Unveiling the new blog

I wanted to write a post to explain why I changed the structure of the blog and how I plan to share my writing in the future. The real reason I am making changes to the navigation menu, and changing up the design, is to align myself more closely with what I’m focused on in my life now and structure myself for the future. And making these changes right as I celebrate five years of the blog seemed like the right timing.

The past year has been crazy, honestly. There were times when I was able to put a lot into the blog (mostly when I was back in Minnesota) and other times (when I was in Roma) when I didn’t touch the blog. But I’ve always strived to stay pretty relaxed about it, especially since it’s a creative outlet for me.

Anyways, I’ve spent the past year writing and sharing more content but I have to be honest, I have a very long list of blog topics I’ve thought of that I’ve had no time to write. Or, the column for that type of content just didn’t exist on the blog. So I’m really excited to unveil the new menu and finally start putting out more content this year—content that I’m interested in and I think you will be too.

First, an ode to the old homepage and menu:

I always get nostalgic when I change the blog! This homepage and menu served me well.

Now, let’s talk about the new blog. I thought as I launched, it would be helpful to share the new columns and what they’ll be about. I’m really excited about these changes and I think my readers will be too! Below I’ll break down the menu and each column, plus the new series I’m introducing. You’ll notice that some words are in Italian, as I shift toward sharing more Italian and Italy content (and hopefully even some blogs in Italian this year).

Travel

Guides: The same as it always was, the place you’ll find all of my travel guides from Europe to the states.

Advice: Travel advice, packing lists, au pair and study abroad content.

Impressions: Where I reflect on the places I’ve been.

Everyday

Formerly known as ‘Everyday Discoveries’ this column houses everything relating to the ‘everyday.’

Casa: Anything relating to the home, plus some recommendations.

Social: Throwing a party? Come to this page.

Holiday: Having a column just for holiday content is long overdue for me.

Thoughts

Life: All those life update posts and musings that I write.

Inspired by: My new series where I interview inspiring women in my life. First interview coming soon!

Pausa: Another new series, modeled after the conversations I have with friends over a coffee break (una pausa, in Italian) or a long dinner. Those beautiful thoughts and ideas that come out when you have the space and time to really talk with the important people in your life.

Italy

Italy life: Partially in honor of my former amateur expat series, this column is the new level. All things living in Italy, from my personal experiences living abroad in this beautiful (and sometimes chaotic and frustrating) country.

Roma: Another column long overdue, this one is dedicated to la città eterna. I can’t wait to share more Roma recommendations, guides, and thoughts from living in the best city on Earth.

Around Italy: Here you’ll find posts from around Italy, from Florence to the south and beyond.

Etc.

The art of: This series still exists, but the posts will be organized into whichever column is best. Because as we know, life is art and it exists across travel and the everyday.

Italy Travel Planning: All of the information about Italy Travel Planning will remain on this page.

I’m looking forward to hearing what you all think of the updated homepage design and the new menu and columns! Drop a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram to let me know what you think.