Life Lately...

Interior porn... new plants & candles in our new living room 

I haven't ever done one of these types of posts before, namely because I've usually been lucky enough to be able to fit blogging into my normal schedule. However, over the past eight weeks or so, life has been a little mad, and I haven't been able to work on my blog as much as I'd have liked to - but that's because some amazing things have happened recently that have taken over. BUT, I'm back, and there are some really, truly great things I've got planned on here - so watch this space!

So what's been going on?

Well firstly, I got a new job!

New routines 

You know what it's like when you start a new job, your brain is fried for the first few weeks taking everything in and in some cases you have to adjust routines which is what I've been doing.

I'm working on some incredible projects at the moment that are really igniting a big passion of mine and I feel really lucky to be working where I am.

Home sweet home...

Secondly, we decided to do a 'bit' of DIY on the house which turned into a pretty mammoth series of tasks... including two 100 year old fire places being knocked through and a complete repaint of the whole downstairs, stairway, hall and landing. We lived in the house whilst this was going on, which meant that for a few weeks our lives were surrounded by dust sheets, rubble and thick, black dust. That dust gets everywhere, I swear.

Because we didn't move out whilst this was going on, it meant our little space was turned on its head, with armchairs and shoe racks in the bathroom and having to eat in the bedroom.

All the painting and redecorating and getting stuff back to normal was done after work and on the (rare) weekends where we didn't have any plans, so it took longer than expected.

Most of it's all done now, and I can't tell you how pleased I am to be sat writing this on my sofa without a dust sheet!

Vitamin Sea

Also.... In August/early September I was away in Portugal for just over two weeks, so naturally, blogging took a back seat (there was sun to be soaked up and gin to drink). It was so nice to go away with all my family and just chill. We ate so much good food both in restaurants in just sat out in the sun on our patio. I missioned it on a few sweaty runs on the beach and hilly sessions around our villa. I also read loads, and have managed to keep this up since coming back which I'm proud of, as it's something that nearly always falls by the wayside, but I think it's so important to take ten, fifteen, twenty minutes for yourself and lose yourself in a good book. I find it helps me go to sleep too so I've been reading before bed.

So, anyway, that's a little life update on where I've been at over the past few weeks and keep your eyes peeled for lots more; I've got a load up my sleeve!

Franks xx

Visiting Lagos, Portugal, in April

Me and James have just come back from Lagos (I know, it's a tough life). With both of us about to start new jobs, we fancied a mini holiday to rejuvenate... and get a tan in the process.

Lagos is a beautiful corner of the world with, in my opinion, basically everything going for it - golden sands, a marina, a mountain range close by, cheesy but amazing bars, great fresh sea food, good bike routes, boiling sunshine and friendly locals.

Weather wise, we couldn't have asked for it to be nicer! I've only ever been in July or August, so didn't know what to expect in April. It was around 20 degrees, with a slight wind, so nice in the day but you'd need a jumper at night.

In Lagos, lunch is best spent on the beach front which is exactly what we did each day. There are about six or seven beach huts that serve food and drinks so you're spoilt for choice.

Day one was all about the prawns. After little to no sleep, a flight still at night and an hour in the sun (I fell asleep, massive tan line no-no), it was time for some fresh, rich seafood.

It's worth noting that I didn't like prawns before visiting this little hut on the beach two years ago, so if you're a little unsure (or a full blown prawn lover), this is the place to get peelin'.

It's the hut's special dish. The prawns are HUGE and come sizzling, swimming in an unbelievably tasty dressing - which is mopped up of course, with freshly baked crusty bread and washed down with a Superbock.

We were joined by a little friend; how funny does he look with his eyes shut - so stubborn about the camera!

On Wednesday we tried out a new beach restaurant that's been revamped. With its glass fronted, minimalistic vibe, it's definitely the most upmarket looking restaurant on the beach.

If you're a fan of cocktails, you need to stop by the Yellow Hotel. It's stunning, with great views out to sea.

We're always in the marina, and Quay Lagos is a definite winner for dinner in my eyes. It boasts proud position on the marina front; the food reflects its prime location but without the price tag.

The wild mushrooms and pancetta on toast with a poached egg was one of the nicest starters I've ever had.

Duck liver pate with toast and chutney (AMAZING).

For the main, I had lamb with Mediterranean veg.

James chose the pork belly & crackling..

We finished things off with the ultimate cheese board..

...before heading off out into Lagos for cocktails at Bon Vivant, and a bar crawl with absinthe shots and too many rum and cokes!

I honestly can't recommend the place enough.