Author: Danielle Aneka

Chasing Winter Sun; Tulum Mexico

January 18, 2026

And so we find ourselves; it’s mid January, the weather is miserable here in the uk, so we are jetting off in search of sunshine this week. On Tuesday morning we’ll be heading to the airport and boarding the plane to Mexico and I cannot wait for some much needed winter sun on my skin.

We’ll be staying in the coastal town of Tulum known for its ultra cool, boho-chic vibes and picturesque, palm lined, white sand beaches. 

My birthday is at the end of January and my boyfriend’s is the beginning of February, so getting away at this time of year is a must for us. Why be in cold, rainy England where everyone is on diets and doing Dry Jan, when we can hop on a plane and escape to warmer climates and tropical beachside living!?

We will be there for just under two weeks so the tan will be tanning and being a beach bum will become my full personality! 

Hotelito Azul is where we will be staying for the two weeks, located right on the beach amongst all the best beach clubs and aesthetic restaurants.

I’m thinking fresh coconuts by the sea, a good book in hand and tapping into that boho-chic vibe with all of my cutest holiday wardrobe pieces. 

As always I’ve made a Pinterest board for our trip and also have an extensive list of all the top spots nearby our hotel including Papaya Playa, Bagatelle, Ziggy, Taboo and Ilios.

Mexican cuisine is one of our favourites so my inner foodie is super excited for all the delicious authentic food we have to tantalise our tastebuds.

And not forgetting it being the home of the classic margarita, so my hopes are high for some epic beachside cocktails. 

I plan on consuming bucket loads of guac with tortilla chips, plenty of fresh tropical fruits and all the seafood including fish tacos and the freshest ceviche.

Aside from all the relaxing beach time, we will definitely be going on a few day trips further afield to see the amazing landscape and nature Mexico has to offer. 

We already have booked snorkelling with turtles which was on my goals list for 2026, such a special and unique opportunity in Mexico.

Exploring the breathtaking cenotes is another must while we’re there. A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole, formed from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes a pool of crystal-clear groundwater, common in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and sacred to the ancient Maya as portals to the underworld.

Seeing these natural pools and swimming in their vibrant turquoise waters will be other worldly, like we’re in a dream fantasy world!

The Mayan ruins are another spectacular historical attraction we will have to visit during our stay. 

This walled pre-Columbian city perches on 12 meter cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, known for its dramatic coastal setting, unique walled fortifications, and status as one of the last Mayan cities built. 

I’ve already brought a few pieces to add to my ever growing holiday wardrobe, but I’m also excited to shop the boho chic boutiques and bazars when we get there to achieve the ultimate Tulum beach girl aesthetic.

I have a feeling we’re going to love Tulum with its aesthetic charm, cool coastal vibes and stunning white sand beaches of dreams; nos vemos pronto México! ❤

First Date Night Of 2026

January 11, 2026

It might be a new year but it was the same Saturday drill for us last night as we went out for our first proper date night of 2026. Last weekend was spent recovering from all the Christmas celebrations, but this Saturday we were ready for a cute and cosy date night out again in the local town.

My look for the evening was this gorgeous backless top from Stradivarius in that luscious chocolate brown colour, a pair of flared dark wash jeans also from Stradivarius, pointed brown boot heels by Topshop and my favourite green velvet evening handbag by Sandro.

With the temperatures dropping below zero degrees here in the UK, I wrapped up in this oversized grey trench coat from NA-KD and completed the look with my trusty brown knitted beret from Urban Outfitters.

And not forgetting my stunning new clip-on earrings by Heaven Mayhem featuring the statement maroon stone and gold hardware; the perfect finishing touch for my winter date night look.

We decided to try a new Thai restaurant which has recently opened on Fleet highstreet called Tay Tar Thai.

Thai cuisine is one of our favourites so we were excited to experience somewhere new and see how it compared to our usual Thai locals.

I had a glass of red, my boyfriend ordered a beer and of course we ordered the prawn crackers with sweet chilli dip to nibble on as we browsed the menu.

My boyfriend had his usual chicken Penang curry with coconut rice, whilst I went for something a bit different and braved the fiery hot jungle curry with vegetables.

It was nice to have a lighter curry without the creaminess of the traditional coconut based dishes and despite the challenging heat, I really enjoyed my dish packed full of authentic veggies.

Whilst the food was good and the restaurant had a nice atmosphere, the service was very slow on a busy Saturday night and the prices more expensive than usual in comparison to our other local Thai restaurants.

