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Ikeja City is one of the busiest places in Lagos. It is the capital of Lagos state Nigeria. So, a guide on places to visit in Lagos is incomplete without its capital. Ikeja city is mostly the hub of businesses with the residentials more secluded. There are so many fun things to do in Ikeja Lagos.

One is shopping for thrift outfits. I love to shop for thrift outfits there along the railway lines mostly in the evenings. You can options for work and casual outings. If you’re new to thrift shopping, read my guide on how to shop for thrift outfits.

Another thing you need to do at Ikeja is to explore their vacation spots. In this post, I will be sharing 5 best cheap things to do at Ikeja Lagos. All these places in Ikeja are very affordable. So, if you need a fun thing to do in Ikeja, visit this 5 places.

New Afrika Shrine

New Afrika shrine is the one the most affordable places to visit in Ikeja. The entry fee is free for all. So, if you are looking for a cheap thing to do at Ikeja, visit the New Afrika shrine.

The New Afrika shrine is the place where the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti does his musical performances. Back then it was known as the Eko club. Although that built by Fela was burnt down. His children have rebuilt it.

You can visit the New Afrika shrine to enjoy some local dishes, drinks or hang out the bar. They place a lot of Fela’s songs at this bar. Also, you can shop for souvenirs at the New Afrika shrine for your friends and family.

In as much as it is free for all place to visit, I would not recommend you visit with children. The place is open to any type of person. Also, the smell from smokers in the bar is a lot in my opinion. It seems like smoking is a thing over there.

5 best cheap things to do in Ikeja Lagos

JJT park

Another of the 5 best cheap things to do at Ikeja is to visit the JJT park. This park is also known as the Johnson, Jakande Tinubu park. It is located close to Lagos state secretariat behind, the famous Ikeja Shoprite.

The park is free to access by all. It is one of the fun places to have a family vacations or hangout with friends. I love this place a lot. The park provides free Wi-Fi to all. My siblings have downloaded a full movie using Wi-Fi (it is faster with less people at the park).

You can do a lot of things at this park-like pre-wedding shoots, family picnics, and birthday parties. However, you belonging will be checked before entry by the security personnel. So, if you’re looking for a free place to visit in Ikeja, opt for JJT park.

University of Suya

Another option of fun things to do in Ikeja is to try out the University of Suya delicacies. Suya is a common food for Nigerians. Almost every area in Lagos has a suya stand at Night. One night-time food that I can’t pass up is Suya. However, one of the best Suya you need to try out is that of University of Suya.

University of Suya is located at Allen bus stop Ikeja. Its full name is faculty of Suya, Faculty of metrology. (Yes, you read right). The place is a famous spot in Ikeja. So, you should expect a queue on your visit. I had to wait in line to get my own suya.

This shop has several varieties of suya like special suya, kidney, gizzard, etc. And of course, the prices are affordable for as low as 200naira. I bought a special suya which is 1000naira. It has a unique taste to it. You can check out my vlog below for all you need to know.

Kalakuta Museum

Another of the 5 best cheap things to do in Ikeja Lagos is to visit Kalakuta Museum. This Place is the home of the Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The entry fee is 1000naira per person.

A tour guide is provided for you to give a tour of the museum. I love the tour as you get to learn about the life of this Icon. You can also enjoy some local drinks at the roof top bar at Kalakuta museum. The museum is located at 7 gbemisola street, Allen Lagos.

Kalakuta museum also offers lodge services. So, if you’re look for a short stay place that is affordable opt for Kalakuta Museum.

Ndubuisi Kanu park

Ndubuisi Kanu part is another of my favorite parks to visit in Ikeja Lagos. This park is just behind JJT park but it is smaller in size. It also quite beautiful.

So, if you’re at looking for cheap things to do in Ikeja, visit JJT park & Nduibuisi Kanu park. Just like JJT park, it is free to access. You have access to everything in the park. It has lovely huts and children playground. So, if you an affordable family spot, opt for Ndubuisi Kanu park.

Ndubuisi Kanu park offers free Wi-Fi. However, the Wi-Fi is not as fast as that of JJT park. You can have a birthday party, family hangout, pre-wedding shoots or picnic at this park. I would also recommend this park as a family because it has parking space just outside the park. So, it is quite easy to park your cars close by unlike JJT park.

So, whenever you visit Ikeja, opt for any of these 5 best cheap things to do in Ikeja Lagos. Also, if are new in Ikeja and need an affordable luxury hotel to stay in, opt for Kelsey Greene villa. You can read my post here on Kelsey Greene villa and why it is on my top best hotels in Lagos.

Ndubuisi Kanu Park

5 best cheap things to do in Ikeja Lagos

Best hotel Alternatives in 2021

Now that we are getting back to normal, travel is back. However, the cost of travel is now high due to the impact of the pandemic. Also, you need to get a place to stay for a few days’ travel. The first thought is to book a hotel for your stay. You can either opt for a luxury hotel or an affordable hotel. However, there are several hotel alternatives that are more affordable options for your travel. So, I will be rounding up the 5 best cheap hotel alternatives to explore for your travel.

