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 ❤
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 ❤
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 ❤
Dani Aneka 