I think it's alway nice to give something personal to the ones you love. I know I love receiving personal items too. The fashion for personalised jewellery is something which I have followed since owning my own jewellers years ago. Charm bracelets and engraved jewellery were popular then, as it is now.

One company that approached me recently to review an item from their website was Belle Fever. Belle Fever specialise in personalised jewellery for that someone special.





Belle Fever is run by the owner and founder of the company, Sarah. Recently I interviewed her to find out more about the company.

• To allow everyone to capture those Moments in Life;
• To create unique designs that make us as unique as our personalities;
• To be able to keep love ones close always;
• To make it affordable for everyone;
• To start a family heirloom that can be passed on to generations; and
• Quite simply to solve all your gifting ideas with something different yet affordable for everyone.

Win A Tree Of Life Necklace From Belle Fever

Dubai is one of those countries that is a fascinating mix of the old and the very new. Being one of the seven Emirates that makes up the U.A.E. the city has really grown in the last 50 years. 

When you drive into the city all you see are skyscrapers and tall buildings littering the skyline. This city is home to the tallest building in the world, The Burj Khalifa and one of the most, if not THE most luxurious hotels in the word, The Burj Al Arab. 

It is a city of contrasts and a city you will never forget. I visited Dubai a few years ago and would love to go back one day. Here is my guide to the top things to do in Dubai.

Afternoon Tea In The Burj Al Arab

This beautiful hotel's claim to fame is that it is the only '7-star' hotel in the world. Standing on an artificial island, it is known for its shape, which is designed to mimic the sails of a ship. Inside the luxurious hotel has butler service, dancing fountains and 24-carat gold pillars, whilst every whim is catered for. There is even a helipad on the roof for the millionaires that stay here. 


However, if you would like a little insight into how the rich live, an afternoon tea where you can sip champagne is highly recommended. The food is delicate but keeps coming so you will leave satisfied. 




Tiny sandwiches, little pastries, scrumptious cakes and warm delicious scones, with a glass of bubbly, is served up with smiles and a touch of class. 

The attention to detail is amazing, the champagne is even poured in a certain way so the bubbles come up the centre of the glass.

Go To The Top Of The Burj Khalifa


The Burj Khalifa is World's tallest hotel at over 829m or 2722 ft.  No other building compares in size and it is three times as tall as The Eiffel Tower.  You may recognise it from the Mission Impossible films where Tom Cruise famously filmed his own stunts on the top of this skyscraper. Recommended is a trip to the top, to see the views from the safe enclosure. It has the longest single elevator in the world and you are whisked to the top at speeds of up to 600m a minute. 



To be at the top of the World's tallest building is an amazing but surreal experience, with other buildings almost minuscule in the distance. 

Shopping In A World Of Contrasts


Dubai is known for shopping, having both one of the largest shopping centres in the World, The Mall Of The Emirates and the old town souks where traders and shoppers haggle for the best price. 

The Mall Of The Emirates is a shopper's paradise with over 700 stores from luxury brands such as Burberry to high street stores such as Top Shop, it is all here.  As well as shops, it also caters for hungry shoppers with over 90 food outlets and cafes, as well as a multi-screen cinema and entertainment centre and an indoor ski centre. Yes, you heard me correctly, in this country where temperatures can reach 45 degrees C in the summer, you can go skiing indoors. A slightly surreal experience I can tell you!

If you want something more traditional head to the city's souks for a vibrant and interesting experience.  The sites that meet your eyes in the Gold Souk are jaw-dropping. Every store has shelves and shelves of beautiful gold chains, and every precious stone imaginable can be found here. Then further on, there are the colourful sites of The Textile Souk and the wonderful smells of the Perfume and Spice Souks. Haggling is acceptable in the souks although in the Gold Souk the cost is based on the market rate of gold so savings are small. 

Family Fun In The Water And In The Sand 


You may feel a little trepidation taking your kids to Dubai as the culture may be different to what you are used to but don't! Dubai is very family friendly. Here are some important facts, that may help you in visiting the UAE with kids.

For family fun head to Aquaventure water park at the Atlantis Palm hotel. This attraction has river rapids, waves, waterfalls, and slides. If you love animals it also has an aquarium, with dolphins and sea lions, and you can even learn to dive at the 5-star PADI dive centre.  If you want to relax and take it easy there is also a lovely beach area.  A great place to spend a day, Aquaventure has something for all the family.  

