"CHOOSE YOUR FRIEND, DON’T LET YOUR FRIENDS CHOOSE YOU”

It feels good to call someone a friend, buddy, or a companion. Friendship is built within a period of time, just as enemies.
It’s so amazing to see people who have known each other for longer period of time turn into worst enemies based on so many factors.
In our walk of life, we come into contact with all kinds of people, whom we might meet them from diverse places and later tag them as ‘friends’, ‘best friends’ and the rest, depending on the kind of help being offered.
One thing we should try and consider is that, the fact that there is a mutual affiliation which keeps the flavor of friendship amongst you does not connote or qualify him/her as a friend.
The question is what value is he/she adding to your life’ what sort of impact have you benefited from your friend ever since he/she came into your life?
Have these questions ever wondered through your mind before.
The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘friend’ as a person you know well and like, and who is not usually a member of your family’, though its not in debt ,but my grandmother’s definition is so striking which I always go by it. “Someone who shares your vision, objective and goals which is geared towards creating impact in our lives”.
This definition is so deep and help you to take critical steps in choosing your friends.
Here are 4 steps to enable you make wise decisions in making and building friendship ties.

*Know the Person
It is very important to know the person you are mingling with, knowing the family background, the persons interest and passion is also needed which will enable you flow with the person well. This will help you to know the likes and dislikes of the person to ensure a smooth relationship.
“Ever since I met my bestie, time spent, moments shared has helped the friendship and blossom, we hardly fight, a friend disclosed.

*A Good Listener
A friend who gives you the ear and listens to you is worthy to be cherished. In times of problems or hard situations, a friend who gives you that room to share your issues with releases a sort of burden because there is adage which goes like “problem shared is half solved”.
“It’s so heart warming, when I get a gentle tap from my friend saying it’s well after sharing a problem, gives me great pleasure” another friend informed.

*An Advisor
There is nothing as fascinating as having a friend who gives you a good advise when there is a problem, it get’s exciting when that advise yields a good result. One thing an individual should look out for is a friend who is ever ready to give an advice when the need be.
A set of advice plays a major role, because it can cause a great influence in your life. Be mindful and vigilant in the kind of words, we consume in our minds , because it can make and unmake you.

*A positive Influence
There is nothing as beautiful as having a friend who would have a good influence in your life. This helps you go a long way in life because your success ladder will depend on the kind of associate you have come into contact with.

Emmanuel Yawson of ‘SOF’ fame reveals the brain behind his single “Midnight Cry”

After winning the Charter House reality show, Stars of the Future, in 2011,with his hit song ‘’My time” Emmanuel Yawson now Immanuel Emmanuel was “absent” from the music scene, till the release of his new single “Midnight cry”.
In an exclusive interview with the stylish musician he disclosed, the inspiration behind his new single was drawn from the frustrating moments in his life, especially when he grieved upon publications of him being absent from the music scene with his fame fading.
“I woke up one midnight to pour out my heart to God but something amazing happened, whilst praying I unknowingly worshipped God instead of complaining like I planned”.
Explaining further, he said as soon as he opened his mouth to sing, the lyrics from the song started coming out. “It was such an amazing, spiritual and intimate experience with God, thus the title of the worship medley “Midnight Cry”, he disclosed.
“Instead of a cry, God gave me a song and revealed to me that, my laying low from the musical scene for two years was His conscious decision”.
He confessed that his absence from the limelight enabled him make significant discoveries about himself and mostly about his style of music.

How it all began

At a tender age of 6, Emmanuel discovered an amazing gift, implanted in him by God, after joining his elder sister and cousin to perform at their grandaunt’s 80th birthday party.
Emma was brought up from a noble Christian family. He started singing in church with a wonderful support from his family especially his mother, and then the passion for singing grew with time, which led him to join Stars of the future train where he emerged as the winner.
“I wanted to prove to myself I was destined for greatness,and I chose stars of the future reality show because I believe it was more challenging and very diverse than other reality shows”,he said.
He acknowledged God’s favour for having emerged the winner of the 2011 SOF show even though there were equally talented people like Kaaki, Daniella, Noella among others.

Future Prospects
The smooth voiced singer aspires to go International, by producing chart topping music and award winning songs to leave a musical legacy. With his gift, he wishes to reach out to the world, proclaiming God’s amazing love.

Convictions
He is a fan of Kojo Antwi and Manifest, but believes his music ideas and style of delivering is heavenly inspired. “I love to sing and write about my most personal experiences with God and my fellow man” he said.
He then urged the need to scout for more song writers and more music producers who have international ideologies when it comes to creating music and, applauded the various stakeholders of Ghana music industry for massive improvement.

Education

A proud alumnus of the Central University College, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management, he plans to study Company and Entertainment Law.
He also participated in exchange programs in Boston, USA during his junior high school days which gave him enough exposure to learn about different culture and lifestyle.