These alternatives are not just cheap but give a feel of the local. So, if you’re looking to cut costs on accommodation and enjoy your vacation on a budget, opt for these 5 best options for hotel alternatives.

Money can be a real issue while traveling. So, saving on accommodation with these 5 best cheap hotel alternatives is a must. Another way to save money while traveling is to use cashback on your hotel booking. WayAway travel aggregator will help you get up to 10% cashback on booking.com.

This you get to enjoy by signing up for their yearly membership at $49.99.This membership guarantees you cashback on your hotel bookings. Also, it is a search engine that helps you get the best hotel deals there is online.

I highly recommend you join WayAway ASAP. Click here to sign up and get an extra 10% off to be a member of WayAway user. Also, you can use my discount code: Trendsenstylez to enjoy this 10% discount. Enjoy actual cashback while traveling around the world.

Best Cheap Hotel alternatives

Want to cut cost on hotels? Here are the best cheap hotel alternatives to opt for on your travels.

Vacation home rentals/apartments

Airbnb is one of the most popular vacation apartment rental platforms. This is a great option of the 5 best cheap hotel alternatives to choose from. Airbnb is a platform where homeowners can list their houses for vacation stays. So, Airbnb serves as an extra source of income for homeowners and affordable hotel alternatives.

I love the option of Airbnb or an apartment for my travels. This is because you get a feel of a home. Also, I get to cook my own food and shop from the local stores. So, I get to save on accommodation and food too. It is super easy to book an apartment for your travel.

There are several concerns around booking apartments like cleanliness and the current pandemic. Airbnb has placed measures to ensure travelers’ safety. All listed apartment has to pass their cleanliness guidelines. Click here to read my post on tips on how to book apartment rentals as a first-timer.

There are several apartment listing options that are suitable for your budget. So, if you’re looking for an affordable hotel alternative, opt for apartment rentals. Click to book apartment rentals for your next travel.

5 best cheap hotel alternatives

Academic Guest houses/hostels.

Another of the 5 best hotel Alternatives you need for your travel is the Academic guest house. This option is suitable if you’re traveling to a place that has a university or college with hostels or guest houses.

However, you need to find out if your itinerary includes such an area. Also, you could reach out to such schools to find out if they have guest houses for rentals.

There are several factors that affect the availability of Academic guest houses. One of such is when students are in session or during the admission process. These guest houses tend to get filled during this period.

However, if you’re traveling during school holidays you can opt for Student hostels or guest houses. This hotel alternative is very affordable.

Before you book an academic guest house, kindly note the following.

  1. Call to confirm the availability for your travel period
  2. Go with your own beddings and toiletries: These options may be available already. I prefer going with my bed cover because that of the guest’s home may not be neat.
  3. Accessibility to restaurants, local markets, and commute options.
  4. Hostels may involve shared room options so if you need to be alone, opt for academic guest houses.

Hotel look has some listing of university hostel listings you can check out. However, this may not be available in all countries.

Homestay

Homestay options are another affordable option for accommodation for your travel. This option is perfect if you want to mix with the locals. Plus is a great option of the 5 best cheap hotel alternatives to explore for your travels.

Families list to host tourists in their homes for a cheap fee. In this setting, the guest gets to stay with them. Also, you eat and dine as part of that family.

However, this option is not available in all countries. There are no homestay options in Nigeria. Also, just a few African countries have homestay options. ( don’t know why).

If you want to book a homestay option, click here to book and confirm availability.

Before you opt for a homestay get to know the family. You can reach them beforehand to familiarize yourself with them. Also, I would recommend you go with a thank you gift for the family. ( Gifts make people happy).

Where to stay if you can't afford a hotel

Friends home

This option is a super easy way to save on travel if you have friends in the place you want to visit. Why pay for a hotel or rental?

You can reach out to your relative or friends to let them know of your visit and seek permission. I would pick staying with relatives or friends over rentals anyway.

However, everything has its pros and cons. I love my freedom to explore on my travels. But since it’s not my home, I get to abide by their rules. Some relatives will not allow keeping late nights out. So, if you’re not cut for restrictions, opt for apartment rentals or hostels.

In terms of cost-cutting costs, this is my most recommended of the 5 best cheap hotel Alternatives to opt for. You get to pay nothing to stay with relatives. You could contribute to the home upkeep while you’re with them.

Religious Housing

Another hotel alternative you need to know about is religious homes. So many religious homes offer places to stay for free or at a cheap rate.

Religious places to look out for are churches, monasteries, or mosques. These places do not discriminate what religion you’re. All you need to do is to abide by their guidelines or rules.

So, if you’re looking to spend way less on a place to stay, opt for a religious home. Also, religious homes are quite safe to stay in. I had once stayed in a religious home of Opus Dei ( a catholic home). It was comfortable and I was well taken care of.

