World Nutella Day 2010

Yay!! Today is World Nutella Day!!

I’ve been thinking about today for a long, long time and I’m so happy it’s finally here.  I thought a lot about what I wanted to do this year for World Nutella Day.  Last year, I made Mom & Me’s Nutella & Peanut Butter Cookies which incorporated Nutella into a recipe I’ve made many times over.  So this year, I decided I wanted to do something I’ve never really done before – make cupcakes.  Not just any cupcakes, but Cupcakes with Nutella Butter Cream Frosting.  I’m not going to pretend that I made the cupcakes from scratch (it was a cake mix) and I can’t take credit for the frosting recipe (found it here).

My brother and I made the cupcakes over the weekend.  We were both sure we had cupcake sprinkles or decorations of some sort, but none could be found.  The cupcakes looked great, they tasted great, but something was definitely missing.  That’s when my ever so talented and innovative mother stepped in and suggested we drizzle some Nutella over the cupcakes.  So we did, and the results were exactly what these yummy and easy to make cupcake treats needed.

I’d like to say that I have one of these yummy cupcakes to eat today, but who are we kidding, there was no way they would have lasted.  I am really glad that the frosting recipe worked out, though.  There were a few recipes floating around on the internet and I have to say that this recipe worked out nicely.  At some point, I might experiment with some of the other ones I found, but this recipe is definitely a keeper.

Now, off to see how the lovely hostess’ of World Nutella Day – Sara Rosso (Ms. Adventures in Italy) and Michelle (Bleeding Espresso) are celebrating, as well as everyone else out there in the blogosphere.

Have you had some Nutella today?  If not, what are you waiting for?

JOIN the Official World Nutella Day Fan Page on Facebook!

It’s coming….World Nutella Day 2010

It’s almost that time.  We are just shy of a month away from World Nutella Day 2010 (February 5^th).

Make sure you visit the Nutella Day website to find out more about this event and what you can do to participate.

I’m still brainstorming my Nutella idea to pay tribute to this popular, yummy, and delicious treat.  Last year, I showcased some of the many looks of Nutella to help get everyone into the Nutella Day spirit.  This year, in anticipation of Nutella Day 2010, join me on a little Nutella vacation as I visit some Nutella commercials from around the world.

Let’s start our little trip around the globe with North America (only because that’s where I am right now)

Now let’s swim over the Atlantic to France…

Side-step into Germany…

Head on down to Austria…

And last, but certainly not least, let’s head over to Nutella’s birthplace, Italy

I don’t know about you, but I need to smear some Nutella on a slice of bread now!

What’s your favorite way to eat Nutella?

Presepe Vivente in Carpanzano, CS

Christmas may be behind us, but many towns and villages in Italy are still showcasing their living nativity scenes, or presepi viventi.  It is not uncommon to find these special presentations running for several days between Christmas Day (December 25) and the Epiphany (January 6).

This year, in Carpanzano, the presepe vivente had the townspeople re-enacting various activities from days past including weaving, cooking, shoe making, etc.  You could also sample some of the traditional foods of the town.

Check out these videos, featuring some of my family and friends, of the presepe vivente in Carpanzano this year:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Which scene would you like to be in?

2009 End of the Year Meme

I decided to do the End of the Year Meme again for 2009 because I really enjoyed doing last year’s meme. I think it’s a wonderful way to look back on the year.  I was hoping to post this before the New Year, but a really ugly cold had other plans for me.  So here it is, my 2009 End of the Year Meme.

1.What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? Became an Italian citizen, celebrated a full year of blogging.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Like I mentioned last year, I don’t tend to make resolutions.  I like to focus on ways to improve on things in my life and look at ways to reach any goals I may have.  I wanted to focus this year on paying off debts and getting as prepared as possible for my move to Italy.  Although it happened a bit later on in the game, I’m happy that things are finally falling into place.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Two of my good friends had babies this year.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Thankfully, no one close to me passed away this year.

