A Glimpse of Germany: Our Bite Sized Trip to Berlin.
Fortunately, near the end of this years’ Summer Holidays I’ve had the pleasure of being able to visit Berlin once again. Though this isn’t my first time in the beautiful city I had a fabulous time exploring new sights and experiences that I haven’t had the opportunity to before with my family.
]]>Fortunately, near the end of this years’ Summer Holidays I’ve had the pleasure of being able to visit Berlin once again. Though this isn’t my first time in the beautiful city I had a fabulous time exploring new sights and experiences that I haven’t had the opportunity to before with my family.
From its bustling streets to its deep history, the capital of Berlin provides any traveller with a captivating experience well worth remembering. Today I want to share the astonishing landmarks, iconic accommodation, and overall the highlights of my trip.
The main reason for our very short trip to Berlin was to attend my brother’s wedding (traditional wedding ceremony in the Nigerian culture). Let me tell you a little bit about Nigeria’s traditional weddings for those of you are not used to our cultures’ wedding style here are a few main characteristics that set them apart. Traditional Nigerian weddings are extremely colourful and glamourous in the way we dress and the way the venue is set up, especially since they have a regal theme. Traditional weddings are also filled with mouth-watering Nigerian delicacies and guests from all over the globe (the particular wedding I attended had around 275-330 people) arriving with an abundance of gifts and well wishes. Finally, spraying the bride and groom with money (up to thousands of dollars) is a custom and one of the many highlights of these weddings , especially if you get sprayed yourself for your good dancing skills.
Where To Stay In Berlin
For our stay, my family and I spent our 4 days at Novotel am Tiergarten in Berlin, Germany. Luckily for me, Idy has a platinum card with Accor hotels accommodations. So, we were kindly given an early check in and late check out plus some other goodies on arrival. The room that we stayed in was a lot more spacious than I thought it would be, which was a pleasant surprise and it incorporated the sleek German style of architecture that I don’t see all the time. However, the service wasn’t up to the standard of the many hotels I’ve stayed at before, which is to be expected as it is a 4-star hotel, but overall it was an enjoyable stay with a good central location which I’ll talk about to finish.
I’m very glad that I got to stay in the heart of berlin as it gave excellent opportunity to visit a wide variety of stores and restaurants. A family favourite (especially amongst the kids and hubby) was Soban, Berlin. There we had flavourful, perfectly cooked Korean dishes which came in very large portions and even my husband (who is very critical) was impressed and really enjoyed his food along with the rest of us. We were also able to go on a Big Bus tour with my sister and her family, and experienced historical monuments including the last remnants of the Berlin wall and many other affordable restaurants that cater to a wide range of palates. Waldorf Astoria was just a walk away from our hotel if you are up for the splurge.
For more regarding our Berlin trip, head to my YouTube channel to watch my Berlin travel vlog and also check out my Instagram for more picture and videos.
Until next time, stay fabulous!
IE, XO
Exploring Egypt: A Luxurious Escape to Sharm El Sheikh
I am still enchanted by the magical land of Egypt. From its ancient wonders to its breath-taking landscapes, Egypt offers a truly mesmerizing experience for all travellers. On my recent trip to Egypt, I stayed in the stunning coastal city of Sharm El Sheikh where I made unforgettable memories as I witnessed the enchanting attractions surrounding the renowned Royal Savoy Hotel.
I want to share with you the incredible tourist attractions, luxurious accommodations, and remarkable landscapes that makes Egypt a must-visit destination on your bucket-list!
Firstly, I have to mention the allure of Sharm El Sheikh as a whole. Sharm El Sheikh is a picturesque paradise, best known for its immaculate beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. With its stunning natural beauty and warm climate, you can enjoy the beach and sun whilst taking in your idyllic surroundings.
During my stay, I had the pleasure of staying at the luxurious Royal Savoy Hotel. This five-star resort is unlike any other, with its magnificent accommodations of spacious suites and private balconies, immaculate service and range of grand facilities, the Royal Savoy Hotel really was the reason our stay was as perfect as it was. I could indulgent and relax as I soaked in my glorious surroundings without a care in the world. I must say that, the night life in this beautiful city is so surreal. I quickly learned that their day begins at night. The streets, restaurants , shopping malls, just to mention a few are usually packed full with people at night.
When writing about Sharm El Sheikh, it would be crazy not to mention its underwater paradise. With the Red Sea just on the doorstep, you can experience the magic of its waters by embarking on a snorkelling adventure. Or if you prefer to stay above water, there are many other options to witness Egypt’s extensive marine life. You can visit Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran Island, where you can spend the day marvelling at the colourful fish, turtles and even dolphins.
If, like me, when you’re on holiday you like to delve into the history of your destination, a visit to St Catherine’s Monastery is a must. You can travel back in time with this excursion asexplore ancient architecture, religious artifacts and even the famous Burning Bush; where it is said Moses received the Ten Commandments. It is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it a must-visit for all those history buffs out there.
