Category Archives: Life Style Spain

May19

Ruta de la Teja.

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Never enough hours in the day ! – Ruta De La Teja

 Waking yesterday morning, It dawned on me, I needed to put my best foot forward, grab a few hours that I didn’t have, slap on some SPF, fill up my water bottles, don my shorts, as I was off to join Rosie and a small group of ‘Views from the Hills’ members on our hike/trek/walk along the Ruta de la Teja, from the hilltop town of Comares.

Having had a few weeks, or should I say months of hectic-ness, I was actually looking forward to breathing in the air, taking a breather and stopping to look at “ why I live here” ..Being with a ‘dodgy’ motor for sometime, I was kindly collected by Diane with Lisa in tow, who were to be my walking companions. Laughter started with earnest, at my choice of clothes, with the ladies, commenting I looked like a school girl, little did they know, this is what I wanted to feel like, remember the days of excitement when you were off on a school trip ? 😉 – Our’ journey up to Comares allowed us to off load our woes, grumble about aches and pains, bureaucracy and too positive achievements we were all making.

On arriving at Comares we tried to park as close to the plaza as possible, well we didn’t want to waste our energy on the uphill climb, before we’d even started our walk.;) But alas our efforts of plaza parking were duped, as Comares unbeknown to us was in feria mode , Feria de los Mariscos, and the town was being decorated to the nines in Moorish style, with wonderful artisan stalls, an added bonus.

After meeting up with Rosie and friend Rose, seasoned hikers !!! We sipped a necessary coffee in the sunshine, and then started our amble, chatting, taking photos and indulging in the spectacular scenery. The weather was perfect warm and comforting, figs were ripening on the trees, wild gladioli stood majestically, campesinos were collecting herbs and foraging on the hillside , pools of clear fresh water were homes to tiny frogs. Views were amazing, each of us pointing our across the valleys beyond to our homes.

We stopped and enjoyed, our snacks in the shade of almond and olive trees. Walking back up to Comares was the only time, my thighs began to moan a little, but I knew the bar was at the end…ready for me to have a …diet coke ;).

 

We all agreed to take time out of our schedules, even though we thought we shouldn’t or couldn’t was a great tonic, and walking we should do more often…Next trek – Mazmullar.

 Thanks Rosie, thanks walking companions – Enjoyed it x

May14

Summer has arrived .

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Summer has arrived, we are always waiting for the heat to be turned on , but funny when it does we never seem to be ready for it.

After a very mild and dry winter, we were taken by surprise a few weeks a go by a week of cold and rain, the mountain and gardens and land needed it so much, and absorbed every last drop with a sigh of relief, I on the other hand had reserved this time to start the annual paint-a-thon at La Rosilla to prepare my finca to its summer glory , well this had to wait..So last week after everything had dried out, and the heat had been switched back on ,out came the brushes and off to paint I went. I’m so glad I live remotely sometimes, as I paint in little more than sunglasses and a hat , If I hear a car on the track, I dive for cover 😉

During the spell of wetness, I held a Greek Supperclub night, I wanted to transport my guests to warm & sunnier climes to come, on my menu were stuffed vine leaves, days before my event I was willing my vine to grow, for it’s green fresh leaves were needed for delectable Dolmades. So on the morning I stood precariously on my stall and picked the largest leaves I could find, then rolled into cigars and blanched before being filled with a rice, and vegetable stuffing, then baked with tomatoes and home grown olive oil to marinate. They were a delight.

Vine Leaves ready for blanching .

Dolamades

The flowers are in their full glory, hollyhock flowers are bursting open with shades of palest yellow to deepest red , Roses are in bloom and my cottage cornflowers with my favourite blue are just beginning to show their colour.

Summer alfresco eating will now be enjoyed to the max, with cooking outside becoming the norm, Paellas , BBQ’s and more..the terrace at La Rosilla will welcome it’s first guests of the season 🙂

It’s this time of year I think ‘Yes this is why we’re here’ .

 

Bring on the Mojitos 😉

La Rosilla is available for rent this summer – Just a few weeks remaining.

click here for more info.

Apr22

Malaga museum & meanderings.