5. What countries did you visit? I stayed in Canada this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? The same thing as last year – A job and life in Italy.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? March 7^th my sister got married, March 20^th when I found out my Italian Citizenship was approved.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Finally getting my Italian passport!

9. What was your biggest failure? I felt defeated when my plans to move to Italy in October didn’t work out.  But, I have risen above it and things will be better because of it!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? No I didn’t, thank goodness.

11. What was the best thing you bought? My biggest purchase this year was my laptop and it has been awesome.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? All of my amazing friends and family who have helped lift me up during my downs and celebrated my ups with me.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? No one comes to mind; I guess keeping negativity out of my life has been working better than I thought!

14. Where did most of your money go? Most of my money has gone to paying off debts.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? The obvious answer would have to be getting my Italian citizenship and passport.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009? My brother helped me out with this one: Don’t Stop Believin’ – Glee Cast Version

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer? This year has been more positive.  I am definitely happier, healthier and richer (aka less in debt)!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I did more writing.  Not just for my blog, but in general.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? There were times when I felt I had all the time in the world to do things.  I wish I spent less time procrastinating and more time fulfilling my goals.

20. How did you spend Christmas? Christmas Eve with my father’s side of the family, Christmas Day with my mother’s side of the family, and a phone call to Italy to send them my love and holiday wishes.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009? No, I am still very much in love with Italy!

22. What was your favorite TV program? Three shows really had my hooked this year – Glee, Dexter, and How I Met Your Mother.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate is such a negative thing and I want less of it in my life.

24. What was the best book you read? It’s a toss-up between the Twilight Series and Nino Ricci’s trilogy, “Lives of the Saints”

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Les Boyz Electro.  Check them out!

26. What did you want and get? Italian Citizenship and passport.

27. What did you want and not get? A one-way plane ticket to Italy.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? I can’t think of one movie that blew me away this year.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 31 (shhhhh), and had a wonderful dinner with my amazing family!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? If I was in Italy right now.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Hasn’t changed too much, I have a few new scarves/pashminas in my closet though.

32. What kept you sane? My amazing family and friends.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I can’t really think of anyone, maybe Nicolas Vaporidis.

34. What political issue stirred you the most? I dislike politics!

35. Who did you miss? I miss my dad and my family/friends in Italy.

36. Who was the best new person you met? I didn’t really meet anyone new this year.  I’ve been spending most of my free time with my close friends.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. Don’t ever give up on your dreams and don’t ever settle for anything less than what you think you deserve.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by the rules
Of someone else’s game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!

Happy New Year, Buon 2010!!

We will open the book.  Its pages are blank.  We are going to put words on them ourselves.  The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.  ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Merry Christmas, Buon Natale!!

Photo Credit:  ortica*

Wishing everyone a Buon Natale.  I hope that you are happy, healthy and spending it with the people you love!

Basilica di San Nicola in Bari

Last year, I wrote about the history of San Nicola. Go ahead check it out, it’s a good story.

La Festa di San Nicola (the Feast of Saint Nicholas) is celebrated every year in Italy on December 6th. It is a day to honor San Nicola, who is not just the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, and archers, but also the patron saint of the city of Bari.

Interior of Basilica di San Nicola, Bari
Photo Credit: gengish

The remains of San Nicola are buried in a crypt below the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari. The structure, that would later become the Basilica, used to be home to the Byzantine Governor during the early part of the 11th century. When the relics of San Nicola were retrieved from Asia Minor (now knows as Turkey) in 1087, the palace was converted to a church. The Crypt which houses the relics of San Nicola, located underneath the Basilica, was consecrated in 1089 by Pope Urban II. Then in 1197, the Basilica was consecrated.

When you enter the Basilica, take a look up and admire the beautiful paintings by artist Carlo Rosa of Bitontum. He began painting the ceiling in 1661 and it took him about 10 years to complete. Once you can tear your eyes away from the ceiling, head to your right and enter the Treasury Hall which is located in the bell tower. Here you will find a large collection of various precious relics, painted manna bottles, and even the remains of the box that was used to transport San Nicola’s remains from Turkey to Bari.

