Dubai Diaries; Helicopter Highs

January 16, 2022

Happy Sunday Babes! I can’t believe how quickly the week has passed here in Dubai and I’ll be very sad to be flying home to the UK on Tuesday morning. We’ve done so much during our time here, I really can’t choose a favourite day from our holiday. Taking a helicopter ride over the city was however a very special highlight and an incredible experience I’ll never forget.

On Wednesday morning we were out bright and early for our 10am helicopter tour. Before flying we had a safety briefing to prepare us for the flight and soon enough we were boarding the heli!

Having never been in a helicopter I was super excited for our flight. It’s amazing how it banks up and out to take to the air, I couldn’t help but squeal as we left the ground and took to the sky!

It was amazing to see all of Dubai from above so clearly. We went out over the Burj Al Arab and back past the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Financial District.

Taking a loop in our tour, on the way back to base I had a brilliant view out over The Palm. It’s just so perfectly shaped and seems surreal to see from the sky like that.

What an adrenaline rush the helicopter tour was, I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Dubai. We booked with https://helitoursdubai.com.

After our exciting morning, we headed over to the Madinat Jumeirah for brunch in the sunshine amongst the most stunning surroundings.

I couldn’t resist a cheeky Bloody Mary to kickstart my day. When on holiday 11am cocktails are a must, am I right?

We had fun exploring the Madinat Jumeirah hotel complex with it’s picturesque bridges and gorgeous details at every corner.

We did go up the Burj Khalifa on another evening to see Dubai from the sky by night also.

Whilst this was a different experience to the helicopter tour, I would recommend the helicopter over going up the Burj as you see so much more from the sky and with uninterrupted views too.

Now it’s Sunday evening and we’re planning on a beach day tomorrow for our final 24 hours here in Dubai. What a time we’ve had and I can’t quite believe how much we’ve packed in during our 10 day stay.

Get ready for more blog posts on our experience here including my top recommendations for anyone visiting the incredible city of Dubai – It certainly is worth the hype and exceeded my expectations ❤

Dubai Diaries; Desert Dayz

January 12, 2022

You can’t visit Dubai and not take a trip into the desert, it truly is a unique experience worlds away from the cosmopolitan city life. Before our trip I did my research and booked with Rayna Tours Dubai for a desert safari including all the best activities out in the sands and it didn’t disappoint.

With pickup arranged from our hotel at 3pm, it was an hour drive into the desert where we began the tour with dune bashing… not for the faint hearted, it’s not far off being in a bumper car!

We then stopped off for some photos in the heart of the desert where we got classic fun jumping pics together. Our guide then showed us around the desert camp where we setup base at our table ready for the evening of entertainment ahead.

We decided to kick off our activities with the quad biking where we had so much fun tearing up the sand and racing each other around – quads really are sick!

Following our adrenaline rush, we had a right laugh riding the camels. They were making some peculiar mooing noises but were very friendly and mild creatures despite my reservations.

Soon enough the sun was going down and golden hour was upon us. Every sunset in Dubai is a breathtaking moment.

With my photographer boyfriend, we couldn’t resist going up on the hill away from the camp to get some epic sundown shots.

As the evening chill came in, I layered my desert safari look with a long blouse perfect for those scenic snaps with the breeze. I felt very Arabian nights with my camel flared pants, kaki toned outfit and tied headband.

The dark drew in and it was time to head back to camp and take our seats for the evenings entertainment. We even had 2 hours of unlimited alcohol included in our package and we had certainly worked up a thirst after all the fun of the afternoon.

The performances were very impressive, from fire breathing to belly dancing and traditional Arabian dancing, it was quite a show!

Between the entertainment a buffet BBQ was served. The extensive spread of traditional local cuisine including curries, salads, hummus and freshly made bread was delicious, I even went back for seconds.

Before we knew it, the evening had come to an end and it was time to head back to the city. What a fabulous experience with Rayna Tours Dubai, I would highly recommend this package for getting a taste of all the best the beautiful desert has to offer – I’m still in a desert daze ❤

Dubai Diaries; By Day, By Night

January 9, 2022

We’ve finally made it here to Dubai and I can’t quite believe it! After last year’s trip being cancelled due to Covid and much anticipation whether or not we would make it out this January, I’m thrilled to be here on my first holiday in two years. Being a keen traveler and explorer, I’m super excited to be in a city I’ve never been before full of so many glorious and exciting things to do and places to see.

Arriving at 2am, I was surprised to learn how Dubai is in fact a very nocturnal city with many shops and eateries open 24 hours. Following a much needed lie-in, we spent our first day at the Dubai Mall just a quick metro ride away from our hotel.

The mall is vast including all kinds of shops from high street to designer. Outside you find yourself at the foot of the Burj Khalifa towering high above the city skyline upon a backdrop of the stunning water fountain show.

That evening we decided to go for cocktails and dinner at Level 43 Sky Lounge at the very top of the Sheraton Hotel, conveniently located just opposite our hotel The Gevora, the tallest hotel in the world.

