I’m back from a whirlwind visit to Switzerland – my first visit to the land of crisp waters, the alps, watches and of course, chocolate!

It’s always difficult to put pen to paper – or fingertips to keyboard in my case – when it comes to a subject that matters to so many, that you care about yourself, but feel as though you need to properly represent when writing about it.

I’ve probably bitten off more than I can chew when it comes to discussing the Black Lives Matter movement. I don’t have an African American background, but I am a woman of colour and every time I read about another shooting, another life lost, it not only infuriates me, it makes me lose another little shred of hope for humanity and justice.

Eid Mubarak my lovelies! I hope the last month of Ramadan has been a blessed and fulfilling one.

Many of you know that I only started fasting a few years ago, so I’ve always struggled with the long hours as Ramadan has fallen within the summer months.

As I sit here writing this blog, I’m looking out into the heart of Southgate. I can see a group of Polish men discussing the football, an Indonesian couple excited to catch up with their friends – a family of Indian descent. Behind me the barista, a lovely English lady, is happily chatting to a customer who happens to be West Indian.

This is the kind of London I’ve known growing up; a melting pot of people, cultures and tolerance. In my naivety, I thought this kind of integration extended far beyond our capital.

For the first time, the European Grand Prix was held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Known as the ‘Land of Fire’, I was excited for the world to be introduced to a city that’s steeped in history and culture. A city where the East and West fuse together seamlessly.

With a new circuit to contend with, which pushed drivers, the European GP sure tested my patience as I’m sure it did with the drivers. A lot of work has gone into this particular circuit with Ricciardo telling Sky Sports F1 ahead of the race that “The track feels as tight as it looks.”

A few weeks ago I was on the Sunny and Shay Show on BBC Radio London discussing whether or not the South Asian community still held the attitude of son preference.

Growing up, I’ve always been aware that boys usually had more freedom than girls but never have I ever heard my parents or family members mutter that they wished I was born a boy. The discussion with Sunny and Shay really opened my eyes up to seriously damaging attitudes the South Asian community has when it comes to gender.

Ever since I saw my first episode of Who Do You Think You Are, the genealogy show where celebrities explore their family history, I’ve been intrigued about my own  lineage.

My Dad’s side of the family has always been a bit of a mystery to me however I’m lucky enough to be able to trace my Mum’s side of the family back three generations.

During those WDYTYA episodes it was always interesting to see people establish a particular connection with one member of their family. In some cases they shared a similar interest, a belief, or an emotional bond after learning more about the life they led.
I’ve been wanting to find out more about where my family  originates from. As cool as it is to identify being Guyanese, I know a decision was made long ago to come to those shores for a better life. From where has remained a mystery though.

Until recently.

As the weather slowly heats up and we finally start to introduce sandals and short sleeves to our daily wardrobe – when it’s not pouring down with random rain – you’ll come to find that wedding season is upon us. It does seem over the last couple of years that so many people have decided to take the plunge and get engaged, and inevitably with their big day approaching I’ve been on the hunt for some wedding appropriate outfits.

The moment I realised I would be going to Valencia for a hen do, the first thing I could think of was indulging in an authentic paella.

You might not think about Valencia as a place for a typical hen party but that was the point – this wasn’t the standard weekend filled with neon pink feathery accessories and drunken escapades. This gorgeous bride wanted a weekend of luxury – Kardashian style.

It’s always been my dream to travel around Italy.

So you can imagine how excited I was to get my tickets booked for gorgeous Sorrento.