ana por um triz

Wild cat

2011-09-19T21:32:00.000+02:00

Well, I told you before we wanted a kitten. We got Easton when he was 2 months old and he is now almost 4. He's a cutie. But also a nightmare. While I'm writing this, he's running left and right in front of me, jumped to the windowsill and fell off it, chased his tale, played hide and seek with his toy and now he disappeared. Go figure cats. Here's the boy.

When he'll be older, I want him to be like Maru, the Japanese sensation cat of You Tube. I'm in love...

weekend plans and nail polish

2011-09-08T16:37:00.000+02:00

Lack of news really...this has been the excuse I've been using for the lack of writing in this blog. It used to be my friend, now not so much.

But life changes and here we are. New life in Brussels, new kitten and a whole new approach to my relationship. It's getting stronger by each day and it's divine.

This weekend we'll try and finally paint the alcove in our bedroom in a deep blue/gray and try to give it a cosy look. We have some idea of what we want, but once we paint with the sample, we'll have a better idea.

We'll also sand the doors and repaint them, as the paint used previously was crap. We want super shiny white doors and the 3 that we did so far look really cool.

On other level of conversation, I got a new nail polish by OPI called Manicurist of Seville and it looks like this: Pretty, han?
And on this beautiful note I leave. Promise not to take that long to come by again :)

Hmmm...

2011-05-14T16:43:00.001+02:00

Wanted

2011-05-14T14:39:00.002+02:00

And we are looking for a cutie like this to join us after the summer holidays:

I always loved grey/lilac cats with plenty of fur and big round eyes - when searching for these characteristics in a cat, I've come across this breed called British Shorthair and I can assure you, these are the sweetest looking cats with a lip shape like a smile. They were the inspiration for Cheshire, Alice's cat.

Aren't they super sweet?

Aleluia!!!

2011-05-14T14:31:00.004+02:00

I know, almost 3 years without news - bad, bad, bad!

But better late than never and I'm back with a few stories to tell.

Some facts:

- I'm still in Brussels

- Found the love of my life

- Started an online diploma

- Settled

That's it, it's been absolutely fantastic and definitely worth the try. Love it!

I'll keep you posted!

Brussels so far

2008-07-28T13:18:00.002+02:00

Yes, I'm in Brussels!

Life here is pretty much the uncertainty of what weather we'll have, as in the mornings it's always greyish...

I've been to a few places already, but still need to finish off the flat. I've been to Amsterdam, Maastricht, Ostende, Waterloo... It's been quite hectic, with my sister here.

We've been to parties, dinners and all sort of cool activities, so the weather doesn't really weight on you.

It's been quite cool, in this month I've been here. Made many nice friends and went to some nice places. The balance is very positive!!

Neighbourhood

2008-07-02T00:25:00.002+02:00

This photo is of my new neighbourhood in Brussels.
It's called Chatelain and this street is called Rue du Bailli. It's a bohemian chic neighbourhood, apparentely.
It's got quite a few alternative shops, small designer boutiques and plenty of cafés and cool restaurants. I was told that on the Place de Chatelain there's a Sunday market every week, so I must check it out!
I promise I'll post some photos of my nest as soon as it's ready for a show off! Right now, it looks like a tornado stopped there and twisted the whole appartment. Seriously, I'll transform it, you'll see!

Brussels at last

2008-06-29T20:19:00.009+02:00

Hello all, after more than 2 months of total abandonement of this blog (little poor thing!), i'm finally in Brussels. Arrived today and i'm staying at an hotel until my flat is decent to live in - as of now, there's nothing in it! Tomorrow my things and my little bichinho are arriving, together with the office files that we had to bring over.

It will take me a while to settle, as buying and assembling all furniture takes a bit, right?

Have a few favourites from IKEA that i hope to find here, as on the catalogue they don't show up...

These are the ones:
1- sofabed, very important piece of furniture, as i hope to have many visitors:

2- bed, necessary with tidying space, for i have thousands of things!

3 - some curtains, important too, as my windows are huge:
This week things will start rolling, as not only i have to take care of my house, as i also must take care of my work, as we officially start providing service to Iberia. Wish me luck guys!

Atribulations

2008-04-19T10:52:00.004+02:00

It's raining and it's cold.

Ok, so my odissey of moving away...you don't want to know!

If before was a bit slow, let me tell you now it's a rollercoaster. Of that previous list, I've solved a few already, like points 1 and 2, since my boss is going to pay a moving company which, apart from moving my stuff, also finds me a flat in Brussels, takes care of my car papers and maybe even carries and assembles my IKEA furniture over there. That's what I call a great choice of company, by the way :)

So, points 3 and 4 are now a little bit less relevant on the list. I still have to cancel all my water, gas, electricity, internet, phone bills - that is actually a pain in the behind, as it takes ages to actually get your message through - I've tried to cancel my internet yesterday and it took 7 calls, 5 different operators, 5 times repeating my name and ID and what I wanted and I'm absolutely sure it's not over yet and that in July I will still be dealing with this. You wanna bet?

As for the work stuff, let me see... I've been to Brussels last week and did point 2 and 4. Point 1 is an ongoing task, unfortunately for me, as it is 3, 5 and 6, which leaves me with so little time for myself. And besides this, I still have my normal workload. It's been nuts and it will continue like this, of that I'm totally sure.

Another thing going on is that I must include the rent of my flat in my tax forms, but my landlord is a bit against it (you wonder why, right?). So, I've just sent him a draft of what I pay in case I don't include my rent, and a draft of what I should get back in case I do. Well, we are talking of hundreds of euros, which obviously I won't let go. Even if he insists, that's money I'm entitled to, as here in Spain, if you're under 35, you can get back from the Tax Office up to 840€ return, which, for me, is almost a month's rent!

Today, me, my sister and my friend were supposed to go for a shopping morning, but the wather betrayed us, and instead, I'm still laying in bed, listening to the rain on the window and thinking of what my breakfast will be: cereals, toast, croissants, chocolate pastries...what? Maybe all!.... I don't if it's the stress or the cold lately or the lack of gym, but I'm eating a lot lately. I've informed myself about the rates of the gym next door to my office in Brussels and, apart from the initial shock, I considered and maybe I'll go for it, as it's so necessary in times of increased stress, especially!

Last week I also had time to do a mini-surprise birthday party to a friend. He arrived and everyone was hiding in the living room with the door closed. He thought it was weird to have the door shut and didn't go there. I had to insist to go ahead of me, also because he's quite a gentleman and always let me go first. He opened the door slowly and they just shouted! It was quite funny and made me realise my acting skills are quite poor!!! I sucked!

Work and no play....

2008-03-29T14:29:00.003+01:00

Hope in Brussels I can keep up with these posts, on a more regular basis than up to now.
I have 'to do' lists all spread out the flat, as I have a trillion things to do before June 1st. Just to give you an idea:

1 - find a good moving company
2 - find a few flats in Brussels to have a look at
3 - find out the costs of importing my car
4 - choosing all furniture, etc etc....

Job wise:

1 - coordinate the transition
2 - recruit 2 more people
3 - optimise workloads
4 - assign tasks and clients
5 - learn new report analysis
6 - monitor the work of new trainees
etc, etc, etc....

Meanwhile, I've kept the same workload as before and I'm travelling 3 times more, meaning when I come back, I have a pile on my table...
My Summer holidays are a mirage and an utopia, I will not have them...
Met some Belgian colleagues who are already asking for help, and we haven't started yet....

Helppppppppppppp!!!!!!

PS - well, to soften things a bit, I'm out tonight for a Portuguese Talent dinner. Can't be too bad, as it's in Moma 56.

Enjoy the weekend!

