A Forest Picnic in Portugal | My Happy Place 🌿
Some days are meant for slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. For me, that usually means time outdoors with Joen and Lara. Today, we packed up and headed out for what turned into my version of paradise: a forest picnic in Portugal.
Morning Rituals Before the Picnic
My mornings usually begin with coffee, cuddles with Lara, and recently, a trip to the gym. Today was no different. I squeezed in 40 minutes of cardio and 35 minutes of back training before starting the day. There’s something so rewarding about getting movement in early—it sets the tone for everything that follows.
On the way home, I picked up a few ingredients for our picnic. Nothing fancy, just fresh, simple items that would make light and satisfying bites for a hot summer day. After a long shower (one of my favorite little luxuries in life), I started prepping the food.
Prepping Our Picnic Food
For picnics, I love recipes that feel indulgent but are actually quite healthy. Today’s menu included two favorites:
- Egg Salad on Cucumber Toasts: Made with ricotta, turmeric, salt, pepper, and chili flakes, mixed into chopped boiled eggs for creaminess with a little kick.
- Tuna Salad: Canned tuna mixed with Greek yogurt and fresh chives for a protein-packed bite.
For Joen, I also made small cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese and herbs—something that looks like it belongs at an afternoon tea, but with homemade charm.
To add variety, I prepped a simple tomato salsa with onion, coriander, lemon, olive oil, and salt. Spooned over rice crackers with hummus, it’s one of those easy combinations that always tastes like summer.
Everything was packed neatly into jars and containers so we could assemble it fresh once we found the perfect picnic spot in the forest. Lara, of course, got her own meal with a little goat cheese mixed in—her favorite.
Driving Into Nature
The drive to the forest took us about 35 minutes, winding through some of the most stunning scenery Portugal has to offer. The coast slowly gave way to lush green landscapes, the kind of views that make you grateful to be alive.
Lara was in her element—head out the window, ears flapping, nose catching every new scent. Honestly, her joy makes the drive even more magical. Joen drove today, which meant I could sit back, soak in the scenery, and relax before we reached our destination.
When we finally arrived, I felt that familiar rush of peace. Towering trees, the fresh scent of pine, and that cool, earthy air that instantly slows you down—it’s no wonder this is one of my favorite spots. If I had to choose a “happy place,” this forest would be it.
Picnic Under the Trees
We set up our picnic in the shade, surrounded by tall trees and birdsong. Lara was convinced she’d gone to heaven—though she wasn’t too impressed with my cucumber toasts. Hehe.
- The egg salad on cucumber toasts came out beautifully creamy and satisfying.
- The tuna salad was fresh, light, and perfect for the warm day.
- And the hummus with tomato salsa on rice crackers added just the right crunch and zing.
Eating outdoors always makes food taste better, but enjoying it under these trees made it unforgettable. This forest picnic in Portugal reminded me how little it takes to feel grounded—just good food, good company, and nature.
We ate slowly, taking breaks to read, sip water, and simply listen to the forest around us. It was simple, but it felt like luxury in the truest sense.
Resting in the Hammocks
After lunch, Joen set up our hammocks—the best investment we made last year. They’re lightweight, easy to hang, and dangerously comfortable. Once you lie down, you don’t want to move.
Swinging gently in the shade, I felt like we were exactly where we needed to be. It’s funny how close this spot is to our everyday life, yet we don’t come here nearly often enough. Days like this remind me to make space for these simple escapes.
Why I Love These Moments
Spending a day like this is more than just a picnic. It’s a way to reconnect—to nature, to Joen, to Lara, and to myself. A forest picnic in Portugal might sound ordinary, but to me, it’s a reminder of how beautiful life can be when we slow down.
If you ever get the chance to do the same, take it. Pack something simple, find your own happy place, and let the forest do the rest.
Thank you for sharing this day with me.
Hugs x
@DearJamilaa
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