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 ❤

Sunday Coffee Talks

November 21, 2021

As the daylight hours get shorter and the dark nights grow longer, everyday seems to be flying by quicker than ever as we hurtle towards December and the end of the year already! During these winter months I enjoy nothing more than spending the long evenings snuggled up at home with a cuppa, reading a book or getting stuck into a new series. It’s all about self-care at this time of year; run a hot bath, have a glass of wine, indulge in your favourite sweet treats, just because you deserve it! Don’t forget to move your body everyday, even if it’s just a 30 minute pilates workout or quick walk outside to get some fresh air. Continue to live your life in balance and you will thank yourself later. These were just some thoughts I had this Sunday arvo as I sat and sipped my coffee… Happy Sunday ❤

Book Club; Let’s Get Reading

November 14, 2021

It’s been quite some time since I last got stuck into a good book as I’m always using the excuse that I’m too busy. However I believe reading is one of the best forms of self-care as it provides a form of escapism whilst broadening your imagination and building knowledge – not to mention it keeps you away from your phone for longer than 5 minutes! So after an in-depth discussion about all things books with my friend this week, we decided to get motivated to read again with our very own little bookclub. She has already leant me two books of opposite genres she thinks I will enjoy: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and The Tattooist Of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. I’ve just read the first few chapters of Me Before You and I’m already hooked; I’m so excited to get lost in the fantasy world of a book again! In exchange I will be lending my friend the classic novel of Breakfast At Tiffany’s by Truman Capote as well as the marvellously written Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I hope to reignite my passion for reading again as my friend and I embark on this spontaneous bookclub idea in which we exchange recommended reads, as well as visit libraries to explore the endless choice of books to discover out there. Of course, this also gives us an excuse for the occasional coffee shop date together to discuss our books and commit to an hour or so of reading too, lost in the narrative as the world passes by around us – how idyllic ❤

Life’s Funner in Leopard Print

November 7, 2021

With it being my mum’s birthday this weekend, the whole family came together to celebrate in style at a local gig and I couldn’t wait to get on my dancing shoes ready to dance the night away! I wore my split hem leggings and let the leopard print blouse and fur coat do the talking. To complete the look, I chose my lace-up maroon croc heels and matching dark brown croc 90s style handbag, along with my favourite gold jewellery pieces for extra glam points. Simple yet classic, leopard print is always a vibe and never fails to add a hint of sassy playfulness to any outfit…now let’s pop the bubbly and go hit that dance floor!