Category: Interiors

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 ❤

Travelling Business Class; Is It Worth Upgrading?

April 27, 2025

Having never flown Business Class before, this was my first experience and I was very impressed. Emirates are renowned for being one of the best airlines to fly Business with and I can see why, my overall experience was 10/10. Flying long-haul from Singapore to London, our journey had two legs so I had the pleasure of trying two different planes. It was clear upon boarding the second aircraft with its plush white leather seats that it was a newer one, but aside from the more aesthetic interior, everything was equally excellent on both planes. From the friendly and attentive staff providing 5* service and delicious food for all tastes, to the cosy private pods with fully reclinable chairs making a bed so we could sleep comfortably and land feeling rested and refreshed. Not forgetting the glamorous on board lounge bar serving an extensive option of classic cocktails and drinks.

I appreciate travelling Business is a luxury, but with my insurance company offering to pay this for me given my legs still healing from the dog bites, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to make the most of it. I have to admit that for a long haul journey which can be very uncomfortable in economy, this was a treat and something I would consider again if the cost to upgrade isn’t too pricey. Top tip, enquire for an upgrade at the desk upon checkin for your flight as sometimes special offers can make it far cheaper to purchase it on the day, as opposed to getting the Business Class ticket at full price in advance.

Checkout the full vlog to see me living my best life travelling Business on YouTube here.

My New Mini Sport; John Cooper Works Model

March 30, 2025

Before we left for our two months in Bali, my beloved little brown convertible Mini Cooper sadly packed in and so it was time for a new car. I was keen to get another Mini Cooper but upgrade to a sport without a soft top, given the roof leaking issues that caused electrical faults on my old car.

Searching on Auto Trader there were lots of Mini Coopers out there, however I am very particular when it comes to the colour and aesthetics of my car. My preference is muted tones but with a little something different, so the moon grey shade with black bonnet stripes and the stylish Union Jack rear lights was just my vibe.

From the John Cooper Works range inspired by the Minis racetrack heritage, she has a lot of power and looks extra sporty with the spoiler and two exhausts in the middle. I purchased her from a private seller through Auto Trader which meant I got a really good deal on the price. The previous owners had looked after the car well and being made in 2018 with only 26,000 miles on the clock, it was a brilliant find.

The more I drive her around the more I love my new little whip which is certainly a big upgrade on my old 2011 Cooper. Now that I’m thirty it’s out with my baby Bambino, and in with my classy Lady Luna Cooper S ❤

Bali Diaries; Life Lately

February 24, 2025

And so we find ourselves commencing the final week of our time here in Canggu. I knew the few months we are here would fly by and it definitely has, but it also feels like we’ve been here forever and its become a place we call home.

We’ve certainly made the most of this adventure and experienced the very best that Bali has to offer.

From exciting day trips to see the most breathtaking natural beauty at Leke Leke Waterfall,

and trekking around the luscious green jungle at Teglalang Rice Terrace in Ubud,

to working from the many gorgeously aesthetic cafes,

serving the most delicious healthy vegan food,

and scooting down to watch sunset on the iconic Echo Beach.

I have an extensive list of our favourite cafes, restaurants, bars and beach clubs, so I’ll have to do a future blog post on my personal recommendations for if you’re visiting Canggu too.

But for now we have a whole week ahead of us to enjoy and soak up every moment of the blissful Bali life before we return to the UK via Singapore.

Do checkout my Bali Diaries vlogs over on my YouTube channel here – https://youtu.be/6ww63YMJVUw?si=1Yxp3Il7uj5Mq9bm

Let the final chapter of Canggu life 2025 unfold ❤

Bali Villa Tour; Welcome To Casa Cherish Canggu

January 24, 2025

Welcome to Casa Cherish! I’m so excited to show you around this gorgeous two bed luxury villa we are living in here in Bali for the next two months.

Set over three floors with a private plunge pool and spacious roof terrace too, it’s our very own hidden oasis in the centre of Canggu.

From the sunken living area and arch doorways,

to the tropical plants and neutral earthy tones throughout,

this villa exudes island living vibes.

Casa Cherish already feels like a home away from home ❤

To book a stay at Casa Cherish villas for your own trip to Bali, checkout the rates and availability on their website here – https://www.casacherish.com

And don’t forget to watch the full villa tour on my YouTube channel here – https://youtu.be/43WvgZZ912A?si=g_JRft4EXX1QR__t

Bali Diaries; We’re Living In Canggu!

January 19, 2025

Happy Sunday from beautiful Bali! We’ve been here in Canggu a week now and I still can’t believe we get to call this our home for the next two months!

We’re staying at the stunning Casa Cherish villas in central Canggu, only a 15 minute walk down to the beach.

With its Moroccan inspired interiors every corner of this two bed villa is so aesthetic, and the private plunge pool is a luxury to have in this 30 degree tropical heat.

We’re settling into Bali life nicely and fully embracing all of our favourite things about this wonderful island including:

the endless sunshine,

buzzing cafe culture,

delicious foodie scene,

active lifestyle,

beach sunsets,

morning surf sessions,

lucius green palms,

the freshest fruits,

friendly locals and doggies,

aesthetic interiors,

boutique shopping…the list goes on.

