As I write this all snuggled up in bed, covered in cozy blankets, warm vanilla candle flickering, watching Season 2 of Outlander, Sour Skittles and popcorn at arms reach—I think to myself "wow, if only this could be how every night goes". And for the most part, I do have a pretty set evening routine because winding down is important to me, but lately I've been in limbo with making the most of my evenings, namely Sunday evenings, because I just want to make sure I can check everything off of my to-do list before I can settle down for the night and feel reset for the week. 

I've also had days where—Sunday scaries are real—but I'll also get so much done on Sunday and be so productive with working out, chores, errands, and resetting everything that by the end of the night I'm worn out and haven't actually relaxed so then my headspace is flooded with anxiety about the day to come. My mind ebbs and flows and even mid-afternoons I'll get very overwhelmed with how I want to spend my Sunday and I've just decided that Sundays are sacred to me. 

- - -

But they also aren't. Sundays are probably my least favorite day of the week because I find myself in dread of Monday. But then Monday turns out to be not so bad after all. Because who loves Mondays? 

As much as I plan out my week days, I also plan out my weekends. Balancing social events and going out with friends to playing open gym volleyball with Ben or doing chores—I try to make a list of things to do so that I do feel like I can balance everything and tackle what needs to get done that didn't during the week. Even if it's as little as getting my nails done or taking some clothes to Goodwill, I plan out my errands and it also gives me something to look forward to as mundane as these tasks may be. 

I like to be busy. I'm always on the go and being productive makes me able to relax soundly, but I've also come to the realization that there will always be dishes to clean, laundry to wash, books to read, etc. So sometimes I get so overwhelmed for no reason because I can't sit still and just relax. Even blogging for example has been a part of my evening Sunday ritual. 

I definitely find myself getting lost in the weeds with wanting a specific type of lifestyle—I think it has to do with needing some form of "perfection" that I can't seem to find in my every day life at the moment. This "perfection" might also be masked by the idea of "normalcy". That maybe having too perfect of a life just isn't what I want. I've become too comfortable at home and this has ignited my internal rebellion against it all saying f*ck it let's just move out and do what we want already. 

And that's when I have to ground myself back in this idea of abundance. That all and everything I could hope for is out there for me. And all that I could ever need is already right in front of me. Seeing that my life is in abundance means having an appreciation of life in its fullness: joy, laughter, friends, family, health, shelter, food, strength, and everything else. Even for bad things—that mold and evolve me into who I am. 

---

Gratitude has a new meaning for me. Not just a simple appreciation for the things I have, but an acknowledgement that my current situation is temporary. My life is temporary. Nothing is permanent. My living situation is not permanent. My job is not permanent. It all could change. 

And with this new lens, comes a great overwhelm of maintaining and holding onto the joys I have in life. Not feeling responsible for any other person's happiness but my own. Rooting myself into the small things that make me feel whole. 

There's nothing I love more than a fall getaway up north. Especially if it means getting away from Halloweekend shenanigans. I'm sorry not sorry, but the holiday just isn't my jam. If there's anything I've learned from experiencing it through the years—I would much rather be snuggled up, watching Halloween movies, drinking a glass of wine. And so we did.

Ben and I made our way up north for a cozy cabin we found in Narrow Lake on Airbnb. With the colors still lasting, the smell of wet and burning leaves, and anticipating that lake view we obsess over—we knew we had to squeeze the last bit of fall this month before winter comes. 

Day 1

The cabin itself was quaint and newly renovated. I always envision wood—just lots and lots of wood. For optimal cozy fall vibes, there's nothing better than a log cabin. Perfect for two of us. 

We definitely wanted to cook while we were there and make the most of the fully stocked kitchen—we brought wine, steaks, and made french toast and coffee for breakfast. But Friday night, we opted to go downtown Lake Geneva to eat some wood fired pizza at Oakfire along with some beer and a deliciously warm hazelnut old fashioned which is the perfect warm cocktail for me!

