Posts

Showing posts from 2012

Merry Christmas!

Image
Merry Christmas! What are your plans? Tonight it will be a fish-based dinner at mother in law's place, and tomorrow we'll drive to my parents' town to spend the day with them, and at night I think we'll go listen to some live music. And on the 26th, which is also a holiday here, we'll just relax. Then on Saturday, we'll fly to Netherlands to spend the New Year's Eve with sister in law and family. So excited to see Netherlands in winter, and of course to spend time with them. Happy Holidays to everybody, and stay safe! PS - can't wait to open my presents...

This weekend...

Image
We finally put up our tree! It is quite a big tree for my standard, and I find the process pretty tiring, but the result is well worth it, what do you think? Another accomplishment of this weekend is that I finished my Christmas shopping. I braved the traffic and went to Rome to buy a very well thought gift for my husband. I am sure he'll love it. I went in and out of stores looking for some Christmas-themed candles, but couldn't find any I liked. So I decided to decorate some candle glass we had around, using the same silver-blue thĆØme of the tree. I put some tea candles inside, and they came out very well. Went to buy (re-buy) the booties that were stolen to me. I considered buying something different, but I really really liked them, so... How was your weekend?

Sunday readings.

Image
Hi everybody! As Christmas day approaches, I find myself busier and busier - it's normal, I guess... As if I didn't have enough to do, my nice booties were stolen at the gym, so I also have to go buy a new pair. Yesterday it was a rainy and gloomy day, but at least I got my gift shopping finished and we did our tree! Finally! It's our first tree as a family, and this thought is so very exciting! Now on to the fabulous readings: Jenny Sue explains how to make natural make-up exciting . Two very interesting and informative posts from the Beauty Gipsy: what to do AFTER a SPA treatment and a comparison between Kohl and eye-pencil - so many things I didn't know, although I love the Kohl effect. How much do you need? Love this studio !  Enjoy, and happy Suday!

Music moment.

Image
It's always nice to re-listen to this song...

Sunday readings

Image
Hi everybody. How was your week? I am a bit under the weather, hope to feel better soon... Here are some links to enjoy! How to build a professional wardrobe on a budget - from the always resourceful Allie. How to look good in photos - this might be useful since party season is approaching (or has started already!) These are really fun - and don't seem to require too many skills. A smart idea for busy people. Photography by i-phone . So many places I love, so many I have yet to see. Have a great Sunday!

I love Drugstore makeup!

Image
Inspired my this post from Jayme and Mendi about drug store makeup, I decided to share my drugstore favourites. 1. What is your favorite drugstore makeup brand? Without any doubts, that would be Deborah, and inexpensive italian brand. The brand even has a cheaper line, Debby. Most of my nailpolishes are from Deborah or Debby. I also like Rimmel and L'OrĆ©al. 2. What are your favorite face, cheek and lip products? For the face, I have to mention Garnier BB cream in Light/Medium:   Image source I bought it in Buffalo during my honeymoon last summer, and have been pretty happy with it. It has a light coverage, but it does its job. I think it might be a tad too heavy for oily skin types, but mine is pretty dry so I am ok with it. It's a nice alternative to a heavier foundation For the cheeks, I have yet to find a blush that suits me. For lips, Deborah Shine Creator lipstick: it is hydrating and has a nice coverage: And Deborah Lipliner in 197   3. Least

Music moment

Image

Travel pictures: Urbino (& Marche)

Image
About 10 days ago husband and I took a day off and spent a long weekend exploring the italian region of Marche, one I don't know well at all. We spent a lot of time in Urbino. If you evr go there, don't miss the Palazzo Ducale - it's beautiful (unfortunately it's forbidden to take pictures there...). It was a rainy weekend, and I took lots of pictures in black and white because they suited the weather better, I think. Here are some shots, all taken in Urbino, except for the first one: The food was great, really special, but I was too busy eating it that I forgot to take pictures... I really hope to go back soon, may be with a better weather too!

