This week in Bologna felt extra cozy and extra real. I started the vlog at a very random 4:30 p.m. because I’d been on my computer all morning, then I did a perfect 45-minute Pilates workout (exactly the vibe I wanted because it’s been so gray and dark). I also shared my current little winter routines—like testing the snail mucin everyone talks about (it sounds gross, I know), doing my skincare/eye patches, and ending the night with my projector “winter window” ambiance while I read. I also chatted about books (no spoilers), because reading has honestly been such a comfort lately. I took you along for normal life stuff too: filming a budgeting video, dealing with nonstop construction noise outside my apartment, and doing a big-ish grocery run (I spent €41.60). I’m trying to make pumpkin pie in Italy (fresh pumpkin because you can’t really find canned puree here, and evaporated milk is a whole other issue), plus we planned pizza night and carbonara. I also decorated a little for Christmas without going overboard, because I’m packing and trying to be practical. And then the heavier update: my next steps for trying to live in Italy again. My boyfriend and I are looking into a residence permit for committed partners, but getting clear info has been… very Italian. I spent a lot of time researching lawyers, because I don’t want to cut corners anymore. It’s emotional and stressful, but I’m trying to stay hopeful while I plan to go back to the U.S. at the beginning of 2026 and return in spring.