It is the smallest and inhospitable island in the Azores. Its natural beauty, however, is unforgettable.

The Crow owes its name to a group of migratory birds, cormorants, which abounded on the island when the Portuguese arrived in the fifteenth century. It is located in the western group of the nine islands that form the archipelago of the Azores. Having been discovered in conjunction with the island of Flores, in the year of 1452, by the navigator Diogo Teive. The first effective settlement of this territory came almost sixty years later. A final colony composed almost exclusively by African slaves and some Moors who helped with this first phase to thin out the thick forest where the inhabitants took cedar wood, white wood, laurel, holly and tamujos for building ships. Later, these forced "community" served to keep cattle and perform all kinds of farm work of settlers in the island. Interestingly, like other in times residents in our days survive on agriculture and livestock exports. Although being an island, the inhabitants of Corvo have no special vocation for fishing. The fishing industry is seen as a complement to food. According to the encyclopedia XXI of the Azores, Corvo Island, "is composed of a single extinct volcanic mountain, with a broad crater called Cauldron subsidence, with 3.7 km of perimeter and 300 m deep. It can be observed several lakes with an area of ​​truffle seedlings. The island's highest point is Morro Men's edge in the south of the Cauldron, with 718 m altitude above the average level of the sea. The whole coast is steep and craggy, forming the central cone of the volcano, with the exception of the southern part, where a lava fajã settled in Vila of Corvo, the only town on the island. The west slope, with an almost vertical cliff about 700 meters above the ocean, is one of the highest elevations in the existing coastal Atlantic. "

http://acores.wikia.com/wiki/Ilha_do_Corvo

It was the first protected area of ​​our country. With more than 700 miles of stunning landscape, breathtaking, into the northern regions of Portugal.

The Peneda-Geres National Park was established on May 8th, 1971, a statute that was intended to protect the fauna and flora of this mountain set that spans thru thousands of hectares and is shared with neighboring Spain. One reason for a visit is the orographic beauty that can be sighted through the many walking trails suggested by the park authorities. There is the famous Roman trail, which crosses part of this protected area and where is possible in areas designated for that purpose, to stop and do family picnics.
It is one of the greatest natural attractions of our country, not only for ecological diversity, but also for protected wildlife that houses the roughly 70,290 hectares of land. In addition to the famous and infamous Iberian wolves and deer, their favorite prey, can be spotted badgers, otters, mink and birds of large prey. If you are thinking that you can see the famous Iberian lynx, think again! You have a better chance winning the lottery than seeing in the bush this elusive and almost extinct animal. The tree species are also natural beauty to admire in this park. On the slopes of the valleys warm and sheltered, we can admire oaks, arbutus and Azereros, just to name a few.
This mountainous region, due to the characteristics of its rugged terrain and very sudden changes in altitude, is the intertwining of various types of weather, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and continental. Imagine the four seasons in one place. Not to be missed are the beautiful waterfalls that are the delight of visitors, but be careful with the water temperature, this is a factor to consider. It is very cool even in midsummer. It's worth the effort, you can even see fish at the bottom of small lakes, and such is the clarity of the water.

http://www.geira.pt/pnpg/index.html

http://www.adere-pg.pt/

They are kind of rays that abounds in national waters and are in danger of extinction.

The "family of rays are characterized by the head elevated above the disk off with the eyes and spiracles located laterally. Mouth with chewing teeth placed in several rows. Tail more or less long, equipped with one or more venomous spines at the base. Are ovoviviparous, the embryos are fed in part by a milky secretion produced by the female "according to the environmental advocacy organization and culture of the Algarve.
The mouse (Dasyatis parsnip Linnaeus) is the kind that interests us, prefer to live in bays, lagoons and estuaries, with depths up to 200 meters. It feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and fish. "It has a flattened body and depressed and smooth, slippery skin, devoid of scales. It has thick tail on the source that becomes progressively thin, has one or more venomous spines of serrated edges, which can cause painful wounds. The top surface is colored yellow-brown, with whitish or gray-blue. The bottom is clear. The body length can reach 1.50 "according to the site inmadeira.com
Contrary to what one might think rarely occur s any "confrontations" with these cartilaginous fish. The most that can happen is accidentally step on them, because normally they bury themselves in sand. Or being bitten by been badly handled by the fishermen who catch then on the hook, since the rays are widely consumed in our country. What I want to highlight however, is the beauty of these fish in the surface of the water. They open the "wings" as if they were birds, hovering in the blue waters as their skin shines in the sun. It seems almost surreal. It's an almost indescribable beauty. It's a shame to see them on the plate!

http://www.almargem.org/images/articles/117/Condrictios.pdf

http://mar.inmadeira.com/index.php?option=com_xdms&task=viewMar&id=358&lang=pt&Itemid=18&shuffle=yes

http://www.skaphandrus.com/underwater_photography/photo/1499

This mammals are the most passionate of the seven seas. The giants of the oceans, the humpback whale, do not spare his vocal cords to impress the females of their species.

