5 Questions With… Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino

I had so much fun doing “5 Questions With..RomePhotoBlog” that I have decided to turn it into a series.  I stumbled across Katie’s blog,  Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino, a little while back and was instantly drawn to her positive thinking and inspirational posts.  Positivity is contagious and since connecting with her I’ve found myself on an even more positive path to realizing my personal goals and dreams.

So, it is my pleasure to share 5 Questions With… Katie of Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino.

Your blog touches on many different aspects of your life, what made you start writing a blog? And how did you come up with the name?

I started my blog back in 2006 when I was starting once again my longing to become Italian through my Nonna. Then I found other blogs, more blogs, more blogs about Italy. It became an obsession. I read more and more about other people’s experiences and wanted to learn EVEN more about my ancestors. Then I moved to Florence as an au pair in 2007, so I thought I would keep it up for family and friends who would want to read about me.

I started with Olive Oil and Vino Dreams. Then when I switched to WordPress after my 9 months in Florence as an au pair, I changed it into Italian. I came up with it by way of the old show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Champagne wishes and Caviar Dreams. I thought of myself as living the BEST life. As I have told people before, I feel like Mary Tyler Moore throwing up her hat and saying ‘The World is my Oyster’ when I arrive in Florence. It is where all my dreams have come true.

You’ve lived in Florence off and on for many years. If someone was visiting Florence for the first time, what in your opinion should be the first thing they do?

OH this is a tough question. As I do not recall what I saw first when I first arrived, I would have to say definitely see the Ponte Vecchio. Meander through the streets that have no tourist and enjoy authentic Florence. For a great view, please travel up the steep hills to Piazzale Michelangelo and look at gorgeous views of Florence. Nothing beats a great relaxing afternoon viewing the hills rolling outside of Florence.

Let’s say someone had never heard of Florence, how would you describe it to them based on your personal experiences with it?

Florence is a magical place where dreams come true….oh sorry that is the tag line if Florence was Disney World. I would describe Florence as a historic place in which I have grown into the strong, persevering woman I am today. There are so many sites that people don’t normally take the time to see. I see possibilities manifesting in Florence. As much as Florentines are called closed and cold to strangers, I have never had that happen to me in Florence. I always felt welcome and never felt turned away. I have been in every possible situation living in Italy. Receiving a ticket from the bus police, sat stuck in a very hot train in the middle of a field sunflowers, had my debt and credit card stolen in front of my eyes, dragged my huge bag across the city numerous times, missed my train, drove a car amongst the Italians of my beloved city, worked illegally then was fired because I was illegal (saw that one coming). With all the experiences I have endured and survived through good and bad, I am still deeply in love with Florence. Nothing could turn me away from where my heart was first planted perhaps first by my ancestors born and bred in Emilia-Romagna.

Many people, myself included, are applying for dual citizenship. How has your experience been and what advice would you give others who are starting their journey to dual citizenship?

I started my journey with Italian citizenship back in 2005, then I had to start again in 2006, then in 2007 I filed all of the papers (I thought) I needed to obtain citizenship. Alas I found out this past year that they lost my application in Chicago, and have no record of me applying. Livid, I said you find my papers and you send them all back to me. Finally finding them, I shifted my thinking to a lot less strenuous avenue. British citizenship. My mom was born in London. Why didn’t I think of this years ago? Anyways, I am processing that right now, praying it will come to me by May.

Advice to all aspiring dual citizenship people, READ ALL THE FINE PRINT, ask a lot of questions when getting the full application, and GET YOUR NUMERO PROTOCOLLO. I was too trusting with Mr. Oddo in Chicago and never thought to ask for my numero protocollo. Mistake! And know if you are going through a great-grandparent or grandparent, the process time just like everything in Italy, it is going to take a LONG time. There are a few other ways in processing it a bit faster, I have connections regarding that. I won’t bore you with that here, feel free to contact me. I will hook you up!

In reading your blog, there are many posts that I personally find inspiring and motivational. What are your current aspirations and what do you do to encourage yourself to keep moving towards them?

Thanks, I try to keep my blog uplifting and positive as much as possible. Even if my real life is a little fuzzy sometimes. I am glad people see it as inspiring and motivational, that means a lot. I love to motivate people to do what they aspire to do. I believe that there is always a possibility for every dream to come true. Which following that thought, I found my calling to be a teacher. Teaching Bodyflow for sure has assisted in that as well. My current aspirations are a combination of many. Obviously getting my citizenship and getting back to Florence for good is a big one. Training to be TEFL teacher is second helping with my employment status when arriving in Florence. My writing is what needs a lot of encouragement at times. I find myself sinking into a pit of despair when it comes to my writing when I meet a wall of “how can you call that writing”. That is when I step back and reassess my objective for that particular piece. Or I let it be for awhile and see if it will grow something out of itself while I look away. Sometimes ideas need to brew and simmer for awhile before you can add a bit more seasoning to it. What keeps me moving forward is my heart and unwavering faith in my passions. I know that all my dreams have all came true before and they will continue to manifest before my eyes because I believe in each of them. Nothing has stopped me before so why should that brick wall stop me now? I can’t take all the credit though, I have a great support system of friends and family who keep me focused in pursuing everything to my heart’s desire. A support system is key in life. And NEVER, ever stop following where you heart is pulling you to.

Check Katie at her blog Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino , grab a glass of vino and make yourself comfortable.

