5 Tips on Trying To Find A Balance

Happy November 1st everyone... You know what that means. It's totally acceptable to play Christmas music, talk about Christmas, start planning for Christmas etc.

Wow, so I haven't posted on my blog in 2 months. That makes me the worst blogger in the world right? Wrong.

I beat myself up so much in my own head for not blogging more frequently or for the lack of postings and publishings across my social media. I assume people will deem me lazy, inconsistent or just a bad blogger who can't even do the one thing she loves. When really these are all silly thoughts in my own head. Perhaps they are feelings of guilt for not posting or just generally wishing I had more hours in the day to do all of the things I love.

I have to remember that while I love blogging and everything it has done for me, it is a hobby at the end of the day!

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Life has taken over. 

2nd year of college has taken over.

Socialising has taken over.

Being a part of societies on campus has taken over.

They name just a few of the things which have occupied my time in the last 2 months! 

I have always lived a crazy-busy/hectic lifestyle and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I've always kept busy. Since I was a child I've been a dabbler and thrown my hand to anything that seems interesting. You name it, I've tried most hobbies and pastimes at one point or another.

That's just in me, it's a part of me. I'm a lover of life and always seek more.

I always try to see what I can get out of life and how far I can push the limits.

Although I do take on a lot, at what point does it become too much?

I had to question myself a few weeks ago - am I actually being productive??

I was doing more socialising than actually taking care of my responsibilities.

Late nights means late mornings and low concentration levels in lectures.

I wasn't looking after my skin or listening to my body.

I stopped making extra time for things I love like blogging, creating content and even going to the gym!

Put all of that into the mix + the feeling of guilt for not blogging +  making time for family and friends - and of course me time!!

It came to the point where I had so much to do that I did nothing at all, and there's no way that's productive or a way to live your life!!

So I decided to make little changes. I'm still working on them and will be for a while, but I'm going to quickly share 5 things I've been doing while trying to find a balance.

(1) Prioritise

One of the biggest things I've learned is how crucial it is to prioritise. While it's all well and good to enjoy turning 21 and being back to college lifestyle, I had to decide what my actual priorities were. Is going on nights out for the craic more important than my responsibilities/deadlines/uncompleted tasks??

Occasionally yes, but once or twice a week just can't happen until I get my life back on track haha!

At the end of the semester, will I be happier for having gone on a load of nights out and ignoring what I really had to do - or happier that I at least gave my studies & responsibilities my best shot?!

(2) Take care of yourself

It's great to take on a load of activities, but check in with yourself and see if you're actually OK. Luckily enough, up until this week I hadn't really been stressing! I am now because I feel everything is catching up on me. I'm gonna try some downtime and meditation before I go to sleep and I hope it will make some difference.

The little things like actually looking after my skin have totally gone out the window! I was removing my makeup with wipes most nights because I was shattered and just wanted to fall into the bed. I was ruining my skin. So I'm making conscious decisions to cleanse my face properly and moisturize. (Future me will be thankful).

I felt kind of messy going around campus in a tracksuit, no makeup and wet hair all the time, which isn't always a bad thing. But it's nice to feel nice going from lecture to lecture so I've again made conscious choices to get up a bit earlier, pick out a nice outfit and put on a bit of makeup!

It's a small thing, but this week I've instantly felt that little bit better being more done up!

It's been hard to make as much time for the gym as I usually do, but it's so important to keep up a healthy lifestyle when you're very busy. You can't have one without the other. Meal prep and scheduling time for exercise is the key but now I just need to implement that into my lifestyle!

Also sleeeeep. How many times have you read that one? It's so true. I'm such a night owl but this past week I've been in bed before 12pm. I'm so fresh and ready for the next day and it gives me the extra time in the mornings to get done up and ready for college - hense feeling better about myself.

I'm starting to see that everything has a domino effect!

(3) Stay Positive

When possible, stay as positive as you can.

Things can get too much at times, and things will probably go wrong at one point or another. But the important part is how you react to the stuff life throws at you!

Try to keep going, keep smiling and stay enthusiastic.

If you act negative, you attract negativity.

