My Trip To Italy: Personalized Sand and Sea Shell Gifts by Dune

In September of 2023, Jody and I had the most beautiful, amazing, and memorable trip to southern Italy. We were excited for this trip. In addition to being our 31st Wedding Anniversary, it was also our third trip since our honeymoon in Italy.

Jody planned a magical vacation for us that focused on two main things: visiting family and exploring beautiful beaches.

In Calabria, we visited a city called Fiumara where we saw the house where Jody’s grandfather and great-grandmother lived. We were also able to snap a shot of both their birth certificates!

Later that day, we met up with his 3rd cousin (thanks to 23andme) and went to Scilla, another town in Calabria, to have a nightcap with him and another cousin he “randomly” met.

Theresa, the blog's author, and her husband Jody in Italy on a boat.

During our adventures, I collected souvenirs, in the form of sea glass, sand, and shells, from all the gorgeous beaches I came across. I wanted to remember the breathtaking beauty of Italy and share it as a gift to both of our families. After all, collecting sand and shells is kind of my thing!

When I thought of how to showcase and present my new gifts, I immediately thought of Dune Jewelry, where my niece Maggie works! With the team’s help, I created several beach-inspired jewelry designs tailored to each of my family members. I created necklaces for my mother and my sisters, bracelets for my nieces and nephews, and a wine stopper for my dad.

Family sitting at table opening up jewelry gifts from Dune Jewelry.