Blonde turnover

2008-03-15T12:53:00.002+01:00

I swear I didn't want such radical change! I told the guy to act according to my skin tone and do what he thought would look nice. And he gave me a blonde look.... My hair was reddish before, now it's blondish....Oh dear!!! I'm still getting used to the idea of being one of them :)

Caprice

2008-03-12T12:56:00.002+01:00

My latest buy - this cool Samsung flat tv....

I deserved it! I keep spoiling myself! I allow myself many whims lately... Well, if I work hard, then why not, right? hihihi

Here I go

2008-03-07T17:30:00.004+01:00

Knowing me, deciding to go wasn't a big thing.

Of course I've accepted and am now in the middle of the process to know exactly when I'm moving to Brussels.

I went there last week and was quite well treated, in a successfull attempt to convince me that moving to the city would be so beneficial for me. They put me in a very nice hotel and my new boss took the day off for me. Our office is right at the center, sharing building with the Sheraton and facing the Hilton and the Crowne Plaza. Just across, a main shopping street. I liked the atmosphere, the place itself. And since the position they offered me is higher than my actual one, it didn't take long to decide to make this move. April/May should be.

Goodbye tapas, movida and splendid sun. Hello chocolate, beer and grey sky! :)

Should I stay or should I go?

2008-02-21T16:10:00.002+01:00

'...If I'll go there will be trouble and if I go there will be double...
...So c´mon and let me know....
...Should I stay or should I go?'

20 reasons it's okay to hate Valentine's Day

2008-02-11T14:49:00.000+01:00

With its tacky poetry, rip-off prices, pink fluff and diamante, February 14 is to be endured, not enjoyed

Helen McNutt, Times Online

FOR GIRLS
1 You can’t moan about it. If you’re single, you sound like a dried-up old spinster; if you’re in a relationship, everyone assumes you’ve hit a rough patch.

2 There is nothing more disappointing than a man you’d previously earmarked as husband material expressing his romantic intent with a card of a sheep and a pun on the word “ewe”.

3 With the stress, all-over body waxing and pressure to outromance everyone else, Valentine’s Day is like a mini-wedding . .. but in February, the dampest, coldest, rubbishest month. Nobody should be expected to get married in February. And certainly not every year.

4 It produces brain-rottingly awful verse, such as, “How we gain yearly, from the love we share dearly”.

5 All the displays of perfect, flippy-haired coupledom only serve to turbo-charge the sneaking suspicion that everyone else is far more in love and having heaps more sex than you are.

6 The girl you most dislike will receive a gift-wrapped pair of Manolos, and, once her man is out of earshot, declare them “a bit tarty” for her taste.

7 There’s no such thing as a successful Valentine’s Day. Even if you do get a mystery card/gift/bunch of flowers, it will almost certainly be from someone insultingly awful.

8 You become embroiled in competitive dating battles. Okay, so Charlotte in marketing got the most expensive roses, but you got the best restaurant. Aargh! Look what you’ve become!

9 It bullies us into losing weight. The chances that he’ll buy you underwear are pretty good; the chances that those festive Caramel Swirls haven’t quite left your midriff are equally good.

10 Naff, pink and diamanté only ever work for three-year-olds and Italian fashion designers.

FOR BOYS
11 It makes you hate your fellow man. You can guarantee all the decent restaurants will be booked up by smug w***ers, leaving the rest of us paying double for horrible food in a restaurant we hate.

12 It makes men do stupid things, like light candles and stuff.

13 It gets men into trouble when they don’t do stupid things like light candles and stuff. Because, actually, she really wanted you to, but prompting is so unromantic, isn’t it?

14 It’s such a rip-off. With flowers, dinner and cabs, you’re looking at a hundred quid minimum. Wouldn’t she just prefer the cash instead?

15 In new relationships, whether or not you take her out or buy her a gift speaks volumes about “where you’re at”, way before you’re ready for the “are we having a relationship?” chat. (Like you were ever ready for it anyway.)

16 Not only do you have to buy the right size, style and colour of underwear, you also have to look as if you’re not ogling the breasts of the Agent Provocateur sales girls while you’re at it.

17 Valentine’s Day focuses her mind, and because this year there is a February 29 on the calendar, for the following two weeks you feel as sick as a dog every time there’s a lull in the conversation.

18 Isn’t one compulsory annual shopping event enough? Christmas is just about excusable, as it’s okay to drink Baileys at 11am without anyone questioning your sexuality. No such luck on the 14th.

19 Where are the man presents? What do we get out of it?

20 There is nothing more disappointing than a woman you’d previously earmarked as wife material not even laughing at the sheep card.

Carnival

2008-02-06T15:33:00.000+01:00

Had a short break and managed to go to Porto for Carnival. Not that I enjoy Carnival all that much, but it was necessary. In one hand, to talk face to face to parents and seek advice, also to meet a potential employer and, on the other hand, to relax and get out of here.

Things at work will be taking a turn on the 15th, after the crucial meeting that will take place in Frankfurt. I keep being pressed to tell them about my interest on the move, and I keep telling them that I will only show my genuine interest after a counter proposal has been done. That’s what I’m patiently waiting. My colleagues aren’t volunteering to move, and apparently, neither are the French ones, therefore, the pressure is huge on the managers. Transferring a whole business without continuity in terms of knowledge is a big headache and a situation prone to be disastrous. The know how and experience is what we have and is what they’re after, but the personal circumstances of each of us and the conditions they’re proposing aren’t attracting any of us.
It’s a huge decision and they are aware of that, so I hope that after this round of conversations, a better menu of conditions is reached.

As for the other job on the line, it’s financially very attractive, also for Belgium, but I’m not so enthusiastic about it. Money isn’t everything and I cannot sell myself to a highly stressful job just because it’s better paid than what I have or want. I don’t deal well with huge pressure, I take it very closely and that necessarily affects your health. And with that I’m not playing. I rather have a more relaxed life without so much money. I’m true to myself. Me and my family above anything else. And this ‘me’ implies a healthy, stress free person, not one that has cash loads but is totally unhappy.
Career wise, I’m messing it up, as this position is for Logistics management, but I rather get that on my company, in a different area of work.
Like I said, money is nice, it brings a lot of commodities and enjoyments, but at the end of the day, you must be happy with what you do. In that line, I rather stay in my company and get all that they offer and a bit more, obviously, and maybe in 1 year get into HR or business management within paper, instead of solar panels. In one year, we’ll talk again….

Week of let downs

2008-01-24T18:38:00.000+01:00

If you think of a week from hell, what comes up to your mind?

Lots of work,

Lots of problematic situations,

Lots of conflicts,

Lots of stress,

Lots of crying,

Lots of let downs,

Lots of unbelievable things, like neighbours complaining to the landlord about how noisy are our barefeet,

Lots of all this and more, that's what I'm having in these last few days.

It's been so stressful, also besides the fact that we still don't know anything about us, basically. We don't know the final day of work in the office, we don't know exactly what's being offered to go to Brussels, we haven't had a single email from any superior showing that they're sorrow 5 people will be unemployed in a few months...

To top things up, we know that today the big sharks got together in a meeting here in Madrid but in a salesman's house...They didn't have the decency to come to the office and show their faces. They rather hide than give some sort of explanation or excuse...

It's such frustration and awe between us that I had to explode and started crying like a baby this afternoon. This week has been providing a number of things that are so disappointing, that all I feel like is to leave them stranded and the hell with it. I didn't want to leave on a bad foot, but it's been quite bad. And some attitudes have been quite disappointing.

But hey, the world isn't lost, I guess.

We have till the 15th of February to indicate whether we are or aren't interested in going. I must make up my mind in the days to come, but based on the initial proposals they're considering, it might be a 'NO' rather than a 'YES'. I'd prefer to stay, but maybe a change is what I need...

