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Weekend Friday Favourites

by natjtanLeave a Comment on Weekend Friday Favourites

Welcome to another Weekend Friday Favourites that’s hopefully more regular. I have no excuses other than plain laziness the past few months. 

Weekend Friday Favourites is a favourite post to post so I’ll get straight into what’s been making me smile or caught my eye recently. 

HM Home Recycled Cotton Rugs

Visiting a friend I couldn’t stop admiring her rug in the living room lounge. It was so nice to sit on (she has a 1 year baby so you’re on the floor playing) I got thinking that’s what’s missing with my sofa. I had a look at some, saw the price and left it for when there’s more pennies at the end of the month until I went to HM Home. Knowing it probably wasn’t going to be big enough I got it anyway as I liked the texture and colour. It’s more or less the size of a yoga mat, way too small for the sofa so I added to my ‘office’. Checking online HM Home have the same version in larger sizes however maybe too big and on the pricier size. I wasn’t prepared to pay €99-199 for a rug when the first one was €29! I decided to wait until the sales however I found by chance looking again in HM Home the next size up at €39. It’s not the perfect size as it does doesn’t go. I’m happy and that’s the main thing. It feels so nice under my feet and separates the room into a living room from the bikes. In the office/spare room it again separates the room and while the desk can get messy, it gives it a bit of luxe feeling. HMHome España currently only sells the 2 larger sizes here.

Spring

The first official day of spring, winter returned but as quickly as it returned it disappeared with almost a week of blue skies. This winter has been grey with few fully sunny days. I’m not sure if this is due to climate change as usually winter’s here are sunny. The temps are going up and that makes me happy feeling warm sunshine, seeing trees getting dressed, changes in light. This time last year Spain was in it’s 5th week of lockdown with only being allowed out for work unless can work from home, food, pharmacy, doctors. I could only watch spring from the balcony and while the light was getting brighter and spring warming up, inside was dark. 

Gyms Reopened

Back in February Catalunya allowed gyms to reopen! While the whole of Spain has a curfew, the central government gave regional governments the power to reduce covid-19 transmissions bar total home confinement again. Catalunya I think was one the strictest, but we were allowed out. Some weeks only in our towns although exercise we could travel further. Gyms were closed for a while October to December to be closed again in January. For now they’re back open with restrictions but I’m so happy to be training in a gym again and back climbing indoors (this girl is a bad climber for outside climbing. It’s complicated, gym climbing’s easier to get to). 

DIY Dreamcatcher

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Animal Kingdom, Lifestyle, Nature, Weekend Friday Favourites

Weekend Friday Favourites

by natjtanLeave a Comment on Weekend Friday Favourites

Happy November!

I hope you’re having great weekend and welcome back to another Weekend Friday Favourites! Spain declared last week another state of alarm to combat covid-19’s 2nd wave and is in place for 6 months. Unlike back in March it’s not a total confinement. For now a nationwide curfew from 23.00-06.00. Regional governments can alter an hour each way. Catalunya had already closed all bars and restaurants for 2 weeks unless providing takeaway with group meetings to a maximum of 6 people. Regions can also stop cross region travel however Spanish borders will remain open. In addition this week the Catalan Government set the curfew 22.00-06.00 with further measures this week of weekend municipal confinements from 06.00 Friday to Monday 06.00. We’re allowed to cross town borders to exercise but not shop unless for essentials not close by. All shopping centres/malls, gyms, the zoo, cinemas are closed for initially 2 weeks apart from supermarkets with other shops limited to retail size and people capacity. Bars and restaurants unless takeaway remain closed. I’m happy it’s not a total confinement like last time. I think I’ll crazy for sure if it was. 

Anyways, Weekend Friday Favourites, things that have made me smile or caught my eye recently. 

