Happy Birthday to meee! <3
Being married to a photographer has its perks… like birthday photoshoots every year! I love that for me.. *sighs*
This year, I turned 32, and the theme for my life is peace, elegance, and just pure bliss. So I wanted that to reflect in the photos I took for my birthday. The idea I had in mind was an all-white photoshoot: white dress, white cake, white set. I did some searching on Pinterest using inspo from some of my favorite creators, and I loved the turnout. I love tapping into my creative bag when it comes to my birthday, so my husband had this huge off-white cloth backdrop, and I decided that would be my canvas. I went to his studio the day before and started playing around with the backdrop until I got the perfect set. I’ll post my TikTok of my process below.
On the day of, I picked up my cake from Publix, a custom white raspberry lemon cake that was soooo delicious.. for less than $30, and some flowers. I originally wanted tulips but ended up going with baby's breath, which was tricky because the photo could have gone from birthday to wedding or baby photos real quick, but I think it turned out great.
Overall, I had an amazing birthday. I loved the turnout of my photoshoot and just wanted to share a piece of my creativity with you all.
Thanks for catching up! Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Do you like these lifestyle blogs? I initially only wanted to focus on travel, but let’s be real.. in this economy, I’m not traveling enough to drop as many blogs as I would like… would love to hear your thoughts.
Xoxo,
Christie
the inspo <3
4 Days in Italy: Our Dreamy Anniversary Getaway to Lake Como & Milan
4 Days in Italy
Random Tuesday in the Yxama household:
“Hey babe, do you want to go to Italy for our anniversary?”
Umm… YESSSS! <3
That’s how this trip — that still feels like a dream — came to be. Being the planner that I am, the entire itinerary was created in one day. Flights, hotel — all found and ready to book within a span of 30 minutes.
Here’s our itinerary, and hopefully you’ll find some helpful tips if you decide to go on this dreamy adventure too!
Day 1: Arrive in Milan → Head to Lake Como
Arrive at Milan airport (around 10:00 AM) and take an Uber to Lake Como (approx. $120 USD, 1–1.5 hour drive).
Check into your hotel.
Grab an early lunch overlooking Lake Como — order the Davido pizza (you’ll thank me later).
Settle into the hotel. I recommend choosing one with on-site activities for the full experience.
In the early evening, take a taxi to downtown Lake Como (very walkable once you’re there). Approx. $20.
Stroll along the lake and admire the swans — it’s straight out of a postcard.
Have seafood pasta across from the beautiful Duomo of Como.
Walk off your pasta with a stop at one of the many gelato shops — Italian gelato for only $3!
Take a taxi back to the hotel.
Walk the hotel grounds and take it all in — every hotel on Lake Como has stunning views.
Day 2: Boat Tour Day
You cannot visit Lake Como and skip the boat tour. Learn from me: book at least two hours. I only booked one because I was nervous about being on the boat too long — but between snapping photos, enjoying the weather, and soaking in the views, it flew by!
Take a taxi to downtown Lake Como (where most boats are docked).
Morning boat tour — bring your best outfit because this is the time for those dreamy Lake Como shots.
Enjoy sightseeing, including homes of celebrities like George Clooney and even Gianni Versace’s resting place.
Book your tour in one of three ways:
Directly through your hotel
A third-party site like Expedia or TripAdvisor
Private vendors at the boat dock
Head back to your hotel for a poolside lunch and sunbathe while overlooking the lake.
End the day with dinner at your hotel and a tiramisu nightcap.
Day 3: Milan Bound
Take a taxi to Milan from Lake Como. Taxis are more cost-effective than Ubers and can still be booked through the Uber app.
Check into your hotel, change, and head to the Duomo di Milano — the largest cathedral in Milan. (Tours available, but even the exterior is breathtaking.)
Right across the street, visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — home to the first Prada store and other luxury brands.
If you’re feeling fancy, treat yourself to something nice. Like Future said… “Gucci made in Italy.”
Grab lunch at McDonald’s — yes, really. It tastes way better outside the U.S.
Try gelato from the viral TikTok spot nearby.
Head back to your hotel.
Enjoy dinner at Crazy Pizza, then end your night with (of course) another tiramisu.
Day 4: Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Jet set to the airport to head home — because whew, that was a jam-packed four days!
Stay tuned for the next blog post, and don’t forget to subscribe so you can be the first to know when it’s live!
Xoxo,
Christie