You can interact with Immanuel Emmanuel via;
IMMANUELemmanuel,twitter
@real_immanuel,Instagram
@immanuelemmanuel,google+IMMANUEL EMMANUEL.Youtube IMMANUEL EMMANUEL on sound cloud and reverbation.


Watch "Immanuel Emmanuel - Midnight Cry (Official Video)" on YouTube - https://youtu.be/kqKXBKbs_a4

6 WAYS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

You wake up from your bed expecting to live in a luxury and well furnished apartment, cruise the latest cars, wear good clothes and eat healthy, forgetting that all these can never be accomplished when you have a goal in life.
The world’s richest man, Bill Gates never built his empire of wealth in just a day, It was built based on dream, goal and a plan.
Its so fascinating how individuals expect to achieve certain target in 6months without first thinking of the outline of the hows ,whats,where, and when to accomplish that.
Goals are very important in our lives because it put you on your toes and serve as a guide. A person without a goal can never live in a purpose driven life, because it’s best to look at what motivates you, your passion and your dream to help identify your set goals.
Join me as I share with you 6 ways of achieving your set goals;

• Have a dream

A dream is very important in achieving your goals because it gives a detailed outline of what you want to do. A dream is simply a wish of things you want to accomplish, that state of process leads you to the dream,until you don’t have something in mind it that dream withers. Having a dream set you on the cause which enables you to arrive at a juncture of knowing what you want .There is more after having a foresight.



• Set Goals

After having that wonderful dream, you set up the goals. Setting the goals is the pacesetter of accomplishing it. It is the first step in turning the invisible to visible .You could set it daily, monthly and long term goals which will enable you to know what you are about.It is advisable to write it boldly write them in a clear,concise one which will serve as a reminder in fulfilling it. “As soon as you enter my room,my goals in life is written and pasted on my wall and anytime I pick a glance at it, I am always alert “a friend disclosed.



• Plan

A goal without a plan is a wish,planning it gives you an outline of how the goals can be accomplished. A well planned goal helps you to achieve your set target and gives measures or tactics to achieve that goal.



• Take Action

Every step you take in fulfilling your goal is an action. In this step you go the extra mile and making it possible to come out with the required desire. Taking action involves determination and discipline to go with. We take action to win.



• Focus

Whilst you’ve taken action, you need focus to complete your journey, since there will be hurdle along the way. It’s very important to give your full attention ,living behind external factors which will thwart you from completing your task.
Focusing helps you to achieve a satisfactory result.



• Celebrate

There is nothing as exciting than achieving a goal set to you by your boss or your teacher. It brings joy and happiness into your heart, because not only will you be celebrated but you will be celebrated with a reward, promotion or fulfillment.
People with goals succeed because they know where they are going.

5 Revelations why women smile

Wearing a smile on your face portrays some sort of personality in the minds of people, your first appearance is   key because you are being judged by it. Often times we attract people with the attention of our smile.

A person who smiles is being speculated as a friendly person.

In my search for facts why people smile, I came across some women who shared with me reasons why they smile; here are 5 amazing revelations behind a smile;

Adds Beauty to My Personality

“My outlook is an essential asset for me; it has added beauty to my facial curves. My beautiful facial look is based on the consistent smile on my face, thus makes me excited “a lady confessed. It is so important to have a smiling face to enhance your look.

Keeps me young and Refreshing

“Smiling makes me feel young and healthy, I don’t look my age and I attribute it to my frequent smiling expression”, another hinted. To keep being   young and healthy is by being nice to people and welcoming them with a beautiful smile.

After a good sex

“Anytime my partner gives me a good sex, my whole day is carried with smiles because thoughts of the moments shared brings joy and makes me active in my daily routine.

To Boost Confidence

If you want to be bold and confident just wear a smile and you are put on the “Go”.

‘’Anytime  I have a presentation at my work place, I go through my closet and the only beautiful dress I find is my Smile, which is so easy to wear. It enables me to flow and speak boldly which has indeed helped me gain recognition in my office, a friend revealed.

To get more Acquaintances

Another way to get more people connected is by putting on a friendly look which is so easier to do.”I normally make positive minded people as friends anytime I attend events”.

MAYBELINNE NEW YORK LAUNCH

The world’s number one makeup brand officially launched in Ghana last night with an upscale party at the trendy Coco Lounge in Accra, featuring an electrifying fashion show with some of Ghana’s top makeup artists.  Guests were treated to a vibrant procession of fashion shows with exciting themes ranging from Crazy Carnival and Funky Brides to Haute Avant-Garde, Glow in the Dark and Glam Night Out. The shows featured beautiful models whose faces were used as a canvas for the makeup artists to creatively express their unique styles using Maybelline New York makeup.