If you act positive, you attract positivity. Simples.

 Things always have a way of working themselves out.

Keep your chin up, keep the end goal in sight and stay positive :)

(4) To-Do Lists & Diaries

Stationary should be your best friend!!!

It's nice to take notes on your phone, but you can't beat the magic of putting pen to paper.

I would be lost without my daily planner. It was only €2 in Dealz back in January, but it is my life!!

It's such a simple idea to keep a planner and schedule your days. With everything else going on, you can forget things like taking a call, going to a meeting, or grabbing a coffee with a friend. 

On top of that a To-Do list is essential. Whether it's a daily list or a weekly one it's a great way to keep on top of things and get your jobs done!

I don't know if it's just me, but I get such a sense of pride and productivity when I tick something off my list and get everything in done!

(5) Watch motivational videos

You know those videos you see on Facebook of people giving motivational speeches and talks and you might think it's all a bit spoofy?? Next time, really truly listen to what they are saying!

They motivate me so so much and definitely boost my mood when things start to fall apart or I struggle to balance everything.

Gary Vaynerchuck has to be one of the best motivational speakers I've ever listened to!

One video/story/message that resonates with you can totally shift your outlook on the day ahead and in turn, potentially change your life.

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Thanks so much for reading. I hope you were able to take something from this post and that it will help you in some way.

Much love,

Clóda

X

Why Everyone Should Take A Year Out

Hey everyone, happy Tuesday!

With this year's Leaving Cert results coming out tomorrow, it has me thinking back to 2 years ago when I was in the same position and worried about my future!

First of all, the Leaving Cert is very important but know that it is not the most important thing in the world!

Throughout 6th year I had it in my head that I was going to take a year out! I didn't know what I wanted to do, and I also wanted to make money before heading to college. I had my doubts at the start, but when I look back, it was so worthwhile!

I often get questions asking if taking a year out was a good decision - usually from people who are on the fence about it! All I can say is, if it is itching at you at all to take a year out - absolutely 100% do it!! If you think about it, 1 year is very short and goes very quickly. There is literally no harm in one year's break! You've been in school for like 15 years now, so if college isn't for you at the moment, that's totally normal!

So why should you take  a year out?

You're Unsure About Your Choices

Were you like me and filled out the CAO but knew deep down you hadn't a clue what you wanted to do or if that course would even suit you? You just did it because it's the done thing to do during 6th year! If you really don't know what you would like to do or if you're unsure about college, gap years are fantastic options. You could get work or experience in the field that interests you and see if it's for you? Trial and error will become your best friend in the next few years!

Don't follow your friends!!!

Year after year, people decide on a college or course based on what their friends are doing! Please don't let this be the sole reason why you choose a college! I know it's daunting but you should NEVER base any major life decisions on what your friends are doing! Fact of the matter is, they will still always be your friends but you have to learn to live independently! Plus, it's important to branch out and make new friends too - how else are you going to experience the world and experience other cultures! When you move on from the secondary school phase you will realise that essentially you rely on yourself for a lot of things!

Improve Something or Learn Something

Often, people will take a gap year as a time to get better at something they already do - whether that is a talent, hobby, sport etc. It's finally a time where you have very little commitments. Use this time wisely to perfect that hobby or to immerse yourself in something new.

Get fit, join a club, audition for a musical.

Do the things you've always wanted to do but never really had time for. Set goals for the year ahead and enjoy it as you overcome challenges to reach that goal!

Make some €€€€€

Up until the now only jobs you've probably ever had were weekend jobs, part-time jobs or summer jobs and you blew all your wages on the sesh at the weekends or on Penneys etc. haha!

Other than that, I imagine your main source of income would have been your parents! 

One of the reasons why I really wanted to take a year out was to make some money OF MY OWN!

I lived rent free at home, food on the table, had my own job and made my own money which meant I could spend independently and began to be more careful with money as it was my own and it was hard earned! Then when you save up enough money, you can treat yourself. Was there a designer handbag you always wanted? Do you want to set yourself up with a car and get driving?

Chances are you probably couldn't afford it all if you went straight to college!

