This weekend called for a wholesome dinner date with my mum, dad and boyfriend, centred around great food, good wine and even better company.
We started the evening with a pre-dinner drink at The Wine Yard in Farnham.
It’s one of those places that instantly sets the tone for the night ahead; relaxed, welcoming and perfect for easing into the weekend with a glass of something delicious in hand.
From there, we headed 5 minutes down the road to Daniele Sicilian Restaurant in Lower Hale for our 8:30pm reservation.
The restaurant has such a warm, authentic atmosphere from the moment you step inside.
Naturally, we began by sharing a selection of starters for the table. The stracciatella, anchovy, cherry tomato, basil, pesto bruschetta was bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavours and was my favourite dish of the night.
While the meatball, rocket and parmesan bruschetta was rich, comforting and incredibly tasty.
A portion of the zucchini frites were the perfect accompaniment to complete our spread of entrees.
For my main course, I chose the Spaghetti Isola Bella, a beautiful dish made with king prawns, fresh clams, cherry tomatoes, olive oil and chilli.
It was everything I love about Italian cooking: simple ingredients cooked to perfection and full of flavour.
My boyfriend was particularly excited to try one of Daniele’s pizzas for the first time, and it absolutely lived up to expectations with a lovely crisp base and plenty of yummy toppings.
Meanwhile my parents were equally impressed with their meals, both commenting on how authentic and delicious everything was.
Sometimes the best evenings aren’t the grand occasions but the ones spent laughing, chatting and making memories together with the people who matter most ❤
There are some days that feel suspended in time, and my best friend’s wedding was one of them. A perfectly cinematic weekend split between the grandeur of Liverpool and the dreamy countryside charm of Cheshire, the kind of wedding that feels impossibly elegant yet deeply personal all at once.
Celebrations began with their legal ceremony in the city centre at the breathtaking Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.
Towering gothic architecture, soaring ceilings and the soft echo of footsteps against ancient stone created the most magical atmosphere imaginable.
The late morning light poured through the stained glass in that hazy, romantic way as the bride made her grand entrance.
Following the ceremony, the bride and groom greeted everyone on their way back out to the cathedral steps, where guests captured photos together in the midday sunshine.
Soon it was time to board the coaches which took the wedding party out into the Cheshire countryside for the reception at Tatton Park.
Set amongst acres of rolling parkland, wild deer and manicured gardens, it felt like stepping into an English period drama.
Upon arrival at Tatton Park, we were greeted with a refreshing Hugo Sprizt cocktail and delicious canapes as we soaked up the sunshine on the back lawn.
My boyfriend and I took a moment to have a stroll down to the feature fountain and lower terrace gardens with sweeping views across the grounds.
Taking a quiet minute together with those mesmerising views, the hum of the wedding party in the background and the entire day of celebrations yet to come, I couldn’t have been more content in that moment.
My wedding guest dress from Club L London was the perfect shade of pastel blue with a flattering asymmetric cut and off-shoulder neckline.
To accessorise I wore classic pearls from By Alona, matching pearl earrings from Heaven Mayhem, blush satin mules by Senso, and my sable Polene handbag to complete the elegant-chic look.
A statement pair of YSL cat-eye sunglasses were the finishing touch for a glorious afternoon basking in the sunshine.
I’m always so inspired by wedding guest dresses and I just loved my bestie’s polka dot strapless number with the full skirt and pockets.
Her butter yellow handbag from Marks and Spencer’s and matching yellow sunnies added a pop of colour to complete the vintage inspired wedding guest fit.
At 3pm we were called inside for the Wedding Breakfast in the Tenants’ Hall, where the opulent décor and colourful lighting set the tone for a brilliant afternoon and evening of celebrations ahead.
The table centre pieces were magnificent featuring flowers in rich reds and deep oranges.
We were treated to a 3-course feast of Indian cuisine served family style and every dish was exquisite.
Dessert was a refreshing trio of fruity delights to balance out those indulgent and rich flavours of the curry.
In between courses the speeches were made, and I was proud to see even our bride say a few words.
In need of some fresh air and a walk after all the food, we went for a lovely stroll around the grounds and discovered this beautiful orangery.
Filled with glorious green plants and the afternoon light cascading through the windows from above, it was like our own little oasis.
We also discovered a maze and rose gardens which truly felt like we’d stepped onto the set of Bridgerton.
Before we knew it, the evening party was upon us, and the traditional Indian drum performance welcomed the newlyweds back and invited guests to the dance floor.
As the evening went on, heels came off, the dance floor quickly filled up, and the atmosphere shifted into the most joyful chaos; the kind of night where nobody wanted it to end.
Somewhere between white wine, blurry dance floor photos and singing every word to early 2000s classics, it became one of those core memory nights we won’t be forgetting for a long time.