Moving....again!

2008-01-20T14:05:00.000+01:00

My company establishes Western Europe as a Business Area, of which Portugal, Spain, France and Benelux are part of. Now, following the restructuring programme my company is taking into effect since October 06, each country's office is to be centralized in one, representing each BA. This means relocation of offices. In my case, to Belgium, to Brussels in particular.

This came as a shock, but decisions are taken and there's no going back. It's not making much sense to us, if we look at the country they decided upon - it's very costly and the fiscal burden is huge on companies. In terms of savings, Brussels doesn't seem to fit the bill. But, hey, who are we to have a say?

In practical terms, our department of 11 people will have to, either moving to Brussels or leave the company. Out of these 11, 4 will work from home, so they're saved. The rest will be fired, if moving to Brussels doesn't please them. I'm the only one who seems to be in the conditions to accept the deal, as I'm the youngest and have no strings attached in Spain. Basically, they're counting on me. So, the scales seem to be on my side and it's my moment to ask.

The move will take place by the end of June, so we have nearly 6 months to clear all the mess, teach the new Belgians and all of this with a smile. I'm the only one who's actually smiling, but can't show it out of respect for my colleagues. It's a crap place to be for them, as they have kids and their houses to pay.

Conclusion: another country to live and work - it will be the 5th, if I don't count my own, Portugal. Oh dear, just the thought of packing everything again.....

Nano

2008-01-11T17:54:00.000+01:00

Here's the cheapest car in the world, and I quite like it. Especially the concept of wanting to change the world by 1,700 €... Ultralow cost, to try and make a change in the emerging countries. Thanks, Mr Tata!

Relocation

2008-01-11T16:47:00.000+01:00

Well, the start of the year couldn’t be more auspicious (I’m using this word often, what’s the matter with me?). Apparently, a change of office is on the works, an international change, I mean. So, and if the rumour is confirmed, the change is to a less sunny country…This weekend, you can guess what my homework will be, no? Internet wise…

Meanwhile, this is a photo of the city that I'm talking about. Do you know what is it?

50 reasons why we might be single

2008-01-07T21:23:00.000+01:00

From The Times. Might be accurate in some lines, actually....

50 reasons why you’re still single
Do you wonder why everyone else is coupled up, apart from you?

MEN because you...
1 Wear side-buckle shoes
2 Use the word “chillax”, as in “chillax, babe”
3 Use the word “babe”
4 Have glow-in-the-dark stars above your bed
5 Have nothing but a broken sandwich toaster, a camp bed and a 60in plasma screen in your flat 6 Believe that certain things are self-cleaning
7 Wear short-sleeved shirts in the summer, but are not a postman
8 Wear a duffel coat in the winter, but are not Paddington Bear
9 Have “Thug Life” tattooed across the back of your neck
10 Have sold your forehead to an internet advertising agency
11 Affectionately address your friends as “stinker”
12 Prefer the “fist bump” when meeting strangers, and always insist they “lock it in”
13 Have knees that chafe
14 Regard the in-flight meal as the highlight of any flight, or holiday, for that matter
15 Own a pair of Crocs
16 Are only gay when you’re drunk
17 Stand for the national anthem
18 Refuse to remove your Bluetooth headset before making love
19 Throw baked beans at people who tease you
20 Shave your legs “for sporting purposes”
21 Have ever taken more than one mobile-phone photograph of your genitals
22 Have telephoned in a late-night radio dedication
23 Have a stuffed parrot on your shoulder
24 Believe all worthwhile women are under 25
25 Have a name for it

WOMEN because you...
1 Have a calendar stuck to your wall with pictures of babies in plant pots
2 Have a “lucky” thong
3 Have more than zero stuffed animals on your bed
4 Still use scrunchies
5 Are described by your friends as “mad!”
6 Are described by your friends as “Samantha”
7 Know all the words to Mariah Carey’s Hero
8 Have written poetry in Costa Coffee
9 Use the expression “defo”
10 Have an extremely long nail on one of your little fingers
11 Have ever got corn rows on holiday
12 Get visibly angry if people don’t get what you’re trying to mime in charades
13 Spell your name with a “y”, where there should really be an “i”, as in “Clayre”
14 Dot your “i”s with a circle
15 Posed with your cat for your Facebook profile photo
16 Have a five o’clock shadow
17 Have bought yourself a Ginsters All Day Breakfast Roll
18 Write in coloured ink and/or use smiley faces in handwritten letters
19 Think the energy crisis can be solved with crystals
20 Will not relinquish control
21 Spend all your time with your best friend and her husband
22 Own 27 volumes of Now That’s What I Call Music!
23 Have mistakenly given yourself “wedding hair”, thanks to overzealous use of curling tongs
24 Have said, “Oh my God, you’re a Gemini?”
25 Own a pair of leather trousers

Have you ever thought about this? :)

Sick

2008-01-06T20:04:00.001+01:00

There, there, there, 2008 is already here for a week and I haven't noticed it yet. Been sick for the last 5 days with all the flu symptoms you can think of. Maybe this start of the year isn't auspicious, but, what the heck, what can I do about it? I've been on my bed for longer than I recall, I'm sick of being sick. My family doctor smiles when I step in his office, knowing beforehand that Ibuprofen is the medicine for me. I'm sick of him too. At least, he gave me 2 sick days to stay at home and not going to work (by the way, I'm supposed to be enjoying holidays!). Arghh, I swear I'll be thankful of my good days.

2008!

2007-12-30T19:37:00.001+01:00

Tomorrow night we'll be thinking about the new year and our resolutions... one for each sultana (actually, here in Spain, they don't eat 12 sultanas, but real grapes....).

Anyways, we'll be in our friends' huge house and I'm hoping his swimming pool is well covered, as I can already see some midnight diving....

Hope 2008 brings the same as this year, I can't ask for more, can't complain really. Basically, the trio - health, love and money - that big equation that seems to summarise our lives' goals. We all want it, the more the better. I keep playing Euromillions, keep going to the doctor checking out regularly and, as for love, I keep looking. It will come, I'm sure, I feel 2008 will be what winemakers call a 'vintage' year... I'll keep my fingers crossed, hey?

Happy New Year, plenty of love for everyone!

Spas and shoes

2007-12-30T19:04:00.000+01:00

Apart from the Foundue Set and the 6 bottles of Cava - the Spanish equivalent of champagne -, I very much liked my presents... there's a catch here - I basically knew what I was going to get beforehand, because this year we decided to make a list to avoid unecessary gifts. We went straight to the point. Except for the shoes from Sacha London which I love, my Mum is the best. Of course, I´m a massage lover and I've been dying to get one at this place. Not only was I offered one, but it's also the best one of the pack!

C'mon, spas and shoes are a girl's best dream! Hurrah!

Useless gifts

2007-12-26T12:39:00.000+01:00

Saturday night fever - 2

2007-12-16T15:55:00.000+01:00

My previous Saturday nights in Madrid have all been all about partying... It's good to come back to the party lifestyle :) There's so much out there to look at!!! C'mon, just look at us and you'll see we've been having fun. Last night was a very very late night in Pacha, I guess it will take a while to forget what a funky time we had.

Here's some samples...some more are promised and they will be on the way soon!

Home sweet home

2007-12-07T18:30:00.000+01:00

Going home for the weekend is always a good reason to smile :)

On these occasions, I always stuff myself with cakes and food in general that are hard to come by here or that simply taste better at home, with that flavour that brings back memories and tastes particularly fantastic!

It's a very short visit, but doublefolded - in one hand, visit parents and friends and finally bring back my winter jackets (that we need desperately) and, on the other, to visit customers on Monday and Tuesday. After working for 2 years with these people on the phone, I'll finally will have the chance to say what I think of them eye to eye :) No, they're sweethearts, really! They're well groomed!