Tomb of San Nicola
Photo Credit: diffendale

After admiring the Basilica, you can make your way to the staircase, located in the right nave of the Church which leads down to the Crypt. Peering through the iron-gates, you can see the tomb of San Nicola. The tomb, resembling an altar, has a small hole in the upper front panel which is opened on the evening of May 9th (marking the day the sailors returned with San Nicola’s remains) to extract holy manna, believed to have miraculous healing powers.

The Basilica di San Nicola in Bari is open from 7:30am to 1:00pm and again from 4:00pm – 7:30pm daily.

Since today is the Saint Day for San Nicola, I want to send a special auguri to my father.

Buon onomastico papà!!! Ti voglio bene e mi manchi tanto!!

Father and Daughter

It has been two years since my father’s passing.  It’s still hard to imagine sometimes how life can continue to move forward when you lose someone so important in your life.  I have learned to adapt to this new world, but it is still very foreign to me at times.  I am learning to live again, to move forward, to smile, and to enjoy life.  I know that he is always with me enjoying these new moments and milestones with me.  My father lives in the beautiful memories I have with him, the funny things he would say or do, his infectious love for life.  I’ve learned so much from him in our short time together, and for that, I am forever grateful.

I found this song, not too long after my father passed away.  It struck a chord with me, and it has become the song I turn to when I can’t make sense of things.  It reminds me that he is always watching over me and continues to love me from heaven, just as he did on earth.

This is a cover version of the song.  It’s called “Father & Daughter” by Paul Simon.

Father & Daughter
Paul Simon

If you ever leap awake
In the mirror of a bad dream
And for a fraction of a second
You can’t remember where you are
Just open your window
And follow your memory upstream
To the meadow in the mountain
Where we counted every falling star

I believe the light that shines on you
Will shine on you forever
And though I can’t guarantee
There’s nothing scary hiding under your bed
I’m gonna stand guard
Like a postcard of a Golden Retriever
And never leave till I leave you
With a sweet dream in your head

I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you’ll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

Trust your intuition
It’s just like going fishing
You cast your line
And hope you’ll get a bite
But you don’t need to waste your time
Worrying about the market place
Try to help the human race
Struggling to survive its harshest night

I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you’ll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you’ll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

5^ Sagra Della Castagna – Carpanzano (CS)

It’s that time of year again, the castagne are in abundance and Carpanzano is holding its annual Sagra della Castagna this weekend.

In it’s 5th year, the festival will include a food market, games, music and of course lots and lots of castagne.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy castagne?

Guest Blog Post: The First Five Things I Did in Italy

I have mentioned on a number of occasions how inspired I am by the amazing bloggers I have met over the past couple years.  It is such a close knit community and I’m so happy to have been welcomed in with open arms.  I’m grateful for the oppourtunity to get to know some of these bloggers better as they continue to inspire me daily!

Tina of Tina Tangos, is one of these bloggers I’m talking about.  Her passion and spirit are so beautiful and I’m thankful that she has decided to share her stories, experiences, and words with all who will read.

With that said, I am so pleased to have Tina do a guest blog post for Calabrisella Mia where she shares some of the things she did in Italy upon her arrival.  I will have to put together my own list once I make it there, but in the meantime, let’s take a peak at what Tina did!

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The First Five Things I Did in Italy

I’ve been in Italy almost a month now.  I haven’t been in this country since the beginning of 2007, when I left it for Argentina.  You can imagine that I was looking forward to a lot of things that I was missing about Italy.  Before my departure, I would excitedly fantasize about what I would do as soon as I landed.  Here are the first five things I did:

1. Got a “tour” of Rome – with a Roman driver.  No, not a formal tour.  When I arrived at Fiumicino Airport, I had reserved a shuttle van to get me to my hotel.  This is a shared shuttle service, so the driver had other stops to make.  There were a lot of us and as luck would have it, I sat in front with the driver.  This gave me a chance to get back into the rhythm of the Italian language.  He took a liking to me and dropped everyone else off first.  They were all over Rome, so I got to see several different neighborhoods at dusk.  What a way to re-enter Italy.  Drama, beauty and history around every corner.  I was amused watching him swear at other drivers in his Roman accent, gently bumping other cars to nudge them along.  He dropped me off at my hotel and I was ready to conquer this place.

