A Gorgeous Girls’ Day In Brighton

There’s something about a girls’ day by the sea that just feels like a warm hug for the soul, and celebrating one of your besties birthdays makes it all the more special.

We kicked the afternoon off on the pebbled shores of Brighton Beach, soaking up the glorious spring sunshine with pink fizz in hand and camping chairs in tow, because practicality is the new chic when you’re in your 30s!

The air was crisp, the sea sparkled, and I felt the kind of easy, carefree joy that only comes from being with your favourite people.

After a few sun-drenched hours, we headed back to Livy’s flat to get ready for the evening which turned into a wholesome little celebration of its own. Somewhere between doing our makeup and sharing outfit options, we surprised Cara with a birthday cake, candles glowing, and yet more bubbles.

For the evening look I went for effortless glam: my new deep olive green Motel top with a plunging neckline, paired with black flared jeans from Stradivarius, brown pointed Topshop boot heels, and statement gold earrings.

I added a cow skin handbag for a playful pop of print and finished with my ASOS brown textured trench to complete the fit. Sophisticated with just the right touch of drama, the kind of outfit that makes you walk a little taller.

We were ready just in time to see the final few moments of sunset, so we ran back down to the seafront to experience it in all its glory.

Sunset skies never fail to amaze me and it was even more beautiful having my besties by my side to soak up this moment with.

Our first stop of night was Plateau, a cosy little wine bar perfect for easing into the evening.

We shared a bottle of red paired with buttery Nocellara olives and tangy pickled veggies; simple, delicious, and exactly what you want as golden hour fades into night.

Dinner followed shortly after at Tutto, a spot we’d been eyeing for a while and it certainly did not disappoint.

Built on the ethos “bring everyone, eat everything”, it felt like the perfect place for an intimate birthday celebration.

We started with warm focaccia bread and creamy buffalo mozzarella served with Jerusalem artichoke and a hazelnut pesto.

For our main course we shared the roasted cod with clams and borlotti beans, chestnut mushroom agnolotti, and a rich, comforting ragu pappardelle.

Delicious dishes full of flavour that we savoured every mouthful of, absolutely exquisite dining scenes.

The waiter then surprised Cara with her second birthday treat of the day, a classic Tiramisu which we all tucked into and thoroughly enjoyed.

From there, the night unfolded in the best way drifting between a few bars, dancing, laughing, and fully embracing that carefree, slightly chaotic energy that only comes out when you’re with your girls.

The giggles, the shared memories, the feeling of slipping right back into your teenage selves like no time has passed at all; nothing fills my cup more than quality time with my best girlies ❤

Tulum Travel Diaries; Final Night Fever At Gitano

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 ❤

Cyprus Scenes; Dancing with the Flamingos

Last week I squeezed in my third holiday of the summer to Cyprus with my boyfriend. September is always a great time to get away as the kids have gone back to school so everywhere is much quieter.

We stayed at Mercure Beach Resort Larnaca as part of a collaboration project with All Accor Hotels.

We were treated to a deluxe double room with a lovely big bathroom and large balcony overlooking that dreamy deep blue ocean.

For this trip I decided to plan my outfits for each day and evening which made packing super easy and seamless. It was so satisfying to see my capsule wardrobe hung up in the spacious closet.

Friday morning we woke fresh and ready for a day of shooting around the hotel, and by midday it was time for a cocktail in my cabana.

I bought this big floppy hat in Mallorca last month and I’m obsessed, it’s so chic!

That afternoon we were given access by the General Manager of the hotel to film in one of the impressive villas they have on site.

Don’t mind me just living my private villa dream as I lounged in the hanging egg chair on the villa terrace.

Sundown drinks on the balcony were a picture perfect moment every evening on repeat.

Friday evening we went to a lovely seafood restaurant just a short walk from our hotel and right on the water called Mer Bleue.

We had classic Greek tatziki and pitta to start, followed by grilled octopus and fries for me and the fillet steak for my boyfriend.

