Tag: palm trees

Columbia Road Flower Market in London: the ultimate Sunday Funday

Published on by McKennaLeave a comment

There’s something so dreamy about freshly cut flowers.

Columbia Road Flower Market in East London is a green fiend’s paradise. You’ll find an entire street boasting the stands of local farmers and florists, offering everything from impressive peonies and succulents to palms trees and cacti. They even have lemon trees… yes, I repeat… lemon trees!

Every Sunday morning, rain or shine, the market is on in full force – and it’s calling your name. After all, a Sunday well spent brings a week of content 🙂

Photo by McKenna

Now, I’m just going to warn you. You may get overwhelmed your first time at the flower market (or second or third visit to be honest). There are just SO MANY FLOWERS (obviously!). Can’t decide between hydrangeas or tulips? No problem! You’re getting both because the option to mix-and-match is always a good idea.

Photo by McKenna
Photo by McKenna
Photo by McKenna
Photo by McKenna

Once you’re done perusing the flower stands, be sure to stop into one of Columbia Road’s quaint antique stores, cafes or pubs for a shopping browse and a cappuccino. Then, if you get lucky, you’ll stumble across one of the market’s street performers – last time there was an amazing accordion player. It made me feel like I was on vacation!

Bottom line: Columbia Road Flower Market is always the right move. Always be blooming!

McK x

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Cascais, Portugal: The land of palm trees and custard tarts

Published on by McKennaLeave a comment

Happy Friday!

Hope you are as excited for the weekend as I am! I’m heading to the cinema this evening and then to a brewery tomorrow afternoon. Bring on delicious craft beers 🙂

Even though I’m seriously looking forward to the weekend, I’ve still been reminiscing about my recent trip to Portugal — aka my favourite citybreak so far! I’ve covered the fabulous cities Lisbon and Sintra so far on the blog, but now it’s time to focus on this little gem — the sea-side Portuguese town of Cascais. Only 30 minutes away from car or metro, this is the perfect day trip from Lisbon.

What is there to say about this darling little palm-tree lined town? For starters you have quaint streets filled with shops, cafes and bars. Every shop window seems to have something that literally triggers stars and hearts in your eyes — whether that’s a cute little leather crossbody bag or a healthy scoop of gelato.

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Clearly, I could not resist from indulging in the traditional Portuguese custard tarts. These are absolutely to die for! If you go to Portugal and do not try one (or two or three!) of these perfects little treats you might as well not have even gone! I’m serious, they’re just that delicious! Why not pair it with a little cappuccino for a caffeine boost 🙂

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Although the streets that weave in and out of Cascais are absolutely adorable, the real gem is where the sand meets the sea. We enjoyed fab views of a turquoise marina and a quiet little beach… the perfect place to perch up and get lost in your favourite book or have a picnic (if it’s not too windy!).

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Although Lisbon seems to be the star attraction in this part of Portugal, Cascais is the perfect little day trip to break up your sightseeing in the capital. I mean, just look at that view 🙂

xxx

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