my munchkin. Follow me on Instagram and Snapchat - @BerryDakara - cos I usually post photos and short videos with her.
Anyways, enjoy the links!
Labels:
lovely links,
random
July 1, 2017
BERRY VLOG: Pregnancy Tag
WELCOME TO JULY!!!!! Hehe, my estimated date of delivery of Baby Cocoa was supposed to be the 23rd of this month.
Around halfway through my pregnancy, I saw a Pregnancy Tag post online and thought it would be fun to answer some of the questions on my Youtube channel (Have you subscribed yet?). Check out my answers to some of the questions like how I found out we were pregnant, what my cravings were and more!
Please don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel, and like my videos!
Around halfway through my pregnancy, I saw a Pregnancy Tag post online and thought it would be fun to answer some of the questions on my Youtube channel (Have you subscribed yet?). Check out my answers to some of the questions like how I found out we were pregnant, what my cravings were and more!
Please don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel, and like my videos!
June 29, 2017
Hey Cocoa!
Hey everyone!
I'm sorry I've been so silent on the blog in the past couple of weeks. June was a really tough month for me - I was quite stressed out emotionally and mentally. I also started the month with a tooth infection, which apparently can be common in pregnancy. I had to plan and prepare for my maternity photo shoot with my brother's media company, Primavera Pictures (@primapics on Instagram). I was still on doctor-ordered bed rest, waiting for Cakes and my mum to get back to Atlanta from Nigeria just in time for my baby shower. The plan was to start getting the nursery ready the week after my baby shower... BUT God had other plans! I started having contractions a few hours after getting home from the baby shower, and last week Monday, Baby Cocoa arrived!
Thanks to everyone who already congratulated us on social media! God is too much!!! Y'all praise Him for answered prayers and testimonies!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll share my maternity shoot photos soon, as well as my labor and delivery story. Would you prefer it in written or video format? Let me know!
I'm trying to figure out a schedule that works for me, so that I can get back to blogging properly. I love all of you for sticking by me :) God bless!
I'm sorry I've been so silent on the blog in the past couple of weeks. June was a really tough month for me - I was quite stressed out emotionally and mentally. I also started the month with a tooth infection, which apparently can be common in pregnancy. I had to plan and prepare for my maternity photo shoot with my brother's media company, Primavera Pictures (@primapics on Instagram). I was still on doctor-ordered bed rest, waiting for Cakes and my mum to get back to Atlanta from Nigeria just in time for my baby shower. The plan was to start getting the nursery ready the week after my baby shower... BUT God had other plans! I started having contractions a few hours after getting home from the baby shower, and last week Monday, Baby Cocoa arrived!
Thanks to everyone who already congratulated us on social media! God is too much!!! Y'all praise Him for answered prayers and testimonies!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll share my maternity shoot photos soon, as well as my labor and delivery story. Would you prefer it in written or video format? Let me know!
I'm trying to figure out a schedule that works for me, so that I can get back to blogging properly. I love all of you for sticking by me :) God bless!
Labels:
baby cocoa,
berry and cakes,
faith,
life,
maternity,
pregnancy
June 21, 2017
Maternity Style - Ankara Off-Shoulder Dress
Yay, I have more Yummy Mummy photos today! Actually, does the yummy mummy tag apply to me since I haven't actually given birth yet? Anyways, I'm quite excited to share these photos for a couple of reasons. First of all, Cakes has been away in Nigeria for a few months - which meant that I had nobody to take my photos for me. So these photos were taken by MYSELF! I don't know how people like Sarah Audu do it! But I think I got some decent shots - what do you think?
June 12, 2017
The Quickening - Baby's First Kick
If you're wondering what the title of this post means, it's pregnancy terminology that refers to the first time pregnant women feel their babies kick. Some women can feel the first kick from as early as 13 to 16 weeks, although first-time mums (like me) typically don't feel that first kick until later on in the pregnancy. Second, third, and so-on mums tend to feel the kicks earlier - maybe because they know what to look out for.
June 10, 2017
Simple Natural Hairstyles
One of my goals this year was to have my natural hair out more. One of the easiest styles to do and maintain was this natural hair bun, which I shared last year. But of course I get bored, so while I switch it up with wearing wigs or doing other protective styles, I still have other natural hair styles I do. I especially like these styles because they are simple and very quick to do.
