Being a mom is kind of like being the CEO of a tiny, chaotic company where the employees cry when you hand them the sippy cup at the wrong time and insist on throwing their food on the floor instead of eating it. It’s busy, it’s unpredictable, and honestly, some days it’s hard to remember if I’ve even fed myself. (Spoiler: coffee is not a food group, despite my best efforts to make it one.)

Somewhere in the whirlwind of mom life, I realized I was seriously neglecting one crucial thing: fiber. Not the cute arts-and-crafts kind my toddler smears all over the table, but the kind that keeps my body functioning like the well-oiled machine it needs to be. Because let’s face it, no one can afford to feel sluggish when they’ve got a one-year-old climbing the furniture like it’s an Olympic sport.

Since it’s National Fiber Focus Month, I’m sharing how I turned things around with the help of ZBiotics Sugar-to-Fiber. I’ve recently been diving into their science—which, let me tell you, is equal parts fascinating and humbling. Did you know that fiber does so much more than “keep things moving” (ahem)? Fiber actually works wonders for gut health, helping feed the good bacteria that make up your microbiome. It’s like a daily “Thank you” to your gut for doing its job without asking for much in return. But here’s the kicker: the balance of fiber and sugar plays a major role in all of this, and if you’re anything like me, your diet might lean more toward sugar than you’d like to admit.

For a while, I thought I could get by on whatever scraps of fiber made their way into my morning toast or the occasional handful of baby carrots. But after hitting that afternoon slump one too many times, I had an epiphany: I wasn’t just running on empty. I was running on “no-fiber-left-in-the-tank” mode. That’s when I decided to step it up—not just for myself, but because being the best version of me means showing up fully for my family.

What I love about ZBiotics is their thoughtful, biotechnology-backed approach to gut health. They’ve developed a solution that goes beyond your typical probiotic. By breaking down byproducts in your gut (you know, the ones that can make you feel less-than-stellar), they help you feel better and more balanced. It’s like giving your gut a much-needed spa day. And honestly, who doesn’t deserve that?

I’ve started incorporating more fiber into my daily routine—chia seeds in my yogurt, sneaky vegetables in my toddler’s mac and cheese (and mine), and ZBiotics Sugar-to-Fiber when I know I’ve been slacking or need a boost. The difference has been night and day. I have more energy, I’m less bloated, and I feel more equipped to handle the chaos—whether it’s a full-blown toddler meltdown or simply surviving another round of the “What’s for dinner?” question. (Pasta. The answer is always pasta.) Okay, not always but OFTEN.

It’s funny how something as simple as fiber—or the right support from a brand like ZBiotics—can be such a game-changer. It’s not just about digestive health; it’s about showing up for life—whether that means hiking through the White Mountains with my family or having the energy to have the 18th dance party of the day. 

If you’re a busy mom like me, consider this your gentle reminder: you’re doing a lot for everyone else, and your gut deserves some TLC too. Trust me, you’ll feel the difference—and so will everyone who relies on you. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Dave and I were engaged in April of 2019 and had originally planned on getting married in Verona, Italy in June of 2020. While these plans did not come to fruition due to COVID — we could not have been happier with the way our wedding day ended up turning out!

There were undoubtedly a lot of challenges and uncertainty we faced while planning — and one of the harder decisions we had to make was reducing our guest count to 32 people. 

Of all the helpful advice I could share while planning a wedding during the pandemic it’s…

“Your day will come, let go of the things beyond your control, take care of yourself, trust the process, and ultimately the most important thing is celebrating with your loved ones (none of the planning obstacles will end up mattering in the slightest).”

While there were a myriad of moments where I wanted to cry and tap out while planning, there were also an equal number of moments that flooded me with excitement and gratitude. 

A BIG thank you to Henry Cotton for capturing our special day. We absolutely LOVE the photos! 

We couldn’t have been happier with our amazing vendor team. The full list of vendors + details is below for reference: 

Photographer – Henry Cotton

Wedding Dress –  Maggie Sottero 

Wedding Rings – MiaDonna & Co. 

