What I am doing with my time...

I am spending more time than necessary browsing through Apartment Therapy, Ikea Fans, Heath Ceramics, and my latest obsession, Craig's list.

Why? Well, we are going to remodel the kitchen! Yes! For the first time since I learned to cook, I am going to have a brand new kitchen! I am so excited about this! I have had some time to think about THE kitchen of my dreams, and I am enjoying the choosing and picking of tile, counters, appliances, cabinets, etc.

The best part about this project is that I have learned to be true to myself. Many people change things based on what is fashionable, or they follow their designer's or contractor's advice. I am not saying these options are wrong, they are just not the way I want to go.

Our little house was built in the "cape code" style. In California. I actually like the way the house and the neighborhood look. But I like clean lines and simple things around me. I don't want anything that is golden, dark, or ornate inside the house. This realization has allowed me to choose the things that I really love against the advice of many. I am making choices for us as a family and I am not making choices for an imaginary future buyer. There, I said it!

I will post pictures of our progress, and you can all come and comment as to how beautiful everything is. All right?

Have a happy weekend!

What I am doing with my time...

Two things I am loving

Now that we are back in California, I'm looking at my surroundings with fresh eyes, enjoying what we have. I guess I am looking for the unique detail, the inspiring place, the things that make California MY California. One place that defines Southern California more than anything else is the beach. Did I ever miss the beach while living in Italy? I loved the lakes, but the small rocky beaches of the Pacific coast? They are a world onto themselves. Two weeks after arriving home, it was time to visit...

We went to the beach on Sunday, trying to catch some sunset magic to bring the day to a close. We walked to the tidepools, our barefeet on the cold sand, clouds and fog keeping us protected under their embrace. It was quiet and beautiful. I love the beach almost as much as the mountains. It was everything I knew it was, and more. I have to remember this feeling, the luscious landscape, the small details. I have to go back often.

This spontaneous outing of ours found us with our camera in tow. Husband was taking some close ups of a star fish and I was happily waiting for him to finish when I remembered that I had my hipstamatic with me! Well, the next best thing: the application for my iPhone. I can foresee many more outings for us two (my camera phone and I.)
I LOVE the results. Don't you?

Two things I am loving

The places you will go...

It has been a long hiatus. I needed a break from everything to focus on the big changes happening this fall.

We have left Italy with a heavy heart but with the knowledge that we were fortunate to live there three wonderful years. We made friends that will be friends tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, and the day after that. We have walked through ancient cities, we have shared meals and laughter, we have opened our eyes to a wider and special world.

AdornmentsNYC

We have left Italy but Italy has not left us. So much was learned there, so many doors opened, so much inspiration drawn from the mountains and lakes that I believe us part Italian now. Our home deeply rooted in Colombia, with a wide and strong Californian core, blooming with Italian colors and scents.

We are back in beautiful California, and the warmth that has welcomed us is a good remedy for our longing. We are back home to good friends, friendly neighbors, open arms and endless possibilities. I am thankful for what we had and for what is to come. I feel I live a privileged life.

I wear the necklace pictured above every day. It is a good conversation starter, and it brings out the Italophiles around me. It is a beautiful thing!

I will be back soon to tell you all about our plans for the future. Ciao Ciao.

The places you will go...