Tag: Winter

A Weekend In Lisbon, Portugal

Making Plans

It was a dreary day in November and I scrolled through my Twitter feed in search of some mild entertainment. As my eyes flitted down the screen I spotted my friend, L’Oréal, had tweeted expressing how she was keen to go to Berlin again for a city break. This instantly caught my attention! I’d been feeling a strong desire to take more trips in the new year, especially to places I was yet to explore in Europe…Although I knew it would be a long shot that we’d actually end up going anywhere, I thought I’d put it out there that I was eager to go on a city break too. And so without hesitation I tweeted back…Because you never know, right!

I’m often reminded that not everyone is quite as spontaneous as I am, but when L’Oréal tweeted back agreeing that we should make the trip happen, I was on Skyscanner before we’d even had a chance to discuss things properly.

I was happy to see that L’Oréal was just as enthusiastic as I was when we got round to properly discussing our trip over private message. We both decided on January for our time to travel. Then Berlin quickly evolved into Lisbon with L’Oréal’s suggestion and the slightly warmer weather in mind.

Lisbon had never been somewhere I’d thought of going to before, but I quickly got enthused about the idea when I found flights for £40 each, to go over on the second weekend in January. Of course we couldn’t say no to that and so Lisbon was booked and my first trip of 2017 was set in motion.

The Important Stuff

Rather than rambling on too much (more) in this blog post, I’d rather give you the important details that may help/benefit you if you’re panning a trip to Lisbon during the winter…Or any time for that matter. I must admit that L’Oréal and I didn’t do much touristy stuff, with the focus of our trip being on relaxing, eating and generally just hanging out and enjoying the laid back city.

That’s one thing I can tell you, that Lisbon has a super chilled and laid back vibe for a city. You don’t feel in a particular rush to go, or be anywhere and people seem to slowly ease into the day without much rush – that’s how it felt on the weekend at least.

Transport

In terms of transport, the subway is affordable and easy to navigate (if you’re use to the London Underground, you’ll find Lisbon’s version a doddle). We only used the subway once during our weekend, and that was to get us from the airport when we arrived, to Baixa-Chiado – Although I’m sure we’d use it more if we were to go back during the summer and explore more areas. Our tickets cost less than two euro each and were easy to buy from the ticket machines at the subway station.

Accommodation

For our accommodation we stayed in an AirBnb, which we’d actually booked pretty last minute (the week before), although I wouldn’t recommend organising it so last minute during the summer, as you may find many of the best place have sold out. I’ve noticed the AirBnb that we stayed in is already starting to fill up fast!

I’m saying all of this presuming you’ve heard of AirBnb and at least know what it’s all about but I do realise not everyone has used it yet. It’s a great alternative to staying in a hotel, whereby you stay in someone’s home instead. Not to worry if you don’t fancy shaking up with a random family, there are plenty of Airbnb’s available where you can rent the entire home to yourself (like the one we stayed in here)…Overall it generally works out affordable and pretty good value for money. Our AirBnb was excellent and right in Bairro Alto, which is an area I’d stay again if/when I were to go back. Also, if you’re new to AirBnb you can get £25 worth of travel credit if you sign up using my link here…You’re welcome. 😉

The Weather

The weather when we were in Lisbon was thankfully much milder than in the UK! We left England with snow and arrived to blue sky and sunshine. The average temperature was thirteen degrees celsius, which actually felt warm compared to back home. The sky was clear and blue for the whole of our trip and we even managed to eat al fresco for lunch on the Saturday!

The Nightlife

The nightlife in Lisbon is really good fun – from what we experienced anyway. Although we only made it out, out, one night of our trip, which was the Saturday, we found that there were plenty of bars to choose from which seem to get busier later into the evening. Later into the night you’re likely to find groups spilling out onto the streets, with plastic cups in hand giving the city a summer type vibe even in the winter. The only downside to the Lisbon nightlife (and also the only negative thing I can say about the entire trip), is that it’s still legal to smoke in bars over there, so if you’re not use to the smoke it can get a little overpowering! However, after getting over the fact that you feel like you’re back in 2006, you’re likely to get use to it and happily dance away into the early hours, especially when you’ve had a few drinks like I had.

Food

And last but not least…(my favourite) Food…If you’re going for somewhere that’s offering the local cuisine, you’re likely to find a lot of meat, fish and potatoes on the menu, usually with the one vegetarian option of lasagne. The local cuisine is very tasty though if you do happen to try it but not to threat if it’s not for you, there is lots to chose from! Even in the small radius from where we stayed we found a verity of different restaurants, with everything from vegetarian to vegan options, so there really is something for everyone and overall I found the food to be really good!

