Summary

Naomi Leila shares her top lifestyle picks from 2021, including travel destinations, activities, and apps, emphasizing the joy of reconnecting with loved ones and exploring new experiences.

Abstract

In 2021, Naomi Leila's favorite experiences revolved around rekindling connections with friends and family, as well as discovering new hobbies and places. She highlights the enchanting city of Budapest with its architectural wonders and vibrant culture, the magical Harry Potter World, and the educational and engaging language learning app Duolingo. Her UK day-out favorite is Harry Potter World, while in London, she recommends Prime Gelato for its exquisite flavors. She also enjoyed making challah, attending a captivating gig by Lauren Lucille at Ronnie Scott's, and watching the English National Ballet's performance at Sadler's Wells Theatre. For exercise, she endorses City Academy Ballet classes with Lydia. These experiences have not only provided her with unforgettable moments but also inspiration for future endeavors.

Opinions

Budapest is praised for its fairytale-like castles, intricate architecture, and a plethora of activities, with a recommendation to check out a detailed Google Map itinerary for the city.
Harry Potter World is described as an epic day out, full of stunning sets and detailed props that captivate both fans and newcomers to the series.
Duolingo is commended for its addictive and motivational approach to language learning, with updates that keep the app fresh and engaging.
Freetrade is mentioned as a simple and user-friendly investment app, with a referral link offering a free share for both the referrer and the referee.
Prime Gelato in London is lauded for its intense and beautifully crafted ice cream flavors, including vegan options.
Pizza Garden in Edgware is noted for its authentic, delicious pizza and welcoming atmosphere, offering both dine-in and delivery services.
Making challah is considered a pleasurable and rewarding activity, with an open invitation for readers to share their favorite recipes.
Ronnie Scott's and Lauren Lucille's Brazilian night are highlighted for their exceptional musical talent and an intimate, captivating venue experience.
The English National Ballet's performance, particularly Yuri Possokhov's 'Senseless Kindness', is celebrated for its simplicity, intriguing choreography, and innovative use of light and movement.
City Academy Ballet classes, especially with Lydia, are recommended for their challenging yet satisfying workouts and the positive impact they have on physical and mental well-being.
The author expresses a genuine desire for readers to try out her recommendations and share their experiences with her.

2021 Lifestyle Favourites

My favourite new hobbies and places to visit from 2021

My favourite thing about this past year is with no shadow of a doubt being able to spend more time with my friends and family due to restrictions finally easing up! From grand adventures with friends to sweet and simple coffee catch-ups, the time I’ve spent with the people I love is what I will cherish the most.

With that being said there were some unforgettable moments and places I’ve visited in this past year that I hope will inspire you too.

1. Favourite City Visit

Budapest was the ultimate highlight of my year! It is a magnificent city, from the fairytale castles and churches to the incredibly intricate architectural designs on every building, it is a sheer delight. I loved the magical atmosphere around the city, at every turn there was a new wonder to discover. Sometimes I’d find a beautiful arch or dramatic side street other times I’d find really cool quirky venues. There is so much to see & do in Budapest I barely scratched the surface because I was so enthralled with each individual element. I won’t ramble on too much here because I fully intend to do a full blog about this remarkable city but I will say that the people are super helpful and there are so many delicious culinary and musical treats to be found. I would beyond highly recommend it, I would insist that you see for yourself the magical reality that is Budapest.

If you’d like help with your itinerary, I have made a pretty extensive Google Map called, ‘Places to visit in Budapest’

2 Favourite Day-Out in Uk

Harry Potter World is crazy fun! J.k. Rowling's genius world in real life is even more remarkable than I had ever imagined, even my mum who had never read the books but reluctantly saw a couple of films was enchanted. So much so it convinced her to read the first book and for my sister, Mum and I to watch all 8 films! The sets and the making of each individual item are beyond staggering! The detail is second-to-none from the achingly sweet and incredibly lifelike Buckbeak to the intricate door of Gringotts, it’s fantastic. It’s a truly epic day out and worth every penny! The recommended visiting time is 4.5–6hours, I thought that was crazy but actually, it’s so accurate, you need that amount of time to appreciate it all and have some much-needed butterbeer! For any Harry Potter Fan this is a dream come true and for any non-Potterhead, give it a try just for fun and you’ll soon see what the fuss is about. ‘I solemnly swear’ you won’t regret it!