Jumeirah Beach has beautiful sand and warm water. Take a boat trip on the water or ride on an inflatable with beautiful views of the iconic Arabic hotels in the distance. 

While you are here why no go 'dune bashing'. Slap on the sunscreen and don't forget the water then strap yourself into a twin seater buggy. These vehicles have a full roll cage, and safety harnesses to take you at speeds up and down the dunes for an exhilarating activity. 

As you can see Dubai has something for all the family and as there are so many things to do in Dubai it is a holiday destination for everyone. A true shopping destination in the middle of the desert, with the highest building in the world, the most luxurious hotel in the world, and even a ski centre in the middle of the desert I think you can see Dubai is surreal, surreal but so much fun! 

Tell me, have you ever been to Dubai?

San Diego is the southern most part of California and only 20 minutes from Mexico. It is a lovely city with great architecture, welcoming people and lots to see and do. We only had 48 hours to experience what San Diego has to offer so we only touched the surface but we would definitely return in the future. This is a taster of what we did.

Where To Go - Balboa Park

The people of San Diego are justifiably proud of Balboa Park, which they call a 'landscape of arts and culture'. With 17 museums, 5 gardens and the San Diego Zoo all nestling in this park, you could spend a whole week here and still have more to see.



We visited the Japanese garden, an oasis of tranquillity. Due to a water shortage in California, the gardens were not as lush and green as I expected but still beautiful. We marvelled at the Bonsais and the colourful Koi carp and walked around soaking up the atmosphere. 
We didn't have much time to visit the museums but if we had a chance to visit again I would go to the Natural History Museum, The Air And Space Museum and the world-class San Diego Zoo which houses pandas as well as other animals.

What To Experience - The Seal Tour




We took a trip on a Seal Tour of San Diego. We had already experienced a Duck Tour in Miami so knew what to expect.

This land to water vehicle took us on a tour of San Diego and then, when we visited Shelter Island it turned into a boat and we sailed on the bay.








Where To People Watch - Seaport

This beautiful marina development was perfect for people watching. The yachts moored here are amazing and the restaurants and cafes positioned perfectly for bay views.























Exploring this area more we came across the USS Midway Museum. We didn't venture in but admired one of America's longest-serving aircraft carrier from the shore. It is certainly an interesting vessel, we could see the small planes on the hull.


The Bob Hope Memorial was interesting to see as I didn't even know it existed. The statue shows the actor entertaining the troops, with Bob Hope telling jokes as the soldiers are cheering him on. There is an audio part so you can hear him, which really adds to the experience. 

There is also a lovely statue of lovers called "Unconditional Surrender". A World War II sailor kisses a nurse before venturing off to war. A very poignant and beautiful thing to see.

Where To Stay - The Marriott Courtyard, Gaslamp Quarter



This historic building was a former bank and the public areas are outstanding in its architecture. In the basement of the hotel is an old vault which you can see if you stay there. I felt like a spy from James Bond sitting in the vault!
The hotel has great service, welcoming staff and a tasty breakfast. It is also well situated in the Gaslamp Quarter, with numerous bars and restaurants close by. I would highly recommend the Marriott Courtyard San Diego for its location, service and historic setting. 

Where To Eat - The Gaslamp Quarter Or Seaport 



We ate at Seasons 52 one night at Seaport. We have been to a branch in Orlando before so knew what to expect. This upmarket chain focuses on healthy but still tasty eating and the shot glass desserts are amazing. I ate salmon for main and key lime pie for dessert. 

On the second night, we ate at Jsix. I couldn't fault the food here and I had homemade hummus and pitta with a burger for main which was well cooked and delicious.

So this is a taster of what we did in San Diego in 48 hours. If we had more time we would have visited Coronado and La Jolla. I would definitely recommend visiting San Diego and I leave you with this quote from the film Anchorman, "You stay classy San Diego!"

If you are thinking of doing a road trip on Highway 101 from Seattle to San Diego, this post by Mummy Alarm will help your planning and if you have kids read about the best things to do with kids in San Diego here

You can read more about my California and Vegas road trip below.

Top Things To Do In San Francisco
A Weekend In Napa Valley
The Best Of Las Vegas

Tell me, have you ever been to San Diego?