Jigsaw Puzzles

I used to do jigsaw puzzles as a kid and really enjoyed them. My Dad helped although he only did a few pieces before his patience and boredom set in. I’m hoping they’ll break up screen time in the evenings. I spend way too long on my phone particularly YouTube when I get back. Ironically it was YouTube video which gave me the idea. They’re not something I can find easily in the shops! My local supermarket has tiny selection* so it’ll be online for more. This one took me 5 days to complete. What I thought was 10 minutes was 30 minutes or more! I didn’t get much done 2 weekends ago as I was too busy ‘wasting’ time on it. But it’s a good wasting time as I’m using my brain. I felt a little proud when I completed it! I have 2 more already to start (* thank you Christmas toys board games in stock in that local supermarket). This one came with optional glue mix to keep it complete but I’m looking forward to trying it again to see if it’ll be easier, if I recognise pieces and places. Yep. Nerdy.

Crescent Moon Necklace

This is what happens when you watch Hotel Luna on Netflix. A fantasy Kdrama about an hotel that’s for ghosts, souls to rest, resolve grudges before moving onto the afterlife. Only ghosts can see it save the one human employee who helps the owner. The owner each episode wears at least one moon inspired price of jewellery and that’s how I ended up on Etsy looking at moon necklaces. I won’t lie, last week when the moon was a waning crescent to half moon I felt like I was twinning with it.

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Animal Kingdom, Fitness, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Nature, Weekend Friday Favourites

Weekend Friday Favourites

by natjtanLeave a Comment on Weekend Friday Favourites

Happy October!

Weekend Friday Favourites is back! Hopefully for longer this time! 

How’s your weekend? I’m bitter sweet sad autumn fall’s here and it’s temperature early. The care free summer days are over until next year. This year mid autumn temps have hit 20/22C early. 20C’s chilly! You can keep your pumpkin spice, cosy knits and crock pots. This girl doesn’t do layers. She likes summer warmth and the wardrobe that comes with it. The sweet part, I get more stuff done I’m not tempted by the heat, beach, sea.

Anyways Weekend Friday Favourites, things that have made me smile or caught my eye the past few months.

Snorkelling 

Photos from the P’s Go Pro. I’m working on settings

I mentioned in Summer I started snorkelling on holiday. I really thought that was it until next summer. Taking a dip at the beach I go to, I saw flash of silver. The next day I took my snorkel and couldn’t believe how many fish have been beneath me just off the shoreline. P recommended a beach he sometimes swims at, however after seeing that flash, I put everything together with the rocky bit just out at ‘my’ beach. It’s teaming with life! 

Photos from the P’s Go Pro. I’m working on settings

As often as I can I’ve been snorkelling. I could go to other beaches, but this one I know, it’s safe and much quieter compared to other Barcelona beaches. I’m getting much better with my swimming and even now have a rashie (partly due to I spent too much time in the water and at the beach that day and burnt my back. Bonus of one, it keeps me warmer!)! P’s kindly lent me his Go Pro as I don’t think me believed me when I reported back what I’ve seen. It’s tricky trying to indentiy online, however I’m sure I’ve seen small mullets, for sure sea breams, flanders to name a few. My favourites are saddled sea breams. Always curious and say hi. The highlights: a cormorant diving and hunting. All the fish kept clearing fast. Out the corner of my eye I saw what I though first was a big fish or turtle (I know, how?) and then webbed feet. I thought maybe a duck as I tried to keep out of its way. When it surfaced I realised it was a cormorant. I felt so lucky to see it hunt and sorry for the fish. Another highlight an octopus! All this metres from shore! I ordered an Olympus Tough 6 which has only just arrived and sadly I’m not sure how I’m going to go when it gets colder. A wetsuit for sure, but it’s the logistics of belongings, people around if I get in trouble. I’m already convinced that the sea level is starting it’s winter level as the beach seems bigger if that makes sense. This girl might have to read weather and tides to go midday.

Aloha Collection Big Island Flower Collection 

I’ve mentioned before my love for Aloha Collection pouches. On holiday I used them a lot and was surprised how much they pack. I wasn’t going to get any more. I had my eye on a few but said no. You have enough. That was until they released Hibiscus from their Big Island collection. My excuse I used them a lot travel and everyday, plus hibiscuses are one on my favourite flowers. My Aloha Collection pouches has grown and I’ve banned myself from the site 🙊 I can look but not buy.