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It was with honor myself & my dear friend Lisa @familyinSpain were chosen to represent Costawomen as one of the influential foreign residents groups of Anadalucia at the prestigious reception at the Inspiring Carmen Thyssen Gallery in Malaga.

 

Tour of Carmen Thyssen

PRESS RELEASE

THE CARMEN THYSSEN MUSEUM WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL GROUPS FROM THE COSTA DEL SOL

The leaders and senior members of some of the most important foreign residents’ associations on the Costa del Sol attended

Malaga, April 19th 2012:Yesterday the Carmen Thyssen Museum held a reception for representatives of some of the international societies and associations on the Costa del Sol. Almost 40 representatives from these groups were welcomed to the art gallery by the managing director, Francisco Javier Ferrer and the artistic director, Lourdes Moreno. During the afternoon event, the guests were given information about the Museum and its Collection, including the new temporary exhibition ‘Paradises and Landscapes in the Carmen Thyssen Collection. From Brueghel to Gauguin’, which runs until 7th October.

Foreign residents reception.

The location of the museum in the historical and dramatic centre of Malaga, is the perfect backdrop for such inspiring works of art, the palace itself is a calming oasis, allowing the visitor to absorb the moment and feel of the pieces.

Making the most of the invitation allowed for a day in the city, leaving the Montes behind, I took the excellent bus service from Colmenar to Malaga city, to meet Lisa for a spot of sightseeing, exploring, lunching & sipping. Most of the time many off us are guilty of just hopping in the car, and going from A to B, but today no, on foot we went, and walked & walked some more. Our meeting point and first port of call, was the colourful and buzzing Food market ‘Atarazanas’ daily market where the freshest produce, vegetables, fruits, bread and the catch of the day., were all displayed to perfection, a hive of activity and a heaven for a ‘foodie’ like me, tasters were offered to us of locally cured olives, and almonds freshly roasted. Tapas and Copas were being enjoyed as shoppers rested their feet & bags.

We wondered through the old city, me leading the way, with Lisa my ever trusty photographer following to the rear snapping as she went. (view photos here) Shops full of with flamenco flair, haberdasheries bursting to their seems, cafe culture being enjoyed to the max in the warm spring sunshine.

Of course we were building up a hunger and a thirst that needed quenching, and we do like to centre our day with sampling the local cuisine, well it would be rude not to 😉 , we headed to Plaza Merced, birth place of Picasso, and decided on Citrus as our watering hole. The menu del dia, was modern and fresh and served with style, We both chose a Mozzarella and Sun- dried tomato salad with olives and Mustard dressing, my main was poached chicken with an apple puree and cous-cous, light and moist Lisa had seared Tuna on a butternut squash risotto,

Lunch at Citrus

dessert was unusual, ‘Migas de bizococho’ translates as cake crumbs, with yoghurt and raspberry salsa. 8.50 euros per person food value doesn’t get better than this.

We decided to walk off our lunch before taking coffee & cake 😉 Malaga film festival was being prepared and the red carpet was laid in the dramatic and elegant street of Calle Larios, street performers added to the ambiance.

 

We strolled then to the reception at the gallery, to be welcomed by an informative talk , and guided around the museum and its new exhibition ‘Landscapes & Paradises’ by the most informative and interesting guide, after we were invited to drinks and Tapas.

I am not a city girl, but I do love a day out on the town, and Malaga never disappoints me a cosmopolitan air, with traditional roots and feel of days gone by.

With aching feet Lisa & I bid each other farewell, I returned to my mountain & La Rosilla looking forward to re-discover Malaga another day.

Mar31

Views in the Hills.

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A dream that you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream TOGETHER is a reality – John Lennon.

The theme of my blog is Food & Lifestyle – I think the two blend seamlessly together, well they do in my life on the ‘Mountain’ anyway.

 When I left the U.K some 7 years ago, I was waved off by an army of friends, acquaintances & colleagues, and was presented with a book of ‘Memories’ that had me in joyful tears, and still does to this day when I sit and turn it’s pages, poems, stories, dittos, sayings & photos all of which our family had been part of in the delightful community of Ettington in Warwickshire.

A community we were privileged to be part of, full of caring, selfless people. People who have carved a place in our heart & minds. A community full of giving & achieving good things for others. Experiences good & bad were shared and problems halved.

