Some of the most memorable moments from our honeymoon in Italy came from the unplanned stops along the way. While driving from Matera to the coast of Puglia, we mapped out a few towns to visit, hoping to experience a little more of the region beyond our final destination. One of those stops was Alberobello—a place I had seen photos of before and knew I didn’t want to miss. Even though it was just a quick stop, it ended up being one of the most charming and memorable parts of our entire drive.
Living in Phoenix, I’ve definitely figured out what I like when it comes to going out: if it’s not cute, aesthetic, and actually has good food or coffee, I’m probably not going. Lately, I’ve been trying a mix of newer spots and long-awaited ones with friends and family, and a few have really stood out. These are all places I’ve personally been to recently—and would genuinely go back to.
Our time in Matera was one of the most memorable stops of our trip. We spent 2 1/2 days in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, arriving with high expectations after seeing it on so many travel lists and photos over the years. There was always something intriguing about its ancient cave dwellings and dramatic hillside setting, and we were genuinely excited to finally experience it for ourselves. What we didn’t expect, however, was how quickly we would fall in love with it. From the moment we arrived, Matera felt unlike anywhere else we had ever been, both raw and beautiful in a way that immediately stayed with us.
Andrew and I recently watched The Plastic Detox on Netflix, and honestly, we were shocked by what we learned, especially about how microplastics can impact our health. We’ve always tried to be intentional with how we live. Clean beauty, sustainable products, and healthy eating have been important to both of us since we first met, so we felt like we were already doing a pretty good job. Our home was filled with non-toxic cleaning supplies, organic foods, and we avoided things like synthetic perfumes and conventional deodorants. But this documentary opened our eyes in a completely new way, and as parents, it hit even deeper.
There are some places that stay with you long after you leave, and our time in Matera was exactly that, unforgettable. Known for its ancient cave dwellings and timeless atmosphere, this southern Italian city feels like stepping into another world. We wanted our stay to reflect that same sense of place, and Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort delivered in every possible way. Built into the historic Sassi, the hotel perfectly blends the raw beauty of Matera’s past with refined, modern luxury. From the moment we arrived, we were completely captivated, not just by the setting, but by the feeling that we were experiencing something truly unique and special.
Now that Sage is 2, my husband Andrew and I decided that we would start trying for another baby this year! Getting ready for a new baby can feel both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. With so many products out there, it’s hard to know what you actually need versus what just looks nice on a registry. After going through this season myself, I’ve narrowed it down to the essentials that truly made everyday life easier. In this post, I’m sharing my top 25 baby must-haves—the items I reached for constantly and would recommend to any new or expecting mom.
We set out early from our Airbnb in Scala, winding our way down the cliffs toward Positano just as the day was beginning to wake up. Getting there ahead of the crowds made all the difference because we were able to park in a garage close to Spiaggia Grande, which felt like a small victory in itself. With the beach still quiet, we took advantage of the calm to snap a few family photos by the water, the pastel buildings rising behind us in that iconic Positano backdrop. For a brief moment, it felt like we had the place almost entirely to ourselves.
Spring has me fully leaning into effortless, casual chic outfits that can keep up with busy days as a work-from-home mom and on the go. Lately, I’ve been reaching for pieces from Grey State Apparel, a brand I genuinely connect with for its eco-conscious approach and commitment to transparency. Their use of natural fabrics makes every piece feel breathable, comfortable, and easy to wear from morning to night—exactly what I need in this season of life. I love classic, timeless pieces like these wardrobe staples—they’re perfect for a capsule wardrobe.
By the end of our first week in Italy, the rhythm of the Amalfi Coast had already started to sink in. We spent the morning exploring the tiny village of Atrani before making our way into Amalfi for the afternoon. With our Airbnb tucked up in the hills of Scala for three nights, we had driven down earlier that morning and parked in the garage between Atrani and Amalfi—one of those practical decisions that ended up shaping a perfectly slow, walkable day. From there, everything unfolded on foot, exactly the way the coast is meant to be experienced.
Atrani is the smallest town in Italy, and you can feel that almost immediately. Just steps from Amalfi—but noticeably quieter—it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds while still experiencing the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. We were especially excited to visit knowing it served as the setting for the Netflix series Ripley, based on the film The Talented Mr. Ripley. Seeing those dramatic cliffs and layered buildings in person felt surreal. We only planned to spend half a day here, which ended up being the perfect amount of time.
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