Hello everyone, how have you been? Today I want to take you along for a cozy day in the life in Portugal. It’s Friday, and for once I don’t have any work planned. That means I get to lean into a slower rhythm — enjoying simple rituals, cooking something nourishing, spending time with Lara, and later ending the day with friends.

Life here in Madeira has taught me the beauty of slowing down and really appreciating the little things. Some days are filled with projects and deadlines, but today is about balance — caring for myself, enjoying my home, and soaking up the warmth of the island.

So, let’s begin this day together.

Morning Rituals: Coffee, Balcony Views, and Walks with Lara

Like every morning, I start my day with a coffee on the balcony. No matter how many times I’ve sat here, the view never loses its magic. It feels like waking up inside a painting, and it reminds me daily to pause and feel grateful for this life in Portugal.

Lara joins me, of course. She’s a little lazy in the mornings — so lazy that sometimes I have to carry her outside for her walk. But once we’re out, she perks up, does her business quickly, and enjoys the fresh air. I can’t blame her though — I’m just as slow to start the day.

After our stroll, it’s time for her little post-walk shower, which she accepts without a fuss. She knows it always ends with her favorite part — a “Good Girl” snack.

With Lara fresh and happy, it’s my turn to get ready and ease into the day.

Curly Hair Care Routine

After Lara’s shower, it’s my turn. I shower every day, but I only wash my hair once a week. My hair is very dry, curly, and a little frizzy, so I try to follow the best advice I can find — and always use products that nourish rather than strip it.

I’ve been bleaching my hair for over 16 years, which can be tricky. Some hairdressers say it’s fine if you care for it properly, and that’s what I try to do. The biggest rule I follow: I always comb my hair in the shower, never after. With conditioner in, I slowly detangle it section by section, letting the comb glide through gently.

Even when rinsing out the product, I’ll run the comb through one more time. It takes longer, but it leaves my curls soft and defined. And if I have the time — which I usually do — I let my hair air-dry. It’s so much healthier than using heat, and I’ve learned to love the natural texture it gives me.

This little routine has become a ritual of care, reminding me to be gentle not just with my hair, but with myself.

Healthy Cooking at Home: Potato Stir Fry with Ricotta

By late morning, it’s time to start thinking about lunch. I rarely follow recipes — instead, I cook with intuition, letting the ingredients guide me. Today, I decided on a simple but satisfying potato stir fry with ricotta.

I started by marinating potato cubes in olive oil, dried dill, and a sprinkle of salt. After baking them at 200°C for about 20 minutes, they came out crispy and golden — the perfect base for the dish.

While the potatoes were baking, I built the stir fry. First, I melted ghee and burned some chili flakes to release their heat. Then came onion, ginger, and leek for sweetness, followed by frozen peas and green beans. A dash of Himalayan salt and a spoonful of chana masala powder tied the flavors together.

Once everything softened under the lid, I turned up the heat to reduce the moisture and tossed in the roasted potatoes. To finish, I added fresh ricotta for protein, lemon zest for brightness, a little parmesan for richness, and a crack of black pepper.

Usually Joen and I share our meals together on the balcony, but he was busy with a deadline today. So I enjoyed this bowl of comfort food alone, with the sunshine and view as my company.

Shopping at Forum Madeira

After lunch, I felt like getting out of the house, so I headed to Forum Madeira, the local mall. It’s not huge, but I love that it’s partly outdoors — the fresh air makes it feel more relaxed than most shopping centers.

I stopped at a few of my go-to stores, but the highlight was Zara Home. I spotted the cutest lamp, and to my surprise, it was even on sale. I’m usually very picky with shopping, rarely buying something the first time I see it, but this lamp was love at first sight. Into the bag it went.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without picking up a little something for Lara too. She deserves it, always.

Shopping has been a bit different for me lately. After gaining some weight, I don’t enjoy trying on clothes as much as I used to. But home decor — that still excites me. Bringing home pieces that make our space feel even cozier always feels worthwhile.

An Afternoon in the Park with Lara

Later in the day, it was time for Lara’s favorite outing — a trip to the local park. If it were up to her, we’d probably live there full-time. Endless lawns, fresh air, and of course, her beloved ball.

Lara has what I can only describe as a ball obsession. On one hand, it makes me so happy to see her sprinting across the grass, ears flying, full of joy. On the other hand, it’s almost like she can’t stop herself — a little addiction, if you will. But I suppose we all have our “too much of a good thing” habits.

For me, the park is more than just dog walks. It’s a place to slow down and breathe. People gather here during the day to take a break, lay on blankets, and gaze up into the tree tops. There’s something grounding about it — like reconnecting with the earth in the middle of daily life.

After plenty of running and playtime, Lara finally tired out. We packed up slowly, ready to head home and ease into the evening.

Cozy Evening Rituals at Home

Back home, I shifted into what I call “cozy mode.” I lit the diffuser with sweet orange essential oil — a dog-friendly scent that fills the room with warmth and calm. The whole space instantly feels softer, ready for a slow evening.

But before I could curl up with Lara, I remembered it was her chicken day. Every fifth day, I cook a small organic chicken for her, mix it with her kibble, and sometimes add a few veggies. She waits so patiently while it cooks, but the sparkle in her eyes when it’s served makes it all worth it.

With Lara taken care of, it was time to get myself ready for the dinner party. I curled a few strands at the roots for volume, always remembering to use a heat protector. I like mixing my natural curls with softer waves — it gives a more elegant look without being overdone.

Then I moved on to skincare and makeup. I’m no makeup artist, but I enjoy playing with it from time to time. After a flare-up since our Algarve trip, a little foundation and blush helped me feel more confident. I even attempted some contour (only my second try!) and filled in my brows, which are usually one of my insecurities.

By the time I was done, I felt polished but still like myself — ready to enjoy a night out.

Dinner with Friends

The last part of the day was spent at a dinner party with friends, hosted at Okulus Madeira. The place itself is absolutely beautiful — warm lighting, elegant details, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger long into the evening.

I didn’t film much while we were there. Sometimes, it feels right to put the camera down and just be present. But since we arrived early, Joen caught a few clips of the space before it filled up. It was the perfect balance of cozy and sophisticated, and the food smelled amazing.

More than anything, the evening reminded me of how special it is to gather around a table with people you care about. After a day of slow rituals at home, sharing laughter and conversation with friends was the ideal way to end it.

Closing Reflections on Slow Living

As the day came to an end, I felt grateful for the rhythm of it all — the balance between slow, simple rituals at home and the joy of connecting with friends in the evening. That’s what I love most about this life in Portugal: it allows space for both.

From morning coffee on the balcony and hair care rituals, to cooking a nourishing meal, wandering the shops, and playing in the park with Lara — every little moment felt intentional. Slow living isn’t about doing nothing, it’s about doing things with presence. And that’s exactly what this day gave me.

Thank you for joining me for this day in the life in Portugal. I hope it inspired you to slow down and find joy in the small things.

As always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @DearJamilaa. Hugs x