reisenthel

Tags

, , ,

I first came across this brand several years ago when I spotted chic black Reisenthel hand baskets being used at the (then) brand new El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience. Then one day I spotted their roll-up tote bag with totes adorbs (sorry) flamenco-style polka dots, and one has lived inside my Kiplings ever since. At less than 10€ they also make great useful gifts so now Peter and several other friends also have one, in various colours. They seriously roll-up into nothing, are washable and durable and, no, I’m not being paid for this endorsement. But sadly, my cute tote hasn’t been used much these past couple of years, since I started needing to use two crutches. I mean, there was no way to carry anything, or use a trolley as both hands were occupied.

THEN… it became possible for me to start getting around with just one crutch and that has made a huge difference… I mean, having one free hand! Also, being able to walk with a more or less normal gait (not the penquin walk) albeit still v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y… still, it feels like progress. But it’s still not easy for me to carry things and my trusty Rolster shopping trolley is a bit large and clunky for day-to-day stuff, and then I remembered my friend Fourat’s small black Reisenthel trolley.

Can I say? I have coveted one of these ever since Fourat showed up for lunch one day a few years ago with hers in tow, saying how, due to her back problems, it had changed her life. Because, unlike typical shopping trolleys, they are smaller, lighter, more discreet, yet still hold enough for doing a bit of light shopping, running errands, etc.So what the heck. It’s yet another step forward towards my independence! And I got a 15% off promo for my first time purchase on the Reisenthel website 👍

I was torn between going with classy basic black but in the end had to go with the polka dots with silver trim. It’s just more me. Anyhow, it just arrived today and I am looking forward to taking it over to Calle Baños tomorrow.

caturday september 26th 2026

Tags

, , ,

Morcilla LOVES her daily wet combing, followed by a dollop of malt paste on her paw. Many years ago now my American in Paris pal Nancy told me about wet combing and there’s been no going back. Well okay, it’s apparently not for everyone, but both Azar and Morcilla were/are huge fans. In fact if Morcilla hasn’t had her “wet combing session” by noon she gets very vocal about it. Luna, of course, hates it. But at least she loves the malt so that helps with hair balls (though not with leaving fur on every surface everywhere, like she cares).

Try it on your cat! Just get a comb, run it under the tap for 2-3 seconds, then lightly shake it out leaving small droplets between the teeth… and comb away. The moisture not only picks up a LOT more hair but it also refreshes the coat, removing any dust. I comb in the direction of the fur growth first, then backwards, then back again. This girl can’t get enough of it.

churrería manuel

Tags

, ,

To be honest I’m not even sure if I actually like churros. They’re a bit, you know, much. But every now and then they are just the thing, usually after an early morning medical appointment. OR… when I go to Jerez. I don’t know why but I cannot go to Jerez and not stop at Manuel’s for the “minimo” and then take the paper-wrapped steaming hot churros over to Cafe Bar La Perla, where there is a long-standing agreement, and enjoy them with some coffee or fresh juice (I never have chocolate).

Located next to the central market, Churrería Manuel has been going strong for over a hundred years. And even though there is another churrería in the stand next door, the longest queue is always in front of Manuel’s. He’s only open from 8 am until noon but it’s a one-man non-stop production. And Manuel (3rd generation) is unfailingly happy and charming and chatty. It’s been my Jerez tradition for years now so I can’t stop now.