How can I introduce you to my great friend Patricia?!
For those who don't know, she's the face, energy, and soul behind Vintage Bazaar , a brand I've used for so many years... I can say I'm one of the "vintage" VB girls ;)
Our story is great. I always bought clothes from Vintage Bazaar, I loved everything they had. The brand was national and even quite close to home, in Santo Amaro de Oeiras. Those were different times, and with another cookbook coming out and many TV appearances, I decided to take a chance and contact the brand directly to see if they could support me. And I can say that it's been more than 10 years of a partnership, with a lot of respect, friendship and affection.
What I didn't expect was that I would grow so fond of the owner (and all the wonderful women who are or have been there). Patricia is the ultimate inspiration to me. She's the entrepreneur I aspire to be, and she's the one I call when I need help with business. She's a friend who has always supported me through good times and bad. She's always been by my side, and honestly, I don't know if I would have been able to overcome some obstacles if it weren't for her unconditional friendship.
I love her story. How through her inner strength she achieved everything she has. You can read more about her journey here . If there's a woman with a capital "W," it's undoubtedly my friend Patricia ❤ I hope you enjoy getting to know her better!
TO BE
Zodiac sign: Libra
Season: Autumn
One color: I don't have one. I go through phases. I like all colors.
A book: Candles Burn Until the End , by Sándor Márai
A movie: Any movie with Meryl Streep . But if I had to choose one, I'd choose Kramer vs. Kramer .
One song: Gravity , by John Mayer
A podcast: The beauty of small things , by Bernardo Mendonça
An object: A pen
Favorite place in the world: Vicentina Coast
TO CREATE
Who and what inspires you? I am inspired by people and their unique lives, by sincere affection, by the courage to take risks, by the ability to value and express those around us - and by love, always.
What else do you need to create? I have no idea. Creativity is, most of the time, a spontaneous and unpredictable process. Restlessness is part of me.
How to maintain creativity: Be active, open, curious and, above all, know that creativity arrives without pressure or expectations, without labels or criteria.
TO LIVE
First thing to do when I wake up: I love starting my day by practicing yoga.
How to relax at the end of the day: A glass of red wine by the fireplace.
A place to switch off: Facing the sea.
Favorite physical exercise: Walking
How you relieve stress: Loud music, preferably good rock, and dancing like nobody's watching. With luck, you can even shout out the lyrics.
A woman who inspires you: So many, countless even. I have deep admiration for the incredibly powerful strength of women. My mother is one of the women I admire most.
NOURISH
Your ideal diet is…: Mediterranean.
What you always have in the refrigerator: Eggs, cheese, salad, and fruit.
Dinner-saving recipe: Pasta
Favorite drink: Mint, ginger, and lemon tea. And wine.
Favorite snack: Nuts.
Favorite restaurant: Pont'a Pé , in Aljezur
Favorite cookbooks: By Ottolenghi
TO CARE
Beauty icons: My mother and my grandmother.
An essential piece of clothing: Jeans
One thing that's always part of her beauty routine: Moisturizing her body.
Favorite MPL'beauty product: I'm a big fan of the serums , the Sea Body Oil , the Regenerating Repair Balm , and the makeup remover oil.
How do you feel most beautiful? By giving your best.