Wedding Necklace + Earrings – Melanie Auld

Venue – Peirce Farm at Witch Hill

Hair & Makeup – Jenny Luu 

Nail Polish – ‘Last Nightie’ by Essie

Wedding Planner – Forever In A Day by Kelly 

Floral Arrangements- Ramble Floral Design

Cake Design – Veronika Matunin

Catering –  Vinwood Caterers 

This was my dream wedding dress; the Bree by Maggie Sottero. I thought the lace details and floating neckline were so romantic — and it really made it feel like a Cottagecore wedding alongside the beautiful greenery and floral arrangements.

My engagement ring, my wedding band, and Dave’s band are all by MiaDonna & Co. They’re an amazing company that creates ethical lab-grown diamonds. My wedding band is called the Camilla and Dave’s is called the Ridge Men’s Wedding Band.

Our venue was a charming New England farm in Topsfield, Massachusetts called Peirce Farm at Witch Hill. I can’t recommend it enough — apart from the venue being pure magic, the owners Candice and Bill made the entire experience feel so seamless and stress-free.

My earrings and necklace are both by Melanie Auld. I chose moonstone because it’s symbolic of new beginnings, inner growth, and strength. It’s also associated with success and good fortune in love. I thought they were both the perfect pieces to reflect this new chapter!

My mom walking me down the aisle was such a special moment for me. She also gifted me with an incredibly thoughtful photo charm of my grandfather (who passed away) to wrap around my bridal bouquet — he had always wanted to walk me down the aisle and I definitely felt like a piece of him was with me <3

We really wanted floral arrangements that were both romantic and whimsical. They were one of the more central design elements. Paige from Ramble Floral Design absolutely crushed it — and I still dream about these arrangements!

Vinwood Caterers created an entirely vegetarian menu for us. Our hors d’oeuvres included a variety of cheeses and an assortment of flavorful tastes including Baba Gannoujh, Tabbouleh, Hummus, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Spanakopita Triangles, and Olives. The main courses included a plant-based Shepherd’s Pie and Penne Pasta. 

Our amazing cake was created by the incredibly talented Veronika Matunin. The flavors were Honey Lavender for the top tier and Hummingbird (banana-pineapple spice cake) for the bottom tier! Floral accents by Ramble Floral Design.

We opted out of having a DJ and created our own dinner, dancing, first dance, and cake-cutting playlists. We danced to Perfect by Ed Sheeran featuring Andrea Bocelli.

This post was written in partnership with Avocado Green Mattress. As always, all opinions and expressed thoughts are my own. I am not a doctor or a medical professional – these expressed opinions are my own personal experience and findings from sleeping on the Avocado Green Mattress over the last couple of months.

Over the last year and a half, I haven’t been sleeping soundly throughout the night. Partially due to stress and partially because my previous mattress offered almost no support. I can remember waking up in the morning on so many different occasions feeling both groggy, low-energy, and sometimes in pain. I would heavily rely on 2-3 cups of coffee to get me through the workday.

After a few months of feeling like this, I ascertained that I wasn’t having much success with achieving REM Sleep – which is what scientists seem to agree is the most important stage of sleep for feeling well-rested and staying healthy. There is still much debate as to how much REM sleep is necessary… but I can wager that I certainly wasn’t getting an ample amount of it pre-Avocado.

A lack of sleep paired with stress is a toxic combination and I was certainly feeling fed up with it. The final nail in the coffin for me when was when I woke up one morning with the most excruciating lower back pain. Every time I would sit down, I would need my fiancé, Dave, to assist me in standing up. I spent the majority of that day and the ones to follow timing my work tasks because I knew I was going to need Dave to be nearby to help me get up off the chair (not a fun thought to have as a 30-year old, lol).

