We attended our first ever Cherry Festival! The region of Fundão is well known for its cherries and this...
Easter is a time to celebrate spring and everything that represents the rebirth of life and most importantly: HOPE....
We attended our first ever local Cheese Festival! The biggest cheese festival in Portugal is held just 20 mins...
2023 is a whole new year to focus on my health and fitness. You may have read my previous...
We had a blast celebrating Shrove Tuesday and Carnival, what a wonderful double celebration. A day of confession and...
If I’m honest, I am not a massive fan of Valentine’s Day. I don’t think we should be pressured...
Cabeça is one of my favourite local historical mountain schist villages in Serra da Estrela. At Christmas time the...
Autumn is a very special and magical season in Portugal. I LOVE this time of year as it’s chestnut...
Feira dos Santos is a cultural centenary event located in Mangulade which welcomes thousands of visitors each year. It...
If you have never had the pleasure to visit Penacova in your lifetime and you adore unique encounters with...
We enjoyed the Côja Medieval Fair so much that we decided to attend another one. I am addicted to...
We have had so much fun attending all the local festivals and fairs. Most of the wonderful fiestas run...
When I embarked on my weight loss plan my main aim was to get fit, healthy and live a...
I planned an awesome fun and chilled day trip to the coast to celebrate U.K Fathers Day, Our 1st...
I have a very sweet tooth and I LOVE Portuguese cakes. Unfortunately the feeling is not mutual as my...
For me personally a special time of reflection, prayer and to give thanks to the traditions I celebrate. Confession...
Upon a friend’s recommendation we took a day trip to the captivating and unique Christmas village of Cabeça, Seia...
Teanna’s last day in Portugal was a sad occasion but we went out BIG on our last day. It...
Day 3 of our epic road trip continues in Lisbon with the spectacular Belém district located on the banks...
I was delighted to eventually be able to visit the capital city of Portugal. After some research I decided...
Happy 19th Birthday to my gorgeous daughter Teanna. Here you are on your birthdays 0-19 blowing out the candles...
Why I dislike Museums Firstly, I must explain my feelings about Museums. I know some of you will be...
It’s been over 2 months since I reached my target weight so I thought I would do an update....
I thought that I would start another post for 2021 as my weight loss journey did not really happen...
A lot of people have asked me what type of foods I ate to lose weight. I have a...
I decided it was about time that hubby the Casa Valhal chef cooked a traditional Portuguese recipe for our...
When life gives you lemons, make lemon marmalade, crack open the tequila and learn to juggle. I love lemons...
Today is not only Shrove Tuesday but also Carnival Day in Portugal so we are celebrating with Gluten Free...
As well as too many oranges we also have too many lemons, well my neighbour does anyway. I’m tried...
The weather has been really wet and windy recently which has resulted in so many oranges falling off our...
Celebrating a Covid Christmas This is going to be our first Christmas in Portugal. Easyjet cancelled so many of...
We have a gigantic fig tree in our garden and we have no clue how to look after figs...
My daughter was only 17 when we relocated to Portugal on 31/12/19. She stayed in the U.K and moved...
For the love of smoke I absolutely love BBQ’s and food grilled on a BBQ. I’m not sure why...
One thing I really love about living in my little village of Vinhó is the vans and trucks which...
Caldo Verde (Portuguese kale soup – green broth) is the most famous soup in Portugal. Not to be confused...
My mindset is that I am living in Portugal so I will embrace the culture including food and drink...
Helen’s Weight Loss Journal I have been debating if to write this post for a while now but decided...
Tradition Happy Good Friday everyone! I hope you are enjoying your extended weekend. Easter is very respected and hugely...
With so many oranges just falling into the road below our house and getting squished by cars, I thought...
Here is our anniversary meal. This classic Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, or Portuguese salt cod-potato-onion casserole, is authentic...
The Portuguese food is amazing. You will find that there are many famous dishes which vary from region to...