When I arrived in Spain, I presumed I would just slot in to the community, become part of, well that was harder than I thought, Yes we have attended and been invited to many of the Spanish traditions & festivities which we love &  have become part of our life here , but I have missed like-minded people, and friends like most I can count on 2 hands, but I thought there must be others out there who have positive attitudes, time to share & want to experience new and exciting moments.

Well some 18 months ago I came across Costawomen group on the web, this was my start into the fabulous world of Social media, Ali Meehan the founder too was on a mission to fulfill her dream to connect women across Spain, for Social and Business .

Inspired by Ali’s achievements and with her support, I thought

‘Lynsey it’s not going to come to you, so go out there & get it’

1 year ago I started La Rosilla book club, which has gone from strength to strength, we have a small but perfectly formed group, with newcomers joining us each month. Then last week partnered with another Twiend @stellamarklew, we embarked on our new project a womens group to reach out to ladies, in the hills, mountains, pueblos and Coast of Malaga & beyond. We have called it , *tongue in cheek* ‘Views from the Hills’ . I have been overwhelmed by the positive responses, feedback and the flood of new members wanting to join.

There was obviously a need, I’m just glad and pleased I could be part of the creation of it …

Here is an account from our first get together …

On a lovely sunny afternoon in Solano, 13 woman sat together on the terrace with a fantastic view over the valley and into the hills opposite. We had brought a huge variety of home-made cakes, biscuits, savouries and delicacies which we shared and delighted in – all washed down with copious cups of hot tea and coffee. Somewhere, a bottle of wine was smuggled in – but not seen again!

Some of us were old friends, some were friends just made and others were just getting to know one another but nevertheless, there was two hours of talk, laughter, sharing and ideas. Everyones goal seemed to be the same – “What can we do together? What can we share? There were such a variety of experiences and knowledge that it was easy to get sidetracked into peoples’ interests, jobs, lives and enthusiasms.

Lynsey and I explained the basic idea of getting together; a traveling group that meets wherever we agree to (volunteers for hosts always welcome) once per month for new experiences, talks, demonstrations, walks, picnics and other members suggestions.

and for my next dream …………………..

Feb21

From Campo to Costa

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Now don’t get me wrong I love the location of my ‘Finca’ La Rosilla nestled in the Montes de Malaga, with views to die for, but sometimes I feel the need to escape, throw a 6, and head to the bright lights, big city and the Costa. So to my delight my friend @stellaorbelies came to my rescue & said ‘ let’s hit the road ‘

So with sun streaming we drove Topless ( well with roof down 😉 ) into the city of Malaga to start our day, of chin wagging, lunching, and meeting some inspiring ladies.

The perfect day to stroll through the old city of Malaga, with street cafes full of friends and colleagues absorbing the sunshine and atmosphere. We shared Montaditos ( Little breads topped with amazing ingredients) Smoked Cod & Caramelised Onions, Goats cheese & Serrano and a Salad of fresh cheese, sundried tomatoes & basil dressing, washed down with a crisp white Rioja. Watching the world go by, and putting the worlds to rights, lunched and Cafe Solo’d up, Next Stop …

We met with Sharon Aldred who has set-up The Fashion Workshop, an inspiring place for people to learn, design & create all aspects of dressmaking, but focusing on recycling garments no longer worn or loved into design pieces of the future. So ‘I’ve got nothing to wear’ can be a phrase of the past.

Still ‘Topless’ note to self, must remember a hat, or hairbrush or rock hard hairspray next time.

Onto Jigsaw Design and to meet Lynne Armitage, who produces all business & personal printing solutions from business cards to invitations, but who in her spare time dedicates her life to the Girl Guiding Association, allowing youngsters in Spain the opportunity to be part of a historical movement, that is embracing times of change and the future.

Sun going down, roof up, hair remodeled, face repainted our last port of call, The Costawomen meeting, a fabulous network and social group created by Ali Meehan, (@costawomen) .  This for ladies all over Spain & beyond or dreaming of Spain to be part of a community. Costawomen offers guest speakers, events and motivational groups, book clubs and much more and is growing rapidly, Thanks to the hard work of Ali. It also provides a support group for many of us, who have left our home countries and friends & families.

