Romance Meets Life

What Kanye West Appreciates About Kim Kardashian - She Doesn't Ask Him For Money
Couple Love - Segun Arinze and Wife Julie
Uche Jombo Rodriguez Covers Red Sheet Magazine - Says Husband is Not White
Family Make the Reception of their Daughter's Cancelled Wedding a Party For the Homeless
How to Love Children Through the Pain of Divorce By Gerald Rogers
Agbani Darego, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola, Rita Dominic Shortlisted For The Jaguda 15 Hottest Women in Nigerian Entertainment
Vacation Time - Munachi Abi Goes to Hollywood
Darlene Benson out With Music Video For New Single Idara
Quote of the Day - Expectation is the Root of all Heartache

What Kanye West Appreciates About Kim Kardashian - She Doesn't Ask Him For Money

Posted: 25 Sep 2013 09:06 PM PDT

Kim Kardashian has her own money, together with Kanye West, she was listed as one of the top earners in American entertainment. Kanye West says this fact, and that Kim has her own identity makes him appreciate her a lot, and made him love and decide to stick with her. He also is very openly grateful for the family they've started with their daughter, North "Nori" West.

In an interview with BBC Radio 1's Zane Lowe [listen], Kanye said the only other thing apart from work for him is time spent with his new family with Kim. He said, "It's like family time. It's what Kim gave me. She gave me everything. She gave me a family. She gave me a support system. She was in a powerful enough situation where she could love me without asking me for money, which is really hard for me to find."

It's amazing how love can make the hardest person show their inner soft side. Wishing the couple more love.

Couple Love - Segun Arinze and Wife Julie

Posted: 25 Sep 2013 03:11 PM PDT

Nollywood actor, Segun Arinze got married to his wife, Julie, back in 2008 and they have two young sons. The couple were recently photographed together at the just concluded Miss Earth pageant in Lagos. Segun is from Badagry in Lagos while Julie is from Oguta in Imo State. She is a lawyer and a staff of Slumberger, a multinational construction and services company in Nigeria.

Uche Jombo Rodriguez Covers Red Sheet Magazine - Says Husband is Not White

Posted: 25 Sep 2013 01:08 PM PDT

Uche Jombo married Puerto Rican Kenny Rodriguez in May 2012 in his home country [see pictures] and it seems people insist he is White. While to many Nigerians, not black means white, Kenny lives and works in the United States where Puerto Ricans are mostly known as Latinos, and may be of Mexican or Spanish origins, which in America is not white. So Uche is right. Lovely cover too :)

Family Make the Reception of their Daughter's Cancelled Wedding a Party For the Homeless

Posted: 25 Sep 2013 10:10 AM PDT

This Atlanta couple were not happy when their only daughter cancelled her wedding about a month to the day. They were sponsoring the reception and had already paid non-refundable deposits for the venue, food and drinks, etc for 200 guests. As the wife was about to get to the frustrating task of calling to let the vendors know they wouldn't be going ahead, her husband brought up the idea of donating the reception to the homeless and making the day a joyous one of giving.

Talk about having a big heart. Their story via ABC

"We went home that evening and my husband woke up the next morning and I was in the process of cancelling out the venue and he said, 'No, what we'll do is donate it to Hosea Feed the Hungry,'" Carol Fowler told ABCNews.com today.

"It was a vision," Fowler said of her husband's idea. "He said he had prayed on it during the night and God had directed him and that's what we were going to do."

The Fowlers called Hosea Feed the Hungry, an organization that their daughter had volunteered for when she was younger. It is a nonprofit organization in Atlanta, Ga., that provides homeless individuals with services and resources.

"When they first called, the administration thought it was a prank call because it was too good to be true," Quisa Foster of Hosea Feed the Hungry said. "It's a very creme de la creme wedding venue, so to say that you're going to host 200 homeless individuals at Villa Christina -- it sounds like a prank call."

The Fowlers persisted and eventually had a meeting with the organization to prove their good intentions and plan the event.

On Sept. 15, buses transported 200 homeless women, children and families to Villa Christina for the event. It began at 2 p.m. with outdoor appetizers and space for the children to run and play.

The event then moved inside, where the approximately 50 children had a room to themselves with face-painting, juggling and crowns.

"The children had chicken fingers, French fries, fresh fruit and chocolate chip cookies," Carol Fowler said. "The adults had salmon and chicken."

