Welcome to my monthly diaries ❤ At the end of May we were treated with a heatwave over the bank holiday weekend, so we made the most of it and had our very first BBQ of the season. We also celebrated our friend’s Wedding in Liverpool at the breathtaking Cathedral, followed by a reception at the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire. From interiors updates and new pieces in my wardrobe, to spending quality time with our parents and lots of giggles with my friends, it’s been a fabulous month easing into the 2026 summer season.
Click the link here to watch the vlog over on my YouTube channel ❤
It’s the late May bank holiday here in the UK and I’m winding down following a wonderful weekend soaking up the heatwave sunshine.
Back on Friday evening, we met friends at The Mutton for sundown drinks in the pub garden.
I wore this cute asymmetric dress from ASOS with a pair of nude thong kitten heel mules, my Coach handbag and MiuMiu round sunnies to complete the smart-casual look.
Saturday was another scorching day, so when 5pm came I enjoyed a glass of wine and some olives in our garden, whilst watching Emz and Nick’s latest Greece vlog.
For date night that evening, I booked The Leather Bottle for dinner in their picturesque courtyard area.
Even at 8pm it was still a lovely temperature to be sat outside as the sun went down over the neighbouring fields.
To start we ordered the padron peppers because whenever they’re on a menu, my boyfriend and I simply cannot resist.
For mains my boyfriend opted for the Bavette steak frites, whilst I had the Gilt head bream fillet.
Served with potato terrine, courgette, heritage tomato, feta and a salsa verde, this dish was divine and presented so beautifully too.
As we enjoyed our meal, the stunning sunset skies turned shades of gorgeous deep oranges and pinks, before dusk eventually set in.
Back home we embraced the warm night air and had another drink in our garden, festoon lights glowing and the moon shining brightly up overhead.
Sunday we were off to my boyfriend’s parents’ house for our first BBQ of the summer season.
Temperatures were set to be over 30 degrees, so denim shorts and my new pink contrast vest from Stradivarius and classic Birkenstock sandals, were the perfect cute-casual outfit combo.
I also styled my hair in a French twist to keep it off my neck for the day, not to mention looking super chic and elegant too.
It was the first time using their barbecue and outdoor space in their new house and it was all absolutely perfect.
Every corner of their house is so aesthetic and I was particularly drawn to these stone faces in their garden which give boho-chic Tulum vibes.
On the grill we had chicken skewers, burgers, sausages, corns and asparagus.
Of course a barbecue for us is not complete without my signature Greek Salad, so I was very excited to be making my first one of the summer this weekend.
There was also a Caesar salad, beetroot salad, Jersey Royal potatoes and all the condiments necessary for such a feast.
And not forgetting the footy game which had to be on in the background for the boys!
After lunch, I sat with my boyfriend’s mum out on their cute bistro set with a glass of bubbles; it was like we were sat outside our very own Parisian wine bar, pure bliss.
Meanwhile, the boys were equally chuffed with their setup inside to finish watching the football game.
My boyfriend’s mum even treated us to our favourite dessert she introduced us to of frozen raspberries, melted white chocolate and cream.
Before we knew it the sun was beginning to set and it was time to leave, but on our way home we made a spontaneous detour.
As we passed through Farnham, my boyfriend said we should do the walk at Caesar’s Camp to catch sunset.
So we parked up the truck and made our way across the picturesque countryside.
After about a 25 minute walk, we found this incredible viewpoint from which we watched the sun go down over Caesar’s Camp.
Sunsets never fail to amaze me; I find it mesmerising to see the sun dip below the horizon so rapidly in realtime.
A majestic sunset stroll was the most idyllic ending to our long bank holiday weekend showered in sunshine ❤
Tucked deep within the wild embrace of the jungle, an evening at Gitano Jungle Tulum feels like stepping into a beautifully chaotic dream. It’s effortlessly atmospheric, where glamour meets the bohemian spirit of Tulum.
As the sun disappears and the jungle darkens, the space comes alive with shimmering disco energy as mirror balls sway gently from the palms, candlelight flickers between the trees, and tables weave organically through the natural maze of the jungle floor.
I leaned fully into the Tulum aesthetic for my outfit of the night. I wore my new Las Lulas flared-sleeved crop top, complete with handmade tassel details that danced every time I moved.
Paired with my palm print mini skirt from Topshop, pearl platform sliders, my Seaside Stories gold shell necklace and Heaven Mayhem gold shell earrings, the look felt perfectly suited to a night in the jungle.
