Merry Christmas !

I cannot wait to spend a few days surrounded by the warmth of my entire family, and to meet my old sweet friends.
Awaiting to meet you here soon, I wish you all the most wonderful Christmas holidays! xoxo

Decor with cookies

I have been buying these chocolate cookies for many years

and I must have been too busy eating them to notice that they could have been used as Christmas decorations!

I bet that this year for the first time, the children will "give me a hand" to undo the Christmas tree!

Every cloud has a silver lining

Sometimes in life, certain events, that at first appear to be a nuisance, end up being opportunities to change perspectives.
Since my car is still being repaired, I try to walk as much as possible, but sometimes, I must cover longer distances by taxi or by bus. 

If on the one hand waiting times are very long, on the other, not driving allows to better observe all what that surrounds you. Walking is also very pleasant, especially if you're in good company.
So, although impeded to move rapidly, I've done my best to keep my little, pleasant habits.
Have breakfast with a hot cappuccino and a croissant.

Have lunch with my daughter at the nearby Dulcamara, taking advantage of the Christmas break,

and do some window shopping with her, as to find new ideas to add to our Christmas wish list.

Little habits that, when accomplished without using the car, become even more pleasant and stressless, and are beneficial to my health and for the environment.
No car? No problem! :-)

My Christmas tree

I haven't had time yet to buy the slightest Christmas gift but, at least, I have clear ideas about what I want to give. 
Indeed, I have spent this last week fighting against water dripping from my ceiling 

and shuttling my car on a break-down van.

But in spite, or because, of these mishaps, my Christmas tree is all dressed up 

Ferrari or Fiat 500 ?

Which one is your favorite red?

Christmas in Rome

COMING SOON

Beato Angelico
The first Renaissance artist to be on display at Galleria Borghese during the year of the Faith, that started on October, 11th and will end on November, 24th 2013, is Beato Angelico. 
His "Annunciation of Cortona" (1430 A.D.) will be exhibited for a period of two months, and followed by four other masterpieces of different artists, all testifying the influence of faith on art, literature and music.
Beato Angelico's altarpiece will be presented in preview tonight next to the tomb of the painter, who rests in the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, and moved from tomorrow until February, 10 to Galleria Borghese. 

Art and food: nourishment for the body and soul

Despite the awful weather conditions which prevail in these days in Rome, and make me want to stay locked at home, I couldn't miss the exhibition of Serena Dini's paintings. My dearest friend's aunt, who I unfortunately do not know, is surely an interesting person. About ten years ago, she opened a resort in the Sahara desert,

2012: Christmas trees around the world

It's a popular tradition in each family to adobe them today, the day of the Immaculate Conception. But in most places around the world, the lighting of the city Christmas tree has become a real event.

New York

Rome

First signs of Christmas

I recently read, that Rome cannot compete with Paris, London or New York with regard to Christmas spirit. I must admit that, although Romans are very much into Christmas celebrations, the city does not express their excitement with the same intensity. 
After having spent a dozen years in the Italian capital, I have noticed a growing impoverishment in the Christmas ornaments of the streets. When I moved to Rome the central Via Condotti looked gorgeous: fir trees with big red bows and lights adorned the sides of the road, and a long red carpet ran along the entire route. But 3 days later,