A Day in My Life in Portugal | When Life Feels Perfect
There are days when life in Portugal feels perfectly aligned — where the rhythm of my routine, the sunshine, and the small joys all come together in the most beautiful way. This was one of those days, and I’d love to take you along with me.
Early Morning Energy at the Gym
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I was never a morning person. But ever since I joined the gym again, I’ve started waking up earlier, and I can’t believe how much I love it. There’s something so refreshing about stepping into the day before 8 AM, knowing I’ve already moved my body and prioritized myself.
This morning was leg day — a mix of 30 minutes of cardio followed by strength training. I don’t film in the gym out of respect for other people’s privacy (and honestly, because I’m a sweaty mess!). But I can tell you this: the burn was intense, and that’s exactly what makes me feel alive.
By the time I left, I had already burned close to 1,000 kcal. For me, that’s incredibly motivating. It’s not just about the number — it’s about how strong and clear-minded I feel when I leave. The city is just waking up, and I already feel like I’ve accomplished something important.
The best part, though? Coming home. As soon as I step through the door, I’m greeted by Lara — my sweet toy poodle. Her excitement to see me never gets old, and it’s a reminder that no matter what I do, these little everyday moments are the true highlights of life.
Breakfast on the Balcony
After a quick shower, it was time for one of my favorite parts of the day — breakfast with Joen on our balcony. There’s something so grounding about sharing a meal outdoors, with the view of Madeira’s lush hills and the ocean in the distance.
We kept it simple yet nourishing: creamy Greek yogurt bowls topped with fresh blueberries, pumpkin seeds, and almonds. I always say that breakfast should feel like a treat, and this one truly does. It’s light, filling, and packed with protein — especially when I stir in a little whey powder.
Of course, no morning is complete without coffee. If you’ve been here for a while, you know that coffee is sacred in our home. We drink Bloom Coffee, the organic brand Joen and I created together. It’s low-acidity, full-bodied, and makes the perfect espresso. The sound of the machine and the aroma filling our kitchen is a ritual I never get tired of.
This morning I had my Bloom espresso with just 15 ml of milk — enough to make it smooth and silky, without taking me out of my fasting rhythm. Every sip feels like a little luxury.
So we sat, coffee in hand, yogurt bowls in front of us, and Lara curled up at our feet on the balcony. It’s simple moments like these that remind me: happiness doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it’s just a bowl of yogurt, a cup of coffee, and the sound of the island waking up.
Midday Reset & Errands in Funchal
Shortly after breakfast, our cleaning lady arrived. She comes once a week, and honestly, she feels like a lifesaver. I can’t even explain the joy of walking back into a freshly cleaned apartment — it feels like checking into a boutique hotel, except it’s our own home. ✨ Still, I always get this little urge to help her out or at least not get in the way. It’s funny how hard it is for me to sit still when someone else is cleaning around me.
With Lara resting and the apartment in safe hands, I headed out on my scooter to run a few errands. The midday sun was already strong, so I left Lara at home — it’s just too hot for her little paws during these hours.
First stop: my favorite organic health store in downtown Funchal. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll recognize it. It’s where I go for supplements and little health staples that are hard to find elsewhere on the island. Today’s mission was quick — just a couple of supplements to keep me on track with my new gym routine and diet plan.
Since I had a bit of time before heading back, I made a spontaneous stop at a new café that recently opened. Joen and I keep a running list of places for our Madeira travel guide, and I love checking out new spots to see if they’re worth recommending. This one instantly charmed me with its rustic décor and menu full of local flavors.
Because of my diet, I resisted the pastries (oh, the temptation was real) and settled for a simple black coffee. On Madeira, finding truly good coffee isn’t always easy, but this cup was smooth and well-balanced. A small win! If they keep up this quality, I think this café deserves a spot in our guide. 🌿
Crossing through the city park on the way back to my scooter reminded me why I love Funchal so much. The massive old trees, the shade, the birds — it’s like a pocket of calm right in the middle of the city.
Afternoon Joys: Parks, Cooking & Gratitude
By late afternoon, the clouds rolled in — my favorite kind of weather for walking Lara. When it’s cooler, she gets her long walk, and today we chose a different park than usual. Watching her run around with her little ball (her greatest love in life, haha) never fails to make me smile. Honestly, it’s these small moments that ground me the most.
After about an hour of play, it was time to head back home and start preparing dinner. Joen was on his way back from the golf course, so I wanted to have something cozy ready.
For Joen, I roasted potatoes with a rich red pepper sauce I had made earlier in the week. To make it heartier, I mixed in olive oil, coconut aminos, honey, and oregano — simple but full of flavor. I topped it with goat feta, black pepper, and avocado oil. He loves cheese, so this dish always feels like a little treat for him.
As for me, dinner was a big bowl of broccoli topped with grated truffle cheese. I know some people think broccoli is boring, but for me it’s comfort food — especially when paired with chili flakes, oregano, and pumpkin seeds for crunch. It might not look like much, but it’s satisfying and totally aligned with my current diet plan.
Dinner time has always been family catch-up time for me. Growing up, it was the moment to share stories from the day, and Joen and I still hold onto that tradition. Even when life is busy, these meals together feel like little anchors of connection.
Later that evening, Joen had more work to do, so I curled up on the balcony with my book. I’m a slow reader (and easily distracted, hehe), but there’s something about reading outside as the day fades that makes me feel so content.
It wasn’t a special day, not by any grand definition. But honestly, these are the days that feel the most perfect to me. A little routine, some productivity, time with Lara, and good food shared with Joen — it’s all I need.
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