Author: Danielle Aneka

Friday Lunching; Sea Containers London

July 20, 2025

Working in events, researching and visiting venues is an important part of the planning process. So on this Friday afternoon, we were invited by the sales team at Sea Containers London to go for a lunch and look around the venue spaces.

We were treated to a lovely lunch on the terrace overlooking the Thames and City of London, basking in the glorious sunshine of this summers afternoon.

To start we shared a few appetisers including the SeaCo Bread with Marmite Butter, Yellowtail Tuna Crudo with Citrus Seasame Chilli, Four Cheese Croquettes with Jalapeño Mayonnaise, Blistered Padron Peppers and Seabass Ceviche Tacos with Red Onion Coriander Salsa.

For my main course I opted for the Green Salad of Butter Lettuce, Avocado, Herbs, Shallot Dressing and Burrata. Portions were generous, wonderfully presented and everything tasted delicious.

Following lunch we were shown around the venue spaces, starting with the award winning Lyaness Bar with its plush interiors and magnificent marble bar.

With a design reminiscent of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner, details like the statement anchor in reception and the copper wall feature reflect this nautical style. I particularly liked the inspiring quote wall display which changes every hour.

Their largest events space called 12th Knot on the 12th floor, was fabulous with that sweeping view of the Southbank and St Pauls.

Even the guest toilets were so aesthetic with brilliant theatre style mirror lighting and chic black and gold tiling.

For the occasion I wore my white flared Mango jeans, Pull & Bear cream high neck vest, Next green mules, matching green Moncrief handbag, Celine round sunglasses and my Le Scarf silk neck scarf to complete the look. Classy and chic but still fun and cute for a Friday fit.

We had a delightful experience at the Sea Containers London and were very impressed by the delectable food, welcoming hospitality and tasteful interiors of the hotel; the perfect way to end the working week in style.

To book a stay or experience their restaurant or bar, visit the Sea Containers London website here – https://www.seacontainerslondon.com

A Mini Staycation; Newquay Cornwall

July 14, 2025

With the weather in the UK looking absolutely glorious this weekend, we decided to go on a mini staycation down to the iconic surfer town of Newquay in Cornwall. Leaving on Friday morning from Hampshire, the journey took just over 4 hours and we arrived to checkin at The Headland Hotel by 2pm.

We spent our afternoon at the newly renovated Aqua Club spa with lots of indoor and outdoor pools overlooking the deep blue ocean sparkling in the sunshine.

It was a perfect Friday arvo enjoying the spa pools, sunbathing whilst reading my book and indulging in a glass of bubbly paired with some olives of course, my absolute bliss.

After a freshen up and change for the evening, we went for a stroll along Fistral Beach and had sundowner drinks at Boardmasters Bar.

It was just a 15 minute walk from our hotel into the centre of town where we had dinner at a bistro on the front called Saltsheds.

I had a twist on a traditional Greek salad whilst my boyfriend had a chicken bacon burger with chips which we said was really good. Classic food done well with a nice coastal view, you can’t go wrong with that.

Later that evening there was the most incredible sunset which we got back to the headland just in time to see the final few minutes before the sun dipped below the horizon.

Nothing beats the natural beauty and romance of a breathtaking sunset.

Saturday morning after breakfast at the hotel, we went down to Fistral Beach where I rented a board to do some surfing.

Obviously it was very different to surfing in Bali and unfortunately the waves were fairly flat this day, so I only caught a few small ones and then called it a day. Not to mention the water was freezing even with a wetsuit on!

I’m glad I gave it a good go though as Newquay was where I first learnt to surf at the age of 8, so it was a nostalgic moment coming back over 22 years later. We even tried to recreate this photo my mum took of me on a film camera all those years ago, but I’m not sure it has the same effect taken with a modern iPhone.

That afternoon we went to the Newquay Food Festival which happened to be taking place this weekend in the middle of town on Killacourt overlooking the cove.

My boyfriend enjoyed his favourite Greek chicken Souvlaki wrap, whilst I couldn’t resist the fabulous looking spicy Bloody Mary cocktail with all the accompaniments.

I also caught up with an old friend who moved down to Newquay years ago and it was a joy to see her thriving in her new home.

