The Blonde Flamingo

2019 recap and The Blonde Flamingo New Year’s resolutions

theblondeflamingo / December 30, 2019 / Leave a comment

2019- oh wow, what a year… First of all- I cannot believe this year is coming to an end. Sadly, the last news of the year was the death of my grandma. It was honestly heartbreaking, after the most magical Christmas I have had in years. I have spend the last 2 days being quiet, but today I woke up thinking I do not want to spend the last day of the year being sad. I will forever miss her and I feel guilty as I haven’t seen her for a very long time, but I know she wouldn’t like me to be sad. She always knew my craziness and love for the world, for people, for animals and for life in general. So I will celebrate the last days of 2019. It will be more quiet ending of the year for sure, but I have a lot of reasons to celebrate and be happy and grateful for this year.

What I feel the most grateful this year?

For people. For people who stayed in my life and for people I have met this year. I feel like in 2019 I was more brave than the previous years. I went on many trips on my own ( last year I couldn’t imagine that at all), I connected with many inspiring and wonderful people who made my heart beat again, who made me believe in myself more than ever, who inspired me, pushed me forward. I can honestly say I have met soulmates this year and felt magic in the air again. I felt alive. I cried from happiness. I shared my sadness and struggles. I was crazy myself again. I was real. I am grateful 2019 brought these people into my life as they opened my eyes and my heart.

I am also grateful for health– more than ever. This year my mum experienced a lot of health issues- I have been flying back home a lot to look after her. I understood that no matter what you have- family and health is what matters the most. I am SO GRATEFUL we went through this together and that I could see her happy and healthy in my house this Christmas ( I wasn’t sure she would make it until the very end and I was so stressed!) Thankfully she was well and she was glowing and more beautiful than ever!

I also struggled with my health this year-both physical and mental- due to constant travelling and some events from the past, but this year taught me that it’s ok to take a break. I have had a break in April and October. I have also been on the most wonderful health retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand where I have been doing lots of yoga and meditation which seriously helped me to get through the tough times this year. I have also gone on a detox weekend at Glass House Retreat in Essex ( blogpost about this experience will be live soon, so stay tuned!) where I have learnt new healthy habits that I am now trying to introduce into my daily life.

2019 was a year of realising what matters in life the most- nope, it’s not about likes and followers on Instagram but about myself, my well-being, my home life, family and closest friends. It’s about creating a truly beautiful and real life, not only perfectly edited Instagram images. I am grateful I have realised that.

Where did The Blonde Flamingo travel this year?

I literally don’t know where to start. This year I have travelled more than I did in my entire life! I have never ever expected that! Of course I had my bucket list for 2019 but I could never wish for the travels, press trips and projects I was invited to experience this year!

I have started 2019 with a trip to Amsterdam ( it was my last year’s Christmas gift). After that I have headed to Koh Samui, Thailand with my friend Bonnie Rakhit, for the most wonderful and super needed health retreat ( this trip made us even closer than last year!).

After Thailand I have then headed to Dubai– it was one of my bucket list destinations and I am so happy I managed to tick it off! I LOVED DUBAI!

After Dubai I went to Marbella and I felt like I found my dream place to live! I am still looking at properties there. I just loved the vibe and it’s only 2 hours flight from London! After that I have celebrated my friend’s hen do in Venice– oh, Bella Italia! It was such a fun trip! Can you imagine I didn’t take a single pic? Haha!

As season kicked off I had the most intense 5 months- I was flying from one place to another every single week. I have started with celebrating my birthday in my dream Tulum, Mexico and the hotel I have been dreaming to visit forever- Azulik. I have also managed to visit Las Coloradas where I cried from happiness as I have seen thousands of pink flamingos!

