Valentine's Day is around the corner, and before everywhere turns red, the price of flowers skyrockets, restaurants run out of bookings, and taxi prices get even higher, we'll be bombarded with gift ideas for him and her. Then, there are those who are feeling down because they don’t have a partner and others preparing for first dates. But before we get caught up in all of this, let’s take a moment to discuss something else—a feeling, or perhaps a moment in life, that I'm not sure many can relate to. This might resonate more with those who have come of age, the older generation, or those who have experienced life in different ways.
Maybe they just needed a little patience. Maybe they needed a little confidence, or maybe they just needed time. You saw them and knew, but the point in your life where you were at didn't allow you a chance with them. And so, you buried them—yet, they keep rising to the surface of your heart.
It's not hard; it just is. You're not sad, but you don’t quite know how to feel about it. You don't regret where you are in life now, but you know it could have taken a different turn that would have also been good or maybe. Words can’t quite explain how. The memories are sweet, though you never had them. Things didn’t fall apart; no moves were made. Maybe it was fear—your fear, their fear—or maybe it was just time that didn’t allow things to happen. Perhaps you lost contact after that first meeting, or after however many times you crossed paths.
But you know, in your heart, there was something real or felt like real or without a definition but kept lingering. A love so deep, even the earth would have been jealous of it. Some of you still see them; some of you haven’t in years. And for some, they've passed away. And then comes the silence—the silence that has never been broken, because you’ve never spoken of it to anyone. But your heart carries it, tucked gently in a quiet corner. You can’t suppress it. You simply learn to ignore it, because that’s just how it is now.
If you've ever worn a wig, you know they're not the most comfortable. Afro-style wigs might be a bit better, but generally, they’re not the most comfortable. Wearing a wig in the summer? It’s even worse. The sweat on your scalp builds up because your hair is trapped underneath, and adding another layer on top makes it unbearable. This is not just my personal experience. I mostly wear wigs for pictures to switch up my look, but not for long periods or as part of my everyday style. I’d never trade my freedom and comfort just to look a certain way.
Now, I’m not here to condemn those who can wear wigs for hours. If you can endure it, good for you, but for me, it’s uncomfortable. Over time, they cause itching—especially the ones glued on for too long—and they can even make your hair smell. Wearing wigs for extended periods doesn’t keep you comfortable and can even make you look tacky. That’s why I’m writing this article. I love switching up my look, but I’ve noticed that many women have become obsessed with wigs to the point where they’ll spend loads of money on them without ever investing in themselves. Shows like Young, Famous & African on Netflix or other reality shows featuring Black women rarely show anyone wearing their natural hair or sporting a culturally significant hairstyle. And that’s not to say wigs are bad, but it’s concerning how many Black women are promoting looks that don’t represent who we truly are. We need to teach younger generations that they don’t have to wear wigs to fit in.
I’ve had someone ask me why I didn’t “dress up” for an event simply because I wasn’t wearing a wig. Meanwhile, I looked just as beautiful in a lovely, decent dress—probably even better than her. But for some reason, not wearing a wig made me less “dressed up” in her eyes. I think the wig industry has taken away a lot of Black women’s confidence. Many women are willing to go to extreme lengths to wear a piece of someone else’s hair, and that’s what bothers me. I can meet ten beautiful Black women, and all of them will be wearing frontal wigs, with the lace visible and sometimes even the glue showing. No matter how skilled the installer is, I can still tell it’s not your hair, and honestly, it doesn’t look nice. Some are really pretty until you come closer, and then the lace is visible, or the glue starts to show, making it look less natural.
An important micronutrient that helps keep your body healthy is vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid. We'll talk about some facts and myths about this important vitamin below.
What does vitamin C do in the body?
Vitamin C is a necessary vitamin that supports a variety of bodily activities. Vitamin C is important for the production of collagen, a protein required for the health of the skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels, as well as the healing of wounds and the formation of scar tissue. The vitamin also contributes to strong bones, cartilage, and teeth. Additionally, it increases the body's ability to absorb iron from plant-based diets.
Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, neutralizes free radicals, which are unstable chemicals that can damage cells and lead to aging, cancer, and heart disease. The vitamin also has a role in the production of neurotransmitters, which allow nerve cells to communicate.
How much of C do you really need?
Since our bodies can't make vitamin C, we need to get it from our food or pills.Getting them from organic food is always a healthier and better source.
How much vitamin C you need every day varies by age, gender, and stage of life.
It depends on your health or how you live your life if you need more or less vitamin C.
Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin C:
- Men (19+ years): 90 mg
- Women (19+ years): 75 mg
- Pregnant Women: 85 mg
- Breastfeeding Women: 120 mg
- Smokers: Require an additional 35 mg daily compared to non-smokers.
Source: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements
Must read: 12 vegetables you must eat every day.Too much vitamin C can be bad for you.
Vitamin C is safe for most people. As a result, taking more than 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day can lead to unpleasant side effects because the body can't take that much. Problems that happen a lot include diarrhea, feeling sick, and stomach cramps.
High amounts of vitamin C may sometimes cause kidney stones, especially in people who already have problems with their kidneys. Too much vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy can change how much vitamin C a baby has after birth. People who already have certain health problems, like iron overload disorder or inherited hemochromatosis, should also be careful about getting too much vitamin C.
Can vitamin C keep you from getting colds or make them last less time?
In the 1970s, a lot of people believed that vitamin C could keep you from getting colds. However, most studies have since disproved this idea. Regularly taking vitamin C doesn't seem to lower the risk of getting a cold, but there is some evidence that it might shorten the length of the cold or make its symptoms less severe.
Most people don't need to take high-dose supplements to keep their immune systems healthy. They can just eat a balanced meal that includes enough vitamin C.
Yeah, it brings back all the memories as it marks two years since my sister left us to rest. It has been a mix of emotions. Some days are lighter than others, and some days are heavier. I know everyone hurts sometimes, but this one seems like it’s lingering—it’s not going away. She was what love stands for; she was my second mother. She was always so happy with me, but now she’s nowhere. I love her, I know, but why she stopped fighting, I didn’t know. Still, I am sure her reasons are good enough for me to accept, but her absence is not okay. No, I am not okay, as the 10th of January marked two years since she left us. I have been short of words, but tonight I got my words together.
Some days I cry, some days I smile, but how do I let go of her absence and the memories? I don’t even know how to feel sometimes—it’s all a mix of everything. If only she could speak and say, “Oh, I’m fine,” maybe I’d feel better about her absence. I miss her. We don’t talk anymore like we used to. When I call her name, I get no reply. Her voice is nowhere to be found. I don’t know how to fix this; I don’t know what to do. The tears just don’t stop.
Can someone knock on heaven's doors and tell them, Please, I miss her.
Heaven, please, I have a question. All I need is an explanation. I just want to know if she’s missing me. I can’t reconcile that she’s gone in my head. When I lost energy, she was like fuel—she gave herself completely. I know I’m not asking for much, Lord—just a whisper. If her voice is gone, then a touch. But if not, then tell her that I asked for her, that I love her, and that I’m always thinking about her.
Heaven, please, I feel so all alone. She wanted life more than ever before. Heaven, please, please. Heaven, please, if I could only just have one minute to tell her how I feel. Heaven, please, I just need a moment from this lifetime to have her by my side. Heaven, please.
I was walking on the street, and it was like I saw her. But when I looked closely, it was another person. How do I shake this off? I can’t. I feel empty. How do I tell her story when she is no more? When we don’t talk anymore? She is gone forever. I will forever miss her.
I’m not just talking about jeans. I love exploring denim in different forms—like dresses or waistcoats—and this outfit is no exception. I recently got this Blue Loose Casual Pocket Button-Up Round Neck Sleeveless Waisted Vest and Wide-Leg Pants Denim Two-Piece Set from Know Fashion Style.
What I immediately loved about this two-piece denim waistcoat and flare trousers is how effortlessly it transformed with heels. I added a pair of heels, and voilà ! The look instantly upgraded from office casual to polished and formal—perfect for a professional meeting. You know what I mean, right?
The material feels lovely on the skin—soft, breathable, and just the right weight for denim. However, I did notice a strong chemical odor when I first unpacked it. It could be from anti-pest treatments, dyes, or even formaldehyde (which some manufacturers use to prevent shrinkage). I’m not a fabric expert, but whatever it was, the smell was quite strong.
Pro tip: Always wash new clothes before wearing them, no matter where you buy them—even if they’re sealed in a package. Some chemicals are odorless, so it’s just better for your skin and health.
That being said, I genuinely loved everything else about the outfit. The design is thoughtful, and I think I styled it pretty well if I do say so myself!
- The Color: The blue is vibrant and pairs beautifully with neutrals or pops of color.
- The Fit: It felt like it was made for me. The waist fit perfectly—not too tight, just right—and the overall look was so comfortable.
- The Buttons: The button pattern added symmetry and elegance, giving the outfit a feminine touch.
- The Flare: The wide-leg pants added drama to the look while keeping it office-appropriate.