Explore our top 15 suggestions of the best unusual, thoughtful and affordable presents:

Personalised Toblerone

Talk about a sweet treat! You can personalise the wrapper yourself by adding a photo and/or text of your choice – the ultimate personalised pressie this Valentine’s!

Group Dinner Date

Depending on lockdown restrictions in your region, gather up a small group of your favourite couple or uncoupled friends, enjoy some good food and conversation, and make sweet memories.

Cheeky Phone Case

A simple and thoughtful gift for the Instagram buff, who’s never more than three steps away from their mobile. It’ll give them something to smile/chuckle/laugh out loud at every time they see it.

Valentine’s Treat Box

You can simply put one together yourself – filled with their treasured treats – or have one ordered. Either way, they’ll be munching their way through Valentine’s Day and beyond!

Spa Gift Card

It’s been a hectic, stressful, emotional 12 months and literally everyone could use a little r&r right now. Now is the time to show your S.O. you appreciate their need to be taken care of.

Hair Care Kit

For the self-care devotee, you can’t go wrong with this present. They’ll have you to thank for awesome, healthy locks!

Amazon Gift Card

Don’t worry about a gift card looking impersonal; this is ideal when you can’t figure out what they would like or currently need. Let your Valentine decide for themselves and they’ll be grateful for it.

Music Subscription

What better present to give than the gift of great music – at no cost to them? Help the music buff in your life keep enjoying their tunes!

Gourmet Ice Cream Box

Did you know you can gift your loved one(s) with an ice cream subscription for anything from one month to quarter of the year! Check out what services offer this in your region and it’ll be delivered straight to their door.

Homemade Gift Basket

This is a wonderful opportunity to assemble the things your Valentine loves – from snacks and treats to their favourite beauty and care products. Plus, it’s extra personal and thoughtful!

Framed Photo

Way after the big V Day, your loved one will be able to stare at a lovely framed photo of the people, places or things they love – and that’s what we call a gift that keeps on giving.

Air Humidifier

This is always a wonderful present, no matter the time of year. Give the gift of therapy this Valentine’s Day and your S.O. will be all the better – and healthier – for it!

Scented Candle

Who doesn’t love to come home to the warm, welcoming smell of pinewood, lavender or cinnamon? The options are endless, plus this is a super affordable pressie.

SCHICK Magazine Subscription

There’s no better gift for the fashion lover in your life than a full year’s subscription of Africa’s #1 pan-African magazine! Get it here.

Cash

If all else fails, a cash gift could come to the rescue, but only provided you have a personal relationship with your Valentine.

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In this Netflix original series, Dream Home Makeover, Shea and Syd McGee take viewers on different home owners??? journey to decorating their dream space. It???s a no-brainer that the host couple, Shea & Syd, own a group of business dedicated to interior design and furniture sales; their industry expertise makes the show far from unrealistic as they take you through each design process by explaining terms and reasons for making certain choices while following their client???s style preference.

It???s however quite apparent that their services aren???t accessible to everyone because of their price range, however, if you???re looking for inspiration, need some insights on decoration or you???re just nursing a real estate guilty pleasure, you can definitely satisfy your needs by watching the 2-seasoned television series.

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Inscribe with a moniker ???Sweetheart???, or her given name ???Jane??? or give a special bottle to ???my father???. A name and a heart inscribed on the bottle says it all.

A loved one’s birthday is an extremely special day, so why not give them a customized champagne bottle that constantly reminds them of you.

Happy New Year! Many of us grew up with cross over rituals, one that stuck to our adulthood is the custom of toasting to a new year.

Romantic and elaborate proposals are here to stay, and what???s more romantic than a personalised bottle of the world???s most glamorous champagne inscribed with ???Will you marry me????.

Special dates like Graduations, Anniversaries, New Homes, New Jobs, births, etc are the various milestones of life that need to be celebrated too. So, say congratulations with Mo??t & Chandon.

Vying for the title ???hostess with the mostest???? Then add a little spice to your dinner party by sending your guests home with personalised champagne bottle.

Seal it with a date. Inscribe your bottle with a special date – the day your child lost his first tooth, the day that your child received her first communion or even the day your team won their most exciting trophy.

The possibilities are endless as to what can be put on your customized champagne bottle! Luckily for you, Moet & Chandon is still offering free customization with a purchase of any Moet & Chandon champagne from Shoprite at Ikeja City Mall till January 15th 2021. Make sure to head on over there!

