It’s a new year and a new year often means “a new me.” This year, I decided that wasn’t going to happen. I decided that I wasn’t merely going to reinvent myself, create a new persona with a vision board of things I aspire to live up to, places I wish to go, people I wish to meet, clothes I wish to wear, and so the list goes on. I decided that I wasn’t going to have the typical New Years Resolutions, such as:

• Do well in school
• Lose weight
• Save money

etc. I decided to focus on the big picture. Instead of trying to focus on “a new me”, I’m going to try and and improve the me that I already am. Instead of trying to emulate the individual characteristics of people I like, I’m going to try and hone the skills I’ve been given. I’m going to focus on self betterment, self love, self esteem. But don’t get me wrong, 2013 is not going to be a year of selfishness and self preservation, its merely going to be a year in which I can focus on the things that really matter. My academics, my mental stability, my responsibilities, my loves. I can already feel a change in me, and I’m starting to like it. How has this change come about? By doing the following:

• Aiming to improve my strengths
• Cherishing the people on whom I can always depend
• Learning to trust
• Self-realization – understanding my pros and my cons; my weaknesses and my strengths; the things I can work on and how; and actually trying to do so
• Trying to understand my mind instead of deny the voices in my head. They come in handy sometimes
• Trusting my gut
• Reading more. Especially the works of people who ‘get’ me… 
• Broaden my horizons – music wise. There is a world of wonderful symphonies of you just get over your pride and listen
• Writing. I’ve never believed in my ability to write but it’s been something I’ve wanted to do since I was but an eight year old. Lately, I’ve been abusing the therapeutic qualities that come with writing free verse poetry and I’m loving it. It’s helping me to release some of the pressure and anger in my head and it’s leaving behind acceptance and peace. I adore that.

I was on Tumblr (my first love) a while back and I stumbled upon two photos with quotes that resonated so deeply with my soul. They are both a huge contributing factor to why I want to seriously work on bettering myself because I have a knack for not holding grudges, per se, but more for remembering. Remembering when I’ve been hurt, why I was hurt, who hurt me, what I could’ve done to not be hurt, how I felt… And those feelings, even though they may not be true anymore, slowly consumed my life. Knowing that I needed to move on and seeing something that just changes your perspective on life were just the things I needed to fully comprehend that the self loathing wasn’t healthy. I didn’t feel that way anymore and I should rather accept feeling nothing than reliving past hardships – “only a fool trips on what is behind him”. That’s why, as a parting gift, I leave you some inspiration for the year ahead and things to remember during tribulations.

The 24th of September, otherwise known as National Braai Day, is Heritage Day, and I feel that this is one of the most important South African holidays. Our country is so culturally diverse, and I’m blessed to be able to live in a country in which my individuality can not only be embraced, but celebrated. South Africa is still a baby (it only turned 18 this year), but in that time, we have come along way. We have become more tolerant than ever before, and we’d need to be, seeing as we have 11 official languages, hundreds of different cultures, food, music, people – I take pride in being a part of the rainbow nation.

Another reason why I love this country is because even though I’m not actually South African, I feel like I am – like I’m a part of something bigger than me. But seeing as this is Heritage Day, I feel like it’s only right for me to show you my home country – Nigeria. If you’re not sure where Nigeria is, it’s in West Africa, on the equator. My country is not perfect, but not many are. I love Nigeria with all my heart – it is a country full of passion, culture, music, fashion and food. This country has a lot to offer – with our amazing musicians ranging from D’Banj and Davido to Asa and Fela Kuti. We have food that can compete with Indian food on the level of spiciness – we have our very own Nollywood and our fashion is impeccable. Sure, the traffic isn’t always dandy, but this country’s vibe… I can’t even describe it.

As a Nigerian family living in South Africa, my parents had thought it was important to keep our culture, and I am thankful for that. From the traditional dressing to the music to the food – I feel like I haven’t lost my roots. I am a proud Nigerian – green and white for the win.

Our names also reflect a lot about our culture. I always used to be embarrassed about mine because it was long and nobody could pronounce it but I always loved the meaning of it: ‘God Is Adding Sweetness [Honey] To My Life’. My parents chose Oluwafoyinsola Oluwatosin for a reason 🙂

In the pictures, I’m wearing my Nigeria jersey that my mom got during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and a traditional gele – a head wrap, usually worn at parties or special occasions – mine is actually made using aso oke.

This Heritage Day, I hope you look back into your past and learn about where you came from. Eat some of the food, listen to some of the music, wear some of the clothing – get in touch with your roots and embrace who you are! Have a wonderful day and Olorun a ke e (which means God bless you)!

xo, Foyin Og

Ever since I was at the tender age of 10 years old in a shopping mall in New Jersey, and oh-so-obsessed with celebrities and fashion (nothing much has changed there), I have had a love for Steve Madden. I think it all began with a trend I saw – his wedges were becoming very popular and I, of course, had to be in the loop. Even though I did not own a pair of Steve Maddens until a few days ago, my sisters did, and I coveted the bright red, patent leather stilettos like nothing on this planet. One of the happiest moments of my life was finding out that a Steve Madden shoe store had opened in not only Fourways Mall, but Sandton City. Although finding a place to wear such heels, with me being 5’9″ and 16 years old, proved difficult, it did not stop me from walking into the store whenever I went to the mall.

Now, this is where the story gets happy. Mommy dearest, knowing how much I love Steve Madden, found a little compromise for me. She got me a pair of shoes that she knew in which I’d be able to get more wear, and I’d still have the little Steve Madden tag on the inside. I’d like to share with you my new babies, my current pride and joy, and a long-awaited and severely overdue pair of shoes. My Steve-y Wonders.

In other news, I wore these babies in and experienced first-hand that putting candles on the floor is generally not a good idea. Any tips on how to get candle-wax off your fabric shoes? 🙁

xo, Foyin Og