SoZaya

When I started reading the book, I couldn't stop. When I got to the middle, I started crying (I'm an emotional person)  and at the end I became angry  (lol). 

I became angry because I live in a society where marriage is the final destination for a girl. A girl is encouraged start looking for a husband once she clocks 20. After endless reading in school, you are told, your duty lies in the kitchen and 'the other room',  to stay in a shop and dump your certificate because that is what your husband wants . Hence, girls are often given out to the highest bidder or richest suitor who can take care of the whole family. We are taught that a wealthy home is a happy home, hence if you ain't married to an already wealthy guy, you are more or less at the bottom of the social ladder..

 Last week, my cousins introduced a guy to my mum, because he was very rich, an importer and would solve all our family's monetary problems. He was looking for a tall, young and beautiful lady. He saw my sister's picture and he liked her... Just like that.. 

Well, my sister is quite headstrong, she refused and told them out-rightly, she wasn't interested in the guy. Period.. End of question. 

To me, this book  'A Raging River' is an eye opener. It talks about so many issues affecting the girl child, especially in Africa and Nigeria. It's a book, every single/married woman has to read and every mother has to give to her daughter(s).

 It's a true life story about a girl who went through hell and emerged a better, stronger woman. It addresses issues, most women face in marriage. I couldn't have imagined that these things happen in marriages. (God knows I won't be able to withstand half of what she went through)

 I now have a better understanding of what to expect, when I finally want to settle down  I listened to Kelly Clarkson's 'stronger' reading this and the words of that song, summarized the whole book. 

'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger '. 

I love this book and I don't see it leaving my shelf anytime soon. 

Thank you, Amara for this book. I learnt so much from it. 

A copy is sold for 3,000 Naira and can be gotten from me.  Trust me when I say, this is a perfect gift for this season.. 

Over the past few weeks, I have been extremely busy, hence writing or doing anything has been practically impossible except for the classes which I can't stop. 

But regardless of my work schedule, I managed to make one of my favorite oils-carrot oil last week. 

Carrots are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, and a whole lot of other antioxidants. Initially I was a bit skeptical about this oil as I have had breakouts when using products containing carotene or carrot oil, but after using Clear nature carrot cream without having breakouts, I decided to explore everything carrot. 

Carrot oil  has wonderful conditioning properties. I love it because it unifies and tones the skin complexion, slows down aging, heals damaged skin, slows down signs of aging, stimulates hair growth,  and is the perfect moisturizer for this season.

It is very easy to make,very affordable and can last for up to three months.

To make this super rich oil, I used;

Knife

Manual grinder 

Stainless plate or pan

Bottles or plastic container

Sieve or cloth (to sieve out carrot residue)

Carrot-2 pieces

Coconut oil - 3 tbsps 

Vitamin E oil-2 tbsps 

Turmeric oil - 1 tbsp

 Procedures

   1. Make sure the carrots are washed and aired for about 3 hours-this reduces the water content in the carrots and increases the shelf life of the carrots. 

   2. Use a knife to scrape out the skin of the carrots

   3. Grate the carrot using a manual blender

  6. Place on a cooker or stove for 3 minutes.
  7. Make sure the heat is low as we only want to warm the mixture not boil or fry.

  8. Pour into bottles and allow to settle for 24hrs.

  9.Strain using a sieve to get a clear liquid.

Usually, people make use of different oils such as coconut or olive oil,but I used some of my favorite oils. They are all super duper moisturizers,makes the skin firmer,reduces aging lines and the best part,no reactions or breakouts since I started using it. You can make yours at home using your favorite oils. For a lightening carrot oil,simply add any additive of your choice, lightening serum or oil to the mixture.