It was worrisome and I knew at that point that I had to make a shift… ASAP! I first discovered Avocado Green Mattress a couple of years ago and remember feeling instantly connected to their mission. I love their emphasis on sustainability as I’ve made a lot of effort to become a much more conscious consumer over these last few years. Avocado Green Mattresses are hand-made eco-luxury organic certified mattresses and are produced in their California factory. Their mattresses are made with GOTS organic certified cotton and wool and are GOLS organic certified latex. The materials are also all sustainably sourced from farms they co-own in India. They are Greenguard Gold certified for low emissions and ‘MADE SAFE’ certified non-toxic. In 2020, they actually went “carbon negative” with their carbon footprint (all the

way from their farms in India, to their California factory). How amazing is that?! I also really love that as members of 1% for the Planet, they donate 1% of all revenue to environmental non-profits.

It was apparent that everything they stood for aligned with my own personal ethos – and I was SO excited when I found out they wanted to partner! I chose a queen size Green Mattress along with the pillow-top option because I sleep on my side usually and tend to have some joint pain in my hips and knees, so I wanted a little more added support. I also opted to receive two pillows which was definitely the right choice (I will get to the whole cloud comfiness comparison breakdown shortly).

The mattress+ topper arrived in a fairly compact box – but almost immediately upon unboxing I noticed how dense and heavy the mattress is. I’d be lying if I said I set it up alone (yes, I have muscles but I lack patience). So, Dave put his muscles to work and helped me set it up on our bed frame with almost minimal effort.

So… moment of truth: How are we sleeping?!

LIKE BABIES! I seriously cannot believe how well we have both been sleeping over the last couple of months – and let me tell you… it is a world of difference from our last mattress. The contrast is so glaringly obvious now that we know what a comfortable mattress actually feels like. I find that I’m seldom waking up anymore in the middle of the night. And in the mornings, I love to linger a bit longer in bed and read for 30-60 minutes. IT IS BLISS!

Some other note-worthy highlights:

• Eco-friendly
• Financing is available — and I find it to be affordable and well worth it. Especially when compared to other premium mattresses.
• Wildly comfortable and supportive! Just the right touch of firmness and softness.
• Non-toxic Certified
• Certified Organic
• Avocado also has vegan options
• The mattresses are tufted not glued
• Made-to-order

I would absolutely (without hesitation) recommend Avocado Green Mattress. I love knowing that it’s a brand that has a mission I align with – and sleeping soundly every night sounds like everything YES to me.

This post was written in partnership with NatureWise. As always, all opinions and expressed thoughts are my own. I am not a doctor, certified nutritionist, or a medical professional – these expressed opinions are my own personal experience and findings with taking supplements.

Many have heard of the “mind/body connection”. I personally have noticed that when my body feels good, my mind does and vice versa. Below are some of my favorite supplements that cater to overall mind + body health.

{If you decide you would like to try any of these supplements, head on over to NatureWise and use the code JULIANNE30 for 30% off your total on these select supplements. Discount Code expires 3/31/2020}

Ashwagandha for Healthy Aging

Ashwagandha is one is gradually becoming one of the most well-known adaptogenic herbs. It is essentially a plant in the nightshade family that grows in India, the Middle East, and Africa. This super plant has a myriad of benefits for both the mind + body. I love the NatureWise Ashwagandha for Healthy Aging blend because it has clinically proven benefits for healthy aging, boosting resistance against physical decline, maintaining vitality, improving memory, and supporting long-term overall health.  It’s made with “KSM-66^® Ashwagandha, an award-winning herbal extract that’s scientifically proven to help promote longevity and healthy aging at the cellular level.” The adaptogenic blend is also formulated to help regulate adrenals, thyroid, and the nervous system. I’ve been taking it daily for a few weeks and have noticed an improvement in inflammation, stress, and my overall energy levels. I’ve recently made a conscious decision that I’m at an appropriate age to implement a regimen that is both preventive and supportive of my current lifestyle. I love this blend so much that I always recommend it to any friends and family who are just starting out on their supplement journey. I truly believe it’s one of the most amazing supplements you can add to your adaptogenic arsenal! {I like to take two capsules per day for optimal results: 1 with breakfast and 1 with dinner}

