Ever since the beginning of the year, I have been dreaming of going on a picnic with Agung again—you know, before Ramadan comes along. And if the weather ever lets up. I’ve always enjoyed our picnics together–last year we went twice: the first one with my homemade tempe and the second one during Ramadan. However, we never really did a proper picnic together—something was always a little off. Either the weather was off or there was no food, because we were fasting. This time I was determined to get it right.
Last Sunday we managed to squeeze in a picnic session, just as the sun started to show up—which is such a pleasant surprise, considering the heavy clouds and major migraines that morning. The previous day I was lucky enough to be able to attend my friend Zahra‘s wedding in Cirebon, but the trip kickstarted a migraine and it was majorly painful. Thankfully, by the time the sun started to peek through, I was feeling good enough to prepare some food to really put our picnic into gear.
Ever since the beginning of the year, I have been dreaming of going on a picnic with Agung again—you know, before Ramadan comes along. And if the weather ever lets up. I’ve always enjoyed our picnics together–last year we went twice: the first one with my homemade tempe and the second one during Ramadan. However, we never really did a proper picnic together—something was always a little off. Either the weather was off or there was no food, because we were fasting. This time I was determined to get it right.
Last Sunday we managed to squeeze in a picnic session, just as the sun started to show up—which is such a pleasant surprise, considering the heavy clouds and major migraines that morning. The previous day I was lucky enough to be able to attend my friend Zahra‘s wedding in Cirebon, but the trip kickstarted a migraine and it was majorly painful. Thankfully, by the time the sun started to peek through, I was feeling good enough to prepare some food to really put our picnic into gear.
Book of Deer dress (old) // old hat // swapped cardigan // photos of me by Agung
Flavour of a Conversation
Unlike the last picnic session that we had, this picnic didn’t really get much preparation. As I’ve mentioned above, I had to go to Cirebon the previous day and it took up almost an entire day. By the time I was back in Jakarta, it was already night time and I had a raging migraine in my head. Thankfully, I managed to power through to get some ingredients for this guacamole that I made before as well—since I just happen to be in possession of some good avocados. This refreshing dip has somehow become my go-to recipe, as it is really easy to make. Other than that, I made some quick sandwiches—which used the wrong kind of bread, sadly, so it doesn’t look as gorgeous as I’d pictured it. They still tasted great, though. As for the drinks, we bought some at the store—both came in cans, which are highly recyclable, mind you.
Book of Deer dress (old) // old hat // swapped cardigan // photos of me by Agung
Flavour of a Conversation
Unlike the last picnic session that we had, this picnic didn’t really get much preparation. As I’ve mentioned above, I had to go to Cirebon the previous day and it took up almost an entire day. By the time I was back in Jakarta, it was already night time and I had a raging migraine in my head. Thankfully, I managed to power through to get some ingredients for this guacamole that I made before as well—since I just happen to be in possession of some good avocados. This refreshing dip has somehow become my go-to recipe, as it is really easy to make. Other than that, I made some quick sandwiches—which used the wrong kind of bread, sadly, so it doesn’t look as gorgeous as I’d pictured it. They still tasted great, though. As for the drinks, we bought some at the store—both came in cans, which are highly recyclable, mind you.
If I’m being honest, this picnic wasn’t ideal—and I should know, I’ve gone on more than a couple picnics myself. I wish I had more time and energy to really make pretty much everything from scratch. Homemade food, homemade drinks. And, if I had my way, I’d love to have a basket for the occasion. A picture-perfect picnic, you know. My picnic goal is like something you see on Carrie’s blog—that woman is the queen of picnics.
That being said, I am reminded time and time again that picnics are really more about the company you’re with and the conversations you’re having. Who cares about a quaint setting? Who cares about gorgeous platings? None of that would matter if you’re sitting there alone or without the people you’d enjoy spending time with. And I sure am glad to be here with Agung—we can talk about anything and it will be fun! Plus, I’m just glad the weather pulled through and we didn’t get rained on, at least. God knows that tends to happen during these months. It would’ve sucked if we had to take cover right away.