On Saturday morning we explored the old town of Larnaca where we visited the Greek Orthodox Church of St Lazarus.

Later that day we captured some underwater shots poolside and enjoyed an iced coffee afternoon pick me up.

We’d certainly worked up an appetite for lunch, so we ordered a much needed pizza at the Mercure hotel where they have an authentic stone bake pizza oven.

Another evening rolled around and it was yet another stunning sunset complete with orange and pink hues on the horizon.

Before dinner we went to the smart hotel Lobby Bar for an aperativo and I was channeling my inner Flamingo in this cute colourful mini dress from Stradivarius.

Larnanca is known for the Flamingos which flock to the salt lake during Autumn, hence the Flamingo theme throughout the hotel.

A local taxi driver recommended a great Greek restaurant near our hotel called Vlachos Tavern, so we headed there for some dinner and of course I had my favourite Greek feta salad.

Sunday morning we were up bright and early for the breakfast buffet which I setup to shoot for aesthetic hotel content.

Following shooting we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast spread of sweet and savoury plates; the pancakes were the winning dish!

Fuelled and ready for the day, we headed to Ayia Napa for a beach day and day on the water.

I’ve wanted to do paddle boarding for so long and this was the ideal place to give it a go it for the first time.

Calm crystal clear waters and a gloriously sunny day, our first experience paddle boarding was perfect and a lot of fun.

Nissa Beach was buzzing on a Sunday arvo and it was time to hit the beach clubs.

I had a pretty pink Paloma followed by the Tropical State of Mind house special cocktail.

It was giving cool Bali vibes at Isola Beach Bar; I was in my element with these beach style interiors complete with delicious cocktails and salty sea air.

Back in Larnaca, we took a sundown stroll at golden hour along the seafront.

Soon enough it was dusk and the crescent moon was glowing against the deep blue sky.

Those short few moments between night and day are so beautiful and unique, the way the colours of the sky change so swiftly yet fluidly is nature’s art.

For our final night we ate back at the Kyma Restaurant within our hotel where the food was always top quality and delicious.

After dinner, we couldn’t resist a final night cap at the hotel Lobby Bar with their enticing spirit wall glowing as it lit up at night.

And just like that, it was our final day in Cyprus and I soaked up very last minute of sunshine on our balcony with that magnificent view.

Our time in Cyprus was short but superbly sweet, I can’t wait to visit again and explore more of everything it has to offer.

Ciao for now Cyprus ❤

Gig; Ocean Alley at the Engine Rooms Southampton

Happy Sunday and the official first day of British summertime – bring on those long sunny days! Yesterday I was so excited to be going to my first gig back post covid down in Southampton to see Ocean Alley. Being an Aussie band, I heard their song Confidence for the first time a few years ago when I was living in Aus and I’ve been a big fan of their music ever since.

With a group of my friends all coming along to the gig, we met for an early dinner and drinks at Bills in West Quey at 5pm. We enjoyed a spread of delicious food including these exquisite chicken dumplings and my favourite miso padron peppers, the perfect pre-gig nibble.

I couldn’t resist a cheeky espresso martini to finish and it didn’t disappoint. Nothing like that wicked combo of caffeine, sugar and alcohol to set me up for a night of dancing ahead.

We made our way around the corner to the Engine Rooms just in time for the gig already kicking off with the support band at 7pm. Beer in hand, I was ready for some much missed live music and a good old boogie with my friends.

Ocean Alley put on a fantastic show and sounded so great live, it was like listening their original tracks! I felt like I was back down under in a room full of fellow fans many of which had that typical Aussie bogan moustache long haired look going on… if you know, you know.

What a night and novelty to be at a live gig once again without any social distancing restrictions. I forgot how many awesome songs Ocean Alley have under their belt too; highlights for me were Knees, Baby Come Back, Happy Sad and of course Confidence. I definitely felt a pang of nostalgia for my Australia life down under. What a time that was with so many unforgettable memories, I’ll have to take a trip back to my spirit land again soon ❤

Raving; It’s a State of Mind

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!