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The year 2020 has been more than challenging for most of us. Our everyday behaviors and habits changed due to the pandemic. Many have gained weight due to lack of physical activity and resorting to sugary and other unhealthy foods to deal with stress and uncertainty.

We all want things to get better in 2021, including our nutrition. The key to a healthier diet is so simple that we often find it too generic. And let???s be honest ??? most of us want a quick fix. But, like with many other things in life, you???ll have to put in some work to see long-lasting effects.

Instead of radically changing your diet, to adopt a healthier lifestyle and stick to it, you need to start with small and realistic steps. Even small changes in your nutrition can add up to considerable health benefits.

Here are 5 tips that will help you adopt a healthier diet in 2021!

Plan your meals in advance

This one is super-important! If you don???t have your meals ready when the hunger kicks in, you are more likely to grab the easiest and most satisfying foods, and it often comes down to junk food. Meal planning ahead of time will prevent you from eating out, resorting to poor choices, and help you with portion control. You will not only greatly benefit your health, but also save money!

Practice mindful eating

Start by sitting down when you eat your meals. Ditch the screens and other distractions that make it hard to listen to our body???s signals regarding foods we consume. Focus on the act of eating alone and stop when your body signals that it???s full. For those of you who struggle with feeling satiated, slow down, and try to chew every bite of food around 25 times. It takes about 20 minutes for the body to send satiation signals, so this way, you won???t unconsciously overeat. Eat only when your body tells you that you are hungry instead of responding to an emotional want. Listen to your body???s signals and eat when your energy levels drop, and your stomach is growling.

Try plant-centric diets

A healthy diet requires loads of foods derived from plants (fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, and oils). They are some of the most nutrient-dense foods, and experts say you should eat 1???3 cups of vegetables per day. Replace half the amount of meat for plants or legumes, and make sure to include healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds in your everyday nutrition!

Also, by eating mostly plant-based, it can be harder to intake enough protein, essential building blocks for the body. There is a simple solution to this ??? include protein powders like premium isolate protein in your diet, and your skin, muscles, and other body parts will get enough of amino-acids to stay strong. This protein also doesn???t contain any added sugars and will help you build or maintain your muscle mass while losing fat.

Stay mindful without rigid rules with an 80/20 diet

The idea behind the 80/20 diet is simple; you get to eat well-balanced meals 80 per cent of the time. And the 20 per cent allows you to stop worrying about what you consume when you go out or when you are feeling a strong craving. With that 20 per cent, you get more freedom, so after you???ve eaten properly most of the week, you can enjoy yourself. This is a great way to avoid feeling deprived, which often leads to failures in sticking to a healthy diet. You can splurge and have onion rings for lunch, or ice cream for a dessert, just make sure not to overdo it as it will harm all your hard work.

Consider intermittent fasting

You???ve probably heard of this diet trend, as it???s all over the media lately. The most popular type is the 16:8 hour fast, which means that you eat all of your calories for the day within an 8-hour window, and then you fast for 16 hours. There are other methods, but one thing is the same for all of them: you are allowed to eat only during certain windows of time. When not fasting, you are required to eat nourishing and nutrient-dense foods. Studies in humans have found that IF is safe and incredibly effective if you can stick to it.

When preparing a meal, opt for healthy ingredients in moderate portions. Thoughtfully craft your food, so you achieve a balanced flavour, and you are good to go!

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A cool wooden board for a hedonist in him

In case you didn???t know, charcuterie boards are all the rage these days. These are a massive trend on social media, where people proudly post photos of their carefully put-together boards for everyone else to see and appreciate. Basically, charcuterie boards are loaded with all kinds of cured meats, nuts, fruits, crackers, and spreads, as well as a variety of cheeses. The biggest goal is to arrange all of the aforementioned ingredients so that the final result looks eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing. So, if your favourite guy is a true hedonist, you should definitely surprise him with a quality wooden board he can use to set up a fabulous charcuterie board. Even though it may seem a bit challenging, this is actually a quite simple task. All he has to do is to express his creativity through arranging these delicious foods, and voila ??? his charcuterie board is all done!

A modern money clip wallet for an urban man

On the other hand, if you know that your dad, husband, or brother has trouble keeping his cash and credit cards in one place, you should consider buying him a new wallet this Christmas. Even though classic, bi-fold leather wallets will never go out of style, the fact is that many men consider them outdated. So, if your man is one of them, too, be sure to get him a modern money clip instead. This type of accessory is the perfect choice for every urban guy who still prefers cash over credit cards. In fact, money clips for men are super convenient and practical. They can hold a dozen folded dollar bills without looking too bulky in his pocket. So, don???t wait any longer and get your man a modern money clip made from 100% steel with a black oxidization finish. Trust us when we say that he???ll love it!

