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Let's live deliciously! Here you'll find the very best recipes, travel guides, podcasts, videos, and wellness tips to create a healthy, beautiful joyful life.

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Melissa’s Kitchen Masterlist

Obsessed

Here’s my must-have list of kitchen essentials. Gizmos + gadgets, appliances, pots and pans, cookware, knives, and tabletop faves. For decades I’ve collected all your questions! The ones I get on social media, in DMs, emails and texts, from the blog, when I meet you or in our Secret Facebook Group. So I’ve decided to […]

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Sunday Strategies For Success

Wellness

Most people think of Monday as the first day of the week. But if we look at the story of creation … day 1, aka ground zero for Him was Sunday. Just like a tree needs strong roots to rise up and grow, I need a rock solid game plan to ensure the week ahead […]

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Must-Pack Travel Essentials

Travel

I’ve spent a lot of time in the air and living out of suitcases. Nothing brings me more joy than visiting a foreign country and exploring new and exciting places and trying delicious food. But no matter where I go in the world…There are a few items you will always find in my luggage. Here’s […]

Effortless-entertaining-melissa-mayo
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Effortless Entertaining

Lifestyle

Over the years I have hosted small dinners and events that feed hundreds. I’ve cooked for Oscar winners, billionaires, Hollywood studios, friends and family. But no matter the size of the guest list, a successful party comes down to planning. I’m sharing the exact strategy I use every time I host. And I’m confident that […]

Top-travel-tips to-visit-italy-melissa-mayo
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Top Italy Travel Tips

Travel

“You may have the Universe if I can have Italy” – Giuseppe Verdi Italy is the most gorgeous country in the world to travel to. I guess that is why I decided I wanted to retire there. And over the past decade, I have crisscrossed this country eating my weight in pizza. And I still […]

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A Healthy Body Image

Wellness

I have often seen parents who have a poor relationship with food and body image, pass this onto their kids. This is not the relationship with food we want to create for our children.

Everything that happens is as it is meant to be. I choose to trust in Him and let blind faith lead the way to a road paved with blessings.

Happy International Women’s Day to all you incredible, strong, vibrant and amazing women.

Listen to that inner voice that is guiding you…Know in your heart that you are enough

Handed down to the Jewish women over generations.

Everyone else is already taken. And you are enough. You are perfect. So be okay, with where you are right now.

As humans we are not satisfied until we hear our food crunch. I am going to show you how to add texture to your recipes so you can become a master chef

I want to thank YOU, my glorious tribe, for continuing to share your light with me.

Dinner time is sacred. I get to instill the food I am serving with love. We slow things down. It time to catch up with my family and enjoy the conversation around the table. But it’s not easy to cook every night. So I set myself up for success with a big shop and prep […]

Don’t let your ego control you.

Shiva is the seven day mourning period followed by the loss of an immediate family member. Judaism forces you to confront your loss head on. But nothing prepared me for the love shown by the Jewish community in South Africa.

These veggies are epic. I roasted them with rosemary, garlic and balsamic vinegar until all the sugars caramelize and they are golden brown and delicious and my kitchen smells like heaven.

It Takes Courage To Create The Life You Desire…..You have to be ready to fail. You have to push past your comfort zone.

I'm Melissa, your host & tour guide.

A Food Network chef, author, mamma, eternal optimist, wannabe-mermaid, spice mixologist, and “dough therapist” (yep, it’s a thing)—

I'm also the founder of Susina Cucina, the gorgeous, Italian cooking school I manifested into my reality. I’m obsessed with Aperol spritzes, travel, and mouthwatering food… especially pizza and pasta.

more about me

Ciao Bella,

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In Italy, they add work and life on to food and wine.

Win a one-week luxury trip to Tuscany 

The Magic of Italy
without the planning

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Food Netwok Chef, Melissa is dishing up delicious food and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your soul.

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The Magic of Italy
without the planning

Explore

Food Netwok Chef, Melissa is dishing up delicious food and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your soul.

find out more →

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RECIPES

FRESH FROM THE BLOG

Healthy living is beautiful … That’s why it’s calledLa Dolce Vita”.

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I’m sharing my best recipes, travel guides, and Italian secrets for longevity & aging gracefully. Discover my tips and tricks to become a Rockstar chef, my current obsessions, and tools to embrace joy, find your purpose, and live deliciously!!

@themelissamayo

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