Labels:
natural hair,
video,
YouTube
June 9, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Hey there!
It's another lovely weekend! I hope you had a great week and have interesting plans for the weekend. I have a few things to do, but been so tired and sleepy ALL WEEK LONG!!! Pregnancy is NOT easy at all! But thank God we've made it this far :D
It's another lovely weekend! I hope you had a great week and have interesting plans for the weekend. I have a few things to do, but been so tired and sleepy ALL WEEK LONG!!! Pregnancy is NOT easy at all! But thank God we've made it this far :D
Labels:
lovely links,
random
June 5, 2017
Maternity Style - Casual Dress and Denim
FYI - I took these photos a while ago, and the day I edited them, I was in total shock!!! I hadn't realized my tummy was actually that big!!! And this is still with a few months to go o. It dawned on me how deceptive and deceitful the Samsung S7 Edge is! This whole time, when I take pictures and selfies, the lens would just make me look like one slim yummy mummy. Well, my camera lens gave a quick slap in the face sha.
May 31, 2017
Braids Twists Wig - Potters Hair Lounge
These photos are way overdue! I got a braided wig from my friend, who some of you might remember from her old blog - Style Fash. She opened a hair salon last year. It's called Potters Hair Lounge and it is located in Victoria Island, Lagos. I actually got the wig in October last year, and meant to take photos but kept procrastinating. Well, I finally got around to it and here they are.
Labels:
hair
May 29, 2017
Happy Birthday to Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday dear Berry..........
Happy Birthday to meeeeeeeeeee!!!
Since I couldn't do a photo shoot, please manage these photos from my phone :)
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday dear Berry..........
Happy Birthday to meeeeeeeeeee!!!
Since I couldn't do a photo shoot, please manage these photos from my phone :)
Labels:
birthday
May 27, 2017
BERRY VLOG: Invade My Privacy Tag
Within the last few weeks, I've seen a couple of other Youtubers do this tag, and I thought it would be fun to do it as well. I enjoy Youtube tags because they are very easy to do - which makes for easy editing!
I hope you enjoy the video, and please don't forget to LIKE the video (push the thumbs up icon) and subscribe to my channel!!! Tenks a bunsh!
You can always check out my other videos via the Youtube tab above :)
BTW it's my birthday on Monday!!!! To my Nigerian, UK and US readers, as usual, you're welcome for the holiday I've given to you for my birthday :D Feel free to have a glass of wine since I can't have any :p
I hope you enjoy the video, and please don't forget to LIKE the video (push the thumbs up icon) and subscribe to my channel!!! Tenks a bunsh!
You can always check out my other videos via the Youtube tab above :)
BTW it's my birthday on Monday!!!! To my Nigerian, UK and US readers, as usual, you're welcome for the holiday I've given to you for my birthday :D Feel free to have a glass of wine since I can't have any :p
May 22, 2017
Blogging Anonymously or Not
A couple of months ago, someone emailed me asking for blogging advice. In our back and forth emails, I was asked my thoughts on blogging anonymously or not. I think I gave a neutral response, giving one or two reasons why I don't blog anonymously, but also stating some drawbacks it has for me. I thought I should expand on my response and get your thoughts, especially if you're a blogger...
Labels:
blog,
blogging tips
May 19, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Hey hey,
I'm sorry I didn't put up my lovely links last week - I was completely out of it and exhausted. But there was no way I was going to miss this week's edition!
I'm sorry I didn't put up my lovely links last week - I was completely out of it and exhausted. But there was no way I was going to miss this week's edition!
Labels:
lovely links,
random
May 17, 2017
Maternity Style - Blues
This year I've been trying to make sure my finances are in order - saving a lot (for emergencies), and spending only where necessary (mostly). One of the pieces of advice I got was not to spend too much on maternity clothes, as I'll wear them for only a short amount of time - a few months. I did get some maternity pants that I started wearing from my first trimester - I think those were a good investment. But for the majority of this pregnancy, I've been wearing my same old clothes. A lot of them are stretchy and have been able to carry me so far.
May 15, 2017
What I would Have Done Differently for my Wedding
It's been almost 3.5 years since we got married in our beautiful Lagosian Beach Wedding. As much as I loved it, and was on such a high for a while, there are some things that I would change if I had to go back to that time.