From Mexico I returned to London ready for new projects. I have then travelled to Fuerteventura, Seville with my bestie- from there we have started our Portugal road trip with Hertz, Tel Aviv with Havaianas, Cappadocia ( BEST TRIP OF 2019!), Amalfi Coast ( my every year’s must), Ibiza ( my favouriteeee vibe!), Cambodia and Laos with Avani Hotels, Maldives ( the third time- I just cannot get enough!), Cornwall with Laurent Perrier, Corfu and Paxos (Greece, you always get me!), Saudi Arabia (it was such an insane trip with the most inspiring people in the industry). Honestly – INSANE YEAR. I am so grateful for all the opportunities!

Talking about opportunities…

2019 was the year of the growth I can not even put into words. After years of hard work on my brand I have noticed insane results in 2019. Brands that I have forever loved started to work with me. It was a huge dream coming true. I have signed many contracts and worked with some of my favourite and honestly huge brands- Yamamay, Havaianas, Batiste, Laurent Perrier, Elizabeth Arden, Herbal Essences, Britney Spears Fragrances, Vodafone, Fujifilm, Booking, Hertz, Hotel Tonight, Foreo, Kelloggs and many more. I have also been on many incredible press trips, had a chance to stay at magical resorts and created content at all these incredible destinations. I have also focused on growing other platforms. While I was still very active on my Instagram, I have put more time into my website, Pinterest – I was shortlisted for the Pinterest UK Awards 2019 in the Best Styled Outfits 2019 category and Tik Tok where I have just reached 186 000 worldwide followers. WOW! I feel seriously proud of myself. I worked very hard and I feel like it paid off this year.

Biggest dream that came true 2019?

Honestly – so many dreams came true this year. But if I have to think of one moment it’s definitely a hot air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia that I have been dreaming of visiting forever. Here I’d like to thank Altug @kyrenian for making this dream come true!

The end of the year…

I have spent this entire month at home, in London working and preparing for hosting the first Christmas in my apartment. It was honestly the most beautiful (and delicious) end of 2019. I really missed having a family Christmas. To be honest, I haven’t had one like that for years so I truly appreciated it. Even though I was a bit sick and I was also dealing with a loss in our family , I was happy and grateful for having people I love next to me. It was a Christmas full of love, craziness and washing plates, lol. Dear Santa- if I have to do this again, could I please get a dish washer as a gift? Haha.

What are my goals and dreams for 2020?

Honestly, I didn’t make a long list as I normally do. After everything I have been through, all I really wish for is to be healthy, happy tipsy at sunsets (haha) and surrounded by people who SEE me and love me for who I am. My goal is to spent less time on Social Media and more time being with people and the nature. I just want to LIVE. Watch more sunsets, more sunrises and be more present. I also want to stress less, as I have achieved a lot this year but I didn’t feel like I truly enjoyed the success. I’ve been feeling stressed out and overwhelmed! I hope 2020 will bring more love and more peace into my life ( and my head). Skills wise- I would love to learn how to surf!

What’s on my bucket list for 2020?

My list is honestly never-ending, but I hope to visit Hawaii, California, Peru, South Africa, Japan, Bali, new Caribbean islands and Australia! I also hope to return to my favourite Maldives, Greece, Italy ( Tuscany and Puglia, please!) and Ibiza! But honestly what I have learnt this year is that “Sometimes it’s not about the destination, but the road we take and people we meet”.

What are your New Year’s resolutions?

Love,

The Blonde Flamingo

The Blonde Flamingo Christmas event at Knot Churros

theblondeflamingo / December 26, 2019 / Leave a comment

Hi everyone!

I hope you’re having the most magical Christmas!

Last week I have hosted my very first event at Knot Churros in South Kensington. Some of you probably remember my very first visit to Knot Churros this spring. I have fallen in love with this cosy cafe and their incredible pink churros (what a dream). I continued coming back to this place regularly and quickly became friends with Knot Churros team- I honestly feel like at home when I am there. Everyone’s so lovely! And the place itself is SO FLAMINGO! After I published this photo on my Instagram they even decided to use it on the cover of their menu!

When Knot Churros asked me to host a Christmas event with them – their very first Christmas party I was beyond excited and said yes straight away! I have invited my closest friends and been counting the days down.