So many cities have these religious homes available for travelers. All you need to do is to look out for such places on your travel.

Cheapesthotel alternatives
Religious homes

Hostels

Hostels is another hotel alternative you can opt for on your travel. Why opt for hostels for your trip? Hostels are budget friendly options as compared to hotels.

There are several pros and cons to staying in an hostel. The pros include networking opportunity, group tours and meeting new friends. On the flip side, hostels may be crowded, your items are open to theft if not secured properly and personal hygiene issues with flat mates. If you love your privacy, I would not recommend hostels.

However, if you love to mingle and want to cut cost, one of the best hotel alternatives I recommend are hostels. One of my favorite platforms to secure my hostels is Hostel world. This platform covers a wide range of countries around Africa, Asia and Europe. You’d love their picks for your hostels. Click here to book your hostel via hostelworld.

Comment below which of these hotel alternatives you have used. Do you recommend any of these best cheap hotel alternatives? Ciao.

5 best cheap hotel alternatives you need for travel

One of the easiest ways to dress stylish with less effort is by wearing monochrome outfits. Monochrome style means wearing just one color in your style (mono-one, chrome color). However, that does not mean you have to wear just one solid color. There are several ways how to wear monochrome outfits. You can choose to wear one shade or different shades of the same color. That is for a monochrome pink look, you can opt for a solid pink top and pastel pink pants with a matching pink accessory. So, if you love monochrome styles or want to opt for this timeless trend. Here are stylish ways how to wear monochrome outfits right now.

Co-ord or set outfits

Monochrome looks are an easy way to look stylish with less effort. So, a simple way to wear a monochrome outfit is wearing a co-ord set. Co-ord sets are also known as matching set outfits. Opt for matching sets in prints for summer or solid color tones. So, if you want to wear a monochrome look, opt for a co-ord set.

I also love the co-ord set because you can wear it with another outfit in your wardrobe. You can shop for co-ord sets from Chicme or Zaful. Also, you can shop for a co-ord set from your local stores if you prefer offline shopping. However, if you’re a newbie to online shopping, read my guide on how to shop for fashion items online.

Easy Monochrome outfit ideas

Play with color tones

Another stylish way to wear monochrome is to wear the same color in different shades. I love to play with different color shades for my monochrome look. So, if you want to try out this style, just choose a color. For example, if I want to wear monochrome blue, opt for different shades of blue for the top and bottom.

It is super stylish. You can shop for stylish tops, bottoms, or accessories from Chicme or Zaful. I always refer to these brands because they are affordable. You can read my review on Chicme. I love the outfits I got from this brand. All of them I still wear to date.

How to wear monochromatic outfits
Source: Pinterest

Mix solid and prints

Monochromatic outfits look doesn’t need to be boring. You can style solid colors with matching prints. I love to mix and match prints and solid color tones. This makes your outfit look stylish. So for this look, you can wear a solid white bodysuit and white print skirts.

Prints may seem quite difficult to style. However, you can match prints with solid with little hassle. All you need to do to wear this style is to pick a common color. Check the print for a color you want to style like red or blue. Then match it with a red solid or green top or bottoms. You can shop for a print skirt or tops online or in-store.

Where to buy monochromatic outfits

Match your print outfits

Another stylish way to wear monochrome outfits is to mix and match your prints. Prints outfits are in this summer. Also, it is an all-season outfit you need in your closet. You can wear your prints for work, dates, or casual outings. I love print flowy dresses for summer. This automatically puts you in a holiday mood.

You can match your print outfit for a monochrome look. All you have to do is to match the prints with common colors. So, you can match your prints top with that red color with matching prints bottom. There are so many fun ways to get good use of your print outfits. You can read my post on how to wear prints in 9 different ways.

How to wear monochrome outfits in 2021
Source: Pinterest

Add accessories

Another way how to wear monochrome outfits is to match them with accessories. Accessories complete your looks. Your accessories can make or break an outfit. Another easy way to wear a monochrome outfit is to match your outfit with accessories.

This can be wearing a pair of matching heels or sneakers. Also, you can opt for a scarf or hat that matches with your color theme. I love to style my outfit with scarves. This accessory is one fashion item you need right now.

A colorful scarf can instantly style up your outfit. There are so many types of scarves you can choose from. However, I prefer silk print scarves to have versatile options for their use.

So, a simple way how to wear monochrome outfits is to match them with a colorful silk scarf. You can shop for silk scarves online from Chicme, or Zaful. These brands have so many options for this summer to choose from.

How to wear Monochrome outfits
Source: Pinterest

How to wear Monochrome outfits Right now

trendsenstylez

The late Fela Anikulapo is an icon that lives on in our hearts. So, to immortalize him, his children kept his memory alive through the Kalakuta museum. You can read my post on all you need to know about the Kalakuta museum. Another such place to visit is the New Afrika shrine Lagos.

