The SavvyBostonian

LIFE UPDATES

Ten Things I’ve Learned This Year: Birthday Reflections

Birthday Reflections on Growth, Joy, and Becoming More Myself

Birthdays have a funny way of inviting reflection. This past year stretched me, challenged me, and quietly changed me in ways I didn’t fully understand while I was in it. Some lessons arrived through big decisions, others through small, ordinary moments that only made sense in hindsight. Looking back now, here are the ten birthday reflections on what I’ve learned this year, shared with the goal of inspiring you to look back on your year, your wins, losses and opportunities for growth.

TRAVEL

Visiting the Taj Mahal: A Beautiful, Practical Guide for First-Time Travelers

Some trips leave an imprint on your memory long after the suitcase has been unpacked, the passport tucked away, and life returns to its usual rhythm. Visiting the Taj Mahal was one of those moments — luminous, sweeping, unforgettable. Even now, years later, I can close my eyes and summon that first breathtaking glimpse: the perfect white marble, the quiet hum of visitors from around the world, and the feeling — unmistakable — that I was standing before one of the greatest expressions of devotion ever created.

The Savvy Bostonian smiling and pointing toward the Taj Mahal from the main viewpoint near the reflecting pool, surrounded by visitors and gardens.

I travelled to Agra in October while on a work trip to India, turning one free day into an opportunity to finally see this wonder of the world. What follows is my complete, stylish-but-practical guide — the way I would describe it to a friend over coffee, with the kind of details I wish I had known before going.

Whether you’re dreaming of India, planning a future itinerary, or traveling from your sofa with a cup of tea, I hope this brings a bit of beauty to your day.

RECIPES

Recipe: How to Bake Pistachio and White Chocolate Cookies Everyone Will Love

Every year, I bake a new treat for my friend’s annual Christmas cookie swap, and this year I knew I wanted to bring something a little different. Because I love pistachios, I decided to try a recipe for pistachio and white chocolate cookies, a unique cookie that immediately stood out as a festive and flavorful choice for the holiday table. When I came across a version from food creator Ryan Nordheimer, it felt like the perfect match, and after baking several batches, I knew they were the right pick for this year’s swap.

Ryan deserves full credit for the original recipe, so you can find it here: https://ryannordheimer.com/pistachio-cookies/.

What follows are my personal notes, tips, and suggestions after making several batches. Let’s dive in!

Container filled with pistachio and white chocolate chunk cookies ready for storing or serving.

FAB FINDS, TRAVEL

Stylish. Strong. Smart. My Honest Level8 Luggage Review

Christmas came early to The SavvyBostonian HQ! The doorbell rang, and two beautifully boxed Level8 carry-on suitcases appeared on my doorstep. It was the perfect excuse for an honest Level8 luggage review after my last carry-on lost a wheel in Birmingham.

Level8 kindly gifted me two of their best-selling models — the Luminous Textured Carry-On 20″ and the Road Runner Carry-On 20″ — to share a review here on the blog. I selected these two, as the Road Runner model has a front compartment for your laptop, while the Luminous Textured model is a similar to the carry-on that I previously had. Depending on the type of trip I’m on, I thought having one of each style carry-on would be beneficial. But, let’s get more into that in my review!

Jessica Gioglio standing with two black Level8 carry-on suitcases — the Luminous Textured and Road Runner models — for her Level8 luggage review on The SavvyBostonian blog.

BOSTON, LIFE UPDATES, LONDON, TRAVEL

7 Amazing Travel Memories From Summer 2025 in London, Boston & NYC

Every summer has its own magic, but Summer 2025 was one for the books. From glamorous days at Royal Ascot to a seaside escape in Margate, sparkling wine in the English countryside, and cherished trips back to Boston and New York City, I packed this season with experiences that will stay with me forever.

Whether you’re planning your own adventures in the UK or abroad, here are seven highlights that defined my summer.

A photo collage titled “Summer Memories” featuring highlights from London, New York, and seaside escapes. Images include: a woman in a purple dress at Wimbledon by the grass courts; Little Island floating park on the Hudson River in New York; The Vessel at Hudson Yards with a woman in a red dress; sailboats docked in Margate’s harbour; a woman in a white lace dress at Royal Ascot with pink-and-white hot air balloon decor; green vineyards at Ridgeview Winery in Sussex; and a Chelsea in Bloom floral display featuring a giant wicker handbag adorned with oversized flowers.

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