COACHELLA 2018. YES PLEASE!

C O A C H E L L A ↴

Snapshot: Coachella in the evening.

Each year, I say to myself I'm, definitely going to be at Coachella the following year.

Another year has gone by where this amazing idea has not been executed and I'm like millions of other sad souls, sat at home streaming it from online pretending I was there. I love a festival, I find them even better when not in the UK. Like come on, what's better then raving in the sunshine, with an alcoholic beverage! (HEAVEN)

The artist line up is such a big deal and is the ultimate decision breaker to if your going to go or not to a festival. When it comes to music I'm very open as long as I can vibe to it. But my go to music for a festival will always have to be R'n'b, Hip Hop and Garage

If this is on a line-up then you know it's gonna go off in a good way, that is!

So let's talk three major reasons, why I need to be at Coachella next year: ↓

L O C A T I O N 🗺

Three words that will have you saying YASSSS!

USA, California, Palm Springs!!!

View: Palm Springs, Coachella pre party in motion.

The surroundings of Coachella is pretty EPIC. Mountains in the distance, palm trees looking down on you and unlimited sunshine. It's the perfect background for a selfie.

L I N E - U P

Gets bigger and better each year, with acts from around the world uniting for ONE big festival, that runs on the two weekends in April. You just never know who's going to make a surprise appearance at Coachella, I was so feeling the Kendrick Lemar and Future moment this year.

Rapper Duo: Kendrick Lemar and Future take centre stage!

F A S H I O N 👗

Coachella vibes are everything 😍

There's nothing like Coachella fashion, anything goes as long as you ROCK IT well.

You can't be the ultimate festivalgoer without making a fashion statement along the way. The likes of Kylie and Kendall Jenner always make the headlines for their outfits.

I would say the essentials for me would have to be sunglasses, a choker and a sexy pair of sandals, those three things can make your outfit pop instantly.

I'LL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR COACHELLA...

MY TRAVELIST.

Hey guys, I know it's been a couple weeks since I last posted. But no need to worry I'm back now!!!

So I decide to make this post about my B U C K E T L I S T but since I love to explore so much, I'm going to rename it the
T R A V E L I S T. Do you like what I done there?!

1. Explore South East Asia

Over the past few months, I have been loving the whole "travelling" concept, where you fly out to a country somewhere very far and exotic and explore the many hidden islands within it, to which is better known as 'island hopping'. I can't quite see me with a rucksack and staying in hostels, but  can definitely picture myself exploring islands obviously in style.

2. Visit Iceland

As some of you may know from my earlier posts, I really want to visit Iceland. It looks so magical and airy. From the Icelandic views, Blue lagoons and Northern Lights it's definitely a destination I have to see in my lifetime, just to say I done it!

3. Smoke a Cuban Cigar on  a beach

Ok so this one is simply down to vanity and being totally OTT' but come on now this is me were talking about! I have never ever tried a cigar, but I think I totally need too and when I do what more of a PERFECT setting than on a beach.

4. A night in the Atlantis Palm

I LOVE me some Dubai! One of the best destinations by far if you want luxury abroad. I have been twice and my third trip is pending. The Atlantis Palm is one of the most extravagant hotels in the world, the most wealthiest of people and celebrities have resided here on there travels, I would love even if for one night to stay here. #HOTELGOALS

5. Fly in 1st Class

First Class is a must, that 'Aww' feeling when you board your flight and have to painfully walk past it before you go to basic economy seating. I think flying in style starts your holiday correct and will definitely get you in the holiday spirit.

6. Fly with Emirates

The Emirates airline is plane envy, for someone who likes to jet off all the time, I feel as if I need to experience flying with emirates, the service looks spectacular and I have heard nothing but great things from my friends and family members who have travelled on it, so I feel I need to join on in.

7. Visit the Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert, I have been so near, but yet so far. I have had several opportunities to go and visit, but have never actually took the opportunity to go and pursue. Hopefully on my third trip back to Dubai I can tick this off my list!

8. Visit all 50 states in America

An American tour is something I have wanted to do for a while now, visit all the states and embrace the culture and uniqueness of them all. I have always been a big fan of America so seeing all 50 states would be amazing to achieve and explore.

9. Attend a Carnival abroad

I love to attend Carnivals in the UK, whether that's Bristol, Manchester and London. But the idea of going abroad and soaking up the culture and celebration, with the perfect hot weather and locals sounds like the perfect scene.

10. Cruise with the Royal Caribbean

I had the pleasure of going on my first cruise last September and loved every second of it, I cruised with Carnival. It was by far out of this world and exposed me to a whole new concept of going on holiday whilst  also travelling to different islands. I have been recommended by many that next time I cruise to chose the Royal Carribean and after researching it's a must.

