I used it often in my twenties, and it worked well for my skin, but somewhere along the way, I stopped using it. I think it was during pregnancy—I became sensitive to strong smells and perfumes, so I switched to things like olive oil, which felt safer and gentler at the time.

Later, when I had my babies and slowly started going back to using body creams and lotions, I still didn’t think to return to glycerine. I was using good lotions, but something was still off. My skin would feel soft after applying, but a few hours later, it would go back to looking or feeling dry—especially on my arms and legs.

Hydrating body creams helped a bit, but I had to use a good amount of product to stay moisturised. That’s when glycerine came back into my life.

How Glycerine Found Its Way Back Into My Skincare Routine

It Started With a Small Bottle

One day I went to the supermarket and saw a small bottle of glycerine and just picked it up — more out of curiosity than anything else. I mixed a small quantity into my body lotion and started using it again.

And let me tell you, the difference was clear.

My skin felt hydrated and softer, and it didn’t have that dry, stretchy look I sometimes get after a few hours. So when that first bottle finished, I bought another one—this time a bigger size—and I mixed it more generously into my lotion. Right now, my mix is almost 80% glycerine, and I’m honestly loving the results.

What Glycerine Does for My Skin

• Hydration: My skin stays moisturized for longer, even when I don’t apply a lot of cream.

• Softness: My skin feels smooth to the touch—especially on my legs and arms.

• Gentle exfoliation: Glycerine somehow helps dead skin cells come off easily. For example, when I use blended tomato as a body mask (yes, tomato—I’ll talk more about that in another post), I notice that my skin peels gently and glows afterwards.

• Fades dark spots faster: When skin is dry, it's harder to treat or fade spots. But when it’s well moisturized, the healing is faster and the spots clear out better.

The Sticky Truth (LOL)

Let me not lie—sometimes my skin feels a bit sticky after applying it, especially if I use a lot. It actually reminded me of how it used to feel back in the day when I first started using it. But it’s not a bad kind of sticky—more like that feeling you get after applying something rich and nourishing.

Why I Think I Stopped Using It

At one point, I heard someone say glycerine wasn’t good for your skin as you age. I don’t even remember who said it or where I read it, but I took it seriously and just stopped using it. And you know how sometimes skincare “gurus” don’t mention it much? That kind of made me feel like maybe it wasn’t a good idea to go back to it.

Instead, you see them recommending hydrating lotions, which are great but not always affordable. And honestly? Glycerine does the job. It’s simple, available, and effective. It's okay to have a hydrating lotion, but glycerin is also a very hydrating product.

How I Use Glycerine Now

• I mix it into my body lotion—generously.

• I apply it on my face before and after using drying products like Sivoderm pommade or Kojie San soap. This helps keep my skin hydrated while the product works.

• After washing off those products, I hydrate again with glycerine before applying any creams or oils.

These products (especially Kojie San and Sivoderm) are effective, but they dry out the skin, so glycerine helps balance it all out and protect my moisture barrier.

I feel like I’ve returned to something that always worked for me—and honestly, I’m glad.
Not everything that works has to be trendy. Sometimes, it’s the simple products that have stood the test of time that your skin loves the most.

If you have dry skin or you’re using products that dry you out, try adding a little glycerine into your routine. You don’t need much, but your skin will thank you.

And if it feels a little sticky? Just smile—that’s how you know you've applied enough. 😊

White rice with tomato stew. Jellof rice with the little vegetables we had left in the fridge. Rice with eggs. And these have been repeated. Honestly, it’s been fun until it got boring lol—almost like a mini food challenge without even planning it.

Of course, there were days we switched things up. The day I made Khoki was a highlight—no rice in sight. Just that beautiful pudding that we ate with cassava. Another day, I paired cabbage with fufu and meat sauce with baton de manioc, and it felt like a proper break from the rice streak.

The Budget Tip That’s Helping Me Stretch My Money During Tight Financial Periods

What this does for me:

• Saves money—I’m not spending on things we don’t urgently need.

• Reduces waste—I’m actually eating what I’ve already bought.

• Boosts creativity—I end up trying new combinations I wouldn’t have thought of.

I found this recipe I'm sharing with you about 3 years ago on a TikTok video made by Lucas Filatrio, a Cameroonian food content creator. I have been enjoying this recipe, which is very delicious and made with a few ingredients that are not hard to find. Moreover, it doesn't need tomatoes, so it changes the routine of tomato stew.

