The European Soul: A Journey of Slow Living in the USA

I’ve always been what people might call an old soul. From a young age, I was captivated by history, timeless traditions, and the charm of a world long past. As a teenager, I fell in love with the jazz of the 1920s. My favorite films were Chocolat and Midnight in Paris, and I adored The Alchemist for its message of following your dreams and finding your personal treasure. I dreamed of a romantic life filled with beautiful moments, elegant fashion, and the joy of exploring the world with nothing more than a suitcase of treasured belongings.

My culinary education, which was part of my high school experience, deepened my love for food and the art of savoring it. When my godmother took me to a high-end restaurant in a Palais in Vienna during my senior year, I was in awe. Dancing, fashion, and a deep curiosity about the world filled my dreams. Yet, in all my wanderlust and planning, the United States rarely crossed my mind. To me, it was too young, too fast, too busy, and too work-focused for my old-world sensibilities.

But life often writes its own story, weaving unexpected paths we never thought to tread. At the very beginning of my journey, I fell in love with a tall, handsome American who completely changed my plans. One whirlwind romance later, I found myself moving to the US for good. Although I had been an exchange student in Chicago and knew a little of American culture, moving permanently was a completely different story.

For the first time in my life, I felt profoundly homesick—not just for my family but for the pace, traditions, and appreciation of life I’d grown up with in Europe. Don’t get me wrong: the United States is an incredible place and has taught me so much. But I could never fully embrace the hustle, the consumerism, or the bold and brash energy. My heart ached for the calm, quiet, and slower pace I knew so well.

Then, one day, I realized that I had two choices: I could dwell on what I missed, or I could create it right here. If I couldn’t bring myself back to Europe, I could bring Europe to me.

And so, I began this blog—a space where I share my journey of bringing the essence of Europe into life in the US. Whether it’s the joy of a leisurely Sunday brunch at home with good food and wine, infusing my space with old-world charm, tending my vegetable garden like my grandmother, or embracing the beauty of simplicity over hustle, this blog is my guide to living with intention and savoring every moment.

Join me as I explore ways to blend the rich traditions of Europe with the opportunities of American life—one small, meaningful change at a time.

Let’s celebrate life the European way, no matter where we are.