Naturally, we began with cocktails to toast the final evening of our holiday. I ordered a classic Paloma; sweet yet salty, refreshing and glowing with that dreamy sorbet pink hue.
And what’s dinner in Tulum without a little entertainment? Throughout the evening a group of professional dancers performed around the restaurant, transforming the space into a lively jungle disco. Their energy was infectious and added a vibrant party atmosphere that made the night feel even more special.
To start, we shared a simple but deliciously satisfying hummus with pita chips.
For mains, we opted for a selection of plates to try a few different dishes: a cauliflower steak, buttermilk chicken, watermelon basil salad and chipotle potatoes.
The cauliflower dish was the standout with a perfectly roasted, tender flesh topped with a rich, creamy sauce that was just so tasty and moorish.
To be transparent, it was definitely a splurge with the bill coming in at just under £200. But sometimes travel is about unique experiences and dining beneath the palms at Gitano certainly felt like one, so it was worth it.
Between the glowing candlelight, the delicious food and cocktails, and the dazzling performances, it made for an awesome final evening dinner in Tulum.
A little wild and playful with a side glamour, it was the most memorable way to celebrate another beautiful holiday together; good night Tulum ❤
Our final full day in Tulum greeted us with the kind of sunshine that instantly lifts your mood.
Determined to savour every last moment, we set off for a long, leisurely stroll along the beachfront, the soft white sand beneath our feet and the Caribbean glowing in its endless shades of turquoise.
I had been hoping to spend some time at Hotel Panorama, a spot I’d had my eye on all trip, but when we arrived we discovered it was closed to the public for a wedding celebration. In Tulum though, a closed door is never the end of the story as the beach is dotted with beautiful hotels and beach clubs, each with their own dreamy atmosphere.
Not far along the sand we discovered a newly opened hotel called Azucar with brand new white daybeds lined with perfect palms and the chilled vibe we were looking for.
We settled onto a daybed right on the beach facing the endless stretch of powdery sand and that dazzling turquoise sea. The setting felt effortlessly chic; relaxed, sun-drenched, and exactly the kind of place where time seems to slow down.
I decided to mix and match my beach look pairing my Bond-Eye pink swim bottoms with a simple white balcony style bikini top.
A big floppy hat shaded me from the midday sun while adding a little drama to the look and my new Miu Miu sunglasses were the perfect finishing touch.
Of course no beach club outfit is complete without a little playful holiday jewellery, the kind that sparkles even brighter under tropical sunshine.
To cool down, I ordered an iced long black coffee while my boyfriend opted for a refreshing pineapple juice. With the sun high in the sky and the gentle soundtrack of waves rolling onto the shore, it was simply idyllic scenes.
With lunchtime soon upon us, we ordered a few dishes to share: a chicken salad, a beef taco, and of course a big bowl of fresh guacamole served with classic tortillas for scooping.
The chicken salad was a standout featuring a crisp romaine lettuce heart lightly charred on the grill, topped with sweet mango salsa and a scattering of seeds that added a satisfying crunch. Fresh, vibrant and full of flavour, it tasted exactly how a beachside lunch should.
Afterwards we stretched out on the daybed for a while letting the food settle while reading, chatting and soaking up the warmth of the glorious afternoon Mexican sun.
Soon enough we wandered down to the shoreline and slipped into the sea, the cool water a welcome contrast to the heat of the sand.
With the sun beating down and the lively buzz of people enjoying their afternoon along the beach, it felt like the most perfect closing chapter to our time in Tulum.
A final swim, a final stretch of sand between our toes, and one last afternoon soaking up the magic of this beautiful place; absolute bliss ❤
Sometimes the chicest of things are the simplest of things. Timeless, elegant, classy, when something is chic it never goes out of style. I’ll let the pictures do the talking on this one ❤
I can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday early evening on holiday than taking a stroll down the playa at golden hour and breathing in every hue of the stunning skies as the sun sets.
We arrived at Bagatelle just in time for the horizon awash with pink candy floss tones before the twilight hours were upon us.
Set upon the iconic Playa Paraiso overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Bagatelle Tulum seamlessly mixes the luxury of its French brand with that boho chic Tulum vibe.
My Friday fit were these super cute ASOS butter yellow ruffle hot-pants, paired with a white cropped satin blouse layered over a cream bandeau bikini top, my Sol Concept ruffle heeled mules, and a Topshop butter yellow handbag to match the buttermilk tones of the fit.