Women’s Multivitamin with Joint Support

The Multivitamin with Joint & Mineral supplement is a super blend of organic whole foods, full-spectrum minerals, plant-based enzymes, and a type of collagen known as UC II. I’ve been on the hunt for a multivitamin that fulfills all my needs for a long while and I’m so happy to have found this one! The “UC II Collagen is clinically proven to improve joint mobility, flexibility, and comfort in both aging and active adults”. Many of you already know that I’ve had arthritis for 16 years. I’m always making the conscious effort to eat anti-inflammatory foods, avoid high-impact cardio, and performing exercises that keep my joints mobile + pain-free – but I still need as much support as I can get. I’ve noticed less inflammation and joint pain since I’ve started taking this. This multivitamin essentially feels like a do-it-all supplement:

• It promotes bone, breast, & skin health
• Provides energy and stress support
• Supports healthy blood sugar levels
• Enhances Digestion

The unique blend of whole foods, collagen, + botanicals packs a mean, nourishing punch for both the mind + body. {I like to take 2 per day: 1 with breakfast and 1 with dinner}

Vitamin D3 {5,000 IU}

Vitamin D3 is the supplement I never knew I needed! It’s common knowledge that the body produces vitamin D as a direct response to sun exposure – but what happens during the shorter days during the winter months? In the winter, people have a decreased ability to produce as much Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for a few main reasons, including maintaining healthy bones & teeth, and it may also protect against a variety of diseases and conditions.

I absolutely love the NatureWise Vitamin D3 {5,000 IU} blend because “it requires the daily recommended requirement by the Vitamin D Council to replenish healthy levels in adults with minimal sun exposure.”  The Mayo Clinic estimates that a staggering 25%-50% of people may be vitamin D deficient. I know that I certainly was during the winter months when I was living in New England. Vitamin D3 is essential for the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and even immune system support. I love that NatureWise has such a large emphasis on overall quality and transparency. Their D3 supplements are delivered in a cold-pressed organic olive oil capsule — and the healthy fat source improves the bioavailability of this fat-soluble vitamin. It’s also all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, and contains no artificial fillers, additives, or binders. {I take 1 per day in the morning}

Garlic {Odorless Softgels}

Garlic is a widely accessible herb that is grown all around the world. Growing up half Italian, my Nonna would never hesitate to educate me on the vast benefits of garlic. One of my favorite “treats” that I enjoyed growing up was baked garlic.

I would pop in a tender clove after clove-like it was candy. Fast forward to now, and I’m still hip to garlic and all of its

benefits. Garlic is a natural antioxidant and protects cells against oxidative damage from free radicals that contribute to the aging process. Studies also suggest that it improves cardiovascular health, improves cholesterol + high blood pressure, boosts immunity, and even can help combat the common cold. I love that the NatureWise Garlic supplement is odorless, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Their formula also delivers  1500 mg per softgel which makes it the most viable formula of garlic available for daily consumption. I take 1 softgel per day and like to do so with breakfast.

Bali has been a place that I’ve been eager to visit for as long as I can remember. Between the lush vegetation and the unique Balinese culture, I knew it would be a place that would inevitably leave its mark on me.

After spending 3 weeks in Bali, I can say, I was right! Within the first few days, you really start to get a fair sense of the overall vibe and pace of things.

During the time that I spent here, I tried to detect and better understand why Bali is such an attractive holiday location to so many different kinds of people.  Sure there’s the beach, the sun, and lush beauty with every new turn – but something about Bali and the grip it has on you is far too intoxicating to really understand at first glance.

For some people, I think they’re simply compelled by the stunning scenery everywhere. For others, I think it’s for the mesmeric culture and traditions that the Balinese uphold. For some, they come for the unique café and party scene that can be found in a variety of villages. I would say for me, it’s a hearty combination of all three.

