While my time abroad may be coming to a close, the memories from spending half of my birthday month in another country will last a lifetime. Even if I forget all the little moments that made this trip so special,…
Finding a Piece of Home When Everything Feels New
The thing about traveling that I’ve been reminded of on this trip to Europe is how foreign everything feels when you have to navigate life in a new country. And before you say, “Well, duh, Vanessa, you are in another…
Touchdown in Europe: A Day of Jet Lag, Joy & Just-Go-With-It Moments
After weeks of planning, list-making, and packing (and repacking), the day finally arrived—I was Europe-bound. There’s something about wheeling a suitcase through an airport that instantly shifts your energy. Suddenly everything feels possible again. Maybe it’s the thrill of a…
The November Agenda
Up until a few years ago, the countdown to my birthday began at least 30 days in advance. But as I’ve gotten older, the excitement I once felt for my “birthday month” has mellowed a bit. That’s not to say I don’t…
Travel Diaries: The Top 5 Moments from My Trip
It was a whirlwind start to the new year with weeks of travel—and what an adventure! If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you’ve probably felt like you were right there with me, thanks to all the content I’ve shared….
New Year, New Traditions: How a European Getaway Shaped My Start to 2025
The start of a new year often brings a relaxed mindset, a fresh perspective, and perhaps a few new goals. For me, the beginning of 2025 comes on the heels of a weeks-long trip to Europe filled with daily sanity…
European Life: Week Two
It always takes me a while, but by this time in my travels, I’ve become accustomed to the slower pace of the European lifestyle. After two weeks here, I look forward to leisurely meal times, long strolls to get groceries,…
The European Life: Week One
It’s been a week since I left the States to spend time abroad, and I’ve been amazed at how quickly I’ve eased into the slower pace of life that most Europeans enjoy. I’ve spent my mornings waking up on the…
Home Sweet Home!
My two weeks away certainly went by fast. Did you miss me around here? I had a wonderful adventure in Europe for the last 12 days, but like all good things, they came to an end. While away, I was…
Off On An Adventure
Well, the trip that I booked a month ago is finally here! And while everyone keeps asking me if I’m excited (which, of course, the answer is yes), I’m feeling a little stressed as I try to cross everything off…
I’m Back!
Did you miss me? I had a wonderful trip and enjoyed every minute of being abroad. For this perpetually stressed out Long Islander, this trip was a welcome (and much-needed) respite from my usual routine. While I was away, I…
Bon Voyage!
The trip that I planned more than a month ago is finally here. My bags are packed….the out of office message is up…and the flight anxiety has kicked in. This week has been nothing short of a whirlwind, with making…













