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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.

Welcome to Episode One of the Melissima Podcast. This podcast has been on my mind and my heart for so many years. I’ve always wanted to hit record, but I just overcomplicated it because I wanted it to be perfect. But I finally decided the best way to launch the podcast would be to interview […]

I like to think of myself as a dough therapist. I’m guessing you’re wondering…What is a dough therapist?  Good question gorgeous…The real answer. I don’t really know since I made up the title when I was writing my so-called elevator pitch. But it was something I’ve always wanted to be. So I kinda created it. I […]

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 […]

Anyone that knows me, knows I love to eat. I am happiest when I am devouring something delicious. I am not impressed with the priciest or fanciest places. When I get a night out of the kitchen, the only thing that’s important to me is where can I get fresh food, that tastes good. I […]

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 […]

Another trip around the sun. This is Fourty Seven .. Yesssss 47!!! And I feel unapologetically “FABULOUS” about the whole aging thing. Thank you for all the beautiful birthday messages. I woke up today in Hawaii another year older, but so comfortable in my skin. I’m braver, stronger and more at ease than I was […]

Effortless-entertaining-melissa-mayo

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 […]

I have a huge collection and love flipping through the photos and recipes of so many talented chefs. Each one puts their own spin on very similar dishes. But one book stands out above all the others. It is the one my mom gave me on her last trip to the States.

Top-travel-tips to-visit-italy-melissa-mayo

“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 […]

We live in the age of the computer. So many wonderful opportunities exist as a result. But at the same time, navigating all this technology can be tricky. I’ve shared some lessons to help you in this plugged in world.

When it comes to cooking I am always looking to create the most colorful dishes. After all people eat with their eyes first. But the more colors you use the healthier you will be.

If the Italians are to be believed, mealtime is the secret to longevity.⁠

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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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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