It was always going to be a tough farewell to our dream life in Bali after two months living in pure paradise. However the unexpected horror that unfolded in our final week when I was attacked and bitten by a pack of dogs, was something I never imagined might happen to us on our favourite beach in Canggu. One minute we were strolling by the shore at sunset, the next a huge pack of stray dogs were running and barking at us before proceeding to bite my legs. Thankfully I got away from a terrifying situation which could’ve got a lot worse, but I was left with very painful wounds and unable to walk properly for our final few days in Bali.
Nonetheless, I didn’t let that spoil the many wonderful memories we had already made and decided to embrace a more slow pace, relaxing final weekend soaking up stunning sunsets and savouring the most delicious food back at our favourite cafes, restaurants and beach clubs one final time. And whilst this wasn’t the fairytale ending to our perfect time living in Bali, I’m so grateful for my healthy body which has kept me strong, fought diseases and heeled my wounds like magic. Checkout the full vlog on my YouTube channel here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4DKxzlwZeY
Coming at you this week with another vlog as I dive into the summer season with lots of entertaining, time outside soaking up the sunshine and making memories with the family.
I’m in my element when hostessing and entertaining, so I was thrilled to welcome lots of visitors into our home these past few weeks.
To wrap up a busy week, it was a treat to be wined and dined with my boyfriend at the stunning Ivy Asia complete with a gorgeous sunset over Guildford.
Watch the full vlog here for all the summer vibes! ❤
Nothing beats that Friday feeling when you get to wrap up work tasks, close work emails and welcome in another weekend. This Friday my boyfriend and I went into East London to spend the afternoon at Spitalfields Market, before a dinner hosted by Epidemic Sounds at Ottolenghi Restaurant in Liverpool Street.
I love that summertime buzz in the city and it was fun to be back in the area of town which I used to live many years ago, back when I was doing my dance training.
Spitalfields Market has changed quite a lot since I last visited, so it was interesting to walk around and explore all the different markets and shops.
Cocktail hour was upon us, so we found this lovely looking restaurant and bar with outdoor seating just on the edge of the market, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere whilst people watching.
I couldn’t resist a Tommy’s Margarita which was perfectly sweet and salty with that spicy kick too, it was heavenly.
And what aperitif is complete without olives, right?
That right there is my ideal Friday arvo setup complete with live music playing in the market and that warm summer air, exquisite vibes.
My boyfriend got the fillet steak sandwich with caramelised onions and caesar dressed leaves.I had a taste and we both agreed this was absolutely outstanding, the best steak sandwich we’ve ever had!
Another round of drinks and before we knew it a few hours had passed, we were having such a wonderful time we didn’t want to leave.
For the occasion I wore this vibrant pink corset top from Zara, my straight cut Stradivarius jeans, a pair of khaki green mules from Next, a cropped grey blazer and my MiuMiu sunnies to complete the look.
We went for another stroll around the market as well as a few shops including All Saints, Nobody’s Child and Mulberry. Then before dinner we went for one more sunset drink at The Players Social.
We were kindly invited along to this influencer dinner by Epidemic Sounds who have collaborated with my boyfriend’s YouTube channel a lot over the years. It was a great opportunity to meet fellow creators and make some more connections in the YouTube community.
As I expected, the dinner was a mezze of small sharing plates including hummus, roasted vegetables, sea bream fillet and lamb koftas. The courgettes served with labneh, harissa tomato salsa and pine nuts was my favourite dish, accompanied with plenty of the hummus of course.
We finished with an assortment of cakes which were divine. Some great conversations were had and it was a fantastic networking opportunity meeting likeminded creators and influencers. Thanks again to Epidemic Sounds for inviting us along and hosting a wonderful dinner at Ottolenghi ❤
English summer is well and truly here and I couldn’t be happier for my favourite season of the year ahead. There’s already lots of social events in the calendar for July and we’re kicking off our summer with a holiday to Kemar in Turkey at the end of this month, I can’t wait!
Friday evenings recently often look like this; we head to our local pub The Mutton where they have a stunning newly renovated garden overlooking the gorgeous Hampshire countryside. It really is the ideal setting for sundown drinks and the food is amazing too.
This week we celebrated my boyfriend’s mum’s birthday and so we invited his parents and grandma over to try our favourite vegan Mexican chilli bowls for a midweek dinner.
Our Mexican night went down a treat and we enjoyed a wonderful evening together as the sunset showered our dining room during golden hour.
I’ve also treated myself to some new pieces in my wardrobe this month which always gets me excited to try new outfits and looks. I’m loving my new velvet square toe mules perfect for wearing with flares, and this new taupe coloured top which is completely backless. Elevated basics are my go-to currently.
And of course next month my sister is due her baby and I’m thrilled to be an Auntie very soon. On Friday I invited her and her partner over for drinks in the garden to catchup and enjoy the evening sunshine. She’s looking radiant even now almost full term in pregnancy, I’m a very proud sister.
Today we went over to Farnham to see a car show which was a lovely weekend activity to get us up and out on a Sunday morning. It wasn’t as big as we’d anticipated, but the line up of red Ferraris basking in the sunshine was incredible.
I find summer is also a great opportunity to switch up my workout routine and get outside more. Moving my body everyday is a non-negotiable and with the warmer weather and longer days, I find myself more active with bike rides and walks as well as my daily home workouts.
So that pretty much sums up my life lately; lots of social occasions, family time, Fridays at the pub with friends, planning our summer holiday, getting outside and moving my body differently everyday, and enjoying those long summer evenings sipping a delicious drink in the garden at golden hour. You can’t go wrong with the Moth drinks for a good quality cocktail at home, perfection!
We’re only two weeks into 2023 and already I’m feeling my mindset shift as I strive to achieve my goals for the year ahead and embrace a new perspective on things. I’m determined to make progress this year particularly in my personal mental health and wellbeing, which will in turn give me the freedom to reach my highest potential in all aspects of life.
I was listening to Riley May’s podcast this week in which she delves into The Power of Discomfort: How Embracing the Uncomfortable Leads to Growth and Success. Riley has experienced an extremely successful year building her business as an online mentor and she claims this is very much down to her quote on quote ‘unfuckable mindset’. It’s all about not letting anything external decide your pace or the way you feel or the way you behave, because that will not serve you and it will not excel you. Instead, you have to take responsibility to control your own mindset, and just let go of those things you don’t have power over. It’s this elite frame of mind which will always support you regardless of anything else externally that happens around you or to you whilst navigating through life.
This reminded me of one of my favourite quotes; ‘Every next level of your life requires a different version of you.’ I believe each individual goes through different seasons of their life which challenges them in different ways. My taking from this is that the key is to find your inner peace and power to know no person or event in life can take you from you. So, as I continue forward into the new year, I choose to work on creating my most resilient inner being in order to drive me towards reaching my goals, whilst providing me with that unshakable mindset which isn’t affected by external factors.
Dani Aneka 