Travel

Whether it's buying yourself a weekend  away in Kerry, or off for a week in the sun, or even exploring a new continent - this is your time! You can save up for the year by working hard and rewarding yourself with a holiday at the end of the year! I caught the travel bug last year and believe me when I say it's an incurable sickness!! Work hard and then play hard!

My Year Out

With all of those reasons in mind, I'm going to tell you my story!

As I previously mentioned I had always planned on taking a year out of study after 6th year so it didn't come as a shock to me or anyone around me when I declined my CAO offer!

This wasn't going to be a year of laziness for me! I wanted to immerse myself in every single thing possible! I wanted to have the most jam-packed, exciting year of my life - But how would I do that? I started to plan plan plan.

What did I do?

I set up interviews and applied everywhere for jobs, and thankfully got one in a local ladies clothes shop! It couldn't have suited me more! Also, I thought I wouldn't go completely without education and auditioned to be in a part-time music course in BIMM Dublin! Surely enough I got accepted! So I worked in the shop during the week and got the train up to Dublin every Friday to attend my course!

This was fantastic because I had the best of both worlds. I was working in my first ever real job while also studying Vocals, which I loved!

I immersed myself.. in Everything!!

Well this would be typical of me anyway! I am such a dabbler and I'll turn my hand to most things and I'm not afraid to try new things! From the get-go, I was already looking for ways to improve myself and improve my blog. 

In September 2015, my friends all headed off to college, while I was heading off to London to be a part of Outbox Incubator. Because of my blog I was one of 200 girls across UK, Ireland and Europe to come and stay in a house in London with other girls interested in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Maths). I spent a week in a house in London with other amazing young women. It was a huge step in getting my blog off the ground and one of my first ventures as a blogger!

It wasn't all easy sailing..

At first I found it so strange to be working and having actual adult responsibilities while I watched all my friends go out all the time and live the college lifestyle! I quickly pulled myself out of that nonsense though and realised the opportunity I had to have a really incredible year that I couldn't have if I was in full-time education! I knew my time would come.

Although it was probably one of the greatest years of my life, I also went through some of the roughest patches I've ever been through! Only for the fact that I was on a year out, I don't know what I would have done! I wouldn't have coped properly had I been in college!

Within the space of 2 months, I went through a break-up, my best friend died, and I found out that the shop I was working for was closing down!! It seemed to be just one thing after another! But they say that things come in 3's so I knew it actually couldn't have gotten worse! And thankfully it didn't. It was a rough start to 2017 and to be honest it probably took me about half the year to recover from.
The reason why it got better was because I forced the situation to get better. I couldn't just let myself fall into grief and pain forever.
I became selfish, in a good way. I began to do things for me! I would put my own feelings first before others for once. In the least cockiest way, I started to revolve my whole world around me and I built up my world. I bought myself nice things, I got my nails done every month, I bought the camera of my dreams.. AND I bought myself a holiday to New York!! (But we will get to that)

I fundraised for charity..

After much self-healing and lots of time, I decided to get out of my own bubble and give to others. I began a fundraiser for charity. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and raised over €5000 for the Irish Cancer Society! It was an incredible feeling giving to such a great cause and to see people in my parish being so supportive of the cause!

I did all my fundraisers throughout my year out and in October, only a few weeks into college, I summited Kilimanjaro with 20 other Irish people.

It was not only physically, but mentally excruciating. But the views, the craic, the people I met, the journey made it all worth it. And knowing at the back of it all that the charity would benefit! It was just a once in a lifetime achievement for me. My proudest moment to date!

I travelled to New  York!!

I remember the day I booked the flights to New York. It was during the time that everything got really hectic/eventful and I just thought, I have to do this!!

My friend Philip was living there at the time, so I knew I had someone to stay with!

And so I did it. Aged 19, no regrets, on the plane to New York alone.

I knew I would love it, but I never realised that when I stepped on that Aer Lingus plane that my perspective on so many things would change forever.

I learned more about myself in those 3 weeks than in my whole life. It's such a powerful thing - spending time by yourself. Travelling halfway across the world by yourself. 