A reminder of how quickly life changes and how lucky we are to witness the biggest moments for the people we love most.
Liverpool and Cheshire delivered the dreamiest backdrop for a wonderful wedding weekend; dramatic city romance paired with soft countryside elegance.
What a truly memorable send off from family and friends to celebrate the happy couple ❤
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 ❤
Our 48 hours in the Austrian capital felt like stepping onto the set of a beautifully shot old school film; elegant, charming and full of delicious food. We caught the 7am flight from London Heathrow Airport and by 10am we were already wandering the streets of Vienna, ready to make the most of every second.
There’s something so effortlessly romantic about Vienna. Grand boulevards lined with opulent architecture, hidden wine bars tucked between historic buildings and the kind of café culture that makes you want to slow down and savour every moment.
Lunch on day one was at Trattoria Martinelli and it was the perfect start to the trip.
We began with a mozzarella, pesto, basil, tomato and rocket salad which tasted so fresh and summery.
To follow was the veal ravioli and although I’m not a big meat eater, this was absolutely divine.
Later that afternoon we checked into Le Méridien hotel right in the centre of the city. The rooms were incredibly spacious and stylish with views overlooking Vienna’s vast streets below.
After an early start, a coffee from the Nespresso machine was very much needed before getting ready for dinner.
For the evening I wore the cutest pinstripe collared halter neck from Stradivarius paired with my black jeans from Zara, gold detail mule heels, and a check pattern blazer also from Stradivarius to complete the look.
Work appropriate but equally chic and stylish for an evening of wining and dining in the city.
We started with drinks at the hotel bar You, where I had my first taste of local Austrian white wine. Crisp, refreshing and dangerously easy to drink.
Dinner was at Collina am Berg, a contemporary fine dining restaurant with an effortlessly cool and classy atmosphere.
To start, we had salt baked beets with sheep’s curd and hazelnut pesto which was undeniably exquisite, everyone’s plates were clean.
For my main course, I chose the vegetarian option of confit kohlrabi with onion purée and puffed buckwheat, beautifully presented and full of flavour.
Dessert was one for the chocolate lovers, a salted caramel chocolate mousse topped with hazelnuts, absolute perfection.
From the delicious food and attentive service to the stylish interiors and vibrant ambience, everything was 10/10. Collina Am Berg is a hidden gem in the heart of Vienna.
Day two greeted us with glorious sunshine, so naturally it called for an effortlessly simple outfit formula. I wore my white linen trousers from Reserved with a simple black vest from Topshop, a black and white neck scarf from H&M, brown sandals and my Celine sunnies.
Sometimes the simplest of outfits really do make the chicest looks, the philosophy I use when curating my work wardrobe for events.
Walking the streets of Vienna in the Spring sunshine was genuinely magical. The city feels almost untouched by time with its incredible original architecture still standing proudly today.
As Vienna was not heavily bombed during the war, so much of its historic beauty remains intact, making every corner feel steeped in history and grandeur.
The buildings are so opulent and cinematic that at times it honestly felt like we were wandering through a movie set.
Our final lunch was at Zum Weissen Rauchfangkehrer, a traditional Austrian restaurant filled with fascinating interiors that made us feel as though we’d stepped back in time.
We enjoyed a traditional lunch of pork schnitzel with potatoes, followed by an apple strudel that genuinely changed my life.
I in fact opted for the vegetarian main course of a stuffed pepper served in a vegetable bean stew and it was absolutely delightful. Comforting, hearty and full of flavour.
Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the airport for our 5pm flight home to London.
What a brilliant whistle-stop tour of the Austrian capital, a city and country I already know I’ll have to return to one day.
Elegant, historic, stylish and full of incredible culture and delicious food; I’ll see you again soon Vienna ❤
Happy Sunday! Another weekend has come and almost gone and with it, another glorious date night dinner of course.
Having just booked the Amalfi Coast for summer, I had a craving for Italian food and so we decided to go to Daniele Sicilian Restaurant in Farnham.
I discovered this place upon recommendation from a friend last year and we absolutely loved it, so I couldn’t wait to go again.
My look for the evening featured this statement plunge neck olive green top from Motel Rocks paired with my black Stradivarius flared jeans.
In keeping with the earthy tones, I accessorised with leopard print mules from Nine West, a leopard print fur from Forever 21 and a matching olive green ASOS clutch bag.
Everything about Daniele Sicilian Restaurant gives rustic Italian vibes being in a converted barn and decorated with romantic fairy lighting.
We were seated on the enclosed terrace area where we had prime view of the stone firewood pizza oven.
My drink of choice for the night was a classic, crisp Italian Pinot Grigio.
To start we shared the goats cheese bonbons served on a bed of rocket with caramelised onion and parmesan crisp. These creamy, lightly fried, delicate balls of cheese were divine, the perfect little appetiser to whet the appetite.
