Welcome to a revolution where we’ll shake up the status quo
& say yes to YOU.
As Seen In
Join me for the posh Women’s Trip of your dreams!
You’ll enjoy small-group, Chef Julie-led, tasting, cultural, & pampering experiences with other fun loving women just like you.
Come solo or grab a friend – you’ll make memories for a lifetime and return home inspired by the talented female chefs, winemakers, and artisans we meet on our tour.
DO YOU WISH YOU WERE ON VACATION…LIKE RIGHT NOW?
Bring Luxurious Italian Vacay Vibes to Your Everyday Life!
GRAB A FREE COPY
La Dolce Vita at Home
This free 37-page guide includes a collection of easy, inspired recipes and lifestyle tips so you can enjoy the good life…wherever you are!
Stop breaking promises to yourself… let’s make this YOUR time!
→ Maybe the kids are gone, your life feels like a scene from Groundhog Day, and you’re going through as many changes as a teenager in puberty.
→ You can’t turn back time, you’re craving a life that looks and feels different.
→ You tell yourself year after year that THIS will be when you finally get healthy or take that trip you’ve been dreaming of.
→ But the midlife blahs seem to have taken over that wild, fun-loving spirit that’s deep inside.
→ You’ve spent years taking care of everyone else but now you’re left feeling tired and unsure how to take care of YOU!
Hear me loud and clear…
it’s time you said yes to you!
Your best years aren't behind you my friend...
Your best years are NOW!
Let's get started
Celebrate & Gather
Have fun and enjoy life!
Unlock fun recipes, girl’s night ideas, hosting tips and so much more to add joy to your everyday.
Make Cooking Fun
Cooking for 1 or 2?
Let’s make it a breeze with my recipes, cookbooks, meal plans, and tips videos sized JUST for you.
Experience the World
Have the travel adventure of your dreams!
Surround yourself with positive, like-minded women on an Immersive Foodie Trip to Tuscany. Chef-led, authentic, intentional, and everything your fun-loving spirit craves!
Here’s what fun-loving women just like you have said
Hey cutie! I’m Julie!
I help fun-loving women (like you!) enjoy life to the max through midlife and beyond.
As a 53-year-old, empty-nester who lives life to the fullest; I’ve decided to shake up the status quo, shatter those outdated cliches about 40+ women, and help you live your best life too.
I’m an Engineer turned Chef, Women’s Travel Leader and Cooking for One Expert who’s dedicated to helping you make these your best years yet!
After career-changing to find more joy, creating 1000’s of recipes, becoming a regular on your favorite morning & lifestyle shows, and traveling around the world to create dreamy Women’s Tours – I’m here to share the love and fun with you. Learn more.
Join me and my community of women living our best lives at all ages and stages and in all shapes and sizes. Your time is now!
Cooking for One? Make it easy & fun!
Grab my FREE mini cookbook with 10 fun meals for one that you can make in *drumroll please*… Less than 20 minutes!
On the Blog
Join the party on Instagram too @JulieHartigan
My Grandma & Grandpa would be BESIDE THEMSELVES if they saw this ❤️🇮🇹❤️
They helped raise me & gave me my love of cooking & Italian culture…but never got to see me career change from engineer to chef, recipe creator now & Women’s Italy Tour host! ✈️✈️✈️
Such an honor to get to share my childhood fave recipe for my late Grandma’s Pasta Fazool in the @stirringthepotny cookbook as a fundraiser for the @lesdamesny scholarship fund!
My sweet Grandma Marguerite would be beside herself to know her classic Italian cucina povera recipe is in this incredible collection of fellow members of Les Dames NY family recipes🥰.
You can get a copy of Stirring the Pot on Amazon for the perfect do-good holiday gift! 🎄🎄🎄
Kudos to @silviabaldinistrawberryandsage and @sharonfranke for all the work that went into producing this amazing cookbook & to @penny.stankiewicz for capturing this video!
#italianfood #italiangirl #womensupportingwomen #italytrip #womenstravel #tuscanytour #sicily #sicilytravel #winetasting #italytour #emptynest #emptynesters #midlifewomen @lesda_mesdescoffiertuscany @lesdamesintl #lesdamesdescoffier
Here’s WHY Sicily is SO unique vs mainland Italy…& why you need to experience it! ❤️
This island off the “toe of the boot” of Italy has a magical vibe all its own …like no place you’ve ever been! 😍
Why? Over the centuries so many different cultural influences were left by everyone from the Greeks, the Moors, the Normans and the Romans…their food, their architecture, their customs!