I walked the avenues of New York and went to all the sites, for most parts, alone. I had nobody to rely on, nobody to answer to. I could just be me in this big crazy city! For the first time in months I was really truly happy. I felt so free. I was so tiny in this huge city and I loved it. I loved the buzz. The people. The lights. It was everything I imagined New York would be, and it was exactly what I needed!

I 100% caught the travel bug when I stepped on that plane and now I can not stop thinking about travelling the world and experiencing everything! 

The confidence, and the light and the strength that grew in me when I was in New York is still standing to me today, 14 months later. I will never forget what New York did for me. I genuinely believe I am a different person because of that trip.  I feel like I can do anything and go anywhere. It was unforgettable!

How did I turn out?

Honestly, taking a year out was the best decision I have ever made. I believe that timing is everything and everything happens for a reason.

I was soooo ready for college by the time it came around! I felt mature, capable and beyond excited to live in Cork city! I also got the time I needed to figure out what course I wanted to do, and where I wanted to go!

If you do take a year out, or even if you don't. Stop being afraid. Don't think that you're too young to travel. Don't feel like you can't push yourself to do all the things you dream of doing. Don't feel like you constantly have to have somebody by your side. You have GOT this!! Travel!! See the world! Meet new people! (There is truth in all those inspirational Insta quotes!)

Most importantly, begin to love yourself, cherish yourself. At the end of the day, the only person who you can guarantee to always be there for you is YOU!

Best of luck to everyone getting your results tomorrow!
Much Love,
Clóda X

Madrid Travel Diary

Happy Monday everyone.

 Today I'm back with a super exciting post: my first EVER travel diary.

I've spoken for so long about delving into the world of travel blogging and now I finally am. 

After travelling to America and Africa in 2016, I realised that I have 1000000000% caught the travel bug and I want to bring you guys along with me wherever I go!

So what better way to start off this new aspect of my blog than writing a travel diary on my recent trip to the beautiful city of Madrid in Spain!

So basically this post will be a travel guide on all things Madrid. 

What I did.. Where I went.. The do's and don't's..

Plan Plan Plan, and then Plan some more...

Flights: In November we decided to go on a European city break, and Madrid was one of the cities that was in the €10 seat sale on Ryanair, so we booked the flights for the week before Semester 2 of college. 

We went for about 3 and a half days, which was such a lovely treat to finish off the Christmas break.

Hotel: We booked our hotel through www.hotels.com or www.booking.com

We just searched "Hotel on Gran Via" which is the huge shopping street. Basically it's the Oxford St of Madrid. 

We stayed at the Petit Palace Cliper c/Chinchilla 6. This hotel was in the ideal location. It was right off Gran Via and sooo central - everything was within walking distance. 

For 2 people staying three nights, and in a fantastic location in the city centre, the hotel was so reasonably priced!! I would definitely recommend staying there! It's basic, clean, central, cheap & cheerful.. What else would you need?

Research: One thing I've learned from travelling is that you really need to plan ahead when going on a city break! It's so important, especially if it's only for a few days because you'll want to squeeze in as much sights and shops as possible! 

My Advise:

Make a bucket list!!!

Ask Friends for recommendations.

Google the best places to visit.

Google the hidden treasures of that place.

Search hashtags of that place.

Watch travel vlogs/read travel blogs on the area.

I followed lots of Madrid accounts on Instagram before going, to get inspiration on places to eat/visit.

Stylin'

So I obviously couldn't go on a trip and not feature some outfits!

They're relatively comfy/casual as we did hours of walking each day!

For our first day of exploring, I decided to wear a gorgeous charcoal shirt I had recently purchased in Zara and comfy  ripped jeans from River Island.

I styled them with my Western style boots & belt - a trend I am looooving right now.

You can find the boots: Here

I just brought one bag that would fit everything and go with everything. I love this grey Satchel I bought in Primark in Newry back in August. 

I love this gold chain from Urban Secrets - I got so many compliments on it!

The typical "I'm a blogger, so I take outfit photos on steps" picture!!

