Sheraton in 5 Minutes | My Local Escape Without Leaving Lagos

 

Sheraton is like home. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’d know my husband is an Elite member of the Marriott Bonvoy, which means we’ve stayed in Sheraton hotels across different countries.

Whenever I want that “away but still familiar” feeling, I pick Sheraton. It’s a family brand for us  close enough, central, and easy. If I have packages to receive or need a quick breather from the everyday, Sheraton is always part of the plan.

Location is Everything

Sheraton Ikeja is about 16 minutes from the airport, which makes it the perfect choice for anyone flying in or out of Lagos. It’s directly opposite Radisson Blu, so the area is lively but still private.

Supermarkets, restaurants, banks  everything is within reach. Honestly, once you check in, you don’t need to go far for anything.

Check-In & First Impressions

Arrived and, as always, check-in was smooth. Our bags were taken straight to the 6th floor — the Elite Members floor  which also has a Club Lounge for light meals, work, or just relaxing.

Walked into the room and was greeted with fresh petals on the bed spelling “Welcome.” That personal touch always gets me.

The Room

Clean, soft lighting, a bed that hugs you, a proper work desk, and a little seating area. From the window, we had a calm view of Ikeja  a nice change from the usual rush.

Facilities That Matter

Sheraton Ikeja has all the essentials, and then some:

• Swimming Pool: Tucked away with just the right amount of breeze. Whether you're swimming or lounging with a drink, it's perfect for lazy afternoons.

• Fitness Center: Well-equipped if you like to squeeze in a workout.

• Club Lounge Access: Exclusive to Elite members, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or meetings without having to go downstairs.

• Dining Options:

  • Pumpkin Leaf Restaurant — local and continental dishes served buffet-style.

  • Goodies Pub — for drinks, finger foods, and live sports on screen.

  • Pool Bar — great for evening drinks and small chops.

• Security: Very secure. Entry checks are strict and consistent, which gives peace of mind, especially when you’re staying with family.

• Wi-Fi: Free and stable, even when the hotel is busy.

Why We Keep Coming Back

Sheraton Ikeja is our little escape without leaving town. It’s great for:

• Soft resets

• Delivery pick-ups

• Pre- or post-travel stays

• Family time in a familiar setting

• Quiet weekends without the stress of planning a full trip

Thinking of Staying at Sheraton Ikeja?

If you’ve been meaning to take a break, celebrate something quietly, or just switch up your space for the weekend consider Sheraton Ikeja.
It’s calm, convenient, and honestly, it just works.

📍Sheraton Lagos Hotel, 30 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja
Let me know if you’ve stayed recently or if you're planning to. I’d love to hear your experience!

Mo Finds // Pillow Talk: The Pillow That Changed My Rest for Good

Welcome to Mo finds

This is my soft little corner where I share simple gems that have upgraded my rest, routines .

Today we are talking PILLOWS.

Going home after each restful stay in our favourite hotel would usually lead to conversations like:

“Ah, the pillows at home will now hurt my neck o. That hotel sleep was something else.”

I couldn’t help but ask: why would my husband enjoy hotel sleep more than home sleep? Isn’t it the same head and same neck?  Why can’t we just make our bedspace at home just as restful?

So the search began.

I Googled. I asked ChatGPT where hotels get their pillows from. I even thought of ordering from abroad. The mainstream pillows weren’t cutting it not even the ones claiming to be “orthopedic.” So I decided: no more wasting money on disappointment.

That’s when I reached out to Esorae Home’s customer rep.

What Sealed the Deal

The customer rep honestly played a huge role in my final purchase. I ended up getting five pillows  because if I couldn’t feel them in advance, I might as well try a few to compare.

She was super patient as I went back and forth:

“But you said the feather one is good, yet I just saw a video…”

She’d calmly respond and explain the differences.

At some point, I even sent her photos of hotel pillows we’ve slept on during trips. She matched the vibes well. 

So, What Did I Get?

Honestly, I didn’t plan to buy this many, but with so many options, I wanted a feel of each.

The Soft One – Cool Bliss Pillow

Qty: 2 units

Price: ₦39,500 each

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

Recommended by the rep, and it did not disappoint. This pillow holds its shape well, yet it’s incredibly soft and breathable. Super supportive  especially for those always waking up with neck pain.