No-Tomato Meat Sauce | Cameroon Recipe

Ingredients 

Preparing the ingredients 

Cooking

Note to Self—You’re Not Stuck, You’re Shifting

You didn’t even notice it, but you’ve been moving.
Not loudly. Not quickly. But steadily.
You’re not stuck—you’re just in a soft transition.

It’s that in-between space where nothing feels fully clear, but everything is quietly realigning.

You’ve been:

• Reaching for small routines that make you feel good

• Editing your thoughts without even realizing it

• Letting go of the things that don’t fit anymore

• Following gentle nudges back to yourself

This season might feel foggy sometimes. But you’re not lost.
You’re repotting.
You’re making space.
You’re reconnecting.

You’re learning that clarity doesn’t always shout — sometimes it whispers.
And when it does, all you need to do is listen.

So keep showing up, even if it’s slow.
Keep trusting your rhythm.
And remember —
Even misty mornings still move you forward.

So I’m dropping these here — not as a perfect recap, but more like a gentle photo dump with a few reflections along the way.

Getting Back to Moving My Body

One thing I’m proud of this past month is that I started working out again — not perfectly, but consistently.

I’ve mostly been doing what I enjoy: dancing, and lifting weights, I made myself using sand, wrapped in plastic and cloth. Homemade, but effective. It feels good to move again. I’m not chasing a perfect body. I just want to feel strong, light, and more in tune with myself.

Meals That Made Me Smile

I cooked some meals in July that honestly made me happy—and my kids too.

• I made cornchaff, one of my favorites.

• Then came stewed cabbage, which surprised me because the kids loved it more than I expected.

• And maybe my favorite of all — khoki in teacups. I didn’t have leaves, so I improvised, and the way those cups looked sitting in the pot? Just beautiful. It made me feel creative and grounded at the same time.

😋😋 This Khoki was so good.

There's a recipe for Khoki on the blog, but that recipe was made in leaves. The process is the same, just that I put this one in cups. Please refrain from using plastic cups or any other plastic items for this. It's not healthy.

My Khoki bean recipes:

It’s been a while since I sat down to write something just for the sake of sharing what’s been going on — and that’s what today’s post is. A little life update, a little check-in, and a soft beginning to something new.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed about the next step in my blogging journey. I recently cleared out my drafts — a fresh start — so I can begin a new wave of posts. It’s exciting, and honestly, a little scary too. I’ve been wondering: Will you like the new content? Will it still connect the way it used to?

At the same time, I’ve also been thinking (and overthinking) about something else that’s been on my heart — my business, Ngumi’s.
It’s been a while since I ran it actively, and though I’ve been wanting to restart, I keep getting stuck on the what-ifs.
What if I don’t sell? What if it’s not received well?
I know these feelings are normal, especially after a pause, but they’ve been sitting heavy on me and slowing me down more than I’d like.

But this is me pushing through it — even just by writing this post.
This is the first post in the new rhythm I’m creating for this blog.
Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I’m going back to how we used to blog a few years ago — when we simply wrote from the heart, shared our lives as they were, and connected through the little things.

This space is returning to that — a blend of lifestyle and life lessons.
Content that feels like a chat with a friend. Sometimes entertaining, sometimes helpful. Sometimes soft and reflective. Other times, just vibes and a recipe. Because I know that’s how we really consume content — to learn, to feel seen, or to simply escape and breathe.

So here’s to a new week.
I’m hoping for less overwhelm, more flow, and the courage to start again — with blogging, with business, and with everything else in between.

Wherever you are, I hope your week feels kind to you.
Sending softness your way 🌸

Love,
Ngumabi

For a long time, I used to think that living a good life meant being busy all the time. Hustling. Rushing. Piling goals on top of goals. But over the years—especially after becoming a mother and going through some hard personal seasons—I’ve come to realize that fast doesn’t always mean better. And constantly doing more doesn’t always mean you’re actually living.

These days, I crave something different. I crave a slow life and a soft life—not because I don’t want success or ambition, but because I want my success to come with peace, freedom, and joy.

My Definition of a Slow Life and Soft Life: Personal Freedom, Fulfillment, and Joy

What a Slow Life Means to Me

To me, a slow life means choosing intentional living over constant busyness. It’s about creating space to breathe, think, and feel. It’s waking up and not rushing through the day. It’s giving myself permission to pause when I need to, to rest without guilt, and to focus on what truly matters.

It’s about enjoying simple things:

– Drinking tea slowly.

– Sitting outside and watching my kids play.

– Cooking a meal with love instead of stress.

– Journaling. Praying. Taking care of my plants.

– Saying no when something doesn’t align with my peace.