The humpback whales, also known as black whale, plow the seas singing melodies barely audible to mating females of their own species. These are love songs whistled by males to attract a potential mate in order to reproduce. Such is the fervor that the most romantic vocals will be spread the blue waters of the oceans between the various populations of this giant of the seas. A musical phenomenon recently discovered by Australian scientist, Ellen Garland of the University of Queensland.
It is a cosmopolitan species, which travels over the summer to cooler waters during the winter and return for the hottest, at which the reproduction of the species, the result of the most popular songs. That is, female whale worth its salt is only available for good sex only if the whale-male in a position to serenade her with a great song, ring a bell?
Let's introduce now the scientific data. The feature that distinguishes this species from the rest is its extremely long pectoral fins, which can reach nearly a third of the total size of the animal is reaching 16 m in length for females. Their back is arched or hump (hence its name). Often have a light color contrasting with the darker color of the back.
Humpback whales feed mainly on small shrimp-like crustaceans, krill, and small fish. The whales throw themselves on large concentrations of prey, opening its mouth and swallowing tons of water with them. Then push it with the help of language, making the food get trapped against the keratin "beards” which are suspended from the top of his mouth, acting as a sieve.
The mammals are known for their docility and their spectacular jumps and can move at a speed of 27 km / h, which is pretty good for an animal that can measure about 16m in length and weigh up to 40 tons. Females give birth at intervals of 1 to 2 years, creates an approximately 4 m, with a gestation period of approximately two months. The nursing period lasts 10 to 11 months and creates reaches sexual maturity at about 5 years.

http://www.cetaceos-madeira.com/pt

It is a very unique musical project which aims to promote rock bands that sing in Portuguese.

The Alternative Rock Movement (MAR) was born of the need for a group of musicians to create a common platform to be heard. It is a concept that encompasses all the nine bands that only sing in Portuguese to promote and disseminate the groups either through events or concerts together or on their own behalf to the public. Its genesis is identical to that of a cooperative, but a musical one. The idea itself is very unique in a very competitive market as is the case with the Portuguese, if you think about it is easier to succeed and launch a career with logistical support with a well organized and professional team, rather to assume this burden alone . The bands, the core of this project are of great quality. It's rock sung in Portuguese, which can be heard on the album subcutaneous are eighteen original songs played by the bands that integrated MAR. I will not highlight any in particular because the work of the set is very good. They are even alternative in the form of singing and being musically speaking, as they themselves say, is the new Portuguese music that is on the street.
http://www.movimentoalternativorock.com/

They are mere leftovers that come to life in the hands of Catarina Brandão. They are small portions of tissue that become large bags, blankets, pockets and multicolored key chains. Fashion accessories are made with lots of creativity, love and passion.

What is the company of rags?
Catarina Brandao: I use tissue in patches, hence the name. They are rags, because it's cheaper than buying fabric by the meter. This idea comes from my childhood, I come from a family where they used all this, patchwork, knitting, crochet and I learned. Then life takes us not to practice and two years ago I had an illness that prevented me leaving home and had to occupy myself with something. I had a sewing machine, got old stuff that I had for a long time and created a blanket with fabric and crochet and friends liked. It began there.

How did you jump to the other accessories?
CB: I decided to make a bag as a gift and others came and people started placing orders. Then I went for the big bags and accessories for the little ones, who give me a certain joy to do. One thing is pulling the other. My creative process involves placing the tissues on the table and waiting for the inspiration to arise, for example, the bag of balls and stripes; it was three minimal flaps, looked at them and thought what am I going to do with it?

Why the big bags?
CB: Because that's what gives me immense pleasure to do. I like them big, but I also do other smaller pieces, the bags and key rings, in addition. I use everything. I also make necklaces and lavender hearts to put in the drawer. Everything is done with little tissue.

Maria Miká is a brand of decorative and fashion accessories based on the ethnographic Alto Minho. It is a passion of the natural born in Minho, in Viana do Castelo, Maria Lemos Costa, who revisits the traditions of her homeland with great creativity and innovation.

Tell me about your project, how did you come with this idea?
Maria Lemos Costa: I'm from Minho. I am of Viana and I participate in the procession every year and that's something that is already in my blood. I am passionate about the arts and I love the heats. My family had a store essentially of Vista Alegre and Viana dishes, so I have rooted these traditions. Because like I it so much I tried to create modern pieces based on the concepts both ethnographic and the Portuguese traditions adapted to today world.

You have also crocheted.
MLC: Yes, because all Portuguese households had a blanket in the house. They were made by our grandmothers and great grandmothers who did it with very dark colors. I tried to adapt them to today, with garish tones.