Sunday links

Image
I hope evryone had a nice Thanksgiving weekend... I actually was quite busy through the whole Saturday and Sunday, and just had time now (Sunday afternoon) to sit and relax. Here are some interesting articles I found during the last two (!) weeks: Lovely ideas on how to organize make-up stuff. I especially like the magnetic board idea! Bright colors for a bedroom. Seven easy ways to update your space. Some reflections on fast fashion. And I love this concept: Life is the occasion! Enjoy!

Thanksgiving!

Image
    Image source Today it's Thanksgiving in the US. Thanksgiving brings back to me wanderful memories of evenings spent with good friends, great food, and lots of fun.  I approached my first Thanksgiving (it was year 2000, and I went to my friend Daniella's parents, in Brooklyn) with curiosity and enthusiasm. I could finally see in reality what I had known only through books and TV shows. In 2003 I was asked to cook the bird. It was daunting, but it came out very well. I am still proud of that accomplishment. This year, I wanted to start a little Thanksgiving tradition with my husband. We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Italy, and I miss this chance to give thanks for whatever happened in the past months. I wanted to have a small Thanksgiving dinner for the two of us, and even bought some turkey legs to roast. Unfortunately, today husband has to go to work at 9:30 pm, and I'll come back home at 8:30 pm. So, no time for cooking or feasting.

In my kitchen - Crostata di Ricotta

Image
Sunday was a rainy day, and I found myself home alone since husband was at work. So I decided to use up a tub of ricotta cheese to make a ricotta crostata, since husband had been asking for one for months! This is my variation on the classic recipe, and came out pretty good. For the base I used Pasta Frolla . I took the recipe from a book husband had at home since before we met, and made half of it: The ingredients are: 250g flour 2 egg yolks 150g butter, kept at room temperature 100g white sugar lemon rind, grated First I mixed butter and flour with my hands. Then I put the mixture on a wooden table (kind gift from Nana Iole to encourage me to make bread, pizza and cakes) and added the sugar, egg yolks an lemon rind. I made it into a pretty solid dough - it's soft but holds its shape. Put it in a covered container (to avoid drying) and left it in the fridge. It should stay in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. After that I flattened the dough and put it in a

Sunday reads

Image
Hi everybody! I had a very busy week, which ended with a nasty cold. Right now I am home trying to recover as soon as possible to face this coming week... Here are a few links I found this week! Loved these pictures. T he inelegance of glamour . Didn't know Jessica Craig-Martin and found her work very interesting. Two gems from Allie: on Fashion Uniforms (an idea I find really appealing, but I am far from realizing. May be some days...) and on Why fashion matters. This is a beautiful story. Very moving, it gave me shivers. And some beautiful relaxing space s ... Have a nice Sunday!!!

Sunday readings!

Image
Small edition today... I was having too much of a good time relaxing on Thue, Oggnissanti  (= All Saints) holiday, and the days before... How to chose statement pieces. Another use for white eye pencil - I want to try it!  And some thoughts on airbrushing to the point of making a celebrity unrecognizable! Have a nice weekend!!!

November whishlist...

Image
I have some major renovation scheduled for my apartment... so I should (must?) save as much as possible towards that... But there are three items I am missing from my wardrobe, and when I find some which I love I am going to buy them! Here they are: White skinny jeans:   Image source I have a pair of white jeans trousers, but they are not practical in fall/winter: they get dirty after about 30 minutes of wear. I want the skinny version because I can tuck it in my boots, and the bottom would stay clean even when it rains. A denim skirt:    Image source I can't find a denim skirt .!All I find are miniskirts! I didn't expect it to be so difficoult! A wide belt: Image source I want a wide belt - this cognac color would be fine - but without spending too much money. or even, without spending more than 15 €. I haven't succeeded for now...

