For me, I can’t think of a more perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon on holiday than to relax poolside at a beach club and soak up the sun whilst getting lost in a good book.
Being one of the more chilled beach clubs, as opposed to Taboo or Tantra where the music was so loud you wouldn’t be able to hear yourself speak, we decided to head to Mia which was just a 15 minute walk along the beachfront from our hotel.
We claimed a cabana by the pool where the soundtrack for the afternoon was waves rolling in, ice clinking in cans and music humming in the background.
The sun shimmered across the water, palm trees swayed lazily overhead, and somewhere beyond the infinity edge, the sea moved in a steady, soothing rhythm.
I stretched out under the sun on our cabana with my current book Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. She’s one of my favourite authors and there’s something about reading her stories while on holiday that feels indulgent in the best way.
Book in one hand and a cold Coke Zero beading with condensation in the other, absolute bliss.
My boyfriend opted for a beer and we lay there for a few hours content as can be, holiday mode fully activated.
Between chapters and conversation we dipped in and out of the pool, letting the sun warm our shoulders before slipping back into the cool water.
It was one of those afternoons where nothing extraordinary happens, yet everything feels just perfect.
No rush, no plans, just golden sunlight, salty air, and that quiet happiness that settles in your chest when you realise you’re exactly where you’re meant to be ❤
There are some places you visit on holiday once and then there are the places you accidentally turn into a daily ritual; for us in Tulum, that place was Raw Love.
A fully vegan health café tucked right on the beach surrounded by palms giving serious Bali energy from the moment you walk in.
Barefoot in the sand, shaded by swaying palm trees with the ocean breeze rolling through, it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.
The menu is an all-day breakfast lover’s paradise so this place was a dream for me.
Think vibrant smoothie bowls piled high with toppings, perfectly smashed avo toast, hearty nutrient-packed salads, and homemade raw desserts that somehow taste indulgent but wholesome at the same time.
Every dish looks like art and tastes even better.
Just an 8 minute walk from our hotel, it quickly became our go-to morning routine.
Most days started with one of their glorious smoothie bowls; colourful, refreshing, and packed full of goodness that made us feel energised for the day ahead.
Add a good strong coffee, friendly staff who genuinely make you feel welcome, and food that leaves your body feeling amazing, and it’s easy to see why we kept coming back.
A little slice of beachside wellness that turns breakfast into a ritual and makes you feel like you’re doing something kind for your mind, body and soul while on holiday. And honestly, that’s the best kind of souvenir to bring home.
If we ever find ourselves back in Tulum, we already know exactly where our first breakfast will be ❤
We’re not usually ones to celebrate Valentines Day and would normally opt for a home cooked meal over going out, but with Valentines Day falling on a Saturday this year, it was an excuse to make our usual date night that little bit more special.
The Valentines outfit of the night was built around my killer snakeskin boot heels which did all the talking. I paired them with these Topshop black skinny jeans, a Missguided nude pink tie front blouse layered over this maroon lace bralet, my vintage gold heart necklace for a nod to the love theme, and my oversized brown fur coat to complete the look.
My Sandro green velvet handbag and these stunning Heaven Mayhem pearl statement earrings added an extra touch of glam to the fit; pearls are so chic and timeless, I’m obsessed.
We had early 6pm dinner reservations at Cosy Club in Basingstoke Festival Place.
Our preference for dinner would’ve been Cote, however they were fully booked so Cosy Club was our next best option and the vibes were on point for Valentines night.
I had the sticky Asian cauliflower salad with kimchi, shredded leaves, pickled mooli, edamame beans and a rice wine dressing which was delicious and full of spicy flavour.
My boyfriend opted for the flat iron steak served with peppercorn sauce, fries, caesar salad and a side of macaroni cheese.
The food came quickly, it was all nicely presented and the service from our waiter was very friendly. Overall a lovely dinner which exceeded our expectations.
Following dinner we had the cinema booked for 7:50pm and I was super excited to see the highly anticipated Wuthering Heights movie.
Fresh popcorn at the cinema is a must and some wine with the movie was another treat being our Valentines date night.
We don’t go to the cinema very often as we have such a great setup at home, so we booked the best seats in the house and felt very comfy indeed in our recliner premium seats.
Wuthering Heights was brilliant and the perfect romantic movie for a Valentines cinema trip.
It was nice to switch it up from our usual date night drill and fully switch off from the outside world for a few hours to enjoy the magic of the movie.
As we find ourselves in this no mans land between Christmas and New Years, I’m grateful for a few days of rest and reset before it all kicks off again for NYE celebrations. Whilst I love celebrating with friends and spending quality time with family, I’m in need of some down time after four days of back to back festive fun.
