She Blogs | Super Shero Grace (G)
SuperShero Grace (G)
Location: Lagos
Blog url: Epiphany29.com
Blog Genre: Fashion and Lifestyle
Grace's blog has a girl-next-door meets chic style vibe to it. She makes looking great look effortless and she makes blogging look so easy! Swing by for some chill time and some great style tips; I just learned a few new tricks on how to wear my shorts, when this snow finally melts. Also, find out how to celebrate Valentine's day as a single girl! Grace is also a personal shopper and an aspiring fashion designer. Here she is:
1. First four words of the lyrics of your current favorite song?
GG: "One month till February..." from "Falling Short" by Lapslèy
2. One experience you plan to tell your grand-kids?
GG: How I fought and survived cancer at the age of 5, not by my might but by Gods Grace...
3. Least traumatic break-up technique you'd recommend?
GG: Change phone numbers et al? Hahahaha.
4. What inspired your blog name?
GG: I had been thinking and struggling with a suitable name and Epiphany29 came to me like an 'Epiphany' get it? Lol
5. If we were all forced to be teachers on the universe. What art/skill/science/discipline would you teach?
GG: Hmmmm, since we would all be teachers, why would I have to teach other teachers, eh? I kid. I think i'd teach IT related stuff.
6. Last movie that made you cry! (You can't say Titanic)
GG: I could be a cry baby though but let's see... last movie that made me cry... would be "You Before Me" *sniff sniff*
7. "Carbs" is a) Bae b) The Enemy
GG: "Carbs" is BAE whoop whoop
8. John Snow or Jack Bauer?
GG: You know nothing Jack Bauer... John snow anyday for me.
9. If I promise to be your right-hand girl, name a celebrity's shoe closet you would raid?
GG: Girl, we are so raiding Klohé Kardashian's closet!!!
10. #bighairdontcare or #shorthairdontcare
GG: Team #Bighairdontcare yo!
11. You are having lunch with your fave T.V fictional character. What would you order?
GG: I'd order goatmeat peppersoup (straight face) and ice-cream cake for dessert.
12. "Our _______ makes us beautiful as Nigerians."
GG: Our culture makes us beautiful
13. Avengers, the movie. You have to date someone. Who would it be?
GG: Chris Hemsworth. *swoons*
14. If I had to, I'd totally name my car...
GG: Jesse
Thank you for hanging with us, Grace! You are the best! And that testimony fighting cancer as a child...we are grateful for the grace!
Read Grace's How to celebrate valentine's day as a single girl.
She Blogs | Super Shero Tega
SuperShero Tega
Location: Dubai
Blog url: Tegaenai.com
Blog Genre: Fashion and Lifestyle
Tega's blog makes me happy. Just simply that- happy. It's helpful. It's fresh. She genuinely writes from her heart and you can tell from reading her posts- whether she's teaching how to wear loose-fitting clothes or how to edit your instagram photos like a pro or just kicking you out of a discouragement rut, this blogger slays. (Are we still using slay in 2017? Please help)
Remember, this is a laid back, hair down, lazing in PJs kinda interview! Here she is!
A Nigerian song you’d love to karaoke to?
TE: I have a couple!
Tekno – Wash; 2face – Ole, African Queen; 9ice – Gongo Aso, Street Credibility; MI – Safe
I'm old-school. That's quality music there!
PGI: Love Gongo Aso! And Street Cred! I sang Street Cred in the shower just last week.
Your 15-year old niece is going out on a date for the first time. You can only say one word to her, what would it be?
TE: No Kissing!
PGI: Hahaha! Aunty Tega, that's two words!
What movie makes you cry all the time?
TE: The Fault in Our Stars – My favourite movie of all time. Even the book makes me cry.
Imagine your best friend is a guy. He's getting married, he puts you in charge of his Bachelor's Eve planning. What type of party would you organize?
T.E: No strippers! We have to protect his wife's Interest, so let's give no room for temptation. But it’s definitely going to be a crazy party.
