The Wanderlust Issue #15

Welcome to Issue #15 of The Wanderlust, my monthly zine where I share what I’m up to, encourage you to dance, wander and explore and discover amazing new creative talent. I delve into my photo archives, share snippets from my travel journals and drop in the odd freebie. So if you know someone who you think might like this, feel free to share it with them.

In last month’s issue, I asked if you’d like me to open the print shop a couple of times a year. Many of you immediately asked if I’d be open for Christmas and whilst I’d love to say yes, there’s no way I can make the first proper print drop happen before Spring. BUT… I do have some (not a huge amount) prints left over from when I closed last year, so let me know if there’s something in particular you’re after and if I’ve got it, you’ll have it before Christmas, first dibs!

It already feels like ages since we were in Barcelona, exploring the medieval cobbled streets, sampling the city’s finest coffee and being blown away by the Sagrada Família which has been on my bucket list since I was a kid. There’s too much to share but here are a few highlights:

1. Seeing the light pour through the stained glass inside La Sagrada Família left me speechless!

2. An evening tour of Casa Batlló with drinks and nibbles on the rooftop at sunset overlooking the city, whilst Tony Cayena played live.

3. Coffee, coffee and more coffee… our favourites were Three Marks, Nomad, Brew and Orval.

4. Incredible tapas in Tossa de Mar at Restaurant Santa Marta.

5. A couple of days in historic Girona.

6. Brunch at Picnic, Firebug and Viatger.

7. Getting lost in the maze of streets and finding loads of great little independent shops, like Mostaza.

8. Shopping at all the comerços emblemàtics that I’d added to my list to seek out. Cereria Subirà, La Manual Alpargatera, La Colmena and Guanteria Alonso.

9. A visit to the eccentric Park Güell.

10. Last but not least, watching our friends tie the knot in wine country. ❤️

Time to read: 4 mins

Time to dance: 4 mins 9 secs

And just like that, we’re into my favourite time of year again. The light is already more magical and warm and the mornings are a bit nippier. As always, I’ll be out for loads of walks and seeking out cosy cafes to refuel.

• We’re headed to Fife for a break soon and I have a few places on the list to check out that I’ve recently heard about. Coffee and brunch spot Eden, near Cupar. The Cottage Window Cafe in Leven and newly opened Nook in Crail.

• We always walk parts of the Fife Coastal Path whenever we visit the area so this time, we’re headed inland to explore a bit more starting with the Lomond Hills. Beginning at Falkland, the East Lomond Circuit also takes in Maspie Den.

• I’ve not visited Culross since I was a kid and this heritage trail looks like a great way to explore the town with a stop in at The Mercat for lunch and a wee look in the shop.

• Finally, starting at Ceres, the Craighall Den circular walk is also on the list.

At this time of year I’m often found out early with my camera waiting for the light and mist to do their thing and I’ve been adding a few things to my list to help keep me a bit warmer.

• It’s all about the layers from now through until next Spring and I’ve had my eye on Kari Traa thermals for ages. Their new Merino Wool Saga collection in Heat Red is pretty much made for me.

• I’ve followed Helene who goes by helenemoo on Instagram for years now and have been eagerly awaiting the launch of her colourful pure wool jumpers which will all be made in her native Norway in an open factory so you can see them in production. You can view the story behind her new brand and her drive to create knitwear designed to last a lifetime at mooknitwear.

• I really struggle to use my camera with gloves on and have gone through loads of pairs of fingerless gloves over the years. I just came across Scottish knitwear brand Eribé and their Alloa Fingerless Gloves made from Merino Wool would be perfect for photo days this Autumn. I love their Copperland colour way.

• To stay cosy while I wait for ‘the moment’ to press the shutter, Passenger’s Recycled Sherpa Lined Changing Robes have been on my wishlist for so long. I already love the brand and these roomy jackets are amazing for throwing over the top of everything, whether I’ll be waiting for the light or sitting by a campfire. But I can’t decide between Deep Blue Camo for a retro vibe or Fig/Heritage Yellow.

Similar to Liverpool, I created a Barcelona map including the surrounding areas that we wanted to visit. Just click on the map to open it up and start planning your own trip.

I had this album on repeat when I first heard it and this song is still one of my favourites.

Don’t fancy a boogie? Then chill to this from The Cure.

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