The New Afrika shrine Lagos is a re-incarnation of the famous old Lagos club founded by Fela. In this club, he did his performances. Also, as an activist, they talk about politics and other pain points of Nigeria’s leadership. However, the place was burnt down in the 1970s by the government. I recently visited the New Afrika shrine in Lagos and here is all you need to know before visiting.

New Afrika Shrine Lagos

New Afrika Shrine Lagos: Location and Gate fee

New Afrika shrine is Located at NERDC road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. So, if you want to visit, take a bus to Ikeja along. From Ikeja under the bridge, take a bus going to Agidingbi, stop at the technical road bus stop. It is a walking distance of this bus stop.

The New Afrika shrine is open all days of the week. Also, there is no entrance fee. However, you will be required to use your nose mask before access.

Although, tourists are mandated to use their nose masks before entry. It is not really a requirement because my sibling and I were the only ones using masks on my visit.

Also, the Shrine is accessible to people of all kinds. I almost left because there were all sorts of individuals there. You are free to do anything you want as far as you don’t hurt others.

If you can’t bear the fumes from cigarettes that were everywhere, this place is not for you. I can say that I inhaled the highest cigarette smoke of my life.

The sad part is that you can see clearly the no smoking sign in strategic places. However, it is not an issue at this shrine.

Things to do at New Afrika Shrine Lagos

New Afrika Shrine is a theatre for musical performances. As you all know two of Fela’s sons are into music like their father. The eldest Femi Kuti and Seun Kuti who is just like their father in his kind of music.

Below are some things you can do on your visit.

  1. Treat yourself to some African dishes at the NAS Kitchen: The restaurant is just inside the New Afrika shrine. I did not try out the dishes though. However, if you would love to eat while enjoying the music of Fela at this Shrine, check out NAS Kitchen. Aside from the restaurant, you can also get finger foods like suya or drinks at the bar. I went for the suya and a yogurt drink for about 1500naira ( suya-500naira, yogurt-1000naira). I have never seen such a thick yogurt in my life. It was a struggle to pour its content into my cup. Lol.
  2. Attend Felabration: The yearly celebration occurs at the New Afrika shrine. This is to celebrate Fela by hosting a lot of music performances you’d love. Felabration occurs in the week of Fela’s birthday in October. So, if you want to have a fun time at this shrine, attend Felabration. Also, you can attend type weekly performances by his sons. Seun Kuti plays every last Saturday of the month while Femi Kuti plays for free every Thursday. I would recommend you visit the New Afrika shrine on these days to enjoy the shows and get the best out of your visit.
  3. Shop for Souvenirs: I love to shop for souvenirs whenever I visit a place. So, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to get something for myself and my family. I bought a bracelet for a friend. You can shop for artsy gifts at the souvenir shop in the Afrika shrine. Most of the items are affordable too.

The yearly Felabration is so much fun in Lagos. So, if you need a reason to visit the New Afrika shrine in Lagos, go for Felabration. Click here to book affordable hotels in Lagos if you need a place to stay in Lagos.

New Afrika Shrine Lagos: Is it worth the visit?

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As i continue to explore Lagos, I am awed by its beauty. There are so many places yet to be seen. My bucket list keeps growing of places I want to see in Lagos. So, one of the places on that list is Jaekel house Lagos. It is formerly the home of first head of the Nigerian railway corporation.

Also, the building is now a museum that houses rich historical fact about Nigerian railway corporation. So, if you’re looking for one the best places to visit in Lagos on budget, opt for Jaekel house. You will love it at Jaekel house. I will also link my Jaekel House youtube vlog so you can see the place. Kindly subscribe and like the video.

Here is all you need to know before you visit Jaekel house Lagos.

Where is Jaekel house Lagos located?

Jaekel house is located at 17 federal road ebutte metta. This hidden gem is inside the housing quarters of Nigerian railwy corporation. You can get there by taking a bike from entrance of Nigerian railway quarters. I walked from Tejuosho complex close to the NTA television station office, the quarters is just opposite. So, if you get to the entrance, a bike cost 100 naira per person. The bike guys doesn’t carry two passengers on their bike. ( I can’t say why).

The road to Jaekel house in the quarters is not tiled so, you should expect a bumpy ride. Also, it is quite dusty. However, I would recommend taking your car to avoid the dust. I love the retro architecture of Jaekel house.

Jaekel House Lagos

Entry fee for Jaekel house & things to do.

Jaekel house Lagos is free to access its gardens. However, if you want to see its museum, the fee is 1000naira. A tour guide will give you a tour of the house. Jaekel house is a one-storey building and the museum section is upstairs. Our tour guide for the day was an elderly man.

The picture that caught my attention is that of the white man that lived in this house. He and his family lived in Jaekel house while he was the head of the corporation. Also, you get to see the railway tracks as they run in Nigerian map. I love the train project that we hope to have in Nigeria someday. It makes me wish for the fast trains of Japan. We will get there.