If I’m being honest, this picnic wasn’t ideal—and I should know, I’ve gone on more than a couple picnics myself. I wish I had more time and energy to really make pretty much everything from scratch. Homemade food, homemade drinks. And, if I had my way, I’d love to have a basket for the occasion. A picture-perfect picnic, you know. My picnic goal is like something you see on Carrie’s blog—that woman is the queen of picnics.
That being said, I am reminded time and time again that picnics are really more about the company you’re with and the conversations you’re having. Who cares about a quaint setting? Who cares about gorgeous platings? None of that would matter if you’re sitting there alone or without the people you’d enjoy spending time with. And I sure am glad to be here with Agung—we can talk about anything and it will be fun! Plus, I’m just glad the weather pulled through and we didn’t get rained on, at least. God knows that tends to happen during these months. It would’ve sucked if we had to take cover right away.
The Last One Before Ramadan
March has thus far been such an eventful month. First, there’s that trip to Cirebon that I mentioned a couple times above—and this picnic that happened right after. This week—in fact, right now, as you’re reading this—I’m in Bali for Joyland Festival. I think I mentioned in passing on this blog before. I’m so excited to see Phoenix! They’ve been one of my favourite bands for a few years now. I can’t believe they’re coming to Indonesia. Plus, I finally get to see Bali the way I wish to see it—although I did visit Bali just last December with the office.
When we get back from Bali, it will be Ramadan, so this will be kind of like our last hurrah before we will control our appetite and fast for a whole month. I’m really excited for the holy month too, to be honest. Last year—in case you missed it—I read several books on Islam and it was really fun! I love learning about my own faith. This year, I have a similar thing planned. Not promising anything, but I really do hope it will come to fruition. Until then, we shall enjoy every second!
March has thus far been such an eventful month. First, there’s that trip to Cirebon that I mentioned a couple times above—and this picnic that happened right after. This week—in fact, right now, as you’re reading this—I’m in Bali for Joyland Festival. I think I mentioned in passing on this blog before. I’m so excited to see Phoenix! They’ve been one of my favourite bands for a few years now. I can’t believe they’re coming to Indonesia. Plus, I finally get to see Bali the way I wish to see it—although I did visit Bali just last December with the office.
When we get back from Bali, it will be Ramadan, so this will be kind of like our last hurrah before we will control our appetite and fast for a whole month. I’m really excited for the holy month too, to be honest. Last year—in case you missed it—I read several books on Islam and it was really fun! I love learning about my own faith. This year, I have a similar thing planned. Not promising anything, but I really do hope it will come to fruition. Until then, we shall enjoy every second!
Picnic Look
I’d like to give a little shout out to this whimsical “Kitchen” dress by Book of Deer. Personally, I find dresses are the perfect clothing piece for a picnic. Yeah, pants are practical, but are they quaint and giving off that Victorian vibe synonymous with picnics? I don’t think so. And this dress with its kitchen print just screams picnic. I’ve had it since 2017 by now, but I’d never once worn it on a picnic before—which is a crime, really.
Then I draped the dress with this grandma vibe from the cardigan I got at a swap meet back in 2013. What else would scream lazy Sunday?
To top off the Victorian vibe, I opted for this boater hat that I got from Urban Outfitters in 2014—wouldn’t recommend shopping there, of course, since it’s highly fast fashion. It’s giving me major chill summer vibe, which is exactly what a picnic is all about, don’t you think?
Picnic Look
I’d like to give a little shout out to this whimsical “Kitchen” dress by Book of Deer. Personally, I find dresses are the perfect clothing piece for a picnic. Yeah, pants are practical, but are they quaint and giving off that Victorian vibe synonymous with picnics? I don’t think so. And this dress with its kitchen print just screams picnic. I’ve had it since 2017 by now, but I’d never once worn it on a picnic before—which is a crime, really.
Then I draped the dress with this grandma vibe from the cardigan I got at a swap meet back in 2013. What else would scream lazy Sunday?
To top off the Victorian vibe, I opted for this boater hat that I got from Urban Outfitters in 2014—wouldn’t recommend shopping there, of course, since it’s highly fast fashion. It’s giving me major chill summer vibe, which is exactly what a picnic is all about, don’t you think?
What do you like to have for a picnic?
What do you like to have for a picnic?