Day 2

Saturday we had an easy morning and decided to walk the Lake Shore trail around the water. The trail lines the lake and mansions around the perimeter. 

With intricate pavings, disassembled boat docks, and stone bridges, we enjoyed the morning before heading to Barrique for a quick wine tasting and walk around downtown. 

- - - Rome - - -

Things We Did

Lindsay and I had many things listed on our itinerary, we knew that we needed to make and see the most of Rome in the two full days that we had there. The major sights to see on our list were the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. 

Amidst our adventures throughout the city, we found it easiest to rent Lime scooters (sadly no Vespas for us) because we already knew how much walking and how hot it would be in Italy this time of year. We both shocked our legs, but thankfully one of us is used to mountain hiking to motivate the other...wink. 

Everything we saw amazed both of us. It was the first initial shock of the trip—we did it. We made it. 

Things We Ate

We knew for a fact that all we wanted was pasta, pizza, and wine. And did we have it. In addition to the occasional Aperol spritz, I think my favorite meal was spaghetti with a perfect, straight-line view of the Pantheon. Watching people in the square, sipping and nibbling on buffalo cheese and caprese, and deciding that "yep, this is the best dinner and a show I have ever been to". 

Most nights, if not all, Lindsay and I ate late dinners. Small breakfasts, pastries, and espressos in the morning on our walk to our first destination, a panini for lunch, and then a big pizza dinner around 9 or 10 o'clock. I can't forget to mention our mid-afternoon siestas...during the hottest parts of the day, we would head back to our place to recoup and nap before heading out on the town again! 

- - - Amalfi Coast: Sorrento, Capri, & Positano - - -

Things We Did

Ever since I began watching Nicki Positano of The Positano Diaries on YouTube during the pandemic, I have dreamed of visiting the Amalfi Coast. The southwestern cliffside coasts only reachable by ferry are vertical dream towns. Colorful buildings, a vibrant marina, seaside restaurants, many many stairs, and lovely local shopkeepers, artists, fishermen, and lots of tourists visiting at the end of August. 

Over the course of the next four days in Italy, Lindsay and I took a train from Rome down to Naples to catch our ferry to the coastal town, Sorrento. Where we would be staying on a lemon tree farm Air BnB with a lovely host who provided us with intricate breakfasts and recommendations for seeing other surrounding coastal towns and helping us book a boat tour to the island of Capri. The four days we spent in Sorrento, Capri, and Positano. 

Things We Ate

Lindsay and I were obsessed with the amount of deliciously fresh seafood. Not to mention endless aperol spritzes and lemon sodas our heart desired. Our favorite meal was in Sorrento in the Marina Grande, the restaurant was called Portamarina. It was so popular that we waited in line with a glass of wine along the dock. 

I had my first half lobster, with linguine pasta and of course white wine. We also had fresh bread, calamari, and Lindsay ordered swordfish which actually tasted like grilled steak. Topping the night off with homemade tiramisu before our nighttime trek up the cliffside. 

Another memorable thing we had to eat in Capri was homemade lemon sorbet in an actual frozen lemon. All about the lemons! After a sweaty day on a stunning chairlift on the island, it was the perfect treat. 

Things We Loved

By far one of Lindsay and I's favorite memories was planning a last minute boat trip to Capri on our second day. We weren't really sure the itinerary of places we wanted to be but our host at our Air BnB helped us book it off of Marina Grande. 

We were with a small group of about eight people and had Peronis and caprese sandwiches while we rocked out and basked in the glory of the incredibly blue waters of the island--seeing the caves (not going into them unfortunately due to high waters) and grottos, as well as, jumping into the ocean which was a top tier Mamma Mia moment. 

 

It was just as I had seen in Nicki's vlogs and Lindsay and I had the most wonderful time exploring the beachside, eating seafood risotto, and swimming at a private beach. I also met Nicki's best friend, Elizabeth, who works for the Blue Star boat tours there. To top the birthday extravaganza off back in Sorrento, we went to this restaurant that was also a lemon tree farm and garden. It was truly magical. 

