Hi, I’m Maria,
originally from sunny Portugal.

I grew up in the countryside, in my family’s farmhouse on the west coast, where I first fell in love with nature and the sense of peace it brings. As a child, you could often find me in the fields with one of the shepherds from my village, learning about the quiet treasures of the countryside while walking alongside his sheep.

My love for food and cooking came from my mother, who always gathered us around the table with care, generosity, and beautiful homemade meals.

After spending most of my 20’s living abroad, I discovered how much food and nature can connect people. Exploring new places, sharing meals, and hosting gatherings became my way of creating a sense of home wherever I was. Even while living in major cities, my connection to nature remained a constant, something I always needed to return to, and continue bringing into my life today.

The idea behind Picnics in Heaven started with my own image of Heaven: a sunny spot in nature, a long table, good food, and people laughing together long after the sun goes down.