And not forgetting plenty of gold and pearl summer themed jewellery and a pair of Celine sunnies to complete the look. I’m obsessed with the subtle ruffle details of this fit and you simply can’t go wrong with butter yellow for summer.
As we sipped our cocktails and watched dusk roll in, it felt like our very own little piece of the French Riviera in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
We enjoyed impeccable service and an electric ambiance that blends laid-back luxury with beachside party vibes.
And so we find ourselves; it’s mid January, the weather is miserable here in the uk, so we are jetting off in search of sunshine this week. On Tuesday morning we’ll be heading to the airport and boarding the plane to Mexico and I cannot wait for some much needed winter sun on my skin.
We’ll be staying in the coastal town of Tulum known for its ultra cool, boho-chic vibes and picturesque, palm lined, white sand beaches.
My birthday is at the end of January and my boyfriend’s is the beginning of February, so getting away at this time of year is a must for us. Why be in cold, rainy England where everyone is on diets and doing Dry Jan, when we can hop on a plane and escape to warmer climates and tropical beachside living!?
We will be there for just under two weeks so the tan will be tanning and being a beach bum will become my full personality!
Hotelito Azul is where we will be staying for the two weeks, located right on the beach amongst all the best beach clubs and aesthetic restaurants.
I’m thinking fresh coconuts by the sea, a good book in hand and tapping into that boho-chic vibe with all of my cutest holiday wardrobe pieces.
As always I’ve made a Pinterest board for our trip and also have an extensive list of all the top spots nearby our hotel including Papaya Playa, Bagatelle, Ziggy, Taboo and Ilios.
Mexican cuisine is one of our favourites so my inner foodie is super excited for all the delicious authentic food we have to tantalise our tastebuds.
And not forgetting it being the home of the classic margarita, so my hopes are high for some epic beachside cocktails.
I plan on consuming bucket loads of guac with tortilla chips, plenty of fresh tropical fruits and all the seafood including fish tacos and the freshest ceviche.
Aside from all the relaxing beach time, we will definitely be going on a few day trips further afield to see the amazing landscape and nature Mexico has to offer.
We already have booked snorkelling with turtles which was on my goals list for 2026, such a special and unique opportunity in Mexico.
Exploring the breathtaking cenotes is another must while we’re there. A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole, formed from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes a pool of crystal-clear groundwater, common in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and sacred to the ancient Maya as portals to the underworld.
Seeing these natural pools and swimming in their vibrant turquoise waters will be other worldly, like we’re in a dream fantasy world!
The Mayan ruins are another spectacular historical attraction we will have to visit during our stay.
This walled pre-Columbian city perches on 12 meter cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, known for its dramatic coastal setting, unique walled fortifications, and status as one of the last Mayan cities built.
I’ve already brought a few pieces to add to my ever growing holiday wardrobe, but I’m also excited to shop the boho chic boutiques and bazars when we get there to achieve the ultimate Tulum beach girl aesthetic.
I have a feeling we’re going to love Tulum with its aesthetic charm, cool coastal vibes and stunning white sand beaches of dreams; nos vemos pronto México! ❤
Winter has a way of gently nudging us indoors and this past month felt like a celebration of cosy date nights, good food, and leaning fully into that slower, more romantic pace.
With darker evenings and a definite chill in the air, we found ourselves gravitating towards warm, welcoming spaces and making a bit of a ritual out of going out for Saturday night dinner together.
One of our newest local favourites has been The Falcon, a traditional English pub that’s recently changed hands and undergone a renovation inside.
It still has that classic pub charm, but with a fresh, thoughtful update that makes it feel extra inviting.
The menu strikes the perfect balance between comforting pub grub and slightly more unexpected dishes.
My absolute favourite is their Durban jackfruit curry; rich, warming and packed full of flavour, it’s the perfect winter dish.
There’s something so reassuring about having another lovely pub right on our doorstep, somewhere that already feels like it’s becoming part of our routine.
Another highlight was heading into Farnham town for a slightly different kind of date night at Thai Lotusland.
Thai food is one of our favourite cuisines and we have a few regular local spots we like to go, but this one is new to our rotation.
We dined in the sunken seating area for a change, instantly making the evening feel more intimate and a little bit special.
It was fun experiencing something alternative to the usual wining and dining setup and the food was every bit as comforting and flavourful as we’d hoped.