Saturday evening we had 8pm dinner reservations at Dune Restaurant within the Fistral Beach Hotel, so we had a gorgeous sunset stroll along the top of Fistral Beach over to our dinner spot.

We were spoilt with another picturesque golden hour with sweeping views of Fistral as surfers continued to catch waves until dusk.

Our experience at Dune Restaurant was very positive as we savoured a delicious dinner complete with sundown views and wonderful service from our friendly waiter.

We shared the padron peppers and a bread board to start, followed by the chicken dish for my boyfriend and the roasted Monkfish for me.

The flavours of the smoked tomato lentil dahl, coriander yoghurt and carrot purée to accompany the Monkfish were divine, and the fennel bhaji added a lovely crunch to the dish.

A post dinner walk back along the beach at dusk with those pastel peachy pink skies, was the most beautiful way to end our evening.

So that was our very short but sweet stay in Newquay this weekend and although we are not usually ones for a UK staycation, the weather in particular made it almost feel like we were abroad.

Thanks for having us Newquay ❤

Summer Wardrobe; My Essential Pieces

July 6, 2025

When it comes to summer fashion, there’s a few non-negotiable pieces I find myself reaching for time and again throughout the summer months. Whilst I don’t have a capsule wardrobe as such, I’ve refined my essential items which form the base for most of my summer outfits.

1. Denim Shorts

Taking it back to basics and starting with a timeless classic, high waisted denim shorts. My favourite cuts are of course vintage Levis in dark and light washes, but there’s lots of great options on the highstreet for all shapes and sizes. Wear them with a tank top and Birkenstocks for a casual daytime look, throw them over a bikini with an oversized shirt on holiday, or even dress them up with a cute floral top and strappy mules for those warm summer nights.

2. White Jeans

Living in England of course the summertime can be unpredictable with the weather, so having a pair of white jeans on hand is always a great cooler temperature option. I’m obsessed with this pair from Zara with a subtle flare to enhance the shape and cropped to compliment a gorgeous pair of summer sandals. Pair a flared pair of white jeans with pretty blouses for that girly Chloe aesthetic, or keep it pared back with a colour block tank and matching accessories for that effortless yet pulled together look.

3. Tea Dress

Nothing beats a beautiful Tea Dress which you can throw on for a summer weekend with very little effort. I’ve had this daisy flower print one from H&M for years and it’s the perfect flattering shape with traditional cap sleeves and button front detail. Keep it casual with a pair of sliders for the daytime, or dress it up with ruffle trim heeled mules, gold jewellery and statement sunnies.

4. Printed Body

I’m a sucker for pretty summer tops and flattering bodies with a low back. I brought this leopard print body from Zara a few months back and it’s the perfect piece to dress up a pair of jeans or even a skirt for date night. For a summer evening out with the girls in London I wore it with a white skort, low heeled mules, statement earrings and Celine sunnies. I can also see this looking great with well cut denim jeans, heels and an oversized blazer for those cooler summer date nights.

5. White Tops

How could I go through my summer essentials list without mentioning white tops; tanks, tie front, bardot, backless, strappy, floaty, I have every style you could think of when it comes to a white top. It might seem like a very obvious choice, but with all the fun and colourful skirts, shorts and other accessories I have in my wardrobe for summer, a white top is key to completing a look without too much going on. This cropped ruffle cap sleeve white top was the perfect match for my striped blue boxer shorts which I wore to the pub this weekend. Clean, crisp & timeless, you can never have too many white tops for summer!

Mallorca Diaries; Port de Pollensa Eats

June 29, 2025

During our stay in Port de Pollensa at the start of June, as usual we scoped out and tried some of the best restaurants in the area. So I thought I’d share my top pick of the finest places to eat at in this picturesque town on the South coast of Mallorca.

My first recommendation is Stay Restaurant located on the jetty, providing sweeping views of the port from their large terrace seating area. The stunning setting, brilliant service and top quality food makes this place one of the highest rated spots in town.

We visited twice as we enjoyed it so much here, once for an early dinner and another day for lunch. They serve a more varied menu until 6pm which includes classics like Patatas Bravas, Calamari and Chicken Wings, as well as more international dishes like a Thai Curry and Currywurst.