With the weather absolutely freezing, we headed straight home for a cosy night on the sofa with the warming fire and a brilliant new romcom on Netflix ‘People We Meet On Vacation’.

A simple, wholesome date night was just what we needed on this dark, bitterly cold Saturday evening in early January ❤

New Years Reflections; 2026 Resolutions

January 4, 2026

Happy New Year! January is upon us and I can’t wait to see what the year ahead has in store for me. Whilst 2025 was full of amazing travel opportunities and happy memories with family and friends, it certainly came with a number of unexpected challenges and heartbreaking moments. Yet it taught me to never take life for granted as you don’t know what’s around the corner. It showed me how resilient and brave I can in fact be when faced with some of the scariest and upsetting of situations. Life is not perfect and we cannot control that, but it’s how we deal with the unknown that builds our strength and character.

My resolutions list from last year was fairly generic as I was unsure of where the year was going to take me. Turns out it was full of difficult bumps in the road, so I’m proud of myself to have worked towards and improved on these small goals I set myself regardless.

Looking forward to 2026, I am feeling a pull towards a shift in my energy and I can see myself this time next year being in a more rewarding place creatively and professionally. With it being the year of the rare Fire Horse, according to Chinese astrology this signifies intense ambition, a powerful drive for success and leveraging natural strength for achievement. Therefore I have more direction for my 2026 resolutions with some more specific goals which I will hold myself accountable to reaching.

Lest we forget our lessons from last year though, life’s path is not linear and we should never take it for granted. I aim to work towards and achieve my goals throughout the year as and when the time is right, removing the perfectionist within for this to become just another checklist.

I move forward into 2026 with intention and purpose behind my actions, allowing me to be more present in each moment instead of rushing through life and constantly thinking about the next thing.

Time is all we really have; all we have is now ❤

December Diaries; A Very Merry Christmas

December 29, 2025

As we find ourselves in this no mans land between Christmas and New Years, I’m grateful for a few days of rest and reset before it all kicks off again for NYE celebrations. Whilst I love celebrating with friends and spending quality time with family, I’m in need of some down time after four days of back to back festive fun.

Going back to Christmas Eve, I went to the local church to watch the children’s Nativity with my niece and they even had live donkeys!

I wore my new ASOS brown faux suede trench coat with the statement collar buttoned across and it looked super chic.

My Oliver Bonas leopard print beret was the finishing touch to this stylish fit.

That evening we went to the local pub where my Dad was dressing up as Santa Claus!

He made a very convincing Santa in his extra fancy costume and everyone thought he was great.

Soon lots of our friends arrived and I even treated myself to a cheeky Espresso Martini to finish the night.

On Christmas morning, my boyfriend and I exchanged gifts by the Christmas tree and I felt like a very lucky lady indeed when I opened my new MacBook.

My outfit of the day was this stunning New Look maroon puff sleeve top which just screams Christmas Day vibes paired with my Zara black straight leg jeans, ASOS square toe boot heels, my Sandro green velvet handbag, and a beautiful new By Alona pearl necklace, another generous gift from my boyfriend.

We spent Christmas Day at my boyfriend’s parents gorgeous new home along with my parents who they invited too.

I was in charge of canapés for which I made three different ones. First of all, smoked salmon cream cheese blinis are an absolute must on Christmas Day for me.

I also did honey glazed cocktail sausages and a goats cheese, walnut, prosciutto, honey bruschetta inspired by an appetiser we had in Mallorca earlier this year.

My boyfriend’s Dad did a top job cooking a delicious turkey roast complete with all the trimmings.

We had such a laugh playing games and getting competitive with the pub quiz which my Dad and I drew!

My Dad always likes to have a Christmas Pudding to dowse in brandy and light before serving for dessert.

It was a brilliant afternoon and evening with our parents who get along so well, it’s such a joy to see.

Boxing Day was our turn to host so I got the house prepped and ready for the family arriving at 1pm.

I went a little more casual with my fit on this day with a cute frill trim tie front cream cardigan, Stradivarius dark wash flared jeans, Topshop brown pointed toe boot heels, Heaven Mayhem statement gold earrings and my Polene Handbag for a touch of quiet luxury.

We were heading to the pub for a late lunch following our gift exchange, so I put out some nibbles as well as another batch of the leftover smoked salmon blinis.

There was a lot of presents to open and the girls were in their element being treated to so many new toys.

I love welcoming family and friends into our home and hosting at Christmas time is always particularly special.

We had a laugh seeing my nieces run riot in the back of my boyfriend’s truck; girls just wanna have fun!