When I got to the venue on the day of the event I couldn’t believe my eyes…It all looked soooooo magical, like a fairytale! Honestly- I had tears in my eyes. Look how much effort they put into decorating the place for my very first event! I was SO happy!

We had so much fun with my girls! We all absolutely loved the churros. The choice is so big – from classic signature churros with cinnamon or dipped in Belgian white chocolate, glazed with fruit Pebbles. So YUMMY! They also created a very special Christmas Flamingo Shake! It was delicious!

Here’s the full squad! Diana, Ticija, Simone, Taylor, Ana, and Cassie Love these girls so much!

A special thank you to the Knot Churros team for creating such a magical Christmas event, to Miniso UK for the cutest goodie bags, to Diana – a great London based photographer and for snapping these beautiful photos and GurpreetKaur for filming the whole experience. You can watch the full video from the event here. We honestly had the best time! I am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity and a bunch of supportive girls! My heart was full! If you ever visit- send them my flamingo love again!

Post in collaboration with Knot Churros

My first Christmas in the new apartment

theblondeflamingo / December 15, 2019 / 1 Comment

Hi everyone!

It’s been a while! Those of you who also follow me on Instagram, know that the last few weeks have been incredibly hectic and busy. I’ve been all over the place! As I am slowly getting all things sorted before my family arrives for Christmas I have decided to share these preparations with you.

I titled this blogpost “My first Christmas in the new apartment” not because I have just moved in (as I have been here over a year now) but due to travelling last year I did not spent Christmas here, in London. It is extremely special this year not only it’s my first Christmas in my homie, but also because my family is coming over in the next few days and we will spent Christmas together, yay! I am so excited and I have spent the last few weeks shopping and getting everything ready. I wanted to make sure my homie is cute and cosy.

I’d love to show you a little sneak peek of my Christmas homie. Hope you’ll enjoy it as I have never done a home blogpost before (even if I was planning it for ages!)

My absolutely favourite chair from **Dunelm**. It’s actually a set of two chairs and a side table but I keep them in a separate rooms. This is my favourite spot in my house now!

Here’s the side table from Dunelm that comes together with 2 bamboo egg chairs. And my new flatmate Henry, haha! PS. Found Henry at Home Sense!

I also got these super cute Christmas accessories from Home Sense and a beautiful set of Christmas crackers from Dunelm.

I have been looking for a rustic oak round mirror for ages. I have seen so many gorgeous ones on Pinterest but couldn’t find any I real life, haha! I finally discovered this incredible one at Dunelm! It honestly added an extra space to the hallway! I also found a match oak console table at Wayfair and love how it looks all together!

I still need to get few bits and pieces for other rooms but I hope you’ve enjoyed this little sneak peek of my living area where I am spending most of the time when I am home.

Shop other things I am loving

5 best things to do in Corfu

theblondeflamingo / November 11, 2019 / Leave a comment

Those of you who are with me since the very beginning already know about the special connection between me and Greece. After high school I won a casting, got a job in Kos Island and moved there on my own at the age of 19. Why Greece? Well, to be honest my love to Greece started to grow after reading the book “The Sisterhood of travelling pants“, haha, but the real love to Greece came after living on the island for few months surrounded by greek culture, their incredible hospitality, sun, food, wine and the warmest people I’ve met. It was life-changing. I felt like I seriously belong to this place and its lifestyle. It was the best job I could have as it gave me an opportunity to discover many beautiful and less known islands like Kalimnos, Pserimos, Plati and Nisyros. I was more and more in love with Greece and never wanted to leave. After moving to London (which was not easy considering the weather and completely different culture), I never stopped going back to Greece. Through all these years I have managed to go back to Kos to see old friends, visit Mykonos quite few times ( I love its bohemian feel), explore Santorini and Crete with my mum last year. This year, exactly one month ago I was kindly invited by Discover Greece to explore Corfu and lesser known island- Paxos. I couldn’t be happier and said yes right away!