Brand Manager for Maybelline New York in Ghana, Aretha Yorke Sabeng said: “Maybelline New York is a brand that empowers women to make a statement, explore new looks as well as flaunt their own creativity and individuality.  Hence we created a diverse and inspiring fashion show that allowed us to demonstrate how this can be interpreted locally.  Maybelline is now available in Ghana, giving women the opportunity to have trendy, high quality and affordable makeup that allows them to achieve the latest looks from the catwalk effortlessly.”

Maybelline New York is just the latest brand under the L’Oréal Group umbrella to launch in Ghana, joining popular brands like Dark and Lovely and Blue Ice. Executive General Manager of L’Oréal West Africa, Jean-Dominique De Ravignan said: “L’Oréal has been in Ghana since the year 2000 and during this time we have grown the business significantly thanks to the peaceful and warm nature of the country and its people. Launching Maybelline New York in Ghana as it celebrates its 100^th anniversary, is a giant step for us. However we are very excited at what the future holds and we are confident that the brand will do well in this market.”

With the theme ‘New York Meets Accra’, the launch of Maybelline New York flawlessly united these two cities and allowed guests to experience distinct elements of both cultures. From the food and cocktails which were a perfect blend of New York and local ingredients, to a free style rap performance from Feli Nuna and legendary hip hop and high life mixes from the ever funky DJ Kess, guests were hard pressed to say whether they were in Times Square or Independence Square.

Celebrity guests such as Juliet Ibrahim, Lydia Forson, Joselyn Dumas, Sacha Okoh, Efya, Naa Ashorkor, AJ Sarpong, Ama K, Marie Humbert and many more were excited to take part in the live “Find Your Shade” bar, where makeup artists gave expert advice on the best Maybelline New York products for their skin types and tones, ensuring that everyone could find their perfect shade of Maybelline face powder. 

                      

                             Lydia Forson,Kokui and Guest

                                  

                                               Aretha Yorke Sabeng Maybelinne New York branch manager

                                                Guest,and Marie Humbert

                                   Efya signing in the Maybelline Wall kiss

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GHANA ABOUT TO MEET PROLIFIC MAKE-UP ARTISTS

This Friday (24^th April), Maybelline New York, the world’s number one makeup brand will officially launch in Ghana at Coco Lounge, and a superstar team of leading makeup artists dubbed the Maybelline Board of Influencers, will lead the launch, using their skill and expertise to show off the many diverse looks that can be achieved with Maybelline New York products.

The launch party will feature a fashion show from each makeup artist, keeping guests entertained with riveting themes and striking makeup. Introducing;

-          Sparkle and Shine: Lawrencia Owusu and Stefanie Duse are the duo behind Sparkle and Shine and have done makeup for everything from corporate documentaries, to leading Ghanaian fashion houses, editorials in magazines and bridal makeup work that got them started in the industry.

     

-  Dollface Makeup: Sally Poku ditched her plans for a law career to pursue her true passion, makeup artistry and her strength lies in bridal, couture, air brushing and face designing makeup.

-          Glamfaces: Priscilla Nyarko is the founder and head makeup artist of Glamfaces and her work has been featured on billboards across West Africa as well as fashion shows, music videos, magazines and on several Ghanaian celebrities.

-          Annette Akyi: Annette began her career as a self-taught freelance makeup artist and her specialty is bridal makeup, having worked on numerous brides over the course of her career, as well as doing makeup for Ghana Design Fashion Week and editorial shoots with seasoned photographers.  

-          Alexandrina Makeup Artistry: Founder Sandra Don Arthur is known for her dynamic and creative makeup. Her work spans across editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, bridal beauty and primetime TV shows broadcast across the continent and beyond.

ANITA ERSKINE TO CO-HOST STARR FM DRIVE WITH BOLA RAY

Ghanaian Television personality extraordinaire, Anita Erskine is set to join Starr Fm, Drive Time Show an

 urban lifestyle radio in Accra with Bola Ray.

She expressed her joy for being part of the Starr Fm team and noted , ““I am a huge fan of Bola Ray’s work, which is why I am so excited and honored to be part of the Starr FM family and such an important show for Ghanaians’ drive time”, she said.

After a lengthy career spanning hosting prestigious events to owning her own production company and presenting multiple successful television shows, Anita brings a lot of experience to Starr Drive and is ready to dive into the show, bringing her usual wit and charm to accompany commuters on their often long drive home.

 Hosting a radio show is really returning to her roots, for Anita started her career producing, directing, writing for and hosting an urban gospel radio program in Canada where she used to live. 

“I plan to take my almost twenty years of experience in the broadcast industry to truly add value to the show and connect with the listeners.  I want to inspire people and talk about the issues that really matter to the public, whilst at the same time having fun” she hinted.

Anita is the host of Making of a Mogul, Discovery +233, Pamper Your Mum and the One Show.