Melody Jacob

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, ...

Growing up, I saw many Black women wearing wigs. It was something I often witnessed, especially in Nigeria. Even in movies, Black women or Black characters were always seen wearing wigs. I come from a religious background, so my mum never wore them, but when I got to university, I tried one for the first time. As a writer and lifestyle blogger, I was sent wigs to review—expensive ones, some costing up to $900. These were the “good wigs” everyone talked about. Different brands had me review their products, and while they looked nice—suited my face and were, in fact, pretty good—I never felt comfortable wearing them. No matter the material, even the highest quality wigs gave me headaches, and I constantly wondered: how do people do it? I know it’s not just Black women who wear wigs, but we seem to wear them the most. How do people wear wigs all day? And those who glue them down to make them look like real hair—how do they manage that? If you've ever worn a wig, you know they're n...

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...

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 ca...

These days, I only take photos and review outfits I genuinely love. Comfort is always my priority, but denim has a special place in my wardrobe. Living in the UK, where the weather can be unpredictable, denim has always served me well—and it still does. 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 u...