Henry is a hoot: Volume 3

May 12, 2015February 4, 20166 Comments

Henry says some pretty hilarious things. I’ve been told that I used to say hilarious things once, but my parents didn’t write it down and cannot remember even one witty anecdote. Inspired by YHL’s Clara Conversations, I wanted to share some Henry-isms as I collect a critical mass.

Henry: (As he wipes out) Down goes me! (Apparently, our saying “Down goes Henry” in our “Down goes Frazier” voices has rubbed off.)

Henry: Get off that swing!
Me: Why?
Henry: There is a spider on it. A spider and bird poop.

Henry: That’s Biglietto! (Referring to Roberto who works in our building. Biglietto = ticket.)

Henry: I’m not Goliath. I’m not David. I’m just me.

Psst. Want more hilarious Henry? Check him out here and here.

3 Reasons to try Antica Taverna

May 11, 2015February 4, 20163 Comments

Being the shortest in my family, I have developed the ridiculous habit of standing on tip toes in all family pictures.

As you may have heard, we have all the guests right now. Instead of trying an old standby, Antica Enoteca, we decided to branch out to a different restaurant also named Antica. This actually isn’t too strange. I’ve noticed that Italy is swimming with Antica Ristorantes, Enotecas, and Cafes.

Unlike some other restaurants I’ve covered, Antica Taverna is decidedly downtown. The restaurant is only a few blocks from Piazza Navona, but far enough away to feel like you’ve one-upped the tourists.

It also has a decidedly Italian feel. Like what you think of when you envision a very stereotypical restaurant. Red checkered tablecloths. Murals involving grapes. You may want to discount my opinion because I have a high tolerance for kitsch, but I thought it was charming and cozy.

1) Prosecco while you wait

Even though we (read James) made a reservation, we had to wait a few minutes for our table. To pass the time, we all received glasses of prosecco. It wasn’t the best prosecco and they weren’t the biggest pours, but I adore prosecco and I appreciated the gesture. It did feel fancy standing around and sipping while perusing the menu chalkboard.

Yes, yes, wine not prosecco, you get the idea.

Yes, yes, wine not prosecco pictured, but you get the idea.

2) Crazy good eggplant parmigiana

All of our food was good. The eggplant parmigiana was excellent. Best I’ve ever had. Full stop.

GET THIS. I had to wrestle the fork from James to get a picture.

It came in its own bubbly ramekin. The dish was simultaneously greasy and light, if you can picture such a thing. The grease was not in a why-did-I-eat-that-second-cheeseburger way, but ooo, oily from real olive oil and tasty cheese. The eggplant, tomatoes, and basil all made the dish taste fresh in an I-can-almost-consider-this-healthy way, until you remember all the gooey cheese.

If I come again, we will skip any pasta and just order one eggplant parm per person. Easy peasy, the end.

Fried cod, fiori di zucca, and mozzarella con prosciutto

These pastas are good, but they only wish they could be the eggplant parmigiana.

3) Stupid cheap

For just over 30 euro per person, we had two bottles of house wine, antipasti, primi, secondi, dessert, limoncello, and coffee. A few dishes were shared, but STILL. If you’d ever like the full courses experience without breaking the bank, Antica Taverna has you covered. Of course, my bill will be even cheaper next time because I will just have eggplant parm and wine, squeezing in some dolce if I can. The pear and chocolate tart was pretty sensational.

The tiramisu was also quite tasty for those of you into that sort of thing. I know, I am the worst.

Antica Taverna
via Monte Giordano 12
(+39) 0668801053
Open daily from noon to midnight
Reservation form on website

ICYMI: dentist LIKE A BOSS edition

May 8, 2015February 4, 20162 Comments

Sorry for the absenteeism! To take full advantage of our family visitors, we’ve been trying to do ALL the things, eat ALL the food, and stay up ALL (well, half) the night. It’s been fun, but we are run down. I see clean eating, early bedtimes, and no vino coming up this week.

Proof of guests!