So my 12 hour escape was over, my tongue wagged to tiredness,  my wine glass empty, time to return to the mountains and reflect- What a diverse land we live in, life is exciting and out there, just got to go out & find it.

 Thanks Stella, where we going topless together next time 😉 ?

 

 

 

 

 

Feb4

Having a jolly.

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Lifes routine or sometimes lack of it, can get in the way of ‘Having a jolly’ that’s what we call a lovely day out. Jollies seemed to be planned in summer, and then it’s often too hot, or when children are off school, then it’s too busy. So my OH and I decided that due to his funny shift patterns he works, that we would grab a Jolly as & when we can, come rain or shine ! On a budget and all !

So Thursday was our deemed ‘Jolly’ day, waking up to the first rain in months, not able to see the other side of the mountain due to thick black cloud, and temperatures to low for comfort, I was starting to have second thoughts, like lighting the fire and cooking comfort food, seemed much more appealing. But those who know my OH, he is never far from his I phone and weather reports, he says it’;s important for business, he now even reports for an app Weddar ! He assured me that by 11am at our chosen Jolly day location Cordoba, there would be blue skies. So I went with him, on this report and he was right ! I don’t often like to admit that.

We had received some insider tips from @jesslewis on sights to see, places to park.

Yes it was frio, but wrapped up warm, brolly in hand we marched across the Puente Romano and headed into the majestic ancient city. Immediately greeted by spectacular architecture and feel of eras gone by, Cordoba did not disappoint.

The Mezquita greets you, an awesome place created from religious conflicts, now 2 places worship live as one. The vast building is breathtaking, calming and beautiful. Sitting proudly as head of the Juderia, an area of a maze of streets, cobbled and adorned with flowers and pots, restaurants, trinket shops. Now I have a good sense of direction, but the higgle, piggle of these streets got the better of me.

Orange Square Mezquita Cordoba - Wikipedia


Arches Mezquita - Wikipedia


Lunch was needed, and I like to go off the beaten track, and I am known to walk hours to find a suitable watering hole..and this we did. Up a tiny side street, we came across La Fragua (The Forge) – A delightful restaurant, with tiny courtyard and dining room with old stone walls and tables perfectly laid.

Menu del Dia was top notch , I chose Chanquetes ( crispy white bait) topped with egg & sesame seeds, for main when in Cordoba, one has to have the specialty Rabo de Toro ( Oxtail), which was braised till tender with red wine and topped a bed of sauteed potatoes. To finish the tiniest but perfect size quesadilla, a little goats cheese pudding, and drizzle of cane honey.

 

Sitting next to us were a lovely American couple, who we chatted with, who like us traveled with Knife, fork & corkscrew, in other words from culinary delight to the next. They shared tales of their travels and cooking experience in Marrakesh, and I shared recipes …well I can’t help it 😉

 

Culture, cuisine, Cordoba – Una Dia Perfecta .

 

 

 

Jan12

Qigong to you too ;) !

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I’m not going to harp on about the ‘D’ word, be it Diet or Detox , we all know, well most of us 😉 what makes a balanced body & lifestyle, but although a Libran, balancing acts have never been my forte, often know as an all or nothing kind of a gal , in most aspects of life.

Well yesterday, while out & about in our local town of Colmenar ,like normal trying to kill 20 birds with one stone, I thought time for cafe con leche – So dropping in to see friends at my ‘local’ Bar Co2, I popped my bags down, ordered my usual & gathered myself.

Next thing I heard ‘Hi Lynsey, are you here to do Qigong ?’ ‘Qigong ?’ “Si, Qigong?”.

Not one to miss an opportunity to have a quick google & thanks to Wikipedia –

Qigong, chi kung, or chi gung (气功 or 氣功) (pronounced “chee-gung”) is a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation.[1] qigong is traditionally viewed as a practice to balance qi (chi) or what has been translated as “intrinsic life energy.”

Typically a qigong practice involves rhythmic breathing, coordinated with slow stylized repetition of fluid movement, and a calm mindful state. A mix of exercise, alternative medicine or meditation practice. It is believed to develop human potential, allow access to higher realms of awareness and awaken one’s true nature.