The Sleep Hero – Dream Memory Pillow

Qty: 1 unit

Price: ₦55,900

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

It’s a two-in-one pillow: either side you use, comfort is guaranteed. Firm yet soft, and it supports the spine well — perfect for back sleepers. It also bounces back to its shape after use, without sinking.

The Aesthetic One – Goose Feather Pillow

Qty: 1 unit

Price: ₦85,000

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (7/10)

From the name alone, I was rooting for this one. But it was too soft for my liking — almost like asoọke stuffed with nylon pieces . It’s cute, but I wouldn’t reorder it.

☁ Final Thoughts

Since we made this switch, there’s been zero neck pain complaints and way better sleep. We’re even saving up to get the orthopedic bed next!

And yes…

“I got an ₦800k+ bed frame  it better produce twins, abi?” 

But seriously, Esorae Luxury has proven that you can be expensive and deliver. This brand isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s a slow zip of joy.

#MoFindsCozy Things I’m Discovering

This is just one of the cozy, comfort-forward lifestyle gems I’ve found lately.

🛎 Want more lifestyle finds like this?

Follow the tag #MoFinds on my blog.

⸻

🛏 Let’s Settle This:

How many pillows is too many?

👇 COMMENT BELOW!

• Watch me unbox all 4 pillows on TikTok

Is LEOLA HOTEL worth it? Read my Honest Review

A family friend was celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, and a mutual decided to throw a surprise party. That’s how I ended up at this hotel. It wasn’t planned, but it worked out.

The hotel is inside Shonibare Estate in Maryland. I wasn’t looking for anything fancy, just a decent place to sleep. And honestly, it did the job.

 First Impressions

The first thing that caught my eye? The artworks on the wall by the reception. So many of them. It gave the space a little vibe.

As I walked in, something about the architecture reminded me of the UK. I can’t explain it, maybe the structure or layout, but it felt familiar in that way.

Check In

I asked about available rooms and was told the Executive Suite was free. Payment was done on the spot. Quick and easy.

 The Room

The lighting in the room was wild. It turned on and off by itself depending on where I moved. Not sure if that was tech or just sensors doing their thing, but it stood out.

It was a two room setup

• A sitting area with a TV, desk, complimentary tea, and a small couch

• Then the bedroom, which had brick style walls that gave it a nice edge

The color scheme was calm. Mostly white and grey. Very neutral.

WiFi wasn’t great though. I couldn’t connect at all, but luckily I had my own data.

The Bathroom

Now this I loved. The bathroom was part of the bedroom, separated only by a curtain. It had both a shower and a bathtub. Everything you’d need was there. Towels, essentials.

The lighting in the bathroom was top tier. Literally perfect for doing makeup or taking pictures. You know the kind that just makes you want to pull out your phone and snap something? Yeah, that.

 Location

The hotel is in a gated estate, so it’s secure. It shares space with Shonibare Estate and is about 10 minutes from the airport. So if you're flying in or out, that’s a win.

It’s also close to Maryland Mall and the Army Cantonment.
Perfect for solo stays, couples, or work trips if you just need peace and quiet.

 Amenities

There’s a gym, a pool, and a small dining area though I wish it was a bit bigger.
They also have two event halls you can use for parties or meetings.

 The Food

This was the part I didn’t enjoy much. I ordered English breakfast and seafood rice.

The seafood rice? I could literally count the seafood in it. Disappointing.

 The Bed

Now this is where they got it right.
The bed, mattress, and pillow were incredibly comfy. I’d give that part a solid 10 out of 10.

 What Could Be Better

When I was checking out, they asked for feedback. I mentioned the food could be better and pointed out that there was no bathrobe in the room. Just little things that would’ve made the stay nicer.

It’s not a luxury hotel by any means as it's a 4-star hotel, but if you’re just looking for a clean, simple place to sleep, it’s a good pick.

Price

It costs ₦330000 per night (breakfast included).
Booking was easy. I did it right there at the reception.

✅ Who This Hotel is For

• People flying in or out of Lagos who need somewhere nearby

• Anyone looking for a quiet, no fuss place to stay

• Minimalists who aren’t into flashy hotels

Kindly watch the Hotel Tour here 

3 Things I Love About Doha Airport

 I had high expectations for this airport and I’m happy to say it exceeded them. Doha Airport felt like a carefully curated, luxurious space filled with thoughtful details at every turn.