Also whilst in Lisbon I do recommend you try the Pasteis De Nata, which I insisted on calling a ‘Lisbon Pie’ for the entirety of the trip when I didn’t know the proper name. Whilst in Lisbon someone on my Instagram recommended we try Manteigaria (a pastry shop/cafe selling only Pasteis De Nata), and it was an excellent suggestion!

The Low Down

When we visited: January 2017
Weather: Average 13 Degrees C – Mild with blue sky.
How long we stayed: Friday to Monday – 3 nights.
Where we stayed: Bairro Alto.
Accommodation: Airbnb.
Food To Try: Pasteis De Nata.
Suggestions: Take Comfortable Shoes.
What we spent there: Roughly €160 each on food, drink and transport for the entire weekend.
Would I go again: Yes!
Would I go again in January: Most certainly!

I think it’s pretty clear to say that we both LOVED Lisbon. The people, the vibe of the place, the colourful buildings, the blue sky in January, were all brilliant! We’ve been told by almost everyone that we should visit again in summer, which I would certainly love to do, but I’d also strongly recommend Lisbon for a winter getaway destination too. If you’re from the UK especially, jetting off to Lisbon for a weekend of blue sky and slightly milder weather over January or February, is the perfect way to beat the winter blues. It certainly helped me beat mine!

Have you ever visited Lisbon? What city breaks do you recommend?

Samio x

January 25, 2017
Clothing Comforts & Layering

Yesterday was one of those days…What started off as a not so good day, turned out to be a pretty good day. I’ve been having some technical difficulties with filming lately which has caused me to get behind with my filming schedule and after a morning of attempting to film and things not going my way, I decided to call it a day (or should I say morning). I headed out of the house in time for a meeting I had in town, after which I met up with my friend Chloe (who also kindly took these shots) for a much needed catch up. It’s funny how petty frustrations can dampen your mood and then all it takes is some fresh air and a catch up with one of your besties over a pot of tea to help lift your spirits.

Anyway, yesterday’s outfit was all about comfort and warmth (it’s really getting chilly here now). If you read my last post you’ll remember how I talked about ‘creating a uniform’ and having specific clothes to go to on days that you just want to be comfortable, whilst still looking moderately well dressed…Well this is one of those outfits. This roll neck jumper I’ve had since last winter and I’ve been excited to pull it out because I know I get so much wear out of it during the colder months…and of course it goes perfectly with my most lived in jeans.

I was really in the mood to feel cosy yesterday and so I opted for layering my new 3 in 1 Mint by Mint Velvet coat (with the jacket part removed to make it gilet style) underneath my trusty hairy wool Asos coat – another gem which I’ve been excited to pull out from last winter.

It’s my second time layering this combo and I rather like it. It means that when I go inside somewhere and take off my outer coat, I’m still left with a second layer to give me that added bit of warmth whilst looking (imo) kind of cute too.

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What are your go to pieces wear when you want to be cosy, whilst looking good on the go?

Samio x

November 4, 2016
Winter Wardrobe Upgrade With The 3 In 1 Coat

If you’re a regular to my blog, you’ll know how important versatility and wearability is when it comes to any new pieces that I allow into my wardrobe. When searching for a coat I can often find it overwhelming as there are so many styles out there that it can be hard to find ‘the one’, especially when wanting to invest in something good quality that can endure a number of seasons…

As soon as I saw the Navy Three In One Trench Coat, from Mint Velvet’s new collection, MINT, I instantly fell in love…Braking all my rules and saying yes to navy, I definitely managed to tick the box for versatility, as what’s more versatile than a coat that can be worn three different ways!? I can’t wait to keep re-styling this over the coming Autumn/Winter months. Can you tell how excited I am about this coat! Anyway, enough babbling, I’ll let the images do the rest of taking, and don’t forget to check out my mini Lookbook video at the end…

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Shirt – Y.A.S | Skinny Scarf – Asos (similar here) | Skirt – Asos | Belt – Asos (Similar here) | Boots – Office |Bag – Kate Spade | Coat – Mint by Mint Velvet

Two

Three

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Samio x

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

October 17, 2016
6 Things I Love About Autumn

The Style

Although I do love summertime outfits, it always gets to this time of the year and I feel ready to change up my style and what better way to do it than with chunky knits and layering. I currently love dressing for comfort as well as style and I feel Autumn is the perfect season to do so…Hello boots and favourite cosy roll necks, I have missed you!

