Annie Recommends: A Padaria Portuguesa

After almost a year without writing in my blog, the little writing bug has come back. I'm not entirely sure why I stopped - sometimes I don't know what to write about, or I'm just too lazy, or I simply can't find the time to sit down and write about what I want because of university. But here I am again. And I'm bringing you something I don't think I have ever done before - a recommendation.

Trust me, if I take the time to write you this is because I bloody well love this place! It's called 'A Padaria Portuguesa' and you can find it almost anywhere in Lisbon. It's a cute café with a rustic vibe to it, extremely cozy. They serve salads, sandwhiches, every kind of bread and they have a multitude of cakes to choose from.

The first time I went there was to try their brigadeiro cake (probably a poor translation for 'bolo de brigadeiro'), my mouth is already watering. It was so delicious.

More recently I went in there to try their new 'tarte de morango' (again, I don't really know how to translate that haha). I always ask for an orange juice but you could take advantage of their deal of a cake + a coffee for 2€.

If you ever visit Lisbon and don't know where to grab a bite, don't forget my recommendation, you won't regret it!

Happy Friday! x

Summer Essentials

Summer is considered the best season for some people (me) and in order to enjoy it to the fullest, some precautions are necessary.

In Portugal and other countries the temperature can be so high that it becomes difficult to be outside and endure the warm breeze. Going to the beach isn't the only place where you have to protect yourself, having a stroll around the city can be tiresome when the sun is on its' peak.

Before leaving the house I always check the weather for that day and dress accordingly. If I am too hot I tend to feel weak and dizzy so I usually opt for shorts/skirt + tshirt/croptop/tank top or a dress. 

Tank top - Tally Weijl
Shorts - Lefties

Afterwards I spray sunscreen on the parts of my body that are exposed, even if I'm not going to the beach, because ain't nobody got time to get sunburnt. And don't forget to take the coolest sunnies you have to protect your eyes (or any sunnies, really).

I prefer to have my hair loose but if it's one of those days when I know it's going to be really hot, I just put it up in a ponytail. I only apply the anti-damage multi-protection cream (Kérastase Soleil displayed in the photo) when I go to the beach - it protects your hair from UVs and salt or chlorinated water. Also take a lipbalm with you, especially if your lips have a tendency to become dry like mine.

Lastly, don't forget to keep yourself hydrated. Take a bottle of water with you or buy one when you feel like you need a nice cold drink :)

Happy Wednesday! x

(take care of yourself)

Don't Forget to Love

When does death become easy to deal with?

Some of us "experience" death with a young age by hearing that a relative, a close friend, or maybe someone who was well known in our locality passed away. If my memory doesn't fail me, the first time I had to deal with death was when I was still in primary school. It was an old lady who lived next to my dad's office and she used to invite my older brother and I to her house and give us madeleines.

My reaction goes through a long process and has always been the same: the news shock me and as I digest them, I reminisce about all the memories that I shared with that person. It's the same feeling as when you finish a good book and you just sit there thinking about it. It might take a while but eventually it finally hits me that that person is gone, forever, and the tears start rolling - the moment leading to it is as if I was expecting someone to tell me "it's okay, you can still see him" and then I realise that that is not possible.

I didn't want to write a sad post but today, two years ago, my bunny passed away.

His name was Chico and my dad brought him home to us after his own father, my grandfather, passed away. I never truly forget him, there are some days when I remember him out of the blue and I smile. The day he died was really painful and I cried through the night and the morning after...

I suppose the reason behind this post is to remind you to love those around you, even your pets, because no one is imortal. Tell them you love them, hug them, kiss them, because one day you won't get that chance.

Some people might have a pet and forget to love him because work is occupying them, they have to go away for a week or they are too tired. Don't forget to always find some free time for your pet, they too deserve to be loved :)

Happy Monday! x

(hug your pet and loved ones)