Going back to Christmas Eve, I went to the local church to watch the children’s Nativity with my niece and they even had live donkeys!
I wore my new ASOS brown faux suede trench coat with the statement collar buttoned across and it looked super chic.
My Oliver Bonas leopard print beret was the finishing touch to this stylish fit.
That evening we went to the local pub where my Dad was dressing up as Santa Claus!
He made a very convincing Santa in his extra fancy costume and everyone thought he was great.
Soon lots of our friends arrived and I even treated myself to a cheeky Espresso Martini to finish the night.
On Christmas morning, my boyfriend and I exchanged gifts by the Christmas tree and I felt like a very lucky lady indeed when I opened my new MacBook.
My outfit of the day was this stunning New Look maroon puff sleeve top which just screams Christmas Day vibes paired with my Zara black straight leg jeans, ASOS square toe boot heels, my Sandro green velvet handbag, and a beautiful new By Alona pearl necklace, another generous gift from my boyfriend.
We spent Christmas Day at my boyfriend’s parents gorgeous new home along with my parents who they invited too.
I was in charge of canapés for which I made three different ones. First of all, smoked salmon cream cheese blinis are an absolute must on Christmas Day for me.
I also did honey glazed cocktail sausages and a goats cheese, walnut, prosciutto, honey bruschetta inspired by an appetiser we had in Mallorca earlier this year.
My boyfriend’s Dad did a top job cooking a delicious turkey roast complete with all the trimmings.
We had such a laugh playing games and getting competitive with the pub quiz which my Dad and I drew!
My Dad always likes to have a Christmas Pudding to dowse in brandy and light before serving for dessert.
It was a brilliant afternoon and evening with our parents who get along so well, it’s such a joy to see.
Boxing Day was our turn to host so I got the house prepped and ready for the family arriving at 1pm.
I went a little more casual with my fit on this day with a cute frill trim tie front cream cardigan, Stradivarius dark wash flared jeans, Topshop brown pointed toe boot heels, Heaven Mayhem statement gold earrings and my Polene Handbag for a touch of quiet luxury.
We were heading to the pub for a late lunch following our gift exchange, so I put out some nibbles as well as another batch of the leftover smoked salmon blinis.
There was a lot of presents to open and the girls were in their element being treated to so many new toys.
I love welcoming family and friends into our home and hosting at Christmas time is always particularly special.
We had a laugh seeing my nieces run riot in the back of my boyfriend’s truck; girls just wanna have fun!
We had 3pm reservations at a new local favourite pub, The Falcon in Rotherwick.
After a few sharing boards for a starter, I opted for my favourite vegan Durban jackfruit curry, a nice change from all the traditional festive food.
It was a superb afternoon with the family catching up, enjoying more good food and seeing my nieces having such fun together.
And don’t think the festivities ended there, the next day I was hosting again for my friends with their partners and kids.
Being an evening do starting at 5pm, it was nice to have the day to myself and plenty of time to get the house ready with drinks chilled, glasses out and nibbles served.
I decided to try making this crisps nacho plate I’d seen on TikTok and it turned out well with the combination of different textures and flavours, it was divine.
I used truffle flavoured crisps as the base topped with slices of prosciutto, torn up mozzarella, crunchy pickles and a drizzle of olive oil and black pepper to finish.
Soon everyone arrived and it was such a joy to have all my closest friends together again for more Christmas celebrations.
Everyone contributed and we ended up with lots of yummy party food to serve including hot canapés of battered prawn tails, breaded cheese bites, vegan nuggets and of course some oven pizzas.
Later in the evening once those with kids had left, the adults got a little excited and stayed up way past their bedtime….
But its moments like these when you’re back with your besties feeling like you’re kids again, which are so special and we always look back on fondly.
I’m extremely grateful to be surrounded by so many brilliant family and friends and I will never take for granted what a blessing that is.
So that sums up a very social Christmas period and now we hurtle towards the New Year. 2025 has been another brilliant year and now 2026 is on the horizon and I can’t wait to see what the universe has in store for me next ❤
It’s only three days to go until Christmas now and I can’t believe how quickly December has gone! This weekend we were invited to a friend’s wedding over in the Cotswolds and I was so excited to be going to my first ever winter wedding.
With the ceremony starting at 4:30pm, they fully leaned into the romantic winter vibes as we arrived at the church with the sun setting on a crisp, chilly Friday afternoon in December.
The church was glowing at sundown from the candles warmly inviting guests in, setting a dreamy, intimate backdrop for the bride and groom to take their vows.
Following the ceremony, wedding guests were transported in an old fashioned English red bus back to the reception taking place at The Feathered Nest County Inn, Oxfordshire.
