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What Makes My Taste Buds Dance? My Top 5 Foods.

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After writing about friendship in my last blog, a friend jokingly asked me to write about food next. To me, that was a good idea; then I concluded... why not write about my favorite meals? Personally, I love food (I mean, who doesn't?😜). If I'm asked what my favorite food or meal is, my usual reply would be "anything goes." I have dislikes, though.  So I thought, if I were given the opportunity to pick my top 5 foods, what would I pick? In this blog, I'll be sharing my top 5 picks. (Apologies if you don't understand Yoruba; I'll try to provide English translations as much as possible.) So here goes; let's take it in descending order: 5. Àmàlà + Draw Soups/ Àmàlà + Éfò Rírò (Vegetable Soup) . Yes! Like most Yoruba people, I love Amala with draw soups (okro soup, ogbono, specifically "ewédú" ). There are different types: Cassava flour ( Àmàlà láfún ), Yam flour ( Àmàlà isu ), and Plantain flour ( Àmàlà ògèdè ). I can take either of the three...

4 Lessons I Learned From My Messy Friendships.

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I asked someone, 'What do you think about the word "friendship"?' The response was "Love is Friendship." We all have different opinions about "friendship." I recently came across a quote by Maya Angelou: "Friendship takes work. Finding friends, nurturing friendships, scheduling FaceTime - it all takes a tremendous amount of work. But it's worth it." I couldn't agree more; friendship does take a lot of work, and finding the right friends is just the beginning. However, I must confess that friendship is an extremely sensitive and personal topic for me. Writing this blog takes a lot of effort and vulnerability on my part, as I've navigated numerous ups and downs in my own friendships,from friends who used me for their own entertainment to those who pretended to care but didn't truly value our relationship. In fact, sharing my thoughts and experiences about friendship feels daunting, but I hope that by doing so, I can connect...

Book Review: "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe

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I must confess, I'm not typically drawn to classic literature; however, "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe was a great read for me. About the Book. The novel tells the story of Okonkwo, a feared warrior, wrestling champion, and leader of the Igbo clan of Umuofia. The book is divided into three parts.  Part 1 introduces Okonkwo, a strong, hardworking man obsessed with his masculinity and struggling with a bad temper, as well as his family, including his lazy and improvident father, Unoka, and the customs and traditions of Igbo society.  Part 2 explores the events leading up to Okonkwo's exile and the arrival of Christian missionaries during his time in Mbanta.  In Part 3 , after Okonkwo's return from exile, he finds that the missionaries have changed his village. Okonkwo's determination to maintain his cultural heritage, despite the crumbling world around him, is both inspiring and heartbreaking. What I Love About the Book. ✓ The author's vivid storytelli...

Book Review: "Confessions Of A Male Nurse" by Michael Alexander.

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I received this book from a friend and thoroughly enjoyed it! Michael Alexander's memoir is a heartfelt, eye-opening, and humorous account of his experiences as a nurse in various hospital settings. Here's my take on it: ✓ A Unique Perspective. Alexander's story stands out due to his perspective as a male nurse in a predominantly female field. He shares his experiences as the only male nurse in a gynaecology ward, where he faced unexpected challenges. His stories from the medical-surgical ward and psychiatric units offer a broad view of the nursing profession. ✓ Relatable and Honest. Alexander's stories about his experiences as a young nurse resonated with me deeply. His accounts of chaotic wards, quirky patients, and challenging situations are both relatable and entertaining. He shares his struggles, triumphs, and lessons learned with honesty, making this book a compelling read. ✓ Passion, Empathy, and Humor. I admire Alexander's passion for nursing, empathy for h...

My Top 3 Mid-Year Middle Grade Reads.

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 As I stumbled upon some amazing middle grade books during the first half of the year, I couldn't wait to share my top three favorites with you. From adventures filled with humor to tales of friendship and growth, this books I've captured my imagination and heart.     So here are the three books; • Clique Here by Anna Staniszewski. • Camp Clique by Eileen Moskowitz Palma. • Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes. Here's a quick review: 1. Clique Here by Anna Staniszewski. "Clique Here" is a beautifully written and engaging book that lays emphasis on friendship, identity and self acceptance.  It talks about a girl named Lily, who is a science enthusiast, and her best friend Kat. However an humiliating incident made Lily switch schools for a fresh start. She starts a new identity as Blake and decides to embark on a social experiment to climb the popularity ladder at her new school. This book will be good for kids or teens who's ever felt like an outcast or struggl...