Labels:
berry and cakes,
love,
marriage,
weddings
May 14, 2017
Mother's Day
Today's Mother's Day in America and while I was originally going to put up a post about motherhood, and all the joys surrounding it, my heart is going out to the multitudes of women who have lost children. It's when you're trying for a child and having difficulties like we did, that you realize just how many women have gone or are going through the same thing. Not just trying to conceive but those who have miscarriages, and even lose infants or small children. Because of our African hush-hush culture, most women don't talk about these things. It's the advent of social media and a few courageous women who are bringing a light to these matters.
I will not lie and tell you I haven't had scary thoughts about my pregnancy - every bad story I hear, makes me a little nervous. I thank God for family and friends that continually pray and have faith though.
Anyways, on this Mothers Day, I want to send thoughts and prayers to any woman near or far, who has dealt with loss of their children. I cannot imagine the amount of pain. I cannot put myself in your shoes. I don't know why God allows such things. But I can say a prayer for you from the bottom of my heart.
Dear Lord, God Almighty and All-Knowing. I humbly come into your presence and ask for your special grace and comfort to these mothers who have grieved or are grieving. I cannot imagine their pain, but You know their pain and are the only one who can give them true comfort. I pray that you wrap them in Your arms and let them know that even in the darkest of times, YOU ARE! You are there with them, and You are watching over them, and their blessed angels who are now with you in heaven. Give them love, give them peace, and turn their tears into dancing. I pray that you put a smile on their faces and give them cause to give you glory. May they be that woman in Psalm 113:9 - Happy Mother of Children. This is my prayer, and I ask for all of this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Happy Mothers Day to You.
I will not lie and tell you I haven't had scary thoughts about my pregnancy - every bad story I hear, makes me a little nervous. I thank God for family and friends that continually pray and have faith though.
Anyways, on this Mothers Day, I want to send thoughts and prayers to any woman near or far, who has dealt with loss of their children. I cannot imagine the amount of pain. I cannot put myself in your shoes. I don't know why God allows such things. But I can say a prayer for you from the bottom of my heart.
Dear Lord, God Almighty and All-Knowing. I humbly come into your presence and ask for your special grace and comfort to these mothers who have grieved or are grieving. I cannot imagine their pain, but You know their pain and are the only one who can give them true comfort. I pray that you wrap them in Your arms and let them know that even in the darkest of times, YOU ARE! You are there with them, and You are watching over them, and their blessed angels who are now with you in heaven. Give them love, give them peace, and turn their tears into dancing. I pray that you put a smile on their faces and give them cause to give you glory. May they be that woman in Psalm 113:9 - Happy Mother of Children. This is my prayer, and I ask for all of this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Happy Mothers Day to You.
May 13, 2017
BERRY VLOG - Mama Berry Chit Chat
Tomorrow is Mothers Day in America, and I thought it was a nice time to share this chat I had with my mum about Motherhood and Pregnancy. I know you guys will be distracted by my mum's dazzling beauty :p My dad really picked well. I hope you enjoy the video!
I hope you have a lovely weekend!
I hope you have a lovely weekend!
May 10, 2017
Weird Pregnancy Advice I've Gotten
I'm finding that pregnancy is much like marriage. Before you get married, you have bunches of people on your case asking "When will you get married?" And when you do get married, you get all kinds of advice like, "Never go to bed angry... make time for dates... never ever go out to eat." I legit heard that last one at a bridal shower, and the girl was dead serious, because in her upbringing, going out to eat meant the husband would start to crave outside food *yes, blank stare, I did.* Anyways, with pregnancy, it's the same thing - been getting all kinds of advice like, "Drink lots of water... don't wear heels... definitely stop having sex until after the baby comes." I literally laughed out loud at the last one, but erm... if a doctor tells you not to after examining you, please o. It's no longer a laughing matter. But today I want to share the top 3 weirdest advice I've gotten since people found out I was pregnant.
May 8, 2017
Book Review - Happy Wives Club
I came across this book, titled Happy Wives Club, while perusing a local Christian bookstore. I won't lie - the main reason why I bought it was because it was on sale - less than $3. But reading the premise of the book "One woman's worldwide search for the secrets of a great marriage" also caught my interest. These are very interesting times. Social media has allowed a lot of information to be shared, and very often, sadly, the stories about marriage are negative. You don't have to look far to read stories of separations, divorce, infidelity, abuse, and more in marriages all over the world. Whereas our parents typically kept quiet about such issues, our generation is more open. And if we're being truthful, marriage honestly doesn't seem like such a great idea anymore. Even in marriages without major issues, a lot of spouses are just simply "managing." It's particularly painful because God created marriage, and anything He creates is inherently good - but as humans, we have allowed it to become bad.