At Level 43 we enjoyed wonderful cocktails and dinner overlooking the bustling city just as alive by night as it is by day. I felt like we were in uptown New York sat on that rooftop sipping my Lycheene gazing out over the futuristic cityscape.

I couldn’t resist having the prawn tiger sushi roll for dinner whilst my boyfriend had a classic chicken burger and chips. The vibe was electric with a live DJ and saxophonist, certainly a fabulous way to kick off our first night here in Dubai.

It’s now Sunday evening and we are still a little jet lagged so we’re just taking it easy. Today we went for a stroll along the beach front stopping off at The Four Seasons Hotel Jumeirah Beach for a quick photo opportunity of course.

Walking around the city you realise the incredible amount of wealth here as super car after super car races by. My boyfriends in his element and I can’t get enough of the awesome Jeep Wagons everywhere – current dream car right there!

We’ve only been here less than 48 hours and I’m already loving Dubai and all it has to offer; from cosmopolitan city life to scorching hot sunny beach days, it’s the best of both worlds. We have a jam-packed itinerary over the next week including a desert safari tomorrow and helicopter flight over The Palm on Wednesday… the Dubai diaries have only just begun!

NYE 21; Let Life Unfold

January 2, 2022

And just like that, we find ourselves in 2022! The last year has flown by and I’m so lucky to have had some amazing things happen over the past 12 months including moving into our wonderful new house, buying my Mini Cooper and changing jobs too.

Looking back on my goals for 2021, I’m proud to say I’ve achieved most of these or at least made a big step towards them. I managed to squeeze in my tattoo at the end of the year and we are very excited to be jetting off to Dubai next week. Many of these are still a working progress and so I will take them with me into the new year, especially my goal of finding balance in life and reading more books which I’m really enjoying.

We kept our NYE celebrations fairly low key this year as we are being cautious of catching Covid before travelling next week. My parents hosted a lovely dinner, so we were able to spend some quality time with my Grandad who I hadn’t seen for a few years, and my American cousins who were over for the holidays. My mum put together a fabulous spread of canapés followed by a prawn linguine for dinner. The bubbles were flowing and at midnight we popped the champagne before the guys let off some fireworks. A fantastic evening with my awesome family!

New Years Day me and my boyfriend were fairly hungover so we indulged in an extra long lie in until noon. That evening we decided to get out of the house and go to the picturesque town of Farnham for a cute date night dinner.

We went to one of our favourite restaurants Cote and enjoyed a lovely meal together. I had the Chicken Paillard Salad served with French beans, hazelnuts, endive, lettuce and croutons in a creamy caper dressing, whilst my boyfriend had the Poulet Breton half a chicken served with frites. As always the food was delicious and the service so friendly and attentive, we’re never disappointed at Cote.

Tummies full and satisfied, we went for a walk around the stunning streets of Farnham still twinkling with the festive season lights. Back home I made us a little cheeseboard for desert and we watched the fabulous film classic, The Great Gatsby.

Upon reflection, it’s been another exciting and blessed year in my life which I am so very grateful for. I hope 2022 brings more fun adventures, laughter, happiness and joy as I aim to let life unfold without too much of a plan at this stage… what will be will be. Cheers to the New Year!

A Very Merry Christmas

December 27, 2021

Merry Christmas! I was so happy to be reunited with my family this year and celebrations were in full swing for the occasion. Me and my boyfriend began the day with present opening by the tree for the first Christmas morning in our gorgeous new home.

I then got dressed up and ready for the festivities in my little green peter pan dress from Topshop, sheer tights, long boots and a cute new beret from Urban Outfitters.

Family celebrations were kicking off at midday over at my parent’s house. Champagne popped, Christmas songs playing and we were ready for the starter of marinated figs, rocket, mozzarella, parma ham and a honey mustard dressing – exquisite!

It was so great to be in the company of my brother and his wife on Christmas Day following last year’s scuppered plans due to Covid. Thankfully this year we all tested negative and could even have my wonderful Grandma join us for the day too.

Everyone was busy in the kitchen helping with preparations for the big roast dinner, whilst my Dad was mostly outside seeing to his pride and joy for the day, the BBQ turkey! An unconventional method of cooking the bird on a winter’s day in England, but I have to admit it does result in the most succulent meat.

Our late lunch/early dinner was served at 4:30pm and as usual my mum dished up an absolute feast. I just love all the delicious vegetable accompaniments with a roast, my favourite being the red cabbage, honey roasted carrots and not forgetting the brussel sprouts. My brother even did a homemade cauliflower cheese which was divine and stole the show this year!

With bellies full and very satisfied indeed, we sat around the table playing games before more present opening by the tree. I received some fantastic gifts and really enjoyed giving our presents this year too. My mum always pulls some little surprises out of the bag also, and this year she didn’t disappoint with a beautiful 60s style vintage handbag and coffee table book Fashion In Film which I’m obsessed with.

I do feel incredibly blessed and grateful our family could be altogether this year. It was the perfect day full of fun, laughter and love surrounded by the stars of my life.

