That’s not to say that there wasn’t stress to deal with. The year began with a health scare and continued to rocket from there. I changed jobs and survived a round of lay-offs at my company. We also had some extended house guests for the latter bit of the year which was at times great and at times highly stressful!

But overall I was so lucky to have another incredible year of life, and honestly I feel like this year has been a blessing where we got to finally feel like life was back on track. Some huge highlights that are top of mind:

• Installed a crazy bar in our home! This was a true luxury to be able to do, and it was an awesome experience to make happen!
• Holidaying in the Maldives – a life long dream come true, so thankful we got to experience this this year, particularly in the depths of the English winter
• Celebrated my birthday in style – we christened the bar at home with a big party that was everything I wanted and more.
• Saw Craig David live – this has been on my list for time, and he did NOT disappoint! Tune after tune, one of the best gigs I’ve been to.
• Stayed at the best suite at The Beaumont – this was for Lu’s birthday and it was such a cool experience to stay in a living sculpture.
• My brother getting married – my little brother got married this year!? How crazy is that because he is still like, five years old. Mad.
• Designed and built the utility room of my dreams – you know you’re old when… you get excited about utility rooms. Honestly, this was THE room that I was most looking forward to getting done in the house, ha!
• Rode in the Wes Anderson carriage on the British Belmond train – this was like something out of a movie, super cool!
• Spent an amazing few days in Oslo – we went to visit our friends who live in Oslo and had an absolute blast with them in the absolute HEAT of an Oslo summer.
• Celebrated Zola’s birthday in style – we had a great second birthday party for ZoZo at home and she/we loved an afternoon surrounded by doggies!
• Went back to our favourite Greek holiday destination for a SIXTH time – we try to go every year and this year was just as amazing. We spent two whole weeks there this time, and had an incredible time simply tanning, swimming, cocktail-sipping and relaxing.
• Spent two weeks in Portugal with my in-laws – a surprise bonanza trip, we got to tag along to my in-laws villa in Portugal.
• Visited the Blue Lagoon and saw the Northern Lights in Iceland – we went for one night and had the best time visiting the Blue Lagoon Retreat spa, going in the geothermal pools, and even had a bonus midnight spotting of the Northern Lights! Incredibly lucky for only being there for 24 hours!
• Tried two new, beautiful afternoon teas! A fashion-themed one at the Berkeley and the festive one at the Ritz!…

Life list items completed:

See the Northern Lights

Swim in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Visit 2 more Scandinavian countries – Norway and Iceland

Visit the Maldives

See Craig David in concert

Eat dinner at Hakkasan

Afternoon tea at… The Berkeley

Afternoon tea at… The Ritz

Create a home bar

Celebrate Zola’s second birthday in style

Celebrate my brother getting married

Create a utility room from scratch

Stay in the best suite at The Beaumont

Celebrate my birthday by having a huge party at home

Ride on the British Belmond train

But, I have never ever ever been to The Ritz for an afternoon tea so this year, this was my pick!

Before the actual afternoon tea (which was booked for 5.30pm), we went to Sexyfish for some cocktails, did a little shopping and then went to the Rivoli bar inside the Ritz hotel just to see what the vibe was like!

But that was all just pre-game to the main event: the festive afternoon tea!

Before some pics, I want to say that the tea was very special! The festive ambience was perfect thanks to the extravagant decorations, beautiful pianist and festive choir. The service was also second to none! The food was also delicious ( the Yule log was my fave)!

Here are some pics:

The existing utility room when we moved in was a little sad, and definitely did not utilise the space as well as it could.

The space could have fitted a lot more storage than it did, the storage that was there was pretty challenging to use everyday (think very deep, very high cupboards), and there was a wall that sliced the small space down the middle, really restricting options and taking up precious room.

