Travel

Five Things Friday: October 19

Hi Friends,

I feel like I’ve been all over the world this week and it has been so wonderful 😊 Here are the highlights:

Pizzeria Ostiense

I couldn’t leave Italy without a stop at Pizzeria Ostiense. Sofie and I spent a beautiful day exploring Roma and catching up, and to top it off we had my favourite Pizza Romana 😍 I don’t look excited at all! We even ate outside because the weather was still warm enough 🌴☀️

Unplanned Trip to Paris

I didn’t plan to be in Paris for long this week – originally my layover was 2 hours; however the Universe had a much different and perhaps more favourable plan for me ✨ The truth is – I could sit here and complain about the inconvenience of the airline of my overseas flight going bankrupt, cancelling all flights and having to fork over almost $1500 to get a new flight last minute – OR – I could take control of my situation, trust the Universe is working in my favour and enjoy a full day of LIVING in Paris – yoga by the canal, a picnic and a visit to the Eiffel Tower ❤️ I’m so grateful for this spontaneous gift of a trip, and to my amazing friend Cheryl for spending it with me! 😊

TORONTO 💙

I love this city and wow, it feels good to be back. So many memories of inspiration, love and finding myself. Although I was born and raised on Vancouver Island, I grew up in Toronto. This city will always feel the most comfortable for me. If you’re curious about my journey and have not yet read Beauty and the Breakdown (my first and favourite book) it is now available worldwide as a PDF download. You can check it out here 😊

I feel Home

As mentioned above I feel the most comfortable in Toronto. I feel a bit of reverse culture shock happening since being away from Canada for almost a year… Upon stepping off the airplane and breathing in all that fresh air, spending the day running around Toronto and seeing familiar faces, I feel a huge sense of home and pride. Proud to be Canadian ❤️

Nicole!

Nicole and I met almost 6 years ago studying abroad in Cuba 🌴 Who would have thought 6 years later we would still be having tons of fun, laughter and smiles in the city of Toronto? 😊 I’m so grateful we spontaneously met in the Caribbean, wound up living in the same city and even though I’ve been gone for almost 2 years are still such great friends today 💕🤗 Love you Nic!

xx Zo

Five Things Friday: October 12

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Happy Friday Friends 😊

I hope it has been an amazing week for you! Here are my highlights from lovely Lazio:

Afternoon with Elyssa!

I spent Saturday afternoon with Elyssa! 👯‍♀️ We had a delicious vegan lunch at Cul de Sac near Piazza Navona and then checked out the piazza post-showers for some photography 📸 The puddles made for some beautiful captures which were visible on my InstaStory – Are you following along? 😉

I will miss you Roma

This was my last week in Roma for almost 2 months. Every time I am about to leave Rome starts to look even more beautiful (if that’s possible) and some “FOMO” starts to kick in 😜 I know amazing adventures await me on the other side though 💛 I can’t wait to see my family. 😊

The Garden of Ninfa

On Sunday I visited the beautiful Garden of Ninfa with my friend Diego. Diego is actually a Patreon of mine, so it was so great to finally meet in person and enjoy such a lovely day together! 😊🌻 The Garden of Ninfa is such a unique place; Its very special microclimate allows for EVERYTHING to grow 🌱 Throughout the Garden you can spot plants, flowers and trees from all over the world 🌍 They can also grow up to 3x their size! How magically incredible! For photos and facts from the Garden of Ninfa you can check out my Instagram Stories.

Rooftops with my Girls

What more could I ask for than an evening with these ladies watching the sunset over Rome? 🧡 Ci vediamo presto amores!

Good Vibrations!

As I mentioned last week, the Universe has been clearing out some energies and bringing some lessons to light for a while now, and I am finally feeling clear again. I know a new chapter is about to unfold and adventure is just around the corner – I couldn’t be more prepared or excited for it! 😄 Andiamo!

xx Zo

Blog, Grow, Health, Life, self improvement, Travel

Five Things Friday: October 5

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Hello my beautiful friends!

I hope you have had a lovely week so far 😊 Here are the highlights of mine:

Tea, please!

