Sybarites Of Verona (2025)

17/03/2022

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀🍀🍀

Who needs luck when you are in Ireland? All you need are a few pints to make your night.

Go bar hopping from sight to sight.
Aye! A barrel O’Guinness down yer gob shouldn’t give ye a fright!

Tell me - have you ever met an Irishman you didn’t like, especially on a sic* slurred speech night?

06/03/2022

𝑰𝒈𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒐𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒐𝒍𝒔𝒌𝒊 - 𝑫𝒓𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆?

“𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒆, 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆, 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 '𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓.' 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔.”

Hello to all my busy comrades chilling out today. Happy weekend! What are you doing today?

Today - a grey gloomy Sunday, and I’m curled up in my favorite fluffy robe, cradling a mug of fragrant tea, being drawn into this painting that’s taken up residence on one of my walls over a number of years. It’s a painting that relates to the suffering of mankind juxtaposed with western consumerism. It forcibly grounds you to acknowledge how fortunate you are, whilst appreciating the burden others constantly bear.

I discovered this artist in London, but he also exhibits in Berlin, Miami, Warsaw and more locations. It’s not normally what I would gravitate to, but it’s always good to explore different genres of art as there are so many extraordinarily talented artists out there who are master storytellers.

What makes you decide to buy a piece of art? Is it the aesthetics or the story being told?

Art is a bona fide way to escape your hectic lifestyle. Who are your favorite artists?

27/02/2022

UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

Are you as busy as me; not having the time or inclination for 10 layers of makeup, an extra 20 mins of fussing with extremely thick curly hair to make it straight, curating the perfect fussy outfit and choosing the right filter to look flawless?

Be happy in your own skin.
Celebrate your imperfections as it is those that give you character and depth.

Celebrate your unique scars that tell a story, the crinkly lines around your eyes from days of deep belly laughter, the mascne from enduring hours of caring for the sick, the odd complexion from a mixture of culturally different yet complementary ancestors who trod this earth long before you.

Confidently Command the room wearing only rouge 999 on your face, strut gracefully in your favourite pair of blue suede shoes and for heavens sake just wear silk!

Prioritise a robust skincare routine, a healthy diet with regular exercise and keep your wardrobe classic with quality materials.

You will never feel the FOMO of excessive Botox, fillers and whatever else is the latest rage when you MAINTAIN yourself. Yes, by all means strive for a better version of yourself, keep impeccably groomed but never at the expense of time.

What do you find yourself wasting time on that could be better spent elsewhere?.

06/02/2022

ARE YOU LATE TO THE PARTY? What’s in your hangover kit?

I guess I should be eternally grateful I survived until now without contracting the dreaded spiky bug.

I think I was perhaps spared all this time to dutifully render my tireless services throughout this crippling pandemic - not once complaining of the untenable load 🤷🏽‍♀️😵‍💫

And now, when it seems that things are somehow coming to a very slooow halt; and I’ve perhaps not been too diligent; there I go coughing up my innards🤢

Sucks!

Perhaps it’s coincidental, but - I ran out of my trusty antioxidants when boom! Test positive! You must now isolate for 10 days according to the Covid Police.. or is 5? My App now says 12.. 😏

Whatever… one must now survive absolute boredom..

So, here in isolation, coughing my guts out are the essentials to survival….

1. HONEY - a very powerful natural healer - helps to soothe the throat.
2. WATER WATER WATER - keep hydrated to help suppress the viral load
3. LEMONS - a natural cough suppressant
4. TEA TEA TEA AND MORE TEA— Has plenty of Antioxidant properties and helps to keep you hydrated (nope, it’s not a potent diuretic if ur drinking it weak)
5. SONOS — or whatever musical fandangle contraption you have- u MUST have music.
6. BOOK - preferably something that actually TEACHES you something
7. FAUX FUR AND MORE FAUX FUR!!!
8. LAVENDER in all its forms - pillow mist, diffuser oil, essential oil etc etc
9. LEIGHTON DENNY INTENSE PEDICURE OIL .. well I’m using it as cuticle oil as there goes the salon😔
10. HANDCREAM - you need one with an intense aroma to get through those clogged sinuses!

Wow! That was my longest post ever! I’ve been forced to sit still.. go figure.

HAVE YOU HAD COVID? What was in your survival kit? Please let me know 🥰🥰

̇d19 😷 ̇d_19

30/01/2022

𝖂𝖍𝖞 𝖆𝖒 𝕴 𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖘𝖚𝖈𝖍 𝖆 𝖓𝖔𝖔𝖇?!😒😒

I’m trying to delete an Instagram Story.. that’s not even a story at all!!