On the blog:

Check out these sweet gardens. All excellent day trip options from Rome. Monster posts like these are also one of the reasons I’ve been posting less. This post took three day trips, writing 1100+ words, editing 30+ pictures, looking up links, and doing a little more research. I’m hoping this kind of evergreen content can be useful to some down the road, but I know this isn’t super helpful to the majority of my readers in the U.S. Sigh.

I squeezed in one more letter to Mac before his birthday. Cake pictures to come soon! (He went for it. BIG TIME.)

Not that you will look beyond the adorbs baby, but you can see my ombre hair experimentation here.

And how to host like a rock star. I attempt humor in this one. Consider yourself warned.

On the internets:

A friend of my friend wrote a book! C is for Critter is a huge hit with my boys. Letters such as “E” for echidna and “N” for narwhal make this a nice change for the parents as well. (I challenge you to google quokka and not immediately go awwwww.)

The Cult of Busy. These articles are my clickbait.

How Some Men Fake an 80-Hour Workweek, and Why It Matters. The faking it could help on perception, but this strategy ultimately won’t work if you have to bill your hours. They always know. I do completely agree on the better to ask for forgiveness than permission approach. My biglaw strategy was to get my work done and make myself be as accessible as possible without actually being in my office all the time.

You remember when I said I was failing at all the current events? A sweet friend (thanks AJ!) tipped me off to the Skimm. This weekday newsletter curates world news into a humorous, easy-to-digest format. I promise, this one is not just more inbox clutter. Now when friends have said, “did you hear about . . . ?” I’m all yeah, YEAH I did.

Have I mentioned that it is starting to get really hot here? I don’t usually adulterate my sparkling wine, but I may have to work my way through this list of cocktails this summer.

Happenings & Coming up:

Speaking of hot, I’m very happy that Mac can wear his new-to-him summer wardrobe, which aligns surprisingly well with Henry sizing. Chunky baby thighs on display make me happy.

I made a version of this. Even without adding cheese, it turned out nicely. Eggplant stuffing, who knew?

I also made pulled out the slow cooker to make this. Excellent flavor, but this was more work than I like from my crockpot recipes. You want me to cut the meat, sear the meat, cook on high for an hour, and then switch to low? This one is not destined to be in regular rotation.

I’m very excited about summer produce. Melon season has arrived, and these are some of the best cantaloupes I’ve had in my life. Also, apparently fava beans are a big thing now. I picked some up today; will have to figure out what to do with them.

Mac is pro peach

Henry dentisted this week for the first time. He killed it! I was so impressed. They did an actual cleaning, with an ultrasonic water pick thing and everything. I sat there with my eyes welling up because how did my little boy get this big?? (Dentist here is just like back home BTW.)

For this weekend, I actually have no idea what we are up to. We’ll try to squeeze in one more adventure with James’s parents. We are also planning to attend a 70s-themed block party. Pics if I’m brave!

What are you up to? Any birthdays? Dentist? Questionable hair dyes? Hope you have a good one!

Happy Mother’s Day!

How to Host Like a Rock Star*

May 4, 2015February 4, 20163 Comments

*Hmm, I guess rock stars probably don’t host on their own that much. More appropriately titled “How to host like a highly paid rock star’s assistant who is used to getting things done and putting up with unreasonable demands.” NOT to imply in any way that any of my guests have ever made unreasonable demands. This post is really more appropriately titled “How to atone for making our parents sleep on an air mattress when visiting for way too long.”

This spring we have all the guests. I’m psyched. But it can be hard to have people in your space for extended periods of time. It is also hard for guests to be up in someone else’s space for extended periods of time. Here is what I’m doing to try to maximize enjoyment of all of our delightful guests this spring.

But first, let me refer to this helpful Venn diagram of guesting that I just whipped up. (Thanks picmonkey!) I think there are two types of guest categories, guest “camps” if you will. Some guests want to see you, or more truthfully, your adorable children. This camp is more family and close friends. At the other end of the spectrum, you have guests who are generally using you as a crash pad to see your awesome city. This camp is more casual friends, acquaintances, and people who actually took you up on your enthusiastic “you should TOTALLY come visit” offer. Most people fall somewhere in the middle. They want to see you, but would also like to experience the wonders of your city. I can’t blame them at all. I mean, my kids are cute, but I live in ROME. You could live here for 500 years and never run out of things to see.