"All the plates were empty and there wasn't any leftover food at all. It was an eye-opening experience," Foster said. "You go to weddings sometimes and you see a lot of people really waste food. We take so many things for granted. These clients or guests, as we call them, they don't."

The day's "inspiration program" included a motivational speaker for the adults.

"When you look at the faces of the women and children and actually participated in the event, they look like you and me," Foster said. "These are working families that for whatever reason -- the recession, economic turn -- have found themselves in a place where they're without a place to live and starting over."

"It was a wonderful event. It brought tears to my eyes," she said.

The Fowlers were very involved in the whole event and enjoyed greeting all of their guests. Their daughter was also on hand for a day that was "bittersweet but rewarding" for her, Willie Fowler said. The family declined to comment on why the wedding had been cancelled.

"There is no way to explain how it makes you feel, but it's wonderful," Willie Fowler said of seeing the joy at the event.

"It's just that wonderful, rewarding feeling," Carol Fowler said. "If we could just inspire one youth in that crowd to rise above the situation today and be a very responsible member of society tomorrow, that would be extremely rewarding."

The Fowlers are hoping to make the affair a yearly event that will be two days and incorporate educational elements for the participants.

They pointed out that events are cancelled all the time and encouraged others to think about donating

"If you have cancelled an event, do not walk away. Pick up the phone and call your favorite charity and offer it to them," Carol Fowler said. "We're regular, working people and anybody can do this. This is not star stuff."

How to Love Children Through the Pain of Divorce By Gerald Rogers

Posted: 25 Sep 2013 08:03 AM PDT

By Gerald Rogers

Tonight, Peter, my little four year old cried himself to sleep calling for his mom, and as I lay beside him, I cried too. There's no way around it… Divorce sucks. And there are many casualties. The saddest are the little hearts that are hurt in the process. EVERY child deserves to grow up in a home under the strength and protection of a loving father and mother who are always there for them. And every parent has an obligation to fight to provide that for them.

… and sometimes, it is not always possible.

And for those of us who can no longer offer that, we mourn for what we have lost.

For me, I miss being the little things the most...

I miss reading stories to my little ones as we snuggled at bedtime. I miss having my family gathered at night for scriptures and prayer. I miss the game nights and family home evenings and the daily little ways my kids would surprise me with their laughter. I miss jumping on the tramp with them on summer afternoons, and playing games with them barefoot on the lawn as the sun drifted beyond the horizon. I miss Sunday morning German pancakes and the rush of getting ready for church. I miss our many traditions and the daily magic of just being a dad and discovering life together with my favorite people in the world, my best friends - my children.

And when I am sitting in the still, lonely silence of my condo at the end of yet another day, I miss them dearly.

In the space of what we lose, we are faced with a choice of what we get to create...

How do we as parents STILL provide the support, love, encouragement and happiness these kids deserve despite the major transition?

How do we let them know that, no matter what, they are loved?

How do we remind them of their greatness, build their confidence in themselves, and encourage them to follow their passions?

How do we help them to make better choices than we made?

I don't have all the answers. In no way do I think of myself of a perfect dad, or one that has it all figured out. Our divorce is still fresh, and it has only been 5 months since we have been separated. I know I have a lot to learn still.

There are answers I have found though that are worth sharing. And in those answers I have found a deeper commitment as a parent to continue to work to be better and to provide, not just financially, but emotionally for them as well. These are lessons that can serve all of us...

AS A FATHER MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MY CHILDREN IS:

1) I will ALWAYS RESPECT THEIR MOTHER… They will NEVER, ever hear me say a negative or demeaning thing about their mom. They WILL hear me pray for her, compliment her and stand up for her. They will know that I stand behind her in the rules she has, and the things she feels is important. I will never 'compete' for their love, by trying to out-do their mother. They will know that they are lucky to have the mom that they do… and I will remind them every chance I get. Their happiness AND personal self-esteem, to a large degree, is built on that relationship with her. They need to respect her, and they learn from my example.

2) I will BUILD a NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR MOTHER… Even though my marriage with her is over, my relationship with her is not. For as long as we live, she will be a part of my life. And if she can longer be my wife, I want her to be my FRIEND. In that, I am conscious to make every interaction with her, one that builds that relationship up, rather than tears it down. My kids deserve that from us.

