AHMAD TEA'S SIXTEENTH ANNIVERSARY IN NIGERIA

Ahmad Tea is celebrating its sixteenth anniversary in Nigeria. They organized monthly competitions from July 2017 to December 2017. The lucky winners each got numerous gifts.
I only found out about this in October. So I tried my luck but due to network issues I was unable to post my answer before 7pm(which is the rule). I tried again in November - I was able to meet up with the time - but I didn't make the top three.
However I reluctantly participated in the December competition. The challenge was to take a picture that best represents my teatime. You guys know how I feel about photography. It motivated me to try my luck. I took over fifty pictures before I finally settled for one.




I got home from the salon some days after and a congratulatory message popped up from Ahmad Tea! I was so happy! I kept screaming "I won!" lol😂 Everyone knows that I've been an Ahmad Tea person so they (friends and family) all felt I deserve it.






So no matter what, never ever give up! Okay?

Happy Holidays!

Operation #Findbaebefore2018

First of all *clears throat*, I never thought I'd ever write a post about something like this! Lol... Anyways, are you guys aware of the trending hashtag find bae before 2018 on twitter? Apparently, the association of single people😂 have unanimously decided to do something about their singleness!( Oh my God😅!)

If you're unfortunate enough to be in this category, It is time to 'shoot your shot!' (as they call it! Ya'll know I'm still a stranger to twitter😂).

You know its hard to be on twitter and not have a twitter crush in fact I think its safe to say everybody has a twitter crush!

Now since no one wants to go in to 2018 single why not shoot that shot? I mean what's the worse that could happen eh? (babu ruwana fa amma!😂 )If they reject you, you don't even need to post it...lol, just silently take your 'L' (I don't even know what it means😅) and go!

This lucky lady 'shot her shoot' in the guys DM and voila! She found bae before 2018!!!


Would I shoot my shot?

Hehehehe! Anybody who knows me knows I don't take chances! Sorry to disappoint you but I don't think I'll be shooting any shot this season😂, although I'll be rooting for all those who do!*finger's crossed*


I think you all deserve a medal Of bravery!


xx

Growth and challenges

Hello!

What challenges have you faced with growing older?




I remember a long time ago I couldn't wait to be an adult. You know there is nothing quite like a child's naivety. I had thought it(adulthood) meant that ones dreams would be in motion, kick start and just skyrocket( Haha...what a joke!).


I suppose I had assumed being an adult meant everything would be in order and a little hard work would set it in motion.

What are my thoughts now?

Its very different. This is why you can't rely on what people say they want years ago. Time changes, we grow everyday. What you wanted last year might be the opposite of what you end up doing two years from now. It isn't hypocrisy, its growth!


A very funny thing I noticed about myself is how my tastes are changing. I have always(ALWAYS!) hated ketchup but after a trial recently I realized that it isn't so bad. I had the same experience with pringles (sour cream and onion is my favorite!) too.


Generally I think it has been one hell of ride! It isn't a smooth road as the younger me thought. Its most definitely not something to rush. I am not in a hurry to grow up really. I don't think anyone should be. The responsibilities that arise boy old boy its not easy! Surely one can't avoid them forever but its okay to take one step at a time(one shouldn't come and go and kill himself😂)

Do anticipate more blogposts in shaa Allah I am back to stay! Don't forget to follow 99_lifestyle on instagram! xx!

HELLO DECEMBER...

Hey guys! I'm sure that I'm not the only one who thinks 2017 went by pretty fast. Can you believe its December already? Yeah I know I'm not ready for it either but its here anyway.
So how far with the resolutions you made last year? How many goals have you achieved? I'll tell you what, 2017 for me has been a year of growth. I have learnt a tremendous amount things in this year that nothing can substitute. I am very grateful for that. Anyways scratch that! We have 21 more days to go before next year. There is no limit to what you can do before you start with the resolutions for next year. I intend to - God willing- use the remaining days of this year to work on my blog! I have a whole lot to say and share so why keep it inside? I suggest you do the same too....xx

Birthday reflections

A year goes by pretty fast. It feels like yesterday when this day came round. I think a birthday is the perfect time to reflect.