We also revisited one of our old-school favourites, Côte Brasserie a few weeks back.
It’s one of those places that never disappoints with delicious French food, faultless service, and romantic vibes that are always on point.
The Côte in Lion and Lamb Yard is particularly lovely, and by the end of November it was already feeling extra cute and festive with the Christmas lights twinkling outside.
The pinnacle of date nights this season though, was without a doubt our evening at the Four Seasons Hampshire.
Visiting in early December meant we just missed the pre-Christmas rush, making our experience feel even more exclusive.
We booked drinks and dinner in the Wild Carrot Bar and having worked there over three years ago now, it certainly was nostalgic to be back.
The opulent Christmas decorations throughout the hotel were even better than I remembered, from the ginormous Christmas tree by the grand staircase next to reception…
…to the impressive gingerbread village displayed along the central walkway.
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid in a fairytale.
After a scenic stroll around the grounds, we were seated in the stunning bar area which gives serious old money vibes with its plush sofa seating, elegant chandeliers, and feature fireplace.
As you’d expect, the service was impeccable and the food didn’t disappoint.
After some complimentary nibbles with our aperitif, I opted for a classic prawn cocktail served with brioche soldiers, while my boyfriend went for the BBQ chicken burger and fries.
If you’re looking for festive, cosy vibes with a sprinkle of class and elegance, Four Seasons Hampshire really is the place to go.
So that’s my round-up of a winter’s month filled with wonderful date nights; wholesome, cosy, and full of all the aesthetic, stylish touches a girl could wish for.
It’s been a reminder that sometimes the simplest plans done well, are the ones you end up cherishing the most ❤
A trip to New York has long been on my bucket list and I’m super excited to be going there for the first time with my boyfriend next week. As soon as we booked the trip I couldn’t wait to get outfit planning and using Pinterest to create my mood board of NYC iconic aesthetic, delicious foodie inspo and of course cool street style.
I was in my element filming this vlog as I got to layout all of the clothes and accessories I want to take to New York, as well as try on some cute fall fits I had envisioned in my mind, before sorting them into my trusty packing cubes and slotting them into my suitcase. Needless to say, organising and planning makes me very happy indeed and when it comes to styling and having fun with fashion, NYC really is the perfect place for it. I hope this vlog inspires you for your own autumn wardrobe and gives you some useful tips for when it comes to packing for a city break. Next time I see you guys we’ll be in New York, so be sure to subscribe to see the NYC Diaries on my channel here soon ❤
Since opening a few years ago, The Mutton at Hazeley Heath has been a firm favourite local pub for Friday drinks as well as their award winning menu of traditional pub dishes done to a five star standard.
So this Saturday we decided to book a table in the restaurant for date night and as always enjoyed a delectable meal complete with top service.
Now we are well into September, it felt like the last weekend I could get away with white jeans and mules, so I wore my Topshop white slim fit jeans paired with a ruched detail backless top, my gorgeous Senso pink satin mules and a Cult Gia dupe mini box bag.
Blush pink hues for date night is a timeless classic and I would’ve worn my pearls to complete the look, but with a nigh neck top on I opted for statement gold drop earrings which I recently got from Na-kd.
With 8:15pm reservations, we arrived at The Mutton for 8pm to have an aperitif. I sipped a classic Dirty Martini which was delightful; I felt very Carrie Bradshaw from Sex & The City ❤
The interiors at The Mutton are very classic countryside chic with a subtle modern twist, and the low lighting in the restaurant makes for the perfect sophisticated evening atmosphere.
To start we shared the sourdough bread with charcoal butter and homemade spicy pickles which were divine.
For main course I ordered the chargrilled sea bream, crushed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and white wine sauce with a side salad, whilst my boyfriend had the sirloin steak with nduja butter, fries, pickled shallot, parmesan and rocket salad.
I had a glass of the Gyotaku, Christophe Mittnacht Alsace, French white wine upon recommendation from the waitress as a pairing to my fish dish.
As always it was a 10/10 meal presented beautifully, cooked to perfection and full of incredible flavour.
We savoured every last bite and with clean plates all round, we left very satisfied indeed.
The bill came to just under £150 so its certainly on the pricier side for a meal out, but definitely worth it for a special occasion or a treat for date night.
The Mutton at Hazeley Heath remains our top spot for fine dining in Hampshire, so be sure to try it for yourself if you’re in the area – https://themuttonathazeleyheath.co.uk
Dani Aneka 