Ria Formosa, long time no see

This area of the Ria Formosa is one of the most amazing places of the Algarve,not only for its variety of landscapes but also because of its unique location. Classified as a Natural Park in 1987, the Ria Formosa encompasses an area of about 18 000 hectares, and is protected from the sea by 5 barrier-islands and 2 peninsulas. We hadn't been here in 2 years and now we have a whole week to enjoy this paradise!

A happy summer - bare feet, warm sand, vibrant colors, long walks...

Confort zone for cats

Ok, I admit it, I really like cats. But how could I not?

"Taleigos" / Cloth bags, handmade a very long time ago

These "taleigos" (handmade cloth bags) were my great grandmother's. I found them in a very old suitcase in a house we had. Aren't they beautiful?

I took them with me to a workshop I attended in Retrosaria a few months ago and Rosa Pomar took these beautiful pictures of them.

Traditional portuguese "xaropes"

The fabulous store "A vida portuguesa", in Chiado ( Lisbon) is now selling these traditional "xaropes", to be diluted in water and making delicious refreshments. I usei to drink "groselha" (blackcurrant) a lot, when I was a child, but now I want to try the green tea and lime grass flavours. I'll buy one (or two bottles) tomorrow, for sure.

The beautiful labels were designed by the french illustrator, Lapin, its worth checking his work here and here.

Things I like

1 - African bowls brought as a gift from Mozambique

2 - Chatting with V. (she never forgets her cell phone)

3 - A twig with 5 pine cones found on the sidewalk

4 - Homemade candy made  by M. and my mum 

5 - My niece's favorite rabbits

6 - My other niece's favorite necklaces, bracelets and chains

7 - My new craft table (still needs tidying up)

8 - A photoshoped photo of J and I

Sussex and Brighton days

 It seeds that no matter what I always end up coming here. These places make me fell at home. Wherever I am in the world, from time to time I end up missing my green rolling hills, the country cottages, the farmers's markets, shoping in Brighton... And I always come back. Again, again and again.

A recycled lamp

As soon as these coloured plastic packagings of shampoo, shower gel, exfoliator and body lotion were empty I was sorry to throw them away... we thought of a way to re-use them and came up with this lamp project! J. had the patience to make it. And I am really happy with how it turned out.

Its good to be back home

Last weekend we travelled north and coming home was just what we needed. Mia is now completly settled here. She chose this sofa as one of her favorite spots to relax.

Tea with friends