If you get bored of crystal-clear waters or just fancy a little of bit adventure, you can escape the coastal scenery for a day and go off on a thrilling desert safari adventure or a boat cruise. There are many 4x4 excursions offered where you can give yourself a rush of adrenaline with dune bashing. After this exhilarating day, you can breathe a breath of fresh air at the end as you marvel at the hues of orange and pink of the sunset and enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner. You may even be treated to the sight of some mesmerizing cultural performances such as belly dancing and fire shows.
Of course, whilst you’re on holiday you need to do some shopping and maybe even treat yourself to a couple of souvenirs, so I would suggest a visit to Naama +Bay. Situated in the heart of Sharm El Sheikh with stunning views of the Red Sea, Naama Bay is a thrilling hub of entertainment, dining and shopping. This lively promenade is the perfect evening activity where you can get dressed up, have some drinks, eat some delicious food and browse through all the colourful shops where you can find treasures of traditional Egyptian jewellery and crafts.
Also, right outside our hotel (Savoy Hotel) is Soho Square, with lots of shops, restaurants and site seeing. We took lots of strolls there to enjoy some shopping and night life.
My trip to Egypt was a trip of a lifetime, filled with natural wonders, stunning landscapes, cultural treasures and moments of relaxation. Sharm El Sheikh is a timeless destination that will leave you with an everlasting love for the country.
More photos and reels of my trip is available on my instagram @ivyekong
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My pink suits is from Ivy Ekong Fashion
As an influencer, in order to tie together coherent content and advertised content around this time, consider building creative around a particular theme and colour palette to natural flow with your blog. That way there will be a coherent element that ties together advertised and organic content.
Trust me, your followers want to see much more than #ad. In other not to alienate your followers, it is important to maintain some level of consistency.
TIP TO ACHIEVE THIS:
I cannot over emphasis how important this is. When you Pre-plan your content, it makes your life so much easier as an influencer. You’re also able to tell brands who wants to work with you exactly when their sponsored post will be published rather than making false promises that you may not be able to fulfill. That usually leads to distrust and you don’t want that from brands. Consider putting together a calendar with benchmarks of specific brands you want to reach out to at different times. Shape your outreach plan accordingly – especially depending on your ask and the requirements of the potential collaboration. Doing this will also ultimately help you prioritize what matters to you and your followers during this time.
2. Flexibility:
As an influencer it is up to you to decide what matters to you and your audience, but it is also important to allow some flexibility as you plan your posting schedule. The start of summer holiday or any holiday for that matter, is usually the most busiest times of the year for so many including influencers, having said that, it is also important to consider and be abreast of what’s going on in the world and schedule your post to be sensitive around that.
3. Consistency:
Consistency is critical no matter what season, but it is especially helpful to harness and maintain your unique point of view during the holidays so you can easily break through the noise. Be consistent in your posting. Especially now that summer is approaching, there’s no shortage of posting because you can post about holiday ideas, Royal Ascot, races, what to wear to summer weddings and so many more without boring out your followers.
In a nutshell, planning more time-sensitive content, influencers have the chance to get creative in how they tie-up the loose ends within their content calendar. From in-store shopping events to panels to holiday dinners, influencers have options to tap into the real-time opportunities for posting. This approach can also open doors for more brand collaborations with the opportunities to take over a brand’s Instagram Stories for a day, participate in Facebook Live, or post moments from these special gatherings in real-time and invite your followers into the conversations. This in-the-moment approach allows influencers to do what they do best while also infusing authenticity that many crave during this promotion-heavy time.
Till my next post, stay fabulous!
XO
Ivy Ekong
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Many people would consider holiday packing to be their pet-hate, however I love the excitement of putting outfits together and deciding which bikini matches what dress for when I’m strolling down the sunny beach without a care in the world. Holiday shopping is my favourite kind, big sunnies and silky dresses teamed with a floppy hat is what I consider to be one of the most glamorous looks. With Dubai temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in the hottest part of the year, it is traditional to cover certain parts of your body; I would suggest you respect their culture and tradition. To help you I have prepared a list of wardrobe staples and holiday-must haves to help you pack for your summer vacation:
There’s no need to be squinting in your holiday pics, wear a wide brim hat; the bigger the better. This is guaranteed to give you a super chic look and also a great cover-up for messy beach hair!
Shopping in Dubai is my favourite thing to do; the Dubai Mall is the world’s largest, boasting over 1,000 retailers and an Olympic sized ice-rink inside. Dubai shopping festival takes over during January and February, a perfect time to visit for a shopping-spree. Fashion Avenue is the section of the mall dedicated the luxury fashion, with high-end designers such as; Chanel, Lanvin and Gucci. Nearby Level Shoe District is swarmed by luxury brands, including my favourite Christian Louboutin.
Other than shopping, which could be mistaken for Dubai’s official sport, there are plenty of other adventures to experience. I would recommend visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, famous for being the world’s tallest building it has 163 floors. You can pay to visit this building along with others to experience the views from above, which I must say are breathtaking as Dubai is such a beautiful city.
I would also highly recommend when visiting Dubai you take part in a boat trip along the Dubai Creek; running through the heart of Dubai extending through the Persian Gulf, you will get a tour of the city and amazing views of the astounding architecture. If you’re a major foodie like me, you are sure to be impressed by what Dubai has to offer in the way of luxury dining. Amal restaurant is an Indian restaurant located in the Burj Khalifa, with their Michelin Star chefs and a stunning view from the terrace, it is definitely worth a visit. I would also recommend visiting COYA Dubai, a Peruvian restaurant by the coast, and Imperium; luxury fine-dining serving all cuisines located on The Palm Jumeirah.
