Sooo if you haven’t noticed from Instagram, two weeks of April were spent on our fun filled vacation in Italy and life hasn’t slowed down since we got back. I can’t believe May is almost over – let me explain! Here’s what’s going on. Grab a drink and let’s get started, shall we?
Married Life
Our trip was everything and more we could have asked for! We started in Rome, then took a train to Cinque Terre and ended our trip in Florence. A couple of posts on this to come – I’ll share our itinerary and how we survived the long flight! I indulged in lots of wine, pizza, pasta, and gelato of course. It was the perfect getaway Andy and I needed. Our highlights from the trip included: a pasta making class, hiking and getting some amazing views, and the all-day Chianti wine tour in the Tuscany region. If only I could live in Italy…


While this was one of my favorite vacations I’ve ever taken, coming home after this trip truly made me admire our house so much. It really did feel so good to be home. Coming home from vacation isn’t so bad when you get to arrive to sunshine and palm trees. Plus, all of the wine that we purchased was just delivered and I’m not quite sure where to store it all – but that’s a problem I don’t mind having 😉
Home
I can finally announce that my parents will be official Floridians and moved into Sarasota by the end of May!! That being said, we have been checking up with them every other day to see how the move is going while the excitement builds! Andy and I couldn’t be more ecstatic that we get to hang out with them like we used to when we lived up north. We can’t wait to spend quality time with them as their adventure continues in their new home!
That being said, Andy and I have been spending lots of time with friends since the last two weekend of May we will be busy helping my parents move in and get settled. The past several weekends have included a crawfish boil, Cinco de May party, hanging out in Siesta Key, trying new restaurants that have opened, going to the local breweries, and lots of drinks and dinner catching up with what’s going on in our friends lives. I’ve also been loving that the weather has been perfect for cocktails on the lanai!

We purchased some local art in Italy and the other weekend we got it custom framed at Michael’s – I can’t wait for it to be finished in the next couple weeks! I love using Michael’s craft store for custom framing because the employees are really good about informing us about any sales that are coming up. We got 50% off our frame along with an additional 10% off, so it really is worth waiting for the next sale they have. I love a good savings. If you would like to do custom framing, the employees are great with helping you find the perfect matting to go with your artwork. It can definitely make any piece of art really stand out in your home.
Treat Yo Self (or Lawn)
Who knew becoming an adult would mean getting excited about things you used to think were so boring? I am so excited that we are doing a total overhaul on our landscaping in the front and back yards! We have been working with our lawn guy to design our ideal front yard by bringing in more color and putting up privacy palms in the back to bring out a tropical vibe. It has been so much fun planning what we envision by looking at tons of different flowers and looking up multiple plants that will survive in the Florida sun. We will have a brand new front and back yard by Memorial Day – yay! This was one of my home goals I wanted to accomplish earlier this year when planning my new year’s resolutions and goals.
According to an HGTV article, A Clemson University study found that homeowners get a 100 percent or more return on the money they put into landscaping. Plus, who doesn’t love great curb appeal?
Bubbly
I recently bought a bottle of Martini & Rossi sparkling rosè after a friend’s recommendation. It was a little sweeter than I expected, but I loved the peach undertones and it pours with such lively color which makes for a great sparkling wine to entertain with! This bottle retails for around $15 and I found it at my local Publix. What a great find for summer sparkling cocktails that I’ll be making the next several months. Don’t underestimate this bottle though, it’s the perfect rosè to sip on by itself as well.
I am really looking forward to Summer and all the exciting things coming ahead. For some reason, most people think Floridians hate summer but the water in the gulf is just warming up and makes for the perfect beach outing! I can’t wait to cook out and enjoy the new views of our soon to be updated back yards sipping on some bubbly.
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