For the month of October I am partaking in a healthy challenge: #SoberOctober 🎃 I have given up coffee and alcohol and will be off of it for the entire month. So far I have really enjoyed the challenge 😊 It has me feeling refreshed and I have been sleeping deeper than I have in a very long time 😴✨

Sh!t The Moon Said

This week I finished the physical book “Sh!t The Moon Said,” by Gerard Armond Powell 📓 This was a very inspiring true story about changing your life for the better. Powell explains how when you are open to life’s experiences and life’s magic, you have the ability to reconnect to your soul and live your greatest, most authentic life 🙏🏼 Packed full of wisdom, authenticity and change, I highly recommend this book🌚

Sunshine in a Mediterranean Garden

I spent Wednesday poolside at the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria and what a dream it was. I swam, I read, I lounged… it was so peaceful and beautiful. The pool is surrounded by a Mediterranean garden filled with palm trees and umbrella pines – my favorites! 😍🌴 The parrots were chirping in the trees and the sun was hot. It was the perfect day to dream, set goals and visualize my next chapter ✨

Jo Malone London Event

On Thursday evening I attended the private Jo Malone event in Roma. The party was beautiful and of course smelled like magic! ✨ My favourite fragrances from Jo Malone is Mimosa & Cardamon and Lime, Basil & Mandarin 🧖🏼‍♀️ If you have never checked out Jo Malone London, I highly recommend it 😍👌🏽

Reflection

I’ve been reflecting a lot this week before I leave Rome for 7-8 weeks. I’ve noticed the Universe clearing many things out that have actually hindered my growth without me consciously realizing it. However, I am happy to report I have approached these changes with a positive, growth mindset and can see a greater, more abundant future for myself. It is always important we actually learn our lessons the Universe is sending us. That is how we move forward.

xx Zo

Blog, Grow, Health, Life, Travel

Five Things Friday: September 28

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Buongiorno Amici!

I hope you have all had a fantastic week. From Toscana back to Lazio, here are the highlights:

Flavours & Friendship!

On Friday I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful medieval tuscan town of Montepulciano with my friend Lorenzo 😄 Lorenzo took me to “Cantina Gattavecchi” which was hands down one of the best meals of my life 🍝 I am so grateful to have shared such a great meal and day with someone so inspirational! Grazie Lorenzo and Buona Fortuna on your next chapter in Switzerland 🇨🇭✨

Fun in Tuscany!

Every time I visit Tuscany I always have the greatest adventures with my Fun in Tuscany family ❤️ A day spent with them is a day spent full of smiles and sunshine. I have no words to describe how much fuller my heart feels after a day spend with them. SO much gratitude. 🙏🏼 You can find some of our adventures here ☀️

Solo in Firenze

I came to Florence solo and I couldn’t be happier that I did. This trip was spontaneous – and of course, just what I needed at the perfect time. If you have ever visited Firenze you know how magical it is – sunsets along the river, the glowing streets and the breathtaking Duomo ✨ Tuscany has always taught me to say yes to life’s adventures and life’s magic. Thank you for always guiding me towards my biggest dreams 🇮🇹

You Are A Badass

When I’m in need for a serious kick in the booty to knock procrastination out of the way and move forward towards my goals I always revisit the book “You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero 📒 This book is the one that really helped me believe it would be possible to move to Rome… and look at me here now, over two years later: in the window of my dream apartment, legal to stay for another year, blessed by so, so many experiences, people and things. It’s knowledge and inspiration that help us to reach our next levels. In this day and age we are so incredibly lucky to have all of this accessible to us at our fingertips 📲 Could you use some inspiration this weekend or in the week ahead? 🤔 I highly recommend tuning into Jen Sincero’s You Are A Badass and/or You Are A Badass at Making Money on Blinkist! You can absorb each of these titles in 15 minutes or less 😊 Get your FREE 7 day trial from Blinkist here.

Remember…

“Remember the days you wished for the things you have now.” 💛 This quote is so powerful… You should know; I am not Little Miss Positive all the time, I have my dark sides too, as does everyone 🌗 In times when I find myself frustrated, defeated, saddened, I always turn towards gratitude. Darkness cannot exist where there is light… bring forth the light. ☀️

xx Zo

Special thanks to Blinkist for sponsoring this blog post.

Blog, Grow, Life, self improvement, Travel

Five Things Friday: September 14

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Ciao Amici!

I hope you have had an amazing week so far 😊 Here are my highlights from The Eternal City:

Autumn is Coming

Although we’ve consistently been in the high 20’s and even 30’s this week 😛 the leaves are starting to change and I can’t help but to fall in love with Roma all over again! 🍂

Leftover Pasta in Campo

Monday afternoon after class I decided to enjoy pranzo (🇮🇹: lunch) in Campo de’ Fiori for a nice change. This piazza is always bustling and full of life. I plan to make more of an effort to enjoy my lunches outdoors – even if it means my pasta is cold 😉 it’s totally worth it 👌🏽

Canadians of ROME!

On Tuesday night I attended the first event of the season for the Canadian Club of Rome 🇨🇦 We enjoyed a lovely Aperitivo on the rooftop of Palazzo Montemartini. The sun set so beautifully and I was in attendance with two of my favourite people: Anastasiya & Elyssa! 👯‍♀️ I am so excited to have joined the club for the year, it’s going to be a great one. Eh!? 😛

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Nights out in September

This week NSP & DNG have been in town! We’ve had some amazing, inspiring conversations, however whenever that happens we always forget to take a selfie 😛 So this beautiful shot will have to do to represent a wonderful evening of deep conversations and big ideas 🙌🏽 To the #GrandeFuturo ✨

I’ll be Speaking in Rome Next Week!

For those of you who follow along from The Eternal City I will be speaking at The Yellow Hostel on Wednesday, September 19th at 18:00 😊 I am looking forward to meeting some of you and inspiring you along your journeys. Hope to see you there ❤️ Sign up for the event here!

xx Zo

Blog, Grow, LAW OF ATTRACTION, Life, self improvement, Travel, Uncategorized

Five Things Friday: September 7

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Ciao Amici,

It’s been a beautiful week in Spain and back to Rome again ❤️ Here are my highlights:

Arriving in Ibiza

Our first night in Ibiza will go down in the history books for one of the top nights of 2018 ✨ We spent the evening on the rooftop of our penthouse dancing to our favourite music, laughing uncontrollably and of course admiring the stunning views (like the sunset pictured above). It was one of those nights that felt so surreal. I couldn’t believe I returned to this island one year later with a completely different – but same, life. SO much has changed and I am so incredibly grateful. 💛 The Universe is always creating for you.

Being of the Mediterranean Sun

There’s just something about being on an island in the Mediterranean Sea ☀️ I feel so inspired under the European sun and I hope one day still I will be able to call this continent home without a visa 💛 This week I officially got my hard-copy Permesso – Italy, I got you babe, for another year 😉🇮🇹

KYGO!

If you know me well you know that Kygo is my favourite DJ 😄 I have always wanted to see him at Ushuaia as this is where he has residency over the Summer ☀️ I have officially tiked this off of my bucket list 🙌🏽 The night was incredible – so full of energy! Check out the highlights from this night on my Instagram Highlights 🤩

Sisterhood

I already miss my little sis Gaby 💛 I always learn so much about life from her. She is truly sunshine in the human form ☀️ We definitely did it up #Grande for the last hoo-rah of Summer 🤩🎉 I already can’t wait for all of the future adventures! We have made plans for our next meet-up! Any guesses where? 🌴

And when you want something…

“And, when you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

The beginning of September means the beginning of my Patreon book club! Each month we will be reading a new book in the self-improvement category. Because September always feels like a fresh start to me I wanted to read The Alchemist once again ❤️ Paulo Coelho actually wrote The Alchemist in only 2 weeks! 📚 Can you believe it!? Come get inspired with us, join my community here!

xx Zo

Blog, fitness, Grow, Health, Life, Travel

Five Things Friday: Aug 31

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Buongiorno Friends!

Can you believe it’s already the end of August! 😮 Wow, wow, wow! Today I am off to Ibiza, Spain for Summer’s last hoorah with the girls 😊 Here’s what I’ve been up to this week in Rome:

Rollarblading!

Yes! As you guys may have already seen in this week’s episode of Zoey’s Diary, I have really been enjoying rollarblading. It reminds me so much of being a kid and it has proven to be an amazing outdoor workout 🙌🏽😄 I hope I am still rollarblading over 80, just like our pal Franco! 😁 FUN FACT: one of our amazing friends, Irene, let me know Franco only started rollarblading when he was 59! Anything is possible my friends, anything.

Back to School

I didn’t mention it to you guys last week, but I am officially back to school in Rome! ☀️ I am so excited about it because although it feels like it has been a long, slow journey of learning Italian it is a journey that I very much enjoy 🇮🇹 The pieces and rules of the language are connecting in my brain more and more every day – it’s a beautiful thing!

Gaby is hereeeee! 😄

I can’t believe I have only known this girl less than a year! Gaby and I actually met last year in Ibiza and have since then met up in San Diego, gone on a road trip to Tijuana and Ensenada and she’s come to visit me in Roma already once this year – at this rate we have infinite amounts of adventures in the future 😄✈️☀️ I am so grateful to have such an amazing friend and soul sister in my life 💕

Roma by Night

I’m not sure if there’s anything more dreamy than Rome by night ✨ It’s been a while since I’d taken a good long walk in the evening to admire the beautifully lit buildings, monuments, live music and the exhibition along the Lungotevere. Gaby and I had a fun adventure down to Trastevere on Wednesday for a cocktail (or two) 🍹 While the air is still warm and Summery I plan to do this more throughout September.

Being Girly Girls

Our house has been full of fun, fashion and laughter this week. Having Gaby here has added another sister to the mix so of course we have had so much fun exchanging clothes, dressing up and talking all about the Universe in our PJ’s. I can’t believe Summer is coming to an end, but what a special way to end it with my amazing girls 💛✨

Off to Ibiza we go!

xx Zo

Blog, Grow, LAW OF ATTRACTION, Life, Travel

Five Things Friday: Aug 24

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Hi Friends!

I hope you all had an amazing week 😊 It’s been another beautiful one in Italy. Here are the highlights:

Helicopters & Khaled!

Last weekend our amazing friend Khaled from Jordan came to visit. We took a helicopter tour above beautiful Lazio! (You can see the adventure on my Instagram highlights). This was especially cool because we got to see Tivoli from above, one of the most magical places I have ever been! Perfect for manifesting big dreams 🤩✨

Negroni Infused Watermelon

Yup, you read that right. Last weekend we dined at the Michelin ⭐️ restaurant All’Oro and WOW, this meal will go down in history, not only due to it’s food, but it’s powerful conversation and wonderful people. The whole tasting menu I had was vegan – how amazing there are such options nowadays 🤗 There are no words for how delicious this meal was 😍🌿

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Friends in the City

This week I was so fortunate to have so many amazing people in the city! In addition to Khaled there was Sarah, Rafa and Jo! 😊 I met Sarah earlier this year in Paris and we clicked right away, she is truly a truly wonderful person. Full of ambition and natural beauty inside and out – you can find her YouTube channel here. Rafa and Jo were visiting Roma all the way from Chile! 🌎 The last time I saw Rafa was when I was backpacking Europe at age 20 🎒 We had the most incredible time in Corfu, Greece and now we have even more memories from along the Lungotevere in Roma 😊✨

For the Life-Curious

Those of you who know me personally or follow along on my Instagram KNOW I am a bit of a quote junkie 😜 this is why I LOVED listening to The Daily Stoic on Blinkist. Full of wisdom from Stoic Philosophers you can get so much knowledge from this title in a bite-size package 📖 Do you ever feel that sometimes books find you rather than you find them? 🤔 This is exactly how I felt soaking up these insights – all about how to handle this crazy, beautiful thing called life… I highly recommend this download and you can get it for FREE on a 7-day trial from Blinkist, get it by clicking here 😊 Be sure to write me and let me know what you think!

Unstoppable Sis

This week my sister Anastasiya was there for me (as per usual) but sometimes we lean on our friends more than other times 💛 whether it be from working through my Italian to making me lemon tea while I fight off a cold 🤧 I am so grateful I have such an unstoppable, inspiring sis who is family to me 👯‍♀️

xx Zo

*Special thanks to Blinkist for Sponsoring this #FiveThingsFriday

Grow, Life, self improvement, Travel, Uncategorized

Five Things Friday : Aug 10

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Hi Friends!

From Italia to Croazia here are the highlights 😊

Conquering Fears with Friends!

On Monday Elyssa and I went paragliding (which you’re about to see). For as long as I can remember heights have been one of my biggest fears, however being with one of your friends makes it easier 👯‍♀️ You can see more of the experience on our Instagram highlights (@zoeyarielle & @romewise). Can’t wait for future day trips with Elyssa! 💛

I ran off a Mountain!

Yessss! 🤩 This is me and my Pilot at Cloud Hunters named Stefano. Cloud Hunters is a paragliding business in Lazio, just outside of the city of Roma, but close enough to get there by public transportation. This was my first time paragliding and definitely not the last 🙌🏽 The views were incredible! We ran off the Terminillo mountain range, and more specifically Monte Rosato, which translates to Mount Rose 😋💕

Labro

After paragliding our new friends from Cloud Hunters took us to explore the medieval town of Labro. The walls, walkways, gardens and castle have been so well-preserved 🏰 The small town is located on top of a hill in the Lazio region bordering Umbria. This allowed for stunning views in every direction 🌄

Sunsets that Steal Hearts

On Thursday afternoon I arrived in Dubrovnik, Croatia 🇭🇷 that’s right, I am back! This time for a week of adventure in Dubrovnik ☀️ I’m so excited to share the adventures with you. This was the sunset from last night 🧡

Dubrovnik Walls

This morning we toured the Dubrovnik walls! I’ve never felt more like I was walking through a fairytale! The sea, the ships, the castles, the ocean!! 😍 What magic! Dubrovnik has quickly become one of my top 5 cities in Europe! More on this next week 😉

xx Zo

Blog, Grow, LAW OF ATTRACTION, Life, self improvement, Travel, Uncategorized

Five Things Friday: August 3

Featuredby zoeypoulsen1 Comment

Hi Friends!

From a beautiful weekend in Veneto all the way back to Lazio, here are the highlights:

#GrandeGoesVenice

How beautiful are these ladies? I am so grateful to have spent the weekend in Venice with such inspiring minds. Each one of us met online (on YouTube) and have now become such good friends ❤️ I’m so grateful for the abundance that has not only come out of this special weekend, but from each and every friendship I have with each of these girls.

Kia

I can’t believe how I manifested a friend like Kia into my life. Here goes a long-story-short: We became YouTube friends back in the days of 100 subs, we bonded over being vegan, then bonded even further about being girls with BIG dreams… We began Snapchatting each other to talk over seas and before I knew it Kia was here in Italy 🇮🇹 3 years later we have met up in Italy, Germany and Portugal 🌎 I am so blessed. Her entrepreneurship, authenticity, kindness and drive is some of the most inspirational I have ever come across in my lifetime. Thank you for being YOU, beautiful Kia 🧡 You can find here on Instagram here & on YouTube here.

Bellissimo Burano

Burano is #InstaHeaven 📸 full of canals and vibrant fishing houses. If you have plans to visit Venice, Burano is only 45 minutes away by Vaporetto (the boat/metro of Venice) and is TOTALLY worth it! 🚤 The vibes were calm and cool – a whole other world 🤗☀️

Green Juice & Rollarblades

I made two purchases this week for self-improvement and these were a Centrifuga and Rollarblades!! 😜 I’ve been feeling vibrant and energized thanks to the both of them. I feel like a kid, really and truly, it is so important to do FUN things! 🤩 To me rollerblading is so fun (and FUNNY!) and juicing allows me to feel creative each morning in a new way. You can find more highlights on both of these on my Instagram 😘

Zoey’s Diary

Zoey’s Diary is back tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited about it! 🤩 📺 I’ve been laughing harder and smiling more than I ever have, so I am ready to start documenting more of it – starting tomorrow with my beautiful sister Nanuchka (Anastasiya) – Stay tuned 😍

xx Zo