Tag: Lifestyle

Lifestyle, Nature, Photography, Travel

Basque Country Road Trip 2019. Part #1

by natjtanLeave a Comment on Basque Country Road Trip 2019. Part #1

Last month P, D the cat and I took a last minute weekend road trip to the Basque Country! In Part #1 I’m sharing our weekend adventure with Parts #2 and #3 more photos as there’s way to many for one post. You might want a cup of tea for this one.

We didn’t know the Bilbao Night Marathon was that weekend making most places that allowed pets sold out both in and outside of Bilbao booked up. We initially thought San Sebastian but everywhere that was reasonably priced was sold out included self catering that we usually go for. We found a great pet friendly hotel, Petite Palace in Getxo up from Bilbao along the coast.

The Guggenheim Museum The Guggenheim Museum’s a must see visiting Bilbao! Designed to pay heritage to Bilbao’s shipping past the exteriors are a play on boats. The famous spider’s the other side of the museum along the river. Initially I thought we had to pay to see Continue reading “Basque Country Road Trip 2019. Part #1” →

Animal Kingdom, Fitness, Travel

Hello November! Parkas & October Recap

by natjtan6 Comments on Hello November! Parkas & October Recap

Happy November!

Have you ever noticed how different coats and jackets make you feel? Some making you feel instantly chic ready to take on the world? Others playful, some uncomfortable feeling not like you or others nothing special, just doing their job, keeping you warm or safe?

I’ve lived Spain for about 14 years and while I’ve acclimatised I still can’t get used to October being around 20-24C. My body’s asking where are layers and winter coats. Then just like when there’s no warning for the heat, almost like someone switched the heat on in June, November with no transition period the cold starts. Chilly here’s around 14-17C during the day, hitting 7-11C evenings and early hours. That’s chilly now for this girl how now feel the cold like locals. And this girl’s in her new parka that makes her feel cheeky and playful. Continue reading “Hello November! Parkas & October Recap” →

Nature, Photography

Pretty Sea Sunrises

by natjtan2 Comments on Pretty Sea Sunrises

Today I’m sharing one of my favourite time of the day: Sunrise! Way too often than I care to admit being still in the land of zzzz I miss them. When I do catch one I feel like it’s going to be a good day!

Watching the day’s first light rise over the sea lightening up the sky and sometimes the sea peaches, lilacs, purples, blues and pinks, followed by a glowing ball of pink makes me feel alive and full energy. I alway say hi and never forget how lucky I am to watch the sun rise over the sea before turning into its daylight yellow. Sunsets with all their vivid colours don’t compare to that ball of pink say hello Earth. Or is it one half the of Earth saying hi to the sun if you’re really going to get into technicalities?

As usual way too many photos to share and while it’s my favourite time of the day, I’m not the best at capturing them. Anyways, sunrises from this summer and past couple of months.

These are around Midsummer when for a few weeks the sun rises over land Continue reading “Pretty Sea Sunrises” →

Animal Kingdom, Fitness, Lifestyle, Nature, Photography, Thought

Hello October

by natjtanLeave a Comment on Hello October

Happy Autumn Fall! Happy October!

The first of October is a very special day around here. It’s Diesel birthday!

DSCF2398

15 years old! How did that happen?! We celebrated with hoomin Mama coming home early, hugs, new toy and saying how much of a good boy and a cutie he is all day. It was his first birthday without his big bruv and he’s doing okay being the only cat. In addition to his hyperthyroidism, he has some tummy issues and is now on the same steroids AJ was. And just like AJ on those steroids he’s peeing more and kicking litter everywhere afterwards. Bad mama forgot cat nip on his birthday. Well I didn’t, I got him a cat nip ball I’d thought he’d go crazy over. He wasn’t too fussed, however almost daily he has a swipe at it. Tom boy’s still got it. He’s still jumping up high, having mad five minutes even if they’re not as often as a few years ago. I’m convinced he thinks he’s 18 in cat years.

The theme around here this year’s been Continue reading “Hello October” →

Beauty and Skin Care, Fitness, Lifestyle

Beauty Finds: Cruelty Free, Reef Friendly, Tried and Tested European Body Sunscreens

by natjtanLeave a Comment on Beauty Finds: Cruelty Free, Reef Friendly, Tried and Tested European Body Sunscreens

I spent all summer long testing out sunscreens. It was hard. Daily beach trips for about an hour, testing out their waterproofness in the sea, running outside and if that doesn’t make me a good candidate for testing them, I burn within an hour. Making me perhaps one of the best candidates 😉

There are 2 types of sunscreen. Chemical where the skin absorbs the chemicals that stop your skin burning and physical or mineral sunscreens which reflect the sun rays. Physical sunscreens are considered to be more reef friendly as they’re less likely to contain toxic ingredients that kill reefs and marine life. Reef’s are vital part in our ecosystems. They protect coastlines from damaging effects from waves, storms, floods, provide habitat and shelter for marine life, assist in carbon and nitrogen fixing, provide nitrogen and other nutrients for marine food chained amongst others. I dip in the sea almost daily during the summer, I didn’t want to be part of the reef killing sunscreens anymore. Physical sunscreens are typically made from Continue reading “Beauty Finds: Cruelty Free, Reef Friendly, Tried and Tested European Body Sunscreens” →