I hope I have been able to persua you to experience the luxurious and relaxing atmosphere of Dubai, I would love to hear your recommendations of places to visit within the City. As always thanks for reading, I’ll post again soon!
Love
Ivy
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GETTING THERE
For this trip, I flew American airline. which I personally found very uncomfortable. The sits were supper small and there was not enough leg room to even move around. Getting there was honestly a pain but it was worth it, as I really did enjoy LA. So have this in mind when booking American airline, even business class wasn't as spaces as most other airlines I have flown in the past. We probably used a small plane but this was my overall experience. Next time I will not be using America airline as I have learnt my lessons. Not just me, a few passengers had same complaints as well. So bear this in mind.
WHERE TO STAY
In Los Angeles, I stayed at the beautiful Beverly Hills Hotel right in Beverly Hills. This hotel is so beautiful and it's just a few minutes away from Rodeo drive which was fantastic. It cost 10 dollars to Uber to Rodeo drive where all the boutiques and restaurants are. If you prefer to walk, it will take between 10- 15 minutes to walk from the hotel to Rodeo drive. The hotel has panoramic views of Beverly Hills city, pool, a gym and spa.
DINING
Here are places you can dine in Los Angele;
THINGS TO DO / PLACES TO VISIT
I was in LA for 3 weeks. I was there for business for a week and then my family joined me for two weeks. We visited the universal Studios on tow occasions which wasn't still enough. Its so huge that you need at least a week to do everything including the rides. I did enjoy the studio tour and all the behind the scenes that goes into producing a movie/ TV series.
I will definitely be going back to Los Angeles because there is so much we didn't do. Next time we will go to Vegas from there and visit friends as well.
I hope you enjoyed this post. if I left anything out please leave me your comments. If you have been to LA before, I would love to hear from you as well. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram : @IVYEKONG
]]>Gone are the days when, it’s easy to feel burned out when it comes to social media. You have to spend a large chunk of your time writing compelling posts and coming up with fresh content to engage your audience, and then you wake up the next day and do it all again. Social media never sleeps, which means your content can’t, either.
Sometimes it feels like you’ve said and done it all. What more can you possibly do to provide your audience with relevant and valuable content?
As we enter the new year, we put together some of the tactics that worked for successful social media campaigns in 2018 so you can re-evaluate your strategy and start 2019 fresh.
This post will go over some tips to create a successful social media campaign along with some examples to serve as inspiration.
Campaign timeline: What makes successful social media campaigns?
It’s true that email marketing boasts a far better ROI than social media advertising: $39.40 for every dollar on email, compared to $12.90 for the same amount spent on social media. However, you can’t throw caution to the wind and ditch social media entirely.
Facebook, for example, has 1.49 billion active users on its platform each day. Meanwhile, the changing Facebook algorithm has not been kind to small businesses. You probably consider yourself lucky if even a small fraction of your followers actually sees your posts.
That’s why it’s so important for marketers to maximize every dollar spent on social media marketing. If you’re going to put your effort and money behind some sponsored posts, you need those posts to be the best social media campaigns ever, so they actually work.
These social media campaign ideas can help you create a successful social media campaign that provides value to your audience while maximizing ROI.
1. Write copy that resonates with your audience.
Beyond your brand’s voice, you’ll need to consider tone.
Who is your audience and how do they want to communicate with brands? You have a few different options including
You’ll also need to consider what message you want to convey with your social media campaign timeline. Do you want to educate and inform or entertain?
Answering these questions will help drive which words you use in your posts to really connect with your audience.
AliExpress launched a social media campaign to coincide with the new year and highlight their weight loss products. This post does a great job of using humor to sell a product that’s totally not even related to getting fit.
Image Source: Facebook
2. Take advantage of live video.
One of the best ways to show up in your Facebook followers’ notifications, bypass the ever-changing algorithm, and reach new followers is to go live. But going live at the wrong time with the wrong content can also flop. Use these social media campaign ideas for the best live video experience:
3. Look at what your competitors do.
Don’t copy—instead, analyze. See what works for your competitors and what doesn’t work. Scroll through their timelines and look at which posts had the best engagement. From there, you can get a good idea of the type of content your audience craves and tailor your campaigns to your specific brand.
4. Conduct adequate audience research.
Behind all the successful social media campaigns of 2018 was one key factor: adequate audience research. What’s interesting to one market segment isn’t worth squat to another. That’s why it’s so important to understand your audience:
Once you understand that, you can write copy they actually want to read and engage with.
Weight loss company Noom understands that people want to lose weight and still eat foods that actually taste good. Their Instagram is chock-full of mouthwatering healthy meals.
Image Source: Instagram
5. Create something unique for your business.
In 2015, Blendtec launched a successful social media campaign that involved throwing random objects—like a Jar Jar Binks action figure—into their blender. It was a huge hit.
