This post is sponsored by O.N.E. Coconut Water
Hiking through the vineyards in Barolo wine country
Greetings from Alba, Italy!
Bryan and I are traveling on a mega three week around-the-world trip in celebration of a milestone birthday (it’s actually my birthday today!).
We started our trip out in Alba, Italy to catch the last week of their annual, six-week long White Truffle Festival.
Hundreds of white truffles on display at the annual Truffle Festival in Alba.
We also explored the nearby wine regions of Barolo and Barbaresco, learning so much about the nebbiolo grape, along with other types of wines produced in this region (Dolcetta, Barbera, just to name a few!). Our next stop is Bordeaux, France, (more wine!) before we head to Paris. I’m sure security will be tight there, and it will be emotionally tough to visit so soon after the terrible attacks. Let us continue to #prayforparis as it recovers from such a difficult week.
Finally, we head to Asia for another week and a half, where we’ll explore Tokyo and Hong Kong.
As I turn the corner of another decade I’ve become much more aware of the time I have left to do everything I want to do, as well as my own physical limitations. Additionally, with Thanksgiving coming around the corner, I’ve also been thinking about the things for which I am thankful, as well as how I can give back.
I am thankful for so much – everything from my amazing family and solid community of friends to a new job opportunity and potential new projects. I am most certainly thankful for the unique opportunity to take such a special trip with Bryan. We’ve been planning this for over half a year, and I can’t believe it’s finally happening!
I’m thankful that I’ve been reasonably healthy, with only a minor knee injury that’s kept me from running as much as I would have liked.
Footpath from our B&B to downtown Alba
Injuries are like a wake-up call. If I don’t take care of myself, it’s much harder to fully give myself to others.
These days, I try my best to eat healthy and exercise regularly. I especially try to eat lots of vegetables each day. It’s been easier with the weekly farm share delivery over the summer, though sadly I will soon have to say good bye to that (hello winter!).
I make sure to get lots of sleep (so hard when you’re traveling and switching time zones!), and to stay hydrated. It was easy when I was in Boston (the 12-packs of coconut water that O.N.E. Coconut sent to me didn’t hurt! ;). It’s been more of a challenge on the road – especially in dry airplanes – but I try my best.
Giveaway!
This month, I am giving away one case (12 cartons) of O.N.E. coconut water, shipped directly to your house (continental 48 states only, sorry!). In order to enter, please comment below letting me know one way in which you plan on taking better care of yourself this fall! Giveaway ends November 25th at 12PM EST.
Follow the Journey
If you’re interested in following my around-the-world journey “real time”, follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, where I’ll be posting photos from the trip every day.
Ciao!
Disclaimer: this post was sponsored by O.N.E. Coconut water, who also provided me with free product and is providing the giveaway product as well. All opinions are my own.
Hope to hydrate more and get more exercise.
Happy birthday! I am trying to (ice) skate at least 4-5 days a week for at least 45 minutes at a time.
Happy Birthday! I am going to focus on getting more sleep. It’s definitely affected my health when I don’t sleep well…
Happy Birthday! Looking forward to your post of Asia. I eat healthy by consuming mostly vegetables and exercising at least 45 mins each days.
run everyday
Definitely trying to eat better this fall – which can be a challenge with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up! But choosing fruit over cookies and having more salads/veggies! 😀 HAPPY BIRTHDAY —- it looks like you’re having a FABULOUS time! 🙂
I work long hours in front of the computer and can easily get lost in what I am doing. I’m now making a conscious effort to take more breaks and to use them for a 5-8 minute stretching session, sets of stomach crunches, trip down the stairs for more water etc. The object is to simply move and get in small amounts of exercise in hopes that they will add up to better health.
My husband and I have been really working on getting to sleep on time as well. With our 5 am daily wake up we have to be in bed by 9 pm to remain sane. Its definitely a gradual improvement, but I’m committed to continuing our work on it.
I plan to drink more green tea with honey, instead of coffee. Also, in between meals, I’m trying hard to cut down on snacks especially sweets and eat fruits to satiate hunger pangs.
By prioritizing more sleep!
I am trying to stay hydrated and sleep enough.
I just started grad school this semester so I’m trying to find ways to stay active. I started playing racquetball and it’s quite the workout! It’s also a great way to get rid of some frustration….
Happy Birthday! Not entering-just wanted to wish you the best.
I plan on stocking my office with healthy snacks!
Happy Birthday Jen! I think a way I will work on to better take care of myself is to make sure I sleep enough and actually try to wake up earlier in the mornings to have ~10 min of quiet, reflection time
I’m getting to bed earlier, eating more “mindfully”, and getting more excercise.
Hi, I love your photos! This fall, I’m trying to cut back on coffee and switch to tea and also trying to hit yoga once a week and barre one a week.
I need to learn to stay more active like you. I wish to change myself avoiding late nights and stay active
Bought some groupons to force myself to go to pilates and yoga classes before they expire!
More sleep.
Happy birthday Jen! I am trying to eat less processed foods.
I plan to take better care of myself with more exercise and sleep!
I am trying to sleep more and be more deliberate about staying hydrated throughout the day.
Happy birthday Jen! I’ve been trying to take a walk outside in the afternoon, trying to catch some sun. Especially now that it gets so dark early!
Happy birthday!
This fall I’d love to take long walks; not only when the sun is out and the air is crisp, but also when it’s dark, rainy and stormy! That makes the hot chocolate afterwards taste so much better!
I’m already exercising more at home. I want to continue that!
Trying to eat better, exercise, and get more sleep
Happy birthday! I’m prioritizing sleep.
Eat Healthy by….cooking more! Specifically, going for steamed foods as I have a steamer and I keep wanting to use it more often!
I am really going to try and drink more water every day!
Happy B’day! i plan on exercising more & visiting a steam-room more often too.
Happy birthday! I am trying to eat a healthier diet.
I’m working on my projects a little bit each day so I don’t get overwhelmed.
Making sure to exercise regularly and drink water!