With an overnight stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, we had one last full day to enjoy before our cruise came to an end. Exploring Santa Cruz de Tenerife Like many of our mornings on board, we started the day slowly before heading off the ship to explore. Rather than venturing to another part ofContinueContinue reading “Final Day in Tenerife & Disembarkation: Wrapping Up Our Canary Islands Cruise”
Author Archives: jlsmithson33
From Sea Days to Island Views: Fuerteventura & La Palma Highlights
Cruise DetailsCruise Line: P&O CruisesShip: AzuraPorts: Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura & Santa Cruz de La Palma Highlights of the Days: Relaxing sea day, exploring Puerto del Rosario and the beach, La Palma beach promenade and the old town Next Stop: Sea Day, Fuerteventura & La Palma After an incredible day exploring Madeira, the next partContinueContinue reading “From Sea Days to Island Views: Fuerteventura & La Palma Highlights”
A Perfect Day in Funchal, Madeira: Gardens, Ocean Views & Local Flavors
Cruise DetailsCruise Line: P&O CruisesShip: AzuraPort: Funchal, Madeira, PortugalHighlights of the Day: Exploring Funchal, trip to Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, professional photo shootNext Stop: Sea Day, Fuerteventura & La Palma There are some cruise ports that you enjoy — and then there are the ones that completely take your breath away. Funchal, Madeira was absolutelyContinueContinue reading “A Perfect Day in Funchal, Madeira: Gardens, Ocean Views & Local Flavors”
Embarkation Day on the P&O Azura: First Impressions & Birthday Dinner at Sea
Cruise DetailsCruise Line: P&O CruisesShip: AzuraEmbarkation Port: Santa Cruz de TenerifeHighlights of the Day: Boarding the ship, birthday dinner at The Glass House, sail away partyNext Stop: Funchal, Madeira There’s something special about embarkation day on a cruise — that mix of excitement, anticipation, and the feeling that an adventure is about to begin. OurContinueContinue reading “Embarkation Day on the P&O Azura: First Impressions & Birthday Dinner at Sea”
Scones, Sangria & Spicy Pork: A Tale of Two Weekends 🍷🫕
Some weekends are for slow sipping and strolling through history. Others are for clinking glasses, laughing a little louder, and ordering “just one more”. The past two weekends have been the perfect mix of both. Porcelain, Pastries & Proper Tea Two weekends ago, I experienced my first ever afternoon tea — and what better excuseContinueContinue reading “Scones, Sangria & Spicy Pork: A Tale of Two Weekends 🍷🫕”
A Perfect Date Day Close to Home
Sometimes the best days don’t require a packed suitcase or a long drive — just a little time set aside and the right company. This past weekend encompassed one of those days. A wonderful date day spent close to home here in Telford, filled with beautiful food, cozy spaces, and simple moments together. We startedContinueContinue reading “A Perfect Date Day Close to Home”
In the Kitchen: Follicular Phase Reset
The follicular phase is often described as a time of renewed energy — a gradual shift toward lightness after the heaviness of the menstrual phase. But if I’m honest, this one has felt slower for me emotionally. After receiving some difficult fertility news recently, my mood has been lower than usual. I’ve been reminding myselfContinueContinue reading “In the Kitchen: Follicular Phase Reset”
In the Kitchen: Menstrual Phase Nourishment
The menstrual phase is the most challenging part of my cycle, both physically and mentally. I endure a lot of pain during this phase and while I try to prepare ahead of time, I’ve learned that this phase requires more flexibility, more softness, and a lot more grace. Going into this cycle, I did someContinueContinue reading “In the Kitchen: Menstrual Phase Nourishment”
In the Kitchen: Luteal Phase Comforts
The luteal phase always invites me to slow down a bit especially during the second half. Energy dips, cravings show up, and comfort becomes just as important as nourishment. Right now, that looks like warm meals, steady protein, and desserts that feel supportive rather than restrictive.I’m still eating for my cycle and supporting fertility whileContinueContinue reading “In the Kitchen: Luteal Phase Comforts”
Back on Track After the Holidays: Food, Family & Finding My Rhythm Again
After being a little quiet on here, I’m finally sitting down to write again — and honestly, it feels really good. The holidays were full in the very best way. This year, we hosted Christmas at our home here in the UK, welcoming family for what turned into a wonderful five-day stretch of food, laughter,ContinueContinue reading “Back on Track After the Holidays: Food, Family & Finding My Rhythm Again”
Plates n Places 