I have grown a whole lot this past year and I am grateful for that. I have learned things they don't teach in classrooms; things money cannot buy, things that can't be forgotten. Alhamdulillah!

I used to admire certain traits in many people I see on social platforms. I realized that I have such traits within me that is why I was able to recognize it in them and all I need is to work on being better.

As an introvert to the core, I have encountered many problems. I keep wanting to remain in my comfort zone even though that impossible most times. Despite how hard I work to stay in my shell, the art oozes out. It is evident here on this blog. I have failed and lost focus so many times but Alhamdulillah I am still persistent. I want it to work and I'm ready to spend however long it takes.

It is evident in my writing account on instagram @meenahtu99 where I share my scribbles with the world.
It is shows in my lifestyle account (@99_lifestyle) where I post basically anything and everything that catches my eye. It is evident in my new found love for photography. It is evident in 'Treasures and thorns' (my wattpad story). No matter how hard I try I can't seem to contain it and I am grateful for that.

Growing up has been one of the most challenging tasks ever. I think the struggle shows even in my posts on this blog. I've been trying hard to find my niche, to keep going despite the challenges.

Cheers to another year of trying to re-set, re-adjust, re-focus and re-start!

Wattpad Fever

Hello guys! Have you heard of wattpad? I'm sure you have but in case you haven't, Wattpad is an application that allows you to post novels and to read novels posted by others too. I joined wattpad sometime in 2014 but I wasn't active. I kept going on and off over the years but few months ago I got really hooked! (With fictional chains and locks...lol).
I discovered that there are a great number of books by Nigerian writers precisely from the North. Haba wa! I was ecstatic! I have always wanted a book that really paints a vivid picture of the North and our cultures and traditions. I have always wanted to read stuff like that; for instance Cyprian Ekwensi's 'Passport of Mallam Iliya,' and an 'African Nights Entertainment'. The picture he painted is so Northern and beautiful that it left me wanting me wanting more.

So here are the top five books that I really enjoyed reading on wattpad.

5- One Minute

This is about 'The Garkos' and their Family's tradition(of arranged marriages) that is implemented by their Grand Mother Hajiya Iya who arranges all the matriages. She believes in maintaining family ties so none of her grand kids marry outside the Buratai family.
The writer; user Aysha Goje beautfifully tells the story in third person narrative. She is so young and cute(her authors note always makes me smile) and she writes so well!


4- Huda


This is a story about Huda who is stubborn(too stubborn for my liking) and ambitious. She is suddenly matched with her new boss who she finds arrogant and unbearable but upon her brothers insistence she consents to the marriage. The marriage is one hell of an unpleasant roller coaster of emotions and outbursts and boys does it take a very long time for them to understand eachother.

It is beautifully written by user _SafiyyaB_ (silent writer). In my opinion she has a great command over the English language. However I kind of felt like the story was dragged a little bit. I think Huda's stubbormess and resistance was a bit too much. Nonetheless its a good read, quite realistic.


3- Finding Zarah


This is about 18 years old Zarah Adam;religious, kind hearted and polite. What happens when she catches the attention of Ahmad al Akbar heir to AA constructions and co. Will she give him a chance?

The story was brilliantly told by User Miryamaah in both Zarah and Ahmad's point of view.

2- Heal me


This is about Sebina Fadoul, daughter of a business tycoon. Opulence and utmost comfort surrounds her but Sebina is broken and far from happy.
This is one of my favorites yet it is unfinished. I didn't know this when I started reading else I would not have read it...lol...
It was written by User _SafiyyaB_ (silent writer). She writes so beautifully it reminds just how much my writing sucks...lol! Girl you need to update Asap! Lol!


1-Everything I could ever ask for


This is about Ikram Saeed an average, bubbly girl. What happens when she finds out her that her long tike crush is an arrogant and broken guy. Will she be able to fix him?
Siyyamah tells this story marvellously in both Ikram and Adnan's point of view. I really loved this one too.

Northern pearl

My words alone may seem overrated. Mayhap just musings of an over excited girl, but surely you know better! From the sneak peak you see on Instagram.
We are blessed Alhamdulillah!
Apart from mother nature really agreeing with us, allow me to take you on an educational journey.

First and foremost, that pearl you see and admire is a hand work of the Almighty.