All of this to mean that my approach changes slightly depending on what sort of guest you are. Here to see us? I’ll clear our schedules (hey, don’t laugh) and make plans for some fun togetherness. Here to see the city? I’ll ramp up the “freedom” items I mention below and let you do your thang.

Without further adieu, these are the “gifts” I like to bestow on my guests.

The Gift of Comfort. I want our guests to be comfortable. We aren’t the Westin, and I do not have a Heavenly Bed, but I want people to feel at ease. (Again, I’m really really sorry about our overly long usage of the air mattress.)

Before we left, we engaged in some delayed upgrades. After not buying many towels since, uh, our wedding, we bought a new matching set. (These actually.) We have some fancier bath sheets from Frontgate, but those don’t come out as much, even for our personal use, because I can only fit like one in the washing machine at a time. We have been obsessed with our Comphy sheets for years, and we finally got some for our guests to enjoy as well. (If you need new sheets, you will NOT be sorry with these.)

I try to do little touches as well. Things that you don’t really notice their presence, but you might note their absence. The guest bedroom has its own trashcan. There is a box of tissues. Plenty of TP. There are Q-tips in the bathroom. I also have some spare toiletries in the bathroom. I’m sure these seem like no-brainers, but I haven’t always been great on them. (True story: in our early years of marriage I told James we didn’t need to buy tissues because we could just use toilet paper. #minimalismgonewrong Then I finally used tissues again and was all “This is like sneezing onto angel wings!!” We buy tissues now.)

The Gift of Space. Our apartment has three bedrooms. When guests are here, someone shares so that guests have a dedicated room. Thankfully, our guest room is a nice size so guests can have their own space. We also have two bathrooms. During normal life, we use them indiscriminately (although we only shower in one), but for guests, we dedicate one bathroom for their exclusive use.

In the guestroom, we’ve also made space for guests. There are two dressers that are 90% empty. There are hangers with plenty of empty space in the closet. The room is not stuffed with furniture. Guests have room to spread out and actually unpack. Because who likes living out of a suitcase for a week?

The Gift of Freedom. Even though I love to see people, I want them to be able to come and go as they please. This means we have spare keys for guests. We also try to make things like coffee and breakfast easy. I have the coffeemaker and fixings in plain view. I stock up the fruit basket and buy extra cereal and yogurt.

I don’t always buy breakfast cereal, but when I do it has off-brand Nutella in it

I’d like to get even better about having maps to offer, lists of favorite restaurants, spare bus tickets, etc. Right now I’d probably just be like, uh, check out the blog for recommendations. You didn’t turn on data for overseas? I got nothing. For at-home interneting, I did put the wireless password in a cheapie picture frame. It is much easier to hand someone the frame instead of writing it down. AGAIN.

But, like so frequently happens with my Christmas shopping, I can’t get presents for others without getting myself a little something too. These are the “gifts” I’ll be giving myself.

The Gift of Time. I am finally mostly realizing that everything takes longer than I think it does. This is absolutely true for guest prep. I’m trying to give myself time to wash the towels and sheets, empty the trashcans, and actually do some cleaning. Your bed still may not be made up by the time you get here, but I probably finished a few other things instead of leaving absolutely everything to the last minute.

The Gift of Setting Expectations. I don’t think anyone shows up expecting me to cook all the meals and have daily itineraries planned. But, particularly with guests who are spending more time with you, they may assume that there is some kind of master plan. Particularly if I have lulled them into a sense of security of always having a master plan. I’m working on clearly communicating what is what, sooner rather than later. Picture me practicing saying: “hey, peeps, I don’t have a lunch plan, you’re on your own.”

The Gift of Asking. I’m not talking about putting guests to work. They are guests, after all. But, people do usually want to help. Better for me to ask rather than expecting someone to read my mind. (Something you’d think I’d finally know after ten years of marriage.) “Hey, sis, can you put together the sandwiches for our picnic?” “Can you guys grab some plates for the food?” “Can you detail my Maserati?” Haha, clearly one of those is a joke. I don’t have a sister. (Haha, I have two sisters! Wow, I’m punchy this evening. This is why I should really stick to naptime blogging. Can’t hack it right now though because I’m too busy having fun with all my guests.)

