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. 

🍂 Don’t we all love fall?

The cozy layers, the rush of fresh inspiration, that little “second wind” after a slow summer. Suddenly it’s time to pull on soft sweaters, wrap up in scarves, and breathe in crisp air filled with the scent of apples and cinnamon. It’s the season of pumpkin patches and weekend farmers’ markets. Of baking pies and sipping spiced tea while the oven warms the kitchen. Of long candlelit evenings, hand-crafted wreaths, dried flowers, and little DIY projects made from nature’s gifts – pinecones, chestnuts, branches and colorful leaves.

Right now, my Pinterest wall is overflowing with mood boards full of caramel-colored knits, rustic tablescapes, velvet pumpkins, cozy corners and forest walks. And honestly? This time of year I love it most. Let’s explore this year’s fall inspiration together – in mood boards that celebrate everything we adore about the season.

Source of inspiration: Pinterest

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ who we’d be and what we’d do if the internet didn’t exist. Can we even imagine? Would we be the same people? If the answer is no, maybe that’s a sign to pause.

I notice that the most magnetic people online aren’t usually primarly creating for an audience; they’re simply living their lives and sharing bits of it along the way. That feels like the right attitude –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ life first, sharing second.

🍂 Fall Is Knocking – and I’m Actually Happy About It

There’s that crisp, golden whisper in the air again. Even though summer felt like it sprinted past me – wasn’t it just June yesterday? – I’m surprisingly at peace with the change. I’m not built for sauna vibes anyway; give me twenty degrees Celsius and a light breeze and I thrive like a well-watered houseplant. And oh, the wardrobe change! Layers, boots, tights, chunky knits, candles, fallen leaves, moody fall foliage, and long evenings with that hint of nostalgia. If the end-of-summer blues hit you too, lean into the rituals: swap iced coffee for warm matcha, pull out your favourite coat early, rearrange your room for that cozy vibe. It works wonders.

🍂 Hey loves,

Do you feel it too? That little crispness in the air that makes you want to pull your sweater a bit closer and sip something cinnamon-y? Fall has officially tiptoed in, and I swear it’s bringing a wave of the coziest nostalgia. I don’t even know why – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠but every falling leaf feels like a little memory (?).

Right now, I’m totally living in my autumn daydreams. Picture this with me: a chunky burgundy knit sweater (the kind you could nap in), a soft suede bag swinging at my side, and sunnies that give “main character strolling through fallen leaves” vibes. It’s all on my wishlist, and I’m manifesting every single piece into my reality –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ because why not?

You know when you have an outfit all picked out, ready for the stylish weekend... and then the sky decides it’s not on your side? Yeah, that was me this weekend. I had this look lined up for a cute outing, maybe a stroll, maybe a little espresso date. But nope, the rain came down like it was something personal (you OK, heaven?). But did that stop me? Pfft. Please. As if.
Cue: fashion moment, but make it indoors. 🔥

Some places just hit different.

 And for me, Japan is one of those soul places.
I’ve already been twice — once in the winter (brrr ❄️), once in the beginning of summer — but both times, I left feeling like I barely scratched the surface. And I’ve been thinking about going back... a lot. So here’s a little breakdown of why my heart (and suitcases) are ready to head back to Japan — maybe even soon?