In my kitchen - Prosciutto stuffed chicken breasts

Image
Sunday was the first day which really felt like fall. The sky was cloudy with some hint of sun from time to time, the wind was chilly and the air was cool - at last ! Since husband had to go to work in the afternoon, I couldn't plan a nice dinner for the two of us, so I decided to make a nice lunch. We went out for some errands and when we came back it was so nice to enter a warm home. I was even more eager to turn on the oven! I decided to make something I had read in the last issue of Bon AppƩtit : Prosciutto stuffed chicken breast with mushroom sauce. As soon as I read the recipe, I couldn't wait to try it - but every time I was missing an ingredient! You will find the recipe here . Aren't they gorgeous? Image source I substituted basil leaves with sage and rosemary - I prefer their flavors with meat. And since I didn't have time to make the mushroom sauce too, we just had a romaine lettuce salad as a side. They came out very good, and I think next

My thoughts...

Image
go to all people affected by Sandy, and to NY. Please keep strong!

Music moment

Image

Sunday reads.

Image
Allie wrote two very interesting posts. Lighten up! reminds us that fashion should be, first and foremost, fun. And Don't buy the boots lists all the reason NOT to buy that pair of boots. The evolution of the brow over the decades.  A fun makeup tutorial. And a funny tale of resisting temptation , from a newly discovered blog.

Beauty shopping!

Image
I know two consecutive posts about beauty products make it seem like I am obsessed with cosmetics and make-up, but I am not. I am actually very disciplined, never start a new product if I haven't finished the one I am using at the moment, never buy doubles and shop sparingly. It's just a coincidence I got some makeup last Saturday, and today some new cosmetics. Husband needed to buy some new jeans, and we went to the nearby outlet mall. Since there is a store there which carries beauty products I like and use (Bottega Verde), I wandered in looking for some heavily discounted stuff. Here is what I got: Makeup remover for face and eyes Quilaia .  I had never heard of quilaia before buying this makeup remover for the first time. It's a tree from which natural detergents can be extracted. I loved it from my first use: it's very delicate but effective, doesn't sting, and LASTS FOREVER! The previous bottle lasted me something like 8 months - and I use it e

Product reviews - makeup

Image
Hi there. How was your weekend? My goal for these two days was to rest and relax as long as possible - which is what I did! Between resting and relaxing, I had time to do some makeup shopping. Here we go: Shine Creator Lipstick - Deborah Milano I decided to buy this lipstick after seeing it in a magazine. I am not a huge lipstick person (unlike some years ago, when I had something like 15+ lipsticks, and I was using all of them!), but I decided to try it, since I liked this specific shade (n. 02), I put it on as soon as I got out of the store (like a small kid) and am very happy with my buy. It goes on shiny, it's there but not too flashy, and the finish is very shiny, not as much as a gloss but more than a regular lipstick. I higly reccommend it! It was 10.90€, but it was on sale for 7.72€. Super Liner Noir - L'OrĆ©al Paris This is an old love. I have tried lots of other eye-liners, including others from L'OrĆ©al, but that's the best, I think. The

Weekend readings

Image
I haven't done any weelend readings for a while...  Here are some links I have saved which I highly reccommend! Office attire essentials from the Wardrobe Oxigen. I agree with everything, except the bit about walking to work with flats then wearing heels: I haven't been able to find a pair of pants that goes well with both. May be tapered pants work best for this? Love the clean lines of Swedish style : I find it simple and relaxing. How do you like this Autumn to do list ? And also, a fun October calendar from La Petite Fashionista. Enjoy, and happy weekend!

Madrid

Image
Yesterday I came back from Madrid (above, a picture of sunrise taken from my hotel room). I went for a work-related event, so I didn't have much time to really see the city. I could walk around a little bit at night, when we would go out for dinner.  Buildings are beautiful, it looks nothing like Barcelona (which is the only other spanish city I visited) and the streets are incredibly large. I'd really love to go back just for sightseeing. What I loved most, was that the city was so lively. Young people would be around eating tapas, having a drink, or just strolling until late, even on workdays. It was pretty warm, so I guess that helped too. Food is delicious. I had some of the best fish I have ever eaten, and the wine was good too. I did some shopping the day before leaving. I am at loss this time of the year, because it's too boring to only wear jeans and/or black pants. I am a dress girl at heart,

Weekend!

Image
My weekend started with a bit of shopping at Geox (yay!)... Then after yoga class husband cooked flank steak with mushrooms (yum!)     Image source Had 11 hours sleep... Woke up to find a delicious whipped cream croissant husban had bought on his way back from work, in the morning... Image source And now I am off to the farmer's market! Image source  Great start for the weekend, isn't it?

Sunday links

Image
Hi there! It's almost sunny here, and I am almost planning to go to the beach, for may be the last time this season - after all it's still summer 'til next Friday, right? In the meantime, here are some links if your plan is staying home and relax... How cute is this idea ? Another video ... this time about making pie! And these are the outtakes . Two posts from Shannon at the Simply Luxurious Life that are spot-on: Accessorize Your Work Week and setting high standards . A quirky guide to blogging . And an easy DIY . Happy Sunday!!!

My fall to-do list!

Image
Well, I somehow cannot give in the idea that summer is coming to an end. And actually there are 8 more days of summer to soak in (beach on Sunday, anyone?). I asked husband to pick one last watermelon for me last Monday, and yesterday when he came back from work we went to have gelato in the best gelateria in town, before it closes for the season (I kind of love the idea of gelaterie closing for the winter: gelato is traditionally a summer food, and the fact these store close reminds us to follow the cycle of the seasons). At the same time, I have been thinking what I want to do and accomplish this fall/winter, so here is my list: Keep up with the yoga! It makes me feel so good! Learn how to use a sewing machine, starting from basic things. Start baking again - especially apple cakes and muffins! Buy a beautiful pair of suede boots! Spend a weekend with husband either in Umbria, Toscana or Abbruzzo, just relaxing, anjoying good food, great wine and beautifu

Bookworm diaries - White Girl Problems

Image
  I picked up this book on a whim in the Union Square Barnes& Noble during my honeymoon, and started reading it shortly after.  It's a nice light reading. Very funny and witty. Babe could easily come off as entitled and snob, but she is so funny that you start loving the character from the first pages. Besides, at the end everything comes together (almost) and the girl is "redeemed" (almost)!

Lovely readings

Image
Another week is gone, and more interesting articles came up in the web! First, a reminder . A thought-provoking post , very well and simply written. Feel free to disagree, but you can't deny she has some points And for some fashion related topics: styling a basic white tee from my new girl-crush! Some fall preparation for your wardrobe. And some "taming" for your wardrobe ! Have a good Sunday!

Yoga!

Image
Image source  No, it's not me in the picture. But I started taking yoga classes today! It was my very first class ever. It was fun, but very very hard. And I am happy husband is coming with me. I bet he will be a great motivator for when I am tired... Hope it'll become less hard with time...

Lovely links

Image
Hi there? How was your week? Happy Labor day to the American readers - hope you have lots of fun surrounded by family and good friends! Here are some readings for your free time. Are you familiar with the idea of one ? I personally love it! An old post I somehow missed: how to look polished . And a similar topic, how not to look cheap ! And something I have to try as soon as I have some time to play in the kitchen: rustic apple tart . Enjoy!

Summer's end

Image
As I see everywhere signs that fall is approaching (colleagues are getting organized for their children going back to school, stores are full of fall clothes in darker colors and school supplies, and it seems like the entire blog world can't wait for it to be fall - which I understand, since fall can represent a new beginning), I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic. I will miss my weekends - and after-work afternoons - at the beach, dinner on the balcony, long days and light clothes. There is something about summer that makes me feel relaxed even during a normal workweek, as if I was always on vacation.  And don't even get me started on summer fruits. Peaches, watermelon, plums and red ripe tomatoes are just not the same during winter. So, I have this bittersweet feeling, and I am trying to hung as much as possible to summer. The air is slowly getting crispier in the morning (although is still so hot during the day - and sometimes the night) and this makes me s

Readings!

Image
Hi everybody! Hope the week went well, and you are set for a great start of your weekend. Here are some readings to waste some time... Some lovely pictures A review of several drugstore BB creams (I personally really like the GarniƩr one) The What-if Game - something I should remember when I feel overwhelmend or worried... Angie wrote a series of posts on closet review and editing. I especially liked this Love this outfit! And last but not least, a list ! Happy weekend everybody!