With the grand Christmas tree, roaring fireplace and traditional English pub interiors, it was a wholesome and cosy venue ideal for a winter wedding reception.
For the occasion I wore a long sleeve, off the shoulder, long brown dress from ASOS, a pair of silver platform heels, my new vintage style pearl earrings from Heaven Mayhem, my timeless By Alona pearl detail necklace, Abbott Lyon gold bangle, and an iridescent Cult Gia inspired boxy handbag from Amazon.
After a champagne reception and delicious canapés, they proceeded with the speeches which were very well delivered and kept the guests entertained.
My favourite canapé was the whipped goats cheese and beetroot tartlet; a delightful bite of tasty, tangy flavours to whet the appetite.
Instead of the traditional sit-down wedding reception meal, they served a buffet of hearty dishes including beef bourguignon, vegetable dhal and a fish pie which was divine.
Later on the cake was cut and served alongside an impressive tower of cheese, so naturally I had a lovely plate of cheese, crackers and grapes to finish the night.
We stayed over nearby at The Lamb Inn, Great Rissington. We didn’t get time to experience much there other than sleeping in the very comfy bed, but the room was nicely done and the staff super friendly.
Having never experienced a winter wedding before I wasn’t sure what to expect, but with the backdrop of the picturesque Cotswolds and all the Christmas vibes in the air, it was a truly romantic celebration right out of a fairytale ❤
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 ❤
It was one of those perfect October fall days with blue skies stretched endlessly overhead, and a crisp chill in the air that made every step feel energizing rather than cold.
Being our final day in New York, we took full advantage of the gorgeous weather and strolled through Central Park whilst soaking in the autumn atmosphere, leaves just beginning to turn and the city humming around us.
We made our way toward Empire Rock where that we could see Billionaires Row rising sleek and gleaming, uptown Manhattan stretching beyond.
New York has a way of making you feel small and completely alive at the same time.
By lunchtime we headed to Tavern on the Green, a place that feels timeless no matter how many times you’ve seen it in movies.
I ordered a light and refreshing watermelon feta salad, the perfect pre-flight meal to get in some freshness and nutrients.
Ryan went for the meaty beef brisket sandwich served with fries, so naturally I had some of those with my salad too.
The whole place was buzzing with that unmistakable Friday afternoon energy.
Locals were sipping drinks, easing their way into the weekend, laughter echoed around the courtyard, and that wholesome feel of fall was in the air.
There was even a wedding reception happening within the venue nearby and it was like we had stumbled into a little slice of someone else’s love story.
Sitting there surrounded by good food, happy energy, and my man by my side, it felt like the most perfect way to close out our dreamy week in New York. It’s no wonder why this city captures hearts so easily.
I don’t think we could have asked for a better goodbye to our new favourite city; we’ll see you soon NYC ❤
During our week in New York we were keen to try different cuisines and on the Monday night, I had a craving for some Asian food. So after a quick look to see what was in the area, we found a popular Asian-fusion restaurant called TAO, just a five minute walk from our hotel.
I wore this Topshop playsuit which was giving classy Asian inspired vibes paired with nude heels, my velvet green Sandro handbag, and a small silk scarf thrown around my neck to complete the look.
We made an 8pm reservation and arrived a little early to enjoy some pre-dinner cocktails at the bar.
I ordered the TAO martini which was super sweet in taste and looked very aesthetic with the three raspberries for garnish.
We were then shown to our table in the main restaurant where we were seated at a booth with a view of the iconic sixteen foot tall Buddha statue.
I was excited to have some sushi and so I opted for the special crispy tuna roll which was delightful.
My boyfriend ordered the orange chicken which was more like sweet and sour, the sticky pork ribs, a side of rice and we shared a side of wok fried greens too.
Everything was delicious but safe to say we over ordered as the portions were very large; we should’ve known being in America!
It was only when I was watching an old Sex & The City episode the following week at home, that I realised Carrie Bradshaw and her friends attended the opening of TAO Uptown in season 4 episode 3.
We also happened to watch the movie Hitch when we got back from NYC and we spotted the TAO restaurant again as the location they filmed the speed dating scene. It would seem you’re never far from a famous location or celeb when in New York City!
It was a fabulous evening at TAO Uptown and a fun spot for date night with its lavish interiors, ultra trendy vibe and scrumptious Asian inspired menu. I’d recommend trying TAO if you’re in the city, just be sure to make a reservation in advance as this popular spot books up quick – https://taogroup.com/venues/tao-uptown-new-york/
As one of the most photographed spots on Instagram in New York, walking over Brooklyn Bridge to get one of those iconic shots with Manhattan in the background is a must when visiting the city for the first time.
On the Monday afternoon we headed downtown and grabbed a slice at Joe’s Pizza for lunch.
