When I first read this I thought, ‘way too promotional, this is going back’. But once I’d read it a couple of times I liked the ideas Michelle was giving for her oils, and oil pulling I had never heard of! And they are based in Barcelona after all. So I thought it ok to let this one slide. I hope you agree.

“As my dogs, Hipopótamo and Pingüina, scratch and nuzzle to awaken me from my deep slumber, I start to feel the warm, Spanish sun on my face. ‘I should have closed the persianas last night’, I think to myself. Closing the blackout blinds would have definitely helped me sleep in after a long night on the town in Barcelona. I finally resign to my canine children and take them out for a walk around the barrio, suddenly refreshed and energized!

My next move is usually oil pulling. I grab my Dribble Dots Seductive Sesame Oil in the kitchen and swish around a tablespoon in my mouth for about 15-20 minutes. On this rare occasion, I choose to spit, not swallow, and my mouth feels as clean as ever! This ancient Ayurvedic practice is key to ridding your mouth of toxins and bacteria. A happy side effect is that it whitens and strengthens teeth.

Coffee is another must for me. Although I love espressos and cortados, in the morning, it must be a café con leche with steamed soy, almond, or rice milk. I admit that I adore the Italian moka coffee pots or the fancy cappuccino machines, but for my home I love Nespresso. A fortunate byproduct is seeing the dreamy George Clooney and Matt Damon in the commercials every time I waltz into the store! The best way to top my coffee? A dribble of Mouthwatering Walnut Oil. Or perhaps Perky Pistachio Oil. It really depends on how I rolled out of bed! Read the rest of this article…

BCN Type in progress

I know, you’re wondering whether this has turned into a site about type after last weeks Barcelona font post. But this one I couldn’t resist.

From the hand of German born, but Spanish influenced, Simón Prades, comes BCN Type. Grungy, futuristic lettering inspired by Barcelona’s famous grid system. Read the rest of this article…

This is a bit of a geeky post but what the hell. I love Barcelona. And I love typography. So what better than a Barcelona font! Read the rest of this article…

I came across this great infographic the other day from the guys at Apartment Barcelona. Unlike most of these kind of things there was actually some stuff I didn’t know! So I thought I’d share it.

Did you know about all these things?

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Barcelona [Infographic]

Article by Emily Davies, Barcelona Travel Expert.

The city of Barcelona is a wonderful choice for fun-packed things to do with kids. There are so many fabulous child-friendly activities, from interactive museums to theme parks and nature reserves, that you are spoilt for choice. With this in mind, here are my top five attractions in Barcelona that you and your kids will love.

1. Barcelona Zoo

Barcelona Zoo is home to an impressive array of beautiful and exotic animal species. Zoo highlights include the elephants, giraffes and zebras alongside more unusual animals such as komodo dragons, pygmy marmosets and giant anteaters. This top attraction also boasts a number of child-friendly restaurants, picnic areas, playgrounds and a petting zoo. On arrival, be sure to get in line for the zoo’s exciting and exhilarating live dolphin spectacle!

Barcelona Zoo

Read the rest of this article…

You know the score by now. Barcelona. Time-lapse video with tilt-shift photography (though not as much this time). And great editing and music.

From Pau García Laita creator of Summer Barcelona (with 411k plays on Vimeo) and Midnight Barcelona (305k plays) is the new time-lapse film Natura Barcelona. Read the rest of this article…

A contribution from Peter Lavelle, an economist at foreign exchange broker Pure FX, on the currency situation for an independent Catalonia.

What currency would an independent Catalonia use?

Catalonia continues to press for its independence. This past September 11th (the 299th anniversary of the fall of Barcelona, which led to Catalonia’s accession as part of Spain), 1.6 million Catalans linked hands around the region, to draw attention to their cause. Moreover, next year, Catalan president Artur Mas plans a referendum, to see just how much of the Catalan populous favours ceding from Spain.

However, aside from Catalonia’s ongoing struggle, the possibility of its independence raises certain questions. Like, for example, what currency would an independent Catalonia use? Well, that’s what I want to look at here. Read the rest of this article…