Here are three things that stood out for me:

1. The Ice Cream Deserves Its Own Spotlight 

I lost count of the number of stores in Doha Airport, but this particular one was unmissable. Picture this: the storefront barricaded with giant cones of ice cream and dazzling lights. Of course, I had to stop for a taste.

The texture? Creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced. Not too frozen. Not a melty mess. Just perfect. Honestly, that scoop alone is reason enough to plan another layover.

2. High-End Shopping That Didn’t Feel Loud 

Doha Airport is a haven for luxury lovers. From jewelry to makeup to designer bags, the options were endless. At some point, my eyes got tired but in a good way.

As someone who loves to window shop, this airport was a dream. My husband had already bought me a few Tommy Hilfiger items back in Nigeria, but I kept telling him, “Don’t worry, I’m covered here!” (Note: most stores lean toward men’s fashion, so take note if you’re shopping for a partner.)

The best part? Most of these stores ship worldwide. So, if you grab their contact, you're not limited to airport shopping only.

3. Gordon Ramsay’s Restaurant Was a Win

I stumbled upon Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant tucked away inside the airport near the garden, and it honestly blew me away.

I had the burger with potato fries, and let me just say: it ranks second only to the burger I had in Poland. Flavorful is the only word that fits.

And the minty mocktail? Gosh. Perfection.

For a moment, I forgot I was even at an airport. It was the perfect way to round off my layover—all thanks to Qatar Airways.

Thinking of Traveling?

I’m currently planning a trip to the UK, and just because of this stopover experience, I’m seriously tempted to fly Qatar Airways again.

Your Turn ✈️

Ever had a memorable airport experience?
Share with me in the comments or tag me on IG @hellobloomandbud , I’d love to hear it!

Also, I documented this Doha stopover in a short vlog on my YouTube channel. Watch it here

Did Rome try to Impress me in 48hours?

 

Where I Stayed

I checked into the Sheraton Parco de’ Medici Hotel. Fun fact: there are actually two Sheraton hotels in Rome, but the one I booked was the second. How do I describe this hotel? It gave off serious old money vibes. Right at the back of the premises was a golf course, which was such a serene addition. Unfortunately, the pool was closed because it was spring.

Was I eager to see what the room looked like? Absolutely, I usually judge hotels by their toiletries and the breakfast tea available on the table (it’s the little things!). Of course, I didn’t come all the way to Rome just to sleep, but I needed to rest a bit. After a quick nap, it was time to hit the road.

What I Did

Before leaving Nigeria, I had already Googled a few fun places to visit. The Colosseum was top of my list! It was about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. With help from the front desk, we ordered a taxi and off we went.

At the Colosseum

Seeing the Colosseum in person was surreal those ancient buildings, the crowds trooping in and out it definitely had that bucket list energy. That said, if you're looking for hands-on activities, it might not be the best spot. For me, it was all about sightseeing and taking plenty of pictures. Thankfully, the sun was out, which made the day even better.

After wrapping up at the Colosseum, we returned to the hotel and explored the golf course a bit more
yes, more pictures were taken! We ended the day with lunch at the hotel restaurant.

Food Review

If I were to rate the hotel food on Day 1, I’d give it a 5/10. But their signature mocktails? A solid 10/10! I also loved the restaurant's ambiance relaxed and classy. The hotel staff were not only polite, but they also assisted with picking the right meal from the menu.

By Day 2, I didn’t bother trying the hotel food again, since we were heading out to explore the Trevi Fountain.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain was gorgeous! It had this golden sun glow with a touch of nude (if that makes sense). I thought the Colosseum was crowded, but Trevi took it up a notch.

As soon as we arrived, we spotted an ice cream shop nearby. of course, I rushed in for a cone. I felt like a kid in a candy store!

We took tons of pictures by the fountain. An elderly couple even approached us, asking if we could take their picture. Though I had my tripod with me, I obliged out of courtesy. In return, my husband offered to take theirs. Later, he explained that it’s kind of a thing in Europe that people offer to take pictures just so it gets reciprocated. I love that.

While walking around, my husband spotted a rooftop restaurant. I highly recommend it! Not only did it offer stunning views of Trevi Fountain, but the meals were also incredibly tasty.

At that point, all my husband wanted to do was head back to the hotel and that’s exactly what we did.