We had 3pm reservations at a new local favourite pub, The Falcon in Rotherwick.

After a few sharing boards for a starter, I opted for my favourite vegan Durban jackfruit curry, a nice change from all the traditional festive food.

It was a superb afternoon with the family catching up, enjoying more good food and seeing my nieces having such fun together.

And don’t think the festivities ended there, the next day I was hosting again for my friends with their partners and kids.

Being an evening do starting at 5pm, it was nice to have the day to myself and plenty of time to get the house ready with drinks chilled, glasses out and nibbles served.

I decided to try making this crisps nacho plate I’d seen on TikTok and it turned out well with the combination of different textures and flavours, it was divine.

I used truffle flavoured crisps as the base topped with slices of prosciutto, torn up mozzarella, crunchy pickles and a drizzle of olive oil and black pepper to finish.

Soon everyone arrived and it was such a joy to have all my closest friends together again for more Christmas celebrations.

Everyone contributed and we ended up with lots of yummy party food to serve including hot canapés of battered prawn tails, breaded cheese bites, vegan nuggets and of course some oven pizzas.

Later in the evening once those with kids had left, the adults got a little excited and stayed up way past their bedtime….

But its moments like these when you’re back with your besties feeling like you’re kids again, which are so special and we always look back on fondly.

I’m extremely grateful to be surrounded by so many brilliant family and friends and I will never take for granted what a blessing that is.

So that sums up a very social Christmas period and now we hurtle towards the New Year. 2025 has been another brilliant year and now 2026 is on the horizon and I can’t wait to see what the universe has in store for me next ❤

A Wonderful Winter Wedding

December 21, 2025

It’s only three days to go until Christmas now and I can’t believe how quickly December has gone! This weekend we were invited to a friend’s wedding over in the Cotswolds and I was so excited to be going to my first ever winter wedding.

With the ceremony starting at 4:30pm, they fully leaned into the romantic winter vibes as we arrived at the church with the sun setting on a crisp, chilly Friday afternoon in December.

The church was glowing at sundown from the candles warmly inviting guests in, setting a dreamy, intimate backdrop for the bride and groom to take their vows.

Following the ceremony, wedding guests were transported in an old fashioned English red bus back to the reception taking place at The Feathered Nest County Inn, Oxfordshire.

With the grand Christmas tree, roaring fireplace and traditional English pub interiors, it was a wholesome and cosy venue ideal for a winter wedding reception.

For the occasion I wore a long sleeve, off the shoulder, long brown dress from ASOS, a pair of silver platform heels, my new vintage style pearl earrings from Heaven Mayhem, my timeless By Alona pearl detail necklace, Abbott Lyon gold bangle, and an iridescent Cult Gia inspired boxy handbag from Amazon.

After a champagne reception and delicious canapés, they proceeded with the speeches which were very well delivered and kept the guests entertained.

My favourite canapé was the whipped goats cheese and beetroot tartlet; a delightful bite of tasty, tangy flavours to whet the appetite.

Instead of the traditional sit-down wedding reception meal, they served a buffet of hearty dishes including beef bourguignon, vegetable dhal and a fish pie which was divine.

Later on the cake was cut and served alongside an impressive tower of cheese, so naturally I had a lovely plate of cheese, crackers and grapes to finish the night.

We stayed over nearby at The Lamb Inn, Great Rissington. We didn’t get time to experience much there other than sleeping in the very comfy bed, but the room was nicely done and the staff super friendly.

Having never experienced a winter wedding before I wasn’t sure what to expect, but with the backdrop of the picturesque Cotswolds and all the Christmas vibes in the air, it was a truly romantic celebration right out of a fairytale ❤

Cosy Date Night Season

December 15, 2025

Winter has a way of gently nudging us indoors and this past month felt like a celebration of cosy date nights, good food, and leaning fully into that slower, more romantic pace.

With darker evenings and a definite chill in the air, we found ourselves gravitating towards warm, welcoming spaces and making a bit of a ritual out of going out for Saturday night dinner together.

One of our newest local favourites has been The Falcon, a traditional English pub that’s recently changed hands and undergone a renovation inside.

It still has that classic pub charm, but with a fresh, thoughtful update that makes it feel extra inviting.

The menu strikes the perfect balance between comforting pub grub and slightly more unexpected dishes.

My absolute favourite is their Durban jackfruit curry; rich, warming and packed full of flavour, it’s the perfect winter dish.

There’s something so reassuring about having another lovely pub right on our doorstep, somewhere that already feels like it’s becoming part of our routine.