- - - Venice - - -

Both Lindsay and I had expectations of Venice: many canals, bridges, boats, ferries etc. But what we didn't expect was how calm the city was. There were no ulterior forms of transportation, obviously, and no busy roads or streets. Sometimes the nights became really eerie walking through the dark and ominous alleyways. It was almost a maze. And of course, you're on an island!

Things We Did

We planned an itinerary catered to experiencing a bit more of the local life. We booked this pasta cooking class and wine tasting--which was one of my favorite experiences because we met so many other (American) tourists who came from different walks of life, all sharing a day for one common goal. To make a meal. 

Our plan was also to embrace the calmness and Lindsay and I didn't feel the need as much to plan or visit so many sites. Although we made sure to take a gondola ride (not worth the money, but you have to do it once). Walked over the famous Rialto bridge, fish markets, scaled the lookout tower in St. Mark's square, and visited the glassmaking island of Murano. 

Things We Ate

Majority of Venice was eating a mixture of seafood and pasta dishes. However, one of the best meals we had twice was just from a small pizza joint across our alleyway that served delicious fire roasted pizzas--we'd grab a couple bottles of beer and take it up to our rooftop terrace and stare at the stars at night since Venice's light pollution is so low. 

Our cooking class was also a great Venetian meal--sea bream, handmade pasta by us, crisp arugula salad, fresh bruschetta, and melon with prosciutto--can't forget the homemade tiramisu! 

Things We Loved

All in all I think my favorite part about Venice in itself was just experiencing the city by boat. Whether it be waiting late to catch a ferry or taking our private taxi James Bond style back to the airport. You really get a feel for Venice by the main way to get around--boat! 

It was a floating city, filled with warm people who are proud to live there. Artists, chefs, fishermen, gondola captains, and even the man who poured my espresso every morning had a vibrant glow about them. Lindsay and I fell in love with Venice and what it stands for...or continues to floats for. 

- - - Paris - - -

Last but certainly not least--the place of Nat's 12 year-old dreams. Paris! After a much relaxing four days in Venice, we flew to the City of Lights for our final destination. 

Rather than a fully dedicated Italy trip, Lindsay and I wanted to fit one more country in (technically the Vatican is its own country).

Things We Did

Paris, as a busy city similar to Chicago, didn't intimidate me...and neither did its French people. Little Nat has always dreamed of seeing the Eiffel Tower-- and did we! Many times. Our hotel was about a 20 minute walk away and we saw it every single day.

Not to mention seeing the Louvre, Sainte Chappelle, Notre Dame, the Seine River, and touring the epic Versailles. Amidst it all--seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time was a breathtaking moment. 

And of course we had to drink champagne and eat macarons at the very top. 

Things We Ate

Between Lindsay trying snails for the first time, French onion soup, juicy steak and lamb, ratatouille (which just tastes like zucchini stew), ginormous flaky croissants, I would have to say the most memorable meal was eating a hot dog on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower. The last time I was in France, Cannes to be exact, I also had a hot dog the first day I arrived. And these hot dogs aren't just any hot dogs. 

They're in a full on baguette. 

Besides that, we made it a point to do a picnic lunch the Parisian way--a baguette, meat, cheese, and alcohol (we tried getting champagne or wine, but opted for seltzers since they were easier to carry). 

Things We Loved

What I loved the most about Paris was probably just basking in the glory of the Eiffel Tower honestly. It's hard to miss and there was always something new happening below it. 

Whether it be a street vendor, festival, birthday party, or engagement. There was so much life in Paris and it was like walking through a dream down every street. The people were pretty nice too. 

- - - A Trip to Remember - - -

As I sit in my basement, reminiscing about this trip and how it came to be, I wouldn't change a single thing about it. And as much as I wish I could recap all of it on this blog, some of those memories are just going to be kept by me. 

For anyone dreaming of a place. Dreaming of a trip. Dreaming of an adventure--persist. Keep at it. Make a plan. Stick to it. It will all be worth it. Until my next adventure awaits...