I suppose it could be - in celebration of flu season and freckles …

So, I’m definitely coming down with something; as it’s unlike me to go into hibernation mode or become completely brain disordered🙄

So, today, in keeping with the theme of self love and the recognition of the impending body system failure - hours were dedicated to soaking in the bath followed by a face full of oil.

Happy Sunday!

What’s your favourite thing to do when you are feeling a little sorry for yourself?

29/01/2022

𝑶𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒆, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆

𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆,' 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒅 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅. '𝑰𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎.'
'𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈,' 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆.

Are you freezing today and just want to curl up in a warm furry ball? Well, that’s exactly what I did!

I was meant to be attending a swanky port, champagne, wine tasting and education session today.. but guess what? I absolutely bummed out!

I couldn’t face the bleak trek, the tense hassle of finding parking, and bemusedly wandering around in the grey and misty cold😢

This week was a particularly long and emotionally draining one - and although I was excitedly anticipating getting lost for a few hours on an imaginary journey in the lush vineyards of Italy, Portugal and France; my body rebelled ..and I completely and blissfully overslept!! 🤷🏽‍♀️..

So, instead of being cranky, I did myself a good turn today 🤓…

A day spent cosying up by a warm crackling fire, smelling the roses and sipping fragrant tea - isn’t that a good thing?

I’m warm.. I hope you are too🥰🥰..

25/01/2022

Are you working crazy hours this week?😵‍💫😵‍💫

I am, but I believe you must ALWAYS hustle in style..👍🏽

I have a few projects working on…which means I need a lot of extra cash .. which means .. well .. more hours.😵‍💫😵‍💫..

I’m not yet that lucky to have passive income which takes care of everything…BUT.. one day .. soon.. it will come.

So, the hustle continues..

Where do you like to stay when you are working away from home?

I love old, stately, charming yet luxurious heritage homes, where I can escape the day in a fairytale kingdom far away; where I’m the regal princess, being waited on hand and foot.

A perfumed soapy deep warm bath is absolute bliss after a long busy day.

If you tend to stay in mainstream hotels, give something else a try.

Keep hustling in style..

23/01/2022

𝕲𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌!!!

Have you ever had those weeks where it’s GO GO GO?!

It’s Sunday morning and you think.. “What on earth? What did I ACTUALLY do last week”?!

Unwind on the weekend, sleep in until midday and demand someone else cooks for you.
Have breakfast/brunch in bed and have the most leisurely day.
Read, stretch and plan a PRODUCTIVE week this week. If you find yourself back on the treadmill, hop the heck off!

Take a break somewhere like which is a great escape in the Cotswolds to hole up for a day.

16/01/2022

How are you spending your weekend?

It’s been a helluva busy week with no time to really recover from the onslaught.

You get home, straight into another darned job. The kids’ homework which might as well be Latin, the hubby wanting psychoa**lysis, the darned washer is stuck again and what was that bill again that was due yesterday?

Ah drat! The blog needs updating …

Get out the door, put on some soothing music and escape to the spa….

Aaah!!! Bliss!!!

What is your favourite spa to unwind?

11/01/2022

“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡”
𝐑𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧.

𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃?🤔

Every January without fail, the journalistic trend is to debate the making of resolutions as invariably by the second week it’s all gone to pot! 😔

Have you seen the movie ? It’s OMG funny!! That phrase! “I’m A Doer”!! Gets me every time.

Well - for some, they stick it out, hanging on by the fingernails and gritted teeth to make it happen. This year, I’m incorporating fun and yet more fun in my life whilst keeping disciplined - and so should you.

Anyway, forget the treadmill or pounding pavements and get dancing! This is a Turkish dance, and trust me, you will get so much cardio in whilst having so much fun especially if you have two left feet.

Exercise is important to give you the energy you need to keep at your goals whilst looking and feeling amazing.

To truly enjoy a life of luxury and ease, you must keep moving.

Here’s to dancing 2022 away🥂🥂

03/01/2022

HAPPY NEW YEAR MY FRIENDS!!🎉🎉🎉
🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂.

2021 is now in the past, but remember it is the past that helps to continually shape us.

Towards the end of the year, being completely sick to death of Covid; I determined not to postpone yet again adventures and new experiences.

But, life has a way of throwing in spanners in the mix to keep it interesting - and to continually remind you that you should be fluid. Whatever it is that is thrown your way, don’t be rigid, but go with the flow. You will pleasantly surprise yourself how far you can bend without breaking.

I hope this year brings joy, happiness, fun and togetherness and may you enjoy life to the fullest.

What is your wish this year?