Another highlight was heading into Farnham town for a slightly different kind of date night at Thai Lotusland. 

Thai food is one of our favourite cuisines and we have a few regular local spots we like to go, but this one is new to our rotation.

We dined in the sunken seating area for a change, instantly making the evening feel more intimate and a little bit special.

It was fun experiencing something alternative to the usual wining and dining setup and the food was every bit as comforting and flavourful as we’d hoped.

We also revisited one of our old-school favourites, Côte Brasserie a few weeks back.

It’s one of those places that never disappoints with delicious French food, faultless service, and romantic vibes that are always on point.

The Côte in Lion and Lamb Yard is particularly lovely, and by the end of November it was already feeling extra cute and festive with the Christmas lights twinkling outside.

The pinnacle of date nights this season though, was without a doubt our evening at the Four Seasons Hampshire. 

Visiting in early December meant we just missed the pre-Christmas rush, making our experience feel even more exclusive.

We booked drinks and dinner in the Wild Carrot Bar and having worked there over three years ago now, it certainly was nostalgic to be back.

The opulent Christmas decorations throughout the hotel were even better than I remembered, from the ginormous Christmas tree by the grand staircase next to reception…

…to the impressive gingerbread village displayed along the central walkway.

It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid in a fairytale.

After a scenic stroll around the grounds, we were seated in the stunning bar area which gives serious old money vibes with its plush sofa seating, elegant chandeliers, and feature fireplace.

As you’d expect, the service was impeccable and the food didn’t disappoint.

After some complimentary nibbles with our aperitif, I opted for a classic prawn cocktail served with brioche soldiers, while my boyfriend went for the BBQ chicken burger and fries.

Comforting, indulgent, and perfectly done, nothing beats simple food done excellently.

If you’re looking for festive, cosy vibes with a sprinkle of class and elegance, Four Seasons Hampshire really is the place to go.

So that’s my round-up of a winter’s month filled with wonderful date nights; wholesome, cosy, and full of all the aesthetic, stylish touches a girl could wish for.

It’s been a reminder that sometimes the simplest plans done well, are the ones you end up cherishing the most ❤

NYC Diaries; Fall Blue Skies & Bittersweet Goodbyes

December 14, 2025

It was one of those perfect October fall days with blue skies stretched endlessly overhead, and a crisp chill in the air that made every step feel energizing rather than cold.

Being our final day in New York, we took full advantage of the gorgeous weather and strolled through Central Park whilst soaking in the autumn atmosphere, leaves just beginning to turn and the city humming around us.

We made our way toward Empire Rock where that we could see Billionaires Row rising sleek and gleaming, uptown Manhattan stretching beyond.

New York has a way of making you feel small and completely alive at the same time.

By lunchtime we headed to Tavern on the Green, a place that feels timeless no matter how many times you’ve seen it in movies.

I ordered a light and refreshing watermelon feta salad, the perfect pre-flight meal to get in some freshness and nutrients.

Ryan went for the meaty beef brisket sandwich served with fries, so naturally I had some of those with my salad too.

The whole place was buzzing with that unmistakable Friday afternoon energy.

Locals were sipping drinks, easing their way into the weekend, laughter echoed around the courtyard, and that wholesome feel of fall was in the air.

There was even a wedding reception happening within the venue nearby and it was like we had stumbled into a little slice of someone else’s love story.

Sitting there surrounded by good food, happy energy, and my man by my side, it felt like the most perfect way to close out our dreamy week in New York. It’s no wonder why this city captures hearts so easily.

I don’t think we could have asked for a better goodbye to our new favourite city; we’ll see you soon NYC ❤

NYC Diaries; A Dreamy Heli Ride Over Manhattan

December 7, 2025

On our final full day in NYC, we woke up to one of those crisp, blue-sky fall days where the light hits the buildings just right and the whole city seems to sparkle. It couldn’t have been a better setting for taking a helicopter ride over Manhattan.

We booked online with Heli NY just a few days prior, so we made our way to the Downtown Helicopter Port at 2:30pm ready for our 3:30pm flight.

Having done a helicopter ride over Dubai about 4 years ago we knew what to expect, but it still took my breath away as we took off for our flight above the city.

We swooped past the Statue of Liberty, her copper-green silhouette glowing in the afternoon sun, then glided along the Hudson with One World Trade Center standing tall and brilliant beneath us.

Another highlight was seeing Central Park from above with that perfect stretch of green carved into the grid of the city.

After we landed, but still floating a bit from excitement, we headed downtown and caught the ferry across the Hudson to DUMBO.

