GHANA 2014/15

Had a complete absence form blogging, all within good reason though. We are back now!

GHANA. Seeing the word alone gives me butterflies, so can you imagine the excitement that consumed me when i landed at 12pm on the 27th Dec 2015. Anyone who has visited Ghana knows the extreme heat wave that hits you as soon as you step off the plane is nothing but a relief, accompanied by air scented of kelewele and other delicious dishes. 

I have been to Ghana around 5 times, but the thing that made this time so special was the fact that i was doing it completely solo. I always think its healthy and life changing to go on some sort of holiday by yourself and thinking back on it, I wouldn't have preferred it any other way. It forced me to step out of my comfort zone, resulting in me meeting so many amazing people, seeing new things I may have not been able to see if i traveled with people, and just ultimately having the freedom to do everything in my own time, at my own expense. In saying that, during December/Jan (festive season), at any given time you will ALWAYS meet other foreigners you know. Having the comfort of having girls/guys that i already knew around definitely made things easier and more enjoyable. To be perfectly honest, in my opinion, its pretty hard to not enjoy your time in Ghana (minus aspects like light off, water off, poor economy and corruption of course!). The rich culture, simple lifestyle, welcoming personalities, positive attitudes despite having so little, dancing on the streets and mouth-watering food are just SOME of the reasons anyone will love Ghana, and the main reason I know I will eventually live there. 

     Some of my fav spots/things to do:

  Local Food

-Asanka Local 

-Bush Kanteen 

-Buka

Hotels

-Movenpick

-African Regent 

-La Palm

-Royal Senchi

-Aqua Safari

-Golden Tulip

Landmarks

-Aburi Botanical Gardens

-Legon Botanical Gardens

-Kwame Nkrumah Memorial

-Jamestown Lighthouse

-Independence Square

Clubs/Spots

-Republic Bar

-Bedouin Lounge

-Twist

-Club 45 

-Rhapsody

-Bella Roma

As small as Ghana is, and as much as i did, there is still SO much more i want to see and do that i didn't get the chance to. 

Aqua Safari, Ada

Aqua Safari, Ada

Aqua Safari, Ada

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

All White Party

Bojo Beach

Bojo Beach

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Royal Senchi Hotel, Akosombo

Royal Senchi Hotel, Akosombo

Royal Senchi Hotel, Akosombo

Bojo Beach

Ada

Aburi Botanical Gardens

Aburi Art Centre

Aqua Safari, Ada

Bojo Beach

Bojo Beach

Bojo Beach

Legon Botanical Gardens

Aqua Safari, Ada

Aburi Botanical Gardens (Tree of Life)

Aburi Botanical Gardens

Aburi Botanical Gardens

Aburi Botanical Gardens 

La-Palm Hotel

Dansoman, Accra

La-Palm Hotel

Life-changing holiday. Until December 2015 Ghana...

-Posted By Vanessa

2014 Christmas Wish List

Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas? Sometimes, I think Christmas is the time to ask people for things you've been eyeing all-year-long but haven't gotten around to buying for yourself for whatever reason. Here's my list this year, and I'm sure Vanessa will update with hers soon...

1. Tom Ford - Santal Blush Fragrance ($215.00)

This fragrance is AMAZING. It is perfect for winter - warm and woody. It reminds me of walking into the spice section of a market. You can definitely smell the cinnamon. It's very expensive for a fragrance, but because of the strength of the smell, it would take a long time to fully use up.

Top notes: Indian spices, cumin, cinnamon, carrot seeds and fenugreek. Heart: jasmine, ylang-ylang and rose. Base: Australian sandalwood, cedar, benzoin, musk and oud.

  

2. Sonos Play: 1 Speakers ($199.00)

My friend has these speakers and for their small size, they are VERY loud. You're able to stream your entire music library and internet radio through them as well which definitely comes in handy.

3. A cozy robe (This one is from Topshop - $64.00)

The thing I hate most about cold weather is getting out of the shower and running around trying to find something warm to put on while you freeze. As we enter into winter in the Northern Hemisphere, a robe is the perfect Christmas gift. It's also the kind of thing you never feel inclined to buy for yourself as it's a little luxurious, so always something nice to receive. 

4. Sweater/knitted dresses (One Teaspoon, $190.00, Urban Outfitters, $79.00, For Love & Lemons, $184.00)

Sweater dresses are the perfect way to stay warm but look like you are making an effort. There are hundreds of them in stores and online right now, but here's just a few that I like:

5. Sunglasses (Gucci, $495.00, Celine, $395.00, Italia Independent, $197.00)

It's really hard for me to justify spending a lot of money on sunglasses since there are plenty of cheap ones that do the trick, but there's something about chic, good quality shades that can really pull a look together. They almost always always end up being worth the money as well, since you use them so often. Especially if you're someone who has regular early mornings, they can really save the day. Here are some that I've had my eyes on:

Hope you all are enjoying the beginning of the holiday season and that you get whatever is on your list this year! Of course the best gift of all is quality time with loved ones.

- Posted by Olympia

Style Icon: Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is by far, in my opinion, one of the most underrated style icons. The effortlessy flawless 41-year-old has a signature style, that is the perfect cominbatintion of "classy" meets eccentric. Her everyday style slays, just as much as when she is on the red carpet. Tracee manages to match statement vintage pieces with everyday basics to achieve such a chic look, outfit after outfit. Not to mention, her body is absolutely bangin' at her age! Most definitely my style icon and muse.

Here are a few of my favourite looks from her:

I fell in love with her even more after watching her interview on the Breakfast Club. Tracee speaks about her new show Black-ish, race, her upbringing and her infamous ass lol.

-Posted by Vanessa