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 ❤
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 ❤
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!
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!
Happy Sunday babes! I’m finally enjoying a proper weekend wind-down following a very busy and quite frankly, stressful couple of weeks at work. With my mind so preoccupied with daily life and engrossed in my work, I’ve found myself motivated and inspired to pursue some personal projects outside of my disciplined routine. Whilst creativity comes in waves and should never be forced, when ideas do surface, I think it’s a crucial moment to ride that wave and delve into your imagination…
So with all this creative energy currently surfacing, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to meet up with a friend and bounce our ideas off each other. With a spread of nibbles and bottle of wine open, it was the ideal setup to discuss our concepts, business plans and goals for the future. Without being unrealistic and setting unreachable targets, it’s great to talk about your ideas and really define your true passion project which is within the realms of your resources. Following our little Friday night meeting, we have set each other some small initial goals and further research to support the creative process.
Now it’s Sunday arvo and I’m feeling super positive and excited about my current side hustle plans taking shape. Of course it’s important to remember that these waves of inspiration come in ebbs and flows, so always ride the wave of creativity when it does flow and don’t be afraid to dream big! Never forget – ‘Our only limitations are those we setup in our own mind.’
As the sun sets on summertime here in the UK, I am making the most of these final days of summer with my favourite smoothie bowls for brekky.
Whilst frozen banana is a must for the base of any thick smoothie bowl, you can swap out different fruits according to your personal taste. My current favourite combo lately has been simply banana and blueberry. Blend together 1 frozen banana, a few handfuls of frozen blueberries, a splash of soya milk and a couple of ice cubes until that delicious super thick consistency is reached.
Best served in a coconut bowl, that deep purple colour from the blueberries makes for the most aesthetic bowl of goodness. Top with granola and more fresh blueberries and you have the most tasty, sweet brekky containing only natural sugars and healthy raw ingredients. You could even make your own granola, but my latest go-to store brought granola of choice is the Pret classic blend.
Sadly I will soon have to be swapping my colourful smoothies for warming bowls of porridge… Autumn is well and truly on the horizon babes!
Seasons Kitchen, Farm Shop & Street Food at Lavershot Barns, brings together fabulous food and drink all wrapped up in one unique experience. From organic, locally sourced produce used to create the Restaurant and Street Food menus, to the bespoke designers from Lush Landscapes and on site florist at Lilys Flowers, Seasons Surrey is your one-stop weekend destination to unwind, shop and dine in style.
With an invite to a private event hosted this Friday by Lush Landscapes, I was lucky enough to experience Surrey’s latest hotspot for an after work cocktail accompanied with some delicious street food too. Kicking off with a glass of bubbly, we explored the gorgeous grounds designed by the team at Lush Landscapes; how idealic to sit in front of this chic fire pit with a glass of prosecco as the sun went down over the farm.
As the saxophone played into the evening, we took our seats at our table and ordered some street food from the extensive menu inspired by worldwide cuisine. From a healthy Chinese dragon rice bowl, to a German hotdog and Greek lamb flatbread, there was something for everyone. I opted for the plant based American style burger with fries – a classic which certainly didn’t disappoint.
Once the sun went down, the Ministry of Sound DJ took to the decks and I was feeling those Ibiza vibes as we sipped our cocktails amongst such gorgeous surroundings. I’m already planning our next trip to Seasons Surrey to browse some special treats in the Farm Shop and of course sample their Michelin star Restaurant.
Thank you Lush Landscapes for hosting such a wonderful event! Visit Seasons Surrey and explore all that they have to offer for yourself here – https://www.seasonssurrey.co.uk
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.
Happy Sunday Babes. I’ve just been chilling in the garden all afternoon today as the UK is finally greeted with some sunshine again. Yesterday we ventured into London for a lovely day strolling around town and exploring new places, before heading to the Shard for sunset.
First stop was Covent Garden and the Seven Dials area for a spot of shopping. I love the vintage stores and boutique shops around here as there is always something new to discover.
For a late lunch we went into the buzzing Seven Dials Market for vegan burritos from Club Mexicana. These were by far the best tasting burritos me and my boyfriend had ever tried – the BBQ jackfruit ‘ribs’ combo was incredible!
Before leaving we went via Neals Yard for that classic Insta worthy shot and a quick coffee to get our caffeine kick for the rest of the arvo.
Next stop was Tower Bridge where I was keen to try Coppa Club for an aperitif. Famous for its outdoor igloos intended for larger parties, we sat inside at the gorgeous bar where I sipped my champagne and felt very fancy indeed.
As sundown drew closer, we headed over to the Shard where we were transported up into the clouds on the 72nd floor…thank fully I’m not too afraid of heights.
The views were spectacular and so interesting to see London from above, all the buildings looked tiny from up there.
Unfortunately sunset was only short given that it was an overcast day, but then seeing the city light up at dusk was still beautiful regardless.
To complete our day out, we had reservations at Cote Brasserie on Southbank. I’m never disappointed at Cote as they deliver such delicious, authentic French food with brilliant service to match too. I had the Paillard Chicken Salad with Frites whilst my boyfriend had the Poulet Breton with Frites. Clean plates all around, it was an exquisite end to the perfect day.
Following our meal we were right by Waterloo station ready to hop onto the next train home. I had the most fabulous day being a tourist in my own city and trying out new places through my guiltiest of pleasures – shopping, eating and drinking ❤ ❤ ❤
Dani Aneka 