WITH LOVE FROM PARIS.

DECEMBER 2013| FRANCE, PARIS

Happy Valentines day everyone!💓

What better way to start the day of LOVE, without me talking about my travel to the city of LOVE. I visited the French capital around 3 years ago, it was my first time exploring the city as a young adult, so I was really excited to explore it with a whole new outlook and passion. 

I was determined that this time round I wanted to see all the famous landmarks, roam around the French gardens, try out traditional French cuisine, even learn how to say a few french words.

Below are some pictures of the famous landmarks I visited, starting with the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe, Disney Land Paris and The Louvre.

I can't wait to give you a detailed review on my city break to Paris, very soon! xo

Me posing in front of the Eiffel Tower, such a stunning view.

Car view of the Arc de Triomphe.

It was only right I stopped off at Disney Land!

The Louvre in the day time.

- DREAMY DUBAI -

🐫"DREAMY DUBAI"


I first fell in love with dreamy Dubai the year of 2012, I had a friend who had recently moved out there for work. Plus I had a couple of good friends who would go there for holidays, every year and highly recommended it. Back then I never really understood the 'hype' in the city as I haven't heard much about it at this point in time and it never really crossed my mind to travel too. I think back then, I always had my heart set on visiting the USA rather than the UAE.
Before eventually visiting Dubai in November 2015 I started to see and hear more things about the place and more repetitively such as,
"extraordinary", "out of this world", "spectacular"
From holiday adverts, to social media, in the press or just word of mouth. The 'Arab's playground' also known as Dubai, was becoming the must go to destination.
I guess with endless shopping malls, the sleekest of nightclubs, mega sized buildings and luxurious glam sprinkled across the city, I can understand now what the attraction was and knew I had to check it out for myself! As the winter was quickly approaching and I needed some holiday sun and fun, I decided to book a well needed break to Dubai with my friend. I was so excited to be finally going! I travelled with Royal Brunei airlines for the first time, the service was high class, I couldn't fort it.

I arrive in Dubai ↓

[First night in Dubai - Loving Life! - November 2015]

The trip was only just for 5 days, as everyone told me that I don't need to stay for too long as I could see most things in that time frame! The heat knocked me for sixth and it was only 10pm when I landed . One of the first things I noticed was how nice and friendly everyone was and how hard they worked to make sure you have the best experience!

We pulled up at the hotel, it was called President Hotel I remember it being located more downtown, not on the strip, it was more of a traditional feel and even had its own nightclub, the entertainment was definitely ENTERTAINING! Dubai is known for its fantastic Metro line which was very handy as it took you from A to B. Our nearest Metro stop was the ADBC stop. The Dubai and Emirates Malls were only a few stops away from where I was staying, the Metro makes you get around so much easier, quicker and cheaper! Even when you don't feel like hopping on the metro the taxis fares were reasonably cheap compared to the UK. I remembered one day, we travelled one end of Dubai right to the other for ONLY £6.

Lets relive my best Dubai moments ↓

[Jumeirah beach, better known as JBR Residence. - November 2015]

First thing first was hitting the popular Jumeirah beach, shortened to JBR, the beachfront was very modern-trendy and the hotels lined up alongside were the best and most expensive 5* in the world, obviously for the more wealthier of people. The beach views were unreal and just like what you see in the brochures. The beach strip was so calm and peaceful, definitely for the more mature folk. That's what I love about Dubai there's no crazy drunk antics around you as it's deemed as illegal behaviour, it's very far from Benidorm. LOL

[The Burj Khalifa - So magnificent day and night and the surrounding scenic views. - November 2015]

My next stop was visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, this is the landmark of Dubai as it's the tallest building in not just Dubai, but the world. If you haven't visited here yet and you have been to Dubai, you missed out big time. Whether you want it as a backdrop in your pictures or in a selfie or just a solo picture, the Burj Khalifa going is a must see. I haven't been inside it yet as saving it for my next visit, as I don't want to run out of things to do on my returning visits. 