Part of Bali’s bewitching charm is that it makes you fall in love with it gradually – it doesn’t happen all at once. It has this otherworldly quality that really deserves a few weeks of your time to really appreciate and embrace it! One of the preeminent qualities of Bali that I’ve been most surprised by is the affordability of most things. The average meal costs around $4-8 – and by meal, I mean a glorious blend of fresh & exotic fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

You can rent an entire luxurious villa for a meager $100 a night. Or if you’re really on a budget, it’s quite possible to rent a room at a comparable villa for as low as $15 per night. Getting around the large island can be a bit trickier for tourists since public transportation is essentially non-existent. Cabs and private car services are at the forefront of how people get around. While they’re fairly reasonably priced, there are certain cab drivers that are avid about ripping off tourists.

Using a driving service is a very straightforward and legitimate way of getting from point A to point B. Uber is a bit convoluted as it’s “not allowed” but technically not deemed as illegal either.  If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can rent a scooter (or scoopy as the locals call it) for about $40 USD for the entire month.

I think most people owe it to themselves to really take the time to explore Bali for a few weeks when they finally do make their way. Not only will your money stretch further here than most places, but you’ll also really be able to immerse yourself and fall for a place that has captured a myriad of different hearts.

Indie Lee Stem Cell Serum

Indie Lee has been one of my go-to clean skincare brands for years and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this serum when it first came out. The Serum Cell Serum has now become a staple in my everyday skincare routine. With ingredients like Echinacea stem cells, botanicals, Bamboo extracts, Hyaluronic Acid — it’s the perfect serum perfect to protect the skin against environmental stressors, improve the appearance of skin firmness, and provide a huge boost in hydration. My skin is noticeably more soft and glowy after using it! 

Graydon Fullmoon Serum

The Graydon Fullmoon Serum first captured my attention because of the beautiful turquoise color. Then after learning it contained infused malachite, I knew I had to try it! It’s chock full of quality ingredients like botanical collagen, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, and anti-inflammatory blue tansy. This is a wonderful do-it-all serum! It has improved my skin’s texture, decreased discoloration, & increased hydration. It’s the ultimate luxe serum that will make you feel fortified & pampered.

Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum

Every time I use the Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum, I feel like I’ve brought the spa to my bathroom. It’s the perfect light-weight moisture boosting serum that contains ingredients like mineral rich-seaweed, hyaluronic acid, iodine, and vitamins. You’ll feel radiant and refreshed after using this one. 

Quandong Green Booster Serum

I’ve been using this antioxidant-rich serum almost daily for over a year. Not only is it chock full of antioxidants — but it contains a rich formulated blend of superfood ingredients like quandong, chlorophyll, spinach leaf, vitamin E, alfalfa & raspberry seed that deliver a mean enzyme much to the skin. I love using this at night so that I wake up with a glowing complexion! 

The Odacité All-Embracing Serum

The Odacité All-Embracing Serum Is Restorative And Hydrating. With a unique array of ingredients like orange blossoms, oatmeal, watermelon seed oil, hibiscus flowers, and the protective crystal energy of amethyst — it’s the ultimate serum that boosts your radiance while ridding off negative energy. It’s a super gentle and wonderful for reducing the appearance of fine lines + breakouts. 

{ALL OF THESE BRANDS ARE CRUELTY-FREE}

This post was written in partnership with NatureWise. As always, all opinions and expressed thoughts are my own. I am not a doctor, certified nutritionist, or a medical professional – these expressed opinions are my own personal experience and findings with taking supplements.

{50% DISCOUNT CODE AT THE BOTTOM}

Over the next couple of months, I’ll be on-the-go for what seems like non-stop. We all have periods where we can be very busy and are overrun by our schedules – it’s during these periods, that we often feel stressed, rundown, and just plain exhausted. Being diligent about overall wellbeing is crucial but especially during times when our bodies are subjected to more stress than usual. When you’re traveling for a long period of time, you’re not always in control of your environment or sleep schedule.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve experimented with different facets of the wellness industry and have had an especially large focus on trying different supplements. NatureWise has a large array of high-quality supplements that are my go-to while I’m on the road.