It’s only our first week on the island and we’ve already done so much, but when you’re living in such an exciting place surrounded by likeminded people, it’s hard not to be motivated to get out and seize every single day.

Two months sounds like a long time however I don’t doubt it will fly by and we won’t want to leave. So I intend to enjoy every second here in Bali by actually slowing down a little to focus on being fully present in the moment.

Alignment: you are in the right place at the right time ❤

December Diaries; Vlogmas Part Two

December 31, 2024

And so we find ourselves on the final day of the year and ready to ring in 2025 at midnight. This year has been beyond brilliant and I hope you guys have enjoyed coming along with me for the best bits of 2024 through my vlogs here on YouTube.

In this second instalment of Vlogmas, festivities are in full swing as I host friends for a wine & cheese night, enjoy more cosy date nights with my boyfriend, and help my parents prepare to host the family for Christmas Day.

Expect all the indulgent food and drinks, lots of cute winter outfits and not forgetting when we see my dad playing Santa in the local town for charity!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas too and I can’t wait to share another adventure filled year ahead on YouTube, starting with an epic trip to Bali and my big 30th birthday in January.

To watch the full Vlogmas on my YouTube channel, follow the link here – https://youtu.be/463tWKWzFcM?si=t3yRxW7gfKBO4CsG

Megan’s On West Street; Farnham Surrey

November 24, 2024

Since its humble beginnings on the charming Kings Road in Chelsea, Megan’s has branched out to open its doors throughout London and to neighbourhoods beyond. So with their newest restaurant opening in our local town of Farnham in Surrey, I couldn’t wait to try their stunning Mediteranian inspired menu amongst the beautifully aesthetic interiors I’d seen on Instagram.

Stepping into the bustling restaurant on a Saturday night we were welcomed with the warming glow of twinkling fairy lights, beautiful mosaic tiling and big bamboo hanging lampshades, giving the restaurant that Mediterranean chic vibe.

We were seated on the sofa booths just in front of the bar and with it being date night, I got a little dressed up for the occasion in my backless brown Stradivarius top, paired with my NEUW black jeans tucked into my faux snake skin pointed long boots.

To start we shared a portion of the padron peppers which were the perfect appetiser, you can’t go wrong with classic padrons.

For main course I opted for the warm butternut grain bowl served with mixed grains, kale, harissa hummus, shakshouka beans, slaw and cherrybell chillies. Beautifully presented with those vibrant colours and so delicious with every bite, this warming bowl of goodness was 10/10.

My boyfriend ordered the open chicken chargrilled thigh kebab served on flatbread with slaw, pickles, harissa hummus, garlic yoghurt and a side of skinny fries. He thoroughly enjoyed his dish too and put it up there as one of the best kebabs he’s had at a restaurant in our area.

Service was very friendly and effortlessly smooth despite the extremely busy peak time of a Saturday evening.

Everything was divine from the scrumptious food and lovely service, to the wonderful interiors and buzzing atmosphere; Megan’s On West Street is the idyllic date night spot in Surrey ❤

Megan’s on West Street

My New iPhone 16 Pro

November 10, 2024

After almost four years with my trusty iPhone 12 Mini, I’ve finally upgraded to the newest iPhone model and this time I’ve gone pro. With the amount I use my iPhone for photos and filming I opted for the 16 Pro instead of investing in a new camera.

So come along as I setup my new fancy iPhone, get to grips with the upgraded features and most importantly test the highly rated camera including cinematic mode, slow motion, portrait mode and incredible HD & 4K quality. This is really going to up my photography and filming content game!

To watch the full vlog, visit my YouTube channel here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2eoolueDWU

Colour of the Season; Chocolate Brown

October 27, 2024

Cosy season is here which means the winter wardrobe is back so I can say hello again to my favourite chunky knits, fun faux fur coats and beloved collection of boots for all occasions.

I’ve always been a lover of all shades of browns from lighter camel and tan tones, to deeper rich hues and even maroon. So you can imagine my delight when the Autumn/Winter 24 runways displayed a luscious palette of delicious brown hues throughout many collections, reflected in the fashion week street style too.

A recent order from ASOS reflects my current obsession for earthy tones with this stone coloured maxi cardigan, a deep dark brown backless long sleeve top by Stradivarius, and this stylish button through peplum waistcoat in a classic brown stripe fabric.

I styled my new long cardigan by ASOS Design with a pair of khaki Jamie jeans by Topshop, a striped bandeau top from H&M and this cute chocolate brown knitted beret from Urban Outfitters a few years ago; a chic accessory which will never go out of style.

Another new addition to my wardrobe recently was also this oversized rich brown knitted vest featuring statement gold buttons and large front pockets, super handy for popping my phone in too.

I channeled my inner country cowgirl with a pair of brown cowboy boots from Stradivarius tucked into a pair of high waisted dark wash ripped jeans by Abercrombie & Fitch. A simple outfit combo which nods to the current trends but tailored to my personal style.

We’re even seeing chocolate brown replacing black interiors as it pairs perfectly with so many neutral tones and creates a cosy vibe for spaces inside the home. Needless to say, chocolate brown is here to stay as the go-to neutral shade, elevating even the simplest of outfits to give your look that effortless, cool girl aesthetic ❤