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Day 2 was another long day of sight seeing so I went for a striped shirt that had a frill collar, my SoSu high waist jeans and my trusty Adidas Superstars for comfort!

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This was my look for our last night at the Flamenco Dancing show.

The sparkle choker & top are from Penneys. 

The coated jeans are from Vila and I absolutely live in them!

Heels are from Dunnes!

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My outfit for our last day (shopping day) was super casual and cosy!

I popped on this Penneys shearling jacket for popping around the shops.

Paired it with my RI jeans again, a green velvet bodysuit and my white leather converse!

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Food & Drink

Breakfast with a view:

After getting inspiration from Koen Tady's Instagram, I just HAD to have breakfast at the "Gourmet Experience". It's a fabulous food floor on the 9th floor of a department store called El Corte Ingles.

I enjoyed a fluffy croissant and freshly squeezed orange juice with the sun beating down on me as I looked out over this magical city! Such a blissful breakfast spot! 

We even came back again the next day just to capture the view again and fill up on the amazing food!

It truly is a Gourmet Experience.. Woooowza those views!

I would highly recommend going here for a cup of coffee or a drink. 

It's free of charge to come up and enjoy the view and take some pics too!

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Babes who Brunch

Habanera was one of the places I was most excited to go to! 

It was featured in an article that I had stumbled across when researching Madrid. I just couldn't wait to step from the grey streets into this sensational exotic paradise.. 

A picture tells a thousand words, so just.....

Yes this is a restaurant.. I kid you not!

Is this not the most instagrammable place ever?? Seriously though, the aesthetics!!!

And if you thought all of that was fab, wait 'til you see the food!

When on holidays, you've gotta go for the cocktail right? Look how gorgeous it is! 

All those summery vibes..

Are you weak yet?

Look at how stunningly presented this brunch is..

I ordered the fruit salad and American pancakes! I've never tasted pancakes like them before and oh my days, the fruit was so juicy and fresh! It was definitely one of the most incredible food experiences I've ever had! And what's more, both were only about €6. Such reasonable prices for such a luxurious location!

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better than the fantastic food displays and spectacular setting, just wait until you see the bathroom..

That is correct you do see palm trees in the bathroom, as well as a fabulous marble sink!

But the BEST part is..

THE SWINGS!!!

SWINGS IN A FRICKIN' BATHROOM! I looooove this place!

Talk about bathroom goals! If you visit Madrid and don't go to Habanera you are seriously missing out! V impressed!

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Sure we'll go to the Irish pub for 'one'

Are you even Irish if you don't sniff out an Irish pub when abroad?

The James Joyce pub was recommended to us as a lovely place to go to for a late lunch.

We ate some light bites and enjoyed drinks outside watching all the traffic go by which was soooo relaxing after so much walking. Fab spot & great food!

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Dine Al Fresco in Plaza Mayor

A must-visit is the breath-taking Plaza Mayor dotted with Al Fresco themed restaurants all around. 

It was fab to sit here enjoying our meal in the sun while being entertained by street artists.

This is how every lazy Saturday should be spent!

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Taste a traditional Spanish Buffet at Topolino

On our first night in Madrid we just happened to stumble upon this quaint little corner restaurant called Topolino. I would highly recommend eating here if you want to get a flavour of many traditional Spanish dishes! The exquisite array of food is mouth-watering. Thank God it was an all-you-can-eat buffet because I went back for 3rds and 4ths haha!!

It was only €11 pp. Well worth eating here if  you want to get value for money!

(Oh and btw the paella in Spain beats the Aldi one anyday.. obvs!!!)

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Enjoy drinks at Círculo De Bellas Artes as the sun sets

One of the most magical moments of the trip for me was watching the sun set over the city from the rooftop bar on Círculo De Bellas Artes. 

It was so chill, chart music was playing, cocktails were being drank..

Perfect Vibes!

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Experience Madrid's most famous Churros in San Gine's

If you visit Madrid at all, you have to indulge in the chocolatey haven that is San Gines!

It is the cutest little chocolateria which do the most famous churros & hot chocolate in Madrid. They're in business since 1894 - so crazy!!

