My dear friends,
It’s here. Our new name, our new space, our new chapter. And I couldn’t be more excited—or more grateful—to finally share it with you.
Whether you’ve been following along since the early days of The Hungry Apron, or you’ve just recently stumbled across our little corner of the internet, thank you for being here. I hope you find inspiration in the stories we tell, the recipes we share, and the life we are building in the countryside.
Why the Change?
My first blog, The Hungry Apron, was born from my love of food and storytelling—a place where I could share recipes and everyday moments from my kitchen. But over time, my world expanded. Life shifted, dreams grew, and suddenly, our long-awaited countryside home was no longer just a dream—it was real.
We found the house. Tucked away in central Italy, surrounded by hazelnut and olive trees, this old abandoned villa had been waiting—quietly, patiently—for someone to bring it back to life. It had been untouched for years. But the moment we stepped inside, we knew. This would be the beginning of something. And so, Marilu&Co was born.
Marilu&Co is more than just a name change. It’s a reflection of the life we are creating here—a life full of creativity, intention, and the beauty of everyday living. Marilu itself is a name close to our hearts, a combination of my and my husband’s names, Marija and Luca. It’s the name we gave our country home, the home we spent ten years dreaming of before finally finding the perfect place.
A Home for More Than Just Us
We’ve always imagined our home as a space to be shared. A place where creativity thrives, where people gather, where stories unfold. Marilu&Co represents not just our journey but the village of people who help bring this dream to life—our family, our friends, and even you, our readers.
We hope this space becomes a home for you too. A place where you find inspiration, whether it’s in the meals you cook with loved ones, the gardening adventures you embark on, or the way you slowly shape your home over time. Because a home isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels, how it’s lived, and the stories it holds.
Our Life in the Countryside
Homemaking is a powerful thing. It’s about more than just walls and furniture—it’s about cultivating a way of life that is intentional and fulfilling. Living in the countryside has made us more aware of the rhythms of nature, the changing seasons, and the work it takes to be more self-sufficient. Through gardening, cooking with seasonal ingredients, and learning to adapt our pace to the land around us, we’ve discovered that hard work and organisation are essential—but the rewards are endless. There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing where your food comes from, in harvesting something you’ve nurtured, and in creating a home that reflects not just your style, but your values.
In this space, we’ll share glimpses of our life here:
- Stories from our journey of countryside living and home renovation
- Our love for antiques and how we’re filling our home with timeless treasures
- Gardening experiments (often learning by doing!)
- Seasonal recipes inspired by our vegetable and flower garden
- Moments of creativity, from decorating to gathering inspiration from nature
This is a space for slow living, for appreciating the small things, and for embracing the journey.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to be an expert to start something new. Whether it’s gardening, home renovations, or simply choosing a slower way of life, the beauty is in the process, in the mistakes, in the learning. We are not perfect homesteaders or expert decorators—we are simply living, discovering, and sharing as we go.
So, welcome to Marilu&Co. Welcome to our home, our stories, our journey. Stay a while, find inspiration, and let’s build something beautiful together.
With love and gratitude,
Marija