Here is your guide to how to host the perfect Italian aperitivo. In Italy, the traditional aperitivo is a natural part of life. It’s a beautiful custom that we can adopt anywhere no matter where in the world we live. The Italian aperitivo is a pre-dinner cocktail with...
Looking for a cocktail to enjoy on Halloween? A Corpse Reviver may be just the thing. The playful name comes from the fact that you would sip this cocktail in the morning after a night of heavy drinking to revive your spirits. Hair of the dog, as they say. Despite its...
One of the principles of the Mediterranean diet is eating with the seasons. Let's embrace the autumn with its chilly weather and take a look at what fruits and vegetables are available at this time of year. And we'll also take a look at other ways you can celebrate...
This is not your typical, "Why French Women Don't Get Fat", "Why are French Women So Stylish" post. This is an essay about experiencing a different culture that is similar to ours in many ways, but so much more laid back and free. I want to share with you how a trip...
Elegance is not just about style, manners, and design. True elegance starts with your thoughts. Here are some tips on how to create an elegant mindset. All of the lovely, elegant things you want to create will start to fall into place for you when you start by sorting...
It's self-care week. Yay!!! Below you will find five days of self-care practices to help you navigate this thing called life. Enjoy! Day 1 - Controlled Breathing Whether you listen to a meditation, relaxation music, or breathe in silence, take time to rest and...
I've written before about la bella figura, the Italian idea of casting a beautiful figure. It’s about the way you look and dress, but it's also about the way you behave as well. It's about manners, etiquette, and how to be elegant in social situations. In modern...
How you eat is just as important as what you eat. If you want to lose weight and elevate your overall lifestyle, start at the table. The foods you choose, the portion sizes, the table settings, and how you eat, all contribute to an overall elegant lifestyle. In this...
This is the first article in a new series about modern elegance and glamour. In the coming weeks, I'll be exploring the concept of what it means to be an elegant woman in the modern world. What is modern elegance? The word "elegance" comes from the Middle French word...
Living La Dolce Vita is what my website is all about. You can interpret this Italian phrase, which literally means “the sweet life” in any way that suits you. Think about what makes you happy and makes your life sweeter. For me the concepts of glamour, wellness, and...
It is the tradition in Italy to eat lentils for prosperity in the New Year. Round little lentils, or lenticchie, represent Roman coins. If you eat lentils on New Year's Day, wealth and good fortune will be on their way to you. Lentils are usually served as midnight is...
Sometimes I think the best part of holiday meals are the leftovers. I love to snack on leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. If you're looking for something to do with your turkey meat, try making a Leftover Turkey Pot Pie. It makes a hot comforting meal on...
Affogato is an Italian dessert of gelato “drowned” in espresso. The word affogato in Italian means “drowned.” It comes from the root affogare which means “to drown.” Whenever I’ve had this dessert in Italian restaurants, they usually crumble almond cookies on top to...
Panettone is a sweet bread that originated in Milan. It is a standard treat enjoyed by Italians during the Christmas season. It’s wonderful on its own, with perhaps a little butter. I like to use it for a breakfast treat. If you have any leftover panettone from...