I always find myself gravitating towards lighter textures and a more natural approach to beauty during the summer months. From radiant skincare to everyday makeup favourites, these are seven products that have become trusted staples in my routine this year.

A reflective piece on dining alone, years spent in hospitality, and the quiet beauty found in restaurants before service begins—when polished glasses, folded napkins, and soft conversation reveal the unseen rhythm behind the experience.

A quiet edit of the pieces I returned to while travelling through Greece—light fabrics, simple silhouettes, and a wardrobe shaped by ease, movement, and sun-warmed days by the sea.

Slow mornings, harbour coffees, handwritten menus, and a handful of favourite tables—this is a personal guide to the places in Hydra I continue to return to time and time again.

Just moments from the port, set within a restored sea captain’s mansion, Hotel Miranda is a boutique stay with calm, considered interiors, slow mornings, and a gentle rhythm that reflects the island itself. A personal account of where I stayed in Hydra, shaped by nearby cafés, bakeries, and small everyday moments.

A look inside my spring beauty bag—an everyday edit of the products I reach for most. Some new, others long-standing favourites, all chosen for their simplicity and ease.

A curated edit of Lisbon’s cafés and restaurants—shaped by the places I was most drawn to during my time there.

Roasted squash pairs beautifully with feta, while apple adds a subtle sweetness that keeps this salad light, fresh and balanced.

Chilli and mango chicken meatballs, chargrilled peppers, salty feta, sticky apricots, and fresh rocket piled high on toasted ciabatta, finished with cool, garlicky tzatziki and fresh basil. Sweet, spicy, creamy, and herby — Perfect for an open sandwich, lunch box sensation, or easy summer entertaining. Full recipe coming soon!

A final note to bring 2025 to a close and welcome the year ahead, returning to words once scrawled across the walls of a converted convent in Santillana del Mar — Thank you for being here, and for following along this year.

There’s something about the festive season that makes me slow down and savour cooking dishes that fill the kitchen with beautiful aromas. I love exploring slightly alternative flavours at Christmas, and this Tangerine & Rosemary Roast Chicken is full of them—zesty tangerine, cumin, and honey create a smoky, caramelised delicious roast. I often serve it with flatbreads and Greek yoghurt, or golden roast potatoes and fresh greens, perfect for a festive meal.

A little festive indulgence to share this Christmas—easy canapé recipe with creamy goat’s cheese, spicy chorizo, and sweet mango chutney that is sure to delight your guests.

Sharing my current beauty and skincare favourites — the products I truly can’t live without. Each one is chosen for its simplicity, performance, and ability to keep my skin healthy, glowing, and cared for. From versatile makeup essentials to skincare saviours for dry or sensitive skin, these are the essentials I reach for every single day

Last summer, I left Belfast behind for the sun-drenched streets of Portugal. Among the bustling streets of Lisbon, I stumbled upon a hidden gem—a charming bistro tucked away in the enchanting Praça das Flores. Magnolias felt like a little haven. With its beautifully crafted small plates and an inviting wine list, it was the perfect place to pause, savor a glass of wine, and soak up the gentle hum of life around me. Surrounded by the laughter of children, the rustling trees, and the soothing fountain, this chic wine bar was a firm favorite for me—and definitely somewhere I will return to.

Soft, golden French toast meets caramelized nectarines and apricots, finished with rich vanilla pistachio cream. A simple recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

A long weekend in Porto — from beautiful cafés and hidden wine bars to artful stays and sunlit streets. Here are a couple of my personal favourite spots to eat, drink, and explore.

These days on the Camino offered a blend of restful pauses and intense physical effort. I savored the slow pace and riverside charm of Ponte de Lima, tackled a steep ascent through vineyards and forests, and crossed into Spain’s historic town of Tui. Along the way, the trail grew busier and I discovered new reasons to reflect—both inwardly and alongside fellow pilgrims.