The Social Calendar

Autumn seems to be the prime time for events, especially in the blogging world. Even outside of that, I always feel that during these coming months there’s always lots going on. From friends birthdays to parties, to pre Christmas celebrations, there’s always lots going on and my calendar always tends to fill up pretty quick. It’s one of the things I love about this season, there are plenty of excuses to dress up, celebrate and spend more time with friends and family.

Cosy Nights In

On the contrary to my last point…As much as I love my evenings out, I have to admit I do also love spending time in the comfort of my own home. During the (occasional) hot summer days, there’s always a pressure to go out and do something to make the most of the good weather (as it’s a rarity here in the UK), even when you’re maybe not in the mood…However in winter you’re guaranteed cold/bad weather so the pressure to be out and about doing things is gone and it can actually be used as a perfect excuse to stay in from time to time…Hurrah!

Autumn Foods

Two of my favourite seasonal foods crop up in Autumn and those include pomegranates and black peas! I’m sure most of you will be familiar with pomegranates and during this season I can’t get enough of them. You may be unfamiliar with black peas however, due to them being a traditional Manchester/Lancashire dish, which consists of, you guessed it, black peas – actually purple podded peas (that’s right I just googled that to check). They are soaked over night, then cooked and you usually eat them out of a cup, smothered in vinegar, on and around Bonfire Night. I personally can’t get enough of them and just talking about them is getting me excited for this simple, yet (in my opinion) excellent Northern dish.

The Atmosphere

Without sounding like the cheesiest person ever, I always feel like the time between mid September to December feels like the most magical time of the year (I know, super cheesy right?). There always seems to be lots going on with things like Halloween and Bon Fire Night…Not forgetting the run up to Christmas and New Year. And even if you don’t actually celebrate these events, I always feel like they create such a fun festive vibe everywhere you go…Can you tell I love this season!

There’s Actually Good Stuff On TV

I must admit, I don’t really tend to watch much TV (I’m much more of a movie and box sets type person) but if/when I do switch on the TV during Autumn/Winter, there always tends to be better things on…I’m instantly thinking duvet days on a Sunday during the run up to Christmas when a load of old movies are on. It’s been a while since I actually had a duvet day with all the house renovations that have been taking over the majority of our weekends for the past 16 months but now we are finally in our house (although the work still continues), I definitely plan on us fitting a couple of cosy duvet days in this Autumn.

What do you love about Autumn?

Samio x

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September 28, 2016
Winter Layers & The Perfect Grey Coat

Although it can be pretty cold here in the UK around this time of year, one thing I do enjoy about the winter period is layering. However, I often find that my outfits can become somewhat monotonous around this time of year and that’s mainly due to the fact that I’ll often wear the same small selection of coats/jackets on repeat.

I decided a new coat was in order, as I’d got a little tired of wearing my trusty long black coat from last year and I fancied changing things up. Opposite to my previous go to warm coat, I decided to opt for something slightly more androgynous, as I wanted a coat that I could wear slightly dressy with a nice pair of heeled boots and also super casual with a pair of trainers. I’m usually drawn to quite fitted styles but this time I wanted something more straight cut. I stubbled across just the style of coat I’d been after, whilst browsing on Asos and it had the added bonus of it being on sale. I went for the coat in Asos Tall, as I often have a problem with things being to short on my arms and I’m happy to say that there’s no issues with this one, as this coat fits perfectly.

Samio x

January 29, 2016
A Luxury Skincare Routine To Rehydrate & Rejuvenate

If there’s one time of the year when my skin needs extra TLC, it’s now. After the busy festive period my skin is left looking and feeling fatigued and the cold winter weather only makes matters worse. So now is the time when I really like to up my skincare regime and go into full hydration mode in order to help rejuvenate my skin.

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser

I’ve mentioned this Eve Lom Morning time cleanser on more than one occasion now and it has fast become one of my favourite skincare products. As the name implies, it is a cleanser that you apply first thing in the morning. It really does help to wake up my skin in the morning and after rinsing it off, the cleansing oils leave my face feeling so soft as well as looking brighter and refreshed.

Renu Lip And Eye Active Lift

This eye cream, although geared more towards mature skin, also works wonders on fatigued skin too. It shows I lead a happy life because I’ve noticed my smile lines becoming more prominent as of late (even when I’m not smiling). It’s not that this is something I’m too bothered about, but I was surprised to see the plumping effect from this cream and that my smile lines appear reduced. It also feels so nice around the eyes and really helps to hydrate and awaken tired looking puffy eyes.