Source |
Labels:
berry and cakes,
books,
life,
love,
marriage
May 5, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
First weekend in May! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
This week has been pretty good, hasn't it? Everyone, myself and Cakes included, was pleasantly surprised at the engagement news of Banky W and Adesua. If you're not Nigerian, Banky is a musician/actor and Adesua is an actress, and they both starred in the Nigerian box-office shattering, Wedding Party (which is available on Netflix now, I heard). Congratulations to the happy couple!
This week has been pretty good, hasn't it? Everyone, myself and Cakes included, was pleasantly surprised at the engagement news of Banky W and Adesua. If you're not Nigerian, Banky is a musician/actor and Adesua is an actress, and they both starred in the Nigerian box-office shattering, Wedding Party (which is available on Netflix now, I heard). Congratulations to the happy couple!
Labels:
lovely links,
random
May 3, 2017
WCW - Daboju aka Naija Hair Can Grow
Hey there!
For my second interview on women who inspire me, I chose none other than healthy hair enthusiast/guru turned multi-businesswoman, Dabs aka Naija Hair Can Grow. I can't remember what year I met her - possibly 2013, but since then we have become blogger friends, and collaborated together. When I first met her, she just had her Naija Hair Can Grow blog, and was selling hair products monthly, as well as organizing intimate meet-ups (which eventually grew to the massive Salon Day Out events that a lot of hair enthusiasts in Lagos know about). Between when I met her and now, she has started a hair salon, a range of shea butter hair care products, a satin cap/pillowcase line, a range of brushes and combs, and will soon release a journal for children's hair care. All this, and she only just turned 30!!! And she's married with 3 children!!!!! And she has a job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you see why I'm inspired by her? Let's get to know more about Dabs, shall we?
For my second interview on women who inspire me, I chose none other than healthy hair enthusiast/guru turned multi-businesswoman, Dabs aka Naija Hair Can Grow. I can't remember what year I met her - possibly 2013, but since then we have become blogger friends, and collaborated together. When I first met her, she just had her Naija Hair Can Grow blog, and was selling hair products monthly, as well as organizing intimate meet-ups (which eventually grew to the massive Salon Day Out events that a lot of hair enthusiasts in Lagos know about). Between when I met her and now, she has started a hair salon, a range of shea butter hair care products, a satin cap/pillowcase line, a range of brushes and combs, and will soon release a journal for children's hair care. All this, and she only just turned 30!!! And she's married with 3 children!!!!! And she has a job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you see why I'm inspired by her? Let's get to know more about Dabs, shall we?
Labels:
entrepreneur,
hair,
inspiration,
interview,
life,
wcw
May 1, 2017
Maternity Style - All Black and Leather
WELCOME TO MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!! Birthday loading in 4 weeks!!!
One of my favorite blogs I follow is Moss Onyi's blog. If I don't go there for anything else, I can tell you that her and her husband's photography always captivates me. They frequently share photo posts that are just black and white. And I promised myself I would do a B/W photo post too, so here we are! And a maternity style shoot too. I've been sitting on these photos for months now, but I absolutely love them! Baby Cocoa obviously likes them too cos as I type this (currently April, because I schedule my posts ahead of time these days) I can feel plenty kicks :p
One of my favorite blogs I follow is Moss Onyi's blog. If I don't go there for anything else, I can tell you that her and her husband's photography always captivates me. They frequently share photo posts that are just black and white. And I promised myself I would do a B/W photo post too, so here we are! And a maternity style shoot too. I've been sitting on these photos for months now, but I absolutely love them! Baby Cocoa obviously likes them too cos as I type this (currently April, because I schedule my posts ahead of time these days) I can feel plenty kicks :p
April 29, 2017
BERRY VLOG: Conversations With My Grandpa - Episode 1
Hey there,
I mentioned in my midweek post that my siblings and I chatted with my grandfather, and he told us the reasons and meanings behind our names. If you're already subscribed to my Youtube channel, then you got the notification already. If you're not subscribed, whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy not?!?!?!?!? Please subscribe, if not, I'll hide #BabyCocoa's photos from only you when I share them :p
Anyways, check out the first episode of my Conversations with my Grandpa below.
