Category: Uncategorized

  • Road Tripping in Porto

    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.

  • Five ways to protect your belongings when out and about

    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.

     

  • Autumn Knitwear Outfit Ideas

    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.

  • The Heart of Your Vehicle: Uncovering the Mysteries of Fuel Systems

    To understand how your car runs smoothly, it is important to know about the fuel system. This system is integral in ensuring your car runs efficiently and safely.

    What’s in the Fuel System?

    The fuel system in any vehicle consists of several critical components. These include the fuel tank, pump, filter, injectors or carburetor, and an intricate series of other parts that connect these together. In essence, this system ensures that fuel travels from the tank to your engine effectively.

    The Role of the Fuel Tank

    The fuel tank plays an indispensable role as it’s where gas is stored until needed by the engine. The location and design vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive but their function remains consistent across all models: storing gasoline securely and efficiently.

    An excellent example would be an S&B fuel tank. Known for their quality construction and durability, these tanks are designed to withstand a multitude of conditions while providing optimal storage solutions.

    This is not to promote any particular brand or product, but rather to recognize an existing product as an example of a high-quality fuel tank.

    Lifeblood Pumped: Understanding the Fuel Pump

    After gasoline is stored safely in the tank, it needs to get pumped to different parts of your car through well-designed conduits. It’s here where another crucial element comes into play—the fuel pump.

    Traditionally mounted inside or near the fuel tank itself (in modern vehicles), these pumps push gasoline towards your engine under high pressure.

    Clean Living: The Importance of Fuel Filters

    Let’s discuss the cleanliness of gasoline since not all gas is the same.

    Fuel filters serve a pivotal role in maintaining optimal performance by removing impurities from gasoline before it reaches your engine—preventing potential damage due to contaminants.

    To Inject or Not? Carburetors vs Injectors

    With clean petrol now ready for use, how does it get mixed with air for combustion? Enter either carburetors or injectors.

    Older cars use a carburetor to mix air and gas before it goes into the cylinders while newer cars use electronic fuel injectors that make mixing more accurate, making them more efficient and with fewer emissions. Diesel engines take a different approach entirely, using high-pressure systems like the cp3 injection pump cummins to deliver fuel directly into the combustion chamber with extreme precision. Ultimately, whether it’s petrol or diesel, the evolution of fuel delivery systems highlights just how far engine technology has come in pursuit of power, efficiency, and cleaner emissions.

    Why Is Understanding Your Fuel System Important?

    This knowledge might seem technical but understanding how each component works alone and as part of a larger system can help you recognize potential vehicle problems sooner rather than later. For example:

    1. Troubleshooting: If you notice issues such as sudden drops in mileage efficiency or strange smells coming from your vehicle—it could be linked back to issues within this system.
    2. Maintenance & Repair: Regularly checking elements such as your filters can help prevent costly repairs down the line.
    3. Safety: Faulty components within this system can lead to dangerous situations such as leaks or even fires if left unchecked.

    Appreciating the complex systems in our cars can help us be responsible owners and have safer rides for longer periods of time.

  • 3 Versatile Dresses for Everyday Wear

    Spring is quickly turning into summer and the weather is warming up. Trees are getting greener, the flowers are blooming, and the sun seems brighter than ever. These longer warmer days also give us more time to enjoy doing activities with our kids.

    Wearing clothes that keep you cool and comfortable is the key. Dresses can be a cool alternative to shorts during the spring and summer months and are comfortable to travel in.

    Here are three styles that are sure winners:

    1) Short Sleeve Tee Dress: Casual, lightweight, and stylish. This dress is perfect for running errands, casual lunches with friends, and can even be used as a swimsuit cover-up headed to and from the pool. This versatile dress packs in more uses than any of the others on our list. Keep it as one of your summer must-haves and stock up in varying colors and patterns. You really can’t go wrong with this summer staple.

    2) Midi Dress: This dress is perfect for all the brunches, luncheons, and business dinners you might need to go to this spring/ summer. The length is perfection when you’re trying to make your understated presence known and the cut of the dress can range from flirty to professional. Choose a lightweight fabric and this dress is perfect for the warmer weather.

    3) Slip Dress: Lightweight, understated, but sexy enough for a night out, a slip dress will become your new go-to for any summer evening outings. The lightweight fabric will keep you cool and comfortable while the cut of the dress will tastefully reveal anything you want it to. Choose a neutral color/print to pair with any accessories or choose a bold color to stand out without any help from accessories. The options here are really endless!

    These are our top three styles of dresses to wear during the summer months. Tell us – which ones are your favorites?