PGI: Shouldn't we have more women on Bach Eve Planning committees? Someone looking out for our interests *pensive*
“Can not blog without..."
T.E: The Internet..
The most embarrassing nickname you've ever had
None really, I’ve been lucky. I had really cute nicknames like "Sweet" because I was the sweetest baby ever, "Smilie" because I smiled all the time. Most of my friends call me "Mama", which I love also, because it gives me a sense of responsibility. I love to play mother hen, so the name suits me perfectly.
If you were a guy, what would be your signature pick-up line?
"You’re a real gift, you’d give my life a lift" I don’t know if this should be considered a pick up line but it sounds pretty good to me.
This line is from the MTN Sunshine advert, I loved it back then, still do. It stuck ever since and gives me goosebumps all the time (I actually just watched it on YouTube again for the billionth time). For a long time I hope to have a man as romantic as Jerry in my life. *laughs*
PGI: I remember that ad! "Oh Jerry...tantantatatararan MTN everywhere you go!"
Nails are currently colored…….?
T.E : No color. I admire cute long Manicures on other girls but my nails are too soft, after a week it starts to get green. Taking the nails off is too painful, and I always end up hurting myself. If I decide to polish them directly, they start turning green in 2 days and start peeling off. The struggle is real! So, I have my nails bare most of the time except on special occasions like my birthday. That’s the only time I actually got my nails fixed in 2016!
Truth or Dare?
TE: It depends. If I'm playing with crazy people, I respect myself and choose "Truth". Otherwise, "Dare"- and I make the rules before we start!
The most awesome thing about being Nigerian?
TE: Nigerians are loved. We’ve set a global standard for ourselves through our work and talent. When I tell people I am Nigerian, some people ask, "Do you know this comedian? – ooo I love him/her so much", or "I love this Nigerian music", or "I have a Nigerian friend that’s so nice to me". Then I smile and have that ‘I am proud to be Nigerian moment'.
PGI: Thanks for making us proud Nigerians with your work, Tega!
Stop by Tega's blog today and binge-read! Have a great weekend!
Super Sheroes | The Ones We've Been Waiting For
When my nephew, Dabi visited last summer, I asked him for a blog post idea or theme, which I could develop and write on. Any topic, I said. Just say the word. I'd be all over it like a rash- a pretty rash. If right now you are thinking, "She doesn't know what she's getting herself into"... You aren't too far from what's coming.
Dabi looked up from his bowl of chocolate cereal, fixed his eyes on me and said, "Ummm, write about....... superheroes," then he lifted a spoonful of cereal into his mouth, crunching away at those choc puffs, head swinging from side to side to some imaginary music. I stared blankly at him. Seriously? I thought. Next to his cereal bowl was a copy of a DC batman comic: "Batman and Robin Take on Ice Man"... or something like that.
How convenient, Dabi.
"Ahem", I said,"Any other suggestions?"
"Nope!" He said. Crunch. Crunch.
Superheroes.
Superheroes.
I couldn't even believe this boy.
I plopped on my sofa and sought solace in my favorite run-away-from-your-challenges-lala-land- Instagram.
Superheroes.
Then it hit me- not all at once, but it short spurts of sudden realizations- I actually knew a few superheroes myself! As I went through my Instagram page, there they were. With every thumb-swipe, they just kept showing up. I myself knew many superheroes and to make it even more special they were She's! It was like suddenly discovering that you had Wonder Woman, Natasha Romanova, Rogue, Storm, Jean Grey, Sue Storm-Richards, Jessica Jones, Kitty Pryde, all on your phone, on your instagram wall! Your timeline, swimming with all the amazing things they do daily.
I had superheroes on my phone! *Scream!* *Happy scream*
Last summer, I got the blessed opportunity of stepping off the 700mph bloggers' train through out the month of September and really got to watch people do their thing. If you have a favorite blogger, you should give him/her a cyber-bear hug. Like right now. They break their backs, write, edit, stand-sit-hang during long photo shoots, they tweet, IG, pin....everything— just to maintain that continuity we all admire.
These women, these fabulous girls, all kyrptonite-free, doing amazing things.
