I knew from the beginning of the week that my weekend was going to be beautiful.
There was this quiet assurance, the kind that comes when you know something good is on its way.My favourite cousin was coming over, and I could already feel the excitement bubbling beneath the surface, the laughter, the deep conversations, the gentle reminders, the things I’d learn, and the ones I’d finally unlearn. But before diving into my time with her, let me tell you how my Saturday began.
A Morning Grounded in Grace
My Saturday started beautifully with the Bible Study Review.
There was a verse that stood out to me, 2 Corinthians 5:17–21, where Paul reminds us that Christ has died for us and that we no longer walk in condemnation. That verse sank deep.
My walk with God has always felt like a journey, not a one-day transformation. It’s a constant rhythm of learning, unlearning, and relearning grace. That quiet moment of reflection grounded me. It reminded me that everything I do isn’t from a place of striving but from a place of gratitude.
I am rooted in Christ, and that’s where my peace begins.
Cooking, Love, and Little Joys
Before my cousin arrived, I rolled up my sleeves and began cooking.
Every time she’s visited in the past, there’s always been a rush, a party, an event, or someone else doing the cooking. But this time, I wanted to make something from my heart.
She loves Ayamase Sauce, so I made it with white rice. For my son's cousins, I made jollof rice and turkey in spicy sauce.
And then there was puff puff, golden, soft, and warm. I didn’t even know how much they loved puff puff until this weekend. Frying it fresh, with everyone gathered around, felt like a small celebration of love.
Puff Puff
She called earlier in the day, asking what I’d like her to bring. I said popcorn.Because truthfully, I hadn’t sat in front of the TV for weeks.
People often ask how I manage to do so much: balancing motherhood, my career, my business, and writing, and honestly, it’s because I’ve stopped watching other people’s success and started living mine.
This season feels like the prime of my life, and I want to make the most of it. I can’t do that sitting in front of the TV. I want to live fully and presently.
A Guide, A Giggle, and A Glimpse
While we sat talking, I shared an idea that’s been on my heart, a new section for the blog called
“A Guide, A Giggle, and A Glimpse into Parenting as an International Mom.”
It’s something I’ve wanted to start for a while. Not about visas or moving abroad, there’s plenty of that already, but about raising children in the UK as a Nigerian mom, or really, as any mom finding her rhythm between cultures.
It’ll be about the everyday victories, the cultural mix, the school system, the little routines that shape our children, and the lessons I’ve learned (and keep learning) along the way.
There’s so much to share, and I can’t wait to open up that conversation here.
The Power of Showing Up
A week before she came, I had texted my cousin and said, “I really need you.” I missed her presence, her laughter, her calm, her grounding energy. She replied immediately, “I’m free, I’ll come. When do you want me to?”
Even when I got busy and didn’t follow up, she checked in again: “Hey, just reminding you, you haven’t told me when to come.” That intentionality touched me deeply.
And it reminded me of this truth: you need people who show up for you, the way you show up for them. People who make space for your silence and celebrate your light.
That’s community. And that’s what keeps us whole.
Closing Thoughts
Here’s to colourful, calm and community.
To good food and a real connection.
To cousins who fill your space with laughter and joy.
To remember that joy is often found in the simplest of days.
And if you’re reading this on a quiet Sunday evening, maybe your weekend wasn’t filled with visits or laughter. Maybe it was just you, your bed, and your favourite show. That’s still beautiful. That’s still yours.
Here’s to a new week that feels alive
soft, intentional, and full of grace.
With love,
Ayo ♡
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