You’ll be blown away by the flavors & the food…
Active Mt Etna & earthquakes shaped the landscape & caused constant rebuilding over different eras styles - & also volcanic soil leading to the best produce & amazing wine 🍷
Plus it has a more tropical Mediterranean island feel than you’d expect! 🌴🌴🌴
Don’t get me started on the crystal blue water, gorgeous grottoes, countryside farms & freshest seafood 🐟
But as with all places you visit - it’s the PEOPLE that make it and Sicilians are FUN, warm, beyond friendly, proud of their local heritage & customs, & excited to share it with you! 🥳
I fell madly in love w Sicily & you will too ❤️
PS: looking for a fun group to visit Sicily with? join me in June 2024 for my small group Women’s Sicily Tour! ✈️
DM or comment & I’ll send ya details ❤️
#womenstravel #italytrip #sicily #mtetna #noto #siracusa #sicilianwine #volcanicwine #sicilytour #sicily🇮🇹 #sicilytourism #sicilyfood #italy_vacations #traveltips #taormina #winetasting #foodtravel #cheflife🔪
Experiences > Things! ❤️ JOY & MEMORY making gift ideas below! 🥂
Think back a few years - can you even REMEMBER what anyone gifted you? (Nope me neither 😹)
But think back on your HAPPIEST most vivid memories - they were probably things you did, people you spent time with, or places you visited right? 🤔
❤️ Give the gift of JOY & memories that last this year…instead of yet another sweater. Here are some easy ideas!
🌇 Play Staycation in your nearest city, treat them to a museum exhibit, posh dress up dinner, that over the top holiday bar, or the attraction all the tourists do that you never do!
Fact: I’ve lived in NYC Metro my whole life & only been to the Empire State Building ONCE
🥰 Gift them an experience they’d never gift themselves! A spa day all booked & planned (not a GC in a drawer!), an overnight unplugged getaway someplace pretty, an oil painting or baking class, a trip together to someplace DREAMY to look forward to. ✈️
What’s your fave experience gift memory? Comment below so we can all share ideas! XO Julie
#holidaygiftguide #holidaygifts #giftideas #travelblogger #nyc #holidayparty #giftidea #holidayshopping #cybermonday #womentraveladdicted #womenstravel #giftsforher #giftsforhim
Your new go-to EASY app that WOWS! 😍 Antipasto Skewers or Minis for a pretty twist on an Italian fave 🇮🇹❤️🍷 #holidayrecipes #glutenfreerecipes #italianfood #freshmozzarella #appetizers #thanksgivingrecipes #holidayideas #nocook #easyappetizers #italytrip #cheeseboard #cheeseplate #cheeselover #charcuterie #charcuterieboard
Girlfriend! YOU should be having this much fun traveling the world w friends too! 🥳
Scenes from my recent Women’s Tuscany Tour having a blast:
🍄truffle hunting w the cutest pups
🍾 celebrating w sabering
😍 visiting tiny Tuscan hill towns
🍷 private wine tastings & winery visits
🍝pasta & cookie making
🥰 spa visiting
👯♀️shopping & laughing together
🍦 and of course getting our daily dose of Vitamin G for gelato
This lovely group was a mix of women coming solo to meet new travel besties, empty nest & mom friends, a sweet mother daughter duo celebrating a milestone BD…& before our kickoff dinner was thru everyone became fast friends 🥰
Such a JOY to get to share my ❤️ of food, culture, & travel in these “everything’s done for you” trips to Italy specifically for women!
Want in on this next-level FUN kind of Girl’s Trip?
✈️ Join me in June 2024 in Tuscany or Sicily!
DM me, link in bio or go to JulieHartigan.com for dets - spots are filling up fast!
#womenstravel #italytravel #italytrip #motherdaughter #italytraveltips #tuscanytour #florenceitaly #sicilytravel #sicily #sicily🇮🇹 #pastalover #womensupportingwomen #emptynesters #emptynest #emptynesterlife #emptynestmom #midlifewomen #womenforwanderlust #traveltips #traveldeeper #lesdamesdescoffier @lesdamesny
Such a fabulous NYC night & food event! 😍
As a chef, recipe developer & food travel host it’s always a treat to enjoy a creative menu - in this case by chef @owenlaquila showcasing fun ways to serve Pecorino Romano PDO across a full 5 course meal! 🥂
From appetizers, salad, a unique grilled cheese & soup combo, classic chicken cacciatore thru yes, even dessert! @pecorinoromanopdo added incredible depth of flavor to each course (swipe to see the full menu!)