Carnevale ~ February 14 – 24, 2009

Photo Credit: mici.macho

Carnevale, also known as Carnival or Mardi Gras, is celebrated in many parts of the world. However, when it comes to Carnevale in Italy all eyes turn to the Carnevale di Venezia, as it is one of the oldest, with it’s first Carnevale recorded in 1268. Carnevale typically begins 40 days before Easter with the final celebration on Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso or Fat Tuesday) which then leads into Lent. This years Carnevale in Venezia will run from February 14th to the 24th and is sure to deliver the beautiful costumes, masks, and intrigue that makes up the Carnevale di Venezia.

I personally have never been to a Carnevale in Italy (yet) but growing up in school we learned about the festival and also the traditional costumes one might find roaming Venezia during this particular celebration.

In preparation for the upcoming Carnevale let’s take a look at a couple of the more traditional and known players of this breathtaking and visually stunning festival.

Arlecchino (Harlequin) ~ known for his jacket and trousers with bright mulit-colored patches and a belt which holds a spatula or slapstick His mask is black with small cut out eyes and crooked eyebrows revealing his trickster nature.

Pantalone ~ usually seen wearing a black cloak over his shoulders over tight red trousers and jacket and his slippers are curled and pointed up at the ends. His mask accentuates a large hooked nose and his beard is long, resembling a billy goat.

Pulcinella (Punch) ~ is a simple costume with a baggy white long jumpsuit and long white hat. His mask is black with a hooked nose and wrinkles.

There are many more characters and masks that have become staples for the Carnevale in Venezia. Which is your favourite?

Guest Post at Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino

Hey everyone, please take a stroll on over to Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino for my guest post entitled Home is where the Heart is.

Kate, thank you so much for letting me write a guest post on your incredible blog.  You know how much I love to write about my home away from home.

My 100th Post!!

This is my 100th post!

I started this blog as an opportunity to write more. It was a way to explore a different side of my writing and a chance to have the freedom to write about whatever my heart desired in whatever style I wanted. I am so proud of this blog and what it is becoming.

I never imagined when I first began this blog that I would connect with so many wonderful people! So, a very special thank you needs to go out to anyone who reads and/or follows my blog. You inspire me and encourage me to continue writing and I am blessed to have you in my life!

So, what better way to celebrate my 100th post then a video of the song that inspired the name for my blog. My love for Calabria runs deep so I chose to name my blog after the song Calabrisella Mia because growing up it was always one of my absolute favorite traditional Calabrese folk songs (and still is).

Enjoy!

World Nutella Day 2009

It’s here! World Nutella Day is finally here!

I am the very simple girl. Give me some nutella spread on a couple slices of a bread and I’m a happy girl. When I was much younger I couldn’t even fathom the idea of corrupting the Nutella sandwich (sangwich for us Italians) until one day one of my childhood friends introduced me to the Nutella & Peanut Butter sandwich (err sangwich).

So in honor of that very enlightening childhood moment, I decided to take my Mom’s Peanut Butter cookie recipe and adapt it to include Nutella. This was a first attempt and I have to admit, it came out pretty good. Although, I am a bigger fan of Nutella then Peanut Butter so I would probably give more proportion to the Nutella than the PB next time around.

Mom & Me’s Nutella & Peanut Butter Cookies

What you need:
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter (or margarine)
1/4 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup Nutella
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup dark corn syrup
1 egg, well beaten

What to do:
Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside. In another bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter and vanilla extra until blended. Gradually add the brown sugar to the butter, peanut butter and vanilla extra beating until fluffy. Then add the corn syrup, again beating until blended. Add 1 well beaten egg to the mixture beating until blended. Mix in the dry ingredients, beating until blended. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place about 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Flatten the balls slightly using a fork to create a criss-cross design on the surface of the cookie. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-17 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool on cookie rack.

Makes: About 3 dozen cookies.

For extra Nutella goodness, spoon some Nutella on top. Yum!

If you are interested in participating in World Nutella Day find out how @  http://www.nutelladay.com

The many looks of Nutella…

World Nutella Day is tomorrow and since one can never have too much Nutella I’ve pulled together a few pictures of special edition Nutella Jars from the past few years. Yes, Nutella is loved enough to have limited and special edition jars that some people have purchased never to be opened. I know…how can you buy a jar of Nutella and *not* open it. Crazy!

There are tons of versions of this first Nutella jar.  Many times the Nutella jars are created to be collectible glasses once the Nutella has been devoured.  Here is one with a fairy (possibly one of the Winx characters?!)  but you could also find Nutella jars with Superhero’s, Simpsons, Spongebob Squarepants, and a whole bunch more.

Photo Credit:  acidcookie

These next two are Soccer related…which shouldn’t be surprising since Nutella is an Italian product and you know how those Italians love them some soccer! It’s a match made in heaven don’t you think?

Limited Edition Soccer Ball Nutella Jar for World Cup 2006
Photo Credit: soulbridge Media

Italy’s National Team Jersey Nutella Jar ( Euro Cup 2008 )

At the end of it all, it doesn’t matter in what form your Nutella jar comes in; it’s what’s inside that counts right?

Be sure to scoot on over to Michelle @ Bleeding Espresso for her “Top Ten Signs You’re Addicted to Nutella” and come back tomorrow for my World Nutella Day post.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Whether you believe the predictions or not, today is Goundhog Day and  I along with many others turned our focus to a few groundhogs named Willie, Sam and Phil.  During this brutal winter, you can’t help but hope that the groundhog will predict Spring is coming early and we won’t have to endure the cold, frozen, and snowy winter for much longer.  Alas, the groundhogs all saw their shadows this morning and that means six more weeks of winter is predicted.  It’s a good thing I don’t believe these predictions (but I’m not going to lie, I would be MUCH happier if they predicted an early Spring.)

Regardless, Spring is on its way….March 21st to be exact….let’s just hope Winter doesn’t overstay its welcome!