Berlin, day two

Now that I'm back, I finally have the time to edit and post all the photos I took in the wonderful Berlin. I had time there, too, but let's face it, guys. I was out in a new town, having the time of my life with my favorite person and... yeah. I'm posting now.

Berlin was such a huge adventure for me. I had never traveled that far alone, and being afraid of flying, it wasn't easy. But it was oh-so worthy. My time there was amazing. I wandered around town while Lina was in class, by myself, and felt like such a badass (shush, I'd never done that). It felt scary, at times. But so very exciting. I loved the city and I loved the people. I hope you can see that through my photos.

while Lina was in class, I spent a morning having Starbucks coffee (yay!) and walking around town. Can you see the air balloon? It's so amazing! I didn't have the guts to go up there, but it's so gorgeous from afar!

More under the cut!

Oh. OH. Lina brought me to Ritter, the chocolate store, where you can have chocolate made with ingredients from a huge list they have. We made one with dark chocolate, gingerbread crumbs, caramelized roasted almonds and rose pepper. Heaven! 

She looks so pretty with my glasses. 

I was in love with the red leaves. I don't have that many here; ours are mostly yellowish and never get this beautiful autumn-y color. I love their trees so much!

The bottom picture was taken by Lina. I'm a little in love with it. 

The Holocaust monument was absolutely lovely (and would have been lovelier if it wasn't for the bunch of high schoolers running around and playing hide and seek. Still).

I hope you enjoyed these; more will come in the next few days, as I have more time to process them, in the breaks of my actual work. 

There are also news to come in the next few days, regarding my work, or an alternative job I'll be doing whilst still photographing. I think you'll like it. It'll give you a few delicious photos, too. Stay tuned! 

turning twenty-six; a birthday post

A couple of days ago, on September 22, I celebrated my 26th birthday. 

I had a wonderful day; I was lucky enough to have my family around me, my love and my friends as a part of my day. I enjoyed it thoroughly; cooking and photographing, eating with my people and smiling so much it made my cheeks hurt. Especially with my darling. I also caved and bought myself the VSCO Film 01 set; it was a birthday present to myself and these photos were edited with it, although with a little bit of tweaking from my part. 

I wanted to take a moment to thank you all who visit my blog. You are unbelievable, with your support and taking time off your days to look at what I do. You make my life wonderful, too, and I hope you all know that!

Alright, enough talk. Bring on the photos! 

After breakfast, I made the tiramisù I'd promised my family, for lunch. It was yummy!

My mom gave me the envelope that held this dress saying 'I am so sorry. Your sister threw a tantrum at Zara and said this was the only thing there you'd like.' I honestly thought it would be some horrendous, paisley dress, but look at it. It's the most beautiful dress ever! My little sister knows what I like!

This one was taken by my Dad. I did lead all my family in song while they did the Happy Birthday thing. Ha!

Family portraits!

Favorite moment of the day!

Every year on my birthday, I do a self shoot. I like to keep track of how I look on my birthday every year, so here are this year's shots. Feel free to scroll by, they're an unbearable exercise in vanity. 

My garden gave me a strawberry and five chilli peppers for my birthday! 

Also, I scraped my knee trying to climb a wall in a mini-skirt. So mature I am.

All my gifts! Bones gave me flowers, like he always does, and it's lovely! Lila and Luis gave me a water can that is the prettiest, most adorable thing; Inês gave me plating tools, Bano gave me an Angry Birds toy and Zé gave me a cupcake calendar, as well as a tiny Shakespeare book. Last but not least, Rute gave me a 500 Desserts book, just in time to be immensely useful. I have the best friends ever!

I can't stop laughing at this shot. Inês took it. I think I was arguing about something. And clearly cringing at someone's argument. 

That's what happens when Bones tries to light up a cookie.

Trying to explain to Bones and Inês how the lens aperture works in terms of focus. 

And that's it! It was a full, lovely day! Thank you to everyone who's seen this, as well as everyone who wished me a happy birthday. You guys gave me a wonderful day.