Combine a good supplement regimen with sleep & exercise – and you can really minimize the impact stress has on the body. This is my go-to arsenal of supplements while on the road:

UBINQUINOL

Ubiquinol has a key role in producing energy is provides a myriad of health benefits. It helps absorb oxidative stress and free radicals by providing strong antioxidant support (essential when traveling). “ Energy Production: Ubiquinol is a natural coenzyme that plays a crucial role in 95% of production of energy used by organs in the body. Ubiquinol levels may drop due to age, stress levels, and cholesterol-lowering statin drug therapy.” It also has anti-aging benefits — it increases stamina and energy levels, and supports the immune and nervous systems.

I love the NatureWise Ubinquinol because it’s 100% natural, Non-GMO, and Gluten-Free. I have higher energy levels and alertness when I take Ubiquinol daily. On days when I’m traveling, I’ll take two. Ubiquinol is a great additional to anyone’s supplement regimen who is looking for immune support, increased energy levels, and overall protection again oxidative stress.

BLACK SEED OIL

Black Seed Oil has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine for its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies – specifically with the hormone cortisol that helps control our inflammatory responses. Chronic stress is thought to increase inflammation and even change the gene activity of immune cells. High inflammation in the body can lead to a slew of health problems. “Black Seed Oil is considered to be a “Super Antioxidant” because it suppresses temporary inflammation associated with activity while maintaining joint health and flexibility.”  I take two black seed oil pills a day -– being also that I have arthritic pain that tends to be intensified after spending hours on a plane. Taking Black Seed Oil consistently has helped significantly with my swollen joint pain and overall inflammation.

ORGANIC FLAXSEED OIL

Flaxseed Oil offers a large array of  health benefits like support in brain health, heart health, immune support, and healthy skin, hair, and nails. It also contains fiber to prevent digestive issues and gut health. Gut health is something that can be completely thrown out of whack when traveling because we’re removed from our daily routines and tend to eat foods that are irregular from our typical everyday diet.  Studies have also suggested that Flaxseed oil is chock full of antioxidant properties and compounds that help reduce the risk of cancer. “Each serving of Naturewise Organic Flaxseed Oil provides 720 mg of ALA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid that the body converts into EPA and DHA, offering a plant-based, sustainable alternative to fish oils.”  I love the NatureWise Organic Flaxseed Oil because Flaxseed Oil is 100% natural, organic, and non-GMO!

ORAL HEALTH PROBIOTICS

Traveling can sometimes make it difficult to practice good oral hygiene.  Good dental health can actually prevent other health issues in the body. Strong research that suggests oral probiotics can help combat invasive oral bacteria and boosts immunity for optimal dental and upper respiratory health. “Oral bacteria can also influence upper respiratory health. BLIS K12™ has been clinically studied in both children and adults and shown to significantly boost ear, nose, and throat immune defenses.” I’m totally guilty of not always making my oral health routine a priority if I’ve been sitting on a plane or in a car for too long. These NatureWise Oral Health Probiotics are a total game-changer – while I’m on the go, I like to take a quick swig of mouthwash and then I’ll chew on one of these twice a day.

If you would like to try any of the supplements above, head on over to NatureWise and Use the Code JULIANNE50 to save 50% off your total order. (This applies to one-time purchases AND first order when you sign up for a subscription). The discount expires 2/15/2020

In previous posts, I’ve discussed a few travel hacks that can help you save; the explore tool of Kayak being one of the best kept secrets! There are also other sites like Hopper, FLYR, and The Flight Deal that make it easier than ever to find affordable airfare.

Today, I’ll cover a few other methods that have worked well for me – some may seem like obvious approaches and others that are more specific to my situation and lifestyle:

Visualize the trip

It’s incredibly easy to plan a dream trip out in your head – but to actually manifest it and make it happen, you need to truly visualize it. Our day-to-day lives can often be consumed by responsibilities and disorder, making it far easier for a goal to remain stifled.

Visualization is a powerful tool that can be used to reach your goals and make important changes. You’re also shifting your consciousness to recognize and feel what it would be like to attain a specific goal.