If you can, find a fun way to incorporate your product or service into your posts for the best social media campaigns. This will help get your product in front of as many eyes as possible and drive home brand recognition.
National Geographic’s “Your Shot” campaign perfectly merges their brand (exploring amazing places) with requests for audience interaction. It’s definitely one of the best social media campaigns of 2018 and still going strong.
Image Source: Instagram
6. Provide something valuable.
Different people define value differently. The key here is to understand your audience and their pain points. From there, you can figure out what you want to accomplish with your social media campaign ideas and how you can add value to specific market segments.
Arby’s is killing it with their Facebook posts. They always find unique ways to incorporate their product with trending culture, topics, and technology. This post uses a 360 video and cosplay with Borderlands to hit home with specific segments of their audience.
Image Source: Facebook
7. Strategize across different platforms…
If most of your target audience hangs out on Facebook and you spend your time tweeting, that won’t deliver the results you want. Check tools like Buzzsumo to see where your topics perform best and then create the best social media campaigns ever for specific platforms.
8. …but keep your branding consistent.
As you spread your content across different platforms, you’ll need to ensure that your brand’s voice stays consistent. This will ensure that audiences understand who you are and what you’re about no matter where they found you.
9. A/B test your design.
A big factor in the best social media campaigns of 2018 was design. Run a few tests with different images and copy to see which performs best before investing into a sponsored post. Carousels, for example, are a great way to display lots of content in a small space. See what works for you.
10. Embrace white space.
Big blocks of text will send people running for the hills. How you use white space will differ on Facebook (which allows for longer posts) and Twitter (which only allows marketers 240 characters).
11. Post unique high-quality graphics.
If you’re going to spend your precious marketing budget on a (hopefully) successful social media campaign, it’s important to ensure it strikes your audience. Consider investing in GIFs and high-quality images that feature your product.
Caribou Coffee uses a good balance of user-generated content and high-quality graphics on Instagram.
Image Source: Instagram
12. Use hashtags correctly.
It’s important for marketers to use hashtags strategically—not overwhelmingly. In general, best practices for the best social media campaigns of 2018 involved:
13. Decide on a compelling CTA.
When it comes to the best social media campaigns, ideas mean nothing without a hard-hitting CTA. Decide what you’d like your audience to do. Do you want them to share the post? Comment and tag a friend? Purchase your product? Sign up for your mailing list? Stick with one solid CTA for your social media campaign timeline.
14. Play around with new technology and platform tools.
Although Facebook’s organic algorithm doesn’t work in your favour, the social media giant offers tons of downright fun tools for reaching your audience with engaging posts. Play around with audience insight tools and incorporate some data of your own from Google Analytics to create the best social media campaigns ever.
15. Don’t let your followers do all the work.
You can’t just ask people to follow and share your stuff—you need to take action, too. Don’t be afraid to retweet and share content from your followers. This will encourage other people to interact with your brand and give you a chance to build some rapport while learning about your followers’ interests.
Wendy’s is straight up savage on Twitter and they do a great job of interacting with their audience.
Image Source: Twitter
Wrap up
Social media is all about standing out. People scroll through their newsfeeds quickly so it’s important to capture attention with extremely unique content. Once you have an idea, you can take advantage of the tips on this list to get the job done.
Remember, as always: the secret behind the best social media campaigns ever was understanding their audiences. That’s the only way you’ll be able to provide them with the content they can’t wait to engage with and share.
CREDIT : Emma
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My dress is from Ivyekongfashion (Not online) Read more travel diaries here and here Love Ivy
]]>This is the most important thing to do. Other tips in this article may not be of help if you don’t wear comfortable clothes. Avoid tight, stiff, itchy clothing. Avoid clothes made with synthetic materials. Avoid wearing heavy jewelry, boots and belts. The looser your clothing is, the better. I take a sweater with me in case the flight gets cold. I also wear warm socks to keep my feet warm. Socks also helps if you need to put off your shoe during the flight. Even though you are flying in first class, its still advisable for wear comfortable clothes for your flight.
You don’t want to get a nagging headache or a running stomach during a long flight . I avoid food I’m not comfortable with before and during a long flight.
You will be served various food items on a long-distance flight. Having dirty hands for the rest of your journey is not something you want. It’s also uncomfortable to stand up every time to wipe your hands. Go with a pack of sanitary wipes to get your hands and tray table clean. It’s also good to have a light makeup bag with moisturiser, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and other items in it.
The airline might provide an eye mask for you, but it’s best that you go with yours. Some airline eye masks aren’t that comfortable. My favorites are these silk eye masks that are comfortable on the eye and look beautifully designed on the outside. Who says you can’t look attractive while sleeping?
Noise-cancelling headphones will help you rest and sleep better. They drown out the sounds on the plane. If you have two kids like me, you may need the headphones to drown out their talkative voices. Some planes have earplugs, but they are not as effective as noise-cancelling headphones. I also enjoy my favorite music on them.
