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"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family (or horses!). Every minute should be enjoyed and savored...." ~ Earl Nightingale

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan

The Grand Traverse Bay, white sandy beaches, lighthouses, boating, wine tasting, parasailing, friends, great food, and horse shows… what’s not to LOVE about Traverse City, Michigan? That’s exactly why I love vacationing in this beautiful city! I am lucky to get to...
My First Time Back At Disney As An Adult

My First Time Back At Disney As An Adult

I have to say, I am really a kid at heart. Anyone who knows me knows that I still love cartoons, children’s books and the magic that Disney brought to my childhood is something I love to revisit. From my favorite movies of Bedknobs and Broomsticks to Mary...
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and the trip of a lifetime…

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and the trip of a lifetime…

In December of 2017, my husband and I decided to plan a trip with all of our bridal party and friends and go have an amazing four days in Mexico. My best friend, Chris, has family in Mexico, speaks the language beautifully and knows many of Mexico’s most...
Realizing Dreams at the USHJA International Derby Finals

Realizing Dreams at the USHJA International Derby Finals

Two years ago, Caitlyn Shiels and I were in Traverse City, Michigan, chasing indoors points for the amateur-owner hunters. I so wanted to go, and at 6, Mo was trying his heart out to get me there. We watched the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship (Kentucky)...
My Grandfather, Gene Michelotti, A True Icon

My Grandfather, Gene Michelotti, A True Icon

I grew up hearing his story, and even before I knew what it was to recognize immense pride, I felt it, down to a cellular level. From tourists to conventioneers to celebrities, Gene Michelotti treated everyone the same, applying two mantras to his daily life—the...
The Importance Of Family

The Importance Of Family

In my life, I move in a lot of directions on a daily basis, and something that I find so important is always having an idea of where my center is. Knowing what grounds me, what makes me feel whole and good and confident is so crucial to having the courage to make...
Jimmy Choo, I Love Thee

Jimmy Choo, I Love Thee

Is there anything better than new shoes? I mean, maybe a great cheeseburger or a gorgeous horse come in as a tie. But I am hard pressed to find a more wonderful feeling than that feeling of fancy new shoes in a fancy new box making their way to my closet and feet!...
Handy Care Packages

Handy Care Packages

This winter in Chicago has been bitter cold at times and incredibly harsh more than usual and those without warm homes have really been on my mind. For me personally, the suffering or discomfort of a fellow living being is something I cannot tolerate, so I try to do...
Allow me to introduce myself….

Allow me to introduce myself….

So I should probably introduce myself, officially. My name is Michelle Durpetti. I am a Chicago resident, a third generation restauranteur, a wedding planner and an equestrian among other things. I am married for about a year, and I recently turned 40. I My life is...

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