The highlights of 2013

2013 is over and here is 2014 already.  Time moves so fast when you're having fun!  I just wanted to take this moment to reflect over the past year.  My blog continues to grow and I can only thank you for that.  You make my day everyday.  Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with me.

In this past year, I've had the most wonderful experience of working with LEGiT fashion (if you missed it, you can take a look over here).  I've been able to learn the scientific methods behind skin care with Dermalogica (here).  I've had the opportunity of experiencing a number of my favourite food, wine and design events such as Decorex, Taste of Joburg to name only two.  I've attended the most wonderful store openings.  I was honoured to have been asked to write articles for online magazines.  I have also appeared in Grazia, People and LEGiT magazines this year much to my surprise!

Collaborating is a word that I'd use to describe 2013 as I've been doing just that with bloggers from South Africa and across the pond.  I love to see the blogging world work together so you can be sure to see more collaborations coming in 2014.  Meeting local bloggers has also been a highlight of my year.  There are so many of you out there and each one of you fascinate me.  I feel so lucky to walk alongside you.

I tend to take blogging day by day, never expecting anything but the self-satisfaction that I have something I love to do in my free time.  That being said, I have so often been so surprised when a super exciting email lands in my inbox or a fantastic delievery arrives at my door.  I'm so often gobsmacked but these little pleasures have really added highlights to my year.  The biggest blogging surprise I've had at all this year, however, came in the form of Irina Doman, a blogger I have the privilege of calling my friend.  It's funny how this little blog has created such a great friendship.  You can visit Irina's blog here.

This past year I received my first DSLR camera as a graduation present from my dad.  I have been having such fun learning the ropes in photography.  Hand-in-hand I have also been learning Photoshop which helped me redesign my blog which was quite exciting!  I also expended the blog to Facebook, Twitter (@arumlilea) and Instagram (@arumlilea) which has been loads of fun.  I like to share snippets of my life on each but also unique from each other just to keep things interesting.

In 2013 I was able to study further, something I'm really passionate about.  This year I dedicated my studies to a Master's degree in Public International law, a field very close to my heart.  I was wonderful to have been able to learn more and dedicate time to this and for that reason 2013 was a big year for me.

I was also able to travel quite a bit.  I ventured off to areas of South Africa that I had never been before which has made me so grateful to live in a country with so much beauty to offer.  I travelled to the United States once again to see the likes of cities I have never been to before (here, here and here).  I also experienced Halloween for the first time.  I hope to visit there again soon.  I was also lucky enough to be able to travel to Tanzania with my sister which was the most incredible experience that I could have shared with no one better (here and here). I can only hope more travelling is in store for me in 2014!

2014 will see me begin my career as an attorney which is quite monumental.  All my years of studying will finally be put to some use.  Arum Lilea will continue in what I hope will be from strength to strength.  There will  definitely be more outfits to post and stories to tell.

Thank you so much for all your support, every moment spent reading my blog and every comment you make.  I am so lucky to have you all.  Thank you also to my family and friend who have added such a great about of value to this blog (and for constantly listening to me ramble on about it).  Much Love!!!

DoubleTree by Hilton, Zanzibar

As promised, I have some pictures from my camera that I still wished to share with you.  For those of you that were wondering, we stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Zanzibar and I couldn't recommend a better place to stay.  The staff are so friendly and attentive.  It takes an hours drive from the airport to the hotel which was quite nice because it was almost a tour of the island on our way to the hotel.  The hotel is at the most northern point of Zanzibar is Nungwi.

 This area has beautiful beaches although I doubt you can go wrong anywhere on Zanzibar.  I recommend this hotel too because they organise such fun activities for you to do.  We learnt to do traditional basket weaving and also got to take Swahili classes.  Every morning we started the day with yoga on the beach followed by water aerobics.  In the afternoon the hotel organised either water polo or volley ball which is great for sporty people (unfortunately I'm not one of those).  There were also organised walks into the village and to visit the fishmarket to see how the boats are made.  In my previous post I also mentioned we were taken on a walk from our hotel, up the beach to the "aquarium" which is actually a local "save the turtles" initiative and a place that found a very special place in my heart.

The food is absolutely amazing.  You cannot go hungry in this place as it is all inclusive.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner are buffets with every kind of deliciousness you can imagine.  While these take place at set times, you can order the most delicious pizza by the pool too (along with other things).  It might also be worth mentioning that alcohol is included too which was great.  What is a beach without cocktails?!  The Gin Fizz was my personal favourite.

If you're looking at visiting Zanzibar any time soon and have any questions, feel free to ask!  I'll help you best I can.

Tropico

Forever New dress | ALDO wedges | Forever New bracelet | Michael Kors watch | Swarovski earrings | Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses c/o Sunglass Hut

Hi everyone!

While in Zanzibar, you can't help but feel that you should be embracing the surroundings.  I decided that this tropical print Forever New dress would be perfect for dinner during our stay.  I love it when your dress matches the background!

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Hi everyone! 

I'm writing this post from the gorgeous Double Tree by Hilton resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania. I'm travelling with my sister on this trip and we're having an incredible time. The beaches here have us mesmorised. The water is warm, calm and crystal clear. 

We've been relaxing by the pool, reading books, enjoying the spa and great traditional food.  The local women in the village next door to our hotel run a turtle conservation site ("the aquarium") and we went to visit. My sister described it aptly as being one of the most magical moments of her life. The turtles are so well looked after, from newly hatched ones to 100 year old ones. The conservation site is to ensure that the number of these turtles doesn't diminish. They are already planning their next big release of turtles in January which is quite exciting.  They were quite curious to when they saw we had food for them and swam around while their life cycle was explained to us. 

Apart from that, we've been loving the local people who are so friendly and the children who love to come speak to you. The speak quickly in Swahili but don't seem particularly phased by the language barrier. Sand castles and smiles are universal after all. 

Today I'm sharing snaps I've taken on my iPhone but stay tuned, I should have some camera snaps to share too.

Thank you so much for reading!