Final Thoughts

Would I go to Rome again? Honestly, no. It was beautiful, but I feel like I’ve seen what I came to see.

If you want a closer look at my trip, I have a vlog on it, kindly watch it [here].

My First Temu Haul – Was It Worth It?

 

To be honest, I didn’t need to buy these items but after all the buzz around Temu (some glowing, some not-so-great), curiosity got the best of me. I decided to see for myself what the hype was about and grabbed a few affordable items.

 What I Ordered

I was shopping on a budget and didn’t want to end up disappointed, especially after reading mixed reviews online. So, I played it safe and stuck with items that were low-cost but looked promising:

• Gold purse

• Silver purse

• Gold shoes

• Shoe protector

 The Standouts

Surprisingly, everything turned out to be a hit! The items were true to the pictures and fit exactly as expected. My absolute favorite has to be the gold shoes and the gold purse (even though the shades of gold aren’t an exact match I still love them together).

With my yellow undertone, I naturally gravitate toward gold shades, and these pieces definitely gave me that warm glow I was hoping for.

The Misses

Honestly? No misses this time. I was nervous about sizing for the shoes; I usually wear a size 38 but ordered a 39 just to be safe. It ended up being the perfect fit. Crisis averted! The fact that i had no miss left me wondering why the bad PR for Temu???

 Shipping & Packaging

This was the icing on the cake. Shipping was free for my first order. (Note: I tried placing another order later and was told I’d need to spend ₦30,000+ to qualify for free shipping, so I guess that first-time perk is real.)

The items were well sealed and arrived in great condition. I placed the order on June 24th, 2025, and received it by July 5th, 2025 just 10 days later.

One tip: Make sure you enter the correct local government area (LGA) for delivery. I accidentally picked a LGA that wasn’t the closest to me. Thankfully, I requested home delivery and just gave the rider a little tip since the drop-off happened after the close of business (COB). It all worked out!

💭 Final Thoughts

Would I order from Temu again? Yes!
The total cost for everything was just a little over ₦55,000+, and I honestly feel it was worth it. For a budget haul, everything felt like a win.

---

💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you ever ordered from Temu? What were your hits and misses? I’d love to hear what gems (or flops!) you found in the comments.

🎥 Want to see everything I got? I’ll be posting a full unboxing  on YouTube — click here to watch

Hi ,I am Mobola Samuel Wemimo let’s get acquainted

 If you’ve watched my YouTube video, you already know a little about me. But I wanted to share it here on the blog too — in case you’re new here or prefer to read instead.

Spoiler alert: This blog is a mix of personal stories, real talk, travel, and lifestyle — and I’m so glad you’re here.

http://www.youtube.com/@hellobloomandbud

Quick Facts About Me:

– I’m married to a Brother who works in the supernatural.

– I assist this brother in the capacity that I can in his ministry.

– I love Peace, God, rest, and quality time spent with loved ones

– I started this blog to share real moments, not just curated ones.

– Marriage moved me from lagos to Ogun state . 😅

– I love blooming — in my mind, my home, and wherever life send

This space is more than a blog — it’s a reflection of where I am, who I’m becoming, and what I’ve learned.

Thanks for stopping by — feel free to leave a comment or say hi. Let’s bloom together

I’d love to connect. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

My VFS Ikeja Experience: Tout Fees, Long Queues & A Stamped Passport

“If you wan enter, I fit help you. First person. Second person came  na just 10k to enter, but some dey take 5k.”

That was the vibe at VFS Global, Ikeja (Ile Oja), the day I went to pick up my passport. My appointment was for 2 p.m., and my husband had driven me down. We were in Lagos for the weekend (yes, I don’t live here), so we figured it would be a quick pick-up.

I arrived early  12 noon, only to meet a mammoth crowd. I thought, “Let me head to the hotel and come back around 1 p.m. Maybe the crowd would’ve reduced.”

I lied to myself.

By the time I returned, the number of people had doubled.

The Game Begins

At that point, I had no choice but to give the touts at the gate a listening ear.

I immediately remembered the same guy who had helped me upload some of my documents. VFS Ikeja supposedly allows self-upload on their portal, but guess what? I couldn’t upload my sponsor’s financials no matter how hard I tried. Meanwhile, the tout at the gate did it in a flash.