I flew to Corfu from London Heathrow Airport with AEGEAN Airlines which is a Star Alliance member and winner of Europe’s Best Regional Airline, offering direct flights from 3 UK cities to 1 Greek destination and onwards to 31 domestic destinations. I personally had a layover in Athens where I’ve met the rest of the crew and we continued the journey to Corfu together. The views on the way were absolutely beautiful!

After we’ve landed we got picked up from the airport by a minivan from Travelco that escorted us to our hotel. The transfer was very comfortable- I fallen asleep right away, haha! If you’d like to book your transfers you can do it here.

During our trip we’ve stayed at Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa – a lovely 5 star hotel set on the Ionian Sea coast, surrounded by lush green gardens and sandy beaches. My favourite thing about this hotel was the most beautiful swimming pool looking gorgeous not only in the day light but also at night (so magical!) I also loved their delicious breakfasts. Imagine having a traditional greek breakfast with this view! Ah, I miss it!

Breakfast chill with my girl Julia from **Des Belles Choses**

Now let’s talk Corfu! I remember our guide’s introduction about Corfu and I recorded it very well- Corfu, the island of Spiros, music and olive trees. I would probably add – the island of delicious wine, incredible food and the most romantic sunsets and hiking trails. Also, the most green island I’ve ever visited – can you believe 70% are olive trees? Wow!

During this trip we got to experience many incredible things but I have decided to focus on my top 5 and I hope this little guide will make you want to book a trip to this magical island in the nearest future.

1.GO ON A JEEP SAFARI

One of my favourite experiences in Corfu was a jeep safari with Uncharted Escapes. You already know me and my travel style quite well- I love adventures, going off road and off the beaten path and love travelling in style- this tour had it all. We were picked up from our hotel by a very stylish car – loved the cream, leather seats. I “reserved” the front seat straight away to make sure I’ll witness the best views. And I did. Wow, it was incredible! Corfu is really the most green greek island I’ve ever been to. We drove through the most spectacular olive fields, hidden paths in the mountains and the most picturesque villages. We’ve also got to discover the Mount of Pantokratoras– the best panoramic view of Corfu. Believe me, my snaps don’t justify how incredible this tour was!

We finished off the jeep safari with visiting one of the oldest villages in Corfu called Perithia. Strolling around felt like a fairytale. I have probably never experienced such an authentic greek village before. We’ve were also lucky to dine at the most charming and authentic Tavern called Foros. It was only another reminder why I love Greece so much! Nothing beats greek hospitality, greek wine and food. Just look at these surrondings! You should totally visit this place when in Corfu! PS. Thank you, Vasilis for being the best guide (Hope you’ll get to read this!)

2. Visit a traditional Olive Oil Mill

So many trips to Greece and I never got to experience it! Luckily Discover Greece put it on our itinerary! We went on Olive Tour organised by the Dafnis Family, producers of The Governor Olive Oil. It was such an experience! We’ve learnt so much about the history, the production and the product itself. Their story was really moving! If you visit, you’ll see what I mean! I especially enjoyed the olive oil testing (did you know that you can add extra virgin olive oil to the greek yogurt and it tastes so good?) and learning about the health benefits of their olive oil. Here’s some snaps from the tour! I highly recommend it!

3. Get lost Corfu Old Town

As you already know I have visited quite a few greek islands but Corfu Old Town is nothing like what I have already seen before. It felt like walking through many centuries of history. Corfu’s Old Town was very vibrant and romantic to me -especially at night . I loved all the colours, mix of Venetian and Byzantine architecture and getting lost around old, cobblestoned, narrow alleys. I wish we had more time to explore as it was absolutely magical! Just look at these charming streets!

We’ve finished the tour with a stop at the best ice cream shop in Corfu Old Town- Papagiorgis. I highly recommend trying Kumquat – typical fruit from Corfu. It was so good! PS. Wish I could have it right now!

If you’d also like to experience a very authentic greek dining experience in the Old Town, I highly recommend Marina’s Tavern. It was personally my favourite dinner during the trip. I loved the food ( I had grilled octopus and it was so tasty!), the house wine and the vibe of the place. It felt like eating in a greek home. Take me back!

