I love cleaning all naturally! First of all, I feel better knowing that I’m using non toxic products. Secondly, I’ve saved SO MUCH money not having to purchase cleaners. Third, I have found that these solutions actually clean BETTER than the store bought versions! (….which is really no surprise considering our great grandmothers used some[…]
Before moving to Italy, I’ll be honest…..I never even saw a fennel bulb! Sure, I’ve seen fennel seeds……but whole fennel bulbs by the dozens? Never. I later learned that Italians love fennel, called “finocchio” (pronounced ‘fin-noh-key-oh’). As a matter of fact, this tasty root is actually served all by itself, in raw form, AFTER[…]
Being of Lebanese heritage, kefir (aka lebne) cheese is something I grew up eating. Before I got married, as my husband was being introduced to my family, it went inconspicuously something like this: “This cheese is a tradition and family staple, and if you marry our daughter this cheese will follow you and have[…]
When it comes to making paper flowers, once I start, I can’t stop! These beauties are some of my favorites as gift toppers. Last year, it seemed like it was wedding season here in Sicily because I made a lot of handmade cards and gifts along with these 5 inch flowers, which gracefully adorned the[…]
If you have never heard of Limoncello (pronounced “lee-mohn-chel-loh”), it’s an Italian liquor generally served after a meal. They say it helps digest the food (….. if you eat like us here in Italy, you need any digestion help you can get, believe me!) Now, you don’t drink a lot, only about 2 TBSP in[…]
When I moved here 6 years ago, like all foreigners, I had to learn how to grocery shop! Yes, abroad it’s something you actually learn! Why? Well, because everything was different from back home in California. Apart from the fact that I couldn’t speak a word of Italian, groceries were sold in different methods, sizes,[…]
Here in Italy, you will find no lack of empty wine bottles. Did you know they make the prettiest centerpieces or home decor? I’ve actually given these as gifts, attaching a personalized tag. And the best part is, they are so simple to make! Just grab an empty wine bottle and I’ll show you how[…]
Bruschetta has got to be one of the most simplest Italian dishes, and honestly, one of the most tasty! Last night, I made some bruschetta with some left over pagnotte (see post) I had. If you have some left over bread and don’t know what to do with it, think no more…..just make bruschetta! Ingredients:[…]
Did you know you can cleaner your jewelry at home without using expensive jewelry cleaners? Here’s a pretty easy, non toxic method with supplies you already have in the pantry! Supplies: -A bowl -A piece of aluminum foil -1 TBSP salt -! TBSP baking soda -1 TBSP dish detergent -1 cup of water In a[…]
Nutella….how I love thee, let me count the ways! It’s no secret, I’m addicted to Nutella, (pronounced in Italian “noo-tel-lah”). As a matter of fact, so are most Italians! There is always a jar of Nutella in every Italian home I’ve been to…..and after 6 years, I’ve finally understood the hierarchy: First, one must have[…]