The repetition of viewing the destination will compel you to be far more proactive about booking the trip. So whether you want to go all out and create a visual mood board, look at Pinterest, or carry a physical print around with you – allow yourself to look at the destination daily, even if only for a fleeting moment.

 Tell your friends and family

 There are some studies that have shown that publicly sharing an objective can actually assist in further motivating you to achieve your goals. For the last few years, I’ve made a ‘Travel Goal List’ of at least 5-10 new places I’d like to visit. This year, my list includes Chile, Bali, Prague, Sweden, South Korea, Cuba, and Lake Tahoe.

Instead of simply sharing it with my personal inner-circle, I decided that I would display it on my Social Media Platforms. I was really surprised by the level of positive response that it received. It’s really easy to put off tasks and goals, but when we put a list out there for others to see, it holds us accountable. Five months into the year and I’ve already completed 2/7 on my list. Last year I completed 4/5: Japan, Greece, Croatia, and Montenegro. I suppose I could be ambitious and allow the Maldives to roll over to this year’s list!

Save, Save, Save!

 Saving is a key component to buying the things that we want in life but it doesn’t need to be as challenging as we make it out to be. Many of us have sudden unexpected expenses that require our immediate attention but, in some cases, it can be the impulsive purchases that hinder us from buying that dream trip! In addition to having a standard savings account, I’ve designated a separate savings account all together for my travel fund. I treat my income as an entirely different amount than I actually receive because a certain percentage of it goes directly into the travel account each month. Money that’s out of sight won’t be missed, and you’ll adjust your budget accordingly.  If you put $150-$200 away each month for a year, you’ll be able to orchestrate an amazing trip on a considerable budget. If we drop cash mindlessly on little things and memberships we never use, why shouldn’t we be able to put away $150 a month?

Plan Meticulously

 Between flights, hotels, transportation, food, and spending money – traveling requires careful planning. Wandering comfortably is such an important aspect of truly enjoying a destination.

Instead of eating out 3x a day, maybe going out once or twice per day and cooking in an Airbnb some nights is, perhaps, a better plan. Do plenty of research beforehand: discover where there are affordable restaurants near the Airbnb. Set money aside to really splurge on a dining experience that is unique to the location, that you can’t “just get anywhere.” Another tip: don’t forget to look up plenty of outings and museums that you can do for free in the area!

Earn Extra Income If Possible!

 This is a great opportunity to capitalize on your creative side.  Selling handmade articles, vintage goods, or old belongings on Etsy and/or eBay could be a great way of producing extra income. Picking up freelance gigs on the side can also be quite lucrative.  Cutting expenses and adding some extra income will certainly serve as a catalyst for achieving that dream trip!

For many of my frequent readers, it comes as no surprise that Italy is one of my favorite countries. I’ve visited 13x, I have family there, and Dave and I are getting married in Verona this upcoming June. I would undoubtedly categorize it as a ‘must-see country’. There are countless highlights to note about this spectacular country – from the stunning Dolomites that span across the Northern region to the Montepulciano iconic hilltop to the incredibly well-preserved architecture in Rome. There is no denying that Italy is chock full of beauty and interesting places to visit — but how do you narrow it down to just a few places in one trip?  I recently realized that as many times as I’ve been, I find myself being beckoned back to the same places. Some of the destinations are very well-known and others are a bit more off-the-beaten-path. Below are my top 5 favorite places to visit in Italy:

1. MILAN

Admittedly, Milan holds a very special place in my heart. I studied abroad there during my final year in college and just half a year later, I accepted a job there upon graduation. It didn’t take long before I fell in love with the city. The rich history, stunning architecture, incredible food, and an abundance of shopping. To succinctly summarize this city is very challenging for me as there are so many aspects to what I love about it — but I think depicting what my perfect day exploring the city will give you a better idea of why I love it so much. In the morning, I’d head to the MonteNapoleone to have an espresso and watch the famous designer boutiques flip their sign from closed to open. {It’s also one of my favorite areas to people watch}.