To honor these women who blog, PGI will be starting the Super Sheroes series on Friday, the 3rd of February. The series will consist of quick, fun interviews with these women (it'll be like hanging out with your favorite blogger, hair down, in PJs with no chill, of course).
Some of them you know, some, new. Can not wait! I hope you enjoy this as much I intend to.
So Dabi, I accept your challenge! I am about to write about some of the SuperSheroes of my time...
And so it begins...
Coffee with David | The PGI Reader who Cracks Me Up
One chilly fall day, I had the opportunity to go on a journey into the life of one of my favorite readers on PGI- David Bragdon. You may have seen his comments here on PGI (he's remarkably witty) or seen those superb photos shot from his lenses on my IG wall. We had coffee, (I had tea) and we talked. I've always wanted to speak with him about life, he has the coolest stories and I figured there were somethings I could learn from him. I was right! Here are a few things we talked about; random things and some things I learned and would love to share:
On beard gang...
DB: I once grew a beard. While I was in college (MIT), a few of my friends and I traveled to a cattle ranch in Wyoming. We had taken summer jobs at the ranch processing hay. My friend was inspired after reading the book Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. Tolstoy was a wealthy writer and he had chosen to work with the peasants producing hay. So we decided to go and have a "Tolstoy-experience". It turned out to be a pretty rough experience and I grew a beard during the time. The beard was for protection against the millions of blood-thirsty Wyoming mosquitos. When I got back home, my mother wouldn't let back me into the house.
PGI: "Lol! Clearly both our mums don't get beards."
On work...
DB: It's important to learn to receive feedback. Don’t be defensive. You need both positive and negative feedback to be able to improve your performance. Show that you value feedback and use it. If you own your business, be aware of the market trends.
PGI: "Hmmm...how do I handle feedback? I'm a little defensive. Then I calm myself and see what's being said. Being defensive does waste time though. I have come to actually love feedback over time."
On healthy choices...
Read the book of Daniel! I'm kidding! Eat right. Exercise. Live well. My wife and I are currently on a wheat-free diet.
PGI: "Ed and I might try this wheat-free diet for a week. That's how far I can go because... banana bread. We are exercising more though! It's so amazing. I'm so energized and I go around punching walls and doing push ups!"
Guys, on getting the girl...
DB: It’s not a hunt! Be attractive and accept what you attract. Exercise; but don’t build muscles to get attention from girls *laughs*
If you have her laughing. She's probably interested.
PGI: "Truth! Be attractive! Accept what you attract. You can't ask out a good-looking person without some effort on your part as well."
Girls, on dating guys...
Make sure to observe early on, that your dating candidate(s) really listens to you and ask interesting questions. Make sure he makes you laugh.
PGI: Ask questions! Print questionnaire here!
On having a hobby...
Photography for me is not a hobby. It’s more than that. It has taught me life lessons, helped me discover new experiences, brought me friendships. It's important to have some dimension to your life. Never stop developing yourself.
PGI: "Spoken like a true artist. My eyes droop when people refer to blogging as a hobby. It's no hobby. In fact, the leisure part of it ended on day two of blogging for me! Lol! It's like a full-time position, I tell you. I love David's statement, "Have some dimension to your life." Have some balance. Have some dimension, an equilateral dimension."
Fave actress
Judith Dench
PGI: "She played M in the James Bond movies! Love her!"
On Beyonce and Rihanna...
Beyonce? Was she the one who sang at Obama’s inauguration? And Rhianna, who is she?
PGI: "Hehehe!"
About his Regina (his wife)...
DB: She completes me because she's a straight-shooter, a practical problem solver and is very perceptive. She sees things and understands the significance of what she sees.
PGI: She really is awesome. She sent us dinner once. It reminded me of being at home in Ibadan!
On being a dad...
DB: Be on the same page with your spouse; learn to change the baby's diapers; hold your kids; get down on the floor and talk to them; let them stare at your face. Take your glasses off, put your phone down; get interested in what they are doing, school work, preoccupations, hobbies; answer their questions.