She is groomed from childhood to lower her gaze and guard her chastity. She is taught to drape her outstanding figure as a protection from preying eyes.

As is the truth that such beauty that she possesses has the power to drive the most modest of men over a cliff.

At the same time, she is taught to adorn herself. Even the henna she applies is improved with lime, and special fragrance befitting her royal status. Its stain does justice to her blessed fingers leaving behind its scent.

That sacred shell that houses such greatness, for it is prepared the sweetest of perfumes with soft sprinkles of sandalwood and the best of musk. The milk from the cattle dances over the shell to make it as smooth as when it all began.

The kohl's brief dalliance with her eyes begets a masterpiece. The mirror to her soul, truly a mirror indeed! Its innocence and vigor in its purity is more than enough to disarm one.

Surely the body is of utmost importance, but that alone isn't enough. When you step into her territory, a mysterious sweet scent collides with your nostrils to tranquilize your mind and calm your nerves. Its incensed smoke remains with you to remind you of her worth.

She is a force who wins battles without lifting a finger!

Shutterbug diaries

Hello there! Hope you had a blessed Eid?
So I was just minding my business then photography stirred my heart! Never in my wildest imaginations did I ever think that photography would interest me! Although I don't have a good camera(face palms), I am still going to share some pictures that I have taken. You know how the professionals say 'You don't need an expensive camera to take good pictures,'right? Well I am trying(lol) although most of them use expensive camera(sighs...)



Please and please do tell what you think by leaving a comment and also sharing the post! Xo

Snapchat finally!!!

Hello there lovelies! How is your day going! So I finally joined snapchat! I know I'm definitely one of the last people to sign up...Anyway do add me up!!

The Bariki

Hello there!
So for the very first time I got to see a durbar live on Thursday! I have never gotten a chance to appreciate its beauty and significance till now.
I travelled down to Bida here in Niger state to watch the durbar which is known as 'Bariki'.
Basically, the inhabitants of the town gather round particular roadsides in the town starting from the emir's palace. The members of the royal council all ride around the town on horse back. Somewhere in between all of them the Etsu Nupe himself rides on horse back too. He throws kola nuts to his subjects as he rides by.
The Bariki was well attended this Eid as the crowds were large and very much excited. It's amazing how they come out every year to watch the durbar without getting bored.


The crowd few hours before the bariki started.


This is the 'Etsu erwagi,' the Emir of the crippled.




The Etsu Nupe waves to his subjects as he rides by

Meet the knife man, he cuts himself several times but the knife does not penetrate his skin!




The Emir's Kolanut


I got to take a picture next to one of the riders...yay!!!

Do leave your thoughts and comments!

A new adventure

Hello guys!
Four weeks ago, I opened a new account on instagram in honour of this blog. I want the posts to be lifestyle, weddings, culture, random stuff and anything that catches my eyes...lol! I sort of also want to use it to strengthen my presence online. There are some really inspirational people that I have met online that I would love to connect with through that account.

I also want to use it to grow my blog audience. I'm sort of still finding my niche and there are so many challenges-oh so many!- but I am firm on my resolve to keep blogging and to be consistent. Please join me on this little adventure by following @99_lifestyle on instagram!
xx

A blast from the past

Hello guys! How is your day going? So I just came across this dish in my mums’ things. You know the kayan aure(wedding things). These are mostly the kitchenware’s, although they are not restricted to just that). Did you notice the price tag? #10.50k!! She bought it early 1982…back when the naira had value… I mean real value! This just makes me wonder how things were back then compared to today…sigh. And back then when you have money you sort of just buy kitchen wares to keep till you are married…how cool? Nowadays we youngsters use our money to buy makeup, data (I am so guilty of this one), shoes and so on…how different our mentalities are! I guess the generational difference contributes to that!
Happy new Month and enjoy the rest of your day!

Outfit of the day #Eid edition

Hello beautiful people! This is my Eid outfit! Uhhuh, I tied a wrapper which was a risk but I somehow managed to pull it off *dances* Because I suck at tying the wrapper, I have avoided it over the years but I just realized that it's rather elegant-that is if you can pull it off without looking ridiculous- 😂 and more mature.
More pictures after the cut

Do leave your thoughts and comments! xx