Madrid: 2 years later

Two years ago, I was arriving at Barajas Airport in Madrid utterly scared and also excited to start a new life. Jimmy and I didn’t know what to expect since this was our first time in Madrid. We left behind so many things and felt heart-broken for many reasons.

I remember being scared to come here just for the reason that eventually I would have to leave again. But here we are two years later blending in this lovely city. I didn’t look back: I just said good-by to my family and left. No farewell parties, no calls, no social media «I-am-leaving» posts. We just took our things, our hopes and dreams and left for a better life.

So how can I manage to resume our two years here without making this a tremendous long post? With a list, obviously. 🙂

1. Two years, two different apartments. Our first one sans elevator and the second one with a lovely terrace. 
2. I have two of my old friends from school here in Madrid, but in these past two years I have made incredible new ones. I am so grateful for that.
3. We have built a solid video reel with all the things we have filmed since we got here.
4. In two years we have changed from one music producer to another (It didn’t actually work out for us, but still keep in touch because they are good friends). Now Jimmy and I haven’t stopped making music because we found our music flow together and we are loving it. I hope to share some new music soon.
5. Talking about music, I wrote a song for the SRF Eurovision Switzerland Song Contest and we made it to the final 6 from 400 people! It was an amazing experience!
6. I traveled to Paris, Pisa, Zürich (two times) and Thessalonica (3 times). I also made a fast trip to Miami with my parents. These two years have been busaaay!
7. Nina moved in with us last year and I was the happiest person on earth to have my little monster here. 
8. I finished the first draft of my book. It is still a work in progress but I am trying to squeeze the time to actually polish it.
9. I work every single day to get what I want, I feel I have made such a big progress but there is still so much to do.
10. Finally, I am still learning new things every day. Madrid, you still haven’t seen the best of me. 😉

7 things that make my summer rock

I just want to take a minute and thank my landlord for having an air conditioning system in her apartment. I am not kidding when I say that I would probably melt if it wasn’t for it. But that being said, this summer has been packed with tons of activities and lovely events!

1) Finding the juiciest cherries in the world

2) Precious moments with my sister Stefi who came to visit alongside my parents and Nina

3) Recording the new album with Jimmy, this project is very personal and I am loving every step of the way 

4) Late night games: my dad crushing us all in Scala 40 

5) This two girls coming to visit! My mafia: Valentina and Carola. We went to school together and every time we meet is pure fun!

6) In this pic my dear friend’s Maria T wedding and next to her my fun girl Luisa! Still can’t believe this day, we had such an incredible time!

7) One word: Frappe

How’s your summer so far? Let me know! ❤

 

June photodiary: Greece

Aw…my lovely Greece.

This trip was definitely an exciting one! I got to spend my birthday with my family and got to work with amazing people. We laughed, we bickered and we laughed again.

I polished my skills as a translator for Jimmy when people talked to him in Greek. He learned new words like «fovero» that means «amazing» and «akrivos» that means «exactly».

The weather was kinda cold and we suffered a little when we jumped into the freezing water, but hey…cold water is good for your skin (and also for having a minor heart attack once you touch the water).

 

Sunday at the park

Jimmy and I have been having a lot of stressful days lately and it was time for us to take a break and connect with nature. We took the day off and went for a walk in the park at Madrid’s Casa de Campo.

It is spectacular.

There is an amusement park and a huge zoo. Acres and acres of green pasture and lovely trees. The day was warm and at some point I even took my coat off. We sat on a small blanket that I brought from home and relaxed soaking in all the sun we could.

After that, we took a long walk and arrived to the «Telesferico» (cableway) just to find out it took you to the center of the city.

It was fun and little bit scary since I am afraid of heights. Jimmy was having a blast watching my face go from terrified to extremely happy and back and forth.

 

My small summer bucket list: 7 things I want to do

No beach for me this summer, just the plain old city. But I will make the best out of it and stop complaining. Last Friday I told you guys I would share my summer bucket list. It’s small and achievable. So here it is:

1) Swim at least once a week. My dad is on vacation and he left me in charge of his business. So that means coming to the office really early in the morning from Monday to Saturday. Yup, Saturdays too. So I am planning on spending my Sundays swimming at my parents pool.

2) Finish my screenwriting script before August 15th. I am extremely loving this new chapter of my life: learning how to make scripts. From dancer to singer and from singer to screenwriter…I am like a little Swiss Army multitool!

3) Have a picnic. I used to have so many picnics before. I seriously don’t know what happened. I plan on dusting off my little basket, add some yummy snacks and use my new polka dot blanket. (I will try this recipe too).

4) Read J.G Ballard’s «High Rise» novel. I want to read the book before the movie comes out next year. (Yes, Tom Hiddleston, I am eagerly waiting).

5) Make these fresh popsicles. I found this recipe from «Gimme Some Oven» blog. Fresh and easy! Healthy too!

6) Try blue makeup. Here is some lovely inspiration with its tutorial.

7) Finish the «August Photography Challenge». I think I just made that up. But it consists of taking a daily photo of all August.

What are you guys planning to do this summer?

 

 

 

 

 

Summer, sweet summer

This photo was from last summer. We went to Miami to make some music and ended up having an improvised vacation. Those are the good things about loving the work you do. The first days were a little unpleasant thanks to an idiot who calls himself a «producer» (no dear, mumbling in a luxurious studio is not being a producer. Call me when you learn a thing or two about being a decent human being.)

Some days later we met with our dear friend Dennis from Dmenace Music and had a wonderful time in his studio. I forgot how fun it was hanging out with him and his good vibes. We made this song that I shared in a past post.

I miss the beach. I would love to be swimming right now and then have some light lunch somewhere along the seaside. I would love to have my morning run in the hot sand and watch the sunset accompanied with some seagulls.

Oh good times.

I plan on having my little bucket list for this summer even though I will be staying right here in the city. I will share it with you next week.

Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

 

8 Things that make my sister pretty cool

My little sister Stefania is my favorite person in the whole world. We do fight sometimes and we say things we don’t mean, but eventually we know that is part of being best friends. She always makes me laugh and I do my best to make her smile. We have so many inside jokes we could have our own comedy show. I am always protecting her, often forgetting she is growing into a beautiful and smart little woman.

She has been a guest writer in the «Fashion Wednesdays» page and you can also check out our Paris trip here.

Here, eight things that make my sister pretty cool:

1) Her birthday is on January 1st. She was a little New Year’s present. So our new year goes like this: «Yey! Happy New Year! Yey, Happy Birthday Stefi!» (usually everybody is pretty tipsy by then).

2) We are 11 years apart. When she was six years old, I used to tell her «Stefi when we go out you will call me Mommy. So people will think you are my daughter» and she would agree. Then when we went out she would start randomly yelling «she is not my mother! She is not my mother!». (You little backstabber).

3) She is the most stylish person I know. The house can be burning down but that girl manages to get dressed fabulously and come out with her purse in hand looking like a million bucks.

4) She is immune to cold weather. (When we went to Paris it was freezing. Stefi was walking around with a thick cardigan and some gloves, I in the other hand was always cold and looked like a homeless snowman.)

5) She knows how to use the color palette like a professional. She makes drawings and then colors them with the most unusual colors you will ever see.

6) She is a passionate dancer. She loves to dance and I am really proud of everything she has accomplished.

7) She is extremely organized considering she is sixteen.  (I guess OCD runs in our family.)

8) Even though she is younger than me, she is always teaching me new things. 

Thank you Stefi, for being so special. This post is for you. 

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! 

 

Neon hair: bright pink ends

Ok, so here is the deal: I went crazy when I saw this trend last year. I am aware that it is not everybody’s cup of tea.

Todays inspiration is for the little rebels out there that think this look is fun. Let me tell you that if you like the look but are afraid of a permanent change, there is always pink hair chalk and semi-permanent looks. (Am I convincing or what?)

I wanted a fun twist to my blonde ombre so I bought some pink dye and went for it…at home. I was terrified but excited. I knew that the worst thing that could happen was me not liking it so I would top it with brown dye and go back to normal.(Considering I could also go bald).

My attempt was successful. I did like it…for a while. I kept it for three months, had fun with it and eventually went back to my last look. Got it off my system.

Here is a picture I took last October of my new pink dip dyed hair (see how smart I am that I did it near Halloween? Just in case.)