The Gift of Remembering to Wear My Bathrobe. I would not call us a naked household. But, like many good TV shows, there is incidental nudity. Crap, my clean shirt is in the laundry room. Argh, it is 4:00 am and I need to pee but I don’t feel like putting my pajama pants back on which I took off because it is crazy hot in here for May. Definite PG-13 situations.

Enter the bathrobe!! Just slip your arms in and you have a super fast problem fixer. Now I can go forth and deal with that screaming child without fear of awkward moments with my guests. I’m not really a robe person and my robe is a little too satiny to be very functional (I’m eying this as a pinch hitter), but it has been great to have on the back of my bedroom door.

Now if only the robe could remind me to shut the bathroom door . . .

Wow, it really is like Pinterest up in here, totally not gross at all. Any tips to further up my guest game? Sadly, eliminate all early morning screaming is not an option. #iwish

You should probably just start walking already

April 30, 2015February 4, 20165 Comments

Dear Mac,

You are 11 months old. WHOA. That’s all I have to say about that. Moving on.

Moving is actually the name of the game for you these days. You want to be on your feet! You want to be walking! You have places to go and people to see and things to put in your mouth! You still can’t do any of this unassisted, but it doesn’t stop you. You just reach out your hands and expect your entourage to enable you. (They frequently do.)

You have zero interest in crawling. You will flop all the way forward, rotate 360 degrees, or “walk” a few steps and plop before you will even think about making a crawling motion. Instead, you have cultivated some pretty aggressive pointing. That. That, woman. Bring me THAT. I try not to cave, but . . .

You have also become a lot more demanding. What happened to my easygoing baby?? Now, you generally cry if I try to leave the room. Whether this is because you miss me or because I can’t hold your hands to help you walk when I’m gone, I am unsure. But we are talking piercing shrieks that turn your face red. Screams the likes of which you have NEVER before uttered. This turnabout is a little shocking.

I get it. You’re frustrated. I’m frustrated too. I know you can’t move how you want to, and it is driving you bonkers. I feel bad that I’m frustrated. You were low key for months; who am I to complain now? You’ve just thrown a curve ball. I’m still trying to catch up. I never thought I’d encourage having a mobile baby, but you should probably just start walking. Or crawling. Or SOMETHING already. I think we’ll all be happier.

I’ll keep you in the carrier until I fall over though

I doubt walking would help on bathtime though. Here, you have just flipped a switch and decided you hate it. You scream throughout your entire bath. Whether sitting up or sitting in your chair, sitting with your brother or alone, being offered toys or not. Everything is awful. I’m hoping we can come to some kind of understanding on this. Bathing is not optional. I promise, we’re not even doing it every day! (The usual routine is Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.)

Big doings though on the sleep front. Something has clicked this month, and you are generally sleeping through the night. w00t! (Furiously knocks on wood.) Sometimes you have a nighttime, uh, movement that awakens you, but I don’t think there is anything we can do about that. Sometimes you wake up early and sing to yourself. It is pretty adorable.

This is not new, but I’m not sure I’ve covered your usual sleep positioning here. We call your sleep “move,” kissing the bicep. You curl one arm up to your head and turn your head towards it. But not until you’ve done the pacifier shuffle. You sleep with four pacifiers, and I have no idea why, but the first thing you do after being laid down is to spit your current pacifier, grope for new ones and replace. Weirdo.

I’ll be curious to see your new stats at your upcoming doctor’s appointment. You’ve slowed down a little on your food adventuresomeness, but you are still huge. I tend not to fully credit your hugeness because I see you next to a two year old every day, but you’re a chunk. Your favorite food is probably banana. It makes your eyes light up in a way that is endearing and also a little disturbing. (It’s just a banana, kid.) You’ve also gotten on the noodle bandwagon, and you can slurp with the best of them. You have this “charming” habit of working your food over in your mouth and then just letting it fall. I’ve seen you “eat” an entire piece of pizza this way. But, overall, not too shabby for someone with four teeth.

