A Creative Spirit
Fascinated by this cake I decided not only to buy one but also research its origins. Bolo Rei is not simply a cake but a true symbol of the Christmas season! The Bolo Rei (King Cake) originated in France and only arrived in Portugal during the mid nineteenth century. It is traditionally eaten on the 25th... Continue Reading →
Have you ever tried Geocaching? I had never tried it until recently and now I'm hooked!! Geocaching can best be described as a high tech worldwide treasure hunt game using a GPS enabled device. The Geocache is the treasure. Not treasure in the true sense of the word but a container (cache) which holds the... Continue Reading →
The run up to Christmas this year feels rather flat and for the first time I feel homesick. Perhaps not "homesick" in the true sense of the word, but everything just feels alien. I think it’s down to the fact that it does not feel Christmassy. Our nearest town has decided not to display any... Continue Reading →
This recipe is not only delicious but very simple to make. Ingredients 700gr Sweet Potatoes Dressing 1 Lime Fresh Coriander 2tbsp Mango Chutney Soy Sauce Chilli Olive Oil Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes, cut into evenly sized pieces and boil in skins until soft. Drain. Without removing the skins, chop up and mash. Dressing Finely... Continue Reading →
We went along to the FESTIVAL DA BATATA-DOCE in Aljezur last weekend and it was really enjoyable! Although the event focused on the Sweet Potato (Batata-Doce) there were lots of other stands selling local crafts and food. These included cakes, herbs, liquors, local wine, honey, the famous Monchique Sausage, and of course several different Sweet... Continue Reading →
Every Wednesday Littlewoods Europe hold a competition called "Wordless Wednesday". I was speechless when I won their 3rd competition! http://blog.littlewoodseurope.com/wordless-wednesday-littlewoods-europe-3rd-winner/ and when I received my prize this morning I was absolutely delighted. The quality of the bracelet far exceeded my expectations. If you would like to enter the competition further information can be found: blog.littlewoodseurope.com... Continue Reading →
I only discovered how 'fun' flea markets were once we had moved to Portugal. Desperate for more English books some good friends suggested we tried the local flea market. We arrived early and the whole place was a hive of activity with people looking for a bargain and bartering in various different languages. A real... Continue Reading →
Pine Processionary Caterpillars The title may sound a little dramatic even OTT, but in truth these cute and harmless-looking caterpillars pose a real danger to people and pets. Since moving to Portugal I have developed an unexplained desire to learn more about the insects I find in our garden. I like, no NEED, to know... Continue Reading →
Praia da Amoreira is a natural and as yet unspoilt sandy beach about 7kms from the little town of Aljezur in the Western Algarve. It's popular with surfers, fishermen and those who just want to escape from the rat race of mass tourism and concrete highrise. There are no shops or concession areas so you... Continue Reading →
Recently we went to a restaurant where the service was so abysmal and we were treated in such an off-hand way that I asked for the "Livro de Reclamações" (this is the complaints book). Despite being invisible for 90 minutes it was amazing that the manager of the establishment, like a Gene from the lamp,... Continue Reading →
How do you feel about owners bringing their dogs on to beaches unchecked and without a leash? Should they be banned in the high season especially on Blue Flag beaches? The reason I ask these questions is despite signs clearly displaying dogs are prohibited on certain beaches, some owners think this rule does not apply... Continue Reading →
As summer draws to a close and my experiment to see which fruit, vegetables and herbs would grow successfully in pots comes to an end - I look back on the highs and lows. I’m not keen on the word failures but secretly I have to admit to myself there were several. For example, one... Continue Reading →
Take me out of my familiar surroundings in Portugal, plant me in France and I feel like an alien newly arrived from Mars. My attempt at pigeon French, unlike my Portuguese, was apparently so incomprehensible I was viewed as some alien being. Hmmm mental note to google Martians to see what they look like! I... Continue Reading →
Elusive pickling onions September is the month Hubby normally pickles his onions! For the uninitiated pickled onions are small onions preserved in vinegar and spices and usually accompany: cheese; turkey or beef sandwiches; fish and chips etc. A strange combination, but trust me absolutely delicious! In the UK it was so easy to just pop... Continue Reading →
As summer fades and we move into autumn, lazy days on the beach are unfortunately numbered for this year. It will soon be time to swap our bikinis for fleeces and sunbathing for brisk but exhilarating walks along the shoreline! One of my favourite beaches is Monte Clérigo. It's almost like stepping back in time... Continue Reading →
Try as I may, I just can’t understand the Portuguese passion for Bacalhau. Why is it so popular when there's such a wonderful selection of fresh fish readily available and far cheaper? It's as stiff as a board, smells disgusting and looks about as appetizing as the prospect of munching on chipboard. In fact, it's... Continue Reading →
Praia do Zavial is one of my favourite beaches. It is located on the Western Algarve in an area of outstanding natural beauty unspoilt by the ravages of mass tourism and concrete highrise. You will not find neat rows of sun loungers complete with parasols (concession areas) or banana boat rides, nor tourist shops and... Continue Reading →
Shopping!! I absolutely hate supermarket shopping with a passion! Living quite a way from the big supermarkets, as we do, I organize meal plans and my store cupboard with military precision. However, we usually end up visiting at least 3 supermarkets to make sure we procure everything on the “list”. The shopping expedition usually involves... Continue Reading →
The beautiful insects featured below all live in my garden. We exist in parallel worlds in harmony just hoping our paths rarely cross (well I do)!! My garden is a haven for various insects where my plants and vegetables provide sustenance equal to a three-star Michelin restaurant! I would love to identify them...please can anyone... Continue Reading →
Shopping – The survival guide and more... ...or should I say a stress free guide? 1. Write your shopping list in Portuguese. This is really useful if you are unable to find a product and you do not speak Portuguese. You can at least point and grunt to the item on your list when asking... Continue Reading →
Piglet in Portugal 