The next must visit spot in Port de Pollensa is the famous Cappuccino Grande Cafe, an aesthetic restaurant and bar offering an elevated dining experience.

We chose to sit on the terrace amongst the gorgeous blooming flowers overlooking the port at sundown, but they also have seating out on a small jetty right on the water.

My Greek style salad was exquisite and my boyfriend enjoyed his delicious bowl of creamy bacon pasta.

I was inspired by the olives served so elegantly in a champagne coupe; I’ll definitely be doing that at home for a chic Friday arvo aperitif moment!

Another highly rated restaurant for the best local food in town is C’an Josep, located a little out of the main port meaning uninterrupted views of the coast.

We ate here for a big family meal of about twenty of us so they certainly had their work cutout, but everything was on point and the food was fantastic.

I had Padron Peppers to start followed by the Goats Cheese Salad which was divine. I also had a taste of my sister’s Seafood Paella which was delicious too.

For a more casual evening tapas dinner we went to Plaza Uno Restaurant just off the main square of the port.

We had the Chicken Wings to share as a starter, then to follow I had some tapas plates including a classic, hearty Ratatouille and the Goats Cheese, Serrano Ham, Honey and Rocket Bruschetta.

Ryan had the Penne Pasta Arrabiata and shared the bruschetta with me too, which we both agreed was the stand out dish of the evening.

So those are my top four picks for dining out in the area of Port de Pollensa. Of course there are plenty of local places which do great Spanish food too, but these are my recommendations for something that bit more special and elevated for when you want to treat yourselves on holiday ❤

Mallorca Diaries; Euro Summer Vibes

June 22, 2025

Earlier this month we jetted off for an early summer holiday to Mallorca with my family. Staying south of the island in the town of Port de Pollensa, we rented a villa altogether for the week.

It was a wonderful seven days soaking up the Spanish sun with my family and we had such fun making some beautiful memories together.

From cycling along the coast to the old town of Alcudia and canoeing off the beach at Port de Pollensa, to afternoons spent by the pool with the family at the villa and barbecuing at sunset, we certainly packed a lot into our week away.

One of my favourite days was the first afternoon we were all at the villa and we were in the pool for hours, laughing and listening to music, playing table tennis and finishing the evening with a delicious barbecue on the terrace at sundown.

Another highlight was visiting the beach at Formentor where the white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters are like paradise found, it was so dreamy.

We had many fabulous dinners and enjoyed some lovely food, so my next blog post will be my guide to the best restaurants in the area of Port de Pollensa.

I also vlogged the trip and have just released the first part on my YouTube channel which you can watch here.

I loved reliving the week again whilst editing this vlog and I’m so glad to have captured such special memories on film ❤

A Pearl Necklace Moment

June 1, 2025

Nothing says class and elegance quite like a classic string of pearls, so when I found this gorgeous three string pearl necklace in my mum’s jewellery collection, I had to find an excuse to wear them.

With my Auntie’s birthday party last night, it was the perfect opportunity to plan an outfit around these stunning statement pearls.

I wore my new Zara white flared trousers, my C’est Normal brown strap vest top, Nasty Girl white slingback heels and gold shell earrings, keeping it simple to let the pearls do the talking.

To complete the look I had my Sandro green velvet handbag for a subtle pop of colour and my Next oversized camel blazer.

Pearls will always be a staple in my jewellery collection and instantly elevate any outfit for a special occasion; the pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens. ❤

It’s Date Night Darling

May 25, 2025

Following a month full of busy weekends hosting guests and attending other social events, this Saturday we could finally enjoy a romantic date night just us two. Me and my boyfriend love a nice dinner out so I booked Megan’s On West Street in Farnham, a cute spot for a romantic evening together.

It was the perfect opportunity to debut my new Zara black halter neck top with gold detail, paired with Stradivarius straight leg jeans and my Next khaki mule heels.

To complete the look I wore my oversized vintage Jaegar blazer and this gorgeous East-West style baguette handbag, another new piece in my wardrobe from H&M.

Farnham is such a picturesque town with pretty corners perfect for street style photos; cue my boyfriend being the best Instagram hubby getting all my good angles!