You may have noticed a distinct Alfalfa look on your recent pictures. Don’t worry, you don’t have a cowlick, and we aren’t gunking your hair with product. This phenomenon happens because of your hooded bath towel, and I must confess that I do my best to encourage it. It just looks so right. Like you have a crest. I love it.

You and Henry are still the Odd Couple. You guys will be face-meltingly sweet to each other and then one of you is trying to pummel the other with tiny fists. You are able to play more and more together, which I love. If I’d like to “steer” you on your walkabouts, I only need to ask your brother to go ahead. Sometimes your route veers just to copy something your brother did.

And now you are almost the big 0-1. What a year, baby. What a year.

Love, Mom

P.S. More Mac at 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 8 months, 9 months, and 10 months.

3 Gardens Outside Rome That Will Make You Feel Like a Royal

April 28, 20155 Comments

I have garden radar. I don’t enjoy weeding or watering or really any sort of plant maintenance, but I am always on the lookout for gardens. I blame my mom. Did I ever tell you my mom went back to college? That’s right. More than 25 years after the first time around, my mom went back and got her degree in horticulture. She always had a green thumb, but now she can drop some serious plant knowledge. So I’m always hunting for a garden she might enjoy.

This came in handy for awhile.

I have also grown to appreciate gardens more because of the adorable weirdos. Those two are bad at museums, bad at guided tours, bad at staying quiet in churches . . . You get the picture. But they are good at running around outside. Enter gardens. The adults get to look at pretty stuff and history, but the kids don’t feel stifled. And admission for the kids is usually free! Win win win. (This is why we have not yet ventured to the Garden of Ninfa. Guided tours only. Eep. Someday.)

This list isn’t unconditionally kid-friendly because 2/3 have some serious anti-stroller steps, but here are three stunning formal gardens we have really loved. These gardens will make you feel fancy even while wearing a baby and herding a toddler.

1) If you don’t have a car, try Villa d’Este in Tivoli

What do you do when exiled from Rome? Why post up at your fancy fountain palace, of course. Cardinal Ippolito d’Este had his palace and gardens built in the 1550s, designed by the architect Pirro Ligorio. (Heads up, this name comes up again.)

The water organ that plays every two hours

These gardens go down a hillside (hence the steps) and feature about eleventy billion amazing fountains. These fountains were originally all gravity-powered; now only two jets of the largest fountain are electric. Whenever I fall into the trap of thinking that people who lived before us somehow thought less than modern man, I remember things like this. Or basically just look around Rome. Or think of Leonardo da Vinci. You get what I mean.

Villa d’Este is a short bus trip from Rome. (Tivoli is 18 miles east of Rome.) While in Tivoli, you could also make a stop at Hadrian’s Villa, but that is a little trickier by bus. If you can’t stop at Hadrian’s Villa, just look around Villa d’Este. Hadrian’s Villa provided much of the raw material used to create the fantastical fountain fun.

Villa d’Este is closed on Mondays. There is a restaurant, but it was closed during our February visit. But fear not; Villa d’Este is in the middle of historic Tivoli where you will find plenty to eat. The town is very adorable and worth a look around. If you could only do one day trip from Rome, I’d recommend some combination of Villa d’Este/Tivoli/Hadrian’s Villa over Orvieto. Also, if you visit in late summer, check to see if the gardens are offering evening fountain shows.

2) If you’d like a Villa d’Este experience with fewer tourists, try Villa Lante in Bagnaia (near Viterbo)

If you visit Villa Lante after Villa d’Este, you will get a distinct feeling of deja vu. These gardens, featuring flowing fountains and cascading water, were inspired by Villa d’Este. Pirro Ligorio (remember him?) consulted on their design.

These gardens also necessitate steps to reach the varied levels, but the steps are not as intimidating in number or steepness as their Villa d’Este counterparts.

Frescoes

I mean, shut up, right?

