Retro Floral Print Maxi Dress + Style With a Smile Link Up

It’s hard to believe this was only a month ago, it seems like much longer. Despite Madeira being a relatively small island, we always find something new to do and visiting Monte Palace Garden had been on our list for a few years. On our last trip we spent an afternoon at the Madeira Botanical Garden in Funchal, but I’d heard that Monte Palace Garden was more impressive. And so it was! Well, for a start it has flamingos and not much can top that! I also preferred the more rugged and less manicured style of garden.

This thin cotton retro floral print maxi dress was ideal for walking around the garden in the heat

It was a very hot day so I needed to be protected from the sun but also to stay cool. This thin cotton retro floral print maxi dress was ideal for walking around the garden in the heat. I bought it on Vinted a couple of weeks beforehand. The tie back makes it extra breezy and it’s easy to position over a bra strap. (I just have to remember to apply SPF on my back!) My trusty orange hat is a bit faded now (and the gold chain fell off), that’s the problem with brightly-coloured sun hats I suppose. If I had room in my case I’d take a hat in every colour!

The entrance fee is 15 euros for adults and free for children under 15 years of age. We took the bus there from Funchal, which is cheap and reliable. The views on the winding roads are pretty spectacular too. You can take the cable car there if you’re feeling adventurous, but it is more expensive. There’s also a museum but we didn’t go in as we’d already done a lot of walking. Always save something for next time!

A quick post-op update

It’s now five days since I had surgery on my foot and I’m feeling much perkier today. It was day surgery but I didn’t get home until late on Friday night. I was completely wiped out from the anaesthetic and painkillers that day and still tired for a few days afterwards. This morning I managed to have a shower with a bin bag taped over my foot today – not at all glamourous but I felt so much better for it!

I have a big ugly black foam sandal to wear for moving around, which has a wedge on the heel to keep the weight off my toes. I also have crutches, although they’re already becoming more of a hindrance than a help. On Tuesday I have a follow up appointment with the surgeon, so I’m hoping I’ll get to see my “new” foot. It’s currently heavily bandaged and padded. Thank you all for your lovely messages wishing me well, I really appreciate it. I’ll do a quick update on IG stories soon!