3) I will WORK AS A TEAM with their Mother for the needs of the kids… In the transition, there are a lot of times where we need to be flexible, and need each-others support. Whether it's schedules, or responsibilities or various needs of the kids… nothing will ever fit the perfect little box of the divorce decree. It requires us to always ask, "what is best for the kids and how can we support each other in creating it?" I will communicate openly so we have common rules and common goals.

4) I will ALWAYS REMIND THEM THAT I LOVE THEM… It's not possible to remind them too much. But this is a message that needs to be SHOWN and not just said. Hugs, words, gifts, service and time... Like adults, each kid has their own love language in which they receive love… and ALL OF THEM share the same language which is PLAY. They FEEL LOVED when I SPEND MEANINGFUL TIME with them playing with them and doing things that are important to them. One of my jobs as a dad is to LEARN TO ENJOY what they enjoy, and to BE INTERESTED in what they are interested in. (Even if that means learning to play Minecraft, and talking gossip about Taylor Swift.) The more I can connect with them on that level, the easier it is for me to connect with their heart and be part of their life.

5) I will LOVE THEM INDIVIDUALLY… they need special one-on-one time where I can be FULLY PRESENT with just them. I create this by scheduling daddy-dates and by seeking for opportunities to connect with them personally whenever I am with them.

6) I will ALWAYS LOOK TO CREATE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES… I will treasure the moments I have and put extra effort into creating special experiences. I will plan meaningful vacations, look for chances to do fun things, and build NEW TRADITIONS.

7) I will LAUGH WITH THEM… I will find jokes to share, games to play, funny movies we can watch. I will be the silliest dad in the world for them, just to make them smile and to remember how great life is.

I will LET THEM MOURN… Like my four year old tonight, sometimes they need to cry, and I just need to be there and cry with them. To tell them I understand it sucks, and some things in life are no fun at all. I will be there for them when they need to talk, and give them space when they don't want to. I will let them know it is ok to feel whatever they are feeling.

9) I will TEACH THEM TO LOVE GOD… Even though I may not always be able to be there for them, HE CAN. And I will teach them both through my words and my example that they can TRUST HIM to lead them through any challenge in life.

10) I will ALWAYS SHOW UP and BE THEIR DAD… They will see me at their games, and their performances and when they give talks in Sunday school. I will be there when they want to talk on the phone or have some daddy time. They will always know that they are a priority in my life. I will be there for them.

Truth is, being a good parent in a divorced situation is the same as being a good parent in any situation.

I'm not pretending I'm always the best dad, but I'm trying. Sometimes I am hurting, and sometimes I am distracted, and sometimes I am selfish and impatient. But I am always reminded when I see the faces of those amazing kids that they deserve the best dad, and so I try to step up and live these things a little better.

Since I only have every Tuesday night and every other weekend with them, I am more aware than ever about the value of the time that I have. I treasure it, and try to make the most of it.

I have been surprised and relieved that my kids, for the most part, are happy and adjusting well. I feel like most of that credit I owe to their mom who is a woman with amazing gifts and strengths and who provides a beautiful and stable environment for them day to day. I am blessed to know they have a mother like that.

When my kids have asked me why we got divorced I have simply said, "I know that's hard to understand, but the only thing you need to know is that even though your mom and dad aren't married anymore, you STILL have a MOM and you STILL have a DAD who love you very much and always will. I want you to remember, I WILL ALWAYS be here for you." And then I give them a big hug.

This, in the end, is the only thing they are wanting to hear. They're not looking for reasons or blame. They just want to know that they are safe and that they are loved.

I don't think there is a way to insulate them from all of the consequences of our mistakes as parents. But I do believe that no matter what challenges we face, we can face them together as a family, and continue to create an amazing life, even through the pain and uncertainty of transition.

Despite divorce, we can still show up as the parents they deserve to have.

Our kids are listening. And they learn more from our actions than they ever will from our words.

I share these thoughts, only because I know I'm not alone in this situation. I've talked to many who are also trying to navigate these same uncertain waters, and trying to understand how to best help their kids through the pain of divorce or separation.

If you have insights, or experience that you think would serve, please comment.

If you know anyone else that may also be looking for ideas to be the best parent for their kids, and if you think any of these insights might serve, PLEASE SHARE.

You never know whose life you will change when you do.