A classic Oxford shirt for a classic yet stylish outfit

Is your boyfriend a stylish man who loves to keep up with the latest trends in the world of fashion? Or a classic guy who prefers clean lines and a minimalist style? Well, it doesn???t really matter which group your darling belongs to because a nice Oxford shirt undoubtedly is a great choice for any man! Even though it was originally made for polo players, it was quickly embraced by everyone else since it was super lightweight, breathable, and versatile. Similarly to a leather wallet, an Oxford shirt is a timeless classic that???ll never become outdated. It can be worn in literally any combo ??? from a casual outfit to a more formal one. Your man can match it with a pair of jeans and plain white sneakers, or a suit and a tie. That???s exactly why you won???t go wrong if you choose to surprise him with an Oxford shirt!

A set of skincare products appropriate for his skin type

Yes, we know that the majority of men think that skincare products are designed for women only. However, we must say that a lot of men struggle with different skin issues, some of which are acne, rosacea, extremely dry skin, or extremely oily skin. Each of these issues needs to be treated properly, which is where you should step in. If your man doesn???t really know what his skin needs, do your best to figure it out instead of him. Once that???s done, get him a nice set of skincare products appropriate for his skin type. Of course, it doesn???t have to consist of a dozen different products. Too many steps will probably be too much for him, and that???s why you should get him a smaller set. A face wash, a moisturizer, and a face mask will be more than enough at the beginning!

As you can see, there are so many amazing Christmas gift ideas every man would love, but these four are the best ones out there. Since Christmas is approaching slowly but surely, be sure to stick to our list and find a perfect gift for your favourite man as soon as possible. That???s the only way to avoid stressful situations related to holiday shopping!

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Chobe National Park, Botswana

Botswana is a beautiful African country, known for its many natural riches. Although it is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about your honeymoon, it is a great choice. Here you will feel closer than ever to true wilderness. This is the place you should visit if you are an adventure seeker. Don???t miss an opportunity to go on a safari when in Botswana. Chobe National Park is one the greatest wildlife destinations in Africa. It is a home to the world???s largest herds of elephants and other wild animals. Start your married life with an adventure and keep the excitement burning through your marriage. This is a unique opportunity to see some of the African wildlife and have the time of your life, as you start a new chapter.

Split, Croatia

Newlyweds who are more interested in a seaside getaway ought to consider visiting Split. Split is a great city with a down-to-earth atmosphere. While the city is famous for its beautiful architecture, it is also a favorite of tourists because of its friendly people. Split is a great city to explore on foot. You can take a romantic stroll down its street and soak in the view.

Diocletian???s Palace is one of its most famous landmarks. Its beauty is captivating, so you should definitely go see it. Port of Split is another sight you shouldn???t miss. One of the most beautiful natural harbours in the country, it is also the place for those who wanna indulge in a luxury yachting experience. You can always look into private boat charter options and find what can fulfil your needs as a yachting aficionado. They offer the best yachts and crew and you can enjoy your honeymoon in a famous Mediterranean atmosphere.

Grjotagja, Iceland

Iceland is famous for its many hot springs, and Grjotagja is definitely among the prettiest ones. It is located near the lake Myvatn, in North Iceland. This small lava cave has a geothermal spring inside that is an amazing bathing destination. The best part of visiting Grjotagja is that it is relatively hidden. Not many people visit this hot spring, so you are more likely to enjoy the beauty and therapeutic effects of it in private. If the wedding planning was especially stressful, make this destination you honeymoon choice. Grjotagja is a nature???s spa, with more beautiful scenery than any spa could ever offer. Although not exactly famous, Grjotagja did have its moment in the spotlight when a scene of Game of Thrones was filmed there.

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If you feel that the connection between you and your partner is seriously damaged, it would be wise to consult with an expert. A marriage counselor or couples??? therapist may help you determine the cause of your problems and offer various ways to solve them. If, however, you???ve already tried it and it???s not working, maybe it is time to think about ending the marriage.

To understand what the best course of action would be, check if these signs are present in your relationship.

Feeling of distance

Every partner needs time for themselves. If, however, those moments become the norm, and time spent together for dinners, movies or general intimacy becomes the exception, then maybe you should consider some important changes. Relationships are about spending time together and enjoying it. Lack of these activities may mean that the relationship is seriously damaged, maybe even beyond repair.