4. Visit to a winery

I bet you already know how much I love wine, so imagine how excited I was when I found out we’re going on a wine tour- yay! We have visited Theotoky Estate which was a love at first sight. The estate is located at Rosa Valley- one of the most ecological and peaceful spots in Corfu, covered in pine trees, olive groves and vineyards. We’ve finished off the lovely tour with a picnic, laughing, sipping their delicious Rose wine, during golden hour. I honestly felt like a movie set! I was the happiest!

Here with my partner in crime- **Julia from Des Belles Choses**. Thank you so much for sharing and snapping these moments with me!

5. Day cruise to Paxos

Let’s talk about my most favourite day during this incredible trip- visit to Paxos– the smallest of the Ionian islands in Greece and also the island I have heard absolutely nothing about, which made me even more excited. When we got there I couldn’t believe my eyes- the contrast between green trees and aqua blue waters was absolutely insane. It made us want to jump off the boat straight away! Just look at it!

What got my attention straight away were these beautiful, pastel-coloured houses contrasting with the deep blue Ionian Sea and the baby blue sky- what a dream! We only had a little time to explore but I promise- you’ll fall in love with this little island. There are also some breathtaking beaches around. The heart of the town is full of charming restaurants, cafes and tiny, colourful streets- I could be wandering around for hours! Here’s my happiest pink spot!

If you ever visit Paxos and you’re not sure where to eat please visit Thalassa restaurant. It was such a cosy place with the loveliest owner, the most delicious food (especially seafood!) and the most magical sea view. I also made a friend who turn out to be a great little helper as we ordered way too much food, haha!

After the lunch we’ve headed back to the boat. We were all happy tipsy after all the greek wine ( well, at least I was, haha). We had so much fun, dancing, singing, jumping off the boat, swimming in the crystal clear water and drinking more wine of course! We were also lucky to witness the most beautiful sunset. We made memories for life! These moments still keep flashing in my head. Does life get better than that?

Apart from the most dreamy sunset, we also danced under the moonlight. I will never ever forget it! I wish I could do it all again! After all day on the boat, we’ve arrived at the Marina of Old Fortress and headed straight for dinner to Corfu Sailing Club Restaurant. It was seriously the most perfect end to this magical day and also the most memorable trip! We’ve celebrated with more greek food, greek wine and the most idyllic view over the marina. This location was truly spectacular and incredibly romantic! I highly recommend it!

I hope my little guide and my huge photo gallery will encourage you to visit Corfu and Paxos in the nearest future. Thank you Discover Greece and all the partners for showing me around these beautiful islands. One thing I know for sure- I will be back one day!

Post in collaboration with Discover Greece

Kandima Maldives- the new lifestyle resort

theblondeflamingo / October 30, 2019 / Leave a comment

Those of you who follow me on Instagram, know that last month visited one of my favourite destinations in the world – Maldives again. It was my third visit to this country as I absolutely love its vibe, people, culture and I love exploring the new islands. This year I have discovered the island which is completely different to the ones I have been to before- welcome to Kandima Maldives located on Dhaalu Atoll. To me, Kandima is more than just another resort island- it’s a lifestyle. It’s a huge (3.5 km long) and really chilled island with plenty of on-site activities to choose from. You definitely won’t be bored at Kandima! What’s more, it’s a perfect resort for everyone, whether you seek a romantic escape, a family holiday, a wellness and spa retreat, wedding destination, bachelorette, friends getaways or honeymooners.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are two options for you to reach Kandima from Male International Airport- either a domestic Air Transfer to a nearby airport and then a 20 min speed boat trip or a Sea Plane (more expensive option) transfer directly to Kandima. The views on the way are absolutely incredible!

Well, the moment you land is absolutely insane too. It’s my absolutely favourite thing about the Maldivies- oh, these endless blues….

