The honest self-care

Italian lifestyle is different. Whenever I am in Italy , no matter if its a hot summer beach vacation or a moody weather city trip, everything feels so relaxed. And my mood is up as soon as I cross the border.

What I have recently learned from Italian friends is that tiny habits matter a lot. Because, as everywhere else in the world, people in Italy go to work, do grocery shopping, and have their daily struggles. But in between they know how to live life.

Let me show you how to experience the Italian lifestyle even when you are at home. Let’s get the perfect Italian weekend break started!!

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DAY 1

1. Start the day without a rush.

Take your time for a facial cleansing. Do a face-mask. Enjoy doing your make-up. Use a body lotion that reminds you of your favourite summer destination.

Mine has a rich smell of lemon and tangerine, so whenever I use it it makes me instantly feel like I am in Italy.

Dress well. The thing I really love about Italy is that people are always properly dressed. So imagine you are going on a date. Put on your favourite outfit. Don’t forget jour yewellery and sunglasses.

Breakfast in Italy is very simple and sweet. A small piece of cake or cannoli will bring your mood up instantly. And a cappuccino is a must. And once again, take your time.

Italians would never rush through the streets with a coffee-to-go and are generally not easily stressed.

2. Walk around town and enjoy the little things.

You have probably been in your local area many times. But have you ever walked around like you do when you are on summer vacation and exploring the little coastal town, its little shops, buying some souvenirs ?

Try it. You will find hidden gems. Maybe a shop with art supplies and handcrafted pieces you would usually never notice.

Go to a bookstore. Or an antiquary.

And you should definetly visit your local farmer’s market an try all the fresh harvested fruits and vegetables. Many also sell homemade cheese and other fine food you would never find in the supermarket. It is the perfect place to shop for your lunch picnic.

3. Have a picknick

As the weather is not always the best, I know that doing a picnic is a thing but it is nothing I do commonly.

But in Italy many people go on picnics, as it is the easiest way to enjoy a good meal without having to spend a fortune and still having a nice view. You will see many picnic tables at coastal lines and parcs off the main roads and tracks.

So do it. Find a nice place and invite family, friends or colleagues. Everything is better with friendly people around you.

The local park is perfect, usually offering some park benches. But even if not, just bring along a cozy blanket and sit on the ground. Its even better if you have a river or lake nearby. The soft breeze that usually comes from the water can be so refreshing.

Turn on your favorite Italian music. Now enjoy all the delicious food you bought on the farmers‘ market. And don’t forget the wine. Wine is life.

4. Gelato

Could you imagine an Italian holiday without gelato? Me neither. So this is your next must stop. Original Italian ice cream is rich in texture, has a milky taste and is not overloaded with sugar.

As I live in Germany, it is not too difficult to find a place that sells ice cream, as it is part of German culture too. Even in the smallest town in rural areas there is at least one ice – cream shop. And it’s Italian, as many Italians come to Germany to sell their delicious products.

5. Shopping

The next thing that always comes to my mind when thinking about Italy is fashion. Fashion has always been an important part of society and cultural life.

There is a reason why Italian fashion brands like Valentino, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino are among the big players. And as mentioned above, all Italians love fashion. Even the kids are looking extraodinary good. But most people in Italy are normal people, with normal jobs and a normaly salary. How do they do it?

As I was in Turin, I have noticed that shops select very well the fashion they sell. If you enter a shop, you will find affordable, good tailored, good quality and timeless pieces. Nothing else. So you have no chance to leave the shop with something not being stylish.

And that is the key point. They do not buy clothing in mass, but well chosen. Something that will last for a long time.

So as it is your holiday weekend, treat yourself. Buy yourself a new leather bag, sunglasses, lipstick or a statement piece. This will be your holiday souvenir!

6. Dinner

Don’t forget to get dressed. You should wear something special for the occassion.

And once again, TAKE YOUR TIME. Dinner in Italy is not about get fed but about enjoying and relaxing. Dinner can last several hours where people do not only eat but meet friends and family. This is why dinners in Italy often last several hours, even until 10 p.m.

Find a nice Italian restaurant. Maybe not the one you get your weekly after-work pizza from. And try out something new. Let the waiter choose something for you. And don’t forget the wine.

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Day 2

You should definetly not change your morning and evening. Have a nice breakfast and an even better dinner. And don’t forget the wine. Now here are some ideas how to spend the day:

• Go to a public bathing lake or pool
• Take part in a cooking class
• Find a nice location and do a fotoshoot
• Go to a botanical garden
• Go to a spa