It’s definitely a kitchen staple of mine & one of the most versatile cheeses to use in your cooking! ❤️
Thanks so much for a wonderful night & for hosting me @sopexa_agency
📸 @lydialeephoto
#PecorinoRomanoPDO #PecorinoRomanoOnTop #EnjoyitsfromEurope
#cheflife🔪 #cheeselovers #womenstravel
Have you ever had fresh pressed? 🫒 Join me in Italy 🇮🇹 to taste for yourself! & THANK YOU @oliopiro for the incredible experience! 🇮🇹 #cheflife🔪 #italytrip #womenstravel #foodtravel #winetrip #tuscany #tuscanylovers #tuscanypeople #tuscanyitaly #oliveoil #oliveoillovers #brunello #winetasting #winetastings #winetasting🍷 #holidayrecipes
Join me in SICILY for a DREAMY women’s tour! ✈️ Spots open for June 2024 at JulieHartigan.com or DM for info - you deserve an incredible, done for you vaca to look forward to! xo Julie
#womenstravel #italytravel #sicily🇮🇹 #sicily #solotravel #womensupportingwomen #cheflife🔪 #womenempowerment #emptynesters #emptynest #midlifetravel #italy🇮🇹 #midlife #midlifejourney
#nationalcappuccinoday one of those “food holiday” thingies I can get behind 🇮🇹🥰☕️ #italytravels #italy_vacations #italytrip #italygram #womenstravel #cappucino #cheflife🔪
Why you’ll fall in love ❤️ with Sicily too…
Just got home from a full week of solo travel driving alllll over the eastern half of this magical island just off the “toe of the boot” of Italy & I have so much to share with you! ❤️
Between the beaches, the history, the seafood, the sweets, the wine, the markets, countryside, Mt Etna, the vistas, and gorgeous little Baroque towns…
you’ll be treated to an incredible Italian vacation experience that’s uniquely its own!
And the SO fun & SO friendly locals will make you feel welcomed & right at home 🥰
From Mauritzio who tossed me on his Vespa when I was late for a boat tour, the locals who blocked the street so lost-Julie could get her rental car out of the tiny town center, and the chefs, bartenders, & locals who made me feel SO welcome as a solo woman traveler…
I already can’t wait to go back in June when I host my NEW Women’s Sicily Tour! ✈️
Have you been to Sicily? Want a fun group to travel with? Join me in June!
More posts about fab Sicily to come! XO Julie
#sicily #sicily🇮🇹 #sicilytrip #italyvacation #italyvacations #womenstravel #emptynest #solotravel #solotraveler #womenstour #winetravel #winetrip #foodandwine #foodtravel #cheflife🔪 #sicilytravel
Wish you were here!!! ❤️ Having the BEST time hosting the loveliest group of women on a dreamy Food & Wine Tuscany Tour! ✈️ Follow along our daily adventures in my IG story (or join my next group in June for the time of your life too!) xo Julie #womenstravel #womenstour #italytour #italytravel #italyvacations #italy_vacations #italy🇮🇹 #womensupportingwomen❤️
Follow along for Chef Adventures in Italy!!! 🇮🇹 ✈️ 🍷 Girlfriend! You deserve a break from reality 🙋♀️ sharing sneak peeks of my Women’s TUSCANY & SICILY tours - join me in Italy for a dreamy Girls’ Trip in June 2024! DM or go to JulieHartigan.com/travel for info ❤️ #womenstour #womenstravel #italyvacation #sicilyfood #sicily🇮🇹 #tuscany #tuscanytour #sicilytour #winetravel #winetasting #winetasting🍷 #foodtravel #solotravel #solotraveler #emptynesters #emptynestmoms #emptynesterlife #florenceitaly🇮🇹 #italianfood @lesdamesny
Let’s go Wine Tasting in Italy together! 🍷 🇮🇹 Join me for a Women’s Italy tour to Sicily or Tuscany this June - get more info at JulieHartigan.com or comment below for details!