Mine is to remain strong in the face of adversity whilst making fun and adventure a priority.

LOTS OF LOVE 🥰🥰💕💖💖

verona

03/12/2021

“IT’S REALLY HARD WORK - TO DO NOTHING” Oscar Wilde.

When you are trying to run an online business but you are spending your days off-grid😎

No WiFi? No problem!🤔

Remember to take time out for yourself, and decide what’s important in your business. A trip to the desert is the perfect escape.

How?! I hear you ask— sometimes you are just too focussed on the wrong things without even realising it. Take time to feed your soul, unplug and have fun. An uncluttered mind is the recipient of amazing ideas❤️

01/12/2021

Are you on a Journey?
What is it?🤷🏽‍♀️
Don’t stop believing in your quest and
keep holding on to that feeling of purpose😍.

Here I am, savouring the random excitement of glittering lights@downtowndubai 🚦which never fails to inspire me. It is one of those places which inspires one to do the impossible

Now, am I still on the quest for making these holidays special? 🤔Absolutely! But first, spend some time just inhaling the pungent scent of excitement and just well - being - wherever you are.

Continue searching for that imperfect gift.. as no gift is perfect. Just giving is the best gift of all. For those who celebrate Thanksgiving, keep on being grateful - not just for one day ❤️.

Be sure to check out the link in bio.

🇦🇪

27/11/2021

DUBAI EXPO 2020- The great extravaganza!
Are you attending?
One day isn’t enough as there is just so much to see and do! It’s the playground for techies to find weird and wonderful upcoming innovations, music and art lovers won’t be disappointed either.

It’s a great day out- with lots of entertainment and food galore - but allow yourself at least 10 full hours to leisurely move across the different pavilions.

put on such a wonderful energetic show every hour until 2100 - it was one of my favourite performances❤️..

Well, after 20,000 steps, I’m going back for more!

Would you like some more info on the Expo? It’s a great place to pick up gifts 😉, whilst getting a tiny taste of different cultures. If you are visiting, put this in your itinerary, and if you live here, well - there is another 3 months to go! Don’t forget those gifts!🎁

🇦🇪

23/11/2021

Where is your next destination?
GOODBYE AND HELLO AGAIN! 🥂..

Goodbye to cold dark nights and hello to warm balmy mornings!!😍😍.

My fickle love for historic cultural London hasn’t waned as yet again I deposit my hide in the ultra-modern desert wonder that is Dubai.

Why am I feeling jet-lagged with only a 4hr difference? Perhaps due to being pigeon-holed for 2 years?🤷🏽‍♀️

Sigh- now this old gal is behind with blog posting 🙆‍♀️but will be catching up. Be sure to check the blog👍🏽

20/11/2021

Escape.. again? Yes.. from what?!🤷🏽‍♀️

The thunderous beating of my frightened heart, the blood gushing through my arteries like a violent surging flood— from the panic that is — SHOPPING!! 🙈😱

I don’t hate shopping- I just hate too much choice. I strive on an a**l list that tells me which floor, aisle, item, color and size I need, pay and get the heck out!

Can’t survive in a world of impulsivity? 😞

Hightail it downstairs to the relaxing bar

Take a soft deep sigh .. yes, inhale the
quiet.. escape .. the soft tinkling of gently touching sparking glass, the fizz of champagne exploding on the tongue - look up, yes, immerse yourself in the interesting art on the ceilings and walls - bliss.

Now I fiercely clutch my scanty forest green shopping bag and guess what? I’m off to the airport in a mad rush!

Where are you heading this Winter? Have you sorted your holiday gifts?

If you are short on time, breaking out in anxious cold sweat with no list, no plan, feeling like you have a demented brain seeking clarity to rescue you from this fearsome obligation of gift buying? I feel you.

I’m uploading my “better late than never” gift guide when my brain resets in a different time zone.. give it until Monday..

Check the link in bio

18/11/2021

COCKTAILS - OR MOCKTAILS?🤔

Here comes Winter - grey, misty, forlorn. Overcast, depressive, despondent, dejected , empty 🙁.

OR
Festive, happy, cosy, fairytale, wonderful, adventurous and energetic.

And so is the Mocktail - make it what you will.

Be imaginative- Boring or exquisite? Will it dance on your tongue creating sensory ecstasy? (Forgive my random way with words 🙄)

So, in deep respect for the upcoming festive season (all inhibitions barred) make it SANS alcohol for now 😘.. and load up on fruits instead.

What is your favourite mocktail?

Just uploaded a few mocktail recipes over on the blog— quick and easy as who has the time?
Go check it out and let me know what you think?
Link in bio..

Sybarites Of Verona