How I Overcame COVID-19

BASIC PROTECTIVE MEASURES

• Handwashing • Maintain a distance of up to 6 feet • Maintain respiratory hygiene. • In case of emergency call your local emergency clinic.

Control recently recommended wearing a mask or scarf over the face, just to filter the air.

Should I get pregnant?

The regular flu kills thousands every year. COVID-19, just like other illnesses will put pregnant mothers and those that are immunosuppressed at risk. This does not mean they should avoid pregnancy however. Taking necessary steps to protect your health will suffice.

Can I still go to the beauty shop (Hair/nails/lash)?

There is no way to tell where the hairstylist has been to. In order to be safe, keep a hairstyle, nail or eyelash style that you can maintain. As a matter of fact, it is better to take extreme precaution and cut down your nails, hair and suspend any lash procedures for now. According to the Center for Disease and Infection Control, COVID-19 is easily transferred into our bodies when we touch our face, nose and mouth.

Do I have to wipe every chair each time I go to public places?

Wiping every chair and every door sounds a bit extreme, however, it is highly recommended at this time. National Institute of Health Researchers found “that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable on aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel” (nih. gov). There is no current research out there to confirm how long it stays on a piece of furniture but it’s better to play safe by wiping down every object that we come in contact with in order to contain the spread.

Fear is not of God, It is however important to prepare- and not panic. gw

Heart Talk for Women

Bola Abbis

Hello Ladies, I hope you are all keeping safe during this Covid-19 Pandemic? I trust you are washing your hands as many times as possible and are adhering to the advice and regulations of the government? I do sincerely hope you are all enjoying this compulsory holiday! And to those of you who work in healthcare and other frontline professions, the Lord is your strength and your protection!

We are in unprecedented times; humanity has been plunged into steep panic and this is the time to trust God like never before. This is the time to look up to Jesus intently, who is our only hope and assurance of safety, peace, joy, happiness, livelihood, and

If you are married and your spouse is at home with you, this is a great opportunity to rediscover each other once again! It’s time to listen to your husband, pray together, watch movies together, dream together and play together.

help. It’s the time to rediscover the person of Jesus Christ, fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and seek the Father. Our focus and attention should be fastened on making the most of this time, and keying into the mind of God and strengthening our fellowship with Him. There is no doubt that the affairs of the world are in His hands, and though a pandemic rages around us, we know that all things work together for the good of those that love him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). encourages us to “put on the full armor of God…even after the battle, you will still be standing firm”. It is time to keep our spirit up so we do not fall behind, speaking in tongues and confessing God’s words as much as possible.

If you are married and your spouse is at home with you, this is a great opportunity to rediscover each other once again! It’s time to listen to your husband, pray together, watch movies together, dream together and play together. This is the time to work on that painting, do that deep cleaning, and try that weight loss workout you bought two years ago. Try that new recipe! Go on that fast you have been procrastinating about! As you rediscover your spouse, rediscover the Holy Spirit together and let Him breathe on you.

When couples are together in the same place for such a long time, there would definitely be conflict. This is the time to let our husbands express themself without fear. Let them do things they have never done before even if we think it’s going to be a disaster, let them mess up the kitchen a little. They might really surprise us if we give them a chance to. You never know until you let them. This is the time we have to relinquish some control; my husband made buns the other day. Thank God I did not mock him, if I had, I wouldn’t have had the nerve to fight him over the last piece, as the buns were so delicious. It is time to practice soft answers now as most people are on edge with all that’s going on in the world. Even when replying to our spouses, no matter how harsh their words are, let’s use soft words to reply. Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV) “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger”. We cannot always control how people react or behave but we can control how we react.

Ladies this is the time to remodel yourselves. Look good, pamper yourself and be positive. Put your feet up sometimes; don’t worry, the house is not going to break. Learn to relax and take time out for yourself. Be happy and be intentional about it. Choose joy! Choose colour even if everything is dark and grey. Do this knowing the Holy Spirit will get you through.

Our love and prayers are with you, your families and friends at this time. This one too shall pass. gw

Top 10 Destinations For 2020

Ifeoluwa Isijola

Here is the concluding part of my crafted top 10 destinations for 2020 that we started last edition. I know with the global pandemic you might be reconsidering whether you should still have travel plans. We are definitely hopeful that the world will get back to normal soon so I hope you are inspired to plan your next trip (whenever that may be) to one of these destinations. Hopefully, in the near future travel bans will no longer be in effect.

PHUKET

Located in southern Thailand, Phuket offers something for everyone, especially budget-minded travelers. Everything from accommodations to spa treatments to boat tours come with a low price tag. For stunning scenery, check out the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay and the white sand beaches of the Phi Phi Islands. Phuket offers a rainbow spectrum of spectacular holiday sights from blue lagoons and pink sunsets to orangerobed monks. Three wheeled-Tuk Tuks, taxis, buses and long tailed boats transport visitors between these marvels. Blue lagoons and salmon sunsets make for a dreamlike atmosphere, and indeed, a vacation here can feel a bit surreal. Watersports are the most popular activities, though once you’ve had enough sun there’s still plenty to explore at the island’s aquariums, gardens, and temples.