From there, I’d stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and then purchase a ticket to walk up to the rooftop of the Duomo. Even though I find the Duomo quite touristy, I often recommend that if you only have time for one attraction in Milan, let it be the Duomo. The cathedral itself is an iconic landmark and the architectural details are breathtakingly stunning — & if you need another reason, the view at the top is assuredly one of the best in the city! From there, I’d top by Panzerotti Luini (locals are going to be upset that I’ve disclosed one of the best-kept secrets) to have a deep-fried panzerotti for lunch. There are many different varieties but essentially a panzerotto is a savory turnover that resembles a small calzone. My afternoon would consist of  long, leisurely stroll through the charming canals of I Naviligi. From there, I would museum hop between Villa Necchi Campiglio + Pinacoteca di Brera. Dinner would be a toss-up between Seta and Osteria Conchetta. The essence of Milan is that it has a of hustle & bustle kind of vibe but it’s still Italian at its core. There are many noteworthy aspects of this city that may compel me to write an entirely separate blog post about it sooner than later!

2. CAMOGLI

Camogli is one of the most charmingly memorable places I’ve ever visited. My Italian family made it a priority to bring me during my first month of living in Italy and I’m so grateful that they did. Camogli is a picturesque seaside town nestled on the Italian Riviera.

It has a beautiful atmosphere and wonderful views. The building facades facing the water are painted hues of amber, bright yellow, and olive. I learned while visiting that the architectural elements also served a more practical purpose – to make the town more identifiable for seamen from the water. There’s a very low-key pace here that makes me want to kick off my sandals and sunbathe almost immediately after arriving. The pesto pasta {  a Ligurian classic} is also out of this world.

3. PORTOFINO

Portofino is another fishing village on the Italian Riviera often known for attracting celebrities. The scenic shore is chock full of pastel houses, shops, restaurants and hotels. There’s a vast array of activities available like boating, hiking, swimming and diving. I personally love the Portofino Regional Park – not only are the views spectacular but it’s full of so many different kinds of greenery, wildflowers, and orchards. The onion Focaccia is a must while visiting Portofino. I’m convinced the water plays a part in making it so delicious!

4. PRAIANO

I think Praiano is a great base to stay in while visiting the Amalfi Coast. It’s conveniently located between the busier towns of Positano + Amalfi. I’ve also found that it’s a lot quieter and affordable than the other two surrounding villages. I loved staying here because I felt like I had gained a much larger sense for the community. The view of the Meditteranean is unbeatable and the best part is – you won’t have to worry about being mowed over by a tourist when you’re pulling out your camera to capture it. There’s also a beautiful hike called Il Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) that you can start from in Praiano and hike to Amalfi. It’s a beautiful way to take in the expansive view of the sea + surrounding villages. I highly recommend making a stop to eat lunch at La Tagliata during the hike!

5. GENOA

Although Genoa doesn’t often come high on people’s Italy itineraries, it’s an underrated city with a lot to offer in rich maritime history, noteworthy architecture, and arguably the best pesto + focaccia bread in the world. Genoa is a port city and has been for centuries.Dubbed La Superba by Petrarca, Genoa was one of Italy’s largest maritime republics that held a great deal of power & prestige during the Mercantile Republic. The Strade Nuove is a great example of the wealth that had entered the city during the Golden Era. Influential Genovese families would showcase their prestige + wealth in buildings and palaces in the town center.

The streets include a myriad of Renaissance + Baroque palaces along Strade Nuove. The historical center of the city is equally as impressive in its own right. While Genoa’s historic center isn’t one of the largest in Italy, it has one of the highest density of historic buildings per capita. Only ¼ of the buildings date from after WWII. The Duomo and Piazza San Lorenzo is also a noteworthy part of the city to visit. The uniquely distinct black and white striped Church of San Lorenzo became Genoa’s church in 985. Though miles away from the center is a scenic old fishing district of the city that actually captivated my interest most the first time I visited. A beautiful backdrop of colorful houses, boats, and a pebble beach made it one of my favorite places in Italy. Not to mention, I’ve had some of the best gelato ever here!