The water was calm, the breeze cool, and Manhattan shimmered behind us at golden hour as we made our way toward Brooklyn.

I did a quick outfit change just before dinner too, slipping into a cute brown mini dress paired with matching heels, my oversized Jaeger blazer, and my emerald-green velvet Sandro handbag.

A chic, classy look with a touch of cool girl in the oversized boxy blazer, perfect for a fall date night in the city.

Our dinner spot for the evening was the trendy Italian restaurant Cecconi’s.

With the Manhattan Bridge in the foreground and the sun setting over Downtown in the distance, the vibes were immaculate.

I started with a spicy Tommy’s Margarita because when in New York, how could I not on our final night!

For food I chose the burrata tomato pasta which was as heavenly as it sounds…

…and even better paired with a rich, warming glass of red.

My boyfriend went classic with a margarita pizza and we shared a fresh, peppery rocket salad that rounded everything out beautifully.

It was buzzing on a Thursday night and we couldn’t fault the delicious Italian feast we were treated to.

After dinner, we wandered along the riverfront taking in those picturesque nighttime views.

New York glowing, the river shimmering and the gentle hum of the bustling city in the background, simply iconic.

Eventually we hopped on the subway back to our hotel, tired but in that really satisfying way after a perfect day.

Our helicopter adventure, waterfront dinner in DUMBO, and atmospheric nighttime walk, wrapped up our trip to NYC in the most magical way imaginable ❤

NYC Diaries; An Afternoon Wandering The West Village

November 30, 2025

Our afternoon exploring the West Village started long before we ever set foot in its leafy streets.

On the way downtown, we made a quick stop at the iconic Grand Central Station to grab some shots.

That celestial ceiling and the constant ballet of travellers moving beneath it makes this place feel magical.

As another location where many films are shot, it almost felt like we were on set starring in our own movie.

From there, we hopped on the subway and made our way to the West Village in search of the Friends apartment building on Bedford Street.

As a longtime Friends show fan seeing it in person was surreal, like stepping straight into the TV screen I grew up watching on repeat.

It’s funny how a simple building can hold so much nostalgia.

Every corner of this neighbourhood looks like it has been pulled from a movie set; brownstones with perfectly worn stoops, tree-lined streets, tiny cafés with outdoor tables, and endless photo-worthy pockets of charm.

We didn’t manage to find Carrie Bradshaw’s actual apartment from Sex and the City, but we did stumble across a stoop that looked almost identical.

Naturally, I couldn’t resist getting a few fun outfit snaps.

I was even wearing a Carrie Bradshaw inspired fit: a chic shift dress, my favourite sand coloured long boot heels, my new Polène handbag, and classic YSL black sunnies to complete the look.

As the afternoon went on, we kept discovering more of the West Village’s character. Quiet pockets of calm, stylish locals walking their dogs, bookstores tucked into corners, and that unmistakable creative buzz that only New York seems to have.

There’s so much more to see and I can’t wait to wander those streets again on our next trip, latte in hand, camera at the ready, soaking in every inch of that West Village charm ❤

NYC Diaries; Roosevelt Island Sunset Magic

November 23, 2025

I didn’t expect Roosevelt Island to become one of my favorite New York memories, but that’s exactly what happened the evening we headed up to Panorama Room for sundown drinks.

Perched on the rooftop of the Graduate Hotel, it felt like the entire city was laid out just for us.

As the sun dipped lower, the skyline slowly shifted into that dreamy, golden haze that New York does so wonderfully.

From the balcony we could see from Billionaires’ Row stretching sleek and tall, the Empire State glowing a vivid purple at sundown, and all the way downtown to the Financial District where the World Trade Center rose confidently in the distance.

I ordered a margarita which was deliciously bright and zesty, the perfect match for a warm fall evening in NYC.

We paired our drinks with fries expecting a small snack… but in true American fashion, the portion was absolutely massive!

Once the sun finally slipped below the horizon and Manhattan began to sparkle, we wrapped up our rooftop moment and made our way to one of the most underrated experiences in the city; the Roosevelt Island Tramway.

For just $2.90, we floated high above the Hudson River towards the bright lights of Manhattan at dusk.

The city looked magical from up there and it was awesome to see so far down the blocks lit up at night as the tram lowered through the streets of Manhattan.

If you’re ever in New York, I can’t recommend this little adventure enough. A breathtaking sunset on Roosevelt Island, a cocktail in hand, and a picturesque tram ride back under the night sky.

It felt like we had discovered a hidden gem just out of the city complete with unforgettable views of Manhattan from a whole new angle ❤