Welcome back, WIFs! Lauren is home after spending time in Italy, and while the jet lag may eventually wear off, one thing is here to stay: a deep appreciation for living life a little more like an Italian nonna. This week, Lauren and Michelle settle in for a cozy conversation inspired by one simple question: What if the secret to a happier life isn't doing more—but slowing down enough to truly enjoy it? After watching women of all ages gather in sun-soaked piazzas, linger over meals, greet neighbors with warmth, and embrace the beauty of ordinary days, Lauren found herself captivated by the lifestyle now affectionately known as nonnamaxxing—a growing movement that encourages us to live more like Italian grandmothers. Not because of their age, but because of their wisdom. It's a gentle rejection of hustle culture and constant self-improvement in favor of meaningful friendships, home-cooked meals, daily rituals, slower mornings, and the understanding that life isn't something to race through—it's something to savor. The sisters explore why this way of living feels so refreshing in a world that constantly tells us to optimize every minute. They talk about the simple routines that create a meaningful life, the importance of gathering around the table, embracing the aging process instead of fearing it, and why some of the happiest people in the world seem perfectly content sitting on a bench, watching life unfold around them. Of course, Lauren also shares a few memorable stories from her travels—everything from chaotic overnight trains and marathon travel days to discovering her newfound appreciation for bidets, cappuccinos, beautiful house dresses, and greeting complete strangers like old friends. It's a reminder that travel has a way of changing us, not only through the places we visit but through the slower pace we're invited to experience while we're there. The conversation also meanders into homemade Greek cooking, nostalgic family traditions, magazines making an unexpected comeback, a beautifully written novel that brought Lauren closer to her own family history, and what they've been cozying up with on their screens lately. As always, they wrap up by sharing the simple joys that have filled their hearts this week—because sometimes joy looks like a long-awaited vacation, and sometimes it looks like recreating a family recipe that makes you feel close to the people you love. Press play, get cozy, and join the conversation about slowing down, finding beauty in ordinary moments, and discovering that perhaps the richest life isn't the busiest one—it's the one filled with connection, good food, meaningful rituals, and enough time to simply sit back and watch the world go by. Because maybe we've all got a little nonna in us after all. Resources: Follow Us! Shop Our Seasonal Candles Check Out Our Website This episode is sponsored by Let It Be Us and New Day Counseling.