Lack of intimacy and sex

Intimacy is one of the key aspects of marriage and the source of enjoyment both for you and your partner. If the time spent together lacks intimate moments ??? a romantic dinner, sensual massage, bath together ??? for a long time, that is an important warning sign. And especially if sex is rare or even completely gone from the relationship. The loss of interest in intimate activities usually points to the fact that spending time with a partner is no longer important.

The partner becomes an antagonist

The mere idea of spending time with your spouse is making you feel anxious or angry, and you look for a way to evade it. Whatever they say irritates you, and you feel the need to oppose whenever it???s appropriate (and sometimes when it???s not). Relationships are built and maintained on positive attitudes towards one another. If the ???relation??? part is gone, then the only sensible option is to ???ship??? yourself away, as far as possible. A firm specializing in family law in Sydney can make your life easier when divorce is on the table, especially if you live in the area.

You feel unhappy

Once, the relationship was a source of energy for both of you. You were happy with coming home or meeting outside. But now, you feel as if the life is drained out of you. Your friends comment that you have changed ??? and not for the better. Spending time together does not evoke the same feeling as before, but quite the opposite, it makes you unhappy or even sad. Even worse, you feel the same way when you are alone. If the feeling is persistent, it may be time to think about going your own way.

Thinking about others

Fantasies about other partners ??? in everyday life as in sex ??? are a normal part of any relationship. However, if your partner is no longer a part of your thoughts or simple daydreaming, at least to some extent, that???s another red flag. The fact that we imagine ourselves with others, especially if that new partner is included in some important plans, may be the sign that we may feel it is time to move on and start over.

The most important sign is to see if there is any love left, not just for the relationship, but for the spouse as well. If you feel like there is not a single ???quantum of solace??? left ??? consideration of one human for another ??? then the relationship is truly over. Look for the best possible professional advice concerning how to end your marriage and prepare yourself for the next chapter in your life.

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Time it well

If you want to peep at some fall foliage and snap many amazing Instagram photos of forests and lakes, you need to time your trip well. With climate change, hitting that sweet spot when the weather is nice for exploration yet nature is getting that recognizable fall hue is complicated, but possible. You can check some apps and see when you can expect to see peak autumn colors. They also offer good weather prediction so you can best time your road trip. 

Pack smart

You will spend a lot of time in your vehicle, so you need to stay comfy which means it???s best to travel light (especially if you have a compact vehicle). Try to minimize your luggage and bring only the necessities. However, don???t cheap out on food. Road trips last a long time and you might get hangry, so have plenty of snacks and healthy foods at your disposal. Buy a good cooler so you can pack everything from cold drinks to perishable foods. If you need something to keep warm (and you might since fall weather can get pretty cold pretty fast) grab a few thermos bottles of hot coffee, cocoa and cider.

Ready your car

Fall is a great time to travel by car, but it can also mean you???ll go through some unpredictable weather, mainly rain. Therefore expect to come across a lot of mud, especially if you???re planning to visit some orchards, pumpkin patches and farms. Invest in quality offroad tyres that will make your vehicle much more reliable and safer. Appropriate tyres mean you can hit any type of terrain and still stay safe and comfy in your car. Additionally, check all fluid levels, inspect your battery and give your car a thorough cleaning before you embark.

Buy a national park pass

Chances are that you???re planning to explore nature and take in all its beauty during your road trip, so you might want to hit one or two national parks. If you???re passing through a few of these natural monuments, you can purchase a National Park Pass. For an affordable price, you will cover all your entry fees and parking bills for the entire season or even year. Many national parks are resuming operation this fall, so your seasonal pass will be worth the expense.

Do something fun

While exploring nature and enjoying the open road is fun in itself, you can also try out a few fall activities suitable for the entire family. Hiking doesn???t cost a thing, and most countries and states have reliable maps of all best hiking paths and locations. Other activities you can partake in are apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes and haunted house tours. Most of them involve some entry fees, but they will definitely not break the bank.

Bring a ball and a Frisbee

Traveling in a car can get a little tiring after a while, especially for young kids. If you want to avoid unforeseen stops and meltdowns, make sure to bring a few toys with you. A ball and a Frisbee won???t take too much space in your trunk, yet they will provide hours of fun. You will get to stretch your legs, work on your cardio and get all the built-up energy out. Both you and your passengers will have a much calmer trip after you make a stop for some good old Frisbee or ball fun.

