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Portugal’s second largest city has recently become a popular destination with those looking for a place where they can relax, slow down and enjoy everything this European country has to offer.

We have talked about Porto before in our City Guides and we’re writing about it again because it’s still one of our favourite destinations, where you can experience Portuguese culture and traditions at their best, without the tourists and the busy streets of Lisbon.

This time we’re proposing a road trip. Even though it is a compact city that can be discovered on foot, there are certain areas that are worth visiting but are far away from the centre. With the available car rental options in Porto it is really easy to fully discover the city and its surroundings in just a couple of days, and a road trip would be awesome with an RV!

Ribeira District: the heart of the city

The best way to start exploring the city is in the Ribeira district, the busiest part of the city where tourists and locals walk by the River Douro, get lost around its cobblestone streets, enjoy the typical Port wine at one of the many cellars and experience magnificent views of the sunsets from the Dom Luís I bridge.

This is also a good area to buy some local souvenirs and find some great stores selling Portuguese fashion, ceramics and other objects. We recommend ignoring the typical tourist shops and visiting the ateliers and stores of the craftsmen working in the district.

Shopping and drinking in Cedofeita

A little bit further north you will find the Cedofeita neighbourhood – our favourite in the city. Because of the cheap parking prices and large number of parking spaces, driving around Porto is much easier compared to other European cities.

Take your rental car and head north. This is the area where local creatives and students hang out and where you will find some of the best bars and shops in the city. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Café Candelabro, a bar and second-hand book store serving great cocktails and other drinks. If you’re looking for local designers and brands with a focus on sustainability, Coração Alecrim is your place. This concept store stocks a great selection of womenswear, accessories and homewares that we’re sure you’ll want to take back home with you after your trip.

Culture in Boavista

We’re now saying goodbye to the city centre and heading to Boavista, a district located in the north west. The most popular landmark here is Casa da Música, an impressive concert hall built in the early 2000s as part of Porto European Capital of Culture in 2001 and designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhas.

Even though this modern concrete building has its critics, it has become an essential part of the neighbourhood and the architectural landscape that surrounds it. The concert hall houses two auditoriums, a café, a restaurant and other spaces that can be visited every day on organised tours focusing on the architecture of the building, its functionality and its artistic programme.

Pink art deco at Serralves

We’re heading west to Serralves, a cultural institution that has recently become one of the most instagrammable locations in the city. Comprising a contemporary art museum, an extensive park and a beautiful art deco villa, visiting this cultural complex is a great plan to relax and discover other side of Porto.

On a sunny day, the magnificent gardens – designed by iconic French landscape architect Jacques Gréber – are a popular destination with locals who want to explore the different trees and flowers, walk around the fountains and lakes or simply lie on the grass while they read a book.

The museum opened in 1999 and is currently the most visited contemporary art museum in Portugal, housing more than 4300 works, part of which are showcased in the permanent collection along with other works by Portuguese and international artists belonging to the temporary exhibitions.

Beach time in Matosinhos

We’re finishing our road trip around Porto with some well-deserved relaxing time by the sea. Matosinhos, in the west area of the city, is an up-and-coming neighbourhood which is now attracting many young people due to the lower flat renting prices and the opportunity to live in a district where creative opportunities are booming.

Explore some of the cool stores, bars and other businesses in the area and don’t forget to take your towel and swimwear to swim in the sea or dive into the Piscina das Marès, a salt water swimming pool wonderfully integrated in its surroundings and designed by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza in the 1960s.

 

We want to hear your thoughts about road tripping in Porto. Do you have any other recommendations? What are your favourite places to visit outside of the city? Share them with us in the comments section below.

Have you had an item stolen from you before? Most of us will own the likes of phones, wallets, laptops, jewellery or bikes which make our lives easier and carry sentimental value — but could unfortunately be targets for thieves.

Though still lower than in decades gone by, theft in the UK is on the rise in recent years. If your prized possessions have taken months or even years of careful financial management to pay for, here are five ways to protect what’s rightfully yours. 

Keep your bag close  

Bags are an easy target for what they could have inside. Try not to leave yours out of sight in public places and consider wearing it on your front when in crowded areas such as train and underground stations to make it harder to snatch.

We all lose things by accident from time to time. Attaching a tag with your name and contact details could allow a kind stranger to help your bag find its way back to you. 

Be aware of your surroundings

There are times when you may want to tune out of everything around you and get lost in your own world. Doing so could land you in trouble in certain situations however, so try to stay savvy to prevent anything being stolen without you noticing.

Keep your headphone volume low enough to hear what’s going on when in public places, and make sure to report anything that looks suspicious.   

Don’t flaunt your possessions

If you’ve spent money on a fancy necklace or a new smartphone, it’s understandable that you may want to show it off a little — but you’re not always in control of exactly who you’re showing it off to. 

Don’t leave expensive items on show in your car, cover up your jewellery in public spaces, and only get your wallet or purse out when you need it.  

Lock it up

In many cases, thieves will target items that are easy to steal without anyone being any the wiser. Using a lock could be enough to deter potential criminals and keep your possessions safe. 

Always secure your bike with a lock when leaving it in public spaces and attach a padlock to your rucksack when travelling or attending events.

Take out insurance

Even when you take all the necessary steps to protect your belongings, sometimes the worst still happens. All is not lost, however — as long as you have insurance. 

Many expensive items can be purchased with insurance added on to cover you in case they get stolen, lost or damaged.

Are you street-smart with your possessions? With a few of the tips above, you’ll be able to keep what’s yours, yours.