ACCOMMODATION

Kandima caters for guests all ages on different budgets. It has a range of accommodation types options from affordable studios to luxury aqua villas. Personally I had a chance to stay at two completely different accommodation types. For the first two nights I have stayed at beautiful Sunset Beach Pool Jacuzzi Villa. I absolutely loved the modern, colourful decor, stylish pool and semi-outdoor bathroom with bathtub, rainfall shower and a day bed. Let’s talk about sunsets… one of the most incredible I have ever seen! And what’s better way to watch them than from a private pool with a little glass of wine in hand? Another thing I loved about staying at this villa is walking out barefoot straight after waking up and having the most beautiful white, sandy beach right in front of me. What a dream! Have a little peek! PS. You can also pre-order a floaty breakfast- I highly recommend it! What an experience!

After the most magical two nights at the beach villa I’ve moved to the Aqua Villa. Ah this must be my most favourite part when in Maldives! There’s no better experience than that in my opinion- a pure luxury. Aqua villa at Kandima features a private sun-deck with sun loungers and the most incredible huge bathroom with a bathtub overlooking the ocean- absolutely insane! My favourite thing to do after waking up was swapping my pyjama for a swimsuit and going for a morning dip in the lagoon. Best start of the day ever! The things you can see under the water are OUT OF THIS WORLD! (and you have it all to yourself, hihi!) Here’s some photos!

MOVING AROUND

As it’s a huge resort island, Kandima offers bikes rental at $5 per day. It’s such a fun and healthy way to move around. You can rent them anytime- no need to pre-book anything. We kept the bikes outside our villa. If you’re not a fan of cycling, buggy service is available too. Personally I preferred the bikes- didn’t need a gym these days, haha- bikes were less painful work-out!

DINING

Kandima offers lots dining options on the island. There’s 10 restaurants and bars in total. Four a la carte (full dining restaurants), two buffets and two beautiful beach clubs. You can check them all out here. I personally loved the beach club the most- guys it was ALL PINK! There’s nowhere else you could possibly find me, haha!

THINGS TO DO

As mentioned earlier- there’s NO WAY you’ll be bored at Kandima. There’s so much to do. There are cooking classes, art classes ( they have their own art gallery supporting the local artists), yoga classes, kickboxing classes and plenty of night activities. There’s even Forbidden Bar (adults only) accessible through a Kool psychedelic tunnel famous for the best parties! If you need to get some work done, there’s also Aroma Cafe overseeing the salty lake which is such a relaxing place to work or just have a cup of good coffee (yes, there’s a a salty lake on the island!) There’s also a beautiful esKape spa located in the middle of a tropical jungle. I highly recommend trying their famous coconut scrub! For sports lovers there’s a BURN gym, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court and a football court. Apart from all that you can also be jogging 3km on the most beautiful beaches with no palm trees blocking the way- this is very unique to Kandima!

For water sports lovers there’s also Aquaholics – water sport centre that offers all sports activities including, snorkelling around the most incredible reefs (Dhaalu atoll is one of the most pristine regions in the country), diving with sharks, parasailing and as well as boat trips and team sports. My favourite experience was something that has been on my bucket list forever- floating over fish and baby sharks in the glass-bottom kayak (wearing a flower crown of course, haha!)

Aroma Cafe

KIDS

If you’re travelling as a family, I promise you, there’s no better place to take your little ones than Kandima and its famous Kandiland– the largest kids club in the Maldives equipped with a pirate ship and large in-ground trampoline. When I saw it I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes! Kandiland offers a daily programme full of fun and informative activities and a baby sitting services so the parents can enjoy a little private time on the island too.

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

As you already know, Maldives is famous wedding and honeymoon destination. Kandima Maldives offers a tailor-made wedding planning services for your dream wedding. You can choose your dream wedding spot ( there’s few places on the island and on a local picnic island) according to their needs, budget as well as the number of guests. If you have any questions, please e-mail mykindofplace@kandima.com.

For honeymooners, Kandima has the most incredible Honeymoon Aqua Pool Villa, located at the tip of the Aqua Villa jetty, which is the best spot for romantic sunset sessions! I have experienced it myself and sunsets you witness from this villa are insane. Just look at it and imagine being here with your loved one!