Ohh.. Santa Maria...

Italy

Jul 16

One of the best parts about my EPM retreat was the fact that we had daily excursions throughout Italy. My favorite was Florence.

Florence or Firenze as it is called by the Italians is not just the capital of Tuscany but is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Luckily, we had an entire day to explore. Our first stop was Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy. Trust me when I say, this was no Walgreens. Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy was founded by Dominican friars in 1221. The pharmacy used medicinal herbs grown in the monastic gardens to make medications and balms for the monks’ infirmary. Today, the pharmacy continues to use the traditional methods and carries original recipes of the monks. For a girl who is a skin care junkie like myself, this was a dream come true.

Located in an extraordinary building, each room was complete with vaulted ceilings, dark walnut cabinetry, and ornate gilded detail. Each room housed a different product. While the front of the building was focused on colognes, soaps and bath salts, other rooms highlighted original medicinal remedies and fragrances that could be used for your home. I had just enough time to find a lovely perfume that contained gardenia. Every time I put it on, it takes me back to Florence.

I can't even fathom how many feet have crossed over this threshold.

Ciao for now... More adventures from Florence soon!

Catherine Courtney

Welcome to Blonde Voyage Nashville!

I am so excited to finally see this dream become a reality. Between the destination restaurants, the copious amount of food photos and insanely crazy travel stories, I have decided to share my journey.

My name is Catherine Courtney and I am a Nashville native with a penchant for culinary creativity and epic travel adventures. I'll admit... I also have a slight obsession with handbags.

Two years ago, my life changed completely. Everything that I knew to be was completely turned upside down. I quickly realized that time is our greatest commodity and it's not to be taken for granted. I couldn't wait for the perfect time, who knew when that would be. I needed to take the leap and explore the world on my own. There were so many places I wanted to go, but where would I start.

France was always one of those places that I had romanticized. Wandering the streets of Paris and seeing the Eiffel tower were at the top of my list. Without hesitation, I booked a two week trip to the French Rivera and Paris. It was a journey of a lifetime. Not only were amazing friendships cultivated, but it was on that trip that i discovered that food and travel are the embers that that keep my soul on fire.

It wasn't until I arrived back in Nashville with my passport that I realized I had been bit. Wanderlust had completely taken over. I already started thinking about where I wanted to go next. It was then that I decided that it was more important to have camera full of photos and a tattered journal full of stories than anything else. My heart was overflowing.

One of my favorite quotes that resonates is from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland:

"Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures...."

Join me as I explore near and far away places, filling my passport full of stamps and satiating my appetite with some of the most amazing cuisine the world has to offer.

Thanks for reading!

http://blondevoyagenashville.com

Ohh.. Santa Maria...

Art and Aperitivo

Watch Out! Wine on the Loose