Life for the Malones has been a bit light on big adventures lately, but that definitely doesn’t mean it’s been boring! Mike and I are truly homebodies at heart, and we absolutely cherish the quiet mornings and peaceful evenings in our beautiful Algarve condo. As much as we thrive on exploring new places and trying new things, we’ve found that we are just as content being right here at home.

We’ve struck a fantastic balance between “staying” and “going,” and I love that Mike and I are 100% aligned on it. With a very busy summer ahead, we’re soaking up these quiet moments before we go full steam ahead into our next adventures!

People often ask what we do to fill our days, and the funny thing is—it’s not a lot, yet we’re never bored! A typical week includes 3–4 days on the padel court, which is by far our favorite activity right now. It’s a great way to get some intense exercise with friends, followed by winding down over coffee to swap stories about life here in Portugal. Even after knowing this group for over three years, I learn something new every time we get together. I love that our conversations aren’t about status or what we did for a living; we’re just twelve friends enjoying each other’s company and “shooting the shit” about the things that matter to us at this time of our lives.

We’re also finally pursuing the hobbies we never had time for while we were working. I’ve been diving into crochet and cooking, while Mike is busy learning Portuguese and researching the stock market. Together, we love working on puzzles, and our nights are usually spent sipping wine on the patio, watching TV, or playing bridge, Mahjong, or Rummikub online. When I type it out, it might sound simple—but don’t ever underestimate the power of simplicity! I often think what would I be doing if I were retired back in the states, and it would be close to the same thing in regards to hobbies but I do not think we would be playing padel and doing all the socializing we are doing now. I may be mistaken, and we may never know. I think our move to Portugal shook me out of a mindset I had been stuck in for years. There is something magical about meeting new friends at this time of life. They do not care what you did, how much you made, how big of a house you had or anything material at all. It is so refreshing.

Our next adventure kicks off in May when we head to Estepona to pet-sit for dear friends. I can’t wait to love on the two sweetest dogs I’ve ever known! We’re looking forward to enjoying the town, walking the boardwalk, reading on the balcony, and probably enjoying a few too many margaritas at the local taco bar.

Immediately after, we’re heading out on a 14-night ocean cruise through the Adriatic and Aegean seas with some of our great friends from the States. It’s one of those busy itineraries with a port stop every single day—so no “balcony days” for me! We’ve really missed being on the ocean and are so excited for this trip. Then, at the end of July, we’re off to America to see family and watch my nephew get married. It’s going to be a “fast and furious” trip, but we are looking forward to it big time!

Every adventure leaves us with fantastic memories and new friends, but we’ve learned that the real magic is in the balance. We get giddy with excitement when it’s time to leave for a trip, but there is so much joy in knowing we get to return to our quiet lifestyle here in the Algarve.

There’s no “perfect” combo, but there is a delicate balance in following the “power of yes.” Without it, it’s far too easy to stay stuck. We aren’t getting any younger, friends—believe in it, because it really works!

Hugs,