Lancôme Génifique Crème Youth Activating Day Cream

This Lancôme Génifique Crème Youth Activating Day Cream has a sort of gel to cream type feel when I apply it to my skin but it instantly works to help make it feel smooth and hydrated. I love the fact that it adds hydration to my skin and leaves it feeling moisturised without feeling oily. It works as a great base under makeup and leaves my skin feeling soft and plump.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

Using the pipet, it’s easy to apply just a few drops of this products to the fingertips and then rub it into the face and neck. Overnight this stuff really does work well to help hydrate my skin and leave it feeling soft and looking rejuvenated. I feel that it helps to make my skin appear more radiant when it can often look quite dull around this time of year.

It’s fair to say that these products are working wonders at keeping my skin hydrated and radiant, which is just what it needs during the winter period.

What is your favourite product to help rehydrate and rejuvenate your skin around this time of year?

Samio x

You can shop the items in this post and more here.

Check out my current nourishing night cream here.

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

January 6, 2016
7 Reasons Not to Spend Money This January

It’s with great hypocrisy that I begin to write this post. Given the fact that today I have spent money in Ikea, Boots and on eating out I probably need to write this post more for self motivation rather than to give advice. However, twelve days into this month and I’m not doing so badly (for me). The thing is with January, most of us start off the month with extra ambition and often motivation to stay in and save only to reach half way and want to start booking holidays, make plans and nosey at what the last of the sales have to offer. However out of all the months to try and not spend money, January is probably the best time to tighten those purse strings and here are 7 reasons why…

1. Most people are watching the pennies
You can’t miss out if there is nothing to miss out on. Most people are trying to hold back on the spending in January. The likelihood is that you’re not missing out on much by staying in and being boring because odds are most other people are too.

2. It’s cold
Now I don’t know what it’s like where you live but it Manchester it’s ‘bloody freezing’, pardon my extremely northern expression. Why go out and do anything when you can stay in. Movies and cosy nights in all the way!

3. It’s not the most exciting month
I don’t know about you but out of all the months I find January the least exciting. For me this ties in with points one and two, most people are skint and it’s cold, which equals not the most exciting prospects for the month. Apologies to anyone with January Birthdays, including my friends Lydia and Jay (sorry guys) but your birthdays are right at the end of January so it doesn’t technically count of course. 🙂

4. The sales are SO last season
Literally. Don’t go mad buying everything in the sales and certainly don’t be fooled with the old ‘last chance to buy’. This just means new stock is coming in soon, which means spring/summer clothes, which will be loads more exciting to spend your hard earned cash on.

5. You overspent at Christmas
Now this won’t apply to everyone but whether you did or didn’t overspend this Christmas the likelihood is you got lots of new things anyway. So just think to yourself when you’re looking at that cute little bag ‘do I really need to buy this?’. I’m guessing not.

6. You’re watching the waistline
A lot of us are trying to get back on track in the new year after overindulging over Christmas and so my advice to you is: Don’t eat out, don’t order take out, stay in, eat salad and hibernate. Just kidding but seriously do not order take out, especially not Dominos… hmmm, Dominos.

7. The best things in life are free
Except those designer shoes you want, they definitely aren’t free which is a shame, however lots of other good stuff is. Art galleries, museums, brisk winter walks in the park. Or you if in doubt, stay in and hibernate until it’s safe to come out again.

Samio x

January 12, 2015
Lilac Sweater Weather

On Tuesday is was sunny in Manchester! I say sunny, although it wasn’t warm and winter is certainly not over yet but it was nice to see a small glimpse of summer and have some clear blue skies for once.

I went for lunch at Wagamama for the first time ever (shocking I know) and then later met up with street life/style blogger The Mancorialist.

Above image shot by The Mancorialist below image shot by LBD.

What I Wore: Coat – Vera Moda. Jumper – H&M. Shirt – H&M. Shorts – Forever 21. Earrings – Primark. Necklace – Asos. Shoes – Underground.

Click her to check out The Mancorialist.

Samio x

February 21, 2014
Girl In The Red Coat

It’s only eight days until Christmas Day and I can certainly say that I am finally feeling ‘Christmassy’. My presents are wrapped (bar a couple that I’m still waiting to arrive) and I’ve even been getting crafty by creating a few hand made cards. With more festive outings and gatherings ahead, I’m looking forward to getting even more into the spirit of things over the weekend.

At the moment I’ve been living in this coat I bought from Asos. Not only is it a bold yet festive red, which I love, but it also keeps me super warm and the faux fur detachable collar is great at keeping me snug, especially on cold winter mornings. Unfortunately I didn’t do a very good job at neatening myself up for these shot and so the coat looks a bit creased and twisted but at least I was warm.

Samio x

December 17, 2013