It looked appealing, something I thought I could definitely benefit from BUT

I made a few excuses, I’m not dressed for the part, I haven’t got time, I’m so unfit, My back’s aching…Then I thought what the heck….. So after an hour of calm breathing, stretching, self massage, my Qi was flowing freely, I was all of a glow & hooked, well as I said I’m an all or nothing kind of a gal 😉

Next step is to try to make use of my new relaxed state on a Wednesday morning each week, and not return home zonked and unable to do anything….well one step at a time.

Jan3

In bloom !

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Brain a fuddle from festivities, larder & fridge still not rid of its excesses, I’m not quite ready to fling myself into the New, almost but not quite.  Just a few more days & one week-end left of indulgence – the Joys of living in Spain, the beginning of January or at least the new regime doesn’t start, till after the 3 Kings have made the Journey from the East.

I’m not totally procrastinating , I’m looking forward to putting last year behind me and facing the future, bright and bubbly.  La Rosilla has had its first Spring clean, so it is detoxed , decs away, windows cleaned to allow the sunshine to flood right through, and a list of jobs to do has been made.

The mountain garden is certainly flourishing in our mild winter we’re having, and blooms and buds are adorning the plants with colour so bold.

Hello Daisy

Passion Flower

Geranium

Mother Nature knows it is time for a change with a polite reminder to partake in  healthier dishes and juices, with fruits dripping from the trees and onion sets & broad beans shooting up into the New Year.

Good Old Mother Nature 🙂

Dec12

Catch up !

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Catching up on life, keeping up with traditions, getting some fresh air have all been on our agenda this month. We’ve been blessed by glorious weather up in the mountains so far, clear days, beautiful sunrises & sunsets, skies oh so blue. Crisp mornings, and nights still bearable with an extra blanket or two.

Noo, Rizo & Spencer

We’ve taken country walks, to blow away the cobwebs, and breathe in the clear air, and stop and look at what is happening around us. Flowers still blooming, trees full to bursting with citrus, oranges, lemons & grapefruits. The river is gently flowing, perfect to wade in wellies, play pooh sticks, and for the dogs to have their annual swim, well or Spaniel anyway the Water Dog, does everything she can to avoid getting her paws wet !!

We journeyed a little more inland to the spectacular El Torcal natural park, to climb, trek and picnic with our friends aka @familinspain, enjoying the winter sunshine, and trying to walk off our already indulgent excesses.

El Torcal National Park

In the home, we’ve baked, and cured. Tree decorations, mince pies & sausages rolls, which were meant to be for Crimble, but got munched as soon as out of the oven…well who can resist a hot sausage roll.

Hot Sausage Rolls

Our olives have had their month of being bathed in water to extract their bitter juices, and now have been rinsed and marinated in thyme, rosemary, parsley  caraway, orange zest, sherry vinegar, garlic, bay & olive Oil for us to enjoy over the months to come.

So with a slight lull in proceedings today, perhaps I shouldn’t talk to soon, I’ve taken the time to catch up with my goings on….who knows when I’ll have time in the near future.

Out for 3 festive frolics this weeks, god bless my liver & my sanity 😉

Dec2

When the going gets tough …

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Like many people I’m sure at this time of year, there doesn’t seem enough hours in the day, or enough pennies in the pot – Life sometimes just piles more onto your plate than you can chew …

Well when the going get’s tough I go cooking …..

So I’ve stirred up my Christmas pud, and probably made just one too many wishes…

I’ve baked 6 Christmas fruit cakes, following my old Nan’s super easy recipe, and am feeding them daily with their tot of brandy – 1 for them 1 for me 😉

I’ve made my quince jam to add a sharp & sweet addition to my Christmas ham.

Sherry & Tapas Tasting

and I’ve cooked with my dear friend Lisa aka @familyinspain who joined me on a La Rosilla Cookery & Culture Day, to sample my fayre , join me in sampling sherry & tapas, discover the local countryside, go embutido (Cured meat) shopping and click away at her heart’s content taking some lovely shots of the day.

Embutidos Colmenar

So with the advent doors being opened, oranges studded with cloves and my mulled wine pot on the stove ready for its first fill, the festive aromas fill my senses & add a little cheer.

So as I look ahead to a month full to bursting, with much work and I hope much more play, I wish you all a happy and calm countdown…..

and let’s remember it’s just 1 Day !