I hope you're having a great weekend so far! YAY, May is around the corner and you know what that means... my birthday is in exactly 1 MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mentioned in my midweek post that my siblings and I chatted with my grandfather, and he told us the reasons and meanings behind our names. If you're already subscribed to my Youtube channel, then you got the notification already. If you're not subscribed, whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy not?!?!?!?!? Please subscribe, if not, I'll hide #BabyCocoa's photos from only you when I share them :p
Anyways, check out the first episode of my Conversations with my Grandpa below.
I hope you're having a great weekend so far! YAY, May is around the corner and you know what that means... my birthday is in exactly 1 MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 28, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Thank God April is almost over!!! And my favorite month in the whole year is upon us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a darling weekend everyone :D
Labels:
lovely links,
random
April 26, 2017
What's In a Name?
I'm the kind of person that always wonders about people's names and the reasons behind those names. I'm also the person who notices names of companies or brands and tries to figure out why their brand names were chosen. For instance, driving around Nigeria, I would notice a store called Mex Solutions and deduce (correctly or not) that the owner of the business was named Emeka, and he provides solutions of some sort. Or I look at people's email addresses and wonder how they chose them. I have a former friend who gave herself a nickname along the lines of Psycho or Crazy. I eventually had to cut her off because she was in fact a little on the psycho side, and our friendship was more toxic towards to me.
Before Cakes and I met, he already knew how many children he wanted and had a name for his first child. When he told me the name, I was just like "NOPE. NOT HAPPENING TO MY CHILD. AIN'T NO WAY!" And let me tell you, I stood my ground, so much so that he even started wavering at a point and we decided to come up with different names for our future children. Fast forward to a few weeks before I even found out I was pregnant, and God spoke to me - long story short, He told me the name Cakes originally wanted came from HIM! I'll share the details eventually, but when I say God works in mysterious ways, I don't mean just because our friends hooked up and got married through us. God really works in the background and the revelation is all the more powerful!
When my siblings and I chatted with my grandfather, he told us how he came up with each of our names - according to the circumstances and situation at the time, he named all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I really can't wait to hear his chosen name for #BabyCocoa
Have you guys asked your parents why they named you whatever your name is? And if you have children, what inspired the names you gave them?
P.S. I have 4 names on my birth certificate, plus one extra that my mum nicknamed me as a baby. If I'm in a place with my immediate family, grandparents, and friends, it's possible to hear 4 different names for just me! Well, my inlaws gave me a name, so if they're there, it could be 5 different names. And that doesn't include my Itsekiri name, Misan, which I LOVE!!!!!
Before Cakes and I met, he already knew how many children he wanted and had a name for his first child. When he told me the name, I was just like "NOPE. NOT HAPPENING TO MY CHILD. AIN'T NO WAY!" And let me tell you, I stood my ground, so much so that he even started wavering at a point and we decided to come up with different names for our future children. Fast forward to a few weeks before I even found out I was pregnant, and God spoke to me - long story short, He told me the name Cakes originally wanted came from HIM! I'll share the details eventually, but when I say God works in mysterious ways, I don't mean just because our friends hooked up and got married through us. God really works in the background and the revelation is all the more powerful!
When my siblings and I chatted with my grandfather, he told us how he came up with each of our names - according to the circumstances and situation at the time, he named all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I really can't wait to hear his chosen name for #BabyCocoa
Have you guys asked your parents why they named you whatever your name is? And if you have children, what inspired the names you gave them?
P.S. I have 4 names on my birth certificate, plus one extra that my mum nicknamed me as a baby. If I'm in a place with my immediate family, grandparents, and friends, it's possible to hear 4 different names for just me! Well, my inlaws gave me a name, so if they're there, it could be 5 different names. And that doesn't include my Itsekiri name, Misan, which I LOVE!!!!!
April 24, 2017
Mummy Bloggers and Pregnancy Reveals
Announcing that Cakes and I were pregnant almost a month ago, was something we discussed for a little while. As Africans, and due to a lot of cultural superstitions, most women typically don't reveal their pregnancies... some even go as far as denying they're pregnant when you can clearly see their 8-months baby bump. Cakes told me one of his closest friends didn't tell him his wife was expecting until he invited him for his baby's dedication! Of course, it's such a personal journey and everyone is entitled to how they choose to handle pregnancy announcements (or not).
