Coming back to the cold, wind and rain was a bit of a shock after a lovely week in Madeira. The clocks going back an hour and the long, dark nights certainly hasn’t helped either. Every holiday I go on makes me want to live abroad even more; unfortunately Brexit has made that very difficult, if not impossible. But I won’t get started on my feelings about that! On a more positive note, we did some of my favourite things in Madeira, including having afternoon tea in the beautiful Jardins do Lago botanical gardens.
We did this when we holidayed in Madeira two years ago and I knew I had to go back on my next visit. As well as the beautiful flowers, the gardens are home to Colombo the Galapagos tortoise (who you’ll see further down). With lifespans in the wild of over 100 years, they are one of the longest-lived vertebrates. In captivity these tortoises can live up to 177 years! As a result of our visit Pete has agreed to let Isobel have a tortoise…not one this big though!
Colombo certainly has a magnificent place to roam though – the garden covers an area of more than 2.5 hectares with 500 different species of plants. There are wonderful examples of rare species and old trees as well as many colourful and delicate flowers. I’m not very knowledgeable about plants but I have a great app on my phone called Seek, which identifies plants from a photo. Isobel needed it for homework and it proved to be very useful wandering around the gardens.
It was one of the warmest, sunniest days of the holiday so I wanted to wear something airy. This orange tiered maxi dress is one of my favourite holiday dresses for both the style and the colour. You may remember that I wore it on my trip to Spain in July. (It’s still available at Asos in most sizes, and it’s on sale). Orange and green is one of my favourite colour combinations so it seemed like a good choice with so much foliage around me!
Colombo seemed pleased to see us, although he didn’t want the banana I took for him – I think he’d just had lunch! They really are extraordinary creatures, I could sit and watch him all day. However, afternoon tea was waiting and we were hungry!
SHOP THE LOOK
My stepmother and dad are on the left, Isobel is at the head of the table, and my mother-in-law is sitting next to me. Pete took the photo so he’s not in it (that’s his empty chair). The food was delicious and they do a vegan afternoon tea too with warm scones and delicious gooey cake. We walked it off the following day with a visit to Monte on the cable car followed by a basket ride and a steep descent on foot back to Funchal!
Asos orange tiered maxi dress | Oliver Bonas wide brim hat | rose gold FitFlops | Jeepers Peepers sunglasses (from Asos) | Azuni gold bangle | Ottoman Hands rose quartz ring
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Gail of Is This Mutton?, Suzy of The Grey Brunette and Kathrine Eldrige!
I’m very envious of your late holiday Emma! And I’ve always wanted a tortoise! Gorgeous dress too xx
Emma,
Orange is such an underrated color and yet so perfect for warm weather days. It looks and sounds like you have a truly wonderful time on your holiday.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Tortoises are so…… weird, unique fascinating. My stepbrother has had them most part of his life. He still has them. When I am in the UK I know I want to live there……. well 2 years ago anyway. But I understand what you mean, we don’t like it here in the Netherlands anymore. Your dress is gorgeous, look how fantastic it is with your hair!
You look stunning in this orange maxi dress! Thanks so much for the feature Emma!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
That is the perfect vacation dress. Looks like you had a great trip!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
What a fun family trip! And you are so lucky your dad lives in such a beautiful place! lol! That orange halter dress is just perfect on you, Emma, and so right for that pretty scenery!! isobel is getting so tall! Sorry you had to go back to reality–always the down side after a holiday!
Thank you for brightening these dark November days! Must put Madeira on my bucket list. Family time is so rewarding and you look amazing in orange as always, such a fabulous color for you.
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
Well done on the late holiday. You’re definitely brightening up Nov with that sizzling orange dress. I find tortoises fascinating too.
It looks amazing there! You look great in orange!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
You wear orange so well! Love your dress! Your photos are beautiful!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Oh wow, Emma, I don’t which I love more: your brilliant orange maxi dress, your beautiful family photos, or sweet Colombo! What a fabulous trip for you all. I am glad that you were able to finally get away even though it was not your original plan.
Shelbee
This looks like so much fun! And I adore your beautiful orange maxi dress!
I remember this dress the last time you wore it. And I love it just as much as I did then! You look stunning in orange, Emma!
And what a fabulous location in Madeira, I’m smitten with Colombo!
Hugs
Suzy x
I forgot to say thank you so much for featuring me!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Wow, this is such a beautiful area! I enjoyed reading and seeing Columbo ! And you look sensational in this outfit, orange is so good on you. You look very relaxed! I am ready for the Holidays but I need to go somewhere after them!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Such a pretty dress, your holiday sounds perfect. Can’t wait to get away myself, been a long time xx Jacqui x
This outfit just pops out from the gorgeous scenery you’re in so well! I love the green in your hat against the orange dress. So, so beautiful!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
These photos are stunning, you are absolutely beautifull! UGH, to be out of the wind/rain and in some warm, sunny weather! I hope that you enjoyed your vacation 🙂
Thanks for your link up and please stop by if you have a chance!
https://birthofafashionblogger.blogspot.com/2021/11/photo-dump-lets-play-catch-up.html
Sounds like a fun trip! You look fabulous in the orange maxi dress!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
That dress is stunning, and oh my goodness, that garden. I would love to go there! What an adventure you had
Looks like an incredible day, and trip! Wow! I want to go!