Well hello there 👋🏾... una kushe!
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E don teh gbaim weh ah rayt una! It really has been a minute I've written to you all!
Happy New Year! Api Nyu Yia! Bonne Année!
Yes I know it's February 👀 but culturally as you haven't heard from me in 2025 I can still say it 🤭
Ah miss una gbaim and I trust the feeling is mutual.
I see you all enjoyed this December without me -- both figuratively and literally. With all the events I saw and lists that came out I figured y'all will be aight -- and indeed you were 😉.
I also enjoyed my December; I spent the holidays in my other home -- Naija!
![at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos, Nigeria (December 2024)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59486e_f173401e3c7740c0b4db40fcd8cd3134~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/59486e_f173401e3c7740c0b4db40fcd8cd3134~mv2.jpg)
Fortunately I wasn't force fed any Nigerian Jollof 🤭 but I did indulge in other great Nigerian delicacies such as (but of course not limited to) Ofada stew, Efo Riro with Pounded Yam and one of my favorites - Moi Moi.
When I returned last month I thought of doing a Top 7 for January but abeg that one would have been drier than the Sahara Desert. There were barely any events I came across and January is notorious for being 2 years long and financially embarrassing for many so I said I'll hit you up this month and here I am! 💁🏾♀️
February here we are; the month of looooooveeee!
Hmmm you people won't believe what I witnessed when leaving my house today, peep my tweet:
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This month couples are ready to oppress us but as our Christian cousins say; it is well.
We move!
And with that I bring to you Top 7 things to do in Freetown this month:
1. Valentine's Pop Up Shop by Toya's Creations🌹
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See what I mean by oppression?
Nah, I'm just kidding.
Love is not just romantic, it can be platonic, familial and of course self! Which is one of the reasons why you should check out the Valentine's Pop Up Shop by Toya's Creations!
From flowers, to fragrances, chocolates and gifts, Toya's Creations has you covered! Shop for your friend, your lover, your mother and if the mood strikes you -- me 😇:
Date: Thursday, February 13 - Friday, February 14 2025
Time: 9am - 6pm
Venue: WeSpace, 19 High Broad Street, Murraytown (opposited the red brick church before Seabird)
To inquire about flowers or orders, you can contact +232 77 200 070.
2. Valentine's Outing by JNAP Ventures 🚋
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Fancy a family outing - Valentine's edition?
JNAP Ventures is offering an inclusive package for parents and/or kids to visit the Lettie Stuart Pottery School in Waterloo!
This Valentine's day weekend why not go out of your comfort zone and outside of Freetown to create arts of clay?
The experience offers painting, pottery, snacks, a road trip and love extravaganza on:
Date: Saturday, February 15 2025
Venue: Lettie Stuart Pottery School, Waterloo
Fee: nLe 1800: 1 child and 1 adult
nLe 900: 1 child
The above fees are inclusive of pottery, transportation, finger food, water and art
To reserve your spot and make further inquiries, you can contact +232 30 218 336 or +232 90 180 497.
3. Outdoor Movie Night 🎥
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Under the Stars presents an Outdoor Movie Night
...for singles and couples.
I'm glad they added that last bit. Single people watch movies too. 😂
Watch a movie this weekend with a special someone, go as a group or by your fabulous self this weekend on:
Date: Saturday, February 15 2025
Time: 6:30pm (doors open)
8:00pm (movie starts)
Venue: Sports Zone, Lumley Beach Road
Prices
Single: nLe 190 | Group of 4: nLe 600 | Double: nLe 350
Each package includes pillows, bedding with seat(s) and popcorn.
For further inquiries you can contact +232 78 292 102 or +232 30 394 140.
4. Wine & Paint 🎨
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59486e_e6300f1d29cc47f7be261abf66966b62~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_980,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/59486e_e6300f1d29cc47f7be261abf66966b62~mv2.jpeg)
Feeling artsy?
Join Inkundla Spaces and Not Just An Art this weekend and design your very own tote bag!
Be a part of sustainable fashion and say no to plastic bags with this artsy crew on:
Date: Saturday, February 15 2025
Time: 6:30pm
Venue: Mango Peak, Hillstation
Fee: nLe 400 (includes tote bag, paint and a glass of wine)
To book your spot, contact +232 77 472 549
5. Book a stay at Hotel Barmoi 🏨
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Looking for a staycation?
No need to look too far, book a stay with my friends at Hotel Barmoi!
They are offering a deal of 3 nights for the price of 2! Now THAT is unbeatable! AND it's for the ENTIRE month of February - not just Valentine's Day/weekend.
Don't walk, RUN for this promotional offer!
Note: this promotion is valid for a maximum of double occupancy (nor go kam wit jama na pipul hotel o!) and for direct bookings only. It also cannot be combined with any other on going promotion and this offer is valid for the month of February 2025 only.
To book your next staycation this month, check out Hotel Barmoi on:
Website: www.hotelbarmoi.com
Tel: +232 76 918 771 / +232 30 960 016
Address: 75C Cape Road, Aberdeen
*paid collaboration
6. Sunset Soirée Fundraiser 🌅
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59486e_317457cc75bf4308a0fdc185d588b0bb~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_828,h_820,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/59486e_317457cc75bf4308a0fdc185d588b0bb~mv2.jpeg)
The Rotaract Club of Freetown-Sunset hosts their first fundraiser of the year in style!
Under Rotary, Rotaract clubs advance Rotary's mission by promoting sustainable development in their community. The Rotaract Club of Freetown-Sunset has completed some impressive projects such as routine beach cleanings and most recently (and notably) constructing a primary school in Liroh, Koinadugu District.
To support the good work they are doing, attend their garden party on:
Date: Friday, February 21 2025
Time: 6pm
Venue: Freetown Golf Club, Lumley Beach Road
Fee: nLe 200
Dress code: Garden Glam
7. Self-portrait workshop: Creative Alchemy 🖼️
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Oh look, can you spot me in this flyer? 🙈
Haha, I attended this session last month and loved it - and I would highly recommend to all interested folks!
This month’s Creative Alchemy workshop by Zato offers a unique therapeutic art space to use the power of self-portraiture to explore, express and elevate self-love and self-esteem. It is more than an art class - it's an opportunity to (re)connect with your essence and celebrate yourself through creative self-expression.
Absolutely no artistic experience is required! Come with your authentic self on:
Date: Friday, February 28 2025
Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm
Venue: Leo Restaurant, 5th Floor Sierra Hotel, Lumley Beach Road
Fee: nLe 250
...and that's it folks:
Top 7 things to do in Freetown this month!
What will you be up to?
Whatever you choose, I hope you choose yourself and love - not just this month, but always.
Yours truly,
Mina Bilkis.
ergo sum cogito
To feature your business, event or organization - let's talk: info@minabilkis.com
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