Au Revoir Simone-The Lucky One

2007-12-03T19:47:00.001+01:00

Air - Sexy boy

2007-12-03T19:27:00.001+01:00

The Chemical Brothers - Do it Again

2007-12-03T19:22:00.001+01:00

The Chemical Brothers - The Salmon Dance

2007-12-03T19:18:00.001+01:00

Creepy stalker

2007-12-03T17:25:00.000+01:00

I have a stalker.
I see her every morning, waiting for me by my car.
She’s in her small Hyunday and she is scary.
She gets into fights with other people because of me.
I can’t trick her, because she knows where I live and what time I leave for work.

She’s after me….and my car spot!

The Brothers will work it out...

2007-12-03T12:03:00.000+01:00

Amazing weekend of concerts! 2 in 1.

Saturday:
Au Revoir Simone and Air…Sexy Boy was cool, danced all gig long, got fascinated looking at the front boys’ white and tight pants. They were quite ‘fashion’
as any true Frenchie is.

Sunday:
The masters Chemical Brothers really were wicked, loved the explosion of colours and images on the transparent screen behind them. The lasers and colours really made the show, together with the mood of the thousands of people that filled the Madrid Arena. When Black Rollin’ Beat started, there was an out roar and the people jumped like one single mass, arms up and smiles on their faces. I was remembering my student years in the UK, when I first heard of them and danced their hits on Wednesday’s at Arabella’s, our alternative disco…On Thursdays we had Student Night on Tokyo Jo’s and the music was more commercial and targeted at young drunk crowds.
Can’t believe those years were crucial, as it was also the year of Trainspotting and Underworld, Oasis, Prodigy and a few others. I was at the right place with the right people.
Last night the gig brought back those sweet memories of northern England at the late nineties…

My (fake) Miu Miu coffer

2007-11-17T19:38:00.000+01:00

I just bought this bag, it's quite cool :)

Obviously mine isn't a real Miu Miu coffer, like the one Reese Witherspoon is sporting, but it looks exactly the same...

I told you I was on a silly mood!

Shallow obsessing strongly encouraged here.

Silliness

2007-11-17T14:59:00.000+01:00

I feel silly* today, I won't say anything :)

* silly as of happy silly, I'll come back later!

REY JUAN CARLOS INCREPA A CHAVEZ POR INSULTOS CONTRA AZNAR 1

2007-11-14T19:01:00.001+01:00

The Spanish King showed he's human after all and shouted a 'why don't you shut up' towards Chavez who, later, called the King a bull...
Ahhh, politics!....

Wow, Earth!

2007-11-12T17:37:00.000+01:00

Go and watch this movie NOW!

http://www.loveearth.com/uk/film

Earth is, without any doubt, the most beautiful movie ever.

Milan, day 2 and 3

2007-11-09T16:13:00.000+01:00

Basically, spent day 2 and the morning of day 3 wandering round the centre of Milan, observing people, contemplating in awe the Duomo, the Galerias Victorio Emmanuel, the shopping streets where the cheapest shop is Dolce & Gabbana...

I liked Milan a lot, it isn't a pretty city, but it has character. Deserves a second visit :) - on the sales season, to be exact!

Lago Maggiore - Day one

2007-11-01T18:34:00.000+01:00

Isola Pescatori

Arrived last night at Milano Malpensa.

Today's plan involved a trip to the Maggiore Lake, the second biggest in Italy, after Garda. I must say it was very sweet. We went to Isola Pescatory (on the picture) by boat-taxi, had lunch on the beautiful and tiny island and then got the boat again to get to the other island called Isola Bella, which was bigger and basically home of a huge palace with amazing gardens and little alleys behind. A lovely place this lake. Its shores were once the vacational retreat of the very rich and today we can still contemplate in amazement and green with envy the massive palaces and mansions by the water. Beautiful!

Isola Bella

Milano, mi amore!

2007-10-25T20:51:00.000+02:00

The magic of not having a boyfriend is that you can always choose what you want to do, without giving or taking. Of course, you are relying that your friends are making plans where you, somehow, fit. But the point is that you can enjoy and go to places that you really wanted to go for such a long time, but without a boyfriend on your shoulders. Even if you're going to a place you hadn't thought of going before, you still feel that freedom.

Well, as I've been working like a slave for these past 2 weeks, I thought I deserved a reward. I´m bridging the next holiday and have 4 days of sweet relaxation. And now you ask me:

- Where?

And I answer:

- Milan!

I know I just missed the Fashion Week, but hey, I'm sure the sights are still pretty (hahaha). And, being in Italy, I will have plenty to look at. Oh yes!

Saturday night fever

2007-10-23T20:32:00.000+02:00

On a saturday night, out with a friend, how should I feel when kids 10 years younger than me approach me, in a seduction attempt:

- happy

- flattered

- wondering

- intrigued

- weird

- old

- young-looking

- offended

- dizzy

- hot

Because this happens often to me and it leaves me quite confused and feeling all the above! Well, at least got some attention :)

Lilly: The World Map Master Baby Genius

2007-10-20T12:34:00.001+02:00

She's not even 2 years old!!!

Chaotic funeral

2007-10-14T18:56:00.000+02:00

First time ever I got myself alone to watch a movie.

Since it's a beautiful sunday afternoon, nothing to do, friends with other plans, decided to get into the car and drive down to the center. Parked the car and walked to see if there was anything funny at the cinema. Realising that 'Death at a Funeral' was on in 45 mins, bought the ticket (with the embarracement of the cashier shouting from his mic, One ticket?) and waited in Plaza Sant'Ana for the 45 mins to pass by. Sat on a bench, watching people go by, got a suntan and listened to the 'Beach Boys' from the portable radio from this guy sitting behind me...What an atmosphere! If I closed my eyes, I could easily imagine I was watching surfers glide the waves while I was lying on the sand... Just the smoke from passing cars eluded this illusion.

Got to the cinema and next to me sat 4 old ladies. One of them, already at the presentation of the trailers, was snoring really loud, which made everyone stare back, and there was I.

The film was hilarious, pure black humour, true Brit com. I truly reccommend it, honest. You roll out of your chair with Simon, totally high on acid.

I promise it's really funny, go and watch it!

Waouh (that's Wow in French)

2007-10-14T12:58:00.000+02:00

Maybe because lately I've been feeling lonely or sick or both together (or maybe I just needed to do something on a sunny saturday afternoon) I went throughout Madrid looking for a Sephora with Clarins make-up, as I had a potencial buy in my mind. Realising that the most central Sephora didn't have it, I tried to go to the other one the guy advised me, but to no avail, as I got lost and ended up quite annoyed with the whole experience - remember, I feel the flu is visiting quite soon. Resigned to go home, at the last minute realised that Bodybell, another beauty haven in Madrid, could have it and I parked nearby. Once inside, I left my poor and tired soul to the Argentinian saleswoman and just listened what she said. Usually I don't listen to them, I don't want their advise, but this time I was in need. Don't know why, maybe I needed the attention and the chit chat. The thing is that she took me all over the big brands counters - I was enjoying it - and we finally got back to where she took off, the Clarins counter. I ended up buying 2 products and got this Wow (Waouh!!!) bag:

and got out of there all smiley with a fashionable umbrella (for having spent my eyes in there) and a few more samples...This made my day and I returned home much better.