Pegasus fountain

Tree hugger

Villa Lante is closed Mondays. No food options inside, but tiny Bagnaia has you covered. (We ate at Il Borgo on the main piazza.) Don’t skip a stroll around town. I think I enjoyed the quiet streets almost as much as the garden. Almost.

3) If you adore Versailles and don’t mind a side of chaos, try Reggia di Caserta

This Bourbon Royal Palace, built in the 1750s, has a distinctly Versailles vibe. Probably because of the palace + very long formal gardens situation.

This photo below doesn’t really do it justice. Looking straight out, you have the path out to the English gardens. That white bit on the mountain is actually a waterfall. And those trees on both sides are woods that are also part of the sight.

We sprung for a horse-drawn carriage ride. It was not cheap (50 euro for about 30 minutes), but I’m glad we did it. There is just so much ground to cover! MILES! This way we actually got to see some of it. They also have bike rentals. If you are not accompanied by two kids under age three, this seems to be the way to go. The walk to the gardens is deceptively long. We did see plenty of people walking, but it looked like a very pleasant biking opportunity.

Carriage selfie

Your 12 euro (kids free!) gets you not only into the ridiculous gardens, but also the redonkulous palace. After the initial grand staircase, the palace was very stroller-friendly. I’m not sure why, but we had much more success on this one than we did at the Residenz in Munich.

The palace is not stuffed with furniture–although there is some–but your eye will find plenty to gawk at with the incredibly ornate rooms. They also have a nativity scene that is bigger than my kitchen.

I want that

Throne Room

Reggia di Caserta is closed Tuesdays. There is a restaurant/bar inside. This would be a great garden for a picnic.

But wait, you ask, why the side of chaos? Reggia di Caserta is the farthest garden from Rome on this list; it will take you, traffic permitting, a little over two hours to get there. It is also south of Rome, really more of a day trip from Naples than Rome.

My experience with southern Italy is fairly limited so far, but I will agree that Italy “intensifies” as you head farther south. For example, I don’t think we saw a single working traffic light in the town of Caserta. I do think I saw more hand gestures during a mile long drive through town than I have during months in Rome. Everything worked out. I just wanted to give you a heads up that you might be encountering something less than the well-oiled machinery and efficiency of Rome on your trip. (SNORT.)

Now go forth and strut in the fancypants garden of your choice. Soundtrack optional.

P.S. Want a slightly less formal garden? Check out the Monster Garden in Bomarzo for another day trip option.

ICYMI: Fresh Fish Edition

April 24, 2015February 4, 2016Leave a comment

I had a delightful time with the fish guys this week. We talked fresh catches and how to prepare them. Here is my attempt at alici con patate al forno. If I had just sliced the potatoes a little thinner, I think it would have been money.

On the blog:

Would you eat an orange off the sidewalk? I haven’t yet, but I can’t get used to perfectly good wasted fruit . . .

Spring! Pollen! Easter!

I get a little emotional talking about too much of a good thing. FeeeEEElings!

A sweet commenter stated this week, “[y]ou make me laugh so much my husband wonders what cat antics I’m watching.” Being considered anywhere near the realm of cat videos makes me a little misty-eyed.

Since I don’t say this enough to all of you, THANK YOU! Thanks for reading. Thanks for chatting. Thanks for checking out this weird little corner of the internets.

On the internets:

The True Cost of Leaning In. Agree. High quality child care is not cheap, not to mention frequently hard to find.

I’m not going to recognize anything when we go back to DC.

But would you switch to avoid sitting next to a solo two year old? I’m a little nervous; we have a flight coming up where we couldn’t select seats.

Happenings & Coming up:

My sister and her fam left this week. We have a week off before James’s parents arrive. Yay family!

I had a bit of a meh morning. First, it was that thing where the cappuccino counter is empty and then 10 people run up before I can place my order, then I couldn’t go into the zoo because of an errant ball under my stroller, and THEN Mac pooped his pants and I neglected to bring a spare outfit. #WINNING I know, all small stuff. Thanks for listening. I feel better.

I also saw a tram come to a complete stop in the middle of an intersection because a car was parked on its tracks. It just sat there honking its horn, first politely, and then more insistently. After about 90 seconds, a lady came running out of the cafe to move the car. Italy, man.