For mains I opted for the Paccheri Trapanese, a pasta dish of seabass ragu with olives and wild fennel. It was nice to have something different and the flavours of the fish with the olives and fennel were exquisite.
My boyfriend ordered the Penne Amatriciana served with pancetta, red onion, chilli and a tomato parmesan sauce.
We also shared the focaccia bread and a mixed leaf salad on the side.
Everything was delicious and we savoured every mouthful; it certainly satisfied my craving for Italian cuisine.
I would highly recommend a visit to Daniele Sicilian Restaurant if you’re in the area whether it’s for a romantic date night moment, or a girly dinner with friends, you simply can’t go wrong with Italian food done well ❤
With one of my closest girl friends getting married next month, this Easter weekend was the big Hen Do party in Liverpool.
We arrived up north on Good Friday, checking into the coolest little Airbnb tucked right in the centre of the city.
After dropping our bags we headed straight out for a wander around the docks, easing into the weekend with a little sightseeing and, of course, some shopping because it would be rude not to.
What started as a grey, cloudy afternoon slowly transformed into the dreamiest candy floss pink sky sunset.
Back at the flat later that afternoon it was time to crack open the vino, put out some nibbles, and settle into that familiar, comforting rhythm of girly chats and laughter.
Friday night took us to Duke Street Market where we met up with the bride-to-be and the rest of the hens.
The vibe was effortlessly cool, and so was the outfit with a pair of dark wash denim, a grey off the shoulder asymmetric top, leopard print mules, and my trusty Coach handbag.
Dinner was very much ‘girl dinner’ coded; a chicken Caesar salad paired with truffle chips, a simple but elite combo.
A good nights sleep was needed ahead of the official Hen Do on Saturday.
We kicked things off at 11am with a wholesome pottery session complete with Buck’s Fizz to warm up for the day ahead.
We had the most fun and silly hen outfit for the bride; #365partygirl energy.
Proud of our creations, some more artistic than others, we headed to one of the bridesmaid’s houses where Dominos pizzas and more bubbles were waiting.
The bride took centre stage for a hilarious round of Mr & Mrs which had us all crying with laughter.
After a quick recharge, it was time to get ready for the evening celebrations. With the brief of dark colours for the hens, I went for an all black look styled with a vintage Jaeger oversized blazer and my velvet green Sandro bag for a subtle pop of colour.
Dinner was booked at A Tavola Deli in the trendy East Village of Liverpool.
We were treated to an Italian feast with everything from creamy burrata and classic pizza, to succulent lamb shank and spicy pasta.
It was all served family style so we could have a taste of it everything and each dish was absolutely divine.
We stayed for hours not leaving until gone 8pm, completely full and slightly giddy from the wine and the wonderful company.
Thankfully we got a cute group photo altogether outside of the restaurant before the bride tribe descended into fabulous chaos for the rest of the night!
Bars, dancing, more bars, maybe a club or two… the kind of night where nothing really matters except being together, laughing until your cheeks hurt, and celebrating your best friend as she steps into her next chapter.
Sunday morning arrived a little too quickly, heads slightly sore yet spirits still very high. And honestly, it was worth it for the hilarious moments and wonderful memories made.
The most special weekend for our gorgeous bride-to-be; bring on the wedding day ❤
It’s become a weekly ritual for us to have a date night every Saturday, so this week I decided to put my chef hat on and cook a delicious spread of Asian food for an at home ‘fakeaway’ style feast for two. But first, I started my evening wind-down with a bubble bath complete with candles, a cup of tea, a book and my iPad for some Pinterest scrolling.
Relaxed and rested following my luscious bath time moment, it was time to get dressed for date night and ready to cook.
Inspired by some sauce packets which my brother bought back from Singapore, I thought it would be nice to try something different and create my own healthy version of a takeaway at home.
I fried off chicken thigh pieces with some onion before stirring through the laksa sauce paste and letting it all cook through. The other sauce was a chicken stock which I stir fried into the cooked rice along with some chopped onion and yellow pepper.
For the other dishes I kept it simple with tamari soy sauce for the stir fried vegetables, a touch of hoisin and soy for the cucumber carrot sesame salad, and fresh plain egg noodles.
And of course we had all the condiments on the side, as well as some prawn crackers with sweet chilli sauce as an appetiser.
Everything was delicious and my boyfriend was very impressed with our feast. We both agreed the standout dish was the stir fried rice in the stock sauce from Singapore, it just elevated the rice to make it so tasty.
Candles lit, music playing and wine poured, the romantic at home date night aesthetics were on point.
After dinner we watched the final heartbreaking episode of ‘Love Story’.
Wholesome, cosy and romantic, what more could you want from a date night at home ❤
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 ❤
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 ❤
Dani Aneka 