Now that I'm not travelling anywhere, I must use at home my cute samples of all creams available - when I went home, me and Mum went to the pharmacy to buy some night creams of Vichy and the girl there got crazy and gave each of us around 20 samples of the brand... We just stared at her and got out of there quickly, all giggly. Then, went to visit my aunt and she also got tons of samples which she doesn't want, so I ended up bringing home a whole bag of samples which I shared with my sister - to her amazement! I got the antiwrinkles and eye contour creams and she got the hydrating and 'young' ones... Well, having Dad's genes is lucky, as wrinkles aren't going to be a major problem. Nevertheless, better to prevent than to cry after. And since I'm very disciplined in the cleasing routines and all that, you'll look at me when I'm 60 and won't give me more than 35! You'll see!!!! Thanks Clarins, Vichy, Roc and Biotherm - if you are linked somehow to these brands, don't be shy and send me some more samples, I'll find time to use them all, don't worry!!

Holiday pics

2007-10-12T19:57:00.000+02:00

Uploading one's holidays pics two weeks after returning is:

a) frustrating
b) brings back memories
c) depressive
d) reveals how lazy you are
e) pure masochism
f) damn sad
g) living in the past
h) helps planning next hols

Yes, it's me, I'm uploading my pics and I feel all the above :)

Pos-vacational trauma

2007-10-08T19:12:00.000+02:00

How difficult it is to come back to work after your holidays!
How hard to know that in 2 days you'll have to do your work plus your colleague's workload, as it's his turn to go...for 3 weeks.
How tiring is getting back to the routine.

I need holidays again! Pleaseeeeeeeeeee! I beg!

Powerboats

2007-09-30T18:23:00.000+02:00

The beach was fab, got 2 amazing beach days, those on which you spend the whole day laying at the sun and getting burnt...fast. I got my long awaited tan in 2 days! Now I'm finally proud, I look decent!

Saturday was a bit crap, but interesting enough as the Powerboats World Championship was happening in town and I love all the buzz, noise and atmosphere of these events. Noise was a big thing, as even listening to your loud music on your headphones, you could still hear every single vibration of these big boys on the water. We are talking LOUD. And since they were very close to the shoreline and the helis kept pursuing them, you can't say we had a quiet and relaxing beach day. But it was fun seeing these huge boats ripping the sea, flying almost. The helicopters also did a performance on the beach, touching almost the sea and spiraling up and down. All was really cool and I took plenty of pics which obviously have nothing to do with the pros you can find here. 'The Switch' was my favourite, as it glided fiercely in black. The 'King of Shaves' won the Evolution class though...

And the second leg of the Championship to be competed today was apparentely canceled due to strong winds...It seems that I came back to Madrid at the best time!

Beach!

2007-09-25T20:13:00.000+02:00

And tomorrow I'll be in Portimão. Hurraayyy!

Paintings

2007-09-25T19:53:00.000+02:00

Taking advantage of my Dad's renewed inspirational creativity, just as he's starting his oil and acrylic painting lessons at the Academy (Mum prefers Hydrogymnastics, Yoga and Chinese Filosophy), I bought 2 canvas and some oil colours and left my Dad a request: paint me 2 nice and colourful geometrical figures. I'm thinking on the lines of Kandisnki, one of my favourite painters, because he used splashes and splashes of colour and I like that. My Excel sheets are colourful, I wear nice colours, my room is colourful, therefore we must respect that in my art! I'll have 2 great canvas, you'll see!

Sardines and Dali

2007-09-25T17:06:00.000+02:00

Last night got to go to the movies to see Goodbye Bafana, which we liked. Apparentely, Mandela never confirmed his friendship with Mr Gregory, the prison officer which is the central character of this movie. Any case, I like Joseph Fiennes!

Today, we went to Dali's exhibition in this Palace which is almost totally renovated, after years of negligence. Such was the damaged incurred by years of abandon, that some of the frescos were unsaved, meaning the restaurateurs couldn't make up what they originally were and left empty walls instead.It was built at the begining of the 18th century and at the top of its 4 towers we can see the family's symbol, the dolphin.In 1910 it was considered National Heritage, but faced almost a century before some renovation work got under way, work that took 3 years. It's now being prepared to accomodate another Pousada de Portugal (historical buildings transformed into charming hotels, usually monasteries, convents and palaces). - I have to say that the palace impressed me more than the 285 pictures, drawings and sculptures of Dali...Obviously, I'm not such a fan.

We then went for lunch at a cosy restaurant at a small fishing village overlooking Porto.

I had grilled sardines,

which were simply delicious, and finished off this great lunch with a view with a sensational chocolate mousse, one of my all time favourites.

Now, must pack my bags for my 'cross country' travel tomorrow. I leave at 05.50 am and get to Portimão at 12.00 am... Oh dear!

Dentists and other stuff...

2007-09-24T13:25:00.000+02:00

And yet another visit to the dentist and my wallet gradually shrinking...Damn dentists! Besides making you hurt physically, they also impose pain on you financially!

Anyways, got my train ticket to the radiant south for some last days of suntaning activity before relunctantly going back to work and Autumn. We are already in the romantic season of the chestnuts, new wine and ... jackets! That I don't miss at all.

Yesterday with Pedro we went for tea at the beach terrace, because it was a bit cold to have a chilled drink. Not that it was cold cold, but a cup of tea was a nice solution. On the way, we got our first roasted chestnuts from the street vendors - but we were a bit let down by the cold and not so sweet little thingies...Maybe next time.

We then had a fantastic steak at a friend's place overlooking the river Douro and Oporto.

Ah, and today I bought another Nick Hornby book - About a Boy.

Soft Cell - Tainted Love

2007-09-22T21:13:00.001+02:00

Isn't this a classic??

Modern Classics...

2007-09-22T20:23:00.000+02:00

are back!

Yesterday on the Biography channel, I saw a documentary about the life of the great Eileen Gray, architect and designer of furniture and ornamental objects. She took inspiration from Le Corbusier, one of the massive architecture names. The thing that stuck with me was her modernism and futurism of her pieces. If you look at the Bibendum chair (inspired and named after the Michelin man)

or the Nonconformist chair

you wouldn't guess they'd be designed in the early thirties.

She also designed E-1027, a fantastic-looking house on the Med with an unparalel view to Monaco. Besides the house, she designed all furniture, like this table,

Breakfast table (to be inserted besides the bed)

gardens and a "sun pool", where one could tan in confortable sofas...

She was so ahead of her time, and like most great artists, recognition of her work was only attained after her death.

In 1968, the E-1027 table (above) and the Bibendum chair went back to production after a complimentary magazine article quickly grew into an unexpected hit. The interest of Yves Sant Laurent complemented the mythification of her image among collectors of 'modern classics' and the general public.
Check her work out, it's worth it.

Bichinho and blog

2007-09-22T19:49:00.000+02:00

A funny fact: this blog's visitors number goes hand in hand with the number of kms of my Bichinho. Cool, no?

Go figure...

Solu Music - Fade

2007-09-22T19:43:00.001+02:00

"Always there when I close my eyes...never fade, yeh yeh!!"

I really miss dancing, go out and dance the night away like when we were teenagers and we had the whole world to conquer :)
And what best than dancing after a day at the beach?!

Windy beaches

2007-09-20T12:40:00.000+02:00

The windy beaches at home...they might be windy, but beautiful nonetheless...

Another day

2007-09-13T19:23:00.000+02:00

We spent the day today talking with our new french boss who seems ok, but the last one also seemed fine! The other was italian, don't know if that suggests something...

Our new boss kept telling that he's the new 'Chef d'orchestre' and all I could do was to imagine him with the baton, setting the rhythm...

Anyway, since I have absolutely nothing else of interest to tell you, I better dedicate my time to pack my bags and to relax...although I'm a bit frantic today, after I drank an expresso in 2 seconds after lunch - you see, I'm not used to expressos anymore and the ones I take now really take an effect! Better go!

One day left to go home, can't wait!!!