[The Atlantis Palm - Unreal, the picture alone says it all. - November 2015]

The Atlantis Palm, the most luxurious hotel in the world, that combines with the #1 waterpark in the world. This has to be one of the grandest of places I have ever visited so far. Just look at the pictures, just the views alone from a distance, it's even more wowing once inside 😍 . With a string of endless fancy restaurants, a booming nightclub, a breathtaking aquarium and a private beach too. The Atlantis is like being lost in a fantasy and your the child trying to explore as much as you can, before the time runs out. (Peter Pan vibes for sure)

[Inside the Dubai Mall and outside with the beautiful water fountain show. - November 2015]

The Dubai Mall is every shopaholics dream, I literally brought something every hour. from Victoria Secret, Adidas and Footlocker and Pandora. I got the best deals, even better they don't include VAT on prices. I preferred the Dubai Mall over the Emirates Mall and the Marina Mall, I think this is because there is so much more taking place inside from a mega cinema, an ice rink, unique art exhibitions and aquarium. There were 100's of food places, the cheesecake factory was my favourite though, the milkshakes were too good and the cakes, just thinking about it now is making me crave it all over again. The outside of the Dubai mall is super lavish too, from  marble floors to the newest Ferraris in the valet area and the daily water fountain show, that attracts thousands of bystanders a day. I also love how the Burj Khalifa is just outside it too and looks over you. #MallGoals

[Me posing in front of the Burj Al Arab and also a Middle Eastern dinner at JBR. - November 2015]

Towards the end of my trip, I really didn't want to leave and come back to the UK. Dubai gave me an indescribable feeling, it was so nice to see how the other half live to a sense. I can totally see what the hype is about now! I have since returned back to Dubai, which you'll find out more about soon. One of the last things to tick of my Dubai list is the desert trip, I never wanted to rush in to doing that first as there's so much I wanted to take in and experience, Dubai is a place where I know I'll be a frequent traveller to, so why rush?

I'm literally counting down the days until I return back very soon for another visit. #thirdtimelucky

Dubai to me will forever be dreamy.

TRAVEL IN STYLE . . .

How to fly and be fly...✈

Airport attire tends to always be something comfy, by this a tracksuit is an easy go to, along with a matching pair of trainers for most people. But this is a big no, no for me. I personally like to land in
S T Y L E.

My airport style attire must haves:↓

Having a photoshoot in Birmingham Airport

before jetting off to Egypt (June 2015)

A pair of sunglasses - The bigger, the better! There the ultimate fashion accessory and totally makes you have that diva attitude when strutting your stuff through the airport.

Pretending to be famous

A pair of NIKE slides for the feet - There's just something about Nike sliders that I love and my feet find so much comfort in them. #MoreThanJustFlipFlops

Lightly fitted clothing - Traveling in thick material is not the one, something light and stylish, comfortable but still hugs the curves too is always a winner in my eyes.

On the plane waiting for take off 

to Barcelona (July 2015)

Make-up-your face - I always like to apply a light touch of makeup, nothing to heavy, simply because a traveling day can take hours and your makeup tends to start looking a hot mess if on for too long or not freshly reapplied.

HATS - I can't travel without something stylish on top of my head. Whether that's a beach style hat or flat cap or even a turban. A hat accessory can just alter your look instantly and makes you holiday ready.

Long hair don't care - I prefer my hair down when traveling, as you can see from the photo's. I just think that 99.9% of the time it just looks better with the look I go for.

Me and my bestfriend Jessica, having a cheeky selfie

before we landed in Croatia (July 2015)

"Style is a way to say who you are, without having to speak" 

- Rachel Zoe

WELCOME TO JAMROCK.

 Oh Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica... what an island!

I don't even know where to begin when talking about this extraordinary island. To be honest I'm probably going to have to do several other posts, because it definitely deserves more than just one. (Ok I'm being a little biased here, but you can't blame me) I feel very blessed that for me Jamaica is more than just a holiday, it's somewhat home, due to it being the birthplace of my father.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
1999 - The year I first went to Jamaica, I still remember this family holiday very clearly. It was one of the first long-distanced holiday's i ever went on, so I was so excited, me and my sister both were. when your younger the travel process is so much more fascinating.

We were there for three weeks, in that time my father made sure we visited family and friends in towns such as Ocho Rios, Maypen and Lucea. We went to the famous rock climbing attraction Dunn's River and went to an indoor rock pool (can't remember the name!) 

I remember going to loads of beautiful beaches and playing in the ocean and hunting for crabs by the rocks. Back in the good old days the littlest of things kept me entertained and content. This holiday will always be one I'll hold close to my heart.♥

Young Gena - Helping my uncle make fresh coconut juice!

90's babies, my sister Yasmin and me loving life in the swimming pool.♡

15 years later, Jamaica we meet again...🕘

2014 - I had to go back for many reasons. I always knew my father dreamed of going back, unfortunately he never got the chance too.😞

So when the opportunity came about, I had to go, not just for myself, but for him too. Even better too my sister was joining me! #sistergoals  👭

I couldn't wait to experience Jamaica as an young adult. Two weeks of sun, sea, over indulgence and everything Jamaican. HEAVEN!