AS PARENTS – it is our DUTY to step up and to leave behind the petty concerns and bickering and blame that tear down each other, and to rise to be the PARENTS our kids deserve to have.

So regardless of what your situation is, next time you see your kid, go up and give them a hug, remind them how much you love them and how grateful you are that you get to have them in your life…

... and ask yourself, "how can I be a better parent today?"

Agbani Darego, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola, Rita Dominic Shortlisted For The Jaguda 15 Hottest Women in Nigerian Entertainment

Posted: 25 Sep 2013 11:12 AM PDT

Jaguda.com is asking for the hottest women in entertainment, I would have been rolling my eyes, but I guess a lot of people in the entertainment industry are there because they look good, when they have talent like the list compiled by Aribaba and his team, it is doubly rewarding. Read about the ladies they have shortlisted below....

So for the purposes of this post, Hot is pretty much a summation of the looks, style, sex appeal, confidence, charisma and just general overall packaging of these incredibly gorgeous women. So in no particular order (for now) let's get right into these beautiful women in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Agbani Darego

12 years have past since this beauty became the first black Miss World (2001), and she is still able to hold her own when it comes to complete true beauty. In addition to her ever present grace, and beauty she's upgraded even more and transformed into an even more elegant and classier version of herself. Not saying she wasn't before, but while others might take a step down, she's taken a step up.

Simply put, she's like fine wine… You know the rest.

Genevieve Nnaji

It's almost as if Genevieve has completely refused to age. And you can argue that she gets hotter with age, but either way you look at it, you can put her on a line up with girls 10 years younger than her, and she'll still be in the cream of the crop. No agism here people. Admit it, you either envy Genevieve's looks or you want your wife to age like her. Just accept.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

They don't call her Omosexy for nothing. Over the past year, Omotola has been buzzing all over the place. Red carpet both home and abroad, movies, International TV appearances and much more. One thing you gotta love Omotalo for is her figure, and more importantly her ability to maintain that figure as the years have gone by, and with 4 kids. Anyone will tell you it's not beans.

Along with her A+ acting, her cute face, Omotola's other selling point gotta be those curves. Na die finally!

Toolz

You can call her the second coming of Omotola, with the pretty face and curvy figure. Not too much has changed from last year to this year, and Toolz still has a shape that will make a grown man cry real tears of joy.

The brains is still there, and the packaging just keeps on upgrading as she's hosting ndaniTV's The Juice along with being one of the most listened to On Air Personalities at 99.9 The Beat FM. Come rain or sunshine she's still one of the hottest in Nigeria.

Oluchi

International super model has been the pride of the Nigerian model industry for over a decade and in bringing the Next Top Model series to Africa she's back in the buzz. From magazine covers to runways, Oluchi is still the epitome of the word sexy, and when you think that she's had kids also, it's even more impressive that this sexiness has just refused to leave her bones. It's just in her.

Muna

No offense to all the recent MBGN winners, but Muna puts them to shame, especially when you consider how long ago she won it (2007). But it's not just about the looks with her. Her style, presentation and confidence is unrivaled really.

Some things are just constant in life. The sky is blue, the world will end, and Muna will stay hot until she doesn't want again, and maybe after that sef. It's just something you can't argue with.

Rita Dominic

Rita Dominic has had somewhat of a revival over the past year. She's been more on the scene, her style has hit top notch, and she oozes some sort of cougar like appeal to her, and I say cougar only because we know she's older (38 I think). But based on just looks, you might not be able to tell. Her skin is damn near flawless and those eyes can make someone dash their inheritance.

The main thing that put Rita on this list though is that this woman's wardrobe is on fire. Anyone who follows her on social media will tell you that Rita dey dress die. From the hair do, to the clothes, and shoes, everything is always on point and perfect for the occasion.

Tiwa Savage

Miss Savage if you nasty. Oh wait… Mrs Savage-Billz. Sorry Oga. Tiwa Savage and sexy go hand in hand, like Rice & Stew, Aki & Paw-Paw, Beans & Dodo. Ok you get the point. Tiwa Savage combines beauty and talent so well it's almost sickening.

In a very weird way also, Tiwa Savage is one of the few ladies that can switch up the look and persona on any given occasion and still look dazzling. Good girl innocent look? Check. Bad girl I'll tear your shirt look? Check. Let's go for my aunty's 50th birthday look? Check. She makes it too easy.