In today's post, I've asked 4 bloggers who are mothers how they approached pregnancy announcements when they were pregnant. They're all African women, whose blogs (and vlogs) I'm subscribed to. I hope you enjoy the interviews below :)
April 21, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Hiya!!!
As I type this now, I'm looking out my bedroom window and just thanking God for such a beautiful view. It always makes me feel refreshed and calm and I'm appreciative of the beauty that God made in flowers, trees, the beautiful blue sky. I hope you're able to sit still once in a while and recognize the beauty around you.
Let's get into the links!
As I type this now, I'm looking out my bedroom window and just thanking God for such a beautiful view. It always makes me feel refreshed and calm and I'm appreciative of the beauty that God made in flowers, trees, the beautiful blue sky. I hope you're able to sit still once in a while and recognize the beauty around you.
Let's get into the links!
Labels:
lovely links,
random
April 19, 2017
Brunch at Henry's Louisiana
WARNING: If you are hungry, go and get something to eat BEFORE reading this post. If you don't, you can't blame me for whatever happens to your tummy :)
One of the things I planned for this year was to have a quarterly brunch outing with my sister and cousins. At this point in our lives, everyone's busy with families, growing families, careers and more, so it can get difficult to really catch up with one another. It's not as if we don't see or even chat regularly on Whatsapp. But I also wanted for us to be able to get away from the husbands and children and just be girls (or women). It's nice to "escape" for an hour or two, innit?
For this outing, we stayed close to home and went to Henry's Louisiana Grill.
One of the things I planned for this year was to have a quarterly brunch outing with my sister and cousins. At this point in our lives, everyone's busy with families, growing families, careers and more, so it can get difficult to really catch up with one another. It's not as if we don't see or even chat regularly on Whatsapp. But I also wanted for us to be able to get away from the husbands and children and just be girls (or women). It's nice to "escape" for an hour or two, innit?
For this outing, we stayed close to home and went to Henry's Louisiana Grill.
Labels:
atlanta,
food,
friendship,
fun,
weekend
April 17, 2017
Berry and Cakes Conversations - Lost in Translation
I miss putting up these kinds of posts! Remember how I used to share some of the funny conversations Cakes and I used to have (Car, Kitchen, Foot Massages, Training)? I went down memory lane last week and read some posts from a couple of years ago, and they made me smile inwardly. Anyways, the main reasons why we were lost in translation in our early days was the whole UK versus US English.
Labels:
berry and cakes,
dating and relationships,
marriage
April 15, 2017
Easy Makeup with ZARON!
Finally back on Youtube! Because of you know, I stopped making videos until I was ready to announce you know. I'm still not on track to post on a weekly basis like I'd want to, but I'm reaching into my archives and putting up some old videos I made from before.
In this post, I played around with makeup (check out some of my beauty posts), and what's different about this is I used mostly Zaron Cosmestics products. If you're not aware of Zaron, it's a Nigerian beauty brand and I really like the products I've used from them so far. Y'all know I'm not a beauty guru o, so please don't be expecting some Dimma Umeh wonder here.
Sooooo, you like? Did I not try small? Oh btw, this was from the same day I did my Vixen Crochet Hairstyles.
In this post, I played around with makeup (check out some of my beauty posts), and what's different about this is I used mostly Zaron Cosmestics products. If you're not aware of Zaron, it's a Nigerian beauty brand and I really like the products I've used from them so far. Y'all know I'm not a beauty guru o, so please don't be expecting some Dimma Umeh wonder here.
Sooooo, you like? Did I not try small? Oh btw, this was from the same day I did my Vixen Crochet Hairstyles.
April 14, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Happy Easter everyone!
I hope you've all had a good week. I know y'all in Nigeria have a looooooooong weekend this weekend - another thing I miss about Nigeria. Well, hopefully you have some time to check out the interesting round up of links I found this week.
I hope you've all had a good week. I know y'all in Nigeria have a looooooooong weekend this weekend - another thing I miss about Nigeria. Well, hopefully you have some time to check out the interesting round up of links I found this week.