When I was thinking about how to renovate this space, there were a few considerations that absolutely had to be taken into account:

• We needed to maximise storage space as much as possible. There was a LOT that needed to fit in here, from all of Zola’s food, treats, medicines to storage for our everyday household essentials.
• We needed a fairly large sink. As the utility room is right next to the front door, I was imagining that it would be a great place to be able to wash Zola’s paws after a muddy walk. So I wanted a sink that she could comfortable stand and turn around in, as well as a sink with one of those taps that come out and extend quite far for easy washing!
• We should re-use leftovers from our Bathroom reno, where possible. Because we had recently renovated our bathroom, we had a few items unexpectedly left over, like the beautiful Porcelanosa tiles. We wanted to make sure that we weren’t wasting any of this and so this informed some of our decision making.
• More plug points please! The existing utility room had very few plug points, whereas the new one would need quite a few to be fit for purpose.

After I had designed the optimal layout in conjunction with our supplier, work could begin! The first things to do were get rid of the wall and completely rip out everything in the room!

It was so good to see the true size of the room without that damn wall in the middle (and every little helps!!)

Now, all the new wiring and plumbing could go in, and then of course, the room started to take shape as the units began arriving!

Getting the main unit carcasses in was another really exciting moment, because at this point you really do get a true sense of how the room will be coming together.

The work overall didn’t take too long because the room is pretty small, so it felt like a hop, skip and a jump before the room was *nearly* complete, with the floors in, the tiling on the walls, and all the units in place!

The very last thing to get done was the electricals, including our amazing electric laundry rack on the ceiling. This was the final result:

I couldn’t be happier with how we have utilised the space, and its working so well to extend our storage capabilities on the ground floor. I’m also extra pleased with the extra wide sink for Zola to splash around in, and the fact that I now have a candle cupboard!!

Every time I use this room, I get a little buzz of excitement thinking about how we have transformed the utility of this space (no pun intended!). Here’s to many more years of organisation, storage, and clean paws!

But while the previous post was centred around the incredible experience of seeing the Northern Lights, this post is about ticking off an entirely separate life list item: swimming in the Blue Lagoon!

The Blue Lagoon is one of the best tourist destinations in all of Iceland, so much so that as soon as we landed in the airport, I saw tons of huge billboards advertising the experience!

You have to pre-book to visit the Blue Lagoon, and you get to pick the type of package you want – ranging from the cheapest which is simply access to the lagoon for a pre-determined amount of time, all the way to being able to select different spa options.

We booked the Retreat Spa option, which includes 5 hours of access to the luxurious Retreat Spa, the public Blue Lagoon areas and the private Retreat Lagoon areas, a private changing area for us to use for the whole 5 hours, and a complimentary drink and spa treatment. It was really exciting to be able to pick this option because it provided more privacy and exclusivity, compared to some of the other options where you were only able to visit the more public Lagoon areas.

On our day of visit, we were booked in from 14.30 to 19.30. We had a complimentary shuttle from our hotel to the spa, and we got dropped off at this very unique entrance – a small pathway flanked either side by huge volcanic rocks.

Once inside, it was really cool to see the Blue Lagoon almost immediately! The areas we could see were the public areas so we still had no idea what to expect in terms of the spa. Here are some pics of the public areas:

The cool thing about the public areas is that they weren’t even very full! I had thought it might be heaving with people, but it was really cool to see that they were very intentional about how many people were allowed into the lagoon at any one time.

We checked in to our experience and were escorted through the complex to the Retreat Spa, which is actually part of the adjoining hotel, and which had a super cool entranceway.

Upon entering, we were escorted to our own private changing room, which we had exclusive use of during the entire 5 hours.

This was an incredible space where we could change, shower, freshen up, and store our belongings. We got a bracelet that also doubled as the key to the changing room and could be submerged into water, so it was super easy.

Outside of this room, the spa was GIGANTIC! Aside from the lagoon, there were multiple treatment rooms, as well as specific themed rooms for relaxation. For example, there was a fireplace room with a huge crackling fireplace and comfy divan beds to rest in. There was also a water room where the roof was glass and you could see and hear water droplets dripping into the pool above you, as you lay down and watched the ceiling.

Our guide told us that while we could use our phones in our own changing area, in the communal areas of the spa, phones were not allowed to preserve the privacy and relaxation for all guests. So, aside from these photos I don’t have photos of the rest of the interior of the spa rooms.

But I did take some of the spa exterior – including the private lagoon areas, and some of the outdoor decor.