I think we’re planning a day trip on Saturday (maybe Orte?) and then some relaxation and guest prep. Do you have big plans? Hope it is a good one!

Too much gelato

April 23, 2015February 4, 20162 Comments

Once upon a time when I was a kid–probably between ages six and eight–I remember having a full-on freak out at bed time. I was sitting there, gasping for air, keening like a wounded animal. All because I was suddenly gripped with a paralyzing and suffocating fear about dying.

I couldn’t shake it. My dad was called in to cope. Either because my mom tried and wasn’t getting through or she decided this was more my dad’s wheelhouse or because she had lots of other little kids to put to bed; I don’t remember. I do remember sitting with my dad by the fireplace, listening to him talk.

I don’t remember what he said. I really wish I did. All I know is that I eventually calmed down enough to go to sleep that night and many other nights in the future.

I’ve had many years to wonder about and think what I would tell my own children, when they wake up gasping in the night some day. When they realize that everyone on this Earth and everyone they love and even their own little bodies will not be here forever.

I hope I don’t completely muddle it. I’ll try to talk about God and heaven and things, but I certainly don’t have it all figured out. In many ways, I’m not so far from that young girl who was scared to close her eyes at night.

What does make sense to me is talking about having too much ice cream, or gelato, if we are still in an Italian frame of mind. I’ll try to explain that having all the gelato you want, all the time, every day sounds like it would be wonderful. For awhile, it probably would be wonderful. But then, eventually, you’d start to crave something else. Maybe brownies. Or potato chips. Possibly you may even start to want some apples or broccoli. I know it sounds hard to believe, but you really would get sick of gelato. That’s why gelato is a special treat food. That’s why we savor it. Because we know it won’t go on forever or always be there.

Meaning that your life is like gelato. If it went on forever and always, it wouldn’t be special. You wouldn’t feel a push to do things or try things because there would always be more time.

But it is finite. It is special. You only have so much of it. You have to act now. You have to try all the things and meet the people and sing the songs or do whatever you want to do. It is special because it is scarce. And precious.

I’m not sure that this is the best analogy. Or that it even makes sense, particularly to a six year old. I’ll have to work on it.

But this does somewhat describe my thoughts on my time at home. When we first got here, I reveled in all of our free time. The days stretched out and we could do anything. Or nothing. Whatever we wanted. After feeling hyper-scheduled, this abundance of time was just what I needed.

Until it wasn’t. Too much gelato. The freedom started to feel stifling. More clock watching instead of enjoyment.

This is one of the reasons I’m enjoying Henry’s part-time adventures at school. It isn’t a true break for me because I’m still hanging out with wants-to-walk-everywhere-but-can’t Mac, but it provides some structure to our days.

The little bit of structure helps make the rest of our unscheduled time that much sweeter. I may continue to tinker with the gelato balance in our days, but, for now, it definitely helps.

Spring in Rome

April 21, 2015February 4, 20162 Comments

Ah, spring. That magical time of the year when Romans start to shed their puffy coats and wear only sweaters, jackets, and scarves.

I wish I was joking. Even though it has been in the 60s and 70s for quite awhile, and is now getting downright hot, Romans must dress the season and not the weather. On the fashion front, I’m seeing some leg. Not BARE leg, mind you. That would be crazy. But legs covered in tights, appearing under skirts or shorts. Sometimes an unexposed ankle. Meanwhile, I feel like I have once again missed jacket weather. Romans are rocking fabulous layers of cardigans and leather jackets, but I’m usually too hot to even keep my scarf on.

Everything is in bloom. It is beautiful, but the pollen is brutal. I don’t usually have seasonal allergy issues, but even I’ve had some issues. Poor James is doubling (and tripling) down on allergy relief.

I’m also seeing more blooms indoors. Henry’s school seems to have fresh bouquets every time we go.

As you would expect, Holy Week was a big deal here. Fun fact: because of a lack of palm trees in the region, some churches use olive branches instead of palms. We escaped the crowds on Easter, but friends who went to mass at St. Peter’s all stated that it was wet and cold this year.

