lovely jubbly london

I Love Paris In The Winter

The husband suprised me with a trip to Paris for Valentine's Day.

Too bad he also suprised me by giving me his cold! At least we sniffled our way through a very cold (-8C!) weekend together.

Gift Guide {travel junkie}

1. Scratch Map {US} {UK}. Push pins are passé- scratch off your travels on this map.

2. USB Charger. 10 different tips allow you to charge most devices with a single usb plug.

3. Personalised Handle Wrap. Make sure that black bag you is your black bag.

4. PlatyPreserve {US} {UK}. Forget the breakable bottle, carry your wine in this leakproof bag. 

5. Swell Bottles. BPA free bottles keep cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12 hours.

6. Solio Bolt Charger. No access to electricity? No problem. This charger holds a solar charge for up to a year and recharges your device twice. 

7. Lands' End Totes {US} {UK}. The perfect carry-on as the zip top keeps your items secure. Flat pack a large size for those extra items you are bound to buy.

 

Powerscourt

The final stop on our tour of Ireland was the lovely Ritz Carlton Powerscourt. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know the love I have for the RC Penha Longa (here, here, here & here). Well, I wasn't sure I could love another hotel as much. Then I saw Powerscourt and it is stunning. The husband loved the gadgets- electronic touchpads that controlled everything in the room, bathroom mirrors with built-in tvs and Samsung tablets at the concierge. My favourite feature? The bicycle concierge and yes, we took full advantage.

Bonus point? Powerscourt is close enough to be a perfect weekend retreat.

Ardmore, Ireland

The village of Ardmore is the first Christian settlement in Ireland. St Declan brought Christianity to the region sometime between 350-450 AD. Today all that remain of his legacy are some ruins and a lovely cliff walk starting at the Cliff House Hotel. The hike is an absolute must do full of gorgeous scenery and history.

The Cliff House Hotel {Ardmore, Ireland}

Without a doubt, the place to stay in the village of Ardmore is the Cliff House Hotel. Built into the cliffs in the 1930's, the hotel was renovated and reopened in 2008. It's in an impressive location with views that are truly stunning.

The Lodge at Doonbeg

If I could create the hotel of my dreams it would be Doonbeg. It is interior design perfection. Beds made of feathers, woodburning fireplaces, good food and the friendliest people.

 

The Emerald Isle

I have always loved emeralds and the emerald isle is no exception. I can't believe I have been so close all this time and never visited.

It's a magical place.

Bordallo Pinheiro

I adore Bordallo Pinheiro pottery and each time we've been to Portugal, I've ended up wanting to fill a suitcase with it. I haven't but I do love it enough to give up some valuable space in my luggage. It truly is the perfect Portuguese souvenir. 

 

 

  

While not every piece is my own particular taste, I think everyone can appreciate the uniqueness of something created by a company founded so long ago and still going strong. 

Cafe Saudade {Sintra, Portugal}

If you ever happen to find yourself in the town of Sintra you must go to Cafe Saudade. Not only will find the most charming cafe but also a unique art studio.

I'll be honest and tell you I had another restaurant I wanted to visit in Sintra but our concierge marked a little spot on the map and told us this place was good too. We went to my spot first only to find the chef was missing so no food was being served. 

It turned out to be luck because on we went to Saudade and were pleasantly surprised by the food and the prices. Lunch was very reasonable and dare I say it, down right cheap for the feast we submitted ourselves to eating.

the most delicious paninis

fresh pressed juices- this one is melon & mint

pasteis de nata

chocolate cake 

I am seriously still dreaming about that chocolate cake. I think it was probably one of the best I have ever eaten. I need that recipe.

So if you ever find yourself in or around Lisbon, make your way to Sintra for an amazing day. I'll be forever grateful if you get me that recipe too.

You can find Cafe Saudade here:

Oh, and don't miss the bathrooms. I can't describe it but it's something to see.

Sintra, Portugal

Last year, whenever we left the resort we ended up going to Cascais. This year we made a point to go to Sintra and were amazed by its beauty and architecture.

No wonder Lord Byron descibed it as a "glorious Eden".