Grabbing a slice of authentic American pizza was on my list of foodie experiences to do whilst in New York and it didn’t disappoint.
I opted for a spinach and ricotta topping whilst my boyfriend went for a classic slice of greasy pepperoni.
Fuelled up on pizza and we were ready for the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
It would seem the bridge is busy at most times of the day unless you were to come super early in the morning, but that didn’t effect our experience.
Whilst it was an overcast day it was still quite warm at about 23 degrees, so the perfect weather for a pleasant stroll over the bridge in shorts and a light jacket.
A few stops for photos along the way and we finally made our way over to DUMBO.
DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is another very famous neighbourhood known for its picturesque streets and trendy art scene.
We found ourselves on Washington Street, the most popular street in DUMBO for that iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by the cobblestone street and red-brick buildings.
As expected it was very busy during the afternoon, so we got the shot and continued exploring the area.
From the bridge we had spotted an awesome looking rooftop bar overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline, so we headed there for an early evening cocktail.
Located on top of the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s Rooftop is a stylish bar serving lovely cocktails to enjoy whilst taking in those unbeatable views of the city.
I had a classic Paloma cocktail whilst my boyfriend had a local Brooklyn pilsner beer.
As you can imagine it was very pricey, but we couldn’t complain given the brilliant views we got to soak up whilst enjoying our drinks.
It was soon time to make our way back over the bridge and with the early evening drawing in and the city lighting up, the skyline became even more photogenic.
I can see why so many people love this part of New York; there’s a certain romantic quality about it that makes you feel like the main character in a movie.
Once we reached the other side of the bridge we caught a cab back to the hotel and on our drive through Manhattan, there was the most beautiful sunset of purple and pink hues.
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge over to DUMBO was one of my favourite experiences during our visit to New York, and I’m super keen to see more of this trendy neighbourhood on our next trip to NYC ❤
When in New York shopping on Fifth Avenue is a must and with our hotel just around the corner, it was the first thing on our agenda on day one of our trip.
I had the perfect outfit planned for our first outing in New York featuring my killer new boots.
I paired my suede mini skirt from Bershka with a high-neck cream singlet from Pull & Bear, then completed the look with a classic baker boy hat, my sand suede long boots and my trusty Coach monogram handbag with the cross body strap.
With it being the end of September the weather was still quite warm particularly on our first day, so a jacket wasn’t even needed.
Our first stop was a cafe called Scoop which we found on a quieter street just of Fifth Avenue to grab a bite to eat for breakfast.
We shared a yoghurt with granola, some watermelon, a coffee and a freshly made smoothie we could have blended with our choice of ingredients.
There was a lovely little courtyard with seating called Paley Park right next to the cafe where we sat and enjoyed our brekky.
It was like an oasis nestled amongst the city with a gorgeous water feature wall and lots of trees looking glorious in the sunshine.
We then walked further up Fifth Avenue and got some fabulous photos of me crossing the street with the hustle and bustle of the city around me.
There were lots of stores to browse and there was some great pieces in Zara, but I wanted to buy from places we don’t have in the UK, so I found myself picking up lots of bits at Aritzia.
I tried on this awesome vegan leather oversized bomber in a deep chocolate brown, but I didn’t get it as I was looking for a similar style but in a suede material.
An impulse purchase was this gorgeous shift dress which was giving Carrie Bradshaw vibes and I simply couldn’t resist.
The athleisure wear in Aritzia is also really nice, so I got this dark green sports top with the flattering white border detail.
The dress was $149 and the sports top $40 which I thought was a good price for the quality of these pieces.
I couldn’t not have a look in Victoria’s Secret and they were doing five panties for $25 dollars, so naturally I had to stock up on some cute undies.
Coach was another must visit store for me and the flagship one on Fifth Avenue is quite impressive, they even had a dinosaur statue made of handbag cuttings.
I’ve always loved the Tabby style and so this one in the dark animal print caught my eye.
I was very tempted as this would make a brilliant statement winter handbag, however I was saving myself for a Polene bag I’ve had on my wishlist for ages and they have a store in SoHo New York.
After well over ten thousand steps in my high heel boots, we were ready to head back to the hotel for a rest and some lunch.
The evening before we also made a stop outside Tiffany’s on Fifth Avenue because I was wearing my Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly inspired dress and had to get a photo outside the store where Breakfast at Tiffany’s was filmed.
I’m a big Hepburn fan and love her in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, so this was a special moment for me ❤
We only touched the surface of the shops on Fifth, but we’d done enough shopping for one day and I was super happy with my purchases. Being just on the doorstep of our hotel, we were going to be visiting Fifth Avenue a number of times during our trip and I wasn’t mad about it!
Dani Aneka 