Labels:
lovely links,
random
April 12, 2017
Individual Crochet Locs Hair Styles
Do you ever get bored with your hair like I do? I'm the kind of person who will wish and hope and pray and cry about getting a particular hairstyle done (like my Vixen Crochet Braids), and then barely 2 weeks later I'm itching for something else. If I had the money, I'm very sure I'd be like those women who go to the salon on a weekly or biweekly basis to get their hair done! [Un]fortunately, I don't have that kind of money, or time actually. Plus, y'all know getting your hair done in America is expensive! If I had any sense I would learn how to do hair properly and use it earn an extra income. This is one of the things I miss about Nigeria too, even though I didn't include it in my list (maybe I should update it). I digress.
Labels:
hair,
natural hair
April 10, 2017
Individual Crochet Faux Locs
At the beginning of the year, my mind was set on wearing my natural hair out more often than not. I was getting a little tired of wearing wigs and hiding my own hair, so I made a mental decision to have my natural hair out as often as possible. Well, it was easy up until I saw a video on Individual Crochet Locs. While I like crochet braids, I haven't been the biggest fan of doing them with cornrows. I know it makes it easier and faster, but sometimes I want access to every part of my scalp. Anyways, I saw the video and was determined to replicate it. I didn't do the most awesome job, but I tried, right?
Labels:
hair,
natural hair
April 7, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Yo yo!
How's your week been?! Mine has certainly been interesting, but in God I trust! Anyways, I hope you enjoy the links I've scooped up this week. Have a beautiful weekend!
How's your week been?! Mine has certainly been interesting, but in God I trust! Anyways, I hope you enjoy the links I've scooped up this week. Have a beautiful weekend!
Labels:
lovely links,
random
April 5, 2017
WCW - Freky Andy
I mentioned about a month or so ago, that I would like to start putting up posts and interviews from women I find inspirational. It's actually something I thought of last year, but with my blogging break, I put the idea to wayside. Anyways, since I'm back to my blogging grind, and because I enjoy reading interviews on other blogs (like on Cassie and Kachi's blogs), I think it's a great time to kick-start mine. Hopefully, I get to put up one post a month, so let's see how it goes.
Today's feature is on an old friend of mine. We actually grew up together and her younger sister was my best friend in Primary School. Her name is Ndifreke, and she's an advocate for disability in Nigeria and beyond. I hope you enjoy her interview below.
Today's feature is on an old friend of mine. We actually grew up together and her younger sister was my best friend in Primary School. Her name is Ndifreke, and she's an advocate for disability in Nigeria and beyond. I hope you enjoy her interview below.
Labels:
inspiration,
interview,
wcw
April 3, 2017
Yellow Iro and Buba
If you missed my announcement on Saturday, kindly STOP, go back to that post, then come back here :)
April 1, 2017
BREAKING NEWS!!!
Okay I'll admit it, I haven't been on my best blogging game. Going from posting 4 to 5 times a week regularly, to just managing 2 or 3 a week. It's time for me to realize my shortcomings. I did mention while thinking about taking a blogging break that I considered shutting down the blog. The response I got made me realize that I would be doing you a disservice if I went silent forever. So I've decided to try a different tactic that will ensure that I'm posting constantly and keeping you entertained.
Labels:
berry and cakes,
faith,
family,
life,
ttc
March 31, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Whoa! Quarter 1 of the year is already over! Where did the time go to? I for one, am happy it's going by cos I'm looking forward to the summer! I've rounded up some pretty good links this week - the first 3 are all about finances BTW. I hope you enjoy the links and learn something new.
Labels:
lovely links,
random
March 29, 2017
5-Point Monthly Blogging Checklist
Blogging these days means serious business. Bloggers are definitely on the rise, and it's shifted quite a bit from doing it as a hobby to creating businesses. More and more bloggers are adapting to Blogging 4.0, which I read about on Quora. Basically blogs have become platforms to build businesses - I dabbled in it a little bit myself, and you don't have to go far to see others who are making serious money from blogging.
That being said though, just as you have regular audits in your businesses, there should also be checks in your blogging. Doing these things which I will get to below, will help you stay on top of your blog.
That being said though, just as you have regular audits in your businesses, there should also be checks in your blogging. Doing these things which I will get to below, will help you stay on top of your blog.
