When besties come to visit, 3 simple things I'm doing to feel better, and 23 ideas for what to make when it's hot outside.

And, a bit of This & That.

When Besties Come To Visit

One of the hardest parts of moving internationally is leaving and missing your friends, family, and community. Andre and I are such social creatures who love our friends deeply and it’s important to us to feel connected to our people in a meaningful way. And even with all the technology available to help us keep in touch, the huge time difference and constant exhaustion of navigating an entirely new way of life make it extremely difficult. Whenever our friends in the States are awake and ready to chat, we're trying to make dinner and put the kids to bed, and honestly, after all that, there is no energy or mental capacity to have a meaningful conversation or even catch up. It’s something Andre and I talk about all the time. We really miss everyone. After living in Turin for eight months, we also realized the importance of living in a city in Italy where our loved ones can easily travel. There were so many times last year when friends passed through Milan, Florence, or Rome, yet we were still too far away to pop over and see them. When you feel lonely and are missing your people, this is devastating and really took its toll on both of us. Ultimately, for us, Turin was too far north and too isolated. It felt like no one was ever going to come and visit.

So, one of the reasons why moving to Rome was so appealing is that it’s the destination for so many who travel to Italy, or at least the airport you pass through to get to the final stop. Since we moved to Rome, I've been lucky enough to have two of my best girlfriends, women I have known for what feels like a lifetime, come to visit me and my family, which would have never happened this fast if we had been in Turin. Until you experience being so far removed from your friends, it's hard to truly comprehend these bonds' deep connection, comfort, and love. They are my people. They know and see me; it's fluid and easy. They're the ones I immediately fall back in sync with, even when we don't always talk or see each other. The older I get, the more I want us to have time together. And, to be with my friend Chelsea in Puglia and then this week with my friend Sarah in Rome is a dream come true. We would never have these kind if adventures together here in this magical country, had we not made this move. So, even with all the stress, hardship, and chaos of this past year, I’m so grateful we are where we are now, where our family and friends can visit much more easily and hopefully more often.

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3 Simple Things

Over the past few months, with our move to Rome and our road trip to southern Italy, it's been impossible to have any routine or do any of the little things during the day that make my body feel better. Now that we're finally taking a moment to settle into the apartment, I've been making a point daily to get back on track. I've started doing the following and already feel so much better mentally, emotionally, and physically.