Author: Johanna Gallo

H A P P I N E S S

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I stumbled on this just the other day and saved it because I thought about what a great reminder it is. There are so many who struggle trying to reach or “find” happiness, generally looking to material or tangible things, new adventures, money or promotions, to fulfill the desire when in reality, we have the choice to simply “be happy.” It’s a state of being: when we are thankful for the wonderful things we’ve been blessed with in our lives, and rely less on the things of this world to bring us to a place of happiness, we find that happiness comes from within.

Healthy Homemade Granola, Greek Yogurt & Fruit

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Every now and then I crave certain foods that were such a common thing back home. I reminisce about last-minute brunch dates with friends or sisters at one of our favorite spots, La Boulange, a cute French bakery and cafe style place. I loved getting the bowl of homemade granola with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh fruit and a big cappuccino. So simple, so tasty and oh so satisfying!

25 Things I’ve Learned From Marrying An Italian

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As 2014 comes to a close, I sit here smiling to myself as I think about all of the new things I’ve “learned” thanks to my year here in Italy. It’s a lovely country and so are the people, so bare in mind that these are just meant to be fun things I’ve experienced personally with my husband (who’s from southern Italy), his family and friends here, or stories I’ve heard from other expat friends. There are certainly some generalizations, but it’s only meant to be taken lightheartedly and provide a bit of laughter and insight to my oh-so-fabulous life here in Italy! 🙂

Coffee & Reflections: Ciao 2014!

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Well, hello friends. I hope you have all had a wonderful holiday season with friends and family. Christmas has come and gone, but my beautifully lit tree still stands, proving us with warmth and cheer, reminding us that the holidays are not quite over (which I’m actually happy about). As I sit here and sip on my delicious cappuccino, and enjoy the peace and quiet of our home this morning now that my in-laws have left, I thought about how this year has literally flown by. We’re about to start a new year and a new chapter in our lives, which made me start to think about all that 2014 entailed.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

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It’s pretty chilly outside (-3C/25F) and this cold Milan weather has me reminiscing about one of my previous trips to Australia. In 2012, I spent two months traveling up the West Coast of Australia (mostly visiting friends along the way), starting in Melbourne and working my way through Sydney, Coffs Harbor, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa and up to the Whitsunday Islands which make up part of the Great Barrier Reef.

DIY Wine Cork Decor

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I fell in love with this idea as I’m really into “wine theme” decor at the moment. After collecting tons of corks over a couple months, I was able to put this together in time for the holidays and it was the perfect piece (and currently my favorite!) for one of my mantles.

When European Winters Happen to California Girls

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It snowed today for the first time this winter and basically… … This just captures it all. As a California girl (who’s also lived briefly in Thailand and Florida, i.e. tropical places) living in Milan, I can’t, for the life of me, figure out how the women over here manage to look so glamorous in their high heels and cute little stylish jackets – prancing around the cobblestone streets (a feat of its own without snow) – while I’m simply trying to stay warm and comfortable and avoiding, as best possible, to not die of hypothermia or lose my toes to frostbite.

Brera by Night

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Brera is one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods in Milan, and even more so around the holidays. We love venturing through the cobblestone streets, admiring the Christmas lights that are strung from balcony to balcony creating and popping into a cute cafe for a bite to eat or warm cappuccino. The ambiance is especially beautiful in the evenings.