Labels:
blogging tips
March 27, 2017
Japanese Hibachi Dinner at Shogun
Two weeks ago, Uncle Cakes turned 70, and to celebrate, the family decided to head to Shogun Restaurant. It is a Japanese restaurant not too far from home, and they have different offerings from sushi to hibachi grill food. Cakes had never been to a Hibachi restaurant before, so I thought it would be a nice treat for him.
FUN FACT: My sister and her hubby got engaged one night after having dinner there. I think.
FUN FACT: My sister and her hubby got engaged one night after having dinner there. I think.
March 24, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
It's the end of another week and boy am I happy for this weekend. I finally have a whole weekend off work! Tomorrow I'm heading to brunch with my girls... hoff kerse I shall share photos at a later date. What do you have planned?
Labels:
lovely links,
random
March 22, 2017
Gourmet Puffs a la Cakes!
We all know cooking and baking are NOT my forte. But we also know that I like food. In this foodie love, every now and then I try to come up with different recipes or different ways to eat regular foods. That's how I was dreaming about fried dough one day, and it occurred to me that puff puff is fried dough! And if we can have fried dough with powdered sugar, why can't we have puff puff with powdered sugar as well?! DING DING DING! I asked Cakes if he wouldn't mind making some for a small meetup, and decided to try another topping as well. I actually have a whole list of different toppings we will be experimenting with. So Atlanta people, or people that have Atlanta people, WE HAVE GOURMET PUFFS O!!!!!!!!!!!! I've told you now.
Without further ado, here are a few photos of the extremely yummy gourmet puffs we had, and will be offering as well :)
March 20, 2017
Till Snoring Do Us Part
Cakes and I have been married now for over three years. In these three short years, we've gotten to know each other better. It ranges from different things like the way each person feels about privacy (no comment on that), to what kind of foods we like, to much deeper stuff that I can't share on here. But one thing I can talk about is the fact that we both snore!
Labels:
berry and cakes,
dating and relationships,
marriage
March 17, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Hi there!
I hope you've had a pretty week so far. Thank you for all your kind wishes towards Cakes for his birthday on Wednesday. He appreciates all the love! I'll share photos from his birthday dinner either next week or the week after. Now that the weekend is here, make sure to check out some of the links below when you have some downtime.
I hope you've had a pretty week so far. Thank you for all your kind wishes towards Cakes for his birthday on Wednesday. He appreciates all the love! I'll share photos from his birthday dinner either next week or the week after. Now that the weekend is here, make sure to check out some of the links below when you have some downtime.
Labels:
lovely links,
random
March 15, 2017
Happy Birthday Cakes!
Today is my hub-bub's birthdaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! My Cakesy-Wakesy! Should I tell you guys how old he is? Let's just say he's in his mid-thirties, which means he's closer to 40. And we all know that 40 is really 50. And after 50 is 70. So HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!
Labels:
berry and cakes,
cakesiena
March 13, 2017
God Works in Mysterious Ways
In 2010, I was in my late twenties, working an okay job in Atlanta and wondering whether I should move back to Nigeria. You see, I left Nigeria at 15 years old and I didn't know what it was like to experience Nigeria as an adult. Lots of young Nigerians like me had moved back and seemed to be having these great, awesome lives. I really wanted to find out what opportunities there were out there for me, so after praying for a bit, I made the decision to move back right after my sister's wedding and my birthday in 2011.
March 10, 2017
Berry Lovely Links
Hey there!
I'm back with my weekly Lovely Links. I'm feeling fresh and rejuvenated again, and ready to start blogging consistently again. Thanks for your patience and sticking by moi. Without further ado, here are my links below!
I'm back with my weekly Lovely Links. I'm feeling fresh and rejuvenated again, and ready to start blogging consistently again. Thanks for your patience and sticking by moi. Without further ado, here are my links below!
Labels:
lovely links,
random
March 8, 2017
International Women's Day - The Proverbs 31 Woman
Today, March 8th, all over the world, International Women's Day is being recognized. It's not an official holiday but it's a day within Women's History Month when women are celebrated. I wondered how to get myself involved via my blog. I considered doing a Woman Crush Wednesday post, but then couldn't decide who to write about (FYI, I thought about doing a monthly WCW post to highlight women that I've come across who inspire me. Would you be interested in such posts?). I also thought about posting a bunch of quotes about being a Woman, but then I wondered how many quotes to post. And then finally, I decided to go to the Bible and share my thoughts on the passage that talks about the Woman specifically.
Source |
Labels:
bible study,
random
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