3. Favourite App

Duolingo is such an addictive way to learn. The Streak freeze really motivates you to practice every day and the fun badges incentivise you to learn more. Couple this with some silly stories and cute characters it makes for a truly great app. I’ve played on this app years ago but this year I really dove into different languages. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well-updated it was and will happily continue to use this in the future. If you fancy learning a language this is a great place to start.

Freetrade is super simple and makes investing a doddle! I’ve been investing regularly for the past year with it and have found it extremely easy to use. If you want more info about this read my blog, ‘Path to financial freedom’. (If you use my link we both get a free share)

4. Favourite Gelataria in London

Prime Gelato — The flavours of these icecreams are so incredibly intense and beautiful. These icecreams are crafted with the utmost care and skill and are highly addictive! After discovering this place with my friends, we couldn’t resist revisiting it! I have now been there multiple times and each flavour I’ve tried has been spectacular. With such sublime options and even vegan choices what’s not to love! Don’t take my word for it? Try it and see for yourself how scrumptious it truly is!

5. Favourite New Restaurant

Pizza Garden — You wouldn’t expect a very authentic, delicious, beautiful restaurant on a corner of a street in Edgware but nonetheless, it exists. Pizza Garden is just fabulous! As you enter you’re greeted with a warm welcome by the friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere. Flowers and retro lamps hang from the ceiling, relaxed tables and chairs are dotted around and a cool bar and even a TV (to watch the latest game on) sit to the side. Their perfect pizzas are topped with a variety of different choices and they have a teasingly good menu of other options that I’m excited to try in the future. What’s more, they were even so kind as to give us a pizza cutter to take home. If you’re craving a good meal and a fun vibe this is a lovely choice, or if you’re having a lazy night in, they even do deliveries!

6. Favourite New Activity

Making challah — The process of making your own challah is immensely pleasurable. From getting out your frustrations whilst kneading to the calming joy of braiding and then watching it turn golden brown in the oven, it’s a lengthy but worthwhile process. I haven’t found the perfect recipe for this yet but even still I’ve enjoyed my time trying different recipes out. If you know of any good challah/bread recipes please share them in the comments below, I’d love to try them out.

7. Favourite Music Venue & Gig

Ronnie Scott’s Lauren Lucille’s Brazilian night — Ronnie Scott’s is famous for a reason, it’s brilliant! The acts they get at this venue are top-notch and the venue itself is cosy and cool with its plush red velvet, dark wood floor and intimate lighting. I went with a friend to see Lauren’s gig and it was spectacular. The music was so captivating and uplifting and Lauren’s talent shone! Her Vocals and musical ability are second-to-none and together with her brilliant guitarist, she delivered a fabulous, fun evening in a cool, cosy venue!

8. Favourite modern production

The English National ballet reunion at Sadler’s Wells Theatre was spectacular. I loved the pure simplicity and eye-catching designs of the sets coupled with the really fascinating dances. The way that light, movement and sound were played with was so intriguing and I found myself enthralled in each different sequence. A particular noteworthy sequence had to be Yuri Possokhov’s ‘Senseless Kindness’ which was set to Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No1. This set was undeniably thrilling. The pure simple play of lattice-work shadows entwined with the dancing and beautiful choreography captivated me and made me realise that movement could be used in a whole different sense. This reunion was so inspiring and uplifting that I feel it is well worth checking out some of the other productions the English National Ballet puts on.

9. Favourite Exercise

City Academy Ballet classes (improvers) with Lydia are really hardcore but immensely satisfying. Lydia is a beautiful dancer, a wonderful teacher and a gorgeously kind human. Alongside the funky music playlists she chooses, she choreographs great routines and exercises to help you improve your ballet technique and get more in shape. These classes have helped me feel more invigorated and free with my body and I notice at the end of each class I am so much brighter than I was at the start. If you have ever fancied trying ballet, try one of Lydia’s taster classes and see for yourself how beautiful her classes are.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my favourite lifestyle discoveries and feel inspired to try some new things.

Much Love Naomi Leila Xx

P.s. If you try anything out from here please let me know, I’d love to hear your opinion on it.

P.p.s. This is an unsponsored post but there are some affiliate links