My favorite place to hide

My italian family lives in Tuscany. They have a beautiful place in the mountains of Coreglia. I spent most of my childhood in this house and every time I go there, it reminds me of happy times.

My grandparents used to live there. I never met my grandfather but my «Nonna» was the reason I went every summer.

Now that she is gone, I still go there every two years and disconnect myself from the world. No cell phone or internet. Just me, the mountains and nature. On the upper floor lives my aunt Anna and on the lower floor my aunt Gabriella with my uncle Paolo.

My days there begin very early. I like to have coffee in the garden and go for a long walk. Walking in the forest is like therapy for me. The only sounds you hear are bird singing, the wind and the river.

The house has a big garden on the back with my uncle`s herb, fruit and vegetable garden. I love when it is strawberry time.

The town is close to our house and we normally go walking to say hello to some old friends and walk through the picturesque streets.

We sometimes go to the farmers market and I have so much with all the vibrant colors around.

Someday I would love to live in a place like this. In the city we often forget what the wind sound like because all we hear is the noisy streets. There is a big difference waking up and knowing nature is surrounding you rather than get lost between tall buildings.

Maybe it is just nostalgia talking right now. I miss visiting my nonna Emilia`s place and remembering how lovely her voice sounded when she called from her balcony «Ciao cocca!»

 

 

Anatomy of an outfit: relaxed look

You know those girls who look effortlessly chic? They throw anything on and they instantly look gorgeous? Well, I am not one of them. I try to plan my outfits the night before so in the morning I don’t look like a crazy person. But there is something very appealing when you keep your outfit relaxed. So when I saw this picture I thought to myself what a great inspiration it is and I am planning on doing my own version of this outfit.

Meanwhile I will share the alternative version of Olivia Palermo’s outfit for this week’s Fashion Wednesdays.

 

1) White blazer that goes practically with anything.

2) This basic piece is hidden in every wardrobe.

3) Boyfriend jeans.

4) Neutral flats.

5) With this outfit, I believe any handbag would pair nicely, but my pick would be this one.

6) Cat eye sunglasses.

 

Breakfast idea: one ingredient, three ways

Let’s talk about eggs. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and they keep me full all morning. I used to have only the egg whites but after a long debate with my doctor, now I eat the whole egg. Just one a day, not more because they do trigger my migraines.

I used to have plain scrambled eggs everyday. Now, I vary how I cook them. There are tons of different ways to eat them but I will share with you my top three.

1) Eggs a la coque. My mother used to give them to me in a cute little pink egg holder. I use to love them as a kid and I still do until this day. Carefully drop the eggs with a spoon in boiling water for 3 minutes. If the egg is cold add an extra minute. Normally, they are served with bread, but I have them with asparagus or any other veggie.

Photo credit

2) Sunny side up. I use a teflon pan and spray a little PAM. Always works.

Photo credit

3) Fritattas. Sometimes I eat them plain with some herbs and other days I throw in some veggies. Here you can find my recipe for baked zucchini mint frittatas.

What is you favorite?

Starting the week with a smile: The Liebster Awards

I just have to tell you guys I had no idea about this sweet thing called the «Liebster Awards». This is the most adorable idea ever! And the fantastic news is that I was nominated by Natasha (lovely name right? 🙂 ) from Frankly, my dear.

Her blog is absolute fun and I loved the recipes, DIY craft tutorials and the category where she shares items she has selected with their respective links to buy them. (Natasha, I loved the «home and office» links. So many cute and useful things to buy!)

This award is a pay-it-foward-kind of blogger award. I personally think it is a fantastic idea to get to know new bloggers and recognize each other for our creativity. (Plus today is Monday lists so what a better post than this.)

If you are nominated, there are some steps for you to follow. I will share the ones Natasha left in her post.

1) Thank the blogger nominating you, linking back to their blog
2) Post the Liesbter award logo in your post
3) Answer the questions posed to you
4) Nominate 5-11 other bloggers with less than 1000 followers you think deserve the award
5) Present them with a list of questions to answer in their blog. 
6) Comment on the nominees blog letting them know about the award.