OMG as soon as we landed, the humidity was on a next level, lets just say the travel makeup didn't help nor was necessary. but if you know me, you know I had to have the basics applied on fleek  
We finally arrived at the RIU hotel, located in Montego bay. Even though I looked at images beforehand, I was jaw dropped when I seen it in real life, it was everything and SO MUCH MORE...simply stunning!

RIU Hotel Montego Bay, Private Beach.

It was the biggest hotel I stayed in at this point of my travels, when I entered, I remember being greeted with a rum punch cocktail and my luggage whisked away by the porters, I knew from that point, this holiday was going to be AMAZING. Once we were all checked in, we went to our room, it was another OMG moment, I felt like royalty.

There were two king-size beds, a gigantic flat screen TV, private balcony, a hot tub bath, sparkling marble floors and do you know the best bit? we had our own alcohol dispenser, which involved Jamaican rum, brandy, vodka and gin. I took full advantage of course

My own alcohol dispenser in my bedroom.

The first morning waking up in Jamaica, to be greeted by the sunrise was the prettiest sight ever,to feel the heat first thing in the morning is what I live for.
Going to breakfast, the food hall was FOOD HEAVEN and I'm not just saying this. Anything you fancied it was there from English, Jamaican, American, European etc, they catered to your every desire and taste buds.

The RIU hotel grounds, was every vacationers dream. There were 2 mega swimming pools with loungers, Jacuzzi and a bar in it. A private beach which provided water activities, endless restaurants from all you can eat, a steakhouse, Chinese and Italian cuisine and the famous jerk chicken hut.

It also featured a string of incredible bars and retail shops to splurge out on. The hotel had there own nightclub too, called Pacha, you really didn't really need to leave the hotel and explore if your boring that is The entertainment was on a next level of FUN VIBES, from learning patois in the day to learning how to shake your ass in a dance off at night! (of course I had to try that out, I did pretty well to be honest!)
 
The staff were so energetic, funny and charming, not like anything I have experienced before; from the reception desk, reservations team, bar staff, waiters, lifeguards and the entertainers, they definitely knew how to have a good time, Jamaican stylie.

I explored these places: Dunn's river, Dolphin Cove, Reggae Falls, Bob Marley's House, Doctor Cave Beach, Margaritaville Monetgo Bay.

& spent some a few days here: Kingston, St Thomas, Ochio Rios

(L-R) Yasmin, myself and our lovely friend Sherraine who flew out and joined us.

Me, loving life in the country side of St Thomas.

The 2 weeks spent was unreal and to date is my best holiday! I created and experienced memories which I'll save for a lifetime and met some incredible people, who I still keep in touch with until this day. It was so nice to be back in the country my dad was from, his energy was definitely felt throughout. He was always so proud of his heritage. He used to always share so many entertaining stories from his his childhood. I'm blessed, I can now do the same and tell my children one day. ❤

I LIVE BY THIS QUOTE!

This quote is the motto that I live by, literally! Everything about it, is oh so definitely TRUE and how I view things! I'm not even 25 years old yet and I feel as if I have already jet setted around some FABULOUS destinations across the world, that some people my age and older haven't been fortunate enough yet to do so. To which I am forever thankful for the opportunities I have had and of course I bloody worked hard for them, since the age of 16. (Work hard, travel harder I say) What I LOVE about travelling is that it opens up your eyes to meeting new people from different backgrounds, tasting new cuisine, being exposed to new surroundings and better off just soaking up the culture and lively atmosphere.

The most common excuses for people who don't travel or often is that they can't afford it. My answer to this is....Another quote alert "Where there's a will, there's a way" How I see it is, there's always a way to do what you truly desire in life, as long as you don't go about it illegally!

You have options whether that means working over time, getting a second job, finding a good deal or even just throwing it on a credit card #YOLO (make sure to pay it off, don't be foolish)

Just make it work people!

As humans we live for experiences, well I sure do anyway. Like come on, I haven't been put on this earth, just to watch life fly past me. Travelling makes me see life in a whole new concept whilst being 100% worry free! It makes me want to live more in the moment, act crazy, talk to random people, try new things, take endless pictures of whats around me and of course a few hundreds of selfies, as am just so fascinated with everything and myself.

But that's the excitement feeling travelling gives you, its a new adventure, where your a small fish in a big pond and when you return from your travels back home it turns you into an AMAZING storyteller! That's what life is really about...

"I would rather be poor and have had experienced the world, then be rich and not experienced the world at all" ❤✈