I love the aesthetic interiors at Megan’s giving Mediterranean chic vibes and there’s always a wonderfully buzzing atmosphere in the restaurant on a weekend.

For food I opted for the chicken avocado salad whilst my boyfriend had the chicken thigh kebab plate. We shared some charred broccoli, blistered padron peppers of course and ordered a side of their date bbq dip which is a delicious twist on the traditional recipe.

We finished the night with cocktails at The Luxe, a newer cocktail bar and restaurant in Farnham tucked away in the Lion and Lamb Yard. With ornate interiors and plush seating, they offer a very different dining experience with fun themed events such as MaMa Mia nights and bottomless brunches with live music.

I had a classic Tommy’s Margarita and my boyfriend chose the Lychee Martini. Well made cocktails, lovely service and lavish interiors for that elevated experience, a fabulous spot for a night cap or two.

Nothing makes me happier than a charming old school date night with my love ❤

Bank Holiday Weekend; Springtime Vibes

May 18, 2025

Come along with me for a weekend in my life over the early May day bank holiday as I lap up the early signs of summer and embrace all the springtime feels. I show you my favourite local pub for Friday drinks complete with the most stunning English countryside sunset, before hosting a Saturday dinner party for which I cook up the most delicious linguine Bolognese using my mum’s secret recipe.

Hope you enjoy and don’t forget to subscribe for more – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZcifzVsILs

Wedding Guest Dress; A Butter Yellow Moment

May 11, 2025

A springtime wedding in the UK can be risky on the weather front, but thankfully this weekend we were treated to gorgeous sunshine in time for our friend’s wedding on Saturday.

Being hosted on the bride’s family’s land and therefore outside and in a marquee all day, finding the right outfit was a little challenging. I almost wore a short dress which I already had in my wardrobe, however after I saw this Oh Polly dress on ASOS I thought this was the perfect solution.

With it’s simple yet flattering cut and eye-catching butter yellow colour, this dress ticked all the boxes for me.

Shoe choice had to be carefully considered too given we were in a field, so I also ordered from ASOS this pair of gold strappy mules with a low block heel so I didn’t sink in the grass!

To compliment the dress I wore my ASOS oversized flower earrings with pearl detail, my Abbott Lyon gold bangle, Abbott Lyon anklet and my usual mix of vintage gold rings.

I opted for this cute yellow handbag which I bought in Bali and of course my MiuMiu sunnies to complete the look in the sunshine.

I was really happy with my fit for the day as I felt elegant and classy but still comfortable which is key for a long wedding day. Butter yellow is the colour of the season and I think it was the perfect statement for a sunny springtime wedding ❤

Italian Dinner Party; Mama’s Bolognese Recipe

May 5, 2025

Happy bank holiday weekend! Its coming to the end of a gorgeous long weekend here in the UK which started back on Friday, with stunning sundowners at our favourite local pub The Mutton.

On Saturday evening we were then hosting a dinner party for mine and my boyfriend’s parents. I just love hostessing and welcoming guests into our home, so I was in my element prepping for an intimate dinner party for six.

Following welcome drinks and nibbles, it was Italian on the menu for dinner with my bolognese being the star of the show. Taking tips from my mum’s signature bolognese recipe, I cooked the sauce earlier that day so all I had to do later was boil the pasta and heat the garlic bread.

The key to a flavourful bolognese is to add half a bottle or so of red wine after frying off the mince and veg, then letting that reduce down before adding the tomatoes, stock and other seasonings including plenty of basil and oregano. I also added my own twist towards the end with a generous splash of Worcester sauce and a whole bulb of garlic roasted in the oven.

The outcome was a deliciously hearty bolognese served with linguine pasta and an aesthetic garnish of basil leaves. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the main course and I was super proud to have pulled it off for a tough audience… our parents!

To accompany the dish I made two salads; one simple green rocket salad and the other a tomato, mozzarella, basil and balsamic glaze salad beautifully presented on a platter. Classic garlic bread and a tasty caramelised onion flatbread on the side also went down a treat.

Dessert was a red velvet cake which our parents brought along with some vanilla ice cream, a simple sweet finish to round off a perfect dinner party meal.

Cheers to the bank holiday weekend ❤