#womenstravel #italytravel #winetasting🍷 #womenstour #sicily #tuscany #sicilytravel #tuscanyitaly #foodandwine #winetrip #winetrips #winetour #italytour #womensupportingwomen #italianwine
Are you a French Cheese Lover? Let us know below! ❤️ #importedcheese #cheeselovers #frenchcheese #brie #delicedebourgogne #brillatsavarin #cheeseboard #cheeseplate
Women’s Italy Tour to SICILY or TUSCANY! ✈️JulieHartigan.com or DM for info ❤️ #womenstravel #italytour #sicilytour #florenceitaly🇮🇹 #solotravel #womenstour #emptynesters #emptynesterslife #emptynester #winetravel
Harvey’s partial to Delice de Bourgogne ❤️ PS: Join me in France for a Women’s Food & Wine Tour! 🍷 #cheflife🔪 #womenstravel #frenchcheese #francetrip #solotravel #loirevalley #parisfoodie #winetasting🍷 #foodtravel #winetravel
Hey Girlfriend! ❤️ Don’t know what FUN you have coming up but THIS COULD BE YOU 🤩 ➡️
A peek at the amazing time you’ll be having with me & other life-loving women on one of my small group Italy trips this June! ✈️
…to your choice of pampering-romantic Tuscany 😍 or posh-sunny Sicily 😎!
From street food tours to wine tasting, 🍷cheese making to painting classes to relaxing sunset boat rides, massages, spas, 4 star hotels, shopping, girls trip bonding, and LOTS of FUN! 🥰
Stop putting off your travel dreams for “someday” ❤️
It’s time you added more JOY, LAUGHTER, & MEMORY-MAKING EXPERIENCES to your life! 🥳
XO Julie
DM me or go to JulieHartigan.com/travel for all the trip details!
#womenstravel #solotravel #italy #italy_vacations #italy🇮🇹 #italytravel #italytour #sicily #sicilytour #sicilypictures #sicily🇮🇹 #tuscanytour #tuscany #tuscanylovers #foodtravel #foodtraveler #winetrip #winetasting
Are you SO ready for your next trip? ✈️ Join me in Italy this June for a Women’s Food & Wine Tour to Tuscany or Sicily! Drop a YES for info ❤️ Julie #womenstravel #italytrip #italy_vacations #italytravel #sicily #sicilyitaly #sicilytrip #tuscanylovers #tuscanyitaly #foodandwine #foodtravel #foodtraveller #winetravel #winetraveler #cheflife🔪 #traveltips #packingcubes #packingtips
Hi! I’m so happy you’re here! ❤️ Ready for FOOD, WINE 🍷TRAVEL & FUN? ✈️ Let’s goooo! XO Julie
#womensupportingwomen #womenstravel #italytravel #italyvacation #italy_vacations #italytrip #italy🇮🇹 #solotravel #emptynest #emptynestmoms #emptynestadventures #emptynesterlife #midlifewomen #travelblogger #traveltips #tuscany #tuscanyitaly #sicilytravel #sicilytour #womenstour #sicily🇮🇹 #florenceitaly🇮🇹 #florenceitaly #cheflife #cheflife🔪 #lesdamesdescoffier @lesdamesny @lesdamesintl @lesda_mesdescoffiertuscany
Girlfriend! You deserve a POSH, PAMPERING, FUN-FILLED trip to look forward to! ❤️ ✈️ Swipe for peeks at what you could be doing this June…
Join me for a once-in-a-lifetime, small group, Chef Julie led Women’s Tour through beautiful Florence & the Tuscan countryside! 🇮🇹❤️
You’ll enjoy authentic, insider-only experiences like:
🍷 exclusive winery visits & tastings w women winemakers including a celebratory bubbly sabering
😍 fun foodie tastings like pasta making classes, street food tours, Michelin starred dining, farm to table picnics in the countryside, olive oil tastings & fresh cheese making
🥰 pampering 4⭐️hotels, spas, massages, yoga, visits to thermal baths, sunset floats down the Arno, time to unwind by the posh pool
🤩 soak in the MAGIC & BEAUTY of this romantic region of Italy including sunsets overlooking the Duomo, up close peeks at infamous frescoes, women’s artisan visits, strolls through charming medieval hill towns & time in the countryside
👯♀️ epic leather, jewelry & clothes shopping, laughter & lots of girlfriends time!
Come solo or grab a friend (or your mom, sister or daughter!) to join a safe, supportive, fun loving group of women for the trip of a lifetime. ✈️
EVERYTHING is done for you! Just show up & ENJOY 🥳
Don’t wait! My last 2 groups filled up quickly - just DM me for details or go to JulieHartigan.com/travel
#womenstravel #tuscanytrip #italyvacations #italyvacation #florenceitaly #italy_vacations #italytrip #italygram #italyfoodporn #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #florenceitaly🇮🇹