I enjoy catching up on my favorite fashion magazines on long flights. They keep me entertained when I’m bored with the in-flight entertainment offered me. You take your iPad along and enjoy books, movies and videos on them. The girls also enjoy playing games on it. It keeps them from getting bored. Read my travel diaries on Berlin and Dubai. Love Ivy
]]>As women who are in business or boss babes as many like to call it, we do often feel very alone in the world that is greatly dominated by men. This is not a post to highlight what’s already very obvious in the entrepreneurial world. As a woman, I feel we need to show support to other women especially those in business. In doing so I wanted to share some awesome entrepreneurial books that I have read. These books are so helpful respectively, and also yield a lot of insight into some questions that boss babes frequently ask. We can never stop learning and growing, and the best way to do that is by reading loads and loads of books, while surrounding yourself with the right people. Choose Yourself by James Altucher There is so much I can say about this book. It made my first list because this book is a must read if you’re a boss babe or just need an inspiration in your next career adventure. James Altucher writes like an old friend and his self-depreciating style is raw, honest, and the kick in the pants every entrepreneur needs. My favourite quote from the book is : ‘’The only skills you need to be an entrepreneur are the ability to fail, to have ideas, to sell those ideas, to execute on them, and to be persistent, so even as you fail you learn and move onto the next adventure’’. GIRLBOSS This book inspires me on a personal level because there is a lot of familiarity in my past and present entrepreneurial journey. Let’s just say the story behind this book is so good that it went on to become its own Netflix series. (If you haven’t seen the series on Netflix, you definitely should). Although Girl boss the show won’t be returning to the small screen, the book based on Sophia Amoruso’s success is just as good to hold you over. The chances are that you’ve heard of this book already, and it’s all for a good reason. If you’re unfamiliar with Sophia’s story, she’s the founder of clothing giant Nasty Gal and has since moved on from the brand to launch Girl boss as a media company. The book breaks down her journey from selling vintage clothes on eBay to starting her empire at Nasty Gal. Today, Sophia has left Nasty Gal, but she’s a cultural icon for anyone looking to create their own path for success. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey Stephen Covery is a writer than inspires me with how raw and straight forward he is in his writing abilities. A classic book about leadership and success that will get your mind working in the right direction for success of course! There’s a reason it has sold millions of copies: the lessons are timeless and they work. My personal favorite is the “Win-Win” habit, which says that one of your first priorities should be to create a product or service that benefits your customer, and then worry about the rest. This is very important in the retail business as well and I find this book very useful. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Lauren Weisberger definitely out did herself with this book. The Devil Wears Prada is so good and inspirational that it went from the palm of our hands to the big screen, and everyone can admit that they know a Miranda Priestly. The story follows journalism graduate Andrea, who landed a job as the assistant to magazine editor Miranda Priestly, and suddenly her world turned upside down. She went from answering phone calls to joining Miranda in Paris and making a name for herself in the publishing world. The whole story is a lesson in how hard we have to work to get to where we want to be, no matter how tough our boss is. How to Dump Your Boss, Build a Business and Not Go Broke by Scott Gerber Gerber gives you the no-bull reality on turning your business idea into a viable enterprise capable of generating real income now. Gerber has experienced firsthand how you can sabotage your own business. Never Get a “Real” Job will help you avoid the costly mistakes that can take down your enterprise at any time, helping you to get off the ground, establish your business, and keep it successfully up and running. He gives you insights from a fellow young entrepreneur on how to start from absolutely nothing—building a viable business model from the ground up. Along with straight-shooting advice on creating contacts and cultivating clients, he offers practical, affordable, step-by-step instructions on how to constantly analyze, refine, and target your business offerings. while minimizing wasted time and keeping you on track. It would be great to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share some other entrepreneurial books you’ve read. As usual you may also find these post interesting, here, and here Till my next post, stay fabulous Love Ivy Photo Credit : Pinterest
]]>Here are the reasons why orthopedic furniture is a must have for everyone: • Reduces back pain • It is built to support joints, bones, and overall body • It improves posture • You are able to sit for longer without any waist pain or back pain. • General physical health improvement and wellbeing
Cavendish furniture offers a wide selection of orthopedic furniture you can use or purchase for your parents or grandparents. A lot of people suffer from spinal alignment issues, back pain and joint problems including myself. From having two kids to constantly, lifting weights and exercising daily, I have to say that my back is not the same as it used to be 10 years ago. The only thing that keeps me going are my orthopedic furniture which is a very important furniture to our family.