A slow life doesn’t mean I’ve given up on my dreams. It means I’m no longer chasing them in a way that drains me or makes me feel like I’m never doing enough.

What a Soft Life Means to Me

The soft life, for me, is about ease, abundance, and emotional safety. It’s about building a life where I’m not constantly in survival mode. Where I don’t always have to be strong or have it all together. It’s allowing myself to be gentle—with myself and with others.

It’s living with grace.
It’s creating a home that feels warm and safe.
It’s not feeling guilty for wanting beauty, comfort, or rest.
It’s doing work that aligns with my values and allows me time for family and for myself.

It’s also about financial freedom—not necessarily being rich overnight, but having enough to live well, take care of my kids, help others, and not be constantly anxious about money.

My Version: Personal Freedom, Fulfillment, and Joy

At the core of both the slow and soft life is what I truly want:
Personal freedom – the ability to choose how I live and work.
Fulfillment – the joy of doing meaningful work and being present with my loved ones.
Joy – not just in big achievements, but in the little moments that make life worth living.

I want a life where I can express myself through my blog, share what I’m learning, inspire other women, and still have time to sit in peace without pressure.

I want to earn money in ways that don’t steal my peace. I want my journey to be real, not rushed. Aligned, not forced.

The slow life and soft life I’m creating is not perfect—they’re still a work in progress. I still have days when I feel overwhelmed or unsure. But I’m learning to breathe through it. To take one step at a time. To keep choosing peace over pressure.

And every time I pause to enjoy a moment, smile with my kids, write from my heart, or feel calm after years of rushing — I remind myself: This is the life I prayed for. It may be slow and simple, but it’s rich in meaning.

I hope one day, more of us—especially African women—will feel safe enough to choose this kind of life too.

What does the slow or soft life mean to you? 

The Importance of Saying No and Setting Boundaries: How Saying No Allows for the Soft Life You Deserve

Saying “no” is a simple word, but it carries so much power. It’s one of the most important tools I’ve learned to embrace on my journey to creating the soft life I’ve always dreamed of. Setting boundaries and learning to say no isn’t about being selfish; it’s about protecting your peace, honoring your time, and making room for the things that truly matter.

When I started my journey towards a more fulfilling, soft life, I realized that saying yes to everything—whether it was extra commitments at work, social obligations, or even just being stretched thin by the expectations of others—was draining me. I was giving away pieces of myself without getting anything back. Slowly, this began to impact my mental health, my productivity, and my relationships. I had to stop and ask myself: What’s the point of living a full life if it’s not my life? And if I don’t take control of my time and energy, who will?

Why Saying No is So Hard

For many of us, especially as women, saying no can feel like a challenge. There’s a societal pressure to be everything to everyone—mother, wife, friend, professional, caregiver. We’re conditioned to be nurturing, accommodating, and self-sacrificial. But in the process, we often forget to prioritize ourselves.

Saying no feels uncomfortable at first, and there’s a fear of disappointing others, losing opportunities, or being perceived as selfish. However, the truth is that saying yes to everything means you’re saying no to your own well-being, your dreams, and the things that matter most to you.

Setting Boundaries: The Foundation of a Soft Life

Boundaries are not walls, but protective lines that define what you’re willing to accept in your life. Setting boundaries is one of the first and most important steps in designing a soft life because it allows you to preserve your energy, focus, and joy.

• Work Boundaries: For me, this meant creating clear limits around my work hours. I used to answer emails at all hours of the night and weekends, just trying to get ahead. But I learned that doing so only led to burnout and a lack of time for myself. Now, I set work hours and prioritize time for breaks, family, and relaxation. This has not only improved my productivity but also my sense of fulfillment.

• Personal Boundaries: Another critical aspect of my journey has been learning to say no to events or commitments that don’t align with my goals or values. I used to feel obligated to attend every social gathering or take on every project, even if it left me feeling exhausted. Now, I’m more selective, making sure that what I say yes to is something that truly energizes me or aligns with my vision for the future.

• Emotional Boundaries: This one has been particularly important. I used to carry the emotional weight of others—whether it was friends, family, or colleagues—without realizing how much it was impacting my own emotional health. By setting emotional boundaries, I’ve been able to protect myself from being drained by situations that are outside of my control. I’ve learned that it’s okay to distance myself from negativity, drama, or people who don’t respect my boundaries.

How Saying No Leads to the Soft Life You Deserve

The soft life I envision is one that doesn’t come at the expense of my well-being or happiness. It’s a life where I have the space to enjoy the things that matter most to me—whether it’s my family, my passions, or my personal growth.