The museum also has some unique stones, some preserved part of the old rail way and old land phone. You know that kind of land line phones that was used in the 80’s. I was thrilled to get to see it stored at this museum.

After our tour of the house, we were also given a tour of the rail pieces outside in the compound. One such item is an old coach that was used during the colonial era for supervision. The coach was ridden by black slaves from one part of the country to another. I wonder how they survived in the cold or heat. This is because this coach was not covered.

Jaekel house Lagos also has a cottage behind where some of the workers stay. The cottage is quite unique and beautiful. Our tour guide says that Jaekel house is about 120years.

Best Places to visit in Lagos

Fun things to do

There are so many interesting Lagos events that takes place at Jaekel house. I haven’t attended any because I don’t know when it occurs. Like famous Jollof festival that took place in 2017 hosted by eat drink Lagos brand. Asides a tour of the museum at Jaekel house, you can do the below.

  1. Photoshoot for content creation: The retro vibe of this place is unique. The building is over 120 years and it looks amazing. You do your content photoshoot for clothes or product. Also, you can do your pre-wedding shoot at Jaekel house.
  2. Host an event: The compound is quite large for fun event. So, if you’re looking to plan an outdoor event, opt for Jaekel house. You can also spend time relaxing and having fun at this house.

So, if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Lagos, opt for Jaekel house Lagos. Other places you can visit in Lagos on a budget are Jhalobia parks and Garden, Oniru private beach or Omu resort.

Jaekel House Gate fee

Jaekel house Lagos: Lagos hidden gem you need to know

trendsenstylez

Gymnastic mat is an essential you need for skill practice at your own time. This mats act as cushion for high impact sport activities or simply for home exercises. So, if your child or you are into any form of tumble sports, here are the best gymnastic mats you need for your AT-home practices.

Why do you need a gymnastic mat for home? Tumble mat has so many uses. You can use it as a cushion for your kids who love do cart wheels. This they can use in their room or for more space in your yard. Also, for your teenage daughter who wants to get on the cheerleading team in college, she need her own tumble mat. In this post I will talk about why need a tumble mat and best gymnastic mats you need.

best gymnastic mats pink air mat

Why you need a Gymnastic mat?

There are so many reasons you need to own a tumble mat for your home use. One of such reason is to allow you practice gymnastic from your home. With your own tumble mat, you need not go to the gym for practice daily. You need a tumble mat to practice cart wheels, tumbling or roll over or head stand. So, a tumble mat make you stay on course with your skills.

Also, you can shop the best gymnastic air tumble mats for your floor based exercises. Gymnastic are super useful to give you cushion for your floor exercises. So, you can easily do your push ups, planks, lunges and stretches’ with hassle. These tumble mats varies in thickness and length. So, you need to consider the length and thickness you need to get the best tumble mats suitable for your use.

Gymnastic mats are made absorb shock and prevent injuries from landing, jumping or cart wheel. So, if your child is an energetic sort that love this kinds of fun activities, get them a tumble mat. This will keep your mind at rest while they have all the fun.

Other uses for a gymnastic mat include wrestling or martial arts. This kinds of sports involves throw and impact on the floor. A good tumble mat will make you engage in this sport while being safe. There are several color option of gymnastic mat to choose. You can opt for a pink tumble mat outdoor for your home.

Best Gymnastic mats or air mats

Best gymnastic mats to buy on a budget

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Budget friendly gymnastic mats

Click here to buy it

Best Gymnastic tumbling mats

Click here to buy it

FAQ on Gymnastics mats for home use

  1. What are the types of Gymnastic mats? There are several types of gymnastic mats perfect for At-home use. It actually depends on what you need it for. You can opt for panel mats, Cart wheel mats, inline mats etc.
  2. What to choose the right Gymnastic mats for your use? There are several things to consider when picking the best gymnastic mats.
  • Budget: Getting the right gymnastic mats depends on your budget. You can get the best gymnastic mat for you at an affordable price. Although these tumble mats are not cheap, yet it is a great investment to do.
  • Size of the mats: It entirely depends on the space you have. For a small space, you need a small tumble mat. However, if you have a larger space, you can opt for larger size mat.
  • How thick must your tumble mats be? You need to buy tumble mats that are safe for your kids to use. A thick tumble mat gives cushion for safety while thinner mats have less cushion.

Also read: 4 easy yogurt meal you need for breakfast

Comment below which of these Best gymnastic mats you’ve shopped? What’s your take on getting one of the best gymnastic mats for home use?

Best Gymnastic mats perfect for AT-home use

5 Easy style hacks every woman should know in 2021

One of the things I love to do is shopping for new clothes. However, it is not stylish for your pants to be longer than your height. Except you want to sweep your street with it. (Lol). Also, an exposed bra strap makes your outfit look frumpy. This is an eyesore for me if the top or dress has thin straps. It is not sexy at all. A simple style hack can take your outfit up notch. Also, a simple style hack will make you look put together and stylish. So, I will be sharing 5 easy style hacks every woman should know in 2021. These style hack are such that I use and it works for me. So, if you’re looking for easy styles for your looks, read on.

