It goes without saying that if something doesn’t feel right in your life, it’s time to make a change. Whether it’s work, friends or living situation, you have the power to switch things up to find what makes you happy. Without getting too deep and philosophical, I truly believe that once you put the intention to end something out into the world, another door will open and present new opportunities.
I’ve recently made a difficult decision in my career and already there are exciting prospects on the horizon. At the end of the day, life is just too short to be spent doing something which doesn’t bring you happiness; I think that if the passion is lost then it’s time to do something different.
As the famous quote says, ‘Life begins at the end of your comfort zone’. Listen to your gut feeling, take a deep breath, and go make that change!
This weekend I celebrated my news with a fabulous pornstar martini cocktail at The Botanist – Cheers to living life on your own terms ❤
The girls were back in town this weekend and we went full out with a boozy bottomless brunch at Lantana Cafe in Shoreditch, followed by a crazy night dancing on the tables at Bongo’s Bingo in London Bridge. There’s nothing like letting your hair down with your besties!
To kickoff our weekend in London, we had 2pm reservations at Lantana Cafe. Serving the renowned delicacies of Aussie brekky with the option to go bottomless on prosecco too, it was the perfect setting for catching up with the girls over good food and plenty of booze. I chose to have the corn fritters stacked with halloumi, spinach, roast tomato, smashed avocado and lemon creme fraiche – it was absolutely exquisite!
We all went for something different and thoroughly enjoyed our brunch dishes; it was clear plates all-round. The bubbles continued to flow and we certainly made the most of our 90 minute bottomless brunch deal.
After a tipsy tube journey back to my friend’s flat in Islington, it was time to get ready for the night ahead. Another bottle of prosecco and dancing outfits on, we were ready for an evening of craziness at Bongo’s Bingo!
I’d heard of this event before and seen the hectic videos online, but nothing could’ve prepared us for the madness of our night which unfolded. Wacky prizes, cheesy tunes and a hall full of drunken Brits…Bongo’s Bingo is a truly unique event not for the faint hearted.
Arriving at our table, we were greeted with the warning sign – ‘Dance on the benches at your own risk’. Of course everyone jumps up and has a good boogy on their benches every time a tune plays and the lucky few win their prizes. My best friend even won £100 cash!
I learn the hard way though as I left the bingo with a few war wounds following my clever decision to wear heels and dance on the benches, also slippery from the drinks spilt everywhere. Nevertheless, it was worth it for the memories made and hilarious stories to be told!
Our night-out ended classic style with a trip to Maccy D’s, before we all headed back to my friend’s for late night food, drinks, chats and giggles in her bedroom. What more could you want? Ladies, cheers to the next one!
Whilst I would much rather be writing about a holiday abroad to sunny Ibiza right now, I have had a lovely weekend staycation just relaxing and chilling out enjoying quality time with my boyfriend. And although on this occasion we’ve had to stay in the UK, we have now rebooked our trip to Dubai early next year, as well as getting tickets for an Ocean Alley gig in March and Secret Garden Party festival next summer with the girls!
Following an intense and busy first five months at my new job as a PA, it was certainly time for a well deserved proper break. Taking a long weekend holiday from work, me and my boyfriend booked for a night’s stay at a local spa hotel which we had a gift voucher for, bonus!
The Crowne Plaza in Reading East is a 4 star hotel featuring a stunning spa, gym, cocktail bar and a 2AA rosette restaurant and terrace. Arriving in the early afternoon on Friday, we made the most of the hotel facilities and headed straight for the gym and pool.
After a steam in the sauna and dip in the pool, it was time to head back to the room and get ready for drinks and dinner. I felt like getting a little dressed up for our dinner date in this backless leopard print blouse, black wrap mini skirt and my gorgeous smoky blue square toe mules – the perfect opportunity to wear these towering stilettos as it was only room to bar in a matter of a few steps!
Starting in Monty’s Bar & Lounge, we had an aperitif before our dinner reservations at 8pm in the Caprice Restaurant. And as part of our gift voucher we had a full three course dinner and glass of fizz each all included.
I started with the Super Salad; a delicious flavour combination of spinach, charred tender-stem broccoli, quinoa, chia seeds, candied walnuts, pickled wild mushroom, golden raisins and an avocado ranch dressing. My boyfriend had the Chicken Satay served with peanut sauce, lime gel and watercress.
For our main course I opted for the Cod Fillet on a bed of mash potato accompanied with samphire, cucumber spring onion and Verjus Beurre Blanc. This dish was absolutely exquisite and cooked to perfection, I couldn’t fault it. My boyfriend also really enjoyed his classic Sirloin Steak with cherry tomatoes and triple cooked chips.
To finish the meal I had a simple fruit platter with a refreshing sorbet and delicate sweet chocolate soil. The warm chocolate brownie served with white chocolate and pistachio ice cream was my boyfriend’s desert of choice. Needless to say, we both cleaned our plates and went to bed feeling content and satisfied from such a fantastic three course dinner at Caprice Restaurant.
After a nice long sleep, we awoke rested and ready for the the weekend ahead. I went for a quick gym session before we headed down for brekky at 10:30am. I do love a hotel breakfast buffet and this one didn’t disappoint. The fruit salad and pineapple was so fresh and I was set for the day following a yummy little bowl of granola with all that fruit! My boyfriend opted for a full English which from the happy look on his face, was also very good indeed 🙂
So despite not jetting off abroad this summer, I was grateful for some timeout from work and an indulgent little staycation at a lovely hotel with my boyfriend. I am super excited to have some holiday plans and events in the diary for next year now, but this relaxing weekend without the stress of travelling was actually just what I needed to recharge my batteries.