Now, to talk about the spa experience itself. The spa was beautiful, with amazing service and attention to detail. The complimentary treatment was amazing (a full body exfoliating, moisturising and firming treatment) and the variety of different rooms made the 5 hours go so quickly.

But, the highlight was definitely the lagoon itself. While the air temperature was freezing, the lagoon was HOT. And I’m saying hot, not warm. My glasses were steaming up, and after 30-45 minutes in the water, you really do start to feel like a quick trip out into the freezing cold would be amazing, ha!

The water itself felt super soothing and restorative and the private lagoon areas were basically deserted, so it felt like you were really getting an exclusive, private experience.

There were also a couple of really nice touches – there were freezing cold drinking taps everywhere so you could keep hydrated, and there were also hooks everywhere for your complimentary fluffy bathrobes. There were also tables inside the water in particular places where you could stop to relax and have a drink – and we actually did! I had a beautiful mug of hot chocolate and Lu had some champagne.

The five hours went by SO QUICKLY. We had a great time both in and out of the lagoon, and I would definitely go back again!

Belmond are known for their hyper luxurious experiences so I was very much looking forward to what promised to be an exceptional few hours!

Our amazing journey began at the station as we made our way to the Belmond entrance. There was a trio of singers outside serenading us with 20’s style songs as we checked in which was incredibly special. Seeing all the staff in special, old-school uniforms also added to the vibe that we were going back in time to a golden age of train travel.

Once on the train, I was blown away with the decor and attention to detail. We had booked in the Cygnet carriage, which is the one carriage on the train that was specially designed by renowned filmmaker Wes Anderson. The carriage was INSANE – the green and pink theme was on point!

The table itself also was beautiful and full of lovely details. Here are some close-up pics:

The train started pulling out of Victoria and we were off into the Kent countryside for a few hours of bliss! I loved that we got a map of exactly where we were going on our seats!

Once we were firmly on our way and we had taken in everything on the interior of the carriage, it was time to focus on the exterior! The countryside that we were gently steaming through was so pretty and quintessentially English. The green countryside complemented the green interior of the carriage perfectly so it was all incredibly aesthetic.

After some sightseeing, the stewards started to bring out the afternoon tea, which was just course after course of beautiful savoury pastries, sandwiches, scones, and sweet cakes and pastries.

AND the obligatory champagne and cocktails, obviously!

At some point during the trip, the singers who serenaded us on the platform came back and performed some songs for our carriage, which was really special.

After too short a time, the food and drinks had all been eaten and drunk, the songs had been sung and the countryside gave way back to London. We arrived back in Victoria very full, happy and with a newfound appreciation for the magic of train travel.

Putting two of my favourite things together sounded like a no brainer, so I enlisted my friend Angelica and off we went to sample the Berkeley’s delights!

The first thing that I want to call out about this afternoon tea is that the table felt very welcoming – they had made us name cards which felt very luxe – I’d never seen that before at an afternoon tea!

We opened the beautiful menu to read what was on offer for the tea. Aside from the usual massive selection of teas and drinks, there were a number of sections of food that we were getting through.

The waiter came by and whilst we were looking at the menu, he showed us an accompanying brochure that was styled in the vein of a fashion magazine that described all of the fashion looks that inspired the afternoon tea. It was amazing to see the looks that we knew the food would resemble, and we got to keep the brochure so that we could compare them when the sweet stuff came.

After our drinks were served, it was time for the savoury treats.

First, two small savoury bites: A beautiful smoked and charred duck breast on brioche bread with a gooseberry chutney. Then, a tomato and asparagus tartare on sourdough. They were both absolutely delicious. Second, a selection of sandwiches – nothing too out of the ordinary, just beautiful classics like smoked salmon, chicken, egg + mayo etc. Each sandwich was served with a different type of bread and I personally loved the onion bread that the salmon was paired with.

The sandwiches were also refillable, which is my favourite afternoon tea feature. I always always go for a couple more knowing full well I still have a lot of eating to go (but I’m never sorry!)

After the savoury stuff, we got to sample the sweet things! This is where the true magic of the fashion theme came to life as we got to compare the delicious confections in front of us with the real-life fashions on the pages.