Wear your scarves as top

Scarves has so many uses asides being used as head wrap. A simple style hack to do is to wear your scarves as tops. There are different ways to wear your scarf as top. I will insert below three different ways I wore my scarve.

You can choose to wear your silk scarf as a top for a beach outing or casual wear. For a silk scarf, fold it into a triangle first. You can then wear it as a top by tying the two ends on your back with the triangle facing down.

Also, you can two ends of the scarf on your waist with the tip triangle facing up. This you can attach to your neck lace for a chic look. You can wear a blazer or jacket over it for a modest and stylish finish.

Asides, silk scarves, you also use large pashmina or silk print scarves. There are so many looks you can do with your scarf. This style hack is useful for days when you don’t know what to wear. Also, it is a budget babe hack to look stylish effortlessly. You can also read my post on how to wear scarves.

How to crop your tops

Another style hack you need to know is how to crop your tops without cutting it. Yes you read right! like whaaat?. This easy style hack will help you transition your tops as crop tops.

Crops are a stylish basic that we all need. However, you need not shop for new crop top for yourself if you’re on a budget. Simply convert your large tee shirt or jumper or knit tops into crop top with these style hacks.

One way to crop your top is to simply tuck the ends into your bra. Another way is to simply tie each end of the top with a rubber band. This you will gently tuck in neatly on both sides. You can see my instagram video below to see how to do this with ease.

Another way to crop your top is to use a belt. This belt will hold your top in place. Allow some room in to so you can pull it from the top to conceal the belt. This style hack can also be used to tuck your oversize outfit neatly.

trendsenstylez
Top tucked under my bra to crop it

Convert your tee shirt to Shoulder pad.

Shoulder pad is one of this year spring 2021 outfit idea you need to own. This trend is super stylish especially in a tee shirt dress. However, you need not shop for a shoulder pad tee. This style hack will help you easily convert your tee shirt into a shoulder pad top.

So, if you’re a budget, you definitely need this style hack to wear the latest trend on a budget. All you need is two hair bands or rubber band and a short sleeve tee shirt.

Wear the rubber over each sleeve and gently pull the it from the top into a shoulder pad top. Easy right!. You can wear this top with skirts, pants or shorts. This style hack is a simple way to get more use of your tee shirt in your closet. See below my Instagram post on to convert your tee shirt to shoulder pad tee.

How to tuck your shirt

Tucking your shirt may seem like the easiest task you can do. However, you want your shirt bulging in a weird way in your pants or skirts. Nah right!. So, there are some simple style hacks for tucking in shirt to know as a woman.

For your tee shirt, twist and tuck the back end into to skirt or pants to gather the excess. This makes your top look sleek while tucked in. Another way to tuck your shirt is tuck in one end into your pant neatly. This style hack I love to use for my shirts a lot. It is super stylish.

The third way to tuck in your shirts is to twist the two sides and tuck it into your pants or skirt. Twisting the two sides helps you gather the excess. This you will tuck in neatly into bottoms for stylish look.

Roll up long sleeves

Another of the 5 easy style hacks every woman need to know in 2021 is rolling up long sleeves. This style hack is for your top sleeves that are too long. I love to use this hack as it super stylish.

All you need is a hair band. Wear the hair band over the sleeves. Ensure that the hair band is placed in the middle of each sleeves. Gradually pull it from the top until you get the desired length. It makes your sleeves rutched and chic.

You can do this style hacks for your shirts, flannels or blazers. I love to use this style hack for blazers and knit tops.

I would to see you guys try out this style hacks to take your look up a notched. Feel free to tag me @enimhienomo on Instagram if you do use any of these hacks.

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Sleeves rolled up

5 Easy Clothing hacks every woman should know in 2021

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Prettylittlething is one US online brands you need to know and shop from. They sell trendy fashion pieces for women of all sizes. So, if you’re looking for an all inclusive fashion brand for sizes, shop prettylittlething. I love this brand because they roll out trendy pieces yearly. Also, they sell stylish basics you can use to build your wardrobe. I have shopped this brand. So, I want to share my review and other things you need to know. Here is my Prettylittlething review of some of the items I got and all you need to know before you add items to your cart.

How to order from Prettylittlething?

Prettylittlething is an online women’s fashion brand. So, you can only shop for fashion on their website. Their website is easy to use. If you have an idea of the item to shop you can simply type the item in the search box.

Also, you can search for the items based on categories like clothing, accessories, plus-size etc. You can simply add the items to cart and check out.

If you love a good discount, you can check out their sales categories for trendy pieces. I love to shop their sales so I can shop trendy fashion items on a budget.

Does PrettyLittlething ship to Nigeria?

