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.

My first steps on the Portuguese Camino were filled with discovery—changing trails, tasting fresh local dishes, and soaking in the coastal beauty of northern Portugal. This blog post is about the rhythm of walking, the joy of pausing and taking it slow, and the flavors that made the journey all the more incredible. I’ll be sharing my route in three-day stages, so check back in and follow along as my Camino unfolds.

In a couple of days, I’ll be setting off to walk the Camino Portuguese (Central Route), carving my way from Portugal into Spain, all the way to Santiago. Two years ago, I walked the entire Camino del Norte — an adventure that left me with more memories, stories, and personal lessons than I could have imagined. So before I arrive in Portugal I wanted to share a few reflections on what that first Camino taught me, why I’m drawn back to this walk, and some simple planning tips that might help if you’re considering walking the Camino.

Roasted cherry tomatoes, feta & garlic with olive oil — an easy appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Serve with crusty bread for a simple, crowd-pleasing starter that’s bursting with flavor.

Somewhere Special: Find Bibi’s in Portobello — a warm, eclectic café serving up locally sourced brunch that’s perfect for lazy mornings and long chats. A must visit for your Dublin brunch list!

With summer finally arriving in Northern Ireland, I cooked Emily Scott’s Tarragon & Orange Chicken—a dish that feels like the season itself: bright, tender, and filled with gentle herbal notes. It was one of those meals where the sauce alone makes you close your eyes for a moment. In this piece, I share how I made it (just a little adapted), and why it’s a recipe I’ll come back to every time the days grow long and warm.

Tucked away in Porto’s artsy Cedofeita quarter, ROSA ET AL is a gem I stumbled upon by happy accident—a converted townhouse with elegant suites, a sun-dappled garden, and a deli brimming with local wines and artisanal treats. It’s a beautifully restored space where soft garden light, thoughtful plates, and the gentle hum of a hidden kitchen all come together in quiet harmony. It’s definitely somewhere I’ll return to.