• More Time for What You Love: When you say no to the things that don’t serve you, you open up space for the things that bring you joy. For me, this meant saying no to overworking myself and instead carving out time for my hobbies like writing, fashion, and creating content for my blog and YouTube channel. The time I’ve gained by saying no has allowed me to truly enjoy the things I love, without feeling overwhelmed.

• Stronger Relationships: Setting boundaries has also strengthened my relationships. When I’m clear about what I can and can’t do, I’m more present in my interactions. I’m able to give quality time to my family and friends because I’m not stretched too thin. By saying no, I’ve shown my loved ones that I respect myself and my time, and they, in turn, respect that too.

• Better Focus on Your Goals: Saying no isn’t just about turning down things that drain you; it’s about choosing to focus on what truly aligns with your vision for your life. For me, saying no to things that don’t move me forward has allowed me to double down on growing my businesses, writing my book, and creating meaningful content. By protecting my energy, I’m able to work more efficiently and purposefully.

• Increased Peace and Fulfillment: Perhaps the greatest benefit of saying no is the peace it brings. When you’re no longer constantly overwhelmed by obligations, you create space for relaxation, self-care, and fulfillment. I’ve found that when I honor my boundaries, I’m able to approach life with more joy, confidence, and contentment. It’s a reminder that I’m in control of how my life unfolds.

Saying no is a powerful act of self-love. It’s a reminder that your time, energy, and peace are valuable. You have the right to protect your boundaries and choose the life you want to live. The soft life I’ve been working towards is one of freedom, peace, and intentionality, and it wouldn’t be possible without the ability to say no.

If you’re on the journey to creating your own soft life, I encourage you to start saying no to the things that drain you, no to the expectations that don’t align with your goals, and yes to yourself. By doing so, you’ll create more space for the things that truly matter—and begin living the peaceful, intentional life you deserve.

What boundaries are you setting in your life right now? How has saying no helped you create more peace and joy?

How You Can Design Your Own Soft Life: Tips on Setting Boundaries, Pursuing Your Passions, and Embracing Slow Living

If there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that no one is going to hand you your dream life — you have to intentionally create it. For me, that dream life is what I call a soft life: a life filled with peace, purpose, and personal freedom.

But getting here hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to unlearn the mindset of hustle culture. I’ve had to recover from burnout. I’ve had to grow through financial struggles, motherhood challenges, and self-doubt. And through it all, I’ve been learning how to design a life that actually feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good from the outside.

If you’re like me — tired of struggling, craving more calm, and ready to start living on your own terms — here are a few gentle tips that have helped me, and might help you too.

1. Set Boundaries Without Guilt

One of the most powerful things I’ve done is learn to say no — and mean it. Whether it’s with work, family, or even social expectations, I had to stop overextending myself just to please others.

A soft life begins with protecting your peace. That might mean:
– Saying no to last-minute favours when you’re tired
– Turning off notifications when you need to focus or rest
– Creating work hours and sticking to them
– Choosing your own pace, even when others don’t understand

Boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re a form of self-respect — and a necessary part of living softly.

2. Pursue Your Passions — Even If It’s Just a Little at a Time

Another important part of my soft life is doing work that lights me up. Whether it's blogging, creating content, managing social media for good causes, or building my handmade brand, I’ve realized that passion and purpose can go hand-in-hand with peace.

You don’t have to wait for “the right time” to start. Just begin where you are:
– Share your thoughts online
– Write that blog post
– Make that product
– Talk about your interests
– Learn a new skill

Even if it's slow, even if it's imperfect, do it with love. Your passion deserves space in your life — not just in your dreams.

3. Embrace Slow Living — On Your Terms

Living slowly doesn’t mean being lazy or giving up. It means choosing what matters most, and letting go of the rush to “keep up” with everyone else.

For me, slow living looks like:
– Creating a morning routine that grounds me
– Resting when I need to, not just when I crash
– Taking time to eat, breathe, pray, journal, or simply be
– Making space in my day for things I love (like plants, tea, soft music, or playing with my kids)

You don’t have to do everything to feel fulfilled. Sometimes, less is more. And sometimes peace is found in the moments we usually overlook.

Designing a soft life isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. It’s about asking yourself:
– What do I need to feel calm and whole?
– What do I need to remove from my life to feel more aligned?
– How can I show up for myself today?

It’s okay if it takes time. It’s okay if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s version. What matters is that it feels right for you.

You’re allowed to choose ease. You’re allowed to grow slowly. And you’re allowed to live softly, no matter where you’re starting from.