2 weeks of bliss!

Thelma Houston - Don't Leave Me This Way

2007-09-10T22:15:00.001+02:00

State of mind these days... hahaha

Injustice # 2

2007-09-10T17:10:00.000+02:00

...is when you find exactly what you were looking for ages and that thing is about to disappear from sight.

That's unfair! (sniff sniff)

Did she do it?

2007-09-07T15:35:00.000+02:00

And we thought...

2007-09-04T20:04:00.000+02:00

...that we had heard everything!

Last night on the news, Portugal was referred (big event, I thought, no news ever come from Portugal, at least on Spanish tv). Preparing myself for some quality news, thinking it might be something related to Maddie, my surprise was huge when they mentioned that there's a big (hhihihihihi, you'll understand why soon) fuss between the Catholic Church, the diocese of Braga - the most religious city in Portugal - and the mayor, as this statue of an old bishop of the city

is the center of controversy because of the baton, which according to the mayor is not elegant and inappropriate.

Judge by yourselves and don't make any jokes!!!!

Injustice

2007-09-04T19:57:00.000+02:00

Oddly enough, just realised that a few of my recent visitors reached my blog through "I lick your icecream and lollipop" words...

It's not fair! I can't be reachable just by that! I can't believe it :=)

Bags for all!

2007-09-04T13:43:00.000+02:00

A girl's dream: an array of designer handbags to choose from at a fraction of the price - but only for a few days use. That's the new thing nowadays, to rent a bag for an important meeting, for a business trip, for a party... In Bag de Lux we can choose their selective bags and rent them either for 3 days, from 25€ up to a month for 90€, depending, of course, of the real value of the bag.

This is democratisation of luxury and I like it :)

Massages and weekend

2007-08-31T19:23:00.000+02:00

I urgently need a massage, any good soul out there? Especially one using my dear moxa, those great massages (but, unfortunately smeeellllyyyy!)...

Are you coming?

2007-08-30T21:46:00.000+02:00

Madrid 14th September

Faithless

Massive Attack

RadioSoulwax presents:

Nite Versions

Deep Dish

etc

Massive Attack - Live With Me

2007-08-30T21:14:00.001+02:00

Another gem!
'Been thinking about you baby...
Live with me.'

Car wash, yeah yeah...

2007-08-30T20:58:00.000+02:00

Hurrah, this is the 300th post! Seems quite a lot, hey?

Anyways, yesterday went to the car wash and decided to wash it by myself, without using the tunnel. I've used the pressure wash and behind me there was a large line of cars waiting. Mostly were guys. I felt quite observed indeed. Why did I feel like I was washing my Bichinho like her?

Thai memories

2007-08-26T22:35:00.000+02:00

The sun showed up today, bringing with him the summer temperatures again. Bless! Saturday the winds wanted to take us with them, it's was seriously windy and strange...

Well, the winds weren't only bad, also brought a smile from faraway lands! Winds of change, of whatever they want to call them, winds bring change. In my case, maybe not physical change, but some sort of platform. Don't exactly know where to yet, but something clicked inside... The eternal doubt? An answer? Have to sleep on it. Again! :)

Sorry, back on my subjective moods...It's the wind.

In any case, me and my friend decided to celebrate the reentrée from the summer holidays (for most people that's the case, mine is basically the opposite) by dining at the spectacular Thai Gardens next Friday. I'm a lover of Thai food - in Prague we lived practically upstairs one of the best Thai restaurants in town and we used to go there at least once or twice a week. In Lemon Leaf we even got a 25% discount for being usuals and we used to know all the waiters, chefs and of course the Romanian owner.

In Shanghai, Pedro took me to one of the most exquisite Thai restaurants, in a elegant villa once owned by a British gentleman who was the president of the dog-racing course in the 1920's. Lan Na Thai is one of the most beautiful restaurants I've ever been, decorated graciously with gorgeous artifacts from Thailand, India and China. Dining by candle light, in that villa, in the middle of a garden, looking out at the lake...you could be anywhere. But this was in the middle of a busy district of one of the busiest cities in the world. Really amazing.

Then, later on, one of the restaurants that stayed in my mind is also a Thai, this time in Beirut. It's a Blue Elephant restaurant, and once you step in you're transported into a Thai village/paradise, with waterfalls, rustic furniture and plenty of plants. It really is cosy and the food fantastic. It demands good company as the setting is inspirational...

Well, having reminiscenced here, let's see if the next Thai restaurant will also stay in my mind...

THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES -

2007-08-24T21:14:00.001+02:00

This song might be one of my favourites. It's a version of 'I don't know why' by the great Stevie Wonder in 1969.
I love this band from when they started, more than a decade ago. I've only saw them live once, in Budapest and it was on a Summer Festival. They had a slot and because they got there late (it was BA's flight strike!) they could only sing for 45 mins... They change their singers every once in a while, but N'Dea is the original girl, she truly is amazing.

To Morrow

2007-08-24T20:23:00.001+02:00

To Morrow? hahaha

Rainy weekend

2007-08-24T12:01:00.000+02:00

It's raining and it's 16º...

Crazy August!

I already booked my remaining two weeks summer holidays for the second half of September. I only hope the weather helps me this time, as at least one week I intend to go to the beach... I'll be crossing my fingers and little toes for sunny warm weather!!

Why do we yawn? It's all about empathy

2007-08-16T14:05:00.000+02:00

"It starts with a tingling, itch-like sensation at the back of the mouth, develops into a deep intake of breath, followed by an equally resonant exhalation - often accompanied by a satisfying groan. To the medical profession it is a "brainstem-mediated bodily response"; to anyone else it's a yawn.
Most animals with any backbone yawn spontaneously but only humans, chimps and possibly some species of monkey suffer from contagious yawning - when the sight or thought of someone else yawning starts a chain reaction.
Why yawning should be infectious has foxed some the greatest minds in science but the latest study into the topic suggests it may have something to do with emotional empathy - we yawn when we see someone else yawning because of our need to empathise with other people." - The Independent

Very curious observation, in fact I'm yawning right now...Are you empathising with me?

Martin Solveig - Rejection

2007-08-15T13:52:00.001+02:00

Ah ahhh ahh, rejection...

Say it Right

2007-08-14T15:45:00.001+02:00

Very sexy song...

Something funny...

2007-08-13T19:46:00.000+02:00

This is Anita, my avatar in the Simpsons, I've simpsonized myself :) Don't I look beautiful? Go and try it!

Taxes

2007-08-13T18:55:00.000+02:00

Isn't it great when you try to pay your dues, i.e., your taxes on time and, for some idiotic reason those taxes forms don't reach the GOD Tax Office and you realise you must pay a fine, situated in 3 figures, not to upset that GOD? I remember doing everything on time, since I had to pay a 4 digit figure and on top of that I must pay more for a stupid internet problem??? And because it's August, not even the phone line is working with humans, just a stupid machine ordering us to press numbers.

Arrggh, why can't I win the 54 million Euros of the lottery? Whhhhyyyyyyy???? I know I'd still have to pay taxes, but believe me, I'd PAY for someone to do it for me, just like in Prague, bless!

Earthquakes and macroeconomy...

2007-08-12T21:26:00.000+02:00

Woke up this morning with a bit of a twist. The bed was shaking and upstairs I heard the sound of quick steps running. Yes, an earthquake. Apparentely it shook 9 provinces of Spain with a 5.1 magnitude.

I thought I had a nightmare and turned the other way :)

Read The Economist that predicts that Spain will grow 3.7% this year, the highest rate amongst the 13 biggest world economies.