Cheers to health, happiness and a very Merry Christmas ❤

Stay Wild Moonchild; My First Ink

December 26, 2021

‘If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working towards it.’ I’ve been considering getting this tattoo for quite a few years now and so I decided it was time to go for it. Not to mention it was also a New Year’s resolution for this year to get it done, so it was very fitting to get inked just before we say goodbye to 2021.

The moon and the stars constantly fascinated me in their glorious mysteriousness and beauty. I’ve always been a bit of night thinker too and I like to consider the moon as my driving force when these late night inspirations come to me. More than anything, it’s the unknown possibilities and curiosity I have for the galaxy above and beyond our realms of existence which is so bewildering and thrilling.

Following research to find a suitable tattooists who could create the crescent moon shape upon my wrist, I decided to book an appointment at the boutique jewellery shop Astrid & Miyu in London which specialises in these fine-line tattoos. Originally my best friend was going to join me on this little adventure, but unfortunately increased risks with Covid meant she had to reluctantly cancel.

So last Thursday 23rd December, I ventured up on the train to London town on my own determined to get my tattoo still. Avoiding public transport, I walked over Waterloo bridge through Covent Garden and over to Carnaby Street where my 3pm appointment was booked. It went so smoothly and I have to say didn’t hurt one bit!

It was quite the adrenaline rush as I let this stranger ink me for life. Needless to say though, I’m over the moon with my first little tattoo and very happy I decided to just go for it considering how long I’ve wanted this. It’s only tiny and discrete, but this subtle, refined design is very me and suits my style just right. I love that every time I look at my crescent moon I’ll be reminded of one of my favourite short quotes- ‘Stay Sane, Stay Wild.’

Festive Movie Moment; Winchester Xmas Markets

December 19, 2021

It’s one week until Christmas and I’m feeling those warm fuzzy festive vibes! This weekend we wrapped up in our winter coats to visit the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Markets and I couldn’t help but get excited by the glistening lights twinkling by night all over the city.

The Cathedral looked magnificent all lit up as we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the markets whilst we sipped a warming cup of mulled wine.

The streets of Winchester were just beautiful showered in gold fairy lights and I got that leading lady movie moment feeling as me and my boyfriend explored the city in all its glory.

With 8:30pm reservations at The Ivy, we stumbled upon an awesome bar called Overdraft where we enjoyed some pre-dinner drinks.

Arriving at The Ivy, we were escorted to our table amongst the wonderfully eclectic and intricate interiors which make this place so iconic, I’m obsessed!

The atmosphere was buzzing on a Saturday night and the festive cheer was in full swing. We got started with a few Christmas cocktail specials, so I had a Candyfloss concoction served in a champagne flute with a side of pink floss.

As well as the fabulous decor and lovely service, our meals were just as spectacular. I opted for the roasted butternut squash served with buckwheat, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, sesame and pomegranate with crumbled feta cheese, harissa sauce and coriander dressing. My boyfriend had the classic beef burger which I had a taste of too and can confirm was equally exquisite as my own delicious dish.

A final stroll through the picturesque streets of Winchester before we cosied up in the warmth of the car for the journey home. What a perfect date night getting in the festive mood and feeling like we were on set starring in our very own romantic Christmas movie…*Cue The Holiday soundtrack* ❤

Soul Sisters; Catchups and Vino

December 12, 2021

I love any excuse to put together a classic cheeseboard alongside a delicious spread of nibbles and plenty of vino too of course! So with my bestie coming over on Saturday evening for a long overdue catchup, I set the table, lit the candles and cracked open a bottle of wine ready for our gals date night.

Hours of chatting and a few bottles of wine later, we could’ve continued nattering away into the early hours. My cheeseboard and perfectly paired nibbles went down a treat – grazing platters really are the best!

Whilst everyday life gets very hectic for us all, me and my bestie can always rely on each other no matter how much time passes. I’m lucky enough to have found my soul sister and cherish these times together very much so ❤

When One Door Closes…

December 5, 2021

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 ❤

Festive Feels; Deck the Halls

November 28, 2021

So I’m not usually one to get excited for Christmas so early, however with such limited celebrations in 2020 due to Covid, I can’t wait for the festive season this year! It will be the first Christmas in our new home which is why I was so eager to get a head start on decorating this weekend.

With our gorgeous frosted artificial tree, I decided to keep it simple with all white and gold baubles complete with cute lights. I love the white and gold aesthetic, the only key element missing at this point is the star to go on the top of the tree. Not to mention there will of course be more sprinkles of Christmas decs added around the house as we head into December, but I’m already feeling super excited with our tree up and glistening every night!

We continued our festive weekend with cosy drinks and dinner at a local pub, where we kicked back in armchairs by the fire and enjoyed some delicious burgers. Back home we then watched our first Christmas movie of the year Serendipity – a charming old classic Christmas romance story. I do love the holiday season as an excuse to get together with friends and family as we all wind down for the year together in good spirits ❤