I don’t really believe in New Year’s resolutions anymore. They always feel a bit heavy, like suddenly everything should change just because the calendar did. This year, I’m choosing something else –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ new ways of moving through life, small mindset shifts, quiet promises to myself that feel doable and real. These are the mantras I’m carrying with me into the new year. Not as rules, but as reminders. ✨

Christmas has a way of slowing time down. 🎄 The lights are softer. The air feels heavier with memories. Home smells like something familiar you didn’t know you missed. This year, I’m really allowing myself to be here. Not rushing through the holidays, not performing joy, not escaping into distractions – just being present with the atmosphere, the quiet moments, the laughter, the pauses in between. Sitting with a cup of something warm. Listening. Breathing. Letting the moment land.

I know that for many of us, Christmas isn’t only cozy and magical. It can be heavy. Emotional. Triggering. Especially when family time becomes overwhelming and old patterns suddenly resurface – roles you thought you outgrew, expectations you never agreed to, emotions that don’t make sense but still hurt. If Christmas feels hard for you, I want you to know this: nothing is wrong with you.

Okay, confession time: every year I tell myself “this Christmas will be simple!”

And then… I end up deep-diving Pinterest like a woman on a mission, saving photos that make my heart physically expand –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fireplaces, snowy cabins, old-money Christmas parties, puppies in cable-knit sweaters (don’t judge), vintage movie scenes, and those ridiculously perfect spa-getaway views.

So today’s post is basically my Christmas brain on display.
A few mood-board photos that just do something to me –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a bit romantic, a bit nostalgic, a sprinkle of luxury, a lot of coziness. My personal recipe for the perfect holiday vibe. ❄️

I promised myself I wouldn’t go full Christmas mode too early…
…but honestly? I’m already halfway there. And after this photoshoot? I’m gone.
So consider this your first tiny dose of Christmas vibes from me –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ because trust me, there’s so much more coming. I’m taking it slow, giving it to you piece by piece, so we can all enjoy this magical build-up together.

Ever since I was little, I dreamed of a proper Christmas photoshoot –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the kind you see in movies.
A decorated tree glowing with warm lights, a fireplace crackling in the background, soft blankets, golden ornaments, the whole hygge fantasy… and someone kind, gentle, patient behind the camera. Someone who makes you feel safe and beautiful.
This year, I finally got it.

Thanks to my lovely friend Aneta, one of the sweetest souls and, honestly, one of the most talented photographers in Prague. I still can’t believe how perfectly she captured the energy I wanted –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ soft, warm, a little dreamy… and a little “Zuzi”.
If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, scroll down.
I’m warning you… it’s starting. And I’m starting to feel Christmas. 🎁✨

I say it every year, but I’ll say it again – Christmas hits differently when you actually choose things that bring you joy, peace, beauty, or comfort. This season isn’t about excess or pressure. And it’s definitely not about buying things just for the sake of it. It’s about choosing with care. Slowing down enough to notice what makes you feel good – what supports you, inspires you, and fills your space with a little more light. ✨ This isn’t about being materialistic – it’s about being intentional.

So here it is: my personal little treasure map of things I want, love, or really need this season.
Some practical, some dreamy, some purely because they make me smile. Sooo... If you’re looking for gift ideas, something to lift your own spirits, or just a reason to treat yourself (which I highly recommend), feel free to borrow anything from this list. 🎁

Because you deserve to feel held, happy, and fully you – this season and beyond. 🎄

There’s this tiny, tender moment every year –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ when the last golden leaves cling to the branches, the air sharpens just a bit, and suddenly you realize… We’re shifting! ❄️ Fall is packing and winter is slowly knocking on the door with her twinkly frosty fingers.

Before I step fully into the holiday season (and yes, I am absolutely already humming Christmas songs), I wanted to share a few last snaps from those crisp fall days. You know, the ones where everything still looked warm and alive before the world started turning soft and sleepy. 🍁

But this year –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ oh, this year feels different.
Because I made a decision.

A very quick stop, and a very honest impressions from Lago di Como

We were driving from Turin to Lake Garda on our way back to Prague and decided to make a spontaneous pit‑stop at Como (the town at the southern tip of Lake Como). Van parked, bikes out, and we coasted down into town in that furnace‑hot July air. It was packed–⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠like festival‑day packed. The lakeside lawns shimmered, but the only “beach” in front of the Tempio Voltiano had no‑swimming signs (which many people were ignoring). We didn’t. We surrendered to carbs instead: tiny pizzette and still‑warm pastries from a local shop that absolutely saved our mood.

Was Como pretty? Yes–⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠arched lanes, flashy boats, mountain backdrop. Was I smitten at first sight? Not really. But that’s on me: zero research, peak season, wrong spot to swim. Next time I’d do it differently (plan below).

Why no swimming right there? The little beach by the Tempio Voltiano sits at the mouth of the Cosia stream, a spot with posted bathing bans due to pollution and safety; local police fine swimmers in summer, and regional eco groups flag this stretch every year. If you want to swim in town, look for designated spots like Lido di Villa Olmo or Lido di Villa Geno instead.