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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 […]

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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.

If you peek into the kicthen of any amazing chef, you will see they are stocked up on fabric dish towels. They have tons of uses and are kind the the environment too.

Today I choose to forgive myself for my mistakes. Today I choose to step boldy in the direction of my future.

On Yom Kippur the Jews fast from sundown to sundown. The fast ends with a breaking of the fast feast. It is traditional to break with cinnamon buns, called bulkas.

I am here to tell you that you are in for a fight!

The Portuguese capital is ready to welcome you to one of Europe’s most colorful street parties. The smell of smoke and sardines fills the air. It goes on for 3 days, so don’t plan on getting a lot of sleep.

I feel like I won the lottery today. My two favorite people voted in favor of my new book.

I know as a parent it is hard to find time to cook for your family. And then throw into the mix everyone’s likes and dislikes and it becomes impossible. Who wants to cook 5 separate dinners?

It kinda feels surreal sitting down to write this post. I cannot take the smile off my face and I keep fighting off the urge to pinch myself. Afterall, I don’t want to wake up from this dream.

Let go of fear. Let go of the past. Let go of how you thought or others told you your life should be. Let go of doubt. You are a child of G-d. Embrace the life that is waiting for you.

In this video I am sharing my favorite quick tips to help you prepare for the Jewish holidays. Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah , Pesach and so much more

I am a huge yoga addict. I like to throw down my mat every day. But the past few months I have found it very hard to practice. I was dealing with my mom’s illness and loss. I really didn’t want to sit still and be silent. It just hurt too damn much.

My earth angel that appeared when I needed her most. I hope Rassalyn Willis inspires you and makes you realize that kindness, even from a total stranger, can shift another person’s reality.

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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