]]>Tips To Achieve This: Pre- planning: I cannot over emphasis how important this is. When you pre-plan your content, it makes your life so much easier as an influencer. You’re also able to tell brands who want to work with you exactly when their sponsored post will be published rather than making false promises that you may not be able to fulfill. That usually leads to distrust, and you don’t want that from brands. Consider putting together a calendar with benchmarks of specific brands you want to reach out to at different times. Shape your outreach plan accordingly. Doing this will also ultimately help you prioritize what matters to you and your followers/readers during this time. Flexibility: As an influencer, it is up to you to decide what matters to you and your followers but it is also important to allow some flexibility as you plan your posting schedule. The start of the holiday is usually the busiest times of the year for so many including influencers. Having said that, it is also important to consider and be abreast of what’s going on in the world and schedule your post to be sensitive around that. Consistency: Consistency is critical no matter what season, but it is especially helpful to harness and maintain your unique point of view during the holidays so you can easily break through the noise. Be consistent in your posting. Especially now that Christmas is approaching, there’s no shortage of posting because you can post about gift ideas, holiday destinations, and so many more without boring out your followers. In a nutshell, planning more time-sensitive content, influencers have the chance to get creative in how they tie-up the loose ends within their content calendar. From in-store shopping events to panels, to holiday dinners, influencers have options to tap into the real-time opportunities for posting. This approach can also open doors for more brand collaborations with the opportunities to take over a brand’s Instagram stories for a day, participate in Facebook Live, or post moments from these special gatherings in real-time and invite your followers into the conversations. This in-the-moment approach allows influencers to do what they do best while also infusing authenticity that many crave during this promotion-heavy time. Let me know how you get along by tagging me. Also leave me a message here. Photo Credit : @Janicejoostemaa (Instagram)
]]>Hilton London Kensington The Hilton in London Kensington is one of the best on my list. If you’re not planning to go far and still want a relaxed holiday, I do 100% recommend this hotel. It’s loved for its luxury and spectacular customer service which I have personally experienced. This hotel is a 4 star hotel though, but offers you a five star value for your money. I think it has over 600 rooms if I’m correct. It may not be the most luxurious place in London but they cater to both business and leisure travellers. Also suitable for family travellers with kids. You can book your hotel here Hilton Berlin Hilton Berlin is situated in the shopping district of Berlin, meaning you can literally walk out of your hotel room into the shops in just a few minutes. This is one if the reasons why I love this hotel. Hilton Berlin is a five star hotel too. Customer service is good too depending on individuals experiences. Berlin is also a beautiful country to visit and one of my favourite destinations if I want to make a short trip within Europe. Book your hotel here. Hilton Tel Aviv Hilton Tel Aviv is a luxurious five star hotel with a sunny Israeli beach and a huge swimming pool. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, then this is surely the one I recommend. You will find all the conveniences and even much more than a tourist would expect in this hotel. One of the things I like about this hotel, is that your room service works everywhere around the hotel environment including the outdoor pool and beach. So you can lounge away while room service respond to your every need including, cocktail top ups and all. Also perfect for families travelling with kids. Book your stay here. Hilton Malta This list wouldn’t be complete without the addition of Hilton Malta. This Hilton hotel has a huge amount of ratings on trip advisor and of course the rating is excellent. The only complaint travelers usually make about this hotel is the fact that you need to pay for WiFi when it should be made free to hotel guest, and I agree. Apart from that, there’s nothing to fault in this hotel and of course a great location. Book your stay here. That is my recommendations based on personal experience and that of other travelers from my research. Enjoy your half term holiday. While you’re at it, check my other post here, here, and here. Till my next post, stay fabulous Love Ivy
]]>I hope it’s not coming late, I am a last-minute shopper, so I haven’t bought anything for my love yet. I actually got a lot of ideas from this post which I will use a guide when shopping my valentine’s present for my hubby. Single or not, Valentine’s day is about showing our loved ones how much they mean to us. So, whether it’s your special someone, sister, mom, or best friend, get a little something to show them how much you appreciate having them in your life! I love the idea of making gift baskets with some fun and reusable items such as the ones I’ve included below. My bestie gave me a present like this late year and I absolutely was thrilled by it. Gift’s like these have yet to fail! And from experience they are the best kind of gift to give. Our traditional way of gifting on valentine’s day is pretty obvious. Give your loved ones something he or she isn't expecting and they will be blown away. So, this year when buying a valentine’s present for that special someone, let's think outside the box, and buy more of modern gift than traditional valentine presents.
For Her 1) Joe love perfume : https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/774262/jo_loves/pomelo---pink-pomelo---rose-vetiver--50ml 2) Larssson & Jennings wrist watch : https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/832891/larsson___jennings/lugano-leopard-print-calf-hair-and-gold-plated-watch 3) Maria Tash Mini 18-karat gold diamond earing : https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/835777/maria_tash/mini-18-karat-gold-diamond-earring 4. Agent Provocateur Marcia cutout Leavers lace and stretch-tulle underwired bra and pant; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/713293/agent_provocateur/marcia-cutout-leavers-lace-and-stretch-tulle-underwired-bra Pant here ; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/713294/agent_provocateur/marcia-cutout-leavers-lace-and-stretch-tulle-briefs 5 – Hanky Panky signature set of three stretch-lace boy shorts; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/486911 6- Moschino metallic faux leather-trimmed quilted shell cosmetics case; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/818288/moschino/metallic-faux-leather-trimmed-quilted-shell-cosmetics-case 7- Diane von Furstenberg set of three satin pouches; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/801041/diane_von_furstenberg/set-of-three-satin-pouches 8- Christian Louboutin Loubi Nail Primer and Loubi Nail Gloss; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/664653/christian_louboutin_beauty/loubi-nail-primer-and-loubi-nail-gloss