The interior is divine. Chocolate everywhere, marble & gold decor, photos of famous people who stepped foot through the door framed on the walls. 

Also they are open 24 hours I think, because I read that young people queue up to get churros after being in the nightclubs 'til the early hours.

Look at that piece of perfection.

Hardly enjoyed them anyway...

YUM!

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Places to be & Sights to see!

Ahh and now onto the amazing places you must visit when you're in Madrid!!

Between the architecture, the culture and the views, you'll be wanting to book the next plane to Spain

El Parque del Retiro

As soon as stepped through the gates of Retiro Park, we were instantly entranced in a Winter Wonderland. 

It's so unlike the parks back home in Ireland. Everything is crisp white and it feels like you're walking around the Queens garden. To say it is a luxurious park would have to be an understatement!!

One of my favourite parts about the park is that you can hire out paddle boats and take in the scenes around the lake. A few people recommended this to me and I had always wanted to go on a paddle boat. It was so cheap. Only €6 for the 2 of us in the boat for 45 mins around the lake!!

And the boats can fit about 4-5 people and each boat is only €6 so v v cheap!

Taking inspo from the O'Donovan brothers and "Pulling Like A Dog"

The boats are super safe and family friendly. There was lots of kids in boats too!

Taking in all the scenes around the park!

Next we strolled on to the Palacio de Cristal which is another fantastic feature in Retiro Park.

I could stay here forever, daydreaming in this magnificent building. I've never seen anything like the Crystal Palace. 

It's a pretty big park. We didn't even get to see all of it but, wow!! It was truly beautiful!

Watch the sun set from Círculo De Bellas Artes

So much websites and so many people told me that watching the sun set over the city from the top of Circulo de Bellas Artes was an absolute MUST! And boy were they right! Can you believe it was only €4 for this extraordinary rooftop experience?

It was one of those rare, breath-taking, pinch-me moments watching the sky go from a dusky yellow, smoothing into pastels and exploding with vibrant purples, pinks and oranges and finally darkness slowly fell onto the rooftops. 

WOW! I would highly recommend spending a few hours here to watch that magical sunset and the city lights twinkling up at you, but bring  warm jacket it gets super cold up there when night falls!!

Check out Primark on Gran Via

If you're a shopaholic or a Penneys fanatic you are gonna want to visit the HUUUUGGEE Primark store on Gran Via. It has 5 floors, music blaring and always packed!

It was as if the mother ship has called me home!!

This is how busy it was at 9pm!!

I've recommended some more fab shops on my Madrid Haul Blog Post if you want to check it out and see what I bought. Honestly the shopping over there is to-die-for.

Get a picture with El Oso y El Madrono

Located in Madrid's most famous and most central square, La Puerta del Sol, sits one of Madrid's most important statues. They say you should get a picture with  El Oso y El Madrono (the Bear and the Strawberry Tree).  The Oso and Madrono is the official symbol of the city.

So I got the above picture and bought a keyring (which flips into a bottle opener) with El Oso on it!

Temple De Debod

Want to experience a bit of ancient Egypt in Madrid? Hell yeah, you do!

This mesmerising, mystical monument was built in one of Spain's most beautiful parks, West Park.

It was donated to Spain in 1968.

Admission is free so you should totally come down to check it out, take some pictures and go for a stroll around the beautiful West Park.

See a Flamenco Dancing show

You cannot go to Spain without experiencing Flamenco dancing. Honestly, the passion, the rhythm. 

It was a sensational experience! 

Fly over the city in a Cable Car

For only €5, one of the best things you can do in Madrid is take in the best of views of the city by cable car.

And most importantly, go Explore!

Yes, tick off the things on your bucket list, but go walk, go cycle, go see. 

Explore the unknown streets and take pictures of random buildings that you don't know the name of..

Enjoy the city's architecture for all it is!

The City Hall

City Gate

Royal Palace

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Aaaaand there it is, my best Madrid recommendations! I hope you enjoyed this post and might even consider visiting this beautiful city after reading this!

I would love to get your feedback, so leave comments or message me etc.

So much love,

Clóda

xxx