Nse Ikpe-Etim

Everything about this nollywood diva oozes sex appeal. From her figure, to skin tone, to her lips, everything about her is completely sexy.

You can't deny her talents at all, and her fashion sense trumps a lot of other women in the industry, so her whole package really just makes her extremely attractive and a lot of people can't pick just one reason why she's that attractive. She's just sexy. In every sense of the word.

Eku Edewor

The Studio 53 TV presenter is an instant eye grabber. Her flawless and silky skin, innocent look, and classy style makes everyone want to watch her on TV. What's even more attractive is her sense of humor. It's not every time you see someone as beautiful as she is have a great sense of humor. The default is to expect someone that will have their nose up in the air, but from what we've observed that's not Eku at all.

Chidinma

Ms Kedike lori speaker! Chidinma has continued to ooze out high doses of sexy and swag (sorry I had to use it) over the past year, and she's a long way removed from the "innocent" looking girl that won Project Fame West Africa a few years ago.

The talent is clearly there, her vast wardrobe keeps her looking hot whether she's rocking urban gear, going with the traditional look, or going for class. Whichever way you want am, Chidinma fit do am, and she'll do it better that most.

And that short hair cut? Boy oh Boy! She's stay killing it with that look. Probably the most unique of beauties you'd find in Nigerian entertainment. You really cant say anyone is like her.

Lola Rae

You when you were a kid, and you would have posters of those women that you just thought were the best creations ever. Lola Rae reminds us of one of those. She has that 'almost out of this world' beauty. The Half-Nigerian, Half British singer made an appearance in Ice Prince video, More, and had a lot of people picking their mouths off the floor.

She does great herself in the music scene with her singles Watch My Ting Go, and Fimile (featuring Iyanya) doing pretty well so far. You add the British accent to her package and you know Lola Rae can conveniently walk into any man's life without resistance. I mean who can turn that down.

Toke Makinwa

Toke Makinwa is downright beautiful. Dazall!

Ok that's not all. The radio personality's style is something serious, and for those that watch her vlog, her sense of humor is ridiculous. You just don't expect it out of her sometimes and it's like boom!! She's making you laugh till you have tears coming from your eyes. You just cant go wrong having someone with her beauty, brains and sense of humor around you. You get the feeling she'll be great company to have.

Oh and let's not forget that wardrobe game is killer too.

Eva Alordiah

Until a few weeks ago you would've been able to place Eva Alordiah's kind of beauty is specific category, but then she shared pictures where she was wearing traditional and gele and boys are like "How many kind 'finess' can one person have sef?"

It's sometimes easy to look past her beauty because of everything else she brings to the table (talent on the mic, makeup skills, style, and being down to earth), but make no mistake, when she does decide to go "girly" on us, she can intimidate even the prettiest of beauty queens.

Osas Ighodaro

*Takes a deep breathe* I actually hadn't heard too much of Osas until she was introduced as the host of Maltina Dance All, and mehn, some men will not sleep well if they attend the taping of that show o. Do the dancer concentrate well?

She was introduced to the cast of Tinsel after making the shift from the US to Nigeria and the former Miss Black USA 2010 has completely dazzled fans anytime she's seen. She's gorgeous, very well spoken, and very stylish.

For those that don't know who she is, now you know.

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Notable Mentions: Niyola, Zaina, Damilola Adegbite, Emma Nyra

You can vote for your favorite HERE

Vacation Time - Munachi Abi Goes to Hollywood

Posted: 25 Sep 2013 11:11 AM PDT

Munachi Abi, TV presenter and singer, is recently vacationed in Los Angeles and shared some of her experiences in pictures. She walked among the hollywood stars, posing for a special picture with Micheal Jackson's star, gisted with a costumed pirate who wanted to know if Nigerians spoke English, tasted the famous georgetown cupcakes and the LA Pinkberry, etc.

Darlene Benson out With Music Video For New Single Idara

Posted: 25 Sep 2013 11:11 AM PDT

Darlene Benson Cobham is making a new name for herself as an singer after several years working in Nollywood as an actress. The music video for her new single Idara has just been released and it's a lovely outing. "Idara" is a Calabar word for "Joy" and the song talks about joy, peace and happiness no matter the pains, troubles and problems of life.