That's from the August view that the magazine does on the macroeconomic situation of the 13 biggies.
After Spain, the hightest growth rates will be in Australia (3,6%), Sweden (3,5%), Germany (2,8%), Great Britain (2,8%), Holand (2,8%), Belgium (2,7), Japan (2,6%), Canada (2,5%), Switzerland (2,4%), France (2%), Italy (2%) and USA (2%).

(Is this too clever for a Sunday?)...

Little cuties

2007-08-11T13:06:00.000+02:00

Oddities on saturday

2007-08-11T12:06:00.000+02:00

Illustration found here.

What to do in Madrid on a hot Saturday, alone? Everyone is on holiday...

* Well, first of all read the news and the oddities section, like the one of the New Zealand couple who wanted to name their newborn son as 4Real! They decided for the name after seeing the unborn baby on the ultrasound scan and realizing their baby was 'for real'. They're having a hard time with the Registry, as 4Real isn't being accepted and they must choose another name for the baby. They came up with Superman, but they say they'll call the baby 4Real, no matter what! :)

* Last month, after 13 years of persecution in Spain, 'The Loner' was arrested in Portugal when he was trying to rob yet another bank. Spain's most wanted thief, saw himself as a Robin Hood-style figure and said he robbed banks only because they stole from the public. :)

* A giant ''LEGO'' man has been washed up on a Dutch beach but no one knows where it came from or what it is. Read it here and see the video of Mr Ego Leonard. :)

* Footage purporting to show Russian explorers claiming the seafloor beneath the North Pole was in fact a scene from the 1997 film, Titanic. It took a 13-year-old Finnish boy to call a local newspaper pointing out that the footage looked identical to that in the film. :)

See you later!

My DNA....

2007-08-06T20:58:00.000+02:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

How cool is this? This slide shows my choices about a handful of things, art to favourite treat... Have a go and find out a lot about youself, just by choosing images that relate most to your personality. Love it!

My ten wishes

2007-08-06T20:40:00.000+02:00

I'd like to live when men were gentlemen and women were ladies, and everyone knew where they stood. Ideally, I'd like to be roused on a hammock on a tropical beach, where the sand is powder-white and the sea the deepest sapphire-blue, and I'd like to be a writer, writing something I always meant to write, and maybe changing the world forever; if I thought about it, I really need to go travelling much more than I do, with no strings, no visas, just the freedom to move and get away whenever I want, and sometimes I wish I could be an artist, messing around with media and materials, really doing something new. I'd like to make any plant flourish in any landscape, however derelict and however poisoned it may be, and it would be amazing to see the melancholy beauty, the perfect symetry of the Taj Mahal in India. Pets? I'd like a tiger you can cuddle and whose breath doesn't smell of yesterday's widbeast. Finally, I'd like to throw a beach party and maybe I'd invite some tango dancers to amaze us with their sensual moves...

Oscar the cat

2007-08-05T13:50:00.000+02:00

This cat you see here is, apparentely, a feline Dr House. He lives in an hospital and he's said to predict who's going to die soon. He somehow senses death and when he does he jumps to the bed of the patients and curls up next to them during their final hours. Read it here.

Vacations from office

2007-08-03T16:33:00.000+02:00

Lollipop

2007-08-02T00:32:00.001+02:00

I lick your icecream and you lick my lollipop!
Cool beat for summer with intense lyrics and images! Be inspired!

Lost - Lisa Pure

2007-08-02T00:24:00.001+02:00

I like it :=)

Interview # 2

2007-08-01T22:42:00.000+02:00

She goes:

- Tell me a bit about yourself.

I start babbling....

She keeps her head down, reading the whole CV on the table. Meanwhile I keep babbling.

I finish.
She starts talking.

- Do you know for which position we are interviewing you?

I say that I've applied for 2, being one of them a bit optimistic, but nonetheless I tried, having in account I fit the profile.

She feels a bit unconfortable.

She says:

- We were thinking of an Assistant...(at this point I start winking unconditionally)...Buyer...( here, I stop winking and look around the crowded office packed with boxes of samples of Diesel jeans, Prada perfumes, Guess bikinis, D&G beach towels, Timberland t-shirts, and for a moment I thought it could be ok). But then she mentions the forbidden words: Excel sheets... I woke up and wanted to kill her for wasting my precious time!

- What? Nobody told me on the phone that I'd be sitting for this. I'm sorry, but I'm not interested.

- It was obviously a mistake, sorry about this. The positions you've applied for are already taken. And this one is clearly way below your experience and qualifications.

- Well right it is! You can have it for the next sucker. Not for me, thanks!!!!!!!

I honestly wanted to kill them! Luring me with diamonds (all that merchandise about, after all it's an internet outlet for highstreet brands) and then offering cheap glass! Arrrrgggh!

So, yes, it was another let down!

Nothing new...

2007-07-31T22:18:00.000+02:00

Would you be surprised if I told you that as of now it's 37c outside? Now means 10.30 pm! Nightime!

Interview tomorrow, wish me luck. And this time I really hope I go for something appropriate! Last time was a bit of a let down!

Paradise

2007-07-29T00:16:00.001+02:00

Why is it that when you're finally having fun the holidays are over?

We went for our semi-weekend to the fantastic hillside villages. They are authentic and old. And made with the local stone, schist. And well blended into the local forests, which means that only a good eye can catch their glimpse on those hills. Look:

This village is a dream come true for old and typical house lovers, as they are protected, meaning any restoration has to obbey to this style. And there's no one living in them during the week which means they only come to life mostly at weekends. This is a sea of tranquility and you can listen to the stream flowing down below and the birds...It's simply adorable and our friends did the best thing buying a 3 storey house which they'll have to remodel to confortable living conditions. We couldn't be more envious of their choice. It really is a different reality up there...

And this is my gang...

Lumplings

2007-07-25T20:25:00.000+02:00

Today is my advertising day...

Still in Prague, and since the weather is a bit more harsh in winter than in Spain, I used to have plenty of free time after work. And I had a handfull of ideas to go with it. I'm quite creative and love to awake my imagination with handmade stuff, like pillow covers, little toys and the like. I've done a few things and while searching through the internet looking for ideas and people with the same liking for handycrafts, I've found Amy's page which I love. She does these amazing cuddle toys.

Tango here is just one of the thousands of Lumplings Amy creates. They are adorable and they represent what I love - recycling old stuff and giving it a new life. In this case, Amy uses plenty of old sweaters and materials.

I've recycled old shallow drawers into trays, cans and glass milk bottles into vases, old skirts into shoe bags... I'm all in favour of transforming, almost like Lavoisier used to say: "In Nature nothing dies, everything is transformed"... I'll only change in Ana's world instead of nature :)

The best soaps in the world

2007-07-25T19:52:00.000+02:00

While rummaging through my old stuff here at Mom & Dad's home, got to pick a wrapped lavender sopa from Claus Porto, a local brand that over the years has been getting a unrivalled reputation of being unparalel in quality. This is what I've found out about it - of course I'm bringing this soap with me, as it's still unopened. I already went to Corte Ingles to get another luxury soap to take with me...

This is what I've found out through their partner in New York:

The oldest and most prestigious soap making factory in Porto, Portugal, CLAUS PORTO was founded in 1887 by two world renowned chemists: Ferdinand Claus and Georges Schwedder. Together they created the base for what was to become one of the most important soap making factories ever. Hindered by the advent of the WWI, the two German founders were forced to leave Portugal forever and sold the company to one of its executives, Achilles de Brito. Under his expertise and guidance the company flourished and became renowned throughout Europe as the best soap making factory in the world. Soon after, famous fragrance and fashion houses in France, England and Spain came to Porto to have all of their soaps made by CLAUS PORTO, renamed ACH BRITO after its then current owner. The factory today is still family owned and run by the great grandson of Achilles de Brito. At this 117 year old company, the family continues with the great soap making traditions that were a matter of honor for the original founders.

