Julie Barnes
Julie is the mother of three kids, ages 10, 6, and 3. Although she knew little about military service when her marriage began, she promised to follow her husband wherever the Army would send him. To her continuous surprise and delight, the Army has brought her family to Italy for a second time. A former piano teacher and worship leader, Julie has recently shifted her creative energy to writing. She has contributed to Legacy Magazine and She Is Kindred – A Storytelling Collective. Julie believes that telling our stories can help us understand each other’s unique journey and perspective, ultimately bringing us closer to one another. In her free time, Julie enjoys reading, cooking, sight-seeing, and learning Italian. Julie shares snapshots of her family’s life overseas on Instagram at @juliecodabarnes.
Prosciutto and Melon
This fresh, easy snack is beloved in Northern Italy during the long summer months. It is usually served with a Spritz or Prosecco before dinner. I also love serving this at brunch! The unusual...
Frittata for a Crowd
We tend to think of an egg frittata as a breakfast food, but in Italy, is most often served as a light appetizer that can be enjoyed any time of day. This recipe is...
What to Expect: Navigating New Stages of Parenthood
Remember when you were getting ready for your first baby to arrive? Someone probably gave you the book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff. It’s a classic, and along with its...
Taking a Walk Towards Mental Health
“I’m going to take a walk”
Six simple words that pack a whole lot of punch. Sometimes spoken to my spouse, other times to my kids (replace “I’m” with “we’re”). Sometimes the words are whispered...
Four Reasons to Solo Travel
For my birthday this year, I wanted to travel. We are currently stationed in Italy, and there are so many amazing places that can be visited over a long weekend. However, my husband was...
Embracing a Memorable Family Life in Italy
Vicenza, Italy has long been considered one of the Army’s most coveted duty stations. As soon as I realized I would be married to a U.S. service member, I started dreaming about getting stationed...
Making Mornings Manageable Again
The winter blues. Somehow they always catch me off guard. And nowhere is this more evident than in my family’s weekday morning routine. Every year, the back-to-school season has us bright-eyed and bushy tailed....
5 Things I Would Tell Myself as a New Military Spouse
Since moving overseas last year, and getting involved in the small military community here, I have met so many new military spouses and first time moms. Watching them navigate the ups and downs of...
Navigating The Holidays with Food Allergies
The holiday season was upon us, our first (and only) year at our current duty station. I was excited. The previous year had been devoid of parties and gatherings of all kinds, due to...
History on the Ground
In early 2022, as war erupted in Ukraine, I watched as many people who were closely connected to the military community purposefully distanced themselves from the news. They did not want to add to...
Gardening Lessons
It’s early summer, the season of roses, zinnias, peonies, and dahlias. Who doesn’t love a colorful garden? I have always admired residential gardens, pausing during neighborhood walks to admire them, breathing deeply to take...
Tips for Tackling Travel With Food Allergies
May is both Food Allergy Awareness Month and Celiac Awareness Month. It is also the beginning of PCS season for many military families. Moving the family every few years is one of the more...