The Urban Darling

Matera: Italy’s Underrated Ancient City We Didn’t Expect to Love

By Esperanza on April 15, 2026

Matera, Italy, Basilicata, Southern Italy, Unesco Heritage Site, travel guide, Caveoso district, Sassi di Matera, family travel, travel blogger, family blogger, honeymoon, Newlyweds, toddler parents.

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.

How We’re Swapping Toxic for Non-Toxic in Our Home

By Esperanza on April 14, 2026

Non-toxic, Non-toxic swaps, Non-toxic living, Non-toxic homes, Non-toxic lifestyle, home, guide, shoppable guide, sustainable, healthy living, sustainable living, toddler parents, parents, healthy home, family blogger, lifestyle blogger, The Urban Darling.

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.

Matera, Italy | Travel

A Dreamlike Stay in Matera: Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort

By Esperanza on

Matera, luxury hotel, luxury resort, Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort, hotel stay, hotel review, Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, prettiest town in Italy, Italy, Italy travel, family travel, travel blogger, family blogger, mommy blogger, honeymoon, honeymoon trip, Italy trip, family trip, mom style, honeymoon style, dad style, baby boy style, European style, vintage style.

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.

Baby | Pregnancy

My 25 Baby Must Haves As A Second Time Mom

By Esperanza on April 6, 2026

Newborn, newborn photography, newborn style, baby boy style, baby boy, newborn must haves, newborn essentials, newborn baby boy, new mom, first time mom, mom style, mommy and me style, neutral style, neutral nursery, nursery decor, nursery style, boho nursery, boho style, lifestyle blogger, The Urban Darling, second time mom.

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.

Positano, Italy | Travel

A Slow Morning in Positano: Beating the Amalfi Coast Crowds

By Esperanza on March 28, 2026

Positano, Amalfi Coast, Amalfi Coast town, prettiest town in Italy, Italy, Italy travel, family travel, travel blogger, family blogger, mommy blogger, honeymoon, honeymoon trip, Italy trip, family trip, mom style, honeymoon style, dad style, baby boy style, European style, vintage style, Spiaggia Grande.

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.

Fashion | My Style

Casual Chic Spring WFH Mom Outfits I’ve Been Wearing

By Esperanza on March 27, 2026

Grey State Apparel, eco-conscious, sustainable, casual chic, classic pieces, wardrobe staples, wardrobe essentials, capsule wardrobe, spring style, spring outfits, mom outfits, work-from-home mom, work-from-home mom outfits, chic style, fashion blogger, mommy blogger, lifestyle blogger, The Urban Darling.

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.

Amalfi, Italy | Travel

Our Perfect Fall Afternoon On The Amalfi Coast

By Esperanza on March 10, 2026

Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Amalfi Coast town, smallest town in Italy, Italy, Italy travel, family travel, travel blogger, family blogger, mommy blogger, honeymoon, honeymoon trip, Italy trip, family trip, mom style, honeymoon style, dad style, baby boy style, European style, vintage style.

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, Italy | Travel

Atrani: Family Moments on Italy’s Smallest Amalfi Coast Town

By Esperanza on February 25, 2026

Atrani, Amalfi Coast, Amalfi Coast town, smallest town in Italy, Italy, Italy travel, family travel, travel blogger, family blogger, mommy blogger, honeymoon, honeymoon trip, Italy trip, family trip, mom style, honeymoon style, dad style, baby boy style, European style, vintage style.

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.

Montalcino, Italy | Travel

Exploring Montalcino: Vineyard Tour and Brunello Tasting in Tuscany

By Esperanza on February 17, 2026

Montalcino, Brunello wine, Brunello di Montalcino, Corte Pavone, Italy, Tuscany, Tuscan, Italy travel, family travel, travel blogger, family blogger, mommy blogger, honeymoon, honeymoon trip, Italy trip, family trip, mom style, honeymoon style, dad style, baby boy style, European style, vintage style.

Montalcino is the kind of town that immediately feels like it was made for wine lovers. Perched atop rolling hills in Tuscany, its narrow streets are lined with wine boutiques, tasting rooms, and charming shops. It’s a beautiful place to wander, though we did wish there had been a bit more variety beyond all the wine-focused spots. The centerpiece of town is an impressive old castle, where visitors can sample wines or enjoy lunch while soaking in the views. We only had a few hours to explore before heading to Corte Pavone, so we didn’t get the chance to try one of the popular wine boutiques for a meal—but it’s definitely on our list for next time.

Family Style | Holidays

A Simple Valentine’s Day Photoshoot At Home

By Esperanza on February 9, 2026

Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day photoshoot, couples Valentine's Day photoshoot, Valentine's photoshoot, Valentine's photography, couple's photography, fashion photography, vintage photography, baby photography, vintage style, retro style, baby Valentine's photos, family blogger, lifestyle blogger, The Urban Darling, family photography.

Valentine’s Day has taken on a sweeter meaning over the years, especially now that we get to celebrate it as a family of three. This is my second Valentine’s Day celebrating with my now-husband (we’ll be married six months in March). I couldn’t resist capturing a few simple moments with Andrew and our toddler this year—nothing fancy, just us at home in white tees and denim, with a handmade paper heart garland.