Mostly popular for:

water sports, outdoor, nature/parks, spa

Best time to visit: December -March

PRAGUE

Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, the 14th largest city in the European Union and the historical capital of Bohemia. With its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture adorning top attractions like

Old Town Square, Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Prague Astronomical Clock, Prague makes travelers feel like they’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Make sure to visit the popular Charles Bridge and touch one of the 30 saint statues for luck.

Mostly popular for:

Architecture, Landmark, Museum, Religious Sites, Family & Kids

Best time to visit:

July - Aug

SANTORINI

Santorini is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of Greece’s mainland. Santorini is the most popular island in Greece. There are few travel destinations that combine beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery, ancient cities, amazing restaurants and an active volcano. Frequently touted as a top honeymoon destination, this Greek isle woos newlyweds every year with its breathtaking sunsets, pastel-hued villages and colorful beaches. Archaeological sites, such as Ancient Thira and Ancient Akrotiri, beckon to history buffs, while central Santorini’s winery tours lure oenophiles. For a relaxing day trip, hop on a boat to Thirassia, and at night, head to Amoudi Bay to watch the sunset while dining alfresco.

Mostly popular for:

Historical, Geographical Feature, Island, Landmark

Best time to visit:

Jun-Sep

AMSTERDAM

Found within the province of North Holland, Amsterdam is colloquially referred to as the “Venice of the North”, attributed by the large number of canals. This city is full of colorful homes, canals and bridges and is one of Europe’s most picturesque capitals. Must-sees on any visitor’s

itinerary include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the world’s only floating flower market. Amsterdam’s worldclass museums, quirky festivals, theatre, live music and delightful restaurants make it a preferred travel destination for many. And if that is not enough, immerse yourself in Dutch

culture by eating raw herring or pancakes.

Mostly popular for:

Historical, Geographical Feature, Family

Best time to visit:

Jun-Sep

ARUBA

Aruba is one of the Lesser Antilles islands located in the Southern Caribbean Sea. The island is located miles off the coast of Venezuela and on clear days it is possible to see Venezuela. Aruba is the most touristic island in the southern Caribbean with miles of glorious whitesand beach, plenty of all-inclusive resorts, and a cute, compact capital, Oranjestad, which is well suited to the short strolls favored by cruiseship passengers. Time will slow to a pleasant crawl as you linger over a tropical cocktail or flutter serenely underwater, where only the parrotfish are in a hurry.

Mostly popular for:

outdoors, water sports, relaxation,

Best time to visit:

April to August

Quick Nutritious Meals in 20 minutes

Iquo Ukoh

You may not have heard of these dishes yet, but these unusual recipes are sure to be gracing your dinner menu soon. Enough of being predictable. It’s time to try something different. Below are new exciting recipes that will sure thrill your family. Here’s to you being more creative with your recipes this year. Bon Appetit.

RICE AVOCADO SALAD

Avocado Pear is in season in Nigeria. Here is one quick meal you can make with it. You can actually use previously steamed rice from the fridge.

Ingredients

z 2 cooking spoons Rice z 1 can of Sardines z 1/2 Avocado pear z 1 table spoon Shredded Carrots z ¼ medium size onion (chopped) z 2 fresh Tomatoes (chopped) z 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper (chopped) z Parsley z Black Pepper z Salt to taste

How to make?

1. Scoop warm rice into a bowl 2. Add some sardines, shredded carrots, onion, tomatoes, pepper parsley and black pepper 3. Dice avocado and add 4. Drizzle on sardine oil 5. Enjoy

*Step by step video can be found on @1qfoodplatter’s Instagram page

ACHA COCONUT POTTAGE

Acha, also known as Fonio is a local cereal that cooks in just 5 minutes or even less. You can make a Pottage with it in less than 20 minutes and its so yummy and nutritious

Ingredients

z 1 cup destoned Acha z ½ cup mince Beef z ½ cup canned Coconut milk z 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil z ½ cup Carrots (cubed) z ¼ cup Green Peas z ½ small Onion (chopped) z ¼ teaspoon minced Garlic z ¼ teaspoon minced Ginger z Scotch Bonnet Pepper to taste z Seasoning Cube to taste z I cup water z Salt to taste

How to make?

1. Season minced meat with black pepper, red dry pepper, salt and beef seasoning. Add very little coconut oil in a pan, add garlic and ginger and stir fry beef for 5 minutes using a spoon to separate whilst frying 2. Pour coconut milk in a pot and add water, onion, pepper and seasoning cube and bring to boil 3. Add minced meat, and cook for 3 minutes 4. Add carrots and acha, stir and allow to cook for 3 minutes 5. Add green peas and cook for 2 minutes 6. Serve warm.

POTATO SALAD

Ingredients

z 6 Potatoes z 4 Eggs ( boiled) z 1 table spoon chopped red Onion z ½ teaspoon black Pepper z 2 table spoons Mayonnaise z 1 Pinch Chicken seasoning cube z Parsley z Salt to taste

How to Make?

1. Wash and boil potatoes. 2. Cut potatoes and eggs into big chunks and set aside 3. Mix chicken seasoning and black pepper into mayonnaise 4. Add onion into potato in a bowl. 5. Add mayonnaise mix into potato. 6. Finish off with the eggs and parsley.

*Step by step video can be found on @1qfoodplatter’s Instagram page