Off to Italy we go...

Travel Insight of the Week

I’m moving to Italy in April so to say it’s taking up nearly all the space in my mind would be an understatement. That being said, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and where is one of the most romantic destinations to travel?

Venice, Italy of course!

Venice is a dream destination for Valentine’s Day, offering timeless romance and unforgettable experiences.

Who doesn't dream of a gondola ride through scenic canals, candlelit dinners overlooking the water, and intimate strolls across historic bridges like the Rialto and the Bridge of Sighs? Well if you don’t, it’s time to start.

One of the best places around Venice to explore is the two islands near Venice, which offer unique charm, rich history, and captivating beauty. Perfect for a day trip, Murano and Burano provide an escape from the bustling city while showcasing distinct Venetian traditions.

And don’t forget the food, I personally am dying to try the array of Venetian cuisine and Prosecco. Don’t forget to take in the breathtaking beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica and Square while you’re at it.

Visiting in February brings a serene atmosphere with fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for couples seeking a truly magical escape.

In Venice, love isn’t just in the air—it’s everywhere you look. 💕

If you want to go but you’re on a budget, consider signing up for a travel card like the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, Capitol One Venture X Card, or one of the other ones I talk about in my Best Travel Credit Cards in 2025 blog post!

I once traveled to Europe almost completely free thanks to these cards!

What’s Cooking

I’m on a health kick again… finally.

While I love cooking, things have been busy and I have opted to order meal kits from Marley Spoon. These meals honestly never disappoint.

Last week I made the tastiest one pan meal!

Baharat Chicken Pan Roast with Roasted Tomatoes & Lemon-Garlic Sauce

Baharat, a fragrant Middle Eastern spice blend featuring cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, and paprika, takes center stage in this dish. Start by marinating chicken in this aromatic mix for a bold, flavorful pan roast that's simply irresistible.

It’s served alongside roasted tomatoes and chickpeas, tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce and finished with a sprinkle of creamy feta.

This recipe makes two servings, multiply the ingredients as needed.

¼ oz baharat spice blend

12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts

garlic

1 lemon

1 can chickpeas

12 oz grape tomatoes

¼ oz fresh mint

3 oz feta cheese

Check out the Marley Spoon website for the full recipe!

Transform Yourself

In this newsletter, the transform yourself tidbit will touch on how to transform yourself through health and fitness or will provide tips and encouragement for transforming yourself through reading, mindset changes, and self-care.

With a PhD in social psychology and personal experience in weight loss and competitive running, I love learning about how to improve myself through both mind and body changes and would love to share more with others!

Unwind With Book Time

For a couple of years, all I listened to was health and fitness books, then I stumbled upon Colleen Hoover's books, and now I am a huge fan of British suspense novels.

Health & Fitness Read

Everand is my platform of choice for reading.

Suspense Read of the Week

Check out more of my favorite reads here.

Fit & Functional

I’m a health and fitness writer and a certified running coach. I’m very passionate about running and think everyone needs a bit of it in their lives.

If you have some running experience or fitness background and want to really get back into it.

Stay tuned for my weekly run workouts and beginner running programs.

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