Olive branches

Sizable procession we saw on Palm Sunday

Instead of chocolate Easter bunnies, stores filled up with giant chocolate eggs that would make the FDA crazier than the usual Kinder Surprise eggs. You could get any themed egg you wanted. Peppa Pig. Spiderman. Frozen. We settled on matchbox cars for the boys, which were a hit. I “helped” Mac eat his.

Our attempt to dye brown eggs was much more successful than I thought. Dying eggs with a toddler, however . . . Let’s just say that this may be an outdoor activity in the future.

We did get to attend an Easter egg hunt. Henry embraced the egg hunt, taking off on his own without any parental assistance. He was derailed in his quest for eggs once he realized there was candy inside the eggs. Like he sat down immediately and took serious persuasion to complete his hunting before indulging. Thankfully, the hunt had a five egg limit because I don’t think I could have separated him from the candy if I tried.

Does it feel like spring where you are? Been up to any springtime fun?

P.S. Our Fall in Rome and Christmas in Rome.

P.P.S. Banana Republic is having a 40% off sale through today. The Mom Edit has her top picks up.

3 Things I Will Never Get Used to in Rome

April 20, 2015February 4, 20163 Comments

After more than half a year, we are finally feeling more settled. Some things I’ll never really get used to (cough traffic cough), but others don’t phase me anymore. During her visit, I asked my sister to point out things that strike her as strange just to remember how different things can be here. Oh, it isn’t normal to have to walk in traffic to avoid parked cars on the sidewalk? Good to know. Carry on.

But I think no matter how long we stay, there are some things I will never get used to. Such as . . .

1) Ornamental Citrus

That Mediterranean climate means people have citrus trees just hanging out. In courtyards. On balconies. YEAR ROUND.

Not only is it there, but the fruit is huge. I swear I’ve seen lemons as big as my head at Villa Borghese.

And maybe some of the fruit is eaten, but it really is largely ornamental. I will never get used to perfectly good blood oranges rotting on the sidewalk.

Not plucked off the sidewalk

2) Vintage Cars

Remember how 20 years ago, you could play punch buggy (NO PUNCH BACK) because there were actual OG VW Beetles on the street? Now I feel like you see one every now and then, but it is rare indeed.

Not the case here. Granted these cars are in the minority, but on a daily basis I see a Fiat or Mini Cooper that is at least 50 years old. These cars aren’t just parked in driveways (haha, driveways, I know, good one); they are being driven around all over town. Wild.

3) Italian Names

I clock some serious hours at the playground. If you’ve spent time with your children at a playground, you know that a not insignificant portion is spent calling the kids’ names. Henry! Not so far! Mac! Don’t eat that rock! Henry! You have 50 cars of your own; please don’t take his!! You get the picture.

At least I’m not the only one. Lorenzo! Lucrezia! Guido! Bianca! Michelangelo! Oh, the names. So beautiful. But so different. The names are always a jarring reminder that we are a long ways from home.

Roman Reboot

Ever wanted to blow up your life?

Henry is a hoot: Volume 3

3 Reasons to try Antica Taverna

ICYMI: dentist LIKE A BOSS edition

How to Host Like a Rock Star*

You should probably just start walking already

3 Gardens Outside Rome That Will Make You Feel Like a Royal

ICYMI: Fresh Fish Edition

Too much gelato

Spring in Rome

3 Things I Will Never Get Used to in Rome

Thought this was neat-o mosquito? Would love for you to pass it on!

Thought this was neat-o mosquito? Would love for you to pass it on!

Thought this was neat-o mosquito? Would love for you to pass it on!

Thought this was neat-o mosquito? Would love for you to pass it on!

Thought this was neat-o mosquito? Would love for you to pass it on!

Thought this was neat-o mosquito? Would love for you to pass it on!

Thought this was neat-o mosquito? Would love for you to pass it on!

Thought this was neat-o mosquito? Would love for you to pass it on!

Thought this was neat-o mosquito? Would love for you to pass it on!

Thought this was neat-o mosquito? Would love for you to pass it on!