2. Ate a Roman pizza.  Yes, yes, I know, pizza is from Naples, but have you had the pizza in Rome?  It’s really special.  I went to a little place that shall not be named, ordered a pizza with funghi (mushrooms), and watched as they rolled out the crust, put on the toppings and placed it in a wood fire oven.  I ordered some of the house wine which was amazing.  I tasted the spicy, green olive oil which was sitting at my table, and went to heaven.  The food, the food, the food.  I had arrived HOME.

3. Took an early morning walk around Rome.  I have a tradition, whenever I land in Italy, which is to spend my first night in Rome and then wake up and take a nice, long walk.  I love watching Rome wake up in the morning.  The tourists aren’t out just yet and the streets are full of suited up Romans on the way to the office after downing a quick coffee in the bar.  The chaos hasn’t quite started up yet.  The rising sun casts a misty golden light on everything.  It’s heaven.

4. Bought a cellular phone.  As soon as I got to Perugia, where I live, I checked into the apartment and headed out to get myself a phone.  All my friends here had sent me e-mails to text message them when I arrived.  I got a cheap little phone, and was given a choice of three companies to choose from for my service: TIM, Vodafone and Wind.  I normally use Vodafone, but they were out of Vodafone SIM cards so I chose TIM instead.  It took 24 hours for my number to be activated, which I found unusual.  The plus side is that it came with 5 Euros of starter credit.  (A lot of people here have a pay-as-you-go rechargeable phone).

5. Drank coffee at Sandri.  Sandri is my favorite bar (café) in Perugia.  A caffe latte there is like a cup of velvet.  Whatever they do to the milk is just lovely.  The place itself is gorgeous and classic.  It’s small and there’s not a lot of room to sit and relax, but that doesn’t matter.  That day in particular, I had the occasion of going with a friend, which made the experience even more special.

What are the first five things you did (or are planning on doing) in your new country?

Tina Ferrari is a translator, writer and tango dancer based in Perugia, Italy.  She writes at AffordableCallingCards.net, where you can find calling cards to Italy, as well as on her own blog, Tina Tangos. Comments are always welcome!

Ain’t no mountain high enough…

Seriously where does the time go?

A month ago I was vowing to blog more often and here I am four weeks later with a new blog post.  I’m such a bad blogger.  To be fair, things have been a bit hectic, and all the changes that were going on around me made it really difficult to sit down and put my thoughts into words.  I had to find my footing again, and I think I’m almost back on track.

You see, I’ve been on a path for some time now, and things were moving along.  That is until I found myself face to face with this huge obstacle, let’s call it my own personal mountain.

Photo Credit:  gigi62

At that moment, I had to make a choice, I had to decide if I was going to turn around and go back, or start climbing.  For awhile, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.  So I stood there; I cried, I screamed, I yelled, I prayed, I listened, and then, I decided.

It wasn’t what I planned, it’s wasn’t what I wanted, but it was what it was, and if I wanted this dream, this life, as much as I say I did, then I would have to climb.  And with that, I started climbing with the knowledge that I will be better and more grateful for everything because of it.  I can’t just give up.  I won’t settle.  I owe it to myself to see this thing through and if that means I have to summit another mountain to do so, then so be it.

My path still lays before me, it’s just slightly altered and a bit longer than I expected, but my destination remains the same and my determination will see that I get there.

“Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark. In the hopeless swamps of the not quite, the not yet, and the not at all, do not let the hero in your soul perish and leave only frustration for the life you deserved, but never have been able to reach. The world you desire can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours.” – Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged