From Salò to Florence
Almost 20 years ago I went on an “escape” trip to Italy with my mother after we lost my dad to Cancer.
It was a trip designed without a plan. We needed to breath new air after a short, but intense good-bye to the most important person in our lives.
We started on the French Riviera, and then jumped a train to Milan where we rented a tiny car and headed off with a full tank of gas and a paper map.
We stumbled upon Salò, in Lake Garda, where we drank Prosecco, ate strawberries, and wondered if what we were feeling, was real. The tastes, smells, people…literally everything about Italy was intoxicating. I knew, instantly that my life would end up here – somehow, some way, I needed to live in Italy.
I'm a Westcoast city girl who probably like you, fell in love with Italy decades ago and made it my mission to find a way to move myself and my family to Tuscany. Fast forward past many years, costly mistakes and wrong turns, and you’ll see the life I have in Italy today, that is healthier, happier and more connected.
My superpower is helping people realize their dream of moving to Italy is possible, while keeping it real, honest and actionable, so they can make the move with ease.
I BELIEVE IN:
Straight talk, honesty, short emails, intuition, and taking chances and living your dreams.
I'm NOT ABOUT:
Fake people, photo-shopped images, endless rants, and selfish first-world problems.
YOU CAN FIND ME:
Solving problems, on calls with my delightful clients, cooking, baking, evening passigiatta with wine, chips and friends.
daily rituals
Morning coffee, cuddles with my chubby Chihuahua, convo with dreamy husband and amazing kids, work, pranzo, and whatever comes next.
A Westcoast City Girl
I am completely obsessed with helping people find their new life in Italy because I know that it is possible but I also know that Italy is complicated and that to do it alone, or with random, unqualified guidance is a recipe for disaster. I have seen it, wiped the tears and corrected the mistakes too many times to discount the importance of getting the right information from the right people at the right time.
I formed Smart Move Italy for you. Along with my perfectly curated collection of the best experts in Italy, that have helped thousands of people, just like you, find their new life in Italy.
watching:
DRINKING:
READING:
CRAVING:
arrested development, again!
a glass of Chianti
anything not political
bistecca alla Fiorentina
Currently
listening:
to anything from the 60s!
My Favorite Things
Traveling — especially to discover tiny restaurants tucked away in an ancient street!
my happy place!
Fritto Misto! Because it is pulled from the sea and within minutes is on my plate!
The Sea! It's my zone of serenity where all of my best ideas happen.
My Favorite Things
Sunshine. Wayfarers kickstarter semiotics, quinoa godard dreamcatcher hexagon pop-up hoodie.
my guilty pleasure
view more >
Ice cream. Microdosing gochujang keffiyeh salvia. Hoodie knausgaard art party.
Photos! Hashtag fashion axe palo santo fanny pack, ramps cornhole messenger bag asymmetrical direct trade slow-carb everyday carry chartreuse tofu godard.
This That
macchiato
BEACH
night owl
white wine
fresh fish
tiramisu
car
or
espresso
mountains
early bird
red wine
truffles
gelato
vespa
Where I stand on the super important stuff... Agree / disagree?
“Sam, you have been a HUGE part of this ball taking shape and starting to roll.”
so they say:
join the wait list
If you are serious about moving to Italy, and aren't sure if it is right for you, or if you are ready to take the next step, join me in the next Vita Italia Experience.
did we just become friends?