Naturally in Italy

Cloth napkins are way better than paper ones. They are more durable and efficient, and they look better too! The fact that they are MUCH better for the environment and SO much cheaper is just a bonus😉

We always have a stack on the table, use each one a couple meals (or until they get dirty), then throw them in with the laundry. I don't iron them either because no one has the time to do such a thing. Easy peasy.

And if you don't have any there is probably no need to buy either, just ask older family or friends if they'd be willing to give you some of theirs that they have probably been keeping in a drawer for years. Ours come from my mother in law and she gets really excited whenever she sees that we use them.

Give it a try and I bet you'll realize how silly it is to waste your money on those flimsy paper ones instead.

As a healthcare provider, midwife, woman, and mother I am deeply saddened and worried about the new Texas laws on abortion.

I am not interested in debating this topic on social media since open discourse and human interaction is by default not possible on these platforms. I'd be a fool to assume this post will change anyone's mind, I'm just venting and stating my point of view.

I do however hope that if you agree with the abortion ban, you also take the time to acknowledge the upbringing, religion, culture, and yes, privilege, that allows you to make assumptions about all the women and families that desperately seek abortion services. It is a law that increases racial and economic disparities, and places an unjust burden on women solely because of their gender.

Sometimes the easiest solution is the easiest and most sustainable one. For example, you don't 'need' fancy beeswax wrap or plastic wrap to cover leftovers. In our house we put them in bowls and cover with a small plate. Quick, easy, and no need to buy extra stuff.

Enjoying all the interesting berries we picked with family💜

One of my favorite travel essentials is this beautiful guy.

Spending money on single use water bottles is silly, and definitely not as cost effective and elegant.

I have finally found a workout routine that tones thighs, buns, abs, and arms all at the same time! 💪 It's called TRASHERCISE and in just two simple steps you too can do this workout just about anywhere!

Step 1: go for a walk.
Step 2: pick up trash along the way.
All the squatting, bending, lifting, digging, and carrying will definitely get your body into shape.

Just remember, for a healthier body and a cleaner environment, get out and TRASHERCISE!!! @ Venice, Italy

Biking my way through beautiful Chioggia🚴‍♀️

Today I finally made an effort to learn how to distinguish edible (right) from non edible (left) wild strawberries, and it turns out we have lots of the edible kind in our yard!🍓🍓🍓 you just have to learn to recognize them: the non edible kind stick straight up in the air while edible ones hang like little bells off of the stem just like in the pucture, plus non edibles have flowery shaped leaves at the base of the berry while the edibles have spikey, thin leaves instead.

And what happens if you eat a non edible strawberry?? The answer is: nothing really. Apparently they taste bitter and not good at all, but if you happen to eat a bunch, at most they just have a laxative effect 😅 So go out and search for those little tasty treats from mother nature because now is the season!

It's finally nice enough to eat outside 🌞

Dandelion harvesting has finally begun!

You may think of this plant as a pesky little w**d, but it is actually a great gift from nature!🌿 From flowers to roots it is not only edible, but it is also very nutritious 😊

I especialy like to harvest the roots: just clean, chop, air dry, and store them in an airtight container to enjoy them anytime of the year. The pleasantly bitter tea is full of antioxidants and minerals, and it is great for digestive support, too!

Making green tea from my own tea plant🌱

Every spring I pinch off a few leaves from my Camellia sinesis, dry them in the sun, and then brew them for a nice cup of tea. My balcony-grown plant isn't very big so I can't really make much, but it offers me the most satisfying cup of tea I could ask for🍵

Catching up on work while finally getting some much needed vitamin D!

And let's just take a moment to acknowledge how amazing it is that our bodies transform sunlight into vitamins☀️💪

While it's important to moderate sun exposure especially during peak hours and wear appropriate sun block, even just 10 minutes of unfiltered sunshine on your skin a day are helpful for increasing bone and muscle health as well as supporting your immune system😎