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
I’m often surprised by the reaction when we mention restoring frescoes in our apartment. Foreigners and Italians alike confess they might not have the patience to tackle these projects. Our reply is always the same. But how could we not? For us it’s a dream and privilege to play a tiny role in the story … More Restoration of a Liberty Style Fresco, Before and After
Not long before her death at 95-years-young, my beloved grandmother Frances told me that she was coming back in the next life as a peacock. “Nothing could be more fitting,” I said, laughing and wishing it to be so. A jitterbug dance champion in her younger days, she was still lighting up the dance floor … More The Restoration of a Fresco, with Peacock Flair
The subject matter and tone of the last update were heavier and more emotional than most renovation stories, I realize. For this one, I thought I’d share some of the ridiculous situations and on-the-fly decisions inherent in any good reno project. And, because no one has ever appreciated silliness and spontaneity more than our late-friend … More From Bitter to Sweet: A Kitchen Transformation, along with a Dollop of Detours
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