Thanksgiving & Birthday Reflections + Giveaway!

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.