These are the questions posted for me to answer:

1.What motivated/inspired you to start your blog?

I just felt I had to share things I enjoyed and since I love to write, this was a fantastic opportunity.

2. How did you pick your blog name?

It was hard at first. I wanted something that had to do with my Italian roots and also something catchy. So I thought “The Golden Limoncello” would be fun.

 3. What are you hoping to achieve out of this blog? (make it a full-time profession, just for fun, get recognition, etc)

I hope to make people smile when they read it. That is what this blog is all about.

4. What website do you spend most of your time on?

I used to have an unhealthy relationship with Facebook. I also had an affair with YouTube. Eventually we did break up. Now, working on my blog is where I spend most of my “web time”.

5. Sweet or Savory?

Sweet all the way! (Chocolate anyone?)

6. If you could have a super power, what would it be?

I want a magic wand. I don’t know if it`s a superpower, but I guess it is pretty cool too!

7. All time favorite movie

Oh…this is a hard one. I have so many! But if I had to choose right now it has to be “Up!”.

8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I would love to have a small house in Tuscany and live a very tranquil life. Farmer`s markets, silent nights, long walks, Italian food… Oh! You got me dreaming now!

9. What’s one beauty product you can’t live without?

Concealer! Nothing like faking a good-night-sleep.

10. Recommend one good book you’ve read recently

“The Element” by Ken Robinson. I really liked this book because it helped me understand tons of things I did get wrong before. Finding your “element” in life is crucial to be happy.

11. What’s your favorite season of the year?

Spring! So many flowers, sunny days and sweet watermelons.

 

My nominations go to…

Storytotellya: This girl`s writing is phenomenal. I can`t emphize it enough. She shares her personal story with her witty and fun personality in such a way you just want to read more and more.

Sweetkimplicity: This blog is a fun mix of craft, projects and some fun recipes that once you read them you just want to make them. Make sure to check the «lingerie cookies» they are awesome!

Edanzzy: She has an incredible style and you are going to love her stylish pictures. (I just have to say this girl has a lovely hair color and her outfits are fabulous!)

Growingsnowballs: I love to repurpose items I already have and this blog has fantastic ideas to do so and it helps you save money! Double plus!

Thinpact: She is determined and also an inspiration to reach your goals. Her blog is very informative and also a great way to keep in mind that being healthy is the way to go. (You will love the Paleo diet food list she shares in her blog that has come in handy for me.)

Here are the questions for my nominees:

1. What is the thing you enjoy the most about blogging?
2. What is your favorite post in your blog and why? (Share the link if you like).
3. What is your favorite dessert?
4. What is your astrological sign?
5. If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be?
6. If your life would be a movie, what actress/actor would be playing yo in the movie?
7. What is your favorite quote?
8. What blog has influenced you the most?
9. If you could trade lives with someone else, who would it be?
10. What is your favorite website?

 Hope you all have a great week!  Keep rocking it! 

 

Feeling a little creative

Since I came back from my vacation, I am feeling artsy. Yes, that happens to me sometimes. As I got home, I cleaned, organized everything inside and did a lot of laundry. Then I looked around and got into that let’s-give-a-little-makeover-to-the-house mood. So I gathered five DIY tutorials that I will try soon.

-The first one I am going to try is this tutorial from Harpers Happenings. I have a frame that I bought two years ago and it has been moved from place to place with no specific purpose. This is a lovely idea.

-I will spray paint an old rock I have in the balcony and I am going to use it as a book holder like Bri from «Design Love Fest» did in her office makeover.

-There is something about gold spray paint that makes any object feel pretty. It’s shiny and glamorous. Hey! That is why I used it in my blog’s name. Smart girl right? 🙂 I used it in this tutorial too. The picture above is from the Style Me Pretty blog.

– My balcony needs this. I can’t wait to try it! Found this tutorial at www.bloomize.com.

– I would love to try this in the hallway. Let’s see Jimmy agrees to it! Picture and tutorial from http://www.laurenconrad.com.

I would love to know if you guys have any ideas too add to my inspiration board? Let me know!

 

 

Just a little shoe inspiration

I adore shoes. I always end up buying really glamorous high heeled ones and end up wearing my black ballerinas though. But when I go out, heels are a must. The medium heel is not for me; it makes my legs look funny and weird. So I look really tall or really short. It’s ok, I can  deal with it.

Today I want to show you some pictures I found on my fashion board on Pinterest that are my shoe inspiration.

 

My top 4 healthy snacks

I have to admit that even though I eat really healthy and try to have a balanced diet, I love to eat. I could eat anytime of the day. What can I do? I really do love food. So I allow myself to have two to three healthy snacks a day. I try to stay away from carbs after 4:00 pm. and try to keep those snacks light. So today I want to share my healthy snacks ideas. I hope you try them and let me know if you like them.

1) Avocado. It keeps me full and has tons of nutrients. Plus it is so yummy. I usually eat 1/2 or if I am really hungry I eat the whole avocado.

Picture thanks to http://www.health.com

2) My doctor does not allow me to have bananas because it can trigger migraines, but from time to time I will have half banana with a tablespoon of almond butter. 

Picture thanks to http://www.pavispassion.com

3) Pumpkin seeds. I usually measure 1/2 cup, but I have to admit sometimes I have a little bit more. I toast them and sprinkle them with cinnamon. They taste like heaven!

4) Green juice. Before you go on and make a strange face, this juice is really tasty and is as powerful as Redbull. Seriously. I usually have it around 3:00 pm. when I feel a little tired. I throw in the juicer a green apple, a handful spinach, 1/2 cucumber, 1 kiwi, a stalk of celery and a handful of parsley. Add a little squeezed lemon juice.

Picture thanks to http://www.bestjuicer-review.com

Do you guys snack? What is your favorite healthy snack?

5 things I loved about Las Vegas

Last week was all about traveling. While I blogged I was actually in Las Vegas. This was my first time there and Jimmy and I had a nice vacation. Our experience was not as you may expect. There were no crazy nights out or pool partying. But there was a lot of walking, shopping and eating. We experienced a total different Vegas vacation. (On our second day Jimmy was rushed to the E.R. He had kidney stones and was experiencing excruciating pain. After two days he felt better though.)

I want to share with you guys five things I loved about Las Vegas. There are also many things I did not like, but that I guess would be a total different post.

1) Let me get this out of my chest: I have been a Britney Spears fan since a little girl. I know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but I do love her so please don’t hate. One of the main reasons of this trip was going to see her Vegas residency show. It was AMAZING. This is the first time I see her up close and she is beautiful. Best night of our trip. (Sorry Jimmy for dragging you to the concert, but let’s admit we did have fun!)

2) We stayed the first five days at the MGM Grand and the last ten days at the Cosmopolitan. The last hotel was spectacular and they gave us a fantastic room with a breath-taking view.

3) We are early risers, so you can imagine how peaceful the mornings were with no one around in the streets and the pools. Those were our relaxing moments.

4) We usually woke up at 6:00 am. Some mornings were really cold so we had coffee while walking in the streets. (From time to time we saw people from the night before returning to their hotels and some healthy runners.)

5) I got to spend quality time with Jimmy. This trip would not have been the same without him. He made me laugh everyday.

 

 

Inner peace

«Not all those who wander are lost» 

-J.R.R Tolkien

Everyday I take a five minute break where I calmly wander. I do this alone and find it really soothing. It has helped me be present in the moment since I often find myself living in a rush. My mind sometimes is a battlefield; I am bombarded with a thousand thoughts per second. So this is why I take this break. I need those five minutes a day to find my inner peace.

 

 

What’s inside my travel carry-on

I hate to have tons of things in my carry-on bag every time I travel. It’s uncomfortable, annoying and normally you end up bringing things you don’t need. That’s why I like to keep it simple and practical. I am going to give you a peek inside mine.

I always carry my handbag with the essentials for the airport and a small square travel case that is practical and fits under the front seat in the airplane. When I travel overseas I usually add black sweatpants and a cozy long-sleeve sweater inside my carry-on that I use as a «pyjama» because I hate sleeping in jeans or pants. I always change before landing.

These are the items I normally take with me. I didn’t add them to the picture but I also take a small purse with travel documents, my Kindle and a travel-size makeup bag.

 

1) You really need these. Sometimes you arrive at the airport with a fabulous face other times with a no-friends-face after a long flight.

2) My purse and my travel documents purse.

3) Sleep mask. I can’t sleep if everything is not pitch-black, so these don’t leave my bag.

4) My Iphone.

5) Planes get chilly, so I learned to a-l-w-a-y-s bring a shawl.

6) Face wipes. I take my makeup off on long flights and re-apply it before landing. So these are really helpful.

7) A pair of socks. I like to wear them before I fall asleep. Never walk on the airplane with bare-naked feet. Just don’t.

8) Bobby pins, hair clip and ear plugs.

9) Band-aids, toothpaste and toothbrush (missing from the picture above), travel-size perfume, sanitizing hand wipes, travel-size Nivea cream, sugar-free candy, lip balm, face lotion and Tide travel-size.

10) The case where I put #8 and #9.

11) Small hair comb and a pen.

12) My passport (well, obviously).

 

Everything fits here. I also have space for some granola, magazines and my camera.

Do you guys have any travel essentials?

Airport fashion inspiration

There was a time in my life where I took the «traveling comfortably» motto very seriously. My outfits consisted in black sweat pants, Nikes and a black hoodie. I didn’t look bad, I just looked like a I was going to hit the treadmill. So with time I learned I could be nicely dressed and still be comfortable. I try to avoid anything too tight because I know how uncomfortable plane seats are. So I always stick with jeans, white shirt, nice cardigan and ballet flats. If my flight is short I like to wear heels and on longer flights I wear ballet flats, it all depends on your fashion personality and preferences.

Please try to avoid flip-flops. It doesn’t matter if you are going straight to the beach once you land, flip-flops are a no-no unless you are at the pool or at the beach. (Or if you are getting a pedicure and going straight home.)

I always bring a shawl in my carry-on because I am always cold. If my flight is really long I do bring black sweatpants and a black hoodie to change before going to sleep and immediately change to my normal clothes before landing.

Here are some pictures I found that are this week’s «Airport fashion inspiration»:

Foods to avoid at airports

You plan your vacation, you get to the airport, then all of a sudden you throw away all your healthy habits and go straight to have that burger with fries. What the heck, your vacation has just started right?

Be aware that sometimes that is not the smartest option. Not in the airport. Certain foods cause bloating, others can have a terrible aftermath.

1) Carbonated drinks. 

Sugar causes bloating and it is not a nice feeling to have on a long or even a short trip. Even diet sodas do too, so try to avoid them.

2) Too much coffee. 

I like to have my coffee when I am traveling in the morning or maybe a late-afternoon espresso. Please don´t over do it. Coffee in excess tends to dehydrate you and cause anxiety. It will not help you sleep if you are planning to do so.

3) Fried food.

Not good for your health and not good for your trip. Anything fried will satisfy your cravings for a brief time but will not nourish you in any way. When something is fried it is stripped from all its nutrients.

4) Alcohol.

I know some of you like to have a drink to soothe their nerves before a flight but believe me there are other natural options to do so. Keep in mind that alcohol dehydrate you and the first thing you need when traveling is to be hydrated. So try some valerian root or have a chamomile. (I am sounding like my grandmother, but you´ll thank me later.)

5) Switch the burger for a sandwich.

You can have it when you arrive at your destination but please try to avoid them before a flight. Have a sandwich instead with some protein and your fair amount of carbs. Thow in some veggies for extra points.