Barbara Bellesi Zito Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, NY with more than 18 years of experience covering home and lifestyle topics for a variety of publications.Highlights:Has been published in Better Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, Forbes Advisor, and Apartment Therapy.Graduated from Emerson College with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and from Wagner College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre.Her debut novel will be published in 2023. Education Graduated from Emerson College with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and from Wagner College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre. About Southern Living Southern Living, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, celebrates the food, homes, places, and culture of the South. We reach 7.2 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.