Let’s Call Him “T”

T was the guy helping people get in — always whispering to security, walking people to the gate, getting things done.

I paid him ₦5,000 (thankfully not 10k), and after some pushing and dragging, I got in.

Number 213 and No Dignity

Inside, we were told to queue up for number tags. I got number 213.

At this point, I was trying to stay calm because I had an appointment with my aesthetician, who coincidentally shares the same office space with the visa office. (Grace? Maybe.)

But the biggest shocker was that there was no special consideration for the elderly or physically challenged. Everyone had to stand or sit for hours, scrambling for whatever space they could find.

3 Hours of Waiting

The entire process took about three hours. I kept texting my husband updates and regretting not choosing the Victoria Island (VI) branch. What on earth was I doing here?

Finally, around 3-something, we were ushered in one by one. The stamped passports were handed over. That was it.

Was It Worth It?

To be honest?

No.

VFS Ikeja (Ile Oja) is not a place I’d recommend. If you value your time and sanity, please go to the VI office.

Thankfully, my visa was granted.

But imagine if it wasn’t after all that shouting, heat, and ₦5k “entry fee.”

🎥 Watch My VFS Visa Appointment Story

I’ve shared a full YouTube video where I broke down:

• The documents I submitted when I was denied,

• What I did differently this time,

• And why I think my application got approved.

 Click here to watch it.

Till you hear from me again,

Keep blooming. 

Have you had a VFS experience? Share it in the comments, let’s compare notes.

Eat Your Vitamins,Stop wasting money

 Eat your vitamins, Eat your vitamins husband would say, and would even say if you concentrate on eating just carrots, you'll see improvements in your skin. So I decided to visit the most exquisite restaurant in town. Since I was going to collect my passport in Ikeja, I  just searched for a restaurant on TikTok where it's not only about light and props but where I can have all the vitamins or nutrients needed. You can read up on my visa collection experience as I wouldn't want to bore you, remember we are talking about about to drink my nutrient, sorry, eating my nutrient.

Got to this restaurant very close to item7go and I must confess, their customer service was top-notch, the building was a basic one with minimal serenren, which I like.

IF you agree with me, you can tell how delicious a meal is going to taste just from the props. As they always say person wey get money no dey do chochocho. So, back to my eating nutrient gist.

I got to the restaurant, filled out a form, and in no time, I was attended to. After maybe 30 minutes, she stood up and came with a basket in one hand and an invoice in the other. She was as confused as you are. How did you get here?? I quickly peeked to see the amount, it was N600K PLUS, and that wasn't the end, I would come in twice or thrice for another procedure.

Without hiding my shame, I began to confess that you see this 600k can't work, maybe we shouldn't worry about this glow up.

Still don't get it? Yes, I visited an Aesthetic and Laser Clinic..I have been battling Acne for two years(  I guess) and I have had to visit various Estheticians, but no significant improvement.  Uncle ChatGPT too isn't left out, even had to go to the herbal, but still nothing significant,

Since I was in Lagos for the weekend, I decided to pick up my passport and visit a dermatologist. Reached out to a few, but they were fully booked, so I continued with my search. At the passport office in Ikeja, there's a skin clinic, but they didn't look or sound convincing, and was done doing trial and error with my skin, I wanted to get past this once and for all.

My experience at Sholema Aesthetics was informative.  I thought I knew all the products to tackle Acne, but the Esthetician schooled me on the fact that there are OTC products and there are medical-grade products.. While speaking to her, I told her I needed to see a dermatologist and that I had visited one in the past, she replied saying she's very sure I saw an esthetician because there are few dermatologists in the country, why is this so???? No wonder there's a sudden rise of Esthetician.

I sha ended up reducing the products   recommended because where will I see 600k plus, my ancestors will flog me if they find out I even ended up buying products worth 300k plus on face, Vanity right, yes I'm vain😏😏

Trust that I will share my progress report on this skincare journey with Sholema Aesthetic and Laser Clinic.

I hope I've been able to convince you and not to confuse you that eating carrots pays more than splurging on skincare products 😅😅😅😅

Thanks for reading. I'd love to hear your thoughts, especially on why there are so few dermatologists in the country. Drop a comment or share this with someone who enjoys it too.

To watch my new skincare routine(acne-prone skin), click here

To see the vitamins I'm drinking, click here