PGI: *taking notes*
On travel...
DB: Most fascinating places ever visited; Wyoming. The scenery is beautiful. The ranch was close to Yellowstone National Park and there was a really impressive mountain range we could see from the cattle ranch. We also worked from sunup to sundown, so I got to see a lot of the scenery.
Singapore, as well. Singapore was fascinating. The food was really good.
On Photography...
DB: I got into photography in high school. The School had it in its budget to get a camera and they needed a man for the job to take photos. We used flashbulbs back then. You needed about 12 flashbulbs for a full session. They were quite dangerous too, because flashbulbs could explode.
PGI: "Bloggers would have had a tough time back then. I sure would. I'm unserious for the first 10 mins of a shoot."
On building generational friendships and long-term friendships
DB: I had some experience teaching different age groups (4th and 5th grade) and I have kept in touch with them over time. I also taught high school mathematics. I've attended a few weddings, and other events of theirs. I'd say develop a genuine interest in people and keep in touch over the course of their lives. Touch base often. Develop generational friendships.
PGI: "This is goals for me; Keeping in touch. . . One day at a time. Develop generational friendships."
4 Things I Learned
1. Have some dimension to your life.
2. Be genuinely interested in people; reach out to them; put in the effort to sustain the connection.
3. A hobby is more than just a hobby. It should have other functions other than expression and skill. It should build lasting friendships and make others smile!
4. If you don't like what you attract, do something about it on your end.
Thank you, David for this great interview! And thank you for always making us laugh. Photos above, from when David gifted me a 3-hour photoshoot because I wanted to put my wedding dress up for sale and couldn't decide what to do with my wedding dress. I did struggle, David, but my dress is finally up for sale on the brides power website!
How to Make Eye-Contact without Getting Kissed
Making eye contact during a conversation increases the quality of your conversation by at least a hundred percent. It's one of the most powerful non-physical connections we, as living beings, could have. People who are able to make eye contact, are seen as confident, trustworthy, interesting, (as well as interested) and they are generally perceived as amicable. Now, it’s not the easiest feat, this eye-contact business. It takes a lot of conscious determination and practice, for those who are working their way to adopting it into their lifestyle.
I remember when I was learning to maintain eye contact during conversations, i would look into the person's eyes for as long as i can, then give my eyes a break by letting my eyes fall lazily to the person's lips and i'd watch the person's mouth move as they spoke, then look back into the person's eyes..........whatever you do, do not use that technique ever! One day, i was talking with this guy and i kept doing that eye-lip stare, the next thing i know, he's leaning in to kiss me! I guess i should have expected it. I probably also had plastered on my lips a default zoned-out smile. Smiling at another person's lips with a smile and a distant look is like waving a Fuschia flag, yelling 'Kiss me'.
Since then, I've tried to maintain just the eye contact, no more lazy eye-lip glares. Making eye contact and maintaining it makes conversations more personal and engaging, enabling both parties to benefit from the conversation maximally. That's what you want, beneficial conversations....... not kiss-attacks! Below are some tips that helped me learn to maintain eye-contact, hope it helps!
- Put away the phone, that's number one! It wasn't number one a decade ago but it is now. Eye contact with your phone during a conversation isn't pleasant.
- Look straight into the person's eyes, whether a cashier, interviewer, friend, until you notice the person's eye color and then say to yourself, 'Her eyes are green!' Remain in that space for as long as you can, while listening, break the eye contact for a split second by looking at something else (not the lips), then look back into her eyes.
- Also you might want to avoid complimenting the person's eyes unless you are trying to get kissed with that as well! Gosh, the mistakes I've made!
- I've found that giving a firm handshake at the beginning and leading the conversation or at least being active in the conversation works with maintaining attention and eye-contact.
Try these out and in no time, you'll be staring everyone out of this galaxy! Try not to stare too hard though. It gets creepy after a while. Umm, and remember to blink.
How well do you maintain eye-contact? Do your eyes wander all over the person's face? Please comment below! Commenting just got easier!