 

From oversized, chunky knit sweaters that keep you cosy on chilly mornings to finer, lightweight tops and cardigans that act as the perfect trans seasonal pieces, as summer turns to autumn we have our knitwear favourites on high rotation. 

Whether you’re looking to invest in some new knit pieces to see you through the change in season, or some inspiration on how to breathe a new lease of life into your existing staples, we’ve curated some autumn knitwear outfit ideas to help you build the perfect fit to suit any style or occasion.

Knit Dress

A knitted dress is versatile, easy to wear and can be found in a range of silhouettes, colours, textures and styles. Look for a chunky knit in a mini length and pair with knee high leather boots. The shorter hem means you’ll avoid feeling drowned in the heavier finish and baggier fit and the knee high boots balance your silhouette. If a longer length is more your personal style, look for a midi dress in a finer knit that hugs your figure and opt for a staple block shade for the ultimate capsule piece.

Image: Tigerlily

Knit Cardigan

A cardigan is the ideal piece for layering; something that can be taken on and off while the days are still warm or to keep you cosy as temperatures drop later in the season. An oversized cardigan that finishes just below your knees is great for pairing with a top and skirt combination. Complete your outfit with a pair of western inspired cowboy boots and coordinating bag for an everyday autumnal ensemble. For a more polished look, opt for a cropped cardigan that buttons up – wear it buttoned as a top with a flowing maxi skirt and fine gold accessories or undone and layered over a mini dress and finished with boots.

Image: Tigerlily

Oversized Knit

A slouchy, high quality oversized knit is a must have in every autumn and winter wardrobe. Comfortable, easy to throw on and effortlessly cool, it can be worn for days at home, sitting in front of a roaring fire with a good book or taking an afternoon walk along the coast. Keep your look casual and pair with your favourite jeans or with a textured mini skirt and boots for a relaxed day to night outfit. 

Image: Tigerlily

Cropped Knit Sweater

Much like the versatility of a cardigan, a cropped knit sweater can be worn on its own with jeans, breezy wide leg pants, high waisted printed skirt or layered with a mini or midi dress to perfectly suit the occasion and weather. Look for a cropped style that finishes around your waist to elongate your silhouette and explore earthy autumnal colours of deep brown, ocean blue and burnt orange. 

Image: Tigerlily

From a chunky knitted mini dress paired with leather boots for a stunning evening outfit to a slouchy yet cosy oversized sweater and jeans that prioritises comfort, knitwear pieces will undoubtedly be the foundation of all our autumn fits. Explore different textures, silhouettes and colour palettes to find the perfect pieces to add to your new season collection, or experiment with new ways to wear your trusty wardrobe favourites.

In the world of marketing and promotion, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance brand visibility and leave a lasting impression on potential customers. While digital advertising has become increasingly popular, it’s crucial not to overlook the power of tangible promotional items. 

Among them, promotional notepads printed with your logo offer a unique opportunity to engage with your audience and reinforce brand recognition. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and effectiveness of using personalized logo printing on promotional notepads to elevate your marketing strategy.

Memorable Brand Exposure:

Promotional notepads act as mini billboards, putting your brand directly in the hands of customers. By incorporating your logo, tagline, and contact information on the notepad’s cover or each individual sheet, you create an enduring reminder of your business. Every time recipients use these notepads, whether in the office, at home, or on the go, they are subconsciously reinforcing their association with your brand. The repeated exposure enhances brand recognition and increases the chances of customers remembering your business when they need your products or services.

Practicality and Versatility:

Notepads are universally useful, making them an effective promotional tool for a wide range of industries. From corporate professionals and students to homemakers and creative individuals, everyone can benefit from having a notepad handy. Whether for jotting down important notes, making to-do lists, or sketching ideas, personalized notepads ensure that your brand is involved in these daily activities. In addition to their practicality, consider environmentally friendly promotional products to further improve the brand appeal. Choosing sustainable materials for your notepads shows a commitment to environmental responsibility. By providing practical value, you position your business as one that understands and caters to the needs of its target audience.

Cost-Effective Marketing:

Compared to traditional advertising methods like television or print media, promotional notepads offer a cost-effective solution for small and large businesses alike. Printing customized notepads with your logo is an affordable way to create a lasting impact on potential customers without breaking the bank. Additionally, notepads have a longer shelf life than many other promotional items, ensuring prolonged exposure and value for your marketing investment.

Enhanced Professionalism:

Personalized notepads not only increase brand visibility but also contribute to a professional image for your business. When clients or potential partners see your logo prominently displayed on a notepad, it instills a sense of credibility and reliability. The attention to detail and the quality of the notepad itself reflect positively on your brand, setting you apart from competitors who may overlook these personalized touches. Moreover, custom notepads can be an excellent addition to corporate gifting or promotional packages, leaving a lasting impression on recipients.

Customization and Creativity:

Promotional notepads offer a vast canvas for creativity. With various sizes, colors, paper types, and binding options available, you can tailor the design to match your brand identity and target audience. From minimalist and elegant designs to vibrant and eye-catching ones, the possibilities are endless. By integrating your logo seamlessly into the notepad’s design, you create a cohesive and visually appealing promotional item that aligns with your brand aesthetics.

Conclusion:

Promotional notepads printed with your logo provide a practical, cost-effective, and impactful way to promote your business. By capitalizing on their versatility and the extended exposure they offer, you can enhance brand recognition, reinforce professionalism, and leave a lasting impression on your target audience. Investing in personalized notepads is an investment in building brand loyalty and attracting new customers. So, why not grab this opportunity to boost your marketing strategy and watch your brand soar to new heights?