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– Artis Brush Fluenta 9 Brush Set ; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/903576/artis_brush/fluenta-9-brush-set 10- Charlotte Tilbury makeup set ; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/873786/charlotte_tilbury/quick--n--easy-the-red-carpet-party-look 11- Eyeko Mini Eye Wardrobe; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/820520/eyeko/mini-eye-wardrobe 12 – Eyeko Mascara wardrobe; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/820517/eyeko/mascara-wardrobe 13- Wander beauty lip set; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/844743/wander_beauty/prone-to-wander-kit 14 - Nail poloish set; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/838745/deborah_lippmann/purple-rain-nail-polish-set 15- Maison Francis Kurkdjian wardrobe perfume set; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/875924/maison_francis_kurkdjian/the-fragrance-wardrobe---discovery-collection-for-her--8-x-11ml 16- Tata Harper multi masking facial mask; https://www.net-a-porter.com/gb/en/product/839120/tata_harper/the-multi-masking-collection
For Men Armani Jeans Leather Wallet; http://www.asos.com/armani-jeans/armani-jeans-leather-wallet-in-black/prd/7644553?iid=7644553&clr=Black&cid=4210&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=683&gridsize=3&gridrow=2&gridcolumn=1 2 - Berluti Deux Jours Polished-Leather Briefcase ; https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/mens/berluti/deux-jours-polished-leather-briefcase/785731 3 - Braun Rubber And Stainless Steel Watch ; https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/mens/braun/bn0095-rubber-and-stainless-steel-watch/709753 4 - Oliva Peoples sunglasses ; https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/mens/oliver_peoples/elias-round-frame-matte-aluminium-and-tortoiseshell-acetate-sunglasses/828307 5 - Avaro leather back pack; https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/mens/alvaro/gaape-leather-backpack/834977 6 - Gucci Dive 40mm Stainless Steel And Rubber Watch; https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/mens/gucci/dive-40mm-stainless-steel-and-rubber-watch/818546 Happy Valentine's day to you all. Ivy Ekong
]]>This Gucci's Marmont cardholder is also a perfect Christmas present to give to that special woman in your life. Crafted from classic black quilted leather, it's finished with the label's coveted, recognisable "GG" logo to the front. This gift is very Classic and you don't need to break the Bank for it. Women love a leather black wallet too. It comes in black and pink. Mermaid blankets are a must buy this Christmas. Treat yourself or a loved one this unique most talked about blanket.
FOR HIM - Adidas Trainers Tubular Radial Primeknit Trainers, is a style staple for any man. This is a perfect Christmas present for yourself or your loved one. Adidas Camouflage Rucksack. Rucksack are very trendy these days. We have spotted a lot of celebrities wearing them. They come very handy for camping and get aways. This will sure make a perfect gift.
GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Croc Card Holder Barbour Tartan Socks Set. Shop here Gucci wallet
Why not start shopping for those presents now in order to avoid the rush that comes with shopping during the Christmas season. While everyone is running around doing late shopping, and probably not being able to find the perfect present because they are all sold out by then, you will be home relaxing and spending quality time with those you love, rest assured that their presents are taking care of. Don't forget to thank me later. Image Credits: http://www.grinandbearlondon.com www.cruisefashion.com www.mytheresa.com
]]>Certainly, the classic Christmas colors are green and red. But let's not limit our imagination to just these two colors. There's a whole world of colors to try out this holiday season, some of which includes, mint, gold, silver, navy blue, violet, turquoise, parchment, yellow, black and lots more. Scarves, flannels, snow boots, gloves, beanies, hats and sweaters are some special pieces we keep for the Christmas holiday season and wearing these pieces in the various colors are fun also for that Christmas family photos we can't wait to share on Instagram.
Although we want to dress Christmas, there are non tacky and non predictable ways to pair these colors and avoid looking like a live Christmas tree. Holiday parties and family photos are the order of this season and there's always the question of what to wear? Parties vary and so does the culture of every country so its important to dress according to your niche. For parties, you can go all bold and chic in a party dress by pairing it with sequin or metallic accessories for an eye catching effect, or go simple and easy with pants, blazers, and a nice pair of heels or brogues. The use of red lipstick is another subtle way of bringing in the Christmas cheer and adding a pop of color to the outfit. Invest in an oversized clutch; mint, silver, parchment, gold for an instant glow up, these are nice eye catching, trendy and festive colors. Note that when pairing bright colors like red and green or blue and red, its essential to keep the rest of the outfit neutral to avoid been flamboyant and overwhelming. A nude lip will do in such cases. It's the holiday season, so don't be afraid to shine both on the inside and on the outside.
A black dress paired with a green neckpiece and metallic heels is eye catching. You can also throw in a blazer or jacket to stay warm if you live in a cold country. Scarves are warm and add style and definition to your outfit, whether its with a blazer, jacket, pants, sweater, blouse or skirt. Whether going to work, parties, church or simply hanging out with friends, the Christmas spirit isn't in what we wear, its the joy, love, and cheer in our hearts, its in showing love, care and supports to others in need. Let's stay fabulous both in and out this holiday season.
I took these photos on my last trip to Dubai. My dress from asos (search lace dresses and it should come up) , heels and bag are YSL.