Pretty little thing does not ship to Nigeria. However, you can ship your item for flat fee to USA. Then you can ship it from US to Nigeria. You can read my post on how to shop from US and ship to Nigeria.

Shipping to US takes like 3-4working days. You can ship to Nigeria taking about 7 working days using Horlogistics. I love this brand. Ever since I found their brand, I always them to ship all my orders from US to Nigeria.

I literarily shop with confidence on any website for my fashion needs with no worry about delivery to Nigeria.

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Prettylittlething Review

Like I said earlier, I recently shopped from Prettylittlething. My order was shipped to US and from there I shipped it to Nigeria. I bought a midi dress and a strap heels.

I love the midi skirt as a work wear. Also, I love the versatility. This is because I can wear it as casual wear or a date. My only issue with the skirt is that it is not fitted( a very tiny bit loose, so I use the belt to put it in place).

I am usually a size 6. However, I lost some weight after purchase. So, this may the reason that it didn’t fit as expected. The heels is my best buy from this website. I love that I can wear any way. I wear to work, play, church etc. The heels is a dupe of a designer name brand. So, imagine my joy finding this heel for way less than the price of the original.

A lot fast fashion brands out there make dupes of trendy name brand. So, you make be lucky to stumble of some your favorite name brands dupes on sites like prettylittlething. You can also read my post on where to shop for designer dupes for your closet.

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PrettyLittleThing review: Experience + shipping to Nigeria

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Lagos has so many beaches I am yet to explore. There beaches that are affordable while some of the beaches in Lagos are luxury beaches. Landmark beach Lagos is one of such beaches that you can call an affordable luxury. It is a private beach owned by Landmark group which has other businesses like its mall, hotels etc. I love landmark beach because it is like a resort that quite affordable. However, there are other brands inside this beach that will give the feel of luxury beach life in Lagos. ( If you have the money to splurge). So, if you plan on having fun at Landmark beach Lagos, here are all the things you need to know.

Landmark beach Lagos, Location & gate fee

Landmark beach is one of my top bucket list beaches to visit in Lagos. It is just a short distance from Oniru private beach. You can read about my oniru experience here.

Landmark beach Lagos is located at 2/3 water corporation drive, oniru Lagos. From Obalende, you can take a bus going to Eko hotel roundabout bus stop. Then you take another bus going to Oniru estate bus stop or simply tell the driver you’re stopping at Landmark.

To have access to the beach you need to book via the landmark beach website. Entrance fee is not paid by cash. So, if you’re planning to go there, you need to book to get access.

Also, Landmark beach prices differs for members and non-members. For membership fee, you can check on the website already linked. Non-members pay 2000naira during the week and 3000 naira for weekend access.

Members are given free access to the beach any time. Landmark beach opening hours is from Monday to Sunday 10am – 11pm daily.

Land mark hotel

Covid guidelines and rules

Due to the current pandemic, we all have to maintain social distancing. It is no fun to go out and have fun to fall sick afterwards. So, Landmark beach only allow access to 20% of its usual capacity.

Also, you need to wear your face mask before entry. No face mask, no entry.

After booking your tickets, you are given a scan code that you have to present before entry. Members are given a blue tag while non-members are given a silver tag.

There is a members only sections that non-members are not allowed to access. Also, there are other beach clubs like the Lagos beach club sections too. However, after payment you have access to a major part of the beach except the members or beach clubs.

Another things you need to know is that you’re not allowed to bring in your own food. This is quite a bummer for me because the foods are quite expensive.

I bought chips for chicken and chips for about 5000naira. The smallest price for the foods and menus is about 1500naira.

There are so many restaurants and brands that sells foods. I can’t count the amount of times, their waiter/waitress came to me to ask if I need food. (Omy God!, I almost lost it). You can also watch my vlog below. Don’t forget to subscribe, thanks.

Fun things to do and activities to engage in at Landmark beach

Landmark beach Lagos has so many facilities for recreation you can have fun with. Here are a list of fun things you can do at Land Mark beach. The beach is quite large so you can sit on the sand bed to have fun. However, there are options of beach chairs available at Landmark beach.

You can pay for a cabana to fit about 6-8 persons for 25,000 naira for a group vacation. Also, you can opt for other affordable beach chairs like Lounge chair (double chairs with umbrella) for 6,000naira or picnic chairs for 3000 naira.

Landmark-beach-Lagos
Land Mark beach Lagos
  1. Picnic:

One of the things you can do at Landmark beach is a picnic. You can have a fun picnic with your family or friends. Please note that you can only purchase food at Landmark beach. (Bringing in foods is not allowed).

You can go with a mat to set your picnic area. Also, you get longe chairs, cabana etc, for a fun hangout.

Fun activities for your kids

Landmark beach is a family beach. So, you can hangout with your whole family at this beach. The beach has fun facilities to engage your kids at the beach.

Your kids can play at the bouncing castles or on the floating castle in the water. Don’t worry, your kids will be safe playing in the water castle. They are given life jackets so they can be safe while having fun.