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Animal Kingdom, Fitness, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Nature, Photography, Travel

Weekend Friday Favourites

by natjtan1 Comment on Weekend Friday Favourites

I hope you’re having a great weekend!

Covid-19 cases have risen in Catalunya and Barcelona with the regional government closing gyms, amusement parks, clubs, cinemas, leaving open bars and restaurants at 50% capacity, libraries and museums for 2 weeks to stem the spike. My gym and climbing gym rebelled as long as they could arguing that health and fitness are vital essentials that need to remain open. Even the city council was on their side. Sadly they lost and most gyms are now closed until further notice. The zoo held out for as long as possible too, closing on Monday and reopening this Saturday after petitioning to remain open. They say it’s for 15 days, but I think it’ll be longer. Thankfully it’s not a full lockdown, we’re allowed out and shops are open. The only change face masks are mandatory in all public spaces even when we can social distance. 

Anyway, this week’s Weekend Friday Favourites. Things that have made me smile or caught my eye this week.

Dietes Bicolor

Dietes Bicolor Lyon Arboretum, Oahu

Scrolling back through photos to edit for Golden Gate Bridge a flower I took in Lyon Arboretum, Oahu Hawaii stood out. It was the same flower I took at the zoo a few days ealier! After a little research it’s a Dietes Bicolor, a tropical iris native to South Africa! 

Dietes Bicolor Barcelona Zoo

Aloha Collection

On holiday earlier this year in Oahu there’s a chain of shops Sandpeople which sell local art, craft and jewellery that I kept popping into. I kept being drawn to Aloha Collection, a Hawaiian and California brand that specialises in splash proof travel pouches, bags and hip/bum bags. I thought one would be be perfect for the summer stashing a wet bikini. Everything is waterproof bar the zipper and was created with stashing wet swimsuits, easy clean toiletry and make up pouches in mind when travelling that can be multipurpose and protect other items from spillages. The black with yellow hibiscus wasn’t the one I wanted, however I thought being dark coloured would be less likely to get ruined with suncream and from being thrown in a rucksack with everything else. When we got back I couldn’t stop thinking about the mini hibiscus With Love From Paradise X Aloha pouch for a purse and well, first order you get 20% off. They have designs for everyone and I’ve had to blinker myself from the new designs out (especially the new small Lei Lei Orchid prints. Like the blue and green below but in pink and purple and the mini in pink which has sold out 😦 ). None the less, if you want a pretty splash proof lightweight pouch to stashing wet bikinis, or a pouch you can wipe down easily I can’t recommend enough Aloha Collection. They are on the pricey side, but I can see them lasting a long time. The only con I have is print on the mini pouch is beginning to fade. I guess it adds to its character. 

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Animal Kingdom, Beauty and Skin Care, Fitness, Lifestyle, Nature, Weekend Friday Favourites

Weekend Friday Favourites

by natjtan1 Comment on Weekend Friday Favourites

I hope you’re having a great weekend!

Just as Spain is getting used to the ‘new normal’, the Catalan regional government announced this past Friday that the Barcelona metropolitan area is going into a 15 day voluntary lockdown due to spike in covid-19 infections. Most gyms have been ordered to close although the city council is appealing to keep them open and most are keeping open until further notice. Cinemas, amusement parks, nightclubs are closed. Bars and restaurants have gone to back to 50% capacity. For now the beaches are open and we’re allowed to exercise outside. Face masks are now mandatory outside at all times even if we can social distance. Exceptions under 6’s, breathing difficulties and for exercise. Police can set stop motorists and advise them to return home but can’t fine. 

Anyways, a short and sweet Weekend Friday Favourites this week. The week’s gone a in blur leaving me scratching my head where it went. 

Jade Eye Mask

An Instagram rabbit hole a few months ago lead me to an esthetician’s page where in one of her clients facials she used a jade eye mask. I was thinking it could help when I have migraines. When I get one usually the only thing that will provide pressure release is a dark room with a t-shirt folded lengthways and placed over my eyes like an eye mask. It gives enough weight to kinda press out the pressure. The head spider massager also helps. 

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