MODEL // IVY EKONG. @ivyekong
]]>For me, packing is one of the fun parts of travel, but it is also something that stresses a lot of people out. Over the years as a stylist whose job is to sort out clients travel clothes, I have gotten better with packing, and of course I'm a frequent traveller too. I eventually created my own detailed packing list. There are some travel essentials you can't do without. If you're like me, you would want to have all that you need when you travel and will not have the need to go looking for a mall to buy your travel essentials the moment you get to your destination. Wouldn't it be great to lie on your hotel bed and sleep off the jet lag, instead of looking for where to buy the stuff you forgot to travel with? It certainly would! Some of my travel must haves are :-
MAKEUP : I like to pack my makeup must haves in my hand luggage for a quick touch up when I touch down the airplane, and leave my full sized beauty products in my checked luggage. When you are packing, be mindful that your liquid beauty products are the TSA-friendly size of 3.4 ounces or smaller. And, to help speed up the dreaded security check, consolidate your liquids into a clear plastic bag before leaving home. Packing list: Eye liner, mascara, hair bands, hair brush, tooth brush, tooth paste, foundation, makeup sponge/applicator, powder, blush, tissues, nail file, Q-tips, eye shadow, hand sanitizer, chap stick, prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, face wash, Band-Aids, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner are all a must have depending on how long your trip is for.
ACCESSORIES : Accessories are a travel must haves. Match your bags and shoes with the outfits you have picked out to wear and you can never go wrong. What I do usually is, I take one black shoes, one nude shoes, one coloured shoes, one flat shoes, my trainers for the gym, and a rug slippers. These shoes are then matched with one or two bags. Then you're good to go. Jewelleries and other bits and pieces can be packed after you have first packed your shoes and bags, because then it will be easier to colour coordinate the rest of your accessories.
HEALTHY SNACK AND TEAS: If you know me, you would very well know that I love to take my bootea everywhere I go especially while on holiday, because I think this is when you actually need it. The benefits of taking healthy teas when you travel is that it helps cleans your digestive system off the junk you consume on a daily basis while on holiday. Some people might say but we're on holiday, what's the point? When packing up for your travel put a healthy snack and detox tea in your suitcase. If you haven't done this before it's worth giving a try , and be rest assured that you will come back thanking me. This way you won't pile up a lot of "holiday weight" as it's usually called. Also since your body is already used to you eating healthy, it won't go into a shock when you don't. Because you're still feeding it with what's it's used to even while eating junks as apart of your holiday fun. Your vitamins are also a must have. TOILETRIES: Toiletries are very important to take with you while you travel. While some people wouldn't mind using hotel bath soaps, shampoos, and towels, I very much love to take mine and of course use mine. I do not like to share my toiletries with anyone, neither do I like to use hotel towels. This may sound funny, but I do prefer to take my stuff depending on where am going or who am visiting. These are my four very essential things to travel with. Your thoughts? Love, Ivy Ekong
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Getting organised From a single suitcase to a set of luggage for a long trip, there is plenty of perfect luggage to choose from ahead of the flight. Think about what you are going to need to take and how much space this will use, as well as leaving a little room for anything extra you bring back with you. After all, you never know when you might find an exclusive boutique, a special pair of shoes or a keepsake that will look perfect in your house. The first thing to look at packing is also the last thing you check before you depart. This is your travel documents and will likely include passport, any ID you want to take, travel insurance paperwork as well as all the information about the trip. This might be tickets for the flight, the hotel reservation and transportation information. Keep your emergency contacts with all of this.
Carry-on bags If you are flying, then the carry-on bag ( also referred to as hand luggage) is the one that goes with you on the flight and contains everything you need to get access to during it. Remember you have to carry it at all times so don’t go too heavy. Consider putting your travel essentials into this bag such as your mobile phone charger, a tablet and its charger as well as headphones. You may want to keep your camera in this bag if you are taking one, along with its charger and other equipment. Also in this bag will go books or the latest edition of that black fashion magazine in London that you can’t live without. Travel pillows, eye masks, ear plugs and even a blanket may go into this bag depending on room and your needs. Wet wipes and any prescriptions will also join the collection. Do not include any creams or liquid in your travel hand luggage as they may get seized depending on the airline. I had such a bad experience with this in the past and all my new body and facial products including my Chanel no 5 perfumes were all thrown in the bin right in front of me. I was so upset and had to purchase everything again when I arrived in Dubai. Be sure not to make such mistake.
Main bags Your main bag is the one that goes into the hold of the plane or may be the one you use on a weekend trip in this country. Wheels are essential to get the bag around without needing to carry it. Now comes the hard part – choosing what to take in the clothes department! Think about where you are going and what you will be doing. Look at items that can be swapped around for different looks and don’t forget to add practical clothes and shoes if you are doing sightseeing. Underwear and sleepwear go into the bag as do jewellery and other accessories complementing your outfits. Some women create a capsule wardrobe for holidays which contains mix and match outfits that save packing space but create a great range of outfits. Finally you will add your toiletry bag to this case. As I mentioned earlier, remember to check your travel airline rules about liquids, gels, aerosols and creams if you are flying to avoid embarrassing encounters at the check in desk. Don’t forget to take items such as spot removers to help cure any accidental stains on clothes as well as all the makeup essentials and haircare items you may need while away. Enjoy your travel, and do not forget to tag me your travel pictures on Instagram. Love Ivy.
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