The sweet treats were absolutely beautiful, and I only wish I had taken more photos. In terms of the taste, there were definitely some that I preferred more than others – I particularly enjoyed the chocolate cylinder layered with Victoria sponge and strawberry jam, with intricately piped lime button cream flowers, that paid homage to Michael Kors’ SS22 handbag. I also LOVED the Lanvin-inspired floral platform chocolate biscuit.

Finally, if that wasn’t enough, we ended off with the most beautiful scones (both fruit and plain) with a selection of jams and clotted cream.

Suffice it to say, I ended this tea absolutely stuffed and we actually had to take a few things home in a doggy bag.

All in all, I definitely recommend this afternoon tea for its great service, and the yummy and generous tea. The fashion theme definitely added a unique twist to it which was a lot of fun, although I will say that some of the fashion interpretations were a bit looser than I thought, and a couple of them could have had a bit more finesse. But those are small quibbles.

Thanks to The Berkeley for a really yummy afternoon!

Of course, we needed some decorations.. and food for humans… and doggy treats galore!

We invited a bunch of Zola’s most favourite humans and doggies to come round to eat, drink and play in our garden (the playing bit was mostly reserved for the dogs!)

Zola had the best afternoon surrounded by everyone she loves, and got the biggest fuss made of her all day! She also got to eat a dog-friendly birthday cake treat – although TO BE FAIR I think she would have preferred a piece of chicken

All in all, we had the loveliest day celebrating our baby. She continues to make our life so much better in every single way, and I couldn’t imagine what life would be like without her. Her second year of life has been so full of beautiful, joyous moments and I can’t wait to see what her third year brings!

We spent 3 days doing our own non-child friendly agenda, gallivanting around Oslo and 2 days with our friends. It was the best long weekend and we’ve come back from the trip feeling very full of everything nice!

Aside from hanging out with our friends, some highlights of the trip included:

• Some of the best food! Who knew that Oslo was such a food mecca! My favourite places we ate were Mon Oncle (classic French), Nodee Sky (Sushi) and Solsiden (seafood)
• Visiting the ski-jumping complex at Holmenkollen. This is a place where you can see the enormous ski-jumping facilities, as well as zip line from the top of the structure! Lu did this, I stayed firmly on the ground like a sensible human.
• Spectated at the Red Bull cliff diving competition! This was a random encounter but it just so happened that the weekend we were there, the Red Bull cliff divers were in town. We had such a fun afternoon by the water watching dare devils doing the most incredible dives from very high platforms!
• Sailing around the Oslo fjords! We took a boat around the fjords to sightsee, and wow it was pretty! Highly recommend.
• Enjoyed two different hotels! We stayed at two hotels over the weekend – the Amerikalinjen (very centrally located) and the Thief (a little more out of the way but in a cool area). Each had a very distinct vibe and we definitely enjoyed all the facilities.

Here are some photos of an amazing long weekend!

We had a great day celebrating his wedding with family and friends and it was even more special because my Grandma who had been very unwell was able to make it for the ceremony.

I was also asked to make a speech, where I took every opportunity to make fun of my brother (OF COURSE!)

Here are some pictures of the day!

A cool thing about The Beaumont is that its best suite is actually a living sculpture designed by the incredible Antony Gormley called Room! Here it is from the outside of the hotel:

I love what a statement it makes for the hotel, so we were very excited to stay in it for a night!

Interestingly, the sculpture is *just* the bedroom part of the suite. The rest of the suite is located inside the traditional part of the hotel. Here are some pics of the room itself to start with:

The room itself is very low-lit and sexy, with the only light sources coming from a small window and artfully placed LED strips. The ceiling is the piece de resistance, and is very sculptural (duh!) The bed was HUUUUGE and very comfortable.

The rest of the suite was also large and comfy! There was a hallway, a nicely sized living room, and a large bathroom! Here are some pics:

Last but definitely not least, a cool perk about the Beaumont is that they have a car on hand that will chaffeur you to places within a certain radius of the hotel! We made use of the car a few times to get us to shopping and restaurants!

All in all, staying in the Room suite was definitely a fantastic experience. I really recommend the Beaumont hotel if you’re looking for a central London hotel close to all the shops and the action!