Florence

Since we’ve been home, people have asked which place we liked better? Capri or Florence? My response? “It’s like comparing apples and oranges,” because it really is. We went from a beach town to a city, and Lord knows there really isn’t a commonality between the two. The beauty of Florence was very different from Capri, but stunning nonetheless. We were surrounded by gorgeous architecture that was intricate beyond belief. (Hello, the Duomo!–Stunning!) The streets were constantly bustling with people. The feel of it all was so different but we were filled us with excitement as we were ready to explore a new place!

You all know that food is a passion of mine and that rang loud and clear in Florence! One of my favorite memories from this trip was experiencing Il Santo Bevitore. It may have been one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. From the charm of the sweet and romantic atmosphere, to the flavorful food, it was an incredible place to be. As we topped off the trip exploring the Boboli Gardens and all the city had to offer, it sure is a place we will never forget. We loved you, Florence! 🙂

Tuscany

I always pictured Tuscany with lush, green, rolling hills, terracotta roofs, and a glass of wine in everyone’s hand. What I envisioned this beautiful place encompassing is exactly what it was like right before my own two eyes. Gorgeous as ever and topped with good friends made it even more memorable. Tuscany was a beauty.

Hilary and I met when we both signed up to study abroad in Greece. (Greece: One. Two. Three. Four). Six years later, we continued to stay close friends, share wedding experiences together, and so on. I knew her, her husband and his family were all planning on taking a trip this summer. We both exchanged our excitement of going over seas again and drinking up all a different culture had to offer. One day we casually exchanged the dates of our trips and stopped as we realized we would both be in Italy at the same time. We quickly sent one another the places we were staying and text each other when we realized we would only be 25 minutes apart! It was the perfect excuse to visit another part of Italy on our trip! A few wine tours and pieces of pizza later, we were back at their villa with the sun setting and a view that made every worry in the world go away. 🙂

Friday Favorites

It’s the first week back from vacation, and I went from feeling completely on to of things to completely behind on everything! Am I the only one that feels this way?

But it’s Friday, and I have some favorites to share! Here we go! Grab some coffee and energy bites to power through to the weekend friends!

One.

First thing’s first. We might be ordering this in the very near future because we fell in love with espresso. Of course it tasted extra delicious in Italy but I’m thinking it might be a fun memory whenever we sip it at home? Does anyone own one? Recommendations?

Two.

Before we left for Italy, I was doing a lot of research on Collagen Peptides and how it helps your body. Fast forward to Italy, and although we ate some amazing food, we ate a lot of pasta and bread that my body isn’t used to. I decided to get my butt right back into gear after we got home and I ordered some! It promotes youthful skin, healthier hair, and stronger nails, while keeping your bones strong and healthy.

It comes in powdered form, which was perfect for putting into two (one. two–on this smoothie I left out the protein powder) of my smoothies this week. You can’t even taste it! I’m going to try using it while baking next week also! So far, I love it! You can buy it here! Send me a message if you have any other questions! 🙂

Three.It’s our second anniversary on Monday, so we have a nice little weekend planned to celebrate! Gosh, I love him! But the real anniversary gift for us was Capri! You can see the post here! I’ll be recapping Tuscany and Florence next week!

Four.You can see my best recipes here! My Homemade Lemon Larabar recipe is by far my most popular pinned recipe! You can follow me on Pinterest and see the recipe here!

Five.

My best friend got me a tea towel at a local store (she knows me well!) that has little manners written all over it. Plus, it has a linen texture, which I love! This isn’t the exact one she got me but it’s the closest I could find and wanted to share! You can buy it here! Isn’t it cute?!

Happy Friday everyone!! Have the best day!

Capri

After traveling from PA to NY, to Brussels, to Naples, catching a ferry ride, taxi, and trolly, we made it safe and sound. And let me tell you: It was worth every second! Between the 100 steps to our home that provided the most stunning view, the first (and every day) taste of authentic gelato, the mouth-watering restaurants, and incredible views, all these things made Capri one of my favorite places to date. It felt like home within about two seconds and we instantly fell in love. I’m pretty sure the phrase, ‘It doesn’t get much better than this,’ was repeated daily. Overloading you with pictures felt completely justified with these views that will forever be engrained in my memory. The saying, ‘pictures don’t do it justice,’ is completely accurate. (But I thought I’d try for you!)

Spring Weekends

Come Friday night, either Eric or I (or both) are ready for some shut-eye. The thought of catching some extra zzz’s and waking up to only the smell of bacon, birds chirping, or the thought of a leisurely activity planned that day kind of feels like Christmas morning each and every weekend. We have our share of jam-packed ones but I like to focus more on the slow and steady ones. The ones that keep us grounded for the week and reenergize us for what’s to come. A lengthy breakfast (which I think has become my favorite meal) and extra snuggles are normally what the morning consists of. An entire pot of coffee is normally sipped in the mix of it all also. Friends, family, or a special date night are normally the only thing on the agenda for Saturdays. Sundays are normally filled with Sunday bests for church and time spent with small group. They are all cherished and appreciated so much at this season of life and boy are we thankful for all of the above.