Other companies use modern automated methods, and lower quality ingredients for one simple reason: to make more product in a less expensive fashion, or, quite simply, modern technology has left the human out of the equation. At CLAUS PORTO / ACH BRITO it is exactly the opposite. The time - honored tradition of milling seven times (milling refers to the process of "mixing" the soap; the more times that the soap elements are passed through the mill, the more air bubbles are forced out of the mix and the more the fragrance is evenly distributed) has remained to this day the secret of the success of the CLAUS PORTO line. Milling seven times renders a dense, hard soap that is fragrant down to the very last bit, doesn't needlessly split or crack and gives a rich creamy lather. All of the soaps are naturally air - dried (as opposed to hot air machines which dry other soaps on the outside, leaving them soft and gooey on the inside and eventually causing them to crack and melt down to ugly blobs after being used) on racks for two to three weeks, ensuring an even, consistent bar. These luxurious and creamy bars are made with coconut oil and enriched with 2% shea butter to moisturize, protect, and replenish the skin's natural protein complexes. The highest quality fragrances from the south of France are used to create the exotic, lingering scents that have made these soaps so famous. The final soap product, and more importantly the base ingredients (many soap producers cannot make this claim) are never tested on animals. As this soap is completely natural and 100% bio-degradable, it is environmentally friendly.

In addition to the finest ingredients available, all of the graphics and packaging used are authentic and original and are chosen from the archives of CLAUS PORTO / ACH BRITO. In many cases, the actual papers (no longer available) have been skillfully reproduced using the exact same paper stock, embossing techniques and screen printing methods from decades ago. If you notice slight discrepancies in soap shape or size, or a partial obliteration of the stamp in certain places, this is your absolute assurance that each and every soap that comes from the factory of Ach Brito, is formed, pressed, and molded by hand; keeping traditions alive as well as employing members of the same families for generations. They wouldn't dream of making soap any other way.

Ah, and of course, Holywood stars are fans...From Scarlet to Nicolas Cage, to Oprah...

Try and see if you can get a soap bar, you'll love it. After all, it was a firm created to provide aristocrats on those glorious days...

Talasnal village - paradise?

2007-07-23T20:21:00.000+02:00

After much thinking, we decided not to travel for 7 hours and leave Algarve for another time, when I come back with precisely more of that - time. I'd have to come back to Porto on Thursday, as my friends invited me to spend the weekend here and since I'm returning to Madrid on Sunday midday, I could only go from Friday to Saturday. They adjusted themselves to my conditions and we are going Friday afternoon. The place is awesome, it's a very old and traditional village on a mountain top with houses still preserved, standing on their original xist and wooden walls.

My friend bought a house there with his girlfriend and they are simply thrilled to have such an amazing place to escape to. The village is deserted, except for the weekends, when the narrow streets are liven up with people who have their weekend houses over there. Around we will swim in some natural swimming pools and walk all the way there, as this village has no "normal" road. And since our cars aren't jeeps, we must hike over there. Can't wait! Check out the views.

Nightime

2007-07-21T13:46:00.000+02:00

After a nice dinner with my friends, we decided to go to the opening party of the Forte of Vila do Conde, exactly the place where I'd been the whole day. The fort is used in the Summer as a cool place to go and have a drink, as it's a club at night and a bar, cinema and restaurant during the day. It's a recycled old monument and I think it's a great way to give it life again, after centuries of only being looked at. This is their web. Our photo will appear there shortly, as will also in this magazine. I'll show them to you when available, as I'm sure it came out well!

B'day diary

2007-07-20T19:53:00.000+02:00

On this day, we decided to go and have a nice lunch by the beach. The sun was shining, the wind was also present, but we were determined to go. The above picture was my view, while eating seafood rice and toast with garlic butter. It was gorgeous, the food, the tranquility of the place and my parents' company, which we managed to show on quite a set of funny pictures.

We then had a walk by the beach and the river side and we got sight of a bunch of fish.

There were some fishermen and on the floor this funny box, which I loved.

Mud worm

I'm going now to finish celebrating my b'day with my friends in another restaurant, this one with my name, by the river. See you later, aligator!

Vacances

2007-07-19T21:17:00.000+02:00

And, don't forget, I'm on holidays!!! Not for long, unfortunately, but long enough to catch some glance of the ocean, catch up with my beautiful friends and still discover Portugal.

This morning I thought I was going to be left on land, after arriving to the check in desk only to find out that the lady here wasn't supposed to be travelling to the neighbour country with her Spanish ID. No, they insisted on the national ID and I was forced to run home to get it. By taxi. With a xenophobic driver. Speedy. Suspicious. Having to laugh out loud when, arriving at my door step, Mr Opinion suggested that I must come back and eliminate any temptation of staying at home whilst he waits. Having to pay 30€ for a 10 minute ride. That wasn't nice. But we made it, all of us together.

But the weather is crap! The sun is indeed shining, but Oporto style, i.e., not bloody warm enough, because the WIND is freezing any sunny attempt to keep us warm. Welcome to Porto :)

Bad habit

2007-07-19T21:07:00.000+02:00

Knowing me, I won't defraud you. I assume my weakness. I admit I have a habit. I confess I can't stop. It's a difficult fault to eradicate. I know I own a few, but my tongue still comes out when glancing a new model on the shopwindow. Don't help me, I can do it myself. This one I must clarify it wasn't my doing. This one was imposed and, as such, couldn't resist the temptation. I didn't say no. I took it, knowing I was feeding my terrible addiction.I must suffer and have it, live with it to remind me of my problematic situation. I must wear it for a season. I must. I owe it to myself :)

Dinner

2007-07-19T20:29:00.000+02:00

This was my pre-birthday small dinner with some good friends only. We all loved the restaurant, La Finca de Susana, from the same owners of Bazar. The food is modern fusion and cheap. The chefs, we were told, are students and that

explains why we have a cheaper menu than normal. But the food is really nice and we don't really care if it's a chef's student or a pro cooking - it's great food on a great budget, which is a very difficult equation to find in Madrid. Of course they don't accept reservations, so you must either wait at 8.30 pm at the door and line up or just pop in and wait.

Anyways, we all had a sweet time and we moved on to the Urban Hotel rooftop.

The Urban is a boutique hotel, 5 star luxury paradise in the most traditional downtown area of Madrid. The music was loungy, the atmosphere good enough for enjoying a cocktail, like a Cosmopolitan.

Thanks guys, it was really nice of you!

Swimming and holidays

2007-07-14T13:08:00.000+02:00

Swimming pool... Yeap, my swimming pool season will start today - after all 35c outside is already demanding some sort of action, other than lounging motionless on the sofa. And since I'm lucky enough to be part of the small elite group in Madrid who lives in a nice condominium, I might as well use it, no?

Also, I'm also going to buy a nice and small digital camera - well, my parents are, since they've run out of ideas for my b'day gift. Y yo encantada!!!

And in 5 days, I'm off for my short but well deserved holidays!

And...yesterday I've cut a chunk of hair, like 5 cm! What a drama, right??? :)

(Just keeping you posted on my news, since nothing else of interest is recentely happening! Apart from my 2 friends who were sent to Kuwait and to Malaysia and who keep me informed, I have no other news worth mentioning here...)

Prometeus - The Media Revolution

2007-07-11T12:24:00.001+02:00

Quite an alarming vision of the future.

Prometeus - The Media Revolution part 2

2007-07-11T12:23:00.001+02:00

The new 7 wonders - official choice

2007-07-10T15:09:00.000+02:00

The new 7 Wonders are officially chosen (and I voted for 6 of the 7!). I'm sure you already know which sites are the new wonders, but let me refresh your tired memory: