If you’ve visited Italy in summer, you know what I mean by Spritz-Thirty. It’s the time of afternoon when the sun salutes the horizon, unfurling ribbons of bright orange or fiery red, depending on your perspective and palate. A sure signal to begin the beloved Italian day-part and revered tradition known as aperitivo hour, aka spritz-thirty.As much an Italian cultural … More It’s (Not) Always Spritz:Thirty
Last week, my husband Matt, sausage dog Marcello, and I embarked on a pilgrimage, leaving behind the fresco-adorned apartment we recently renovated in a 16th century palazzo. For those new to our story, after traveling nomadically for seven years, we have (finally) dropped those backpacks and taken up full-time residency in the historic center of … More A Grand Staycation, Lucca-Style
Here’s the first in a series of “Before and After” stories. Transformation: Bathrooms. For weeks, I’ve struggled with how to continue sharing this renovation story. How easy it would be to let the before-and-after photos speak for themselves – and, I think these images communicate volumes, at least I hope so – but, my heart … More So Much More Than A Renovation Story.
I have been promising the first renovation update for weeks – seven weeks, to be exact – then, well, things kept getting in the way. You know, “things” like: tearing down walls, gutting ancient bathrooms, pulverizing a horrendous kitchen down to the floor studs, researching, choosing, and sourcing materials – all in a language not … More Renovation Lucca Update: Week 7
Just a note: A wrote this article earlier this week and, for a variety of reasons, almost didn’t share it today. Then I was reminded that there’s a dear friend out there who has been key to our house search and life in Lucca. This friend has shared his expert advice, come to our rescue … More The Proud Papa, A Nobile Floor, or An Even-Pinker Palace: Home Search Lucca, v2.3
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