I may have been in cloudy old England, but here I am envisioning Ibiza and manifesting future holiday plans to come…my moto is ‘go to bed with a dream, wake up with a purpose.’ ❤
Sometimes we forget how lucky and privileged we are as the day to day minor stresses and worries of life overshadow our ability to live in the moment. After a fun and spontaneous evening with my parents yesterday, I got to thinking how grateful I am for my awesome Mum and Dad.
Now I’m not going to list all of the things my parents have done for me over the years as we’d be here for a while… but instead I am simply going to thank the universe for giving me such wonderful parents who will always put my happiness first. I’m so incredibly fortunate and blessed in many aspects of life, but it’s because of Mum and Dad that I have lived such a fulfilled and happy existence so far.
Nothing welcomes in the weekend better than after work drinks followed by a Friday evening dinner reservation. And in honour of my favourite day of the week, I wore this fun pair of flared pants with these cute ruffle mules.
Keeping it local, we went to a nearby pub The Crown and Cushion for drinks and dinner. I had a delicious cajun salmon served on a bed of salad, cherry tomatoes, beetroot, olives and sour cream dip, whilst my boyfriend went for his usual rack of ribs and chips, a failsafe classic.
After our dinner date we continued into town for a few more drinks with friends. We even hit the club until the early hours…I don’t think I’ll ever be too old for throwing shapes in the club!
Whilst Friday 13th is seen as unlucky for some, my two best friends went against the odds and chose Friday 13th August 2021 to tie the knot. With ongoing Covid restrictions forcing them to reschedule three times, this date was a long time coming in the diary and it sure didn’t disappoint as we were treated to the most fabulous of Wedding celebrations.
The stunning bride was absolutely breathtaking alongside her beautiful bridesmaids and gorgeous bouquet arrangements featuring one of my favourite flowers, Gypsophilas. The excitement and anticipation in the air made for a buzzing atmosphere and happy smiles all around and all day long.
After capturing that token confetti throwing shot, we waved off the newlyweds in their Rolls-Royce followed by the bridesmaids loving life in their super cool VW camper van!
At Tylney Hall we were greeted with bubbles and canapés on the terrace over looking the picturesque grounds, perfect for photo opportunities with my favourite girls.
It was a truly idyllic setting as the live acoustic musicians played and we sipped our bubbly savouring the moment.
What a joy it was to be back in the company of so many old friends from school and sharing such a special day together amongst the most beautiful backdrop of Tylney Hall.
Soon we were ushered to the Wedding Breakfast where we could finally give our feet a rest and indulge in a delicious three course meal.
Everything was just exquisite and every detail thought out and perfectly executed. The day went far too quickly and once we got on the dance floor, the night ran away with us as we had the time of our lives celebrating together like we were teenagers again!
Thank you Jess and Ryan for pulling off a truly magnificent day and wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together ❤
With it being the legend that is Annie Mac’s last ever show on BBC Radio One on Friday night, it was time to head back to the club finally and put on my dancing shoes for the first time since lockdown.
Stepping foot back into our local club sure was surreal but then again felt like no time had passed. Whilst we’ve been unable to party together over the past year and a half, music has continued to unite us and keep us sane during such difficult times. Whether you’re in a club surrounded by friends or dancing alone in your bedroom, in the words of Annie Mac – ‘Raving is a state of mind.’ Now let’s dance!
Sunday’s Euros football final marked a memorable day in history for the England squad. Not only was it a massive achievement making it all the way to the finals, but the entire country was on a high as everyone united in celebration together again.
In honour of the English rose I wore red for the occasion and it was a joy to see the pubs everywhere packed out and buzzing with excitement. Whilst we didn’t quite bring it home, they certainly did put up a fight against Italy and made the country proud; well done boys!
Happy May Day bank holiday babes! Currently relaxing out in the garden on this gorgeous Sunday summer’s evening as the UK finally enjoys its first post-lockdown holiday, and it sure does feel good 😀
This time of the year is always so exciting as we look forward to the summer months ahead of soaking up the sun and enjoying those long warm evenings. Of course it also means that its time to dig out my summer wardrobe once again and get playful with cute outfits without having to wrap up in coats and boots all day long!
With it being my sister’s birthday this weekend, it was an excuse to celebrate on Saturday and enjoy socialising properly again. After a boozy lunch with her best friends, I organised for us to meet at a local pub garden for another round of celebrations and plenty more bubbles too…
Now I’m enjoying my Sunday lounging in the garden on our new stunning furniture set from Next, purchased on sale reduced from £1,300 to just £325, absolute bargain!
Iced coffee, glorious sunshine and my favourite poetry books, blissful vibes ❤
On April 8th 2021 I officially became owner to a little Hot Chocolate coloured Mini Cooper Convertible. After seeing her advertised on Auto Trader last week, I booked in for a test drive straight away and it was love at first drive. As me and my boyfriend pulled back into the car garage that day, one of my favourite songs ‘Loud Places’ by Jamie XX came on the radio and I knew it was meant to be – this would be my car song ❤
With full black leather interior, fabulous alloy wheels and in that delicious mocha finish, she’s unique and quite the head turner particularly when the soft top is down.
To be honest, I wasn’t necessarily looking for a convertible and it was just a bonus to getting this car. However after taking her out for my first topdown spin on Friday morning, it was so much fun and now I can’t wait for those warm summer days roof down cruising!
As my new little racer baby, I’m also getting gold racing stripes down the bonnet to complete the look. Mini Coopers and racing stripes go hand in hand, so it has to be done right?
Rayban sunnies on, rooftop down and early summer sun glistening as we cruised through English countryside lanes, what a way to kick off a Friday and welcome in the weekend.
I’m now a member of the Mini Cooper Club and ready to dive head first into a summer of fun spinning around in my little yummy mini 😀
Dani Aneka 