What do you say? Are you ready to pack your bags, grab your travel companions and have a fun road trip before the weather gets worse and sunshine turns to snow storms? Use these tips to make your autumn break fun, comfy and safe and you???ll come back home recharged and ready to take on the world.

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Stop the caffeine

A lot of times, we consume caffeine to stay awake, so ingesting it closer to bedtime is often not a great idea. If you love a warm drink at night, opt for cocoa, decaffeinated tea or simply warm milk.

Have an early dinner

Don’t wait until it’s 7 pm before you have your dinner. Eating earlier gives your body enough time to digest the whole meal in time for bed. Also, ensure dinner isn’t too heavy; go for lighter meals, fruits and vegetables.

Turn off those devices

This has to be the biggest mistake most people do before going to bed – not turning off phones, laptops and other devices. This has been proven to be one of the major reasons people struggle to go to sleep at night. You get into bed, ready to sleep but are still scrolling through Twitter at 3 am. Try to stay away from TV and all devices at least 30 minutes before going to bed.

Switch off the lights

If you’re anything like me, you can’t fall asleep with lights on and if that’s the case, tone down lighting while you get ready for bed or switch them off completely to help put your mind in sleep mode. Alternatively, you can try a blackout eye mask, if turning off the lights completely is impossible.

Just lay in bed (really…)

This could just do the trick. When you need to sleep but it’s not forthcoming, simply lay in bed (without the electronic devices, of course), allow your mind to do some freethinking and rest. Resist the temptation to reach for your smartphone if you’re not asleep within a certain time and re-train your brain to simply enjoy winding down.

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Describe the ???Chef Cuddle??? brand???

It???s a brand born out of the love for gourmet meals. Now, we know most exotic/gourmet meals are pricey, so we carved a niche whereby we make gourmet meals affordable still keeping the standard and using the freshest ingredients made with love.

What made you decide to become a Chef?

From a very young age, I picked up interest in cooking as I grew in a family where my mum cooked meals people only believed should be purchased in restaurants or fast foods.?? Meals like pizzas, burgers, scotch eggs, cookies and even all our birthday cakes were baked and decorated by her and she was no caterer.

We would cut out recipes from newspapers and magazines and try them out and I saw myself naturally loving to do these things. The highlight of it all for me was, and still is the glow on people???s faces when they eat my meals. I wasn???t contented with just being your average ???Caterer???, I knew I needed to add some professional touch to the whole package.

Are you a self-taught Chef or did you attend culinary school?

I have been self-taught until this year when I attended culinary school. I attended the Reddish Lagos.

What is your favourite dish to prepare?

Honestly, ??I don???t have any favourite dish, I love to try out new meals all the time most especially things I have never made, so I can see a middle eastern or Italian dish and boom, I want to try it out and know what it tastes like.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

When I first started out I started by selling just sticky ribs, I must warn you my sticky ribs are A BIG DEAL!!! I had a first-time customer order for 10 rib racks and I realized that I could do that much by myself but the highlight of it all was when he called and was like did I learn to make ribs in Texas? That it tasted just like the ones in Texas and he couldn???t get enough of it, he ordered 36 rib racks the next time… It taught me perseverance, built my confidence and made me know I could do anything I put my mind to but most importantly it taught me to trust in God who is my strength and rock.

What has been your largest catering gig?

This was before I became a ???Chef”, I catered for a party for Lagos state government.

How do you describe your style of cooking?

Very continental, mostly with the use of fresh herbs and aromatics to enhance flavours naturally and healthy always with a generous helping of love.

What is your food guilty pleasure?

Anything with meat and cheese, for example, Lasagne, Burger, Pizza.

Every pantry should have?

Fresh herbs and aromatics. They work all the magic in your food.

What are the things you would love to explore as a Chef?

I would love to travel to the Middle East and France, learn their food and work with chefs there.

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Sticky Ribs done RIGHT!!!! . Treat yourself and loved ones to our RIB RACK COMBO DEAL !!from Friday through Saturday . Sticky Ribs &fries @ N3500 only!! . To place your order send a dm, call/whatsaap 08172443487 . NB @ least 24hours notice #lagosdeliveryonly . You deserve the very best, so go for it . #ribrackcombo #ribracks #stickyribs #foodoftheday #foodlover #deliciousfood

A post shared by chef cuddle (@yejideuthman) on Sep 8, 2020 at 6:09am PDT

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