What kind of person buys these objects of decoration?
MLC: It is a kind of public that looks for me mainly at Christmas, to buy the hearts of Viana for the trees, as an ornament. I was the first person to adapt them for Christmas decorations. Then I went to the frames, followed by the pads and finally the crochets. It has been a gradual process. Then over the year I have hearts with lavender to put in the clothes drawers.

The drawings which you applied in the hearts are due to research or emerge from your imagination?
MLC: The colors are mine, the drawings I search them from the wardrobe of the wench, or traditional brides, there are several, and I just always pick a detail with a traditional base. The materials I use and their combination are a novel, for example, in the frames, the heart are never embroidered this way. I'll get various elements that I mix creatively.

http://mariamika.blogspot.com

It is one of the most notable trends for spring-summer of 2012.

The multicolor is one of the cornerstones in fashion trends for this summer. Use and abuse of this whole palette of colors, although it leans to the citrus, basically has no limits, no boundaries. Create your personal and not transferable look from head to toe literally. The girls are once again at the forefront of these concepts with two-tone hair, that is not a gradient itself, quite the contrary, can go form a pink to an electric blue at the roots and the tips are discolored. The clothes do not follow any specific pattern or color. Play with the many garments of your wardrobe, mix flowers with stripes, animal patterns with blocks of color. Be bold. Be daring. Be cheerful. Above all have fun, it may seem that only the young have this privilege, but think about it, there are mixed patterns that create a very grunge chic that reaches any woman. The nails also gain prominence this summer. All different, all multicolored. Check each of your old varnish and paint at will. The 90s are back with its multicolor revolution. The feet are also fashionable with sandals of multiple patterns and more than one tone that always delight women with its multi-potential combinations. The wedges, and peep toe are in the zone and the proposals are truly irresistible. If the crisis knocked on your door, no problem, you can always paint your tennis or a pair of shoes with various colors, patterns or create one of your one with different laces and buckles that enhance this crazy look, so fun. So think of this trend as a spring explosion in a very gray world. Enjoy!

It is one of the trends that marched through the national and international runways of the fashion designers.

The concept of the fetish takes us deep into a universe, full of sensuality and sexuality stray. Free. Without prejudice. The body dominates, but is not exposed. Quite the contrary. Conceals itself through velvets, satins in black leather and painted transparencies. It is the domain of eroticism, but moderate, the total black that does not compromise, even the most prudish. It is a provocation. The metals bling enter this game of seduction by completing this look, standing, as if they were pieces of a puzzle that is the vision of a provocative woman, full of femininity and glamour. Stencil Skirts bounding the curves of the hips that go to the knee. The shirts are long sleeved, with necklines that suggest but do not show. The bodices return to the limelight with its clean and symmetrical lines, with lace and decorated with the strong colors of the season, black, red, purple and gold. The accessories complement this evilish look, with high heels, varnished boots and currents involving the wrists, ankles and neck. One of the national designers that bet on this trend was Diogo Miranda, a rookie in the Portugal Fashion shows this fall-winter 2012-2013, inserted into the collective "young artists", this coordinated fashion designs showed a wildly ultra-feminine and sexy figure inspired by a fluid silhouette that marked the waist and breasts. Definitely a name to be remembered in world of the national fashion.

http://www.diogomiranda.net/

It is an ancient Portuguese art of jewelry that persists to this day.

In the past a woman's wealth was measured by the amount of gold they carried on their proud lap that disappeared into the endless rounds of gold in their ears pierced supporting heavy earrings and thick rings with small amethyst adorned their fingers. It was part of the dowry that was passed from mothers to daughters, grandmothers to granddaughters, from generation to generation and used only on festive seasons, because women have always known that this precious metal was essential as currency in times of great scarcity. It was the treasure of the family, hence the Portuguese saying, the rings may go, the fingers no. It is above all a legacy gently worked by skilled hands, a kind of fabric in intricate gold wires with circular motifs, coiled or in ese, that reveal an ancient art that has its origins in pre-Roman period. The filigree has always been linked to the major historical moments and social life of the Portuguese. Proof of this is that today, the Portuguese jewelry weighs heavily on the national economy, although the tradition has waned. However, the most iconic pieces, like the heart, the queen's earrings and necklaces with Minho's bids are still part of the jewels used in particular by the fado artists who stand out superbly in the black dress costumes.

The new generations of Portuguese women buy some gold, but indeed they prefer, the same jewelry in silver version, not only is a piece more affordable, but above all it is considered less traditional. Currently, the filigree is manufactured in limited areas of the north, particularly in the municipality of Gondomar considered the capital of national jewelry and in Braga, in the town of Povoa de Lanhoso, the village of gold, Travassos, as it is called by the Portuguese. Only in this town there are twenty workshops that diligently create more pieces of incalculable value. Also appeared on the market, new artisans who continues the tradition and especially renew as is the case of the artist Liliana Alves giving a modern twist to a timeless piece.

http://www.joiaslilianalves.blogspot.com/