Boat Cruise

Another fun activity you can do is to enjoy a boat cruise. I love a good boat ride as it is so refreshing and fun. You can have a fun cruise at Landmark beach beach. (P.S. I am unsure of the cost though).

Jet Ski

An adrenaline water sport you need to try out is the jet ski. This water sport is top of my to do list on my next beach vacation. It is quite safe as you will be given a guided tour if its your first time. Also, you will wear a life jacket to keep you safe.

Horse Ride

One thing I love to do at the beach is to ride a horse. My first time on a horse was at Omu resort. You can also read about my experience at Omu resort. Horse riding at the beach cost about 500naira for a few minutes ride. So, If you are need a fun thing to do, ride a horse at Landmark beach Lagos.

Games and Sports

Landmark beach has facilities for sport lovers. You can have fun playing beach soccer with your buddies, volley ball, tennis Golf etc. The Golf is a mini-golf course. So, if love golf, definitely check out their mini golf course.

You can play games with your buddies like Ayo, scrabble, monopoly etc. for entertainment.

Asides these fun activities, you can also book your stay at Landmark hotel. The hotel is exquisite. So, you book your stay at the Landmark hotel with free access to the beach.

Landmark beach Lagos: 6 Fun things to do and know

What you need to know to buy a house in a pandemic

The dream life for most of us is to own our home someday. So, we put in the extra hours and work to make enough income to buy a house. Now you’re ready to buy a house but unsure if it’s okay to take such a leap during a pandemic. The truth is there is no better time to own a house. Here is how to buy a house for the first time during a pandemic.

Although it may seem like things are not going as normal, life is going on fine whether or not there is a pandemic. There is a report on Bloomberg that there is a hike in home buying in the U.S. during this pandemic. So, if you’re ready to buy a home, go ahead and get it. However, there are some things you need to know before you buy a home. Here is how to buy a house for the first with no money down during a pandemic or post-pandemic.

Carry out due diligence on the Property

It is an exciting thing to get your home. However, there are some things you need to do before the actual purchase. One such thing is to carry out due diligence on the property. Whether you’re moving to a new city to buy a house or your current city, you need to carry out due diligence.

Due diligence before purchase helps you avoid making financial mistakes. You need to know that the property is valid for one without any legal issues. For any legal check, seek the advice of solicitors. Some banks actually do a thorough property search before lending for a home purchase. So, if there is anything shady, this will be spotted. Also, you need to check if the property is easily accessible ( if you want to commute anywhere).

Also, there are other factors you need to consider like the space, the size of the backyard, or the area (whether the place is safe or calm, etc.). So, before you opt to buy your home, ensure you carry out due diligence. This is one of the most important tips on how to buy a house for the first time to note.

How to buy a house for the first time

Expect a slow process for purchase

The pandemic came with its own baggage and impact on the pace at which business is done. Most businesses are short-staffed or have to do most work remotely. Some businesses are still struggling with digitalizing their processes to do business. This also affects the real estate industry too. Another tip on how to buy a house for the first time during a pandemic is to expect the process to be quite slow.

Unlike before you may not be able to visit the property physically for perusal. You may have to opt for virtual meetings or room tours due to the pandemic. The process of appraisal may be slow due to the pandemic impact on businesses.

There may also be delays in scheduling home tours if you insist on an in-person tour. Who wouldn’t? I would love to see every part of my home before deciding. However, due to restricted movement and the pandemic, this may take time.

So, if you want to purchase your home during the pandemic, you need a lot of patience. This is to ensure that you are making the right choice before closing the purchase.

Have a budget

Another tip on how to buy a house for the first time during a pandemic is to have a budget. After the valuation of the property and doing due diligence, by now you know want the house. However, you don’t want have difficulty to paying your mortgage when due.

So, to know if your budget can cover your mortgage, use this mortgage calculator. It will give you a breakdown of your re-payment so you can use it to plan your budget.

Also, you need to plan for other expenses like home association fees, taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc. You may also need to opt for a house that will not need many renovations to cut costs. Property renovations are one place that drains funds in a home purchase.

However, if you don’t mind renovating to your taste, have a set budget. It is so easy to want all the home ideas on Pinterest without paying attention to your pocket.

Another reason you need to have a budget is to be able to pay for your mortgage payment with ease and also meet life obligations. You should have a budget for mortgage repayments, food, health care, etc. If your budget is set, you can jump right in and close the deal on your home purchase.

Creating a budget helps you know if your current income is ready to take on more expenses. However, if you’re not there yet, you need to look for ways to grow your income. You can read my post on how to give your career a boost in 2021. Growth in your career means more income and your dream of owning your home is achievable.

So, these tips on how to buy a house for the first time will come in handy whether during this pandemic or post-pandemic.

how to buy a house with no money down during a pandemic

How to buy a house for the first time during a pandemic: 3 tips